Help with baby

[Dolly-Mama]

I have a 12 week old daughter and starting about 5 days ago she has started to be very fussy. She acts like she is hungry all the time, and sucks and chews on her fingers. She will eat her normal sized meals and still cry and act like she is hungry afterward and when I try to feed her she doesn't want anymore. She also does not want to be laid down. It doesn't matter if it is in her crib, on our bed, or on the floor with her boppy pillow. She just screams and screams. The only thing I can think of is that she might be starting to teethe but as my husband pointed out she is still kind of young for that and she hasn't been drooling at all. I don't know what to do but try to comfort her but even that is hard when she is screaming in my ear.

What else could be ailing her and what can I do to help her?

Edited July 10, 2008 by Dolly-Mama
Forgot something

[MorningStar]

Hello! I know just how you feel! It's so hard to figure it out when your baby is upset. I have had three babies now and am on my 4th and almost every time they had issues with not wanting to lay down, it was because they had an ear infection. I think they hurt more when you lay down. I know it does for me. Also, she doesn't have to be drooling for it to be teething - some babies teeth early. Our oldest son started gumming things to death and drooling when he was 2 months old but he didn't get his teeth until 10 months later. She might act like she's hungry all the time because she is in pain and trying to figure out a way to comfort herself. My kids nursed more when they were teething because it seemed to feel good on their gums.

When my son went through this, I let him chew on this vibrating teething toy and you could see the relief on his face. It really helped. Also, letting them chew on a cold wet rag can also be helpful. Chewing on her fingers does sound like teething, although ear pain can extend to the jaw.

Another problem she might have is acid reflux, which also feels worse when you lay down. Two of my kids had that and I think nursing temporarily made them feel better but ultimately made it worse because they were getting overly full. My second son was especially bad and didn't like to be laid down anywhere. The doctor gave him Zantac when I told her he cried every time he spat up for about 10 minutes (which was a lot), and couldn't even stand to be put in his swing or carseat. He was happy as long as he was perfectly upright.

I hope some of that helps. I would take her to the doctor and get her ears checked. Not long ago a friend of mine was having the same problem, couldn't figure out why her daughter suddenly wasn't sleeping well and it was an ear infection. It threw me off when my kids had them because they were usually so happy during the day and suddenly miserable at night. But babies are amazing that way and seem to be good at distracting themselves until it's time to sleep.

[browneyes]

I totally understand my oldest did that to turned out her tummy was hurting and she wasnt going to the bathroom as well as I thought. try tentely rubbing her tummy and see if that helps. Also if you are breast feeding you have to watch what you eat as that will also make the baby have a upset tummy and cry. Chocolate and onions are a big no no when breast feeding

[mmiles]

It's so hard to figure babies out, isn't it? When you say she seems hungry, what do you mean? What is she usually eating? How much?

[hordak]

Sounds like colic. Try Simethicone.

[BusyMom]

First off, chocolate and onions are not off limits when breastfeeding. Some moms and some babies can't tolerate certain foods, but the majority of mothers can eat as they did during pregnancy. In fact, the amniotic fluid contains the taste of foods the mom eats and so does the breast milk so this can be comforting to the baby. Sorry, I am really picky about misinformation that impacts moms and babies. I am a doula and lactation educator.

Second, simethicone is shown in several research studies to be ineffective against colic.

Has your baby experienced any changes lately in her diet (moving off breastmilk, moving to a different formula, adding liquids like water, or adding solids)? Has she experienced a change in her environment (moving to a new home, starting daycare, having a new person move into the house, etc)?

Like others have suggested, it may be an ear infection but only a health care professional could diagnose this accurately--new advice is to avoid the antibiotics in the first few days and try ear drops for pain relief (these are available over the counter or prescription) and then re-check the ears and if the infection is still present then proceed to antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse is associated with resistant infecctions and cancer in adulthood.

[Dolly-Mama]

It's so hard to figure babies out, isn't it? When you say she seems hungry, what do you mean? What is she usually eating? How much?

When she is hungry, she paws at her mouth and sucks on her fingers. Lately she has been grabbing my finger and putting it in her mouth and chews on it. Thats why I thought she might be teething. She is eating her normal amount of formula, 4-5 oz each time.

Edited July 10, 2008 by Dolly-Mama
misspelling

[Dolly-Mama]

Sounds like colic. Try Simethicone.

We tried this before when she was having gas and colic problems. We have found Gripe Water to be much more effective.

[ruthiechan]

My first thought was ear infection. Go get it checked out because if it is and you do not treat it, it can cause hearing loss. If it is not then you can talk to her doctor about what's going on with her.

Have you changed any foods you've eaten? And as BusyMom asked: Has your baby experienced any changes lately in her diet (moving off breastmilk, moving to a different formula, adding liquids like water, or adding solids)? Has she experienced a change in her environment (moving to a new home, starting daycare, having a new person move into the house, etc)?

When I was nursing I could eat anything I wanted except for oranges or orange juice. My daughter got severe gas whenever I consumed those things (and interestingly enough I would throw up every time I ate oranges or orange juice while pregnant). My husband couldn't tolerate eggplant. One of my friends couldn't tolerate meat except for fish. So each baby is different.

Sounds like colic. Try Simethicone.

That's for gas. A baby can be colicy without being gassy. Though for gas it always worked for us.

[Dolly-Mama]

I called and made an appointment for her already. I am nervous about all those things, I know what can happen to animals when they are left untreated. I am a vet tech.:)

[Dolly-Mama]

Turns out my baby has reflux and her doctor gave us medication for it and it seems to be doing the trick. Thanks to all for your advice!!

[MorningStar]

I'm glad she's doing better! :)

[Maureen]

It's good to know your baby is happier.

But also, babies eventually figure out that's there is more to life than just eating and sleeping. They can get bored and need to be entertained. Three months is a good age to let baby play. Playing can be helpful to alleviate fussiness.

M.

[ldsclown76]

I suggest a visit to the Doctor as well But in the mean time if you think the Problem could be a upset tummy try crushing up a pepermint and putting it in a bottle of Nursery water this could help alot. Also i found a nice warm bath in Lavendar and Chamomile Night time baby magic will sooth her as well.

Lds Clown