WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR COLIC?
Colic is seen in 5-19% of babies, begins when the baby is 2-3 weeks old and lasts until the 4th month. It is characterized by repetitive restlessness and unstoppable crying spells lasting 2-3 hours. The reason for colic has not been found in scientific studies conducted to date. No relation between this pain and intestinal gas or nutrition could be demonstrated. It`s not related with breast milk or formula.
So what can be done?
First of all, it must be determined whether there is a medical reason causing this pain, such as any kind of infection, allergy, constipation, reflux, etc.. If it is just crying due to colic, it should be known that the cause or definitive treatment of colic has not been found in the world. This situation may lead to despair, but you should consider that colic is a temporary condition and does not cause permanent damage to any baby. There are methods and treatments that shorten and relieve crying time:
* Laying him on his back always causes more crying. Being hugged, laying the baby face down on his/her belly, or different carrying styles that vary depending on the baby will help him/her cry less.
* A bath may soothe him.
* He may want to breastfeed continuously even though he is not hungry, but this does not provide relief, on the contrary, he cries more vigorously after breastfeeding. For babies who want to be fed constantly, using a pacifier is more comforting and shortens the crying time.
* It is shown that the sound of appliances such as hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, aspirator etc may decrease the intensity of crying.
* In severe cases, anti-colic medications can be tried (consulting a doctor).
* As a mother of two colicky babies, one of the most helpful way I found is using “baby wrap”. Babies with colic feel relieved by the feeling of being in their mother’s womb, and baby wrap is the best way to provide this. You can calm your baby down and put him to sleep this way. Swaddling, is also very helpful when putting colicky babies to sleep. They sleep longer and more comfortably. I wish everyone colic-free days with your small babies.
Dr. Gulben EFES