6wk unsettled and driving me crazy - what could it be?

[Freya]

My son is 6wks old, exclusively breastfed every 2-3hrs (mostly 2hrly). He feeds off both sides for 20min at a time. He's been unsettled with long crying periods since birth but lately its getting worse. Ive tried colic relief, wind drops, boiled water in a bottle, patting, rocking etc and he still wont settle down. He also grunts/groans alot and makes choking sounds. He cant be constipated because he poo's at every nappy change (1/2hrly).

Any idea on what the issue could be?

[mickyndan]

Hugs to you... Does he scream in pain, arch his back and pulls off the breast when he is feeding... If so, he might have reflux. It might be worth talking to your GP / Nurse / Paed about. My DS has reflux and is on meds for it (Losec) and he is a totally different bub since being on them. A couple of hints, maybe try raising his cot mattrass so he is not lying straight, also try and keep him upright for a little while after a feed. Just a thought... good luck with it... xxoo

[Willow]

I'd say maybe reflux too Anna - have you taken him to a pead or your gp?

[~Trish~]

It could be because of his frequent feeds? I was told this today after my DS is showing signs of reflux. Can you try to space out his feeds to just three hourly (or even 2.5 hours if you just can't stretch anymore)? You could try wear him in a sling or take him for a walk in his pram to help stretch him out. I'd also try Mickyndan's suggestion about raising his cot mattress so his head is higher than his body (I use towels under my DS's mattress).

Hope you get some answers soon

[~Kim~]

Hang in there Anna, it definitley does get better.

Crying in a newborn peaks at around six weeks. It does pass, but it isn't unusual for a new bub to cry for 5 hours a day. It's the only way they have to communicate what they need.

You are doing all the right things.

[Freya]

Thanks for the advice.
I think he does have reflux as he is fussy at the breast and has started possetting more and more as the weeks go by. He has about 6 of the reflux signs so I'll bring it up with my Dr at my pp check up on thursday.

We cosleep atm so I cannot raise his mattress but will keep it in mind when we move him to his cot (whenever he decides to sleep longer than 2hr at a time).

[Willow]

Hang in there Anna - he will improve with age, I promise! DS was a shocker when we first brought him home, but with a bit of hard work, he is now having three sleeps a day of 1.5-2 hours (used to be up to 3hrs when he was a bit younger).

[mazzie]

How long has it been going on? He could be going through a growth spurt. Tia had stages of doing what you have said and they would last 4-5 days. Then I would get some piece and a few days later it would start again!! She has settled down now though

[stillhoping]

My DS went through an unsettled stage at 5 weeks. I think it is normal for them to be unsettled around this time. Do hang in there and I promise it will pass

[Dragonbub]

AnnaT - I totally feel for you. My bub had a "wonder" week at 6 weeks - he screamed almost constanly for 7 whole days. I almost went insane

Firstly - make sure you are taking care of YOU. That means get as much rest as you can, get a relative/friend to come and stay with you all day if you can to get some relief, and EAT lots to keep your energy up. It will totally pass soon - my DS grew 400 grams and over an inch in this week, so she might be having a growth spurt also.

As for reflux - it can be misdiagnosed, but it does sound like your bub might be going through something. Make sure she is getting plenty of rest (pretty much up for an hour at most before going down again) and enough to eat, and check with your GP/paed to ascertain if its reflux.

*hugs* to you hun, I know it is totally hard.

PS Mazzie - your gal is GORGEOUS in that picture

[Rahjah]

Hey Anna,

I don't really have any advice, just wanted to send you hugs and say my little guy is doing the same thing atm. I've been going mad cause it's such a dramatic change in feeding, sleeping and temperament for him all at the same time -
but I'm guessing I'll have to believe in these 'wonder weeks' or the 4-6 week changing time or whatever...and the belief that it might get better soon!

I've got a clinic check for him tomorrow so if I learn anything I'll let ya know

Eek.

xx Rah

[Freya]

Thanks again for the advice - Ive been feeling a bit lost as my first baby just slept and happily stared his way through his first 6mths of life.

My OB seems to think it is reflux, esp because my husband was born with a condition that affects the stomach valve so he has told me to try out the Infant Gaviscon and if after 2wks he is still very unsettled to take him to our pediatrician. So far he is settling easier and sleeping more soundly during the day (the nights are still a write off though) so hopefully we're on the mend

[ambz]

when does it get better????

i cant see the light at the end of the tunnel..........
please please god make her better!!!
i cant stand seeing her in pain!!

does it really get better?? i was told some babies can have acid reflux till 18 months????
oh im so worried

[Dragonbub]

Oh hugs hun,
It does get better, it really does. My sis had a terrible time with her first with acid reflux AND lactose intolerance (not diagnosed until 6 months). She said she became heaps better once she could sit up by herself, but it started getting better at around 3 months and was heaps better at 6 months.

Just remember that she wont remember this time. My niece is now a beautiful healthy 5 year old who loves her mum dearly. I truly know what it is like, it is unbearable hearing them in pain, but you are doing the best you can by being there for her, cuddling her and trying everything you can. Buy some earplugs if you can to take the edge off her cries, and make sure you are getting some rest (no this is not a joke even though it seems like one).

Good luck hun! I kept getting told it does get better, and it really really does. Just keep your chin up and remember that you are a great mum and no one could be doing it better than you.

[ambz]

thank you so much for your kind words

i will try to stay positive

its very hard but i know your right

xoxoxox
ambz