Worried about my 6 week old

[Vinnyinny]

Hi, I'm worrying about my 6 week old baby. He strains all the time, and now has a umbilical hernia, which seems to be getting worse due to the straining.

I have seen the doctor and have been assured that as long as I can push the hernia back in, it is ok, but it seems to be really concerning me. I can't understand why he strains as much as he does and seems really unsettled. In my hormonal, sleep-deprived state, I'm starting to worry that there is something else going on. I have another DS and he never did this.

He is EBF on demand, and we co-sleep. He only seems to want to sleep in the sling at the moment, and I'm pretty shattered!

I would be really grateful for any advice/experience of this.

My dd had an umbilical hernia, it peaked at around 6-8 weeks, at the post natal check the gp measured it and refered us to the hospital as it was over 2cm. By the time we saw the consultant at about 4 months it had started to reduce. Now at 11 months you can barely tell she had it.

When you say he's straining, is he actually constipated? Does he have any other symptoms you're worried about?

If you think there is something wrong, trust your instinct and make sure you pester your gp.

I had frequent trips to the drs and was dismissed as a neurotic mother! Turns out she had an allergy to cows milk protein. I'm not suggesting that you lo has this but I don't think it was picked up as I only mentioned the worse symptom at the time of each appointment not all of them together. I should had taken a list!

I hope things get better soon :)

my DD used to strain without constipation, it was a symptom of silent reflux

I would go back to the GPs

Thanks. He isn't constipated, he just seems to be permanently uncomfortable, and this hernia is getting bigger because he's straining so much. I'm going to take him back to the doctor. Thanks again.

Don't know why my message is on there twice! I'm going to take him back to the doctor. He isn't constipated, he poo's regularly, and has lots of wet nappies too. He's gaining weight, he just seems very uncomfortable.

I've cut right down on dairy because I thought it might be that. I feel pretty knackered and wonder if I'm just worrying about nothing, just hate to see him so uncomfortable. Thanks for the advice.

Sorry - two messages - silly iPhone!

Just to let you know if you weren't aware you'll need to give it a few weeks to see if cutting out dairy makes a difference.

I hope your lo improves soon :)