Helping to Prevent Colic in Babies
Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and continuous tears – all parents have experienced both the joys and challenges of raising a newborn. Yet it can be shocking for most – particularly first-time parents – to learn that your baby is not a little happy bundle of joy, but instead an inconsolable crying nightmare. You begin to wonder: does my baby have colic?
What is colic?
Colic is defined as the incessant or uncontrollable crying of an otherwise healthy infant. It often starts between two to four weeks after birth, during which the baby has several bouts of crying during the day, usually in the mornings and in the evening, which can last for almost three hours. This colic stage often goes away after the fourth month, and only is very rare cases does it persist after the fifth month. Approximately 40% of infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But do not worry: all colic cases, whether mild or severe, are only temporary.
Causes
Although professionals are not certain as to the exact causes of colic, some evidence suggests that the disorder is related to digestive problems. Some professionals claim that colic is caused as a result of the baby’s intestines working too hard, resulting in painful cramps. Other doctors argue that the disorder is based on slow bowel moves which result in gas being trapped in the intestines, which can be very painful and leads to inflammation. Many osteopaths and other medical professionals still dispute the causes of colic, but where research has been conducted, it has emerged that there is no known definitive source.
General Symptoms
You might ask, ‘how do I know whether my child has colic?’ There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder: The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days Restlessness and visible discomfort The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas
Treatment & Prevention
There are several simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child’s belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.
If the problem continues to exist, you are advised to visit an osteopathic clinic. Here your precious baby can be examined more closely for any tensions in body, and can be given the extra attention it needs.
It is extremely difficult for any parent to watch their child suffer, especially when you feel powerless to help them. But hopefully, with today’s modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is never long-lasting, you can be at peace, and you and your baby can get a good night’s sleep at last.
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