What do you do when it feels like you’ve tried everything, your baby is crying and still acting hungry, and you’re about to pull you hair out?
- Take a deep breath.
- If you feel so frustrated you might want to shake your baby – don’t!
- Make sure your baby is safe in a crib or with a support person. Step away, go outside, scream into a pillow if you need to. Here are some things you can try when you’re ready
- Breast compression while baby nurses - This gives more flow. I’ve seen babies get frustrated while trying to latch after early introduction of bottles where they get nipple confusion or flow preference. See video at YouTube.com, Dr Jack Newman Breastfeeding Video Compression Technique and watch it until he demonstrates because it also shows a very clear example of what drinking looks like.
- Does baby have gas? Try burping or position change.
- Does baby need a diaper change?
- Is baby too hot or too cold?
- Is baby overtired and wants to suck to go to sleep but not eat? Your clean finger may do the trick. Some parents make the choice to offer a pacifier. I have an affiliate with Soothe Beginnings because I feel they are the safest, most evidence-based, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly option.
The 5 S’s to baby soothing are
- swaddling – snug, not loose; watch overheating; don’t cover the head; stop when baby can roll over
- side or stomach position but only while holding or supervising, not sleeping
- shushing with repetitive soft noise and patting
- swinging/rocking
- sucking
“Colic” is an older term, and a “colicky” baby can mean several things
- Crying about the same time after every feed could be signalling reflux. It could be what’s causing the discomfort, even if you don’t see baby spitting up. Adults have heartburn without spitting up! Talk to the paediatrician
- Crying about the same time most days (and typically in the afternoons) isn’t related to the baby’s stomach or digestion. It’s a developmental process that is usually outgrown by 4 months. You’re not doing anything wrong but you will need supportive and knowledgeable people you can rely on if you find this is the case.
You know your baby best. If you feel as if baby isn’t getting enough or something else is wrong, please reach out to a provider.
