(no subject)

[gosling]

I *can't* get sick. I can't. I can't. The baby needs me. Chip is still sick, but he *has* to go to work Monday.

The baby is up screaming all night, every night. He's totally digestively not coping, and the only position that doesn't hurt him seems to be completely upright. And so far I can't figure out how to sleep while holding him that way.

(He also completely flung himself out of Chip's arms, and I still don't know how Chip managed to catch him, so, as at this point my wrists have given out and keep shaking, I pretty much only dare hold him on the bed or somewhere else where if I couldn't hold on to him he'd be ok.)

I can't get sick. My whole body aches, but I *can't* get sick.

Comments

Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[bethr.livejournal.com]

Sounds like Baby B. is colicky!

1. Simethicone (sp?) drops.
2. Homeopathic colic drops.
3. A sit-up baby seat and a dryer. Turn on dryer. Strap baby in seat and place on dryer.
4. Elimination diet for you: try getting rid of legumes, cruciferous veggies, chocolate, dairy if all else fails.
5. Play "bicycle" with baby: moving his little legs around makes him less gassy.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

It won't be completely upright, but how about with a big pillow under your knees and lie him on your thighs? Or the carseat? I've heard of many people whose babies loved sleeping in carseats.

Is there anyone who can afford to brave the germs who will come over and baby-wrangle so you can sleep? You know I would, but if I get sick I will be hosed.

Is there anything I can do?

Re: Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

Good suggestions. The anti-gas drops used to work with Ilana (option 1). Also, burp burp burp and burp some more.

[gingicat]

If you're in that much pain you *need* someone to come over. If you destroy your wrists then you won't be able to take care of the baby.

Jacob has to be at work Monday morning, but might be able to come by in the afternoon... would that help?

[gosling.livejournal.com]

I think Rachel is coming over on Monday, so I should be set for then.

The wrists were ok until I was essentially taking care of him all by myself from Tuesday onwards (when we realized Chip had a fever of 101.4) and everything aches somewhat right now, so *hopefully* as Chip gets better and I get better it should be ok.

[gosling.livejournal.com]

If Chip with his iron clad immune system got this sick, we *definitely* don't want to be exposing other people to this yet, especially you. (This is apparently the thing that went around Arisia this year, at least it sounds like the same symptoms a lot of other people are describing.)

Chip is starting to get better, and hopefully I am just exhausted and not getting sick. We shall see.

Later in the week, if Chip is still sick and having to work anyway, I may want some help during the day, but, as Chip is finally recovering, I think I'm ok for now.

Now if I can just figure out what is upsetting poor Benjamin's stomach so much and *fix* the problem...

Re: Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[gosling.livejournal.com]

Burping eventually helps some, but it can take hours...

I think I will call the pediatrician's office on Monday.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

I'd eliminate dairy from your diet first. That seems to be the worst culprit, from what I've seen, when infants get upset tummies. I'm so grateful I didn't have to deal with that, with Ilana. If you need to call for a voice of sanity or just to vent, please do. I'm going to try and stay up until 11.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

Also use your upright baby carrier. If he wants to be upright and your wrists are bugging you, sounds like that's a good thing.

Re: Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[gosling.livejournal.com]

Advice is always helpful. :-)

I have been eating a lot of dairy, but I was eating at least as much before the problem started. (I just finished a course of antibiotics for my infected incision, so I was eating a lot of yogurt. If I'm very lucky, the antibiotics were the problem, but that's unlikely, as I was on them for ten days, and this has just started to be a problem in the last few days.)

[gosling.livejournal.com]

There's an idea. He doesn't like the sling after he eats (although he's happy with it otherwise.) I think he is too young for the other carrier, however, because he needs to be able to hold his head up firmly.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

If the upright carrier has a hard backing to go behind his head (as he's facing you) he doesn't need to hold his head up. He can just curl in towards you like a little kidney bean. You can also use the sling to hold him upright in front of you like he'd be in the other carrier, but it's tricky.

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

In addition to the other suggestions (especially putting him to sleep in the carseat -- that often does work), do you have a swing? If not, I have one that I can bring over for you. There were times when Isaac wasn't happy anywhere or anyhow, but he calmed right down when I put him in the swing.

Oh, also, have you tried putting him tummy-down? Either on his tummy on the bed/crib, or lying face-down across your arm or lap. A lot of colicky babies love that position. I know "everyone says" you're not supposed to let a baby sleep on his tummy due to SIDS, but Isaac always preferred it, and okay, I checked obsessively to make sure he was still breathing, but the point is, at least he did sleep!

Good luck!!!

Re: Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[bridgetminerva.livejournal.com]

The only thing that worked with Aileen was the gas drops. DO it. Don't even wait. the relief is almost instant. IT is not harmful to the baby.

[dolphin127.livejournal.com]

Sleeping in the carseat is a great idea. I suggest calling MD tomorrow rather than waiting until Monday. Wish there wasn't sickness over there...I'd be over in a hearbeat, but I just got better myself.

Re: Not Sure If You Want More of My Advice, But...

[keyne.livejournal.com]

I have been eating a lot of dairy, but I was eating at least as much before the problem started.

Colic almost never starts before babies are 2-3 weeks old, so you wouldn't have seen it before now.

[gosling.livejournal.com]

Thanks for to offer of the swing. :-)

We actually have one that I should (find a place to) set up for him.