|
|
|
BACKYARD GRILLING TIPS
Barbecue season is here and everyone wants to light that fire and charcoal their next meal. A few tips might prevent your entree from becoming the next "Burnt offerings to the gods." Make sure that your grill is on a flat surface away from shrubs,...
Designer Envy: Knock It Off!
CHANEL, VERSACE, DOLCE & GABBANA, VUITTON, GUCCI, DIOR, FENDI, PRADA, COACH, MARC JACOBS et al.
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, these are the brand-name clothing and fashion accessories that women will expect. But with...
How to Buy Used Baby Clothes Online!
There are multitudes of ways to purchase used clothing for your baby. In this article I will cover only the online options available in the hopes that it will help you to maximize your spending money with the least amount of hassle, stress or...
What the Matter Is
When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my mother with that phrase. I would ask him, "What's the matter?" and he would answer me, "Well, what the matter is..." followed by whatever it was that he needed to discuss with me. He would say...
Why Modern Moms Are Going Back to the Basics – The Evolution of the Cloth Diaper
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times of your life. It is also one of the most stressful. So many decisions have to be made about nearly every aspect of your baby’s comfort, safety, and happiness. You spend hours pouring over pregnancy...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
A Parents Guide: Coping With The Challenges Of Colic
Colic is a common problem in infants and an even more frustrating condition for parents to deal with. Approximately 10 to 30% of all infants born have colic. If an infant is going to experience colic in its life, it will typically appear within the first few weeks of life and will subside by the time the infant is four month old. Babies with colic grow and develop normally and it is rarely a factor in later physical or behavioral problems.
The tem colic refers to a condition in which an infant will cry inconsolably from one to four hours at a time. A typically spell is typified by a high pitched loud cry that is continuous. The child may pull its legs up toward their stomachs as if in abdominal pain or their legs may be extended straight out. Often the infant’s hands are clenched. They may hold their breath or grimace. Frequently their faces become flush, while their feet remain cold. These episodes can occur at any time, but often begin in the late afternoon or early evening.
Currently, there is no identifiable cause for colic, but doctors have identified a number of factors that classically make colic symptoms worse. These include rapid eating or overfeeding, swallowing excessive air, intestinal gad, lack of burping or food allergies. Doctors also recognize that an environment filled with anger, frustration or even excitement can play a role in this disorder.
Please note: It is critical that all parents consult their child’s pediatrician at the onset of colic like symptoms. It is important to rule out other health complaints such as ear infections, allergies, intestinal blockage, a hernia or even a scratch in the infant’s eye.
Recommendations For Wellness
If you are breast feeding:
Watch your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda.
Stop eating milk products for one week to see if the infant is reacting to milk protein
you have consumed.
Reducing or eliminate gas producing foods such as
orange juice, cabbage (and other
foods from the cabbage family), beans, broccoli and onions.
Drink soothing herb teas such as chamomile tea to calm yourself as well as the infant.
If your baby is formula fed:
Change the type of formula or type of water being used. You can also try changing to
a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based on.
Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Check the hole size of the nipples you
purchased. If the holes are too small, enlarge it.
Other recommendations include:
Burp your baby after each ounce of formula or every few minutes.
To reduce the possibility of your child swallowing air, have him or her sit up rather
than lie down when eating.
Gently repetitive movements will soothe some babies. Try taking them for a ride in
the car or a walk in the park. Rock them in a rocking chair or rocking swing and try
leaning their infant seat against a running clothes dryer or dishwasher.
Sounds can also help calm a colicky infant. Many parents have found relief by
playing soothing music, running their vacuum cleaner or even their clothes dryer.
Applied heat can also help. Lay your baby over a warm hot water bottle that is
covered with a towel or trying giving him or her a hot bath. Add a few drops of
chamomile or marjoram essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
Herbal chamomile has a long history of calming an infant and easing intestinal
cramping.
Teas made of licorice root, catnip or fennel have also been found to help.
About the Author
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved.
Free your mind, body, and spirit naturally at SoulHealer.com. Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Visit her at http://www.soulhealer.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|