Struggling to feed my baby

[bobble53]

He is 7 weeks old and formula fed. He has been fine until this past week where he cries every feed, straightens his body out whilst kicking and cries and screams. It’s making feeding time a battle and something I dread. He gets about 3oz down but takes his time. I’ve switched him to a number 2 teat and tried comfort milk but to no avail. Can’t get an appointment at the GP’s. Anybody else experienced this? I’m at my wits end

Does he have a rash or really nasty nappies? It could be an allergy.
Or maybe reflux? Is he really gassy? You could try keeping him more upright to see if that helps.

Can you not say it's an emergency and ask for an emergency appointment with GP or call your HV for advice?

GP was having none of it and just told me to call back tomorrow. Can the HV prescribe anything if it’s needed?

We manage to get burps up mostly but he also passes gas when feeding too so not sure if that’s part of it?

I do not think they can prescribe but if you cant see GP they will be able to give you advice and might be able to see you today, try keeping his head above his tummy while feeding and burping him before and during a feed to see if this helps.
I'm.not an expert on bottles cos I breastfed but that's what I had to do with my son who had reflux.

Really makes me angry when GPs or other health care providers just brush off these things with babies, like they don't seem to understand that babies are little people who can feel pain just as much as adults. Does sound like reflux or maybe some kind of intolerance, my DD used to get in such a state with gas and tummy problems, we got her switched onto lactose free formula and it definitely helped. It uses to be on prescription but I don't know now if you can just buy it. Definitely get him to the doctors though, and don't let them just fob you off, I know its sometimes hard to argue with 'professionals' but you know your baby best. Hope it gets sorted soon.

Thank you. I have left a message with HV and going to call GP again tomorrow to try get an appointment when they open. We have tried the comfort milk which I think has less lactose in but hasn’t made much difference so I’m wondering if it’s reflux or silent reflux. It makes me so sad to see how stressed he’s getting feeding!

Have you come across paced bottle feeding? If you're not doing something similar already it might make him more comfy during a feed. Obviously try and get GP/HV advice as well, but you never know hope you get some help for him soon.

Hi just thought I’d update in case anyone was going through something similar. My baby was in hospital last week on IV antibiotics for a week. It didn’t twig to me that he may have thrush and after shining a torch down his throat we can see big white patches which are obviously hurting to drink.

Aw bless him, hope it gets sorted soon 💐