r/FormulaFeeders • u/AlarmingPossession43 • Apr 23 '26

Bottle Aversion / Feeding Refusal ❌ Rowena Bennett - Day 12

We have a 5.5 months old, who used to be sleep fed as that’s the only way we can get volumes in. And during the day (awake) - absolutely not a chance, unless you try and distract.

It seems that LO is no longer upset about the bottle, grabs it and brings it to the mouth. But he starts and stops, willingly and calmly. He might tense a bit but doesn’t seem to bother him. He shows no hunger cues, just always ducks his fingers. When he sees the bottle he will suck get in 2-3oz and then stop. If you re offer he may start and stop but not improve a lot.

He did loose 90grams and got really constipated on day 8 and didn’t poop till day 11. But wet diapers are perfectly fine.

We are just simply not getting the volume at all… he would do 2-3oz per feed max. So total with a top up night feed would land us between 15-19oz per day.

I’m so upset and discouraged and just don’t know what to do.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

At his age, that’s not bad actually. Especially if you’re handing him the spoon instead of feeding him with it yourself 

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

When I tried feeding him he would gag and vomit. Starting to think maybe it’s untreated tongue tie

1

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

How long ago did you try feeding him last? He could be sensitive to the new textures.

Even if it’s not a tongue tie, you should ask about a referral to occupational therapy

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

Is occupational therapy same as feeding? As we have been referred to that already. We have tried pures, fruits, vegetables, cereal and anything appropriate

1

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

Wha about meat like steak? Things he can gnaw on?

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

Haven’t tried that. But it doesn’t fix the 15oz milk issue. He basically been consuming the same 15oz since 3 months old

1

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

Is your ped concerned about weight gain? Did they recommend fortifying his formula?

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

Yes. They have been and have been asking me to feed more. So I think that pushed for aversion. Fortifying no, they said to try high calorie formula which he refused to have

2

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

I think it’s worth asking a second opinion or asking them if you can fortify using your regular formula that he is accepting. It’s common with NICU babies to fortify. It’s not unheard of to do the same for low weight gain babies. He may not like that either though, it will change the flavor slightly and texture.

It sounds like you’ve been trying a lot of things and you really want the best for him. You’re doing all the right stuff to help him. Warm hug or pat on the back to you, mama. He will be alright

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

Thank you so much. I’m really at my wits end. Just constantly crying. He is on hypoallergenic formula as we thought he wasn’t eating because of CMPA. Bit boring improved. When I tried changing it up, he refused.. it’s like constant loop of roadblocks. Seriously considering NG tube to give everyone a break

1

u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

Oh that’s tough for sure. It can be so hard when all you want is for a little baby to do something for their own wellbeing and they just refuse.  Would you have the chance to get away and do something calming just for you, like a massage or a day at a friend’s house? Having that time where you’re not working or caring for anyone and get to just let it all out so you can go back and try to radiate anything resembling calm or peace when trying again. Babies can pick up on feelings.

So if at all possible, try to take a deep breath and remind yourself of some mantra or saying that can help you be that. For me, it was “slow is gentle. Grace [my daughter’s name] will tell you what she needs.” And I repeated it over and over in my head when I’d be putting her to sleep or feeding her. 

Ooh interesting about the hypoallergenic formula. Which is he on? Most babies HATE those and refuse them, so he’s the exception! When you tried switching the formula, I’m assuming you tried mixing them a little at a time? (Our daughter also had CMPA)

→ More replies (0)

1

u/crd1293 Apr 23 '26

I wasn’t a die hard baby led weaning parent. As soon as we got the ok to start solids I got plain Greek yogurt and peanut, mixed the two and spoon fed. Yes two allergens at a time in that case but I was confident it wouldn’t be an issue with those two!

Generally normal for them to gag. If might be that baby needs a little more time to outgrow the tongue thrust reflex

1

u/AlarmingPossession43 Apr 23 '26

Any solids we tried have been a no go. And milk is the biggest issue as he’s taking 15-17oz MAX. And solids not meant to be the main intake of calories, I was hoping that he would enjoy solids and we will wean of milk as he want taking it. But now he takes neither

1

u/crd1293 Apr 23 '26

Maybe ease off a bit. If he’s feeling pressured it’s not going to help. Maybe he’s getting teeth or just not super hungry this week. Baby’s don’t let themselves starve.