Baby Colic
Posted by admin on June 1st, 2009Almost all babies go through a fussy period. When crying lasts for longer than about three hours a day and is not caused by a medical problem (such as a hernia or infection), it is called colic. This phenomenon occurs in almost all babies. The only thing that differs is the degree.
The child with colic tends to be unusually sensitive to stimulation. Some babies experience greater discomfort from intestinal gas. Some cry from hunger, others from overfeeding. Some breastfed babies are intolerant of foods in their mothers’ diets. Some bottle-fed babies are intolerant of the proteins in formula. Fear, frustration, or even excitement can lead to abdominal discomfort and colic. When other people around them are worried, anxious, or depressed, babies may cry more, which in turn makes those around them even more worried, anxious, or depressed.
About 20% of babies cry enough to meet the definition of colic. The timing varies, but colic usually affects babies beginning at about 3 weeks of age and peaking somewhere between 4-6 weeks of age.
Colic will not last forever! After about 6 weeks of age, it usually begins improving, slowly but surely, and is generally gone by 12 weeks of age. When colic is still going strong at 12 weeks, it’s important to consider another diagnosis (such as reflux).
SYMPTOMS: Colic frequently, but not always, begins at about the same time every day. For most infants the most intense fussiness is in the evening. The attack often begins suddenly. The legs may be drawn up and the belly distended. The hands may be clenched. The episode may last for minutes or hours. It often winds down when the baby is exhausted, or when gas or stool is passed.
In spite of apparent abdominal pain, colicky infants eat well and gain weight normally.
TREATMENT: Helping a child with colic is primarily a matter of experimentation and observation. If you can identify and eliminate a trigger for the colic, that is best. Even if you can’t, learn which measures most comfort your baby.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS Alternative therapies, particularly those that include fennel, along with dill, chamomile, and other herbs with purported digestive health benefits, have been applied. These are primary ingredients in gripe water, which is believed by some to relieve the symptoms associated with baby colic, teething and baby’s gas.
Some have also suggested that herbal teas or an increase in fresh air helps with colic and there is a theory that rubbing warm olive oil on the hands and feet, then rubbing the stomach with olive oil in a clockwise motion will cure colic.
While some of these alternative techniques may help in certain cases, no major scientific study has proven them and the United States Food and Drug Administration does not currently advocate their use. The widespread belief in them may be partly due to the suddenness with which colic naturally resolves itself. Many parents keep trying different approaches until the colic suddenly stops, at which point they presume that the last thing they tried was the cure.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
* Foods – If you are breast-feeding, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and chocolate. Try eliminating dairy products and nuts for a few weeks, as these may be causing allergic reactions in the baby. Other foods may also irritate the baby.
* Formula – Switching formulas is NOT helpful for most babies, but is very important for some.
* Medicine – Some medicines mom may be taking can also lead to crying.
* Feeding – If a bottle feeding takes less than 20 minutes, the hole in the nipple may be too large. Avoid overfeeding the infant or feeding too quickly.
People often hear that breastfeeding moms should avoid broccoli, cabbage, beans, and other gas-producing foods. However, there is not much evidence that these foods are a factor.