Along with the joy of becoming a new mother or father, you also have to face small challenges, right? Sometimes your baby may cry for no reason at all. It is normal to feel very scared and worried at such times. So today we are talking about a condition that doctors call `(Colic)` that occurs in small babies.
What exactly is `(Colic)`?
Simply put, `(Colic)` is when a healthy baby, who is not suffering from any other illness, cries excessively for no apparent reason . Often, no matter how much you rock or comfort a baby with `(Colic)`, it is difficult to stop him. Doctors say there are three main things to recognize this condition. They are:
- Crying for more than three hours a day.
- Crying like this at least three days a week.
- It has been like this for more than three weeks.
Now look, all babies cry. That's how they tell us what they need. Babies cry for things like when they're hungry, when their nappy is wet, when they're sleepy. But a baby with ``(Colic)`` cries for no apparent reason . This crying usually starts at the same time of day, especially in the evening or at night. The amazing thing is, when a baby isn't crying, he's very normal and happy.
This condition called `(Colic)` is not harmful to the newborn baby, and it will get better on its own after a while. However, it can be a bit of a worry for mothers and fathers. When `(Colic)` is added to the fatigue and lack of sleep that comes with having a new baby, it can be very stressful. This can sometimes lead to conditions like `(Postpartum Depression)` , and if you cannot control your anger, it can lead to dangerous things like `(Shaken Baby Syndrome)`, which can be caused by shaking the baby too much . Therefore, if your baby also has this kind of `(Colic)` condition, do not hesitate to talk about it and ask for help if you need it.
When does colic start?
Colic usually develops in babies within the first few weeks of life. It can become more severe between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks. After that, the condition usually disappears completely when the baby is about 3 or 4 months old.
What are the symptoms of a baby with `(Colic)`?
We've said before that babies with `(Colic)` are healthy babies. But they cry for no reason and are difficult to comfort . This crying can go on for hours without stopping.
The symptoms of a baby with `(Colic)` can vary from one person to another. Most often, these babies become restless at the end of the day. However, this crying can come at any time of the day. It is very difficult to comfort the baby at this time. There is no connection between this restlessness, hunger, or other discomfort. No matter how much the baby cries or is restless, he drinks milk well and gains weight properly.
A baby with colic may show the following symptoms:
- My hands are clenched into fists.
- The legs are folded towards the stomach.
- The body bends like a bow.
- My hands feel tight, as if my stomach is full.
- Gas is escaping (air escaping).
- Making a face, making a face as if in pain.
- When you cry for a long time, your face turns red, sometimes even dark.
What causes colic in babies?
Researchers still don't know exactly why babies get colic, but they think several factors may contribute to it.
Here are some of the reasons that are thought to contribute to the occurrence of `(Colic)`:
- Pain or discomfort caused by gas in the stomach due to swallowing air while breastfeeding or crying.
- Reflux is the condition where the contents of the stomach come up into the throat.
- Food allergies to certain foods .
- Milk-protein intolerance .
- Underfeeding or Overfeeding.
- Sensory overload . Imagine, a baby can be hard to handle when exposed to a lot of noise or light at once.
- A condition similar to a migraine headache that occurs in the very early stages.
- A response to emotions such as frustration, fear, or excitement.
- Underdeveloped Digestive System .
What are the complications that can occur due to colic?
When a newborn baby develops ``Colic``, it can affect new and experienced parents alike. The stress this condition causes for caregivers can lead to conditions such as ``Postpartum Depression`` and ``Shaken Baby Syndrome`` .
No matter how impatient or angry you are, never shake your baby. Shaking a small baby can cause blindness, brain damage, or even death.
If you feel like you have symptoms of depression, or if you're having trouble controlling your emotions, talk to your doctor. They can suggest ways to help you.
How do you know for sure if your newborn baby has `(Colic)`?
You can usually tell if your fussy baby has colic by the pattern of his symptoms. It can be helpful to keep a record of the following:
- When your baby starts crying.
- Your baby's bedtime.
- What your baby eats and how often.
- When your baby poops.
When you visit your baby's pediatrician, he or she will examine your baby to determine if there is another physical condition causing your baby's restlessness. These could include:
- Esophageal Reflux (food coming up into the throat)
- An infection
- An allergy
How to comfort a baby with colic?
Although there is no specific treatment for this, there are a few things you can do to help relieve colic in newborns. You can try these methods.
How to breastfeed your baby
If you are breastfeeding, keep a food and drink diary. Everything you eat and drink can affect your baby, so you may need to stop eating these foods:
- Dairy products (e.g. yogurt, cheese)
- Caffeine (tea, coffee)
- Chocolate
- Nuts (such as peanuts, cashews)
- Onion
- Cabbage
- Other foods that may cause allergies or upset stomachs.
Ask your doctor if there are any medications you should avoid.
If you are formula feeding your baby, you may want to try a different brand of formula. Some babies may be sensitive to certain proteins in formula. Therefore, talk to your baby's doctor about switching to a suitable formula. Also, try feeding your baby more often, rather than feeding him a lot at once. However, you should avoid overfeeding your baby.
Ways to soothe your baby
You can try giving a pacifier to a crying newborn. Some exclusively breastfed babies will refuse it, but for others it may provide immediate relief. Also, there are some types of ``Infant Colic Drops'' that reduce gas in the stomach, and they can be used on medical advice.
Here are some other ways you can help your baby with colic:
- Skin-to-skin contact : Hold your baby close to you.
- Rocking : Sit in a rocking chair, or hold your baby in your arms and gently rock them from side to side.
- Gently stroking the baby's head, gently patting the back or chest .
- Swaddling is the act of wrapping a baby tightly in a cloth .
- Singing songs and talking to the baby.
- Playing slow music .
- Taking the baby for a walk, either by hand or in a stroller.
- Placing the baby directly in the car seat and driving around in the car (some babies feel better from this).
- A sound or vibration that occurs in the same rhythm (e.g., the sound of a washing machine, the sound of a fan).
- The act of sending gas bubbles trapped in the stomach to escape .
- Bathing in lukewarm water . Many babies like this, but not all.
- Speaking slowly, turning off electronic devices like the TV and phone.
When should I see my baby's doctor?
If your baby stops gaining weight, shows significant changes in behavior, or has any of these symptoms, see your baby's doctor immediately:
- Fever
- Forceful vomiting (especially if it is green or bloody)
- Diarrhea
- Blood in their poop
How long does colic last?
Seeing a baby crying with `(Colic)` can be very frightening, especially for first-time parents. But this is not harmful to the baby's health. Babies with `(Colic)` will get over this condition after a while. Usually, `(Colic)` gets better on its own by the time the baby is 3 or 4 months old.
If my baby has `(Colic)`, how can I take care of myself?
Fortunately, colic is something that goes away in a short time and doesn't have any long-term effects on your baby. But it doesn't take away the stress you feel. It's hard to take care of a newborn who cries nonstop. You may feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It's normal to feel that way.
However, if your baby has colic and you can't control your emotions, ask a trusted friend or family member for help. Ask them to watch your baby while you take a break. Get out of the house for a while. Clear your head. Give yourself some time to calm down.
If you don't have someone you trust nearby, put the baby in a safe place (like a crib) and leave the room. The baby will be fine for a few minutes while you walk around and catch your breath. Remember, this crying doesn't last forever.
What types of colic occur in adults?
When you hear the word `(Colic)`, you probably think of small babies. But adults can also get `(Colic)`. Adult `(Colic)` refers to pain in your intestinal or urinary system. There are several types of `(Colic)` that adults get:
- Biliary Colic : This is abdominal pain caused by a blockage in a duct in the biliary system.
- Renal Colic : This is a severe pain that occurs between the ribs and the hipbone (in the pelvis). It is caused by a blockage in a part of the urinary tract.
- Intestinal Colic : This is a painful cramping in the abdomen caused by a blockage in the large intestine or small intestine.
Finally, remember this... (Take-Home Message)
All babies cry. But if your baby cries for hours on end, he or she may have colic. Although researchers still don't know exactly why colic occurs, it's not something you can do as a parent. It can be distressing, especially for new parents who are learning how to care for a new baby. If you need help, ask a trusted friend or family member for help and take a break. If you don't have one, see a doctor. They can help you manage this challenging time. You're not alone, this is only temporary!
` Colic, baby crying, newborn, stomach ache, parents, baby swaddling, baby health
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