What Every Parent Should Know About Colic
What causes colic?
Colic is an acute pain in the stomach or bowels, a cramping, gripping kind of abdominal pain
that used to be called "the gripes".
Infant colic is not new. It was recorded as early as the 6th century. Unfortunately, we still
don't know what causes it. Research suggests that one or more of the following can contribute
to the development of colic.
Common contribution factors include:
- Immature gastrointestinal system, causing spasms and painful abdominal gas. Burping baby frequently when feeding, and giving baby more time between feedings to digest his food may help.
- Overstimulation of an immature central nervous system.
- Dairy sensitivity. The inability to digest milk sugar lactose produces symptoms of gas, cramps and bloating. Some babies are sensitive to foods their mothers pass through breast milk. (See the colic and diet connection.)
- Infant temperament. Some babies are simply fussier than others. If your infant is older than three months and still acting colicky, behavioural problems or illness may be the cause.
- Parent-infant interaction problem. Babies pick up on tension or anxiety. Even stress experienced during pregnancy has been found to be associated with colic once the baby was born.