Category

Colic

Category

PART 4: How do we manage colic? There is no magic bullet for colic… time is usually the ultimate healer.  Some basics for all: Rule out “medical” causes, so watch for “red flags” such as back arching, poor growth, blood in the stools or eczema rashes. Evaluate the feeding technique and growth: Most babies need between 120-180 mL of milk per kg per 24 hours. Position during breastfeeding or incorrect teat size/shape may lead to excessive air intake. Consider ruling out a cow’s milk protein allergy: your healthcare practitioner may advise a 2-3 week period of a cow’s milk (and soya) reduced diet in the breast feeding mum, or a specialised formula milk in formula-fed babies. If this helps- then continue (under medical guidance); if it does not work- then revert back to normal. It is NOT worth have a mom’s diet free of “all allergens” including wheat, egg, nuts…

Part 2: What is COLIC ?  In short, colic is excessive fussing or crying in the young baby who is otherwise well and thriving. The formal medical definition…

Part 1: COLIC: What is normal “crying/fussing” in the first 3 months? The first 3 months of life have been dubbed the “fourth trimester”- implying that the little baby was perhaps not quite ready to leave the safety and warmth and relative simplicity of the womb! In the first few months after birth, the little baby has to learn to adjust to the environment, its many sensory and physical stimuli, as well as to feeding and digesting and using the building blocks to grow. This is a big, big ask and a complex task. Some babies cruise through it, some babies struggle through it, all within a normal range. CRYING – what is normal? I like to show the crying “graph” to explain what is normal and what may be beyond normal and need attention. Crying is the communication method of babies, so is necessary. Babies usually…

The term “colic” is used rather broadly by doctors and parents to refer to prolonged excessive crying or unsettled periods for no apparent reason in the first few months of life.