|
There's a common misconception that colic has symptoms like blood in the stool, mucus buildup, diarrhea or fever. However, none of these are associated with the condition. Rather, colic is the frequent crying of an infant, typically for more three hours per day, for more than three days per week and for more than a three week duration. Irritable infants could also have ear or urinary infections, gastrointestinal disease or lactose intolerance, inflammation of the brain or nervous system, a scratched eye, an abnormal heartbeat, a bone fracture, or a hernia. It's important to have colicky babies examined by a doctor. The good news is that if it is colic, it will go away in three to four months.
If you suspect digestion is the culprit, then there are several things you can do to treat colic. Burp your baby frequently. If bottle-feeding, choose a nipple that reduces air intake, like those offered by Avent or Dr. Brown's. If breast feeding, then do not switch from one breast to the other during the feeding (as the milk changes during the feeding and this can cause the baby to not receive enough fat, which means the stomach empties quickly and a large amount of milk sugar/lactose, reaches the intestines at once.) Switch breasts at the next feeding. Also try to limit foreign protein like milk products for a while and see if that helps.
Secondly, try changing the over-stimulating environment to treat colic. Some babies have a hard time adjusting to all the sounds and lights. Swaddle your colic baby in blankets, put him or her in a front carrier rather than laying them flat and facing the ceiling, or put the baby near soft vibrations (such as next to the dryer or in the car). Give the baby a massage or put a warm water bottle on the belly. Warm baths, pacifiers and infant swings can be relaxing to the troubled infant.
Thirdly, there are some doctor-recommended colic remedies to try. Anti-reflux medication, herbal teas with chamomile or mint, anti-gas drops, homeopathic drops or "gripe water." Colic gripe water is a herbal concoction known to reduce digestive irritability.
It's natural to feel pent-up anger and resentment toward the colic baby when many sleepless nights stack up and the baby seems inconsolably fussy. During this time, it's equally important to find outlets for these negative emotions. Many cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occur as a result of a colicky infant. First, remember that the baby will outgrow this. Then be sure to alternate caring for the infant with a spouse or other caretaker. Get out and do things for yourself. Physical exercise can be an important release - or take a nap if you feel tired and aggressive. In some cases, a counselor can help you express your feelings in a healthy manner.
|
