Sleepless nights, relentless bawling, and dirty diapers – all parents know the joys and tribulation new baby can bring into a family. Yet is can often come as a shock – especially to first-time parents – when the crying does not stop for hours, days, or even weeks on end. You begin to worry: does my child have colic?
What is colic?
Colic is used for a disorder in which an otherwise healthy infant cries continually and inconsolably. In arises when the infant is approximately two years old, and can last up to four months. Colic is usually characterized by long bouts of crying (often lasting for hours), which usually occur at fixed times during the day (i.e. the morning and evening). About 40% of all infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But don’t lose sleep over this: colic is only a temporary stage – it very rarely persists after the fifth month.
Causes
While professionals do not know exactly what causes colic, many have linked the disorder to problems within the digestive system. Common theories include that the infant’s intestines are working too hard, resulting in cramps, whereas other doctors suggest it is because of slow bowel movement, resulting in painful gas being trapped in the intestines. This can lead to the inflammation of the gut. There has been much debate on this topic among osteopaths and medical professionals, but there is no definitive cause as far as research has shown.
General Symptoms
You might ask, ‘how do I know whether my child has colic?’ There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder: The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days Restlessness and visible discomfort The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas
Treatment & Prevention
There are several simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child’s belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.
If the problem persists, it is important that you take your child to an osteopathic clinic for extra attention and examination. Here medical professionals can help identify and address any tensions in your baby’s body.
Seeing your child suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today’s effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child’s development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night’s rest that you desire and deserve.
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