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Does Prune Juice Cure Constipation In Babies?

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Babies do not like to feel uncomfortable. Yes, we know you don’t too. One of the leading causes of discomfort

One of the occurrences that may give you disturbing attitudes from your baby is constipation. But before you get mad, bear in mind that it is a discomfort in your baby’s body system.

It’s not strange for babies to suffer from constipation especially during the transition from breastmilk to solid food. This is because the change alters the digestive system, leading to constipation.

What Exactly Is Prune Juice?

Prune juice is an extract from dried plums or prunes which contains nutrients that aid healthy living. They are a good supply of energy, laxatives and fiber which regulates bowel and bladder. Furthermore, prunes are therapeutic for constipation and prophylactic in aiding digestion.

In this article, you’d discover how to know if your child is constipated, the best time to administer prune juice, the right quantity to administer, and how long it takes for prune juice to relief constipation.

How do you know if your baby is constipated?

Whenever you notice a sudden change in the progression of bowel movements, there’s a chance that something is off with his/her digestive system.

Other specific signs of constipation in babies include:

  1. Pooing less than usual
  2. Inability to poo
  3. Experiencing difficulty in pooing usually marked by crying while pooing
  4. Pellet-shaped and hard poos

Why Is Prune Juice Good For Babies?

Prunes contain natural elements and vitamins which can serve as a possible remedy for constipation. These elements include iron, potassium and essential vitamins that are good for your child’s digestive health.

Furthermore, prune juice is a natural extract that works well for constipation. It is much more reliable and safer than other conventional medications. Research has proven that parents find prune juice more efficient than psyllium-containing medication and without the risk of detrimental side effects.

More so, administering prune juice to babies suffices for the three constituents that make up constipation treatment which are fruit, fiber & fluid. Fluid facilitates colon movement since constipation results from lack or inadequate fluid in the colon. Fiber facilitates processes in the colon while fruit contains sorbitol, a specific kind of sugar. This helps in retaining water and also ferments in the colon creating acetic acid and short chain fatty acids, which helps in colon mobility.

When Can You Administer Prune Juice?

The answer to this question varies from child to child. However, the best option is to wait until he/she is over a year old. At this point, prune juice is generally safe, although in small quantities.

Prune juice is not recommended for infants who are younger than a year unless it is recommended by your baby’s pediatrician.

How much of prune juice should your baby take?

The major determinant of the quantity of prune juice your baby should take is your baby’s age. For babies under six months, 1 tablespoon of prune juice diluted in 2 to 3 ounces of water is recommended. You may as well start with 3 ounces and work down to 2, to help your baby get accustomed to the taste of the juice. However, you can administer at least 1 ounce of prune juice in daily sequence for every month of age.

This sequence is exemplified for instance as follows:

  1. 1 month old baby will take up to 1 ounce a day
  2. 2 months old baby will take up to 2 ounces per day and in same manner as your baby progresses in age.

However, once your baby is six months old, you can begin to administer undiluted prune juice to your baby. This is because your baby’s system is quite strong enough to process it without complications. However, you still need to be cautious of the quantity you administer.

You can begin by administering 2 ounces of prune juice to your baby at a time without diluting it with water. When you do that, carefully assess to be certain that your baby has no concerns with easiness. If so, you can increase the quantity by giving your baby up to 8 ounces at a time. (Note that administration of prune juice to babies younger than a year must be recommended by your baby’s pediatrician)

Also…

It’s essential to ensure that your baby eats normal food and the specified formula schedule. This is because no matter how effective prune juice is, it can only serve as a supplement but not a replacement

Due to its core components (fiber, fruits & fluids), excess consumption of prune juice can lead to diarrhea. This is because too much water preserving sorbitol or water absorbing fiber and large quantity of colon movement fatty acids can flood the bowel and in no much time result to watery stool.

How Fast Does It Work?

Once again, the answer to this question varies from child to child. It also depends on his/her body composition. In some instances, it can take several hours after administering the drink before a therapeutic response is observed. For others, it may be far less.

Under normal circumstances, it should not take more than 24 hours for prune juice to help your baby get rid of constipation. It’s usually within 12 to 24 hours. However, it is advisable to reach out to your pediatrician if you find it ineffective in relieving constipation for your baby within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Prune juice is always a safe and effective way to help your baby get bowel movement and relieve discomfort.

Consult your pediatrician to know when it is safe for your baby to start taking prune juice and the quantity that is adequate. Also, if your baby does not find relief after 24 hours of administering the juice, see your doctor.

References

Melvin B. Heyman, Steven A. Abrams. (2017) Fruit Juice in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Current Recommendations. Pediatrics Journal. Accessed on 5th March, 2021 from https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-0967

El-Dakak Abeer M. N. H. (2013). Utilization of Prune Juice or Puree as a Laxative for Constipation Pregnant Rats Induced Iron Intake during Pregnancy and the Impact on Newborns. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Accessed on 6th March, 2021 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275567768_Utilization_of_Prune_Juice_or_Puree_as_a_Laxative_for_Constipation_Pregnant_Rats_Induced_Iron_Intake_during_Pregnancy_and_the_Impact_on_Newborns

Common Skin Conditions In Newborns And How To Deal With Them

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It is quite common for newborns to have skin conditions. For instance, it is absolutely normal for the skin of a newborn to peel for a while after they are born. The reason? The skin of a baby is quite sensitive. It’s easily affected by various factors such as bacteria, heat, allergies, and so on. It is not a time to worry excessively. Although the conditions come easily, they are also short-lived.

More severe ones are still easily treated with various topical creams or ointments. It is of utmost benefit to identify these conditions and follow the proper steps in ensuring that they are gotten rid of.

Below are some of the common skin conditions and how to deal with them:

Baby Acne

Baby acne is also known as “Roré” in the Yoruba language. Did you think that only teens and young adults got acne? Your baby may get it too. Baby acne shows up around 2 to 3 weeks of age. The cause is from hormones from the mother that could have come into the child during the pregnancy period. Acne can show up on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and baby’s back.

The pimples are harmless and won’t leave scars. Simply leave them alone and keep the area clean with water only. Don’t squeeze, pick, scrub with soap, slather with lotions. They can last for weeks or even months on a baby’s skin.

Image from Biophoto Associates
Image of a baby with acne
Image from Aseky +Co.
Image of a baby with pimples

Heat Rash

Called “Ooru ara” in the Yoruba language. This rash can show up in various areas of your baby’s body. Common areas are the neck, armpits, and diaper areas (bum, waist, and groin). It may itch and make your baby uncomfortable so expect a fussy baby. You can help by keeping your baby at a comfortable temperature.

Most of the time, prickly heat will go away on its own in a couple of days. It is important to keep the area dry and avoid overheating by dressing your baby in loose-fitting clothing. Call the doctor if pustules (pus), increased swelling, or redness develops. You can also read our other article on flu rash

Image from Motherhood in-style Magazine
Image of a baby with heat rash on the neck
Image from ISM
Image of a baby with heat rash on the back
Image from Science Source
Image of a baby with diaper rash

Jaundice

Called “Ibá apójú” in the Yoruba language. This is a yellow colouration of the skin and eyes. This is caused by an excess of bilirubin (a breakdown product of red blood cells). If at any point the bilirubin level becomes sufficiently high, blue or white lights may be focused on the baby’s skin to lower the level. This is because excess bilirubin can sometimes pose a health hazard.

In newborns, jaundice usually goes away on its own within a week and does not need treatment. But in rare cases, jaundice gets worse and can cause brain damage. That is why it is important to call your doctor if you notice signs that jaundice is getting worse. So just be observant about this. If you think that your baby’s skin or eyes are getting more yellow, or if your baby is more tired or is not acting normally, call your doctor. This is easily treated once noticed.

A jaundiced baby
Image : Global Health Media Project

Dry Skin

If dry patches start to spread, crack or seem painfully itchy, talk to your paediatrician, who may recommend special lotions, soaps or shampoos. Quite easily taken care of.

A baby with dry skin
Image from ISM

Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis. This is called “Ifo” in the Yoruba language and Ugwo in the Igbo language. Eczema can begin in the first few weeks of life, or may not begin until your baby is older. Eczema is dry skin that gets red and irritated, mostly seen on the scalp, face, trunk, back elbows, knees, cheeks, chin or the diaper area.

Apply Vaseline or an unscented moisturizing lotion to keep the skin from becoming too dry. Bathe your baby daily with cool or slightly warm water and a mild soap or soap substitute. Then pat your baby dry after a bath. Don’t rub the skin. If the skin continues to look red and irritated, contact your doctor for more advice/care.

Image from Eczema Foundation
A baby with eczema
Image from CMSP
Image of a baby with eczema on back

Cradle Cap

Do you notice crusty yellow scales, deep red bumps and dandruff-like flakes on your baby’s head? That’s probably cradle cap, a seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (what you probably call dandruff in older kids and adults). It could also appear around the ears, eyebrows, armpits, and in neck creases (folds). It is very common skin condition in newborns in the first 3 months and can linger as long as a year. Most of the time, it appears in the first several weeks after birth. It will get better on its own but may be treated if it becomes severe.

Refer to your doctor for better expert treatment. But if you can’t stand looking at the flakes, try massaging your baby’s scalp with coconut oil and +/- cradle cap shampoo or any other shampoo. Makes your baby’s scalp look better.

Image from Biophoto Associates
Image of a baby with cradle cap

Mongolian Spots

These appear as flat, gray-blue in colour (almost looking like a bruise) marks, and can be as small as a pin head or several inches larger. They are caused by some pigment that didn’t make it to the top layer when baby’s skin was being formed. Mongolian spots typically show up on baby’s back, buttocks or legs. What to do? Nothing. They are harmless and usually fade away by school age.

Image from ISM
Image from ISM
Image of a baby with mongolian spots
Image from MD edge
Image of a baby with mongolian spots on back

Milia

Milia are small white bumps that are common on newborn skin. They are caused by blocked oil glands. When a baby’s oil glands enlarge and open up in a few days or weeks, the white bumps disappear. Generally, milia are seen on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Leave them alone. They will go away on their own.

Image from Sangopan Blog
Image of a baby with Milia

Toxic Erythema of the Newborn

Half of all newborns develop this rash within two to three days after birth. The rash begins red and raised. It can appear on the face, arms or legs. It is not warm to touch and does not cause any problems. Subsequently, there is nothing that needs to be done about it. It will go away within a few days. Don’t be fooled by thename.

Image of baby with toxic erythema of the newborn
Image from dermnetnz.org
Image of baby with toxic erythema of the newborn
Image of baby with toxic erythema of the newborn
Image from dermnetnz.org
Image of baby with toxic erythema of the newborn

Salmon Patches

This is also known as “Stork bite” or “Angel’s Kiss”. See. These cute harmless sounding nicknames should put you at ease. They are extremely common skin conditions in newborns. They often appear on the nape of the neck (where the proverbial stork, if you know the tale, might have carried your precious baby), forehead, eyelids and around the nose or upper lip.

Salmon patches are caused by widenig of the calibre of the tiny blood vessels beneath baby’s super-thin skin. Since most cases of stork bites fade away as your baby’s skin develops and thickens, there’s no need to worry. Most go away by age 2 years, although patches on the back of the neck usually last into adulthood.

Image from Science Source
Image of a baby with salmon patches/stork bite
References

babycenter, 2020. babycenter. [Online]
Available at: https://www.babycenter.com/101_visual-guide-to-childrens-rashes-and-skin-conditions_10332129.bc
[Accessed 28 May 2020].

children’s, C., 2020. Cincinnati children’s. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/s/skin-conditions-newborn
[Accessed 23 May 2020].

Conte, K., 2018. what to expect. [Online]
Available at: https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/baby-skin-issues-conditions/
[Accessed 28 May 2020].

healthxchange.sg, 2016. healthxchange.sg. [Online]
Available at: https://www.healthxchange.sg/children/baby-0-24-months/treatment-rash-eczema-baby-skin-conditions
[Accessed 28 May 2020].

Oakley, A., 2009. DermNet NZ. [Online]
Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-conditions-in-newborn-babies/
[Accessed 28 May 2020].

WebMD, G. b., 2020. Grow by WebMD. [Online]
Available at: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-skin-rashes#1
[Accessed 28 May 2020].

What Happens During A Caesarean Section

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Jennifer never imagined that she’d need to have one. Of course, she had heard about Caesarean Sections and how it is used as an alternative to vaginal birth. However, when the doctor confirmed the need for her to undergo the procedure, she was speechless.

Caesarian sections are offered to pregnant mums for a host of reasons

What Is A C-Section?

A Cesarean section or C-section is a method of delivery via a surgical cut at the lower part of the tummy. This surgical process is necessary when vaginal delivery is no longer a safe option.

During a caesarean section the baby is born through a cut made from the mother’s tummy into her womb

In most cases, a C-section lasts for about 45 minutes

Why Is A Caesarean Section Necessary?

For women like Jennifer, a C-section may be a safer option when there is a possibility of risk to the child or mother.

The following conditions may prompt the need for a C-section:

  • Prolonged Labour
  • Issues with the placenta
  • To deliver multiple babies safely in some instances
  • To prevent an infection from spreading from mum to baby (eg. Herpes, HIV)
  • Abnormal child positioning ( baby lying across your cervix- transversely)
  • A baby coming out with the feet first
  • When the baby’s head is larger than the birth canal
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Your baby is in distress.
  • When mum is exhausted from labour and can’t push anymore

How The C- Section Conducted?

Just before a C-section is conducted, your blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs will be taken. These vital signs confirm your fitness level before the procedure.

After that, any hair at the lower part of your tummy and pubic areas will be shaved off. A small tube will be passed into your bladder to your bladder empty and monitor how much urine you are making.

Moving forward, the doctors will administer a medication that stops you from feeling any form of pain all through. You may get pain relief through an injection in your back (called a spinal or epidural block) or you may be made to sleep.

Good news, your doctors will do their best to keep you comfortable during the c-section.

The next step on this journey would be to clean the surgical site and make an incision through your skin to provide access to your womb. After that, another incision would be made in the wall of your womb. This helps the doctor can gain access to the baby and guide your little one into the world.

Once your baby is born and placenta delivery, ghe incisions made during the Caesarean section are stitched closed

Right after that, the umbilical cord is cut and the placenta removed. Finally, the incisions would be closed.

What Happens Next?

After a successful delivery, the doctors would stitch up the womb and close the incision on your tummy.

At the same time, your baby would be cleaned up and placed into your loving arms.

Should You Be Worried?

No.

First, a C-section are usually completely painless. Secondly, it is conducted for your benefit, and that of your baby.

Although you may have to remain in the hospital for a few days to rest, in time you will have all the strength and time in the world to care for your little one. Get tips on surviving the first few days after as a new mum in this article.

How do I prepare for a Caesarean section
The low down on Caesarean Sections part 1
REFERENCES
  • Cesarean Birth (C-section): Procedure Details. Viewed on 29/07/2020 https://my.cleavelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7246-cesarean-birth-c-section/procedure-details
  • Reasons for a C-Section: Medical, Personal, or Other. Viewed on 29/07/2020 https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-reasons.
  • Shutterstock

WEANING: CARING FOR YOUR BREASTS AND YOUR BABY

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Weaning in every child always comes with its own unique changes and challenges
Source: Shutterstock

Baby Fola was already 6months old. Her parents loved and adored her so she never lacked anything. Her mother, Sade, was able to take some time off work so she could breastfeed her little one exclusively. Sadly, Sade’s break had come to an end and she had to go back to work. She had to start giving Fola solid food, but was uncertain about how to go about weaning.

Source: Shutterstock

Was Fola even old enough to be weaned? Sade didn’t know where to begin.

What Is Weaning?

Weaning is the introduction of solid food into a baby’s diet, while gradually stopping breastfeeding.

When Does It Start?

The WHO recommends children be fed breast milk till the age of 2 years. Milk should form a major part of your child’s diet within the first year of life. It has several benefits for mum and baby such as reducing the risk of breast cancer and obesity.

At first, breast milk is all your baby needs. However, after 6 months, your baby requires more nutrients that breast milk cannot provide. At this point, you need to introduce solid food. Keep on breastfeeding even after you introduce solid food.

This gives your baby time to adjust to the new diet.

Reasons For Weaning

Reasons for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from :

  • having to go back to work,
  • reaching your breastfeeding target,
  • You are tired and just wanting your body back (personal),
  • having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or
  • unfortunately if a mum looses her baby.

How To Start

Weaning can be either natural or planned.

Natural weaning is also called “child-led weaning”. In this case, your child determines the time and pace of weaning. It starts when your baby gradually begins to accept different types of food, while still breastfeeding. It’s best to start gradually, with one ingredient meals. We’ll discuss this in another article.

This continues till breastfeeding completely stops. This method of weaning might take some time, till your baby is about 2 years or more.

Feeding Baby
Source: Shutterstock

On the other hand, planned weaning or “mother-led weaning” is based on the mother. She chooses when to start the process. However, you should still wean gradually.

Begin by alternating solid food and breast milk. Introduce one food at a time. As your baby begins to adjust, you could then add a variety of meals.

How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Ready For Solids?

This usually coincides when your baby is around) months old but it varies from child to child. The signs of readiness to look out for include the following:

  • They can sit up without support.
  • They start showing interest in the food they see being eaten by others around them
  • They loose the extrusion reflex; the tendency to push food out using the tongue instead of rolling it in and to the back of the mouth

Next Steps

  • Gradually drop take off one feeding or pumping session every 2-3 days replacing this for baby with your desired semi solid meal. This tricks your baby and your body. For kids who are “aware” ie. over 1 year old you can substitute these sessions with healthy alternatives such as yoghurt or fresh fruit smoothies.
  • Increase the time in between each feeding or pumping session eg. If you pumped or fed every 2 hours, increase the interval to 4 hours.
  • Shorten the duration of each session. If your feeding or pumping sessions usually last 20-30 minutes, cut it down to 10 or 15.
  • Gradually your baby should loose interest. This doesn’t mean your milk supply will dry up immediately. This will come with time.

Drastic measures…

You can stop Breastmilk production more abruptly using specific medication( diuretics or prolactin inhibitors). A doctor can prescribe this for you

How Can Weaning Affect You?

When you stop breastfeeding, your body experiences some physical and emotional changes. Some of these include;

  • Mood swings
  • Return of your periods
  • Decrease in breast size

Additionally, your breast will continue producing milk for some time. Weaning gradually allows your breast milk supply to reduce little by little.

This is necessary to prevent your breast ducts ( which transport milk) from getting blocked and causing an infection.

How Can You Care For Your Breasts When Weaning Starts?

Your breastmilk supply obeys the laws of demand and supply after your baby turns 1 month old. The best way to reduce and finally stop your milk supply is to drain as little of your milk as possible. However, your breasts may become engorged with milk, your ducts may clog up and get blocked, causing discomfort and pain.


Reasons for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from having to go back to work, reaching your breastfeeding target, being tired (personal), having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or unfortunately if a mum looses her baby. for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from having to go back to work, reaching your breastfeeding target, being tired (personal), having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or unfortunately if a mum looses her baby.
Weaning gradually can prevent complications from engorged breasts

If this happens to you, you could try;

  • Using warmth to help loosen up the clogged duct. This is done by taking warm showers, use hot compresses or a hot water bottle to massage your breasts. Please wrap in a towel before applying to your skin to prevent burns.
  • Hand-expression or pumping to temporarily drain milk in the affected breast. This will help clear your ducts. You can do this with a silicone breast pump.
  • Wearing a looser bra. Bras that are too tight especially those with underwires can lead to clogged ducts. We stock some comfort ones from Biamo designs.
Order An Anaborhi Silicone Pump
Order A Biamo Designs Nursing Bra

If left untreated, a blocked duct could cause an infection called mastitis. This may need treatment with antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the fever, pain and inflammation.

Learn about mastitis

Once the blocked duct or mastitis is treated, you can resume not draining your milk. With time, your breast will decrease its milk supply till it eventually stops.

Do you….

Whether you are breastfeeding directly or pumping exclusively, the decision as to how and when to begin to WEAN your baby off breastmilk is yours.
Tricking your body to stop producing milk is another matter altogether. If this process isn’t handled well it could lead to undernourishment in your baby or complications from breast engorgement for example.

We’ve written on 10 Nigerian meal ideas you can try for weaning. Meals like pap and Tom Brown are mixed with soya bean powder are great once your baby gets the hang of your starter one ingredient purees.

It would be a big change for both of you physically and emotionally. So do what you think is best, in your own time. Seek support from family and friends when needed.

You’ve  got this mama!

References
  • Arpana M. Naik 2015, Pregnancy and Parenting, Healthy Women, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.healthywomen.org/content/ask-expert/1286/clogged-milk-duct>.
  • Caring For Kids 2018, Weaning Your Child From Breastfeeding, Caring For Kids, Caring For Your Kids, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/weaning_breastfeeding>.
  • First 1000 Days 2020, What Is Weaning & How To Get Started, First 1000 Days, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.first1000days.ie/what-is-weaning-how-to-get-started/>.
  • Jessica Madden 2020, Engorgement, Mastitis + Thrush: What They Are and How To Treat Them, Motherly, Viewed on June 22, 2020, < https://www.mother.ly/life/engorgement-mastitis-thrush>.
  • Medela 2019, Weaning; When and How To Stop Breastfeeding, Medela, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/weaning>.

DO AFRICAN WOMEN EXPERIENCE PICA?

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This pregnancy was confusing! Chike wondered what would make a pregnant woman want to eat paper. His wife, Louis had developed an insatiable desire for books, but not in a good way.

eating paper

Speaking to their family doctor, Chike complained his wife eats the paper. Ripping away pages, one by one, putting them in her mouth and chewing greedily on them.

Apart from her voracious appetite for books, his wife Louis was otherwise normal. In fact, she’d just given birth to their first daughter.

During the pregnancy, everything was normal; there was no complication or usual discomfort. Everything about her diet remained regular (except the paper consumption, of course).

He had no idea when it began nor how to stop it. He had first noticed it when she was consuming just bits of paper, loose pages, cutouts of newspapers, small flyers, and the likes. At that time, he thought it was just a phase that would soon pass away. However, Chike gradually watched his wife progress from bits of paper to whole books!

At this point, he decided to seek help

“What is happening?”, Chike asked the doctor. “Is this going to hurt her?”, “Is she depressed?”, “Should I be worried?”.

The questions kept on coming.

The desire to eat non-food items or things not normally considered to be food is known as PICA.

It is an eating disorder that makes people to eat things with no nutritional value such as paper, cloth, dirt, ashes, string, wool, starch, matches, cardboard, hair, laundry detergent, chalk and soap, talcum powder, gum, metal, pebbles, charcoal, paint chips, ice, among other things.

DIAGNOSIS

There are no laboratory tests to detect PICA. Instead, diagnosis is made through a patient’s medical history.

For efficiency, this diagnosis should be followed by lab tests for anemia and digestive tract blockages which may arise from the substances consumed.

AFRICAN WOMEN AND PICA

In Nigeria, most cases of PICA are usually unnoticed.

Therefore, it is unclear about how many people are affected by pica. However, one study reported that pica was a normal occurrence for pregnant women in Malawi, as this is how they know they are pregnant. Similar studies also reported a high prevalence of pica in Tanzania (63.7%), Kenya (73%) and Nigeria (50%).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF PICA

Some of them include:

  • Stomach upset
  • Stomach pain.
  • Bloody stool
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bowel problems

HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Repeated consumption of non-food items for a long period of time could prove dangerous. This is because some of these items have toxic, poisonous and bacterial content. Some health implications include;

  • Lead poisoning
  • Intestinal blockage or tearing
  • Teeth injuries
  • Infections
  • Iron defi

RISK FACTORS

Some risk factors of pica include;

  • Mental health disorders like autism, schizophrenia, e.t.c
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Malnutrition
  • Pregnancy
Why you need folic acid during pregnancy

TREATMENT

The first course of treatment for pica is checking for nutritional deficiencies.

Medication

At times, the development of pica is an indication that your body is trying to compensate for a mineral or vitamin lack. Thus, using vitamins or nutritional supplements to treat such deficiencies usually helps resolve the pica. 

However, if pica is not caused by malnutrition or does not stop after nutritional supplementation, other forms of management need to be considered. There are a variety of behavioral therapies available.

Your health care providers will be in the best position to recommend one.

In Conclusion

A majority of pica cases go unreported in Africa, because most people who have this disorder tend to be secretive about it. The onus thus is in the court of health-care providers to pay key attention to any tell tale signs or even inquire specifically about any abnormal eating habits. Find out about foods to avoid during pregnancy

References
  • Mary S. Jackson, A. Christson Adedoyin & Sarah N. Winnick (2020) Pica Disorder among African American Women: A Call for Action and Further Research, Social Work in Public Health, 35:5, 261-270, DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2020.1791778
  • Pica. (2018, February 22). National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/other/pica
  • Abu, Brenda & van den Berg-van Antwerpen, Violet & Raubenheimer, Jacques & Louw, Vernon. (2017). Pica Practices among Apparently Healthy Women and Their Young Children in Ghana. Physiology & Behavior. 177. 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.04.012.
  • Dr. Baffah Muhammad, Aminu & Mohammed, Alkali & Muhammed, Bala & Abdulrazak, Toyin & Chinedu, Aniobi. (2020). Prevalence of pica among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary facility in Nigeria. Annals of African Medical Research. 2. 10.4081/aamr.2019.89.
  • Sule S. Madugu HN. Pica in pregnant women in Zaria, Nigeria, Niger J Med 2001;10:25-7
  • Nyarohucha CN. Food cravings, aversions and pica among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzan J Health Res 2009;11:29-34
  • Pexels.com

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)

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Jennifer was shocked. In fact, she just couldn’t believe what she was seeing; her baby lying motionless on her tummy in her cot.

Yes, we know.

No one wants to lose their baby, especially in such an unexpected manner. Often times, the pain is heartbreaking and absolutely cruel. Like Jennifer, many women have lost their precious ones to the cold hands of SIDS.

In this article, we’d provide reliable info on SIDS; the causes, chances of occurrence and risk factors. In the same vein, we’d supply you with valid tips on how to prevent SIDS.

What Is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

This is the unexpected and sudden death of a child that is less than a year old. Most times, it occurs during sleep and the deaths cannot be affiliated with a particular cause even after extensive examinations.

Essentially, this syndrome claims the life of a seemingly healthy baby while he/she is asleep.

The rate of occurrence is higher in males compared with females and more common during the cold weather.

What Causes SIDS?

The exact cause of SIDS is unknown.

However, some experts suggest that it may be caused by a problem in the part of the brain that controls breathing and waking up.

The Signs & Symptoms

Although there are no obvious symptoms, studies show that the following conditions have a strong relationship with SIDS:

  • Breathing problems
  • Abnormal hand & leg movements
  • Not having enough oxygen in the blood

Close observation from the parents can reveal any of the first two symptoms. If you notice any of these, please consult your doctor immediately.

What Puts A Baby At Risk Of SIDS?

1. Wrong Sleeping Posture

In the first year of life, it is necessary for your little one to get enough sleep. In addition to the right amount, posture is also important. Babies who are made to sleep on their bellies face a higher risk of sudden death while asleep.

The correct sleeping posture for your child is to lie on his/her back.

2. Mums Or Parents Who Smoke

During pregnancy, a lot of substances pass from mother to her baby through the placenta. As a result of this, substances a mum is exposed to can have effects on her baby’s health.

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy greatly increases the chances of sudden death in the first year of a child’s life. This occurs as a result of the damage cigarette smoke poses to the developing respiratory tract of a baby.

3. Sleeping On An Adult’s Bed

Although most mothers prefer to keep their babies close in the first year of life because it’s easier to breastfeed or cuddle, this may be risky.

Sharing a bed with an adult increases the possibility of suffocation or breathing problems which can result in sudden death.

4. Poor Prenatal Care

It is important for every expectant mother to attend antenatal clinics regularly and get every form of care available to her. At these clinics, pregnant women receive routine checks which maintain their health status all through pregnancy.

When antenatal clinic visits are missed, certain red flags regarding health may be missed as well, leading to issues later in life.

5. Passive Smoke

In plain terms, this is second-hand smoking.

When a baby breathes in air that is contaminated with smoke from cigarettes, dangerous fumes or alcohol, the chances of respiratory problems increase.

What Can I Do To Prevent My Baby From Having SIDS?

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of your baby having SIDS. In addition, these steps can be taken before or after childbirth.

Before childbirth:

  1. Get early and regular ante-natal care. Go to the clinic on your days and ensure you don’t skip appointments .
  2. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or taking hard drugs during pregnancy.
  3. Take an infant CPR class. Do you know what to do if your baby is found unconscious or choking? All parents should learn how to carry out infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). CPR done early can save your baby’s life.
rib. Avoid sharing the same bed with your baby. Co- sleeping increases the risk of suffocation.

After childbirth:

  1. Learn to put your baby to sleep on his/her back. If your child is old enough to roll over, let him/her sleep in a comfortable position.
  2. Put your baby to sleep in a crib. Avoid sharing the same bed with your baby. Co- sleeping increases the risk of suffocation.

3. If you have twins or other young children who still sleep in cribs, let them make use of a separate cribs.

4. Use a firm mattress for your baby’s crib. In addition, ensure that there is no gap between the mattress and the side of the crib.

5. While your little one is asleep, make sure that pillows, blankets, toys or other items do not prevent him/her from rolling over. If these items are wrongly placed, they can obstruct breathing and cause suffocation. So please take them out of the crib.

6. We know regular tummy time sessions during the day are a key exercise for your little one. Please supervise every session.

7. Breastfeed your baby as much as possible. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to die from SIDS.

A Final Note

We encourage you to ensure your baby gets all the recommended vaccinations and goes for regular check-ups. In addition to this, remember that smoking is not good for your baby’s health.

Don’t allow your child inhale smoke from cigarettes.

Above all, it is important to note that women like Jennifer still get to have healthy babies who grow to be strong and happy.

As long as you follow the preventive steps listed above and avoid the risk factors, your baby is going to be fine, strong and healthy.

REFERENCES

GLANDULAR HYPOPLASIA AND BREASTFEEDING

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“Maybe you just need to give it a little more effort”

“Have you tried drinking more water?”

“I heard fenugreek helps mothers like you”

Many mothers who have difficulties with milk production receive this sort of advice countless times from family and friends (well, most have good intentions).

While most women produce more than enough milk for their babies, a small percentage of mothers find breastfeeding to be quite challenging.

Why Can’t I Make Enough Milk For My Baby?

Some mothers feel that they can not make enough milk for their babies because they have small breasts.

However, this is not true.

The size of a woman’s breast does not influence how much milk she can produce in anyway. A more reasonable cause for insufficient milk production is insufficient glandular tissue (IGT).

Glandular tissue is the milk-making tissue in a woman’s breast.

Therefore, breast milk production will be low if the glandular tissue present is insufficient to produce enough milk. Women with insufficient glandular tissue struggle with producing enough milk for their babies, even after practicing good breastfeeding management.

A word of caution!

Insufficient glandular tissue is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other factors that can affect breastmilk supply must be investigated first by your health provider or lactation consultant and found to be absent. Some of these include:

  • Hormonal imbalances (eg. thyroid or due to retained placenta)
  • Previous breast surgery
  • Issues with the baby’s ability to suckle and drain the breast (latching, tongue tie, cleft lip)
  • Not putting baby to breast enough.

Physical Signs of Insufficient Glandular Tissue 

Signs In Mother

It is important to emphasize that the size of your breast has no bearing on your glandular tissue or ability to breastfeed.

Women with small and large breast can suffer from glandular hypoplasia

Women with small and large breast can suffer from insufficient glandular tissue. Some physicals signs that can indicate insufficient glandular tissue are;

  • Asymmetric Breasts; In this case, one breast being much larger than the other
  • Breasts that are tubular shaped (narrow at the base and long instead of round, quite like bananas)
  • Very large and bulbous areolae; The areola is the dark skin around your nipple. When this occurs. the areola may look as if they are a separate structure from the breasts.
  • Wide-spaced breasts (The gap between both breasts can be up to 4cm )
  • No breast changes during or after pregnancy. This is something that should be taken note of during your antenatal. We expected your areola to darken, breasts to become larger and so on.

The more of these signs a woman has, the greater her chances of having insufficient glandular tissue. 

Signs In Baby

In the setting of glandular hypoplasia, the baby will show signs of not getting enough breast milk. Some of these include:

  • loosing more than 10% of birth weight,
  • failure to return to birth weight by 2 weeks,
  • having less than the required number of wet or poopy diapers for their age,
  • gaining less than 20g of weight daily between 2 weeks old to 3 months old.

What Can You Do? 

Some mothers who have difficulty breastfeeding can easily adapt to using other measures like formula feeding.

With glandular hypoplasia , the reality of being unable to breastfeed can be a very hard pill to swallow.

However, for a mother who anticipated breastfeeding as an important part of her mothering journey, the reality of being unable to breastfeed can be a very hard pill to swallow.

Fortunately, there are some things these mothers can do to preserve the breastfeeding experience.

1. Use A Breastfeeding Supplement Tool

One thing some mothers with insufficient glandular tissue can try is using an at-breast supplementing tool.

A mother using a supplemental nursing system (SNS)

This tool is made up of a small, thin tube with one end attached to the skin around the mother’s nipple. This is the end that goes into the baby’s mouth. The other end is connected to a container that contains the feeding supplement.

This supplement could be the mother’s own expressed milk, milk from a donor, or infant formula. The amount of supplement required will depend largely on the amount of milk the mother is able to produce on her own. With this method, it is possible for mother who has difficulty with milk production to still experience breastfeeding.

2. Prescribed Medications

Some mothers with insufficient glandular tissue may still be able to breastfeed and produce most of the milk their babies will need.

Certain approved medication can greatly increase their milk supply and reduce the need of supplements to just once or twice a day. Before considering this option, remember to consult your doctor.

3. Bottle Feed First, Breastfeed Later

This is also an effective method of maintaining a breastfeeding relationship with your baby.

bottle-feeding

Since your body can not produce enough milk, you can feed your child with infant formula first. Then once she is beginning to have her fill, you let her finish at your breast.

Nigerian food that help increase breastmilk supply

A Final Note

No matter how little milk you may be able to make, it is still very precious and valuable to your baby.

Thankfully, most mothers with insufficient glandular tissue find that their breast milk supply improves with subsequent babies. This is because each pregnancy and breastfeeding experience causes an increase in glandular tissue.

With support from a lactation specialist many mothers with insufficient glandular tissue can still enjoy fulfilling breastfeeding experiences.
mother breastfeeding child

We understand that being unable to produce enough milk to breastfeed your child may be difficult to accept.

However, all hope is not lost.

With support from a lactation specialist many mothers with insufficient glandular tissue can still enjoy fulfilling breastfeeding experiences.

REFERENCES

Is Implantation Bleeding Actually A Thing?

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So, you have been trying to have a baby for a while now. After days upon days of eager anticipation and excitement, you saw yet another bleed.

Downcast and sad, you thought this was evidence that you were not pregnant and you would have to try again.

STOP!

Before you make up your mind that you are not pregnant, you MIGHT have implantation bleeding.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus to begin pregnancy. After fertilization, the fertilized egg travels down through the fallopian tube into the womb. During the process of implantation, small blood vessels in the womb rupture. This leads to some slight bleeding (which is more commonly seen as spotting).

How do pregnancies occur ?

What are the signs and symptoms?

The main symptom is light bleeding. This bleeding is usually earlier, that is, before the normal expected menstrual bleeding.

About 1/3 of all women who have experienced it claim that it is darker than normal menstrual bleeding.

However, the remaining 2/3 could not differentiate it from regular menstrual bleeding.

Some women may also experience dizziness, tender breasts, constipation, cramping. Also, there might be complaints of nausea and vomiting, a raised body temperature, and a slight headache.

Is there any treatment?

Implantation bleeding is a perfectly normal sign of pregnancy and usually clears itself within 3-4 days.

However,

If it extends beyond this, please see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out other causes of bleeding during pregnancy.

It is important to remember you might have to wait a little longer to confirm your pregnancy via a pregnancy test.

Please do not forget that the presence of bleeding does not mean you are pregnant.

Also, its absence does not mean you are not pregnant.

How to detect an ectopic pregnancy

References

Jon Johnson; 15/06/2020; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318659#signs-and-symptoms
Catherine Donaldson-Evans, 15/06/2020; https://www.whattoexpect.com/getting-pregnant/implantation-bleeding/
Bounty; 15/06/2020; https://www.bounty.com/getting-pregnant/getting-pregnant-naturally/am-i-pregnant/implantation-bleeding

How can I know when I am ovulating?

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Ovulation involves the release of an egg from the female ovary in preparation for fertilisation and pregnancy.

Do I hear you say why should I care?

Source: Giphy

For women trying to get pregnant, knowing when you ovulate is quite important in determining the fertile window (that is, the period where intercourse is likeliest to lead to pregnancy).

The sperm can live up to five days in the female reproductive system, so having sex within this window greatly increases the chance of pregnancy.

eggs and sperm illustratedusing noodles and sunny side up eggs
sperm fertilise female eggs for conception

When does ovulation occur?

In a regular, 28-day circle, ovulation usually takes place around day 14. However, most women’s menstrual cycle are not usually this regular. In this setting, ovulation usually takes place within four days before or after the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.

How would I know I am ovulating?

Basal body temperature: The body temperature slightly increases after ovulation. By getting a thermometer specifically made for that purpose, track your body temperature over a period of time till a pattern emerges. Having observed this pattern, you can have sex just before you are expecting a rise in your temperature.

Change in cervical mucus: Before ovulation, you might observe that the cervical mucus becomes clearer (some people say it looks like egg whites), slippery and quite stretchy. This will be observed as a vaginal discharge

eggs and sperm illustratedusing noodles and sunny side up eggs
cervical mucous chages to an egg white consistency

Progesterone ovulation tests: These test strips check for progesterone metabolites levels in the urine. The level of these metabolites usually increases after ovulation, so studying your body and timing sex before a rise in progesterone levels help increase the chance of pregnancy.

Ovulation predictor kits: The levels of Luteinising hormone (LH) usually increase during ovulation, so these test kits give you a fairly accurate idea of your fertile window. By monitoring the levels of LH throughout your menstrual cycle, you would be able to determine your fertile window.

Conclusion

None of these methods are 100% reliable.

It is very important that you are patient with yourself and your body while you are trying to conceive. Please, also carry your doctor along in any steps you may be taking to get pregnant.

References

WebMD; 28/7/2020; https://www.webmd.com/baby/am-i-ovulating#1

Rachel Gurevich; 28/7/2020; https://www.verywellfamily.com/signs-of-ovulation-1960281

All You Need To Know About Gestational Diabetes

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A medical condition affecting about a hundred thousand women yearly. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition that does not receive the attention it deserves. In this article, we would walk through what gestational diabetes is, risk factors for GDM, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, complications and how to prevent it.

What is GDM?

First, a quick background. Insulin is a hormone produces by the body in the pancreas that regulates energy levels by helping convert blood sugar into energy. GDM occurs when hormones produced in pregnancy (e.g. progesterone, human placenta lactogen, cortisol) affect the normal functioning of insulin, leading to an increased level of blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) in pregnant women.

GDM is usually only seen during pregnancy and usually clears up after the baby is born. It usually arises between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

What are the risk factors for developing GDM?

All women are at risk of developing GDM. However, some factors may put you at increased risk. These include:

  • Being of Black, Asian or Middle eastern background.
  • Having a Body Mass Index of >30 [This can be calculated by Weight(kg)/Height2(m2)]
  • Having a previous baby with a birth weight greater than 4 kg
  • A family relative diagnosed with diabetes
  • A previous pregnancy with GDM.

What are the symptoms of GDM?

Most women with GDM would not present with any symptoms. However, some women may have:

  • Sugar in urine. A test done by the nurses at the clinic would diagnose this.
  • Frequent urination, but in large quantities.
  • Increased thirst
  • Tiredness
  • A dry mouth
Being black and overweight puts you at risk of gestational diabetes
Being black and overweight puts you at risk of gestational diabetes

How is it diagnosed?

During your routine antenatal visits, the doctor would assess your risk of having GDM. He would ask you questions about your medical background, run a couple of tests around 24 weeks to ascertain your blood sugar levels. The oral glucose tolerance test. The routine urine test during your antenatal visit is also a way of screening for GDM.

What are the possible complications?

While most women with GDM have normal pregnancies, some women may have some of the following complications:

  • Accumulation of excessive amounts of the fluid (amniotic fluid) around the baby. This is a potential cause of premature labour.
  • GDM can lead to heart abnormalities in the baby.
  • There is a risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth.
  • Premature labour (these are contractions coming in before you are 36-37 weeks)
  • Large babies: The Birth Weight of the baby may be greater than 4 kg.
  • Large babies run the risk of injuries during birth.
  • If not properly managed, GDM can evolve into Type II Diabetes.
  • It can also reoccur in future pregnancies.

Is there any way to treat it?

The fundamental ways include monitoring and control of your blood sugar level and eating a special diet as prescribed by a dietician. You also need to loose weight if you are obese. Medication may be offerred if these fail to control your blood sugar.

Diabetes can be managed with exercise and healthy eating

Can GDM be prevented?

If you are planning on getting pregnant and you have any of the risk factors above, it is also very important to watch your weight and plan your pregnancies with your doctor.

References

American Diabetes Association; 24/06/2020; https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetes

Thomas R. Moore; 24/06/2020; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/127547-overview

Loosing weight after childbrth require commitment