Colic
Colic can be mistaken for trapped wind. the difference being that Colic describes a healthy baby having episodes of excessive, high pitched inconsolable crying.
Crying generally starts late in the afternoon going late into the evening & may last for 3 hours or more over 3 days, lasting for more than 3 weeks.
On average Colic can appear 3~4 weeks after birth & disappear as quickly as it came around 4~6 months of age. It is a very common concern & occurs in 1 in 5 babies!
Signs & Symptoms
In addition to the 3 rules here are further colic signs & symptoms:
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Pulling up legs, clenching fists & appearing agitated.
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Eating & sleeping patterns disrupted due to excessive crying. Baby may appear to want a feed only to reject, or may doze & then wake crying inconsolably.
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Has a flushed, red face whilst crying.
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Difficult to comfort & settle.
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Rumbling, very windy tummy.
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Why Does My Baby Have Colic?
There is no known reason or cure at present for Colic. It affects equally both bottle & breast fed babies & equally in both boys & girls.
Researchers find it difficult to account for why it affects babues of a certain age, time of day or how long it lasts.
Factors which may contribute are:
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Immature digestive system.
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Trapped wind.
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Food intolerences/allergies.
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Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the gut.
How To Help
Speak to your Health Visitor or Health Professional.
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Tummy massage~ Research has shown that massaging babies with colic can reduce the strength & length of baby's crying. Baby massage can be evidently more effective than rocking, in the efforts to relieve the symptoms of Colic.
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A warm bath.
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Gently rock baby in your arms.
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Use a sling/carrier in the house & when out. (baby is happier in an upright position & when close to you).
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Hold baby so that his tummy rests on your forearm & his head is supported in the palm of your hand or in the crook of your arm.
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Cuddle your baby. Having baby close so they can hear your heartbeat. If you are getting stressed take a break if you can Colic can be upsetting.
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Have baby in a more upright position whilst feeding so that less air is taken in.
