Your baby is writhing when you want to put him to your breast to nurse him, and you don’t know how to relieve him? He may be suffering from colic. The colic are of pains abdominal which occur at the infants from less from 3 month. They can be very uncomfortable for the baby and very distressing for the parents! However, colic is not dangerous. They are often related to the digestion of the newborn. It can also be related to the mother’s feeding if she is breastfeeding. In this article we will see how to prevent and relieve colic in infants.
What causes infant colic?
The exact causes of infant colic are not fully understood, but there are several theories.
One of the possible causes is an immature digestive system of the infant. The muscles of the intestine and stomach may be overly sensitive to stimulation, which can lead to painful spasms.
Another possible cause is a food intolerance or sensitivity in the infant. Some nursing mothers may eat foods that irritate their baby’s digestive system, causing gas, bloating and abdominal pain.
Finally, colic can also be caused by environmental factors such as stress, noise, light or sensory over-stimulation.
How to relieve colic in infants?
The onset of colic for baby can be stressful for parents. The newborn keeps squirming, which makes feeding difficult. First of all, it is important to ensure a good feeding position for your baby.
Bottle positions to avoid colic
Here are a few positions to adopt when giving a bottle:
- The semi-seated position: Sit comfortably with your baby in your arms in a semi-seated position, i.e. slightly tilted backwards. Keep your baby close to you and support his head and neck with your hand. This position helps prevent air from building up in your baby’s stomach.
- Prone position: Place your baby on your forearm, with his belly resting on your arm and his head supported by your hand. Make sure your baby is able to breathe freely and that his or her chin is not pressed against your arm. This position can help release gas and relieve colic.
- Reclining: Use a nursing pillow or wedge-shaped cushion to slightly recline your baby when he or she takes a bottle. This position can help prevent air from building up in the stomach and reduce colic.
Breastfeeding positions to avoid colic
Here are some positions that can help prevent colic in breastfed infants
- The Madonna position: Sit comfortably in a chair or on a couch, with your baby against your belly, supported by your arm. Your baby’s chin should be close to your breast, and his body should be in line with yours. This position allows a good positioning of the baby’s mouth on the breast and favors a good sucking, thus reducing the risk of colic.
- The rugby ball position: Sit comfortably with your baby on your side, supported by your arm. Your baby’s face should face your breast and his body should be in line with yours. This position allows for proper positioning of the baby’s mouth on the breast and can help relieve abdominal pain by allowing gas to escape more easily.
- The Lying Down Position: Lie on your side with your baby against your belly, supported by your arm. Your baby’s face should face your breast and his body should be in line with yours. This position can be useful for mothers who have shoulder or back pain.
Massages relieve colic
In addition, to reduce abdominal pain, it may be helpful to gently massage your infant’s belly. Massage clockwise to help relieve gas and abdominal pain. Hot baths or hot compresses can also help relieve pain.
Breastfeeding: what foods to avoid to avoid colic?
Are there certain foods that should be avoided to prevent abdominal pain and colic in infants?
Although it depends on the child and his or her individual sensitivities, it is recommended to avoid foods that are potentially irritating to the baby’s digestive system.
The foods most commonly associated with colic in infants are dairy products, spicy foods, citrus fruits, fried foods and high-fiber foods. These foods can cause gas and bloating in infants, which can make colic worse.
This does not mean that mothers should avoid these foods altogether, but rather eat them in moderation. It is advisable to observe their infant’s reactions after each meal. It may also be advisable to follow a temporary elimination diet to identify foods that may be causing problems for their infant.
In all cases, it is best to seek advice from a professional (IBCLC lactation consultant or midwife).
