2 weeks ago, out of the blue, Bryn woke up screaming and just didn't stop. I am sure that all of you have heard a baby cry before but this was like "nails on chalkboard" "bloody murder" piercing screaming. Tears were streaming down her face and there was absolutely NOTHING we could do to stop it.
She would cry and cry and cry until she was so exhausted she would pass out for about 20 minutes and then wake up and scream some more.
Now Bryn hasn't been the easiest baby but by then we knew what her cries meant and how to soothe her. This was new territory to us. It looked obvious to Brandt and I that she was in pain.
We called the doctor and they told us to come in right away.
He checked her fingers and toes to make sure she didn't have a hair wrapped around them. Nothing. He checked her throat to make sure she didn't have thrush. No thrush. He checked to make sure she didn't have diaper rash. No rash. Took her temperature. 98.4. Normal. Then he checked her belly to see if she had any hard spots that could indicate a blockage. No lumps.
By now she was so tired that she barely could cry. When he did the belly exam she started screaming again. He told us that he wanted us to go to the hospital for an x-ray and ultrasound to make sure that she didn't have a twist in her intestines and intussusception (a telescoping of the intestines that restricts blood flow and causes the tissue to die) and that would require surgery to correct.
Brandt and I were out of our minds driving to the hospital! We prayed the whole way and when we got there they took us right in. After 4 hours in the hospital room, xrays, ultrasounds, a scan for corneal abrasions, and several panic attacks we were told that Bryn had.......COLIC.
We were so relieved that that she did not have a serious medical condition but we couldn't help but fear that for the next several months that our little girl would be screaming non stop.
I reached out to friends for advice and though so much of it was helpful I began to dread everyday. She was fine at night...probably from her vocal exercises during the day but I hardly slept trying to think what I was doing wrong and why nothing was working. We did try simethicone and that seemed to work well.
During a bath, which she loves by the way, we noticed a large patch of rough rashy skin. I remembered reading that food allergies can present in this way so we scheduled yet another trip to the pediatrician. Our regular doctor but this was actually a blessing. Before looking at the rash we had asked her for advice for our colic. She asked us a few questions. Does she gurgle during and after feedings? Yes. Does she draw her knees up when she is crying? Yes. Does she arch her back? YES. Does she spit up frequently? YES!
Her diagnosis: Reflux. Treatment: Zantac 2 x day. Feeding should be done in the most upright position possible. Keep upright for at least 30 minutes following feedings. Feed 1/2 as much 2x as often. Burp well during and after feedings.
We were so relieved to find out what was bothering her. The medicine started working almost immediately. We were so happy that she had some relief.
The next day was another story. More screaming and nothing we could do. Tried: rocking (which she usually likes), bath, car seat on dryer, vacuum, baby carrier, walk outside, bouncing, and so on. We called the doctor back and she told us to up the dose slightly.
In the meantime Bryn was still screaming. In the car we went to PA to stay with my parents for a little bit. After 3 days I was fried! I felt like a failure and cried along with her for the 2 hour trip.
In the middle of all of this, my mom sends me an email from her wellness coach from work. She suggested watching this YouTube video. That video SAVED MY SANITY!
Dr. Harvey Karp is a baby genius! He wrote the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block that explains why babies cry and how to soothe them in 5 steps.
He says that babies are born 3 months too early and considers their first 3 months of life "the 4th trimester". They need to feel like they are still in utero.
When a baby cries and doesn't need a diaper change, to be fed, or to be held then the 5 S's should be used.
Swaddle: wrapped up tight like a baby burrito with arms by their side. The tightness mimics the close quarters in my belly.
Bryn had always resisted putting her arms in her blanket and silly me thought that she wanted them out. What she really wanted was to stop flailing around and get tucked in.
Side/ Stomach Positon: also mimics the conditions in the uterus. When babies are on their back they feel like they are falling and startle. Keeping them on their side or stomach makes them feel secure.
Shhh!: Making a loud shhhhhh represents the sound that they heard for 9 months and creates a calming effect.
Swing: Moving side to side in a vigourous fashion.
Suck: This can only be done when they are mostly calmed down. The icing on the cake for Bryn.
These steps really took some work because I am highly uncoordinated.
My theory is that she lost trust in us for several days while we struggled to find out what was wrong with her. After 4 days of applying the S's she really only needs them once in a while.
We are starting to realize the warning signs and catch a cry before it happens. As a result she is a much more relaxed baby (actually napping now during the day).
It was so easy to feel like I had failed her and I will admit, that was the lowest I have felt since she was born. With the help of my family, husband, and Dr. Harvey Karp, I can proudly say that I am a happy Momma again because of the smiles my little girl is giving me again.
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