Crying
If you are concerned that your baby cries excessively, or you think crying may be caused by an physical issue, we are here to help.
In most cases, there are no serious medical issues underlying crying. Every baby communicates and crying is one aspect of this. We will be happy to refer you to a trusted paediatrician and we offer you support from one of our team of specialists, depending on your needs: allergy specialists, nutrition and feeding consultants, family therapists and babycare experts have worked for many years alongside paediatricians.
Our team is skilled at working with babies of all ages. We believe that simple practical measures can make a significant impact very rapidly. Support will be uniquely tailored to you and your baby within the context of your family. Your baby is welcome to join the consultations or the support groups. We will work closely with your paediatrician.
Reflux, often related to a baby spending long periods on the back, is a common issue.Colic is a term referring to prolongued crying and apparent pain, often in the afternoon/evening. Opinion is divided on the causes of colic, and even on its existence. We will be happy to guide you, in ways that reflect your unique circunstances.
We may recommend diagnostic tests may be appropriate to check for reflux, infection or underlying problems.
Allergy testing will be recommended if your baby's symptoms indicate the possibility of allergy.
Feeding advice may be invaluable. Many babies cry when feeding is uncomfortable or difficult. In addition to personal consultations with our midwife, feeding and family therapist we offer breastfeeding support groups and bottle-feeding guidance. You may wish to consult a nutritionist for advice on your diet if you are breastfeeding, on your weaned baby's diet, and if there are allergies.
Complementary therapies work in many ways. Some babies cry excessively following trauma at birth or during pregnany (babies delivered by forceps, for instance, often have head pain). Many babies respond well to cranial osteopathy, homeopathic remedies, and gentle acupressure.
Emotional support and security are important for all babies. Babies are very sensitive to the emotions of their mums, parents and other family members. Sometimes addressing adult upsets or sibling issues transforms a baby's mood. As parents you may also value support. When you feel more relaxed, your baby may mirror this. Viveka's 'Emo' team includes Ann Herreboudt, a highly experienced personal and family therapist who is also a midwife; Kitty Hagenbach, a psychotherapist specialising in early life; and Carole Murray, a hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner.
Groups and courses at Viveka may help with crying. These include feeding and sleeping support groups and the Babiesknow workshops.
Massage has been used across the world for thousands of years. Soothing and developmental baby massage is taught in Karen Eichorn's regular classes - including special 'dads only' classes. The classes also help where reflux is a problem, by improving a baby's strength and digestion.
Did you know?
It was once thought 'normal' for a baby to cry for up to 6 hours in a 24 hour period. Though crying time varies enormously from baby to baby, a 'normal' figure is far less. The more consistently a baby's needs are met, the less he or she needs to cry. These needs are: 'love me, hold me, feed me, hear me, see me'. Babies who are touched or held by their mum or another loving adult, who are fed on demand and listened to, tend to feel secure, cry infrequently and for short periods.
