Hindmilk is the milk your baby gets after feeding for a few minutes. It’s rich in calories and fat, so it helps your baby feel full.
To help you remember which breast you fed from last, you can put a bracelet or hair tie around the wrist for that side. Switch the bracelet or hair tie to your other wrist after you’ve breastfed your baby from the other side.
If your baby is bothered by overactive letdown instead of colic, they’ll usually start nursing just fine, but will begin to cough after a few seconds or a minute. Your baby might continue to struggle while nursing because the milk comes out too forcefully. Play around with positions until you can tell what your baby likes. For example, your baby might prefer to be held across your body or tucked against your side as they nurse.
Most 1 to 2-month-old babies need to breastfeed 7 to 9 times a day. As your baby gets older, they’ll start consolidating some of these nursing sessions so you can go several hours between feedings. If you’ve waited until your baby is really hungry, they’ll start whimpering, sucking, squirming, or rooting.
Keep in mind that your baby might be breastfeeding a lot to build up your milk supply, especially if they’re going through a growth spurt.
For a basic burping position, try holding the baby’s tummy up against your shoulder and pat their back. You could also try laying your baby tummy-down across your legs while you support their head and pat their back.
Some colicky babies like being held with their tummy resting on your forearm. Use the palm of your hand to support their head and let their legs and arms hang on either side of your arm.
If you’d like to get out of the house and move around, put your baby in a stroller and go for a walk. Since young babies with colic usually aren’t old enough to hold up their own heads, avoid putting them into bouncers. Never shake your baby to try to quiet them.
Try to be a calm presence around your baby. They’ll sense your peaceful attitude and may feel reassured.
A small baby might have a hard time keeping a pacifier in their mouth, so you may need to pop it back in occasionally.
You can also fill a water bottle with warm water and place it on your baby’s tummy. This can make them feel comfortable if they are gassy or have tummy trouble.
Keep in mind that colic usually peaks when the baby is 6 to 8 weeks old.
Dairy Eggs Wheat Peanuts
If you can’t reach your doctor, you may want to take your baby to urgent care or the emergency room, especially if the baby is less than 8 weeks old.
Ear infection Urinary tract infection Reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) Food allergies Hernia Intestinal obstruction
Try to locate a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group in your area. These are great resources that can offer you personalized help and advice.
