How can mums take a breather from caring for a high-needs baby?

Keep saying to yourself ‘This is not forever, colic does end, life will get better, this is a phase that will pass.’

• Get out of the house at least once a day for a change of scene and some fresh air.
• Get earplugs (screaming next to your ear can be painful).
• Try to focus your mind on other matters — let the baby cry in his bassinet if necessary, so you can take a short break over a cup of coffee and magazine (with earplugs or iPod).
• When your baby is sleeping, ring a friend to have a good moan and a therapeutic cry, and to receive some reassuring understanding.
• If you’re worried about what the neighbours might be thinking, knock on their doors and explain that your baby has colic. They’ll probably be very sympathetic.
• Know that your baby’s colic screams are NOT caused by bad parenting!