It seems like we've been having feeding issues w/ our infant since day 1! I attempted breast feeding, but had breast/nipple infections almost immediately, along with low milk production. After 10 days, I started pumping & feeding breastmilk through a bottle, b/c my infections were too painful to breastfeed. Shortly thereafter, I realized I wasn't producing enough milk to keep up w/ her, so we introduced formula as a supplement- she has been getting 2 parts breastmilk, 1 part formula since day 10.
After introducing formula, she immediately increased her spitting-up, and her gas became extremely painful- her screaming and crying have increased dramatically. While sleeping, she squirms around and cries in her sleep as she is passing gas. We switched formula 3 times, and are now on hypoallergenic, but still having issues. She turned 4 weeks old yesterday, and for the last for or 5 days, she seems to be in pain during feedings. She is to the point where after about 2-3 sips of the bottle, she starts screaming at the top of her lungs- we burp her, take a break, etc, which seems to make her more mad. She will finally calm down, only to start up again after another few sips. Its taking her about 45 mins to get down 3oz- and then she still acts like she's hungry, but will spit up anything extra we try to give her. We tried 3 different bottles, and just tried grip water, but nothing seems to help.
What could be causing this screaming during feeding? We've had her to the doctor twice already, and she is gaining weight, and appears very healthy. The doc said it could be acid reflux, but wanted to wait a few weeks before treating her, in case she grew out of it. I don't think we can wait a few weeks- does this sound like reflux? We are open to any and all suggestions- it is incredibly hard to watch her go through this, when we can't do anything to help her!! My husband and I are very frustrated- he is now saying that this is my fault, b/c I should have started her on formula from day one- his theory being that these issues are a result of switching her from breastmilk to formula. Is this accurate- is it easier on their systems if you just start with formula right away? I always thought you should breatfeed for as long as you can.
I appreciate any insight you can give me!!
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