Expert: ruth kraft - 10/21/2010

Question
I've really been trying to breastfeed my son, who is a little over a month. Everything was going 'ok' but he gets really fussy every night. Lately, he's inconsolable at night and refuses my milk. He burps and spits up, it doesn't seem to sit well in his stomach. I've evaluated what I eat, and as far as I can see theres nothing that should make him act his way. No sweets, no soda, just regular food like a sandwich, eggs, ect... I tried him on milk-based formula and he loves it! no screaming, no gas... then during the night I tried breastfeeding him and he got gassy and wouldn't sleep well. I would like to breastfeed him, but with a previously bad experience where my daughter wasn't gaining at all and I couldn't get my milk back up, I had to switch to formula. The doctor didn't give me much time. What can I do about his gassy problem? I want to continue breastfeeding but feel like I'm running out of options. I'm having to pump just to keep what milk I have from going away. Can you give me any advice?

Answer
This sounds like a latch issue to me. If he latches on and off often, he will swallow air each time. This means more gas, more spitting up, more discomfort. Go to www.drjacknewman.com and watch the latch videos and or get help in person checking the latch. The bottle wont make him so gassy because he doesn't likely keep latching and unlatching. If he is taking a bottle this early he very well could be nipple confused as well. Seek in person help. www.llli.org can help you find a counselor local to you.

I hope that helped!