Parenting Newborns & Infants (0-1) Support Group
Feeding your infant and ensuring they are getting enough nutrition is one of the most important aspects of parenting during that first year. This community is dedicated to those who are nurturing a baby, whether breastfed or formula-fed.
Every single night for the last week and a half my 6 week old daughter screams at the top of her lungs from 8pm until 12am or 1am. She's not hungry, she doesn't have a dirty diaper and she seems to be in no physical pain. So I'm thinking colic. And I know there is no cure, but does anyone have any advice to help soothe her? I'm slowly going crazy(well, maybe not slowly....)
http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurt.html
If this continues on for more than a week, there is a good possibility that your baby is being overstimulated. One of the obvious signs of this is the head turning from side to side while crying. If that's the case, try to give her more down time. For some babies, all it takes is 30 minutes of peace and quiet in the crib.
If she is windy (colicky) there are a few things you can do to help. Baby exercises are one of the best ways. Not only does it help push the gas through the baby's system, but it also calms a baby and helps you two bond. If interested, watch these videos. (follow the related videos for further techniques)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR2ogMMg9V8&feature=related
Heat placed on the stomach. This can be done via a bath or by rice bag/hot water bottle. If you use a rice bag/hot water bottle, please be careful that it isn't too hot and make sure its wrapped well in a thick towel or blanket.
Gripe Water, given both before and after a feed. There are other oral solutions that can be given that are made specifically for gassy infants.
Burp your baby after feeds. Some babies can take 45 minutes to burp. Be patient and don't give up if your baby doesn't burp right away.
According to my Mum I had this as a baby but fortunately my son didn't. She says I cried all evening as if I was in horrible pain but was fine for the rest of the day and it stopped when I was 3 months old. There's info in the booklet we got from the hospital about it but basically they just say it's horrible and it's not your fault and there's nothing you can really do except try to soothe her. Try to take it in turns with your partner so you can get a break from the crying. If it is 3 month colic then it will stop once your baby is 3 months old but I guess those are going to be a horrible few weeks.
Good luck and, from my experience, she won't remember or be scarred by it (although you might be!!).
If you lived here in LA I would loan you my copy. I can't recommend this enough. It worked wonders for us.
Best of luck...
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13:colic-in-the-breastfed-baby&catid=5:information&Itemid=17
If you need more info Jolene, send me a pm with your e-mail, and I can send you some articles that I have fom Dr Newman on the subject.
Good luck; u r doing great!