Newborn Baby with NON STOP Fussiness!

Hi K.,
I just love it when doctors say that this is normal! Please.
Babies do cry but it's not "normal" for them to act like this.
I suggest that she possibly has infant reflux. My son had it and took Zantac until he was about a year old. I had a bugger of a time trying to get my doctor to help me because he was still gaining weight. Things that are signs of reflux are uncomfortable feedings, waking up from a dead sleep screaming, acting hungry but not eating well and just crying all the time (not all reflux sufferers spit up)
You might want to look it up on the web to find out more about it. And the forums are filled with info from other parents. If you want you can go to the store and purchase Cherry flavored Mylanta Supreme (this kind is Aluminum free) and give her a very small amount (1/2 to 1 ml) about 30 minutes before feeding her. During this waiting time I would try and keep her upright and feed her in the most upright position that you can. (This is what I ended up doing to find out what was wrong after searching the web) If the crying is less then it's a pretty good indication that reflux is the cause.
I can totally sympathize with your sister. Having a baby cry all the time is very hard when it's suppose to be a very joyful time. I wish them the best if finding an answer. If you able please keep me posted on how they are doing. :)
C.

Sounds like my little one, who is now 9 months. She was so sweet and content at the hospital and then fell apart around the 2 week mark. She's breastfed, so I don't have any suggestions on formulas. The baby could be suffering from reflux and/or allergic to milk (lactose intolerant)...my daughter suffered from both of these. Basically she had a tummy ache and gas 24/7 causing all of her fussiness. So I totally understand what your sister is going through and it's not easy, especially being a 1st time mom. Babies do cry, but not ALL day long. There's something causing discomfort in your sister's baby and they need to figure it out soon.

Some things that might help baby calm down: keep upright after feedings, swaddle tightly (we bought the Miracle Blanket and it's worth every penny!!!), turn on noise maker and/or "shhh, shhh, shh" in babies ear, lay baby across your forearm facing outwards---the pressure on baby's belly helps, take for car ride or for a stroll outside. I still can remember walking around the house hours on end with my baby swaddled and laying in the "football" hold (across my forearm).....If your sister has a minute, rent the DVD "Happiest Baby on the Block" and it will demonstrate some of the things I listed. It really helped me through the "colicky" hours.

There is a possibility that the baby may have gas and that is the reason for the fussiness. Another thing that a lot of people don't want to do at this early stage, but I did with my son who is now 12 years old. I took rice cereal and mixed it with the milk, and gave him a little bit of it off of the spoon (just the tip of it) and then gave him his bottle and he sleep like a baby should. I did this especially at bedtime. Doctors will tell you not to, but I am an old fashioned mother and it worked for me. When she is burping the baby, them rub the baby's back in a circular motion to ensure that all of the gas passes.

Try babies msagic tea to soothe your unsettled baby.

I have 3 kiddos and I haven't been in her shoes so take my opinion for what it is worth. I would start with a visit to the pediatrician and a talk about reflux. If it is reflux, then there are medicines and formulas that make that better. I had 2 that were "happy spitters" and breast fed. Zantac was a short term solution. They were only on it a few months b/c they grew out of the reflux. If it is true colic, I doubt that Zantac would help.

Has she tried letting the baby sleep in the bouncy seat or carseat?

Please remind your sister to take a break and get out of the house even if it is only for 30 min. Your mom can deal with the crying for 30 minutes.

Tell her to hang in there!

Tell her to try Colic Ease gripe water drops. It works wonders whether the baby has colic or not!! Mine does not have colic but is very gassy and these drops are the only thing that help,and I tried pretty much everything.
http://www.colicease.com/

My daughter did this, but it didn't start until she was 2 weeks old....perfect angel at the hospital, and when we got home it was a nightmare!!!! She would sleep for 20-30 minutes at a time....I was so confused b/c I had heard so many people say babies sleep 16 hrs a day at first...not mine!! She could have colic! We had our baby on Nutramigen (total waste of money in my opinion), and we moved to Carnation (Neslte) Good Start....my pedi told me she had to be on it for at least 7-10 days to get any results....also it really messes w/their tummies if you switch formulas often. Every baby is different...we used a TON of mylicon drops, middle of the night car rides, bounced her bouncy seat all night....IT DOES GET BETTER! Your poor sister! I so remember how it was, but if the baby is colic theres not a whole lot she can do right now...it's something that they grow out of. Drs are not quite sure what causes it. She might not have colic, but it's just a thought! Good luck to your sister!