Intestinal cramps
Intestinal cramps, also called colic, are a common problem in newborn babies and can cause a lot of stress, both for the baby and for its parents. The cramps are usually caused by an immature digestive system. This system is not yet fully developed at birth, and this can lead to gas formation and intestinal cramps. Swallowing air while being fed can also cause cramps. Cramps can also be a result from the intake of food, as some babies do not respond well to certain components of the diet. When being breastfed, the mother’s diet may also have an impact on the baby. As with reflux, time is the best healer, and once the digestive system is fully developed, the cramps will recede or disappear entirely. Until then, you can relieve the cramps by changing feeding techniques, letting your baby burp regularly, giving your baby a tummy massage or placing a warm cloth on its tummy, or giving your baby a warm bath. Consult a doctor if your baby tends to cry excessively and you are not able to calm him or her down, if your baby has difficulty drinking or gaining weight, or suffers from other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Reflux and hidden reflux
Babies may suffer from reflux, which means that the contents of their stomach flow back into the esophagus and sometimes even back into the mouth. Reflux is caused by the fact that the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is not yet fully developed, allowing the contents of its stomach to flow back faster. There are two types of reflux: visible reflux and hidden reflux. Symptoms of visible reflux in your baby are the need to regurgitate after feeding, gagging or coughing, or if your baby is restless during feeding, is quite irritable and/or tends to cry a lot during or right after feeding. With hidden reflux, a baby suffers from the same symptoms, but without the need to regurgitate. This is because the stomach contents flow back down into the stomach from the esophagus and do not have to come out through the mouth. Your baby may also have sleeping issues, wheeze and may have to swallow a lot, even if he or she is not feeding. Hidden reflux may be difficult to recognize because your baby does not regurgitate and swallows the stomach contents again instead. Reflux is usually a phase that passes by itself without further treatment after the baby gets older and once the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is fully developed. If you think your baby may suffer from (hidden) reflux, discuss this matter with your doctor to find the right treatment. What you can do yourself to help your baby is: provide smaller portions of food at shorter intervals, make sure to feed your baby in a calm, relaxed environment with a break in between and keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding.
Cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance
Cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance often cause the same symptoms, but they are two distinct medical conditions. Their treatment differs greatly, and so it is important to know the difference between the two conditions.