Scared first time mummy in need of help

[HarrietR]

Please, I'm very freaked out!

My son is 8 weeks old. He has been fine from birth, and is starting to get over his colic.

Every now and then, very occasionally, he holds his breath...to the point of passing out. He goes bright red/purple, and solidifies his body. He then lets out a cry, and settles back down again.
This usually occurs when he's asleep.
Now I've been told he's too young for dreams and nightmares so have ruled that out.

I've been to the doctors about it, and he told me it was something babies did, and my health visitor said it was something to do with pain in his tummy, but surely he would continue to cry, and not stop as soon as I cuddled him? Pain doesn't instantly stop!

Please help...I don't know what else to do!! Has anyone else experienced this? He is very alert and happy, we've started to get longer smiles, which he initiates...so I'm not concerned that what he's doing is having an impact on his development. But I'm still quite concerned.

My cousins children do this. She's been told its normal and they'll outgrow it. They regularly hold their breath until they pass out.

Thank you so much!! I feel better already knowing that someone else is going through this! Ive been so scared! Im getting used to it now, as it seems to be a daily occurance, but the first few times were heart stopping!
Thank you very much x

If it's gas, then it may be released/shifted as soon as you comfort/move him, which would stop the pain.

But in general, it's not considered to be something to worry about as when the child passes out, normal breathing resumes. That rather assumes that they're holding their breath deliberately though.

Both my DSes have breath-holding issues as babies, but when they're crying - they reach a point where they can't draw breath, so I have to poke them quite hard in their solar plexus to get them out of the spasm, then they can carry on. Neither of them have got to the point of passing out though.

my son hasnt passed out yet (as Im aware) He just rolls his eyes back into his head and goes solid. There seems to be no trigger, as I mentioned, its when he's asleep, so it just happens.
He does suffer with colic, so I can understand the pain thing. If it is trapped wind, I guess he stops crying because its moved?
I dont want to wish his life away, but I cant wait for him to talk - it will make it so much easier if he can tell me whats hurting!!

Thank you for the advise! Means a lot! x

Pain does stop with a cuddle. Also when you cuddle you may well gently be pressing against his tummy, which helps tummy ache.

My dc (age 12, 9 and 5) still want a cuddle if they're in pain, and often it helps lots.

If you're still worried then video it and ask the GP to watch. He may give you a "pfb fussy mummy" look, but really the GPs don't mind being asked to check that sort of thing. It means reassurance for you, and a very quick appointment for them.

He does have his 8 week check up next week, so I will indeed film it to see what they say! That's a great idea. Thank you!
I'll continue to give cuddles then, as its one of my favorite things to do! :o)

Thank you x

Harriet - just so you know, talking isn't helpful when it comes to knowing which bits hurt until they're around 5! I tried getting DS1 to tell me where things hurt, but soon realised that if it wasn't a really really bad pain, he'd agree that wherever I pointed to hurt. Even his little toe. They're not big on specifics until they're older :)