Nearly eight months ago, a doctor and team of nurses placed a red, splotchy baby on my chest. While I was told that many things transpired before this moment, I may as well have been in a daze because meeting my daughter was all that truly mattered.
In those early weeks, I confidently thought, “Wow, this is a breeze.” I even documented in her baby book, “She only cries when hungry or cold.” My partner and I congratulated ourselves, believing we had been fortunate with an easy baby.
Of course, it didn’t take long to realize how misguided we were. At three weeks old, my sweet little angel transformed into a seemingly otherworldly demon. While nighttime was particularly challenging, it eventually became a relentless struggle against what we referred to as “the colic monster.” To compound matters, she resisted nearly every remedy we attempted—pacifiers, swings, and even her car seat. Those were tough days, and I quickly crossed out that earlier optimistic line in her baby book.
One thing I discovered is that many parents hesitate to admit they have a colicky baby, as if it were an actual diagnosis or a sign of a significant problem. A friend once mentioned that her son didn’t have colic, but was “on the edge.” The truth is, colic isn’t an official diagnosis; it’s more like a blanket term for a fussy baby. Why the reluctance to connect with others who face similar challenges? After all, parenting is difficult enough without the added isolation caused by fear of judgment for one’s cranky infant.
Despite being a daunting experience, there are some unexpected benefits to having a colicky baby:
- Resilience: Friends with calmer babies often struggle when their little ones cry, but after months of enduring my baby’s relentless shrieks, I’ve developed nerves of steel. It’s hard to faze me now.
- Revealing Relationships: If anyone suggests that you’re to blame for your baby’s fussiness, you have a valid reason to distance yourself from such a person. Thank you, colic!
- Expert Cry Translator: After hearing every single cry, I can now recognize them like old acquaintances—albeit troublesome ones that wake me at all hours.
- Creative Mixology: Colic provides the perfect impetus to experiment with new alcoholic beverages to cope with the chaos.
- Improved Vocal Skills: I sang my favorite songs countless times to soothe my baby, resulting in an unexpected improvement in my singing voice—though I now harbor a dislike for most of those songs.
- Heightened Gratitude: When my baby transitioned from crying to smiling, it felt like witnessing the sun emerge after a storm. Those moments made the challenging days seem less daunting.
- Satisfaction in Validation: Living far from family meant they had to take my word for how fussy our baby was. When they finally experienced it firsthand and couldn’t magically soothe her, I relished the smug satisfaction of saying, “I told you so.”
- Quick Wit: My husband and I often joked about sending our daughter to the circus. Without colic, we might have missed out on these humorous moments.
Although I could have lashed out at anyone who tried to console me at the time, the colic eventually subsided. Now, as I prepare for the impending nine-month sleep regression, I could certainly use a drink.
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Summary
Dealing with a colicky baby can be an overwhelming experience, but it also offers unexpected benefits, from developing resilience and humor to enhancing your relationships and vocal skills. Embracing these challenges can lead to personal growth and a newfound appreciation for the joyful moments amid the chaos.
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