Caring for Babies with Colic … and Their Parents

Social media moms gathered in TheMotherhood to talk about a common affliction – colic, which affects 25 percent of all babies.  Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, author and pediatrician at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, answered questions about colic from the community.

There is no known cause or cure for colic, so all parents can do is wait it out – creating a stressful time for both baby and mom and dad.  Moms who had “been there” pooled their advice and suggestions on how to get through the months of colic.  Read on for great tips and insights!

Making Baby Feel Better

– If you are breastfeeding, you should think about your diet. Certain foods you eat can make your baby’s colic or fussing worse. Foods to watch out for include: citrus fruit, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, spicy foods, caffeine and beans.

– While method of feeding (breast or bottle) isn’t directly connected to colic, style of feeding can make a difference. “Active” feeding, where your baby controls milk flow, can help reduce colic symptoms. The Philips AVENT bottle encourages babies to feed in a way that is similar to breastfeeding as it has a naturally-shaped nipple with a skirt that flexes to prevent vacuum build-up, allows baby to control milk flow, and has an anti-colic valve that limits the air your baby ingests.

– In addition to reducing the amount of air your baby swallows during feedings, keep your baby moving. White noise can help, too, as it’s a reminder of the noises heard in the womb. Also consider trying a pacifier/soother, warm bath, gently massaging your baby’s tummy, or swaddling.

– You can try the “Happiest Baby Program” – The 5 S’s: swaddling, shushing sounds, side/stomach positions, swinging, sucking as a calming reflex.

Making Mommy (and Daddy) Feel Better

– Getting time away is VITAL!! Talking it out is also important. Having a baby with colic can really be hard on a couple too, so getting time together without the baby can really help.

– Something that helped me is taking a minute to do something that made me feel good about myself. I like a hot shower and a mini home facial. Made me feel fresh even when I was exhausted.

– If you’ve tried different tactics we’ve discussed here, and nothing has soothed your baby in the least – or anytime you are concerned for your little one’s health – take him or her to your pediatrician. It always helps to get an expert opinion and nothing is more valuable than peace of mind!

About Colic

– No one knows for sure what causes colic. Common theories include tummy spasms as the digestive system learns to process food, excess gas from air swallowed while feeding, lack of good bacteria in the gut, and allergies to cow’s milk. Although we don’t know for sure, fortunately colic is not a serious medical condition!

– Colic typically appears by the third week life and peaks around six weeks. It usually disappears when your baby is around three months of age.

– Pediatricians often use the “Rule of 3” to diagnose infant colic. Has your baby been crying for three or more hours a day, at least three times per week, for the last three weeks (from about three weeks to three months of age)? If so, he or she might have colic. Other signs of colic include crying in the late afternoon or evening (usually after feeding), high-pitched crying and screaming, a red face, clenched fists and scrunched up eyes, legs drawn to the tummy, a distended abdomen and frequent passing of gas.

– There’s really no way to predict colic – it affects just as many girls as boys, and birth order doesn’t make a difference either. There are risks factors that are correlated, though – such as moms who smoke during pregnancy and through their baby’s infancy. There doesn’t seem to be a hereditary link.

Thank you to the wonderful Dr. Jen, AVENT and our fabulous blogger co-hosts!!!

Alaina Frederick, My Heartfelt Life

Angie Knutson, My Four Monkeys

Clarissa Nassar, The POSHpreneur

Stacie Connerty, The Divine Miss Mommy

Victoria Mason, The Mummy Chronicles

See the original Talk here: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62087