A Parents Guide to Coping With The Challenges Of Colic

By: Dr. Rita Louise - [family/babies]
Posted 06/20/04

Colic is acommon problem in infants and an even more frustrating
condition for parents to deal with. Approximately 10 to 30% of all
infants born have colic. If an infant is going to experience colic
in its life, it will typically appear within the first few weeks of
life and will subside by the time the infant is four month old.
Babies with colic grow and develop normally and it is rarely a factor
in later physical or behavioral problems.

The tem colic refers to a condition in which an infant will cry
inconsolably from one to four hours at a time. A typically spell is
typified by a high pitched loud cry that is continuous. The child
may pull its legs up toward their stomachs as if in abdominal pain or
their legs may be extended straight out. Often the infant's
hands are clenched. They may hold their breath or grimace.
Frequently their faces become flush, while their feet remain cold.
These episodes can occur at any time, but often begin in the late
afternoon or early evening.

Currently, there is no identifiable cause for colic, but doctors have
identified a number of factors that classically make colic symptoms
worse. These include rapid eating or overfeeding, swallowing
excessive air, intestinal gad, lack of burping or food allergies.
Doctors also recognize that an environment filled with anger,
frustration or even excitement can play a role in this disorder.

Please note: It is critical that all parents consult their
child's pediatrician at the onset of colic like symptoms. It is
important to rule out other health complaints such as ear infections,
allergies, intestinal blockage, a hernia or even a scratch in the
infant's eye.

recommendations For Wellness

If you are breast feeding:

Watch your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and
soda.

Stop eating milk products for one week to see if the infant is
reacting to milk protein you have consumed.

Reducing or eliminate gas producing foods such as orange juice,
cabbage (and other foods from the cabbage family), beans,
broccoli and onions.

Drink soothing herb teas such as chamomile tea to calm yourself as
well as the infant.

If your baby is formula fed:

Change the type of formula or type of water being used. You can
also try changing to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy
based on.

Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Check the hole size
of the nipples you purchased. If the holes are too small, enlarge
it.

Other recommendations include:

Burp your baby after each ounce of formula or every few minutes.

To reduce the possibility of your child swallowing air, have him
or her sit up rather than lie down when eating.

Gently repetitive movements will soothe some babies. Try taking
them for a ride in the car or a walk in the park. Rock them in a
rocking chair or rocking swing and try leaning their infant seat
against a running clothes dryer or dishwasher.

Sounds can also help calm a colicky infant. Many parents have
found relief by playing soothing music, running their vacuum
cleaner or even their clothes dryer.

Applied heat can also help. Lay your baby over a warm hot water
bottle that is covered with a towel or trying giving him or her a
hot bath. Add a few drops of chamomile or marjoram essential oil
to the water to help them to relax further.

Herbal chamomile has a long history of calming an infant and
easing intestinal cramping.

Teas made of licorice root, catnip or fennel have also been found
to help.

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Copyright Body, Mind and SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved.
Free your mind, body, and spirit naturally at SoulHealer.com . Dr.
Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in
the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical
intuitive that enlivens her work. So whether it is a physical
problem, an emotional issue, a problem at work or a problem in a
relationship, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is
really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and
advice. Visit her at http://www.soulhealer.com .

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