Talk it Out - Support Groups For Parents of Colicky Infants

Parents of colicky babies can often feel isolated, stressed, and helpless. Support groups for parents, while helpful, don't address the unique problems that parents of colicky infants face. However, not all support groups for parents of colicky babies are equal.

If you are trying to decide on a support group or colic clinic, here are some things to look for when making that decision:

1. Counseling and Feedback.

Different colic clinics and support groups will handle this in different ways. You will most likely be asked to keep a "colic diary" of your baby's crying patterns and any actions you've taken to soothe your baby during the week.

A specialist will analyze the crying patterns and help you to plan out a course of action for the next week. Some colic clinics also offer counseling for parents and couples who need help dealing with the stress of colic. Others also offer counseling for family members who may be acting as a secondary caregiver to your baby - thus giving comprehensive attention to the problem of colic.

2. Medical Evaluations and Suggestions.

A pediatrician with extensive experience in colic may also look at the colic diary and suggest possible causes for your baby's crying. Additionally, if your baby has an episode of colic while you are there at the clinic or during the support session, the pediatrician may do a thorough evaluation of the symptoms as they present themselves in real time.

3. Group Support Sessions.

Some colic support groups and colic clinics will organize special events designed to bring parents of colicky infants together for discussion. This will allow you to share your experiences with someone who truly understands how colic can affect the entire family. It also gives you the opportunity to learn from one another, and potentially find new solutions to that will help to end your baby's colic.

Another great resource to help you understand and communicate better with your baby is Brazelton's Institute.

(brazelton-institute.com)

If you are looking for a colic support group, one of the best places to start would be with a local parents group, La Leche League, or other association designed for parents of infants and toddlers.

If you don't find a colic clinic or support group in your area, you may wish to consider starting one yourself. Parents of colicky babies should never have to go it alone - with support, intervention, and planning, colic can be overcome.