Colic Is Not Your Fault

You've heard about this but you never thought it would happen to you. You are the proud brand new parents of a miserable, inconsolable newborn who does not stop screaming and who can't sleep and can barely feed! So much for the joys of parenthood

Sleepless nights are spent in complete sacrifice to try and remedy your child's numerous complaints and problems but those few moments of peace that you long for just never seem to come. Days run into weeks and you wonder how you could possible be such a rotten parent what you did to cause this.

Then you get the diagnosis from your pediatrician and uh oh – it's colic. Most parents have the right to dread this diagnosis simply because the word 'colic' is one of those throwaway diagnosis like fibromylagia or personality disorder. It has no meaning and a multifarious number of meanings at the same time. It is also a diagnosis that means 'it's nothing' while at the same time being a big deal that could keep you up at night and worried at night for as long as two years.

The first thing you need to realize is that colic is not your fault. It is one of those random acts of Mother Nature rigged to make you feel guilty but it its occurrence has nothing to do with you.

Colic is a condition that can sometimes only be managed rather than cured. Sometimes your doctor is reluctant to tell you this at first. After weeks of dealing with a cranky kid you might still be hoping that somehow that the next visit to your pediatrician can help you fix the colic. After three or four visits you are definitely going to get the impression that you are getting the bum's rush out of the doctor's office. You might even hear the line 'We've done all we can do.'

The best thing you can do for you and your baby is drop any kind of self –blame or negative self talk and realize that your child is in crisis and that you need to weather it through with him or her. Colic is the result of bad parenting, a lack of love or bad karma. It 'just happens' just like that other four letter word that starts with an S.

You need to keep in mind that for decades down that any time a kid screamed it was called colic. In fact all colic really means is a baby that is fussy because it is irritable.

Keep in mind that colic was never really defined. It was just a catchall phrase that was coined in an era when doctors did attribute cranky baby behavior to irresponsible parenting, spoiling the baby and all types of causes.

In a way it is an exciting time to have a baby who has colic because it is actually an area of infant care that is being revolutionized. The old theories are no longer being subscribed to and your problem is being considered more seriously not only by allopathic doctors but also by and alternative practictioners.

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Should You Get Your Kids A Kitten?

Although cats are adaptable and friendly creatures they do not make good pets for certain types of people or for people with certain health problems.

 For instance, don't get a cat or kitten if you are pregnant. The cat's exposed feces can cause a potentially fatal blood disease called toxemia.  

Another related health problem that cats can cause for both pregnant and ailing individuals (people with diseases and compromised immune systems) is caused by cat hair and dander. Kittens are not suitable companions for pregnant women, as being exposed their feces can cause a potentially fatally blood disease called toxemia in both mother and child.Cat hair and cat dander (skin flakes) in the air overstimulate the immune system and create respiratory problems not only for a mother and child but also for elderly individuals and those with diseases that cause the immune system to be overly stimulated such as AIDS. 

Cats are also not recommended as pets for people who suffer from respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema.  Cat dander and cat hair is inhaled, irritating the human’s airways even further. People who have allergies to cats should also avoid owning a cat. If you are not sure if you have an allergy to cat hair, do both the cat and yourself a favor and get yourself tested before you got to the shelter or a pet store. Too many animals end up in shelters or humane societies simply because an inconsiderate potential pet owner did not take the time and expense to find out if they were allergic to the animal before taking it home. 

Kittens are not recommended as pets in households with infants or toddlers.  The old wives' tale where a cat will kill a baby by 'stealing its breath' has its roots in some truth. A cat will seek out a place of warmth and infants make good space heaters. It is quite easy for a large cat with even the snuggliest of intentions to accidentally smother a small infant.  

Don't own a cat if you can’t afford it. Many selfish people think that nature takes its course or that a cat can just eat scraps from your plate. This is not true. A kitten is certainly less expensive to take care of than a puppy, but within the first year you can expect to spend an absolute minimum of $640 on a new cat.  This includes such expenses as a litter box, food, a collar, a carrier, toys, spaying, neutering and vaccination. If you do not have at least that amount in your bank account, then you cannot afford to own a cat. You should also not own a kitten if you or a member of your family suffers from schizophrenia, manic depression, alcoholism, and addiction. Unfortunately, one of the main traits of these diseases is irresponsibility. Like children, kittens need routine, responsible care and consistency in order to be happy and healthy. If you are a collector of fine art or rare furniture get a gold fish instead.  Kittens are naturally destructive at first and owning one will merely frustrate and anger you.

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