Breastfeeding and Colic in Baby
Colic in a Breastfed Baby
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. |
Did you know that the way you change your baby's diaper could be causing his/her colic symptoms? Learn more about the diaper changing method that prevents colic.
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.
|
~ Interesting fact ~ 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.
|
Breastfeeding and Colic Remedies
Things you can do
|
~ Interesting fact ~ The foremilk contains a lot of lactose, which may cause cramping, if Mom has an oversupply of milk.
|
Breastfeeding and Colic Massage
Symptoms of Colic
Signs of colic pain
|
~ Interesting fact ~ Baby massage used for colic relief, is one of the best methods used to relieve the pain. |
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.