[Submitted Question]

I have heard that fennel tea can help colicky babies feel better. Is there some truth in that? Any reasons why I should better not give any to my little one? I am desperately looking for anything that will get rid of the colic.

Donna A., Vermont

[WombToBloom]

I am not personally familiar with fennel tea for babies – although there certainly seem to be a lot of people on the internet touting its magic! Fennel is supposed to calm the digestive system – either by feeding it directly to a baby or by a breastfeeding mother drinking it and then nursing. I would definitely talk to my pediatrician before using any herbal remedies.

Has anyone else here had positive or negative experiences with fennel tea?

[Chesapeake Birth]

I know nothing about fennel tea but I do know Gripe water works great.

[Knoxville Doula]

Fennel tea is wonderful for colic, gas, and fussiness in babies.

[Peggy Sue]

Originally Posted by Knoxville Doula

Fennel tea is wonderful for colic, gas, and fussiness in babies.

As a Postpartum Doula I highly recommend Mother's Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals to all nursing mothers for an optimal milk supply, but I have never heard of giving to a baby for colic. Fenugreek is one of the key ingredients in Mothers Milk tea.

[journeybirth]

fennel and fenugreek aren't the same thing. I've heard fennel works for colic.

[Knoxville Doula]

Originally Posted by journeybirth

fennel and fenugreek aren't the same thing. I've heard fennel works for colic.

Right. Fennel and fenugreek are very different. Mother's Milk Tea is designed for breastfeeding moms.

[kellybancroft]

If you are breastfeeding anything you eat or drink goes to the baby. So if you eat fennel the baby gets the good effects from it. Another good nursing tea is made by Weleda.
Also there are certain foods that can cause gas and can be good to avoid especially if your baby has colic symptoms. They are the cabbage family(broccoli, cabbage, kale and collards), turnips, garlic, onions, and spicy foods. Sometimes also chocolate and coffee can affect a baby too. You could try avoiding these if you are not already.. Belly massage and moving the baby's legs like a bicycle can be helpful. I also found putting my hand on my son's stomach and applying gentle pressure helped him. The other thing that was invaluable was swaddling. Havey Karp wrote a book, the Happiest Baby on the Block, and also a DVD. It really works. It was something that really helped with my son who was very colicy. I know you were only asking about fennel, but i thought these suggestions might help.. Good luck! kelly

[labor doula]

I would like to add a note the best I have found for baby and I have tried this my self,.Gripe water and follow through with Dr Karp The happiest baby on the block, Try the swaddle blanket called woombie, easy, it works and we sell them @ baby's sweet beginnings in Lancaster NY 716-681-8100
gripe water be sure to use only the baby bliss kind

[laboroflovedoula]

yea i would not give a baby fennel tea or water or formula for colic- if breastfeeding- i would keep the baby at the breast and not offer anything else for that matter- colic is usually caused by sucking in air- sucking on their hands- sometimes pacifiers can do this as well- bottles are definitely culprits- and crying of course... i teach the Happiest Baby techniques- HUGS and CALMS techniques for keeping babies happy. most colic is not really colic it is a baby who needs to be soothed differently.