My 5 1/2 month old son has started to arch his back, gurgle (he has lots of drool right now) and seems to strain at the same time...his face turns red. It seems uncomfortable but he does not cry while or after doing it. As far as I can tell, it is not related to diaper issues. He is still just breastfed (bottle at daycare). This happens while nursing but also when changing or just hanging out. Thoughts? Thanks.
My daughter had those symptoms and it turned out to be reflux. You should call your doctor and see what they think just to be on the safe side.
Hi M.,
If he is exclusively breastfed, it is probably something in your diet that is giving him grief and gas. There is plenty of online reading regarding this subject, to help you narrow down what you may be eating that is getting passed on to him through breastmilk. In the meantime, Boiron makes a great natural liquid tummy reliever. We used it and loved it. (Same company also makes a fantastic teething reliever, too -- Boiron Camilia). You can purchase online, or I've found at healthy food stores, such as Mother's Market, Whole Foods, etc. Good luck!
http://www.shopwiki.com/detail/d=Boiron_Cocyntal_Liquid_F...
This sounds like acid reflux. My son had it and screamed and spit, and arched his back a lot. Ask the doctor about it. Does he spit up a lot??
Or maybe constipated?
Constipated or gassy would be my guess. Just to be on the safe side, you may want to take him into your pediatrician to have him checked out or call their nurse advise line. My children did make certain faces and their faces did turn red when they pooped, but they never strained or arched their back. That would indicate to me that there may be something going on in his abdominal area. There may be a very simple explanation (like he's having a BM) but I'm more of the mind that it is better to play it safe than sorry.
Wishing you all the best.
It's probably gas, but should be checked out by the pediatrician in case there is something else going on. There are sometimes other problems that can be easily fixed so definitely see your pediatrician. If you have seen them, but they have not made any suggestions I would make an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist and have him checked. (I worked in an office with a doctor who was a ped gastro doc) Good luck!
It's probably either: gas, or about to have a bowel movement.
Or, he's tired.
Usually, these are the things it could be.
All the best, sorry I don't have any 'genius' explanations. :)
~Susan
My 5 1/2 month old does this alot to stretch and baasically just see how far he can go with it I believe. He does when ever he has the extra room. Especially in his Bumbo Seat I fear he will pop out of it. Also when changing my sons diaper he does it well tries with his feet. Not sure if they are doing the same but I think it is just a new movement for then nothing bad. The straining for my son is just him pushing himself.ABout the gurgling I don;t knowmy baby drools alot too but he has 2 teeth and I think getting more.
could he be teething? does the bottle at daycare contain your milk? if not, is he getting a lot of something else? (that could plug him up). if it is your milk, is he sensitive to something you're having--dairy products or caffeinated drinks come to mind. you may have to "play detective" and keep a food log, along with when this behavior happens to see what's at the bottom of this.
My twins did that too. It was usually because of very bad gas or diarrhea. One of them would throw up or spit up at almost every feeding. He had acid reflux and the doctor put him on medication. It improved & after that he was weaned off the medication after about 3 months. The other twin was not spitting but he had a milder form of acid reflux. They stopped straining and arching their back around 6-7 months. Their digestive systems just needs to grow and get used their feedings. But check with his doctor. Good Luck.
