Baby colic in Barcelona: gentle osteopathy to relieve your baby
Your baby squirms and cries incessantly, finding it difficult to be soothed, especially at night as the sun sets. Osteopathy can be of great help with infant colic.
Marina y Nicolas will be delighted to welcome them to help and soothe your baby. Thanks to gentle and painless techniques,we can release the tension accumulated in your baby’s body. Most of the time, “colic” is the term used for crying without any apparent reason, which occurs most often during the first months of life. Fortunately, this often improves with time.
These cries can often be very difficult for new parents to cope with, who may feel helpless and distressed. It is common for them to feel guilty and wonder what they have done wrong.
But don’t worry, it is completely normal to feel concerned, especially when you do not understand what is happening, and even more so with a baby who cannot speak, where everything is open to interpretation and everyone offers their own opinion: the aunt, the friends, and so on.
How can we help?
With more than 15 years of experience, we are convinced that babies who cry without any apparent reason, what we call colic, do have a cause; it is often a physiological mechanism that allows the baby to release tension and unload their nervous system from excess stimulation.
We can clearly address this during our treatments, and we also help parents who wish to do so to change their attitude toward these episodes and support their baby much better when they are alone with them.
By understanding what is happening, we can respond differently, avoid feeling helpless or guilty, and bring a sense of calm.
A crying baby ,it is completely normal; what matters is understanding what your baby is trying to express. We are also here to help you better understand what these cries mean. Thanks to our gentle and subtle touch, the body tells us what your child is experiencing.
Behaviours associated with colic
Infant colic is one of the most common and yet most perplexing challenges for new parents.
It is characterised by:
- Intense and prolonged crying that usually occurs at the same time each day, typically in the late afternoon or evening.
- A baby showing signs of gas, such as abdominal swelling or passing gas, although these are not consistent in all cases.
Although crying is a normal form of communication for babies, the crying associated with colic is different. It's a cry that seems to come from an urgency or desperation.
In addition to physical symptoms, colicky babies may exhibit behaviours such as:
- Temporary comfort with feeding or rocking, but returning to crying shortly after.
- Refusal of certain positions or difficulty lying down.
It is important to point out that, although crying is the main sign of colic, not all babies cry in the same way, and some may show less obvious symptoms.
Factors that may contribute to colic
Sensitivity and sensory overload
Development of the digestive system
Temperament
of the baby
What can I do to help with colic?
When to seek professional help?
Although colic is common and generally not serious, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a healthcare professional if:
- The crying is inconsolable and lasts longer than usual.
- Changes in eating patterns or sleeping habits are observed.
- There is a presence of fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
- The baby is showing signs of lethargy or lack of interest in their surroundings.
Identifying and understanding the symptoms is the first step in bringing relief to babies and peace of mind to their families is very important. It is essential to maintain constant communication with the paediatrician and follow their recommendations.
Parents can also find support in online communities and support groups, where sharing experiences and advice can be of great help.
Methods and treatments for infant colic
Osteopathy and physiotherapy:
Paediatric osteopathy and physiotherapy are non-invasive treatments that aim to relieve physical tension in a baby's body and improve their general well-being. These methods may include:
- Gentle massages and specific movements to relieve gas and tension.
- Stretching exercises to relax baby's muscles.
Feeding techniques and dietary changes:
Dietary changes can be effective, such as:
- Try different breastfeeding positions to ensure the baby is latching well and swallowing less air.
- If the baby is on formula, consider trying
A formula designed for sensitive babies.
Home remedies and comfort practices
Some parents find relief in everyday practices to reduce infant colic, may include
Help your baby
Bicycle" movements with the baby's legs to help expel gas.
Relaxation techniques:
White noises or soft sounds that can soothe the baby.
Diminishing pain
Warm baths relax and can reduce abdominal tension.
It is important to note that before changing the baby's diet or trying new remedies, the paediatrician should be consulted.
Dummies and infant colic
The soother can be an ally in times of colic due to its soothing effect and ability to satisfy the baby's sucking reflex.
When should improvement be seen?
Most babies improve after three to four months of age. If treatments seem to have no effect or if symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult the paediatrician again.
Emotional support and strategies for parents
The emotional impact that colic can have on a family can be significant. Therefore, emotional support for parents is a crucial part of managing this stage.
Understanding and validating emotions
It's normal for parents to feel frustrated, tired, and worried when their baby cries a lot.
Validating these feelings is the first step to managing the situation
- Recognising that feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you're a bad parent.
- To understand that crying is a form of communication for babies and not a criticism of parenting skills
Education and training
Learning about infant colic can make parents feel more prepared and confident:
- Attend workshops or read books and articles on parenting and colic.
- Consult authorised resources such as the La Leche League website which offers information on breastfeeding and colic, or the resource centre Family and Healthwhich provides articles on child health and parenting.
Coping strategies for parents
Parents can adopt various strategies to cope with the stress caused by colic:
- Sharing childcare duties between parents to ensure both have time to rest.
- Establishing routines for the baby and parents that can help anticipate and manage difficult moments.
Continuing education
Continuing education on child development and positive parenting strategies is beneficial. Attending talks, webinars, or discussion groups can provide valuable insights and reduce anxiety.
For courses and training that offer additional support, you can visit portals such as Growing Up Happywhich offers guides and advice on childcare and family life, or Psychology and Mind, with articles and resources on family psychology.
Consult an infant colic professional now
The importance of holistic health
Caring for the food and rest of both the baby and the parents.
Prioritise the emotional well-being of the whole familyseeking support and advice where necessary.
Supporting resources
Search for resources
Using available resources can make a big difference:
- Websites of child health organisations such as UNICEF or the Maternal and Child Health FoundationThe information and support for the management of colic is provided.
- Mobile apps and online platforms that offer advice and monitoring of baby's development.
Professional consultation:
Do not hesitate to seek professional help if necessary:
- If colic seems to be more severe than normal or if parents are overwhelmed, it is crucial to consult a paediatrician.
- osteopaths can offer specific and personalised assistance.
Infant colic is a challenging but manageable phase with the right support and strategies. It is important for parents to care for themselves as much as they care for their baby, and remember that there are always resources and people willing to help. With patience and the right knowledge, both parents and babies can get through this stage with wellbeing and growth.
Questions about infant colic
Infant colic refers to episodes of intense crying in healthy babies, particularly towards the end of the day.
Although they are common, they can be very difficult for parents to live through.
A baby may cry because its digestive system is immature or because it accumulates tension after birth.
When crying is inconsolable for several hours, it's a sign that something needs to be released.
In most cases, colic is not serious and is part of the baby's development.
However, it is important to consult if signs such as these appear:
- fever
- Frequent vomiting
- Lack of weight gain
- Constant weeping without pause
If you have any doubts, it is always best to discuss the situation with a professional to rule out any medical problems.
Colic usually appears from 2-3 weeks of age.
They are more intense between the first and second month.
In most cases, they improve progressively towards 3-4 months.
However, every baby is different. Some need more support to relieve accumulated tensions.
Crying often increases towards the end of the day because the baby accumulates fatigue, stimuli, and tension.
Your nervous system is still immature and struggles to regulate itself.
That's why, as night falls, she finds it harder to calm down.
A tranquil environment and adequate support can help to reduce this overload.
Yes, osteopathy can help to relieve colic in a gentle and respectful way.
Through very delicate techniques, tension is released in the baby's abdomen, diaphragm, and nervous system.
It's not about forcing, but about listening to your body and supporting it as it regains its natural balance.
Many parents observe that their baby calms better and sleeps more peacefully after sessions
Yes, as long as it's performed by a professional trained in paediatric osteopathy.
The techniques used are gentle, without abrupt manipulations, and adapted to the baby's pace.
The aim is to fully respect their physiology and support their development naturally.
It depends on each baby and the intensity of the symptoms.
In many cases, 1 to 3 sessions are enough to notice an improvement.
Some babies require more progressive monitoring.
Some simple actions can help:
- carry the baby
- Gentle abdominal massages
- Create a tranquil atmosphere
- respect their pace
However, if the crying persists, it may be helpful to support the baby with a holistic approach to release deeper tensions.
Can you check if:
- Your baby cries for several hours a day
- Are you having trouble calming him down?
- You feel that something isn't right
- Are you tired or worried
There's no need to wait for the situation to worsen.
Early support often allows for a faster and more lasting improvement.
If you're looking for a Osteopath in Barcelona specialising in babies, it is important to choose a gentle and tailored approach.
In our centre, we support babies and parents with respectful osteopathy, without abrupt manipulations, focused on global well-being.
You can contact us to assess your baby's case.