Colic and Depression

My daughter in law (DIL) and two young babies has come to live with us while our son is deployed. Our newborn granddaughter has colic. According to the kidshealth.org website colic is defined as 3 or more hours of crying for at least 3 days per week for over 3 weeks. The baby does not have the traditional type of colic which is usually in the evening for several hours at a time. She cries for 1-2 hours at a time two or three times a day.

Brown University has completed a study finding a link between colic and depression in women with colicky babies. The study is quick to point out that colic and depression are not a cause and effect relationship, but there is some connection. Brown University sponsors a Infant Behavior, Cry and Sleep Program to help parents find support during this difficult baby behavior. The study will help pediatricians to at least screen mothers for depression if the baby has colic.

My DIL is dealing with so many feelings right now as my son is in training to be deployed, caring for a 19 month old and a newborn with colic and new living situations. The added feeling of not being able to help the baby stop crying makes my DIL feel inadequate, anxious and depressed.

Many days after I get home from school, I spend the next hour or two holding a crying baby while my DIL takes a well deserved mental health break. Also I have encouraged my DIL to talk with her doctor to about the possibility that she might have PPD since she is at greater risk for developing PPD. (She had PPD after her first baby.) The doctor was very responsive in treating her.

Some tips for a family dealing with colic include taking a break, understanding it is no ones fault that the baby is crying and to put the baby in the room if needed. No baby has ever cried to death. Also most babies outgrow colic between 3-4 months old.

The following website offers advice on dealing with colic: kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/colic.html#

The link for Brown University study:

www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/2005-06/05-114.html

I am glad that our family is able to help out our DIL and relieve some of the stress of dealing with colic. Some parents are not as fortunate to have help around and the stress can be tremendous for everyone in the family. If you know of a family with a baby that has colic, volunteer to take care of the baby so the parents can take a break.