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A Parents Guide
By Dr. Rita Louise, Fri Dec 9th
Colic is a common problem in infants and an even morefrustrating condition for parents to deal with. Approximately 10to 30% of all infants born have colic. If an infant is going toexperience colic in its life, it will typically appear withinthe first few weeks of life and will subside by the time theinfant is four month old. Babies with colic grow and developnormally and it is rarely a factor in later physical orbehavioral problems. The tem colic refers to a condition in which an infant will cryinconsolably from one to four hours at a time. A typically spellis typified by a high pitched loud cry that is continuous. Thechild may pull its legs up toward their stomachs as if inabdominal pain or their legs may be extended straight out. Oftenthe infant’s hands are clenched. They may hold their breath orgrimace. Frequently their faces become flush, while their feetremain cold. These episodes can occur at any time, but oftenbegin in the late afternoon or early evening. Currently, there is no identifiable cause for colic, but doctorshave identified a number of factors that classically make colicsymptoms worse. These include rapid eating or overfeeding,swallowing excessive air, intestinal gad, lack of burping orfood allergies. Doctors also recognize that an environmentfilled with anger, frustration or even excitement can play arole in this disorder.
Please note: It is critical that all parents consult theirchild’s pediatrician at the onset of colic like symptoms. It isimportant to rule out other health complaints such as earinfections, allergies, intestinal blockage, a hernia or even ascratch in the infant’s eye. Recommendations For Wellness If you are breast feeding: Watch your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea andsoda. Stop eating milk products for one week to see if the infant isreacting 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 yourselfas well as the infant. If your baby is formula fed: Change the type of formula or type of water being used. You canalso try changing to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soybased on. Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Check the holesize 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, havehim or her sit up rather than lie down when eating. Gently repetitive movements will soothe some babies. Try takingthem for a ride in the car or a walk in the park. Rock them in arocking chair or rocking swing and try leaning their infant seatagainst a running clothes dryer or dishwasher. Sounds can also help calm a colicky infant. Many parents havefound relief by playing soothing music, running their vacuumcleaner or even their clothes dryer. Applied heat can also help. Lay your baby over a warm hot waterbottle that is covered with a towel or trying giving him or hera hot bath. Add a few drops of chamomile or marjoram essentialoil to the water to help them to relax further. Herbal chamomile has a long history of calming an infant andeasing intestinal cramping. Teas made of licorice root, catnip or fennel have also beenfound to help. About the author:© Copyright Body, Mind & 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-yearveteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique giftas a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Visit her athttp://www.soulhealer.com.
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