Once we got Chip a little more settled, we were able to better see how sore our poor man was. After experimenting with some fairly standard wind remedies, we hadn't had much luck, and I started to think something a bit bigger was wrong, as he was frequently in pain for long periods of time. It was pretty devastating to see him like that, and frustrating spending hours trying to burp him, only to have him wake up crunched up in pain despite our efforts. So I started looking for extra help.
My first appointment in “mission: fix my baby” was with a lactation consultant.
Chip helped me out by putting on a great, grizzly show for her. Wailing his little head off and clearly in pain. She managed to get a little relief for him with colic hold, which I am swiftly becoming accustomed to using!
Based on his symptoms (fussy all the time, clearly in pain, sore hard tum), she thinks he may have an allergy, so I’m on a strict, dairy free diet for the next two weeks. I hope it works! We’re trying another couple of things too; a change in the way I feed him (one side only to address any potential hind/foremilk imbalance), a change in position (more upright, in case it’s reflux related) and giving warm gripe tea at each feed (which could help a number of digestive ills).
After the appointment, I had very mixed feelings:
Stay tuned for step 2: baby massage!
Chip helped me out by putting on a great, grizzly show for her. Wailing his little head off and clearly in pain. She managed to get a little relief for him with colic hold, which I am swiftly becoming accustomed to using!
Based on his symptoms (fussy all the time, clearly in pain, sore hard tum), she thinks he may have an allergy, so I’m on a strict, dairy free diet for the next two weeks. I hope it works! We’re trying another couple of things too; a change in the way I feed him (one side only to address any potential hind/foremilk imbalance), a change in position (more upright, in case it’s reflux related) and giving warm gripe tea at each feed (which could help a number of digestive ills).
After the appointment, I had very mixed feelings:
- relieved that he is not just sad because he hates me or I suck
- devastated that the one thing I can do that makes him happy is making him hurt so bad
- hopeful that the dairy thing will fix it
- worried that it won’t
- guilty for taking 5 weeks to figure this out
Stay tuned for step 2: baby massage!
7 comments:
Oh sweetie - hope little Chip settles soon. It is so very hard to see them in pain - but it sounds like you are foing the right thing in seeking help!! x
I hope Chip starts feeling better soon and you have found how to make him a less fussy baby. Hang in there! :)
We've gone through all of those things as well. I think it came Dow to a hindmilk issue nut its hard to tell when you do it all at once. Plus it gets better as they get older. I hope you keep seeing improvement quickly, I know how heart wrenching & frustrating it is!
You haven't considered a bubba osteopath? I don't know much about them, but I've heard some really good reports about how they remedy problems such as colic...
I can't imagine the guilt you must feel as a mother. But from a non mother you sound too harsh on yourself. You're doing the best you can, you know that. I hope Chip is on the path to comfort!
Patience, Mrs Harris. It says step 1!
Ha ha! I've ruined the entire thread now haven't I!! :-D
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