I Had Two 'Colic Babies', These Are The Three Things I Did To Survive

When you first give birth, it’s a moment that’s pretty impossible to describe. But I’ll give it a red hot go.

You’re exhausted, exhilarated, instantly tied by the heart to this new little creature. Seconds later, worry sets in. You feel an overwhelming urge to protect them, ensure their safety and never let them go, even though you’ve only just met.

From the gate, along with the emotion and endorphins, you’ll undoubtedly face hurdles. This is all normal, in some capacity. Some babies have feeding issues, or struggle to gain weight, others suffer from jaundice, and for some, the issues don’t set in until you’ve left the hospital and settled at home. This was my experience with colic.

What is colic?

Colic is defined ‘as crying for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks.’ 

That’s it.

It’s a very difficult thing to diagnose, but if you have a baby that is healthy, gaining weight and otherwise happy, but that cries in a special, predictable pattern - it could be colic. Babies with colic are healthy, and eating and growing well but cry in spells. The spells happen at the same time of day.

With a little more research after my second child was born, I learned that colic was a kind of gas pain that indeed was caused by an immature digestive system. That gas can only be passed through the bottom, not a burp.

My personal experience with colic:

Freddie conked out after a long bout of crying.

I got to a point where the sun would begin to go down and my anxiety levels would instantly rise. To paint you a picture. My daughter Eva was around 4 weeks old when the crying began. At first I thought it was the ‘witching hour’ I had heard so much about. I soon realised it was so much more. It happened nightly, and a little throughout the day. It looked like she was in pain, as her face would go red and scrunch up, her legs would fold up close to her and no matter what we did; cycling legs, football hold, feeding, rocking, patting and shooshing - she could not be settled. It was all-consuming, I was exhausted, frustrated and so deep in the black hole, there were times I wanted to die.

Eva during one of her bouts of crying. No matter what we did, she could not be subdued.

We even rushed her to emergency twice, as I thought something more sinister might be at play. Both times they couldn’t find anything ‘wrong.’

Everyone kept telling me to 'get to the 12-week mark', when her digestive system would be more mature, and the colic pains would cease. I was counting down the hours, let me tell you. But low and behold, when we reached the 10-week mark, it started to get better - and by 12 weeks, it had stopped.

When I was pregnant with my son, the anxiety that I would have another child with colic was high. I feel as though it was so high, that I almost brought it on through my own fear. I know that is not the case, but I seemed to have this beautiful, relaxed baby, and at the 5-week mark, the same pattern of crying that I had experienced with my daughter began with Freddie. I was a mess.

It affected me more than it had with my daughter. I felt trapped, like I was in a never-ending spiral and I would never have my old life - the life we had created over the last year - back again. I went into survival mode, researched more, asked for help - and survived.

These are the three things that helped me deal with colic in my two children:

1. Kept upright for 15 mins after each feed

This was a real lifesaver. This position is also effective with reflux, because you have gravity working on your side. As the colic gas can only be passed through the bottom, having your baby upright more often can mean that the gas is more likely to work downwards, faster.

2. Willby’s Colic Mixture

This was recommended to me by about 25 mums when I made a desperate plea via Instagram. So many mothers said it worked wonders for them. Basically, Willby’s Colic Mixture is a natural solution to colic, that assists with your baby’s digestion, easing that colic wind further through the digestive tract and out the bot!

What I liked is that they won't just 'sell' it to you. You have to make a telephone appointment, then describe your baby's symptoms and they will only sell it to you if they agree the culprit it most likely colic. They also stay in touch over text to ensure you don't run out and if your baby requires more or less of the dosage first recommended.

3. Tried to feed small amounts often

Instead of big feeds and big meals, I tried to get through that first three-month period by feeding small meals more often. This means that both children were able to digest the milk slightly easier, as there was less to contend with.

Colic can be a very isolating, pressure-filled time for new parents. Your baby isn’t trying to be difficult, they are just navigating this new world and need your love and support. Likewise, as parents, you need love and support. I know firsthand just how difficult it is. But I also know that there is light on the other side. 

Be kind to each other. Give each other an hour break here and there by taking the baby out in the pram, or for a walk in the carrier (even better, as it’s a horizontal position!), and accept all of the help from those around you. Be it having meals cooked, or older children looked after.