If you've ever raised or are raising a fussy newborn - you understand what an ordeal that is for the baby and the parents! Exhausting is one word that comes to mind. There seem to be only temporary solutions to soothe your baby! 

Often, at 3 months old, if it hasn’t happened already, trouble can start to occur. Is it colic? Is it reflux? What’s the difference? Colic is generally thought of as a crampy abdomen of uncertain origin. It results in fussing, crying, and restlessness and is worse at the “witching hour” of 5 pm. It is often tough to soothe the baby. Reflux seems to be an “epidemic” lately; it’s almost rare to hear of a baby without this diagnosis from their pediatrician! The baby appears to be in pain during or after feedings, is worse when lying down, appears to swallow a lot, and often regurgitates some of what was just eaten.

Interestingly, these issues usually occur in otherwise healthy babies who are gaining appropriate weight, and they typically resolve on their own by the baby’s first birthday. But until then, it can be a tough ride for all until the baby’s immature digestive system matures.

Incredibly - some babies with these diagnoses are often prescribed powerful drugs like Zantac (nicknamed “Baby Zantac,” which sounds much cuter) that doctors often give to adults with chronic digestive issues. Maybe it would be better to start with a more natural approach…

It’s always a good idea for mom to remove possible offending foods from the diet to try to ease the baby’s distress. Most commonly, these are gassy foods (beans, etc.), garlic and onions, spicy food, dairy, and any food the mom doesn’t tolerate well!

I know you won’t be surprised when I tell you that most of the time, homeopathy can help! The correct homeopathic remedy will relieve the child quickly and permanently in a safe, effective, and GENTLE fashion.

The key to getting a great outcome with homeopathy comes from matching the characteristic symptoms of the little patient to those of the remedy. Characteristic symptoms are often the ones that are particularly intense or peculiar, i.e., not common symptoms. Be a good detective, and you can often do much for your troubled little one and manage to get some sleep.

Here are a few possible remedies to consider:

Chamomilla: The child is very irritable, miserable, and hard to please. Must be carried and will not tolerate being put down. Distress after nursing. Sleepless. When they do sleep, they sometimes jerk their limbs. Very thirsty. Better from heat on the belly.

Lycopodium: Pain and fussiness are worse in the late afternoon, often between 4-8 pm. The baby’s temperament is often very demanding and irritable (not an easy-going baby in general). Their appetite is small, wants to eat a small amount often. They can have attacks of hiccoughing. Worse from pressure on the stomach. Worse if the room is too warm.

Magnesium-phos: Pain is much better from heat and pressure. Lots of gas, better bending over or flexing legs. Pain generally worse 3-4 pm. Worse lying on the back, stretched out.

Nux vomica: Much digestive distress, often with constipation or difficulty passing stools. Lots of effort, small amount passed. The child cries often, draws its feet up, kicks them out again, or arches backward. It may be worse after the mother eats spicy or stimulating food. Very irritable, impatient, and demanding. Baby often has cold hands and feet. Better from heat on the belly.

Calcarea carbonica: frequent regurgitation (often curdled) after feedings with a sour smell. Digestive “distress” after eating. Baby has a sweaty head/neck during sleep. Usually chilly, with cold hands and feet. Generally calm baby.

As homeopathy is given in micro-doses, it is very safe for babies, with no side effects or toxicity, as the remedies are all made from natural substances (plants, minerals, etc.).

If you recognize your baby in a remedy description above, try to get it in a 200c or 30c potency and give one pellet directly in the mouth (or dilute it in water, stir a few times, and give a few drops from a dropper). If you choose the “wrong” remedy, nothing bad will happen as there will be no effect at all. If your baby reacts positively, repeat if the symptoms return. 

As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your condition, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet