Screaming During Burping

I would call the pediatrician and be sure he/she is aware of this (and perhaps sees it in person). I can't imagine a baby would get so upset about being burped. Burping a baby is really just holding a baby upright. You don't even have to pat or rub the back. (Of course, some babies need more help than others clearing the air bubbles). Does he cry when held/patted when he hasn't been eating? Perhaps the eating is giving him cramps that he doesn't notice until he stops sucking. Are you breastfeeding or using formula? He may have an intolerance. I don't think this is psychological. I think something is hurting your son.

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How about not burping at all? Or at every other feeding? I remember my son was so tiny, he was born at 6 1/2 months, and he wouldn't burp, so they (the nurses in the NICU) didn't burp him. Sometimes he would burp on his own, other times he would get gas and even spit up, but it worked itself out. Same thing when he came home. He was 4lbs. 9oz. and if he didn't burp when I was trying I would just let it do on it's on. If your baby is 7 weeks and I'm sure a lot heavier than 4lbs. it may be alright. You might want to ask your doctor 1st, and I understand that, but it might work. If he cries when you take the bottle from him maybe it's because he's still hungry and wants more, and are you really sure he is full or is he just out of bottle? Hope things get better for the both of you.

I would contact your ped. Your baby might have acid reflux. We had a somewhat similiar situation with our 3 month old daughter and we brought her to the doctor when she was 6 weeks old. She is now on Prevacid and it works great. She still spits up a little bit, but you can tell she is not in pain anymore and she is so happy now.

Hi K.,
Just wondering, are you breast feeding or using Formula, b/c he may be allergic to the formula if he is having fits like that. Either or try going an extra ounce or so before burping. The rule of thumb to burp after every 1-2oz can't always apply to every child, I have a 16mo old and I would go every 2-3oz during feedings b/c she was always so hungry! She would get mad like that when trying to interrupt her feeding.

Just sounds to me like he is having reflux or gas.Try some gas drops before feeding once. If that doesn't help then call the ped. and he will more than likely prescribe something that will help alot.

I agree with Lisa, I'd let the DR see this in the office. Just doesn't sound right to me!! Keep us posted ok.!

Hi K.,
I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you are having a problem with your new little fellow. Problems when they're so small seem to consume all your thoughts. I pray that things will get better, and that you will soon find yourselves just enjoying the special bond that feeding will be.

Unlike some of the other mothers responding, I'm not certain that it is a physical problem. It may be, but my first baby was always very, well, angry about feeding times in general. He wanted things a certain way and he would get mad and arch his back and scream when my milk wouldn't let down just as soon as he latched on or scream if I tried to burp him. He would always spit up when screaming. Like your son, the few times he would nurse while super sleepy, there were no problems.

This opinion may not make me really popular with everyone, but some babies are not naturally calm natured. Without trying to sound new-aged, I'd like to recommend that along with whatever else you decide to try, you should practice the breathing and relaxation techniques you learned for giving birth. As hard as it might be, try smiling calmly while he is eating and being burped...even if he's screaming and spitting up. Often we get so emotionally involved with our situation that we can actually intensify our baby's anxiety. If it turns out that it is a physical problem, this should still be helpful for both you and your sweet baby. God bless you.

Milycon drops are one of the best things for a baby when their stomach hurts. You might want to check with your pediatrician as well. My infant has had severe problems with formula and we have changed it four times. He was constantly vomiting up formula. We even tried lactose free and it hasn't helped. Unfortunately, he continues to spit up alot of his milk, and we have been putting rice cereal in his formula since he was 3 weeks old. I am not sure if any of this will help, but definitely the milycon drops may ease some of his pain with the formula for burping and gas..

I would talk to your doctor, it sounds like your baby may be having some reflux, which can burn their esophagus and be painful. Your baby may need some medication to help control this. Best of luck, F.

Hey K., simply try RUBBING his back as he leans forward a little or aly him across your legs and rub his back. If this fails, sit him up in a seat after feeding...the burp will come.

Have you talked to the doctor about reflux?

Like others are saying call your Ped. And if you are formula feeding, you may want to try another formula. After about 20 min, my daughter would get all fussy and stiff, for us it was the formula. We did a gradula switch and she was a better baby since then. Good luck to you and your little guy

I would definately let your Ped know. My 2 1/2 month old spits up ALOT as well and at pretty much every feeding. I've talked to our Ped about this and he stated ours is not a problem b/c 1)he's gaining weight and 2)He doesn't get fussy when he burps. He was going to prescribe him zantac b/c of the amt he spits up, but he's a "happy spitter". The Ped said if he was fussy then the acid reflux was irritating his throat and he would give him meds. HTH & Good Luck.