Expert: ruth kraft - 4/13/2010

Question
I have a month and a half old baby who just recently started to pull off my breast while feeding quite frequently. He also looses suction after every gulp. He's had stomach problems since my milk came in. Doctors gave him thrush medicine also zantac for reflux. Since he's started the medicine it seems like his fits have gotten worse. He will stretch out and stiffen up. He does this a few times throughout the day and night. He passes gas frequently and has explosive bowel movements. I have carefully watched my diet and cut out milk but I don't think its my diet. What's going on?

Answer
This could be several things. My ideas are :
1.  the baby needs to be seen by a chiropractor that does non invasive adjustments and specializes in newborns. Birth may have tweaked his neck muscles and causeing discomfort which makes him act this way.
2.  The baby might have a short frenulum, although you would likely know this by now, its possible. Seeing a lactation consultant can help the best in making sure this is not it.
3.  because they baby is 6 weeks and you suggest it just started this behaviour, it could be the baby is going through its growth spurt. Which explains the fussiness, wanting to nurse all the time etc. these last about a week then go away. The gassiness and explosive diapers is all normal. as much as we would like them to have different pooping patterns, its VERY normal for this to happen. Especially at 6 weeks when the colostrum has left the breastmilk and the baby has to use its own bowels itself. there is no laxative effect any longer . This is the first step to potty training. they don't often like it because they have to THINK about how to actually go poop. then get their muscles to go along with the plan. Gas may smell more too. this is all normal.
4.  Chances are , there is nothing wrong with your baby at all. The medications might make him more irritable, because there is nothing wrong.
5. it could be the position he is nursing in is hard on his neck also. So getting that evaluated would be a good idea as well. www.llli.org can help you find a free counselor in person to determine this.  


without being there in person, this is the best guesses I have :)

I hope that helped!
To sign up for my monthly tips newsletter, email me at Ruth@honoringwomen.com