Infant colic
What is infant colic?
Colic is a broad term which refers to episodes of uncontrollable,
extended
crying in a baby who is otherwise healthy and well fed. Every baby cries,
but if your baby cries or fusses for more than three hours a day, three
to
four days a week, then he or she may have colic.
What causes infant colic and who is at risk?
The cause of colic isn't known, although many people believe that an
immature digestive system may be the problem. Indeed, we know that an
infant's digestive tract doesn't have all of the enzymes or digestive
juices
needed for breaking down food. Another possible cause of colic is an
immature nervous system which causes a baby to tense up in response to
normal external stimulation.
It is possible that milk either from the breast or bottle may cause
colic. If the baby is breast-fed, the problem may be due to something the
mother is eating or drinking. Dairy products, wheat products, spicy
foods,
cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cabbage), caffeine and alcohol
may
contribute to a baby's colic. If you bottle-feed, your baby may be
allergic
to the type of formula you are using.
Colic equally affects boys and girls, first-born children and those born
later. In general, it appears around two to four weeks of age and can
last
for three months, or longer in some cases.
What are the symptoms and complications of infant colic?
The main symptom is continuous crying for long periods of time. Although
this crying can occur at any time, it usually worsens in the evening.
Beyond
crying, a baby with colic may also look uncomfortable and appear to be in
pain. Babies may lift their head or legs, become red in the face and pass
wind. Some babies refuse to eat or become fussy soon after eating.
Difficulty falling and staying asleep is another common symptom.
Normally, colic is not a serious condition. Research shows that babies
with
colic continue to eat and gain weight normally, despite the hours of
crying.
The main problem with the condition is the stress and anxiety it creates
within the home. Parents and other family members may find it difficult
to
cope with the constant crying. That's why it is vital to have support and
to
take a break now and then.
How do doctors recognise infant colic?
Your doctor will examine the baby and ask you for a history of the
condition
to help exclude any other disorders that may be causing the symptoms.
Before you go, try to take note of when your baby cries, eats and sleeps,
as
well as the pattern of bowel movements. This will provide your doctor
with a
clear picture of the problem and help determine what is causing it. If
your
doctor diagnoses colic, there are many things you can do to help your
baby and you through the next few months.
Symptoms of infant colic[IMAGE]
How is colic treated?
Self-care action plan
There is no proven cure for colic, but there are several measures that
may
help your baby feel more comfortable.
You might try a different formula if you bottle-feed. If you breast-feed,
don't stop: weaning your baby from breast milk may make the colic worse.
Instead, consider changing your diet to see if this stops the colic. You
might try cutting out particular foods such as wheat products, spicy
foods,
alcohol, caffeine or cruciferous vegetables.
If you decide to cut out a number of dairy products, speak to your doctor
first and take a calcium supplement. By reintroducing these foods
gradually
into your diet, you may be able to identify which food, if any, is
causing
the problem.
If your baby seems to have a lot of wind, make sure you burp him or her
frequently. If you bottle-feed, your baby may be swallowing air from the
bottle. You might try feeding your baby in a different position, or use a
curved bottle or a bottle with a collapsible bag.
To soothe your baby, you might try some or all of the following:
carry him or her in a front sling or back pack
wrap him or her snugly in a blanket (this is called swaddling)
keep him or her in motion in an infant swing
place him or her near continuous noise or vibrations from household
appliances like the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or washer-dryer
take him or her for a car ride or a walk outside
give him or her a dummy to suck on
give him or her gentle tummy massages
take a shower together the warm water may be comforting
Is there anything else I should be doing?
Try to take time for yourself. Having a colicky baby can be stressful,
frustrating and challenging for any parent, particularly if it is your
first
child. Listening to a baby crying for hours on end is not easy. If you
feel
overwhelmed, it is important to take a break. Ask your partner or a
friend
to take over for a while, even for an hour or two. When you return, you
will
feel refreshed and better equipped to soothe your crying baby.
What is the outcome of infant colic?
Normally, colic will disappear of its own accord after three to four
months.
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