Treating the symptoms of colic
There are hundreds of commercially produced 'natural infant colic remedies' available on the market today, which claim to treat the symptoms of colic. Most of these remedies, mixtures and medications will fit in at least one of the following categories...
· Anti-gas medications - Simethicone
· Herbal remedies and teas
· Antihistamines
· Antispasmodics
· Analgesics
· Sedatives
· Antacids
· Other medications
Depending on which remedy you try, the goal is to break up gas, relax muscles of the digestive tract, tranquilize, sedate, ease indigestion and so on. Rather than simply trying a variety of these, as many parents do, it is worth discussing your baby’s symptoms, age and history with us so that we can recommend the best options.
They may provide temporary relief but don't expect too much from these. They are, by law, quite weak and the baby's body gets used to them fairly quickly and they tend to lose their effect.
A sweet tasting remedy may help the baby to take their pacifier which may be the real benefit of the drops! A probiotic or lactase enzymes, can help, especially if baby has had antibiotics and their intestinal flora have been upset. One of the most prescribed medicines in the world, is probably Nexium, given to help the irritation and burn that can result from reflux and colic. This may help the symptoms but does not address the cause.
Treating the symptoms of colic
The good news is that the best treatment for the symptoms is also treating the cause! It is also the most natural, involves no chemicals and is free! It is quite simply, helping the digestive process in whatever way you can:
make the feeding process as easy and comfortable as possible
get the burps and winds out.
A quick word of advice
It is only natural for the parent to want their baby's symptoms to ease as soon as possible. Soothing techniques and colic remedies are important for the crisis periods when your baby is cramping, crying and distressed. Sadly, many parents medicate only, jumping from one 'remedy' to the next in their quest for relief. It is not uncommon to hear that a baby is being given 3 or 4 of these and they're only three weeks old! Like many conditions, treating only the symptoms will not solve the problem. In fact, it often ends up taking months longer because more appropriate treatment is delayed.
The good news is that it's not that difficult to help if you know what to do. Learn the gas release techniques in our masterclass and you'll often see an immediate reduction in symptoms.