Can Breastfeeding Cause Colic?
Wait–what? Everything I’ve heard or been told is that breastfeeding is the best thing I can do for my baby. And I’ve heard people say that “when their baby had colic it was the worst time of their life.” So now you are saying that nursing is a possible cause of colic? Well, it’s not the most common cause of colic but it is a possibility. First, just to be clear, let’s define what colic is. The medical definition is: A healthy, well-fed infant who cries for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, for more than three weeks. When an infant cries inconsolably, one night can seem like a lifetime. Two nights and most new parents have made an appointment with their doctor. Given that the misery of colic can persist for a month or more, it is advisable to explore all possible causes–and, believe it or not, that list can include breastfeeding. Studies have shown (National Health and Medical Research Council 1996 Infant feeding guidelines for health workers. Australia
