Colic

A baby’s cry is a simple and effective means of communication, and is their way of letting you know that they are hungry, tired, cold, or in need of a nappy change.

However, sometimes babies seem to cry for no obvious reason. They can be well-fed, well-winded, clean, warm and well cared for and yet still have repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying. If this is the case and they otherwise appear to be thriving and healthy, then they might have colic.

Although such crying can occur at any time, it usually gets worse in the late afternoon and evening. Colic, for the most, appears in the first few weeks after birth and can last for three to four months.

Although colic isn’t thought to be due to pain, your baby may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain. Babies may pump their legs up and down or draw them up to their tummy, become red in the face, grunt and groan in discomfort, even hold their breath and pass a great deal of wind. Be reassured that Colic is not a serious condition. Research shows that babies with colic continue to eat and gain weight normally, despite the crying. If your baby doesn’t, you should see your health visitor or GP.

Cause and treatment

Osteopaths at the Prestbury Holistic Centre in Cheltenham, treat symptoms in babies, by comforting the stresses and strains that the baby has endured during a difficult or complicated delivery.

Our baby osteopaths treat colic by gently relieving the strain in the part of the body that looks after the nerves to the baby’s digestive system. Comforting these areas , calms the relevant nerve impulses to the baby’s intestinal tract. This results in a slower, more complete digestive process, ultimately reducing the discomfort and excessive wind, and therefore the colic symptoms.

If you have any questions , please call us on 01242 221456