Baby Colic Problems

Babies are usually a mother's world, so when they cry, mothers tend to get worried. Now, not every time the baby cries it indicates that he or she has some serious issue. This is a usual and normal phenomenon. But, problem crops up, when the tears are for some serious issue such as baby colic. So, as a new mom, don't be extremely alarmed if your baby likes to cry sometimes, it's normal. But when the normal crying turns into something more serious, it is then you should know that there is something to worry about. What if baby colic is what you're dealing with it? Read on, there is always some hope, and there will always a way to help your baby to fight with the issue of baby colic's.

Understanding baby colic

Colic is always seen as a bit of a mystery. The term applies to any of the healthy, well-fed infant who cries more than say about 3 hours a day, more than 3 days in a week, for more than about 3 weeks. Here's what we should know about it:

• Colic is likely to start at age of around 2 weeks if your infant is full-term (or later if premature).
• It almost always goes away on its own by say about 3 or 4 months.
• Your baby's sex and the birth order, and whether you breast- or say even bottle-feed, don't quite always affect it, but in some cases it may very well affect it.
• Kids who had the colic as babies are no different from those who didn't really have them.

The Rules to identify if your baby has what is commonly known as the "baby colic"

Well, let's ground ourselves in the definition of the baby colic. Think of it as the rule of 3.

1. If your baby cries for about 3 hours a day,
2. for at least 3 days a week,
3. for about 3 consecutive weeks,

If these three conditions are met, your child might probably have the baby colic.

Baby Colic symptoms

Here are some other symptoms to look for to know if your baby has the baby colic

• Intense crying episodes (sometimes with the predictable daily patterns)
• Inconsolable crying episodes with no proper or apparent trigger whatsoever
• Arching of the back, clenching of the fists, recoiling to touch, and all other physical/posture changes

There is no doubt about it that the mamas and papas can really struggle with the feelings of helplessness and frustration when their baby has these symptoms. But, there is a reason for your baby's extreme fussiness and there are other natural ways to treat the baby colic. (So, don't have any despair!)

What are the causes of baby colic?

• The medical community doesn't really know conclusively what causes the baby colic.
• Some chock it up to a rite of the passage that usually begins at a few weeks old to 3-4 months, sometimes even longer.
• Others blame it on an immature digestive tract, the allergies, a developing brain/neurological system, or even high-strung parents.
• Some theorize that colic children are the "introverts" and are easily overstimulated.
• But for many mamas, we want to get to the bottom of it because watching our child cry for hours at a stretch end each day is excessively unbearable.
• Of course, it's always recommended to check in with your paediatrician to rule out any other potential issues, which could trigger the pain.
• If it does end up being baby colic, thankfully, there are of the some simple and natural remedies that may help reduce or sometimes even eliminate your baby's symptoms.

Before implementing any of these natural remedies, check with your paediatrician first.

Natural Remedies for Baby Colic

Rule out Baby Reflux

The first thing that the mamas will want to rule out is the baby reflux. This condition will often mimic some of the same symptoms as that of the baby colic and can be alleviated with natural remedies. A Homeopathic Remedy called the Nat Phis 6X changed many children's lives from a red, colicky child to a rather calm, happy baby. Be sure to look for the signs and symptoms of the baby reflux and, if appropriate, treat this root cause of your baby's crying.

Check in with a good lactation consultant

If you are a breastfeeding mom, this is so essential. There are so many anatomical issues that could be causing your baby the grief! Unfortunately, most paediatricians aren't trained to quite spot these conditions so be sure you find an certified one.

• Your baby could have an overall bad latch. She or he could be even tongue-tied. All of these issues could cause some of the major colic symptoms! You also want to be sure if your baby is getting enough amounts of the hind milk, which is higher in fat, calms the stomach, and even helps with the digestion and promotes satiety.
• If your baby's poop is somewhat greenish, frothy or mucous, this is usually a sign that he's getting too much foremilk, which can actually cause digestive distress.
• This often happens when a breastfeeding mom has too fast a let-down or is having some amounts of the oversupply issues, which is very common in the first few months after giving the birth.
• Consult with a lactation consultant and she can give you tons and tons of tips on nursing positions, the feeding strategies and any referrals if any follow up procedures are quite needed.

Follow a "Clean Nursing Diet"

If you're a breastfeeding mama, you also want to give up some of the foods that can trigger the baby colic symptoms. Dairy is a huge culprit. So are several other common allergens like the following:

• wheat/ the gluten,
• eggs,
• shellfish,
• citrus based fruits,
• Caffeine and the spicy foods.

While it's certainly no fun to give up some of your favourite foods, it's always worth your effort. Babies with the immature digestive systems can react to various foods' proteins in breast milk! You'll want to eliminate all these allergic foods and give it a good 2-4 weeks to be sure they are well cleared from your body and milk. Look into the Paleo recipes as these often are free of most of the common allergens.

If using the formula, try using a different one

Your child may be reacting to something in his or her baby formula. Some moms find that changing the formulas can make all the required difference! I would encourage you to try the homemade formula as its quite alive, rich in the bioavailable nutrients, and easier to digest than the powdered alternatives. You could make some fresh tasty food and add some fresh fruits to it like the strawberries, or even the avocados

Try to create some sort of noise

The womb was not only the snug but it was noisy. Between the mama's heartbeat and the digestion, the sound in utero is intense. Several childbirth educator said it's the equivalent of having a vacuum cleaner on at all times! We like this noisemaker as it's fan-based and not too severe or intense. When you wish to soothe the baby to sleep, you can also make the sashing noises (learnt about from the "The Happiest Baby on the Block") or even the hum loudly. This noise can often refocus their attention, give them comfort and reduce the crying overall.

Encourage the sucking reflux of your child

• Babies have a very powerful sucking reflux that needs to be quite satiated.
• If you think about it, it's literally life or even death as this is only way they take in nourishment for their first several months of life.
• Some babies come out of the womb with the sucking blisters on their hands! Babies have a hand-to-mouth sort of reflex too, which they to place their hands, fingers or fists into their mouth as a way to comfort and also to soothe themselves. If you formula feed or say work outside of the home, you can try a natural pacifier or could even go for a clean pinkie finger, if you feel comfortable. (Note: There is a risk of the nipple confusion so use wisely.) Bottom line, let your colic baby use their natural refluxes to quite comfort and soothe themselves.

Get some quality fresh air

Something about the fresh air is always magical. When you say couldn't soothe your children you should always bundle them up and head to the outdoors. The sun, the wind, the bird chirping, the movement, all of these elements helped to shift the mood and to actually comfort the babies.

Take the steamy warm baths

Alternatively, some of the babies love a warm bath. It can help soothe their tummies as well as their spirits. You don't have to add any of the soap or bubble bath. Just some warm water and a peaceful bathroom environment. You can also have a warm wash cloth and put on the baby's tummy if you don't want to draw a bath say every day, however, taking a bath every day is always a good idea.

Homeopathic Medications

You could also take the following homeopathic medications, after consulting your doctor of course:

• Has lab DROX 5 (Colane Drops - Colic) (30ml)- Intestinal Colic, Pain Stomach, Intestines, Liver, Gall Bladder
• Baskins B19 Colic Drops (30ml)- Relieve Flatulence, Intestinal Colic, Abdominal Spasm
• Allen A17 Intestinal Colic Drops (30ml)- Pain Kidney Stones, Renal Colic, Gastritis
• Indo German Colic Care Drops (30ml)- For Intestinal Colic, Flatulent Colic, Renal Colic, Abdominal