?Help:infants and digestive problems!!
#36449 - 01/10/04 08:48 AM
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suzyq
Reged: 05/22/03
Posts: 630
Loc: Northern Ont. Canada
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Hoping someone can help? I have a friend who has a 6 weeks old son.His first two weeks of life was pretty good, eating, sleeping , pooping the norm. In a matter of days he had started vomitting and diarehhea. His mom of course took him to Emerg and Dr.s told her it was the flu as it was flu season.She took him home and for a week he was still the same and again to emerg a few more times resulting in being told just the flu. 2 weeks ago finally had ultrasound done on him thinking he had narrowing tube so food was not going down fast enough in return he would projectile his food. He lost a bit of weight and continued to cry 24/7. Test turned out neg. specialist was seen and he told the mother that his digestive system is a little sensitive.During this time she had changed his formula 4 times.Has tried Soy.He is on a new brand at this time (name?)(new brand).He is at aleast keeping it down for now, as she says it takes a couple of days for the formula to react. Now this is also what the DR. told her: the baby needs to be comforted and held more because he is colicky! The mom was a little distraught and has been overwhelmed (her first child was fine) and told him that she holds him 24/7. She is at her whits end(don't blame her as I was on the phone with her and the poor child was litraly screaming! I told her about wrapping in warm blanket and she also bought a baby water bottle and gives him Gripe water(gas and discomfort). Does anyone out there know what else she can do. WE know our selves what it is to be discomfort and in pain. Any suggests that I can pass on would be grateful. I know a while ago HansSolo was possibly having ths same problems, or similar. Thanks for listening(reading) Sue
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Yep, sounds like she's going through a rough time. What worked for my baby was something I read in the "The Happiest Baby on the BLock". It combines swaddling, rocking, turning them on their side, shushhing and a soother to calm them down. I worked for me. I don't agree with everything said in the book, but the steps to calm down the baby were helpful.
She's not breastfeeding - right? I found that Heather's peppermint capsules (taken by me) helped a bit too - some of everyhting we eat gets into breastmilk, so I think it was helpful. That's not the case here.
Be sympathetic to your friend, offer to hold the baby for a while while she takes a rest or a bath, buy her the book ... hope this helps.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Thanks Hansolo. NO she is not breastfeeding, too bad though. Will continue offering my help. HOw long does colic last anyways? Sue
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There have been some clinical studies on giving fennel tea to babies for colic. I have no idea what the dose would be, and I'd want her to check with the baby doc about this. But fennel is a safe herb for infants, and it can be tremendously helpful for colic. There's an article about it in the diet section of the Research Library board.
- Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Thanks Heather, I'll let her know about the tea. Sue
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Is she breast feeding at all (its far better than any formula!)? I if she does she shouldn't eat anything that gives you gas. I've read in my babybook that a lot of babies that have colic like symtoms feels better if the mother stops eating dairy produts for a while.
If he only eats formula I've heard that corn formula is better than ordinary for some babies.
I hope he feels better soon!
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Hi there, Another good idea might be to look in to infant massage. Massage is great on babies for many many reasons including it helps to calm them, they eat better, the sleep better and they can release tension through the massage. Plust the bonus of bonding with your baby! I have taken a mini course on it where I work and the statistics were amazing on how helpful massage can be. Infant massage is done a lot on babies in the hospital but it is also great for babies who are perfectly healthy. There may be info on the internet (not sure) or the library. Some hospitals teach this class to new parents. Sorry I have no advice about the stomach issues for the baby beside massaging your baby can help release pressure and gas (that part works for me too!) Keep us posted. 
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Too bad she isn't breastfeeding...but is it really too late? She could contact a lactation specialist through her medical facilities, often times they can assist in getting milk to come in even after this delay but she'll have to act soon. Breastfeeding would give her so much more control over baby's nutrition and allow her to CUT OUT the dairy (any formula) and soy alternatives (which many sources believe babies lack the enzymes to digest). When Hanna had colic (bad memory flashbacks happening here) swaddling helped a lot as well as abdominal massage. Now this is going to sound really off the wall but we have a first floor laundry room and the only way she would fall asleep (for weeks I might add) was in her carrier on top the running dryer while I cooed to her! Of course, don't leave baby unattended in this situation  Sounds like your friend needs all the help she can get, hope it works out for her soon. Diane
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Thanks for responding, but no she is not breastfeeding. I will let her know about corn formula though. Thanks for the advice. Sue
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Thank you on the advice about massage. I will let her know to try this. I know what you mean about massaging your self, it does help bring out the gas!! Thanks again. Sue
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