Osteopathy and Colic in Infants
Dirty diapers, constant crying, sleepless nights - all parents are familiar with both the joys and challenges that a new addition to the family can bring. Yet it can come as a shock to some - particularly newborn parents - when the baby does not stop crying for hours or even days at a time. We fear the worst: does my child have colic?
What is colic?
Colic refers to the persistent and incontrollable crying that an otherwise healthy infant undergoes, starting from two weeks after birth and possibly lasting to the fourth month. Babies with colic often have crying ’sessions’(usually at the same intervals during the day, such as in the mornings and evenings) that can last up to three hours. The colic stage very rarely persists after the fifth month, and many infants are reported undergo this stage. 10-15% of all infants get severe colic, whereas mild colic is more common at 40%. But do not fret: all colic cases, both mild and severe, are only temporary.
Causes
While professionals have not been able to find the source of the disorder, there has been some evidence to suggest that colic is related to problems within the digestive system. Some doctors suggest that colic is caused as a result of the child’s small intestines working too hard (causing cramps), whereas others claim that it is a result of slow bowel movement, causing pain by keeping wind trapped in the intestines. This can lead to inflammation. Osteopaths and other medical professionals have long since been in dispute as to the causes of colic, but as far as research has shown, there is no 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 & Prevention
There are several small tips that you can carry out to make your child feel better. Osteopaths recommend that you: Strap the baby to the front of your body in a sling. Your body’s movement, heartbeat, and heat should make your child feel more relaxed. Give your baby’s belly a gentle massage, using 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.
It is extremely difficult for any parent to watch their child suffer, especially when you feel powerless to help them. But hopefully, with today’s modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is never long-lasting, you can be at peace, and you and your baby can get a good night’s sleep at last.