What causes colic in a breastfed baby?
A. Despite professional assurances that it disappears by the third month of life (when the gastro-intestinal tract matures), while it’s going on, colic can be intolerable for both baby and parents. If a breastfed baby is displaying symptoms of colic, the cause quite often lies with the breastfeeding technique (the latch). In the early weeks, the ‘let-down’ reflex in some mothers can push out the milk so forcefully that the baby receives a good volume of milk despite being poorly latched on at the breast. Whilst this means that the baby will grow, the baby is not attached well enough to physically remove adequate amounts of the high calorie hindmilk. Foremilk is therefore taken in larger quantities and, because of its high lactose content, tends to rush quickly through the intestines where it ferments, producing gas/ wind. If your baby is not relaxed when breastfeeding it could be a sign that the latch may need to be improved. It might be useful to contact a local breastfeeding counsell
