DD not eating well

Hi,

I'm having problems feeding my DD. Mostly, she'll just stop eating after the first 2 ounces. With a lot of distractions and effort, I am usually able to get some more in her. I try very hard to get to 20 ounces per day. It's a major stuggle!

She has now decided to take in all the milk, let it well up in her mouth and spit it out. I already double waterproof bib her and we still soak through. I am at my wits end.

She is underweight for her real age at only 14 lbs 5 oz at our last Pedi appt 2 weeks ago. She is small for her adjusted age too.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I just don't know what to do anymore. It is so upsetting.

DD has two solids a day. In the mornings and in the afternoons she shares jars of solids with her brother. It doesn't make a difference if they eat every 3 or every 4 hours...I've tried both.

She seems fine - and my DH tells me to not let it get to me so much...but I just can't help but get upset when I see all the milk just run out of her mouth.

Help!

 

:hug99: Does she have reflux? It sounds like the battles we had with our refluxers.

 

QUOTE(becky5 @ May 28 2008, 04:00 PM) [snapback]797883[/snapback]
:hug99: Does she have reflux? It sounds like the battles we had with our refluxers.


Hi,

Thanks for responding. I don't think she has reflux. She really doesn't spit up after she eats. Are their any other symptoms that perhaps I'm not familiar with?

 

you probably already checked, but do you check to make sure the nipple isn't clogged? she may think there is no more. When my DD stops eating sooner than we want, we burp her then she usually has room for more food.

 

QUOTE(Beb @ May 28 2008, 04:21 PM) [snapback]797919[/snapback]
Hi,

Thanks for responding. I don't think she has reflux. She really doesn't spit up after she eats. Are their any other symptoms that perhaps I'm not familiar with?


They can actually have reflux without spitting up. It's called silent reflux, and the food is just not coming all the way up and out, but still causing damage in the esophagus...leading to them not wanting to eat. Emma rarely spit up, but still had major issues with reflux and refused bottles until she was on the right meds.

Another thought, have you tried changing to a faster flow nipple?

 

Hi!

I'm using level 4 Dr Brown. I put an extra half scoop of powder in her bottles just so it is a little more packed with calories. Every couple of days she will chug her bottle. And then, days like today, she'll eat like a bird, take in big mouthfuls and spit them out or just let it trickle out the side of her mouth. All of the above drive me absolutely crazy! :umm:

I have a weigh in with my Pedi on the 13th of June. If she hasn't gained sufficient weight I think I'll ask about Silent Reflux!

 

Just wanted to say good luck and keep us posted!

 

Hi,
My DS does this on and off too. I have found out that he does it more when he starts teething/cutting a tooth.
I stressed so much too about this until I talked with our pedi. and they reassured me he was getting enough to eat/drink.
We do 3 meals a day and 1 snack plus bottles.
Good luck!

 

My DD does this and started at about 6 months. Just like you said.. Everyonce in a while she will chug one.. But she eats maybe 2 - 3 oz at a time. There is nothing wrong with her. She weighs 16 lbs. I think she just is not a big eater. She also would rather eat Solids than her bottle.

I think as long as your DD is eating something.. and gaining weight.. I think shes fine!

But if you are concerned.. Theres no problem asking your Dr. I am asking about my DD next mon. She hasnt gained any weight in a month..

 

My daughter was reflux girl. She would sleep with her head way back, only happy in a bouncer or swing. She is better now at 6 months of age. She just wasnt' drinking much and puked up most of what she drank -- alot. We moved her onto solids and then she drank even less. We were only able to get her to drink while she was sleeping. I never knew you could feed a sleeping baby. The doctor suggested ways to get her calcium into her... custard, yogurt. Yogurt is really gentle on their tummies. Just like the elderly who can't drink they are given thickened foods.

This is a recipe for baby custard.
Serves: 2 serves

Ingredients:
100mls baby’s regular milk – breast milk or prepared formula
2 teaspoons custard powder or arrowroot.

Method:
Pour breast milk or prepared formula into a small saucepan and heat gently. In a small bowl mix custard powder with a little water to a thin paste. Add to milk and stir until mixture thickens.

Spoon out required amount into baby’s bowl. Allow to cool. Refrigerate remaining portion.

Hint:
Serve with pureed or mashed fruit.

Another recipe..............................................................

This is for Gelatine:

Ingredients:
125ml HEINZ BABY’S OWN Apple and Blackcurrant Fruit Drink
1 teaspoon gelatine

Method:
Place gelatine in a cup and a small amout of HEINZ Apple and Blackcurrant juice.

Allow to swell for about 5 minutes. Gently dissolve gelatine by standing a cup in hot water until melted and dissolved. Add to fruit juice in a thin stream. Stir thoroughly.

Place in 2 small jelly moulds and refigerate until set.

Hint:
For variations use other Heinz BABY’S OWN Fruit Drinks.
To add texture for older babies, add small pieces of soft fruit before setting.


If they are teething I would often give my daughter a "maintenance" dose of tylenol. So every 6 hours even if they weren't overly fussy. This helped to keep the pain under control instead of just treating her with tylenol when she was over the top in pain. I'd have tylenol and teething gel in the diaper bag, upstairs and downstairs.

Tell us how it all turns out for you ok ?

Heather

 

I can understand your concern because of the weight issue. (I've been there, too!). The only advice I can give you is that babies will not starve themselves. I try to follow the rule "It's my job to offer nutritious choices and theire job to decide how much they are going to eat". Not easy to do! But, unless she's not gaining at all, what else can you do?

Do you offer her the bottle before offering solids? Have you tried giving her a sippy cup or driniking with a straw? That might peak her interest. I've also heard of people spoon feeding formual or breastmilk.

I think a lot of it is her age, also. They are just SO distractable!

Good luck!