MY COLIC ARSENAL + DEFENSE PLAN

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with LoveBug Probiotics, products were sent for review. However all opinions expressed are my own.

As many of you may already know I recently had a baby girl, unfortunately just as with my other two she also suffers  from colic. If you are unfamiliar with colic, as per WebMD - The term applies to any healthy, well-fed infant who cries more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. It is severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines.  Because of my other two children, I was already familiar and had some items in my colic arsenal but recently discovered a few more to help remedy this work of the devil.

My Colic Arsenal 

Gripe Water

Gripe water is an old favorite I came to learn of with my first born. It is supposed to relieve gas, fussiness and hiccups as well. It is made up of water and natural extracts.

Tea

There are various teas that aid the digestive system such as fennel, dandelion, cardamom, ginger and chamomile. The teas are mostly for me to drink since I am breastfeeding but I also give them to the baby in a very small dose. 

Lavendar

Lavender has many benefits such as 

• Reduce anxiety and emotional stress.
• Protect against diabetes symptoms.
• Improve brain function.
• Help to heal burns and wounds.
• Improve sleep.
• Restore skin complexion and reduce acne.
• Slow aging with powerful antioxidants.
• Relieve pain.

It comes in many different forms like essential oils, lotions and body washes. 

Swaddles

Swaddling is a new colic defense I picked up. Apart from being cute, trendy and Instagram worthy swaddles actually have a legit purpose. Swaddled babies sleep longer and sounder. Swaddled babies experience less anxiety. Swaddling prevents unnecessary wake-ups due to the startle reflex. Swaddling eliminates the need for comfort items in baby's crib.

Sound Machine

Another new discovery, White noise -  mimics how sound is heard in the womb. A baby may find it comforting and familiar thus helping them relax, fall asleep and stay asleep longer. White noise also works by reducing the difference between background sounds. Sound machines have various sounds like ocean waves, nature and a beating heart. 

Probiotics

I would say my most valuable discovery has been probiotics for babies. I barely even knew they existed for myself so to know that they help colicky babies was amazing. They work in the same way that adult probiotics build our gut healthy and immune system. Babies have growing intestines and digestive systems which is part of why they get colic, since the process can sometimes be painful and uncomfortable for 1 in 5 babies. Colicky babies who take probiotics tend to have shorter crying spells and less upset stomachs. 

Labor of Love is a specially-formulated probiotic blend designed to help nurture both mommy and baby – especially as baby is developing a healthy microbiome. This special blend helps to boost immunity for both mommy and baby for better health during pregnancy and while nursing.

What makes LoveBug more effective than the rest?

• 15X More Effective than standard capsules, chewables and powders. LoveBug Probiotics supplements

feature BIO-tract®, a patented delivery technology scientifically developed to protect the tablets against
stomach acids and other rigors of digestion, so they can reach deeper in the gut to perform their work.

• Superior Strains While many probiotic supplements consist of one strain, each of our probiotics contains

a specialized, maximized blend of strains designed to provide optimal benefits with each daily dose
delivering billions of good bugs into your digestive system.

• Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Lactose Free & Sugar Free
• Made in the USA
• Probiotic Health Plan Subscriptions on www.LoveBugProbiotics.com

Tiny Tummies probiotic packets start your wee one off on the right foot with a favorable
balance of gut bacteria. They have a High CFU Count, Flavorless Powder Packets have (1 Billion CFU count for 0-6mos, 4 Billion CFU count for 6mos-12mos and 15 Billion CFU count) and can be easily mixed with
cool food or drink.

My Colic Defense Plan

Because colic usually starts in the middle of the night for my baby I begin my plan as soon as she wakes up between 11 / 12 o'clock. 

• First, I start by giving her a tablespoon of room temperature tea. I usually combine two, like fennel and chamomile.
• Then.I run a warm bath for her with lavender body wash. You can also used lavender essential oil in the bath.
• Next, I dress her in warm clothing and swaddle her nice and snug. 
• Now is when I feed her, I add another tablespoon of tea (will eventually phase this step out) to my expressed breast milk as well as a packet of the Lovebug Tiny Tummies probiotics for babies. During the feeding I play worship music.
• After feeding I burp her, if I see she hasn't burped I will give her gripe water, otherwise I will wait until she wakes crying for her next feeding to give the gripe water. 
• Finally, I lay her to sleep and turn on the sound machine at a moderate volume. 

I have two days using this plan and it seems to be working so I wanted to post it right away to maybe help another desperate mama out there find some colic relief for their little one. In addition I would like to add an essential oil diffuser to the bedroom. We currently have a salt lamp in the room and although I am not sure of its benefits for colicky babies, it certainly no harm in having it. 

In attempt to make my breast milk colic free I drink at least two teas a day that aid in digestive health and will start taking LoveBug probiotics for myself.