Posted by
janos
20 yrs ago
my first baby a 4 week old doesn't cry much but has bouts of screaming in pain. have been to dr several times, she is gassy, has distended abdomen, is not constipated but strains to pass loose stools. Dr's say this is normal as her digestive system matures. is this normal?
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crj
20 yrs ago
Sounds like a newborn - especially if you have had her checked by a doctor.
They cry less after 3 months. And they also get better at burping and passing gas on their own - our 4.5 month old passes gas now with little trouble, while at 4 weeks it was a challenge for him.
To add to this, you can try laying baby on her back, and 'pumping' her knees to her tummy to help her pass the gas. Also can try to rub her tummy clockwise.
When you do this, stay calm and just keep saying 'pass the gas' or something else calming as a 'mantra' I find doing this keeps me calmer so I don't get stressed about the sad crying!
Ask a midwife to show you how if you are not certain. I find this really helps.
Hang in there, it really does get better, after 6 weeks, then after 2 months, 3, 4 and so on...
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Janos -
is your baby breastfed? If she is really gassy - it could be she's getting too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you entirely emptying a breast. It may be hard at first as you may have more in your breast than she can take in one feed (I had this problem.) you may want to hand express a bit before giving her your breast.
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Janos,
hang in there, it does get easier, promise.
if it is gas, you could try a product called infacol (think you can get it from bumps2babes) or gripe water, given before feeds it is meant to disperse big gas bubbles into smaller (more baby manageable) bubbles so baby can burp it up easily. I used infacol when my son was a baby, orange flavoured so they take it quite happily. Oh and maybe try holding her over your shoulder after feeds (the pressure on their tummy sometimes helps ease the pain).
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Hi there,
My baby used to strain like no tomorrow while pooing - before I saw the poo I thought he might be passing really hard stools but they turned out nice and soft! So I think it's quite a newborn thing - maybe they just don't like the sensation?
Like the others here said, it'll get easier so good luck!
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Many babies appear to be uncomfortable and upset while passing loose and soft stool. With time and maturity this behavior usually decreases. However, you may want to try wind drops that contain simethicone which may offer some relief.
Well Baby Clinic 2849 1500
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org
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kooni
20 yrs ago
WONDEFUL advice from all. I find my little 6-motnh old guy finds GREAT relief in the warm tub water as well. He sometimes used to strain and cause me great worry but does not anymore -- smiles actually. It started happening when I introduced formula. Massage worked like a charm. Now that he bathes with his older brother, I make sure he has relieved himself before taking a bath -- tummy massage in warm water with oil beforehand in sink.
Good luck!
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Hi,
Both my(100% breastfed) babies were the same, my 3.5 month-old still has some bouts of colics here and then. I have used all the advice above and massaging and "bicycling" the baby's legs work wonder. I did not find infacol worked for my first-born and have not used it this time. I also stopped drinking dairy milk completely and I found it made a huge difference. I tried to drink milk again recently (in my tea) and baby got colicky again. You also need to burp your baby correctly even when it takes ages (up to 10-15 minutes like for mine!!), or at least leave him/her in a seated position afer feed.
Mine looks like he is more comfortable in an upright position, his tummy above my shoulder while I pat his back.
Good luck.
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