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Baby massage: Latest studies and techniques Placing your little one on his or her tummy
reveal that specialised baby massage and elevating their head in the “tummy
techniques aid in the pain and prevention of time position” can also aid in gas retention.
colic. As a baby’s bodily functions are still
underdeveloped, a baby massage can Warm baths: A relaxing bath for two often
assist in circulating congestion. Speak relaxes both you and your baby. Skin to
to your local Pharmacist, GP, midwife or skin time is not only rejuvenating and
nurse for professional advice related to calming for both mum and bub, it can
baby massages. There are also “mother also aid in bodily movement. At lukewarm
baby” massage workshops available for temperature, rest your little one on
you and your bub. your chest in water as its flow will help
circulate unwanted gas. Simple massage
Regular feeds: If you are feeding your bub techniques in water has been proven to
too much or too fast, this can also be a stimulate the movement of prolonged
factor of intestinal air from the interruption intestinal gas.
of excessive lactose (either from breast milk
or formula feed). Ideally, feeding babies Over-the-counter products: If you are
twice as often and half in quantity can concerned your baby formula is the
prevent colic and discomfort. Overfeeding prime suspect of your little one’s colic, it’s
is a common issue babies face, which can beneficial to speak to your local GP and
cause colic. Overfeeding leaves very little pharmacist to assist in the best anti-colic
space in your baby’s tummy, leaving little formula and medicine. The best way to
breathing space and discomfort. Your child determine if your little one is experiencing
will naturally guide you to understand when pain from colic due to formula is to
they have had enough. After each feed, it’s purchase a specialised baby formula for
best to allow your baby to be positioned colic sufferers. If you notice a dramatic
upright to allow more gas to be brought difference within two days, it’s ideal to
up. Additional burping “over the shoulder” change formula as your little one may
and “over the lap” is very effective for gas have an intolerance to its ingredients and
release. formulation.
Changing Positions: Moving your baby Whether or not you are experiencing a
around (tummy time, the footballer suffering baby from colic or not, it’s best to
position, bouncing the baby), and other have your baby checked by your local GP.
gentle frequent movement options Sometimes your babies are silent sufferers
can often help release gas and provide and may show their pain in a more discrete
them with more comfort. This also raises way. As long as your little one experiences
bonding time for you and your bub, as regular tummy time support, movement,
there’s a lot of handling time involved. natural flow and not being overfed, these
When your little one is at ease and feeling are general ways to aid in the prevention
safe in familiar arms, their little bodies of colic.
will release tension, resulting in more gas
being released. Chat to your local support nurse, hospital
hotlines and mother’s group support
Elevation: When your baby is upset due to systems for additional home remedies
discomfort, try to elevate your baby’s legs and like-minded advice. Most importantly,
in an upward motion, and practise the read your baby’s body language and
“bicycle motion”, which can help release monitor any changes and red flags
tension and push out additional gas. accordingly.
22 may 2017 | mychild
