i can't hold him today

theduck808

he's not eating. he had an ounce since 10 pm last night, and just won't eat. my pediatrician isn't helping - thinks it's fine (same guy who said my baby needed to diet - and who won't prescribe anything more than zantac for eddie's GERD). i've tried feeding him with a dropper. tried solids - he had two bites of oatmeal before freaking out. he has had 2 ounces of water. it's 12 noon and he's in his jumparoo. my DH just texted once in response and nothing at all. i've been shifting LO from playpen to jumparoo between feeding attempts. i can't hold him or look at him. i want to break down, but i know i have to keep it together because i'm the only one here to take care of him. 

Sally J

It's okay if you can't hold him today and sometimes babies have days where they are not as hungry.  Watch for wet diapers because of dehydration and consider giving him pedialyte or pediasure (check with your pedi first).  Anyway you can get some fresh air?  Sometimes being outside, even going for a drive can really help for both of you.

Also, you should look for a new pedi.  Consider even seeing a GP if you need to.  If his GERD isn't getting better, your pedi should be helping you find a solution to a serious medical problem.

Smudges*Mom

I am so sorry that you and your DS are having such a rough time.  I can't imagine how frustrated and tired you are feeling.  I'm sorry that your DH isn't being more helpful.

Your pedi doesn't sound like he is any help.  Is is possible to see another doctor in the practice?  If not, can you switch?

Have you tried putting cereal in your DS's bottle?  I've heard that can help.  Has the pedi (or anyone) suggested a different formula, one that is easier on Eddie's tummy?

Is there a friend or family member who can come keep you company?  I know that the days can be long when you are home alone with the LO.

Hang in there.  I hope that things get better--for you and for Eddie.

lee725

I am not an expert, therefore cant give advice on this. I can only tell you how i feel and how i have dealt with it & of course pass on a giant hug.

I just know that my LO sometimes will only take 1oz and i had to come to terms with that. Now this is 1oz at his morning feed which is 6 hours since his last feed. I try and try and he wont take more. Sometimes he does this with other bottles too and more than one consecutively.

DS has silent reflux and is on a formula for that.

Feeling like your baby is not getting enough is over whelming, i felt like a failure, that i was doing something wrong, i felt my baby was starving at times. I wondered why he would take one bottle and not the next 2.

I also did not want to hold him or look at him, but more because i am angry at myself because i feel like i am failing. I am his mother and i should know what to do! (not).

I had to come to terms inside myself that this is the way he is and that is OK. As long as he is happy, healthy and gaining weight. He has a survival instinct and will eat when he is hungry.

If he does not eat he must not want/need it.

Anyhow, like i said, i am no expert, but as long as he is happy, healthy, gaining weight and no incessantly crying, you are doing everything you can and you are doing it right. Your feelings of distance to him will pass. It is sooo very normal IMO.