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.
Phototherapy is a treatment method used to treat severe jaundice in newborns. It involves the use of visible light to eliminate bilirubin, a substance that causes jaundice, from the bloodstream. The skin and blood of the baby absorb the light waves, which then break down bilirubin into a form that can be easily excreted by the body. This process is called photolysis.Phototherapy has been safely used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice for over 40 years, and complications from phototherapy are rare. However, a rare complication called bronze baby syndrome can occur in some infants with cholestatic jaundice(when there is an obstruction or blockage in the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines), when treated with phototherapy. This condition involves the deposition of bilirubin in the skin, giving it a bronze appearance.The primary goal of phototherapy is to reduce levels of unconjugated bilirubin that may result in encephalopathy, a condition that can lead to brain damage and long-term disabilities. Phototherapy is typically used for neonates within the first two weeks of life, and it is considered the first-line treatment for severe jaundice in newborns.Watch our next video to know about “Filtered Sunlight To Treat Neonatal Jaundice!”Source1:-Woodgate, P., & Jardine, L. A. (2015). Neonatal jaundice: phototherapy. BMJ clinical evidence, 2015, 0319.Source2:-FAQs About Phototherapy. (n.d.). FAQs About Phototherapy. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/faqs-about-phototherapy.html
To diagnose jaundice in newborns, healthcare providers typically perform the following steps:Visual examination: A visual examination looks for signs of jaundice including checking the yellowness in the whites of the eyes, gums, and the color of urine or stool. The baby needs to be undressed so that the skin can be examined under good lighting conditions, preferably natural light.Bilirubin test: If jaundice is suspected, the level of bilirubin in the blood needs to be tested. This can be done using a bilirubinometer, which shines light on the baby's skin to calculate the level of bilirubin, or through a blood test by pricking the baby's heel to measure bilirubin levels in the blood serum.Further tests: Additional blood tests may be necessary if jaundice persists beyond two weeks or if treatment is required. These tests help determine the baby's blood group, presence of antibodies on red blood cells, infection, enzyme deficiencies, or other underlying causes for elevated bilirubin levels.It's crucial to seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of jaundice in your newborn, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual drowsiness, feeding difficulties, or any other concerning signs.Watch our next video to know about “Blood Group Relation with Jaundice in Newborns!”Source1:-Newborn jaundice. (n.d.). Newborn jaundice. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/newborn-jaundiceSource2:-Newborn jaundice - Diagnosis. (n.d.). Newborn jaundice - Diagnosis. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/diagnosis/Disclaimer:-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
"Ever wondered what secrets your baby's diaper might be hiding?"If you’re a parent, you might be keeping an eye on your baby’s poop already but you may still get surprised by the extent the color changes and in most cases, it's completely normal.In the early days, your baby's poop will change from the sticky, black meconium to shades like yellow, brown, or green. Breastfed babies often have mustard-yellow poop, while formula-fed babies might have a yellow-tan color with a hint of green.Suggested Read: How Your Body Makes Poop?As your baby grows and starts eating solid foods the color change becomes more evident and is pretty common.However, some colors can be an indication to contact your pediatrician. If you see red in the diaper, it could indicate blood. This doesn't always mean there's a serious problem—sometimes, babies swallow blood during birth which shows up in their poop later—but it's always better to be checked.Suggested Read: Causes Of Black Color Poop During PregnancySimilarly, black poop can be concerning too. If it's not the tarry stool from the first few bowel movements, it might mean there's blood in the intestine for a while, and you'll want to get it checked out.White poop is rare but alarming. It could indicate a liver issue, so if you notice any, contact your doctor promptly.Remember, keeping an eye on the diaper isn't just about cleanups, it's also a window into your baby's health. These hues of the rainbow are the adventures of parenthood, so enjoy the journey!Suggested Read: Is giving Janam Ghutti safe for your baby?
What is pneumonia?Pneumonia Definition: Lung infection causing inflammation and fluid buildup in air sacs.Causes: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi.Affected Areas: Can impact one or both lungs.Severity: Ranges from mild to severe.What are the common symptoms in kids?Common Symptoms in Kids:Cough with or without mucus.Fever and chills.Shortness of breath and chest pain.Fatigue and loss of appetite.Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.Symptom Variation: Depends on the cause, age, and overall health of the child.Severe Symptoms:Confusion.Rapid breathing.Wheezing.Cyanosis (bluish skin color due to low oxygen).Complications: May lead to lung abscess, bacteremia, or respiratory failure.Disclaimer:-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/
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-coldDisclaimer:-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.
Prolonged Diaper Use Cause UTIs In Children.Parents, it's important to know how long-term use of diapers can lead to bacterial growth. Prolonged use of diapers creates an environment where bacteria thrive and multiply at an alarming rate. Here's a closer look at this:Warmth: Diapers keep bacteria warm and cozy due to their snug fit, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.Moisture: Moist diapers breed bacteria due to the trapped urine and stool, creating an ideal environment for reproduction.Waste as Nutrient Source: Bacteria in diapers feed on waste material, including urine and stool, which serves as a nutrient source for rapid multiplication.Lack of Air Circulation: Diapers, especially those made with non-breathable materials, restrict airflow to the skin. This lack of ventilation creates a stagnant environment, promoting bacterial growth.Bacterial Transfer: Bacteria from the diaper can come into contact with other areas, such as the genital region or hands during diaper changes. This transfer of bacteria can further contribute to the spread of infections.To reduce infection risk, change diapers frequently, choose breathable options, and practice good hygiene.Source: https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/78c56545feb74c8caf522e975a6e3bf9/article/diapers-can-cause-uti-in-babies-q4gtcnp9lvseSuggested Read:Is giving Janam Ghutti safe for your baby?
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Dr. Dharmika Dodiya
Senior Physiotherapist
Chandipura Virus!
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Dr. Dharmika Dodiya
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Dr. Dharmika Dodiya
Senior Physiotherapist