Presentation Information

The baby who cries and fusses: latest evidence, common misconceptions, and how we can help

• Speaker: Pamela Douglas , MBBS, FRACGP, IBCLC, PhD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

One in five families report that their baby cries excessively in the first few months of life – but many more introduce infant formula because of unsettled behaviour. Parents with babies who cry and fuss also report receiving a great deal of conflicting advice from health professionals, and are at increased risk of postnatal depression. In breastfed babies, back-arching, fussing during feeds, gas, excessively frequent feeding, excessively frequent night-waking, and crying are typically signs of unidentified breastfeeding problems. These signs are, however, often inappropriately medicalised and the baby is treated with pharmaceutical, oral surgical or maternal dietary interventions, which have been demonstrated not only to be ineffective, but risk worsened outcomes.
What do we need to look for in the baby with cry-fuss problems? What does the latest evidence tell us about the link between gut microbiota and crying? What interventions actually help? Join this talk to learn more about Neuroprotective Developmental Care for babies with cry-fuss problems.