Breastfeeding babies fussy, colic
Calming a Fussy Breastfed Baby

Crying is often related to hunger, and feeding is the obvious solution. However, periods of crying, with no obvious cause and no ready cure, plague many parents. Here are a few suggestion. Give several a try. One may work today and another may work tomorrow. Be flexible, and know that "this too will end".

Symptoms:

Periods of inconsolable crying
Clenching fists
Drawing legs up to abdomen
Stiffening as if in pain
Passing gas
Grimacing

 Possible causes: (may be more than one)

Immature gastro-intestinal system
Sensitive nervous system
Excessive gas or over-feeding
Formula intolerance
Reaction to foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten
Over-stimulation

Motion in any form
       Walking
       Baby swing
       Rocking in rocking chair
       Rocking side to side while standing
       Ride in the car or in a stroller
       Carry baby in infant sling
Over-the-counter gas-relief drops (discuss with MD)
Singing, humming
White sound (running water, vacuum, clothes dryer, hair dryer)
Recordings with strong beat designed to simulate intrauterine sounds
Hold your baby skin to skin several times each day
Swaddle your baby snugly
Undress your baby and allow complete freedom of motion
Avoid over-stimulation from noises, lights or motion
Distract the baby with different sounds, sights or places
Place pressure on your baby’s abdomen (gently)
        Hold baby in the "colic hold" (facing floor, supported by your arm, heel of your hand
        putting pressure on the abdomen)
        Hold baby over your shoulder or over your knees
Bicycle your baby’s legs
Keep a food diary to determine if a particular food bothers your baby (takes 4-6 hours)
Consult a Lactation Consultant who may suggest feeding on only one breast per feeding or other
techniques to balance the "foremilk" and "hindmilk" your baby obtains while breastfeeding
Take a break, let someone else try for awhile; babies sense your tension.

Lactation Education Resources, Fairfax, VA 22031