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How Do I Breastfeed a "Colic" Baby??


Is she screaming again?


I wish she ever seemed happy during awake time.


Should I call the doctor again?


Why doesn't anyone believe me?


Somebody help me.


I'll never forget my first year as a new mom. There are so many precious memories of those days spent with my beautiful daughter and the bond that developed. There are also lots of memories that make my skin crawl even all these years later.


When my daughter was about 5 weeks old, I noticed she seemed really fussy all of a sudden....like something was wrong. What could it be though? I was breastfeeding her on demand (ALL...THE....TIME....), taking her for stroller walks, tending to her every need. A few acquaintances suggested she might have "colic". What's colic? "Colic" is a bit of an umbrella term, used to describe babies that cry inconsolably for lengthy stretches with no obvious cause. I couldn't determine any conclusive cause for this "colic" situation, so I took her to our pediatrician's office and, while I was changing her diaper, the nurse started asking me questions. How long has she had that rash? Oh, wow, are all her poopy diapers liquid like that? Um.....did I miss something?? I broke down in tears......right alongside my infant daughter, whom I had evidently FAILED.


Moments later, I sobbed as I answered all of our (very kind) pediatrician's questions about my baby's several-hours-long periods of inconsolable crying......what kind of soap I used to bathe her......my own health history.....my diet.....and I watched as he meticulously assessed her for any abnormal findings. I felt utterly overwhelmed by what was suggested. "Have you thought about cutting out dairy for a few days?" Why on earth would I do that? I love my cheese, yogurt with granola, and creamy lattes! The doctor explained that breastfed infants typically had this type of reaction when repeatedly exposed, through breastmilk, to a substance (typically a protein) their bodies didn't tolerate. You mean like an ALLERGY??? How can a newborn be allergic to something in MY DIET??


In the coming weeks, I plunged into a rabbit hole I would have never known existed. I learned about the most common offenders when it came to infant food intolerances: cow's milk, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, and fish. Cow's milk protein intolerance (not to be confused with lactose intolerance) is by far the MOST COMMON of all infant food intolerances affecting breastfed babies. About three days after I eliminated all traces of cow's milk from my diet (and became an expert-level label reader in the process), my daughter's skin was almost completely clear. I was stunned. In the weeks to come, I would learn that my baby girl also reacted to soy, which resulted in my need to eliminate all traces of soy from my diet as well. In the coming months, I got my baby back. I saw smiles, sleep, and joy return.


OK, so that was great, but I wondered what if I just can't do the whole elimination diet thing forever? I talked to our pediatrician about my other feeding options and learned that my daughter would require a special type of infant formula made with pre-digested protein molecules (from milk and soy) that might work for us. I also found that the recommended brand cost twice as much as standard infant formula. Oh, and she might not tolerate that either. I wanted to give up! Thankfully, with much support, I was able to continue breastfeeding for the first year (the goal I had set for our family) by strictly avoiding even trace amounts of cow's milk and soy from my diet. In my case, I was able to maintain an adequate milk supply to continue exclusive breastmilk feeding through the first year.


Summary: Is food allergy or intolerance always the cause of "Colic"? NO WAY!! Would I tell every mom to make the same choice I did? NO!! Am I 100% here to support all moms struggling to breastfeed a "colicky" baby? YES!!! If you are reading this and nodding your head, feeling like I'm telling YOUR STORY, please reach out. I am here to support you and connect you with resources that will help you navigate this difficult journey and come out smiling on the other side.


OH, and here are a few AMAZING resources related to infant food intolerances and allergies:


My experience breastfeeding a "colic" baby is what ultimately lead me to my professional purpose (and inspired me to start Teapot Lactation, LLC). Please know I am here for you, Mama. We can do this.

 
 
 

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