Infant colic is when a baby cries for more than three hours at one time, more than three days per week, for more than three weeks straight. New parents might feel alarmed, but it is not as serious as it sounds. While doctors differ over the exact cause of this frustrating condition, they by and large agree that there are certain remedies that might soothe the colicky baby.
Even though it is only a theory, it is believed that gas in the intestines and stomach becomes trapped which might explain the cause of colic in newborn babies. The baby experiences sharp pain shortly after feeding because he or she are unable to breakdown the milk sugar content properly, and consequently experiences painful stomach acids and a bloated feeling. Additionally, swallowing too much air during feeding may contribute to the overall discomfort that the infant experiences. For these babies, it is recommended that a homeopathic remedy like Colic Calm gripe water be used for infant colic treatment. Colic Calm is a homeopathic blend of chamomile, fennel, caraway, peppermint, ginger, aloe, lemon balm, blackthorn and vegetable charcoal. Besides offering calming relief for baby, the natural ingredients also encourage the body’s digestive processes. Likewise, a colon massage or burping the baby might help alleviate the symptoms too.
Another theory for the root cause of baby colic is the deficiency of gut flora, which are the healthy micro-organisms that assist in digestion. Up to one thousand species of gut flora, live in the stomach of the average human body. Babies have been found to lack the microorganism that helps in milk sugar breakdown specifically, which can be a huge issue considering a baby’s early diet comprises of milk. In such instances, probiotics such as Lactase or a Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement can help restore that deficiency.
Other scientific schools of thought indicate that colic and gas in babies is merely a baby’s healthy expression of birth trauma and stress, instead of suppressing feelings. Warm baths, massages and essential oils might naturally provide relief for the baby. It is also important that the parents seek colic help to talk out their frustration. It is easy to become frustrated or feel detached during this period and it is essential that parents get some time away from the situation to recoup.
While a lot of infant colic cases are treated with an anti-spasmodic drug found in anti-diarrhea medication called dicyclamine, other doctors say the “Five S” treatment is a more naturally effectual answer. With this remedy, Swaddle the colicky baby, place the baby on his or her side or stomach, make a “shhhh” sound in the baby’s ear and give the infant something to suck on, like a pacifier.