15 week old baby crying constantly!

[Sumaya1988]

Hi,
I'm a new mum and also new to this site so don't even know if I'm posting this in the right section.
My babygirl has been screaming nearly all day long since about 3 days ago. Her crying stops when i pick her up for a lil while or if she's breastfeeding. Gone is my baby who loved being in her rocker and only cried when she was wet, sleepy or hungry. I can't even soothe her most times. Yesterday the only way she would settle was when i took her out for a very long walk in her pushchair, she was crying from 10 am to 5pm. I've checked her tempt, she's combination feed and is still feeding fine, her nappies are fine too but driving me insane. What am i missing? Am i supposed to hold her all day and get nothing done? I can't even eat with her screaming. I sat on the balcony yesterday for 10 mins and let her cry as i felt my head splitting in two. Some advice needed please!

I would take her to the GP to get checked over - maybe she has an ear/throat/chest infection brewing.
If you get the all-clear from the doctor, I'd recommend the Wonder Weeks app, which tells you when to expect fussier/grumpier/clingier periods as your baby goes through different developmental leaps. She also could be going through a growth spurt - may be worth upping feeds to see if this helps settle her. Good luck!

I had a baby that I couldn't put down, ended up co-sleeping and in a sling. She had bad reflux and I tend to think babies mostly want to be with their mummy (sorry, sexist but true lol). I think you could go to the GP to check for any underlying issues but it could just be that she wants to be with you. I would recommend investing in a sling and just not put her down for a while, I used a baby bouncer in the bathroom only when I needed the toilet/shower. Also used a bouncer in kitchen to cook. It gets better, just might take a few months x

Maybe look into Attachment Parenting.

Double check your breastfeeding latch. Are you breastfeeding on demand or breastfeeding to a routine, would suggest you do demand if you can not doing so. Sometimes little ones want to use you as a dummy and again that is okay. With the weather getting warmer, baby might need more breast switching so she gets the watery drink bit more of your milk to ease thirst. Or baby if switching sides a lot in feeding, maybe try offering same breast again so little one gets more of the milk fat at the back of a feed. If that makes sense? You should also drink more water and ensure a balance diet.

Check little not to cold/hot.

Could be teething.

Could just want to be with you - simple as that.

Join a baby breastfeeding facebook group - I found them SO helpful!!

Could ring health visitor for advice but sometimes they are useless.

Bless you OP it's so challenging in those early-ish days. (I have a 6.5 month old and still remember how overwhelming the early times). My son went through a phase when he was about the same age as your little one and he just cried constantly unless he was being held and walked around by me. It was physically and emotionally exhausting but after a few weeks he then went back to his usual chirpy self. As others have said maybe take them to the GP just to check but it could also be hat they are just going through a stage where they want to be extra close to you?

Thank you all for the advice, i have made an appointment at the GP to double check. I have started bf on demand and let her feed to get settled. I feel much better knowing this may be a possible phase and that - without sounding stupid- I'm not doing something wrong. I've had some painkillers and a refreshing nap thanks to my heaven sent sister so I'm feeling refreshed.

Have a great day all and thank you all, I genuinely appreciate you all taking the time to reply x

Please don't think for a second that you are doing anything wrong OP. Babies are tough. I have a Velcro baby too who screams unless she's being held. Hope all goes well at the GP.

Have you changed the formula or recently introduced that? My daughter has cow's milk protein allergy and silent reflux - she would scream blue murder if ever laid flat and would only tolerate being in a carrier outwards facing. Only once I gave up milk and got her reflux meds sorted did she calm down. Not saying it's definitely that as there are all sorts of things that can anger little babies! Good luck

Update: So it turns out she had oral thrush which can cause discomfort for babies. Thank god i had some Nystan oral solution on hand. Even though i checked her mouth for and signs past few days, the white coating/film on the inside of her mouth only showed up yesterday. Took her to GP just incase and was told it was thrush but its clearing up. I've already got my playful, happy babygirl back, thank the Lord.

@ mrsb06 Sometimes you can't help but second guess yourself. I had my mum around for the first month and a half and i asked her everything and she always seemed to know what was needed/wrong but she lives in east africa and went back. I honestly have a new appreciation for mothers- my own specifically- and women in general now.