RN
Jenni Johnson is a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse and midwife. She has been looking after new parents from her practice in Durban, South Africa for the last ten years. Her ante and post-natal clinic set the foundation for parenting and is known to be available to parents at any time.Her passion is with the individual mother - each with her own story, concerns and needs. Teaching routines, nutrition, good sleep habits and organizational skills in a practical, easy-to-apply manner is what she’s best known for. She also has an online clinic www.jennisays.com where routines can be downloaded and online support sought.
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Dark circles under baby eyes are generally uncommon. However, they may not indicate a cause of concern, even if the condition is present. Most dark circles are not caused by poor health or infant sleep deprivation (1). Instead, some babies may have them due to the thin and sensitive skin around the eyes or because of genetics, as they may have inherited the trait from their parents. However, if you notice dark circles in your babies, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out the chances of having an underlying issue. This post explains the possible causes of dark circles in babies and answers some commonly asked questions related to the topic. [mj-toc] What Are Dark Circles? Dark circles are dark blemishes around the eyes. They could be a signal of some inconvenience or an allergy, and rarely a critical condition. The skin around the eyelids is called the periorbital skin. If the dark circles are caused due...
Most parents massage their babies for the first few months after birth. However, to ensure their baby gets the full benefits of the massage, they should pick the best baby massage oil to keep their little one’s skin healthy and glowing. Research suggests that massages are more beneficial when performed using a medium such as essential oils. In addition, massage therapy helps promote neuromotor development, emotional connection, a healthy sleep-wake pattern, and weight gain (1). So read on to know more about massaging babies with oil, including its safety, how to select the right massage oil, and tips to keep in mind while massaging the baby. [mj-toc] Is Oil Massage Safe For Babies? Massage therapy is considered to be a safe practice, and there are no significant harmful effects if it is performed appropriately. But if your baby has any underlying health issues, consult a pediatrician before you try oil massages for the baby. The pediatrician can help determine the...
Prednisone for kids could be prescribed for immune system-related diseases. Prednisone and its metabolite (Prednisolone) are glucocorticoids that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation (1). They have many indications, including those for children, and are analogous to hormones produced by the body. However, there are uncertainties about their use in children and the potential side effects. This post discusses prednisone's safety profile, dosing, and other relevant aspects for children. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/heart-rate-in-children-normal-and-arrhythmia_00419818/" title="Abnormal Heart Rate In Children: Types, Symptoms And Risks"] [mj-toc] When Is Prednisone Prescribed For children? Prednisone, also known by its brand name Rayos, is given to children for the following health issues. Asthma: If your child has asthma, then the doctor might prescribe prednisone for asthma in kids to reduce the symptoms such as wheezing. It is also given during severe attacks of asthma for a short period to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways (2). Krista Elkins, a registered nurse specialist from Bozeman, Montana, says, “...
During the late afternoon and evening, you may notice your newborn wailing and crying all of a sudden. Many people refer to this as the baby’s witching hour (1). It usually happens between 5 pm and 12 am and occurs when your baby is around two to four weeks of age (2). The howling may last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, and some babies may even cry for hours on end. While your little one crying uncontrollably is a cause for concern, the witching hour is a totally normal phenomenon and can be managed with the tips we’ve mentioned in our article. Read on as we tell you the causes of baby witching hour and how to cope with it. [mj-toc] When Do Babies Grow Out Of The Witching Hour? Babies grow out of the witching hour by the age of three to four months (1). Some babies may continue to have it even after reaching five months....
Premature labor and preterm birth may have considerable negative health impacts on the baby and the mother. Tocolytics are a category of medications used to suppress uterine contractions and deter labor onset. The use of tocolytics such as Nifedipine in pregnancy is one of the ten recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent preterm birth and support the premature baby's survival (1). Read this post to know about the safety of using Nifedipine during pregnancy, when and how to use it, and its potential side effects. [mj-toc] What Is Nifedipine? [caption id="attachment_888504" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Nifedipine (sold under the brand names Procardia, Adalat,) is a calcium ion influx inhibitor and is used as an antihypertensive medication, which helps in managing hypertension, vasospastic angina (spasms in the coronary heart), and [simple_tooltip text="chronic stable angina" tooltip="Chest pain that frequently happens with action or under emotional stress." ] (2). This drug is also used to suppress preterm labor and delay...
A loss of appetite in children might cause worry in most parents. However, it is quite common in children aged between two and five years. Nevertheless, in some rare cases, loss of appetite may be a cause for concern. Thus, you should consult a doctor if you notice your child losing their appetite a little too often. Read on as we tell you the possible reasons your child may be losing their appetite and give you tips on preventing it. We also give you tips on helping your children build their appetite again. [mj-toc] When Should You Worry? If your child has normal weight and height (for their age), then there might not be a reason to worry, as some children with a small build might have lesser food requirements and, therefore, a lesser appetite(1). But if your child is older and the loss of appetite is sudden, accompanied by weight loss, then you may consult a pediatrician to identify...
Fair, wheatish, dark, or dusky, babies are a blessing irrespective of their skin color. A parent’s priority includes overseeing the baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being. However, sometimes, you might become anxious about your child’s complexion due to societal pressure and ponder how to make your baby’s skin fair. You might have come across several remedies for improving the complexion of your child. But are they effective? This post gives you some natural tips on making your baby’s skin fair and also tells you if they work. [mj-toc] Tips For Making Your Baby’s Skin Fair: Do They Work? Dr. Naheed Ali, a physician from North Miami Beach, Florida, says, “There is no proven way to change a baby's skin color or make it fair. A baby's skin color is determined by genetics and cannot be changed through diet or other means. Any attempts to do so could potentially harm their health. “Instead of trying to change the skin color, focus...
Drooling in babies is usually noticeable once their salivary glands are active functionally, around two to three months (1). Since babies lack teeth and neck muscle control, the constant saliva produced in their mouths may not be withheld or swallowed by them. Therefore, the saliva accumulates to pass through their mouths finally. However, sometimes this usual phenomenon may surge, causing an increase in saliva production in the mouth, leading to a condition called hypersalivation or sialorrhea (2). Keep reading as we discuss the causes and management of drooling in infants. We also tell you about the ways to treat a baby's excessive drooling in this post. [mj-toc] How Does Drooling Help Babies? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drooling helps in the following ways (3): Keeps the baby’s mouth moist. Washes away food residue. Softens foods when the baby starts eating solids, thus making it easier to swallow. Protects the baby’s gums. Once the baby has teeth, the compounds...
Vomiting in toddlers may be distressing for parents, and things get even worse when your toddler is throwing up frequently. There are a number of reasons for your baby vomiting, ranging from gastroenteritis (infection in the intestinal lining) to motion sickness. You may also find your toddler throwing up but with no fever. The cause of your toddler's vomiting may not be clear at first, but if you take a closer look, you may find the actual cause. If the toddler has persistent vomiting with no other symptoms, consult a doctor for professional advice. Read this post to figure out what's causing your toddler's vomiting, what you can do to manage it, and how to prevent a repeat occurrence in your baby. [mj-toc] 15 Causes Of Vomiting In Toddlers Your baby can feel nauseated and eventually vomit, due to several reasons. Here are the most common reasons why toddlers may vomit: 1. Stomach infection [caption id="attachment_879654" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption]...
Blood in a baby’s stool is one of the most common causes of pediatric gastroenterologist visits (1). You may notice red streaks or blood on diapers. Although it is not an emergency, a pediatric consultation is recommended to identify the cause. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of some self-limiting conditions or digestive disorders. Some babies may have accompanying symptoms or crying, while a few may not have any symptoms. Read on to know the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and preventive measures for rectal bleeding in babies. [mj-toc] When Is Blood In Baby’s Stool Not Normal? For babies younger than 12 weeks, blood in the stool should be treated as an emergency. Whereas for older babies, if the baby looks healthy and happy, you do not have to worry much. A planned pediatric consultation is wise to avoid any complications. However, consult the doctor immediately if the baby shows signs that indicate at something serious (2): Inconsolable crying or crankiness or...
Nightmares and night terrors in babies are common. Sometimes, you may wake up hearing your baby’s screams and see them moving and making distressing sounds in their cradle. While they may calm down with reassuring words and your touch, they may continue to be fussy in some cases. Night terrors can be more difficult than nightmares, which you may notice from the symptoms. Nightmares and night terrors can be caused by certain changes in the developing brain or factors such as tiredness or medications. Read on to learn more about nightmares and night terrors in babies and how to deal with them and prevent them. [mj-toc] What Are Nightmares? Nightmares are vivid bad dreams that occur when a baby is in deep or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep (1), causing the child to wake up scared and nervous. Often, the baby or the toddler can remember the nightmare in detail and may even seem upset the next morning after a...
[mj-toc] Did you know that around 25% of children who visit a pediatric gastroenterologist are constipated (1)? Constipation in children is so common that it is prevalent among 3% worldwide (2). The problem causes extreme discomfort, and when neglected can lead to other health complications. MomJunction tells you about the various types of constipation, the reasons behind the problem, and how you can help your child overcome it. What Is Constipation? Constipation is a condition where the individual has irregular bowel movements. A child is said to be constipated if he: Has three or less than three bowel movements in a week. Has abdominal discomfort, pain or bloating. Painful defecation. Passes hard stools Chronic constipation in kids may develop if they also display the following symptoms over a period of eight weeks. Has one or more episodes of fecal incontinence in a week. Displays behavior that suggests retention of stool fearing pain. Defecating large amounts of stool These symptoms are...
Jump To: What Causes Eczema In Children? Signs And Symptoms Of Eczema Eczema Prevention And Diagnosis Eczema Treatment And Home Remedies Charlie had red lesions on his hands and scaly, red rashes on the elbow. He had an itch and wanted to scratch, but remembered what his mom said, “Scratch it and it will stay.” Charlie wanted it to go away, so bad! His eczema was diagnosed when he was seven. He is nine now and uses topical medication for the rashes. He also follows a strict lifestyle to prevent flare-ups. Charlie is not alone. Around 20% of children in the world are affected by some form of eczema. MomJunction tells you about eczema in kids, what causes it, and how to manage it. What is Eczema? Eczema is a typical condition where the skin on the body and the scalp gets itchy and red, prompting frequent scratching. Eczema is NOT contagious, which means your child can safely mingle with...