Dried Milk
Many brands of dried milk are available. They differ slightly in their formulas, but their nutritional value is very similar. Some are reputed to be a closer imitation of mother’s milk, but it is only by a matter of degree. However, there are differences in the chemistry of the ingredients. Some which have been sold widely are now known not to be suitable for babies (they are known technically as “low solute” milks). You should check with your doctor for up-to-date details. Milks also tend to differ a good deal in their taste. If you are having trouble getting your baby to accept his bottle, it may be that he does not like the brand you have chosen. Experiment with one or two others until you find one he enjoys. However, if you have to try more than two or three the problem may be a more general feeding difficulty, and you should consult your doctor.
How Much Milk?
Most babies, given the opportunity, will regulate the amount of their feedings to their own needs. If you are bottle-feeding you can calculate your own baby’s individual needs, which you can do on the following basis: breast milk and properly made formula contain 20 calories per fluid ounce (3 kilojoules per milliliter). Up to five months old, a baby’s daily needs are 55 calories for each pound (500 kilojoules for each kilogram) of his weight. So a baby who weighs 7 lb 4 oz/ 3.29 kg requires 20 fl oz/568 ml a day, and a 10 lb/ 4.54 kg baby needs 27.5 fl oz/780 ml.
If you are anxious about your baby receiving sufficient nourishment, check his weight-gain each week. It is not necessary to weigh him before and after every feeding. By three months he should be getting his requirement with approximately ten minutes on each breast each feeding.
Read MoreBottle-feeding
Although many mothers are returning to breast-feeding, some just do not like it. Whatever the reason, whether you are shy, or whether you feel that modern living is not suited to such an elemental practice, if you do not sincerely want to breast-feed there is no need to force yourself.
If you have decided to bottle–feed from birth, do try to give your baby the benefit of the colostrums from your breasts for the first two or three days. In addition give him warm (body temperature) boiled water from the bottle, not made-up milk. Start him on milk on the third day. Offer a new baby about 1-2 fl oz/ 28-56 ml at a time, increasing this gradually until he is taking the full amount for his weight. Some larger babies may take up to 4 fl oz/ 112 ml each time right from the beginning. Throw away any milk that is left after each feeding.
Read MoreAdenoids in Children
The adenoids are situated at the back of the throat, above the palate and behind the nose. They are similar to the tonsils and have the same function. As a result of repeated minor infections they may become so large that they block the openings of the two fines tubes (the Eustachian tubes) that drain fluid from the middle ear. Fluid will then accumulate in the middle ear, and may interface with its function so that the child becomes deaf. Removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy) may then be necessary to reopen the drainage channels and restore hearing.
Anemia in Pregnancy
Providing the developing fetus will all the nourishment it requires takes precedence over the needs of the mother, so that her stores of, for example, iron and vitamins can become seriously depleted if precautions are not taken. Because of this a woman is prone to anemia during pregnancy, but she can easily avoid it by taking a small dose of iron and vitamins daily. Since no preparation of iron suits every woman, it is essential that you should tell your doctor if the form prescribed makes you feel ill.
Read MoreAcne in Children
At puberty, in either sex, there is increased activity in the sebaceous glands, which produce the natural skin oils. As a result, the duct from the gland to the surface of the skin may become blocked, especially when the adolescent has a greasy skin.
The block causes oils to build up in the gland and forces the plug out of the mouth of the duct, forming a blackhead (comedo); alternatively it may so enlarge the gland that yellow pustules are formed. Germs that are normally harmlessly present in the gland may, in these circumstances break down the oils into acids, which then lack out and irritate the surrounding skin. Acne eventually clears up after adolescence, but if it is severe it needs to be controlled if considerable permanent scarring, as well as misery and embarrassment, is to be avoided.
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