Colic: How to Manage It

“Colic” — a dreaded 5-letter word to expecting and new parents. But what is it exactly?

What is colic? Colic is defined by intense crying or fussiness in a healthy baby that happens with frequency and regularity, typically in evening. It is not a diagnosis, but usually, a symptom of something else. The “rule of thumb” is crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks. You don’t need to get out your stop watch and time your baby’s cries. Use your instincts, and if something feels off, please talk to your pediatrician.

The details: Colic peaks around 6 weeks but can continue for months and improves greatly by 3-4 months. Colic doesn’t harm you baby but of course, hugely impacts parents. My first daughter— born in 2014— was colicky. That experience was the reason I became a doula. I was exchausted and filled with self-doubt. Why was I unable to soothe her? I also received conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. I knew there must be a better way. During my second pregnancy, I hired a postpartum doula to provide me with the nonjudgmental, hands-on support I knew I would need. The immeasurable value, and the juxtaposition between my first and second experiences, prompted me to become a doula.

What causes colic? While reasons are uinknown, some suspected factors include food sensitivities (like a milk protein intolerance), an immature digestive system and imbalance of gut bacteria.

So how can I help MY BABY if they have colic?

• Walking or moving with the baby (check out the 5s to soothe a baby from Dr. Harvey Karp, who inspired the Snoo)

• Wearing your baby in a carrier for warmth, being upright, and pressure against their belly (like the Ergo, Baby Bjorn, or Baby K’Tan)

• Using a pacifier (especially after feedings, and as long as you’re not ignoring hunger cues, this will not lead to nipple confusion)

• Using white noise

• Swaddling your baby

• Getting seen my pediatrician, to rule out any digestive issues (food sensitive or reflux) 

• Getting seen by pediatric dentist if oral restrictions (tongue tie, lip tie, etc) are suspected, which can cause excess gas and discomfort 

How can I manage as a parent if I have a colicky baby?

• Take a break. Put your baby down in a safe sleep position, on their back, in a crib or bassinett without any blankets or pillows

• Call in your support (loved ones, friends, doula) who can hold the baby for a bit.

• Step outside, even just standing outside your front door. Sometimes the change in temperature or atmosphere is a good “reset” both parents and babies.

• Wear ear plugs to soften the sharpness of crying. Don’t worry– you will still hear your baby.

• Know this will not last forever.

• Know you are doing your best and this is not your fault. 

Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.

For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com