Medical science has made enormous strides in finding remedies for everything from high blood pressure to bladder infections. Even cures for certain cancers seem not too far off.
Yet when it comes to incessantly crying babies, doctors are still in the twilight zone. Colic is the word used, but nobody - including the experts - can put a finger on what causes it.
Some paediatricians don't put any store in it at all, dismissing colic as "mystical winds" about which you can do very little except brazen it out until baby outgrows it - usually at around 3 months.
Yet it can have devastating effects on parents. Exhaustion, frazzled nerves, feelings of hopelessness and even postpartum depression are what's in store for you if you have a colicky baby.
Rentia Vendeiro (38), a personal assistant in Sandton, had such an ordeal with her colicky son, Connor, that she swore she would not have another child, and hasn't.
"He cried incessantly, even though I tried all the usual things. I remember that we called my mother-in-law in Portugal on Christmas Eve to see if she had some secret, old wives' remedy she could pass on to stop Connor screaming.
"All she could suggest was giving him a little sugared water, but that didn't work either. We just had to endure weeks of it. I don't know who I felt more sorry for, myself or Connor, who is now a thriving little boy."
Paula Marais, whose son was premature by two weeks, tried to go the natural route - mixing all sorts of potions from a herbalist with breast milk.
"I had to crush the tablets myself and the gunge went everywhere. I can't say it worked. My little one used to start screaming at about 5pm and not stop until midnight," she says.
Perhaps the only comfort, then, is knowing you're not alone. The condition affects about 20 percent of babies.
And spruce up your knowledge of the little that is known about colic. In the process, you'll at least eliminate some old wives' tales and their useless potions.
The symptoms of colic are boldly manifest: baby cries inconsolably for three or four hours at a stretch, sometimes longer, despite everything possible being done to make him comfortable; baby often draws his knees up to his chest and seems to have abdominal pain; or clenches his fists, arches his back and goes red in the face.
He may hold his breath for short periods and his stomach may be swollen and feel hard.
According to www.colic.co.za, a website sponsored by Bennetts, makers of baby-care products, colic generally develops in the second or third week of baby's life and worsens after one month when he is 6 weeks old.
At around 12 weeks, life starts to improve, with some babies settling quickly and others improving, albeit slowly.
The common belief is that it's caused by baby's immature digestive tract, which cramps up and becomes painful when there's a build-up of wind in the intestine.
This may be because of his inability to digest some of his feed and also because some air may be swallowed during a feed or crying.
Paediatrician Dr Archie Taylor-Smith, who practises at Morningside Clinic, says colic can be mild - "the baby just needs jiggling a lot" - or severe, in which case the baby spends a great deal of time screaming inconsolably.
"Unfortunately, the worst times seem to be in the evenings, between 6pm and 10pm," he says.
Breastfed babies are just as prone to colic as bottle-fed ones, he adds, so feeding baby on nature's food does not necessarily make a difference.
"The human diet has changed considerably and it's possible baby's digestive system isn't yet adapted to what we're consuming - like caffeine, dairy products and nuts - which ultimately feeds into breast milk," he says.
Colic is also believed to be caused by a baby's immature central nervous system and possibly his temperament, which might make him highly sensitive to the environment.
"Most newborns have a built-in mechanism to block out unwanted stimuli, like noise and light, so they can eat and sleep undisturbed by their surroundings. However, by 1 month old, this ability wears off and baby becomes more aware of and alert to his surroundings," states the www.colic.co.za website.
The remedies are many, and what works for one baby might not work for another.
Taylor-Smith usually prescribes an anti-spasmodic medicine like Buscopan, which helps in the case of cramping due to baby's digestive struggles. "It relaxes the bowel and the spasms," he says.
He doesn't, however, recommend the favourite old home remedy Gripe water, an anti-acid solution containing sodium, which he says is too taxing on a pair of tiny, immature kidneys.
Stay well away from any over-the-counter adult medicine. In a tragic case in the US recently, a couple claim they gave their colicky 6-month-old son small amounts of Benadryl, an antihistamine, Zantac, which reduces stomach acid, and Unisom, a sleeping aid, all diluted in water.
The baby died of "acute intoxication from an antihistamine and a sleeping aid", the medical experts found.
Aside from what the paediatrician has prescribed, the best is to follow the procedures alongside, which entail a lot of moving about.
And most importantly, snatch that much-needed rest in between, remembering that while it might not be curable, colic doesn't last.
- Tips for parents
- When a baby cries more than usual, you should visit your doctor to make sure the discomfort is not caused by something other than colic.
- Wind the baby to help release a build-up of gas in the intestines. Place a warm water bottle on your lap. Cover it with a thick towel and lie your baby across your lap on his tummy; gently rub his back. Or else you can gently rock baby in your arms. Another popular method is to keep your baby as upright as possible (a baby carrier works well, or carrying baby on your back).
- If winding doesn't work, massage the baby's abdomen to release gas. This is best done in small circular movements 10 minutes after winding. Essential oils such as coriander, cardamom and dill may be used to enhance the massage.
- Reduce the stimulation in your baby's room, such as bright lights, noise and unnecessary activity. What may be helpful is calming background music which has proven to help reduce crying.
- Take your baby out for a walk or a drive. Rhythmic motion is sleep-inducing.
- Some people recommend the services of a chiropractor. Use one who is renowned for working with babies.
- Homeopathic remedies such as Mag Phos and Chamomilla / Millefolium drops may help reduce the spasms and cramps.
- Try using a dummy / pacifier.
- Breastfeeding moms should eliminate foods that include stimulants like caffeine, chocolate, nuts and dairy products.
- Look after yourself. Remember that your own stress level will affect your baby. Don't try to cope alone. Get support from your family or friends who you can trust and let them babysit for you.
Courtesy of Bennetts