Here are a few suggestions for calming your breastfed baby. Give several a try. One may work today and another may work tomorrow. Be flexible, and know that “this too will pass”.
Symptoms
Periods of inconsolable crying
Clenching fists
Drawing legs up to abdomen
Stiffening as if in plain
Passing gas
Grimacing
Possible Causes
Immature gastro-intestinal system
Sensitive nervous system
Excessive gas or over-feeding
Formula intolerance
Reaction to foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten
Over-stimulation
Possible Remedies
Hold your baby skin-to-skin several times each day
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
Take a break, let someone else try for awhile; babies sense your tension
White sound nearby (running water, vacuum, clothes dryer, hair dryer)
Commercially available recordings with strong beat designed to simulate intrauterine sounds
Swaddle your baby snugly when crying
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
Take an infant massage class
Keep a food diary to determine if a particular food bothers your baby (takes 4-6 hours for most foods to reach baby)
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 feeding
Contact your physician for other medical explanations and solutions