Bringing home a newborn is filled with many new changes. Taking care of your little one’s sleeping schedules, feeding times, diaper changes and unexplained crying is a whole new adventure.
It is amazing to see your sweet little one grow and learn each day. Watching them move their tiny fingers and toes and begin to recognize your voice when you talk to them is a true miracle. However, there may be times when your baby cries and no matter what you do, you may not be able to calm your fussy baby. This could be a sign of colic in your newborn.
What is Colic?
Colic comes in 3’s. Colic is defined as crying that occurs for three or more hours per day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks. These symptoms typically will peak around 6 weeks of age or can begin right at birth. Usually, symptoms are resolved between 3 -4 months of age. Colic presents as follows:
- Intense, inconsolable crying
- Baby is fed, has a clean diaper, and still cries
- Fussiness even after a “crying episode” has subsided
- Reddening in the face from crying
- Tense body movements: stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists
When to See a Doctor
As new parents or expectant parents, the above information may come off as a bit scary or disheartening. No new parent wants to see their child cry or appear to be in pain. It is important that you talk with your pediatrician about symptoms mentioned above if you notice this happening. Your pediatrician will rule out any other medical complications that could be causing these issues in your baby. While the cause of colic is unknown some factors that may contribute to colic are as follows:
- Digestive system that isn't fully developed
- Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping
Sometimes, colic is thought to be caused by indigestion. This could happen if your baby’s digestive system hasn’t fully developed in the first few months after birth. In such cases, your baby could have more gas-producing bacteria in their digestive tract causing them to cry. Food allergies or milk intolerances are also sometimes thought to be the cause of colic. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a special diet for the mother if breastfeeding, or a special formula if formula feeding.
Complications
Thankfully, colic does not cause short-term or long-term problems in babies. While it sounds cliché, the crying does eventually stop! However, colic can cause some problems for the parents. Mothers of babies who have been diagnosed with colic are at an increased risk of postpartum depression. The most important thing to remember is that colic in the newborn is NOT your fault and there is nothing you could have done to prevent it, and nothing you can do to stop it now. It is easy for mothers to place “blame” on themselves for their babies crying. Speak with your doctor if you are having feelings of guilt, exhaustion, helplessness, or anger. There are many different treatment options if you are dealing with postpartum depression! Do not be afraid to speak up or talk to someone you trust to get you the help you need.
If you have chosen to breast-feed your infant, having a diagnosis of colic could cause you to quit breastfeeding sooner than if you were not dealing with a colicky little one. Colic can be very stressful on the mother and can cause a decrease in supply. It is important to remember that while breastfeeding is a wonderful option for you and your baby, it is not the only way. A fed baby is best! Talk with your doctor about different formula options that may help with colic symptoms.
How to Help
As mentioned earlier, the crying will stop; so, hang in there. If you’re in the middle of it, it may feel like things will never get better, and the days and nights can feel endless. It’s OKAY to feel overwhelmed but know that you will get through this. Experiment with different things to help your baby through his/her period of colic.
- The S’s: swaddle, swing, sway & shush. While holding your baby do a “swing and sway type motion while making the “shhh” sound close to their ear. This motion and noise were similar to while in the womb, and is comforting to them.
- Take breaks. Find friends or family members to come take your place for a little bit. Give yourself time away from the baby to help refresh.
- Go easy on yourself! It’s easy to think that as new parents we should be able to fix our babies every need. But colic doesn’t work this way. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, and that this will soon end.
- Find support groups. There are many resources online to help parents with babies of colic or talk to your doctor about resources in your area.
The staff of the PLC Health Clinic is here to help guide you through a colicky baby; both baby and mama. Our educational classes can be provide wonderful information and our medical staff can provide advise as you deal with this temporary issue. Contact us at 419-238-9177 or www.plchealthclinic.org to schedule an appointment today.
