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Monday, August 9, 2010

Census Poll

I've decided to temporarily take on the role of a census worker to gather some self-requested information about babies.  Yes, I know where they come from (now) and I know each one is different but I also know there are many commonalities amongst the itty-bitties.  For example, why must God play such mean pranks on us and have us deliver babies before their little tummies are fully developed?  That, my friends, is the subject matter for my poll.

In an attempt to find some answers, get ideas, and commiserate with fellow mothers, I have a few questions.  I just thought it would be interesting to hear your stories and tally the results so as to see if there is a pattern amongst the small fries.  Some of these may not apply to all of you and I like to refer to you as the unfair lucky ones.

1)  Did your baby suffer from gas issues?
2)  Approximately how frequent were the disruptions and to what extent was his/her discomfort?
3)  What did you do to remedy or cure said issues?  Did they provide solutions or just temporary relief?
4)  If your child had stomach issues, did you breastfeed?
5)  Did you change your diet in any way to try to stop the issues?  Were your attempts successful?
6)  How long did the stomach issues last?
7)  If you have multiple children, were all of them blessed with the same rotten bellies?
8)  Did you go to full term with your child?  If not, was he/she early or late?
9)  Do you have any tips, medical or other, that you would like to share?

This little guy (and his parents who are tired of hearing him cry) thanks you for your participation.  I'll be sure to report back with the results, as well as any improvements in his little tummy.

10 comments:

  1. So sorry that little Sawyer is having tummy issues! Jude (like his brother before him) spits up a ton, but that's about all we've had to deal with in terms of stomach/gas/feeding issues over here. He does have a case of the I-need-to-be-held-24/7's...but hopefully he'll grow out of that?? Good luck with your little guy—I hope that you (both) get some relief soon!

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  2. Clearly I can't answer any of the questions you asked in detail from a Mom's perspective, but I will say a few things ...

    One of the kiddos I used to nanny for wound up having a pretty bad case of colic when he was a wee one and had to stop being nursed and switched to a hypo-allergenic soy-based formula; it took about 3 tries to find just the right one for his little tummy.

    And, a gal I work with wound up with a child with dairy and soy allergies and therefore couldn't use any form of formula and had to avoid dairy and soy herself until he grew out of both - which happened around 9 months. Between the nursing and avoiding dairy and soy she lost all of her baby-weight and then some in no time at all.

    Both babies are happy and healthy now and it seemed the stomach issues passed around 9 months.

    Hopefully little Sawyer (and Mom & Dad) gets some relief soon! Hugs coming your way!

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  3. OH NO. Do you think this will turn into round 2 of Wes & Danielle VS. colic?? I really, REALLY hope not. You know all the crap we went through with Alexandra, though I'm still not convinced her colic was all gas-related. I think she was on the extreme side, having discomfort 24/7. Do you think it is something a lactation consultant could help with? The reason I ask is maybe he is gulping down too much air when he feeds which is making him gassy.

    You know all that we went through and all that we tried, so I won't recount it here. One thing we didn't explore too much, though, was massage. I remember that there was a baby massage class offered through the hospital where she was delivered and several of the massage techniques were aimed at soothing the stomach and using gentle pressure to try to break up the gas. Might be something worth looking into.

    Sending big hugs your way! It is the 22nd that I will be in Lexington - if it's alright, I'll stop by.

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  4. 1) Did your baby suffer from gas issues? M - no, C - had colic until 12-14 weeks (I was too tired to remember how long)

    2) Approximately how frequent were the disruptions and to what extent was his/her discomfort? several hours of nighttime screaming - every night from 4 weeks or so on

    3) What did you do to remedy or cure said issues? Did they provide solutions or just temporary relief?
    bouncy seat, dark cool room

    4) If your child had stomach issues, did you breastfeed? Yes

    5) Did you change your diet in any way to try to stop the issues? Went dairy free Were your attempts successful? somewhat, later we learned of her MANY Allergies

    6) How long did the stomach issues last? ~ 3 months

    7) If you have multiple children, were all of them blessed with the same rotten bellies? No

    8) Did you go to full term with your child? If not, was he/she early or late? 37 weeks

    9) Do you have any tips, medical or other, that you would like to share?
    Call me if you need to vent. I've been there! If you need a break, I'm home several days a week and the kids start school Wed!

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  5. We've got a farter. Seriously, this kid cuts wind all the time. He only acts like it bothers him when he seemingly wants to but can't. (Draws his legs up, strains...) His vibrating chair seems to help get the poop rolling, and laying him across my lap belly-down and rubbing his lower back seems to help when he's just gassy. When he was only a few weeks old, that would calm him down almost instantly. Also, we did Mylicon with pretty much every bottle feeding while I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. The pediatrician said he didn't think it really did much, but Sam liked it, and I at least thought he was calmer after getting it. Hope you guys can get some rest soon!

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  6. Sorry I can't help you one bit but I wanted to tell you how darn precious little Sawyer is!!!! :D

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  7. 1. yes, more like major spit up issues (resulting from gas possibly)
    2. often
    3. swaddling really really tight with legs up helped A LOT, wearing ivy also helped when she was uncomfortable
    4. yes
    5. tried to limit dairy, made a little difference
    6. until she could sit up (maybe 5 months)
    7. hope not.... we will know soon
    8. a little early
    9. good luck and hope that you can figure your little guy out! it is horrible when they cry the uncomfortable cry and you can't fix it.
    sawyer is a doll!!

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  8. one more piece of info.... my friend who just had a baby has been raving about colic calm. it is the only gripe water that is fda approved. it is helping her little guys tummy a lot. he slept 6 1/2 hours last night! (same age as your sawyer.... same name too!!)

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  9. no baby here, but good luck to you all! I hope little Sawyer starts feeling better soon!

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  10. awww poor guy!! I wish I could help. Maybe in a few months! :)

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