Colic, which is characterised by a pattern of regular, intense, inconsolable screaming due to stomach pains at a particular time every day, usually the late afternoon or evening, is often called three-month or evening colic. The pattern appears at about the end of the first to the third weeks, and continues until 12 or 14 weeks.
The crying spell may last as long as three hours. Always ask for medical advice the first time your baby screams inconsolably. Colic is not harmful, but you might misdiagnose it and miss other serious symptoms.
Colic [Illustration by Shiju George]
Do not suffer it alone, these three months will be difficult on you, your spouse and your baby.
Causes
Though what causes colic is still not clear, issues like excess of swallowed air, improper feeding, intolerance to cow’s milk have been implicated.
Remember
Always feed your baby in an upright position and burp her after every feed properly. Do not put her to bed immediately after a feed; place her on her right side or face down for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Management
- Do whatever you can to soothe your baby. Maintain eye contact with the baby, keeping her in motion, offer frequent feeds, rubbing her tummy may soothe her for a short while.
- Don’t resort to medicines, not even gripe water, which contains alcohol. You can’t cure her colic, so you will be giving your young baby large doses of medicine for no real purpose.
- Try to have an occasional evening out. You can leave your partner or a trusted friend/relative to take charge.
- Rock her in a cradle or a carriage.
- Change your infant formula.
