How to Control a Gastric Problem in Newborn Babies

Newborn bodies, being so tiny and so new, often have some issues to work out before they start to work like clockwork. A gastric problem is a problem related to the stomach, but some people use this word to describe anything related to the digestive system. Before using any type of home treatment with your child, consult his physician. Medical advice on the Internet cannot be substituted for professional medical treatment. Keep in mind that sometimes, time is the only thing that will help your child, and despite your best efforts, your child might have to grow out of this phase.

Instructions

Treatments

1

Consult your baby's doctor. This step is crucial in controlling your baby's gastric problems because a doctor can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment.

2

Breastfeed your baby if possible. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer episodes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as reflux and GERD). Breast milk is more easily digested than other types of milk and empties from the stomach quicker, which reduces the amount of time the milk can irritate the babys stomach.

3

Try an over-the-counter colic or anti-gas treatment like Gripe Water, Colic Calm or Mylicon drops upon your babys doctors approval. These treatments can be found in the baby section of a drugstore or grocery store.

4

Massage your baby. Place your baby on his back and run your hands from the top of his chest down towards the top of his diaper and repeat with the other hand, and keep repeating as long as your child is comfortable. Your pressure should be firm, but smooth and not hard enough to cause pain. Alternatively, you can run your hands clockwise around his belly button to encourage digestion.

5

Bicycle your babys legs. While she is lying flat, take her feet and one at a time, gently bring her knee toward her chest. Repeat with the other leg, and keep repeating as long as your baby seems comfortable.

6

Keep your baby in an upright position as much as possible. You can do this by holding him or putting him in a safe baby sling or carrier like the Ergo Baby Carrier or Moby Wrap. The upright position will work with gravity to keep digestion flowing in the right direction.

If You Breastfeed

7

Contact a certified lactation consultant. Most hospitals have lactation consultants available for you. Discuss the digestion issues with your lactation consultant; she can advise you on certain issues like your breast milk letdown, which may be causing the problem.

8

Try eliminating certain foods from your diet that may be causing gastric upset for your baby. There is no list of foods that always cause digestive problems for babies, so you need to analyze your own diet. One of the more common types of food that causes problems is dairy. However, dairy is not always the culprit. Also keep in mind that the problem might not be related to the mothers diet at all.

9

See your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant if you are experiencing any type of breast pain. Thrush, which is a yeast infection in both the nursing mother and baby, can cause gas and fussiness in a baby. Thrush symptoms vary and you might not see any noticeable symptoms on the surface.