Breastfeeding And Colic

What are colic?

Colic is associated with abdominal pain (due to flatulence), excessive crying and periods of anxiety in otherwise healthy babies.

All babies cry, of course. But suddenly, a few weeks after birth, the baby begins to cry inconsolably. He bends his legs to his stomach, his hands in his fists and blushes from excessive crying. No matter what you do, you can't comfort him. These heartbreaking and stressful scenes are repeated every day (approximately at the same time - in the evening). If this is part of your daily routine: "Welcome to the world of colic."

This period usually starts from the second to the fourth week and will most likely end by about four months of age. In most babies, the condition peaks at about six weeks of age and begins to decline from the 10th to the 12th week. By 3 months (in those born prematurely a little later) the colic has passed. This can happen suddenly or gradually.

Meanwhile, a little knowledge and a lot of patience will help you survive this turbulent period.

What is the difference between crying in colic and normal crying?

There is no clear definition of what exactly is crying in colic or how (and if) it differs from other types of crying. But doctors usually agree that the difference between colic and normal crying is that the baby is inconsolable, crying turns into screaming, and this test lasts at least three hours, and sometimes much longer (almost around the clock).

How can I tell if my baby has colic?

If the child cries excessively, but is healthy and eats well, it is likely to have colic. Still, here are some signs to look at:

• crying begins for no reason (the child is not hungry, the diaper is not changeable, he does not sleep);
• there are frequent bouts of intense and inconsolable crying for at least three hours;
• he bends his legs to his stomach and arches his back like an arch when he cries;
• cries most often in the late afternoon or evening;
• intestinal peristalsis is intensified after gas or vomiting;
• nutrition and sleep are disturbed. The child frantically searches for the nipple, then rejects it after only a few seconds and starts crying again;
• the illness occurs at least three days a week;
• lasts at least three consecutive weeks.

Why does the baby cry so much? What are the causes of colic?

It is not yet clear why some babies cry much more than others. While some cry a little, your baby may naturally cry a lot more in the early weeks of life, but that period will pass.

Colic is equally common in breastfed and formula-fed infants. They affect girls and boys equally.

While the exact reason for their appearance is still a mystery, experts believe that it is not the result of genetics or something that happened during pregnancy or during childbirth. Nor is it related to the parents' ability (or lack thereof in case you are wondering) to raise their child.

Theories about the appearance of colic

Digestion is a big task for the baby's still immature gastrointestinal system. As a result, food can pass too quickly and not break down completely, leading to pain from gas in the intestines.

Another possible explanation: newborns have an innate mechanism by which they regulate the sights and sounds around them, which allows them to sleep and eat without being disturbed by the environment. At the end of the first month, however, this mechanism disappears, making babies more sensitive to stimuli in the environment. With so many new sensations, they start crying around them to relieve stress. The theory concludes that colic passes when the baby learns to perceive stimuli normally and thus avoids overloading the senses.

Studies have found that gastroesophageal reflux disease in children is sometimes a prerequisite for colic. The disease is often the result of an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter (muscle ring) that allows stomach acid to return through the esophagus into the throat and mouth. Symptoms include vomiting, indigestion, irritability during and after meals. The good news is that most babies develop the disease by the age of 1 (and colic usually disappears long before that).

Additional information in the topic: "Breastfeeding a baby with reflux".

Some experts believe that colic is the result of an allergy to milk protein (or lactose intolerance). Less commonly, colic may be a reaction to other foods that the mother consumes. Either way, these lactose intolerances or allergies can cause abdominal pain that can cause colic.

More information can be found in the topic: "Breastfeeding a baby with an allergy to cow's milk protein".

Due to overproduction of breast milk in some mothers, the milk flow when twisting the baby is too strong. This can cause the baby to choke and swallow air, leading to abdominal pain. These mothers may express some milk before breastfeeding or try to breastfeed on their backs.

Human milk changes with nutrition. The change is in the amount of fat, which increases when the baby sucks more milk from one breast. If the mother moves her baby from one breast to the other during feeding before the baby has "finished" the first side, she will receive a relatively small amount of fat during feeding. This can lead to fewer calories and thus feed the baby will want to eat more often. Eating too often can lead to too much milk (to make up for missing calories) and the baby may vomit (please note that a baby may be breastfeeding for two hours, but may actually drink milk only for a few minutes). Due to the relatively low fat content of milk, the stomach empties quickly and a large amount of milk sugar (lactose) reaches the intestines. The enzyme that absorbs sugar (lactase) cannot handle as much milk sugar at once and the baby shows symptoms of lactose intolerance - crying, gas, watery, green stools. These babies are not lactose intolerant. They have problems absorbing milk sugar due to incorrect information that women receive about breastfeeding. This is not a reason to switch to lactose-free formula. They have problems absorbing milk sugar due to incorrect information that women receive about breastfeeding. This is not a reason to switch to lactose-free formula. They have problems absorbing milk sugar due to incorrect information that women receive about breastfeeding. This is not a reason to switch to lactose-free formula.

Several studies have shown that babies of mothers who smoke during or after pregnancy are more likely to suffer from colic. Passive smoking (ie exposure to tobacco smoke) can also be a probable cause.

More information about bad habits during breastfeeding can be found in: "The effects of smoking, alcohol and drugs during breastfeeding."

It is also possible that the child needs more closeness and hugs. Babies who have less physical contact with their parents since birth (less than 10 hours a day, whether awake, asleep or fed) tend to cry more.

There is no evidence that these or other theories about the occurrence of colic are correct. Make sure it is unlikely that you have done anything wrong that will cause the baby to feel pain. It can just cry for no apparent reason.

How can I calm my baby?

You need to be prepared that there will probably be times when your baby cries no matter what you do. The sedative methods you apply one day may not be effective the next. Although dealing with this condition can be difficult, there are many tips to try:

• feed the baby when he looks hungry (on request), instead of following a schedule;

 More information about the choice of feeding the child: "Types of breastfeeding".

• you could try skin-to-skin contact before eating;
• pat the child's back after each meal, and it is best to keep it upright on your shoulder;
• offer a pacifier, it can be soothe the child. Some babies calm down by sucking their fingers (most often their thumbs);

• avoid excitement by limiting visitors and not exposing the baby to new experiences, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Watch how the baby reacts to certain stimuli - and divert those that seem to cause strong excitement in him;
• try to provide a calm environment for the child. Light up the lights, speak or sing in gentle, soothing tones, minimize noise and distraction.

In case the baby has too much gas, you can try:

• keep it as upright as possible during breastfeeding. Make sure he completely empties one breast before offering the other, especially if his stools are green;
• if you feed the child a bottle, make sure it does not swallow air. You could use colic bottles. Another option is for the baby to be more upright and for the bottle to be tilted enough so that the milk covers the entrance to the pacifier;
• press the baby's abdomen. Some babies find relief from colic with pressure on the abdomen. Place the child face down in your arms or lap or hold him upright with the abdomen pressed against his shoulder. You could also try light massage movements on the abdomen in a clockwise direction to help eliminate gas;

• consult a doctor about the anti-colic drops you can give your baby (these drops usually contain an ingredient called simeticone or the enzyme lactase);
• some parents are happy with probiotic drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri (Lactobacillus reuteri). But their effectiveness has not been proven.
• watch what you eat - if your baby's condition is very serious, talk to a doctor about whether to try to temporarily eliminate certain foods from your diet that can cause stomach problems (sour citrus fruits, dairy products, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, fish, cruciferous vegetables - cabbage, cauliflower).
• try water for colic (gripe water) - this product is a natural remedy for colic from herbs and sodium bicarbonate. Many parents believe that this water is effective against reducing the symptoms of colic, but there are no reliable studies on this. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe - always consult a doctor before giving your baby any product (including natural or herbal).

If you use anti-gas agents, try them one at a time to find out which ones are effective for your child. When you have not noticed a difference for a week, it is good to stop using the product.

Other soothing approaches often recreate the feelings and sensations your baby had in the womb. Your baby can calm down if:

• hold it close to you to hear the beating of your heart;
• wrap it in diapers if it is less than a month old;

   

• create white noise. Repeated by noise, a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, clock or disc can recreate the vibrations of the womb;
• take the child, get him in the car and drive or take a walk with his stroller. Vibrations from the road or pavement soothe some babies;
• rock the baby;
• try a warm bath. A baby spends months in warm amniotic fluid, so a warm bath can be soothing;
• you could try offering food every time the baby wakes up, then spend some time cuddling and playing. Put him to sleep as soon as you notice signs of fatigue, such as yawning, rubbing his eyes, excitement.

Remember that the methods that calmed the child today - tomorrow may not work! Friends and family are concerned that you will probably hear a lot of opinions and advice on what to do. Some suggestions can be helpful and others difficult to implement.

There is no clear evidence that certain sedative techniques or therapies are effective in colic. In most cases, during the time when you are trying to go through all the methods to choose the most suitable for you, your baby's colic has already passed.

Are colic dangerous?

Colic will not harm the child. In fact, they can be much more painful for you and your partner because you can't cope with constant crying. In these moments, the best thing to do is to stay as calm as possible and remember that this condition will pass.

The tension that can create moments of colic caused by inconsolable crying can lead to anger or depression in you or your partner. In rare cases, it is known that some parents take actions that they deeply regret, such as a strong shaking (shaking) of the baby, which is a prerequisite for the emergence of Shaken baby syndrome.

If you cannot cope with the situation, do not be afraid to seek help and support from a medical professional or other mothers who are going through the same period. Remind yourself once again that you are not to blame for the child's condition, and it is not dangerous for him. Just give yourself time and it will pass.

Should I consult a doctor?

Yes, it is advisable to seek medical advice if the baby cries inconsolably. Try to make a diary in which to record: the time he cries; are there any symptoms; what did you eat during the day. Take this diary with you when you visit the doctor.

The baby may have symptoms that indicate a more serious cause for this excessive and inconsolable crying. You should seek medical attention immediately if your baby:

• there is an unusually squeaky cry;
• vomits green liquid;
• there is blood in his stool;
• takes much less fluids or has less wet diapers than usual.

Even if the child does not show any obvious signs of illness other than excessive crying, it is still a good idea to see a doctor who will either confirm the colic or may diagnose another problem such as:

• allergy or intolerance to dairy products;
• reflux;
• difficulties with breastfeeding and positioning. If the infant twists and withdraws after a while, you may need to adjust your breastfeeding posture. In such cases, it is best to consult a breastfeeding consultant.