Is Colic the Cause of Your Baby's Discomfort?
You have probably heard of colic before and while you may not
know exactly what it means you do know that it is not something
pleasant and that parents who have colicky babies get little
rest. If this is all you know don't feel bad because doctors
aren't much more informative when it comes to colic. While many
doctors acknowledge that colic exists that generally say it is
something the baby will outgrow. This does not seem like good
news when your new baby cries non stop and nobody in the house
gets any rest. Colic is frustrating for mom and baby because
there is no clear definition for the condition or a clear course
for treating it, just clear evidence that the baby is in major
pain and there is nothing you can do about it; or is there?
Most doctors will tell you there is no clear treatment, but
there are some remedies that work for colic you just have to
find the right one for your baby. Most of the time colic is
considered the effect of a variety of symptoms coming together
rather than a disease or even a condition. Approximately 15-20%
of all babies will develop colic and cry, groan, grunt, push,
hiccup, have contractions and spasms, and simply look miserable.
Frequently during these fits the baby keeps his body stiff and
nothing mom or dad does helps soothe the baby. Most of the time
colic episodes occur right after feeding and can last for hours
or even until the next feeding. The symptoms are typically
exacerbated in the evening.
No clear evidence pinpoints the reason some babies have colic,
however it is believed to be a combination of a developmental
and digestive issue. Babies are growing so quickly in the first
week of life that their digestive system just can't keep up and
colic occurs as a result, or so the theory goes. Many parents
and doctors buy into this theory because generally by month four
babies that have had colic have grown out of it. Another theory
is that stress causes colic in babies. Many parents who are
stressed out and tense pass this on to their baby and stress
tends to cause digestive issues frequently causing colic. Also,
some doctors believe food sensitivities and allergies to milk
proteins play a role in colic not to mention temperament. One
theory is that fussy babies have a higher chance of developing
colic than easy going babies do. Obviously, there are quite a
few theories as to what causes colic and it could be any or all
of the above.
There are many reasons why a baby might develop colic and a
variety of remedies parents might seek to help soothe their
pain. For example, massage, herbal tea, chiropractic sessions,
herbal supplements, gas aids, change of formula, and the like
are all possible solutions to your baby's colic. You simply need
to try all of the remedies in order until you find one that
seems to work for your baby. If you are consistent you will
surely find something that offers comfort and helps you and baby
get some sleep. Also, if you never find a solution to the colic
it is likely your baby will simply outgrow it around month four.
However, if your baby does not get better around four months of
age you should schedule a doctor's appointment because there
could be some other digestive problem present or something else
that might be causing your baby pain and suffering. So, make
sure you schedule regular appointments with the pediatrician to
ensure your baby is happy and healthy.