Almost every new parent fears
"getting a colicky baby". If we knew what colic really was and what caused
it, we would be way ahead on finding an effective treatment. There are several
theories as to the cause. Some says it's gas or food allergies or even
"parental anxiety". Most doctors would discount the latter. There
seems to be no correlation between parental anxiety and colic in infants. However,
given an infant's immature digestive system, the first two are likely candidates.
Mylicon drops are supposed to eliminate
gas and are available at most pharmacies. Many parents try them with varying
success. We had no success with them in our family. If you are experiencing
similar results or would like to try a more natural approach, then read on.
Native Americans have used catnip for
centuries to relieve intestinal gas and colic in babies. It is sometimes found in
combination with Fennel. Chammomile is another herb that is known for its calming
effects. Combined with Peppermint it acts as a soothing relief for a variety of
"stomach" complaints. Chammomila tablets (the homeopathic version of
chammomile) can work wonders for any type of nervous tension in children--from teething
pain to colic. All of these herbs are relatively safe for children when used in
moderation.
**Quick Tip: Don't
have any herbs it the house? Try dissolving a peppermint stick in water &
serving it up in a bottle or "sippee" cup at room temperature. Or let a
baby with no teeth suck on the stick. This should be used only occasionally due to
the high sugar content of most peppermint candies.**
Sometimes babies with colic also have a
cow's milk allergy/intolerance. They will often display the symptoms of reflux as
well as colic (excessive spitting up due to the inability to digest milk sugar or milk
protein). Other symptoms may include: diarrhea, wheezing or rashes. If there
is a family history of allergies or asthma, you may do well to avoid dairy products for
the first year. This can best be accomplished by breastfeeding, with mother getting
her calcium from non-dairy sources. If breastfeeding is not an option, then using a
soy-based infant formula is the second best alternative. Some parents have had
success with goat's milk, but check with your baby's doctor first. He or she will
want to make sure you are using pasteurized milk.
There are physical things you can do to
help your baby while waiting for any medical or herbal treatment to "kick in".
The most common of these is to hold your baby face down on your forearm with his
head in your palm. Use your free arm to pat or hold his back. This pressure on
the abdomen may help relieve gas pains. You can also try lying baby face down on
your knees (with or without a warmed water bottle) and gently bouncing him while rubbing
his back. This is a tradition in my family going back at least 3 generations--my mom
said it was the only thing that calmed me down!
For preventive measures, try feeding baby
as upright as possible and burping frequently. Keeping baby in a reclined position
for 30 minutes after a meal can help release gas pressure. Carrying your baby for
most of the day can help calm his anxiety and build a foundation of positive self-worth as
he grows. This is best accomplished by "wearing" him in a sling.
Front and backpack carriers are hard on baby's developing spine, not to mention the
strain they place on your back. Slings are better for all-day "wearing".
Babies can be "worn" this way often until age 3. Children who are
carried in slings during the early years of life tend to be happier and healthier because
of the strong parent-child bonding a sling encourages.
The good news is that your baby will
outgrow colic. Many parents have experienced a colicky baby and lived to tell the
tale (sometimes even laughing about it). The trick is keeping your frayed nerves
intact until that day. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask. If you ever
feel like you are going to harm your baby, get help fast. Call a friend, someone from your
church or synagogue or even your doctor. Above all, remember that all too soon your
baby will be off and running. These endless days and nights of infancy will be gone
before you know it, so savor every moment you can.
