| When an infant cries or screams often and for | | | | nervous system. It is believed that these factors make |
| extended periods without any apparent reason, the | | | | for uncontrollable crying babies. |
| cause may be colic. Baby colic affects around one | | | | Other studies show that half the babies suffering from |
| third of all newborns so it a fairly common problem. | | | | colic had some form of gastro-esophageal reflux and |
| The baby suffers sharp intermittent abdominal pains | | | | lactose intolerance. Baby colic is greatly influenced by |
| and can't seem to be easily soothed. Often the baby | | | | gut flora which simply put is bacteria that live in our |
| will extend its legs, arch its back, its face will become | | | | digestive tract that perform many useful functions |
| very red, fist will be clenched, gas will be passed but | | | | such as helping in the digestion of our food. Some |
| the baby will have a hard time passing stools. | | | | researchers refer to gut flora as the forgotten organ. |
| Baby colic appears without warning causing your baby | | | | Lack of gut flora in a baby causes problems with the |
| to cry out in pain and just as quickly it will disappear. | | | | digestive system and the result is a fussy baby. |
| Characteristics of baby colic also known as infant colic | | | | Although colic in newborns happens worldwide it is not |
| is repeated excessive crying episodes, in a baby | | | | considered a serious disorder since it will eventually |
| between three weeks and three months, for no | | | | disappear without any particular treatment. It seems to |
| apparent reason. About 20% of all babies are | | | | be at its worst between the ages of six to eight |
| affected by colic. | | | | weeks. |
| Since doctors don't know the cause of colic in infants, | | | | Mothers who are breastfeeding should avoid foods |
| defining the actually syndrome makes it difficult. As | | | | that cause gas as this can be passed on to the baby. |
| you may have guessed however, there are a lot of | | | | Also it should be noted that probiotics (which are |
| theories floating around out there. | | | | helpful with digestion) occur naturally in breast milk so |
| One such theory believes baby colic may have to do | | | | therefore the gut flora of a breast fed baby is quite |
| with the digestive system. The digestive system for | | | | different than a formula fed baby. Mothers who are |
| some reason does not allow the release of gas. This | | | | breastfeeding and who change their diets have found |
| build-up of gas would cause the baby severe stomach | | | | their babies to be less colicky. |
| pain. | | | | There are studies being done now to see if pre-natal |
| Other theories believe that baby colic is due to several | | | | stress, birth mother smoking during pregnancy and |
| factors such as adverse environmental condition, | | | | trauma at the actual birth can be contributing factors |
| inherent sensitivity and possibly the baby's premature | | | | to colic. |