Anyone's 2nd LO have colic?

naturelle25 · August 2010

I am having a really difficult time with DS b/c he has colic & AR. He is pretty much always crying and I feel horrible for DD:( She isnt get as much time with me as she needs, so I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this and how you made it through?

Mr.&MrsS · August 2010

Do you have anyone that can help you? Even a couple of hours a week would make a huge difference! I work full time, so when I was on maternity leave with DS2 my DS1 went to day care 3 days a week. For me that was a lifesaver. My DS2 needed to be held at all times and it was hard to care for a 16 month old at the same time. Thankfully he wasnt full blown colicky (I know what that is like, DS1 had bad colic and would cry for 8 hours or more at a time. So I feel for you and know how hard it is.)

If you had someone to come and take DD for a little while you wouldnt have to feel guilty that she wasnt getting enough attention. Or if you had someone to come and watch DS so that you can get some quality time with DD you would feel better. If you dont have family or friends around that can help, could you hire a mothers helper for just a couple of hours a week? Even if you didnt feel comfotable leaving, at least you would have another set of hands for a couple of hours.

Good luck! And the best tip is that this will pass. I know it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you will get there...I promise! Pretty soon they will be playing together and it will melt your heart. )

jnksmom · August 2010

DD had colic for the first 3 months and it was horrible. Although she was fussy most of the day, the mornings were her best time of day and she would nap in the swing well for about an hour every morning. (Nature sounds/running water sound seemed to calm her most and her swing had nature sounds I would play also.) I made sure I used that hour to do something special with DS, giving him one-on-one attention. I know letting her sleep in the swing was probably not the best thing but that was the only way she would nap unless I was holding her and DS needed some mommy time. I also tried to hold her while I sat in the floor with DS playing. Although I could not play and interact as well while holding her I felt better that I was at least trying and showing him some attention.

Also, DH would either give DS his complete attention in the evenings or he would hold DD while I played with DS. Her worst time was 7p-1a and DS was in bed most of that time and luckily he slept through her constant screaming.

We didn't have any family around and had moved late in my pregnancy with DD so didn't have friends to help out either. I am sure DS could have used more attention but I did the best I could without any help. It was a rough 3 months but we made it. It will pass and you will get into more of a routine and be able to give your DD more attention. Hang in there. I know it is tough but it will be over soon.

MamaBrooke · August 2010

DS2 had colic and the first several months of his life were such a struggle for our entire family. There were many times that my toddler had to occupy himself for long stretches of time. On the other hand, I also had to just let DS2 cry sometimes because I refused to devote 100% of my attention to him and completely ignore DS1. My parents and MIL came over once a week to help out for a few hours and that was wonderful. Also, after DH got home from work, I would sometimes just go take a quick bath or do something relaxing for 30 minutes or so.

DS2 started improving at around 4 months, although it was just a slight improvement. We noticed a bigger improvement around 6 months and by around 9 months, he was so much happier. He is still a really high-maintenance child, but I think a lot of his fussiness is due to his temperament.

GL to you! I hope the colic passes quickly for you. In the meantime, see if you can get family/friends to help out so you can have time to yourself or time with your daughter.

FazFam · August 2010

I am pregnant with #2 right now so cant give much advice but I did struggle for several months with acid reflux and severe colic from 2 weeks up until about 3 months or so. We swaddled her frequently using the miracle blanket and often would set a heating pad on low lightly over her tummy. We also would do smaller feedings more frequently, and always kept her as upright as possible for 30 minutes after bottles. She slept in her swing, swaddled with a binky and white noise machine until 3 months. I know every baby is different, this is just what worked for us. We went back and forth with meds for ar until she was 10 months and now she has just grown out of it completely.

I pray that my second will not suffer from acid reflux like DD did, we spent many sleepless nights in tears wondering how we would ever make it through, and now its just a memory. I'm sorry your going through this, GL and I hope maybe you have some family/friends that may be able to help out with your DD occasionally!

kfriscia · August 2010

Yes. The first 3 months was rough. I was lucky in that his fussiest time was from 6 til he went to bed and ds#1 would go to bed at 7 so I only had the baby to deal with for the worst of it. It does get better though and he is seriously the EASIEST baby ever now.