This is a topic that concerns many new families, and it’s especially a concern that leads many families to attend infant massage courses. What are colic and gas? What can I do to soothe my baby? Would massage help my baby? These are questions parents often ask me.
First and foremost, if your baby suffers from colic, rest assured, it’s very common in small infants. It’s crucial to know that I’m here to offer you support and comfort, as well as guide you on how to support your baby during these moments.
Gas and Colic
It’s essential to understand that not all of the baby’s discomfort is colic; sometimes, it’s just gas, and these two conditions are often confused. Therefore, it’s important to differentiate between them with accurate information. Gas can occur in babies who eat too quickly and swallow a lot of air. They find it challenging to burp, leading to frequent discomfort during the day, usually shortly after feedings. The results of massage in these cases can often be seen on the same day it’s applied, as the baby starts to expel the accumulated gas.
As for colic, it’s often an intestinal and muscular contraction that reduces passage and causes less adaptability. It’s very painful, leading to tension and crying in the little one. It’s important to note that the baby’s digestive system might still be immature at this stage.
IAIM Program
For this reason, I want to let you know that the IAIM program has a specific routine for colic. This routine can help mobilize the intestines, facilitate elimination, prevent constipation, and reduce episodes of colic. While the exact cause of colic is not yet known, it might be due to the immaturity of the digestive and nervous systems. However, colic tends to decrease as the baby grows and usually disappears around three to four months of age. It’s essential to understand that colic is very painful, so the specific routine is used as a form of prevention and relief, but not during the colic episode itself, as it could be even more painful at that moment.
Confidence
I encourage you to take the infant massage course, where you can gain confidence in being attentive to your baby’s signals and behavior. This way, you can identify when your baby is in the best state to receive a massage. Also, it’s essential to maintain consistency in massage. It’s suggested to perform the routine two or three times a day for several days.
Parents are also advised to perform the colic routine about thirty minutes before the colic episode as a form of prevention.
Remember that massage contributes to the release of relaxation hormones and reduces stress hormones, so any nurturing touch will be beneficial for your baby.
During colic episodes, it might be best not to perform any massage. However, you can try positions that help your baby relax, such as placing the baby face down with your hand on their abdomen. A warm bath might also help relax the baby.
Relaxation
I believe the essential thing during colic episodes is for you, as parents, to stay relaxed so that you can lovingly accompany your baby without anxiety. You can transmit confidence to your baby, use a soft voice, and acknowledge your baby’s pain. Phrases like “I know you’re upset; your tummy hurts a lot, but it’s okay, mommy/daddy is here with you,” “It will pass; I’m here to support you,” “It seems like your tummy hurts; my hands are trying to help you” can be helpful. This is the time to promote nurturing touch, verbal and nonverbal communication, such as gentle rocking or comforting hugs. The important thing is that during moments of pain, they feel loved, protected, and accompanied.
I encourage you to share your experiences with me and other parents, and I invite you to take infant massage courses where we will address this and other topics.
