Why is this so hard right now? Advice needed.

[*jacksmama*]

I don't know what to do. DD is constantly crying, often times screaming, and I don't know if her bfing behavior is normal because I never had any issues with DS. DD arches her back and tenses her legs 24/7. She doesn't poop after every feeding, but she does go daily. Sometimes she has gas, but I think most of the time she is struggling to do so. I avoid the usual food culprits- beans, dairy, cruciferous vegetables, etc. The last three nights, she's been up every two hours and then at one point (between 2:30 and 4 am, she is up the rest of the night arching her back, fussing, etc). Any thoughts? She's getting an u/s for hip dysplaisia tomorrow. Dr. doesn't think she has it, but I want to make sure. It's the constant crying and sleepless nights that are getting to me. I have other issues too (young brother with brain cancer, just moved (to be closer to said brother), etc).

I admit I haven't been wearing her as much I want to so I'll try that and see if that helps.

Can anyone think of what I can do for DD? Is it when I feed her, when she sleeps, something like that?

TIA
Erin

PS- I'm trying to get help for all of the negative emotions I'm feeling- mainly feeling anxious and overwhelmed. OB wants to rx Zoloft, I haven't talked to M/W yet, and I'm doing what I can on my own- exercising, eating right, cutting back on wine, etc.

ETA- I read a few other posts about similar behavior and still don't know. Probably isn't let down because mine is strongest at night and she is fine with it. Maybe silent reflux?

[KarlaC]

How old is your lo?

[notjustmamie]

Is it possible she has an allergy to something you've been eating?

[Bokonon]

My first thought is that a total dairy elimination diet might be worth trying. A very common dairy intolerance symptom is painful gas in the middle of the night, because of laying flat. Until I eliminated dairy, I was spending most of 3-6am every night trying to get Peepers to fart!

I cut out all dairy, including hidden sources (whey, casein), and then had to eliminate soy as well because it was strongly contributing to Peepers' spitting up. I've also noticed that she starts spitting up again a bit when I've had coffee, and is gassier than usual when I eat a lot of onions. But cutting out dairy and soy made a world of difference. It took a full 2 weeks to really see a difference, and it got worse right before it got better.

HTH. Good luck finding what works!

[haydn'smommy]

Are you taking any herbs like fenugreek? Mine can't handle me taking lactation support or anything with a lot of fenugreek. What about reflux? Are you hearing baby swallow when not eating? Does baby spit up? Does she arch her neck up like a turtle like she's in pain? Does she cry more when laying down flat?
And how old is she? It takes awhile for babies to learn control of all those muscles down there to efficiently move gas and stool out. Some babies are very very disquieted by the sensation and since they can't get it out efficiently they will strain and fight and fuss. My own did this a lot until recently. He seems to have finally gotten the hang of it and now he is able to pass his gas and stool easier and we have less of that leg stiffening and fighting.
I'd try the elimination of dairy to see if it helps. Also, you might want to try some fish oil for yourself for your moods. My MW has me taking 3000mg per day to help prevent PPD (I've been taking it since 36wks pregnant) and I swear by it.

[LadyCatherine185]

sounds like reflux to me.