Is she still hungry? (right after I feed her)
Is she poopy? (no, just changed the diaper)
Is my milk supply low, bad quality, is it something I ate?
She must be tired?
Gas? Upset tummy?
Is she in pain? Then my mind goes wild...bowel obstruction? (no she's pooping)
As a nurse, I just tend to look for symptoms and identify a cause.
Is it colic many have asked? Well, here is ignorant me not really thinking colic was a valid answer. I was thinking it was a catch all for all problems.
A little reading about the nature of colic and how to deal with it and wha-la....a very happy baby who is sleeping soundly right now.
After expressing my discouragement to my hubby, he secretly did a little research online, and put "The Happiest Baby on the Block" on hold for me to pick up at the library today. We had previously heard of the 5 S's to help calm a baby:
Swaddling
Side/Stomach
Shhh
Swinging
Sucking
But what I didn't realize was that there was an order that helps calm a baby right down, and even more so, a colicky baby with an intense temperament. The book cites 10 Universal facts about colic. It was very comforting to read them and realize I that this is likely what has been going on.
It's only been half a day, but I am really hopeful. Things went surprisingly well using the tips and tricks I learned and I hope it continues.
10 comments:
Yea for Adam and I hope that this IS the answer. I kept thinking that I wish that I was closer so that I could give you a repreve. I know that you wish I was too. I know when Matt was little he was the same way and I would get so tired and frustrated. Wish I would have had that book when he was little. I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that but now you know and, as I said, hopefully you know what to do. Love you and am glad that Corinne and Erika are coming soon and then US!!!! We can take over and give you a little rest and Olive will be bigger and used to being here too. LOVE YOU TONS.
I'm glad baby Olive is now sleeping peacefully. I've heard of that book so many times before and that it works. I also hear the second baby is harder than the first, not that the baby is harder, but that it's harder having two small children to take care of as opposed to just one.
Oh I remember being so sad for Andrew when he was like this, it is so frustrating too! I am sorry that you have had to handle this and it used to make me wonder what in the world I was thinking becoming a mother because I couldn't take care of him but I don't think I ruined him :). I love you tons and I am glad you found a solution--I hope it keeps working!
Tricky situation. I loved "HBOTB!" The nurse at Concord Hospital made us watch it even before we were discharged with Milo. He was a relatively calm and peaceful little guy, but there were definitely times that we started down the list of S's until he was soothed. I hope it continues to work for you! I'm sure there are a few wonderful souls up there in Concord (Emilie G., Aleta B., Nancy F.) who would be willing to lend a hand to give you a break, too.
I'm sorry you have been going through that! I read the "Happiest Baby on th Block" while I was prego with Kendra & it had a lot of good tips even for kids without colic. I hope it works! I know Katie L. read it for Adric [is that even right?] cause he had colic. Good Luck!
Oh Andrea I am so sorry that you guys have had to go through that. I too have heard that book is amazing! I am keeping my fingers crossed that it keeps working. Miss You!
Oh I hope it gets better, it hard with the first baby, but the second is harder for sure, espcially if it is a higher matience baby for what ever the reason. You'll make it mom, you are super woman, never forget that
oh I am so glad Adam got you that book, we had a lot of success with it as well...way to stay positive! I hope you can get her soothing needs figured out...let me help and give you a break from crying/holding her, I'd love to!
i wondered when we talked last on the phone if she was colicky based on what you were saying. I read the happiest baby on the block and it works. At least ot did for me!! Lizzy was a colicky and I read this book too!! Hang in there! I wish I could come give you a break you need one!
There's an angel sleeping comfortably! There's no more horrible feeling than not being able to console/comfort your own baby...I don't blame you for the tears. Thank goodness you've found something that works. Wish we were all closer, so we could bake you consolation brownies and give hugs and take turns 5 S-ing little O. We love you!
Post a Comment