Colic can be very frustrating and painful to both parents and babies, but findings of a new study may be able to soothe that crying baby. Colic is defined by the researchers as more than three hours of crying on more than three days per week.The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri, usually used as a dietary supplement by adults to soothe intestinal disorders, appears to reduce colic when given in drops to breastfed infants.
In a recent study, 95% of babies given the probiotic cried less, compared with only 7 % of babies who received simethicone, a medication commonly used to treat gas.
8 comments:
So can just an average person get this stuff and use it for their baby? How does it work? Do you need a prescription?
I think I'd consult a doctor before giving any kind of herbal remedy that's not already widely used. Gripe water always worked with my kids when they really had trouble...but breastfed babies are notoriously LESS gasy and less colicy than formula fed babies so chances are, if you are breastfeeding and you have a gasy baby, it's something you've eaten, not a problem with them. Common culprits are dairy, caffeine, broccoli and garlic or anything that would normally make YOU gasy.
I have taken this supplement for years for digestion problems. The easiest way to provide it for your baby is through your breastmilk. It is available through capsule form and many brands of yogurt contain this natural bacteria. I was directed by the breastfeeding clinic to continue taking the supplements and eat more yogurt. I had stopped the supplements while pregnant but they assured me it hadn't been necessary and in fact would aid the baby's
digestion to start taking it again. I would certainly consult my physician before providing it through any other means.
what about for babies who arent breastfed?
I would check with your doctor to see if there is a way to add it to your baby's diet. If your baby is 6 months or older try to yogurt. I know Activia contains it and so do other brands just look at the label to see what the active cultures are in it. Just be sure to find one that is not low-fat and contains no artifical sweetners.
I dont know of any 6 month olds who have colic
I agree...most babies outgrow it by 3 months old and prior to that you should NOT be giving them solid foods.
Actually colic is often now being diagnosed as an acid reflux challenge and is not outgrown by six months. But I haven't had any long conversations with a six month old lately to ask them what exactly is causing their discomfort. Often it is many other factors we can't determine that cause distress in newborns. I have read studies that actually report that it is a normal stage of brain development for newborns to cry for long periods of time and is often diagnosed unnessarily as colic.
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