Upset tummy - 3 week old

[StuckOnARollercoaster]

Having a few challenges with my bf 3 week old. At times she gets really distressed and although I have a gp appointment for tomorrow, I wonder if there is any advice to help me get through tonight and tomorrow (and longer if the gp can't help!)
I bf on demand and although her latch is no longer painful so I figure its working, the feeding sessions can vary from 10-12 mins on each boob to nearer 30 mins on each boob.
Am getting plenty of wet and dirty nappies, although they do vary from green poo to the regular mustard ones. The green ones do coincide with her distressed periods and are often accompanied by some very eggy farts. These also seem to happen following a feeding - from 10 to 30 mins afterwards.
The only thing that seems to soothe her is sucking - sometimes I let her use me, but if we can't get the latch right or am struggling with the crying then I give her a dummy. Am increasingly using the dummy, even though I know its not a good idea at this early stage - but its the only thing that's getting me through this.
After reading here I suspect silent reflux, or could it be something different? I know colic is said for unexplained crying, but I don't think her crying is unexplained - its like she has digestion problems. (Oh and as of 2 days ago I have cut out dairy/cows milk protein just in case that is a factor)
Anyone else had something like this or can offer any tips or advice?
Thanks in advance...

I am no expert but while we wait for someone more knowledgeable to come along...

Do you think you could have a forceful/fast letdown at some feeds? Might account for the green poo and uncomfortable wind your DD is experiencing. I think food allergies to the extent they would affect a BF baby are relatively uncommon.

So sorry this is tricky for you at the moment.

Should add I found weeks 3-5 the absolute hardest. It sounds like you are doing a great job.

Do you think it might be worth calling a breastfeeding helpline/going to breastfeeding cafe/seeing breastfeeding counsellor? Unless your GP is v. hot on breastfeeding someone specialised might help more.

stuck what you've said could all be normal baby behaviour but it might be worth reading this on tongue tie.

Are there any Bfing Support Groups near to you too? It could be worth getting in touch with them. They should be able to check for tt, observe a complete feed, check your latch and see if this is normal baby behaviour or if something else is going on. Its probably worth speaking to a BFC before you go to the GP too as your GP is unlikely to know much about bfing. Have you got the Bfing Helpline numbers?

When you say she is using you, does it hurt when you are feeding? Does she settle if you let her feed when she is distressed? If not, have you got someone who could wear her in a sling and walk around for a bit?

Other things that might help you tonight:

Google "youtube Richard and judy happiest baby". Great technique for soothing crying newborns.

Google "youtube dr jack newman latch". A couple of videos on getting a good latch.

Google biological nuturing.

And have a read of Bfing your newborn: what to expect in the early weeks and cluster feeding and fussy evenings.

Personally I wouldn't cut out dairy until she's had an allergy test, unless of course you are keeping a food diary and the association is strikingly obvious. This article should be useful if you are thinking of discussing CMPI with your GP.

Hope you get a better night

Xposted with Gunpowder and agree

Thanks for the links - will check them out.
I will see if there are some other bf groups around here - according to the one I've been to linked with the surestart centre there's nothing wrong but they do not have a specialist rather they are supporters of bf.

When feeding the latch doesn't hurt and I can sense or hear there is swallowing, but the ones that I think are for comfort I can't sense the swallowing. Also the latch starts ok but she will move and adjust later on into a painful latch so I have to take her off. I often can't get a good rematch in this case and after a while end up resorting to the dummy.

I'm most concerned about her digestion and the fact that she's clearly not digesting my milk well when she has the green poos and distressed crying and kicking behaviour. I'll look up those links before I go to the docs and see if they help. Have had a quick scan on the first one and although she doesn't have all the factors there are several she does so maybe she is tongue tied...

Thanks again... I think she may be asleep now so will try and get my head down as well!

I had to cut out dairy (without allergy test) but DS was having horrendous nappies and really slow weight gain. We have green poo sometimes still and he gets really upset when he does green ones so I think it gives him tummy ache too. Apparently a cause can be too much foremilk which if your baby us having short feeds due to the heat could be a reason?

I was told it can take 2 weeks to get dairy out of your system.

Hope you find some answers xx

Also I introduced a dummy at 3 weeks due to reflux too.

If the Surestart centre doesn't have a BFC does the la Leche league have a leader in your area you could contact? If she has sone of the symptoms of tongue tie, I really would get that checked urgently too

I'm not trained so you are best talking to a BFC but I always thought that some green poos are ok as long as its not that most are green. Have a read of this.

Hope you got a chance to look at some of the articles and hope you get to speak to a BFC, have you got the helpline numbers?

wow that Richard and judy clip is fab - am so going to try that on our next crying/screaming session.

GP visit was helpful and we have a strategy for the next week. Firstly we'll assume the pain is wind and I have infacol to use to try and ease the wind pains. If that doesn't work in a couple of days I have gaviscon to try in case its acid/reflux pains.

I have also been in touch with local la leche league and nct - waiting for replies as I do wonder about Daisy's latch or a possible minor tongue tie. The article on tongue tie and green poo do make me wonder if she is giving up her feeds too early due to difficulty with the latch. Especially in this hot weather - I guess I am producing a fair bit of watery foremilk for thirst but is she stopping before getting the richer milk? Hopefully I'll find an expert that can fully observe a typical feed.

As it doesn't really bother me - I'll stick with being dairy free for the next month. If we do sort the crying/pain problems I can always reintroduce slowly after the month and see if it has any effect. Happy to give up most dairy although I am going to miss my magnum icecream treats!

Thanks to all for the links and the advice - am feeling much more positive today that we can sort this out, especially if I can find a breastfeeding counseller/expert. If anyone has any recommendations for someone in the Manchester area then that would be great if I don't manage to get very far with LLL or NCT.

Thanks again

So glad you are feeling more positive. Your supermarket should be able to give you a list of all the dairy free food they sell to help you with your shopping.

Hope someone gets back to you soon, if not I'd post on Mn local about bfing support in Manchester