Newborn crying after feeding?

[Deleted User]

Our newborn is 3 weeks old now, and lately it seems after every breast feeding session, she throws up a bit of milk and seems to get very upset, tried winding her and she does a few burps, but still she gets all hot and bothered?
Starting to think she may have reflux issues?
Anyone else have any experience of this situation in their life's, and what you did to work through this?

gratefulforhelp_2

Well done for b/f and congrats on the birth of your baby.

DD2 did this, HV said colic, I tried infacol it didn't make much odds, she grew out of it.

What does MW/HV say?

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Have you spoken to the midwife/health visitor/breast feeding counsellor yet?

It could be colic - but I think you would know about it then. You might just need to do the winding slightly differently - some do the over the shoulder and patting fine, some (my youngest, for example) wind better if you sit them on your lap, lean them forward so that you support their chin in the web between your left hand thumb and first finger (fingertips at top of jaw to prevent baby flopping) and rub their back in a clockwise direction - it takes longer, but you can be rewarded with a huge Errrrpppp and a tiny bit of milk which is easily mopped up rather than trickling down your back.

If that doesn't soothe her tummy, you can lay her along your forearm with your hand supporting her tummy and her head nestled in the crook of your elbow and rub her back and massage her tummy gently at the same time. You'll be able to feel if she has a load of wind in there.



Mum might want to look at what she is eating - sometimes coffee, onions, spicy food or oranges, for example, just don't agree with baby.

barbiedoll

When she throws up, is the milk "frothy" at all? Does it come out of her nose too? This is nearly always a sign of reflux. If it's just normal and "milky-looking" it's probably just that the possetting is upsetting her a little, she's only tiny, some babies are just more sensitive than others.

If you think she has reflux, see your GP asap, don't wait for a midwife/health visitor to validate your concerns. Reflux is very common and is usually easily treated so don't wait. In the meantime, place a folded-up towel or sheet under her mattress to elevate her head and shoulders a little, this may help to keep the milk down a bit longer. If she's in a Moses basket with a rocker, put a book under the head end to keep it raised. Not too much though or you'll find her in a heap at the bottom of the crib!

Hope she feels better soon!

Nicki

DS2 had reflux and it was a nightmare. His symptoms were miles worse than you have described though! He would projectile vomit copiously every day, cry almost all day, arch his back in pain when put in car seat and failed to gain weight properly.

Why not speak to your HV and describe what baby is doing to her, and have baby weighed to make sure she is getting enough milk. All babies sick up some milk whether bottle or breastfed though. Its called posseting and is why mums go everywhere with at least 2 muslins in their changing bags!

If it is reflux, you will need to give her medication to control the acid which your GP or paediatrician will have to prescribe as you can't buy it over the counter for babies this young. When breastfeeding, you have to give it dissolved in breast milk before a feed and it's quite hard work to get it down! It will also help to keep baby in an upright position for at least half an hour after a feed and to prop up the end of the Moses basket or cot so head is higher than feet. Don't use a pillow. You can get inserts to go into your carseat to improve the angle baby sits at to make them more comfortable.

But, most babies go through a phase of screaming at around 3 weeks old, and this can last for several weeks so it isn't necessarily reflux which is why you should speak to someone who can examine your child and has experience of this.

Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Ok it doesn't sound like reflux more like possetting, thanks for advice, MV & HV don't seem concerned at all, guess we just have to find another way of winding her, she's putting weight on and pooping fine at the mo.
The joys of been a parent, turning into a hypochondriact lol....