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 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.
Common 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 simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child's belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.
If the problem continues to exist, you are advised to visit an osteopathic clinic. Here your precious baby can be examined more closely for any tensions in body, and can be given the extra attention it needs.
Seeing your child suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today's effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child's development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night's rest that you desire and deserve.
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.
Common 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 simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child's belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.
If the problem continues to exist, you are advised to visit an osteopathic clinic. Here your precious baby can be examined more closely for any tensions in body, and can be given the extra attention it needs.
Seeing your child suffer is agonizing for any parent, especially when you do not know how to help them. However, with today's effective osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only a fleeting stage in a child's development, both you and your baby can finally get the full night's rest that you desire and deserve.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, co-ordinator 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.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire