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Suggest Remedies For Sleeping Issues In An Infant
Question: My grandson will soon be 3 months old. He is a happy baby but sleep has become a problem. My daughter is breastfeeding, and currently treating a case of thrush shared by her and her baby. The last week he does not sleep at all during the day. It took her 2 hours to get him to nap and he only slept for 15 minutes today. At night my daughter has not had more than one of uninterrupted sleep in over 5 nights. She is nursing 12 times a day. The baby is not overweight - he measures only the 3 percentile for weight. I am worried about his health and hers. she has been told not to pump her breasts until the thrush is completely gone. I am beginning to think it may be better for her to switch to formula feeding. Please comment.
Brief Answer:
Breast milk is best for the baby.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Unfortunately this is the problem with many babies and there is not much to be done about it. It might be hard to put the baby to sleep and although it might indeed affect the health of the mother, this is an ordeal you have to go through. It is only a matter of time before it becomes fine back again. However, in this context, let me mention that it is very important to properly burp the baby. The baby has to be placed upright on the lap for about 15-20 mins after each feed. The baby takes in excess air during feeds. This air may cause ovredistension, leading to discomfort of the baby which might be interfering with his sleep. Burping makes that excess air come out and also prevents reflux. If that does not help, you may try giving Colicaid Drops (simethicone).
Let me assure you that breast milk is the best feed for a baby and its production is dependent on the demand of the baby. Hungrier the baby, more vigorous is the suck, and more the sucking, more is the amount of breast milk produced. Breast milk also takes care of immunity. The oral thrush indicates a reduced level of immunity and hence the significance of breast milk has actually been enhanced. If you give external feeds, the demand of the baby automatically comes down and so does the breast milk production. If the baby passes urine more than 6 times over a period of 24 hours, you can assume the feeding to be adequate. In short I would strongly insist you not to switch to formula feeds.
Use a growth chart (search google for WHO growth chart) and plot the weight periodically. If the weight is following the desired trajectory, you need not worry even if it is on the lower side.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Breast milk is best for the baby.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Unfortunately this is the problem with many babies and there is not much to be done about it. It might be hard to put the baby to sleep and although it might indeed affect the health of the mother, this is an ordeal you have to go through. It is only a matter of time before it becomes fine back again. However, in this context, let me mention that it is very important to properly burp the baby. The baby has to be placed upright on the lap for about 15-20 mins after each feed. The baby takes in excess air during feeds. This air may cause ovredistension, leading to discomfort of the baby which might be interfering with his sleep. Burping makes that excess air come out and also prevents reflux. If that does not help, you may try giving Colicaid Drops (simethicone).
Let me assure you that breast milk is the best feed for a baby and its production is dependent on the demand of the baby. Hungrier the baby, more vigorous is the suck, and more the sucking, more is the amount of breast milk produced. Breast milk also takes care of immunity. The oral thrush indicates a reduced level of immunity and hence the significance of breast milk has actually been enhanced. If you give external feeds, the demand of the baby automatically comes down and so does the breast milk production. If the baby passes urine more than 6 times over a period of 24 hours, you can assume the feeding to be adequate. In short I would strongly insist you not to switch to formula feeds.
Use a growth chart (search google for WHO growth chart) and plot the weight periodically. If the weight is following the desired trajectory, you need not worry even if it is on the lower side.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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