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 is used for a disorder in which an otherwise healthy infant cries continually and inconsolably. In arises when the infant is approximately two years old, and can last up to four months. Colic is usually characterized by long bouts of crying (often lasting for hours), which usually occur at fixed times during the day (i.e. the morning and evening). About 40% of all infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But don’t lose sleep over this: colic is only a temporary stage – it very rarely persists after the fifth month.
Causes
While professionals have not been able to find the source of the disorder, there has been some evidence to suggest that colic is related to problems within the digestive system. Some doctors suggest that colic is caused as a result of the child’s small intestines working too hard (causing cramps), whereas others claim that it is a result of slow bowel movement, causing pain by keeping wind trapped in the intestines. This can lead to inflammation. Osteopaths and other medical professionals have long since been in dispute as to the causes of colic, but as far as research has shown, there is no definitive source.
Common symptoms
You might ask, ‘how do I know whether my child has colic?’ There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder: The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days Restlessness and visible discomfort The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas
Treatment & Prevention
There are several simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child’s belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.
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.
It is extremely difficult for any parent to watch their child suffer, especially when you feel powerless to help them. But hopefully, with today’s modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is never long-lasting, you can be at peace, and you and your baby can get a good night’s sleep at last.
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