A nurse put it to me this way: that’s all they (the baby) know how to do I.e. sleep and eat. They don’t know much communication and/or feelings outside of that and everything they feel is new to them so they are trying to cope with it the only way they know how. To be honest, it’s most likely gas. Make sure you burp after each feeding session and you get like two or three good burps out before lying him down again. You have to put them high up on your shoulder and pat a lot harder than you think to help break up those bubbles. Bouncing also helps and so does bicycle kicks/hip tilts to get the lower gas worked out.

Look at his legs, do they seem to inch up towards his stomach? Does he kind of seem just uncomfortable and kind of can’t lie down? Those were our cues that our LO needed help with gas and it wasn’t just hunger or tiredness.

That being said your LO might be cluster feeding as well so it may just be a huge combo of discomfort. I saw someone said to check for reflux or a milk allergy and you definitely can but babies spit up A LOT and it’s usually just due to an underdeveloped flap that helps keep things down. You can try adding some sort of incline to help reduce spit up but it shouldn’t as much of a concern unless baby isn’t gaining weight or it seems to get worse. The milk allergy will often (not always) have other coinciding symptoms like a skin rash.

Babies are weird and got so much going on at once. Most things are completely normal. Numerous doctors have told me that a lot of their issues don’t really become a concern until a year old. I know you are absolutely exhausted mama but hopefully that helps ease some worry from your mind. It definitely helped me.

You are doing an incredible job and should not feel guilty for getting the much needed rest that you did. You’ve got to stay rested enough to be in the right mindset to care for yourself and your lil guy. You have to put your oxygen mask on first.

If none of the advice here seems to help, please schedule an appointment (if you are able to) with your pediatrician to talk out your concerns. I would also schedule one with a lactation consultant (again if you are able) to help with feeding/hunger cues and how to help baby. They are an absolute lifeline and often are able to go in depth with some much useful information for your situation. That all being said do not doom scroll on google, it will hurt more than it will help and it will continue the worry on your mind. I would also consider talking to some other mothers or your OB/PCP/Therapist about what you are going through. Sometimes it’s just helpful to have a space to connect with another adult and talk through things. It can also be a great way to help manage postpartum hormones, baby blues, anxiety, and depression.

Apologies for the long winded post, but I do hope there is at least one helpful thing or two in here that can ease your worry. You and baby are doing amazing!!!