Reflux or comfort?

[anametouse]

DS is 7 weeks old. Over the past 4 days he's shown signs of reflux and for the last 2 days really only sleeps well if he's upright on me. Is there a clever way of telling if he's needing this because of reflux and needing to be upright or if he suddenly needs it for comfort?

Not sure on that one sorry. Is this the same in the day?

It is today, he just won't let me put him down. Fast asleep on me and wide awake the second I put him down

There is very little evidence to support the benefits of anti reflux formulas but lots of evidence to show babies like to be held and taking them from the comfort of your arms into a pram / moses basket often wakes them and causes them to cry for you.

Changing formulas also risks tummy aches and constipation!

Have you considered getting a sling so keeping baby close but freeing up your hands ?

Agree that it does sound normal. Have you read anything about the 4th trimester?

He's EBF so it's not a formula thing. It's a real change for him though he used to be happy to sleep when not on me.
Whilst I'm happy to consider a sling, DH and I have slightly different views on using them and his need to be on me continued through the night last night and I'm exhausted so can't keep that up.

If he had reflux (in my experience of having refluxers) he would be extremely distressed, over feeding for comfort, and screaming constantly for hours. I wouldn't jump to medicalise this especially as you are breastfeeding. Many many young babies won't sleep easily when set down. If he settles in your arms then I'd imagine e it's comfort he's looking for. Total myth that babies love to cosy up in their baskets. Try a sling. Close Caboo is good for young babies and has good resale value afterwards. Try feeding smaller amounts more frequently. I fed one side only and fed every 1.5 hrs which really helped the vomiting. We ended up on serious meds as he was vomiting incredible amounts and just screaming relentlessly for hours even in my arms.

Also our reflux was apparent from 2 weeks old so if this is just a sudden thing then it doesn't sound like reflux to me.

Sometimes babies just don't like to sleep but it will pass eventually. I thought I might actually die from lack of sleep at one point - that is actually no exaggeration!

Just wanted to say that the method cakes used of only feeding from one side is also the advice given to Mums with oversupply as it can reduce your supply. If you are thinking of doing it, I'd speak to a BFC first

Does he sleep lying down in your arms? I'm no expert, but needing to be upright does sound like a digestive problem.

Or he could be like my sister's baby, who used to cry when she put her in a lying down position because she was fighting sleep. She would stop crying when they held her upright but got more and more tired and fussy until eventually she crashed out. I think they found a nap routine helped.

I found the Kelly MoM website really good for working out things like this, it might be worth a look?

I feel for you though, those endless days and nights holding them upright are a killer.

If he baby will lie in your arms in positions other than upright, maybe try some sort of nest (like a Sleepyhead?) with a hot water bottle and something that smells like you (e.g. a muslin cloth)? Swaddling worked well for us.