Breast feeding

Breastfeeding is a natural way for a mother to feed her baby and helps her to bond with her child. Putting baby to nipple for the first 6 months of a babies life is said to benefit baby along with solids for months after.

Each time you put your little one to the breast it makes a big difference to your child’s health. A baby being fed with mothers milk helps maintain a more emotional and physical bond between you and your baby, which makes a healthy happy infant and a happy mother.

Lots of new moms find Breast feeding a real struggle to begin with because the baby may not latch on to mothers nipple or cannot grasp the suckling motion for long enough to release milk from the breast. So lots of women give up very quickly and revert to a bottle because it is much simpler. But as soon as you and baby get the knack of it, you will never want to change that closeness you will feel with baby after this, the bond will be as strong as it can be.

Whilst feeding baby, you as a mother are looking after the health and well being off your child, not just because breast is best, or because of all the natural nutrients in breast milk, but you save your baby from illnesses such as

• Gastroenteritis
• Ear infections
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Coughs
• Colds

And who can say better than that to give your child the best start in life you could possibly give, when feeding you have to watch what you eat and drink, you need to try and eat larger portions and frequent snacks to help meet demands of breast feeding baby also avoiding alcohol.

Your breast produces milk in response to baby being put to breast, the more you feed with the milk from the boob the more your breasts produce, basically feed on demand. When you first breast feed your baby you may feel like a milking machine because they like to feed often, around every two hours. Once they feed better each time the less frequent it will become.

Breast milk contains antibodies which gives your child protection from picking up any virus from mother and from fighting any illness or infection they may get themselves. This milk is easily digestible in a baby than formula milk, and less likely to cause stomach upsets and nobody wants a baby with diarrhea you’ve got enough to do at the best of times.

Tiny premature babies who are fed on breast milk are more likely to do well than being formula fed, and is also said to be good for babies teeth and eyesight. Also baby’s that have been breastfed are easier to wean due to already having traces of what the mother eats and drinks in their bodies whilst being breast feeding.

For the first few days after giving birth your breasts produce a food called ‘colostrums’ which looks like creamy milk and is yellow in colour. This contains the food your baby needs and the antibodies to protect your child, after a few days your breasts begin to produce breast milk which will look thin compared to the colostrum.

How your baby feeds on your breast is different to a bottle, the breasts are never empty, but the milk has to be let down so it can gather behind your nipple. To make milk flow from the breast, baby needs to be in a good position.

Make sure your also comfortable when feeding baby, hold baby close to the breast this may take time to get used to but you will do it eventually it just takes practise, make sure your back is supported which ever position you and baby find easiest and most comfortable that will be normally be best.

Colic

Colic is very common in newborn babies and the condition usually starts withina few weeks of birth, a newborn could have colic for four or five months. Although your baby may seem upset or distressed, colic is not harmful. Your baby will continue to feed and gain weight as any child would without this condition. There’s no evidence that colic causes any long-term effects. So don’t panic everything will turn out fine.

The condition is more common to occur in bottle fed babies but does still occur in breastfed baby’s too.

Colic can be an upsetting time for both parent and baby. You may feel like you’re letting your baby down or that you’re doing wrong. However, although colic can be a very distressing time, it is a phase which will pass in a few weeks or so.

Baby’s sometimes cry for no obvious reason even they have had a good feed and are clean, warm and cared for. If your baby has repeated episodes of excessive or inconsolable crying but still appear to be thriving and healthy, then baby could have colic (always seek your GP’s advice for any problem concerning baby in which you are not sure about).

We all know and I think agree too, that babies cry some a lot more than others. It is an effective way for them to communicate to people, it is your baby’s way of letting you know they’re hungry, tired, need a nappy change or unwell, even something simple like they want your attention or a cuddle.

Some colic symptoms include:

1. An uncontrollable cry so much so, baby’s face goes flushed red and there is little or nothing you can do to console them  
2. Your babies’ posture changes dramatically with drawn knees into stomach with back arched and fists clenched  
3. Disrupted feeding pattern due to crying with pain  
4. Difficulty sleeping  
5. Excess wind passed  
6. Restless at bedtimes  

 What causes colic?

1. The causes for colic are unknown  
2. Smoking in pregnancy gives your baby more chance of having colic  

 How you can help your baby:

1. Stay very calm, and try not to feel anxious as baby will pick it up from you  
2. If breastfeeding try and test different foods you consume in case that is a factor  
3. Bottle fed babies try a change of formula in case of an intolerance to ingredients  
4. Always try winding often  
5. Don’t overfeed baby  
6. If    baby is not sleeping well try not to over-stimulate before bedtime  
7. Try rubbing babies stomach whilst rocking  
8. Feed up right when possible  
9. Go for a stroll or a drive in the car  

There are lots of parents who have gone through the colicky period with their child, always try to talk to other parents and listen to what they found a help because it will be a struggle and seem like you cant do anything to calm baby.

But you can do it, have faith in yourself and remember a mother’s instinct knows best.

Teething

Teething – When baby cuts his or her first tooth, the elation in both parents is somewhat an indescribable feeling. However even though a joyous “moment” and one to be remembered, there are moments you would like to forget. Prior to the breaking of the gum the amount of times mom and dad may have had to pace the floor trying to console there little one to soothe the pain of a teething infant, are the ‘I want to forget’ times I refer too.

We all know teething can be a difficult time for both parents and babies, most babies start the teething process between six to nine months of age, but it can vary with each child. A baby’s first teeth are known as milk teeth.

Sometimes few babies sail through the teething process with few symptoms or problems. However, sadly some not so fortunate, and suffer considerably from the usual teething problems. Expected discomforts normally derive from aching gums caused by swelling, and pains which can lead to further complications such as earache caused by the pain from teeth cutting through the gum.

Typical symptoms of teething include:

1. Some symptoms include redness of the cheeks and gums
2. Dribbling lots
3. Pain in the ear on the side the new tooth is coming through
4. Needing to chew away at anything and everything to help soothe the pain

A primary nibbling tool baby loves to slobber over is its fist. If baby is prone to scratching his or her skin and is, wearing gloves /scratch mittens due to the chewing of fists be careful there are no loose materials or cotton that could choke a child.

First time moms are not to panic because there are various things you can do, to help soothe the pain of teething and which I have used with my children that I would like to share with you, which are listed below

1. Soothing gel is a specially formulated medication created solely for this  purpose which temporarily helps ease the teething pains, however, only use after the age of four months and use as directed by your GP.

2. Teething rings chilled or frozen are fabulous for soothing and are great in helping with inflamed gums. What I found most helpful at this fretful time was if a teething ring is not available was to use a chilled carrot to help with teething pain. Baby should never be left alone at any time no matter what it is they suck, or chew on, so always ensure an adult is watching due to choking hazards.

3. Rusk’ s are ok but always make sure they are the sugar free kind as sugar or other types of sweet substances are not good for any kiddies’ teeth.

Teething is not a pleasant time for both mother and baby, and particularly more so for the little mite when his/her back teeth known as the molars start to come through. These are the biggest and maybe the most painful ones to cut, and the teeth used for chewing. Most of what you have read here will apply to most newborns and upwards, yes you heard right, it has been known for babies to be born with teeth.

All babies differ, which might include the time they walk and talk or whatever, so some suggested treatments and solutions above may not be ideal for child due to several factors. I cannot express enough…no matter how minor the problem linked to your baby’s health is, if it concerns you then see a doctor right away. Never leave anything to chance because after all you are the infant’s protector so do what protective humans do, and protect, since baby is helpless to this for him or herself.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is not one of the baby conditions a mother likes to be told by her doctor that her baby is suffering from. Although every other baby illness or type of sickness that brings baby down with a fever, covers him/her in a rash, or has them vomit their little guts up, whooping cough is a type different with a throat ripping cough. It is known medically and often referred to as pertussis…a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It is a condition with similar symptoms to the common cold we are used to, however it can be much more serious if a young baby is suffering from it.

In the more advanced stage of whooping cough it is recognized by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like a “whoop.”  The incidence of this condition has been rising, chiefly among kiddies too young to complete a full course of vaccinations and teenagers whose immunity has faded.
If the proper treatment is prescribed, or medication administered, teens and adults recover from whooping cough without problems. As with all conditions there is the mild and the severe sorts. The severe sort can usually be prevented with early treatment.

Whoever the person and regardless of gender with the bacterium that causes whooping cough may see it taking up to 12 days for symptoms to show.

Symptoms normally include:

• A runny nose 
• Nasal blockage 
• Sneezing 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Mild fever 
• Dry cough 
• Nausea and loss of appetite  

Over time and if the illness reaches another level the symptoms worsen. From this you can expect:

• Severe coughing bouts bringing thick phlegm 
• Continual coughing maybe up to fifteen at a time 
• In kiddies, their bouts of severe coughing can cause them to vomit and their face turn red, or even blue at times
• Tiredness from the strenuous coughingSymptoms of whooping cough in adults are much the same as to them of bronchitis, a respiratory infection that causes an irritating severe cough causing small red spots which has ruptured blood vessels at the skin’s surface (petechiae) in the upper body, as well as small places of bleeding in the whites of the eyes.    

This happens duly because of pressure and strain from coughing.
It’s known for people to do them self an injury from the strain of constant coughing (Like breaking or bruising a rib.)

Patients typically suffer most at night when the cough is normally at its worst.

If your child shows whooping cough symptoms then have your GP check the child out to determine the condition, to make an accurate diagnosis that it is whooping cough. There are several diseases associated to young babies such as chicken pox measles mumps and meningitis, which all give reason for concern.   And it wouldn’t be normal for any mother not to worry; however all the help is out there you need to keep your baby’s health in tip top condition.

With babies never leave anything to chance. No matter how little your worry is over their health, and for whatever reason, do right by your child and have your baby examined by a doctor sooner than later.  The quicker a condition is cured, the quicker you get back your healthy little son or daughter.

Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox is another one of those conditions which is every mothers nightmare, however what with modern science and latest medicines specially created for treating Chicken pox the condition is not as much threatening to a person’s health as it was years ago.

The disease is a great worry among women with young new born babies, or even toddler age in having said that. It is a highly contagious kiddies sickness like that of measles which we link to the most vulnerable, and that being young kids. 

This condition brings itchy rash and blisters which calamine lotion work wonders for helping to ease the discomfort from scratching or take burst blister pain away.

The condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and usually runs its course without further issues. It is a viral infection and is easily transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with the open chickenpox blisters and through airborne droplets.

The infectious period lasts about three days, before the rash shows up and until all the blisters have formed into scabs.

The incubation period between being infected with chickenpox until the condition breaks out and symptoms appear, is 10 to 20 days. Chicken pox symptoms to look out for if your baby or toddler has the disease usually include.

• A rash normally on the body on the face and later often spreading to the scalp and limbs. It can also spread to the mucous membranes especially in the mouth, and in and around  the privates (genitals.)     
• The rash is often itchy Small red spots develop turning into blisters within a couple of hours, Usually its a couple of days when the blisters turn into scabs. New blisters can happen after three days leading up to six days. The amount of blisters change in people. Chickenpox lasts 7 to 10 days in children and longer in adults.

With age chicken pox might have older folk take a longer recovery period. Grown ups are more commonly known to suffer complications than that of young babies and toddlers.  Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox may suffer more so than that of others. A weak immune system in people can give reason for concern if they catch chicken pox.

Treatments for treating chicken pox are usual types of medication purely for easing the symptoms. Keep your child and others safe by keeping them away from people till the chicken pox has been cleared.

If possible stop the child doing certain things that can worsen the condition

1 Avoid scratching the blisters because of the risk of infection.
2 Cut the nails short or make the patient wear gloves.

Not in all cases but scars may remain where the blisters were sited on the body, and not just from scratching. In very rare cases, chickenpox can be a  result of complications such as meningitis encephalitis, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) or Reye’s syndrome.

Ear Infection

Ear infection – Like most kids sicknesses an ear infection can be a painful issue for babies to toddler size, as well as for adults too  so you can understand how children must feel and the pain they suffer when they contract the infection.

Middle ear infection

One clear sign to tell a parent their child or baby has an ear infection is when they are unable to hear you no matter how loud you shout their name. An ear infection can likely have your child hear sounds muffled and suffer a temperature. Crying is something you will get a lot of if your infant has problems with his or her ears.

Whether it’s baby, young child or grown up mos can relate to a normal earache, but when the ear becomes infected then this is a different issue altogether. As a parent then you will know your young baby obviously can’t tell you what the problem is, or where the pain is coming from, so this is why you have to be extra vigilant where baby’s health is concerned

When you have kids a lot of their sicknesses is usually detected by mom or dad purely through guessing from the symptoms, they believe to be a disorder they may have heard about, or know of.

Always be sure to contact your GP if your baby is crying a lot or more than usual, and also if the sound of there cry is odd caused by what you think might be caused by pain.

Antibiotics are typical prescriptive drugs given by doctors for pain in the ear, of course type of medication or ear treatments will depend on severity of the condition and the age of the child.

In most cases of ear infection the problem clears up within a few days but once again this will depend on how bad the pain is.

Sometimes the ear can become severely inflamed and eventually start oozing with yellow or brown pus, not nice I knowbut that is the infection coming out. This usually happens once the ear infection has been diagnosed or treated and beginning to get better. It also helps educe pressure in the ear.

Most commonly ear infection starts with cold symptoms such as a runny nose. Also, children who live with smokers are more likely to become ill with amiddle-ear infection than those who live in no smoking house. Also there could be some vomiting or nausea along with pain (mild or severe) and throbbing in the ear. 

Recovering from a sore throat or having a spate of hay fever can cause ear infections because of the sinuses being connected.

If you suspect you or your child has a problem with their ears then consult your GP because the infection can turn seriously nasty. And left without medical attention it could result in further long term medical problems such as hearing loss.

If you suspect ear pain especially with a baby or young child, or notice pus oozing from their ear and redness of the ear, or ears then don’t hesitate to get medical attention for the patient. Even if you feel your child doesn’t hear you as well as he/she should, or has cold symptoms such as a runny nose and fever then make a call to a medical center, or call into your local hospital for a check up.

Thrush

Thrush can be a very annoying and irritating problem to live with for both women and children. It is also a condition men can get too. 

Thrush is a yeast infection known as candida. A breast feeding mother can become infected on the breast. You can also get it in your mouth which is called oral thrush which a lot of baby’s get at some stage of there baby days and can be very nasty if left and not treated.

Having to watch your child itching away at there bits (bits is a term I use with my kids for there private parts) because they have vaginal thrush is not something you like to see your child suffer from.

You can see in the child’s face the discomfort they are experiencing from the thrush that’s affecting their private parts, come on us women know what vaginal thrush can be like if you have had this, it is a very annoying infection to have.

Because the itch is annoying the infant becomes frustrated causing them to itch even more, and the more they itch the warmer the area gets bringing fungus and germs. Fungus and germs that cause thrush in the first place feeds off moist and warm areas that’s why young children are very susceptible to thrush due to wearing a nappy because of the warmth and then when they wet their nappy there’s the moisture for them to thrive on and they love it.

Women get thrush in the vagina which include

symptoms

itchiness and a cloudy white smelly discharge. A lot of women and girls can get this when they become sexually active but you don’t have to be sexually active to get vaginal thrush it is just more common in sexually active women.

Symptoms can include itching, redness, a white vaginal discharge, sometimes some swelling.

If your child is still in nappies and to avoid thrush try and let them roam free for as long as you possibly can without a nappy on. Obviously just doing that will not stop them from getting thrush but it will help, also always try to make sure that you buy them cotton underwear when possible, and also yourself and not to use fragrances down below such as feminine douches.

Its believed that using a natural plain yoghurt helps with thrush in women.

Oral thrush – is common in new born babies sometimes they may not take there feed as well as they normally would and they may cry because the mouth may be painful also. With oral thrush in babies there will be small white spots on the tongue and inside of the cheeks and the roof of the mouth, and this is how a breast feeding mother contracts thrush on the nipples because a baby having oral thrush causes the feeding mother serious pain.

When breastfeeding if you have a cracked nipple you could get thrush on the nipples more easily and also the thrush might make the nipple take longer to heal than the normal time taken.

Oral thrush is usually really easy to treat with drops or a gel which you rub inside your child’s mouth for 3 or 4 days and it should be clear after the treatment. But if ever in doubt or symptoms persist then always consult your GP.