How Colic Affects You

There are different severity levels of postpartum depression. True postpartum depression is more severe than “postpartum blues,” which is experienced by approximately 80 percent of women and largely due to hormonal changes in the body following childbirth. True postpartum depression is experienced by approximately 15 to 20 percent of mothers. Symptoms include feeling overwhelmed and/or hopeless, sad and/or irritable, exhibiting poor concentration and indecisiveness, and having sleeping and/or eating problems. A loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the woman used to find interesting or pleasurable, decreased libido, and a lowered frustration tolerance may also be apparent. In addition, these women often feel a lack of connectedness toward their newborn. They become isolated and feel guilty about their lack of parenting skills. Fortunately, postpartum depression is treatable. I highly recommend that women seek treatment immediately for higher rates of success.

Colic did frequently break my spirit as I lost many of the daily battles it presented. However, I did manage to win the metaphorical war through perseverance, family support, and the timely discovery of substantive information along the way. My book, When Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying: a Parents Guide to Colic, speaks in detail about the personal struggles in parenting, relationships, and finding a balance in caring for a difficult baby. Taking care of yourself in the midst of caring for your newborn is not an easy task. However, the positive outcome of doing so is well worth the effort.