What Is Colic?

 

Colic is severe abdominal pain. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Almost four million babies are born in the United States each year, 1 in 4 will develop colic. Doctors and scientists have been trying to find the cause of colic for over 60 years. Each study brings another theory, and with each theory the results remain the same, that there is no concrete evidence regarding the cause or cure of colic.

Signs of Colic:

  • Piercing and constant crying that can last for hours.       

  • A red face that may become pale or blue around the mouth if the attack is long or severe.

  • The belly is hard and distended.

  • Legs are drawn up, arms are clenched tightly.

  • Coldness in the hands and feet.

Theories:

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Gas

  • The formula that is being used

  • An immature nervous system

  • An immature digestive tract

  • Constipation

  • The mother's diet

  • The conditions of the pregnancy

  • The use of epidural anesthesia

  • The surrounding environment


 None of the above noted theories have been proven to be the true cause of colic.

 

Known Facts About Colic:

  • In most cases colic begins within the first three weeks of life and can continue up to twelve weeks or longer.

  • Colic is predictable. It appears at approximately the same time each day, usually in the late afternoon or early evening when both baby and caregiver are already tired.

  • The baby seems inconsolable, and no amount of coddling seems to soothe. This baby is clearly in agony.

  • On the positive side, colicky babies are often the picture of good health. They eat more and grow faster than non-colicky babies.

  • Just because a baby has colic dose not mean they are otherwise not happy and healthy.

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Calming Your Baby

 

Baby Massage:

  • Choose a place that is quiet, warm and comfortable.

  • The changing table or floor is a good strong surface. Do NOT use the bed or any other soft surface.

  • Take notice at what time of the day your baby is most relaxed and alert. This is the best time for massage.

  • Be sure your nails are trimmed and all jewelry is removed.

  • Keep a blanket draped over a newborn's torso, (or any baby that is not used to being massaged.) This will provide a secure feeling, in addition to keeping the baby warm.

  • Use only a gentle touch.

  • Use only Naturally processed oils, olive, nut, or fruit oil such as safflower, almond, grape seed or coconut. These are safe and gentle to the skin, and are edible in case the baby ingests them.

DO NOT:

  • Do not use perfumed oils.

  • Have a towel handy to remove excess oil.

  • Keep- eye contact with your baby as long as possible.

  • Carefully watch baby's reaction to the massage. If the baby tenses a part of the body while massaging, try a different area.

  • Stop the massage if your baby gets cranky.

  • Don't massage for at least 48 hours after baby has gotten any shots.

  • Don't massage if the baby is sick.

  • Don't massage within an hour and a half after a feeding.

  • Don't massage over the soft spot on baby's head.

  • One of our customers suggests: "Give your baby some diaper free time."

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Shaken Baby Syndrome

You have seen it on ABC NEWS 20/20. You have read many of the horrible stories about it in your local newspapers. Shaken Baby Syndrome is all too real...

 

Shaken baby syndrome is caused when a baby is forcefully shaken in an attempt to quiet him. A baby does not have the muscle control needed to support its heavy head when being shaken. This action can bruise the brain causing severe brain damage. It can also cause the spinal cord to snap resulting paralysis or death.

 

Injury can also occur when the caregiver is too rough when playing with the baby. It is never a good idea to toss a baby in the air in order to get a smile or giggle from the baby.

 

Know Facts About Shaken Baby Syndrome:

  • The main reason a baby is shaken is in an attempt to quiet inconsolable crying.

  • Almost 80% of the perpetrators of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male.

  • Try putting you baby, tummy down across your knees, the pressure on the tummy sometimes eases the pain.

  • One way of coping with crying is to put the baby in a crib on their back, or a safe place, walk out of the room, take a deep breath, count to 10 and/or call someone close who can come over and give you a break.

  • Your baby has no way to communicate other than crying.  It is important to remember crying can signify hunger, pain, discomfort, frustration, fear or boredom.

  • Never shake the baby, this will not stop the crying and can cause severe damage to the body, neck, and head.

  • Do not play rough with a newborn baby.  Babies are not strong enough to resist.  Your rough playing can result in injuries.

  • Babies are so precious; protect them with your love and gentleness.

 

Statistics:

  • One shaken baby in four dies as a result of being shaken.

  • Some studies estimate that 15% of children's deaths are due to battering or shaking, and an additional 15% are possible cases of shaking.

  • Of the thousands that survive, serious injury or death usually occurs.

  • "SBS" victims range in age from a few days to a few months old; the average is six months.

  • More than 60% of the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male.

  • Almost 80% of the perpetrators of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male.

 

The above information is from American Baby magazine.

*The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Constant crying may be caused by something more serious than colic. To get more specific medical advice and diagnoses check with your pediatrician. 

 

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