71 | Breastfeeding colicky babies: Tips for when your baby is fussy and you don't know what to do

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: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support