Posted by Dr. Tara Hickman on Fri, Oct 16, 2009
The most common question I see in my office is regarding vaccinations. My role is not to tell the parents what to do, but to provide information and ways to minimize the adverse effects that vaccinations can cause. Every child is different, and it is important to find a health care provider that can evaluate your individual risk. Below are a few suggestions that could help:
Alternative Schedules
- The amount of vaccinations that your child will receive has more than doubled in the past 35 years.
- Spreading out vaccinations can be helpful in theory, although no studies have
been conducted regarding these types of schedules.
- Increases in autoimmune disease and asthma could be linked to multiple vaccinations.
- Talk with a provider about the risks and benefits of alternative schedules.
Avoid Daycare Until At Least 2 Years Old
- The highest risk of mortality is in infants under 2 years old, and exposure
to meningitis causing organisms and pertussis is most deadly in this age range
Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding provides protection against these same organisms that can cause death in infants.
- Breastfeeding during the vaccination can lessen pain.
Supplements
- Vitamin A increases response to vaccination and decreases adverse effects.
- Probiotics populate the GI tract and respiratory tract, decreasing chances of contracting disease and decreasing recovery time.
- Low levels Vitamin D are associated with autoimmune disease. Just 15 to 20 minutes of sunshine is equivalent to 200 glasses of milk.
Again, it is important to work with a knowledgeable health care provider if you are concerned with the current vaccination schedule. Vaccinations have, in many cases, reduced the occurrence of life threatening disease, and it is important that parents make fully informed choices regarding vaccinations.
As always, if you have any questions about this blog posting, or any other posting on our website, please feel free to Ask Dr. Tara. Or you can just make your comments below. Thanks for reading!!
Posted by Dr. Tara Hickman on Fri, Sep 25, 2009
One of the most frequent causes for visits to the pediatrician is the dreaded ear infection. Unfortunately, antibiotics are still frequently prescribed, even though the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made the recommendation for a “wait and see” approach. This is due to research that shows that antibiotics do not speed recovery time. In addition, antibiotics kill off the “good” bacteria that reside in our GI and respiratory tract, making us even more susceptible to illness. Not to mention the current problems with antibiotic resistant bacteria because of unnecessary antibiotic use.
Luckily, there are things that you can do to both treat and prevent ear infections.
- Upright feeding as much as possible.
The eustachian tubes of infants are much shorter than adults, allowing
fluid to accumulate and cause inflammation. Feeding at a slight angle
allows for more drainage and less accumulation.
- Use immune support as soon as baby starts to get the sniffles.
Again, because of the shorter eustachian tubes, extra fluid due to a
cold can increase the chances of eardrum inflammation. Great things to
try include vitamin C, probiotics, larch tree, vitamin A, and Zinc. Of
course you should work with a practitioner to determine the correct
dosage for your infant.
- Ear drops. The same research that found that antibiotics were ineffective, also found that ear drops containing things such as garlic, mullein, and hypericum, were more
effective than doing nothing and helped to relieve pain. However, you should be
sure that the ear drum is intact before putting anything into the ear.
- Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is protective both because of the immune components of
the breast milk, as well as the larger motion of the jaw that an infant
has to use (promoting movement in the eustachian tube area), as
compared to using a bottle.
- Avoiding allergens. This can be food and/or environmental. Using a hepa filter, removing
stuffed animals from the crib, and using a hypoallergenic laundry
detergent may be helpful for sensitive infants. Food considerations - if
breastfeeding, consider eliminating dairy and wheat, or other known
food sensitivities.
- Homeopathy. Finding a qualified homeopathic practitioner can help with chronic ear
infection conditions. During an acute phase, remedies like chamomile
(extreme fussiness, better with fast rocking), pulsatilla
(whimpering/whining, better being carried) or belladonna (extreme pain,
red face, screaming) can be tried and are very safe and effective for
infants.
It is unlikely that you will be able to avoid the occasional ear
infection, but using the above tips will keep the frequency and
duration to a minimum. Ear tubes should be a last resort if other
avenues have been tried with no relief.
We would love to hear your thoughts or comments. Just enter them below. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
Ask Dr. Tara. Good Luck!!
Posted by Dr. Tara Hickman on Sat, Jul 18, 2009
If you spend any amount of time in a baby store, you will see a multitude of different types of “slings” that are designed to allow a hands-free approach to carrying your infant. What are the benefits of using a sling?
- Slings mimic the womb environment
The first month after birth is often referred to as the “fourth trimester” because babies are still developing at a rate similar to the womb. They have been enclosed in a small, warm space, with limited stimuli, and are now in a bright, noisy, open, environment. This most likely contributes to fussiness and possibly colic. Being enclosed in a sling can make them feel more secure and mimics the environment of the womb thus soothing your baby.
- Hands free for mom or dad
Having your baby in a sling can allow you to comfort your baby, while still going about your normal routine without having to deal with bulky carriers and strollers.
- Promotes bonding
You infant will be happier while close to mom or dad, which fosters a good feeling for parents. The motion of the parent, as well as the shared body warmth and sounds of the parent’s heartbeat will calm babies. And we all know that parents are happy when their babies are happy!
- Discrete breast-feeding
Slings can help to provide some privacy while nursing, which allows more freedom.
The hardest aspect of the sling is finding one that works for both you and your baby. There are many options, and the best way to find one that works is to talk to other parents and if possible, try several different varieties before investing in one. The right sling can give you several months of having a happier baby and being a happier parent.
What are your experiences with slings? Pass on your wisdom by telling us your stories about wearing your baby has helped you. Or, if you have any questions about this article, or anything else, please feel free to Ask Dr. Tara !!
Posted by Dr. Tara Hickman on Sun, Jul 12, 2009
The following tips will help your baby get the best start in life:
- Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible
- Breastmilk is perfectly formulated for infants with the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and vitamins, including “healthy” fats that promote brain development. The content of the milk changes even throughout the day, depending on what the infant needs.
- Breastmilk provides protection for baby’s immature immune system. Mom’s antibodies get transferred to baby, protecting them from viruses that they would otherwise be susceptible to.
- Children who are breastfed have less incidence of allergies and asthma later on in life.
- Breastfeeding helps the bonding process, and lets baby get close to mom.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months
- Early introduction to solids increases the likelihood of allergies, due to baby’s immature GI system.
- “Wear” your baby, especially after feeding
- Get a sling, swaddling blanket or other carrying device. This has been shown to lower the incidence of colic and reflux, two of the most common problems in early infancy.
- Avoid extra linens and stuffed animals in baby’s bed
- These types of things may contribute to SIDS and allergies.
- No smoking, even outside, if the smoker will be around the baby within the next hour.
- Smoke sticks to clothing and can still irritate baby’s respiratory passages.
- Healthy diet for mom:
- Lots of fresh veggies and high quality protein (eggs, nuts, soy, pea protein shakes, lamb, chicken).
- Plenty of fluid, at least 8, 8oz glasses of water, diluted juices, or herbal tea, per day.
- Supplement with high quality essential fatty acids (fish oil) and probiotics. Ask for more info about types and dosages.
If you have any more tips that have worked for you and your baby, please tell us and let everyone benefit!!