Wondering About a Weak Cry After Full Feeding

I think it defintely warrants a call to the ped. And defintely mention the full feeding, hoarseness. You could be dealing with reflux possibly or something else. Do you see any other signs? Does she ever arch her back? Seem like she is trying to swallow stuff back down? Sometimes there aren't any outward signs, hence the term "silent" reflux. If it is the problem, it is important to see the ped. because it can cause brochitis or pneumonia. I am not a medical professional and only giving you my thoughts from what we have dealt with. Hope you find some answers.

A lot of times babies who are born early will have feeding problems. First the sucking mechanism is one of the last things learned in the womb. So being born before that is accomplished means she needs to learn it now. Next the crying, my son was 5 weeks early and had many digestive problems. He had reflux, which we helped by keeping him slightly elevated after feedings. There are special pillows you can buy, we just used a regular pillow (folded in half) and he would lie on his tummy on the pillow per his Doc! We also had to switch formulas to the Enfamil Lipil with Rice, this way if it did come up he still felt full, but was gentle on his tummy. If you think she is full and nothing is coming up than it could be gas building up and she is uncomfortable you can try baby gas X and see if it helps. We had to use it a lot! Once we made these changes he started sleeping through the night, cried less and grew like a weed! I hope you have gone to the website for whichever formula you are using and register, they will send you coupons and other neat things! Do this for all products you use from diapers, wipes and food!!!

You're doing all you can. Some babies just always have a hoarse, weak cry. <smile> Since she was early, she may be just catching up. Just keep up the good work and snuggle her plenty.

It sounds like your baby is having some GI discomfort, or possibly reflux. This would be especially true if she has a hoarse voice quality. Take her to the pediatrician as soon as possible. There are several things you can try to help alleviate the symptoms. You can go to www.infantrefluxdisease.com and look up the symptoms of reflux. If she is not spitting, she may have "silent reflux" which can be causing the hoarse voice quality. This means the reflux comes up to the hypopharynx or throat, and goes back down. If you have further questions, you can access me in the message boards under "Ask the Experts." I am the OT.

R. Elkin, MOT, OTR/L, CKT

have you thought maybe she is collic? or maybe she is just not taking to your breastmilk good. Have you noticed her being gasy anytime?

When my son was just a few weeks old, he would cry and sound hoarse--it turned out that he had reflux. It took a few weeks to confirm it, but after a trip to the gastroenterologist, he was put on Prevacid and got better almost immediately. We took him off at 6 months, and he has not had trouble since. He will be a year next week. The dr. told us that being hoarse can be a sign of reflux.

Hi A., You are very sharp to be tuned in to your baby's cry.I would not be extremely concerned about it but I would mention it on your next Dr, visit. It could be that the baby being a premie, his or her lungs aren't quite developed yet. But just watch and make sure that he or she is not having trouble breathing, running a fever, not eating well or seems disoriented. I suggest letting the baby cry a little to help build the lungs.(not a whole lot but a little) Hope this helps.

Oh, poor baby. :( Is she colicky (sp?). My DD was full term, and around 2 weeks she would just cry and cry. She only took the pacifier for about 2 weeks. Thankfully, I'm glad we didn't have to break that habit! For babies that small sucking is comforting. Does she ever have a strong cry? Or is it weak all the time? DD is my only child...and boy I tell ya I called the doctor's office all the time. I think you should too. All of us mom's here can only give you anecdotal advice. I really would suggest calling her doctor or nurse and if nothing else it will at least put your mind at ease! I seriously called like every week...when it's your first one you just want to be sure! :) Best wishes to you both!

when in doubt always check with your dr. if it seems wrong to you check it out. there are no stupid questions. since you are concerned take her to the dr. to be safe. god bless

I feel for you!!! My son (now 6) went through that, possibly worse. He would cry everyday after the noonish feeding until about 10pm (he awas so worn out he would sleep for 8 hours which was a huge releif). It started at about 6 weeks and went pretty much until he was 3-4 months. He was still very fussy until his first birrthday. He nursed until about 8 months. Our pediatrician never found anything wrong and just called it colic. He is my 2nd child of 4. They are all a year apart and while he was the only fussy infant, he is now in the gifted and talented program at school and very smart beyond his yrs. We have another friend whose baby was the EXACT same way and taught himself to read at age 3 also - maybe it's a sign of something good after all the pain of hearing them cry? or maybe that's just coincidence. :)
I hope this gives you hope! I know it's tough to hear your baby cry and not know what's wrong. I'd make a dr. appointment if you're worried or at least mention it at the next check-up since they go so often the first year.
Good luck -
C.
P.S. Someone once gave me a cry chart - you may look up online. Pretty interesting- it shows that crying increases around 6 weeks as I remember.
Also, growth spurts hit at 3wks,6wks,3mos and 6 mos. Just somethings to thing about.

Hi A.!

I was in a similar situation 3 yrs. ago. I took my son to the emergency room twice not knowing what to do about all the crying. All they ever said was he may be cramping from his stomach. I was afraid for the night to come because I knew he would cry non-stop. I din't know what to do. I was fustrated and depressed about the situation and with me being a single mother it was worst.
What I did one day, after 2 or 3 months, was take him into a church. I had the priest put Holy Water on him and prayed for me and him. Never did he cry desperately again!! It really worked for me! We all have different religions and beliefs but I experienced a similar situation and that's what function for me!!! Good Luck and be patient I know it gets fustrating at times.

It sounds like you have a sleepy fussy baby on your hands. She may be getting to the age where she's realizing there's more to life. Babies learn ways to keep themselves awake fairly early in life. They don't want to miss a thing. Right now it's crying, later it may be swinging her feet around.

But if you think it's more than that, ask your pediatrician. It can't hurt, that's what they're there for.

Babies tend to be content after feeding. It sounds like she might be uncomfortable or in pain. Have you considered reflux. Mine both had it, and alot of the problem can be remmedied with keeping her upright or on an incline after she eats for about 30 min.

I have three children. I have had that with my youngest son. He would have a weak cry after eating a full meal. I figured out it was gas. Sometimes a burp is in there and cannot get out. I started using Mylicon drops for every feeding. It really helped and then after he got really good at burping he did fine. Also, sometimes the cry happens if the child is too full and is uncomfortable.

A.

I would go ahead & take her to the Ped. also. It very well could be reflux like someone else already mentioned. Just because they aren't spitting it back up doesnt' mean it isn't coming up. Also, reflux is very common in babies born early.
Good luck and I hope she feels better soon.

When in doubt call the pedi maybe she has gas or just wants to be cuddled but I always say better safe than sorry! :) good luck and God bless

Hi A.,

I can't answer your question directly, but I am a complete believer in call the Pedi if I have a question. I always believed that if I have a question, call...that's what I pay them for and the piece of mind is worth it.

Good luck, A. B.

A cry after a full feeding is a cry to see the pediatrician. You know she's getting enough to eat, so why cry? Maybe her belly hurts due to a food allergy (easily solved problem there), or she's coming down with something. Either way get it solved now. See your ped today.

I have a 7 week old and right now he is crying during and after he nurses. Have you tried any gas drops? That seems to help Hayden. Even if he isn't gassy, it just helps settle his tummy.

My 7 week old son was recently diagnosed with reflux. He would nurse for over an hour and would cry as soon as he finished. His pedi put him on Zantac, suggested that I limit feedings to 40 minutes, and told me to keep him upright for 30 min after eating. It's helped tremendously! My son is actually happy after a meal now! I would call your pedi and ask them about reflux. Good Luck!

Hi A., You said that your baby is having wet and dirty diapers and is gaining weight. If you are nursing her, you should feel that you are not as full. This will also show you she is getting a good amount of milk. Nursing babies like to suck. The pacifier is a wonderful thing! You may just have a baby that has some gas or is a little fussy. If you are feeling concerned, call your doctor. The first baby/first year can be a little scary for some moms. Don't feel bad to call your doctor. My advice, if she calms down after a little while than your baby is fine. Just mention it at the next doctor visit. Hope this helps. :-)

Hi A.,

I am the mother of 3 beautiful girls and from reading your message I would definitely bring your little one to her pediatrician. It sounds like she might be sick. And, A lot of times when they are so young only a doctor can tell if they are sick. When they are so young a simple cold can be serious, so please check with your doctor. Better to be safe :-)

Hi A.,
I think she has relux too. My baby was like that and we didn't discovered until she was 2 month old when the pain was worst. I really recommend to read about the symptom of reflux and discuss it with your pediatrician. They will rule out any other conditions. You are the mother, and mother's have a 6th sense, so if you feel there's something wrong, make an appointment with the doctor. It's better to be save than sorry. My doctor prescribed Prevacid to my baby.

Also, I recommend to give them a little bit of water. If is gas, it will get rid off the gas better than those over the counter medicines. If is the reflux it will calm down the burning senstation for a while. Do not give to the baby any more milk because overfeeding makes reflux worst.

Sounds like reflux! Some babies suffer from this condition and it seems more prevalent these days. Reflux is where the stomach muscle that holds back food from regurgitating back into the esophagus is weak. Thus, after feedings the milk slowly rises in the esophagus and causes a nagging heart burn sensation. Babies that suffer from refulx are often fussy for a half hour after feedings. Reflux can be treated with a prescribed medication. If you choose to wait it out and avoid the pedi, try comfort measures like sitting the infant upright after feedings and raising the head of her bed slightly. Some babies improve once you add solid foods to the diet because it will thicken the food.

congratulations on your new miracle!!
I agree with Tam, if in doubt, call the pedi. If they are concerned, they will ask you to come in.

Mine had it - it was her first sign of GERD. The crying was because the contents of her stomach were coming up part way - it hurt, as you can imagine.

Whenever in doubt, A., call the pediatrician. No matter what we tell you it is you that hears your precious one's cry. When I had my first, he hardly cried and even though that should be a sigh of relief, I was still worried that something was wrong with him. It was only until the pedi checked him out and told me he was okay, that I was comforted.

If I were you, I would call the pedi to be certain nothing is wrong.

No question is out of line. A pediatrician once told me that if a mother feels something is different then she is probably right. She is the closest to the child and notices small changes. A good pediatrician will check the child to see if there is another reason for her weak cry.

Even though you know the baby is getting enough milk sometimes it is not satisfying enough for them. I went through that with my daughter. Your milk may not be rich enough for her. I would nurse for 20 minuets or more and she would still take 2 oz. of formula after I finished and I could still express milk. She was much happier after I put her on formula.

It sounds to me like she might have reflux. My baby had that and it sounds a lot like what was going on with my baby. You can go to your pedi and talk to them about it. Mine prescribed Prevacid and it worked great. Good luck!
S.

I would call the pediatrician. It could be silent reflux which can easily be "cured" by Zantac or Prevacid. Both of our children had this. They would finish eating and then scream and want to eat more to wash the acid back down which would lead to more reflux. It was a vicious circle until medication. Our doctor prescribed Zantac and within 5 days of beginning this medication, our babies were back to themselves and didn't scream for hours on end.

Hi A., I'm a 54 year old grandmother of 7 but I nursed both of my babies & went through the same thing it sounds like you are going through. My milk was too weak & I was starving them. I would sit and nurse them for hours thinking I was doing the right thing because they still seemed hungry.
Test your milk by pumping it into a clear bottle & let it set in the fridge for several hours. First of all if it doesn't look like regular milk it is probably weak. Mine was on the clear blueish side. It looked a little like skim milk instead of whole milk. If after it sets for a couple of hours & separates, the creamy part should come to the top & the bottom will be more clear but if it's to clear your milk is too weak & may not have much nutritional value to it. If it's strong enough it shouldn't separate.
Try to give her formula & see if she is more satisfied. One or two times won't keep her from nursing but then you will know if it's your milk or not.
Both of my girls went through this as well. We were told, after the fact, that we could have gone to the health food store & taken marshmellow & it would make your milk richer. You might try it. God Bless you & your new baby.

When my baby was that age, she started having "night terrors"... nothing I did would comfort her except one night after an exhausting attempt, I popped in an old copy of the Spielberg movie, ET. She immediately quieted and seemed to "bond" with whatever or whomever... I don't know it just seemed like a miracle to me and we both went to sleep after the movie was over. I think something (a sound, a sight, etc.) connected with her and gave her focus.
I know my scenario isn't the same as yours but it might be worth a try. I also may be totally wrong but, I think when they are babies, so fresh and new to this world, it must be a strange place to be for them after only existing in the dark, warm, tight space of the womb. They were in constant contact with their mothers and had not a care in the world that wasn't tended to immediately. Now their whole existence is different. I've always wondered if seeing something "familiar" (like something you listened to while you were pregnant that they heard) makes them feel more safe and secure.
If you continue to have problems with this, you don't have to take a trip to the Pediatrician, but you can call and request to speak with the nurse... you may have to leave a message for her to call you back. she'll address your concerns to the Dr. and call you back without you having to spend a dime or leave your house.
Good luck with your new little one!
P.

A. with a baby born early they are not as strong and just nursing will make them very tired. If she continues to do this you might give her a little break while nursing with the pacifyer to suck on as it isn't as much work as the breast.Nursing is really hard work for these little ones so the weak cry is probably because she is very tired.Good luck with your precious babe.

Hi A.!!! I am a mother of 2 lovely little girls. I experienced the same thing and finally figured out that my little one had a tummy ache. My hubby and I tried everything they sold for this problem until finally I mentioned it to my pediatrician. She recommended Colic Ease gripe water. It is a herbal remedy that can be used for everything. My hubby calls it liquid gold. Go to www.colicease.com and you will find it. It seems a little pricey but it lasts a long time. We also used it with our girls when they were teething. They are now 4 and 2 and doing great. We also used lavender oil as a soother. We put it in their bath water and also mixed it with olive oil and used it to massage them with it. Let me know how everything works out and hang in there!!!

sounds like your milk is not strong enough for her you may need ask the doctor to test it and see if it is .evenif she is gaining your milk isnot feeling her up that is why she is crying all so try gaveing her some peppermint water it want hurt her but will let her sleep she my have gas onher stomuck and the peppermint wiil help that too

I would check with the pediatricain. It could be gas or acid reflux. Those things the pedia. can help with.

It never hurts to call. Always trust your intuition.

could it possibly be colic? highland makes colic tablets for babies which i found very helpful with one of my daughters. you can find them in better supermarkets ie.: united on s. 14th in abilene in their natural/homeopathic section. homeopathic meds are perfectly safe for babies...poor little thing!

My son had similar issues, and it took me two months to figure out it was the dairy I was eating and drinking that was causing him discomfort. I would suggest cutting out all dairy products for at least a week and see if it improves. Once I did this for my son, he was much better. The research I found n this, is that baby's have a hard time breaking down the cows milk enzyme, which is passed to your breast milk. It takes a few days to get it completely out of your system, which is why I say to eliminate dairy from your diet for at least a week to determinie if this is it. Also, when you are nursing, are you letting her completely empty one side before moving to the other? I had issues with this as well. The first milk they get is higher in sugar, and if they only get the foremilk, the high amount of sugar can cause gassiness, which would intern cause the crying. The lactation consultant I worked with encouraged me to keep my son on one breast for at least 15 minutes, to ensure he got the hind milk, which is higher in fat, as it clams there stomach. I hope all works out for you, and it will get better!

Go with your gut. If it is a weak cry and your baby is fairly easily soothed within a few minutes, she is probably fine, but I would definitely call if you are truly concerned. Whenever my 12 week old used to cry after a presumed full feeding, I would get up and try to burp her, which a lot of times stopped the crying. If that doesn't do it, I'd walk around for a minute or two and if the crying continued, I tried to put her back on the breast to see if she needed more. Sometimes, she would nurse again for about 5 mins and then she was done and she was content.