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Is Colic The
Cause Of Your Baby's Discomfort?
By Vickie Barnes
You have probably heard of colic before and while you may not know
exactly what it means you do know that it is not something pleasant and
that parents who have colicky get
little rest. If this is all
you know don't feel bad because doctors aren't much more informative
when it comes to colic. While many doctors acknowledge that colic
exists that generally say it is something the baby will outgrow. This
does not seem like good news when your new baby cries non stop and
nobody in the house gets any rest. Colic is frustrating for mom and
baby because there is no clear definition for the condition or a clear
course for treating it, just clear evidence that the baby is in major
pain and there is nothing you can do about it; or is there?
Most doctors will tell you there is no clear treatment, but there are
some remedies that work for colic you just have to find the right one
for your baby. Most of the time colic is considered the effect of a
variety of symptoms coming together rather than a disease or even a
condition. Approximately 15-20% of all will
develop colic and cry,
groan, grunt, push, hiccup, have contractions and spasms, and simply
look miserable. Frequently during these fits the baby keeps his body
stiff and nothing mom or dad does helps soothe the baby. Most of the
time colic episodes occur right after feeding and can last for hours or
even until the next feeding. The symptoms are typically exacerbated in
the evening.
No clear evidence pinpoints the reason some have
colic, however
it is
believed to be a combination of a developmental and digestive issue.
Babies are growing so quickly in the first week of life that their
digestive system just can't keep up and colic occurs as a result, or so
the theory goes. Many parents and doctors buy into this theory because
generally by month four that
have had colic have grown
out of it. Another theory is that stress causes colic in babies. Many
parents who are stressed out and tense pass this on to their baby and
stress tends to cause digestive issues frequently causing colic. Also,
some doctors believe food sensitivities and allergies to milk proteins
play a role in colic not to mention temperament. One theory is that
fussy have
a higher chance of
developing colic than easy going do.
Obviously, there are quite
a few theories as to what causes colic and it could be any or all of
the above.
There are many reasons why a baby might develop colic and a variety of
remedies parents might seek to help soothe their pain. For example,
massage, herbal tea, chiropractic sessions, herbal supplements, gas
aids, change of formula, and the like are all possible solutions to
your baby's colic. You simply need to try all of the remedies in order
until you find one that seems to work for your baby. If you are
consistent you will surely find something that offers comfort and helps
you and baby get some sleep. Also, if you never find a solution to the
colic it is likely your baby will simply outgrow it around month four.
However, if your baby does not get better around four months of age you
should schedule a doctor's appointment because there could be some
other digestive problem present or something else that might be causing
your baby pain and suffering. So, make sure you schedule regular
appointments with the pediatrician to ensure your baby is happy and
healthy. Article Source:
http://www.articleblender.com
Vickie
Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her
website ColicHelp.com,
for more support and resources for dealing with colic.
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