Another silent reflux question...help please!

[daisy1984]

I think my 6 week old son may have silent reflux. He is formula fed as I was unable to breastfeed (he was on EBM for the first 3 weeks) and he currently weighs 5.6 kilograms.

The main concern is that he literally cries all day unless he is feeding or asleep. For 10 minutes after a feed he is happy and content, and then the crying starts and continues untill the next feed. At first I thought he was just hungry so increased the volume of formula to 200mls per feed. This still does not make him content and my maternal health nurse said that If i feed him anymore it will be too much. He is not a fussy feeder, he scoffs down every last drop and always wants more. I have tried offering a dummy and he dives on it but then spits it out when he realises it is not providing any milk. No amount of rocking will console him...unless he is exhausted from crying, then he will sometimes sleep. The only thing that stops the crying is putting a bottle in his mouth.
Is it possible that he wants to constantly feed to sooth the pain of silent reflux? He cant possibly be hungry if the crying starts 10 minutes after a feed, can he?


Sometimes I am tempted to keep feeding him to make him happy, but I don't want to worsen the problem if it is reflux.

Also he arches his back and pulls faces just before letting out a high pitched scream, he really does appear to be in discomfort.

I rang the maternal health line and they said that "babies just cry" and "you are feeding him too much". he has 5 - 6 200ml bottles in a 24 hour period.

Strangely though, he an angel at night and sleeps a solid 7-8 hours.
Does this sound like silent reflux, or is my baby just extremly unsettled??? I spend all day every day trying to calm him, I don't know what to do.

[RISA]

Hi daisy1984,

sounds like you have your hands full. I would suggest that you make an appointment with your GP and talk to him, if you haven’t already. It does sound like lots of classic signs of silent reflux to me, but I’m not a doctor of course, and there are other things it could be, so it is really important that you do talk to your doctor and also get a diagnosis (and if they don’t think it is reflux, then find out what it could be!) Your instincts are telling you that something is wrong, and it’s great that you are looking for answers. You know that he isn’t comfortable, so I hope you get the support and answers you need from your doctor as well. If they aren’t sure, you could perhaps ask for a referral to a gastric paed as this is their area of expertise and they may be able to help too. Write down exactly what is happening as sometimes that can make it clearer to the drs, or you could take the letter you wrote to us, as that is very clear too. Alternatively, perhaps take a family member or friend who can back you up with what is happening, as sometimes that seems to carry more weight (no idea why though).
(DO you have any who are supporting you??) Often family/friends don’t understand, which can make a mum’s job even harder 

Some refluxers can be really unsettled during the day, just as your bub is, but sleep really well during the night. It can be very confusing, but there may be a few reasons for that- one is that by night time they are so exhausted that they have to catch up on sleep, and another is that they may reflux more during the day than at night.

Additionally, a lot of refluxers feed in the manner you describe- it is known as comfort feeding. They work out pretty quickly that as they are feeding, it is very soothing as they swallow, and so they want to do that to get some relief from the pain they feel. The problem with doing that is that they then end up with an overfull tummy and are more likely to reflux (so then ask for another feed!) It can develop into a cycle of feeding/pain/refluxing/feeding, and it can be hard to break. You have already instinctively worked out what is going on, which proves to me that your instincts are really good. I know it can be hard to trust them right now, especially when nothing seems to be going right (and I’m sure you have lots of people telling you what you are doing wrong), but I believe it is really important that you do listen to your instincts!! As you suspected, if you do keep feeding, it can actually make him worse. It can be hard to break the cycle though.

You could try raising the head of the cot and change table, and keep him elevated for at least 20 / 30 minutes after a feed. Using a sling or baby pouch may be a good idea as it keeps him elevated and he may be more secure knowing he is with you. Plus the added bonus is you have your hand free. If you do try this, just be aware that slumping can flare reflux, so try to keep his body straight.

Warm baths at anytime may help settle him down. Reflux can flare at any stage from immunisations, being sick, teething, being overtired, just having a bad day.

Also a lot of reflux children are allergic to cows milk proteins and soy milk proteins, so that may be something you could discuss with your GP. It may be worth asking if you could trial a formula like Neocate or Elecare which is for children with allergies to dairy and soy. (If that is the problem, it can make an enormous difference)

You could also take him to the emergency department of your local hospital and explain the situation and tell them that you need help. They will have a paed on staff who may be able to help you. I have done this with my daughter. Sometimes you just have to make a stand and be heard. Follow your instincts, remember you are his mum and you will know what is best for your son.

Keep your chin up you are doing a fantastic job. Keep pushing for answers, and if I can help with anything else, just write in and I will try to help.

Good Luck

Marie