Colic
You will find umpteen different definitions, descriptions and theories about what colic is, how it affects babies, what causes it and how to treat it.
The most common definition of colic is when a baby with no underlying condition or who isn’t hungry cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 1 – 3 weeks but often up to 3 to 6 months.
As you would expect colic hugely impacts on their sleep and general wellbeing and yours too. It can be a very distressing experience for everyone.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the cause of colic. Some thoughts are:
- A digestive system that isn’t fully developed with muscles that often spasm
- An imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
- Antibiotics
- Birth trauma
- Maternal separation
- An excess of gas
- Hormones that cause tummy pain
- A sensitivity to light, noise, etc., or too much stimulation
- A developing nervous system
- An early form of childhood migraine
- Fear, frustration, or excitement
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent winding
- Family stress or anxiety
There are some notable signs that that colicky babies frequently show around the same time every day, usually in the evening.
Often there isn’t a clear reason. Intense crying or screaming like they’re in pain. Bodily tension, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or a tense tummy. You might notice a change in colour of their face, reddening or pale around the mouth. They may still appear unsettled even when not crying.
Excessive crying itself can cause them to swallow a lot of air which may contribute to an excess of gas or make their tummy feel tight or look swollen. There isn’t a specific test for colic, however your GP will be able to examen your baby and obtain a full history from you regarding your pregnancy, birth, and your babies history.
There are lots of ways to help ease and calm a colicky baby:
- Cuddling your baby when they’re crying a lot
- Winding your baby during and after each feed
- Calm baby before feeding, excessive crying will mean they swallow in more air
- Check flow from bottle, make sure milk completely fills the teat
- Feed in upright position with back straight
- Consider your diet if breastfeeding
- Reflexology
- Massage
- Pro – biotics
- Tiger in tree hold
- Anti-colic drops or herbal supplements
- Cranial osteopathy
- Consult with doctor or health visitor if concerned it may be an allergy or intolerance
Thank you for reading – Colic. I hope you enjoyed it, if you would like more please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Or if you would like to get in touch please Contact Me.
See you soon,
Sally