Refusal to eat

[rachel1108]

I have an 8 month old who was 5 weeks premature, he does have acid reflux which is under control with omeprazole and has not been an issue.  Back in January he had gotten thrush from having two antibiotics so close together, at that time he started refusing to take his bottle, his ped suggested seeing a GI so we did and he ordered and upper GI.  The test came back normal and the GI said that the refusal to eat was most likely due to the thrush and to continue his nystatin for a full 3-4 weeks.  We continued and the nystatin and while bottlefeeding got a little better he still refused most bottles, we were able to sleep feed him for a while but after a week he even refused that.  His ped said that as long as he is gaining weight there isn't a problem and to continue the nystatin and keep offering the bottle.  Each day is different though, most days I am only able to get 15 oz in him and on a day like today he has only taken 5 oz.  He takes a pacifier and will eat solids but will not take the bottle, I have tried syringe feeding and that does not work either, the ped refuses to do anything since he is gaining a few oz by each visit, but it is very disturbing that he won't take the bottle and it is even worse when not at home, I can not go anywhere for long periods of time b/c he will completely refuse the bottle if we are anywhere but home.  Should I seek the help of a food therapist or is there any other advice you can offer?

[rachel1108]

Thank you for your response.  We have tried the sippy cup as well and that hasn't worked either.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is between the 5-10th percentile and his height is on the 25th percentile for his age. Suggest trying to give him the formula in a 'Sippy' cup instead of the bottle. At 8 months he would be able to drink from it since he is eating solids. You can give him yogurt to help increase his calcium intake. Hoped this helped you.