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Worms in kids

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Few of my friends are always  worried about their child's growth. Natasha always keeps me asking why her daughter is not gaining weight and why she falls sick again and again.  The worms are parasites which feed off the host’s body and eventually result in malnutrition, affecting the healthy growth of the child.  Worms may get entry into abdomen and create health problems .          Though all age groups can get worms, kids are more susceptible. Worms in abdomen can affect the appetite and ultimately growth of a child. When a child is not eating properly we assume he is showing tantrums or too busy in playing and ignore it but it can be worms those are troubling the stomach. When to suspect worms? Itchy bottom, which is usually worse at night Redness around the bottom area Restlessness due to itching Difficulty in falling asleep Visible worms – small, white and 8-13 mm long (often mistaken for bits of toilet paper!) ...
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Breast feeding road blocks

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Breast milk is Elixir of life. The importance of breast milk is well known to everyone. Every baby should get exclusive breast feeding for first 6 months of life. It reduces the infections and mortality rate in newborns.

Preparing for breast feeding :

From the 7 th month of pregnancy, slowly massage the nipples with oil, this will raise them and further gentle stretching will prevent retracted nipples.      New mothers come across many problems regarding breast feeding, some of them are-1) Cracked nipples:     This is a painful condition  due to incorrect attachment. Thrush or dry skin may also cause cracked nipples.


Remedy:


  • The baby should latch properly. Check baby's positioning- the bottom part of your areola underneath your nipple should be in baby's mouth.
  •  Use soft plastic nipple shield if nipple is cracked
  •   Start breastfeeding on the breast not affected
  •   If bleeding is present, stop direct breast feeding for a day or two
  •    Put cold ghee at night and wipe off before feeding
  • Also try breast feeding more frequently , so that baby will be less hungry and suckling will be softer

2) Thrush (Fungal infection) :

 Mother may get thrush from baby as baby's mouth may harbour the fungi. It   causes itching , soreness or sometimes rash.

Remedy:
  • Keep the breast dry as fungus grows in damp condition
  • Do not use soap and water for washing the breast frequently
  • Clotrimazole cream for LA
  • You may require to visit your doctor 


3)Milk duct obstruction:

This happens because of incomplete emptying of milk ducts. There you may notice a hard lump or soreness to touch. 
Remedy:
  • Gently massage over the breast before and while breast feeding
  • Breast feed more frequently.

If you feel feverish, its a sign of infection , then you need to visit your doctor.

 4)Sore or Flat retracted nipples:

 This is due to incorrect attachment.

 Remedy:
  • Correct attachment
  • Wear a nipple shield
  • Use inverted syringe method for flat nipples
  • Express some hind milk on your nipples and let it dry after feeding
  • Do short feeding with each breast, starting with the breast less sore.
 5)Breast abscess: 

 This is infection in breast tissue not in milk. It's due to blocked ducts or bacterial access through cracked nipples.

Remedy:
  • You require antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Express milk by hand or manual/electric pump if necessary
  • Continue breast feeding to empty the affected breast to maintain milk supply.
6)Engorgement

Due to accumulation of milk in the breast, resulting in hardness, pain and fever.
Occurs usually from 2nd-5th   day after delivery

 Remedy:

  •  Starting breast feeding late
  •  Not feeding
  •  Poor attachment
  •  Frequent feeding
  •  Apply hot or cold compress
  •  Cabbage leaves tucked  inside bra can reduce swelling        
  •  Express some milk before and after feeding manually or with breast pump  

 7) When the baby bites...:

Many babies try out their gums and teeth, though they don't mean to hurt you .
Sometimes they find it funny or they just want to see the reaction.

 Try this-

  • Speak to your baby and tell him/her know that it hurts , baby may not understand the words but he will come to know that something is wrong with what he did.
  • You can remain alert while nursing, so you may be able to catch the moment when he pulls his tongue back to bite. Readily put a finger in the corner of his mouth to avoid getting bitten. Be gentle.
  • When the baby bites immediately keep him down so he will come to know that if he repeats that he is not going to get the milk.

8)Low milk :
A mother's milk supply may diminish temporarily if:
  1.  she's not feeding her baby often enough because of nipple pain, 
  2. a lethargic nurser, or
  3.  a poor latch-on technique.
  4.  An illness or birth control pills that contain estrogen can also affect milk production. 
  5. hormonal disorder or breast surgery causes their milk supply to be low.
Remedy:

  • Feed your baby often. Frequent nursing sessions stimulate your body to produce more milk. Be sure to offer both breasts at each feeding.
  • Get the best latch on possible. A lactation consultant can help you with proper positioning at the breast.
  • When your baby's sucking and swallowing pattern slows down, use the breast compression to increase milk flow to your baby and to completely drain the breast. When your milk flow with compression seems to be slowing, switch sides and repeat. Keep switching back and forth between breasts until your baby is satisfied or stops swallowing.
  • Stimulate your body to produce more milk by adding a pumping session between nursings. Store any milk you pump to give your baby at future nursings, if needed, until your milk supply increases.


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