Feeding issues beyond milk allergies, and is it possible my infant just isn't a big eater?

I am so stressed out about DD's eating. I end up crying every time it takes an hour to get 3 ounces in her. Every time we think we've found the solution or things start to get better, they take a down turn again. As I've posted on and off since she's been born, DD has a history of eating issues. Currently, she's diagnosed with a milk protein allergy, and has been on Neocate for 2 weeks, with no improvement. She also has silent reflux and is on prevacid. We also use mylicon drops. She will be 4 months on Thursday and still only eats 20-23 oz per day, and it's a struggle to get most bottles in her. We are doing yet another stool sample, and if the blood hasn't cleared up, then the GI is going to do a scope to see what else could be going on.

First, has anyone had to go this route? What was the scope like, and what was found?

Second, is it possible that my DD just doesn't get that hungry and doesn't like to eat much? I know it's not likely, but part of me hopes that she's just not a big eater. She has gained weight up until 2 weeks ago at her 3 month appointment (mostly due to us being very persistent about feeding her), but I don't think she has gained anything in the past two weeks.

Re: Feeding issues beyond milk allergies, and is it possible my infant just isn't a big eater?

Jackie...are you seeing a GI specialist?! I personally feel that they are just so much more knowledgable on the situation than a regular ped. Have you gotten her evaluated for Early Intervention. EI does offer feeding therapy as well as nutrition. My daughter has major feeding issues...she has had them since she was born. When she was drinking bottles, it was a struggle to get 20oz down her. When we started cereal and solids with her, she would gag, vomit, refuse to eat. A feeding therapist REALLY helped with all these issues. She comes 2x a week since she was 6 months old. Before EI, I was taking her privately. Since she is such a horrible eater and just does not like to eat (and still very underweight for 15 months) the nutritionist that we get through EI has been a LIFE SAVER for us. She has taught me how to pack in the calories for the very little that she does eat!

Good luck. I know how frustration feeding issues can me. It has been a constant struggle for us and still is!

Re: Feeding issues beyond milk allergies, and is it possible my infant just isn't a big eater?

Feeding issues beyond milk allergies, and is it possible my infant just isn't a big eater?

I would say that my DD eats about the same 20-23ounces . She doesn't have any eating Issues and is about 14 lbs at 4Mo. She sometimes only takes an ounce or too at a time. Never more that 4oz at a time.
I asked a co worker about her daughter and her story is that from da y one her daughter's just didn't eat a lot they just had 2 ounces at a time. I think every kid is diff re nt but as long as they gain. My thought is if they are hungry they will let you know. Good luck I hope her eating issues get better.

Re: Feeding issues beyond milk allergies, and is it possible my infant just isn't a big eater?

I was told not to worry about the amount they take. when my girls were only on bottles, they never took more then 20oz in a day. I'm not sure if it matters if it is BM or formula though.