Vaginal bleeding in a young girl or infant can be a cause for concern and these days, it often raises questions about sexual abuse. However there are a few conditions where abnormal vaginal bleeding may be harmless or could be attributed to serious medical conditions that is unrelated to sexual abuse.

Given the prevalence of sexual abuse of young children, any sign of trauma with or without vaginal bleeding and often accompanied by changes in personality should be investigated. A medical doctor will confirm or exclude any possibility of trauma as a result of sexual abuse. Other causes of vaginal bleeding will then be considered if there are no signs of abuse.

continue reading Vaginal Bleeding in a Child

Upon coming out of the womb a newborn baby will cry and take the first breath. If this does not occur, the attending doctor will take the necessary steps to ensure that there is no airway obstruction and that the baby is breathing properly. From this point on, the baby learns that crying is a means of communicating with others.

Taking care of a newborn baby may be stressful enough for a mother, especially if it is her first child, but a newborn baby who cries excessively may be very distressing. Interpreting the causes of crying in the newborn baby is an essential part of motherhood. It is normal for a healthy newborn baby to cry two to three hours in a day. Some babies cry more than others and some cry more at night. As the mother bonds with the baby, she gradually gets to know why her baby is crying, whether it is a need for a feed, attention for a diaper change or some other cause of distress for the baby.

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New mothers are often concerned about their breast milk supply. A common fear is that breast milk production will be insufficient to meet with a newborn’s nutritional needs. In most cases, a mother’s breast milk supply will be adequate and will not hamper the baby’s growth.

However many nursing mothers do experience a low breast milk supply, due to hormonal and/or physiological factors. For mothers who are keen on breastfeeding, simple measures such as proper feeding techniques and good nutrition may be sufficient.

Similarly, many mothers become obsessive about their breast milk supply. A perceived lack of breast milk causes great stress and anxiety for mothers wishing to breastfeed. If a baby is gaining weight in accordance with the baby’s growth chart, is active, appears healthy and able to feed frequently, then the breast milk supply is likely to be adequate.

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1. Nasal Congestion

A common cause of blocked nose in a baby is an infection or allergy resulting in nasal congestion with purulent or watery discharge.

2. Enlarged Adenoid Glands

Adenoid glands (pharyngeal tonsils) are located in the roof of the throat, behind the nose. They usually start to shrink after about age 5 and usually disappear until teenage years. Enlarged adenoid glands (adenoids) can be present from birth or can become temporary enlarged during an infection (adenoiditis), especially in early childhood. Symptoms are breathing through the mouth, snoring, difficult swallowing and throaty voice. When there is no infection, there is also no nasal discharge. A common complications are sinusitis and infection of the middle ear. If problems are constant, adenoids should be surgically removed (adenoidectomy). Sometimes adenoids are enlarged from no obvious reason and often shrink without treatment so pediatrician should be consulted about removal.

continue reading What Causes Blocked Nose in a Baby and Small Child?

A major concern for many parents as the mother approaches full term  is the complications that may arise after delivery,  particularly breathing problems that may affect the newborn. At birth, the focus of the attending physician is to assure healthy and spontaneous breathing of the newborn as any impediment may result in damage to the brain tissue or even death.

However in certain cases, problems with adequate ventilation may arise, especially in high risk pregnancies.

continue reading Newborn Breathing Problems (Birth Asphyxia) Neonatal