My LO is 6 weeks old and I’ve been conflicted about whether to give up breastfeeding/pumping over the last week. He has now been prescribed Nutramigen for suspected CMPA. This was suggested last week by GP due to constipation, sticky poos, and baby would scream as if in pain before letting out wind or emptying his bowels. We wanted to hold off as weren’t convinced due to limited symptoms and instead tried gripe water. This helped for a day or so but now he’s back to how he was previously.
Yesterday, the health visitor agreed we should trial this new formula and I would need to cut dairy from my diet. I’m coeliac so already gluten free and I’m in two minds about whether to go dairy free and continue. We were advised it could take 2-4 weeks for the milk protein to leave my body. The health visitor said I could continue giving breastmilk whilst trialling this new one as a replacement for Kendamill. Not sure if that makes sense as may not know if the formula is helping?
I initially was EBF, around 3 weeks baby’s soft spot dipped significantly. GP told us to go to A&E as this is serious and he may be dehydrated. We went and were advised that this can be normal and there were no signs of dehydration (wet nappies, no diarrhea etc.). Since then, I was concerned about how much baby was getting with my partner and family agreeing. We made the decision to pump and give 2 formulas a day, we had given a couple of formulas before due to me suffering with painful nipples and just the demand impacting my mental health. Over the last week or so I have been breastfeeding at night and offering a top up of expressed breastmilk if needed. Baby’s latch is slightly impacted now and I know that’s due to getting used to the bottle. Pumping is also beginning to feel a chore and difficult to manage when my partner, who does 12 hour shifts, is at work. I previously was considering weaning baby off breastmilk/feeding but with his tummy troubles and discomfort I’ve felt guilty as unsure how he’ll react to more formula. Also feeling guilty that my breastmilk could be causing him this discomfort and that I’m reluctant to go dairy free. I have had anxiety and depression in the past and have felt stressed over the last few days.
Not sure if I’m looking for some outside reassurance but please let me know if anyone’s had any similar experiences!