Health Network News

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

Now you are probably wondering, ‘how do I know if my child has colic?’ There are a couple of key symptoms that can help you distinguish the disorder: The infant cries for long periods of time (up to three hours sessions) without being comforted by anything. This process repeats itself for days or weeks. Some infants release a lot of gas, which can be very painful The child is restless or visibly uncomfortable The baby pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists

Treatment & Prevention

There are several small tips that you can carry out to make your child feel better. Osteopaths recommend that you: Strap the baby to the front of your body in a sling. Your body’s movement, heartbeat, and heat should make your child feel more relaxed. Give your baby’s belly a gentle massage, using slow circular movements

If the problem continues to exist, you are advised to visit an osteopathic clinic. Here your precious baby can be examined more closely for any tensions in body, and can be given the extra attention it needs.

It is extremely difficult for any parent to watch their child suffer, especially when you feel powerless to help them. But hopefully, with today’s modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is never long-lasting, you can be at peace, and you and your baby can get a good night’s sleep at last.