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Colic: A Parent’s Survival Guide

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September 22, 2021 Infant

Even though it has been many years ago, I can clearly remember the extreme crying every night from 7:00-11:00pm. When my son was in the midst of his colic, there were times that my husband and I had to take 15 minute shifts with him, because neither of us could tolerate the crying for very long. We tried everything we could think of and nothing helped. We took our son to the pediatrician and she said “Congratulations — you have survived the first month of colic. Hang in there Mom!”. I was so frustrated, I was afraid my baby would cry like this forever. Luckily he didn’t.

What is colic?

Colic is when babies have an intense high-pitched cry around the same time every day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. Colic seems to start for no reason and babies with colic seem almost impossible to comfort.

Babies will often pull their legs up and clench their fists using their whole bodies when they cry. Colic is common for babies and extremely frustrating for parents. Colic usually starts a few weeks after birth, peaks around 2 months and goes away around 4-5 months of age.

There are several theories about what causes colic, however there has been no proven cause, so there is not one treatment that helps all babies. Some of the possible causes are: immature nervous or digestive systems, milk intolerance, reflux, gas, hormone changes, postpartum depression, maternal anxiety, or not getting enough hindmilk when breastfeeding. Some health care professionals believe colic is a response to pain while others believe it is a normal stage of infant development.

If you think your baby may have colic, do the following:

Unfortunately, there may be nothing that prevents or stops colic; here are techniques that may help:

If colic is affecting how your baby eats, tell their health care provider. A colicky baby is generally gaining weight well and otherwise healthy. If they ever have trouble breathing or their lips or face turn bluish or grayish color when crying, eating or sleeping call their health care provider or seek emergency medical treatment.

Even though you are exhausted and frustrated, the most important thing to remember is NEVER SHAKE a BABY! Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage, blindness and even death. If you are getting angry, lay baby in their crib safely and take a 10 minute break. Sit outside, put on some headphones with your favorite music or take a hot shower to relax. Never be afraid to ask for help: you do not have to go through this alone. Have a friend or family member watch your baby so you can get out of the house. Talk to someone. Tell them how you are feeling and call your health care professional if you feel that you are depressed or having trouble handling this.

Think positively: colic doesn’t last forever and there are no permanent effects on your child as they grow up. My son’s colic finally ended after 4 months and he has grown to be a healthy, happy teenager.

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SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when: