Hannah (who is screaming her butt off right now--is there a better way to say "screaming bloody murder"? Something more dramatic? That's what she's doing) had her 4-month checkup today. I am happy to report that she is healthy! Here are her stats:
Weight: 13 lb 15 oz (she has gained exactly 2 pounds since her 2 month appointment)
Length: 25 inches (can't remember last month's length, I'd have to look it up)
Head circumference: 41. 6 cm
Last night's bedtime was by far the worst bedtime EVER, except that tonight is in the running for that title. She has taken her screaming to all new levels, the kind of levels that make you alternate between wanting to cry because you are clearly a terrible mother who has no idea how to make your child your happy and making you want to scream louder and shake your head around and run down the street waving your hands above your head until someone puts you in a nice, quiet loony bin. I don't know what her deal is. I started to worry that something was legitimately wrong with her last night because I'd never heard her scream so loud and for so long and even forfeitting and bringing her into the light of our bedroom didn't calm her down. Eventually she fell asleep (it was after 11:00 when this happened and I was completely drained in every way possible). She did, fortunately, sleep until 7:00 this morning though so that was nice.
I analyzed this today and attempted to come up with an answer and solution. My guess is that she was incredibly over exhausted. I mentioned the screaming fit to the pediatrician and her first response was the same so tonight, early bedtime. Hannah woke up from her nap at 4:00 this afternoon. By 6:00 she was rubbing her eyes and yawning. Since evening naps are never successful, we started bathime at 6:30. She finished eating and had some good burps and I laid her down for bed around 7:15. She screamed like someone was pulling her toenails out one by one for 10 minutes at which point, I went up and attempted to comfort her (I hate myself for resorting to Ferberizing techniques which I find cruel and terrible, but I'm at a loss for what to do). She could not be calmed despite my soothing "It's gonna be alrights" and my soft back patting so after about 5 minutes (which in screaming baby time equates to 5 hours), I put her down and came back downstairs to blog. I decided to turn off the baby monitor and turn it back on in 10 minutes to save my sanity. It didn't work though--she's screaming so loud that I do not need a monitor. I could walk around the block and still hear her. Eric offered to "go get her" next. I said thanks but insisted that he not bring her down--we are not giving in tonight!! This battle has got to end TONIGHT!! So he's back and we're going to eat dinner and she's still crying but she's not screaming as loud so maybe she's losing steam....
Sorry things have been so rough. I am wondering what the ped would say about colic? I really don't think it is a behavorial thing. With colic babies don't always burp or let off gas, it feels like a stomach ache. We have experience with colic.
ReplyDeleteMaria says two drops of grapeseed oil works wonders. She breast feeds and is particular about meds. She got the okay from the doc. Rarely now is it needed after using it one or two times.Hold on for the rollercoaster ride good mama and daddy!
And...it can't hurt to try it, even if it isn't colic. :)
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm . . . . sounds like a baby I had. :-)
ReplyDeleteLike doctors, we are "practicing" Moms. Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeannie! I was looking for the grape seed stuff at Whole Foods but haven't been able to find it...I should get more proactive about figureing out where around here I can get it....
ReplyDeleteTerry,It isn't grapeseed oil.
ReplyDeleteHere are the names of the correct natural soutions that Maria gave to me (her sister is a homeopathic midwife), Gripe Water, Rescue Remedy, and Teraumeel. The Gripe Water, and Rescue Remedy works well to sooth tummy discomfort. Teraumeel works well for tummy spasms and to calm babies. Also, soy milk can cause tummy discomfort.
Denise says that tummy discomfort usually is the worst in the evenings.
I was wondering if it was "grap" or "gripe"--I've had a few people recommend it and am never quite sure which they are saying. I couldn't find either at Whole Foods (maybe need to ask someone). I didn't know that Rescue Remedy made a baby version! I have some of the adult stuff of that (at the suggestion of Laura a long time ago). I like it and will definitely look for it!
ReplyDeleteOh, and Hannah doesn't drink anything except breastmilk and I rarely eat cereal these days which means my consumption of soy milk is pretty low, but thanks for the heads up!
Another thought...now I am thinking when Eric holds Hannah in the "football hold and it calms her, that may be another indication that it is her tummy aching.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's why I usually hand her to him when she gets fussy :) We figured that position releases the pressure from her tummmy. (I think she also enjoys the view from that position.)
ReplyDeleteHave you ask her dr. about her tummy? I was 7 weeks old and had surgery on my tummy and there is about five (5)family members followed after me. Just concerned.
ReplyDeletehmmmmm...what was wrong with your tummy?? We were at the pediatrician on Friday and I mentioned her insane screaming. The doctor seemed to think it was fine, and everything else checked out well. She told us Hannah was of the age now where we could start putting our feet down a bit...Since Hannah usually stops crying when we bring her out of her room and into the light, we deduced that there was nothing wrong with her. I hope not anyway!! There have def been some fits where I've wondered...thanks for your concern!!
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