HEALTH TIPS
Jaundice in the New-born Baby
Do not be alarmed if the whites of your baby's eyes and their skin turns a slight yellow colour after 3 days. This is a condition called jaundice and is caused because your baby's liver cannot work fast enough to dispose of a pigment called bilirubin. Premature babies are more likely to suffer from jaundice.
It usually clears up after a few days and this can be aided by exposure to sunlight (through a window).You may also be encouraged to feed your baby as often as possible. Sometimes when the bilirubin levels are very high a baby may need to be exposed to controlled amounts of ultra violet light in the form of phototherapy. Ultra violet breaks down the pigment levels in the skin. This will be carried out in hospital. Your baby will be placed in a special crib sometimes in Special Care. This is a routine treatment and is very effective.
Lavender Oil
Too much lavender oil in the bath can cause your blood pressure to drop very fast.
Coping with Colic
When my baby suffered from Colic, I found the best way to deal with it was to carry her with her tummy down, long ways on my arm, using my hand to cradle her head. It never failed to soothe her and help her with her tummy pains.
Refluxing - Premature Babies
Refluxing is a common problem with premature babies. One way of lessening the reflux is to keep your baby's head elevated. Bouncers come in handy for this purpose.
Alcohol adn Smoking
It is best to avoid smoking and drinking while you are pregnant. Both cross the placenta and can have a harmful effect on the baby.
The odd glass of wine is considered safe , but remember the adage - everything in moderation.
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