Colic

This refers to painful contractions of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract that results in fussiness and crying. About 10% to 15% of healthy normal babies have colic. In true severe colic, the baby will have a high pitched cry and draw its feet up into the belly and will be difficult to console.

Colic usually starts at 1 month of age and resolves by 4 months. Colic usually recurs at specific times of day; at dinner time or dusk, in the middle of the night, etc. The causes of colic are not well-understood. However, it tends to be found in babies with a sensitive or vigorous temperament and a below-average need for sleep. Hypothetical causes include too rapid feeding, overeating, swallowing excessive air, improper feeding technique, for example, incorrect positioning, lack of burping, and emotional tension between parent and child. Generally, the mechanism of colic is thought to be excessive fermentation and gas production in the intestines.

Parents of this type of baby (classified as "active" babies by pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton), will be under great stress. The infant will often be stimulated into fussy behavior by this stress and this will cause a positive feedback cycle. Parents will often have feelings of frustration, anger, despair and helplessness.
One positive aspect is that colicky babies are often very large, extremely healthy infants.

Help for colicky babies:

Adjustments help by restoring normal joint motions and reducing spinal fixations. This can help reduce the infant’s pain. (The adjustments that are used on infants and children are quite gentle non-force techniques.)

Change in the diet of a nursing mother: The most common gas producing foods eaten by nursing mothers include:
Dairy products Cabbage family
Orange juice Very spicy food
Coffee/tea/caffeine Chocolate
Anything that produces gas in the mother

Rhythmic activities: rocking, car rides, walking with baby in front pack, baby swings, rocking chair.

Sucking: some babies will not suck during colic attacks, and it is not a good idea to continually feed the colicky infant. However, you may encourage the infant to suck his own hand or fingers or a teething object.

Heat: Lay baby over warm (not hot) hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in a flexed position and rhythmically pat the baby’s back. Give the baby a warm bath.

Alter feeding positions: Try feeding with baby sitting up to avoid ingestion of air. Bubble the baby often during feedings.

If bottle feeding: change the formula or type of water used to make it.

It is also important for parents to remember that it is okay to ask for help from a relative or friend and to take a break from the colicky baby. Go outside for a walk, take a bath – take time for yourself. In doing so, you will feel better and be a better parent.