Beyond Birth Lactation Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
Does my baby have colic?

Answer:
If memory serves me right, my daughter Emma began to cry inconsolably when she was three days old. She cried most of the time until she was about 3-1/2 months old. During that time, breastfeeding saved my life. She was a great nurser, and breastfeeding calmed her. After feeding she would sleep for 20-30 minutes before she began crying again. I read everything I could find about "colic" and "fussy babies", and tried everything.

Very few things worked at all, and those that worked gave only temporary relief. My least favorite, and most effective alternative method for soothing her was to turn on the vacuum cleaner. With this huge noisemaker right next to her crib, she would relax and fall asleep. Life with my new baby was not at all what I had expected. The good news is that her crying decreased at about 3-1/2 months of age, and she has grown into a wonderful, completely normal child. However, during her first three months of life I worried that she would never be normal.

There are a variety of terms or phrases for babies like Emma. "Colic", "fussy", "high needs" are the most common. The purpose of this brief article is to share my personal experience with a "high needs" baby, and to share some of what I have learned since. I also want to offer you some resources for more comprehensive information about babies that exhibit fussy or colic behaviors.

What is colic?
First, what does "colic" mean? The dictionary defines colic as "a paroxysmal abdominal pain due to spasm; of or pertaining to the colon". However, when referring to infants it has come to mean a group of behaviors that may include unexplained irritability, fussing, crying for prolonged periods, sometimes at the same time of day, in the early months of life.

No one really knows what causes a baby to have colic or be fussier. Some people feel children are simply born with this type of temperament. Others feel it is due to an immature digestive tract or nervous system, or due to an inability to self-comfort. Still others think it may be due to a baby's allergic reaction to something in mother's milk or artificial formula. Regardless of the cause, parenting a baby with these behaviors is a challenge.

Generally, child development specialists agree that most babies will develop increasing fussiness toward the end of the day, beginning at about three weeks of age, and decreasing at about twelve weeks of age. This is considered normal, and fits with the theories that this behavior is due immaturity, and will improve as baby matures.

During this developmental phase parents are encouraged to experiment with a variety of calming techniques. Experts say carry baby more, feed, cuddle, change baby. Other ideas include swaddling baby, allowing baby to suck on a finger or pacifier, use "white noise" like the low hum of a appliance or radio, rhythmic movement like walking or rocking, or vibration like that felt in a car. Most parents try a variety of techniques, and eventually become the expert on what works for their baby. And, most babies cry less as they mature. (However, my daughter is a perfect example of a baby that had more extreme symptoms.)

Unseen Medical Causes
If your baby has more extreme fussiness, it is important to make sure there are no hidden medical causes for this behavior like an ear infection, bladder infection, food allergy, or reflux (a condition that causes the stomach to regurgitate irritating acids into the esophagus and cause "heartburn" like pain). So visit your child's health care provider to discuss your child's behavior, and possible causes. In most cases, no underlying medical problems are found so it is up to the parents to learn more about how to parent a baby with these behaviors.

Resources
If you are in search of more information about babies with these behaviors, here are some books that you should be able to find at your local library or bookstore in the parenting section:

• Parenting the Fussy Baby and High-Need Child and Nighttime Parenting (both books, which are also available from us, are by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN) 
  
• Crying Baby, Sleepless Nights (by Sandy Jones) 
  
• The Happiest Baby on the Block (by Dr. Harvey Karp) - book and dvd/video

Remember, if you are the parent of a "high needs" baby, these behaviors are not your fault, and weaning is not the solution to the problem. Seek out information and support from other parents and supportive professionals. Trust your instincts in responding to your baby's needs. Know that in many other cultures babies cry less because they are held more. Never worry that you will spoil your baby by responding to him/her and meeting his/her needs. And don't hesitate to contact us at Beyond Birth for the encouragement you need to be the best parent you can be.

More About Colic: Causes and Solutions Symptoms of Colic  Remember, "colic" refers to a group of behaviors that include unexplained irritability, fussing or crying for prolonged periods, sometimes at the same time of day. A colicky baby may appear to be in extreme pain during colic episodes and then normal at other times, while other colicky babies are fussy throughout the day and night, sleeping for short periods. Fussiness and Normal Development Generally, child development specialists agree that most babies will develop increasing fussiness toward the end of the day, beginning at about three weeks of age, and decreasing at about twelve weeks of age. This is considered normal, and fits with the theories that this behavior is due immaturity, and will improve as baby matures. During this developmental phase parents are encouraged to experiment with a variety of calming techniques. Experts say carry baby more, or take a warm bath with baby. Other ideas include swaddling baby, allowing baby to suck on a finger, use of "white noise" like the low hum of a appliance or radio, rhythmic movement like walking or rocking, or vibration like that felt in a car. Try holding baby in positions that put mild pressure on the abdomen, like over the shoulder with tummy against your shoulder, or sitting down with baby turned tummy down lying over your knees, or baby turned tummy down on your forearm with head at your elbow and legs toward your hand. Most parents try a variety of these techniques, and eventually become the experts on what works for their baby. And, most babies cry less as they get older. Myths About Colic Here are the two most common myths related to colic. Mothers often worry that their baby's colic is a result of their own anxiety and tenseness. This is not true. Parents don't cause their baby's colic, they just respond to it. It is certainly more likely that a parent of a colicky baby will be anxious and stressed. Parents of colicky babies need loving childcare providers, and regular time away from baby so they can relax and renew their energy. Some parents feel colic is caused by gas because baby's tummy may feel hard and baby may pass lots of gas. Baby may seem to be in extreme pain. However, it is more likely that babies have gas as a result of excessive crying and taking in lots of air. One solution for this is to respond to baby's cues promptly so you avoid or shorten the period of crying. Only about 20% of babies have such extreme symptoms they are considered "colicky" babies. If your baby has more extreme fussiness, it is important to make sure there are no hidden medical causes for this behavior like an ear infection, bladder infection, food allergy, or reflux (a condition that causes the stomach to regurgitate irritating acids into the esophagus and cause "heartburn" like pain). So visit your child's health care provider to discuss your child's behavior, and possible causes. In most cases, no underlying medical problems are found, so it is up to the parents to learn more about how to parent a baby with these behaviors. Remember, breastfeeding is best for most fussy babies. Breastfeeding calms mother and baby at the same time by causing the mother to produce hormones that relax her. In my case, breastfeeding was one of the few things I could do to really calm my baby. Most of the time the best medicine for calming a fussy baby comes out of a parent's heart, not the pharmacy. So respond to your baby and know you are being the best parent you can be.

 

 

 

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