Colic is common in young babies, but it is temporary and rarely serious
Colic.
The word strikes fear into the parents of newborns. And the reality can be even worse.
Colic is a general term for an increased fussiness that often occurs when babies are between two weeks and three months of age. Premature babies are likely to experience colic a little later. Most pediatricians believe that the vast majority of babies will have at least some colic.
Pediatric literature identifies characteristics of colic: crying for more than three hours at a time, more than three days a week, for three weeks or longer in an infant who otherwise seems to be thriving. The fussy periods usually - but not always -occur toward the end of the day.
"I like to tell parents that colic is not a black and white condition. It's shades of gray," said Dr. Bruce Bedingfield, a pediatrician affiliated with Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates.
It is important for parents to understand that although colic can be very frustrating for everyone, it is not unusual.
"Babies cry. That's what they do," Bedingfield said, adding that it is also important to remember that colic almost always goes away after several weeks, and it is not caused by any failure on the part of the parents.
There are things parents can try when coping with a fussy baby, Bedingfield said. First, make sure there is nothing obvious causing the baby's distress. Check that the baby is not hungry, cold, wet, etc.
Some colicky babies are comforted by being carried in a "football hold," which puts pressure on their stomach. Some might respond to a warm washcloth placed on the stomach, or by gently rubbing the stomach.
Colic might be caused by a sensitivity to food. If a specific food causes gas in a breastfeeding mom, it might cause gas in the baby. You also could talk to your doctor about probiotics and other supplements that might provide relief.
Babies are all different, and different babies might be comforted by different things. For example, some babies love the swing, and others don't. Some like to be rocked, some like to be walked around.
Sometimes it can help to let someone else hold the baby for a bit, especially if you are very upset and tense. Bedingfield suggested books by pediatric expert T. Berry Brazelton, M.D, for information on ways to comfort a baby. Unfortunately, though, it is likely that nothing will work all the time.
It is difficult and frustrating to deal with a very fussy baby, and that can cause stress, anxiety and even depression in parents. Bedingfield urged parents to be alert to these signs and to take time to tend to your own emotional health.
Finally, he said that if your baby seems inconsolable, stops eating or gaining weight, has excessive spitting up or gagging, or if you are just too worried about the fussiness, you should contact your baby's doctor. But usually it is a matter of just waiting it out.
"Parents can take comfort in the fact that it's a very normal process," Bedingfield said. It also comes to an end. At that point, he said, "Parents can take pride in the fact that they survived it all."
•Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of Amita Health, which is comprised of 19 hospitals and more than 230 sites of care, including Amita Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital, Hoffman Estates. Amita Health has 900 providers in its medical groups, more than 26,000 associates and 7,000 physician partners and serves over 4.3 million residents in the greater Chicago area. For more information about Amita Health's programs, locations and services visit www.amitahealth.org.