tummy problems introducing food

Sarahdactyle

We recently started giving our 8 month old food twice a day and all night she wakes up crying from gas pains. This happens no matter what kind of food she eats. Also, she went from having no problem pooping a few times a day (when she was exclusively breastfed) to now pooping once a day or every other day and when she has a bowel movement she grunts and strains. Is this a normal for a baby to experience when going through this transition? I hate seeing her in pain, but since she started foods late I don't know if I should go back to only breastfeeding her.

pb_bride

CAn you drop down to just 1 solids a day for a while and see?  Also, what foods are you feeding her?  Some solid foods are more constipating than others.   

Sarahdactyle

We tried just once day and were still having problems. The only time she was okay was to go back to only breastfeeding for a few days. I don't want to keep doing that though, I feel like it would mess with her tummy too much. We've tried pretty much all of the recommended foods for her age. Maybe eventually her tummy will get used to the food? 

vettymama

Personally, I would run it past your pediatrician. It seems odd to me that she won't tolerate even once a day.

tortuga47

Maybe introduce a food like prune? Also, we found giving DS a few ounces of water throughout the day really helped with constipation and to get things moving.

broadwaybaby411

Would it be a problem to continue exclusively breast feeding?  The World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first year of life and partial bf-ing until at least year two.  American pediatricians generally won't tell you this information.  It's possible that your baby just isn't ready for solids AND THAT'S OK!  Every baby is different.  If ebf works for you and your baby then boob it up!  Your breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs!