Are these foods giving my newborn gas?

[TaraD.]

My little boy is 8 days old and I think he's experiencing some gasiness. Although he doesn't actually cry, he does seem very uncomfortable after he eats (tensing up, grunting, grimacing, etc.) I'm wondering if this is gas and what is causing it. The only foods I've eatten consistently every day since his birth are salad (the lettuce being the only consistent component) and desserts (I know, not good. We've been having people bring us meals and they always include a dessert. Also my husband brought home candy when he went grocery shopping the other day, some of which include sour stuff.) He has only spit-up once. Could it be reflux instead (I hope not)? He seems to be comforted when we bicycle his legs. Should I try mylicon drops? I hate seeing him hurting.

x-posted in Breastfeading forum

[Bookworm?]

Honestly, it seems like normal infant behaviour at that age. Their digestive systems are still pretty immature, so it may be that he's uncomfortable after feeds. I don't think you need to do much differently at this point. Lettuce is not a common allergen. The common allergens include dairy, wheat, eggs, nuts, some lists include chocolate. I can remember all of my babies acting that way at some point. None of them have food sensitivities.
How is he when he nurses? Does he cough or sputter? Does he make a clicking sound? Does he take both breasts? He could have some gas from taking in air or mabe taking in too much at one time. Burp him between breasts and let him tell you if he wants the second breast.

[Lady Lilya]

Often they make a lot of body language while they are working towards a poop that looks like they are in pain, when they really are just struggling to work the muscles to poop.

Eating stimulates pooping.

Also, for months DS made gestures that everyone thought were abdominal pain when it was really that he was hurting in his mind due to being tired. My MIL kept trying to get me to medicate him, but what he really needed was to sleep. I guess physical and mental pain can often cause the same movements.