what is colic and how do you know

if your baby has it? yesterday my DD started screaming every waking minute. Putting her on her belly and patting her back works for a few minutes, but nothing really seems to settle her for more than a few minutes at a time. Is there any thing I can do to help her? it breaks my heart to see her so unhappy. She also always seems hungry - I have a hard time giving a 2 week old 4 - 6 oz every 2 - 3 hours. Just doesn't seem normal.

Re: what is colic and how do you know

Hope this helps!



About infant colic
Colic is uncontrollable, extended crying in a baby who is otherwise healthy and well-fed. Every baby cries, but babies who cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week, may have colic.

About 20% of babies get colic, and it equally affects boys and girls, first-born children and those born later. In general, it appears at around two to four weeks of age and can last for three months, or longer in some cases.

Causes
The cause of colic isn't known. In the past it was thought to be related to the digestive system. However, although painful abdominal gas may contribute to colic, there is little evidence to prove it's due to gastrointestinal problems.

Another possible cause of colic is a combination of the baby's temperament and an immature nervous system. The baby's temperament may make him or her highly sensitive to the environment, and he or she may react to normal stimulation or changes to the environment by crying. Because the baby's nervous system is immature, he or she is unable to regulate crying once it starts.

Symptoms
The main symptom is continuous crying for long periods of time. Although this crying can occur at any time, it usually worsens in the evening. Although colic is not thought to be due to pain, a baby with colic may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain. Babies may lift their head, draw their legs up to their tummy, become red in the face and pass wind. Some babies refuse to eat. Difficulty falling and staying asleep is also common.

Normally, colic is not a serious condition. Research shows that babies with colic continue to eat and gain weight normally, despite the crying.

The main problem with the condition is the stress and anxiety it creates within the home. Parents and other family members may find it difficult to cope with the constant crying, so it's important to have support and to take a break now and then.

When to see a doctor
Colic does not need medical treatment. However, any parent or carer who is worried about their baby's crying may want to get advice from a healthcare professional to make sure there is no serious problem.

Before visiting a doctor, all other possible causes of crying should be eliminated. These include:

hunger
tiredness
lack of contact - some babies want to be cuddled all the time
startling - eg due to a jerky movement or sudden noise
undressing - most babies don't like the feel of air on their skin
temperature - is the baby too hot or too cold?
pain - is there an identifiable source of pain, eg a nappy rash
Before going to the doctor, parents should take note of when the baby cries, eats and sleeps, as well as the pattern of bowel movements. This will help the doctor determine the cause of the crying. The doctor will examine the baby and ask about the symptoms to help exclude any other disorders that may be causing the crying.

Re: what is colic and how do you know

well it sounds like I could possibly be in for a long 3 months

Re: what is colic and how do you know

Posted by Charly

well it sounds like I could possibly be in for a long 3 months

Re: what is colic and how do you know

how did you figure out it was a milk allergy? I'm not saying I think Hannah has one, but maybe the process will help me figure out what's upsetting her.

Thanks for all your help Rachel

Re: what is colic and how do you know

When my DD was 2 weeks old she was eating every 2-3 hours- maybe just try feeding her- she probably won't take the full bottle anyway.