A: The cause of colic IS known
Wow! I couldn't disagree more with the answer above from Drew! In my pediatric nutrition practice, my experience corroborates what is already published in much of the medical literature: Colic is usually caused by milk protein intolerance. Also studied is the fact that changing the baby's feeding is the best treatment. The least effective treatment, according to published review in the British Medical Journal: Mylicon drops or medications for gas.
Colic is painful for babies and that is why they cry! Leaving them in pain is inhumane. If your baby is formula fed, there are several solutions to resolve colic, with specialized formulas. Ask your pediatrician about Nutramigen, Alimentum, or Neocate Infant. Your baby may also tolerate Carnation Good Start formula. I have also formulated a goat milk infant formula recipe for babies that works very well, and this recipe is widely available on the web. Skip soy formula. About half of infants who don't tolerate cow's milk formulas also do poorly on soy; it is a difficult protein to digest.
If you are breast feeding and there is still hard colic, contact La Leche League or Holistic Moms network to find solutions. There may be something in your diet that is bothering the baby.
Lastly, babies who have used antibiotics may struggle more with colic and milk protein intolerance. You can correct this by supplementing gentle probiotics for the baby. In some cases, antifungal medication (like Nystatin or Diflucan) is needed to fully resolve colic. I have repeatedly worked with my clients' pediatricians on this, and it works well.
There is no need to slog through months of crying, pain, insomnia, and trauma. Many solutions to colic exist. You all deserve a comfortable, peaceful night's sleep!
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