6-week old DS cries when waking up

[guest123456]

My DS is great, hardly cries unless overtired but in the last week he's been crying (loud, angry, screaming) when he wakes up... what's up with this? I've tried nursing right when he awakens before he really gets going but that doesn't work (pulling off, won't latch, gets angrier). I've also been trying to walk/bounce him, change his diaper, etc. None of it seems to work; I have to wait for him to calm down enough to take the breast, which is usually after a diaper change, rocking him and switching sides a bunch while trying to nurse.

Keeping him swaddled seems to help but he fights that too, and I'm not sure when it's safe to take him out of it post-wakeup without risking a fit. Any advice is so greatly appreciated! I'm getting stressed, definitely need help to crack this one.

Also, we've been having some BF issues, sometimes he won't latch and will fight the breast; then will seem to be uncomfortable (squirmy) during let-down and keep unlatching then need help to get back on. I haven't figured out the factors that make a good session vs. a bad one. Other times, he's a peaceful BFing babe. Considering reflux, nipple confusion from having used a bottle a couple times, his level of tiredness, comforting methods and inadequacies (incl. oversupply) on my part. TIA for your advice :) 

[Knitting Mama]

It definitely could be reflux related. Could he have a dairy intolerance?

[guest123456]

Thanks for your reply, it could definitely be dairy-related. I cut all dairy out today (except when I forgot and had a piece of a Ritter Sport, yum!) and so far have seen some improvement. We'll see how tonight goes!

[Knitting Mama]

I never did a dairy elim myself, but two of my friend did have to. They say that it can take up to a couple of weeks to see big changes in behaviour, so if it seems like things aren't getting better tonight, don't give up! And also make sure you pay attention to what has casien, whey, etc. in it, as those can sometimes trigger dairy intolerant babies too.

[scrandall1173]

Gas? Reflux? Maybe "silent reflux"? Fast let down may be the reason for pulling off-- you can try soaking up milk with a blanket at let down and then relatching. I have to do that with my dd. Both girls did not like the let down. I believe them trying to keep up with the flow my contribute to gas.

I'm wondering if waking him gently and offering him the breast before he gets upset might help? Smaller, more frequent feedings perhaps?