11 wk old unsettled

[Liverpoolmumof1]

Can someone please help!!! My DD is 11 wks old today. She cries constantly unless she is held by me (she rarely settles with her dad) and even then, I can’t always settle her. She hardly sleeps during the day and when she does she has to fall asleep on me and very rarely stays asleep more than half an hour. By bed time she is exhausted. She does sleep well at night but I find myself longing for 7:30 to come. I know it’s terrible but I’m getting to the point where I can’t enjoy being around her even though I love her.

She was diagnosed with reflux and cows milk protein allergy a few weeks ago but so far, everything we’ve tried has failed. Gaviscon makes her bloated, uncomfortable and constipated. She refuses the feed altogether when I add carobel. We tried to put her on Nutramigen on the advice of the paediatrician but she vomited the whole feeds back. She is now back on SMA but screams through the feed. The feeding nurse has advised that it’s something we just have to persevere with.

I am coming here now because yesterday and today, she has refused feeds completely after taking a couple of sips. I am currently pinned to the sofa with her after an hour and a half of uncontrolled screaming resulting in her lying in my arms with rolling eyes; neither asleep or awake.

I really am at the end of my patience and feel completely desperate for somewhere to turn next!!

If anyone has anything to offer please do.

Is the SMA just normal formula?

Yes it’s normal formula. The feeding nurse told me she was best back on that because she could keep it down.

Have you been referred to a dietician or paed? If not then I suggest this be the first thing you try and do through your doctor. What were babies symptoms that caused them to diagnose CMPA. How’s her weight gain?

I personally wouldn’t be happy with this advice. If baby has CMPA then she needs to have all milk products removed from her diet therefore normal formula isn’t suitable. If not then she’s just going to continue to display symptoms and it could potentially cause damage.

It’s common for CMPA babies to have issues with feeding in general and it’s not unusual for there to be issues when switching to special formula . Even switching between normal formulas can cause baby to be unsettled. However I’m sure you noticed when making the nutramigen it’s not the same and not the nicest. There are other formulas such as neocate or aptimil Pepti (apparently
This is the most like normal milk in taste). It does also take up to 6 weeks for dairy to clear from the system.

I sympathise- having an allergy baby is tough. Especially in the beginning when you are in th depths of it and trying to work It all out when really you just want things to be better. But, she really needs to be on the correct milk. There’s lots of Facebook groups for CMPA support, with loads of mums with a wealth of knowledge- have a look. You will get advice on there regarding the formula- I can’t advise on this as we BF so I alter my diet to fit DS CMPA.

You are doing a great job!

I would recommend getting yourself a sling for during the day, something like a close caboo which is quick and easy to learn. That way if she wants to be held all day, then she can be, and you will both be alot happier.

I would also read a little about the 4th trimester, as it will help.

It’s so exhausting and miserable.
My five month old was unhappy like this, although not CMPA so I’m sorry I have nothing to offer there.

He had silent reflux and colic, and was utterly miserable. He didn’t smile, he didn’t laugh - I was so sad that he was unhappy. At about 12 weeks, he changed - his colic symptoms decreased, and he began to become calmer. He slept well in a sling, although sometimes only about half an hour - more if i was out walking. He used the pram about three times because he hated it so much.

I think he just kind of needed to grow into his digestive system, once he’d got bigger, things seemed easier for him. He’s now usually pretty happy, and seems unaffected by those miserable first couple of months.

I’m sorry that you’re going through it now - it’s not much fun, I know.

Definitely need to switch formula if she has a cows milk allergy? X

Thanks for your replies.

It was diagnosed after I took her to see the dr with digestive discomfort, fluctuating diarrhoea and constipation, screaming through feeds despite being starving and posseting a lot. She is under a paediatrician who has admitted that she isn’t entirely sure what’s going on and said it’s probably a mix of reflux and CMPA and it was her who had us followed up by the feeding nurse. I am due back to see her though.

My DD has gained wait and is following the centile fine but this is because I have to Persist with every feed even though we both end up in tears. DD, despite not enjoying the milk won’t give up (until the last few days), she just takes a few gulps then screams and repeats. I really feel like I’m doing the wrong thing whatever I do.

I bought a sling and she will go in it for about 15 mind before she struggles and cries - I think this is uncomfortable tummy but I could be wrong.

I will have a look at the groups and read about the 4th trimester, thanks.

Hopefully she’ll settle over the next few weeks as she’s getting a bit older - please tell me that there will be an end to this!!