My DD is 8 weeks old, and for the first 3-4 weeks she was a dream. She ate well, slept well and was placid overall. Then, all of a sudden, feeding (I am BF'ing and expressing) became a nightmare, and it is really getting me down. She was diagnosed with reflux and is now on ranitidine which has definitely helped that side of things. Last week, she broke out in a terrible eczema rash and it was suggested I give up dairy for 2 weeks to see if she improved. Last week she also had liquid nappies, but weirdly this meant that her usual wind problems were noticeably better.
She's now back to pooing every few days (currently on day 4 and still waiting!) and, while I know this is normal for BF babies, she's so so uncomfortable and miserable. We have tried everything - massage, bath, bicycle legs etc but nothing works. This has happened several times in the last few weeks and she's visibly relieved when she finally goes. She's then like a different baby for a day (and I feel so much happier too) but after that the cycle then starts all over again. The no dairy appears to have helped her skin (combined with a prescribed cream) but not her tummy. She literally hasn't stopped screaming today. She did have her jabs yesterday, so I know that could also be causing the crying, but she's so so windy and clearly trying so hard to go, but to no avail. I just keep getting told by healthcare professionals that this is 'normal'.
I know that if this continues my mental health will take a downward spiral. It's already not great as I'm very sleep deprived due to the fact that she writhes around all night in discomfort. She also doesn't sleep during the day, so is constantly overtired. When she goes go down, she sleeps for 40 mins absolute max. I'm also feeling isolated because of her digestive issues. I've signed up to a number of groups, but haven't made it to any as she's just so uncomfortable most of the time. We have no family nearby, and my friends all work, so I'm on my own with her. I have tried every OTC remedy - gripe water, infacol, colief etc and nothing helps her tummy. I'm going to go to a BF support centre tomorrow, but to be honest I know it's the not pooing that's causing the wind (it always really improves after she goes) and I have been told previously that she has a good latch. I love her so much, but I don't understand why she fed so well, then all of a sudden it became a nightmare. If we could crack this I know she'd be much happier, she'd sleep better and so would I, but we just can't get to the bottom of it (no pun intended!). Has anyone been through a similar experience? I don't know what to do next.