Upcoming Events:
Brie teaches an infant massage class every Tuesday morning at Scripps Mende Well Being located in UTC.
Contact her for more information on this overview course.
Click Here For Map
Brie also teaches a more comprehensive 4 week course at the
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
Contact her to learn when the next program begins.
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Colicky Baby
Nothing is more distressing to a mother who struggles to soothe a distressed baby. Although no definitive cause for colic has been defined, many believe that your baby’s immature gastrointestinal system is the culprit. When your little one cries for lengthy periods of time, often with sudden onset, fails to respond to soothing, appears to be suffering from tummy pain, or noticeable distended abdomen, colic may be the problem.
- A number of massage strokes and stretches can be used on the stomach to provide the right amount of stimulation to promote functioning of the digestive and elimination systems, as well as ease their discomfort. Lay your hands horizontally across your baby's tummy and stroke one hand over the other starting from just beneath the ribs moving downward.
- Bring your baby’s knees to the chest, hold for up to 30 seconds and then gently guide her legs back to the floor.
- Rocking your baby back and forth while holding him a football style hold might help.
- Or, contain your baby in a basket style hold and gently bend up and down with your knees only in a slow and methodic manner.
- Other aides for colic include some of the classics: warm bath, warm compresses on abdomen, long car ride, or placing baby in infant seat on top of running dryer (with constant supervision).
- For breastfeeding moms, some have found success in changing their own diet to avoid irritants such as tomatoes, caffeine, or gas-producing beans or vegetables. Others believe that milk, soy, or wheat allergies can worsen symptoms of colic.
Make sure to take moments every day to breathe and relax you own mind and body when possible. Stress and tension certainly are expected during this difficult time. However, the energy you emit will likely be picked up by your little one to create even greater distress if you are feeling close to your own meltdown. Take a break, even just a moment or two. Even if this means leaving your baby safely in her crib to step out and take 5 slow, deep breathes before returning. Always ask for support when you need it. Taking care of your colicky baby requires you to also take care of yourself.
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