₦airaland Forum

greatgod2012:
So, we shouldn't use powder on our kids at all. How possible is that? Please, educate us, especially during this heat period, when heat rashes are over their body.
Thanks.

You can bath your child frequently or put him on very light clothings, cotton preferably. During the peak of the heat waves, My husband bought a powder for the kids. I had to show him the article indicting the powder company and that sealed it. No more powders. Heat rash is nothing compared to cancers.

red19:
Hello house...pls my 8years old daughter has been battling atopic dermatitis for a few years now.we have been to the general hospital and has seen dermatologist on several occasions and they don't say anything different except use sebamed soap and emollients.And we were told to use advantan creme which help arrest the flares but comes back after stopping use. .,...pls are there dermatologist in the house who can tell me something helpful cos its embarrassing and the itching is bad too and the skin area has become hard or are there parents here who has had such experiences ?

Why don't you try topical hydrocortisone cream. It helps a lot. Also, read up on the triggers for atopic dermatitis and try to see how you can avoid some of it. I have atopic dermatitis and mine flares when it is so hot and humid and I always carry my hydrocortisone cream everywhere I go. Really sorry you have to go through this.

I don't know if you all aware of this but just 2 months ago, the health giant company Johnson & Johnson was ordered by a USA court to pay millions of dollars as compensation to a poor lady that has been using their baby powder for years and developed ovarian cancer as a result of it.

It turns out that the baby powder contains talc which actually is known to cause ovarian cancer. The company knew about this side effect but was silent on it.

Apparently, other mothers are also suing the company as well for that same reason. I am appealing to all moms to please desist from using not just Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder but any powder that contains talc. Better still, avoid all powders,talc or no talc. The safety of our kids should come first, and other things second.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

Hello Mothers, are you all aware of the latest news concerning Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder especially when it concerns our baby girls? Will post it here on the health section. Also noticed that most of you are concerned about your kid's milestones.. Will post something on it later here as well. Good night.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

I don't know if you all aware of this but just 2 months ago, the health giant company Johnson & Johnson was ordered by a USA court to pay millions of dollars as compensation to a poor lady that has been using their baby powder for years and developed ovarian cancer as a result of it.

It turns out that the baby powder contains talc which actually is known to cause ovarian cancer. The company knew about this side effect but was silent on it.

Apparently, other mothers are also suing the company as well for that same reason. I am appealing to all moms to please desist from using not just Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder but any powder that contains talc. Better still, avoid all powders,talc or no talc. The safety of our kids should come first, and other things second.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

adaokwy13:
Yes check EZINNE HOSPITAL it's by DMGS roundabout once u turn as if ur going down to main market, take d small road on ur left u get d hospital

She is not a Paediatrician. Truth is that there is no Paediatrician in Onitsha.

Hello Mothers, I am a mother too and a Paediatrician passionate about childcare. Everyday, I try to post helpful tips here on nairaland regarding child care. I also have a blog with lots of helpful topics like Abnormal Signs That Are Actually Normal In A Newborn, and so on.

To learn more, please visit www.kiddiesmatters.com or you can check the health and family section here on nairaland for these daily tips..

My aim really is to help mothers be more in control of their children's health care and to help correct some harmful practices that we unknowingly engage in. Hopefully with time, we will all get there.

Thank you

akee01:
Nice one

Thank you. I only hope my posts helps someone.

n Paediatrics, we use different formula to roughly access whether a child's weight is normal for age. I see no reason why all parents shouldn't be armed with this information as well.

So let's begin. Things you would need for this are a weighing scale and perhaps a calculator. To learn how to weigh your child, you can refer to my earlier post on this.

So for children that are 1 year and below (infants), we use this formula

(n + 9) /2

The n is in months and the weight gotten is in kg. Simple enough right?

Okay, let's work with an example. To check if the weight of a 5 month old is normal, simply add 5 to 9 which is 14 and divide by 2. You should get 7kg. So,the ideal baby's weight is 7kg.

Now, what if your 5 month old's weight is below 7kg. For instance, let's say 5kg. Well, just divide your child's actual weight with the ideal weight and multiply by 100. So, in this case 5/7 x 100 is 71.4%.

So how can one interpret that? Well, any weight above 60% and below 80% of the ideal weight is regarded as undernutrition. In the example, the child's weight is 71.4% of normal which is above 60% but below 80% so the baby is undernourished and needs to be fed more often with appropriate food to get back to the ideal weight.

If the weight calculated is below 60%, the child is malnourished and needs to be taken to a hospital for treatment. On the other hand, if your baby is so huge that the weight is 120% or above of expected, then your baby is equally malnourished and needs to see a doctor.

The normal weight is from 80% to below 120%.

So, I hope you had fun, because I know I did. Will post later the formula to determine the ideal weight of children older than a year.

n Paediatrics, we use different formula to roughly access whether a child's weight is normal for age. I see no reason why all parents shouldn't be armed with this information as well.

So let's begin. Things you would need for this are a weighing scale and perhaps a calculator. To learn how to weigh your child, you can refer to my earlier post on this.

So for children that are 1 year and below (infants), we use this formula

(n + 9) /2

The n is in months and the weight gotten is in kg. Simple enough right?

Okay, let's work with an example. To check if the weight of a 5 month old is normal, simply add 5 to 9 which is 14 and divide by 2. You should get 7kg. So,the ideal baby's weight is 7kg.

Now, what if your 5 month old's weight is below 7kg. For instance, let's say 5kg. Well, just divide your child's actual weight with the ideal weight and multiply by 100. So, in this case 5/7 x 100 is 71.4%.

So how can one interpret that? Well, any weight above 60% and below 80% of the ideal weight is regarded as undernutrition. In the example, the child's weight is 71.4% of normal which is above 60% but below 80% so the baby is undernourished and needs to be fed more often with appropriate food to get back to the ideal weight.

If the weight calculated is below 60%, the child is malnourished and needs to be taken to a hospital for treatment. On the other hand, if your baby is so huge that the weight is 120% or above of expected, then your baby is equally malnourished and needs to see a doctor.

The normal weight is from 80% to below 120%.

So, I hope you had fun, because I know I did. Will post later the formula to determine the ideal weight of children older than a year.

For more information on child care. Visit www.kiddiesmatters.com

greatgod2012:
Dr, you're right. That's how kids develop strong immune system.

Totally agree, I let my last child play with dirt...so far so good, no allergies

fr3do:
I concur
thats why you will never see a not so rich kid having asthma.

Come to think of it, in all my years of being a doctor, I am yet to see those in the lower social class having asthma.

This is confusing right, I mean, how can being too clean ever be a bad thing. It protects against germs and all. Cleanliness is good and let's not forget associated with godliness.

I agree. Cleanliness can be good but being too clean to the extent that your home is literally a death trap for all germs that ever liveth can be detrimental to your kids.



We need certain germs to help train our bodies to learn to defend itself. Just like mothers who erroneously believe bathing their kids with disinfected water helps to fight infections. It really does not. Think about it, the outside world is riddled with germs. If your baby lives in a germ free environment, how ever can the body learn to fight and protect itself.

Being too clean is associated with diseases like asthma, skin allergies, and generally a weak body defense system.


So, how can we avoid being too clean? How about simply ditching the disinfectant for now to clean everything in your home including toys. Simple soap and water will do. Let your babies explore. Allow them to pick up random things to play with. Reject the urge to clean, clean, clean and your baby will be just fine.

.

This is confusing right, I mean, how can being too clean ever be a bad thing. It protects against germs and all. Cleanliness is good and let's not forget associated with godliness.

Cleanliness can be good but being too clean to the extent that your home is literally a death trap for all germs that ever liveth can be detrimental to your kids.



We need certain germs to help train our bodies to learn to defend itself. Just like mothers who erroneously believe bathing their kids with disinfected water helps to fight infections. It really does not. Think about it, the outside world is riddled with germs. If your baby lives in a germ free environment, how ever can the body learn to fight and protect itself.

Being too clean is associated with diseases like asthma, skin allergies, and generally a weak body defense system.


So, how can we avoid being too clean? How about simply ditching the disinfectant for now to clean everything in your home including toys. Simple soap and water will do. Let your babies explore. Allow them to pick up random things to play with. Reject the urge to clean, clean, clean and your baby will be just fine.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

Vision4God:
Xcellent op.
Ds is educative

Thank you. If you want to learn more... You can please visit my site www.kiddiesmatters.com

Blade21:
You forgot to add that exclusive bf is cheap and free I did for my two boys 6months and I love it sharp and healthy

Yes, thank you. I assumed that was implied when I talked about cost.

mackhunter77:
if breasts were transferable,I'd rather collect my wife'sbreast feed my children considering the alarming rate of women who don't wanna breast feed their kids.

I must confess that I didn't breastfeed my first baby. At the time, I felt my Breastmilk wasn't enough so I resorted to artificial milk. Exclusively breastfed my second child though and I had the best experience ever. There is really nothing like it, my figure bounced back almost immediately and better. No hospital visits for almost a year, no money spent on artificial milk, no menses to cramp your style. It was just perfect

homeboy205:
One major benefit I enjoy from my woman is the fact that breastfeed suppress her menstraution and she hasn't menstruate for over 8 months now since she gave birth. I know this isn't applicable to all women but she is one of the lucky woman which means all day Na RAW RAW RAW without the fear of pregnancy

I know... A friend of mine didn't see her menses for 2 years!! My experience with breastfeeding was that I lost weight like crazy with a flat tummy to boot. I didn't visit a hospital for at least a year except for Immunization. The money also saved from buying artificial milk etc was also a blessing. My shape is still intact, even better cos I can't remember ever having hips but now I do.

Everyone talks about benefits of breastfeeding to the child but there are also some benefits to the mom who has chosen to breastfeed her child.

Remember that one episode on "Desperate Housewives" where one of the moms kept breastfeeding her child till age 5 years or so because it helped her to keep her figure? Yeah, that is one benefit of breastfeeding. As long as you maintain your regular diet, I guarantee you that your pre-pregnancy weight will bounce back in no time.

Breastfeeding fosters that bond between mother and child. You get that warm fuzzy feeling that you are doing the best for your baby by providing him with the best food a baby should ever get. Also, feel good hormones are been released when breastfeeding warding off depression associated with child birth.

It protects against ovarian and uterine cancer. It is still not clear how this happens but it has been established that breastfeeding does indeed protect against cancers.

It prevent bleeding after birth. Moms who breastfeed soon after birth will confirm a tightening sensation that occurs at the belly area during breastfeeding. That is the uterus contracting which helps to stop bleeding.

It reduces stress. Stress of making food, washing bottles, taking your child to hospital because of increased risk of infections and allergies when on artificial milk, financial costs of buying artificial milk, abdominal colic, chaos. Breastfeeding simply put, improves your quality of life and make the whole mothering experience beautiful and peaceful.

Finally, it is a natural contraceptive. It protects against getting pregnant for at least a year.

Wow, really, all moms should release those breasts from those sexy straps and start breastfeeding every infant that moves. Just kidding or am I?

Www.kiddiesmatters.com

Everyone talks about benefits of breastfeeding to the child but there are also some benefits to the mom who has chosen to breastfeed her child.

Remember that one episode on "Desperate Housewives" where one of the moms kept breastfeeding her child till age 5 years or so because it helped her to keep her figure? Yeah, that is one benefit of breastfeeding. As long as you maintain your regular diet, I guarantee you that your pre-pregnancy weight will bounce back in no time.

Breastfeeding fosters that bond between mother and child. You get that warm fuzzy feeling that you are doing the best for your baby by providing him with the best food a baby should ever get. Also, feel good hormones are been released when breastfeeding warding off depression associated with child birth.

It protects against ovarian and uterine cancer. It is still not clear how this happens but it has been established that breastfeeding does indeed protect against cancers.

It prevent bleeding after birth. Moms who breastfeed soon after birth will confirm a tightening sensation that occurs at the belly area during breastfeeding. That is the uterus contracting which helps to stop bleeding.

It reduces stress. Stress of making food, washing bottles, taking your child to hospital because of increased risk of infections and allergies when on artificial milk, financial costs of buying artificial milk, abdominal colic, chaos. Breastfeeding simply put, improves your quality of life and makes the whole mothering experience beautiful and peaceful.

Finally, it is a natural contraceptive. It protects against getting pregnant for at least a year.

Wow, really, all moms should release those breasts from those sexy straps and start breastfeeding every infant that moves. Just kidding or am I?

www.kiddiesmatters.com

Didn't know that feeding right equates to having a fair or an intelligent baby. Everything should be in moderation.

I will share my personal experiences with this topic. As a young mother, I was quite naive. After I gave birth to my first child, I felt that my baby at 1 month of life wasn't getting enough Breastmilk. And so, I started her on artifical milk with bottle feeding. That was my first mistake.
I noticed a week after introducing bottle feeding that she refused to suckle my breast anymore. Not only that, she kept having ear infections repeatedly plus diarrhea. In summary, it was hell.

After I started my residency. I finally understood why that was. The bottle feeding made the milk to be readily available with zero effort and energy exerted by my baby to get the milk hence she started rejecting Breastmilk which required all that extra stress of sucking hard for milk to be released. Secondly, since my baby depended more on artificial milk with little or no Breastmilk, the infections started setting in such as ear infections and diarrhea. Cup and spoon can easily be washed and with less chances of been contaminated unlike bottles with tits so tiny, that extra care plus sterilization must be employed to rid it from bacteria.

Needless to say, my experience with my second child was different. I gave Breastmilk for 4 months and used cup and spoon both to feed and give water all throughout infancy till 2 years. Not once did I go to the hospital for any ailments. Not once. My baby was healthy, happy and strong.

I am a strong advocate for cup and spoon feeding. The advantages far outweigh any conveniences of using bottle feeds.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

I will share my personal experiences with this topic. As a young mother, I was quite naive. After I gave birth to my first child, I felt that my baby at 1 month of life wasn't getting enough Breastmilk. And so, I started her on artifical milk with bottle feeding. That was my first mistake.
I noticed a week after introducing bottle feeding that she refused to suckle my breast anymore. Not only that, she kept having ear infections repeatedly plus diarrhea. In summary, it was hell.

After I started my residency. I finally understood why that was. The bottle feeding made the milk to be readily available with zero effort and energy exerted by my baby to get the milk hence she started rejecting Breastmilk which required all that extra stress of sucking hard for milk to be released. Secondly, since my baby depended more on artificial milk with little or no Breastmilk, the infections started setting in such as ear infections and diarrhea. Cup and spoon can easily be washed and with less chances of been contaminated unlike bottles with tits so tiny, that extra care plus sterilization must be employed to rid it from bacteria.

Needless to say, my experience with my second child was different. I gave Breastmilk for 4 months and used cup and spoon both to feed and give water all throughout infancy till 2 years. Not once did I go to the hospital for any ailments. Not once. My baby was healthy, happy and strong.

I am a strong advocate for cup and spoon feeding. The advantages far outweigh any conveniences of using bottle feeds.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

allycat:
The difference I see with traditional medicine and orthodox medicine in Nigeria is records. When there is a failure in orthodox medicine it is documented people discus it and shout about it or people even sue. When thee is a failure in traditional medicine people quickly rush to orthodox medical facilities and if things get worse blame them for the failure. Or they now look for an excuse eg spiritual attack to explain the failure like the story someone told of chicken leg breaking. Under Ransom Kuti there was a department of traditional medicine in LUTH, this was in the first days of AIDS when so many of them claimed to cure it. Eventually the traditional guys all ran away because when proper records were kept it was obvious that their patients were dying not being cured.

Succinctly put. I concur

blank:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am basing mine on my pediatrician's recommendation (UK based), personal experience and research done by me. I still stand by what i said, the best position is a kid to lie on it's side.

I am guessing that "UK based" kinda is the final nail on the coffin. I will appreciate it if you do further research and read up on SIDS. You just might change your stance. Oh, did I mention I am also a Paediatrician (Nigerian Based Of Course).

Yesterday, as I walked into the children's emergency room, I couldn't help but notice a little boy of about 3 years unconscious with severe skin burns on the tummy area and legs. It was a gory sight. Already concluding it to be a home accident involving hot water burns, I asked the father to explain what had happened.

He said "Doctor, I came home and met my son like that. He had convulsion and my neighbours got some medicinal leaves, placed it on a burning stove and placed my son on top of the leaves on the stove to stop the convulsions." I couldn't help but ask, "So, did that work?" I never got a reply to that question. It was not the first time I had seen this, it probably won't be the last.

His son is now fighting for his life, unconscious, severely burned, and is currently been managed by many teams of doctors for all the complications incurred. More money spent, more days on admissions, more stress for the boy and family, all for a condition that could have been solved for just a fraction of the cost with zero complications.

I guess the pertinent question is why? Why are we always quick to resort to ineffective traditional measures which only serves to worsen matters only to remember then that hospitals exist. Why do we keep repeating the very same mistakes and particularly in children too? I am yet to hear that an adult was placed on a heated stove because of seizures. This is beyond ignorance... this is plain wickedness.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

Yesterday, as I walked into the children's emergency room, I couldn't help but notice a little boy of about 3 years unconscious with severe skin burns on the tummy area and legs. It was a gory sight. Already concluding it to be a home accident involving hot water burns, I asked the father to explain what had happened.

He said "Doctor, I came home and met my son like this. He had convulsion and my neighbours got some medicinal leaves, placed it on a burning stove and placed my son on top of the leaves on the stove to stop the convulsions." I couldn't help but ask, "So, did that work?" I never got a reply to that question. It was not the first time I had seen this, it probably won't be the last.

His son is now fighting for his life, unconscious, severely burned, and is currently been managed by many teams of doctors for all the complications incurred. More money spent, more days on admissions, more stress for the boy and family, all for a condition that could have been solved for just a fraction of the cost with zero complications.

I guess the pertinent question is why? Why are we always quick to resort to ineffective traditional measures which only serves to worsen matters only to remember then that hospitals exist. Why do we keep repeating the very same mistakes and particularly in children too? I am yet to hear that an adult was placed on a heated stove because of seizures. This is beyond ignorance... this is plain wickedness.

www.kiddiesmatters.com

I must confess.. Blogging is tough. But one thing remains constant and the key to consistency... Blog what you are passionate about

blank:
Please. sleeping on the back for babies can cause the child to gag. What if the baby has spit up or vomits whilst on his back, the only way is back down and the child could suffocate on it. Sleeping on their side is the best for new born babies. Once the baby has learnt good head control, he can be placed on his stomach if you prefer (from like 5 months).

I beg to differ and strongly disagree with your statement. Would love to explain and I already have at www.kiddiesmatters.com. The article written there will enlighten you more

Chazzyboy:
Nwanyi Oma

i

christinie:
Thanks Doctor.

Thank you