Why my baby is passing super foul smelling gas his bm smell just as bad?

Question

I am breastfeeding 9 week old son and supplementing with soy formula because since birth he has been very gassy. About 2 weeks ago his stools became watery and he began passing horrible smelling gas. I have an appointment with my ped on tuesday since about 3 weeks old he has alway he has always been so fussy , cranky and uncomfortable. He is so restless, does not take naps if he does they only last about 10-15 minutes. I cut out dairy and right now I'm making sure that I feed him on one breast per feeding to avoid too much foremilk, but I would think that eliminating dairy ,supplementing with soy and using mylicon drops would help.

Answer 1

Soy formula could be adding to the smelly gas problem, not solving it. (Soy causes gas in most people.) Breast milk alone might be the best way to go. It's much easier for the baby to digest than any formula. Pay attention to what you are eating, because foods that make you gassy may also affect your baby through the breast milk. By depriving your baby of the foremilk, you are keeping him from feeling full, because that is the richest, highest fat content milk, which may make him more restless. Some babies are fussier than others. My second son was a lot like yours and wasn't a happy baby until he started to crawl at four months. Trust in breastfeeding. It really is the best thing.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Foul Smelling Stool And Gas

Answer 4

Are you cutting out trace amounts of dairy as well? And why are you supplemting with formula? I think if you cut out the trace dairy and cut out the soy formula, then baby's stools and gas won't smell so bad. If you have to supplement, try a lactose free formula. Your baby may also be sensitive to soy. You may actually have to eliminate some other foods from your diet, such as soy or wheat. Make sure to read lables carefully!

Answer 5

Congratulations on your baby! You're doing a great job! Don't panic, this situation can be frustrating but there are a few things you might want to try.

First off I would try cutting out that soy formula. There is absolutely no benefit to it. Soy is one of the most allergic foods and it also contains "phytoestrogens" strong enough to treat menopause symptoms. It is even more likely to cause symptoms in your baby if it contains DHA and ARA additives. These have been known to cause extreme gastric symptoms in some babies including gas, watery stools and foul smelling stools. It may take a few weeks after cutting it out to notice an improvement. Also the bottle itself could be causing excess gas.

The second thing I would've suggested is to nurse on one side per feeding, but I see you're already doing that. You may want to also add breast compression to that. Also your baby may want to "comfort suck" but not get too much milk. How is your baby's weight gain?

Another consideration is that gas just *bothers* some babies more than others. You may have a "high-need" baby, which would also explain the sleep patterns. A few things to try for these babies are carrying them in a sling, swaddling, and frequent breastfeeding for comfort.

Other things to try to help with the gas are infant yoga like Itsy Bitsy Yoga, infant massage, and Elimination Communication (EC). Often when babies are gassy it just means they need to go to the bathroom. The sensation of going to the bathroom bothers some babies more than others too.

Here are a few resources for what I mentioned above:

Gas in the Breastfed Baby:
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/gassybaby.html

Oversupply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

Breast Compression:
http://www.bflrc.com/newman/breastfeeding/compres2.htm

Fussy Babies
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051200.asp

High-Need Babies
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T050100.asp

Infant Massage:
http://www.infantmassage-imis.com.au/

Itsy Bitsy Yoga:
http://www.itsybitsyyoga.com/

Elimination Communication:
http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/

I hope some of that helps. Don't forget this will pass ( just like the gas!).

Good luck!

Answer 6

I would cut out the soy formula immediately. I've posted a link below with information about how soy could be harming your baby and CAUSING gas. 100% breastfed babies do not have stinky poops unless you are eating something that he's reacting to. Along with dairy, wheat is a huge culpret too. Good luck and keep up the bfing--your baby will thank you later!

Answer 7

There could be a number of reasons for this.

Why did you cut out dairy? who told you to do that?
Dairy products contain many healthy attributes. At 9 weeks he should be having all the goodness available to him and you have denied him that!

It also sounds like your baby isn't getting enough to eat. Most babies when full and properly weaned should sleep for a good few hours. You need to make sure all wind is coming up.
Is he constantly bringing his knees up to his chest? He may still have gas.Some babies are just very gassy. He may even have a little colic which is causing him distress. Try a little gripe water.

Get your baby to also drink cooled boiled water between feeds. It will help to flush him out a little and also stop him from dehydration if his stools are loose.
Check that your baby is at the right temperature too. We all know what it feels like if we are too hot or too cold. With the weather changing all the time you need to keep a constant check on it.

You must be exhuasted so I hope your doctor helps you out when you go to see them. Try not to worry too much, I am sure it is just a baby thing and he will settle down eventually. When your baby sleeps, try to grab a nap too. Housework can wait and you must need some shut eye.

Answer 8

Sounds like the baby has colic or a terrible tummy ache. Right now, call your local hospital and ask for a triage nurse. See if you can get advice on what to do in the interim. The soy could also be a problem.

Answer 9

My little guy had the same problem. He probably is a little colicky. My guy is starting to smell better now. He is 4 months old and now on breast milk all day and one bottle of regular formula before bed. He has also just started cereal fruit and vegetables. I think it is just their underdeveloped digestive track.. Wait it out it will get better, just make sure when you are in public you tell everyone 'the baby did it' haha Good Luck!!

Answer 10

What have you been eating? Have you been eating any cabbage, or other green veggies (broccoli, asparagus, etc.). The symptoms of these gas-producing foods will translate to your baby's digestive system through your breast milk.

You are wise to consult with you Ped. but in the meantime, put yourself on a more stomach-friendly diet. Hope it helps...poor little guy...give him a hug for me.