Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Colic: treatment

I remember that the key word for this is PATIENCE!

It was during these baby crying times that I thank God for the 9 months of preparation... 
It was during one of these times that I realized that 9 months wasn't so long after all... and that indeed God knows best.

Treating Colic

No single treatment has proved to make colic go away. But there are ways to make life easier for both you and your colicky baby.
First, if your baby is not hungry, don't try to continue the feeding. Instead, try to console your little one — you won't be "spoiling" the baby with the attention. You can also:
  • Walk with your baby or sit in a rocking chair, trying various positions.
  • Try burping your baby more often during feedings.
  • Place your baby across your lap on his or her belly and rub your baby's back.
  • Put your baby in a swing or vibrating seat. The motion may have a soothing effect.
  • Put your baby in an infant car seat in the back of the car and go for a ride. The vibration and movement of the car are often calming.
  • Play music tapes — some babies respond to sound as well as movement.
  • Place your baby in the same room as a running clothes dryer, white noise machine, or vacuum — some infants find the low constant noise soothing.
  • Some babies need decreased stimulation and may do well swaddled, in a darkened room.
Caring for a colicky baby can be extremely frustrating, so be sure to take care of yourself, too. Don't blame yourself or your baby for the constant crying — colic is nobody's fault. Try to relax, and remember that your baby will eventually outgrow this phase.
In the meantime, if you need a break from your baby's crying, take one. Friends and relatives are often happy to watch your baby when you need some time to yourself. If no one is immediately available, it's OK to put the baby down in the crib and take a break before making another attempt at consolation. If at any time you feel like you might hurt yourself or the baby, put the baby down in the crib and call for help immediately.


I did that more than just a couple of times... put baby down for a minute or so on the bed/crib just to compose myself before another attempt at consoling our baby.
At that time, I really prayed more... since there was this kind of feeling of helplessness and maybe even desperation (not really ;).


And I remember that Dennies would ask me "Kaya pa?"
"Kakayanin", was my reply.
If the baby has a temperature of 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or more, is crying for more than 2 hours at a time, is inconsolable, isn't feeding well, has diarrhea or persistent vomiting, or is less awake or alert than usual, call your doctor right away. You should also call your doctor if you're unsure whether your baby's crying is colic or a symptom of another illness.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts with Thumbnails