Infant health and Nutrition

Hello! My name is Ritu Batra Walia. I am pursuing a career in pediatric gastroenterology. Pediatric gastroenterology specializes in the care of children with chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bleeding from the GI tract, inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, diseases of the pancreas, poor weight gain and nutritional problems

With this blog I would like to discuss day to day complaints that drive a mother to the pediatrician’s office. I would be discussing issues on growth, nutrition and disorders related to digestive diseases.

I wonder how many mothers have complaints that their new born baby does not stop crying. The baby is miserable and is too fussy. This leads us to a discussion on infantile colic---.

What is infantile colic?

Colic is defined as crying and extreme irritability in infants. The fits of inconsolable crying tend to occur in the evening, but many infants do not follow a predictable pattern. The crying and fussiness can last for

hours at a stretch, followed by other periods when the baby acts and seems perfectly normal.

How common is infantile colic?

Colic is very common, affecting 1 in 4 newborns. The reason for the irritability is not totally clear but includes an immaturity of the baby’s nervous system, sleeping disruption, hypersensitivity to the environment and sensory overload. However it is important that the parents discuss this pattern with the pediatrician in order to rule out other causes that may need immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of infantile colic?

The baby will start crying at the top of their lungs, as if in apparent pain, turning red in the face, kicking the legs, arching, and passing gas. Sometimes, feedings will temporarily stop the screaming, only to resume when the nipple is taken or pushed away. Colicky infants continue to gain weight and grow normally.

Just remember a rule of threes:

Begins at three weeks of age

Lasts upto three hours

Occurs at least three days in a week

Lasts unto three months.

How do I treat my baby?

There is no specific treatment, Often; the baby’s formula is changed to one that is more basic. Some mothers will modify their own diet, removing gas forming foods or dairy products. If acid reflux is suspected, antacids can be tried and continued if they clearly help. In most cases massaging the baby’s tummy, swaddling or soothing music may help.

Above all the prognosis is very good and by three months of age the baby is more comfortable and this exhausting phase passes.

There is very conflicting data on over the counter medications. It is important to speak with your primary care provider prior to using any herbal or over the counter medications to your baby.

This is a tough phase for the parents. I am sure they loose allot of sleep during this time. It’s good to have some family support during this time.

As beautiful as mother hood may be ---it comes with a lot of sleepless nights, unconditonal love and sacrifice. These mothers also need some time for themselves and a little bit of tender love and care.

My next blog shall focus on something that we all suffer from----heart burn .Especially in infants.

Please feel free to share your questions and comments with me.

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