Diseases 62
whooping In other respects, the infant is normal-the baby gains weight well, has normal bowel movements, and doesn't spit up any more than most infants do.
After each feeding, carefully burp the baby in different positions.
A variation of this typical form of colic occurs in the infant who wakes frequently (every two hours or so), cries fretfully, takes one to two ounces of formula or a few minutes at the mother's breast, falls into a fitful sleep, and wakens later to repeat this pattern.
HOME CARE
First check for obvious causes of crying and discomfort other than colic. Consider diarrhea or constipation, loose diaper pins, severe diaper rash, a trapped arm or leg, and signs of illness-fever, nasal discharge, cough, reddened eyes, vomiting, hernia (a lump in the groin), or sores on the body. The baby may also be either too hot or too cold.
See whether your baby responds promptly to talking and cuddling and remains comfortable. (A baby in pain can be distracted, but only temporarily.) Giving the child a pacifier may help.
Offer your baby a feeding. If your baby takes an ample feeding and falls asleep comfortably for several hours, the child was hungry, not colicky. Keep the baby partially upright in an infant carrier between feedings to avoid regurgitation of food into the esophagus.
If the baby is being breastfed. check that the mother's nipples are not bleeding-swallowed blood causes cramps.
It has also been suggested that if a breastfeeding mother drinks too much cow's milk, this may cause cramps in the infant.
If your baby seems to be having abdominal discomfort, applying warmth to the abdomen may temporarily relieve the problem. Place a cloth diaper over the infant's abdomen, and then place a warm (not hot) hotwater bottle on top of the diaper. On occasion, you may want to try inserting a glycerine suppository or lubricated thermometer to induce a bowel movement.
PRECAUTIONS
• Make sure that formula is properly prepared.
• When bottlefeeding your baby, make sure that the nipple is kept full; this will keep your baby from swallowing too much air.
• Make sure that the bottle's nipple hole is large enough so that the baby can finish feeding in a reasonable time (20 to 25 minutes).
• Carefully burp the baby in different positions after each feeding.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Your doctor will check for signs of illness, such as sores in the mouth or urinary tract problems. A urinalysis may be ordered. Your doctor also may recommend a change in formula to investigate the possibility that the child is allergic to the formula. It is sometimes suggested that a breastfeeding mother try eliminating all milk products from her diet. The doctor may also temporarily stop any solids already started to determine if the child is allergic to certain foods. fever