NEED HELP!!! New mom, with a 3 week and 2 days old baby boy? Im so confused...

Kellyn - posted on 12/03/2009

First of all, your baby will eat when he's hungry. Try not to go by a rigid schedule and amount at first. Eventually you want to be consistent, but at this stage of the game, it's okay.

Second, don't add the rice cereal to the bottle! He's much too young for that! Most babies can't handle solid food, even in little amounts like that, until they're at least 3 months old. Also, adding the cereal to the bottle can make him choke anyway.

Third, the formula you are using might also be upsetting him. I am nursing my little girl, so I know nothing about formula, but I know that some babies need special formula or even just a different brand. But don't try to change it up too much. If one type of formula doesn't seem to be working, try another one. If after a few days that doesn't seem to be working well, try another one. Just make sure your little tiger is gaining weight. If he's fussy but gaining weight, he's probably eating enough. If he's not gaining or even losing, definitely take him to the doctor right away.

And if you're at all concerned about the advice you are getting from your doctor, get a second opinion. Never hurts to get more than one opinion!

Lynne - posted on 12/03/2009

It sounds more like your little one has colic/wind you can give him some cooled boiled water it is amazing for helping them burp. If he continues to pulls his legs up in pain just massage his belly gently or put a warm face washer on it. All new mums find it hard at the start as for how much he is drinking he will only take what he wants every baby is different. Bottle fed babies poop more than breast fed ones. Maybe his crying is because of wind look above his top lip it will go a bluish colour if he has wind

good luck

Jane - posted on 12/03/2009

oh, sweetie! he's too little for cereal, that will only give him more discomfort. no cereal until at least 4 months. his digestive system is too young to handle it. feed him whenever he wants. a lot of these recommendations are guidelines that the doctor gives you and i'm surprised he told you cereal. feed him on-demand and he'll stop when he's full.
i've always found that being sure they can burp after a feeding will help cut down on the belly gas later - belly gas is nearly impossible to get rid of. keeping him upright after a feeding helps get his burps out and get the milk down his digestive tract in a straight line. if you have a bouncy chair or a wedge under his mattress, that will help, too. hold my babies against my body after a feeding and walk w/them or over my shoulder. as my dad says, "rub, rub, pat, pat" to get the burps out on their backs.
i keep water at room temperature and my kids are fine with it for their bottles. as long as the temp is consistent, they should be fine with it.
he's only 3 weeks, so he's going to be fussy for a lot of different reasons. the biggest one is that he was all snuggly inside and now he's trying like hell to recreate that; the warmth, the quiet, your heartbeat. keep him as close as you can and it should help him calm down a bit. formula is new to his system so he's going to need time to adjust. stay w/the same one, switching formulas only makes their bellies more uncomfortable.
if you have a support system, hand him over at least once a day and get some rest. i know it seems impossible but a tired mama can't be at her best.
you're a great mom already, given how much concern you have for him. you'll only get better.
try a pacifier, too. it helps them soothe.
the pooping is normal, it's all they do this little, eat, sleep and poop.

Samantha - posted on 12/03/2009

The only thing that I can tell you is that what your going through is normal im a young mom too my baby boys going to be 4 months old on the 7th and im only 19, its tough at times to take care of him but i have lots of help but you just have to figure out a rythem and the best you can do is sleep when he does and if hes hungry feed him because its not good to let him go hungry at this age it can mess with his body every baby is different, my little guy was born at 8pounds 8 ounces and now hes still in the 90% weight class and hes the size of most 6 months old so he eats more. If you need any advise or even to just talk im here i know what your going through.

~Samantha

Polly - posted on 12/02/2009

sometimes the dr. doesnt always know best. Youre baby will let you know when he is hungry. My baby eats and always seems to want more when the bottle is gone, when he was nursing he stopped when he wanted. But with the bottle he just wants to keep sucking and eating. I feed him the recommended amount and when i take the bottle out I put the binkie in his mouth and go to burp him, most the time after a couple seconds of whining and fussing he will stop, and just needed a burp, thats why he kept wanting to eat. Babies can not tell the difference between a belly ache and hunger. So try burping when he is done with the bottle and if he burps and then screams for more and spits the binkie out and clearly is still hungry, feed him more. But the next time make a 4oz bottle instead of 3. Also, when it comes to him pooping, my baby only poops maybe 1-3 times a day. When i nursing him it was after every feeding he did, but now that he is on formula its changed.

HAYLEY - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Racheal:

ok the baby will tel u when it is full and it clearly has wind put it over your sholder and burp it by soft pats on its back as long as the baby is happy to feed that much with out problem then go ahead .the stomach pains is wind and consterpation as long as he has burped and still getting pain then bring bbys knees softly to his belly and back down to loosen the bowel .movement if he didnt give up all his wind then invest in some gripe water found at chemists.

 boiled water should be prepared every time never reuse water and if bottles need to stay warm put them in alfoil wraped round a bottle remove when needed.donot feed a 3 week baby rice ceral only when he is 4 months then you can introduce soilds feed as much formula or breast milk as you like as long as the baby is happy to feed that muck every 3 to 4 hrs.

Ivy - posted on 12/02/2009

Your baby is still hungry and isn't getting enough nutrients from the milk as he is getting rice added in. Rice before 4 months can make a baby naturally have gas and become constipated (as well as after 4 months).

Your baby should poo at least every 3 days. If he isn't, then there is something wrong and take him to the doctors immediately. If you are formula feeding, always make the bottle up right before feed and discard any extra. Same for breast milk given in the bottle, discard any left from the bottle your warm up for each feed. You can check to see if it is too hot on your soft side of your wrist. Your bottles and nipples (teats) should be sterilized every time your baby had milk in them, if it is just water then you don't need to sterilize after 6 months.

Your doctor is wrong to say your baby should only have 3 ounces. Your first instinct was to give your baby more was correct. Even though you are a new mother, we have all been there, you were doing right by your baby. I always feed my daughter on demand. When I tried scheduling, she would scream at me as if I was trying to force her to do something she wasn't ready for. As your baby gets older, it will get much easier and you will find yourself knowing what is best for your baby without second guessing yourself. Make sure you burp your baby throughly, but I am guessing once you give your baby more milk (formula or breast), that the gas will be less painful when you cut out the rice.

We are always here for help and advice. Even though your doctor has a degree, you know your child the best. You are the one who has to be with him 24/7. Good luck and try not to be too hard on yourself.

Desiree - posted on 12/01/2009

Feed that baby!!!!! I never put mine on a schedule I fed her when she was hungry. Rice cereal does work......Sometimes. My daughter was and still is gassy. If the gas drops aren't working try a warm bath and rub his little tummy. It will relax him and maybe work its self out. I know its hard but hang in there. Everything sounds normal dont worry. It's just the joys of motherhood lol. When I was in your postion with a new little one I thought I was going to break down and go nuts but those days were a breeze compared to now. She's 2. Enjoy it while it last. Your doing great mommy!

Sevi - posted on 12/01/2009

Hey newborn babies are difficult to understand however you shouldnt be putting any rice cereal in his milk he is too young for that. Also because your not breastfeeding make sure you offer him sterile water whenever it feels like a hot day. As for the feeding offer him a full bottle and let him drink it until he is full then be sure to burp him after his feed sometimes this can take a while depending on the baby.Once he has been fed and burped if he starts screaming just offer a pacifier or dummy and try soothing him to sleep my son was like your baby and he cried for no reason to the point where i was over feeding him and that made it worse.

Nikkita - posted on 12/01/2009

hiya i found a baby massage worked for my daughter she really liked the tummy massage and always let out a little pump while i did it i read about them online and followed step by step guide after each bath (with lavender baby bath to relax her before bed) and i put a little bit of lavender on me so when she cuddled me while feeding she was nice and relaxed eventually i had longer sleeps at night still not got a whole nights sleep though and shes 17 months. i hope things ease for you soon. my daughter was the same its all new for them they dont understand the pushing pains r telling their tiny bodies to poop. oh yeah babys dont no when they r full they will eat until they r sick then still carry on eating be carefull not to over feed him he may just want to have a little cry because he feels like it i no its fustrating because i always thought they cried for somethin but not al the time try talking and cuddling itt might just be him trying to say hey mummy ur the best i really needed that bottle yummy thanks lol xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JAEN - posted on 11/27/2009

Hi Rachael, first things first CALM down your'e doing great. This is YOUR baby and the doctor doen't have to listen to him cry! I don't agree with the thickening of milk cos that will constipate him. However babies of this age dont eat too much. If he wants milk give it to him but if he wants more after his bottle cooled boiled water will fill him up and help him poo. Gripe water is good for wind.If you have any more problems, post. Good luck, enjoy your baby and dont panic you're doing great. Jaen x

Amy - posted on 11/27/2009

I'm a mom to 8, soon to be 9. My advice is to know your baby and respond to his/her needs. Be sure you burp the baby half-way between feedings. Three-Five ounces is quite a bit, but it's not going to hurt your little one. Doctors are a wonderful asset, but you are the mommy and ultimately responsible for the day to day care of your little one.

Formula is much tougher on babies' tummies than breast milk. If you can breast-feed, your baby will have less gas and fussiness. If not, try mylicon drops right before bottles. It can get pricey, but will help with the gas. :)

Enjoy motherhood. It's fabulous!

Sara - posted on 11/27/2009

I haven't read all of this but I hope it helps and doesn't confuse you . Will try to keep this brief:
* Don't worry every new baby wakes through the day and night. the odd lucky person has 5/6 hr stretches early on. For most of us it is 3/4 hourly and some little bubs wake every couple of hours.For this reason it is your job to rest whenever you can, don't feel guilty about it - it is really important!

*Burping babies is so important -they can't sleep or feed with wind giving them pain. different positions help to move burps (sometimes not loud just a release of air or a fart)

* babies love to be wraped tightly to sleep- natural fibers like cotton and wool are best so they dont overheat.

*Re. bottles -I had afew sterilised bottles lined up on the bench and put boiling water in them. This water cooled to room temp and in summer Luca had is bottles like that as it was body temp (thats what breast milk is) and as the weather started to cool I toped up the cooled boiled water with a little freshly boiled water and then added power. Shake and test milk on inside of your wrist.

Like Angela i would be very weiry of giving such a young baby, baby rice- if i was you I would seek more info and opinions about that.

Also i see Erin mentioned Dr Brown's bottles. i would really recomend these as babies are not designed to drink from a bottle and beal with the bubbles and vacume it creates. These bottles have a straw system and make it much more natural for them to suck- they really helped my boy.

Good luck as you get to know him it will slowly become clearer- time goes slowly in the early months but soon you will look back and think how fast time has flown :-)

xxx all the best

Lois - posted on 11/27/2009

Skip the rice: definitely could be causing tummy pains and having trouble pooping at 3 weeks!!! And then feed as much as wanted. My daughter was fed all that was supposedly required and then would cry and cry, and we'd change diaper, burp, do EVERYthing we could think of, and finally in desperation give more milk: she could drink 100ml additional, all at one sitting, when she was only a month or so old, shouldn't have even been possible! But she'd stop crying...

Fiona - posted on 11/27/2009

Hi Racheal, the only thing I can suggest for the pooping/straining is to put 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar in the milk. My 7 week old baby had problems with pooping when she switched from breast milk to formula and the brown sugar helped a little.
The best thing for you to do is just relax. There are plenty of websites/forums etc that you can look at for some advice - but always check with your doctor.

Breann - posted on 11/27/2009

Relax gurl, I went thru the same thing the first couple weeks then I started given him as much as he wanted, at 3 weeks he was eating 4-6oz evry 3 hours. As far as his poops go, it is norm for them to only poop once or more a day. There may even be a day that he does not poop at all! The only thing I would give him is the mylicon drops. If you decied to give him the drops make sure you release the drops against the inside of the cheeck, if he spits it out put the drops in the bottle. Also so the leg exercise with pulling his legs to his tummy and hold count to 3 and repeat. As fat as the water goes, i always poured the water into the bottles after boil and let them sit room temp and added the formula at every feeding. I have never heated a bottle up. In the hospital they were given room temp! I does save time and energy. Rice? At 3 weeks? Thats crazy! As far as sleep goes my little one didn't sleep thru the nite till he was 2months. All babies are differnt so a lil of the sleep prob is that he is still hungry! When they are that little the is no overweight baby in my book! I mean my son is average size 15lbs 1.5oz and 25 1/2 inches at 4 1/2 months! I gave him what he "demanded" and the docs never could tell a differ. When I told the doc wat he was eatind and how often he said that was good! Maybe you should look for another doc as well! And also another good tip that i learned is.... you can listen to all the advise you want and take notes but do what you feel is best fot your child and yourself!!!! Good luck hun and let us know how things work out!

Tracy - posted on 11/26/2009

My son will be one on Sunday and is a very healthy boy! When he was born, my milk didn't come in so I couldn't breastfeed him. He was 10lb 3oz. I feed him a 2oz bottle every two hours until he was about 3 months! He didn't sleep for more than two hours at a time until he was 3 months and he still wakes up at least once during the night because he is hungry. My doctor told me to feed him as much as he wants. They generally will stop when they are full or as someone else said, he may spit up some. It is normal. I have never boiled his water, but use warm water out of the tap. Don't panic and don't get upset when he fusses or is upset. I usually talk in a soothing voice, telling him to relax, that mommy has him. I tell him that I love him and that he is my precious baby and even now, he gets an upset stomach due to teething and when I comfort him in this way, he calms down fairly quickly. I personally would not use cereal yet. Let his digestive system grow a bit more. I tried cereal at 5 months and my son didn't want it. I tried again two weeks later, and still a no go. He finally ate it at 6 months. He still doesn't like rice cereal, but loves the oatmeal, so that's what he gets every day, in the morning and before bedtime. I was never able to get him to drink it in his formula. As for the gas, it is normal. I used gas drops not knowing that it could cause constipation. The doctor told us that formula fed babies can go for up to 3 days without a bowel movement. I couldn't wait past 2 days so I would give him 2 oz of water with a tablespoon of Karo syrup in it. It usually helped. We also changed brands of formula. I don't know the rules of using brand names but the one that begins with a S can cause constipation more than the others. E is what we went to and the constipation stopped for the most part, and then one day my husband was in BJ's and found out their formula is identical to E, but much cheaper price wise. We switched to that and still use it. My son is now about 28 lbs and wears a 2T as a one year old! I hope some of this helps, use your motherly instincts. The doctors all vary with what they tell you to do. Mine is very conservative, while others are not and every child is different , so take your cues from him.
Best Wishes...

Coleen - posted on 11/26/2009

I agree, if he isn't hungry he won't eat. Remember his is only 3 weeks old and there will be transition for his digestion from your nutrience while he was in your womb and to formula. As long as he is eating, gaining weight, and pooping regularly you should be fine. I would be cautious about feeding him any rice cereal or solid foods of any kind. His little tummy is not ready to digest such complicated foods. My concern for you is if you have any support from other moms especially ones that have older children? My other thought is with the stomach aches he could have an allergy to something in his formula. It sounds to me like you may need a new doctor. Does he treat you with respect and show actual concern for you and your worries? Or does he brush you off as a kid because you are so young? My daughter is 4 now so I've been through all this. I would be glad to help if you have any questions or not certain about some advise you received.

Paula - posted on 11/26/2009

Then gass problem, you might want to try to angle him, I had the same problem and putting his matress on a angle seemed to help. what type of bottle are you using?. Does it have one or two holes, I found that if you have too many it causes stomach pains and I use gripe water and it seems to work I not sure what you are using. In regards to how much he's drinking less fluid and feed more often is better than feedinghim 5 or more oz. at a time. I hope these Ideas help.

Stacy - posted on 11/26/2009

At 3 weeks I wouldn't give him cereal, that can bee what is bounding him up. I use to warm a blankie for my son, and put it on his tummy. That helped to release some of the pain for gas. Maybe try to make sure he has the the bubbles out of his tummy after burping him, give it a break for a couple minutes and try to burp him again.
I use to let my son drink his bottle til he didn't want it anymore. He was 10 lbs, 5oz. a very big baby. He never got full. he left the hospital drining 4 or more oz.. If he is having trouble pooping because of the cereal, maybe put a couple teaspons of juice in some water. My mom used caro syrup with my oldest when he was a baby, but that stuff does not taste to good. I also would rub his belly, I like to rub my belly when I have a belly ache.
I wish you the best of luck. Congrats on your beutiful baby!

Tina - posted on 11/26/2009

I agree with most people on here. Feed as much and as often as he wants!! He will stop when he is full and the worse that will happen when he is too full is puke a bit! Also I dont really understand why the doc said to put cereal in his formula. Because it makes their poop thicker making it harder for them to poop which might be why he is having such a hard time. Pooping for a baby is hard work to begin with. Grape water is great!

Laura Jill - posted on 11/26/2009

Hi there - at the risk of sounding pompous - ignore the doctor and trust your guts. Feed your little guy when he's hungry. Write down how much he's taken and when (just so that you have a idea of what his routine is going to be, and you can answer the doc when he wants to know how many oz's he's taking each day) and when you change his diapers just note whether or not he's pee-d. If a baby is eatting, and urinating - all is well. At this stage I wouldn't worry about introducing anything to "thicken" the formula, they don't need it yet. As far as warming the bottle goes, do your taps put out water that's warm enough to wash dishes ? If they do, what I did, was fill up a coffee mug with super hot tap water (faster than boiling) and then put the bottle in it. It warms things up quickly, and you're not waiting on pots to boil and all that other jazz. (A good thing when it's 2:35 A.M. and you're staggerring around ! LOL) Lastly, I'm so sorry that you're sleep deprived - the whole three hour feeding thing is brutal. Unfortunately, it's pretty normal for this age. If you're lucky he should start to sleep through the night (approximately 5-6 hours) when he's around 3 months. What I did with my third monkey, was I would wake her up right before I went to bed and give her a bottle - that way I knew that she was "full" and we'd both sleep in sync for at least half the night ! This only works if you have a babe who goes back to sleep easily - with my oldest son, if he was sleeping we left him the heck alone ! A sleeping baby is a gift from God, right ? Hang in there, it will get easier, and if you have any help at all please call them in - newborns are hard, and you'll benefit from having a "relief squad" Take care.

Sabrina - posted on 11/26/2009

hi rachel,Dont be panicking every baby is different.i have a 16 wk old boy.since he was born i have been feeding him 6oz bottles every 3 hours but that is all he would drink.To be honest i have never heard of feeding a baby only 3 ozs sorry but the way i look at it if ur son is hungry feed him.Try and feed him 5 to 6 oz's he will only drink what he wants.It is normal for him to poop after 3 to 4 feeds.My son found it hard to poop but after 6 weeks he was flying.I gave my son a small bit of sugar and water and that helped his poop.Also It sounds like your son has bad wind pain.He could have a touch of colic.you should try gripe water for that.I would get rid off the rice with the formula that would not help his poop or wind and give your son just more then 3 oz bottles.I give my son room temp bottles.I make them in the morning with boiled water and leave them and grab one when he is hungry.Your baby is only 3 weeks old my son didnt start to sleep well until 7 weeks so dont panic pet.You should start getting him into a little routine at night for e.g take his nappy off ly with him on a mat play with him for a few mins then bath him,dry him,massage him with baby oil,dress him,give him his bottle and put him to bed and try to do this most nights so he will learn that its bed time after his bath.It worked for me pet he now knows when its bed time.But he still has his bad nights like every baby.It is hard and you will get all sort of advice but try everything and something will work.your his mother you know best.let me know how you get on.
best of luck

Kara - posted on 11/26/2009

I had the same problem when I brought my son home from the hospital!! I was on the phone with the doctor the next morning..LOL! It is a little scary being a first time mom and there is lots to learn, but you'll figure out your baby and his needs pretty quickly. If he is still hungry feed him until he is satisfied. I was told at the hospital 2oz. at a time so that's what I would give him, he was not satisfied with that, needless to say we had a very exciting first night home : ) Good Luck!

Angela - posted on 11/26/2009

I am a paediatric nurse and this sounds a little bit like oesophageal reflux. The constant feeding, screaming - normally quite intense is normally ideal signs of reflux. Pop to your Gp and ask if you could try some gavisgon for your baby (it has to be prescribed) and see what is said. If not happy you could always ask if they could refer you to a paediatrician to see if they can help you. At 3 weeks old DO NOT add any thickener or rice to milk the baby might choke. The other thing might be try the hungrier baby milks they are naturally thicker and can help. Hope this helps you.

Take care.

Erin - posted on 11/26/2009

My 2mos old eats 3-7 ozs every 3 hours, at 3 wks he was eating 3-5 ozs every 3 hrs... I let him be the guide to the amount he eats. Make sure you burp him if he starts squirming, isn't sucking well, or every 1-2 ozs. You'll get his patterns here soon enough...and then they'll change again :) Another thing you can do to help w/the feeds is use Dr. Browns bottles and stir your formula instead of shaking it...shaking it causes all those bubbles, etc... if you want to keep your boiled water @ room temp you could store it in the bottles so it's ready for your babe and keep the tops on so all the dust everyone talks about stays out...After I feed my babe I'll hold him upright for 20-30 mins and pat his back, sometimes I'll get burps even that much after a bottle! Good luck!

Jami - posted on 11/26/2009

My son was the same way, so I can feel your pain. He needed to be on a different type of formula. We tried a couple (lacto free and soy) which didn't work, but eventually ended up on nutramigen. If you want to try to switch, do it gradually...1/4 new formula with 3/4 old formula....then 1/2 with 1/2 until he's just getting the new one. It may be that his digestive system just can't handle what he's eating. Fussy babies are a lot of work, so if someone offers to help....go for a walk and get a breater.

JAIME - posted on 11/26/2009

SO sorry you are stressed! Though I am expecting my first, I have been an RN 9 years and worked in Neonatal ICU. So here are my few pieces of advice....1. If you think he is gassy be sure sure to burp him frequently...possibly after he has had 1/2 oz to 1 oz. It may make him mad initially when you pull the bottle so he can burp but if he is needing to burp he will quit crying after burping and then you can resume the feeding.
2. Keep him upright during the feeding. Don't let him lie flat. Think of it as how you are most comfortable eating. Gravity works and helps the fluid to flow down- preventing spit up as well as ear infections. 3. After feeding, if you need to put him down, be sure he is in a chair/ bouncer type that keeps him upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. (Again- you would be uncomfortable if you ate your big Thanksgiving dinner and immediately layed down.....reflux, upset stomach etc!)
RE:poop
As long as he doesn't seem uncomfortable pooping once a day up to once every 2-3 days is usually okay. You can do some exercises with him to help him pass gas and possibly poop. Put his knees in a tucked position and slowly, gently place his knees up against his belly. Repeat and hold for a few seconds each time.
The rice cereal should help to fill his belly but its just going to take a bit for him to get use to the fact he is getting less fluid. As long as he continues to gain weight- what the doctor prescribed is fine.
Re:warm bottle
Giving a warm bottle just seems like the thing you should do. However, babies eat what ever you get them use to. In the NICU we rarely warmed formula. It was given to them at room temp. I wouldn't give them refrigerator cold milk but room temp is perfrectly okay and it will save you a step and time when that precious baby is squealing to be fed!
Hope you are getting some rest!

Kelly - posted on 11/26/2009

Wow I am suprised on the advise you ahve recieved from your doctor, anyway I breastfed my two so its a bit different but I fed on demand wahtever they wanted and yes the best thing to use is infacol until 3 months then gripe water. But you cannot beat cooled boiled water only 2 oz if that if they are strugglerling to go to the toilet! I would stay clear of the baby rice as its just to much for there little digestive systems to cope with at this stage. i would stay with 5-6 feeds and give approx 4 oz. Every 3-4 hrs... A baby will never go hungrey so you can just feed on demand, I would keep your kettle full and freshly boiled and make your bottles as you go or make up 5-6 in the mor and keep in fridge until you need them within 24 hrs though. hope this helps.

Katie - posted on 11/26/2009

Wow! I know a few people have posted a response to this already, but I will give my opinion anyway, lol. I was also a young mother (had my first at 19, a girl, and now I'm preggers with my third and I'm 22). The first one is always scary because you never know if you're doing ANYTHING right.
First of all, every baby is different. Some babies don't eat as much as others. If you've figured out that your baby is satisfied with 5 oz bottles, then continue with that. I found that my daughter would drink varied amounts depending on what time of day it was. Also, when a baby eats, it triggers a pooping/peeing reflex, not sure what's it's called, but usually when a baby eats, they will poop/pee shortly after finishing a bottle. If your baby doesn't have at least 3 poops a day, I would say, call your pediatrician and ask what you can do, IF you should do anything. Most time, the babies work it out for themselves.
As for stomach pains, I would HIGHLY recommend Mylicon. It is liquid gold. If you've tried absolutely EVERYTHING else, and he's still crying like he's in pain, give him some Mylicon and just pat him on the back. Usually they will stop crying after a few minutes (amazing!). If he's still crying, he may have colic. My daughter had colic around 6 months, which is late, but there's really nothing you can do except try to be patient and pass him off between you and your mother or whoever is around.
My personal opinion about putting rice cereal in a bottle is that at 3 weeks, your baby is too young. Formula or breastmilk should be enough. Also, water is almost unnecessary because they are getting that through the formula/breastmilk. Also, rice cereal will make your baby constipated which may be contributing to his pooping problems.
I know a lot of this has been said already, but sometimes it's nice to hear from multiple experienced mothers. Don't worry, you're doing everything right! Be patient, it gets easier! :)

Donna - posted on 11/26/2009

aww hun try and stay calm, with the feeding i didnt give my lil boy and soilds or add nethin to his milk wen he was that young that could be giving him a upset tummy too, make sure u wind him well u can always tell wen young babies have wind has there a lil blue round the lips thats nothing to worry about tho hun just means he's got wind, either make ur bottles up ready cool them and put them in the fridge then warm them when he is ready for a feed, i did that and it dint do my lil lad ne harm and i found makin the bottle up as he wanted it made him more stressed and more hungry and he eveloped wind more easily has he cried that much that wen he had his bottle he took it to fast so that why i made a few up for the day, ppl say dnt do it but most mums i know do it as its much easier but its ur preferance, my lil boy is 13 months old now and he's fine so it doesnt do them any harm, and i never used the microwave wen he was really little as being a new mum u always worry about the right temperature ov bottles, but now he's older i do pop them in the microwave but as long as u shake it really well and test before u give it ur baby then thats fine, and wen u make bottles u shud always use fresh boiled wather not on the stove or nethin like that has dust and dirt cud get into it and also be causing him the upset, but im sure ur doing a fantastic job hunny all new mums are scared i was petrified wen i had my lil one but trust me hun it gets easier, and dnt always listen to ur doctor there ot always right, if he was satisfied on 5oz my lil boy was so greedy wen he was little lol ur doin a good job hun dnt let the doctors get u dnw u do whats best for ur boy and u knw whats best for him too hun.

Renae - posted on 11/26/2009

There is already lots of good advice about what to feed him on here. You say he strains a lot to do a poo. If you mean making funny squeaky noises, pulling his legs up to his chest, kicking his legs etc, that is perfectly normal. Babies little digestive systems have to get used to eating, digesting, pooing, weeing. Its all new for their little body. Most babies strain like this for the first 6-8 weeks. And more on poo, the normal amount for a baby to poo varies a lot, from 1 poo a day (at this age) to 6 poos a day. Wet diapers are more important than poo, he should have at least 6 wet diapers per day. Between 3 and 6 months old, some babies (especially if breast fed) stop pooing much, anything from 4 times a day to once per week is all normal. Also, he is far too young for cereal in his milk, it will be too difficult for him to digest and I am very surprised that a doctor said that. What you are doing with the water is fine.

Loni - posted on 11/26/2009

I Agree with Sharaya, she pretty much got it spot on :D if babys hungry, feed him, u can get drops for his gas from the chemist and its totally safe for lil babies, I used them every feed with my lil boy, 2 or 3 drops b4 his bottle helped him bring his wind up. U could also bring his wind up half way thru his bottle then finish it off that might help with his tummy. I hope everything goes well 4 u. I bet ur doing an awsome job :D:D:D

Natalia - posted on 11/26/2009

May be doctor's words make you confused, but it your baby's needs what you have to pay attention more. There are periods when my son grows faster, after that he does it slowlier, and when he grows faster, he reqiures more food, and I don't deprive him from it. I was the same as a baby and once I had made my doctor change her opinion about how much should I eat, crying for more than hour for additional food. So, listen to your baby.

Kylie - posted on 11/25/2009

You sound a bit stresses, which I can understand.

Feed him as often and as much as he wants, regardless of what the dr says, he sounds like he hasn't taken your personal case into consideration and just given you an average. I would change the water on the stove everyday. Also make sure you burp him after feeding (my son would often have 3-4 burps to bring up, we didn't know and would stop after 1 and we had a simliar issue). Pooping is a good thing, formula fed babies need to atleast once everyday, and breastfed babies can go up to a week without a poop. The rice cereal should help him if he has reflux, but if he's still hungery, he just needs more to eat. I would also see a diffrent dr, community nurse, or similar for some more specific advise for you little one.

Christina - posted on 11/25/2009

Baby will not eat when they arent hungry so feed him as many ounces as he will take every 3 hours. Are you burping him between ounces? He may be getting too much air when feeding which would cause the stomach discomfort. My dtr grunted and groaned when she was pooping as a newborn as well and we were told it was because she didnt know how to use the muscles to have a bm so she was straning for no reason, but she did stop, she just needed to learn alittle bit as she got bigger. As for sleeping better at night, he is young still so that will take time as he does have needs to be met during the nighttime hours, just try to sleep when does, even during the day, I am surprised you were advised to give a baby that young rice cereal.
Maybe talk to the dr about reflux as I have known quite a few babies with that and once it was addressed it got better.

Remember, new babies have a few basic needs: to be fed, changed and loved....as long as you are doing that you are doing fine! Trust your instincts, they are there!

Cass - posted on 11/25/2009

AWWWW! It's ok just chill out and calm down. I was 18 when I had my first it's not easy but hey you've got support. #1 My son Lucian is two months and I give him six ounces.Yes it's alot but don't worry. The baby knows when he's full and will let you know. That's why he's crying he's wanting more. My son now sleeps through the night and when he gets pains give him Gripe Water. It's not full of chemicals and it's cheaper then Ovol. Or if you can't get that or don't want to use it just lay the baby across your lap on his tummy and jiggle your knees gently while patting his back. Or lay him on your lap on his back and exercise his legs like he's riding a bike and push his knees up so there is a little pressure on his tummy and it'll help his gas. Plus it could be the bottles are you using the ones with the bags? Those are the best before you feed him push the bag up so all the air goes out and then feed him. For the water in the pot I don't do that. I just pour the milk into a cup and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds then I pour it back into the bottle. But I still boil the bottles and the water that goes into the formula. As for the pooping...every baby is different he sounds healthy to me. Doctors DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING!!! Listen to your baby and your instincts. We're all here to help and support, I was very much alone with my first. Now that I'm on my third alot of information I have learnt on my own or I have finally gotten help. It's great that your asking for help when you need it. Hope this helped a little bi.

Ashley=) - posted on 11/25/2009

hi calm down and take a moment i am sure you are doing a wonderful job.being a mom at 19 is a big shock it is for any new mom really i was 19 when i had my first baby and believe me there will be a time when only you no what your son wants& what hes cries mean.so for now you are both learning together.there not by the book let him have what ever oz he wants.i would put him on hungry baby milk.it will satisfy him more.try winding him maybe twice during his feed this helped my first child.things do get easier so good luck congrats on your son:)

Katherine - posted on 11/25/2009

I forgot, babies poop alot!!!! So it's normal, they poop while they're eating too. BF babies poop like 5 times a day, so don't worry. There is also a great book called The Baby Whisperer, try to get it at the library, it helped me a ton.

Katherine - posted on 11/25/2009

The Dr's aren't always right!!! If you are 'reading' that your baby is hungry, then feed him on demand. It could be the formula, I had to put my 8mo on soy because she had gas problems so badly. If you can invest in a bottle warmer!! They heat baby food up too so they really do pay for themselves and they're convenient. When he gets gassy, lay him on his back and move his legs like he's riding a bicycle, putting him on his belly might help too. ;)

Rabecca - posted on 11/25/2009

if hes hungrey feed him not all adults eat the same amount at the same times babies are just little people who want different things too if you feel like he may not really be hungry try a binki if he insist feed him . try not to panic about the small stuff if hes really gassy lay him across you legs on his tummy and rub his back or gentally sway your legs back and forth or up and down or lay him on his back take both feet inyour hands and gentally pull them up to his tummy and kind or roll him back and forth .
Sometimes babies arnt really hungry they have a belly ache and want to suck which if they all ready have a tummy ache eating more can make it worse so try the binki first and the other things to see if it helps my son was very much the same but he really was just hungry alot of the times and yeah for me would never take a binki

Leanna - posted on 11/25/2009

First thing first stay calm It will be all right and it will get better. I found this on the internet as a guideline for you on formula.

If your baby isn't eating any solids (if he's younger than 4 to 6 months, he shouldn't be), the rule of thumb is to offer him 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day.

So if your baby weighs 6 pounds, you'll give him about 15 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period. If he weighs 10 pounds, he should drink about 25 ounces in a 24-hour period.
If your baby is hungry feed him. If you feel he is getting to much he may be trying to relieve the pressure he feels in his belly. Make sure he burps well and gets tummy time during the day. Babies will cry for no apparent reason just swaddle him up and love him, lots of cuddles, and stay calm they can sense panic. I found with my daughter that holding her up on my shoulder and rubbing her back really helped. After a while she didn't want to be held any other way.
Do not leave the water out, put it in the fridge after it has been boiled. His pooping sounds normal.
Try to follow whatever the doctor tells you. If you do not get the answers you need ask to speak to someone else. Having a baby can be very scary and it is the doctors job to answer your questions... remember they work for you.
I hate to say it, but most babies at three weeks are still figuring out day from night, so they may not sleep well for a while. Sleep when he sleeps if you can. Just remember that this all will pass it may all seem very confusing and scary but you will get through it. Find mothers in your area that you can talk to. Post as many questions that you can think of on here and if you need my help please just ask.

Sharaya - posted on 11/25/2009

Awwww sweety its ok! Just take a deep breath! Im a young mother too. My son is 4 months and I was 19 when I had him too. One thing I will say is i didnt do EVERYTHING the doctor said. If ur son is hungry then feed him. Dont make him suffer just because the doctor says he should be eating less. Dont over feed but feed him till he's full. This will help him sleep better and be less fussy.Dont give him any medicines yet. He's too young. Gripe water and Mylicon is ok in moderation. As far as the water goes, sterilize the water by boiling it and put it in the fridge. Dont leave it out because dust and stuff circulates in the air. Then when its almost time to feed him, make the bottle and put it in a cup or bowl of hot water to warm it. It doesnt take very long but never microwave a bottle, u can burn him. Also make sure he burps well after he eats. Idk who said 2 burps was enough but try to get him to burp as much as he can. You might want to add a little more cereal too to his bottles. Just trust ur instincts. Im here if u need any more advice. Im a new mother but I had a lot of help so I try to help others as much as I can. I hope this helps!