Colic
What is Colic?
This is a harmless self limiting condition often occurring in an infant who otherwise appears to be healthy.
Colic is usually defined by what is known as the “Rule of Three” - When an infant has episodes of uncontrolled crying for a period of 3 hours per day, on at least 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks. It affects 20% of infants and usually commences around the age of 2 - 4 weeks and will often last until about 3 – 4 months of age (sometimes longer).
Babies with colic often feed well and gain weight well. It occurs equally in breastfed and bottle fed babies and equally in both sexes.
Cause
There is no known cause for colic but possible contributing factors might include:
· An immature gut (lack of pro biotics in the gut)
· An immature nervous system
· Mothers diet in a Breast fed baby ( eg foods such as chocolate, cabbage, Cauliflower, onions etc)
· Cows milk intolerance
Symptoms
· Sudden onset of crying in an otherwise healthy infant. Baby will be fretful and inconsolable.
· Usually is worse in the evening and often occurs around the same time
· Baby may appear to be in pain – May arch back, lift head, draw legs up to their tummy, be red in the face and may pass wind. Hands are clenched.
· Some babies may refuse to eat others may want to suckle
· Baby will have difficulty in falling asleep and in staying asleep
· Abdominal distension may be present
Treatments
1. GIT drops – This is a homoeopathic digestive aid and calmative which will help to settle the immature gut. It will improve and relax the irritated stomach. If baby is Breastfed it is advisable for mum to take GIT drops also as a small amount will pass through the breastmilk.
Dosage:
Mum (Breastfeeding only) = 5 drops under tongue, three times daily before
Meals
Baby (Breast & bottle fed) = 1-2 drops under tongue, three times daily before
Feeds
Advantages – can be given from birth, very small volume to give and therefore is
easier for parents to administer
2. Brauer Colic Relief – This is also a homoeopathic mixture.
Dosage:
Infants < 6months 1ml every half-hour for 4 doses then 4 hourly
Infants > 6 months 2 ml every half-hour for 4 doses then 4 hourly
3. Infacol – Simethicone – This is a defoaming agent, which may help to reduce wind however it is not recommended in infants less than 6 months of age.
4. Gripe Water – May be of benefit in helping to relieve wind and many grandmothers will suggest this remedy but effectiveness is questionable.
5. Changing the infants formula if bottle feeding is not to recommended lightly
However if it does appear to be necessary the Novalac Anti colic formula may work. This formula has decreased lactose in it, which helps to reduce fermentation in the bowel, and therefore helps to reduce the build up of wind.
Home remedies for parents to try
· Motion sometimes helps
· Hold baby with his back to your chest and his knees bent up to his tummy (as if he is squatting) and walk or rock
· Place baby over your knees on his tummy and sway your knees from side to side.
· A baby swing, Pram rides or a drive in the car may also help.
· Swaddle baby – It might increase his security
· Sing or talk soothingly to relax baby. Constant shhhhing sounds might help.
· Constant low steady background noises may also help e.g. run the washing machine, clothes drier or vacuum cleaner with baby nearby.
· Play a relaxation CD (this might help mum & dad relax also)
· Gently massaging baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction.
· Giving baby a soothing warm bath
· Experimenting with maternal diet might help in the breastfed infant. Eliminating such foods as chocolate, caffeine, cauliflower, cabbage, onions etc and reintroducing them slowly to see if baby reacts may narrow intolerances down but may also prove nothing. Mum must also be reminded of the need for a well balanced diet.
· The use of an anti colic bottle and teat system in the bottle fed baby may be of help. Eg Avent or Nuk
· Burp baby frequently
· Soothers may help if baby wants to suckle
Advise to parents
It is very important to reassure parents that Colic is a self-limiting and harmless condition, which will resolve itself. It is not a sign of chronic illness to follow.
Their physician should see babies if parents are worried or if baby’s condition changes. This will allow the Doctor to rule out any other organic conditions that might be causing problems. Parents should always be encouraged to trust their intuition where baby is concerned - no one knows baby like Mum and Dad.
Before taking baby to the GP the parents should note babies feeding times, crying times and sleeping times.
Advise Mum & Dad on some coping strategies such as
· Arrange a back so that parents can have a break and recharge their batteries – relatives neighbours and friends.
· Try to get as much rest as possible
· Talk about your feelings – it is normal to be tired and frustrated.
· Stay positive – things will improve!
