Colic is a condition seen in young infants that causes severe fluctuating abdominal pain caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines and is characterized by an unusual amount of crying. When they cry, they might even pull their arms and legs into their bodies as though they are in pain and even turn bright red. This condition usually appears in the 3rd to 6th week after birth and will likely resolve around the 3rd month. People who have experienced their babies go thru this know that it is very unsettling for the baby and everyone in the household. No one is certain as to what causes colic but there are several things that may be a catalyst for it and this includes, an immature and irritated nervous system, food sensitivities, and gastrointestinal upset.
One common thing known is that the birthing process is very stressful on the newborn and this process can cause subluxations in the neck and back that can cause these irritations to the nervous system. Medical observers have also mentioned that babies with colic seem to need more attention and are sensitive to their surroundings indicating that there are some neurologic differences in these children. The mothers and the baby’s diet may be a big factor in the development of colic. Babies should not have cows’ milk or dairy of any form until they at least two or three years old. Cow’s milk is heavy in lactose sugar which newborn human babies cannot digest as well as contain proteins that are not healthy for the baby’s gut lining. Avoid soy based and cow/dairy-based formulas if possible. Moms diet while breastfeeding can also contribute to irritation of the babies gut especially if mom is eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol or smoking/vaping tobacco products, drug use and eating too much of any one food. Best for moms to have a semi bland diet and high in protein and avoiding dairy while breastfeeding.
Some things to do to help your baby if he/she is suffering from colic:
1. Get the baby into your chiropractor for regular adjustments. There are chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care and can be very helpful to the health of the baby without the use of drugs of surgery. This is done by finding and removing subluxations which can put pressure on the nerves and affect normal function to the area those nerves serve. Chiropractic has a very good history of helping babies with colic. Often babies with colic will have a subluxation at L1 and L2. In my experience this can also be caused by the way that people change the baby’s diaper by lifting the legs and putting pressure into that L1 or L2 segment. Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to the joints and take pressure off the nerves allowing for proper function of the body. If there is another cause affecting the baby, then the Chiropractor can help guide you to the help you need with your baby.
2. Place a warm bottle on baby’s stomach to calm baby down.
3. Rock baby in chair or cradle to create easy motion for the infant.
4. Give baby a warm bath.
5. Gently massage or rub baby’s belly in a clockwise circular patter to help move things in the direction they move in the body.
6. Take baby for a drive in a car seat. Often this can calm the baby down and help give them a little rest.
7. Feed baby more often with less food to avoid over filling the stomach.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an infant with colic, please have them call Actus Chiropractic. as soon as possible so that we can answer any questions they have and get them scheduled to help that infant. Schedule your appointment today.