For decades, pediatricians have made the diagnosis of infant colic by using the “rule of threes”: 1. Crying begins by three weeks of age. 2. Crying lasts for at least three hours a day 3. Crying occurs for at least three days a week
Sharon Lowe and Leigh Samuels, the founders of Colic Calmers, may want to add another rule of threes: 1. You are not alone 2. We can help 3. Upon diagnosis, email, write or phone Colic Calmers Both Lowe and Samuels have been down the colic diagnosis road and now offer products, a wealth of information, and support for what is an extremely difficult malady to cope with. The two women met under a tree in Central Park in February 2002. Samuels’ son, Justin, crawled over to check out Lowe’s daughter, Jade. As the babies played, the moms chatted and quickly found they had a diagnosis of a colicky baby in common. Samuels’ son cried for his first five months. Lowe’s daughter started crying at six weeks (see rules above) for an entire week. Lowe, who urges, “You’ve got to go with your instincts,” did just that and pressed for a further examination. Her daughter was found to be suffering from a life-threatening spinal infection. With the misdiagnosis, misinformation, and profound sense of isolation still painfully fresh in their minds, the two decided to create a business to bring relief to the legions of parents suffering with the same. And they are legions: as many as 25 percent of all newborns are considered “colicky” or “overly fussy babies”. With the help of supportive husbands and babysitters, Lowe and Samuels spent the rest of the year researching the phenomenon that is colic. They learned that most pediatricians now believe colic to be related to a combination of disturbed sleep patterns, hormone immaturity, hypersensitive digestive systems, and nervous systems that have yet to develop a tolerance for external stimuli. Proper diagnosis is key, with Lowe’s experience an extreme example. Reflux and allergies often produce symptoms similar to colic. Antacids and diet will not help colicky babies but will provide relief to those suffering from these common ailments. Colic Calmers has a booklet in which parents can chart their baby’s symptoms to assist their doctor in making a more accurate diagnosis. While there is no cure for colic except time (symptoms usually disappear gradually around three months), Colic Calmers offers a battery of soothers and ways to connect with other parents during this frustrating, exhausting time. Lowe and Samuels have backgrounds in business development and brand marketing, and their expertise is evident in the packaging and presentation of these products. The vicious cycle of a colicky baby swallowing air during a crying spell, creating gas and discomfort and thus more crying, often leads people to incorrectly believe colic is a digestive disorder. In truth, the nature of colic has the unfortunate result of causing the dreaded “gas”. Here, Colic Calmers presents “Gassy and Grumpy Belly Care” teas and bath products. Their fennel tea is made with carminative herbs to ease a baby’s cramps. As colicky babies are often poor sleepers, there is also “la*la*Land Sleep Care.” This kit comes with a CD of nursery rhymes with comforting heartbeat sounds behind simple piano music. The chamomile tea, this reporter will attest, is smooth and satisfying. Samuels and Lowe are quick to point out they hope to provide “relief for the entire family.” They stress the importance of parents not only taking care of their baby but also themselves. In addition to their products, Lowe and Samuels explain strategies for calming a baby using swaddling, scheduled rest periods, bathing and massage. And maybe most important, they have a “Find a Friend” posting on their website to help parents connect with others who will understand. While the condition is itself harmless, colic can be devastating; 85 percent of the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome are colicky babies. Samuels says she kept a journal when she could no longer hold in her emotions. Her feelings of helplessness, depression, and jealousy over “normal” babies, as well as her pride in having survived it all, are all in the literature. Journal keeping is encouraged and one is part of their “Fussy Mussy” kit. Samuels says they hope to “empower people with info.” With medically correct information (New York pediatric gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Levy is director of the medical advisory board), a website support system that now generates 5,000 hits per week, and an assemblage of products and tactics to calm parent as well as child, Colic Calmers seems well on its way to Samuels’ goal. By focusing on “what would have helped us,” Lowe and Samuels have created a business that had its seeds in adversity. Happily, Jade has recovered and is thriving, and Justin is a classic example of what most colicky babies become: healthy and well adjusted. For more information, write to: Colic Calmers, 119 West 72nd St., PMB 362, New York, NY 10023; call (212) 340-4635; or visit www.coliccalmers.com.
