The Colic Chronicles
Navigating the storm of colic can be one of the most daunting challenges for new parents. Already sleep-deprived and possibly dealing with other postpartum hurdles like painful breastfeeding, you find yourself faced with a baby who simply will not. stop. crying.
The frustration is compounded by the lack of an obvious cause. My first child experienced colic and was later diagnosed with reflux, requiring medication. The relentless, inconsolable crying undoubtedly contributed to my own onset of depression and anxiety.
It shattered my confidence as a new mother. I was supposed to be the nurturing figure who "knew best," yet the endless cycle of crying left me feeling powerless and like a failure.
The worst part? Consistently telling medical professionals or your family and friends how much your baby is crying and still not getting any real help or solutions. Despite my best efforts, nothing seemed to console my baby, leaving me in a state of utter despair. Couldn’t any one see I was drowning? Where was the life boat, or at least a vest?
One of the reasons I started Borne was to directly address issues that affect mothers and parents so viscerally, yet have limited options available for help. Here at Borne, we are the life boat. We strive to offer the essential support and solutions parents desperately need during these challenging times, understanding that well-rested and emotionally balanced parents are crucial for a baby to flourish and thrive.
What is Colic?
Colic is characterised by prolonged episodes of crying that:
Last for more than three hours a day, over three days a week, for at least three weeks in an otherwise healthy infant aged between two weeks and four months old.
Although the exact cause of colic is unknown, it can be incredibly distressing for both the baby and the parents. Parents who have had a calm baby first can get a very rude shock when their second or third baby has Colic.
Colic is a condition that affects a significant number of infants and the crying usually occurs in the evening and for no apparent reason. Symptoms associated with colic include a baby who:
Pulls their legs up to their stomach
Flushed face
Clenched fists
Wrinkled brow
The crying is often high-pitched and piercing
Despite the intense crying, fewer than 5% of colicky infants have an underlying medical condition. Commonly suspected causes, such as gas pains or intestinal issues, are not typically the culprits. Colic appears unrelated to whether a baby is breastfed or bottle-fed. It is important, to rule out other causes which may provide relief or have solutions. So getting expert help is key here.
The Impact on Parents
The incessant crying associated with colic can have a profound impact on parents, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, helplessness, anger, and frustration. This emotional strain can negatively affect bonding with the baby and disrupt family stability. It can also contribute to sleep deprivation, breastfeeding challenges and postpartum depression. In extreme cases, the stress and exhaustion can lead to child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome. If you ever feel you are so frustrated you feel any rage, its important to just put your baby down in a safe space (for example in their cot), walk away and take a deep breath and re-enter once you have calmed yourself down.
How Borne Helps Parents
At Borne, we understand the toll colic can take on new parents. Our expert care team is dedicated to helping you troubleshoot and address the reasons for your baby's persistent crying. Here’s how we support you:
Expert Guidance: Our professionals offer personalised advice and strategies to help soothe your colicky baby.
Practical Solutions: We provide practical tips and techniques, such as motion, position changes, and reducing external stimuli, to help calm your baby.
Supportive Environment: Our nurturing environment is designed to reduce stress for both parents and babies, promoting better bonding, emotional wellness and to break the cycle of sleep deprivation and the demands of having a colicky baby.
Tips for Soothing a Colicky Baby
Here are some effective strategies to help manage colic:
Motion: Car rides, vibration, and swinging motions can calm colicky babies. While car rides aren’t practical every day, using a baby swing or rocking the baby gently can help.
Position Changes: Some babies find comfort in pressure on their abdomen. Try laying the baby on your forearm or leg with their belly down and gently rub or pat their back. We absolutely love and recommend the Cocoonababy Nest, which many colicky babies seem to get a lot of relief from too. The cocoon's slightly inclined position helps prevent and relieve symptoms of gastric reflux and colic, while the positioning of the hips and knees is ideal for baby's physical development. You can use this for day and night sleeps and even place it into your baby’s bassinet.
Reduce External Stimuli: Create a calm environment by lowering lights and minimising noise. A quieter setting can sometimes help a colicky baby relax when they are particularly upset.
Burp Regularly: Gas can contribute to colic. Burp your baby thoroughly after feedings to prevent gas build-up. Avoid putting the baby to bed immediately after feeding without burping, as this can lead to painful gas bubbles.
Probiotics: You can give your baby these BioGaia Colic or Nestle Nan Colic Probiotics. A few drops every morning may help with colic symptoms. This certainly helped work for me. Several studies have concluded that L. reuteri DSM17938 was effective in the relief of colic in babies.
On An End Note
Colic usually clears when your baby is around 4 months old. However, dealing with colic for this long is sometimes far too much. Dealing with colic can be one of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to manage the condition and reduce its impact on your family. At Borne, our expert care team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you and your baby find relief and ensuring that your family thrives.
For more information and personalised support, reach out to our team at Borne. We're here to help you navigate the challenges of colic and support your journey into parenthood.
Love,
Founder, Borne
