It’s really hard to have a baby that is crying from colic. It can make a mom feel quite helpless, frustrated and overwhelmed, especially when you are tired. The colicky phase does end but while you are in it it can seem to go on forever. In the meantime, here are some great tips to try from the Colic Survival Guide:
Play Ride A Bicycle – yes, you heard me right. Lie your baby on her back and cycle her legs as if she is riding a tiny pretend bicycle. The movement can help gas pass through her system more quickly. Gently massaging your baby’s tummy, around the navel area, can also help relieve gas pains. Lying her across your legs, face down so one thigh gently presses on her tummy and at the same time rub her back soothingly can also be a big help in moving those air bubbles through.
Sit Her Up In A Semi-Upright Position – by holding a baby in a semi-upright position while you feed her reduces the amount of air she swallows and this allows the milk to move through the digestive system more smoothly, with less air bubbles.
Feed More Frequently – don’t wait until she is really hungry as when babies are hungry they eat really quickly and swallow lots of air.
Lastly, look after yourself emotionally. It’s distressing when you can’t seem to soothe your baby. Sometimes when you have tried everything and nothing works try holding her and jiggling around while you’re listening to and singing along to your favorite music. Really, it helps! So does asking for help and passing her to someone else to try for a bit while you give yourself permission to take a little break.
If you want to read more about maternal mental health download the FREE Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression. It is full of information about symptoms, different types of maternal mood disorders and advice about what to do to start feeling like yourself again.
Dr. Sarah Allen has 20+ years experience as a psychologist helping women transition to being the mom they want to be. She is also the Director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of IL, a non-profit offering info and support to pregnant and postpartum moms and their families.
In her Northbrook office, in the North Suburbs of Chicago, or via telephone or online counseling she offers the most convenient way for you to access support and help.
If you have questions after reading this article or the Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression or have any questions about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances please contact me at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.