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100 Top Baby Names
I found it very interesting researching the top 100 baby names for this article, because although my husband and I thought we were going for unique baby names during my pregancy, both our daughters' names are on the list! I guess we are not as...
A Little Girl With A Big Question
A few nights back, I was enjoying the nightly ritual of combing out my daughter's long hair after her bath. She always engages me in thought-provoking conversations during this time. It's become a special bonding session for us each evening, even if...
Baby Toys To Stimulate Your Baby
We all want the best for our babies. We give them the love they crave, warm their bellies, and rock them to sleep every night. One important factor in becoming a new parent of a baby is providing them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and...
Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing
Remember that adorable outfit you bought for your newborn - the one that cost you nearly $40, and got worn three times before it no longer fit? For such tiny things, baby clothing is expensive - and as fast as babies grow, they seldom see much wear....
Creating A Baby Belly Mold Part 2 of 2
Welcome Back to Creating a Baby Belly Mold Step Four: Now comes the fun part. You want to have a couple of bowls of water handy. Change the water if it starts to get "creamy". Instructions for the plaster depends on the kind you...
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A Parents Guide: Coping With The Challenges Of Colic
Colic is a common problem in infants and an even more frustrating condition for parents to deal with. Approximately 10 to 30% of all infants born have colic. If an infant is going to experience colic in its life, it will typically appear within the first few weeks of life and will subside by the time the infant is four month old. Babies with colic grow and develop normally and it is rarely a factor in later physical or behavioral problems.
The tem colic refers to a condition in which an infant will cry inconsolably from one to four hours at a time. A typically spell is typified by a high pitched loud cry that is continuous. The child may pull its legs up toward their stomachs as if in abdominal pain or their legs may be extended straight out. Often the infant’s hands are clenched. They may hold their breath or grimace. Frequently their faces become flush, while their feet remain cold. These episodes can occur at any time, but often begin in the late afternoon or early evening.
Currently, there is no identifiable cause for colic, but doctors have identified a number of factors that classically make colic symptoms worse. These include rapid eating or overfeeding, swallowing excessive air, intestinal gad, lack of burping or food allergies. Doctors also recognize that an environment filled with anger, frustration or even excitement can play a role in this disorder.
Please note: It is critical that all parents consult their child’s pediatrician at the onset of colic like symptoms. It is important to rule out other health complaints such as ear infections, allergies, intestinal blockage, a hernia or even a scratch in the infant’s eye.
Recommendations For Wellness
If you are breast feeding:
Watch your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda.
Stop eating milk products for one week to see if the infant is reacting to milk protein
you have consumed.
Reducing or eliminate gas producing foods such as
orange juice, cabbage (and other
foods from the cabbage family), beans, broccoli and onions.
Drink soothing herb teas such as chamomile tea to calm yourself as well as the infant.
If your baby is formula fed:
Change the type of formula or type of water being used. You can also try changing to
a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based on.
Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Check the hole size of the nipples you
purchased. If the holes are too small, enlarge it.
Other recommendations include:
Burp your baby after each ounce of formula or every few minutes.
To reduce the possibility of your child swallowing air, have him or her sit up rather
than lie down when eating.
Gently repetitive movements will soothe some babies. Try taking them for a ride in
the car or a walk in the park. Rock them in a rocking chair or rocking swing and try
leaning their infant seat against a running clothes dryer or dishwasher.
Sounds can also help calm a colicky infant. Many parents have found relief by
playing soothing music, running their vacuum cleaner or even their clothes dryer.
Applied heat can also help. Lay your baby over a warm hot water bottle that is
covered with a towel or trying giving him or her a hot bath. Add a few drops of
chamomile or marjoram essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
Herbal chamomile has a long history of calming an infant and easing intestinal
cramping.
Teas made of licorice root, catnip or fennel have also been found to help.
About the Author
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved.
Free your mind, body, and spirit naturally at SoulHealer.com. Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Visit her at http://www.soulhealer.com.
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