Ask the Specialists-Ask the specialist-All about your baby's health

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All about your baby's health

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Mar 31st - Sep 12th 2011

(1st April 2011 to 30th April 2011)

Don't ignore your baby symptoms. A sick baby is stressful to parents.

Every parent wants a healthy baby. Get the expert advice and facts on what to expect when dealing with your baby.

Take this chance to post any question related to baby’s health to our specialist online.

Hosted by

Clin A/Prof Yeo Cheo Lian
Head & Senior Consultant
Department of Neonatal and Development Medicine
Singapore General Hospital

	Posted by melody1512@gmail.com
Hi! How do you know that your toddler of 2years is not overeating which may cause them to become overweight or result in vomitting? Thanks!

Answered by

Your concern is valid. It’s obvious that eating too much can make people fat. More kids are developing diabetes at an early age and are overweight. However, do not assume that if your child is overweight, they must be overeating. A child who eats to satisfy their hunger is not overeating. Eating beyond the point that they feel full or drinking large amounts of juice, or fruit-flavoured drinks is overeating.

If your child eats or drinks food and beverages between meal and snack times, or if they eat a lot of candy, potato chips, high-fat baked goods or fried foods, this could also lead to excess weight.

Help your child learn to eat normally to keep a healthy weight as he or she grows by:

• Offering small portions. Let the child ask for more.
• Allow enough time. This may give your child a chance to feel full.
• Take food away when your child stops eating.
• Avoid extremes of withholding food when your child is hungry. Offer a small snack.

Answered by
Clin A/Prof Yeo Cheo Lian
Head & Senior Consultant
Department of Neonatal and Development Medicine
Singapore General Hospital

Posted by eujiny93

My daughter in law works overseas and doesnt have proper nutrition as both she and my son works in the day and are too tired to cook dinner. If any cooking is done, its usually frozen food put in the oven. How will this affect the foetus. She does take folic acid and calcium. She also had early stage bleeding twice and is now due July. I will be visiting during her confinement. Please advise what I can do for both mother and baby to ensure both are healthy and well.

Thank you

Lisa

Answered by

Hi Lisa, you are right.

Food can affect the health of a pregnant woman and that of her baby’s. Fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats are solid nutritional bets, but there are also healthy versions of frozen dinners too. Certain food which may result in food-borne illness in a pregnant woman or have possible adverse effects on the baby’s developing nervous system should be avoided.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include:
• Seafood high in mercury (eg swordfish, shark, ling mackerel)
• Raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood
• Undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
• Unpasteurized foods, juices
• Unwashed fruits, vegetables
• Excessive quantity of liver
• Excessive caffeine
• Herbal tea, alcohol

Folic acid and calcium prescribed by her obstetricians helps. The early stage bleeding experienced is unlikely to be related to her dietary habits. She should consult her obstetricians at the earliest possible if bleeding recurs.

After giving birth an adequate diet is especially important to help ensure the mother’s health and to supply her with the energy necessary to care for her new baby. A postpartum woman’s diet should replace nutrients lost during pregnancy and include nutrients needed to maintain her body and to facilitate breastfeeding. The chart summaries the range and amount of food required by woman during confinement:

Remember to drink plenty of liquids. Drink to satisfy her thirst, but be sure to drink six to 10 glasses of liquid everyday

Avoid serving:
• fad weight reduction diets,
• harmful substances (such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs)
• excessive intake of fat, salt, caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.

With the physical and emotional support showered by you and family, your daughter will transit readily into her new role and enjoy motherhood.

Answered by

Clin A/Prof Yeo Cheo Lian
Head & Senior Consultant
Department of Neonatal and Development Medicine
Singapore General Hospital

Posted by vaskuna

Hi Doc!

I have a set of preterm (26 weeks) twins who r now turning two. They have been in n out of hospital for bronchitis. They are always treated with ventolin MDI in hospital. I want to know if or should they be put on a preventer long term. And would it affect them in the long run as both of them have got cardiac conditions ASD and PDA subsequently.

Thank You!

Answered by

It is a fact that preterm kids are at risk for respiratory ailment in early childhood. In most children, the use of timely appropriate vaccination against common childhood infections and with appropriate physical growth, the frequency of these respiratory illness decreases with age.

Frequent relapses of respiratory illness affect child’s eating habit and may contribute to poorer weight gain and affects lung healing as well as acquisition of developmental skills. Medications are available to improve the control of respiratory symptoms.

It is relevant for you to discuss the benefits and side effects of medications with your family physicians or Paediatricians. Understanding the pros and cons of medications and the natural history of respiratory illness of ex-preterm kids will allow you to make a concerted decision on the use of medication to control your child’s respiratory conditions.

Answered by
Clin A/Prof Yeo Cheo Lian
Head & Senior Consultant
Department of Neonatal and Development Medicine
Singapore General Hospital

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