Several people have suggested that Finn has Colic. Well, first I didn't really know what it was or what "caused" it, so I brushed it off. Second, I know it was when babies cry a lot and it was my thought that all babies cry, so it wasn't really anything. However, last night we were at our whits end, so I looked it up online.
Medical experts define colic as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby lasting more than 3 hours a day, 3 times a week. A baby usually establishes a daily pattern of crying, such as early morning or evening. Doctors have yet to discover the causes of colic. A fussy, crying, colicky baby is inconsolable, and the crying is not due to hunger or pain. The condition affects up to 20% of newborns (not sure if preemies are more susceptible to it or not).
After reading that, I looked at Jim and said, "I guess Finn has colic." Every night since last Saturday, Finn has had what I lovingly like to call an atomic meltdown. It occurs between 5 and 9pm...but always hits its zenith at 7pm. He doesn't cry, he screams. The only thing we found to help was one night, I gave him a bath and then we went for a walk. He just had a short lived meltdown that night. I still don't know what having colic "means" or what we can do about it. My friend Steph's little girl had it, so I sent her an email, hopefully getting some much needed advice. Finn also has his 6 month well-child appointment next week, so I will talk to his doctor about it. Last night it just got to the point where we swaddled Finn and put him in his pack and play. He cried there for an hour...falling asleep once, just to wake up with more energy for more screaming. It breaks me heart, but also frays at my nerves.
I just feel like, "now this...if it isn't one thing, it is another." I mean, haven't we already gone through enough? Can't we avoid having to deal with this, too?!?! It makes me dread the evenings and not want to do anything with anybody because I don't want to have to deal with Finn while people are over...or having anybody baby-sit him because it isn't fair to them. This, too, shall pass, but I just wonder what will be next.
On a slightly better note, Finn slept in his crib for a little while yesterday for a nap...albeit on his tummy, but we'll pick our battles.
Counters
5 comments:
Oh no!!! Poor little guy! I dont know if this will help, but I bought an exercise ball (the big ones you sit on) and when Dane is grumpy I hold him in my arms and bounce on the ball. It helps him relax and is a work out for me!
Hopefully this will pass quickly for you guys so you can enjoy your evenings again!
I feel for you guys. Jake screamed around the clock for about 4 weeks and it is VERY wearing. It seemed like 6 months. The good thing about this is that Finn has become such a normal little baby!! Hang in there, when you look back it won't seem like it lasted long.
As for tips, I agree with the music thing. The ONLY thing that calmed Jake for a while was the song "Serenity" by Godsmack. I kid you not. It has a very steady beat and we used to play it at relatively high volumes over and over and over...it gives me a chill to hear it to this day. The other thing that helped him tremendously was the chiropractor. I am not sure how that works with Finn being a preemie, but the one we saw in St. Paul specialized in babies and was wonderful. It might be worth asking about. My final word of advice is, when you can't take it a minute longer, walk away, get one one of the adorable smiling pictures we took of him, and stare at it from the other room while wearing noise canceling headphones!
Thank you all for the wonderful advice and support. I know we will get through this, but anything that will help is much appreciated.
Hang in there Stacy! I completely feel ya! Here are a few things that we tried with Lyla and were somewhat helpful:
bath, nursing, swaddling really tight), dancing, a loud noise of a fan for example, sound of running water.
As I told you, the one single thing that helped was the sling. There was something in that position and being tight and close to me that made her feel better. You are more than welcome to try my sling! Just let me know :)
Since you have a dr. appointment next week, make sure to bring it up and see if they have any other advice.
Hi Stacy,
I've been linking to your blog from Nikki and Katie's blog for awhile now and love seeing pictures of your cute little pumpkin! I don't have any experience with colic, but we've been having great luck with The Miracle Blanket as a swaddler for our newborn son. They are about $40, but in my opinion, it's worth it! Just thought I'd throw that out there. good luck!
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