Breastfeeding and Colic

Colic is one of the most common problems in babies aging between 3 to 5 months. Though the correct causes of colic are not known yet, but it is believed that it is something to do with breast- feeding. During the early months, the babies tend to get a habit of breast feeding but it might be possible that the mothers that they stop feeding the baby due to the workload or other reasons. This often becomes a cause of colic in babies.

Studies have established the fact that mothers can breast feed their babies for 4 years, but most of them tend to leave early because of many justifiable reasons. But there is a certain relationship between breastfeeding and colic. If the mother is breastfeeding the baby, then she should ensure that he inhales a certain amount of air.

If this is not done then the child can face digestion or gas problems leading to colic. Lactating mothers should keep in mind the fact that whatever they eat should fulfill the baby’s requirements. Gas producing foods should be avoided since they automatically pass from the lactating mother to the child and it will be difficult for the baby to digest them resulting into colic. If the baby turns colicky then the mother should not consume dairy products.

There are various benefits of breast feeding the baby. Most of the mothers are unaware of the benefits which a baby derives after he is breastfed. The mother’s milk contains a lot of nutrients like fatty acids, lactose, amino acids, water which help in the development of the brain and the digestive system of the baby. It can be easily digested by babies as compared to the cow’s milk which contains enzymes that cannot be easily broken down by the baby.

In fact, antibodies are also transferred through the mother’s milk hence the babies consuming mother’s milk are much healthier. This also facilitates the transfer of Lactobacillus bifidus, a kind of bacteria that is quite beneficial to the baby.

Mother’s milk is pure and doesn’t contain any harmful substances as compared to the cow’s milk which may contain dust or other harmful constituents. In fact, sucking the mother’s breasts also help in the jaw development of the baby. It is safer as compared to the artificial supplements since it is natural and doesn’t harm the baby in any manner.

Studies have revealed that smelling the mother’s milk also cures the baby of colic. In fact the mother’s milk is so effective that on placing pads dipped in mother’s milk near the baby can cause miraculous effects by curing the baby.

Thus breastfeeding the baby surely comforts the baby. The baby feels good since this provides him with the mother’s touch and affection. This naturally soothes the child and diverts his attention. It is not necessary that the child will surely get instant relief but it helps significantly when the child becomes fussy, irritable and too difficult to handle.