Baby's Constant Pushing and Crying

Updated on November 21, 2016
S.M. asks from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
25 answers

Hi, my baby is 3 months old, corrected age 1 week old. (she was born 3 months early). Well lately.. she has been pushing and pulling her knees to her stomach with clenched fist (sometimes open fist with fingers spread out)and tightening all her muscles. I thought it was constipations.. but it is not.. becuase her stool is soft. She does this every waking hour, especially when she is eating. When it is time for her to eat.. she does all this & cries as if it is really painful. She would move all over the place and won't stay still to eat. But.. she is hungry. And later stops eating. What is this? Can anyone help me on this one? I really need the help. I am seeing my pediatrician today adn would really like to know what to tell him. Thank you,
S.

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So What Happened?

First and foremost.. thank you everyone for your help. I am very happy that I joined this site and group. ok.. so I took her to the doctor.. she was already diagnosed with reflux, and the doctor already did advise me to give her mylacon (sp?) I been giving that to her about a week ago. But.. The doctor is saying that we might have to change the formula. She might be lactose intolerant. So.. we are switching from enfacare 22 cal. milk base to similac lactose free advance. I hope that that helps her.. she has been on this since yesturday.. She seems to drink all the 3 oz. that she is suppose to be eating. But.. she is still pushing and crying (but.. not as much). I will let you guys all know what the outcome is in a couple of days.. I have till friday to see if she can continue with her progress. I guess I just want that look of pain and pushing and redface to stop. I want her to be a happy baby. Like she was when she was on breastmilk. unfortunately.. we had to give her the 22 cal. formula becuase I went dry after 2 1/2 months.. and that is when I noticed the pushing. She wasn't like this when she had my breastmilk. Well efery.. again.. I thank each of you and I will update you on friday night.

Featured Answers

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J.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S.,
My first question would be.." Breast or Formula"? My younger son was on formula " Similac" but was unable to digest properly. We switched him to Carnations Good Start! Worked like a charm. Good luck and Congratulations!!

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M.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

It sounds like gas to me. Buy Mylicon drops. They are a lifesaver. Its been a few years since I've had to use them, but it was only a few drops and it worked pretty quickly. Hope that helps.

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H.M.

answers from San Diego on

Sounds like gas. Try burping her, massaging her tummy, or putting her knees up to her chest. Is she also spitting up?

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S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

My baby had severe colic and reflux and I tried a bunch of remedies and medicines but he was the same crying all over the time and place but Babies magic tea instantly settle his colic and reflux.

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C.S.

answers from Modesto on

I think your daughter has gas. I have a friend who's baby was also premature and she had a REALLY hard time with gas and colic. try rolling her on your knees on her belly or pulling her legs/knees to her belly like she's already doing but help her try to relieve some of the gas in her belly.

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H.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

It sounds to me like your baby has gas. my oldest daughter suffered terribly from this at first. And it is very common. We gave her mylicon gas drops at first, and then began adding the drops to her bottles to help. Eventually, we had to switch to soy formula because of the effects it had on her tummy. Your doctor will probably tell you to try different things before changing her formula (ours did). But we ended up switching her on our own. It was as bad as you've described and I couldn't understand making my child suffer simply because they didn't want us to change the formula. When it gets bad, try laying her on her back and, holding both legs, extend them out fully and then push them up close to her stomach. Continue doing that for a few minutes and it should help. I also would rub her belly and pat her butt, which sometimes helped. The worst part for me was feeling helpless to help my baby, who was clearly in pain. You will find out what works best for you; just hang in there.
Take Care,
H.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like reflux. My guy was in SO much pain from it, and didn't spit up at first. He would arch his back, and couldn't eat even though I knew he was hungry. Before I knew what it was, I tried restricting my diet (he's breastfed), and that didn't help. My primary Dr. gave him Zantac and Raglan. This didn't work very well, and the Raglan caused mood swings. I then went to a specialist that prescribed Prevacid (A++++) and Erythromycin (sp?). This works great. Next time she has an attack, try giving her 1cc(ml) of regular Mylanta, and see if that helps. It's a lifesaver when he has a flare up! Instant relief!

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K.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi there. I'm also a mom of an extreme premie like you. my son was 12 weeks early and is now a year and doing wonderfully! Your baby might be trying to poop but some babies get their signals crossed and instead of relaxing the muscles so the poop comes out, they clench and it's counterproductive and causes pain. I'm not sure of a remedy but it could be the cause and in that case, maybe your doctor might have some suggestions. What I can tell you is that even though this seems like it's impossible and constant, it will pass. My baby had really bad reflux and would be in pain for that reason and I just thought we'd never get over it. Now it's just a distant memory. congratulations on your little miracle, we've been there!

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E.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I really don't know what to say but just want to give you my support and prayers, my daughter was 6 weeks early and only moms with premies can understand the struggles. maybe she is just not ready to eat?

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A.A.

answers from San Diego on

I know this is a late response, and I'm sorry for that. But you know how it is being a mom, most times, the emails are last on the "to do" list, unfortunatey!

The first thing that came to mind while readin your post, is that I hope you told the doctor everything that you did here. I'm assuming you've had your daughter checked by now, so hopefully you both are getting some relief!

Tummy troubles in little ones that small (especially preemies) can vary soooo much. Anything from gas or constipation, to more serious intestinal blockages or twisted intestines.

Definitely NOT trying to scare you here, just wanting to make sure that you do definitely tell your doctor, and if your daughters symptoms persist, KEEP TELLING THEM! Night, day, weekend, holiday whenever! It's just VERY important to make sure they don't brush you off as "colic" or various other "automated answers" that dr's tend to dish out to their patients these days. Urrgggh! It makes me SO angry! (I've had a few VERY bad experiences with doctors over the years, with my children AND myself) So I have learned the hard way that you've GOT to speak up and stand your ground when you know something isn't right!

I don't know how this board works just yet, I'm pretty new here, but I sure would like to hear how your little one is doing these days and what info you were given by the doc!

Take care!
A.

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T.W.

answers from San Diego on

Hello it could be gas what is she eating?

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L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

S.,

At 3 month old my daughter was doing the same thing and it came down to the fact that she was on the wrong formula. Talk with her Ped and ask if it possible if your baby has a protein intolerance. Hope this helps.

L.

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K.L.

answers from San Francisco on

Sounds like your daughter has gas! Gas can really cause an infant to be in pain, though the gas itself doesn't harm anything on the inside at all. My daughter suffered with horrible gas for the first 6 months of her life, with all the same symptoms that your baby displays - the wiggling all over is because she is uncomfortable, being hungry but not eating well( its hard to eat when your tummy is filled with air! ). Gas usually doesnt effect their stool, and its just a matter of learning to manage her gas in a way that makes her comfortable. Im sure all the other mom's will agree - over the counter Mylicon gas Drops for infants will do the trick. The medication is safe, gentle, with no side efffects and pedicatricians reccommend it for newborns as well as infants. Also, trying "gassing" her - push her knees up and into her tummy and press gently - sometimes this is enough to push the gas out of her. Using both these things is almost certain to get rid of her gas - and is she still seems in pain after a few days, then you know it isnt gas, and its time to take her to the doctor.
Your pediatrician will likely suggest the mylicon and gassing the baby as mentioned above.

never worry, gas is very VERY common in newborns and infants, and I wouldn't worry too much unless traditional gas relieving methods dont work. Most of our children have gone through the gas thing as a baby at one time or another, so youre not alone, and it will go away!

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C.N.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Dear S.,

Write and let us know what the doctor had to say about your baby girl. I have no clue except that it may be that she was born too soon. Their nerves do not finish maturing until they have been born for a while. I can't say the details of when, but it is a month or more. Something like that. Let us all know, C. N.

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A.G.

answers from Sacramento on

I have read quite a few responses pointing it out as gas. Just another possibility to explore here is this. My daughter did something similar, when she was nursing, she would start squirming and pull herself off breast, or squirm and push my breast out of her mouth. She would also get cranky during this period of time. I would switch positions, usually laying her on my bed, and nursing her while laying down. I found that she was just VERY uncomfortable in the position she was in. It might sound funny, but the way she would squirm would remind me of a feeling I get in the pit of my stomach that makes me REALLY squirm and try to get out of the position I'm in. Maybe try changing the position that you're feeding her in, if the gas thing doesn't pan out??? GOod luck anyway.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!! It sounds like really bad gas, or colic. Gass drops like Mylicon or Little Tummy's really helped my daughter when she was little. I'd talk to your Ped about that. Of course, everyone else is writing about reflux and that might also be the case. Eventually it will pass! I know that doesn't help, but be patient and all will work out! good luck and I hope your daughter starts to feeling better soon. Keep us posted on what the doc says! Take care!

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C.T.

answers from San Diego on

Good morning! The first thing that came to my mind was that perhaps it's something like acid reflux. My friend had a baby that was diagnosed with that and it was very painful for him to eat although he was hungry and he would scream and cry. I know you saw your pediatrician so I was just curious as to the outcome of the visit. Good luck!

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H.T.

answers from Fresno on

Try looking in her mouth for thrush. It's white stuff that you cant scrape off with your finger, and it has a bunch of bumps all on her gums. Also look for mayby cold sores in her mouth. One of my kids had thrush, not that big of a deal but it does hurt. Also had cold sores, that would really not want them to eat even though there hungry. I seen that people are thinking reflux, but also maybe colic. If its happening all at the same time all the time then more then likely colic. Its where they do have tons of gas that gets in there intestines and they cant get rid if it. They have colic tablets for that.

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H.B.

answers from Las Vegas on

I would reccomend the possibility of reflux. Not all babies w/ reflux puke. Some are considered silent refluxers.
It is a case of severe heart burn. The child will sometimes refuse to eat or throw up what has been eaten. Some will want to eaat all the time to help coat the throat and stomach lining decreasing the effects of heartburn.
If this is the case, then they may recommend a round of zantac.
If this is the case, it is symple to resolve.

Good luck! Please do not let them tell you that you are not giving your child enough attention. This was the diagnosis that I recieved from 2 doctors.

H. B.

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S.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S.!
I just read your post re: your daughter.... Have you explored a possible milk or lactose intolerance or other potential allergy,etc.???? I hope you are able to find the cause soon... I know how hard it is to watch your precious baby be uncomfortable....
Please follow up to let us all know what the outcome is...
Take Gentle Care,
S.

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C.S.

answers from San Francisco on

My daughter did this for 6 weeks before we found out that it was reflux. I was nursing so they first put me on a restricted diet to see if it was a dairy intolerance. That helped but not nearly enough. We tried out a two medicine combo that helped a little with the pain but not enough. One medicince was to help move her food through her system and the other was to help acid so she wasn't throwing up so much. At about 3 months we tried out Previcid and it has worked wonders. She is now 5 months and never has any problems her tummy. Good news if it is reflux after your appointment with your doctor she should be feeling better with medicine in no time! Good luck!

N.P.

answers from San Francisco on

My baby is two months early and she did the same thing for a while. It was terrible gas. Once we gave her the Mylicon before every feeding and she was farting and happy. Amazing to hear such rip-roarers come out of such a tiny body. Once I heard one behind me and blamed my husband and he just pointed to our daughter. I was flaberghasted.

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K.Z.

answers from San Francisco on

Is she breast feeding or formula?

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would tell the Dr. when you go in about all the issues at feeding time and the rest of the day and see what he/she says.

Does your child arch while feeding? It may be a bit of reflux which can be helped. It also could be gas. My ds was a very gassy baby.

Just make sure you don't leave that doctors office without some suggestions to make her feel more comfortable, and what to watch for. And always go with your gut if someting dosn't feel right to you have her checked.

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T.

answers from Las Vegas on

S.,

Ask your doctor about reflux and food intolerances. If you are giving her breastmilk, you may have to alter your diet and if you are giving her formula, you may need to switch to a hypoallergenic formula. My 6 month old has both reflux and food intolerances. He's on Prevacid and I've had to eliminate dairy, soy, eggs, chocolate and caffeine from my diet. Good luck!

T.

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