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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffCaring for an infant who has colic can be exhausting and stressful, even for experienced parents. Remember to take care of yourself, too. These suggestions may help:
- Take a break. When you've done what you can, ask your spouse or partner or another loved one to take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends or neighbors. Even an hour on your own can help refresh you.
- Express your feelings. It's normal for parents in this situation to feel helpless, depressed or angry. Confide in your spouse, partner or other good listener.
- Try to stay positive. Don't measure your success as a parent by how much your baby cries. Colic isn't a result of poor parenting.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat healthy foods. Make time for exercise, such as a brisk daily walk. If you can, sleep when the baby sleeps — even during the day. Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
- Remember that it's temporary. Colic episodes often improve by age 3 months.
It's also important to recognize your limits. If your baby's crying is causing you to lose control, put the baby in a safe place — such as a crib — and go to another room to collect yourself. If necessary, contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for additional support. These suggestions apply not only to parents but also to any other person who cares for your child.
References
- Colic. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec19/ch266/ch266f.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Roberts DM, et al. Infantile colic. American Family Physician. 2004;70:735.
- Cohen-Silver J, et al. Management of infantile colic: A review. Clinical Pediatrics. 2009;48:14.
- Savino F, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri (American type culture collection strain 55730) versus simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic: A prospective randomized study. Pediatrics. 2007;119:e124.
- Canivet CA, et al. Infantile colic, maternal smoking and infant feeding at 5 weeks of age. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2008;36:284.
- Savino F. Focus on infantile colic. Acta Paediatrica. 2007;96:1259.
- Turner TL, et al. Clinical features and etiology of colic. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
- Turner TL, et al. Evaluation and management of colic. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 2, 2011.
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