Chances are as you have been waiting to give birth, you have been provided with some interesting information from well wishers. One subject that seems to come up often has to do with colic. Typically, this challenge is presented as a screaming baby, 24 hours a day, for months and that nothing you do helps. To the expectant mother, the world “colic” can be daunting. While babies with colic do cry, you are not without help.
All babies cry. They cry when the diaper is wet, they cry when they feel pain, they cry when they are hungry, and cry when they feel afraid, and so on. However, when a baby has a clean diaper, comfortable environment, and full belly but continues to cry for more than three days each week, it is very possible that colic is the problem. Most often, the baby will pull the knees up to the chest as if trying to relieve pain. For the parents, it is heartbreaking, creating a sense of helplessness.
No one really understands what causes colic although things have been discovered on how to make it easier. When a child suffers from colic, you will know something is different. Interestingly, today approximately 20% of all newborns end up with colic, which balances evenly between male and female. Sometimes, the colic can show up within days but it usually displays between two and four weeks of age.
Earlier research suggested colic meant there was some kind of problem with the digestive system with painful gas building up and becoming blocked. However, another group of researchers came up with a new theory. For this, they believe colic is directly related to the immature nervous system and baby’s natural temperament. For instance, if the child has a sensitive temperament, then he or she may be far more sensitive to the environment. Then, with an immature nervous system, crying cannot be regulated after it starts.
In addition to long periods of crying, with this usually becoming more intense at night, most believe the baby is in pain. As mentioned, some babies will draw the knees upward, which appear to provide some level of relief. In addition, placing the baby on a hard surface or across your knees seems to help. For this, experts believe the pressure on the belly provides relief. Although not serious, a colicky baby is disturbing, making you feel as if you were powerless. Just keep reminding yourself that this will pass, it is only temporary. If your baby has an extra hard time, check with the pediatrician to see if there is anything else you might try.