Colic is a common condition in babies characterised by excessive crying and inability to settle, particularly in the evening and night. Babies can often be seen to draw up their legs towards their stomach as though they are in pain.
Studies have shown Transient Lactase Deficiency to be an important cause of colic in some babies. It is believed that this is a result of babies being born with an immature digestive system, so that they do not produce sufficient quantities of the lactase enzyme to digest the lactose in their food.
As the baby matures the levels of lactase enzyme naturally produced may increase so that by the time the baby is 3-4 months old it often grows out of its lactose intolerance symptoms (and its colic).
Typical symptoms of colic include:
- Crying for long periods despite there being no obvious cause and despite attempts to console the baby, the crying may escalate to high pitched screaming
- Symptoms tend to occur around the same time each day , often in the afternoon or early evenings and often after meal times
- Baby shows signs of excess gas or flatulence
- Baby’s abdomen appears bloated and may seem hard
- When crying baby may show signs of stomach pain such as pulling their knees up to their chest, clenched fists, flailing arms and legs or an arched back
- Baby experiences frequent sleeplessness, irritability or fussiness.
Paediatricians often use the “Rule of Three” to diagnose colic: “A baby that cries for three or more hours per day, at least three times a week, in the first three months of life.” About 25% of babies worldwide meet the official “Rule of Three” criteria for medical diagnosis of colic.
LACTEEZE is a safe and natural approach to infant colic. It is not a drug but is a natural enzyme that can be added to baby’s milk or formula to reduce the level of lactose in baby’s feed.
Adding LACTEEZE drops to baby’s usual milk compensates for a possible temporary lactase deficiency in baby’s digestive system. LACTEEZE drops greatly reducesthe level of lactose in the feed, allowing it to be digested normally without causing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. It is important, however, that not all the lactose is converted so that baby’s body continues to manufacture its own lactase and in fact increases that production over time.
Studies have shown that in babies with colic the hours of crying may be reduced by a massive 45% when baby’s usual milk is treated with lactase supplements.
Another very important factor is that by using LACTEEZE tablets and drops mums can continue to breast-feed even when their baby is lactose intolerant, which is beneficial for both the baby and mother.
For directions in using LACTEEZE with breast-feeding or infant formulas feeds please go to “How to Use Lacteeze”.
Other methods to help baby focus on managing the babies environment and helping the baby to remain calm and settled. Ideas include:
- Maintain contact with baby and soothe baby when he or she is upset. A baby sling or carry will allow you to keep baby with you for longer periods
- Keep the lights low and noise levels low while you are soothing baby, avoid any unnecessary loud or startling noises
- Mothers who are breast-feeding baby might consider a trial diet in which major allergens such as milk, egg, wheat and nut products are eliminated.
- Ensure that baby’s caregivers take time out for themselves and have time to relax. It is extremely stressful looking after a colicky baby and caregivers have reported feelings of depression, inadequacy, anxiety, anger, fear, exhaustion, loneliness and social isolation. It is essential that caregivers receive support, take time out and are reassured so that these feelings do not escalate.
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