As a prenatal teacher and someone who teaches infant care classes, I'm often asked about Colic. So many new parents are worried about Colic. Colic is diagnosed by the Rule Of 3s. You have what is considered colic when:
- Starting in the first 3 weeks of life, the baby cries continuously for a minimum of 3 hours.
- It happens a minimum of 3 days a week
- It lasts for a minimum of 3 months.
Unfortunately beyond this, Colic is a five-letter word for "I don't know". Sadly we don't know exactly what the causes are. However, we do have some possible causes and things we can try to alleviate what you and the baby are experiencing.
It is possible that baby's crying could be the result of something you've eaten if you are exclusively breastfeeding. The usual suspects include, dairy, gluten and citrus. Doing your own elimination diet of these foods could aid in helping any gastrointestinal upset baby may be experiencing that is causing the crying. If it helps you can begin to reintroduce these food categories and possibly pinpoint the exact food that is the cause.
If you are formula feeding, it's possible its the formula you have chosen. While the base ingredients in all formulas are the same, the add-ons are not. Some formulas have higher iron levels that could cause constipation that is uncomfortable for the baby. Many formulas are dairy-based and if the baby is having a reaction to the dairy, it might be best to choose one that is not cows milk dairy-based, such as one that is more closely related to human milk with a base of goats milk or sheep milk. These would not likely be available at your local grocery store and you will have to do some research to find where to obtain them in your area. It is best to not stop the current formula cold turkey but to wean off the one and wean onto the next. Stopping cold turkey can also add to the gastrointestinal upset.
For some babies, they could be experiencing reflux. Reflux is basically where the baby's stomach contents come back up including acid. Imagine the baby's internal workings as a long pipe leading into a bowl or the stomach. As adults, we have what is called the esophageal sphincter which keeps the stomach contents from coming back. In babies, this sphincter isn't fully developed yet and its the reason babies spit up and why some experience reflux. Reflux needs to be diagnosed by a family doctor or pediatrician and they will often prescribe an antacid for baby to help alleviate the acid.
There are current studies that are suggesting colic has to do with baby's gut flora. And with the high levels of antibiotic use and formula use, that can contribute to the deterioration of baby's gut flora, particularly in North America, it makes sense. This is why many colic remedies are actually probiotics which can help restore baby's gut flora. Its recommended that you speak with your baby's doctor or a Naturopath to find out the appropriate dosage. Keep in mind however that it can take several days to a few weeks for them to work so you will need patience while they have time to do their job.
In the meantime, if your baby is experiencing frequent crying you can try a number of things to ease the situation. Firstly, if the baby is inconsolable when they cry be careful in labelling them as colicky. Some babies who are just a little more sensitive or need their parents a little more can be mislabeled, when in reality they are within the normal ranges of crying. Picking up your baby and responding to them when they need you is a good way to tell them that you are there for them and that they are safe.
Consider wearing your baby. Wearing your baby on your chest with a wrap or baby carrier can give baby the calm that they need and help them sleep better while still allowing you to be mobile and hands-free. Wraps can even allow you to be skin to skin with the baby while you wear them which will also help calm baby down.
Baby massage as well can help ease gastrointestinal upset, constipation and sensitivities to outside stimuli. You don't have to be a massage therapist to give a baby a massage. There are simple techniques that you can use, especially on the abdomen that can be found on youtube or can be taught by a postpartum doula.
Having support as well can help. If you have a baby that is crying a lot it's important to have someone who can spell you while you step away from the situation. If a partner has gone back to work and you are home alone with a baby who has colic, you should arrange to have someone come in to help. A relative, a friend, a neighbour if possible. If you have no support system, you should consider hiring a doula to help, even a few hours a day to give the parent dealing with the crying a break at some point during the day. There is only so much crying anyone can take, so help is a definite must.