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Colic Baby
What is Colic?
Colic is a stomach pain in the abdomen which occurs in healthy young babies. It is unclear what exactly causes this pain but it is usually relieved once your baby has passed a bowel motion or gas. It is highly possible the pain may be caused from a buildup of trapped gasses in the abdomen. Colic generally starts from 2weeks of age right through to 4 months or just over.
Colic in babies can be heart breaking and extremely stressful. Unless you are living with, or have lived through having a colicky baby it can be very hard to understand the pressure parents are under. Sleep deprivation goes hand in hand with newborn babies but when you have a baby that might only sleep for an hour at a time and constantly cries at the top of their lungs it can be unbearable. Parents may feel frustrated, depressed, angry and helpless while some blame themselves and think they have done something wrong. Parents must know this is not at all their fault and the way you are feeling is natural. The only way a baby can communicate whether they are hungry, in pain or they have a dirty nappy, is through crying. It is a natural response. Reflux can also have similar symptoms. Have your baby checked for this by your doctor. Colic in newborns affects approximately 20% of babies around the world.
Colic symptoms
- Excessive and inconsolably crying or fretting for at least three hours at a time.
- Suddenly starts crying after feeding.
- Clenching fists and drawing their legs up to their tummies.
- Pain often occurs in the late afternoon or early evening.
- An episode may end with the passing of a bowel motion or gas.
- Explosive bowel motions.
- Arching of the back
Tips For Coping With A Colic Baby
- Know it is not your fault!
- Take turns with your partner or let someone you trust mind the baby for an hour or two.
- Take a break where ever possible.
- Try slower shorter feeds more frequently.
- Try to bring up as much wind as possible buy putting baby’s head just over your shoulder and rubbing their back for at least 10 minutes after a feed.
- Dance with your baby. The movement can help with settling the pain. Use side to side up and down and round and round movements.
- A warm bath can help with pain and may also help to bring up more wind.
- For mild colic in babies gripe water may help relieve the pain enough for them to settle.
- If you find yourself getting upset, highly stressed or angry ask for a break from your partner or if no one is available place the baby safely in their cot and go to another room until you have calmed down.
- Remind yourself Colic won’t last forever.
- Lay your baby down on their back, get a hold of their feet and move them one at a time bringing their knee to their chest and keep the other extended and move in a bicycle action.
- Invest in a baby sling. Just carrying your baby close or going for walks can be beneficial for both parent and baby.
- Baby bouncer seats are also useful.
- Most people have found going for a ride in the car with the baby in their car seat can work wonders. The vibrations of the car when driving can be very soothing. Do not attempt this if you are over tired or very stressed.
- The sucking action on a pacifier can also be of comfort to your baby.
- If Breast feeding avoid foods that can make your milk gassy. If bottle feeding you may want to try a different formula.
- You can try some baby colic remedies. Some may help for one baby but not another.
- It may also help parents to join a support group.
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