It’s disheartening to see a baby cry and that’s why mothers would go up to any extent to soothe her baby and comfort her. But if your otherwise healthy and happy baby breaks into a shrill cry without any rhyme or reason and refuses to stop no matter what you do, chances are that she is suffering from a bout of colic. Treating and dealing with colic is tricky and can make a parent go crazy looking for a way to comfort a cranky colicky baby. But the good news is that colic doesn’t stay forever. And the bad news is till it exists it can make you and your baby’s world turn upside down. Have heart, you can still dodge it and sail smooth. Know there can be innumerable reasons for baby to cry.
What is colic?
Though there isn’t any concrete physiological explanation for the condition, experts believe that if your baby cries inconsolably for at least three hours for three days a week it can be contributed to colic. It usually happens with babies aged between two to four weeks and leaves once she is four or five months old. As explained by Dr Junaid Alam, consultant pediatrician attached to Prince Aly Khan hospital, ‘Colic is an unexplained kind of severe pain in the abdomen of babies which is intolerable for the little ones and hence those shrill sounds and tear shedding. Also the pain is so severe that baby with colic would cry uncontrollably pulling her legs up towards the abdomen reflexively.’ Interestingly most of this pain and discomfort happens in the evening or towards the end of the day. But many swear that babies with colic can cry round the clock with little to comfort for. Colic isn’t a daily occurrence and it doesn’t threat the wellbeing of your baby. Rest assured a colicky baby stands the chance to grow up healthy,” reassures Dr Alam who also runs the Dr Alam’s Mother and Child Care Center, Mazgaon, Mumbai.
Why does it happen?
Colic has no particular that one can point to, though there are various reasons cited by doctors and medical experts for its existence. ‘A lot of explanations are given regarding colic, one being that the contractions of the intestine causes the abdominal pains, when the baby takes in a lot of air during feeds,’ says Dr Alam. The causes of colic largely remain unexplained with theories that an immature digestive system or nervous system can be the likely cause. Also wind in the system of the baby is the most common explanation given for colic.
Though it is not known whether breastfed or formula fed babies are colic’s chosen ones, many believe that bottle fed babies are less colicky that breastfed ones. ‘If the mother is not holding the baby right while breastfeeding then one might end up taking in more air along with the feed. The bottles do have this possibility, but since the nipple is tucked inside the mouth of the baby there can be less passage of air. But one should know that the infections that can arise due to bottles or formula feeds outweigh the discomforts of colic, hence breastfeeding the right way is recommended, colic or no colic,’ explains Dr Alam. Know that colic has no cure, so garner all the patience that you might have within to go with the wait-and-watch approach. ‘When one starts weaning the baby after six months such episodes are unheard off,’ says Dr Alam.
What you can do when your baby has colicky pain?
use nikshepa om water 2/3 tsp with mix with water
A lot of comforting is needed to settle your colicky baby. You might know that works for your baby well through trial and error.
Burp your baby: Do this after every feed. ‘Burping is basically done to help expel the air from your baby’s system. This air can cause any sort of trouble in the intestine later. Though it doesn’t promise instant relief from a colic, but can give a lot of respite,’ says Dr Alam.
Practice correct feeding position: To avoid intake of air along with feeds make sure that your baby is latched on well. She should be taking in a lot of areola into her mouth to avoid excess air passage. Get help from our new mothers guide on breastfeeding.
Medicines do not always work: ’Any medication would take about 30 to 40 minutes to do its work so don’t expect any magic. And they are of very little help indeed,’ says Dr Alam. ‘Many practitioners prescribe gripe water for colic, but their efficacy is not known yet. For some it works and for others it doesn’t,’ says the doctor.
Watch your diet: Try eliminating milk and milk products from your diet and watch. Some babies are intolerant to the protein in cow’s milk.
Hold your baby close: This can do wonders not only for colicky babies but even otherwise. Being held close to the mother has a comforting spell on the baby which soothes her systems and senses like no other.
Try a massage: A gentle belly massage can help her relieve the wind. But you should know how to do it right.
Swaddle up: Swaddling and making your baby calm can help her deal with colic.
Go for a walk: If you are indoors go out for a walk or a drive. This change in scenario can at least put her mind off the discomfort she is facing.
Ask for help: If you have tried everything you could and your baby still refuses to behave, ask your family members to help.
Do not panic: Anxiety and agitation isn’t going to do you or your baby any good. So relax and focus more on comforting the baby.
nikshepa om water free home delivery pls call to 9060199499
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
