Treatment for jaundice in newborns depends on the severity of the condition. Mild jaundice often resolves on its own within two to three weeks. For moderate or severe jaundice, treatment options may include:Enhanced nutrition: To prevent weight loss, your doctor may recommend more-frequent feeding or supplementation to ensure your baby receives adequate nutrition.Light therapy (phototherapy): Your baby may be placed under a special lamp that emits light in the blue-green spectrum, which changes the shape and structure of bilirubin molecules in such a way that they can be excreted in both the urine and stool.Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This treatment is used for jaundice related to blood type differences between mother and baby, as it reduces levels of antibodies that contribute to the rapid breakdown of the baby's red blood cells.Exchange transfusion: Rarely, when severe jaundice doesn't respond to other treatments, a baby may need an exchange transfusion of blood, which involves repeatedly withdrawing small amounts of blood and replacing it with donor blood to dilute bilirubin and maternal antibodies.It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of jaundice in newborns.Source:-Newborn jaundice - Treatment. (n.d.). Newborn jaundice - Treatment. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/treatment/

Jaundice in newborns can be related to blood group incompatibilities between the mother and the baby. The most common causes of jaundice due to blood group incompatibilities include ABO and Rh incompatibilities.For example, if a mother is O positive and her baby is A positive, the mother's antibodies can penetrate the baby's bloodstream, leading to jaundice. This is because the mother's immune system produces antibodies against the baby's blood type, which can cause the baby's red blood cells to be destroyed, releasing bilirubin into the bloodstreamMinor blood group incompatibilities, such as anti-E incompatibility (where a mother's immune system produces antibodies against the E antigen on the surface of red blood cells in her baby), can result in the destruction of the baby's red blood cells, releasing bilirubin into the bloodstream. Severe cases of anti-E incompatibility may lead to hemolytic disease in the fetus and newborn, causing conditions such as hyperbilirubinemia, which may require exchange transfusion for treatment.Source1:-Newborn Jaundice | Duke Health. (n.d.). Newborn Jaundice | Duke Health. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/newborn-jaundiceSource2:-Özcan, M., Sevinç, S., Erkan, V. B., Yurdugül, Y., & Sarıcı, S. Ü. (2017). Hyperbilirubinemia due to minor blood group (anti-E) incompatibility in a newborn: a case report. Turk pediatri arsivi, 52(3), 162–164. https://doi.org/10.5152/TurkPediatriArs.2017.2658

Filtered sunlight is a safe and effective treatment for jaundice in newborns. This method has been found to be as safe and efficient as traditional blue-light lamps used for treating infant jaundice. Research has shown that exposing newborns to filtered sunlight can help reduce bilirubin levels effectively.The exposure to filtered sunlight aids in breaking down excess bilirubin in the baby's body, thereby alleviating jaundice symptoms.Before starting filtered sunlight therapy, a doctor assesses the baby's bilirubin levels to determine the severity of jaundice.Then the baby is undressed to expose as much skin as possible for optimal light absorption under a UV canopy, preventing overheating.The baby is placed under the filtered sunlight for a specific duration, typically in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is less intense. Adequate hydration is required to support bilirubin elimination.It is essential to ensure that the exposure is controlled and monitored to prevent any potential harm from excessive sunlight exposure.Source1:-Slusher, T. M., Vreman, H. J., Olusanya, B. O., Wong, R. J., Brearley, A. M., Vaucher, Y. E., & Stevenson, D. K. (2014). Safety and efficacy of filtered sunlight in treatment of jaundice in African neonates.Pediatrics,133(6), e1568–e1574. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-3500Source2:-Filtered sunlight a safe, low-tech treatment for newborn jaundice. (2015, March 5). Filtered sunlight a safe, low-tech treatment for newborn jaundice. http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/09/filtered-sunlight-a-safe-low-tech-treatment-for-jaundice.html

Kids often catch colds multiple times per year, sometimes up to eight times and it is usual as kids build stronger immunity over time. Cold symptoms typically improve within 5-7 days. There are few ways to treat cold in children at home including:To prevent spreading of germs, keep washing their hands frequently.Give your child more fluids than usual, like water or juice, regularly since staying hydrated helps loosen the mucus.For pain relief, choose either paracetamol or ibuprofen, but don't use both at once because combining them at the same time may lead to an overdose or undesirable side effects. .Remember, antibiotics don't work for colds because they're caused by a virus, not bacteria. There's no need for a doctor visit to get an antibiotic.Using nasal saline drops may loosen mucus and encourage sneezing, helping clear the nose by sneezing the secretions out.Talk with your healthcare professional if needed.Source:-(n.d.). https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/all-about-babys-first-cold

Parents often worry and ask:"Is my child growing as per his/her age?My child looks thin. Should I really be concerned?"Growth monitoring is an essential component to track the growth and development of a child. It also helps in early detection of growth faltering of a child.What is growth monitoring?Growth monitoring is done by measuring weight, length/height, head circumference, and body mass index (BMI) of a child. The data is collected at regular intervals and growth is calculated as per the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standard charts.What are WHO growth standard charts?WHO has developed separate charts to record weight, length/height, head circumference, in accordance with the child’s age. Also, the charts are separate for both girls (pink colored) and boys (blue colored). They are applicable for all children in the world from any region, race, religion, or community.Let us understand what weight for age growth charts say?What we can see?Age (of a child) is mentioned on the X-axis and weight (in kgs) is mentioned on the Y-axis.Several curves (green, orange, and red) are shown on the chart.How can I monitor if my baby is growing well?It is recommended to take your baby for growth measurements every month.Once you get your child’s anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference), you or your pediatrician can plot the growth chart and understand the growth pattern of the child.If you see:An upward Growth curve: It shows adequate weight gain for the age of the child. Hence, the child is growing healthily.A flat Growth curve: It shows that the child has not gained weight and requires attention.A downward Growth curve: It shows that the child has lost weight and requires immediate attention.It is important that starting from the birth weight, each child follows his trajectory of growth. If the trajectory slows down or drops down, then the child requires attention. It is recommended to consult the pediatrician/health care provider before taking any decisions on growth faltering in a child.Source:-1. https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards/standards2. https://www.unicef.org/uganda/key-practice-monitoring-growth-and-development-childDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

Little ones do not talk but they have a very interesting way of communicating their needs to their mother.We have often heard about crying: A tool they use, to get what they need. To sleep, to get cleaned, to be held; they communicate all this by just crying and every mother understands what her child wants. Although this might take a little time for a mother to get used to.It is often said ‘Baby’s are their best judge to know if they are hungry’. And hence, they reflect certain hunger signs, which help the mothers to understand that they are hungry.What are the baby’s hunger signs ?Hunger signs are divided into:1. Early signs: Licking or smacking lips, moving the mouth (in search of milk), sucking on fingers or toys.2. Active hunger signs: Rubbing against the person carrying him, responding to your touch, expecting milk from you when you touch.3. Late hunger signs: Rapid movement of the head and crying out loud.It is always recommended to identify the early signs and feed the baby before it is too late and the baby starts crying out loud.We recommend responsive/ demand feeding (according to the hunger signs) rather than scheduled/ timely feeding.Source:-1. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/signs-your-child-is-hungry-or-full.html2. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15325-3#:~:text=Infant%20hunger%20cues%20include%20putting,%2C%20and%20vocalizations%20%5B26%5D.

Bottle feeding is a common practice among parents, often seen as a convenient and comforting way to feed their children. However, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with bottle feeding, particularly the risk of dental caries (cavities) among young children, also known as early childhood caries.Why is Dental Caries a Concern with Bottle Feeding?1. Dental caries are a significant concern, especially when bottle feeding is not managed appropriately. Here are the primary issues linked to improper bottle feeding:2. Night Feeds: Using a bottle for night feeds can increase the risk of dental caries. When a child falls asleep with a feeding bottle, the milk or formula can pool in the mouth. The reduced salivary flow during sleep means that sugars and other residues are not washed away effectively, leading to an increased risk of cavities.3. Daytime Sleep Feeds: Similar to night feeds, allowing a child to use a bottle during naps can have the same effect, as the decreased salivary flow during sleep fails to clear the sugars from the mouth.4. Not Wiping Gums: Failing to clean a child's gums after each bottle feed can also contribute to the problem. Residues left on the gums can lead to the formation of plaque, which is a precursor to cavities.Why Do Dental Caries Happen?Saliva's Role: Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health. When a child is awake, the saliva flow and swallowing help wash away food particles and sugars from the mouth. During sleep, both the salivary flow and swallowing rate decrease, allowing residues to remain in the mouth and around the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities.How to Prevent Dental Caries Among Young Children?1. Avoid Nighttime Bottle Feeding: Try to avoid giving your child a bottle at night. If a bottle is necessary, ensure it contains only water.2. Clean Gums After Feeding: Wipe your child's gums with a clean, damp cloth after each bottle feed, especially at night. This helps remove any residual milk or formula.3. Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular visits to your child's dentist to monitor their oral health and catch any potential issues early.Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651315/#abstract-a.k.b.stitle2. https://iapindia.org/pdf/child-india/2021/CHILD-INDIA-DEC-2021.pdf

As a new parent, you may find yourself crammed with advice on what your baby needs, from essential items like food, clothes, diapers, and baby care products to traditional practices like giving Janam Ghutti. It can be overwhelming and may leave you confused about what actually is good for your baby. You need to know what should be used for your baby and more importantly what needs to be avoided.Suggested Read: Are symptoms of pregnancy the same for every woman?What is Janam Ghutti?Janam Ghutti is a traditional herbal mixture often given to newborns in some cultures. It is believed to aid digestion and boost immunity. Janam Ghutti is often referred to as Prelacteal feed as it is given to the baby before feeding them with mother’s milk.Indians generally stick to Janam Ghutti for any of the stomach related issues with their baby. Janam Ghutti is the most popular home remedy for infant's gut health but it is hardly the truth. Janam Ghutti has not been proven to offer any major, it can rather arise an uphill battle for your baby.Suggested Read: How to Feed Your Newborn BabyIs it safe to give Janam Ghutti to your baby?Janam Ghutti is widely given to the newborns as a traditional practice in India. If you are a new mother or expecting a baby, you must have been advised to do the same. But you might be wondering if it is actually safe for your baby.The answer is NO, modern medical advice suggests that it might not be safe for newborns.Suggested Read: The truth about breastfeeding and HIV – it's not what you think!Why Not Janam Ghutti?Following are the reasons why you should avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby:1. Weak Digestive System:Newborns have very delicate and underdeveloped digestive systems. Introducing anything other than breast milk into their little tummies can overwhelm their digestive system, wrecking the digestion and potentially causing harm. So anything which is hard to digest should not be given to the babies for at least first six months.2. Prelacteal Feeds:Anything given to a baby before breastfeeding is known as prelacteal feed. This includes sugar water, honey, glucose, or the herbal preparations like Janam Ghutti. Some prelacteal feeds like honey can even cause food poisoning in the baby with symptoms like (constipation, loss of appetite and lethargy) and therefore it should be strictly avoided.3. Risk of Infections:Introducing non-sterile substances can lead to infections. Newborns have fragile immune systems and are particularly susceptible to harmful bacteria and viruses, so anything with the potential of causing infections should not be given to the baby.4. Interference with Breastfeeding:Giving prelacteal feeds can interfere with the natural breastfeeding cycle. It might delay the initiation of breastfeeding, reducing the baby’s intake of colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the mother.Suggested Read: How Often Should You Change a Baby's Diaper!Why should be preferred instead of Janam Ghutti for baby's immunity?Breast milk is the best thing to give to your baby which can strengthen the immunity of your body. Breast milk is often referred to as 'liquid gold' because it is perfectly designed for your baby’s nutritional needs.Breast milk enriches your little one with:Essential Nutrients: All the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for healthy growth and development.Immunity Boost: Antibodies and immune-boosting properties that protect your baby from illnesses.Digestive Health: Easily digestible proteins and fats tailored for your baby’s immature digestive system.For the first six months of life, it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby. This means no prelacteal feeds, including Janam Ghutti. Breast milk alone will provide the optimal nutrition and protection for your newborn's growth and development.Suggested Read: Baby’s Poop Colour!Frequently Asked Questions:Q1. Is is safe to give Dabur Janma Ghunti to the newborn?It is best to avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby as in some cases it is hard for the baby to metabolise the herbal preparation.Q2. Are there any side effects of Janam Ghutti?No side effects of Janam Ghutti are known but you must check the ingredient list for allergies. However, in case of any side effects, report immediately to the doctor.Q3. What is Janam Ghutti used for?Janam Ghutti is believed to treat stomach issues in babies like flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, vomitting etc.Q4. Which is the best Ghutti for the baby?Dabur Janma Ghunti is an ayurvedic formulation which is trusted to be the best ghutti, for the babies, in India.Q5. Can Janam Ghutti be given with milk to the infant?It is advised not to give Janam Ghutti to the infant, especially with milk, as herbals ingredients in the ghutti can be hard for the baby to digest. Coupling Janam Ghutti with milk can make the things further difficult.