Colic
is associated with excessive crying and periods of fussiness, caused by mostly gas, resulting in pain.
Some believe that certain foods eaten by a breastfeeding mother contribute to colic, but there are many possible causes of infant colic.
Colic babies should be gaining weight and producing a certain amount of wet and soiled diapers daily (different according to age), otherwise there might be other issues to address.
Many people think that only formula fed babies experience colic, but this is not true, breastfed babies can become colic too.
What Causes Colic?
~ Interesting fact ~
Colic occurs in about 30% of all babies and is most common during the first 3 months of a baby’s life.
Remember, not all babies are the same. A mother should try some of the following, as to eliminate her baby’s specific colic and breastfeeding problems.
Acid reflux may sometimes be confused with colic. If your baby is spitting up a lot, it could be a sign of reflux.
It was believed that cow's milk would cause gut irritation during the first few weeks of a baby's life, and that a mother should avoid eating anything containing: Lactoglobulin, casein, lactalbumin, sodium casienate and whey. BUT resent research suggests that the introduction of
"culprit allergy foods" into your baby's diet in small amounts from
the age of 4 months can prevent allergic reactions later on. A mother is now
encouraged to eat these foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless she
herself is allergic to a specific food. Some culprit foods include dairy
products, nuts, fish, eggs, wheat, soy and citrus fruits. Reference for this
new information: Allergies - Where are we now? & Early consumption of
peanuts in infancy is associated with a low prevalence of peanut allergy.
An
overactive let down
can cause colic. This is when a mother's milk sprays into her baby’s mouth too quickly, and her baby chokes whilst breastfeeding. The overactive let down
can cause a baby to swallow air, which results in
tummy cramps. Mothers that have an overactive let down, can lie
down whilst breastfeeding. This is done, so that the excess milk runs down the side
of a baby’s mouth. Expressing some milk before breastfeeding, can also help
decrease the force of the letdown.
Intolerance to milk protein has nothing to do with being lactose intolerant. Babies suffer from intolerance of milk protein just because their digestive tracts are not fully matured yet.
Do not time
feedings. Feed your baby when he is hungry. Colic infants may swallow extra air, if feedings are left too late. How to recognize your baby's hunger cues.
Most babies with colic are easily consoled if they are rocked, walked around with or even taken for a drive in a car.
Infants gas drops: To treat colic the enzyme lactase can be given to a baby, in the form of colic drops before each feeding, which relieves
colic symptoms by metabolizing lactose.
The Windi, for baby colic relief is our recommended brand. The Windi is a rectal suppository that relieves gas and pain almost immediately.
Burp
colicky babies more often to release trapped air.
Babies with colic are often more calm in a special baby sling; the movement has been found to relieve pain and gas.
Baby colic usually stops at about
three months of age. Perseverance will be worth it in the end, when your baby is colic free, and you are still breastfeeding. A colicky breastfeeding newborn may put extra strain on Mom and Dad's relationship with each other.
