My Baby Will Not Stop Crying-Help

[jennbull]

My son is 7 months and I recently stopped breastfeeding about four weeks ago.  Right about that time he started being REALLY fussy and crying ALL day long.  I will play with him non-stop and he cries no matter what.  If I leave the room he freaks out.  I first thought maybe it was separation anxiety, but it has not passed.  No matter what I do he cries like he hurts or something.  Could it be the formula?  He is also constipated.  My doctor told me to try using formula with no iron?  Has anyone heard of this helping? 

Thanks :?

[Noelle]

Hmmm...if it started around the same time, the formula is definitely the first thing I would look at.  What kind are you using? 

As far as the iron goes, I had read that the amount of iron you get in the iron fortified formula is pretty much the same as in breast milk so in theory, it wouldn't help with constipation...though I have known formulas/cereals in general to cause constipation (goes along with how some babies get constipated with rice cereal and not barley though they provide the same amount of iron, does that make sense? :wink:  ). So you may want to try switching to another brand before switching to one that's low iron. Also, as far as the constipation goes, is he really straining/struggling with it?  If he is, other things you can try for constipation is to try to increase his water intake (use water when making his cereal is a good way)....or have you tried prunes/prune juice at all?   

[jessica and emilys mummy]

I had the same problem with Emily.The low iron formula made no difference.The best thing was Kiwi fruit.We got senna from consultant at hospital in the end.Also try vaseline around bottom area as it eases the poo out.
Also she'd cried constantly and I got to the point where I couldn't cope much longer.Although it took me about 4 months to admit that.Things got steadily worse,she would screech so much as if she was in pain.
I once saw a BW program with Tracy getting down to babys' level and speaking gently and telling baby where you were going ie;kitchen,bathroom etc.I didn't remember any of this until my health visitor said about it.Also what helped was taking her to the kitchin with me and instead of pushing her away when I was microwaving milk or waiting for the kettle to boil just put her up on the side and showing her what was happening.
I got so bad with the stress of it all I finally admitted it when I found myself at the top of a cliff on holiday thinking this would make her shut up.
I had no intention of doing anything I just said it and walked on.I then phoned HV and told her to take Emily away as I can't cope with the crying,pulling at me,scratching etc.
Although she started this at about 6 months it did take me to 10 months to get help
Get your health visitor in to chat.Mine was great.I don't know if I've been any help but you are not alone Also have a look through the BW books if you haven't already, they are great help

[Tonya]

Crying non-stop after switching to formula makes me believe you may want to speak to your ped about a milk allergy, and possibly change to a soy or another type of formula.

If your child is in pain, please don't wait! :cry:

Hope you're both feeling better soon!

[abwalk]

My son had the same problem on formula.   We tried several different kinds - ones with less iron, ones that were "gentle on the stomach" and nothing helped until we switched to soy formula.  He is lactose intolerant and all of the milk based formulas hurt his tummy.   It cleared up pretty quickly after we switched.

WHen he was in pain (before the switch).  I used to put him on my lap and massage his tummy.  It seemed to help a bit, but is just temporary comfort.

[jennbull]

Thanks for the reply.
I have tried juices but he does not like them.  I try to give him lots of water throughout the day.  Sometimes it seems like he only acts like this for me.  He seems happier with other people.  I am pregnant, 8 weeks, that is why I stopped bf, and so my energy level is low and I am pretty sick.  It can be hard taking care of him sometimes and holding him is so tough bc he weighs almost 23 pounds.   I just feel so desperate sometimes and almost going crazy.  I love being a stay at home mom but some days I wish I had a break from him.  Sounds terrible....Well, hopefully I can figure out something...

I have read stuff saying that soy formula is not good for babies.  Is this true???  Also, if I do try soy what kinds are best and do I need to add anything to his diet???


Thanks again!!!

[abwalk]

I just sent you a pm.  Hope that answers the juice issue.   

My son has had soy formula since he was 3-4 months old.  Now he drinks soy milk.   He is 18 months old.  His doctor has always said he is extremely healthy.

We used Enfamil Prosobee Lipil. 

Some of the feelings of desperation go away when your child goes back to normal behavior.  Extended periods of unhappy kids are difficult!

[jessica and emilys mummy]

My friend has just phoned.Her lo had lactose intolerance and cried all the time.I'd speak to dr or HV asap.
Soya milk formula is fine for babies BTW.

[Noelle]

You may want to try a "predigested" formula like Alimentum or Nutramigen before soy first....talk to your ped.   Let us know what you find out.

{{HUGS}}