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
While professionals do not know exactly what causes colic, many have linked the disorder to problems within the digestive system. Common theories include that the infant's intestines are working too hard, resulting in cramps, whereas other doctors suggest it is because of slow bowel movement, resulting in painful gas being trapped in the intestines. This can lead to the inflammation of the gut. There has been much debate on this topic among osteopaths and medical professionals, but there is no definitive cause as far as research has shown.
General Symptoms
Now you are probably wondering, 'how do I know if my child has colic?' There are a couple of key symptoms that can help you distinguish the disorder: The infant cries for long periods of time (up to three hours sessions) without being comforted by anything. This process repeats itself for days or weeks. Some infants release a lot of gas, which can be very painful The child is restless or visibly uncomfortable The baby pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists
Treatment & Prevention
There are several techniques that you as a parent can employ to make your child feel more comfortable. Osteopaths recommend the following: Try carrying the infant on a sling on your stomach. Your heartbeat, body heat and movement might make them feel more at ease. Gently massage the infant's belly in 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 suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today's effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child's development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night's rest that you desire and deserve. - 16004
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
While professionals do not know exactly what causes colic, many have linked the disorder to problems within the digestive system. Common theories include that the infant's intestines are working too hard, resulting in cramps, whereas other doctors suggest it is because of slow bowel movement, resulting in painful gas being trapped in the intestines. This can lead to the inflammation of the gut. There has been much debate on this topic among osteopaths and medical professionals, but there is no definitive cause as far as research has shown.
General Symptoms
Now you are probably wondering, 'how do I know if my child has colic?' There are a couple of key symptoms that can help you distinguish the disorder: The infant cries for long periods of time (up to three hours sessions) without being comforted by anything. This process repeats itself for days or weeks. Some infants release a lot of gas, which can be very painful The child is restless or visibly uncomfortable The baby pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists
Treatment & Prevention
There are several techniques that you as a parent can employ to make your child feel more comfortable. Osteopaths recommend the following: Try carrying the infant on a sling on your stomach. Your heartbeat, body heat and movement might make them feel more at ease. Gently massage the infant's belly in 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 suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today's effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child's development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night's rest that you desire and deserve. - 16004
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about, spinalpain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for an Sheffield osteopath or for osteopaths elsewhere in the UK please visit the osteopath website.
