Baby Blogs, Feeding

Dealing With Colic: Our Story and How We Got Through It

Posted on by Dad
14
Nov

Colic is a common condition in babies, characterized by prolonged periods of excessive crying, often occurring for no apparent reason. It typically starts in the first few weeks of life and can last until the baby is around 3 to 4 months old. A common misconception is that only formula fed babies can develop colic. This is a myth. Even breastfed babies can get colic. Our daughter developed colic while she was breastfeeding at 6 weeks old. While colic itself isn’t harmful, it can be distressing for both the baby and parents. Here’s an overview of how colic may develop, what to look for, and how to treat it, along with a focus on helpful products. After we discuss what colic is, we will share our story.

How Colic Develops

Colic is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development:

  • Immature Digestive System: Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, making it difficult for them to process food efficiently, leading to gas and discomfort.
  • Air Swallowing: Babies may swallow air while feeding or crying, which can accumulate in the stomach and cause pain.
  • Sensitivity to Milk Proteins: Some babies are sensitive to proteins found in formula or certain foods consumed by the mother which are found in the breastmilk. This can lead to discomfort and colicky behavior.
  • Overstimulation: The world can be overwhelming for a newborn, and some experts believe that sensory overload may contribute to colic.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic

Colic is often diagnosed using the “Rule of 3”:

  • Crying for 3 or more hours a day.
  • Occurring at least 3 days a week.
  • Lasting for 3 weeks or more.

Common symptoms include:

  • Intense, high-pitched crying, often in the late afternoon or evening.
  • Baby appears to be in pain—clenching fists, arching back, or pulling legs up to the belly.
  • Episodes seem to begin and end suddenly.
  • Difficulty soothing the baby with usual calming techniques.

Treatment and Soothing Techniques

While there’s no single cure for colic, various methods can help soothe a colicky baby:

Movement and Comfort:

    • Swaddling: Wrapping the baby tightly in a swaddle can create a sense of security and calm.
    • Gentle Rocking: Babies often find comfort in rhythmic movement. Rocking chairs, swings, or even holding the baby while walking can help.

Gas Relief:

    • Frida Windi: This is a tool designed to help relieve gas and colic in babies. The Frida Windi is a soft, hollow tube that you gently insert into the baby’s rectum, allowing trapped gas to escape.

 

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      • Bicycle Legs: Moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help release trapped gas and relieve discomfort.

Feeding Adjustments:

  • MAM Bottles (our personal choice): These anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding. The vented base allows the milk to flow smoothly, preventing the baby from gulping air. 

      • Burping More Frequently: Burping your baby during and after feedings can help release air trapped in the stomach, reducing the likelihood of gas buildup.
      • Feeding Upright: Holding your baby more upright during feedings can prevent the intake of excess air.

Comforting Sounds:

    • White Noise: The sound of a fan, a white noise machine, or even soft music can have a calming effect on babies.
    • Shushing Sounds: Mimicking the whooshing sounds babies hear in the womb can provide comfort.

Additional Tips and Products to Consider

  • Probiotics: Some studies suggest that giving babies probiotics may help with colic by balancing gut bacteria.

  • Gripe Water Or Gas Drops: Gripe water, made from a blend of herbs, is often used to help with colic symptoms, although its effectiveness is debated. We chose not to use gripe water because our daughter had issues choking on it. The gas drops were a smaller dose, easier to administer orally and proven to be medically effective.

  • Tummy Time: Giving your baby supervised tummy time during the day can help with gas by encouraging movement. However, our daughter DID NOT like being on her stomach. She screamed if I laid her down on her belly. If you’re luckier, then give it a go. 

When to Seek Medical Help

While colic is generally harmless, it’s essential to rule out any underlying health issues. Consult your pediatrician if:

  • Your baby has other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements.
  • Colic symptoms persist beyond 4 months of age.

By understanding the causes and symptoms of colic, you can try various soothing methods and products to help ease your baby’s discomfort. While colic can be challenging, it typically resolves on its own as your baby’s digestive system matures. After going through the struggles of colic with our infant, we understand how stressful it can become. You feel helpless. Please reach out to our team if you need emotional support or ideas to help with your little one. 

We are not medical professionals but we first hand experienced in babies who suffered from colic. 

My pregnancy with Paisley was challenging from the start. I was considered high-risk due to gestational diabetes, previous preeclampsia, placenta previa, and my age (over 35). At 36 weeks, what was thought to be complete previa was revealed to be placenta accreta. This led to an early planned C-section at 37 weeks. Paisley arrived safely but required a week in the NICU. Just as she was being discharged, I was admitted to the hospital with postpartum preeclampsia. I spent two days on a magnesium drip while my husband took Paisley home. Despite the challenges, I managed to pump breast milk during my hospital stay, which my husband used to feed our baby.

Once home, I was determined to breastfeed. I had struggled with breastfeeding my previous children and often ended up formula-feeding by six weeks. However, to my surprise, Paisley latched well despite my heavy letdown, which sometimes caused her to choke. Confident in our progress, I decided to stop pumping and focus solely on exclusive breastfeeding. Unfortunately, this decision led to a decrease in my milk supply, and by eight weeks, Paisley was crying inconsolably during feeds. She wasn’t receiving full feeds like she was used to. During a feed she would latch and unlatch, cry, become frustrated. I had noticed that my breasts weren’t nearly as full but it didn’t occur to me that my supply had depleted so drastically. The pediatrician diagnosed her with colic, offering little advice other than to continue feeding her. He also stated that she was crying so much because she was hungry. He offered advice on how to boost my supply and recommend I start supplementing with formula until my supply returned. 

I returned home feeling defeated but was sure that her crying would go away if only I could get my supply back. I felt like a terrible mother because I didn’t know that she wasn’t getting fed enough. The next few weeks were exhausting. Paisley cried for 3-6 hours every evening, and I struggled to keep up with pumping, feeding, and caring for my other children. Breastfeeding was feeling more like a chore and had lost all the beauty I found in it in the beginning. Getting a good latch, like we had, just wasn’t happening anymore and Paisley wasn’t gaining weight. I decided I didn’t want the added stress of pumping. By 9 weeks I was done. I had a good stash in the freezer and devoted myself to finding a perfect bottle for  her while we still had breastmilk. We tried various bottles, including Avent, Dr. Brown’s, and Lansinoh, but none seemed to work. Avent created a clicking sound Paisley made while sucking and Dr Brown’s caused her constant gagging. It was frustrating and disheartening. Ultimately, the MAM bottle became our go-to as it fit her mouth perfectly and had a slow enough flow to suit her.

Despite finding a suitable bottle, the colic persisted. Paisley was crying every night, and my milk supply was running out. I started supplementing with formula, beginning with Similac Total Comfort due to its smaller, partially hydrolyzed proteins. She looked so uncomfortable all the time. I was determined to find a formula that would work for her. At Paisley’s 12-week check-up, a different pediatrician recommended switching to soy formula. This was a mistake. The larger protein size of soy made her symptoms worse, increasing her gas and discomfort. This is when I really started researching formulas. I couldn’t understand why the pediatrician would switch us to larger protein. I lost faith in that clinic all together. I had one bad experience after another with them. They provided absolutely no emotional support and their recommendations were useless to us. The appointments were fast and it felt like they just wanted us to come in so they could bill the insurance. 

From weeks 8 to 12, every night was a battle with colic. When Paisley was finally able to sleep, I let her rest uninterrupted, knowing how much she needed it after hours of crying. We tried various remedies, including gas drops, gripe water, and Dr. Brown’s warming belly band. While some provided temporary relief, the Frida Windi was the most effective. It helped release trapped gas when Paisley struggled to do so on her own. Watching my baby go through such pain was heart-wrenching. My husband and I took turns comforting her, but often she only calmed down in my arms. The sleepless nights and constant worry took a toll on both of us. 

My anxiety was running high. I couldn’t sleep. I’d say I got maybe 3-5 hours each night. Sometimes none, When Paisley finally fell asleep I was online reading everything I could from blogs to research papers. I needed to find an answer and get my baby some relief. I turned to support groups and started speaking with other mothers who experienced colic with their babies. Many suggested trying Similac Alimentum Ready to Feed. The ingredients were different from what was in the powder and mother’s swore by it. With my husband at work and no car, I bundled up my kids and walked to Walgreens to get a bottle of the ready to feed. The difference was noticeable within hours. The liquid formula seemed to bring some relief, reducing her crying episodes significantly. I honestly felt like I got to relax that night. 

Even though we made the switches to MAM bottles and were using the hypoallergenic formula, Paisley still had some rough nights. Her crying was only an hour give or take and she wasn’t as uncomfortable as she had been before. I couldn’t worry anymore. I made all the changes I could so I just devoted myself to her and decided we had to wait it out. We didn’t go anywhere! I stayed home with her and kept her comfortable. I tried many different carriers and wraps and finally found one that worked for us. She loved to be in it and watch everything I did like laundry or cooking. Going outside helped as well. We have chickens and she enjoyed going in the coop and listening to me talk to them. As time progressed, she began to become more alert. She started laughing and sitting up. I would say between 4.5-5 months is when I noticed that she wasn’t struggling much anymore. By 6 months I knew we made it. 

At seven months, I decided to gradually reintroduce dairy to her diet. I started mixing Alimentum with Total Comfort formula in a half-and-half ratio. By eight months, she was fully on Total Comfort, and by nine months, we transitioned to Similac Advance. By ten months, Paisley was thriving on Similac Advance, enjoying dairy products like cheese and yogurt without any issues.

Reflecting on this journey, I can confidently say we did everything possible to help our daughter. It was a tough experience, but we made it through. Today, Paisley is a happy and healthy baby, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way. For any parents going through similar struggles, know that you’re not alone. Trust your instincts, seek support, and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Dad