Osteopathy And Colic in Infants

Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and continuous tears – all parents have experienced both the joys and challenges of raising a newborn. Yet it can be shocking for most – particularly first-time parents – to learn that your baby is not a little happy bundle of joy, but instead an inconsolable crying nightmare. You begin to wonder: does my baby have colic?

What is colic?

Colic is defined as the incessant or uncontrollable crying of an otherwise healthy infant. It often starts between two to four weeks after birth, during which the baby has several bouts of crying during the day, usually in the mornings and in the evening, which can last for almost three hours. This colic stage often goes away after the fourth month, and only is very rare cases does it persist after the fifth month. Approximately 40% of infants suffer from mild colic, whereas 10-15% are predicted to suffer from severe colic. But do not worry: all colic cases, whether mild or 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

You might ask, ‘how do I know whether my child has colic?’ There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder: The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days Restlessness and visible discomfort The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas

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 after the fourth months, you are recommended to visit an osteopathic clinic, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination and look for tensions within your child’s the 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.