Tummy Troubles

My chiropractor had the same problem with his 2nd son. He switched him to goat's milk and his son was fine after that. I would try goat's milk and my mother says to try and find it fresh instead of the can's at the grocery store.

With my first daughter, gas drops worked most of the time, but with my second, they didn't work at all. I read (in "The Baby Book" by Dr. William Sears-- best baby book ever written) about GER (gastroesophageal reflux) and found that my daughter had MANY of the symptoms. So I asked her Dr, and the doc gave her a prescription for Prilosec. I don't like to give my kids meds unless absolutley necessary, but that was a miracle drug. She was so much happier at night AND during the day. I was able to wean her off of it after only a few months and she was fine. I don't like to give my kids long-term meds, but I certainly don't like them to be in pain either.

I also read the other day in a Parenting.com newsletter that a study in Italy showed that 95 percent of babies receiving a probiotic (like the life cultures in yogurt) had fewer colic symptoms after one week, compared to just 7 percent of the infants on simethicone (gas drops). Here's the link if you want to read more:
http://www.parenting.com/parenting/article/0,19840,###-##...
My doctor also told me to give my 1-yr-old a probiotic when she had a virus with diarrhea, so they're safe for little-ones.

Good luck!

I did a lot of research on Colic when my second was born because she was having these same syptoms and it turns out a lot of the time colic is misdiagnosed when the baby really has acid reflux. Do a little research online about babies with acid reflux and see if you think your son has it, because they have a lot of the same syptoms just there is treatment for acid reflux and it works. The doctor will proscribe baby zantax and wow what a miracle that was, my daughter changed in to a whole new baby once we got her on that. I wish I would have known about it with my first because he was the same way (up all night). If you have any questions about it, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would be glad to help.

N.

L.-Hang in there! I did it for 9 1/2 weeks. My son was colic until I switched from breastmilk to formula. I was determined to breastfeed. My pediatrician said the proteins in the milk could be upsetting to him. Once we switched to Soy he was a brand new baby...and I didn't think twice. My son, Colin wouldn't sleep for over 3hrs for 9 1/2 weeks. My husband had to work OT to pay for my materity leave (I only got paid 3 days). He surprised me one night w/ a night out at the hotel...I could sleep as long as I wanted! The best gift ever!! I hope things get better. J. M

Hi,

I know what you are going through! So sorry. I can tell you that our 4 month old son was the same way and his doctor prescribed an extremely low does of Zantac for him and it made all the difference in the world. It is not harmful to the baby at all - and believe me I am not a fan of giving medicine - but we started right about the same age as your son and he was so much happier.

Our doctor said they are now thinking that about 90% of the cases of colic are tummy related and that a simple medication can help.

Good luck.

I have been there. My oldest son slept ON us for about 6 months because it made his belly feel better and it was the only way he would stay asleep. Anyway, I could write a book on "The baby That Never Stopped Crying."

All I can say is that Dr. Sears saved the day (and night). Please go to www.askdrsears.com and read up in "fussy babies". He not only gives ideas on how to sooth your baby, but he gives ideas on how to cope. I think coping is about all you can do, because you can't force your baby to stop crying or to sleep.

Also, look up "high-needs infant". I think Dr. Sears is the person who came up with this term, but I suggest you goggle it separate from his web site.

I wish I could tell you more, but there just isn't time and I don't want to overload you. Please research "high needs" baby for yourself.

Lot's of great advice already!
I will just add to stick w/ your gut on this & insist the doc try the Zantac... if that doesn't work, then try the soy! That is what we did & my little one just needed the soy formula but I hear A LOT of the babies have acid reflux & the med make all the difference!

If you need some one to talk to, email me anytime! ____@____.com... I can then give you my number! I know those days where you feel very helpless & upset because your precious baby is in pain!

Hang in there!

Try the Hyland's Colic Tablets, they really helped our son, and are homeopathic, so you don't have to worry about giving then to him. We also used Gripe Water, it can get pretty expensive, but I think it helped a lot too. You can read about and get more information on both on the internet. Good Luck!

You may want to ask your pediatrican about prescription Zantac. They are now saying that colic alot of times is acid reflux. Our doctor put him on that and soy formula as well as rice cereal in his bottle. It has helped a lot. We still have times but definately not as often and now he is sleeping around 5 hours at night.

I have twin infant siblings and they also had GER. Once they got on the right formula and started some meds, they were great.

When I had my daughter and tried to nurse, I didn't make enough so naturally that made her upset. Then we put her on regular milk-based formula only to find out she's lactose intolerant (so is everyone else in my family). The day she got on soy formula, she was a totally different kiddo.

Hope this helps! Lord only knows how much constant screaming a mommy can handle! We'll all be thinking about you!

Not sure if you are breast feeding or not.If not you can try a different brand of formula.If so go online and see what you can change as far as what you eat to help. Baby gas drops worked the best for us.The cheap walmart brand works fine.Also a warm towel,not hot, on the tummy. and rubbing in a clockwise manner helps.As for you, it's ok to ask for help.If you have someone that can give you even a few hours a day....a week even to have "alone time" will help greatly!