I could have called this "Our Story" because Weston's colic and reflux has affected Brennan, my mom and me almost as much as it affected him. I'm writing this so I can help someone who's going through this or knows someone who is.
Weston had colic for 4 months and it seemed like all he did was cry unless he'd just eaten or we were carrying him in the Baby Bjorn. I clung to the fact that colic doesn't last forever and it really helped to hear from so many people that their baby had it too so I wasn't alone. For the first 6 weeks, Brennan and my mom had to help me all the time because I couldn't sit, stand or walk without pain after labor. It was insanely disheartening to see my little newborn in so much pain and not be able to help him. Brennan and my mom literally were the mother to Weston that I wanted to be and I'm forever grateful for their help.
When Weston was 5 weeks old, my cousin told me all of her kids had acid reflux and listed the signs of silent reflux (which Weston has). I immediately took him to the doctor and they put him on Prevacid (which helped but he needed a higher dosage). He still had colic so the crying didn't subside, but at least he was receiving some comfort. Silent reflux is more painful than productive infant reflux because they don't spit up so the acid travels up the throat and then back down when they swallow. I took him to a specialist and they upped the dosage so his reflux was under control. To help his reflux I kept him upright for 20-30 minutes after each feed, had him sleep at a 30* incline, burped him often, cut out acidic foods, and carried him in the Baby Bjorn. We still do most of these things but I've resorted to the Bumbo instead of the Bjorn because he's so heavy.
His 1st 4 months felt like a year. Everyday I nursed him and put him in the Bjorn to keep him from crying. I bounced him on the exercise ball and tried to do everything with him on me. He didn't nap all day (unless he was in the Bjorn) and I was seriously exhausted and just trying to survive. He also cried uncontrollably if we drove anywhere with him in the car seat. I kept telling myself, "This will be over soon, just get through right now." I also felt bad for Brennan who was working so hard and coming home to help me after.
I think God was and is teaching me to rely on Him through this. I wanted so badly to be in control but I wasn't and I'm not. God is. And everyday I was and am reminded of that. It feels so good to surrender to God and let Him take care of me, yet I so quickly forget and try to fix things on my own.
Colic ended at 4 months and Weston is able to be the sweet and happy baby that he is! His reflux increased around 5 months which means he's been up screaming in pain at night (poor baby!), but he is always happy during the day. I have cut dairy and gluten out of my diet and I'm hopeful of him being all better with a higher dosage of Prevacid.
I am thankful to God for getting all of us through this time and for blessing us with Weston! He is the sweetest little chubba bubba and I am so in love with him! I am also so thankful for my mom who has held Weston countless nights so Brennan and I can get some sleep!
