Hi mamas and papas! Do you have a fussy newborn? As a Registered Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and a mom of 4 myself, I’ve seen my fair share of fussy newborns, gassy gurgles and reflux woes. Let me tell you, those tiny cries and squirms can have even the most seasoned parent feeling helpless. But don’t worry! Gas and reflux are very common in newborns, and with a little knowledge and some helpful tricks, you can navigate these tummy troubles with confidence.

Recognizing Newborn Gas Pains

First things first, how do you know if your little one is experiencing gas pain? Here are some signs:

• Fussiness and crying: This is a general indicator of discomfort, but paired with other signs, it can point towards gas. Look for crying that intensifies after feeding or seems unrelated to hunger cues.
• Drawing knees to chest: This classic “colic” position is a newborn’s natural way to relieve pressure in the belly.
• Passing gas: While not always a noisy event, frequent passing of gas is a good sign your little one is trying to relieve discomfort.
• Firm, swollen belly: This can be a sign of trapped gas.

Preventing Gas in Newborns

Although gas is normal for everyone, the good news is that there are ways to prevent gas buildup in the first place! Here are some tips:

• Burping frequently: Burp your newborn throughout a feeding, not just at the end. Aim for burps after every ounce (or even ½ an ounce for younger newborns) and after every pause in bottle feeding. If breastfeeding, burp when baby pauses for longer than 10 seconds, is falling asleep and when switching breasts.
• Slow and steady feeding: This allows your baby to swallow less air, which can contribute to gas. Another post to follow on paced bottle feeding.
• Bottle nipple flow: Try to find the slowest flow nipple for the bottle you choose to help prevent overfeeding and air intake. For newborns, start with a preemie flow nipple.
• Upright positioning: Keep your baby upright for at least 15-20 minutes after feeding to help with digestion and burping. Try babywearing in an upright position for added comfort.

Natural Remedies for Newborn Fussiness/Gassiness

If gas does occur, here are some natural remedies to soothe your newborn:

• Gentle tummy massage: Using oil or baby lotion, gently massage your baby’s belly in a clockwise motion.
• Bicycle legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion, helping to release trapped gas.
• Warm compress: A warm compress placed on your baby’s belly can provide comfort.
• Warm bath: A relaxing bath can also help ease gas discomfort.

I get asked all the time about gas drops or gripe water and my answer to that is to consult with your baby’s doctor. As a licensed nurse, I am not able to recommend or prescribe any medications. What I can do is provide you with non-pharmacological interventions to try. 

Reflux vs. Gas

Sometimes, gas and reflux can be confused. Here’s the key difference:

• Gas: Discomfort caused by trapped air in the intestines. Symptoms usually resolve with burping, passing gas, or a bowel movement.
• Reflux (GERD): When stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation (heartburn) for your baby. Symptoms may persist even after burping and passing gas.

Signs that your baby might be experiencing reflux include:

• Frequent spitting up: This is different from occasional dribbling after a feeding. Reflux involves forceful spitting up or vomiting.
• Arching back during feeding: This can be a sign of discomfort from stomach contents coming back up.
• Poor feeding or weight gain: Reflux can make feeding unpleasant for your baby, leading to difficulty gaining weight.
• Hiccups and coughing: These can be caused by stomach contents irritating the esophagus.
• Fussy behavior: Similar to gas, a baby with reflux may be fussy and uncomfortable.

If you suspect your baby has reflux, it’s important to consult with your baby’s doctor. They can recommend a treatment plan, which might include:

• Dietary changes: This could involve thickening breastmilk or formula with a special rice cereal mixture. ***Please do not do this without consulting your baby’s doctor.***
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid.
• Positioning: Keeping your baby upright for extended periods after feeding can help prevent reflux.

Benefits of Seeing a Lactation Consultant

As a lactation consultant specializing in newborn care, I can offer a unique perspective on managing fussy newborns, gas and reflux, especially when breastfeeding is involved. Here’s how I can help you navigate this challenging time and help your fussy newborn:

Identify: Whether it’s a latch issue leading to air intake, an underlying milk allergy contributing to gas, or simply needing the right positioning techniques to manage reflux – I can help pinpoint the root cause and recommend personalized solutions.

Support: I can be your biggest cheerleader and source of expertise. Reflux can make feeding uncomfortable for both you and your baby, potentially leading to nipple pain, frustration, and difficulty establishing a good milk supply.  My goal is to empower you to achieve your breastfeeding goals while providing comfort for your little one.

Every baby and feeding journey is unique.  I don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach.  Through my assessment, observation, discussion, and personalized support, I can create a feeding plan tailored to your specific needs and concerns.  

I can provide you with evidence-based information and answer your questions with compassion and understanding.  My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate feeding difficulties and build a strong foundation for your breastfeeding journey. Which in turn will reduce stress and contribute to a more positive postpartum experience for you and your family.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if your newborn is fussy, or if you are facing challenges with gas, reflux, or any other feeding concern. If you haven’t already done so, feel free to download my FREE Newborn Guide: “Why is my newborn so fussy?”  You got this mama and papa! 💗