Rock A Bye Baby

"WE HAVE TO FEED BABIES, FILL THEM BOTH INSIDE AND OUT."  Fredrick Leboyer

A newborn infant is 100% dependent on parents.  Their basic needs are food, warmth, and companionship; and although some may argue that the later is not essential, that idea is strongly contradicted.  Infants need physical touch as much as they need food in their bellies.

The most essential of all interactions between caregiver and child is bonding.  Some of the benefits of touching, rocking, or massaging a child may surprise you. A child bonded to their caregiver feels love and gains self confidence.  Before a child will learn and grow, they require a sense of security which comes through nurturing and care.  This sense of security dispels fear and enables a child to explore and gain independence.

Emotional bonding happens when a child is cuddled, rocked, and talked to and this early nurturing develops independence, confidence, and happiness.

Some of the Physiological benefits of touch include:
     - An increase in cardiac output
     - Help with circulation
     - Promotes respiration
     - Discourages lung congestion
     - Aids in digestion and absorption of food
     - Hastens evaporation and stimulates all areas of the skin.

Each child will react differently to your efforts to bond.  Just because one method does not work, does not indicate that the child does not need your companionship.  Keep looking for ways that will work.

Here are a few ideas to give that nurture and companionship:
     - Touch them frequently and gently in non threatening ways
     - Talk softly
     - Lots of hugs and kisses
     - Patting their hands together playfully
     - Stroking them soothingly and appropriately
     - Gentle squeezes
     - Rocking
     - Gentle massaging
     - Rhythmical movements

Children will have a greater sense of love and confidence as their caregivers give them plenty of bonding opportunities, companionship, and emotional feasts.

Milk - Does It Do A Body Good?

Milk – Does it do a body good?

I grew up being taught that milk was good for my health. It would give me strong bones and teeth. Later in life, I just started avoiding milk as much as possible. The reason was that it caused me to have so much phlegm in my throat that it just wasn't enjoyable to drink. After that, I continued to use it in baking and on cereal and occasionally with a cookie, but no more glasses of milk with dinner.

What I began to learn about milk later made me feel alright that I wasn't drinking it anyway. First of all, most of the milk available in stores is cow's milk. Well, I'm not a cow. Most mammals including bovine, stop drinking milk once they are weaned. They don't drink it again in their lives. Humans are the exception.

Cow's milk isa actually for calves, and is especially designed to fit their needs. Human milk is especially designed for humans as well. Maybe that difference is not widely known, but it is not the same thing. Cow's milk, although containing calcium, is not a good source of that mineral for human bodies. Because of the breakdown of cow's milk in the human body, we actually do not benefit from the calcium in cow's milk. For more details on that I suggest you look up the following link.

http://saveourbones.com

There have been studies that show that cow's milk can actually be detremential to our bones as well as to our hearts. You can also find some of those studies mentioned in the above link. Perhaps raw milk would be better for the human body, although with moderation, but most of the available milk has been pastureized or otherwise processed, or the cows have received hormones – neither of which is good for humans.

Our best form of calcium is through our food – plant derived calcium. Unfortunately, the soils that grow the majority of our food have been so depleted of minerals by use of poor fertalizers or over use of the land.

People have turned to suppliments for calcium replacement therapy, but most perscription and over the counter calcium products are made of rocks or sea shells – neither of which our bodies know what to do with. Ususally it is just excreted through urine or potentially causes health issues.

Yet our bodies need calcium for strong bones and teeth, and proper function of heart and muscles to start with. I would suggest you consult a dietician for more ideas, however, here is a list of some calcium rich foods:

1. Salmon

2. Broccoli

3. Oranges,

4. Oatmeal

5. Beans

The best forms of calcium are through our foods. If you are concerned that you and your family need more calcium, you may leave me a message and I can direct you to more ideas for calcium consumption. Thanks for reading. Have a great day!

Ear Infections - A Growing Plague

Ear Infections – A Growing Plague

                Working as a nurse in a pediatric clinic the most common problem I saw parents bring their children to the doctor for was ear infections.  It has become a plague in our modern culture.  Many children now undergo the procedure of tube placement due to the high number of ear infections or infections that resist antibiotics and reoccur. 

Although tubes are often helpful, prevention of ear infections is always a better solution.  Tubes can reduce the fluid behind the ear drum, but if the cause of the infection is not identified and treated there remains the risk of recurrent future infections.  Following are a few common causes of ear infections and some ideas to reduce the risks.

Anatomy

Children are more prone to ear infections for a few different reasons.  One cause is that the Eustachian tubes (which naturally drain fluid from the ears to the throat) in a child are smaller than in adults.  Not only are they smaller but also level rather than slanted downward.  This causes fluid to be more likely to pool creating a nice medium for bacteria to grow.   That is one of the reasons that children and babies are more prone to ear infections that adults.

Allergies/Illness

Another cause is allergies/illness.  Because allergies cause congestion, fluid builds up, pools and becomes a nice place for bacteria to thrive.  Upper respiratory infections such as a head cold or a sore throat also can lead to ear infections as bacteria move from the throat and nasal passages, through the Eustachian tubes, and into the ears.

Some things to help avoid illness and allergies would include immune boosting and good hygiene habits.  Adequate hand washing is a huge jump start towards preventing illness.  Toddlers have a limited concept of hygiene, so good parental teaching is imperative.

Also, prevent/reduce as many allergens as possible.  Household plants may cause allergies and although they are nice to have, if they are causing babies and toddlers allergies, consider other options to beautify your home. 

Pets unfortunately are a big cause of allergies.  As much as possible, keep animal dander vacuumed up.  Ideally, it is best to not allow the pets to sleep in the same room as your child.  If it is necessary to have them together, consult a doctor for best allergy treatments if allergies are a problem.

Use air filters in your home when possible to reduce allergens in the air.  You can also wash your child’s bedding frequently to reduce dust mites that carry allergens.  Keep air vents cleaned out as much as possible to reduce dust.

Smoking

Smoking around infants and toddlers creates second and third hand smoke which are all major causes of allergies and congestion in babies and children.  Avoid smoking around your infant or child, in your home, or in your car.  Change clothes after smoking before being near your child as well.  Nicotine and other cigarette chemicals attach to materials and give off toxins for long periods of time and can affect your child.

Bottle Feedings

One more cause of ear infections that I will mention in this article is in regards to bottle feeding while your child is in bed.  Ideally, breast feeding is best for infants up to at least 4 months old.  Breast milk is packed full of healthy nutrients and immune boosters.  It is through breast milk that infants receive their first line of protection against disease.  But when breast feeding is not an option, bottles are great. 

Keep in mind that when using a bottle to feed your infant, it is best not to lay them down with the bottle.  Milk and most other drinks not only increase the chances of tooth decay, but also flow into the ear canals causing fluid pooling and infections.  It is best to feed them while their head is elevated and then lay them down without the bottle.   If suckling is a comfort for them you may consider minimal use of a binky.

Unhealthy Diets

For toddlers, avoid snacks or drinks, aside from water, once the teeth are brushed and it is bed time.  Consider the snacks you give your child as well.  Choose healthy snacks like carrot sticks rather than sugary treats such as cookies.   Also, giving your child a healthy diet will give their bodies the ability to fight off bacteria before it turns into infections.  Keep sugary foods/drinks as exactly what they are – treats – given sparingly.  If they expect sugary food/drinks all the time, they are getting too much.  As much as the tongue may like sugar, the body truly doesn’t.

 

Although the above ideas may not completely eradicate ear infections, they will dramatically reduce them.  Hopefully you will find this article helpful.  Thanks for reading. 

Child Can You Hear Me?

            When a newborn baby is first introduced to their parents, mommy starts counting fingers and toes.  Most parents just want to see that their precious baby is normal.  Less visual problems such as hearing are usually not initial concerns because they are not seen. 

            Yet, 1 to 3 babies in every 1000 births have a permanent hearing loss.  And then again, approximately the same number of children will lose hearing due to illness, injury or genetic factors before the age of four.  Because of these statistics, having hearing screenings in infancy and early childhood is important.  The earlier hearing loss is detected, the greater chance there is of helping that child lead a normal life either by correcting the condition or learning to function with the disability.

            One of the more common hearing tests performed on infants and small children is called the Otoacoustic Emissions or OAE test.  This test is designed to guide auditory health providers in identifying children with cochlear (inner ear) function impairment.  It also may identify temporary hearing loss which is due generally to ear infections, fluid in the ear, or a build-up of wax (cerumen).

            The OAE test is non-invasive and painless although small children may be apprehensive about it.  Best results occur when the child is quiet and still.  A snack, binky, a favorite blanket, and/or mommy’s lap are generally very helpful.  If necessary, the test may be performed when the child is sleeping.  It is obtained by placing a probe into the ear.  A condensed explanation of how the OAE works follows:  The probe delivers a series of soft sounds that travel through the ear canal and the small bones in the middle ear until finally vibrating the outer hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea).  The cochlea responds by sending a message to the brain as well as returning an ‘acoustic emission,’ or a very small sound wave, back through the ear.  These small sounds are then picked up by the probe and are translated on a small screen on the OAE equipment.  A response of ‘pass’ or ‘refer’ will show in the screen.

            As mentioned above, a child may not pass an OAE screen due to otitis media (ear infection), fluid, or wax build-up.  If your child does not pass an OAE consider those possibilities.  You may wish to consult your pediatrician for options to treat those problems.  Once resolved and your child continues to fail an OAE, consider further hearing tests to find out if hearing loss is present. 

            Most doctors do not perform routine hearing tests on infants and young children.  A newborn hearing screen is usually conducted in the hospital at the time of birth, but until school starts, hearing tests are not generally repeated.  It is preferable that a hearing test is performed within the first three months of life, so if your child was born at a birthing center or at home, consider having a hearing test done.  If you are concerned that your child has a hearing loss or if you would simply like a hearing test performed, you may contact an early intervention location near you.  They should have a trained professional available that could perform an OAE for you.  You may also consider asking your pediatrician for a referral to an audiologist. 

            For help in finding an early intervention center near you visit my Find a Location page which will provide directions and/or contact information.  http://littlefingerslittletoes.blogspot.com/search/label/Find%20a%20Location

            Thanks for reading and let me know if this helps.

Dehydration Concerns

Oh Oh, Diarrhea!

                Diarrhea can be caused from a variety of different problems.  Some of the following reasons are the most likely cause:

·         Antibiotics

·         Too much fruit or fruit juice

·         Food Intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities

·         Illness

·         Infection

·         Stress/Instability

Antibiotics commonly cause diarrhea.  When your child starts having diarrhea, consider this as a primary cause if he/she is or has recently been on antibiotics.   Although antibiotics help reduce infections, they also destroy the natural flora or natural bacteria that is in the intestinal track – the bacteria that breaks down and digests food.  This is not isolated to children, it happens to adults as well, so it may be something you have experienced.  Because the natural bacteria are killed by the antibiotics, the intestines have difficulty dealing properly with the food they are attempting to digest.  The result is diarrhea.  The best thing to do for this is to replace the bacteria.  This can be done simply by feeding your child yogurt or by asking your pharmacist for a probiotic recommendation.   Yogurt usually does the trick, but consult your doctor if it doesn’t clear up.  There may be more going on if positive results do not follow.

Another common cause of diarrhea would be diet related.  Too much fruit causes the body to cleanse.  That simply means it starts to wash everything out.  Fruit is a natural way to detoxify the body.  Although fruit is healthy and good, too much will send a child’s body into clean out mode.  When diarrhea occurs, consider this possibility.  If fruit is the culprit, simply stop fruit intake until the diarrhea stops, and when starting to eat fruit again, do so with moderation.

Food intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities may be difficult to pinpoint.  There are many different possibilities to consider.   Track or journal diarrhea episodes to help identify what food may be the cause.  You may have to stop a certain food for a few days to see if it changes anything.  Consult a doctor or specialist to help identify the food and treat appropriately.

There are many stomach viruses that will cause diarrhea.  The best thing to do for a child with diarrhea related to illness is to keep them hydrated.  Water does not contain the electrolytes needed for the body to rehydrate or to maintain hydration.  Juices may cause worse diarrhea.  Gatorade, pedialyte, jello, popsicles, and chicken broth/soups are better options.  These are most effective when given frequently as sips.  Avoid too much at once.  The stomach is already upset and too much liquid may make it worse.  Consult a doctor if diarrhea persists.  Dehydration can be dangerous, and doctors can prescribe medications or provide IV hydration if needed.

Infections may cause diarrhea.  If you are aware of or suspect infection, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.  Infections may come from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food.  If you have recently traveled outside the US or are just getting home from a camping trip, an infection may be the problem.

Young children who are experiencing stress or instability may also suffer from diarrhea.  Often when children are traveling, moving, or having major changes in their lives, it causes them stress or instability.  Such times are difficult to avoid.  Attempt to provide as much stability as possible.  Even when traveling, maintain routines as closely as possible.  Provide enough stops for them to get out and move.  Allow healthy snacks and let them know you are with them and care about them.  And make sure they have plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated.  Kids will feel your stress as well, so attempt to keep yourself calm and stable as much as possible.

You may also try to provide the following foods for children with diarrhea:

                Bananas – although fruit, bananas rarely cause diarrhea unless there is an allergy or intolerance.  Generally, bananas are a constipating food.  Bananas are high in potassium, a critical electrolyte to help balance hydration.

                Rice - a bulk food that is high is starch.  Rice is ideal because your body absorbs nutrients from it fairly quickly and it helps to firm up bowel movements.

                Applesauce – although a fruit, it does help in many cases.  The pectin in applesauce helps bind the bowels and the nutrients help to replenish the body and provide strength.

                Toast - Toast adds bulk to your stool.  It is also a carbohydrate that will provide energy to your body.

These foods are commonly recommended by doctors to help reduce diarrhea.

What Does That Rash Mean?

     What does that rash mean?  There are several reasons that a child could have a rash.  The following are some of the main causes.

     Allergic reaction - Often times a rash from an allergic reaction is not accompanied by a fever. Most often it occurs when a child is on an antibiotic or any new medication.  It may also occur with the introduction of a new food, or if the child has been around grasses, plants, new laundry detergent, or anything they have not previously been exposed to.  Keep it in mind that new allergies may develop even after your child has already had exposure to something.  For example, a child could take amoxicillin for an ear infection and do fine with it for several days.  Just when the antibiotic is nearly finished, your child could suddenly break out in a rash - an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. This could be because over time, as your child takes the medication, an intolerance builds until it becomes a full allergic reaction.  See your doctor for any allergy rash to get proper treatment before more severe symptoms occur.

     Another common rash is eczema.  Eczema is usually dry, patchy, flaky skin most often found on the face, hands, feet, wrists and behind the knees but it can be found all over the body.  It can be itchy and very irritable.  About 10% of children have it but most out grow it by the age of 10.  You may try vitamin E lotion or coconut oil.  If it is severe or you have no luck reducing the symptoms at home, you may consult a doctor for more treatment.  Eczema is not usually accompanied with a fever.  Dry skin may also cause a rash that is similar to eczema and could be treated with essential fatty acids and plenty of fluids.

     Some of the rashes that are following could be serious and if you suspect them, consult a doctor.

     A strep rash indicates strep in the body.  Even if your child does not have a sore throat, if fever and rash are present, it could be a strep rash.  Also known as Scarlet Fever, a strep rash should be treated to prevent more serious problems.  Generally a strep rash is splotchy and spread over the body.  Fever is a common companion of the strep rash.

     Then, of course, there are the five childhood disease rashes.  Most are rare due to immunizations, but occasionally they may still be seen.

     Measles, a rash that presents as a flat red area with raised bumps on the flat red spots.  It usually starts on the hair line that spreads down the neck, trunk, arms, hands and feet.  A fever of 104 or higher is not uncommon.  The following picture is a measles rash.

     Mumps is noted by the swelling and tenderness of the parotid gland.  Thanks to vaccinations, mumps is very rare.  Fever is common.
     Rubella is also known as the German measles.  It is a red rash that often goes unnoticed.  Most commonly accompanied by fever.
     Varicella is commonly known as chicken pox.  This rash is characteristic of a red rash with blisters.  The blisters will pop and then scab over.  This is a very itchy rash and can leave scaring.  Accompanied by fever.
     And Fifths Disease is the fifth of the childhood rashes.  So named because it is the fifth of the common childhood illnesses.  It usually presents on the cheeks and makes a child appear to have been slapped on the face.  It then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.  Generally accompanied by a low grade fever.

     Although a rash does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, it is worth checking out.  Not all rashes are accompanied by a fever, but generally, if there is a rash and a fever, it would be wise to consult your pediatrician.
   

Most Kid's Fevers, No Worries

     A fever always sparks concern in parents.  One thing to remember about fevers however, is that a fever is our bodies way of fighting off infection.  Most fevers are benign and a sign that your child's body is doing things right.  For children over 3 months old, a fever of up to 103.5 to 104 is not generally a problem.  It does warrant keeping an eye on it though.  For children birth to 3 months it is a little different.  In children this young, a fever of 100.5 is high enough to contact your pediatrician.
   
     Here are a few ideas on what to watch for regarding fevers and when you should go to a doctor.
               1.  If your child runs a fever over 104.
               2.  The fever lasts greater than 3-5 days.
               3.  Fever is accompanied by a rash.
               4.  Your child is 0-3 months old with a fever of 100.5 or greater.
               5.  Your child complains of neck pain or shows sensitivity to neck movement.
               6.  Your child has frequent or rapid changes in emotional state.
               7.  Fever is not controlled by tylenol or ibuprophen.
               8.  Your child has had an injury then started running a fever.
               9.  And you know your child best.  If you have a feeling something is going on, follow your  instinct.

We are right in the middle of Flu season and unfortunately it is hitting a lot of people this year.  Usually the flu just has to run it's course but there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms.  Please consult your doctor with these ideas to make sure they are appropriate for your child.  Some children with special respiratory concerns, allergies, or health issues should be taken into consideration regarding ideas and doctor intervention is highly suggested.

First, make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids.  One of the biggest problems that accompanies flu is dehydration.  Encourage as many fluids as are reasonable and possible.  Respiratory secretions thicken up with dehydration as well.  Some fluids that may be most helpful are those which include electrolytes.  Gatorade or Pedialyte are examples.  Water is fine but it doesn't have the electrolytes that are helpful for the body to maintain hydration.  Milk may cause more secretions, so avoid it if possible.

Second, a humidifier may be helpful as well.  Make sure it is a cool mist humidifier, not a warm mist.  Cool mist helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory pathway and often opens the airway better.

Third, follow a doctor's directions on medication for discomfort.  Children's Tylenol or Children's Ibuprophen are the most common medications used to reduce fever and discomfort, but don't give any without consulting a physician and obtaining a correct dose.

Forth, plenty of rest.  The body heals better during rest periods.  Some activity is important to prevent secretions from pooling in the lungs, but don't forget to rest in order to heal.  To help with lung movement, blowing bubbles or blowing up a balloon could be helpful to expand the lungs.  This may cause coughing.  Some coughing is okay if it helps to clear the lungs, but if it is a distressing cough, go to the doctor.  Follow doctor instructions if any coughing causes distress or respiratory difficulty.

Fifth, monitor for fever.  Fevers are the body's way of fighting disease so some fever should be expected.  However, if the fever reaches 104 degrees consult a doctor.  I like to say here, go by how you feel.  If a lower fever has you concerned, by all means, call a doctor.  Also, if a fever lasts longer than a day or two, consult a doctor.

Sixth, to prevent spread of the flu, use good hand washing.  If possible, keep affected person away from others.  I know, this can be difficult to do.

Good luck, and call or see a doctor for any other help.

The following web page may also be helpful in identifying the flu and ways to help prevent it from spreading. 
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/children-and-flu-influenza