Colic in Young Children
Dirty diapers, constant crying, sleepless nights - all parents are familiar with both the joys and challenges that a new addition to the family can bring. Yet it can come as a shock to some - particularly newborn parents - when the baby does not stop crying for hours or even days at a time. We fear the worst: does my child have colic?
What is colic?
Colic refers to the persistent and incontrollable crying that an otherwise healthy infant undergoes, starting from two weeks after birth and possibly lasting to the fourth month. Babies with colic often have crying ’sessions’(usually at the same intervals during the day, such as in the mornings and evenings) that can last up to three hours. The colic stage very rarely persists after the fifth month, and many infants are reported undergo this stage. 10-15% of all infants get severe colic, whereas mild colic is more common at 40%. But do not fret: all colic cases, both mild and severe, are only temporary.
Causes
Although professionals are not certain as to the exact causes of colic, some evidence suggests that the disorder is related to digestive problems. Some professionals claim that colic is caused as a result of the baby’s intestines working too hard, resulting in painful cramps. Other doctors argue that the disorder is based on slow bowel moves which result in gas being trapped in the intestines, which can be very painful and leads to inflammation. Many osteopaths and other medical professionals still dispute the causes of colic, but where research has been conducted, it has emerged that there is no known definitive source.
Common symptoms
Now you might wonder, ‘how do I know whether my baby has colic?’ There are a few distinguishing symptoms that can help you detect the problem: The baby cries continually for up to three hours at a time and seems inconsolable for days on end The child is visibly uncomfortable and restless The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some children release a lot of painful gas
Treatment & Prevention
There are several small tips that you can carry out to make your child feel better. Osteopaths recommend that you: Strap the baby to the front of your body in a sling. Your body’s movement, heartbeat, and heat should make your child feel more relaxed. Give your baby’s belly a gentle massage, using slow circular movements
If the problem persists after the fourth months, you are recommended to visit an osteopathic clinic, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination and look for tensions within your child’s the body.
Seeing your child in pain is any parent’s worst nightmare, especially when you do not know what to do about it. Now you can hopefully rest assured: with today’s modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only temporary, a good night’s sleep is in order for both you and your baby.
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