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NEWSLETTER
- AUGUST 2005
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
CONTENTS
Because I said so… your monthly column from
the editor
Featured Article 1: Coughs,
colds and flu, by the experts at Calpol UK
Featured Article 2: Fighting
flu and other common bugs, by Sally Shuttleworth
Been there, done that: Top Tips
from Heidi Hudson-Bennett
Bookclub: The Bronze Horseman, by Paullina Simons
Link up! Check out this month's useful link: www.babypure.co.za
Noticeboard: More giveaways!
In Closing...
Because
I said so…
I am sure you have all experienced the following – and if not, your
time will come, trust me. Picture it. 3 am on a cold winter’s night.
Deep in cloud cuckoo-land. Asleep at last. When a soft whimpering slowly
pulls you out of your slumber. You lie still for a few moments, thinking
“she will find her bottle… just give her a minute…”
Until you hear it. That unmistakable sound that brings forth images of
yellowy stained cot, stained sheets, stained floor, stained clothes and
quite possibly stained baby. You are suddenly tearing down the passage
at break neck speed yelling “I’m coming Baby! Mommy’s coming”
while hoping hubby will maybe perhaps with a lot of luck hear the commotion
and call for backup! And then you see it. Poor baby sitting in her cot,
heaving, screaming, not understanding – quite possibly one of the
worst feelings in the world!
Maybe I should just stop a minute and explain that I am NOT a puke person. Never have been. I could never be a contestant on Fear Factor – not because I have an inherent fear of creepy crawlies and slime (bring it on I say!), but because I just don’t do sick. Not my own or anybody else’s. In fact I managed to get through an entire pregnancy without puking until the very last minute before Megan was born (yes, I puked into my hair on the operating table – not my proudest moment!). I even gag when I see the dog puking – and don’t even ask me to clean it up.
Well that was until I had a little person to take care of. I wasn’t very worried about the inevitable upchuck that comes with feeding (that’s just milk burping up), but more the unrestrained heaving that comes with a real tummy bug. I knew it was going to happen eventually. How would I cope? And then the inevitable day… well night actually, arrived. And guess what. I managed. In fact at the moment of holding my little baby over my shoulder as she vomited into my pyjamas, I would have given anything for it to be me with my head in the toilet rather than her. She had no understanding of what was happening to her, and I just wished I could take it all away. I guess it’s easier when they are smaller and their diet is pretty bland – I am not sure yet how I will deal with the inevitable post gorge-fest that is likely to come my way when Megan hits the kiddie-party circuit. Spur burger, chips, cake, sweets and too much crème soda returning uninvited? No thank you. I think hubby can be on duty that night.
At the end of the day I think having a sick child is more traumatic for
the parents. Not so long ago Megan ended up in hospital having emergency
grommets to ease a middle ear infection. Yes she screamed blue murder
through most of it, but I, the strong mommy, was balling my eyes out while
I held her as she fought the anesthetic. The doctor asked if I was going
to be okay – probably having images of another hysterical mother
wrenching her child from his grasp and running through the theatre doors
yelling “You’re not taking her!” I nodded assent, wanting
to shout at him “You would be crying too if it was your child! Just
leave me be! Let me have my moment of emotion okay!” But true to
his word, Megan was a new person once the pain was gone, and when we finally
got home at 7:30, thinking she would go straight to bed (having been at
the hospital since mid afternoon and having an anesthetic to boot), well
we were mistaken. Megan figured she had missed out on an entire afternoon
of playing, and decided to stay up till 9:30 to make up for lost time.
Of course we indulged her, after all we were just relieved to be home
and see her as her old self again. But let me tell you I think we needed
to be anethetised when we got the bill – R1500 for 15 minutes (and
GAS mind you, not even the intravenous stuff) – good grief I think
I’m in the wrong profession! (Oh and this excludes the hospital,
surgeon and emergency factor. Don’t even ask what the final figure
was). But at the end of the day we would do anything for our children.
I know of people who have been through a lot worse than a couple of grommets,
so for now I will take the odd cold and upset tummy. As long as I have
a good stock of dettol and a couple of clothes pegs, I should be okay.
I think having been puked on, wee’d on, pooh’d on and burped
on, I can handle anything. On second thoughts, anyone got that number
for Fear Factor? I could do with an extra fifty thousand. They should
get their perfect bodied contestants to be a parent for a day. They wouldn’t
last a second. Bring it on.
Featured
Article 1: Coughs, colds and flu - what to do
By the experts at Calpol UK, www.calpol.co.uk
All children catch coughs, colds and flu from time to time - it's all part of growing up. These illnesses are caused by viruses which you can't cure with medicine. The best you can do is to treat the symptoms to make your child feel better.
If your child seems to catch every sniffle going, take heart from the fact that the immune system produces more antibodies each time. This helps to build up their defences for the future when they are big and strong!
COUGHS
A cough tends to be a symptom of another illness and can vary in severity
depending on the cause. Colds can lead to a cough if there is a lot of
mucus running down the back of the throat. Propping your child up with
extra bedding can be helpful, or for a baby, put a pillow under the head
of the mattress.
If your child has a temperature as well as a cough, it could be a sign of a chest infection. Your GP will be able to tell if it's a bacterial infection and will probably prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Soothing
advice
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Help clear a chesty cough by laying your child across your lap on their tummy and patting their back gently. Keep a bucket or bowl handy for them to spit into |
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A warm drink at bedtime can soothe the throat, which could be getting sore with all that coughing |
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Keep your child warm but not too hot and keep their room well ventilated. This should help stop a cough moving down the chest which could lead to an infection |
Is it
a sign of something serious?
Coughs
and wheezing can be a sign of something more serious, such as croup, asthma,
bronchitis or laryngitis. If the cough lasts for more than three days
and or your child seems breathless, particularly irritable or has a fever,
you should contact your GP.
COLDS
There are thought to be around 200 different viruses that cause the common
cold. They can produce a range of symptoms and are not usually serious.
However if you have a young baby, it can make feeding difficult in which
case you should see your GP.
Common
cold symptoms and care
The most obvious sign of a cold is a runny or blocked nose. Your child
might also have a sore throat, a cough and a raised temperature. There
is no cure because it is caused by a virus but you can help in other ways.
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The best form of treatment is lots of rest and plenty of fluids. |
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If your child has a fever, a medicine such as Calpol Infant Suspension, can help to bring it down. |
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If they are not old enough to blow their nose themselves, keep their nose clear with a gentle wipe every so often. |
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Help them to breathe and sleep more easily at night by propping them up in bed or placing a pillow under a baby's mattress. |
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Ease congestion by using a gentle vapour rub. |
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If a rash appears, it could be a sign of another illness such as German measles, mumps or meningitis so contact your GP straight away. |
FLU
Influenza,
or flu for short, is similar to a cold but the symptoms are more serious.
As well as a runny nose, sore throat and a cough, flu can bring on a fever,
headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and severe tiredness.
Your child might also feel cold and shivery one minute but hot and sticky
the next.
Because it is caused by a virus, flu needs to run its course and can't be treated. However, the symptoms can be, so if your child is achy you can relieve their pain by giving them a medicine such as Calpol Infant Suspension or Calpol Six Plus. This will also help to reduce any fever they may be suffering.
You should also let your child rest as much as possible and make sure they drink plenty of fluids. If they have a fever that lasts for longer than 24 hours, or you are at all concerned, you should contact your GP.
Could
it be meningitis?
Some of the symptoms of meningitis are very similar to a cold or flu.
If you notice a rash covering your child's body or they have a very stiff
neck or can't tolerate bright lights, call your GP straight away. Even
if you are unsure, it is better to be on the safe side.
Read the full article: http://www.calpol.co.uk/en/article.asp?id=106
Featured
Article 2: Fighting flu and other common bugs with the right food
By Sally Shuttleworth of babypure & purekids - fresh,
nutricious, natural & tasty baby food and kids meals!
It’s
winter, and regardless of how healthily you feed your child, she or he
will inevitably catch colds and other illnesses during the colder months
of the year. Food can help your child recover, by providing essential
nutrients to boost the immune system and to provide comfort.
Here are just a few suggestions, to help you choose the best foods for
your child when he or she is a little under the weather.
Coughs and Colds:
Mucus can often be a problem and it is best to avoid mucus-forming foods,
such as dairy, as well as eggs, fried foods, red meat and excessive sugar
or salt.
Great foods include citrus fruits which help to break mucuses down, garlic
and onion, chicken broth and green tea. Drinking plenty of fluids helps
to thin out the mucus, and bright orange veggies will help provide plenty
of vitamin C to booster the immune system.
Sore throats:
Often as a sideline to flu, chicken pox and tonsillitis, a sore throat
makes it really painful to swallow food. Plenty of water and fresh fruit
juices should help to ease the discomfort. The best juices are those that
are packed full of vitamin C. Blackcurrants and citrus fruits are fabulous
for reducing inflammation and contain the highest levels of vitamin C.
As with coughs and colds, offer brightly coloured orange fruits and veggies,
preferably in the form of a juice or soup, to help ease the sore throat.
Ear infections:
Ear infections are painful for children and distressing for parents, and
often require medical help. Again, dairy products should be avoided to
reduce the build up of mucus in the ear. Nuts, beans, seeds and green
leafy vegetables are the best sources of food as well as the foods recommended
for coughs and colds, as the mucus needs to be broken down. If your child
has to take antibiotics, then once the course has finished, you could
give him or her live yogurt regularly to help replace the friendly bacteria
in the gut.
Vomiting and diarrhea:
Dehydration is the greatest risk when children suffer from vomiting or
diarrhea. Again, plenty of water is extremely important. If your child
is vomiting frequently, then offer a rehydration drink which you can buy
in sachets from the chemist. Or you can make your own (1tsp sea salt,
2 dessertspoons sugar, 1 litre water, 600ml fresh orange juice –
offer one glass every hour after a bout of vomiting). Diarhhoa can cause
a temporary lactose intolerance so it is best to avoid dairy, including
milk or formula. This doesn’t include breast milk. Once the episode
has abated, you can offer foods to help rebuild the digestive system.
Rice cakes and rice are great for lining the stomach and reducing irritation.
Bananas are great when your child is feeling weak and will provide energy.
Soups and broths can also be extremely comforting.
Very important! These are just food suggestions offered to help
you increase your child’s immune system, however, should your child
show signs of illness for any length or time or if an illness becomes
worse, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician as soon as possible
to get medical help.
WIN WIN WIN!
We have a
R50 babypure & purekids voucher to give away! To enter, tell us how
many cubes come in a small box of babypure homemade pasta sauce - 7, 8
or 10. For a clue see www.babypure.co.za
- don't forget to include your name and contact details, child's name,
age and birthdate! Send your entries to sally@mumstheword.co.za
before the 20th of August 2005!
Been
there, done that: Top Tips from a mom who has been there
By Heidi Hudson-Bennett, mom to Merrick, 20 months
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Saline or salt nasal spray is great for stuffy noses. |
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Steaming in the shower opens closed chests. Sit under an umbrella inside the shower if you can or close all the doors and windows and steam the entire bathroom (water restrictions go down the drain when you're desperate!). |
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Throat lollies (available from your pharmacy) are a must for sore throats. |
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Prop bricks under the head of the cot to raise it for sore ears. It helps the ears to "drain". |
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A cool bath (not cold) is good for a temperature. You have to be cruel to be kind and try ignore the screaming! |
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For milder scalds (e.g. hot coffee) try to stay under running water for as long as possible. Cooling burn gel by Weleda also works a treat (ed's note - keep some burn packs handy in your medicine cupboard - available at pharmacies. Especially good to control the burn while on the way to the doctor - ask my husband!). |
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It is always useful to keep suppositories (e.g. Empaped) in the house to help with pain and fever. |
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Some medicines (especially with Codeine) can cause constipation. Add a little prune juice into their juice or water to help. Safari makes bottled prune juice. |
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Purity makes a ready-to-drink hydration solution. I always keep one in the fridge just in case - then it's on hand and cold! |
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Using a syringe to give medicine is more accurate and less messy than a spoon - blow in their faces to force a swallow reflex. |
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Avoid yeast infections by giving pro-biotics - these are now available in easy-to-use straw format from the pharmacy. |
Remember:
Things always seem worse in the middle of the night. They do get better
- eventually! When in doubt - CALL THE DOCTOR!
See the articles page for our First Aid for Toddlers article.
Bookclub:
The Bronze Horseman, by Paullina Simons
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When I recently joined a new bookclub, it was insisted that this be my "initiation book" - I reluctantly took it, then couldn't put it down. Set in Leningrad in 1941 against Hitler's invasion of Russia, this story tells of the impossible love between a young Russin girl, Tatiana, and an officer named Alexander. It is a love that could tear Tatiana's family apart, and it carries a secret that could destroy anyone who hears it. A riveting read with great descriptions that makes you want to jump on a plain to Russia - but be warned, there is a section about two |
Get your copy from Kalahari.net here.
Link
up! www.babypure.co.za
Order your baby or toddler food online from babypure & purekids. Read
up on how they got started and where they got their inspiration - and
best of all, browse through the varied and mouth-watering menu, with everything
from Potty Pair and Crazy Cauliflower for littlies, to Golden Fish Balls
and Sizzling Sausages for the more adventurous customers! Megan particularly
enjoyed the Crunchy Chicken Fingers and Chicken meatballs - as did her
mommy! This website offers a great service for busy moms - order your
food online and have it delivered twice a month to your door - no more
standing for hours in the kitchen peeling, chopping, cooking and pureeing!
Noticeboard:
This is your space! Submit your comments, ideas or suggestions on
anything you have seen or want to see in Mum's the Word. This is also
a space to advertise child related products or services, be they your
own or something interesting that you have seen or heard about. Email
me your contributions and if I deem them suitable I will happily put them
up!
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Children learn through play - and what better way to teach them that with Smile's range of educational toys. Smile Educational Toys are extremely good quality and durable, and categorised according to your child's age and abilities. Smile Educational Toys are designed to stimulate the various skills needed to prepare a child for school - and quite frankly a lot of fun to play with - even for grown ups! See www.smilesa.co.za for the latest catalogue, and to order you can contact Sally on 083 298 6489 or email sally@mumstheword.co.za. |
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WIN
WIN WIN! Accidents do happen - so be prepared with one of these
great giveaways: Trolley Strap: to stop those little accidents - valued at R30. These are also useful to strap baby into chairs at restaurants or even the swings at the park (and if your child falls out of the trolley, don't be embarrassed - many moms have done it - even one who owns a trolley strao and didn't use it!) If you would like to order your trolley strap, please contact Heidi on 082 708 4001 or email hubba@iWynberg.com. Cabinet Slide Lock (set of two): valued at R30. These useful locks are invaluable in keeping double cupboard doors firmly closed, and contents out of reach of little hands. Especially important in the bathroom - and I also use mine to keep Megan out of my TV cabinet and sideboard. Available at all leading baby shops. To be in line to win one of these prizes, send us your preference along with your contact details and your baby's name, age and birthdate, to sally@mumstheword.co.za before the 20th of August 2005. |
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We have a winner! Congrats to the following mums who won tupperware: Liezl Clark, Sumayyah Osman and Sally Dowling. And to the two mums who won the Baby Sleep Guide - Heidi Hudson-Bennett and Wendy Beato - your prizes will be delivered shortly. You can order your tupperware from Natasha on 674 2446 or email thecurrys@telkomsa.net. The Baby Sleep Guide is available from Erica at erica@adept.co.za. |
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Next issue: we will be talking about potty training - something I will be going through in the near future! Please send us your comments, funny stories, tips or questions to sally@mumstheword.co.za. |
In
Closing…
So another month has come and gone! Apologies for this issue being late
- you will see I have dated it August rather than July - so that I can
send them with the new month, rather than at the end of the old one! I
am also still always on the lookout for new articles or other contributions
or just ways of getting Mum's the Word out there! Please also keep sending
your newsletters on - the feedback has been great! Keep it coming to sally@mumstheword.co.za
- and as always submissions are always welcome!
Until next time…
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