5 day old Colic or reflux ?

[LizzeyBenett]

this is my first baby she was fine for the first couple of days I couldn't harvest colostrum in the hospital it just wasn't working and am
Now on antibiotics for an infection and can't try breastfeed with those so she is bottle feed , yesterday and today she has had bouts of hours where she is inconsolable we have tried everything my partner has gone to try get some infacol ? She also usually throws back up a bit of formula I'm assuming even though we wind her and she is passing wind it could still be colic ? I have tommie tippie anti colic bottles but only 2 as they were part of a set and I've ordered dr browns . Is there anything else I should be doing ? What about formula I have her on Aptamil , would it be worth ordering an electric pump to try keep my milk supply and express for her when I'm finished my antibiotics ? I'd do anything for her not to be in pain it's all night tonight .

Oh no...you poor things. That sounds really tough for you both.
With regards to your breastfeeding - can you get some feeding support asap from a midwife or infant feeding specialist / lactation consultant? You could call the breastfeeding helpline (0300 100 0212 - open 24 hours a day)
or La Leche League (you can find their contact info here: https://laleche.org.uk/call/#leaders )

Have you been told you definitely can't breastfeed on your antibiotics? Or are you assuming you can't? The breastfeeding network has very useful drugs in breastmilk factsheets that informs about drugs passing through breastmilk: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/
I would suggest that if you intend to breastfeed you will need to pump to build your supply for your baby so you might be best to start doing this asap with a good electric pump, and getting some breastmilk storage bags that you can pour the milk into and pop in your freezer.

With your baby's bottles of formula...maybe try doing smaller feeds more often for a little while and see what happens. You could try switching formula to try a new one out - maybe buy a couple of bottles of the pre made of a couple of different brands if you can to test it for her rather than invest in a whole new tub.

Your baby could have colic, or reflux...can you make notes of when your baby cries and how long for and what has happened in the lead up? This will enable you to share with your midwife or health visitor who can help you with this. Just because a baby is being sick doesn't mean they have reflux. Carol Smyth is an excellent lactation consultant with great knowledge about reflux /unsettled babies - I found her knowledge very useful when trying to work out whether my baby had reflux. She's on insta here (she offers remote consultations): https://www.instagram.com/carolsmyth_ibclc_cbt?igsh=MW04Z3NsZDA5dm5iYw==

Wishing you and your little one all the best, and a swift recovery from the infection for you. X

If you want to try to Breastfeed then you definitely need to start pumping asapm, I suggest you rent a hospital grade pump.
You can get one delivered tomorrow

Also get BF advice using the info @RhubarbRhubarb23 provided - Breastfeeding Network and La Leche, plus speak to your midwife and health visitor to ask about referrals. Also ask them about your baby's bouts of hours of crying. It could be something else.

Meanwhile lots of skin to skin with your baby. Your partner can also do it to give you a break.

Are you keeping her upright for 10 mins after a feed?

Keep her upright on your chest and rub her back and tap her back in gentle motions to help digest and get up her wind.
When she is lying down gently do a cycling motion with her legs and hold them to her chest for a count of 6. Be extra gentle with her cord.

infacol won’t stop reflux, babies can have it with breast milk too just as bad. Make sure your formula is well mixed with boiling water. Are you using the perfect prep?

Find an osteopath who specialises in babies, it can really help them.

I also sing find hopping her into the car for a drive after she has been fed and well burped will help settle her. Babies cluster feed so keep a fresh bottle to Hand to keep her going.