Saffron

hellosailor Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Saffron Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Kalamiphile, Kes is correct. The effect is not > > from homeopathy itself. Homeopathy itself has > no > > effect. It's perceived effect is either > > coincidence, or placebo by proxy. > > > > If your child is unwell, it's understandable > that > > you want to try anything that will make him/her > > well again, but don't let that insecurity make > you > > blind to the truth. > > I'm hesitating in adding to this thread as don't > really want to get involved in a 'does homeopathy > have any effect' debate, (I do not treat myself or > my family homeopathically so have no particular > vested interest in defending it) plus Saffron I > almost always agree with your posts in most > threads so I genuinely don't mean to be combative, > but I would say, I find it uncomfortable reading > when people post with absolute authority, what is > essentially their own opinion. > I appreciate what you're saying, but it's not my opinion. It is the stance of the World Health Organization, who are an authority on infant and child health issues. Perhaps my post would have been better worded if I had said "facts" in place of "truth". I apologize, and I shall be more succint next time! Just to be clear, I'm also not opining that anyone should blindly follow conventional medicine. If someone is unhappy with the treatment given by a GP or other medical doctor, then a second medical opinion should always be sought. Indeed that may mean reaching out beyond the NHS to work with private specialist physicians, because the NHS is not always able to offer all of the medical treatments which may be available, including the coapplication of non-medical treatments under the overall supervision of a physician, e.g. herbal therapies, acupuncture etc. I'm not even saying don't use homeopathy. I'm just saying don't use it in place of conventional medicine for serious childhood aliments (which allergies can be), because the stance of the World Health Organization is that this can prevent parents/carers from seeking conventional medical treatment in time for appropriate intervention. And finally, just to address the topic of the OP asking for a recommendation, not a debate: My personal recommendation remains (which is just my opinion), as previously and once again offered without judgement or predjudice, that individuals consider and understand the advice given by the World Health Organiztion (which is a fact-based assessment) before using homeopathy in place of conventional medicine for serious medical conditions in babies and children. xx

Anyone for a double-date? Hubbie and I will meet you by the frozen peas. ;-)

Sometimes the reaction you see is an irritation and not a true allergy. Babies and children have thin delicate skin, and some foods are more likely to penetrate the skin surface and lead to irriation. With age, the skin becomes more hardy and the effect is no longer apparent. If you're concerned that this is a true allergy, watch for other allergic signs and symptoms when giving this food. xx

Kalamiphile, Kes is correct. The effect is not from homeopathy itself. Homeopathy itself has no effect. It's perceived effect is either coincidence, or placebo by proxy. For the example you give, considering the duration of time over which sypmtoms were observed, it is not surprising that symptoms then cleared up spontaneously. That is the nature of eczema and other atopic (allergy-related) diseases. They tend to flare-up and remit. The application of homeopathy to the condition has coincided with the remission of the skin irritation, causing the false appearance that homepathy has cured the condition. Placebo by proxy can occur when the subjective observer perceives that there is a change. When measured by an objective observer who is not aware of what treatment has been given, no actual change can be measured, or worse still a detrimental change has occured which the subjective observer cannot percieve due to his/her belief (placebo) that the patient (proxy) is getting better (when in fact the patient is getting worse). Placebo by proxy is particularly dangerous for infants and small children, when it prevents parents/carers from seeking and utilizing medical treatment for serious illnesses. Placebo by proxy can cause parents to believe that their child is getting better, when in fact there is no change or the child is even getting worse. People often say homeopathy is safe, but exactly for the reasons outlined above, homeopathy can harm your child. For this reason, the World Health Organization does not support the use of homeopathy in place of conventional medicine for serious childhood illnesses. If your child is ill, and you chose to treat him/her with homeopathy, you should first and always seek medical advice from a medical doctor, and continue to follow the medical advice throughout the course of homeopathy. If a homeopath advises you not to take a treatment given by a medical doctor, s/he may be in violation of criminal laws stating that one must be licensed to give medical advice, ie only a medical doctor can practice medicine. If your child is unwell, it's understandable that you want to try anything that will make him/her well again, but don't let that insecurity make you blind to the truth. It could actually result in a worse outcome for your child. xx

Stretch marks are mostly a result of genes. Topically, creams, oils etc will keep the skin hydrated at the surface, but they really have no activity in the deep layers of the skin where cells are forming, and collagen is being deposited causing stretch marks, with tocopherols (vit E complexes) being one possible exception. You'll have a good chance preventing stretch marks by eating plenty of protein, which is needed for rapid cell division in the skin, not gaining excess weight, and possibly also wearing some support under your bump. If you do find that you have very bad stretch marks, wait until they don't look angry and red anymore. Then have a treatment like Derma-roller or Pixel laser, which encourage cell turnover and collagen metabolism in the deep layers of the skin. xx

Yes, it occurs to me that other people have differnt views, and that is exactly why I wouldn't criticise a parent whose child doesn't behave the same as mine. I tolerate others with patience and compassion, and I expect the same in return in a civilised society (though I am frequently disappointed, hmmm). xx

The article doesn't actually say that you should give them their way at all times. xx

Kes, not sure I follow your objections? No where does the article say that happy, curious, and compassionate are achieved by just sitting back and allowing them to do whatever they want. What the article does suggest is that some of the behaviour that is viewed and bad and therefore punishable is only a natural part of a child's curiosity; therefore the parents' response should be to channel that behaviour in helpful directions rather than to punish it. Also, no where is it written that children need to sit still to learn. Perhaps it's all the children sitting still in classes who are disrupting the learning of children who want to get up and move around. The truth is probably somewhere inbetween. There's never just one right way of doing things. Just because a majority do it one way doesn't make it right or even desirable. A truly good teacher knows how to accommodate all her/his students, not just the orthodox ones. Personally I would try to keep my children out of classes where I feel the teacher isn't good, but not all parents have that luxury sadly. xx

Decorate with finger- and thumbprint art? Google "thumbprint art" for ideas. xx

We went to one music class where my daughter, then around 18 months, burst into tears after being told to sit down, because she wanted to stand up and dance! Needless to say we didn't go back to that one. We do Boppin' Bunnies music classes now instead. Our leader, Kat, is sooo tolerant and friendly. There's plenty of space for dancing and running etc. We also ran into a bit of difficulty with Tumble Tots, as I've posted previously. I even got what I felt like was a telling off by one of the leaders! It was our first --and only-- class. I've heard good things about Diddy Dance but not had a chance to try it yet. It's not only annoying for your LO, but also really disheartening as a parent when classes aren't conducted in an age appropriate and fun way. I totally agree that the "too much, too soon" approach could be damaging for some children. I would even say this applies to older children, and that children seem to get far too much homework too early. This article is from the States, but the situation seems similar here too. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/The_Homework_Debate/ I was sitting at my friend's kitchen table with her 5yo son before dinner one evening, and he was nearly in tears over his homework. It was just "busy work" as far as I could see, a repetitive hand-writing assignment, and his dexterity wasn't up to it. Poor little fellow. My friend was being very good and patient about it, though she was obviously annoyed with the assignment too.

Second vote for the BLW book! Also have you tried those specially curved toddler spoons? What are they called, something like orthopedic cutlery? I can't remember. They make it easier for Baby to self-feed with a spoon. At 10 months, its not surprising that Baby wants to feed herself. She is obviously growing in her independence! :) Some foods which don't seem immediately like finger foods can be made into finger foods. Oatmeal porridge was my daughter's favourite for ages. Reduce the amount of liquid you use when making it. Let the mixture cool a bit, then make it into little balls, perfect for little fingers. If your LO likes barley porridge and has a good pincher grip then you can try this too. Add some oats to the barley mixture to help the barley stick together. I agree with mouseysarah, you'll be surprised how many types of food your baby can eat w/out a spoon or fork. My daughter has always eaten what we eat. At 2 years old, she still rarely uses cutlery but has no trouble getting enough to eat w/out making too much mess. When it comes to liquidy foods, she's always preferred the dipping approach using veggies or rice cakes etc. Good luck. xx

Oh dear, I can't make it to either of these! I'm a big fan of the CP 1 o'clock club and would be gutted to see it closed. The online petition says the build's state of disrepair is a reason for the proposition to sublet: "At the moment this fantastic place is under threat of closure as the charitable trust that runs it mytimeactive has said that the building the club is in is dilapidated and they are unable to to pay for the repairs." Fuschia, or others, if you're going to the meeting(s), can you report back a little more about this problem? If the building itself is structurally sound and needs no major enineering work, then getting volunteer repairs completed shouldn't be a big deal if funds were raised to cover materials. My husband is a builder, and I would happily volunteer him to work on this! ;-) I'm sure there are others with similar skills, and small children, who could contribute too. If the building does have suspected structural problems, can the suveyor's report be made public? Minor structural problems might not need extensive correction to make the building viable.

When she's really deeply asleep, put a medicated salve on her lips, like the gooey Blistex one that comes in the little tube, not a wax-based stick. Chapped lips are also made worse by dehydration, so try to get her to drink more water. I get very dry lips in the winter too. It is tempting to pick at them, even as an adult! With what have you tried to distract her? It's likely that the distraction needs to be very specifically targeted at her hands and/or face to be effective. Can you give her something else to hold and rub, like a mini blanket with satin edges that she can rub on her cheek? Or one of those little rubbery make-up sponges? Habits like these can be very difficult to break, but usually respond best to positive reinforcements rather than punishment. The habit itself likely has a root in mild stress, eg being tired, so punishment makes the stress worse. Also trying to stop the habit flat out is likely to result in a rebound making it worse. Sticker charts are very helpful for this kind of thing. It will probably take a while to work through this with your LO. If you don't find it getting better soon despite your best efforts, check with your GP to see if there is a specialist who can observe your child and recommend a more specific course of action. It's normal for children to pick at bit, but she really shouldn't be making herself bleed. Skin on the lips is very fragile and may be more prone to scarring.

bee74 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > sunlover, yes, you are right, so i have started > expressing at the beginning of each feed so that > she does get more nutricious milk > went to the doc yesterday who did diagnose reflux. > good to know that it is that, but doc was also > quite in favour of letting nature just take its > course. he explained that it is her stomach and > digestive system getting used to milk/food and the > outside world and if i put anything into the > equations (probiotic, dentinox, fennel tea, > gaviscon...) i am only upsetting the natural > system which is trying to find its way and its > balance. the best i can do for her, he said is to > be patient and calm...so i have accepted this > explanation as the cosmos trying to teach me a > lesson! i need to be more calm and patient - > despite being a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher > i often struggle with both, so i am now seeing my > new daughter as my ultimate zen master! fingers > crossed! I agree with your GP, esp'y antacid meds. Use of antacids can cause rebound reflux when you stop taking them. I've experienced this as an adult, really unpleasant. But at least with the diagnosis, you know what is happening and it's not your fault. Hope things get better soon. xx

We did Baby-Led Weaning, and it was brilliant, very flexible. Little Saff started grabbing fruit and bread out of my hands when she was around 5 months. We just took it very slowly from there. My BLW book is on loan to another Forumite, but you're welcome to borrow it when I get it back. Also the library has a copy. It's an easy and intersting read. xx

Winter sale: http://www.aspace.co.uk/accessories

Try using a TENS machine on the muscle groups which are most affected. In theory the earlier you use it, possibly even before noticable symptoms begin, and the more nights you use it, the more effective it should become. Potassium and also calcium are thought to help with restless limbs b/c these ions are essential in muscle tone and movement. Quinine's exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it appears to affect calcium distribution in the muscle fibre. I believe in the States the FDA recently withdrew approval of over-the-counter quinine for leg cramps due to concerns over serious side effects at the doses offered. You probably don't get enough quinine in tonic water to have a significant effect on muscle tone alone, but perhaps worth a go combined with any of the above?

If it's night time separation anxiety, I agree a little mattress in your room might help. Controlled crying is not recommended for children with night time separation anxiety, but there are many other sleep techniques available. Seek the help of a professional who will respect your chosen parenting style and work within your limits to find a solution. xx PS: Edited to say that my 2 yo still wakes up at night too, grrr. Much sympathy for you! xx

bee74 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I have an Amby but I have not started using it > because the baby needs so much feeding at night, I > find it's too much effort event to just lean over > and take her from the side of the bed, I prefer > her in bed with me. But I will try if - when!- she > starts less at night. However i will def keep up > with the upright feeding and settling. > And will ask the breastfeeding clinic about > (silent) reflux. I had some trouble getting my daughter in/out of our Amby Hammock too, esp'y b/c she has always been big for her age, and my back is not in great shape. She would sleep in the Amby ok the first part of the night, then cry a lot and want to clusterfeed at increasing intervals the rest of the night. Around 3 months old, we managed to master b/fing while both of us were on our sides, and it made things much easier. We both got more sleep then. Have you tried different positions for b/fing in bed at night? Maybe on her side would suit her better too? xx

Have you thought of trying a Baby Hammock. We used an Amby "Nature's Nest" Hammock. If it turns out that Baby does have reflux, the hammock helps to keep baby tilted upward. They are expensive to buy new, but they have good resale value. You can often find them used in good condition on the Forum or elsewhere. They are also good for babies with colic and babies that are just generally hard to settle. The Amby is very light and you can easily move it from one room to another. xx

awilliams123 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Bellenden Belle Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > This is a really interesting development. > > For years that building was shut with planning > > permissions for a cafe / restaurant constantly > > refused because of its location in a > residential > > area. Have a look at the site's history of > > planning applications: > > > http://moderngov.southwarksites.com/mgConvert2PDF. > > > aspx?ID=20906 > > > > One of the key differences which I suspect led > to > > planning permission finally being granted was > the > > "Change of use of the ground floor to > > cafe/restaurant (Class A3) with a community > room > > (Class D1) for meetings and local artist > display > > function". > > > > I don't have a background in planning - but a > > quick google defines D1 as "D1: Non-Residential > > Institutions - Surgeries, health centres, > cr?ches, > > nurseries, day centres, art galleries, museums, > > libraries, halls, churches and non-residential > > education and training centres." > > > > Seems to me that if they have moved a deli into > > that space they have actually changed its > usage, > > depriving the community of the very space that > no > > doubt contributed them to being granted > permission > > to use that site in the first place. This makes > me > > very cross indeed - I have asked Cllr James > Barber > > in the main East Dulwich issues section to > > investigate. > > > That is VERY interesting indeed...they absolutely > have changed the use. Haven't been round recently. So is there now nowhere in the cafe not only for toddler groups, but also nowhere for local art display/meetups? I went to my friend's art show in the function room (now the deli?), and it was a brilliant use of the space. If there is now no function room at all, then it would appear that the use of the space is indeed significantly altered by it loss. I'm quite curious to know what light can be shed on this by Cllr J. B. or others. It does seem an odd turn of events. I also think the line about prams being a health and safety issue is total rubbish. Plenty of other places cope just fine with this issue. Buggies can always be moved and/or folded to accommodate exits and walkways.

Depending on to whom I've spoken, nursery school and kindergarten either are, or are not the same thing. So Forumites, enlighten me. What really is the difference, or is there none???

I have a widgey nursing pillow you can try. It's very firm. I found that if I sat forward a little when I used it, then my little girl didn't seem to fall in to the gap so much. Not sure how it would work with a nursing chair. I mostly sat on the sofa with another pillow for back support. PM me if interseted. Pillow is in excellent condition. xx

Would she be interested in horse riding lessons? I used to be a children's riding instructor, and it's brilliant to see the way learning to handle a horse in hand and under saddle can improve a child's confidence. Yardwork (ie mucking stalls, cleaning tack, carrying water buckets etc) is great exercise too. I also think the beauty of learning to ride is that it gives you a lifetime skill. So many sports become left behind in childhood. You can enjoy riding all your life. There is a horse for every age. Or what about yoga classes? Some small yoga classes would be willing to take preteen children who are attentive and non-disruptive, especially if explain what your situation is. Hope you find something your child likes. xx

If your LO will take a bottle, could your partner or someone else give Baby expressed milk in the evening or early morning, so you can have a break? It isn't wrong to use feeding as a way to settle, especially at such a young age. It's how babies are programmed, and it's what mothers have been doing for thousands of years. It's an artefact of Modernity that we see comfort-sucking or feeding to sleep as undesirable. The behavioural need for comfort-sucking/non-nutritive sucking is no less a real physiological need, just b/c it's related to comfort rather than hunger. If a soother helps, it helps. Don't worry about it. Some babies have a stronger internal drive for this than others. Either way is normal. If there's no tongue-tie, reflux etc, then you may just have a "sucky" baby. Would a ring-sling help? I have one you can borrow for a test run. Sometimes I ran all my local errands with Little Saff asleep on my boob in the sling. The sling can be adjusted so that no one sees your breast at all. Every mother-baby dyad is different of course, but for me this was much better than pushing a bawling baby around in a buggy. xx