Some doctors believe that colic exists in order to change deeply ingrained relationship habits. Even after the miracle of a new birth, many parents and families would revert back to their previous schedules and activities within a few weeks - if the new baby would only remain quiet and peaceful. It would be easy to continue reading what you want to read, going where you like to go, doing what you like to do as before, if only the baby would happily comply. Instead, the baby's exasperating fussy period forces families to leave their previous ruts and develop new dynamics, which include this new individual. Colic demands attention. As parents grope for solutions to their child's crying, they notice a new individual with new needs. They instinctively pay more attention, talk more to the child, and hold the child more - all because of the colic. Colic is a powerful rite of passage, a postnatal labor pain where new patterns of family life are born.

Helping a child with colic is primarily a matter of experimentation and observation. Different children are comforted by different measures. The process involves trying many different things, and paying attention to what seems to help, even just a little bit.

Holding your child is one of the most effective measures. The more hours they are held, even early in the day when they are not fussy, the less time they will be fussy in the evening. This will not spoil your child. Singing lullabies to your baby can be powerfully soothing. It is no accident that lullabies have developed in almost every culture.

As babies cry, they swallow more air, creating more gas and more abdominal pain, which cause more crying. This vicious cycle can be difficult to break. Gentle rocking can be very calming (this is directly comforting and seems to help them pass gas). When you get tired, an infant swing is a good alternative for babies at least 3 weeks old with good head control. Holding your daughter in an upright position may help (this aids the movement of gas, and decrease heartburn). Often a warm towel or a hot water bottle on the abdomen can help. Some children seem to do best when they are going for a ride in the car.

There are many foods that breastfeeding moms should avoid. Stimulants such as caffeine, or caffeine related compounds (those found in chocolate) should be avoided. The other foods in mom's diet that are most likely to cause a problem are dairy products and nuts. Eliminate for a few weeks. Other foods may irritate the baby. Again, experimentation and observation will guide you.

Even though I believe colic exists to bind us closer us a family unit, taking a break is a good idea. Each of you can take charge and spell the other. Perhaps you can find someone else to give you both a break together. Time for oneself is an important part of the new family dynamic. You will be able to pay more loving attention to your baby when you've had a chance to get refreshed.

Omum (Ajamoda) cures colic and improves appetite. Coriander or dhanyaka seeds steeped in hot water for a few minutes and then drunk while luke warm also cures colic. Shatapushpi tea, made like above, given when lukewarm, is also helpful.

Soothe the young child with 'white noise'-noises of TV, or radio, something about the constant noises numbs the child and soothes it.