Is it gas?

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Is it gas?

by Jaime

Hi, I have a few questions. The last week or so, my 6 week old breastfed baby has been very fussy and barely sleeps. At first I thought maybe he's spoiled and used to sleeping on/with me, but I'm beginning to think it's gas. I guess I need help to see what I'm doing wrong. He usually nurses every 3-4 hours for about 10 minutes on one side, then anywhere from 2-5 minutes on the other side. I burp in between as well as if he stops nursing.

I've even cut out dairy products in the last two days to see if that alleviates his symptoms. He gets gas sometimes so I try to lay him on his tummy as much as possible. I really don't want to go to formula, it's my goal to exclusively breastfeed. But I'm getting worn down because he demands to be held all day long. I am wondering if I'm doing something wrong as far as foremilk/hindmilk goes? Should I just strictly do ONE breast at a time? Do I need to let him nurse even longer at the first breast? On my left side I have a fast let-down and he does gulp a lot when he's nursing that side...plus, sometimes he pulls off and it sprays everywhere.

Can you please give me some tips? Also, my first daughter had some issues with constipation around the time I switched to formula, it seems. Can gas cause constipation and even though he's very gassy, is he still better off being breastfed than formula fed? I don't want him to have constipation like my daughter did. As far as the sleeping is going, I worry he's not going to grow properly due to lack of sleep :( Some info: he was born 7lbs 15oz and at 6 weeks is now 12lbs. Thanks for your help!

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Is it gas?

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Aug 25, 2011
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wow...loads of questions...
by: Tracy

Hi Jaime

I hope I will answer all your questions...

First of all this behavior that you are talking about reminds me a lot of a growth spurt...my little girl has just turned two months and also became very fussy, restless and very demanding (including sleepless nights) during six weeks. The six week period is known for this. Your baby can either sleep all the time or not at all during a growth spurt.

Read more on growth spurts here

So my first bit of advice would be to just hang in there...a growth spurt usually only lasts a few days.

If your baby is fussy because of gas, then you can try breastfeeding like you said (one breast at a time) this will ensure that he gets more of the fatty milk at the back of the breast and less foremilk, which can sometimes cause cramps, green runny stools and sleeplessness.

Read more on how to deal with foremnilk hindmilk imbalance

Read more about fast milk let down reflex

Your baby is better off breastfed than formula fed, especially when it comes to constipation. Breastfed babies hardly ever become constipated.

Read more on the benefits of breastfeeding

Please let me know how things go

Aug 26, 2011
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more questions...
by: Jaime

Tracy,
My son seems much happier since I've started nursing this way and cutting down on dairy. Thanks so much for answering all of my questions! I had a couple more...just TWO! :) I'm going back to work so I will be pumping. Up until this week, I was pumping once every day in the morning after the first feeding and getting about 4oz. Well, I kind of got tired of it plus it was hard with my preschooler to take care of too (as well as my high maintance baby, hehe) so I stopped. I won't have any problems pumping and getting as much milk as before since I stopped, will I? While at work, when I pump, I should still pump both breasts at the same time even though my son has been nursing primarily on one per feeding? Doing this won't throw my breasts off when I only nurse one at a time when not at work? Also, say I nurse on the right for 15-20 minutes then he nurses the left for 10 minutes. If he gets hungry in 2 hours, I nurse from the left for how many minutes? Or if he doesn't nurse for 4 hours, I give him the left for the whole 15-20 minutes or just like 5 or 10 before going to the right? I have noticed my breasts aren't as full or big and get softer faster since switching to this way...is that okay? I just don't want to compromise my supply. I'm soooooo sorry for bothering you with so many questions, but I really don't know anyone who have breastfed to ask them. Once I know about these questions, I think I will be good to go! :)

Thanks again, Jaime

Aug 27, 2011
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how long to breastfeed on each side
by: Tracy

HI Jaime

If you stop pumping extra, your milk supply will decrease a little but it doesn't sound to me as if you have a problem with low supply.
You just wont have that extra 4oz produced because breast milk supply works on a supply demand basis. If you pump more, you will produce more.

If you feel your milk supply is too much, then it is a good idea to only pump one breast at a time, if you want to increase supply you should pump both breasts together. You can then still continue to breastfeed your baby any way you wish when you get home, whether you pump one breast at a time or not.

The question about how long to breastfeed on each side...just breastfeed the side that feels the fullest first, and breastfeed until it feels as soft as the other side. I don't really like timing feedings, i go more on how my breasts feel, my baby usually breastfeeds until she is satisfied...and this is enough. Don't worry too much about timing it all, your body will automatically balance things out like this. Just breastfeed for the amount of time he wants to stay on the breast, if you still feel full...pump. It never hurts to have some extra breast milk in the fridge especially if you are working. I know its difficult, I also have a toddler to look after. ;-)

Hope I answered your questions

Sep 05, 2011
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Silent Reflux
by: Elsabe

I'm glad to see you and Tracy were able to find a solution. You're doing an awesome job breastfeeding and wanting to continue even when you have to go back to work. Your kids are blessed with a great mommy! ;o)

Something I just wanna mention, that happened with my one twincess, is silent reflux. I thought she had colic, but my lactation consultant told me after a checkup that she suspects it's silent reflux. Basically, baby heartburn. They don't vomit like when they have "normal" reflux, but they wanna be upright most of the time, wanting to be held a lot more than usual and sleeping is a nightmare.

My advice for that is to get a baby carrier/wrap and wear baby whenever you can. Also elevate the mattress by putting a wedge or pillow under it, so baby doesn't sleep flat. You can even let him sleep in the pram for some naps, reclined. And if at all possible, take him to a chiropractor. Sounds drastic and a bit scary, I know, but just one session made a huge difference! If their spine and hips are just a tiny bit out of line, it can have so many repercussions, you'll be amazed. Especially if baby was born via c-section (not sure what type of birth you had).

The good news is that they outgrow this one!! So just hang in there and keep exclusively breastfeeding him, it's the best thing you can do for him and yourself.

If it really gets bad, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there's a safe antacid you can give him, just for the bad days.

Good Luck Mama!

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Is it gas?

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Is it gas?