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.

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u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

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

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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

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u/Witty_Draw_4856 Apr 23 '26

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

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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

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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

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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

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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)