71 | What is “Colic” in babies & how can colic affect breastfeeding?
BREASTFEEDING WITH CONFIDENCE | Pregnancy Tips, Postpartum Wellness, Milk Supply, Tongue Tie, Latch PainShow Notes
Colic Isn’t “A Thing”: Understanding Why Your Baby Cries and What You Can Do In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, tackles a common myth: colic isn’t just a thing. Many parents hear that their baby has colic and feel helpless, but crying is always communication — not a diagnosis. Jaimie explains why labeling a baby as “colicky” can be misleading, and why persistent crying often signals underlying issues like sensory overload, sleep challenges, reflux, digestive discomfort, tongue tie, oral dysfunction, or inefficient milk transfer. She emphasizes that colic is rarely the problem itself — it’s a sign that something needs to be addressed. This episode provides practical guidance for decoding your baby’s cries, optimizing feeding efficiency, and using nervous system regulation techniques like skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, and bodywork. Jaimie also shares insights on avoiding ineffective remedies and focusing on root causes, empowering parents to respond confidently and effectively.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why colic isn’t a real diagnosis and what it really means
Common underlying causes of persistent crying in babies
How inefficient milk transfer or oral dysfunction can lead to fussiness
Practical strategies to soothe and support your baby
Tools for nervous system regulation: skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, and more
How to track patterns to identify underlying issues
When to seek professional support to address persistent feeding or crying challenges
Resources & Links: 👉FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW 👉Access the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy for step-by-step guidance on protecting your milk supply, managing common breastfeeding struggles, and getting a pain-free latch: littlebearlactation.com/library (use code PODCAST50for a discount) 👉 Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support
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If you’re pregnant and planning to breastfeed, you’ve probably already decided you’ll only use formula if it’s medically necessary. But here’s the hard truth: most moms are never taught how to determine what “medically necessary” actually means in the first 48 hours after birth. Nearly 80% of American moms start breastfeeding, yet many babies receive formula in the hospital due to concerns about weight loss, blood sugar, jaundice, or latch issues. The problem? Normal newborn physiology is often presented as urgent. And when you’re exhausted and vulnerable, “just to be safe” supplementation can feel like the only option. In this episode, we break down: