Q:I have two children and am surviving on less than three hours sleep a day.My 1 year old is a dream,but my 2 year old screams constantly and fights tiredness.I have tried warm drinks,baths,massage and reading to her,but nothing helps.
A:Having an older child who doesn't sleep is very difficult.However,you can explain things to her and set up a reward system.You need to start a bedtime routine that follows the same pattern every night.Give her a bath,and explain that if she's a good girl and stays in her bed,she'll get a sticker.If she gets five stickers in any one week,she gets to choose treat.Then put her pyjamas on,read her a story while she drinks her milk,and say good night to her.Choose a key phrase to say as you leave her bedroom - for instance:"Good night,love you".Even if she screams,say the phrase and leave the room.Wait five minutes,then go back and,if necessary,put her back to bed.Repeat the key phrase and nothing else.Quietly leave the room again.Continue to do this every five minutes.Be consistent but firm.Continually returning her to her bed and saying the key phrase calmly will let her know that you aren't going yo give in.If she gets out of bed during the night,do exactly the same - repeat the key phrase and put her back to bed.Be prepared to do this for seven to ten days.Toddlers need lots of positive reinforcement,so emphasise what a big girl she's being about going to bed.
Wednesday 1 January 2014
He won't eat lumpy foods
Q:My son is just 1,and I started weaning him at 7 months.He has plenty of milk,but he won't eat lumpy food.He is developing OK,but is small for his age.What am I doing wrong?
A:Some babies are reluctant to move to lumpier foods when they're being weaned.Around their first birthday,many babies go through a phase of preferring familiar foods and being reluctant to try new ones.Be patient and continue to offer lumpy textures alongside the foods your son will eat.Encouraging him to feed himself is also important.Give him a suitable spoon,and also offer a variety of finger foods to encourage him to chew.Although milk is important,he only need around 600ml a day - if he's drinking much more than this,it could take the edge off his appetite.Your son will gradually get the hang of eating family foods.But talk to your health visitor if you're concerned.
A:Some babies are reluctant to move to lumpier foods when they're being weaned.Around their first birthday,many babies go through a phase of preferring familiar foods and being reluctant to try new ones.Be patient and continue to offer lumpy textures alongside the foods your son will eat.Encouraging him to feed himself is also important.Give him a suitable spoon,and also offer a variety of finger foods to encourage him to chew.Although milk is important,he only need around 600ml a day - if he's drinking much more than this,it could take the edge off his appetite.Your son will gradually get the hang of eating family foods.But talk to your health visitor if you're concerned.
I'm worried he's falling behind.
Q:My son is 9 months old and was born nine weeks premature.He still can't sit up and seems to be getting really frustrated.Is he developing normally?
A:All babies develop at a different rate,although it's completely normal to compare your own baby's progress with that of others!With a premature baby,this can become quite a worry,as it's understandable you are keen for him to 'catch up'. At this age most babies are sitting up,but many will still wobble over to the side unless supported.To help your baby develop muscles and the balance required for sitting up,try playing games such as Row,Row,Row Your Boat.Sit on the floor facing each other,holding hands,and gently rock backwards and forwards to the song.
Allow your baby plenty of time playing on the floor,on his tummy and his back - you can also prop him up a little with pillows.It's good to play with him at his level,getting down on the floor with him,changing the toys he plays with and his position regularly.
If you're still concerned after three to four weeks,see your health visitor or doctor so they can follow his progress and offer you further advice.
A:All babies develop at a different rate,although it's completely normal to compare your own baby's progress with that of others!With a premature baby,this can become quite a worry,as it's understandable you are keen for him to 'catch up'. At this age most babies are sitting up,but many will still wobble over to the side unless supported.To help your baby develop muscles and the balance required for sitting up,try playing games such as Row,Row,Row Your Boat.Sit on the floor facing each other,holding hands,and gently rock backwards and forwards to the song.
Allow your baby plenty of time playing on the floor,on his tummy and his back - you can also prop him up a little with pillows.It's good to play with him at his level,getting down on the floor with him,changing the toys he plays with and his position regularly.
If you're still concerned after three to four weeks,see your health visitor or doctor so they can follow his progress and offer you further advice.
Why am I breathless?
Q:I'm 29 weeks pregnant and I feel hot and have swollen feet.I find it hard to breathe,and often feel as if I'll faint.Is it just the warmer weather?
A:You'll be much more sensitive to heat now you're pregnant.As you're in your third trimester,breathlessness and fainting can occur due to your uterus getting bigger.Your metabolism has increased,making you feel warmer than normal,so try to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.Pregnancy hormones can contribute to the flushes you've had,too.Swollen feet can be down to the heat and not resting enough.However,if the swelling is excessive,see your midwife and get your blood pressure and urine checked to rule out a serious condition called pre-eclampsia,the symptoms of which include swelling,as well as high blood pressure.
A:You'll be much more sensitive to heat now you're pregnant.As you're in your third trimester,breathlessness and fainting can occur due to your uterus getting bigger.Your metabolism has increased,making you feel warmer than normal,so try to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.Pregnancy hormones can contribute to the flushes you've had,too.Swollen feet can be down to the heat and not resting enough.However,if the swelling is excessive,see your midwife and get your blood pressure and urine checked to rule out a serious condition called pre-eclampsia,the symptoms of which include swelling,as well as high blood pressure.
I'm scared about birth
Q:My first baby was big at 10lb 7oz (4730g),and two weeks overdue.During labour,her shoulders got stuck.I'm now 31 weeks pregnant and have a growth scan at 36 weeks as this baby is also big.I'm scared it will happen again.What can I do?
A:Firstly,the fact that you had a big first baby and her shoulders got stuck ( shoulder dystocia) will be highlighted in your maternity notes.Unfortunately,consecutive babies can be bigger,so there is an increased risk of recurrence if you go overdue.Discuss the delivery options with your obstetrician,who may suggest early induction once you've had the 36 week scan.You may also be offered an elective Caesarean at 37 weeks.You may have gestational diabetes - a temporary diabetes that develops in pregnancy and can result in your baby being too 'big for dates',so you may be offered a blood test.Being prepared is the best policy and,hopefully,this time around,your labour and delivery should be less traumatic.
A:Firstly,the fact that you had a big first baby and her shoulders got stuck ( shoulder dystocia) will be highlighted in your maternity notes.Unfortunately,consecutive babies can be bigger,so there is an increased risk of recurrence if you go overdue.Discuss the delivery options with your obstetrician,who may suggest early induction once you've had the 36 week scan.You may also be offered an elective Caesarean at 37 weeks.You may have gestational diabetes - a temporary diabetes that develops in pregnancy and can result in your baby being too 'big for dates',so you may be offered a blood test.Being prepared is the best policy and,hopefully,this time around,your labour and delivery should be less traumatic.
How can I help his stutter?
Q:My 3 year old son has suddenly started to stutter,having been an early,confident talker.Should I take him to a specialist before it gets worse,or wait and see if he grows out of it?
A:Stuttering - or stammering,as it's also known - is speech that is interrupted by stoppages and disruption in fluency.The stoppages sometimes take the form of repetitions of words,sounds or syllables,or sometimes complete silence,where the next word just won't come out.About 5% of 2 to 4 year olds stutter and most often it's simply a development phase that they grow out of.If your child is still stuttering at 5 or 6 years old,see your doctor who can make a referral to a speech therapist.In the meantime,you can help your child by:
*Slowing down your own speech when you talk to your child.
*Replying slowly when your child asks a question - maybe have a short pause before launching into an answer.
*Looking at your child as he speaks and showing you're interested in what he's saying.Make sure you keep eye contact going,even if his speech does seem slow.
*Don't bombard him with lots of questions.Give him time to speak without having to rush.
A:Stuttering - or stammering,as it's also known - is speech that is interrupted by stoppages and disruption in fluency.The stoppages sometimes take the form of repetitions of words,sounds or syllables,or sometimes complete silence,where the next word just won't come out.About 5% of 2 to 4 year olds stutter and most often it's simply a development phase that they grow out of.If your child is still stuttering at 5 or 6 years old,see your doctor who can make a referral to a speech therapist.In the meantime,you can help your child by:
*Slowing down your own speech when you talk to your child.
*Replying slowly when your child asks a question - maybe have a short pause before launching into an answer.
*Looking at your child as he speaks and showing you're interested in what he's saying.Make sure you keep eye contact going,even if his speech does seem slow.
*Don't bombard him with lots of questions.Give him time to speak without having to rush.
He's waking up too early!
Q:My 5 month old baby used to sleep until around 7.30am,but now hes waking at 5.30am every day.Help!
A:It's crucial to make sure your baby's room is completely dark - it's a good idea to invest in a blackout blind or curtains to black out any street light.
If your baby continues to wake up early in the morning,try to resettle him until you reach an 'acceptable' getting-up time.Make sure you keep his room dark and quiet,with no talking and no games or activities,to reinforce the idea that it's still night time.With persistence and patience over a few weeks,your son should soon learn his new waking-up time.Good luck!
A:It's crucial to make sure your baby's room is completely dark - it's a good idea to invest in a blackout blind or curtains to black out any street light.
If your baby continues to wake up early in the morning,try to resettle him until you reach an 'acceptable' getting-up time.Make sure you keep his room dark and quiet,with no talking and no games or activities,to reinforce the idea that it's still night time.With persistence and patience over a few weeks,your son should soon learn his new waking-up time.Good luck!
How early can I have an epidural?
Q:Can I have an epidural as soon as I get to hospital?I don't want to wait until I'm in a lot of pain.
A:Let your midwives know you'd like an epidural and also write it on your birth plan.You won't be allowed one until you're in established labour,having regular contractions that are causing the cervix ( the neck of the womb) ti dilate.In fact,many obstetric units say you should be at least 3cm dilated,so check your hospital's policy.Epidurals have to be given by an anaesthetist,so it depends on one being available.
A:Let your midwives know you'd like an epidural and also write it on your birth plan.You won't be allowed one until you're in established labour,having regular contractions that are causing the cervix ( the neck of the womb) ti dilate.In fact,many obstetric units say you should be at least 3cm dilated,so check your hospital's policy.Epidurals have to be given by an anaesthetist,so it depends on one being available.
Should I be working nights?
Q:I'm 15 weeks pregnant and work lots of night shifts.Are there any risks?
A:Most employers carry out a workplace assessment for pregnant employees.They must do whatever is reasonable to prevent risks and offer you suitable alternative work.
A Danish study showed that mums-to-be who regularly work nights have an increased risk of late miscarriage or stillbirth.Other studies show they slightly increase the risk of a low birth-weight baby.So,I feel it's advisable you change to day shifts for the rest of your pregnancy.
A:Most employers carry out a workplace assessment for pregnant employees.They must do whatever is reasonable to prevent risks and offer you suitable alternative work.
A Danish study showed that mums-to-be who regularly work nights have an increased risk of late miscarriage or stillbirth.Other studies show they slightly increase the risk of a low birth-weight baby.So,I feel it's advisable you change to day shifts for the rest of your pregnancy.
I'm worried about aches and pains
Q:I'm 22 weeks pregnant and have an ache in my right side,and need to pee more than usual.
Aches and pains are common when your body changes to accommodate your baby.It's safe to take paracetamol,and use a heat pack over the sore area.The symptoms described could signal a kidney infection,which will usually need antibiotic treatment.see your doctor for advice straight away.
Aches and pains are common when your body changes to accommodate your baby.It's safe to take paracetamol,and use a heat pack over the sore area.The symptoms described could signal a kidney infection,which will usually need antibiotic treatment.see your doctor for advice straight away.
I ate liver pate
Q:I conceived while on holiday in France and am worried because I ate liver pate.Could I have harmed my baby?
A:All pates,even veggie ones,should be avoided during pregnancy as they could carry a bug called listeria,which could harm your unborn baby.Liver and liver products should also be avoided as they contain high levels of vitamin A,which can be harmful,too.But try not to worry.It's highly unlikely that you'll have harmed your baby.
A:All pates,even veggie ones,should be avoided during pregnancy as they could carry a bug called listeria,which could harm your unborn baby.Liver and liver products should also be avoided as they contain high levels of vitamin A,which can be harmful,too.But try not to worry.It's highly unlikely that you'll have harmed your baby.
I'm not keen on the local hospitals
Q:I have a choice of two local hospitals to give birth in,but I've heard bad things about both.How to I decide?
A:Firstly,remember you hear more bad stories than good ones about hospitals.Explain your concerns to your midwife.Consider which hospital is easiest to get to,and ask if you can see the birthing room.If you still want to look elsewhere,your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative hospital,but don't leave it too late to request this.You could also consider a birth centre or home birth.
A:Firstly,remember you hear more bad stories than good ones about hospitals.Explain your concerns to your midwife.Consider which hospital is easiest to get to,and ask if you can see the birthing room.If you still want to look elsewhere,your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative hospital,but don't leave it too late to request this.You could also consider a birth centre or home birth.
I got drunk
Q:I've just found out I'm pregnant,but I went out drinking several times before I knew I was expecting.Will this have harmed my unborn baby?
A:Try not to panic.Many women have been in the same situation as you and have gone on to have perfectly healthy babies.Ideally,it's best to avoid alcohol altogether when you're pregnant.But health watchdog NICE says if you do choose to drink,wait until after 12 weeks,then limit it to no more than one or two units once or twice a week.What's important now is that you stay as healthy as possible for the rest of your pregnancy.
A:Try not to panic.Many women have been in the same situation as you and have gone on to have perfectly healthy babies.Ideally,it's best to avoid alcohol altogether when you're pregnant.But health watchdog NICE says if you do choose to drink,wait until after 12 weeks,then limit it to no more than one or two units once or twice a week.What's important now is that you stay as healthy as possible for the rest of your pregnancy.
I can't feel my baby move
Q:I'm 27 weeks pregnant and over the last day or so,I haven't felt my baby move as much as normal.Should I get checked out?
A:yes.At 27 weeks you should feel your baby move at least 10 times in 24 hours.She has sleeping and waking phases,so it may be that her sleep phase has altered and she's now moving at a different time.Changing position or drinking cold water can help.If you're concerned,contact the hospital so they can check all is OK and monitor her heartbeat.
A:yes.At 27 weeks you should feel your baby move at least 10 times in 24 hours.She has sleeping and waking phases,so it may be that her sleep phase has altered and she's now moving at a different time.Changing position or drinking cold water can help.If you're concerned,contact the hospital so they can check all is OK and monitor her heartbeat.
Can I have a c-section?
Q:I'm carrying a big baby - can I request a Caesarean?
A:Current guidelines recommend your obstetrician considers your request,but they don#t have to agree to it.Talk through your reasons and request a second opinion if you wish.
A:Current guidelines recommend your obstetrician considers your request,but they don#t have to agree to it.Talk through your reasons and request a second opinion if you wish.
I've got a strange discharge
Q:I'm 16 weeks pregnant and have a pale green,almost fluorescent discharge.There's no smell,but I'm worried.Is it normal?
A:This sounds like the normal discharge of pregnancy - odourless and very pale.Thrush is also more common in pregnancy due to a change in the levels of acidity in the vagina - discharge is often curd-like and accompanied by itchiness.A cream from a pharmacist or your doctor will help.If you get a discharge that is very watery,bloodstained or smells nasty,see your doctor.
A:This sounds like the normal discharge of pregnancy - odourless and very pale.Thrush is also more common in pregnancy due to a change in the levels of acidity in the vagina - discharge is often curd-like and accompanied by itchiness.A cream from a pharmacist or your doctor will help.If you get a discharge that is very watery,bloodstained or smells nasty,see your doctor.
Will I miscarry?
Q:At five weeks pregnant,I had mild cramps and light bleeding.My doctor said there was a 50% chance the pregnancy would continue.I'm now seven weeks and the cramps and bleeding haven't returned.Can you advise me?
A:Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean miscarriage.It may occur when the fertilised egg implants in the womb.Some women notice bleeding when they would have had their period.It may be due to cervical erosion,and light spotting can also occur after sex.If there's also abdominal pain,seek medical advice immediately.You could always ask your doctor to refer you for an early scan.
A:Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean miscarriage.It may occur when the fertilised egg implants in the womb.Some women notice bleeding when they would have had their period.It may be due to cervical erosion,and light spotting can also occur after sex.If there's also abdominal pain,seek medical advice immediately.You could always ask your doctor to refer you for an early scan.
Is he teething already?
Q:My 7 week old son has recently become grumpy and is having trouble sleeping at night.He is also dribbling more and has two white marks on his lower gum.Could he be teething already?
A:It would be wise to get your son checked to make sure he doesn't have another problem,such as thrush mouth infection,which can cause dribbling and white plaques on the gums.Teething usually starts when a child is 6 to 9 months old.That said,occasionally children are born with some teeth.
If he is teething,massage his gums with your finger.A teething ring chilled in cold water,not in the freezer,is soothing too.Teething gels,baby paracetamol,and treatments containing camomile also help.
A:It would be wise to get your son checked to make sure he doesn't have another problem,such as thrush mouth infection,which can cause dribbling and white plaques on the gums.Teething usually starts when a child is 6 to 9 months old.That said,occasionally children are born with some teeth.
If he is teething,massage his gums with your finger.A teething ring chilled in cold water,not in the freezer,is soothing too.Teething gels,baby paracetamol,and treatments containing camomile also help.
She has gone off her food
Q:My 2 year old daughter was ill with a viral infection and,since then,has only been eating about half a slice of toast and some yoghurt each day.I can't even persuade her to eat the things she normally loves,except for chocolate.I don't want to teach her to eat chocolate instead of normal food,so I'm trying to resist giving it to her when she asks.What can I do?
A:It can take a while for toddlers to regain their appetites after they've been ill.Be patient and don't force her to eat.Continue to offer your little girl a variety of foods,and end meals calmly when she has had enough.Smaller portions of food might be more appealing,and healthy snacks will help to boost her energy levels until her appetite is back to normal.You're right not to give her chocolate instead of proper food - keep it as an occasional treat.
Also give her vitamin drops - your health visitor can suggest suitable options.
Toddlers almost always eat enough for normal growth and development,even if it doesn't seem much.If they're healthy and have plenty of energy,there's usually no need to worry.But if her appetite doesn't improve or she shows signs of lethargy,weakness or fatigue,or seems unwell,see your doctor or health visitor.
A:It can take a while for toddlers to regain their appetites after they've been ill.Be patient and don't force her to eat.Continue to offer your little girl a variety of foods,and end meals calmly when she has had enough.Smaller portions of food might be more appealing,and healthy snacks will help to boost her energy levels until her appetite is back to normal.You're right not to give her chocolate instead of proper food - keep it as an occasional treat.
Also give her vitamin drops - your health visitor can suggest suitable options.
Toddlers almost always eat enough for normal growth and development,even if it doesn't seem much.If they're healthy and have plenty of energy,there's usually no need to worry.But if her appetite doesn't improve or she shows signs of lethargy,weakness or fatigue,or seems unwell,see your doctor or health visitor.
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