The EXPERT DOCTOR Answers The Most Oft Asked Baby Questions

Hey Ladies,

We have something special for you today. Dr. Susmita Choudhury, a leading child care specialist has been interviewed specially for IndusLadies Community and she has answered some of the most oft asked baby related questions.

Watch out for this space later today for more.

 

Hello Ladies,

As promised, we are back and here are the answers.

We interviewed Dr. Susmita Choudhury. She is an MD - MRCPCH (this is an UK based examination in pediatrics) and a leading consultant with the Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Hospital in Kolkata. Here are her answers to some questions that often plague us mothers. Having said this, although the answers are sure to help, these are her views and it is best to consult a child's pediatrician before taking any decision.

Q1. Is a chicken pox vaccination mandatory?
A1. While in some countries like USA, UK and Dubai it has been made mandatory, in India it is still optional. if parents, do decide to give this vaccine to their child, then the best time for the first dose is at the age of 2 and the booster dose 4-6 years post this. There is usually only a mild side effect of this vaccine like soreness/swelling at the vaccine point and maybe a very slight fever in a few cases.

Q2. If your child complains of ear pain in the middle of the night when no doctor is available, what is the immediate relief for this pain?
A2. The immediate step would be to give a single dose of paracetamol to ease off the pain and then follow it up with a warm compress. Ear drops should be completely avoided till the doctor has had it checked.

Q3. For a fussy eater are there any medicines to increase the appetite of the child?
A3. Dr. Choudhury is completely against the use of any appetite stimulating medicines. Instead innovative ways to make your child eat is what she recommends. Some high nutrient foods are fruits like mangoes and bananas. vegetables like lettuce and spinach also stimulate the appetite. Spice like ginger also acts as an appetite stimulant.

Q4. If a mother does not have enough breast milk then what is the best formula for the baby?
A4. Firstly, the best way to increase a mother's milk flow is to help her release her tension. Dr. Choudhury feels that many a times the flow is less because of the new mother's anxiety regarding breast feeding. Having said this, the best formula for a child always remains case specific. The pediatrician will suggest the best one based on a child's organ maturity, macro nutrient deficiencies etc.

Q5. What are the best first foods for a child?
A5. There is a school of thought that believes in exclusive breast feeding till the age of 6 months. however, if this is not possible then cereal like rice and oats can be introduced when the child is 4 months old. Following this, after 6 months of age pulses, potato and fruits like apples and bananas can be introduced. Till the child is at least a year old, some foods that are best avoided are honey, prawns and other sea food, vegetables like brinjal, tomato and peas, eggs, dairy products like cheese and yogurt and wheat based products.

Q6. What is the best way to ease off teething pain?
A6. The best way to ease of the pain is by using frozen gel on the gums. for this, buy a teething gel that is commercially available and then freeze it for a while and rub then rub the same on the baby's gums. She goes onto say that while fever is usually not associated with teething, loose motions remain a possibility. This is mainly because during this time the child gets into the habit of putting everything into her mouth thus allowing a lot of germs to enter through the mouth. So parents should be extra careful about this.

Q7. Why does the stool color in a child change?
A7. Normally the stool color of an exclusive breast fed baby is mustard while that of one who is on formula a little more brownish in nature. A stool color can change because of certain medicines (example iron makes it blackish), food (example, beetroot makes it reddish while green vegetables makes it greenish) or even bile. However, before a parent feels that the baby has some stomach infection she should check the stool pattern and any other signs of illness like vomiting, fever etc. Having said this, if the child is passing reddish stool for more than a few days then it is best to take her to the doctor to check for intestinal bleeding.

Q8. Why is a de-worming medicine given for preventive purposes?
A8. A toddler who has begun school comes in contact with many germs from the play area, from other kids etc. hence a de-worming medicine is given for prevention rather than waiting for the time when the infestation would become heavy. In this context, the test of whether a child has worm infestation is known only when it is heavy.

Q9. can a child who has been picking up words well suddenly begin to stammer?
A9. yes this is definitely possible. Sudden introduction of long complicated words, excessive excitement within the child, anxiety caused by a mother's sternness or physical or mental abusing, lack of a close bond with the parents, a stressful condition in the home environment could be some of the causes for this. While a parent can wait for a while before immediately panicking, it is best to consult an speech therapist if it continues for a long period of time.

Q10. What precautions should be taken after a child's ears have been pierced?
A10. The first thing would be to apply an antiseptic like savlon till the area has completely healed up and is dry. Added to this make sure that the earrings are preferably of gold and turn these earrings daily a couple of times for a few weeks. Don't try and change the earrings for at least a year and try and avoid contact with water till they are completely dry.

I hope these answers will help all you mothers out there.

Please feel free to write in and share your thought and any further queries that you might have. I will be happy to get them answered for you by Dr. Choudhury.

 

I am glad it helped

Mercyagin - I will collate all questions like yours over the next 2 weeks and come back with the answers.

So all ladies, keep asking.

 

Hey Ramya, thank you for your appreciation. I am adding your question to the new list. Should be up in a week or so.