Self
Help For Coping with Colic
by Gina Winter
| Colic is something
that most babies will experience to one degree or another. It appears
to be related to a digestive system that has not matured sufficiently
and can be recognized by signs such as persistent crying by baby,
particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. |
|
Your baby may pull
her legs up towards her abdomen, clench her fists and cry. She may be
temporarily soothed by feeding or rocking, but then will commence crying
again.
Colic can also be
a result of allergies or it may have an emotional source if there is
tension in the child, mother or family. Usually by about three months
of age the colic seems to disappear. Not all babies get colic and there
are varying degrees of colic.
Some suggestions
for the relief of colic are listed below:
-
Position your
baby in the crook of your arm with her head facing down and your
palm against her abdomen and holding her close against your body.
Rub babys back with your other hand whilst in this position.
-
Place a warm
hot water bottle wrapped in a nappy on babys abdomen.
-
Rocking, patting,
cuddling and singing to your baby can have a soothing effect.
-
Some say that
the avoidance of particular foods whilst breastfeeding can help.
Foods from the cabbage family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel
sprouts, turnips and kale. Also implicated are chocolate, peanuts,
peanut butter, sugar and white flour. This last group of foods tends
to slow intestinal activity in you and your baby.
-
Herbal teas
can be of great assistance. Teas made from herbs such as chamomile,
peppermint and catnip can be made into a mild tea and given to your
baby with a teaspoon.
-
Aromatic seeds
such as dill, fennel, caraway, anise and coriander can help prevent
or relive colic. One cup of tea whilst nursing your baby and the
therapeutic effects will pass through your milk to your baby. It
is also safe to give teas made from these seeds to your baby with
a teaspoon. To prepare the tea pour one cup of boiling water over
a teaspoon of the desired seed and steep for about 15 minutes, strain
and then drink.
-
The Biochemic
Tissue Salt Mag Phos (purchased from a health food store) can be
mixed with warm, boiled water and given to your baby with a teaspoon.
-
A few drops
of liquid bifidus or acidophilus culture may be given to your baby
mixed with a teaspoon of cooled boiled water before and after nursing.
From my own experience,
I have also found it to be beneficial for mother and baby to spend at
least the first two weeks after birth at home, curtailing any outings,
activities and visitors for up to a month. Both you and your baby will
fare better if you do not have to cope with shopping centers, long car
trips, crowds and rushing about
Before the birth
of your baby try to organize your life so that you can spend as much
time in the first month of your baby's life in the peace and quiet of
your own home. In this way you can develop a relationship and routine
with your new baby and family.
If you
would like some more information contact me at:
Gina Winter
P.O. Box 203, Mudgeeraba. 4213.
Phone
on (07) 55335061 or e-mail winters@fan.net.au
|
|
"And
so,
calm pond of a woman that you are, what if you have given birth
to a fire child that cries and cries?
What
do you want, your fantasized baby of perfection, or your real one
here with you know?
Let
go of fantasies.......
And
she will teach you compassion and patience, and what is really important
in life."
Jeannine
Parvati Baker
|
