Can Caesarean Birth Affect Colic In Babies?

Could Birth Mechanics Influence Colic?

Many parents wonder whether babies born by Caesarean section are more likely to struggle with wind, digestive discomfort or colic. While colic has many possible contributing factors, the birth process itself may sometimes influence early tension patterns, feeding comfort and ability to settle.

So why would caesarean babies get more colic? C-section babies don't get 'stretched' and 'squeezed' as they pass through the birth canal. As a result, they can remain 'curled up' and stiffer. Not all are like this but some are noticeably more stuck in this 'foetal ball' where the hips are curled up and they don't seem to want to straighten their legs.

As a result of being in this curled up and slightly stiff position, gas is more likley to build up the digestive tract. Moms often report that their body's feel stiff and are hard. They often present as niggly and fussy, arch themselves backward and kick out their legs.

Do premature babies have more colic symptoms?

Yes, preemies do seem to have a slightly greater likelihood of getting colic. We believe it is simply due to their smaller size and less developed digestive tract. They are often a little more 'stiffer and curled up' and are therefore more prone to have muscular cramps or have more gas buld up in the intestinal tract. Being so small, they're not yet strong enough to 'push' out the excess gas.

Can traumatic births like forceps and ventouse deliveries cause spinal problems?

Yes, babies born traumatically are far more likely to have neck subluxations, tension or spasm. This will be noticed by the parent in the early weeks particularly at feeding times. The baby will have a noticable preference for feeding and looking to one side. In some cases, the entire body is curved to one side because of spinal tension or misalignment. We call these banana babies.

What Parents Can Do

Issues like those described above are grouped under the description of ''musculoskeletal colic''. They respond best to stretching and massage type techniques or in more severe cases, specialist treatment.

In our Learning Center. We've put together a unique series of stretches that relieve muscle tension, loosen the baby up and help gas to pass through. Dr Gregory La Cock has spent over 30 years helping babies with colic, trapped wind and feeding-related discomfort.

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