Updated: Oct. 21, 2020
Originally Published: March 17, 2014
Almost eight months ago, I found myself cradling a red, splotchy infant on my chest. While I was told that many events led to that moment, I felt as though I had been in a dream, and all that mattered was meeting my daughter.
In those early weeks, I naively thought, “This parenting gig is a breeze.” I even recorded in her baby book that “she only cries when hungry or cold.” My partner and I celebrated what we assumed was our fortune in having an easy baby.
However, many seasoned parents would likely chuckle at our innocence. The initial calm was just a precursor to what lay ahead. By three weeks old, our sweet little angel transformed into what we could only describe as “the colic monster.” This phase primarily unfolded during the night, but it gradually morphed into a relentless battle with colic. To complicate matters, she rejected nearly every remedy—pacifiers, swings, and even the car seat were met with disdain. Those were challenging times, and I quickly crossed out the previous optimistic line in her baby book.
One critical insight I gained from having a colicky baby is that many parents are reluctant to admit it, as if it were a medical diagnosis or a sign of deeper issues. I recall a friend who insisted her child wasn’t colicky but “was on the brink.” However, colic isn’t so much a diagnosis as it is a perplexing state of fussiness, and I’m fairly certain a baby can’t be teetering on the edge of colic.
Why the reluctance to acknowledge our fellow colicky community? Parenting is already demanding, so why add isolation due to fear of judgment? Interestingly, despite the overwhelming challenges of colic, there are unexpected benefits to this experience:
- Developed Resilience: Friends with calm babies often panic when their little ones cry, while I’ve become unfazed after months of enduring my baby’s relentless shrieking.
- Identifying True Friends: Anyone who suggests that your baby’s fussiness is your fault or that holding them too much causes colic is someone you can safely distance yourself from. Thank you, colic!
- Improved Cry Recognition: I have become adept at distinguishing the various cries of my baby. I can now identify her cries like old friends, albeit very demanding ones.
- Creative Mixology: The situation has provided me an excuse to experiment with new cocktails to cope with the stress.
- Enhanced Singing Skills: After countless renditions of my favorite songs to soothe her, I noticed a marked improvement in my singing, even if it has led to a newfound aversion to those same songs.
- Greater Appreciation for Joyful Moments: The transition from screams to smiles felt like witnessing a sunrise after a long night. The good days became much more cherished.
- A Bit of Smugness: Living far from family meant they had to take my word for it regarding my baby’s fussiness. When they finally visited and struggled to calm her, I relished the satisfaction of an “I told you so” moment.
- A Quick Wit: My partner and I often joked about sending our daughter to the circus. Without colic, we might have missed out on the humor that helped us cope.
In hindsight, while colic was incredibly taxing, it eventually subsided. Now, as I prepare for the upcoming nine-month sleep regression, I find myself reaching for a well-deserved drink.
For more insights on parenting and fertility, consider exploring this informative blog post. If you’re looking for detailed information on home insemination, this resource is highly regarded. Additionally, for guidance on family-building options, this link offers excellent resources.
Summary
Parenting a colicky baby presents unique challenges but also surprising benefits, including emotional resilience, strengthened relationships, and a greater appreciation for peaceful moments. Although the journey is tough, it ultimately offers valuable life lessons.