Infant colic and feeding difficulties

Abstract

Aims: To examine the relation between colic and feeding difficulties and their impact on parental functioning for a primarily clinic referred sample. Methods: Forty three infants (and their mothers) were enrolled between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Infants were divided into two groups, colic (n = 19) and comparison (n = 24), based on a modified Wessel rule of three criteria for colic. Families were assessed at two visits; one occurred in the laboratory and one occurred in a paediatric radiology office. Outcome measures included the clinical assessment of infant oral motor skills, behavioural observation of mother-infant feeding interactions, maternal questionnaires on infant crying, sleeping and feeding behaviours, and the occurrence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in the infants using abdominal ultrasound. Results: Infants in the colic group displayed more difficulties with feeding; including disorganised feeding behaviours, less rhythmic nutritive and non-nutritive sucking, more discomfort following feedings, and lower responsiveness during feeding interactions. Infants in the colic group also had more evidence of GOR based on the number of reflux episodes on abdominal ultrasound as well as maternal report of reflux. Mothers in the colic group reported higher levels of parenting stress. Conclusions: Results provide the first systematic evidence of feeding problems in a subgroup of infants with colic. Data also illustrate the impact of these difficulties on parental and infant functioning. The association between feeding difficulties and colic suggests the potential for ongoing regulatory problems in infants presenting with clinically significant colic symptoms.

Reduction of crying episodes owing to infantile colic: a randomized controlled study on the efficacy of a new infant formula

“…Randomized controlled study for infantile colic F Savino et al symptoms (Miller-Loncar et al, 2004): Lucassen, in a recent review, reported that infantile colic should be treated preferably with a 1-week trial of a hypoallergenic formula (Lucassen et al, 1998). On the other hand, as Garrison suggested the need of further studies on existing and alternative dietary therapies (Garrison and Christakis, 2000), our study could represent a first step approaching colic from changing the feeding formula.…”

A neurobiological model for cry-fuss problems in the first three to four months of life

“…Although the latter documents the link, it also inaccurately interprets the aversive feeding behaviours associated with problem crying in the first weeks and months as signs of oesophagitis, extrapolating back from findings in older infants and children [16,[29][30][31]. Almost all crying baby research is confounded by multiple unidentified and unmanaged feeding problems.…”

Regulatory Problems in Very Preterm and Full-Term Infants Over the First 18 Months

“…Mother-infant interaction problems, maternal stress and maternal anxiety have been suggested as critical factors in developing crying and feeding problems. [55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Future research may take into account the impact of maternal mental health and/or mother-infant interaction in alleviating or leading to crying and feeding problems.…”