colic - Dinker and Giggles

Babywearing: An Aunt’s Perspective

Posted by Anne-Marie Lindsey on Feb 14, 2012 in Bringing Up Boys

babywearing Did you know that some babies absolutely insist on being held for incredibly long stretches of time?

I didn’t, until my sister gave birth to a baby who must be held. Not only was my niece a baby who must be held, but she was also very picky about who held her. Inexplicably, she insisted on Mama from day one.

This “separation anxiety” is not supposed to occur until six months, at the earliest. It was a bit of a cruel joke on my sister, a developmental psychologist who, every semester, explains to students that newborns shouldn’t show signs of separation anxiety!

Nevertheless, my weeks-old niece cried when she was held by one of the “mother’s helpers” my sister tried to employ. Instead of enjoying a cup of tea or a peaceful meal while the babysitter held the baby, my sister was forced back into the glider, babe in arms, while they did laundry or tried to help out somehow. Time to herself became virtually impossible. Babywearing was largely responsible for saving her sanity.

Enter The Sanity Saver

This was my niece's favorite position in her ring sling!

During my first visit after the birth of my niece, my sister told me that the baby was refusing to tolerate the stroller. Instead, she showed me a ring sling; it allowed my sister carry her new baby closely, outdoors and inside, while keeping her hands free. That morning, my sister and I were actually able to leave the house, walk to a coffee shop and drink our coffee without much fuss! During the walk there, the baby fell asleep, and during the walk home, she enjoyed staring up at her mother’s face, the sky, the trees. It was a lovely morning that would have been impossible without babywearing.

I suspect that my niece was a baby who must be held because she had terrible reflux. That baby spit up more than anyone thought possible. It must have been miserable for her! But when she was more or less upright, she felt better–gravity was on her side. The cradle position shown in the picture kept her in a relatively upright position and allowed both baby and mom to relax.

Working with the Grain – not Against

Even though it was difficult to keep my niece happy, I refused to call her a “difficult baby.” Our difficulties were never her defining characteristics. I have since met other babies who must be held. Their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and childcare providers agree–without baby wearing, you will absolutely lose your mind trying to keep these babies happy. If you need some sanity preservation or know someone who does, I highly recommend purchasing or borrowing a ring sling. Because it is adjustable and easy to put on, a sling is a great place to start!

Ten Tips for Caring for Babies with Colic {Philips AVENT}

Posted by Alaina Frederick on Nov 26, 2010 in Bringing Up Boys

Philips AVENT sponsored a conversation on TheMotherhood.com and among mom bloggers and their readers to gather advice and support on caring for babies with colic – and their parents too!

Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, mom, pediatrician and author, joined the conversation live on November 2nd to share her knowledge and insights as well. From all that was shared on TheMotherhood.com between Dr. Jen and the mom bloggers, here are the Top 10 Tips:

Making Baby Feel Better

If you are breastfeeding, think about your diet. Certain foods you eat, such as citrus fruit, onions, cauliflower, spicy foods, caffeine and beans, may contribute to your baby’s fussiness.

Style of feeding can make a difference too. “Active” feeding, where your baby controls milk flow (through breastfeeding or using a bottle that mimics it – such as the Philips AVENT natural feeding bottle) can help reduce colic symptoms.

Keep your baby moving – use a baby sling or swinger seat, rock the cradle, or move his or her arms and legs in “bicycle” motions.

Focus on soothing rituals. White noise can help, as it’s a reminder of the noises heard from inside the womb. Also consider trying a pacifier, giving warm baths, gently massaging your baby’s tummy, or swaddling.

At naptime or bedtime, side and stomach positions are generally more comfortable for babies suffering from colic than lying on his or her back.

Making Mommy (and Daddy) Feel Better

Getting time away from home is vital. Having a baby with colic also can be hard on a couple, so getting time together without the baby can really help.

Find an outlet for discussing what you’re going through. Sometimes talking it out with a mom support group or another mom who has “been there” can make a world of difference. Philips AVENT hosts a community on Facebook where you can connect with other moms.

Take a few minutes each day and do something that makes you feel good – for example, a hot shower and a home facial. It will help you feel fresh even when you are exhausted.

If you’ve tried several different tactics, and nothing seems to be soothing your baby, schedule some time with your pediatrician. It always helps to get an expert opinion, and nothing is more valuable than peace of mind!

Remember, you are not alone, and your baby’s colic is not your fault. Twenty-five percent of babies suffer from colic, and there are no indications that it is hereditary, or caused by anything you did while pregnant. The good news is, colic typically disappears when baby is around 3 months of age – so it won’t last forever!

For more than 25 years, Philips AVENT, the number one bottle brand in the world, has been a trusted partner from pregnancy through toddlerhood, giving parents the confidence to choose the products that support their baby’s developing needs. Learn more at http://www.philips.us/avent or visit Philips AVENT’s new Facebook page for more tips and advice.

TheMotherhood.com: Let’s Talk Colic

Posted by Alaina Frederick on Nov 2, 2010 in Upcoming Events

TheMotherhood is creating a list of the Top Tips for Caring for Babies With Colic … and Their Parents.

If your baby has colic now or had colic when he or she was younger, come share your tips and tricks and stories. Let us know how you’re doing and how you survived.

Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, author and renowned pediatrician from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York will answer our questions .

Date and Time: November 2nd, 2010, Tuesday, at 12:00 pm ET (9:00 a.m. PT) here in TheMotherhoood: http://themotherhood.com/talk/show/id/62087

Co-hosting are these wonderful mom bloggers (all who’ve been through colic themselves!):

Alaina Frederick {my heartfelt} Life

Angie Knutson My Four Monkeys

Clarissa Nassar The Diary of a POSHpreneur

Stacie Connerty The Divine Miss Mommy

Victoria Mason, The Mummy Chronicles

Sponsor: The Talk is sponsored by Philips AVENT who is giving away an AVENT gift basket to a lucky participant.
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Location: Noon ET in TheMotherhood.com: http://themotherhood.com/talk/show/id/62087

The chat is all text (no phone or video). Join the conversation or just read along.

Colic, Tears, and Motherhood

Posted by Alaina Frederick on Oct 25, 2010 in Reviews & Giveaways

Everyone always pictures a perfect little baby when they are pregnant. All curled up sleeping like a little angel. Never does it cross their mind that the first three to six months may be spent with hours and hours of crying and a screaming baby.

I’m lucky that our case of colic was mild. Holding our son in just the right way typically solved many of the cries. Watching what I ate before nursing and always interrupting him to burp helped too.