REMEDY REVIEW

Although far, far from being experienced parents, we are beginning to learn a few more things about our little Hannah and how best to handle her which includes dealing with her occassional colic. No doubt many parents looking at this will relate to the problem of colic. We are interested to know what remedies you have experimented with (regardless of whether they worked or not!) so do please add your comments after reading this.

But now, let us give you our own experience of dealing with colic in the form of...
A 5-star rating REMEDY REVIEW.

a. Benedictine D.O.M. Liquor
Just to clarify, this is for the mother, not the baby (or the father)! The idea is you drink it before breastfeeding. Unfortunately, Cindy is not a 'drinker' so it is quite a chore for her to drink even a couple of sips. Why DOM and not whisky or some other spirit or liquor? It seems those French Benedictine monks have done their marketing homework and discovered that the Chinese are suckers for 'herbal rememdies', which is basically how it is promoted in Malaysia. You are as likely to buy a bottle of DOM in a Chinese Medicinal shop as in a supermarket!

Verdict: ***** (2/5) Difficult to say if it really helps. As a result of drinking it, some nights have been better and some worse. In addition, Cindy doesn't feel too good the next day. Only the father seems to recommend this one ;-)


b. Gripe Water
A classic remedy for colic which we bought a while ago but haven't got around to trying yet. This is partly because of my Mother's testimony (see below).

Verdict: ***** (2/5) According to Chris's Mum, it was a very useful remedy when his sister was a baby, but once they revised the ingredients and removed the alcohol it never had the same effect!


c. Yu Yee Oil
9 out of 10 Malaysians swear by it. It is an oil that should be rubbed on the baby's tummy. The main ingredient is peppermint oil, but it contains other natural ingredients.

Verdict: ***** (4/5) This one really seems to be working for us. It has a perceivably calming effect on Hannah, and smells kind of medicinal. How does it work? Is it the smell? The tummy massage? According to the Chinese, it removes the 'fung' (wind) from the baby's body, in some mysterious way.


d. "Tiger in the Trunk"
This is a position for holding a baby that is supposed to relieve colic - at least according to our 'Baby Bible'! Chris is the only one who has tried it. It is not quite as difficult and unsteady as it appears, but just takes some practice.

Verdict: ***** (3/5) At first it seemed to be a miracle cure since Hannah stopped crying almost immediately. She also looks adorably content in this position. However, it only seemed to last as long as we held her in that position, so the limitations are rather obvious. Also, the last time Chris tried it, Hannah emptied the contents of her (thankfully) tiny tummy on the floor! Use with caution...


So that is the end of our review. Please share your experiences with us by clicking on "comments" below.

And finally, the serious note. When Hannah seemed to be suffering really badly with colic, we started doing some serious research. The best information we could find was on the NHS and BUPA websites. Interestingly, no-one claims to have a cure or even to fully understand the causes. But they do give some reassuring information and helpful tips. For example, breastfeeding mothers should avoid broccoli and apricots, among other things! Check the sites out for yourselves:

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=106

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/Mosby_factsheets/infant_colic.html