Your baby you have been waited for months is finally born. And with their birth, your whole world has changed. Your baby will now have many needs such as care and nutrition. But their most important need is LOVE.
Starting from the moment you hold them in your arms, they will change your and your family members’ entire lives. During this early period, INFANTILE COLIC, colloquially known as GAS PAIN, results in crying spells, especially in babies with underdeveloped digestive system.
Your baby’s frequent crying spells may cause a loss of peace within the family. And sometimes their nonstop crying may make you anxious. You may not understand what the problem is or why they are crying. However, you should keep in mind that COLIC does not happen as a result of the parents’ wrong approach. There are many different reasons for it. Even when you do everything right, the situation may remain unchanged.1
The right thing to do is to approach the crying rationally!
The family of the baby suffering from colic should manage this crisis together, the father and other family members should support the mother, and a peaceful environment should be created at home. Most importantly, the crying baby should be approached with love.
Reference:
Roberts, D. M., & Ostapchuk, M. (2007). Infantile Colic. South African Family Practice, 49(1), 44-44.
What is Infantile Colic?
Infantile colic is defined as a condition that occurs in babies after the 2nd to 3rd weeks, peaks in the 6th to 8th weeks, and is mostly seen in the afternoon and evening with inconsolable crying, pulling their legs towards themselves, fist clenching, abdominal hardening, and abdominal pain. 1,2
References:
Karabayır N., Oğuz F., İnfantil Kolik, Cocuk Dergisi 9(1):16-21, 2009
Roberts, D. M., & Ostapchuk, M. (2007). Infantile Colic. South African Family Practice, 49(1), 44-47.
What Are the Symptoms of Colic?
Colic in babies usually starts with a flushing of their faces, then pulling their legs towards their abdomen, followed by intense crying spells.
The crying stops after a few minutes. Then starts again after a short break.
These spells last about 2-3 hours.
It ends in the form of rumbling in the intestines, sometimes followed by gas and defecation, and then calming down.
This syndrome usually begins during the baby’s 2nd week, gradually intensifies, peaks in 6-8 weeks, and gradually decreases before resolving at the end of the 3th to 4th months. 1,2
References:
Karabayır N., Oğuz F., İnfantil Kolik, Cocuk Dergisi 9(1):16-21, 2009
Devecioğlu, O., (Ed) (2008). Annelere Oğutler. İstanbul: İstanbul Tıp Kitabevi
