Helping to Prevent Colic in Babies
Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and continuous tears - all parents have experienced both the joys and challenges of raising a newborn. Yet it can be shocking for most - particularly first-time parents - to learn that your baby is not a little happy bundle of joy, but instead an inconsolable crying nightmare. You begin to wonder: does my baby have colic?
What is colic?
Colic refers to the persistent and uncontrollable crying that an otherwise healthy infant undergoes, starting from two weeks after birth and possibly lasting to the fourth month. Babies with colic often have crying 'sessions'(usually at the same intervals during the day, such as in the mornings and evenings) that can last up to three hours. The colic stage very rarely persists after the fifth month, and many infants are reported undergo this stage. 10-15% of all infants get severe colic, whereas mild colic is more common at 40%. But do not fret: all colic cases, both mild and severe, are only temporary.
Causes
While professionals have not been able to find the source of the disorder, there has been some evidence to suggest that colic is related to problems within the digestive system. Some doctors suggest that colic is caused as a result of the child's small intestines working too hard (causing cramps), whereas others claim that it is a result of slow bowel movement, causing pain by keeping wind trapped in the intestines. This can lead to inflammation. Osteopaths and other medical professionals have long since been in dispute as to the causes of colic, but as far as research has shown, there is no definitive source.
Symptoms
Now you might wonder, 'how do I know whether my baby has colic?' There are a few distinguishing symptoms that can help you detect the problem: The baby cries continually for up to three hours at a time and seems inconsolable for days on end The child is visibly uncomfortable and restless The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some children release a lot of painful gas
Treatment & Prevention
There are several small tips that you can carry out to make your child feel better. Osteopaths recommend that you: Strap the baby to the front of your body in a sling. Your body's movement, heartbeat, and heat should make your child feel more relaxed. Give your baby's belly a gentle massage, using slow circular movements
If the problem persists after the fourth months, you are recommended to visit an osteopathic clinic, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination and look for tensions within your child's the body.
Seeing your child suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today's effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child's development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night's rest that you desire and deserve.
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