Is it constipation?

KLHauck12

My baby seems to have a really difficult time pooping. She is formula fed and we switched her off of regular emfamil to Gentlease weeks ago because she had horrible gas pains most of the day and her poop was runny. Her poop improved but she started only going every other day (which her pediatrician said was okay) but when she went she would scream in pain while she was pooping. So the pediatrician felt she was struggling to digest it properly so she recommended Nutramigen (hypoallergenic because it's made of already digested protein). She was hesitant to try soy because it can constipate.
The first 10 days went okay (that is also the amount of time she did fine on Gentlease before having problems) but now she has been going only every 3 days. Like clockwork, on the third day she is super fussy and spends hours screaming off and on in pain. Her tummy gets tense and I can hear it gurgling. It seems to come I'm waves - inconsolable pain and then fine for a few minutes. She currently wore herself out and fell asleep....so thankfully we have a break. But I'm sure it will start up until she poops.
Eventually she will poop (filling 2-3 diapers in a few hours) then she is fine the rest of the day and doesn't have any moments like that until 3 more days. When she goes it usually normal. Last time she went there was some of it that was thicker, more tacky (like really soft clay) but the rest was normal.
I'm planning to call her doctor this week. I waited to see if the pattern continued because I wanted to be able to say it happened more once. And she was getting over a cold last week. But it the meantime, I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar? Or does anyone have any thoughts on what could be wrong or what we could do? It kills me to have her screaming in pain!

Krysta6

The tacky clay comment makes me think she may be constipated. We weren't having that much poop though when Lo was constipated. Talk to your pediatrician they may recommend prune juice. We are currently on enfamil reguline it's for soft stools but your Lo seems to go from one extreme to the next.

My ped said any poop that is some type of shape is considered constipation. I imagined it had to be hard but when I showed her a picture I took she said it was constipation.

tulegrl14

My LO is on Similac Oganic, he goes sometimes once a day or every other day. When he goes he will scream and cry like he is in pain but his poop is how it's supposed to be on formula which is peanut butter consistency. My pediatrician said that young babies are still learning how to poop and will tense up there butt instead of relaxing so it hurts. He said it will get better over time. He said if he is constipated the poop will be formed and not soft, so the clay comment also makes me think she is constipated. I would try mommy bliss probiotic drops, they are kinda expensive but have done wonders for my little guy, it says on he bottle it helps with gas and constipation. If you have a buy buy baby by you it is cheaper there than at target.

stefanirn06

I second the recommendation for probiotics! Ask your pediatrician first, but my LO was super fussy like yours and only pooping every other day. Since probiotics she is like a new baby. Sleeps better, eats better, less spitting up.