When I learned I was expecting our third child, it was a surprise, to say the least. Compounding the shock was the fact that I was overwhelmingly ill throughout my pregnancy. For nine long months, that little strawberry-flavored pill—known as Zofran—became my lifeline, helping me navigate each day.
By June, I was ready to welcome my newborn. I felt enormous, experienced heartburn at the mere sight of water, and struggled with mobility. Surely, once the baby arrived, life would return to a manageable state, and I could relish those cherished moments of napping with my infant resting on my chest. I anticipated feeling emotional at his first birthday party, reminiscing about those blissful early days.
However, once he was born, I quickly realized this baby was unlike my previous two. Nursing him was a painful endeavor due to his tongue-tie, leaving me with blisters before I even left the hospital. It became apparent he had a temperament that was distinctly different.
Around the two-week mark, our son began to cry incessantly. This was not the soft, tender cry of a newborn; it was a blood-curdling scream that lasted for hours. He would tense his tiny fists, his face turning a furious shade of red, and the crying would start between 5 PM and 7 PM, often continuing until after midnight—every single night.
If you have never dealt with colic, it’s hard to explain the toll it takes on you. It can shatter your sense of calm, instill feelings of anger, and create a whirlwind of emotions. The daily quiet moments stand in stark contrast to those relentless evenings of crying, which can disrupt your entire well-being.
As someone who typically seeks solutions, I was desperate to make the crying stop. I read extensively, scoured the internet, and tried various techniques, but nothing alleviated the situation. We often found ourselves sitting in darkness—light and stimulation only exacerbated his distress. I would rock him for as long as I could, often feeling emotionally drained, lost in a haze of exhaustion and frustration. There were moments when I cried alongside him. The crying persisted for seven long months.
The toll of sleepless nights and a constant state of worry weighed heavily on me. I feared that someone might report us for perceived neglect, given our urban setting with neighbors above and below. I felt unprepared, particularly as a mother of three, and struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I thought I should have everything under control and should naturally bond with my baby, yet I found myself resenting him for the difficulties we faced and my husband for being able to leave for work each day.
Eventually, by eight months, we made the decision to try sleep training once more. With newfound determination, we found success this time. Around the same period, our baby transitioned away from nursing and preferred a bottle instead. With consistent sleep and the convenience of formula—sometimes a better option—glimmers of hope began to emerge.
Today, our journey has taken a positive turn. Our little one overcame his colic challenges and, by his first birthday, transformed into an absolute joy. He is now a fantastic sleeper, has an infectious smile, and radiates a goofy charm that brings laughter to his older brothers.
To all the parents currently navigating these tumultuous waters: there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life will improve. In the interim, safeguard your mental health; if you ever feel overwhelmed, gently place your baby in a safe space. And please, don’t hesitate to ask for help! For those in Seattle, I’m happy to provide some meals.
For more insights into the world of parenting, especially in the realm of home insemination, consider checking out this informative piece on at-home insemination kits. For expert advice on pregnancy, visit CDC’s infertility resources and find valuable information on topics like home insemination at Babymaker.
In summary, although colic can feel insurmountable, many families find a way through the chaos. Remember, seeking support and taking care of your well-being is crucial during these challenging times.
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