Every night for over a month now she starts at different times just crying, fussing, crying, fussing. It's loud, It's non stop. And there is nothing we can do. Rocking, sweet talk. I've gone straight to gas drops, which I know aren't always successful. She is on Zantac twice a day. She wakes up once in the middle of the night for feeding and fusses some more before going back down. This all ends around 1 a.m. but when it starts is always a mystery and very stressful because I'm anticipating it. There have been times where I have had to set her down and just cried with her. Luckily dh was home tonight (she was really bad this evening) and I just took the car for a 10 minute drive. Some nights are worse than others. Last night she was a gem. She is wonderful during the day. I don't eat any dairy. Shit, I hardly eat much at all with my ppd. Could this be colic? Is there anything I can try that doesn't require medicine because that's clearly not working. She will be 8 weeks on Wednesday. I want to add we try her paci around this time and she won't even accept it. I'm desperate.
Sounds like night colic. My sister had it and my mom described it exactly like this. My sister's was so bad, the doctors apparently wanted to prescribe morphine to help her sleep... back in the early 90s, mind you but still seems extreme to me. She eventually outgrew it around 3 or 4 months.
Sorry I don't have any further advice or solutions. Hope things improve soon! FX.
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Thank you. My older sister had colic too but my mom described it as just hysterical blue on the face crying. I was on the phone with her tonight and she suggested a few things because she thinks it's mild colic too .
My LO can be like this. Sometimes there is a reason (gas, congestion, overtired) but a lot of the time, there isn't. She is gaining weight and has enough soiled diapers so Doctor has said colic. It can be really frustrating and can definitely wear you down. Hang in there, mama!
We've tried gripe water, saline spray, and some tea (chamomile or fennel, a couple of small spoons that she can suck).
I know you said no medication but Colic Calm is a life saver. The only draw back is it's black so it can get messy but I works really well!
This! It saved us and now we only have to give it every once in a while. It's all natural too. I also do probiotics. It really helps their digestive system. She's been doing really well on those but the colic calm works pretty quick. I will say it took about two times before I could tell. Yesterday she was fussing and crying and wouldn't sleep. She kept spitting up too so we gave her that and she fell asleep for 1 1/2 hours and then felt better.
Sounds familiar. I stopped ALL dairy, coffee, and chocolate. We have a far improved baby now. I was convinced it could not be diet related because he was only fussy in the late afternoon and evenings but I ate dairy at all times. He was always good in the mornings... That was my excuse because I knew the diet would be hard. He is so much happier now that I can't even crave the banned food.
https://purplecrying.info/ Our first did this. DH would come home sometimes to both of us crying hysterically. You sound like you're going through exactly what I did with her. It was extremely rough. I can't say I ever bonded with her as well as I have with DD2. Between the stress of finances, the depression, the lack of support and understanding I got, I was a complete basket case by the time she was 2. Ask for help, take it when it's offered. Even if it's just MIL coming and doing laundry, or dishes, or mom coming and taking LO so you can take a nap, or shower, it all helps. You've taken on the world lady, and it's not easy, but it does get better. Thinking of you.
Time it, and start aiming to put her to sleep before it begins. My guy is seriously an angel. Never cries- ever. Then around 10 pm he gets fussy. If he's not asleep by 11, it escalates. So I aim to have him to sleep around 10 and it never happens if I'm disciplined.
Brooke does this at 530 every evening. She's exhausted because she's a short day napper. We moved up her bedtime routine (bath nurse swaddle calm soothe) to 6 and have avoided the fussy time altogether. It seems like such an early bedtime but she sleep til 2 am then until 7 so it works for us!
Hang in there mama. Someone else posted the link to info on the period of purple crying. You are pretty much describing it exactly. The good (but for the moment bad) news is that crying like this usually peaks at two months so you are going through the worst of it. Put her down and take breaks when you need them. Try a car ride or a walk when you can. Ask for help if you need a break. It will get it better - unfortunately it just takes time.
I also recommend baby probiotics. There is actually a lot of evidence now mounting that "colic" is really a result of issues with the gut and besides my own personal experience with using it and a colic-free baby I know all the moms I've talked to who have tried it have great success. I give her one serving in her bottle every night (she always gets at least on BM bottle at night) since 4 weeks.
There is nothing wrong with setting her down and taking a time-out. Unfortunately, babies can sense fear, I kid, but they feed off your energy, so if you're frustrated it'll only get her more worked up.
I agree that it sounds like colic. It gets better, this doesn't last forever, I promise. Hang in there, you're doing a great job.
@JAM85 I'm going to talk to her pedi about children's probiotic on Friday. Thanks for that suggestion.
I feel bad about walking away and letting her cry while I shower or do whatever because so many people tell me to "hold that baby!"
I definitely want to try the probiotic too and I'm reading up on the wonder weeks.
@CJPowers I will put her in my wrap tonight and go for a walk because now that I think about it... The other night when she was "good" we had gone for a walk that night!
If I try to get her to sleep earlier (because I usually give her a bath when the sun goes down and we go from there) and she starts crying should I just rock her until she falls asleep or let her cry until she falls asleep? I would rather rock her but usually once I set her down she won't stay asleep long.
Also I read the rest of the comments and I know I said no medicine because I thought my only options were gripe water and gas drops which weren't working. I'll try everything you have all suggested. I feel bad for her because she is in lots of pain and I can see it but it's also such a stressful time for me.
@kat8805 I actually saw a therapist today and will be seeing one regularly along with a psychiatrist.
Thanks for all the wonderful support. I feel a lot better. In my head I know nothing is wrong and I should just go take a shower and calm down but then at the same time I'm thinking- if she has gas then she is in pain and needs me there to comfort her. Ugh
My baby requires a hair dryer running and me bouncing on an exercise ball to calm down in the evening. Have you read the Happiest Baby on the Block? Lots of good tips about mimicking the womb in the first few months. White noise, swaddle, big movements, etc.
I'm glad you're talking to someone. This is a hard time no matter who you are and it's important to get that extra support if you feel like you're not coping well. I hope things get better for you and Scarlett!
Also wanted to second the recommendation for the exercise ball. That and climbing stairs really help soothe our DD when she's being fussy. Oh, and if you aren't familiar with The Happiest Baby on the Block, that dvd is worth checking out as well. The 5Ss have helped us a few times when all else has failed.
Happiest Baby might help- you can get the DVD on iTunes or amazon. It's a book too but who the f has time to read. I'm sure my suggestions have been mentioned - white noise (radio between stations works), car ride with White noise, swaddle...bring her in the tub with you & float her around ...
White noise does not help. Swaddling does not help. The only thing she likes is her new swim but that only works during the day. We have tried it all. I'm going to try another walk tonight
@JAM85 I'm going to talk to her pedi about children's probiotic on Friday. Thanks for that suggestion.
I feel bad about walking away and letting her cry while I shower or do whatever because so many people tell me to "hold that baby!"
I definitely want to try the probiotic too and I'm reading up on the wonder weeks.
@CJPowers I will put her in my wrap tonight and go for a walk because now that I think about it... The other night when she was "good" we had gone for a walk that night!
Sounds like you're doing everything you should be. Hang in there and try not to listen to random advice to "hold that baby." It's absolutely okay to take 5 minutes to yourself when it gets bad. This shit ain't easy. Good luck tonight.
We walked and I took her I'm to the bedroom and dimmed the lights. I'm letting her comfort eat right now. She seems most calm in here. Thanks for the luck ladies I might need it! No dh tonight
I'm glad the walk seemed to calm her down a little. Just curious what her sleep schedule is like? DS is super fussy if he stays up for more than 30 minutes after a feeding. I usually start actively trying to put him to sleep about 20 minutes after I feed him (bouncing on a ball, standing and bouncing him on my daughters trampoline gently, rocking chair, wearing him in carrier and bouncing, or putting him sideways with a pacifier in his mouth and squeezing him tummy to tummy). My friends and I call this the "baby go to sleep". If you wait too long it's so impossible to get them to fall asleep. One of the hardest things as a new mommy that I learned with my first was that it really is a full time job. You spend so much time feeding/burping/changing then you only get to play for a few minutes with them and then it's "baby go to sleep" time. It gets better though! And put that baby down, it is okay. Do you have a mobile? Put her in the crib with the mobile going for a few minutes. (I do this so I can get a quick 3 minute shower in). Good luck momma! U are doing great!
@CJPowers her sleeping schedule is usually bath time after dark, I usually do it as close to the time she goes to sleep as possible so I can put her in her swaddle immediately but I have discovered it doesn't matter what time I do it or if she is in a swaddle or not. She usually sleeps from about 1-5or6 and then it's kind of on and off until noon... usually another solid 3 hours at least. Then she takes a few cat naps during the day.
I gave her an earlier bath today and didn't swaddle her. Trying to get her to bed earlier. Took her for a walk. She slept a little on me and then started up again.
Nothing made me feel more like super mom than tonight. I tried that frog hold in the other thread posted and noticed she calmed down and looked like she was almost thinking about what was going on. I got her to release a tiny bit of gas. So I layed her down with her legs froggied. . And she let out more gas. So I tried this trick a friend told me where you froggy their legs and put a thermometer in their butt. She was fussing so I took it out and then put it back in. When I pulled it back out she had a silent fart and I dodged an explosion of poop! Now she's chillaxin in her swing after a little fussing. I hope I have discovered the culprit and it works tomorrow night
If she's having gas issues, I swear by peppermint tea. It's cheaper than gas drops and more effective, in my opinion.
I just steep a cup of water with a tea bag, then cool and add a couple drops to a bottle. I save the remaining tea for a few days and just add it to a bottle if she's gassy.
I can't remember who suggested it and it know you said white noise didn't help, but try Baby Got Colic from iTunes (see YouTube for a demo clip). I found it is a much better white noise than anything else I have tried.
Ever since she let out that big poop she has been a dream. She is still awake and it's almost 1 here but she's being so peaceful just looking around and smiling and playing with us. I hope this isn't a fluke. Maybe the walk and release of gas did the trick
Jensen was diagnosed with colic and she barely ever cries, just fusses. My doctor told me all babies show pain different and colic is normally a stomach issue. I def recommend probiotics, I've heard great things about Gerber Good Start probiotic drops. You can even put them on your nipple before you breast feed. I use the Gerber good start formula now and it's helped SO much! Good luck!
I hope you figured out a way to calm her. I've also wondered about the windi. It's by the same people that make nose Frida. I guess it's the same as the thermometer deal but we dot have a rectal thermometer and I wouldn't know how far to stick it in. Makes me nervous. Anyway I also suggest colic calm. We had a lot of rough days and nights of inconsolable crying and horrible blood curdling cries. I questioned if I had ppd. With Zantac, colic calm, happiest baby on the block and nightly baths I really feel like I have a new baby. I made no diet changes but I can't say that's not the case for you.
Do what works right now. This is survival mode and it should start to clear up soon. Just remember, don't take it personally. She is not rejecting you. This doesn't make you a bad or incompetent mom. Once we got things under control he and I are both new people an much happier.
Try: -colic calm -Gerber soothe probiotic (pedi recommended but didn't need it) -Zantac dosage increase?
@JKBMA2014 - just wanted you to know I feel for you! My daughter has had terrible colic and it's so hard. Everything that has somewhat worked for us has already been mentioned so nothing more to add for soothing suggestions. My son also had colic so I try to keep reminding myself that he got so much better around three or four months. Easier said than done some days. My daughter is 9 weeks this week and already I can tell she is starting to settle. I think we have made it over the peak and hopefully going on the downhill slide. Hang in there!
Ever since she let out that big poop she has been a dream. She is still awake and it's almost 1 here but she's being so peaceful just looking around and smiling and playing with us. I hope this isn't a fluke. Maybe the walk and release of gas did the trick
Well colic in horses is gastric, so maybe that's what it really was, gastric discomfort. Glad to hear she's feeling happier now.
So I just want to update. Still having problems at night. Even with rectal stimulation. I'm going to try gripe water after every meal instead of just a last resort and cross our fingers. The pedi said that is I want to try formula to try enfamil gentle ease. So I went out and bought a 4 pack of the 8. Already made formula. If the gripe water doesn't help.. I want to try the formula at night time only.. Like around 5 p.m and on, but I don't think that will really work. Should I just do a day of formula and see if it works? I really don't want to have to put her on formula full time just because she is a fussy, and stressful little human at night....
Some babies do just have a bad time of day. For some it's short. And for some it's long. And it sucks. DS can be fussy from as early as 630 to about 830. Like full on crying. DH usually takes him to walk around.
I'm realizing he's not tired by 7 as he used to be and doesnt want to cluster before falling asleep around 9 ish. Now He wants to be awake and in everyone's business. I've been adjusting his routine and adding more activities and I'm seeing a very different child. Less flighting sleep (although he still does, wants to be nosey). His mental abilities were surpassing what I was providing.
Just a thought. Maybe something routine wise? Or needing more stimulation to actually become tired? She ready for bed when you start bedtime routine?
I was reading too that some babies just fight sleep naturally and the drowsy phrase makes them fuss naturally. It's just something to ride out and improves with age.
Re: What is wrong?!!!!
Sorry I don't have any further advice or solutions. Hope things improve soon! FX.
Nora - 10.26.12
Henry - 5.9.14
I agree that it sounds like colic. It gets better, this doesn't last forever, I promise. Hang in there, you're doing a great job.
I feel bad about walking away and letting her cry while I shower or do whatever because so many people tell me to "hold that baby!"
I definitely want to try the probiotic too and I'm reading up on the wonder weeks.
@CJPowers I will put her in my wrap tonight and go for a walk because now that I think about it... The other night when she was "good" we had gone for a walk that night!
Also I read the rest of the comments and I know I said no medicine because I thought my only options were gripe water and gas drops which weren't working. I'll try everything you have all suggested. I feel bad for her because she is in lots of pain and I can see it but it's also such a stressful time for me.
@kat8805 I actually saw a therapist today and will be seeing one regularly along with a psychiatrist.
Also wanted to second the recommendation for the exercise ball. That and climbing stairs really help soothe our DD when she's being fussy. Oh, and if you aren't familiar with The Happiest Baby on the Block, that dvd is worth checking out as well. The 5Ss have helped us a few times when all else has failed.
But big hugs. That sucks
Sounds like you're doing everything you should be. Hang in there and try not to listen to random advice to "hold that baby." It's absolutely okay to take 5 minutes to yourself when it gets bad. This shit ain't easy. Good luck tonight.
I gave her an earlier bath today and didn't swaddle her. Trying to get her to bed earlier. Took her for a walk. She slept a little on me and then started up again.
Nothing made me feel more like super mom than tonight. I tried that frog hold in the other thread posted and noticed she calmed down and looked like she was almost thinking about what was going on. I got her to release a tiny bit of gas. So I layed her down with her legs froggied. . And she let out more gas. So I tried this trick a friend told me where you froggy their legs and put a thermometer in their butt. She was fussing so I took it out and then put it back in. When I pulled it back out she had a silent fart and I dodged an explosion of poop! Now she's chillaxin in her swing after a little fussing. I hope I have discovered the culprit and it works tomorrow night
I just steep a cup of water with a tea bag, then cool and add a couple drops to a bottle. I save the remaining tea for a few days and just add it to a bottle if she's gassy.
ETA: not a couple drops, but rather 1/2 tsp.
BFP #1 - 3/23/13 // EDD - 11/27/13 // M/MC - 5/3/13 // D&C - 5/4/13
BFP #2 - 8/26/13 // EDD - 5/10/14 // Born 5/18/14
If your BF don't drink it yourself. I read a lot peppermint messes with your supply.
Do what works right now. This is survival mode and it should start to clear up soon. Just remember, don't take it personally. She is not rejecting you. This doesn't make you a bad or incompetent mom. Once we got things under control he and I are both new people an much happier.
Try:
-colic calm
-Gerber soothe probiotic (pedi recommended but didn't need it)
-Zantac dosage increase?
I'm realizing he's not tired by 7 as he used to be and doesnt want to cluster before falling asleep around 9 ish. Now He wants to be awake and in everyone's business. I've been adjusting his routine and adding more activities and I'm seeing a very different child. Less flighting sleep (although he still does, wants to be nosey). His mental abilities were surpassing what I was providing.
Just a thought. Maybe something routine wise? Or needing more stimulation to actually become tired? She ready for bed when you start bedtime routine?
I was reading too that some babies just fight sleep naturally and the drowsy phrase makes them fuss naturally. It's just something to ride out and improves with age.