https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 03:15:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1087031 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 11:37:45 +0000 Foodnerd81 1087031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: yay!!!! C has also been having a good couple of days/ though not sleeping through the night. Fingers crossed they keep it up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1086965 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 10:31:34 +0000 mrs.cookie 1086965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: yay! It is all so random. Honestly sometimes I wish I could spin a wheel: Developmental Milestone? Teeth? Colic? Illness? Who freaking knows! :)<br /> But I'm glad to hear she's giving you a break :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1086944 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 10:16:41 +0000 Cherrybee 1086944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.cookie: @JamieLee: You know what, she's been great the last couple of days! She has napped well and been much more cheerful when she's awake. She has also STTN for teo nights! Maybe she was just having an off few days? I dunno. Im starting to believe that i actually have no control over any of it and there is no reason or rhyme at all!! </p> <p>@JamieLee: Im SO glad your LO is feeling better. Such good news. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1086764 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 08:06:07 +0000 JamieLee 1086764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have seen a 180 degree change since switching our son to Nutramigin and giving up dairy for the breast milk he gets. He is still fussy often but it's not the same horrible shrieking and it's much easier to soothe him now. Granted, it's only been a few days so it might just be a fluke.</p> <p>If shushing helps (it really helps with DS) I downloaded an app called Baby Shusher on my iPhone that plays a consistent loud shushing sound so I don't go hoarse from shushing. I highly recommend it! </p> <p>Hope that its something simple like switching formulas again. Hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1086740 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 07:33:49 +0000 mrs.cookie 1086740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: how is miss E travelling the past few days? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1080833 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:01:11 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1080833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: we had a similar baby. We found out she was mspi and we learned the benefits of baby wearing while walking outside or bouncing on the yoga ball. Once we figured all that out, things got a lot easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1080716 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:09:46 +0000 mrs.cookie 1080716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: yep I think you're right, she's feeling a lot better than she was, but something is still bothering her little system. P gets the hive like spots down her chest (and back) from intolerance reactions too... </p> <p>Good luck at the dr! I think GP can prescribe totally hydrolysed formulas in the uk (recently changed to just peds here). Let us know how you go, I'll be thinking of you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079133 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:17:17 +0000 JoJoGirl 1079133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LazyLightning: YES to everyone in public making suggestions, I HATED that! My favorite was "why is that baby crying like that?" Hey jerk, if I knew do you think I'd be walking her around the block in my pajamas for the last 2 hours? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079130 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:16:48 +0000 Silva 1079130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I"m pretty sure my daughter has some food intolerance (working on figuring it out), and the yellow mustard (not the grainy) you described is similar to hers- although it is full of stretchy, mucus bits. We use cloth, so I think its easier to tell- but if I put the diaper together and then pull it apart the poop will stretch. </p> <p>I know everyone has offered lots of advice, but for awhile the only way I got my daughter to take a nap longer than 20 minutes was to put her in the front pack and bounce on a yoga ball. she would sleep for like 2 hours if I did that. when it was hot I just pointed a fan at myself.<br /> Also- I think at about 3 months I started putting her to sleep every two hours, no matter what- and it really helped with our nap issue. </p> <p>Hang in there- you are doing great! I would talk to the doctor sooner rather than later, though. They might be able to help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079111 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:07:07 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1079111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: no, that poop is not 100% normal. It looke like that for us with E when he has mspi. It was mucus (clear, gooey) mixed in with his poop. Also, he has red (albeit small) rashes on the bum and cheeks of his face. The "low" lactose won't cut it. Honestly, our son COMPLETELY &amp; entirely changed when we switched him to totally hypoallergenic formula. He was a terror &amp; turned into a saint.<br /> I can relate on the miserable child issue, but really, it all change fr us with hypoallergenic formula and some days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079102 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:02:29 +0000 Foodnerd81 1079102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: its so glamorous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079098 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:00:42 +0000 Cherrybee 1079098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: *Cackle*!!! Just you wait for the vomit edition! Motherhood is awesome, right?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079096 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:59:18 +0000 LazyLightning 1079096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: oh but now there are smiles! And scowls. But a LOT less crying!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079092 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:57:44 +0000 Cherrybee 1079092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LazyLightning: Oh..... :sad: :sad: :sad: It's breaking my heart just looking at that face. :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079090 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:56:30 +0000 Foodnerd81 1079090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I don't want to make light of this, but your mustard visuals just cracked me up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079080 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:53:52 +0000 Cherrybee 1079080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.cookie: Yeah, I'm going to get her to the doctor. I thought that the vast improvement we had when we moved to the partially hydrolysed formula meant that we had fixed the problem and that this new grumpiness was unrelated but the more you have told me today the more I think that it's the same issue, just less intense..... the "baby acne" was on her chest too, you know? Which is apparently normal, too.... but the more I think about it the more concerned I am....</p> <p>ps - we're now at 2 hrs napping! And I still haven't made my coffee! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079079 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:53:15 +0000 LazyLightning 1079079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I drank entirely too much during maternity leave. A benefit of formula feeding!! Do what you have to do and put her down and walk away if you have to. I did that a LOT. Some folks told me it's a sign of intelligence to have a child who isn't content to just watch the world go by and not try to be a part of it. I dunno about that but I tried to make myself believe it. </p> <p>You'll get through it!! </p> <p>Here we are at the store and here we are on a walk a few weeks after that. Fun times were had by none!! </p> [attach=233/13/msyxgs.450x600.2013-06-18-13.52.57-L.jpg] [attach=233/13/msyxgt.450x600.2013-06-26-10.23.39-1-L.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal/page/2#post-1079063 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:47:43 +0000 Cherrybee 1079063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LazyLightning: Oh gosh, thank you for this! :happy: I don't mean to be happy that you had to go through this too - but it's so reassuring that my baby isn't the only one who hates everything!! lol. She even hates her singing bear today and she LOVED that thing for a little while yesterday! Hmm, wine at 11am, now that's a suggestion I'm going to take on board for tomorrow! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079062 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:47:24 +0000 mrs.cookie 1079062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I did ask :) seedy poops are the norm, but it sounds like her runny poops are within normal too...T pooped blood or explosive frothy green foam, P pooped mustard with mucous and water in it... So the range of dairy reactions is quite diverse too. Chalk this convo up to "you know you're a mum when". </p> <p>The red raised bumps and flaky skin are setting off alarm bells for me.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079044 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:43:09 +0000 Cherrybee 1079044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.cookie: Red, raised bumps. Nothing like pimples, really. :sad: No, there's no mucous or blood in the loose stools. They're like american mustard... as opposed to her usual wholegrain (I'm sorry, so gross) </p> [attach=2581/13/msywzy.550x413.amercian-mustard.JPG] [attach=2581/13/msywzz.600x400.a-wholegrain.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079037 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:40:27 +0000 mrs.cookie 1079037@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: @Cherrybee: you're not alone girls! I remember my super sweet, kind ped telling me gently "you're always going to know if something is bothering this little man". He has constantly reassured me over the last 3 years that its the bright, determined, special children who are hard work as babies. No one burst my bubble, I don't care if its true or not! :)</p> <p>Also, I wouldn't say my crabby baby turned onto an easy ray of sunshine, but gosh her happiness/general contentment with life increased exponentially as she got mobile and able to communicate. My son, however, turned into the easiest child known to man. So there can be miracles! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079036 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:40:11 +0000 LazyLightning 1079036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you and I have the same baby? I read your post just nodding my head. Nothing anyone told me babies like to do, worked. She hated all her toys, hated to sit in a bounce chair, wouldn't sit in her swing while awake, didn't want to interact with me, wouldn't do a stroller, car seat, wouldn't baby-wear. I'd feed her, change her, get maybe 5 minutes of not crying (not happy, but not crying) and then the misery and fussing would start. Would fuss and cry until she got tired, then maybe take a (much too short) nap and the cycle started again. It was so thankless and miserable. On the worst days, she was awake all day crying. I couldn't go anywhere and I hated every time I was somewhere and saw a mom say, shopping with a baby contently sitting in his/her car seat. I'd be jogging through the store throwing necessities in my cart while my child screamed and people would be all "have you tried taking her for a drive?" OMG. I am lucky I didn't kill anyone during my maternity leave. The idea of a baby being awake and not crying was so foreign to me and I was deeply jealous of anyone whose baby was - even pics I'd see on instagram. People would be all "don't you just love spending time with your baby?" Meanwhile I'd be drinking wine at 11 am and staring at the clock counting the hours till DH would come home from work and I could get AWAY from my little screaming monster for a little bit.</p> <p>But now? She is much better. She got gradually better around 10 weeks...now is 15 weeks. Part of the problem was colic, but it was not the whole problem.. She is just not a happy go lucky child like so many people seem to have. She rarely smiles even now, and goes from fine to screaming in no time at all. She scowls at most things you do and is just very hard to please/not content with just chilling out. But it is better. I'm sorry you're going through this. </p> <p>The worst was that so many people were all "oh, just try ____! My baby loved ____!" I was like "My baby hates EVERYTHING." </p> <p>I offer you hugs, and hope you can enjoy a glass of wine. It really, really sucks to have a crabby baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079027 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:37:42 +0000 mrs.cookie 1079027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: did the spots go white (almost like pimples) or were they raised bumps (red or skin coloured?) if the latter, I'm thinking dairy rash. The runny poops (particularly on formula!) could well be a symptom too.<br /> With the greatest of respect to health visitors (and some drs) - I found that no one seemed to know much or be aware of MSPI. Luckily our ped specialises in allergies and intolerances, but his partner (who was our designated ped for P) is totally disinterested and told me penny's hives were baby acne too! They weren't. They disappeared 48 hours after i gave up dairy. Needless to say, we switched paeds at that point.<br /> Is there any mucous or water in the runnier poops? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079026 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:37:41 +0000 JoJoGirl 1079026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I know, tell me about it. I felt the same way until we started bringing in some post-partum doulas to help so I could eat.. shower... while someone else held the screaming kid. They all said "this is A LOT OF BABY for one person to handle!!!" So it's definitely not you :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1079009 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:34:26 +0000 Cherrybee 1079009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: Thank you. I was wondering if perhaps I was just a massive drama queen and everyone's babies were like this - it's just I'm less tolerant of it. Then my MIL comes over and she's all like "what's wrong with her, the poor thing?" and I feel awful, like I'm making my baby unhappy or something. "Has she got a dummy? Does she have a wet nappy? She *can't* be hungry already, there's no wonder she's got a tummy ache..." ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1078996 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:30:40 +0000 Cherrybee 1078996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.cookie: Weeeelllll, she has had "baby acne" eg little pin prick spots on her face. The Health Visitor said it was normal and all babies get it. The spots have mostly cleared up but have left dry patches which, again, I was led to believe was normal. She also has dry, flaky skin around her eyebrows. Her poop is sometimes normal and sometimes more of a diarrhea consistency. Again, the Health Visitor said it was completely normal.... </p> <p>.... now I'm beginning to wonder. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1078991 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:29:26 +0000 JoJoGirl 1078991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ours was the same way :( It's not normal, but it's the "20% of babies are fussy" bad luck. I remember when LO was a few weeks older than yours that I was surprised when we started getting stretches of time when she was awake and NOT screaming. Like it was a miraculous thing! Maybe around 10 weeks it started? She'd wake up from a nap, eat, and then have maybe 20 mins of happy time before she'd get fussy again. That 20 mins became 30, then 40, and now we're up to like an hour most days. So there is hope! </p> <p>Just keep trying things until you find something that works. Around the 9 week mark we discovered babywearing (she hated it before then) and the yoga ball. Her naps got more consistent and easier to force around 12 weeks. Hang in there.</p> <p>ETA: LO was also diagnosed with a dairy allergy, so it could be a switch in formula will help! And to speak to @LoveisStrange's theory, she was also born 3 weeks early so maybe not ready for the world yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1078982 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:25:18 +0000 mrs.cookie 1078982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: hmmm, yep if she showed such an improvement switching from regular to partially hydrolysed, she may need an extensively hydrolysed formula like Neocate or Elecare. Her system is clearly sensitive if you saw such a dramatic improvement already... P could tolerate a partially hydrolysed formula for 2 weeks before breaking out in rash etc - the dose of the milk protein builds up (in my understanding, I'm no dr!) and so whilst it seems like the baby is tolerating something, it's just taking more to provoke a reaction...<br /> Both those formulas do not use cows milk protein at all and the fats, carbs and proteins are all broken down into their short chain components. (The partial formulas just break down the protein). If it were me, I'd be ringing for that appt. you've got nothing to lose trying the extensively hydrolysed formula. </p> <p>If she doesn't like Neocate, try Elecare. T loved Neocate and never looked back. P wouldn't have drunk it if she was dying. But she's gulping down Elecare happily. </p> <p>What's her poop like? And her skin? P got a distinctive "dairy" rash - rough skin, little pin prick bumps on her face. Watery, mucuousy poops, green poops or even blood in poop can be a symptom of MSPI (milk soy protein intolerance). </p> <p>More hugs! Just take today one little step at a time. I wish I could come over and hold that baby while you napped or similar!!</p> <p>Oh my, t used to hate it if I tried to get comfy while holding him! Even risking sitting down was a tough call. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1078981 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:24:37 +0000 Foodnerd81 1078981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: oh and this morning Dh and I were talking about how her unhappy face is like a charicature of a sad face, its SO exaggerated. We have to laugh at it or it would make me cry. Yup, that wall worked hard for the smile. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-shes-awake-shes-miserable-normal#post-1078980 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:24:21 +0000 Cherrybee 1078980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: You can get Nutramigen in the UK too but I think it needs to be prescribed by a GP. I will see the doctor about it.... </p>