Sleepless nights, relentless bawling, and dirty diapers - all parents know the joys and tribulation new baby can bring into a family. Yet is can often come as a shock - especially to first-time parents - when the crying does not stop for hours, days, or even weeks on end. You begin to worry: does my child have colic?
What is colic?
Colic is used for a disorder in which an otherwise healthy infant cries continually and inconsolably. In arises when the infant is approximately two years old, and can last up to four months. Colic is usually characterized by long bouts of crying (often lasting for hours), which usually occur at fixed times during the day (i.e. the morning and evening). About 40% of all infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But don't lose sleep over this: colic is only a temporary stage - it very rarely persists after the fifth month.
Causes
Although professionals are not certain as to the exact causes of colic, some evidence suggests that the disorder is related to digestive problems. Some professionals claim that colic is caused as a result of the baby's intestines working too hard, resulting in painful cramps. Other doctors argue that the disorder is based on slow bowel moves which result in gas being trapped in the intestines, which can be very painful and leads to inflammation. Many osteopaths and other medical professionals still dispute the causes of colic, but where research has been conducted, it has emerged that there is no known definitive source.
General Symptoms
Now you are probably wondering, 'how do I know if my child has colic?' There are a couple of key symptoms that can help you distinguish the disorder: The infant cries for long periods of time (up to three hours sessions) without being comforted by anything. This process repeats itself for days or weeks. Some infants release a lot of gas, which can be very painful The child is restless or visibly uncomfortable The baby pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists
Treatment and Prevention
There are several techniques that you as a parent can employ to make your child feel more comfortable. Osteopaths recommend the following: Try carrying the infant on a sling on your stomach. Your heartbeat, body heat and movement might make them feel more at ease. Gently massage the infant's belly in slow circular movements.
If the problem persists, it is important that you take your child to an osteopathic clinic for extra attention and examination. Here medical professionals can help identify and address any tensions in your baby's body.
Seeing your child in pain is any parent's worst nightmare, especially when you do not know what to do about it. Now you can hopefully rest assured: with today's modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only temporary, a good night's sleep is in order for both you and your baby. - 16650
What is colic?
Colic is used for a disorder in which an otherwise healthy infant cries continually and inconsolably. In arises when the infant is approximately two years old, and can last up to four months. Colic is usually characterized by long bouts of crying (often lasting for hours), which usually occur at fixed times during the day (i.e. the morning and evening). About 40% of all infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But don't lose sleep over this: colic is only a temporary stage - it very rarely persists after the fifth month.
Causes
Although professionals are not certain as to the exact causes of colic, some evidence suggests that the disorder is related to digestive problems. Some professionals claim that colic is caused as a result of the baby's intestines working too hard, resulting in painful cramps. Other doctors argue that the disorder is based on slow bowel moves which result in gas being trapped in the intestines, which can be very painful and leads to inflammation. Many osteopaths and other medical professionals still dispute the causes of colic, but where research has been conducted, it has emerged that there is no known definitive source.
General Symptoms
Now you are probably wondering, 'how do I know if my child has colic?' There are a couple of key symptoms that can help you distinguish the disorder: The infant cries for long periods of time (up to three hours sessions) without being comforted by anything. This process repeats itself for days or weeks. Some infants release a lot of gas, which can be very painful The child is restless or visibly uncomfortable The baby pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists
Treatment and Prevention
There are several techniques that you as a parent can employ to make your child feel more comfortable. Osteopaths recommend the following: Try carrying the infant on a sling on your stomach. Your heartbeat, body heat and movement might make them feel more at ease. Gently massage the infant's belly in slow circular movements.
If the problem persists, it is important that you take your child to an osteopathic clinic for extra attention and examination. Here medical professionals can help identify and address any tensions in your baby's body.
Seeing your child in pain is any parent's worst nightmare, especially when you do not know what to do about it. Now you can hopefully rest assured: with today's modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only temporary, a good night's sleep is in order for both you and your baby. - 16650
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about, spinalpain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for an Sheffield osteopath or for osteopaths elsewhere in the UK please visit the osteopath website.
