Colic and GERD

When my daughters were first diagnosed with GERD, many people--both professionals and nonprofessionals alike--would roll their eyes and say, "GERD is just another word for colic.  Babies cry.  What's the big deal?  Get used to it!"

Our pediatrician was hardly in agreement.  Colic, he informed me, may have once been an "umbrella term" for a variety of conditions yet unknown and undiagnosed.  Acid reflux may have indeed been a condition caught under the umbrella of colic before doctors and researchers knew what it was.  Still, in his own words, "Acid reflux is ten times worse than colic."

What does that mean?

Colic is often diagnosed using the "Rule of 3's."  I have seen different variations of the Rule of 3's, but the following is pretty standard:

The baby cries for more than 3 hours a week
for more than 3 days a week
for more than 3 weeks in a row
or up to 3 months.

Using simple math and applying it to the cries associated with GERD would create the following "Rule of 30's:"

The baby cries for more than 30 hours a week
for more than 30 days a month
for more than 30 weeks in a row.


I realize this sounds ridiculously extreme, but from my own experience, the "Rule of 30's (or 10 x worse than colic)" had some surprising accuracies.  In their first few months, there were days when each of my girls cried for 8-10 hours in a row.  Although this incessant crying decreased after a few months, it returned at 18-20 months,  when my girls both clocked 9-10 hours of straight crying (usually during the night) brought about by reflux triggered by teething anxiety.

Of course, the first 3-4 months are always the worst, for GERD babies and colicky babies.  But whereas colicky babies grow out of their troubles, GERD babies sometimes do not.  Acid reflux can stay with an individual throughout life, flaring up and causing pain due to a variety of triggers, from food to anxiety, illness to teething.

Now, my purpose in this post is not to argue whether GERD or colic is worse: the truth is, they are both difficult to handle, they are both medical issues, and they share some similarities both in symptoms and treatments.  Because my girls' reflux is currently controlled through diet and natural remedies, and because reflux is most likely genetic, I am always on the lookout for new products that are natural, safe, and effective for infants.

And so I am posting the links to two tummy bands designed with colic in mind.  If used correctly on a GERD baby, keeping the tummy elongated rather than scrunched up tight, I imagine they will also prove beneficial.  My thoughts here circle back to the encouragement of homeopaths and therapists who recommend the gentle pressure of massage on the tummy and the vagus nerve.  Again, I have no personal experience here: only keen interest.

The first band, the Lull-a-Band, was designed by a mother and an International Relief worker, both looking for a simple and effective way to comfort babies with the pain of colic.  It works by applying gentle pressure to tummies that are bloated with gas and constipation, both of which can be also present with GERD babies.

Lull-a-Band
http://www.nocolic.com/



The second band, the Happi Tummi, includes a microwaveable pouch that can be inserted into the band.  The pouch serves two purposes: first, the warmth helps to soothe and relax the baby's abdominal muscles, and second, the warmth helps to release the aromatic oils designed to soothe and comfort.  Because warm baths and aromatic oils have at times had a positive effect on my girls, I am intrigued by the Happi Tummi's design.  My only caution, of course, would be to make sure you do not "over-microwave" the pouch, and always, always, always check its warmth before strapping it onto the baby!!  If it is too warm to your touch, don't put it anywhere near the baby!!  (You can also use the Happi Tummi band without the microwaveable pouch.)

Happi Tummi Natural Relief
http://www.happitummi.com/