Dumb Questions

Codypup

mdr619 said:

Anyone have recommendations to help a baby who's got a bad tummy ache? He's been crying and miserable for the past hour. He's starving and trying to eat but takes a few sips and continues screaming. We've tried the 5s' s, walking him, bouncing him, rubbing his belly etc. He's definitely constipated. I called the pedi earlier today and she said it's normal and nothing to be too concerned about. But my baby is in pain and it's breaking my heart. Help! I'm ready to start crying, too.

@mdr619

These tricks help us with gas and tummy issues: Try lying him on his back and bicycling his legs. Then try taking his legs out straight, and then pressing them down into his tummy, over and over. It should release gas if it's trapped in there. We also use gripe water and/or gas drops if it gets really bad. 

I dont know if those will help constipation but its worth a shot!

MommaKristin4

Sakura0019 said:

Related to LOs having gas - at what age can you use the gas drops? The directions on the box were very ambiguous (under 2 years old and/or under 25lbs)

My LO is a month old today and the pediatrician told us it was fine if we use gas drops. She said they usually don't work, but it wouldn't hurt to try. 

ShePersisted

Does anyone's LO grunt constantly while sleeping? My LO will grunt every 5-10 mins for about 30 secs. I also think that's the cause for him to have short naps instead of longer sleep cycles. His pedi said it was normal at night but he seems to be doing it with almost every nap. Unless he is really knocked out cold and tired he is grunting. The thing that confused me is if I pick him up and hold him in my arms the grunting stops so it makes me think it's not constant pain that's causing it of else he would do the same in my arms as well right? I've tried all different things like PNP, RNP, swing etc. he pretty much grunts in all of them. Any thoughts?

ziggy903

Is it normal for babies to eat less and sleep more at some point? Possibly surrounding/during a growth spurt?

We're eff and for 4/5 of the last bottles DS has fallen asleep halfway through. We havent changed anything- same formula, same amount, same bottles, same feeding schedule, etc.
A diaper change will wake him up, but a couple times last night he would just take a few more sips and then fall back asleep. We've been feeding 3oz every 3 hours, and just got the okay from our ped to go 4 hours at night- unless he wakes us up before, and we will be offering more milk.

He's 8 weeks actual and 3 days adjusted. Normal? Should I call the doctor about it?

Breeze1107

I keep seeing ppl mentioning "playing" with the baby...this might be stupid but how exactly do you play with a newborn? I interact with LO but I wouldn't call it playing.

ziggy903

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Is it normal for babies to eat less and sleep more at some point? Possibly surrounding/during a growth spurt? We're eff and for 4/5 of the last bottles DS has fallen asleep halfway through. We havent changed anything- same formula, same amount, same bottles, same feeding schedule, etc. A diaper change will wake him up, but a couple times last night he would just take a few more sips and then fall back asleep. We've been feeding 3oz every 3 hours, and just got the okay from our ped to go 4 hours at night- unless he wakes us up before, and we will be offering more milk. He's 8 weeks actual and 3 days adjusted. Normal? Should I call the doctor about it?

I know for older babies/children periods of diminished appetite are very normal but for David, considering he was a preemie and how young he is still on top of that, I'd call to ask his pedi's opinion. I think I'd call for a baby under 12 months regardless.

i'll call them when they open tomorrow morning. thanks

magentawarped

Beachbumm2214 said:

My little guy has gas all the time and they are super stinky. The smell like sulfur. He's 4 days old. Is it normal for their farts to smell so bad?

Yep...baby farts are nasty.

sprashley

bribbon said:

JessWhatINeeded said:

I just put my rings on today, 10 days PP. they're tight so may have rushed things.

Me too. I shoved them on at 11d and had way too much trouble getting them off again!

I have no idea where I even put my wedding ring! Yikes... But I did try on a sterling silver ring i usually wear on my right hand. It barely fits and I only wore it briefly, but now I have a rash on that finger. Ugh...

Breeze1107

golfergirl08 said:

Breeze1107 said:

I keep seeing ppl mentioning "playing" with the baby...this might be stupid but how exactly do you play with a newborn? I interact with LO but I wouldn't call it playing.

I have the same question. Usually "playing" for us includes:

-Putting her on her jungle play mat, which also includes some tummy time

-Putting her in her snuggamonkey seat and bouncing her a little 

-Sitting her on my lap and talking to her

-Reading to her

-Moving her hands and legs around while we talk to her

I would love some other ideas!

Thanks!!! I'm doing all of these except putting her down on the mat. Maybe I'll take it out tomorrow and have her spend some time on it.

ShePersisted

anji1820 said:

The last couple of days LO has cried in her sleep. She sort of wakes up, cries 3or 4 times, then is right back to sleep. Any ideas for why she might do this? Anyone else noticed their LO do this?

Yep mine does that but I have learnt to recognize if the cry is more like in about to wake up and am hungry or I'm still sleeping but need to let out a cry cry. It took me a few try's to figure it out. If I feel the crying will wake him up I'll quickly grab him and pay his back and he falls right back to sleep.

southerngal07

Breeze1107 said:

I keep seeing ppl mentioning "playing" with the baby...this might be stupid but how exactly do you play with a newborn? I interact with LO but I wouldn't call it playing.

I found this on Pinterest.
https://mamaot.com/2013/09/26/how-to-play-with-your-newborn-baby-0-to-3-months/

djtippietoes

Going back to the diaper size questions - LO has had several blowouts in the past day or two in NB sizes so I'm wondering if he needs to go up to size 1s.  However, he's only 8 lbs at the most (probably not even 8).  Could the NB sizes be too small if they are supposed to go up to 10 lbs? 

ziggy903

djtippietoes said:

Going back to the diaper size questions - LO has had several blowouts in the past day or two in NB sizes so I'm wondering if he needs to go up to size 1s.  However, he's only 8 lbs at the most (probably not even 8).  Could the NB sizes be too small if they are supposed to go up to 10 lbs? 

He could have outgrown the absorbancy before the weight, which is common. DS has been in size 1 since he was in the hospital(at 4lb!), you can make them pretty tight in the waist!

emar129

I have to go back to work in about 2.5 weeks. Currently EBF. How do I go about feeding LO but starting to build a supply? I have NO clue how much milk ill need. We've tried bottles but the amount she drinks has varied each time. Any tips on this?

mdr619

emgomez13 said:

Breeze1107 said:

I keep seeing ppl mentioning "playing" with the baby...this might be stupid but how exactly do you play with a newborn? I interact with LO but I wouldn't call it playing.

I found this on Pinterest.
https://mamaot.com/2013/09/26/how-to-play-with-your-newborn-baby-0-to-3-months/

Thanks for the link. Love that article!

emar129

@bribbon thank you!! That's a helpful start!!!

lihau88

This is a dumb question, but how do you ladies go to the grocery store by yourself. I want to try it today, but am wondering about the logistics of it. I know putting LO's car seat on top of the grocery cart (handle portion) is not recommended and unsafe, and putting it in the main basket portion won't allow room for groceries. I have an ergo carrier I could put her in, but it's almost impossible for me to use it by myself (I can't buckle the buckle on my back), I've always had DH buckle it for me, and I obviously can't push her stroller and shopping cart. Anyone have any ideas that may help?

versed

@lihau88 - the Ergo will be a godsend for grocery shopping once you can figure it out. Maybe just keep practicing so you can get the hang of it. Do you have a Moby? That one you can put on at home, drive, and then slip LO in for shopping. 

We use the Ergo for DS2 while DS1 rides in the cart for our shopping trips.

VeronicaAnn143

It really does get better! I was a hormonal mess plus NICU and at about 2.5 weeks it just disappeared. Getting used to your new life and new routine is what makes it ok. I struggled the first week with LO home. Was frustrated that I couldn't leave the house but didn't want to leave when DH suggested that I do. I'm glad to be past that now but it was a big struggle. It DOES get better!

lihau88

Thank you ladies!! I will definitely be trying your suggestions. I don't have another carrier besides the ergo, but I will get more practice with it and see where it takes me before getting another.

@flightview @NextVerseUnknown @golfergirl08 @DreamingBabies‌

Beachmommy1029

Re: baby blues remember timelines are not concrete- I was 4 wks pp yesterday and that was the first time I didn't feel like I was faking my happy/lack of crazy.

tangerinemachine

I BF my LO and he gets alittle crazy when he's hungry. He drinks and gulps too fast and often ends up coughing. Also when he sucks too hard something happens to my nipple where it starts spraying everywhere when he pulls off. This is kind of funny but it also makes a mess! Has this happened to anyone? How do I get him to slow down when he's eating?

tangerinemachine

I think he would eat all day if he could! I was just nervous he would choke.

versed

stwilding said:

I BF my LO and he gets alittle crazy when he's hungry. He drinks and gulps too fast and often ends up coughing. Also when he sucks too hard something happens to my nipple where it starts spraying everywhere when he pulls off. This is kind of funny but it also makes a mess! Has this happened to anyone? How do I get him to slow down when he's eating?

Also, LO doesn't control the speed of drinking as much as he reacts to your flow. You seem to have a forceful letdown (see thread on oversupply help: (https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12284597/fighting-oversupply#latest). 

Hope this helps!

ziggy903

Beachbumm2214 said:

Anyone else have a PP OB appointment at 2weeks ? I've seen most people aren't going back until 6. Thought that was odd

i had one to check my incision and my blood pressure. you should go back at 6 weeks as well.

djtippietoes

Beachbumm2214 said:

Anyone else have a PP OB appointment at 2weeks ? I've seen most people aren't going back until 6. Thought that was odd

I had one at 2 to check my incision and another at 6. Did you have a c section?

djtippietoes

Beachbumm2214 said:

Anyone else have a PP OB appointment at 2weeks ? I've seen most people aren't going back until 6. Thought that was odd

I had one at 2 to check my incision and another at 6. Did you have a c section?

MissDemeanor

I'm thinking of pumping so that my boyfriend can feed LO once in a while, or, god forbid, we can actually go out on our own. Plus I've heard that there's an age where it might be trickier to just start giving LO a bottle. 

But my problem is my pump intimidates me. I haven't even taken it out of the box. So I guess I'm looking for reassurance. Does pumping hurt? Can it be difficult? Is it a PITA? Is it even true that if I wait until LO is a few months, it may be too late and he won't take it?

Yep, grown  woman scared of a breast pump.

Btwilhelm

MissDemeanor said:

I'm thinking of pumping so that my boyfriend can feed LO once in a while, or, god forbid, we can actually go out on our own. Plus I've heard that there's an age where it might be trickier to just start giving LO a bottle. 

But my problem is my pump intimidates me. I haven't even taken it out of the box. So I guess I'm looking for reassurance. Does pumping hurt? Can it be difficult? Is it a PITA? Is it even true that if I wait until LO is a few months, it may be too late and he won't take it?

Yep, grown  woman scared of a breast pump.

I've mostly been using a manual, which isn't as bad as it sounds. I did use an electric when I had to stay overnight The hospital without LO.

The electric was a bit uncomfortable at first but you get use to it. I actually preferred my manual, it only took 10 minutes instead of five to pump both breasts but that's just me.

Maybe start with a manual if you are that scared? You control how fast it goes and how long it pulls.

Cleaning is a pita but it's so nice to be able to go out and not be rushing because you have to get home to feed the baby.

You just have to sit down and do it!

ziggy903

blscholl1645 said:

So I'm hoping to start transitioning to formula. My question is I've given LO bottles in the past and he spits up pretty bad. Is this something he will get over once hes more used to the bottle? Or do i need to find different bottle?

@blscholl1645‌ I recommend stopping LO so he can burp after every ounce or so, and maybe trying the dr. Browns bottles. Baby takes in more air when bottle feeding so I find burping more often necessary.

ziggy903

@blscholl1645‌ there's also something I think called "paced feeding" which may help you!

courtls22

I have two unrelated questions. 1.) We filled out a paper for my LO's social security card in the hospital.  How do you get the card? Do they mail it or do we go to the social security office?

2.) When my little guy falls asleep in his carseat, his head goes forward like how an adult's does sometimes if they fall asleep sitting up.  Does this mean something is wrong with the carseat positioning or is this a normal thing?

JackieP1023

courtls22 said:

I have two unrelated questions. 1.) We filled out a paper for my LO's social security card in the hospital.  How do you get the card? Do they mail it or do we go to the social security office?

2.) When my little guy falls asleep in his carseat, his head goes forward like how an adult's does sometimes if they fall asleep sitting up.  Does this mean something is wrong with the carseat positioning or is this a normal thing?

The SS card will be mailed to you. I think it took DD's about 2 weeks. As far as the carseat question, I think it's normal. As long as it's installed properly with the level indicator thingy right.

courtls22

JackieP1023 said:

I have two unrelated questions. 1.) We filled out a paper for my LO's social security card in the hospital.  How do you get the card? Do they mail it or do we go to the social security office?

2.) When my little guy falls asleep in his carseat, his head goes forward like how an adult's does sometimes if they fall asleep sitting up.  Does this mean something is wrong with the carseat positioning or is this a normal thing?

The SS card will be mailed to you. I think it took DD's about 2 weeks. As far as the carseat question, I think it's normal. As long as it's installed properly with the level indicator thingy right.

He's a month old and still no card for us? Hmm... And the carseat indicator is level so we're good there.  Thanks for the input!

courtls22

golfergirl08 said:

Here is a dumb question: My LO was just put down for a nap, but after a few minutes she woke herself up and is just kinda moving around and gurgling. She isn't crying and doesn't seem upset at all. Would you go and pick her up and try to get her back to sleep? Or just let her try to fall asleep by herself? She is squirming but not trying to get my attention.

I would just keep an eye on her and see if she will fall back asleep on her own since she's not fussing. But, if she doesn't seem to be falling back asleep soon then pick her up. That's just what I would do anyway.

Btwilhelm

golfergirl08 said:

Here is a dumb question: My LO was just put down for a nap, but after a few minutes she woke herself up and is just kinda moving around and gurgling. She isn't crying and doesn't seem upset at all. Would you go and pick her up and try to get her back to sleep? Or just let her try to fall asleep by herself? She is squirming but not trying to get my attention.

We've been dealing with this a lot at night, I get her to sleep and put her in her bed and bam eyes wide open.

I've been just letting her be for about ten minutes, I also try giving her the binky to see if that will soothe her to sleep. If she doesn't I pick her up and try all over.

ShePersisted

Are number if poops supposed to go down after a month or so? My LO used to have good 7-8 poopy diapers and now past three days he's been barely having 2. He has had none since last night. He seems to passing gas and is not showing major discomfort. His stomach seems soft and he is eating as he usually does. I was reading online and it looks like poops go down after a month for BF babies but my LO is both breast and FF so am not sure. I will call his pedi tomorrow am if no poop shows up but wanted to ask if anyone else experience this?

Dexter&11

golfergirl08 said:

Here is a dumb question: My LO was just put down for a nap, but after a few minutes she woke herself up and is just kinda moving around and gurgling. She isn't crying and doesn't seem upset at all. Would you go and pick her up and try to get her back to sleep? Or just let her try to fall asleep by herself? She is squirming but not trying to get my attention.

I'd leave her - eventually they have to learn to settle themselves so I'd consider this a practice run

emar129

@hg45 from what my ped said...the number of poops decrease as LO ages. As long as she isn't in pain and is still having plenty of wet diapers, things are probably just fine.

ShePersisted

@elissarump‌ I sure hope so! He has really smelly farts but no poop all day. but seems to be eating as normal