How Mother's Feeding Can Influence Baby's Colic

It is normal for the newborn to feel cramps in the first months of life. But how to detect that the child's crying comes from this discomfort?

Symptoms of colic usually follow the Wessel criteria, known as the 3-rule: colic begins at about 3 weeks, lasts for 3 hours at least 3 times a week and 3 consecutive weeks, and improves at about 3 months. Crying seizures peak around 6 weeks for both term and preterm infants ?, explains Elisabeth Fernandes, a pediatrician with a specialization and a master's degree from USP.

According to the pediatrician, the mother's diet interferes with the child's well-being and, depending on the menu, there is a higher or lower incidence of colic in the baby. Therefore, follow the expert advice you trust.

Mother's feeding

A study published in Pediatrics showed that a diet restricted to cow's milk, soy, egg, wheat, nuts and fish helped to reduce the symptoms of colic in exclusively breastfed infants up to six weeks of age. But it is important to note that there are also studies that do not support this thesis. Therefore, it is recommended that the mother has a balanced diet with expert guidance and any change in the menu, should be reported to the pediatrician ?, comments Elisabeth.

Massages to relieve baby colic

In cases of more severe pain, Elisabeth indicates some homemade massages to soothe them. Check out the tips:

• One should do abdominal massage, put warm compresses on the baby's belly;
• Lying the child face down on his chest or belly to warm the baby's belly are also ways to relieve;
• Hold the baby face down on his lap so that the little hands are on his abdomen and making movements of stretching and flexing the child's legs can also assist in eliminating some gauze;
• Hot bath relieves discomfort. Prefer environments without wind currents and the place is totally quiet. Massage the belly of the child in circular motions.

Another very common question among first-time parents is when is the right time to start solid eating.

• Parents will only be able to offer solid food from the sixth month. Prior to this, breast milk provides all the nutrients the child needs. Exclusive breastfeeding should be done until the 6th month of life, without offering water or teas. If the baby is not feeding on the mother's milk, should you take baby formula starting at 6 months ?, warns Elisabeth.

Helping your Baby Who has Colic (April 2024)