[ShannonMVT]

Hi all, thanks for asking about me. I am finally getting over my cold.
We are hanging in there... Matthew is 5 weeks old now.
He has what they used to call "colic", I guess. I think it could be acid reflux, as he spits up a lot and sometimes he cries afterwards. He's also had some tummy troubles with gas and green poops, although thankfully his poops just went back to yellow so I hope that part is better. Dh and I are having a difference of opinion about the reflux so that is really tough. I want to try out some medication to see if it helps and Dh doesn't want to because he is paranoid about medication and side effects, etc. He also doesn't think Matthew is necessarily crying b/c of reflux but I think he is. I hate to hear my baby cry and not be able to help. The only surefire why to make him stop crying is to nurse him even if he is not hungry, it ends up being a comfort thing, which can lead to more spit up if his tummy gets overloaded. I am also a week into giving up dairy to see if that helps, but I don't think it is. I will give it another week to give it a fair try.
I am still exclusively BFing. He eats usually every 2 hours but sometimes it's every hour, sometimes it's every 3. I just talked to a lactation consultant with questions and I'm going to start going to La Leche League meetings to get some support. It can be so tough but I really want to BF and I know it's also the best thing for his reflux. I am pumping once each morning so that he can take an occassional bottle of milk from my mom (when she visited) or Dh and then I can sleep through one feeding occassionally. I really feel for you pumping mommys, I do okay with my morning pump, but gave up trying to do it any other time of day because I'd only get a couple milliliters in the evening.
Sleep is tough, he just doesn't sleep for very long so it's hard for me to get enough. I look forward to when he starts sleeping longer. I do put him in a SwaddleMe at night and sometimes that helps him sleep a bit longer I think.
And the good stuff....he is smiling and he's just so cute. He's a joy when he isn't hurting from the reflux/tummy issues. He loves his mobile and he will lay on his changing table and watch it and kick his right leg back and forth.

Here's some pics...most are a week or two old at least, I need to upload more recent ones..



He likes bath time.













Cloth pic. And just recently Dh learned how to do prefolds with a snappi as well! I'm getting 12 Bumgenious OS in the mail soon and I'm excited for that!

[midnight_starr]

He is precious!!

He is soooo adorable I hope his reflux stops soon and he starts sleeping longer!!

[♥Ashley♥]

He is so cute! He looks just like David (i think)!

[Mars]

He's so lovely!!! I like the pic with his hands up like they're behind his head and he's chilling out.

I'm glad your cold is going.

[freesiangel]

He is absolutely adorable!! I hope the reflux clears itself up soon. You're doing great mommy!

[soImarriedAnerd]

Sounds like your doing a great job! Sorry he has reflux---maybe you and DH could compromise and look at some natural treatments for it.

He is simply adorable! His pics make me want my Jack! I love the pics with his little arms by his head

You know, I JUST finished prepping all my cloth dipes. What a pain that was.

Aww I love the little one leg kick thing! He is too adorable. I love the sleepy pic and the sticking out the tongue pic

Unless he is crying all the time, or every single time after he eats, I wouldn't think that he has reflux. Sometimes they are just gassy because their little systems are so "new"- Reid never had colic or reflux, but he would randomly cry after eating because he got a bubble or just ate too much and needed to spit-up. It will probably keep getting better with time.

What has your doc said about it?

[~*Bethy*~]

Keep up the good work!!!! Colic will ease up around 4-5 months, just keep his head elevated and dont lay him flat on his back!

~Beth

[*krista*]

He is SOOOOOOO cute!! SO SO cute!

I'm sorry you are dealing with reflux. I'm sure being a new mommy is already difficult enough, much moreso if you are dealing with reflux. Poor little guy!

[IamMom]

What a super cutie Shannon!!! I'm so glad you are all feeling better! I hope the crying and reflux even way out in the next few weeks! Hope the meetings/support help you out!
Thanks for the update and pics!

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

He is absolutely adorable! I just want to cuddle him he reminds me so much of Landen at that age! I hope his reflux gets better poor little guy! I'm glad your feeling better and enjoying your little boy!

[~* Helen *~]

Hes so cute!!! I love his cookie monster suit!!!

[ShannonMVT]

Thanks girls! We are already doing "reflux precautions" by keeping him upright for 15-30 minutes after eating and elevating his co-sleeper mattress.
We are taking him to the pedi on Tuesday so we can talk about our options.

Things were a bit better today, crying wise, so I hope that continues.

[szczepanski]

What a little cutie!!!!

I hope you can figure out something for his reflux....I can't imagine how frustrating that is for you guys.

[.Brandi.]

Shannon he is so gorgeous!!!! What a little sweetie! I understand your feelings on the acid reflux, I think Preston had it and still occasionally suffers from it. I hope the crying stops and your sweet little guy (and you!) get some relief. Hang in there Hon. You're a fantastic Mommy!!!