Excessive Gas Disturbing Sleep

Updated on March 20, 2008
K.Y. asks from Torrance, CA
3 answers

Hi Mamas...I need to tap your wealth of experience and wisdom. My dear little 3 1/2 month old son is having problems with passing gas, both upper and lower. He's always been a bit gassy and a grunter, but it never disturbed his sleep before. Here's the background: about 4 weeks ago I started drinking Mother's Milk tea and then switched to Fenugreek capsules to help boost milk production for pumping. My sweet boy had an intense reaction to it (baby side effects can be excessive gas and stomach discomfort). I finally figured it out and stopped after about a week with immediate improvement. Since then he's been having problems at night (only) with burping and passing gas. He'll lay down for bed just fine and as early as an hour later wake up arching his back and crying. I'll burp him and down he goes quickly. About an hour later, it's the same thing. And so on, and so on. Last night he was able to fall asleep in his swing and sleep for 2 hours of blessed sleep for both of us. Some nights he'll sleep go down for 3 hours, then 2 hours, then 1 hour, then 45 minutes, then full-blown meltdown and we'll wind up sleeping in the rocking chair after an hour or more of crying and twisting. Another night he was up every 2 hours; so it was nurse for 45-60 minutes, sleep for an hour, then repeat. Early in the morning he'll usually pass a lot of gas and have an explosive stool. When he gets up in the morning he's all smiles, giggles, and energy as though the nighttime never happened, and the daytime continues fine. If there are any issues they are very mild and easily resolved without crying and writhing. I know that the fenugreek is out of our systems, but I also know that what we've been dealing with is nothing like what was happening prior. He was nursing every 3-4 hours with an occasional 5 hour stretch, and there was never any crying or twisting. Also, my son has a very happy disposition and has never been colicky. He rarely cries without a specific reason or need. Once that's satisfied, he's all smiles again. He's also gaining weight steadily and is right on his growth curve. What do you think? Is this normal for this age? Any ideas what is causing it or how to remedy?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for your responses. The gripe water has been a tremendous help! Within 10 minutes of using it I had my beautiful smiling boy back. Now I use it immediately, before he gets to full-blown crying. It works like a charm. I also implemented the following: using Mylicon with every breastfeeding, adjusting his mattress so he's sleeping on an incline, and slowing down the pace of our days. He's much happier and so am I!!! Now, any advice on getting him to sleep through the night? LOL Thank you again for your help.

FURTHER NEWS...
After making the changes above, it helped on some nights but wasn't consistent. He was still having a lot of pain. After talking with the doctor again, she concluded it might be silent reflux (acid reflux without spitting up, it just goes back down again). He's now on baby zantac and it's working beautifully.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.S.

answers from San Diego on

Heel K.,
My son was colic and gassy bad!!! I went threw every method!!! Till, I found Gripe Water it's 100% natural and efective her is a link to help and read on. It was worth everything. No mmore pain for him and sleep for me!!!
Colic Calm Gripe Water, Natural Relief of Infant Colic, Gas and Reflux
The only gripe water that is a safe FDA regulated medicine for infant colic, gas and reflux. Pediatrician recommended, guaranteed and 100% natural.

www.coliccalm.com
There are other brands in stores too. Same name though Gripe Water.
Best Wishes!
N. Shane

2 moms found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Reno on

Hi K.,

I have a daughter the same age. Sounds like you are describing her gas problems. I have to say I use "Gentle Naturals" Colic soother and or Tummy Soother. It is basically gripe water. All it is, is Ginger, Fennel & Chamomile. She loves the taste of it, and it calms her belly instantly. I purchased a Binky with a medicine attachment at Walgreens. It works GREAT. Best part of this is it's natural. I tried it, and it tastes like licorice.
Hope that helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from San Diego on

I agree with the other response. Gripe Water is FANTASTIC. it will get rid of stomach discomfort and hiccups and fussiness. I love it. Something that can help with the gas... sit in your favorite chair and lay him on his back so his head is at your knees. You put your hands on the back of his thighs and push them toward his chest and out toward his armpits gently. This can help him release his gas. There is also simethicone that will help with the gas. You can find that in the baby section of the store. Hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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