3 days old seemingly very windy and in pain...

[MatNumptyDad]

This is Jack's 3rd day in the world and so far it doesn't seem very comfortable for him.

From the moment go he has been producing an amazing quantity of wind from all ends. He sleeps for a bit and then goes bright red screws his face up into an angry ball and stars straining for all his worth.

This usually accompanied with much crying, arm waiving and arching of his back.

the main question is going to be can we give him calpol or something to ease it?

We are trying to breastfeed but the milk hasn't come in yet so he has been getting tiny amounts of colostrum and last night we resorted to formula. I'm assuming that he is taking in large amounts of air after suckling to no avail for an hour or so at a time. Stools are still tar like meconium and regular so the plumbing is working..

It looks downright painful and he is too small and new for that...someone must have some hints and tips?

Mat

No calpol he is too small

And the milk will take 3 or 4 ,days to come in, step away from the formula they only need tiny amounts in the first few days.

put the baby tummy down on your lap and rub back in clockwise circles, or across your forearm and do the same.

What pos are you burping him in? sitting up, holding them by the chin is good.

he will be getting what he needs from the breast...babies this small suckle for a long time, it's hard work suckling.

No calpol. Due to his age, I think you should call your midwife.

step away from the formula...
you make it sound like a loaded weapon!

we had been told that they only need small amounts... but 4 days on a thimble full per feed..if we are lucky. Just seems so wrong.
In truth we only hit the formula as my wife has been doing the breastfeeding thing hours at a time and last night they were just too sore to give it another go.

He seems permanently hungry. Chewing on his scratch mits or clothes..heaven help you if your finger gets in the way!

but then what do I know about babies!!

As to the burping position... any and all! If I can put him in a position and rub I have done it. He seems calmer if I hold him upright against my chest and rub his back.
Well he makes the best noises and smells that way!!

So you are telling me to stop panicing, wind never killed anyone even a small anyone and just rub it out of him?

sorry about the slow reply he is asleep on my chest and im trying to master the one hand type with the monitor 10 ft away!

Hi Mat, congrats on the new addition! Firstly, yes, try not to panic, much of this sounds far from unusual. But a call to the MW won't do any harm to reassure you and your wife.

Your dw's milk is probably just starting to come in, so it is important to keep trying to breastfeed to establish the supply, even if very little seems to be coming out yet. It's tempting to resort to formula but if you succumb to its 'easiness' right now at this crucial stage in breastfeeding, it won't help her get it off to a good start. Feeding frequently is the key. For soreness, lots of lansinoh cream, or if it is really bad ask the mw for Jelonet dressing. You could find out if there are any breastfeeding counsellors in the area to help with positioning and latch, which will help with soreness (often they are better than MW or health visitor). Also, do reassure your dw that the soreness will pass!

For wind you can use Infacol drops from birth (available over the counter), I found them helpful with my ds.

Breastfeeding is a challenge, can be very tiring and can take a while to get the hang of, but it is so worth persevering. Your job is to constantly pamper your dw with lots of cups of tea and cake to keep up her strength, you could even walk round the block with the baby in a sling if the upright position helps with his wind, giving her a break.

Don't worry, we all find it bewildering to start off with!