gas pain or reflux?

[Bennysmom25]

Does anyone have any suggestions how to soothe a baby with gas or reflux?

[Knitting Mama]

Yep! My baby had both.

Some things that worked well for gas also worked well for reflux, like:

• Wearing upright after feeding. That allowed her to burp more easily and also pass gas more easily, because her legs were froggied in the wrap. It also helped with the reflux, being upright
• Never sleeping or feeding flat. She was always at an incline for both, as flat seemed to make things worse. For nursing, I would stick a small pillow under the side of the Boppy that her head was on to incline her. For sleeping, she slept in my arms, so I would put her head and shoulders on my pillow, then slide my arm under the pillow to snuggle her.
• For burping specifically, I found that she burped a lot better sitting on my leg with my one hand supporting her and leaning her forward a bit, and the other on her back (as opposed to the over shoulder method). Also, sometimes rubbing worked better than patting, as in firm rubs upwards.
• She did a lot of time on her changing table (or whatever flat surface you prefer) with me doing knees to belly. Slowly but firmly pushing into her belly, and she would toot and toot and toot. I wouldn't stop until she stopped tooting!
• Finally, looking into an elimination diet is an idea, if all the above don't help. Oftentimes, a sensitivity to foods, especially dairy, causes issues with gas and reflux.

Of course, there was also the toughest one in our case-- time. By 3-4 months old she had mostly gotten over the extreme gassiness, and while she does have a bit of reflux still to this day (almost a year old), it's nothing like it was.

[Bennysmom25]

Thank you very much, Cecillia's Mama

[nstewart]

I would also suggest trying probiotic drops.

DS (EBF'd) was having gas pain in the first few weeks.  I had several friends with young babies recommend the drops to me but didn't try them until my mom received the same recommendation from a pharmacist.  Within 2 days of starting the drops DS was much happier, less gassy and less fussy.  The brand I use is called Bio Gia but there are various kinds.  The drops are great because they're very easy to give.  Another friend's doctor also recommended them to her for her premie baby after I told her about them and she asked him for his advice on it.

Good luck!