Baby Colic

Baby colic (also known as infantile colic) is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day for more than three days a week for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child between the ages of two weeks and four months. The cause of the colic is generally unknown.[2] Fewer than 5% of infants with excess crying have an underlying organic disease.

Natural Remedies

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb sometimes touted as a natural remedy for colic. When used to treat colic, fennel is typically taken in tea form or in emulsion form (i.e., a suspension of fennel seed oil in another liquid). In some cases, breastfeeding mothers consume fennel so that the baby can then ingest the herb while nursing.
• Homeopathy :
  • Chamomilla : Is used when the baby is extremely irritable and complains with the pain, nothing satisfies the baby, s/he is much better if carried but yet it may be only briefly, soon the baby will start to fuss again. Babies that need Chamomilla might be teething, s/he might have diarrhea with greenish stools.
  • Colocynthis : This remedy is used when the baby bends double, pulling his / her little legs upwards with bent knees. This position creates pressure in the abdomen which helps with the pain. This type of colic is better by applying gentle pressure on the abdomen, the baby is better by warm application and feels worse after eating or drinking
  • Dioscorea : This remedy is useful when the pains are worse when the baby bends forwards. Often babies straighten their little bodies or may even arch backwards for relief: for these babies Dioscorea is the remedy to use.
  • Magnesia Phosphorica : The baby that benefits from this remedy has pains that are better by warm applications, warm drinks or by gentle rubbing. There are severe cramping and griping pains so that the shrieking from this baby might come in waves; for a few minutes the baby might be fine but soon another wave of pain will start the shrieking again.
  • Pulsatilla : This remedy is given to a very mild and sweet baby that weeps with the pain, s/he wants a lot of affection. The colic may start after the breast-feeding mother had rich foods.

Warnings

If the problem would persist the baby should be seen by a professional homeopath for a constitutional remedy that could address more the individual characteristics of the baby.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.