My poor, gassy newborn!!! Help!

[MamaMorgana]

Is there anything else I can do for my 4-week old DS? He writhes around and his face practically turns purple when he's passing gas, and sometimes it hurts him so badly he cries a lot. I know gas is normal for newborns, but how much is normal? I'm trying to eliminate the common fuss foods, based on Sears' Baby Book. But there are so many possibilities, making that pretty difficult to do and still be getting the nutrients we both need (especially hard with protein) for my breastmilk.
I read today about the reflux problem, but I don't think that's what is going on, since he farts so much during these episodes. He does get hiccups a couple times per day and has taken to fairly constant nursing -- but I am attributing his big appetite to him making up for his first couple of weeks, when he was too jaundiced to eat much.
He never spits up, so at least he's got that going for him!

Any suggestions? Do the gas medications/drops ever work? Is this totally normal?

[cheryllynn]

I have used Gripe Water. There is an organic, none sugary, no-chemical brand at Walgreens. It comes with a measuring syringe so you can use just the right amount for your 4 week old.

I would also try some abdominal massage and bicycle his legs for him, maybe it'll help pass it faster.

I assume you are staying away from the known gassy foods like brocolli and cauliflower, no onions/garlic. I haven't heard of avoiding any proteins, except dairy.

[BellinghamCrunchie]

I would say try eliminating dairy first. That was the culprit for my DD, and its a pretty common problem for babies (at about 12 months they develop tolerance for cow's milk).

[JaneS]

Have you tried a baby probiotic? I've had some great feedback over the years since we've been discussing them in the gut healing threads!