A Natural Approach To Health
Living With Colic
I had a question the other day about colic.
All babies cry, but sometimes a baby will cry for hours on end, no matter what you do.
This extreme crying in a baby between 3 weeks and 3 months of age is called colic.
Although it’s upsetting for parents and caregivers, colic is normal for some babies.
It’s usually diagnosed when a healthy baby cries harder than expected in a “3” pattern: more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks in a row.
Colic is usually worst when babies are around 6-8 weeks of age and it goes away on its own around 8-14 weeks of age.
It’s normal to feel scared, upset, or frustrated when you can’t get your baby to stop crying.
Just remember colic is normal and temporary.
Your baby will grow out of it.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes colic, but it may be due to a baby’s sensitive temperament and immature nervous system.
As babies grow and develop, they’re better able to control their crying.
Colic isn’t related to health conditions.
But having gas in the belly can make crying worse.
Colic isn’t caused by pain or illness.
Colic isn’t your fault or your baby’s fault.
It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or anything is wrong with your baby.
Most babies will cry less when they are held, fed, and given attention, but these things may not work for babies with colic.
When they’re crying, they may clench their fists and stiffen their stomach and legs.
Some babies arch their back, others pull their legs up to their stomach.
Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or blood or mucus in the stool is not a symptom of colic.
If your baby has any of these symptoms, get medical attention.
It may help to see if there’s a pattern to your baby’s crying.
Many babies cry most in the late afternoon and evening hours.
If you notice your baby cries at certain times of day, you can try holding your baby more before those times.
During expected fussy times, limit visitors, and keep noise and lights low.
After crying starts, try rocking your baby in a quiet room, or take him or her out for a walk in a front-pack carrier or stroller.
Some babies are soothed by riding in a car or listening to a droning sound, like a fan or a clothes dryer.
Do what you can to comfort your baby, but accept that sometimes nothing works.
If you feel stressed or worn out, ask a friend or family member to give you a break.
Take good care of yourself, and remember colic will go away soon.
To deal with colic it’s beneficial to:
*If your baby is bottle-fed, he or she may be sensitive to a formula type or brand.
*If your baby is breast-fed, moms should check their diet for food sensitivities, particularly dairy (may also be garlic, onions, sugar, wheat). Treat baby through you with Optiflora.
*Drink lots of purified water daily.
*Increase essential oils (Omega-3, Flax oil, olive oil).
*Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, sunshine, outdoors.
*Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Consider fresh juicing and/or power shakes for breakfast, snacks.
*Supplements may be crushed, gelcaps opened and added to juice, shakes, applesauce, etc.
*Decrease exposure to toxic products (cleaners, laundry, personal care, etc.)
*Decrease food and drinks bought and/or stored in plastic containers.
*Decrease microwaved foods (denatured food).
*Decrease processed foods, sugars, simple carbs, fats.
*Become educated regarding possible side effects of any and all medications, over-the-counter or prescribed.
Recommendations:
It’s essential to use: ShakleeBaby line, Optiflora.
It’s important to use: For mom, Optiflora, Stomach Soothing Complex, Calcium/Magnesium.
It’s beneficial to use: For mom, EZ-Gest, Alfalfa, Performance.
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email: lenay@dickandlenay.com
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