I am always so grateful for this website! I've gotten so much help with sleep, so I thought maybe I would have some luck with eating.
My LO has never been a great eater, which is part of the reason breastfeeding didn't work out for us. She was born at 41 weeks at 6lbs 14oz. She's growing well, although only in the 27th percentile for weight (99th for head circumference, lol).
When she is asleep (DF, tail end of naps when she still sleepy), she eats efficiently and significantly (6-8 oz no problem). However, when she is awake, she is a very slow eater and does not enjoy eating. She grunts and turns purple like she's having a bowel movement (sometimes she passes a little gas). We had been using level 1 nipples until the last 2 weeks. We've switched to level 3 and that has helped significantly, but she still grunts, etc (It has helped in that she would only eat 1 oz at a time, she now usually eats at least 3). It does not usually improve after she's burped. She also fusses when we head to the rocking chair where I feed her. She does not spit up much, usually only when she's playing on her belly within 30 minutes of eating. She does not appear to be in any discomfort aside from during the actual feeding. We use Sam's Club formula and Dr. Brown's bottles (not the wide neck). The doctor does not think it's reflux. I've tried "gentle" formula as well as regular Similac with no difference whatsoever. I'm introducing solids and that seems to go reasonably well.
I get SO frustrated during these feedings, which I'm sure doesn't help. Any thoughts?