By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation Consultant, Infant & Paediatric Nutritionist, Baby Sleep Consultant)
What is colic?
Colic is age dependent and the crying increases from 2wks of age and usually peaks during the 2nd month declines from 4mo with crying clusters in the late afternoon and evening. Their behavioural characteristics are prolonged crying with a resistance to soothing. These crying bouts start spontaneously, are unrelated to environmental events and start and stop suddenly.
New parents do commonly worry about their newborn’s cryng, particularly if it is increasing. It is normal for crying to increase over the first few weeks of life and to decrease again from 3-4months.
However, some babies do cry more than others and we use the term unexplained crying. We find often that the term used to describe unexplained crying is “colic”. It is actually not the appropriate term to use, as people then believe that it is because of problems with their immature digestive system.
To diagnose colic correctly we use the “rule of 3s”. To be considered as having colic baby, we look at the following:
· Its starts at 3wks after birth (correct definition is 42wks post conception)
· It is 3hrs of continuous crying – the baby goes from a happy contented baby to screaming for 3hrs and then back to a happy contented baby
· It must occur 3 days in a row
Very few babies actually have colic, and statistics show that only about 20% of all babies actually have colic
Colic is something babies do, rather than a condition babies have!
Colic is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that occur in healthy babies, and for a baby to be called colicky, they must be gaining weight well and otherwise healthy and reaching milestones.
Symptoms
· The baby appears to be agitated and in pain
· The baby cries for extended periods solidly (3hrs)
· Crying occurs especially in the late afternoon and/or early evening – this is thought to be because all their external stimuli (environment) changes at this time – the temperature drops, it gets dark and artificial light gets turned, new smells in the house etc
· It seems as if the pain is intermittent, building up and persisting for 1-2min, then fading
· Baby can’t be comforted during this period
· Cry is shrill and sudden and will sometimes pause where it seems the baby seems to stop breathing.
· The baby pulls their legs up to her tummy, arches her back and splays her hands and feet, showing signs of reflux, cramps and overstimulation
There doesn’t seem to be any link between excessive crying and the following factors
· Baby’s gender
· Mother’s age
· Type of birth
· Baby’s place in family
· Whether baby is breast or formula fed
A fussy baby often responds to being held, but a colicky baby will often keep on crying even when held and comforted.
Tips for Colic
Keep a colic diary
Keep notes of any possible triggers, what times does the crying start and how long does it last. Take note of whether it is getting better, staying the same or getting worse. Is there anything unusual in your diet. Take note o baby’s body language, is there any bloating, passing lots of gas or vomiting. Also take note of what seems to help.
Anticipate
Try to meet your baby’s needs to prevent her form crying. Plan any outings in her happy time. Simplify late afternoon and evening chores – try preparing supper in the morning. Have a nap with your baby in the afternoon. If bath time makes it worse and ends in tears, rather bath in the morning.
Sometimes your efforts to calm your baby can make matters worse. Try any of the following strategies to calm your baby and stick with it for 5minutes before trying something new. It can take that long for your babies frantic brain to register the calming effect.
The 3 s’s
· Swaddle – wrap baby tightly in a receiving blanket
· Side/stomach – hold her on your lap or arm in a face down position or on side
· SHHHH – make a continuous, loud shushing sound
· Swing – rock or jiggle or even bounce her with tiny movements
· Suck – let her suck on your finger or dummy – try not to feed as if she is not actually hungry it will cause cramps and reflux
Baby massage
Research has showed that clockwise tummy massage may help to relieve any spasms or gas. Some babies respond well to tummy massage during a crying spellm but other may become more distraught
The benefits of baby massage
· Deep relaxation
· Lowers stress hormones
· Stimulates all systems of the body
· Increases resistance against disease
· Aids digestion
· Promotes sleep
· Helps to relieve colic and fussiness
· Provides interaction and communication
· Lays the foundation for a positive relationship
· Creates a sense of oneness and harmony
· Baby feels comforted, loved and reassured
· Benefits those giving the massage too
Medication
There are many colic remedies available, but there is not much evidence that any of them work or do any good. In fact, they may do more harm than good. Often, they have alcohol in them, and this can make reflux worse but can also suppress their respiration putting them at risk of SIDS (cot death). Never ever administer medications without consulting with a health professional who specializes in babies and getting a proper diagnosis.
Other tips
· take baby for a drive in the car
· go outside for some sunshine and fresh air
· take baby for a walk in the pram
· delegate and ask for help
· take a break
· undress baby
· bath with baby – have bathroom dimly lit with candles, let her lie on her tummy in the water
· quit smoking – if baby lives in a house where someone smokes, it can causes babies to be irritable. Smoking can also decrease milk supply
It seems that in the end, colic has multiple, independent causes, and is not caused by just one thing. Having read through the above information, hopefully you understand colic better, and have some tips that you can use right away to calm your baby.
As a trained feeding and sleep consultant, I can assist you and offer you support with your Colicky baby and getting a proper diagnosis without needing a doctor or medication. Contact me at 0824009501
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