10 week old Velcro baby

[Karmin]

Hi

I'm after tips and tricks to try and cope with ds3 who is 10 weeks old.

To go back a step and explain properly, he had a very fast labour induced which took 1hr 4 mins after waters broke the previous day but didn't progress. During pregnancy I had diet controlled gestational diabetes and severe spd which I had codeine and morphine for (prescribed by the gp) I was in hospital for about a week after and monitored before I self discharged myself to go home. Ds3 is combination fed as he was topped up frequently in hospital due to blood sugars on day 1 & 2 and to help with neonatal withdrawal syndrome, now he is on more formula than breast milk but can still latch.

To get to the point, the last 3 weeks or so (since he came out of the newborn stage) have been incredibly tough, he cries, almost constantly it feels like. I can't seem to make him happy and if he is actually put down unless in the car and traveling he screams blue murder. He feeds sleeps and grumps, wind and reflux have been ruled out mainly because he cries as much laying down as upright.

Yesterday I snapped I had to put him in his cot and go outside for 5 minutes because I was getting incredibly frustrated and tearful as I can't make him happy, he gets fed changed cuddles and nothing is right and I don't know what to do. Gp says he is healthy and hv says it will pass....

[LoveMyPatio]

Dd1 was never happy and constantly cried unless held, and often while held. Dd2 was similar until 18 weeks old. ds just cries if put down, apart from an awful colic stage from 2-10 weeks of inconsolable crying 4pm-10pm.

I now have lots of slings.

And they all like different types at different times so we have buckles, mei tai, wraps and ring slings. At least if they are in the sling you can get on with other stuff, like actually eating a meal. Even if they are still crying.

Ds also liked having his legs bicycled.

Dd1 was cows milk protein intolerant so I had to cut out dairy - but there were other symptoms.

Don't know if any of that will help, sorry. Some babies cry, some lots(!)

[Karmin]

I have a Hana baby wrap and is sometimes happy in it for a while I can also sometimes get him to nap in it if I take a walk.

The only thing he seems to consistently enjoy is having his nappy changed!

My other two children are aged 8&9 and I can't really remember them crying so much but I may have blocked it out....

[LoveMyPatio]

Oh yes I have to keep.moving if they're in a sling! Walks are fab for sling naps. Might be worth getting to a sling meet or sling library and and try out or hire some other sorts - as I say they often like different types!

[LoveMyPatio]

Just a thought - if he likes having his nappy off could he have a sore tummy or trapped wind? Dd1 had a very tender tummy with her CMPI, and ds gets trapped wind and the only thing that fixes it is nappy off and bicycling his legs - after 5 minutes he dies a man sized fart and is suddenly much happier I've never known such huge farts on a breastfed baby before!

[Fueledwithfairydustandgin]

Might not be any good but have a look at Dr Sears High needs babies

[Artandco]

Is he swaddled? Swaddling him can stop him startling himself awake. Most babies do this until around 4 months

[Stegfi]

My DS cried constantly when he was awake and not feeding for the first few weeks of his life. Getting him to sleep in the first place was also a major issue.
Once I cut dairy out of my diet this made an enormous difference.
I also swaddled him for the first few months as he had an extreme startle reflex and he had an orthopaedic mattress.
I took him to a chiropractor as well. This made a world of difference because she was the first person to diagnose a posterior tongue tie when five midwives and health visitors had failed to notice it, despite the fact there were plenty of other symptoms too.
I second a sling as well, it was the only place he reliably slept for the first few months.
He is by no means an easy baby but things did change dramatically after these changes.
Good luck, I keep telling myself these things don't last forever x

[Leviathan]

hey there,
that all sounds really tough - are you getting support? Putting him down for 5 minutes while you get a break is not the end of the world. Can anyone help with the holding even for half an hour while you have a nap/bath etc?

You will make him happy, you are just both having an incredibly tough time.

My instinct (which may not work for everyone) would be to cuddle him (slings were a lifesaver with my LO) as much as you can cope with and eventually it will get easier. It's such a short amount of time looking back (DS now6) but at the time when you are shattered and trying to meet everyone's needs it feels like forever.

[GardenWorm]

Have you looked into baby osteopathy? It's good for easing problems that can result from a fast birth. Also I wouldn't rule out reflux (possibly silent if not vomiting) just because of the upright/lay down thing, for some it makes no difference. I hope you find help soon x

[Karmin]

Thank you all for your replies,

I have tried the chiro but not cranial osteopathy, my partner can help but he works away and is generally away 3 days a week including nights which makes it tougher but he is awesome when he is here.

He does enjoy being swaddled but can still tell if you move away from him, I think hearing a heartbeat is soothing for him. I actual did find it easier when today I just gave in and stopped trying to put him down but I had the benefit of my partner being here which made it easier to do!