Children's Health Archives - Healthhype

Low Breast Milk Supply

Dr. Chris — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:51:17 +0000

New mothers are often concerned about their breast milk supply. A common fear is that breast milk production will be insufficient to meet with a newborn’s nutritional needs. In most cases, a mother’s breast milk supply will be adequate and will not hamper the baby’s growth. However many nursing mothers do experience a low breast milk supply, due to hormonal and/or physiological factors. For mothers who are keen on breastfeeding, simple measures such as proper feeding techniques and good nutrition may be sufficient. Similarly, many mothers become obsessive about their breast milk supply. A perceived lack of breast milk causes great stress and anxiety for mothers wishing to breastfeed. If a baby is gaining weight in accordance with the baby’s growth chart, is active, appears healthy and able to feed frequently, then the breast milk supply is likely to be adequate. Breast Anatomy and Physiology of Breast Milk Production Breasts are underdeveloped at birth and start to grow in size during puberty as a result of hormonal stimulation. Pregnancy and lactation cause further growth in breast size but the size of the breast is not related to the amount of milk production. During pregnancy the breasts enlarge and the glandular [...]

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – Alcohol and the Unborn Baby

Dr. Chris — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:05:13 +0000

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is not a single disease but a range of disorders which include numerous physical and mental problems, as well as various developmental defects, that may occur as a result of alcohol consumption by the mother while pregnant. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy since alcohol passes easily through the placenta to reach the fetus, where it may also affect the fetal brain. Consuming even a small amount of alcohol carries the potential danger of irreversible birth defects in the baby. However, the risk may be lower with occasional drinking than with regular heavy drinking. The whole spectrum of disorders associated with alcohol use and its effect on the unborn baby is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which may range from mild learning disorders to severe birth defects. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the extreme form of FASD and may include features such as facial abnormalities, small head (microcephaly), growth disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation. Other Terms for Alcohol Related Symptoms in Babies Other terms that may be used to describe related symptoms are : Fetal alcohol effects [...]

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Down Syndrome Babies, Facts, Pictures, Features and Diagnosis

Dr. Alison — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:45:57 +0000

What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder resulting from possession of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is named after Dr Langdon Down who first recognized and described the condition in 1866. The genetic origin of Down syndrome was identified much later by scientists in 1959. Individuals with this disorder suffer from varying degrees of learning impairment as well as having typical physical features such as a flat facial profile with upward slanting eyes, short neck, a single palmar crease, and various other recognizable characteristics. The severity of symptoms in Down syndrome may vary from mild to severe. The condition is often associated with congenital heart disease, acute leukemia, and signs of premature aging. Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in 700 live births. The frequency of Down syndrome seems to rise with increasing maternal age. Screening for Down syndrome is now routinely offered in many developed countries. Genetic counseling is recommended for a person with a family history of Down syndrome who wishes to have a baby. Genetic Defects in Down Syndrome Within each nucleus of the human cell there are a set of 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. [...]

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Abdominal Migraines in Children

Dr. Chris — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:08:11 +0000

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms in a person of any age but is a more common complaint in the childhood. It is often non-specific meaning that it does not clearly indicate a possible cause and in the absence of other symptoms, abdominal pain can be difficult to diagnose without further investigations. Often abdominal pain is used as an excuse by children to feign illness and avoid a situation that may be undesirable. It is therefore not given the proper attention when there are no other symptoms to verify an existing problem. However, there is a condition known as abdominal migraines that seems to be under diagnosed in children. With abdominal migraines, there may be episodes of intense abdominal pain with or without other symptoms that are largely related to the digestive tract. What are abdominal migraines? Abdominal migraines are a condition marked by recurrent episodes of abdominal pains due to no known cause. Although the term migraines commonly refers to a type of headache, abdominal migraines are a chronic recurrent type of abdominal pain. It can occur in both adults and children but is more common in childhood. Abdominal migraine is more frequently seen in children [...]

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Hirschsprung Disease

Dr. Chris — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:12:12 +0000

What is Hirschsprung disease? Hirschsprung is a birth defect where the nerves in the lower parts of the large bowels are missing thereby affecting normal bowel movement in these sections. The contents of the colon cannot be pushed along and becomes backed up thereby causing an obstruction in the bowel. Since the condition is present from birth, symptoms will be evident from the start of life. However, it can be missed in mild cases although these days most babies are diagnosed within the first 2 to 6 months of age. Hirschsprung disease may exist with many other types of birth defects such as Down syndrome. The bowel will need surgical repair at some point in life and can lead to severe complications which may even be life threatening. Hirschsprung Disease Meaning Normal bowel activity The bowels have a network of nerves within its walls that sends signals to other segments of the bowel and to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This network is known as the enteric nervous system. It ensures that the bowels work in a coordinated manner by contracting and relaxing at the right time to push food and wastes along. These movements are known [...]

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Achondroplasia

Dr. Chris — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:07:23 +0000

What is achondroplasia? Achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder, is the most common cause of dwarfism. Achondroplasia means ‘absence of cartilage formation’. However, the defect in achondroplasia is not in the formation of the cartilage but is in the conversion of cartilage to bone (particularly the long bones). Achondroplasia may run in families or may result from a spontaneous mutation. The average height of a man with achondroplasia is 52 inches (131 cm, or 4 foot 4 inches). A woman with achondroplasia reaches an average height of 49 inches (124 cm, or 4 foot 1 inch). The appearance of a person with achondroplasia is distinctive as they have a short height with disproportionately small limbs. The features of achondroplasia are apparent at birth. Achondroplasia can also be detected in the fetal stage. How common is achondroplasia? Achondroplasia affects nearly 1 in every 25,000 to 40,000 children. It is estimated that around 10,000 individuals in the United States and 150,000 persons worldwide suffer from achrondroplasia. It can affect all races and any gender. It is thought to account for almost 80% of the dwarfism cases in the world. Effects of Achondroplasia Achondroplasia is a short-limb dwarfing condition, which means that the limbs [...]

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Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash in Babies

Dr. Chris — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:28:07 +0000

Many mothers panic when they discover that their newborn has a rash on the bottom, genitals and upper thighs. But diaper rash is very common. It is not usually a serious skin disorder and often resolves on its own with a few simple measures. However, there are instances where untreated and severe diaper rash can have serious consequences. But this is largely preventable. Diaper rash is not a poor reflection on the part of the mother, nanny or caregiver. Even the most conscientious mother may be unable to prevent diaper rash entirely. However, there are several ways to reduce the chances of your baby developing diaper rash and to help it resolve as soon as possible. Why does diaper rash occur? Diaper rash is the most common skin rash in newborns. It affects as many as 1 out of 3 infants in the first 2 years of life but less than 10% of cases are reported to a medical practitioner. There are several reasons why diaper rash occurs, many of which are preventable. Skin irritation caused by exposure to stool and feces. Short term exposure does not usually cause any significant skin irritation. Reaction to diapers, disposable wipes and fabric [...]

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Seborrheic Dermatitis Pictures, Treatment (Face, Scalp, Newborns)

Dr. Chris — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:28:19 +0000

What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that tends to occur on the oily areas of the body, most noticeably on the face, scalp and chest. The rash usually appears as scaly skin with greasiness and yellow crusting that flakes off to reveal underlying redness and a flat or slightly raised plaque. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that occurs for unknown reasons. There seems to be a link with abnormal immune responses and a certain type of yeast (fungus) that normally dwells on human skin. When it occurs on the scalp, it is commonly referred to as dandruff. However, the term dandruff may also be used to describe similar scalp conditions that differs in the disease mechanism and appearance to some extent. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect newborn babies and the scalp presentation is usually referred to as cradle cap. It may also cause severe diaper rash. Meaning of Seborrheic Dermatitis The term seborrheic dermatitis means inflamed skin (dermatitis) with excessive sebum or skin oil (seborrhea). However, the sebum production may not always be excessive. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance known as sebum. Some areas of the body have more sebum than others, [...]

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8 Newborn Baby Care Tips For First Time Parents

Dr. Chris — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 21:16:31 +0000

Caring for a newborn baby can be daunting for any parent. It is generally more difficult for first time parents despite the advice and assistance of others. However, in most instances it is a matter of common sense and a few simple measures that most people know even if they are not parents. The first few weeks of life is the most delicate and while parents may have the child’s best interests at heart, conflicting advice and uncertainty can lead to incorrect decisions. Here are 8 simple tips on some of the most common points of concern for first time parents. Breastfeed Or Bottle-Feed Breast Milk One of the most important considerations is your newborn’s nutrition. There is no longer any confusion as to which is better between breast milk and baby formula. The composition of breast milk is the best nutritional option for babies – human breast milk, not cow’s milk. It may not always be possible to breastfeed your baby especially if you are a working mother. However, this does not mean that you baby has to lose out on the benefits of breast milk. Instead you can express breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump. [...]

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7 Ways To Help Your Baby Sleep Better And Longer

Dr. Chris — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 16:31:21 +0000

Getting an infant to sleep is not an easy task. A baby can be well fed, have a clean diaper and be gently rocked for long periods but may still not sleep. It often proves to be frustrating for both parents and caregivers but can be much worse if the baby cries non-stop during the time awake. Parents may be at their wit’s end trying to find the reason why a baby is not having a good quality sleep but sometimes the most obvious problems are missed. It is always important to speak to a pediatrician – your baby could be unwell even though there are no otherwise obvious symptoms. The basics may be obvious to most parents – feed regularly, change the diaper, make sure they are tucked in, a short lullaby and some gentle rocking. But it is not always a fool proof formula. All too often babies are labeled as being ‘colicky’ when the exact reason why he/she is not sleeping cannot be identified. But sometimes it is the simplest of measures that can make all the difference and help baby sleep soundly for at least a few hours. Burp Baby After Feed Burping, or breaking wind, [...]

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