Colic vs witching hour?

Wino411 · December 2014

What's the difference or are they the same thing? And OMG when does it end?

Nolan's 5 weeks now and the night time fussiness started a week ago. It was annoying but tolerable last week but it's progressively getting worse. It's gone from on and off whining for an hour to full on screaming fits for two hours (last night). Just when I think I've found something that works it doesn't work the next day or in last night's case an hour later. Anyone else have a colicky baby or an extremely fussy baby? Any tips to keep me sane? And any hope that this won't last long?

rosalie12 · December 2014

I've been going through this too. Lo is screaming as we speak. My sister is here trying her luck at stopping the sobbing. My doctor said it is colic, but regardless the diagnosis doesn't mean much because there's no magical medicine or solution that will fix it vs. witching hour. We just try everything. Dd also has reflux and that has helped some but she has been so colicky the last week especially. Today was hard. She cried off and on every time she was awake and more so in the evening hours. We just keep trying to distract her by moving her to new locations and either soothing or playing with her. It's hit or miss what helps, and varies everyday. She's been extremely fussy and almost seems bored sometimes, and other times just pissed off haha. Just try to hang in there, and my advice is to try to have someone else (SO or other person) help you so you can get a break. Constant screaming can take a toll on even the most patient person and it doesn't mean you're a bad mom if you need to get out of the house and take some time to yourself. This has been a struggle for me to come to terms with, but it's true and it has helped my piece of mind. Then when I come back to the fussiness and/or screaming, I'm much more equipped to deal with it. FX they both get through this phase quickly! My doctor said that "colic" usually gets better at around 3 months or so.

ANGnJON · December 2014

^^This. I have to agree with @rosalie12‌. She's on point with what I've been experiencing with the twins! Drew also has severe reflux which just add fuel to the fire! Besides what's been mentioned above you can always try the 5 s', and the colic hold (google it!) has also given us some reprieve here & there! Best of luck dear, hang in there! It will get better in time!

Maggie6424 · December 2014

We just started seeing this in our was very calm and content child on Friday. It's at different times each day, and we thought it was gas.. but we're trying zantac for reflux just in case. DS1 had it and we're seeing similar behavior now. I really hope that fixes it because he was so easy going and only screamed when he was nekked or starving.
We try everything and like you said, what works right now probably won't work the next time. We are using gripe water and probiotics, and just started the zantac today. Swaddling, shushing, and holding him horizontally work best for me. We just keep trying different things. I'm sorry you're dealing with this too.. it REALLY tests your patience, sanity, and marriage. Hoping it passes soon for us all!

pnwlover12 · December 2014

I could have written this word for word. It sucks so bad. No tips from me because no matter what I do to try and soothe him, he eventually just wears himself out and falls asleep.

shannonshare · December 2014

A few thoughts: 5th week wonder week fussiness is a possibility

As mentioned: could peak at 6 weeks (things have gotten easier with DD since then)

White noise has helped a ton. I downloaded an mp3 (just googled white noise mp3) because YouTube sometimes takes a bit to load.

We held her and changed positions, also used an exercise ball to bounce.

@mrsclarke08 it sounds like you are figuring out a good routine and I hope things are getting better!

Wino411 · December 2014

Thanks for the tips ladies. I think he may have reflux also. I read about the wonder weeks after reading another thread and wondering if that's what is happening instead/also. Starting yesterday he seems to be easily awakened. His usual 2-3 hr naps are now 35-45 mins long because he or something startled him. Here's to hoping i'm at the peak (or at least close to it) and the agony goes downhill from here. And not that i'd wish this on my worst enemy but it's comforting to know I'm not alone.

persephonerose · December 2014

I've no clue what the difference is. I just know it sucks all the way around. Nathaniel is less fussy than Katherine, but man Katherine just cries and cries, like the awful screaming cry until she is hoarse. We do a combination of bouncing, swinging, the football/colic hold, massaging her belly (there is a video on youtube that describes massage for gas/digestion), letting her sleep on her side, hair dryer sounds, and sometimes just switching from me to DH helps. I also notice it gets worse if she needs to poop, she strains so much sometimes she spits up her entire feeding.

I hope this passes soon for all of us!

Aurora1181 · December 2014

Many hugs to those going through this! We started adding more to the late bottles and making bed time earlier. It helped some. By the time 7pm rolls around I'm pretty sure everyone in my house, me included, has colic. We're all just so tired and cranky. We will wear the fussy baby around the house or give a bath- honestly anything we can think of. It's exhausting. Fx this passes soon for all of us!

bumpuser10309732 · December 2014

DD is just starting to get better with this and she's 11 weeks old. Pure hell!

Eastie156 · December 2014

There's a great book on colic, "Colic Solved" which was recommended to me after DS was diagnosed with silent reflux. DD has reflux, although hers is quite obvious. But some Dr's still refer to reflux as colic. Colic is just a general term for not knowing what's wrong with your baby.

Eastie156 · December 2014

Maggie6424 said:

We just started seeing this in our was very calm and content child on Friday. It's at different times each day, and we thought it was gas.. but we're trying zantac for reflux just in case. DS1 had it and we're seeing similar behavior now. I really hope that fixes it because he was so easy going and only screamed when he was nekked or starving.
We try everything and like you said, what works right now probably won't work the next time. We are using gripe water and probiotics, and just started the zantac today. Swaddling, shushing, and holding him horizontally work best for me. We just keep trying different things. I'm sorry you're dealing with this too.. it REALLY tests your patience, sanity, and marriage. Hoping it passes soon for us all!

All of this ^^^^

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