Health Problems in New Borns, Part - II

DIARRHOEA

Loose stools with frequency more than 10 in a day are labeled as Diarrhoea in small children.In babies who are teething( 6 months+),at times the number of stools goes as high as 15-20 ion a day.The stools can be watery, frothy, with mucus, smelly, whitish or multi colored.

Causes :

• Food poisoning
• The stomach of babies is not used to too many variety of foods. At 6 months of age, one fruit is to be started and continued for a week before the second fruit / vegetable is introduced in the babies diet.
• The water is added in the child's diet and the water should boiled before giving.
• Rice and wheat should not be given together
• During teething the metabolism of the child changes and that he passes loose stools.
• Formula diets can also cause diarrhoea

Suggestions

• Baby fluid intake should be in plenty.
• Exclusive Breast feeding. Certain elements in breast milk can inhibit the growth of the germs that cause diarrhoea.

Homeopathic medicines for Diarrhoea

Common Homoeopathic medicines are Belladonna, Ipecac, Pulsatilla, China, Chamomilla, Calcarea Carb, Calcarea Phos,Podophyllum.

CONSTIPATION

There are many causes of infant constipation. One of the most common causes of constipation in babies is the introduction of solid foods.

Causes

• Introduction of solid food(s) – breastfed babies may be more prone to constipation when solid foods are introduced. This is because their tiny tummies are used to processing the easily and highly digestible mother’s milk
• Diets low in fiber
• Diets of excessive dairy products (yogurt, cheeses, milk)
• Foods such as Bananas, Cereals, Breads, Pasta and White Potatoes may contribute or cause constipation.

Exercises to Help Relieve Infant Constipation include:

• Tummy Massage – Gently massage and rub baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. Place your hands at baby’s navel and massage in a circular motion, moving your hand(s) out and away from the center of baby’s belly.
• Bicycle Legs – Place your baby on her back and lightly hold her legs in a half-bent position.  Gently begin to move your baby’s legs as if she is riding a bicycle. Alternate “Bicycle Legs” with Tummy Massage.  *”Bicycle Legs” also may help to relieve a baby who is gassy.
• A Warm Bath – A warm bath helps relaxing the baby.

Suggestion:

• Start with one fruit (apple) or Vegetable (carrot) steamed and pureed.  Give it for 10 days before starting new vegetable or fruit. 
• In a month can start with two fruits and two vegetables.

For Babies younger than 4 months

Try giving one to two ounces of diluted fruit juice such as grape, prune or apple-prune twice daily and practice some of the above exercises. 

Homeopathic Medicines for constipation:
Some Homoeopathic medicines are Nuxvomica,Calcarea Carb, Bryonia, Alumina.

 
These medicines are only suggestive and should not be taken without consulting a homoeopathic physician.

to be continued...