Baby Corner

[Fandango 1,440]

Aaaw, poor little man. I'm sorry he's so constipated and miserable. I'm sure you're doing everything possible to keep the breastfeeding going. Maybe you can throw in one or two pumping sessions a day and other than that breastfeed when you have the time. Everything else can be supplemented with formula maybe?

Hang in there...you'll find your way and as for the sore rectum..I swear by Desitin (the purple tube). That usually cleared up any rash or redness within hours.

Good luck

Thx E!

I'm afraid to put the Desitin straight onto a raw rectum. Do you know if that's safe?

My mom just came over with Boudreaux's Butt Paste...it said 'good for hemorrhoids' so I put it on him. He didn't cry, which is good.

Re: the pumping, even when I was exclusively bf-ing, pumping was always a challenge production wise. Lact specialist says the baby gets this milk flow out better than any pump. But now it's even harder. Well, I'll let you all know how the fenugreek tabs work. Side effect is 'profuse sweating that may smell like maple syrup'

*gag*

[chnst 6]

Hi Mommies! Sorry I've been MIA lately Hope everyone is doing well!

Re: breasfeeding. Nick wasn't gaining weight with strictly breastmilk, so we wound up having to supplement with formula. I sorta got lazy from time to time with the breastfeeding when we're out and about, because it was easier to just use the bottle. Anyhoo, now I'm having supply issues I am going to call my lact specialist on Monday, but I was reading up on the net last night and found a lot of information....particularly, fenugreek tablets and 'mother's milk' teas. Anyone ever use these? How were the results? Or do you have your own tried and true remedies?

Also, Nick is a little constipated...brought him to the docs on Friday, and she helped him poop. This is way descriptive and gross, so I'll 'spoiler' this;

She helped him by shallow-ly (not a word) sticking a qtip up his butt and he pushed and she kinda broke off the poop into pieces he could pass

. YUCK! But poor little man, he was crying, obviously in pain, but he immediately seemed better. The bm was on the hard side, most probs to to with the formula (suckage!), and she then said that over the weekend, we might have to do that for him again if he seems impacted.

So we had to, and we did. But now his actual butt looks sore and red. Not terribly so, that I need to rush him back to the docs...but you know how a first time nervous mother is! So we've been putting petroleum jelly on it, and that seems to help...but I was just wondering if anyone had any other advice. I looked that up too, but it's bringing me to articles on diaper rash, and while they do talk of a sore #######, I'm not convinced that I should put diaper rash ointment on it...seems like that area is too delicate? Gah, I dunno!

Btw, to follow up on one of my previous threads, my MIL sent us the Balboa Baby sling...I'm not loving it because although the pics show a baby actually laying in it, to me, Nick looks mighty uncomfy and scrunched up in it. When he gets a little older, I'm sure it'll come in handy for him to sit in it, but otherwise, I wouldn't bother so much while he's so young.

Thanks everyone!

aww I hear you. Ben has been constipated since he was only a few weeks old. He has 2.5 years under his belt now and its still a problem. "Stimulating" his rectum with a q-tip or a thermometer (put vaseline on it!) has really really helped us the first 6-8 months, after that we had to go to laxatives. And he was exclusively on breastmilk. Just gently massage his belly clockwise while you insert the thermometer/q-tip.

For the redness- we had that too! I have been using burts bee's baby bee diaper ointment, there is natural stuff in there. I was worried about him absorbing any chemicals thru the intestinal mucosa too. He sometimes gets so constipated that part of his rectum comes out (sorry TMI). So we only use the Burts Bee's stuff and it soothes immediately. He is now asking for it when he has a painful bm. You can also look for any cream that has zinc in it. He never had a rash but it gets very irritated after he has been straining for a while.

[tnh9479 1]

Lisa,

We had problems with Zak when we switched formulas. We tried a few until we found one that didn't constipate him. So...it is quite possible it could be the formula.

BTW...both my twins didn't get back up over their birthweight until they were 4 weeks old. They each lost about a pound and were both born at about 6.5 lbs. I am still a little neurotic about their weight almost two years later because of the multiple peds appts to track them. Then even had us wake Zak up every 1.5 hours to feed him. That was not fun. Just know it will get better! BTW... When I was going to wound care for my c-section incision, I was allowed and encouraged to use Desitin in the drainage areas. It is the only thing I found to help Hana with her recurrent, raw diaper rash.

[Fandango 1,440]

Lisa,

We had problems with Zak when we switched formulas. We tried a few until we found one that didn't constipate him. So...it is quite possible it could be the formula.

BTW...both my twins didn't get back up over their birthweight until they were 4 weeks old. They each lost about a pound and were both born at about 6.5 lbs. I am still a little neurotic about their weight almost two years later because of the multiple peds appts to track them. Then even had us wake Zak up every 1.5 hours to feed him. That was not fun. Just know it will get better! BTW... When I was going to wound care for my c-section incision, I was allowed and encouraged to use Desitin in the drainage areas. It is the only thing I found to help Hana with her recurrent, raw diaper rash.

Thanks so much for this post, I feel your pain with the weight issues. It had me so neurotic because common sense would dictate if I'm feeding him so much, that he'd at least gain the weight he needed. The docs appts were scary too....I remember one appt, I was feeding him in the waiting room, and then he weighed in an ounce heavier....I was at least happy we were going the right direction until the doc asked how many ounces I had given him in the waiting room, lolz.

Nick is on the Enfamil Gentlease...it's one for gas and fussy babies. We were on another one, but he was having terrible gas issues, so this supposedly is a 'better' formula for babies who are having tolerance issues. I don't know what else I can switch him to...what formula do you use?

Interesting info about the Desitin, I'm going to keep that in mind! Sunday morning, my mom brought over Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It seems to have worked a bit, because he stops crying when I put it on.

So here's the update from Poop Watch '10, lol...could really use some Mommy advice from you all:

Sunday, he wound up having a BM in the morning with the help of half an infant suppository (mom doc told me to cut them in half)....well, it didn't even dissolve halfway, but he did have a BM. Then later on Sunday night, he had what I now term 'unassisted poop' LOL. Yesterday morning, he had another UP! hahahah But nothing since...other than gas, but he does seem a little on the fussy/uncomfortable side. I didn't want to have to do the Q tip thing again, and he's not overly uncomfortable, so we decided to leave him be last night, and wait til this morning to assess what to do. What would you do? Q-tip? Suppository?

I'm actually going to call the doc at 9, but it's so frustrating when I don't know what to do. I want to do the best for him - but at the same time, i don't want to put him through any undue stress or pain, or get him used to me having to help him have a BM if it's just a question of him having to 'power through' and learn how to do it.

[TracyTN 237]

Bless Nick's heart for having those issues!! I haven't had to do this myself, but I read on one of my 'baby boards' that some moms actually take their child's temperature rectally if they want to try and get things 'moving' in that department. May be total BS but thought I'd toss it out there anyway. I'm still learning stuff too as a first time mom!!

My daughter turns 4 months old tomorrow and has her next dr appt on Thursday (more shots - boo!!!). She is a good baby but does like to fight us to go down to bed at night. Once she's down, she sleeps like a champ. Normally doesn't wake and sleeps at least 8 hours (but normally more like 10). But she fought hubby last night until nearly 11:30! He had let me go on to bed but I was awake listening to her give him grief anyway, poor guy! I felt bad but I'm not sure what I could have done to help if she was being that awkward.

[Staashi 371]

Thanks so much for this post, I feel your pain with the weight issues. It had me so neurotic because common sense would dictate if I'm feeding him so much, that he'd at least gain the weight he needed. The docs appts were scary too....I remember one appt, I was feeding him in the waiting room, and then he weighed in an ounce heavier....I was at least happy we were going the right direction until the doc asked how many ounces I had given him in the waiting room, lolz.

Nick is on the Enfamil Gentlease...it's one for gas and fussy babies. We were on another one, but he was having terrible gas issues, so this supposedly is a 'better' formula for babies who are having tolerance issues. I don't know what else I can switch him to...what formula do you use?

Interesting info about the Desitin, I'm going to keep that in mind! Sunday morning, my mom brought over Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It seems to have worked a bit, because he stops crying when I put it on.

So here's the update from Poop Watch '10, lol...could really use some Mommy advice from you all:

Sunday, he wound up having a BM in the morning with the help of half an infant suppository (mom doc told me to cut them in half)....well, it didn't even dissolve halfway, but he did have a BM. Then later on Sunday night, he had what I now term 'unassisted poop' LOL. Yesterday morning, he had another UP! hahahah But nothing since...other than gas, but he does seem a little on the fussy/uncomfortable side. I didn't want to have to do the Q tip thing again, and he's not overly uncomfortable, so we decided to leave him be last night, and wait til this morning to assess what to do. What would you do? Q-tip? Suppository?

I'm actually going to call the doc at 9, but it's so frustrating when I don't know what to do. I want to do the best for him - but at the same time, i don't want to put him through any undue stress or pain, or get him used to me having to help him have a BM if it's just a question of him having to 'power through' and learn how to do it.

Lisa, we faced these issues with Enzo. He took soy formula because it totally cut down his gas issues - but soy and all the iron could make him rather bound up. For constipation, his doctor recommended mineral oil - we used light extra virgin olive oil. We would actually put a teaspoon in with his formula. He drank it without any issues and it really helped to ease his suffering.

[anya-D 8]

Lisa - Poor Nick! How's he this morning? Sam hasnt go very often (like once every 7-9 days) but at least it's runny - I on the other hand, have been having constipation since I remember!! When I was an aupair the baby I took care of had bad constipation and I had to assisted him too so I feel ya. HAve you tried giving him more liquid? like juice or water between feeding? When Sam hadn't gone for 9 days they told me to give him apple or white pear juice (mix with water 2 oz each) between his feeding and it helped some. Also more liquid might help soften the bm.

Tracy - when was your girl born? Sam is a little over 4 month old (I count monthly)

[anya-D 8]

Anya, thats great! Zaid was always off the charts too for his height and weight. But, that doesnt mean anything now bc he is SUPER skinny now and very very tall! Glad to hear he is growing well

Anya: you can be proud your baby is doing great! Ben was just like that if not bigger. Now he is at the 50% for weight and still in the 90ies for height.

Thanks ladies it gives me hope that I'm not going to have a giant toddler lol (not that it matters - it's just hard to buy cloth for him lol)

*****Anyway - I need y'all ladies help!! I put Sam in the gerber baby contest!! The voteing begin Nov 3rd (TOMORROW) and I hope he at least gets some vote He's in supported sitter catagory and (in my total sleep deprive state) I put his whole full name in there.. Nicholas Sam L... (you will see it there anyway if you go there

Much appreciated!!

Edited November 2, 2010 by anya-D

[TracyTN 237]

Tracy - when was your girl born? Sam is a little over 4 month old (I count monthly)

Hi anya! Emily was born July 3rd so it sounds like they're quite close in age! Hubby said last night how she barely even looks like the same baby that came out of my stomach - and he's right! They grow and change so much just in a few months!!

[anya-D 8]

Hi anya! Emily was born July 3rd so it sounds like they're quite close in age! Hubby said last night how she barely even looks like the same baby that came out of my stomach - and he's right! They grow and change so much just in a few months!!

They are very close, Sam was born June 21th YEs I agree, theya re growing way way fast.. I already miss his new born baby self - I love him now too since he's sooooooo cute!!! but I also miss his helplessness, jerky movement and pitiful newborn cry Are you starting her on the solid soon? I dont know what i'm going to do.. tried giving him this and that just to taste and he doesnt seem to like the taste of anything (made funny face for carrot lol) so i'll probably wait a little bit longer.

Ladies, I need one more (for today lol) suggestion!! I'm looking for a high chair and there seems to be many on there that the cover is hard to clean or the stand too wide or ..... do you have any that you like / use / recommend? Sam is a big baby (think six month size) so I want to be able to use the high chair for a long time without having to buy a bigger one later (some high chair has too small space) I'll continue to read reviews... but also hope to add yours input too. Thanks!

[chnst 6]

Hi Mommies! I am officially a full time working mom! Today I finally got to meet my boss for the first time since the interview... and I told her that I am pregnant. ugh. Nice timing, huh? It was very embarrassing and awkward, I was so nervous and all she said "congratulations! We will work something out". I couldn't believe it. She was so nice! I feel like an idiot for being so scared. But its a little weird to start a new job when you're 5 months pregnant. I have to wear business clothes for the 2 week orientation and it has been so hard to hide the belly. I'm just glad that the cards are on the table and that management is aware of the pregnancy even if they find a way to get rid of me, haha. Other than that I'm having no problems at all to get up in the AM, although the 12 hour shifts are going to be tough! But I am so happy to work, it's such a nice hospital.

I was away from 6am-6pm yesterday and when I came home Ben wouldn't give me a hug, or talk to me, he told me to leave! He was really mad at me for being gone so long I think! It took him an hour to warm up to me. That kind of breaks my heart, I really hope he will adjust to me being gone 3 days/week. Today was better but he still acted like I am a stranger for a few minutes when I came home.

Tracy: the thermometer trick works magic! I learned that years ago when I was working in the NICU. It works for infants up to a certain age, about 8 months. We've used it on Ben when he was very constipated and he didn't even mind. I put vaseline on the thermometer tip, insert the tip and move it around in circular motions while you use your other hand and gently massage the baby's belly.

Lisa: I would not use suppositories on an infant, they can be very aggressive to the intestinal mucosa. Once he is old enough to eat solids, try prunes, olive oil etc, if he gets all backed up again try the thermometer/q-tip.

If you are breastfeeding/formula feeding it is ok if he goes a day or 2 without a bowel movement. Fully breastfed babies can go a week without having a bowel movement and be just fine.

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

Lisa, Zaid was on Enfamil Nutramigen formula. It is ridiculously expensive but if your only supplementing every once in a while it may be worth it for you. It resolved any gas/constipation/pain issues Zaid had in literally like 12 hours. He was a new baby overnight.

I wouldnt worry about him not pooping everyday. I know alot of babies that only poop once a week or so. Remember their bellys are SO tiny and dont produce much "waste" lol. I would avoid putting anything in his formula or breastmilk to help with constipation until hes much older, just like Stef said. We used the thermometer a few times and it worked great.

[Fandango 1,440]

Thanks everyone so much for the advice, I really really appreciate it.

I wouldn't be bothered about him not pooping everyday, if he didn't look so darned uncomfortable and fuss! And he's usually a good pooper, so there's a definite change for some reason.

Anyways, he had one assisted poop, and one unassisted one...wahey! Not really any visible discomfort, so maybe the worst is over.

Again, I really appreciate everyone's posts...thank you all so much!

Congrats on the job, chnst!

[TracyTN 237]

They are very close, Sam was born June 21th YEs I agree, theya re growing way way fast.. I already miss his new born baby self - I love him now too since he's sooooooo cute!!! but I also miss his helplessness, jerky movement and pitiful newborn cry Are you starting her on the solid soon? I dont know what i'm going to do.. tried giving him this and that just to taste and he doesnt seem to like the taste of anything (made funny face for carrot lol) so i'll probably wait a little bit longer.

Ladies, I need one more (for today lol) suggestion!! I'm looking for a high chair and there seems to be many on there that the cover is hard to clean or the stand too wide or ..... do you have any that you like / use / recommend? Sam is a big baby (think six month size) so I want to be able to use the high chair for a long time without having to buy a bigger one later (some high chair has too small space) I'll continue to read reviews... but also hope to add yours input too. Thanks!

We go see the pediatrician tomorrow for her 4 month shots, etc. She had originally said they recommend you wait to feed solids until 6 months, but we can 'discuss it' if Emily didn't seem satiated by just formula around 4-5 months. She seems to still be satisfied with it so we'll see. I can tell you what high chair we have, but having not used it yet, I may not have the best recommendation! LOL

Tracy: the thermometer trick works magic! I learned that years ago when I was working in the NICU. It works for infants up to a certain age, about 8 months. We've used it on Ben when he was very constipated and he didn't even mind. I put vaseline on the thermometer tip, insert the tip and move it around in circular motions while you use your other hand and gently massage the baby's belly.

Oh good - I'm glad to hear it works!! Will remember that about not doing it after 8 months or so. Though constipation has not been Emily's problem. LOL She had 4 poopy diapers yesterday!! Congrats on the new job and the new pregnancy!!

[Jenn! 918]

We have a Fisher Price Space Saver high chair seat that just attaches to one of our dining room chairs. As for being easy to clean, I don't have anything to compare it to, but the tray is easy to clean, and once a week I take off the cover and wash it and wipe down the base. No complaints!

I don't remember exactly how old Nick is, but I remember Adam's poops slowed down at around 12 weeks IIRC. He would go days without pooping, and he always seemed to struggle with his poops. But the important thing was that his BMs were still soft - not hard and pellet-like. That's the sign of constipation from what I understand. Like others have said, it is perfectly normal for BF babies to go several days with no BMs.

Once Adam got older, watered-down prune juice really did work wonders for him. I only get concerned when his poops are hard - then I give him the prune juice and they soften right up.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Jenn!