Infant Colic: The Shattering Truths

If you have ever heard that ear-piercing, heart-wrenching scream from a baby, especially your own, you know all too well the painfully effects of colic.

Although colic is very common in infants, it can be terrifying and distressing to all parents, in particular a new mom. First starting around 2 to 3 weeks, colic becomes most outstanding during the second month and lasting into 3 to 4 months.

Colic can manifest in your beautiful little infant may have episodes ranging from 1 fussy occurrence to many ear-piercing, screaming fits a day. Physicians affirm that colic is neither dangerous, nor can they identify any specifically related reason for the discomfort.

Most commonly parents of a colicky infant can recognize one trigger - a stomach ache after eating. The pain may be continuous, resulting in screaming from one to four terrible hours, depending on the amount of pain. As common in people with stomach problems, colicky baby's legs kick vigorously, feet may be cold, clinch their fists, and possible swollen belly.

Colic can strike babies anytime during the day, although it is most common in the evening or at night. Some experts believe that one or both parents suffering from colic as a baby can contribute genetically to their infant's colic. Even though there is no clear explanation for colic, there are some unmistakable intensifiers to the condition of their infant. Avoiding these aggravating circumstances may help to diminish the affects and severity of colic in your child.

Overfeeding - make certain that your baby is hungry and not suffering from colic. Over feeding a colicky baby may make the colic situation worse by considerable measure.

Food Intolerance - there are some foods that can unset a baby's stomach, just like any adult. Food that is high in glucose or fructose, like full fruit juice and some specialty fruit snack and desserts, can cause an increase in stomach gas and fussiness. Increased stomach gas can only make the effects and pain of colic worse.

Allergies - if breast feeding, an allergen to the mom may be transferred to their baby. It is very important to know your allergens, this will help you to identify or seek out a possible allergen to your infant.

Your emotions - if there are heightened emotions around your baby, the baby can pick up on this and be effect by it. Any extreme emotions, such as anger, anxiety and fear may worsen the pain that your baby is feeling.

The most important thing that you can do for your baby is be level-headed and prepared. Do not needlessly overreact, colic can be helped and assisted. Crying and screaming can be the symptom of several other medical problems, so keep your eyes open. If colic is suspected, have your baby's physician rule out other possible medical troubles. Colic has no known cause, so it may be several different things.