The 5 Possible Causes of Colic

Colic is the persistent crying of a baby, usually between 2 weeks and 5 months old, without a known explanation. To diagnose this condition, pediatricians and family doctors commonly use the “Rule of Three”: a baby who cries for a total of 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for 3 weeks or more may be considered to be having a colic attack. Babies with a colic attack are inconsolable, and it is unfortunate that colic usually happens in the late afternoon or in the evening, when parents are already tired or stressed.

No one really knows what causes colic or how to treat and prevent it. Since all babies are different, the cause could be different for each child. Here are some of the possible causes and the common solutions to your baby’s colic attacks.

1. Wrong feeding technique. Baby may have taken in too much air during suckling, which eventually goes into the stomach. If you notice that baby’s tummy is bloated, with a loud drum-like sound when you tap it gently, this may be the case. The expansion of the stomach causes much pain, and so baby becomes fussy and irritable. He may stretch and stiffen his legs, and clench his fists. If not addressed, baby will cry inconsolably for a few hours. Sometimes, baby will manage by himself by raising his legs over his belly and give off a loud burp or fart, but sometimes, baby may need your help. You can either hold baby in your arms, across your chest, in the burping position, to allow baby to release gas. Another good position is placing baby between your knees, with his belly on one of your thighs, while rubbing his back with the heel of your hands. It is thought that burping frequently during feeding may prevent colic. Burp breasted babies every 5-10 minutes, and bottle-fed babies after each ounce of milk feeding.  

2. Neurologic overload.  This means that baby may be over-stimulated by an excess of emotions either from external or internal sources. External sources of stress could be negative feelings of anger between fighting parents, or jealousy or resentment from other siblings. It could also come from positive sources, like a noisy party at home. If you feel that over-stimulation may be the cause of your baby’s stress, it is a good idea to let your baby rest for a few minutes.  Take him to a quiet room and rock him gently, and alow him to have a quiet nap.

 

Click here to read more.

[previous|page|next]

3. Understimulation.  On the other hand, a too quiet environment could be bad for baby, too. This means that your baby lacks the needed stimulation that he was used to while inside your womb: your heartbeat, the noise your stomach makes, the sound of your voice, even the soft rumbling vibration as you talk or sing to your baby. If you feel that your baby is understimulated, try giving him gentle stimulation in the form of “dancing” with your baby. Providing a soft steady sound might do the trick, such as the white noise coming from the static of a tv set, or the steady rumbling of a washing machine. Taking a ride in the car – the combination of steady sound and soft vibrations – is a good way to soothe a baby having a colic attack.

4. Maternal diet. Even without a history of food allergy from either parent, your baby may still have a 25% chance of developing one of many food allergies. Moreso if you or your husband, or both, have at least one food allergy; the likelihood of your baby ‘inheriting’ this is increased. Remember, what you eat will always affect your breastmilk. The most common culprit is dairy, including ice cream, yoghurt, cheese, and even milk in cakes or cookies. The top allergenic foods are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sea food or shellfish, soy and other processed soy products, and wheat.  Though not an allergen per se, smoking can also contribute to your baby’s colic. If you are a smoker - even if you are not breastfeeding - you inadvertently expose your baby to all the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.  

Because we eat a wide variety of foods everyday, it’s very hard to tell which one (or more) is causing a possible allergic reaction.  The best advise come from allergists.  Here is a safe step by step guide:

a.    Eliminate all possible food allergens from your diet for one week.

b.    Re-introduce one food per week into your diet.  
Example:  have peanuts only for one week - not peanuts in cookies because this will have milk and eggs and wheat.  Of course you may have your usual foods.

c.    Observe. Baby can continue breastfeeding so you need to observe if this will have an effect on your baby’s colic as this type of food is re-introduced into your diet.

d.    Repeat steps 2 & 3 for the other food types.  
With this slow but sure process, you can rule out and identify the possible source of your baby’s colic.  

 

Click here to read more.

[previous|page|next]

5. Maternal stress. Imagine coming home from work after a busy and stressful day, with cooking and cleaning still to be done. Add to that your older children who keep you busy at home, too. Then, the colic attack starts. Oh no! Sometimes everything can be so overwhelming.  Because of this stress, a mother may inadvertently feel helpless, frustrated, and may accidentally hurt the baby. As mentioned earlier, stress can greatly affect a baby’s disposition, and may trigger or worsen a colic attack. If this happens to you, step away.  Give your baby to someone else - say, your husband - for a few minutes while you collect yourself. Keep calm. Take deep, soothing breaths. Remember that you love your baby and you want what is best for him. After a few minutes of rest, your head will be clear, and you will be able to provide your baby with the loving reassurance that you are there.  

Whatever it is that is triggering your baby’s colic, it is a good idea to give him TLC (tender loving care) in the form of baby massage. Studies have shown that touch therapy does in fact increase growth, especially among preterm babies. Babies who are massaged are more relaxed, have better immune systems and regular sleep patterns. Best of all, it seems to ease the pain of colic and allows baby to calm down and relax.  

The most important medical information about colic is that there is no medical treatment for it. Because each baby is different, mommies may try which method works for them.  The good news is that colic disappears as suddenly as it comes at around 4- to 5-months old.  

However, as the adage goes, “if symptoms persist, consult your doctor.” If at anytime you feel that the crying or the fussiness is out of the ordinary, or if your mother’s instinct tells you that something is wrong, there probably is. Contact your pediatrician, family doctor, or go to the emergency room. Don’t take chances!


Photo from flickr.com