Colic (also known as infantile colic) is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or displays symptoms of distress (cramping, moaning, etc) frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason. The condition typically appears within the first month of life and often disappears rather suddenly, before the baby is three to four months old, but can last up to 12 months of life.
cringe.
until you have a baby with colic, you have absolutely no idea what it's really like. you can sympathize and feel bad for the stressed out mom, always on the verge of tears with big black bags under her eyes, but now that i have experienced (and still going strong) a colicky baby, i have a bit of advice for those of you who feel the need to make suggestions. don't. A has had colic for about 6 weeks now.. do you honestly think that i haven't tried different "colic" drops or home remedies, or taken my baby to the doctor?
the thing i find absolutely the most annoying is "well, have you tried gripe water? i heard that works.".
really.
no, i hadn't thought of a $2.99 wonder cure. i actually prefer the meds that costs 4 times as much that works just about the same. thanks for comin' out.
or better yet, "have you tried...... (insert suggestion here)? worked with so and so's kid"
please, for the sake of all mother's with colicky children.. don't make suggestions. Instead, here's what you could say. "oh no, i feel really bad for you. how about i come over and help you with the baby thursday night so you can have a break?" most parents with colicky children will not ask for help. trust me, they feel bad that their perfect little bundles turn into screaming demons for 3 hours ever night. and that is not something they wish to inflict on their worst enemy. so make good on the promise to go help them out, and i can guarantee, they'll do the same for you if a similar situation presents itself in your life.
I already have to make good on a promise like that for one very good and awesome friend.
now that my rick mercer type rant is done, i'm going to go enjoy the silence while it lasts :)
