Colic usually begins in the first weeks of a newborn's life and only in rare cases lasts longer than three months. Doctors do not know what causes colic, but they do know that a colicky baby suffers from stomach pain. Parents should not only stay in close communication with their pediatrician during the colicky phase but also pay close attention to self-care. This could mean hiring a postpartum doula, having family or friends help around the house or even taking an hour off to get some fresh air.
Breast Feed
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises mothers to breast feed their babies exclusively for the first six months of life and to continue to breast feed for one year or more. The World Health Organization recommends breast feeding for at least the first two years of life. Breast milk is especially important for the colicky baby. As author and pediatrician Dr. William Sears points out, cow's milk---the basis of most formula---is highly allergenic, especially for an infant. Other formulas derived from soy are also known to frequently cause allergic reaction or gastroenterological distress. Mothers can be confident that they will meet their colicky baby's needs with breast milk and take special care to eliminate any potentially troubling foods from their own diets.
Baby Wearing
Pediatrician and Fit Pregnancy columnist Dr. Jay Gordon highlights the importance of "wearing" the colicky baby, that is, carrying the baby close to the body in a sling or other similar device. The rhythmic motion combined with the position of the baby---which is not unlike the position in the womb---helps soothe fussy babies. Gordon maintains that babies who are worn are more calm and alert. Infants are typically worn tummy-to-tummy in an upright position. Ring slings, mei tais and wraps are some of the more popular baby carriers on the market.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy, or CST, is based on the theory that a very light touch---about the weight of a nickel--may free restrictions in the cerebrospinal fluid and thereby improve the function of the nervous system. According to studies conducted by John E. Upledger, the osteopathic physician who developed CST, when the nervous system is operating at full capacity, it can fight a variety of maladies including colic on its own.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor corrects subluxations, or misalignments, in the spine by adjusting vertebrae in the back, neck and skull. When this happens, the musculoskeletal and nervous systems operate at peak capacity and are better equipped to fight a variety of conditions including colic. Chiropractors use a much lighter touch with infants than they do adults and frequency and duration of treatments varies.
