Infant Colic
Baby gas pain or an immature
nervous system?

 

 

Why do some babies suffer from baby gas pain?

Just when everything seemed perfect after the birth of your little baby and you are floating on a cloud of happiness your baby starts to cry inconsolably for no discernible reason.

Baby gas pain or colic affects about 15 to 20 % of all babies.

Of course you are anxious and afraid your baby may have something serious. Identifying baby colic symptoms is not always easy.

 

 

 

 

How do you know your baby has colic and what are the signs of colic?

• To begin with your baby cries frequently for extended periods. Whatever you try to sooth your baby nothing seems to help.
  
  
• Another sign is that these frequent crying spells occur during a specific time of the day. Most infants seem to suffer of baby gas pain in the late afternoon or early evening. But it is not uncommon that their unstoppable crying keeps you awake at night.
  
  
• The first colic symptoms typically begin 2 to 3 weeks after your baby is born. Colic symptoms can last up to 3 to 4 months. Usually colic will stop as sudden as it begins.
  
  
• If you watch your baby you can see baby’s tummy is hard, his fists are clenched and he may also draw his little legs up to his tummy.

 

What causes colic?

Gas is a natural by product when a baby digests lactose, proteins present in milk.

No infant colic study has found a commonly accepted explanation why infants have colic. Of course there are a few widely believed theories that make sense.

Some claim that baby’s gut is immature and sensitive to certain substances in breast or formula milk. Others belief that certain foods consumed by the nursing mother cause infant gas. Foods with high acidity like citrus fruits, juices, strawberries and tomatoes may irritate baby’s intestines. Another theory is that the anxiety and stress from the mother passed on to the baby upsets baby’s digestive system resulting in their intestines producing excessive gas. Some believe that badly designed baby bottles make baby swallow bubbles of air as they are drinking their milk. Gulping in to much air may cause bloating and baby gas pain. Make sure you use the right size bottle nipple when bottle feeding and let your baby burp regularly when nursing. Many doctors support the theory that baby’s immature nervous system may be the cause of colic crying. Their overloaded nervous system together with a lacking mechanism to calm themselves down may be the reason they can’t stop crying.

 

Reasons for breastfeeding colic or hyper lactation syndrome.

With an over abundant milk supply the excess foremilk can make baby’s stomach cramp, creating more fussiness.

A hungry baby that gulps the easy flowing milk also will take in more air. This foremilk is also higher in lactose and because gas is a by product of digesting lactose there will also be more infant gas.

Your baby may not get enough of the richer hind milk and will be nursing again much sooner. This is also called the hyper lactation syndrome.

 

Frequently asked questions.

Does colic affect baby’s health?

Colic is not an illness and there are no known long term health affects of colic. The only danger lies in parents not being able to cope with the infant’s non-stop crying and violently shaking their baby to make them stop. The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is often fatal or it can cause severe brain damage resulting in lifelong disability.

Should I change my baby’s formula?

If you are convinced that your baby’s formula is causing your baby gas pain I suggest you talk first to your doctor before changing to a different formula. He will decide if it is necessary to switch to a lactose free or soy based formula.

What is the best baby bottle for colicky babies?

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow baby bottles have an internal vent system that helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas. The vent system prevents your baby swallowing bubbles of air when he is drinking his formula.

What is the best infant formula for colic?

A formula that contains proteins that can be broken down by the body in smaller pieces and easier to digest is Good Start Gentle Plus Formula. If your infant does not have milk allergy, ask your doctor if you can try this formula.

How to treat colic or baby gas pain?

Read more about: Baby colic cures and tips for desperate and sleep deprived moms.

 

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The information on this page is given as a reference guide and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical help.