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Ailmemts & Remedies Pediatric

Babies Crying

Introduction:
It is a commonplace experience for all parents to observe their babies crying endlessly. Everyone knows that when babies feel discomfort or any kind of pain they resort to crying to convey their message.Crying is the most effective way babies have of communicating their needs.

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In fact crying is a natural phenomenon for babies and the first few months of life almost all babies cry to prove their needs as they lack the skill of language.Most babies spend as much as seven per cent of the day crying.

It can take parents some time to learn to recognise what a baby’s cries mean. But by about four to six months most are able to differentiate between a cry of pain from a grizzle of hunger or a whine of boredom.

Most tiny babies have episodes of crying, which is often a sign of discomfort such as colic, but the cause often isn’t proven. Even by the age of nine months, one in four babies has episodes of crying for no obvious cause.

But sometimes when the child cries in a chronic fashion this can prove to be a worrying factor for the parents. It is imperative for one to know why babies cry without pause sometimes or what can be done to stop that incident. When babies cry endlessly one needs to first check out the obvious reasons that is if the child is wet or hungry. Often colic is thought to be another probable reason for babies crying endlessly.

How to Differentiate?
As a matter of fact, babies cry for almost 7% of the time of a day. The parents of a baby can usually take some time to make out the meanings of the baby’s crying. It is more so with a newborn. But as the child grows up, things get easier. When the kid is about six months old, the parents can clearly distinguish between a cry of hunger and a cry of pain or irritation. Babies crying endlessly, which can be considered excessive crying, sounds different from normal cry. There are some babies, who whine even when they are 9 month’s old for no specific reason.

In fact on careful listening one can distinguish between a child crying normally and the endless crying of a distressed baby. Such crying often has an unusual sound and the baby finds it tough to breathe or breathe in short grasps. An experienced ear may easily demarcate between both the sounds and decide if the child needs medical intervention.

Reasons  of  Crying:
Babies can not talk like the grown up human beings as they lack the skill of language. Therefore crying is only natural for them to communicate their requirements and problems. It might indicate the child is suffering from a physical problem or feeling distressed. In these cases, the breathing pattern may become uneven and the child may gasp for breath at times. Medical problems and minor hassles like a nappy rash may also cause excessive crying.

Some babies may also resort to crying to draw attention and if the parents respond they develop a habit. In some cases, turmoil in the family can cause stress to a child and he or she can cry profusely. Also, in most households, the babies are accustomed to a particular schedule of feeding and sleeping. If it is disrupted for some reasons the babies can cry for prolonged periods

When the teeth starts growing in babies they have to go through a number of symptoms like moderate fever, sleep disorders and these can make the babies crying endlessly during the period. Sometimes, chemicals and toxic elements can pass through the mother’s body to the child during breastfeeding. This can happen when the mother eats a food that has chemicals.

It can cause irritations in the baby’s body and he or she might start crying profusely. A parent should also be careful when a baby is continuously crying and treat him or her for ailments such as otitis media or infection of the middle ear. Meninigities of gastro enteritities are other causes which can cause a baby to cry continuously.

Causes Behind the Cry:
It’s important to be alert for medical problems, especially infections such as otitis media (infection of the middle ear), gastroenteritis, meningitis or a respiratory tract infection, as well as problems ranging from severe nappy rash to rarer conditions such as intussusception or a strangulated hernia.

If you’re worried, especially if there are abnormal signs such as a skin rash or a fever, get medical advice.

Inconsolable crying is often put down to colic, but there’s no definite test for it. It tends to affect babies for the first three to four months. They may show signs of tummy pain, such as pulling their legs up to their abdomen, while others pass a lot of wind.

Ask your health visitor for advice on your baby’s diet and your own if you’re breastfeeding. Some foods, such as cow’s milk, citrus fruits or grapes, seem to aggravate colic. When the mother eats these, chemicals from the food may pass into her breast milk and reach the baby.

Signs of teething include crying, alongside gnawing, mild fever, sleep problems and mild diarrhoea. The first tooth usually appears at about four months.

Often though, the cause is more benign. Some babies are sensitive to tensions within the family or to changes in routine. Others just need a lot of attention or company. Some babies just seem to cry for no obvious reason.

Possible explanations include birth trauma, an attempt to release stress, liking the sound of their voice and simply a baby’s personality.

How to solve the problem :
Parents need to eliminate all the probable causes that can make Babies crying endlessly. They need to see if the baby is feeling the pangs of hunger. They also need to check out if the baby’s nappy has become cold or wet. Babies love a warm and snugly feel around them. Their clothing should not make them feel too hot or cold. Some babies prefer company of people and some others prefer to be alone.

The parents should try to make out what suits their child the best. Besides, music is something that affects different babies differently. While some babies have a penchant for music, others detest it strongly. The parents need to keep the child in a suitable environment. If none of the aforesaid policies work, the parents of a whining baby may consult a child specialist and follow his advices.

Small babies need to be snugly wrapped in clothes in a moderately warm environment. In their cot, they need thin layers they can kick off if hot. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors.

Some babies find it hard to settle into a routine, while others can’t get themselves off to sleep easily. It takes babies around 12 weeks for brainwave patterns to develop a regular routine.

Some babies just need to be left in a safe spot in a quiet, dark, warm room, while others want to be held, massaged and stroked. Some like silence, while others prefer a tape of music.

Some infants just like to be held constantly. Try carrying them round on your back or front held secure in a cloth or sling.

A regular routine of bath, feed and song seems to be most successful.

When there’s no answer:
If all possible causes can be ruled out and you’re desperate for a rest, put your baby somewhere warm and safe, such as in their cot, and close the door. Go into another room and listen to music or the TV, or practise stretching and breathing exercises.

It’s difficult not to get anxious, and you may want to listen at their door or peep in after a few minutes – try to leave longer and longer breaks between each check.

Some babies will suddenly stop crying endlessly as mysteriously as they started, while others take months, or even years, to grow out of it.

Make sure you get plenty of breaks and rest. Find help wherever you can and take up any offer of help from family or reliable friends.

If you find you’re still struggling, talk to your GP or health visitor. Ask for help before you reach crisis point.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/crying2.shtml
http://www.ayushveda.com/healthcare/babies-crying-endlessly.htm
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/baby_crying_closeup.jpg

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Pediatric

Baby Massaging

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Introduction:–
Baby massage is an ancient childcare practice which finds its relevance even in the contemporary medical research. Spending just twenty minutes a day massaging your baby greatly benefits her. Babies simply love to be touched and it’s a critical part of growth and development. Skin-to-skin contact comforts your baby when she’s upset and the massage sometimes even eases the symptoms of indigestion. Touch is also an important factor in physical and emotional development, as well as self esteem. Sharing the massage experience is not only calming for your baby but it also helps strengthen a bond that will last a lifetime. Studies have shown that premature babies when regularly massaged require minimum hospitalization. All newborns show healthy growth, more weight gain and thrive better if they are massaged well, regularly.
……..….CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
Being a new parent can be tough with new sleeping arrangements, a demanding feeding schedule, and the constant hustle and bustle that an infant brings to the home. Yet being a newborn is no walk in the park either. Your baby has lost his familiar cozy quarters, the food is different and requires effort to obtain, and everything is, well . . . new. The result of this new living arrangement can be stress for both babies and parents. The good news is that infant massage is a great tool for managing this stress.

Research shows the benefits of infant massage, nurturing babies’ psychological, physiological, and developmental growth. Proponents of infant massage claim that it fosters healthy self-esteem and increases bonding between parents and their babies. You know how much you love your baby, but in all of  the frantic newness and exhaustion it sometimes seems that there is little time to slow down and show your baby you love him. Massage can validate those feeling of love and affection for babies and for parents.

Benefits:
The benefits of baby massage can help nurture your baby’s psychological, physiological, and developmental growth.Massaging your baby can ease his stress and pain, and even improve his sleep patterns!

*A good massage soothes and calms a baby.
*Helps them to relax and sleep better and makes them more alert during their waking hours.
*It stimulates digestion and helps the baby pass gas.
*Raises the child’s sense of self.
*Using essential oils for a special condition during the massage lessens congestion if the child has cold or stuffy nose.
*Increases blood circulation in the body.
* Improves non verbal communication between you and your baby.
*It is a good exercise which promotes motor activity and muscular development.

Brighter Babies:-
There may be other, more exciting developmental boons associated with infant massage. In a poll sponsored by Developing Minds, 86 percent of respondents indicated that they believed infant massage could stimulate childhood learning. That’s not too far off base, says Dr. Tiffany Field, PhD, founder of the

Touch Research Institute. According to Dr. Field, studies show that a five-minute massage enhances the performance of babies and children on tasks requiring attentiveness.

Rubbing your baby’s back may or may not turn him into a young Einstein, but it will help him slow down, relax, and pay attention to the world around him. Not a bad deal for something that feels so good!

Tear Taming:-
Massage can be especially beneficial for high-needs infants and may provide some relief for babies who suffer from colic or unexplained crying bouts lasting three hours or longer.

Kimberly Habib, a licensed massage therapist and certified infant massage instructor at the Huggins Center in Melrose, Massachusetts, outlines some of the possible medical benefits of massage. She says infant massage helps babies who are prone to gas, constipation, and other digestive difficulties by:

*Reducing spasms in the colon
*Expelling stuck gas
*Regulating and stimulating digestion
*Encouraging and increasing endorphin output to naturally reduce pain
*Decreasing stress-related hormones.

Of course, massage doesn’t cure colic. Jessica Riley, mother of a colicky baby, turned to infant massage to help her son. She explains, “It doesn’t do away with the colic, but it does lessen it.” Massage doesn’t always do the trick for Riley’s son, but she points out that “it’s a great bonding time anyway.”

Tiny Touches:-
Infant or baby  massage might help preemies, babies born before 37 weeks gestation, as well. Studies demonstrate that babies who are massaged in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) gain weight faster and are released from the hospital earlier than their peers.

If your baby was born prematurely, you may want to ask her neonatologist if infant massage could be appropriate. Not all NICUs embrace the technique, and in those that do, your baby’s age and weight will determine whether or not massage is indicated.

Touch Techniques:-
One way to learn more about infant massage is to take a class. Habib recommends that parents and babies start an infant massage class when the baby is about seven weeks old. Classes last four to five weeks, giving parents the opportunity to practice their techniques before returning for the next session. An added bonus is that classes are a great way to meet other new parents.

If going to class doesn’t jibe with your schedule, try the do-it-yourself route. There are several excellent resources that you can use as a guide. Any of the following is a good first start:

Videos/DVDs :-
Infant Massage, A Gift of Love (with Cheryl Brenman)
Baby Massage: A Video for Loving Parents (directed by Jim Jenner)

Books :-
Baby Massage: A Practical Guide to Massage and Movement for Babies and Infants, by Peter Walker
Loving Hands: The Traditional Art of Baby Massage, by Frederick Leboyer
Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents, by Vimala McClure
you may click & see :How To Massage Your Baby For Health And Happiness

Your Baby’s Cues
At its heart, infant massage is about responding to your baby’s cues. What time of day seems to work best for your baby? Does massage soothe him and help him sleep? If so, wait until 30 minutes before naptime. What type of strokes does your baby prefer? Are there sensations or settings that seem to disturb her?

Habib adds a few additional reminders for new parents:

Find a warm, flat surface to lay your baby on — a blanket on a carpeted floor is fine. Pour a little baby oil onto your palms and rub your hands together to warm them and the oil. Try to look into your baby’s eyes, and sing or talk to her as you do the massage. Talking and smiling to her while massaging her keeps a child happy, making the baby more secure and robust. Pay attention to your baby’s response: if she doesn’t seem to be enjoying herself, try a lighter touch, or simply stop. Here are some tips on massaging your baby:

>Pick the right time for the massage. Make sure that you are not in a hurry and your baby is not hungry, ill or tired.
>Keep all the things ready before you start, like clean diapers, clothes, warm towels etc.
>Keep the baby engaged by singing or talking to her or by giving her the favorite toy.
>Use edible oils like coconut, olive or vegetable oil. Avoid perfumed oils.
> Eye contact with the baby ensures her of your undivided attention.
> Remove the jewelry pieces on your hand which may hurt the soft skin of your baby. Also keep your fingernails short.
> Use gentle but firm strokes with your fingers or palms.
> Hold your baby’s foot with one hand, while using your other hand to stroke the length of her leg in a gentle, squeezing motion. Use the same stroke on her arms.
> Once you get to her back and tummy, begin with both hands in circular motion at the center, and then push out lightly as if you were smoothing a crumpled piece of paper.
>Avoid rashes, wounds or areas where the baby has got her injections or vaccines as it may hurt.
>Your baby should be awake during the massage.
>You shouldn’t massage your baby if he has a fever or an unknown rash.
>Don’t massage your baby if you are angry or in a rush.

If you have any questions or feel uncertain about something, ask your baby’s pediatrician. And remember, not all babies take to massage and some find it overstimulating.

Parent Pampering:-
While infant massage is great for babies and parents, there’s no reason for its stress-busting, feel-good benefits to stop with your baby. Some doctors recommend parental massage to relieve the stresses of parenting. When an exhausted parent gets a massage, she may relax and even fall asleep. Most experts agree that what’s good for parents is good for babies. So, while you’re nurturing your baby, don’t forget to indulge yourself and your partner.

Resources:
http://www.babyzone.com/baby/nurturing/crying/article/infant-massage-benefits-pg3
http://www.littlewonders.in/Care/Baby-Massage.aspx
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Permanently Parents

The Changing Nest
Once individuals become parents, they are parents forevermore. Their identities change perceptively the moment Mother Nature inaugurates them mom or dad. Yet the role they undertake when they welcome children into their lives is not a fixed one. As children move from one phase of their lives to the next, parental roles change. When these transitions involve a child gaining independence, many parents experience an empty nest feeling. Instead of feeling proud that their children have achieved so much—whether the flight from the nest refers to the first day of kindergarten or the start of college—parents feel they are losing a part of themselves. However, when approached thoughtfully, this new stage of parental life can be an exciting time in which mothers and fathers rediscover themselves and relate to their children in a new way.

As children earn greater levels of independence, their parents often gain unanticipated freedom. Used to being depended upon by and subject to the demands of their children, parents sometimes forget that they are not only mom or dad but also individuals. As the nest empties, parents can alleviate the anxiety and sadness they feel by rediscovering themselves and honoring the immense strides their children have made in life. The simplest way to honor a child undergoing a transition is to allow that child to make decisions and mistakes appropriate to their level of maturity. Freed from the role of disciplinarian, parents of college-age children can befriend their offspring and undertake an advisory position. Those with younger children beginning school or teenagers taking a first job can plan a special day in which they express their pride and explain that they will always be there to offer love and support.

An empty nest can touch other members of the family unit as well. Young people may feel isolated or abandoned when their siblings leave the nest. As this is normal, extra attention can help them feel more secure in their newly less populated home. Spouses with more leisure time on their hands may need to relearn how to be best friends and lovers. Other family members will likely grieve less when they understand the significance of the child’s new phase of life. The more parents both celebrate and honor their children’s life transitions, the less apprehension the children will feel. Parents who embrace their changing nest while still cherishing their offspring can look forward to developing deeper, more mature relationships with them in the future.

Source: Daily Om

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Positive thinking

Ceremony of Welcome

Welcoming a New Member in Your Family
Just as our inner landscape is constantly shifting and changing in response to the world around us, the dynamics of the families we belong to evolve over time. When we welcome an individual into our family—whether that individual is human or animal—a transformation takes place, a shift in the energy of your family unit. The birth or adoption of a child, the introduction of a spouse or stepparent, or the choice to bring a pet into your home can mark a new direction in the life of the family as a whole. A simple welcoming ritual can serve as the platform upon which every member of the household, old and new, gathers together to joyfully mark this new phase of family life. Encouraging every member of the family to take part in the ritual will foster a sense of unity and help members come together to grow into the new family paradigm as a group.

The transition from one family dynamic to another isn’t always straightforward. The needs and desires of new members of a household may not always correspond with those of other members of the household. It is precisely because the introduction of a new family member can interrupt the flow of energy upon which the family previously thrived that it is so important to respect the change and honor the induction of the new addition. When welcoming an adult into your family, a sand ceremony can reinforce each member’s individuality and symbolically integrate the newest family member into the whole. During the ceremony, parents, children, and extended relations are given sand of a different color or texture and, one by one, pour it into a thoughtfully chosen container. The rainbow of sand can then be displayed as a reminder of family unanimity. To honor the introduction of a child, parents can hold a ritual during which they formally introduce their child to the other members of t! he family and invite each to speak a blessing over the child. Welcoming a pet can be as simple as coming together in the presence of your new friend and articulating your intention as a family to provide it with a loving and secure atmosphere in which it can flourish.

As each family is different, you may feel more comfortable using a ritual or ceremony of your own design to welcome the new member of your household. However you choose to honor your new family member, know that your decision to acknowledge the manner in which your household has grown will make the transition a beautiful and memorable event in your family history.

Source: Daily Om

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Ailmemts & Remedies Pediatric

Laryngomalacia: A noisy problem!

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Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of “noisy breathing” in babies after the newborn period. This disorder may become obvious as early as the first two weeks of life, with noisy, raspy breathing while taking a breath in . At first the noise simply sounds like nasal congestion, but it occurs without nasal secretions. This type of “noisy breathing” is known as stridor and has a high pitched, harsh quality. The stridor is usually absent with the child is at rest and becomes more prominent when the infant is lying on his/her back, crying, feeding,excited or has a cold. The stridor usually is at it’s worst around six months and then gradually improves. Most children are symptom free by 24 months.

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The cause of laryngomalacia is not clearly understood. What is known about the condition is that the epiglottits which protects the airway when the child feeds also partially obstructs the airway during breathing. The partial obstruction is the source of “noise” with breathing.

Children with laryngomalacia will do better at a 30 degree angle, or by positioning their heads to relieve or reduce the obstruction. The child should also be held in an upright position for 30 minutes after feeding and never fed lying down. Crying exacerbates the obstruction and work of breathing; a pacifier may be useful to calm an agitated infant.

Characteristics of laryngomalacia include:

Starts in the first two months of life (but not at birth)
Occurs when the child is breathing in
Becomes worse with crying, upper respiratory tract infections, laying in the supine (on back) position*
Usually gets worse before it gets better
Child may have retractions (sucking in of the skin above or below the ribs when breathing in)
There is no cyanosis (blue color of the skin)
The baby is otherwise happy and thriving
Treatment is simple but nerve-racking — waiting for the child to out grow the condition while explaining to family, friends, and passerbys that there is really nothing wrong with your noisy breathing baby. It is rare that this abnormality causes any serious problems. The stress is on the parent listening to this noisy breathing as the infant is experiencing little problems. In time, the cartilage that supports tissues around the throat and airway become stronger which helps resolve the problem. Most children grow out of laryngomalacia by one year of age and nearly all children eventually outgrow the condition.

Laryngomalacia a not a dangerous condition and will not interfere with the child’s growth and development. No treatment is necessary, although some parents have found that cool visit from a vaporizer helps eases the child’s noisy breathing. Only in very severe (are rare) cases, or when there is a simultaneous upper respiratory infection, does the condition require treatment. Holding the child in the prone position (stomach down) and comforting and soothing him/her to slow the breathing are almost always sufficient to handle an episode. The most important thing is to calm the child, in order to stop the crying, as crying makes the problem much worse. If a parent is in doubt about their child’s noisy breathing, they should have him/her looked at, but hospitalization for Laryngomalacia is very rare.

*In some instances, doctors may recommend that babies with laryngomalacia be placed on their stomachs to sleep instead of their backs, as long as the bedding is not soft. Parents of children with laryngomalacia should always talk to the baby’s doctor if they are unsure about the best sleep position for their baby.

Source:kidsgrowth.com

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