Babies cry for various reasons; crying is their way of communicating with us and is a normal part of having a baby. Some babies cry a lot more than normal though! These babies may have colic. The cause of colic is unknown, but Colic is defined as: “crying that begins and ends for no obvious reason, lasts at least 3 hours a day, happens at least 3 days a week, and continues for 3 weeks to 3 months” (Parlakian, 2016, para 2).
Every Child is Different
Unfortunately, we do not get a guidebook when we have a baby, there is no one right way to soothe a baby, it is all trial and error. Every child is different; what may work for one child may not work for another, and what might work one day may not work the next! The important thing to remember is that your baby’s inconsolable crying due to colic does not mean that you are not a good parent, you have not caused it, and it will end!
Colic is Challenging
Having a newborn baby is tough as it is, and adding colic on top is even more challenging. Parent self-care is extremely important if you have a baby with colic because “having a baby who is difficult to comfort can increase parents’ stress and can contribute to the “baby blues” and/or “postpartum depression.” As many as 50%-80% of new mothers experience the baby blues in the first 10 days after childbirth” (Parlakian, 2016, para 5). “Approximately 8%-15% of new moms experience postpartum depression in the first year of motherhood (Parlakian, 2016, para 6). These stats show that it’s important to have a support system along with taking time for yourself to de-stress after having a new baby, but it is so much more important if you have a baby with colic.
Seek Support
Talking to your doctor and having your child assessed to make sure that there is not another reason for the crying is the best thing to start with. You should also seek advice from professionals to help you and your baby move through this difficult period with success. Don’t be ashamed to lean on friends and family to help you through this time, it’s so important to have a positive support system.
Reference
Parlakian, R. (2018, February 18). Colic and Crying. Zerotothree.org. www.zerotothree.org/resource/colic-and-crying/