Raising a colicky baby can be an incredibly arduous task for both parent and child.
Dr. Morris Wessel, a renowned pediatrician from the USA, provided a precise definition in 1954 – should an infant otherwise healthy and fed well cry or fuss with paroxysms of irritability for three hours per day on more than three days each week for three weeks – they may just be perfectly colicky.
This problem affects both breastfed and formula fed babies but generally does not lead to long-term issues.
If parents have concerns, it is wise to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes. Generally, colic ceases after six months of age.
Colic can be distressing and exhausting for everyone, so homeopathic remedies are a welcome relief.
Observe your infant’s symptoms closely in order to make the best choice.
Homeopathy is an excellent solution; it tackles the issue with safety, efficiency and GENTLENESS. The correct remedy can rapidly bring relief to the child and also acts as a lasting cure.
If you want to get the best results from homeopathy, it is important to find a remedy that is suited to the characteristic symptoms of the patient – those which are particularly pronounced and out of the ordinary.
To achieve optimal results, be sure to take on the role of detective and analyse the situation closely, both for yourself and any colicky infants.
There are dozens, dozens and dozens of homeopathic remedies for baby colic, but below are a few.
Chamomilla: is a remedy for colic involving intense cramps that often cause the baby to scream and cannot be soothed unless held upright and rocked persistently. Their rage may manifest as wanting certain items, but may react angrily when given them. This type of colic is generally associated with teething, and they may experience loose greenish stools too.
Magnesia carb: intense abdominal pain that is finally alleviated after passing a green, fluid stool. This can happen several times during the day and night.
Colocynthis: a common remedy for colic, which may present as spasmodic flexing of the legs amid sudden and intense pain. Firm pressure on the abdomen appears to provide relief, with infants calming substantially when put over a parent’s arm. Symptoms are known to be at their worst between 4-5pm.
Dioscorea: a remedy to use in cases of colic, characterised by the infant arching his back or stretching out frequently. In contrast to Colocynthis, this activity relieves the pain.
Babies needing Dioscorea experience audible rumbling in the abdomen and are usually more uncomfortable in the morning. They typically don’t want to lie down and prefer to be carried upright.
Lycopodium: is a helpful remedy for general digestive issues and can be relied on in cases of baby colic when there is a great deal of wind. The abdomen may be tender to touch and the child’s discomfort lessens if the nappy and clothing be kept from being too tight. Symptoms tend to worsen during 4-8pm in the evening.
Nux vomica – characterised by crampy pain that causes them to arch their back and scream in discomfort. Generally they are more irritable than usual, tense and sensitive to sound. If the baby is breastfed, it might arise as a result of their mother eating rich or spicy food or drinking coffee. Symptoms tend to be worse during those early hours of the morning.
Podophyllum: At dawn, intense stomach cramps occur. The abdominal muscles contract tightly, creating a great deal of discomfort.
The homeopathic remedy can be dissolved in water, breastmilk, or administered via syringe or teaspoon. Administered every 30 minutes until symptom relief is achieved; however, if the relief does not occur after 3-4 uses, reevaluate the medication choice and try again. For further advice contact me here.
Depending on the symptoms and your baby’s overall health, other remedies may be needed – if these self-administered treatments do not offer relief quickly, professional treatment is suggested.
For dosage of remedies please see link at the end of this article.
Self-Help
Baby massage is a practical measure that I highly suggest, both to soothe the baby and the parent. Techniques such as clockwise strokes on the abdomen and lightly bringing the feet and knees towards the chest can be effective.
To ensure that your technique is correct, it may be beneficial to attend baby massage classes, which also provides a great opportunity for mutual support.
A warm towel on the tummy or a spoonful of Epsom salts in the bath could provide relief from colic.
Additionally, tissue salts, which are low potency homeopathic remedies available from pharmacies, may have some benefit.
Mag phos, Nat phos and Nat sulph are good ones to consider based on the symptom picture – follow dosage instructions carefully.
Homeopathy is an excellent choice for treating any medical issues in children, from colic and teething to eczema, bronchiolitis, ear infections, and tonsillitis. If you would like to learn more about how I can support your family’s health needs, please contact me.