Calming Colic with Homeopathy

Yes, homeopathy provides fast, simple, effective and natural relief from the symptoms of colic - often within minutes.

Colic is a condition found in babies from just after birth until four or five months of age with inconsolable crying, irritability and what seems to be pain or cramps in the abdomen. Not all crying babies have colic, but babies with colic will often cry with great intensity. They may stiffen their body, or double up as if in pain. The crying can be very distressing to parents who feel helpless to do anything about it.

The most important thing to remember is that it is not your fault. Any baby can have colic.

What causes colic?

No-one really knows. Some experts believe that colic is related to the immaturity of a baby’s digestive system. Other think that a baby’s nervous system and inability to handle the constant sensory stimulation that surrounds them cause a breakdown at the end of the day, when colic most often occurs.

There has been research suggesting that a breastfeeding baby who is switched to the second breast after five to ten minutes may be taking in large amounts of foremilk which is high in lactose and can ferment in the bowel causing colic, wind and frequent loose bowel motions. Having an overabundant milk supply can also cause this problem.

Further research has shown that some breastfeeding babies seem to react to the cows’ milk products in their mothers’ diets. When these mothers removed all dairy from their diets, some babies’ colic stopped. If you are bottle-feeding it is possible that your baby is reacting to the cows milk protein contained in artificial baby milks (formula). This includes lactose free formulas which are still based on cows milk so you might like to consider switching to a hypoallergenic formula. In many cases it is possible to relactate (produce breastmilk again) if you feel your baby is reacting to formula.

Whatever the cause, colic is one of the most upsetting conditions that parents of new babies face.

Calming colic with homeopathy

Homeopathic medicine can resolve colic and stop the crying within a few minutes to an hour. Repeated doses may be needed if the symptoms return. Over the counter homeopathic preparations may only provide short term relief. The most effective homeopathic remedy for colic is the one prescribed by a homeopath.

Some common homeopathic remedies to help relieve colic

There are many homeopathic remedies that can help relieve colic and only one remedy which matches the baby’s total symptoms will be prescribed by a homeopath.

If the baby is unable to tolerate milk the homeopath may choose to prescribe Aethusa, Magnesium phosphoricum, Calcarea carbonica; or Lycopodium. If there is frequent burping, and the baby seems to feel better after burping, Carbo vegetabilis is likely to be needed.

For colic in extremely fussy, irritable babies, especially if they arch their backs and are inconsolable, Chamomilla may be indicated. If baby doubles over with the colic or brings his knees up to his chest, then Colocynthis or Magnesia phosphoricum may be prescribed. If the pain seems intense and unbearable and the baby bends his back backwards, then Dioscorea could do the trick. For colic with excessive bloating and gas, particulary if the baby seems to be worse after ingesting milk then Magnesia phosphoricum may be effective.

Other things that may help your baby

Here are some suggestions for other things that may help. If you decide to try one of the suggestions stick with it for a few days. If it doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged just try something else.

• For breastfeeding babies, allow baby to finish the first breast first to maximise the amount of fat per feed (the emptier the breast the higher in fat the remaining milk becomes). If you suspect an overabundant milk supply offer the same side for two or three feeds while monitoring the other breast for engorgement (express for comfort if needed to relieve any engorgement).
• Breastfeeding relaxes and distracts a baby. It also causes waves of digestive movement from throat to bowel and this can relieve the discomfort of colic. Some babies who have been recently fed, find sucking on a relatively empty breast comforting.
• Posture feeding. Many mothers have found that colic improved in the afternoon especially if they "posture fed" during the early morning feed. Attach baby in the usual way while sitting, then lie back with your baby on your tummy so your baby has to feed "uphill". Sit up again towards the end of the feed to ensure good drainage of the milk ducts. This slows down the flow rate of breastmilk and reduces the intake of excess air.
• Hold your baby in a more upright position for feeding and directly afterwards.
• If you have a strong let down reflex your baby may splutter and choke during feeds especially if your breasts release a strong spray. It often helps if you can get rid of the excess milk either before or during a feed. You can this by taking baby off the breast once you sense the let down has happened so the excess spray can go into a container or cloth nappy. Then feed the baby again once the spray has subsided.
• Watch your diet. If you suspect food intolerance eliminate any suspect foods to see if it makes a difference. The most common culprit foods are dairy, wheat, egg, soy and sugar. Research has shown that cutting out sugar and increasing protein can improve colic significantly.
• If bottlefeeding, try different types of bottles and teats that prevent air from entering your baby as he drinks. If you suspect a dairy intolerance consider switching to a goat milks formula or hypoallergenic one.
• Raising your baby's bed at the head end. This is a commonly used method in hospital nurseries for "remote control" burping. This helps any bubbles of wind to rise. Place some phone books under the bassinette/cot or place some folded towels under the mattress paying attention to safety factors.
• Rocking and cuddling. Walking with your baby rocks him naturally. A baby sling can give you some hands free time while carrying your baby close.
• Rhythmical, continuous noise from household appliances, having a radio on a fuzzy station, or a loud "shushing" in your baby's ear. Music can also soothe a baby.
• A dummy can be useful for babies who gain comfort from sucking but whose constant sucking at the breast is causing an oversupply of milk. Many colicky babies can be comforted this way provided they are not hungry. Note that it is recommended that dummy use be avoided or limited during the 6-8 week newborn period until breastfeeding is well established.
• Exercises and massage. Bicycling action with your baby's legs may help expel bowel gas. Gentle massage can help relax his body.
• A warm bath or shower with a parent, may help a baby to relax at any time of the day.

When should you call the doctor?

Simple colic is not life-threatening nor does it lead to any serious illness. It can resolve quickly with homeopathic treatment.

Colic will usually pass on its own in a matter of months even without treatment. If the baby doesn’t gain weight, vomits excessively, or has persistent diarrhea, medical attention should be sought to determine the cause of the problem.

Recommended Resources

Book: 100 Ways to Calm the Crying by Pinky McKay

Book: The Fussy Baby Book by Dr William Sears

DVD: Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr Harvey Karp

Booklet: "Why is my baby crying?" Australian Breastfeeding Association Booklet

All available at www.mothersdirect.com.au