Parent Questions Answered

Does The Colic Doc's Technique really work?
​The Colic Doc’s Technique uses gentle, controlled pressure to support the ileocecal valve muscle, and many families notice clear improvement within two weeks when the technique is used consistently and correctly. Still, every baby is different, and results can vary. Some babies may start to feel more comfortable early on, while for others, progress takes longer and may come with ups and downs. It’s also possible for some symptoms to return if the muscle isn’t fully supported, and each session requires time and patience. Stopping too soon can limit progress, so staying consistent gives your baby the best chance for relief over time.

Will The Colic Doc's Technique hurt my baby?
Any discomfort comes from the baby’s bowels moving and creating gas—not from the technique itself, which is gentle and carefully applied.  During the first session, the most difficult part is the initial discomfort. This happens because The Colic Doc's Technique helps the baby’s bowels start working, and the intestines may be bloated or full. Many babies do cry during the first session, however, most babies cry less by the second session, and often hardly cry at all for most of the remaining sessions. 

Can I perform The Colic Doc's Technique myself?
The The Colic Doc's Technique isn’t complicated, but it does require patience and a gentle approach. The focus is on supporting one specific muscle, and you may need to adjust direction and pressure as you go. By studying the course and paying attention to your baby’s body language and cues, you can learn to apply it carefully. Doc has been practicing this method for 40 years, but you don’t need decades of experience—just patience, careful observation, and practice.

How long does each session take?
Session time varies for each baby. It depends on their age, whether they are teething, and if they are constipated. By “constipated,” we mean having hard stool—ideally, it should be more liquid. Hard stool usually means the treatment will take longer, while liquid stool is quicker to work with.  The first session typically takes about an hour, though sometimes it can take up to two hours, depending on the baby’s condition. Younger infants often respond more quickly, while older babies may take longer.
As sessions continue, they usually get shorter. The second session is often about 30 minutes. Later sessions may stay around 30 minutes or shorten to 20 minutes. In general, we don’t recommend sessions less than 20 minutes.   If done consistently, ideally every day, most babies need about 10 sessions. The goal is to fully address the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. 

How early can colic show up in a baby?
Babies can begin to exhibit symptoms as early as just a few days old.

How soon can I begin using The Colic Doc's Technique for my baby’s colic?
You can begin practicing The Colic Doc's Technique as soon as your baby shows signs of colic, keeping in mind that it should be done gently and with careful attention to their cues. The course was originally designed for babies aged 0–3 months, since in Doc’s experience, the younger a baby is, the faster and easier it usually is to address colic. ​

Can The Colic Doc’s Technique be used with older babies?
The Colic Doc’s Course was originally designed for babies aged 0–3 months, since younger infants often respond more quickly. The Technique can also be used with older babies, though progress may take longer. As babies grow, new challenges arise—such as teething, attachment needs, and increased mobility—which can make sessions more difficult. While Doc has worked with many older babies using this approach, the process usually requires more time and patience.

​Can colic come back?
Colic can sometimes return if the baby’s stomach is irritated. Just like adults can upset their stomach by overeating, babies can have discomfort if they are overfed or react to certain formulas. Trying different types of formula, like goat milk, can also cause temporary irritation. Every baby is different, and outcomes can vary, however in our experience, once a baby has completed the proper amount of sessions and the underlying issue is addressed, symptoms improve and many parents report that they do not return.

How do I know if my baby has colic?
I have created a checklist of 34 common colic symptoms. Not all babies show every symptom. Typical signs include stiffness, fussing, crying, or spitting up. One of the most noticeable signs in infants is a bloated belly. By around three months, the belly may soften, but other symptoms may continue. Babies with colic often seem stiff, though this is due to discomfort, not muscle problems. You may also notice frequent spit-ups. Most babies with colic overeat, not because they’re hungry, but because they’re trying to soothe pain. This overfeeding can lead to spitting up. Observing body language is key to distinguishing colic from hunger or other discomforts.

Does The Colic Doc's Technique  help with acid reflux?
You may notice your baby spitting up a lot. This is very common in colic because many babies end up overfed—not because they are truly hungry, but because feeding temporarily soothes their discomfort.  Many babies are diagnosed with acid reflux and may even be on reflux medication. However, in most cases, true acid reflux is rare. The spit-up is usually caused by overfeeding or pressure from bloated intestines, not acid. This is often called “milk reflux,” not acid reflux.
True acid reflux can occur, but it is usually due to an anatomical issue like an esophageal hernia, which pushes the stomach up into the diaphragm and can cause actual acid to come up. These babies will show different signs, like frequent coughing or choking.
For most babies with colic, acid reflux medicine does not address the real issue, so it is usually discontinued. In my 40+ years of practice, supporting the ileocecal valve—a key area involved in colic and bowel pressure—has helped many babies experience greater comfort and has reduced spitting up.

Should I stop breastfeeding or switch to formula?
I do not recommend you stop breastfeeding, breastmilk is always best. Certain foods a mom eats may pass into her milk and weaken the ileocecal valve leading to gas and discomfort.
Foods that may cause issues include:

• High-fiber or high-protein foods (harder to digest, creating more gas)
• Spices, caffeine, soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate
• Certain fruits and carbonated drinks
• Vitamin supplements with iron

We suggest that breastfeeding moms consider following this Mom's Breastfeeding Diet while working through colic care. Many parents find it helps reduce gas, bloating, and discomfort in their babies and may even lessen the number of sessions needed.

Can I use gas drops or gripe water?
You can, but in many cases, they don’t address the underlying issue and may even cause more discomfort for some babies. We suggest to focusing on The Colic Doc's Technique first to see if it brings improvement.

Will my pediatrician know about this The Colic Doc's Technique?
Most pediatricians are familiar with colic but may not be aware of this specific physical approach. Standard treatments often involve medication, which addresses symptoms rather than the underlying physical issue.

How do I know when to stop the colic care routine?
Typically, a minimum of 10 daily sessions are recommended. Symptoms often improve before the full routine is complete, but continuing until your baby’s condition is stable is important.  Monitoring your baby’s body language and symptom reduction helps determine readiness to stop. You should continue the colic care routine until the symptoms originally observed on the 34 Symptoms Checklist have greatly improved or been eliminated. Often this requires at least 10 sessions, though it may take significantly more in some cases. 

How can I tell if my baby is hungry or in pain?
A baby’s body language and cry can tell you if they’re hungry or in pain. Hunger isn’t about how much milk they’ve had—it’s usually about blood sugar. One early sign of hunger is sticking out their tongue. Other hunger cues include movements mostly in the upper body, rooting or sucking motions, and a steady, rhythmic cry.  Pain shows up differently. Babies in pain may kick their legs, flail their arms, arch their back, turn their head from side to side, scratch their face or ears, or pull their hair. They may also wince, have a red face, or have a hard, bloated abdomen. Pain cries are often irregular, intense, and can come in waves. 
Sometimes hunger and pain overlap, making it harder to tell the difference. A simple way to check is to offer a feeding. If the baby latches easily and feeds until satisfied, they’re likely hungry. If they struggle to latch or can’t stay latched, pain is probably the main issue.

What can I do if The Colic Doc's Technique doesn’t seem to help?
In many cases, when families don’t see improvement right away, it’s because the baby’s body language is being misread or the approach needs adjusting. A baby’s body language is very honest—it shows you exactly what they need. For example, hunger cues often mean a baby’s blood sugar is dropping, and the longer they wait to be fed, the more they’ll cry. By learning to understand these cues, you can make changes that may help your baby feel more comfortable over time.

Why is my baby’s colic worse at night?
Usually, a baby’s crying isn’t worse at night—it’s about their position. During the day, you’re holding, moving, and comforting them, which eases pressure on their diaphragm and helps them calm down. But when you lay them down, pressure builds on their diaphragm and stomach, and they start crying again.  It’s not a day or night issue—it’s a postural one. Holding the baby upright, gently rocking, or using small movements can relieve this pressure and calm them. Babies often seem fussy in the evening, but it’s really about how they’re positioned, not the time of day.

Can I get a refund if I'm unhappy with my purchase?

Due to the digital nature of our course and the immediate access provided upon purchase, all sales are final, and we do not offer refunds under any circumstances.
Before enrolling, please carefully review the course description and content outline to ensure it meets your needs. If you have any questions before purchasing, contact us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help.

How does the six-month access period help my baby get the best results?

You’ll have full access to all course content for six months, allowing you to learn and practice at your own pace. This six-month access period was designed by Doc to encourage parents to begin the course while their baby’s symptoms are still developing and before significant changes occur.

The Colic Doc’s Course was originally created for babies aged 0–3 months, as younger infants tend to respond more quickly. The Technique is easier to perform and often produces faster results when started as early as possible. The Colic Doc's Technique can also be used effectively with older babies but factors such as teething, constipation, and attachment changes can influence their symptoms causing progress to take longer.

Please Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician with any questions or concerns about your baby’s health.