Natural Therapies For Life

Babies’ Ailments – Diarrhoea

// October 18th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 4: Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a cause for confusion and concern to many parents. It is important to understand that diarrhoea in babies is a little different from that in younger children and adults. Normally, a person is said to be experiencing diarrhoea when there is a passage of loose, watery stools at least more than 3 times a day. However for babies, especially newborns, there is a tendency to have very frequent bowel movements, up to five times a day. Generally, babies who are breast-fed will pass stools more often than the babies on formula milk.

The trick is to note the appearance of the stools.  In diarrhoea, your baby’s stools will be watery, smelly and will contain mucus. This may be accompanied with a fever and your baby may also loose some weight.

The causes of diarrhoea in babies are varied. Your baby could simply be allergic to something in the diet. The most common is milk allergy. If you suspect that your baby could be allergic to formula milk, try opting for a lactose-free alternative. Also ensure that the formula milk is prepared in a clean environment as babies are particularly sensitive to germs. Other causes include the use of antibiotics – either given to the baby or taken by the mother who is breast-feeding. Generally, babies who are breast-fed are less likely to have diarrhoea as some components in mother’s milk keep the digestive track in optimum state.

In diarrhoea, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby continues receiving enough fluids. Do not stop breast-feeding or giving formula milk if it suits your baby.

If the diarrhoea lasts more than a few days or if your baby develops symptoms such as dry lips or decreased urine, consult your doctor immediately.

The anti-diarrhoeal medication for adults cannot be given to babies as it comes with side-effects.

Homeopathy presents several remedies that are specific for diarrhoea in babies. Once again, it is important to match your baby’s symptoms with that of the remedy.

Suggested remedies:

Chamomilla 30 – The stools are green, watery and sour smelling. The baby screams in pain and wants to be carried all the time.

Magnesia Carb 30 – The stools are green and frothy, like a frog pond’s scum. There is undigested milk in the stools. The diarrhoea occurs every three weeks.

Phytolacca 30 – This remedy is specific for diarrhoea during dentition. The baby bites the teeth and jaws are firmly clenched.

Babies’ Ailments – Fever

// July 31st, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 1: Fever

A fever is our body’s natural way of coping with an infection. However, when a baby is down with a fever, there is a different level of fear and anxiety that pervades the home environment. As a concerned parent, you may fail to realise that although your baby may be in discomfort, a fever is the body’s way of combating an infection. Thus, it should be allowed to take its course. By giving your baby medicines to suppress the fever, you are actually not allowing your baby’s immune system to work for him or her.

As parents, it is necessary for you to consider carefully the therapies that you choose for your baby as the side-effects of some Western medication can leave a life-long impression on your child’s health and immunity.

Instead of turning to anti-fever medicines immediately, it is important to first determine the cause of the fever and monitor your baby’s temperature regularly. Be sure to seek the help of a doctor to ensure that your baby is going through a regular fever. Once you are sure of the diagnosis, it is best to be patient and choose therapies that can aid your baby’s immune system, rather than suppress it by resorting to a “quick fix”.

Homeopathic remedies work beautifully in boosting your baby’s immune system and gently bringing down the fever, without any element of suppression. These remedies work by restoring the balance in the vital force, thus enabling the baby’s own immune system to fight the infection. In identifying the correct homeopathic remedy, it is important to match your baby’s symptoms with that of the remedy.

Some Suitable Remedies for Fever

Aconite: Common name: Monkshood Homeopathic Remedy: Aconitum Napellus If your baby is down with a high fever that comes on suddenly, especially after exposure to cold, Aconite is a suitable remedy. This is accompanied with a flushed face, great restlessness and profuse sweat.  Your baby may also be very clingy. A very good remedy in the early stages of fever.	Aconite
Belladonna: Common name: Deadly Night-Shade Homeopathic Remedy: Atropa Belladonna Redness is the key characteristic in Belladonna fevers. The fevers are intense and your baby’s face will appear bright red and skin, hot and dry. The tongue will be strawberry red.	Belladonna
Chamomilla: Common name: Chamomile Homeopathic Remedy: Chamomilla This is also known as “The Children’s Remedy” in homeopathy. If your baby’s fever is due to diarrhoea, ear-aches or other infections, Chamomilla is the remedy of choice. Your child will feel better when carried around.	Chamomilla

In the next post, you can read about Natural Therapies for Diaper Rash.