Dr. Gowher Yusuf

Bathing  the newborn baby is a pleasurable experience both for the mother and the baby. It can also be defined as a process through which the mother and child bond. A mother understands the requirements of the child and the baby adapts itself to the cleanliness regime of the mother.

When should I start bathing my new born baby?

According to guidelines of WHO, initial bath for a term newborn weighing more than 2.5kg should be given 6 hours after birth. In the term low birth weight babies weighing less than 2.5kgs, only sponge bath is to be given, till the weight crosses 2.5kg.

Dip baths can be given once the umbilical cord falls off i.e. by 7 -10 days. Till then sponge baths are to be given.

How should I bathe my baby?

The room should be warm and free from draught of air as a wet baby can easily catch the chill. Check the temperature of the bath water before placing the baby in the bath tub. The depth of the water should be 5 cms upto the hip of the baby. Eyes can be cleaned by using one sterile water-soaked cotton swab for each eye. The Head should be washed last and dried first to prevent exposure due to large surface area. Pay special attention to skin folds of the neck, behind the ears, underarms, and diaper area. Also wash between the fingers and the toes.

What cleanser/ soap should I use for my baby?

Do not use soap for the first 1 month of life. After that, use any mild unmedicated soap or liquid cleanser with acidic/ neutral pH, that maintains the pH of the baby's skin. Avoid scented soaps and bubble baths.

How frequently should I bathe my baby?

In summer months, daily baths can be given. In winters, dip bath may be given twice/thrice a week and rest of the days, it is preferable to sponge the baby.

Hair wash can be given twice  a week.

A word of caution:

Never leave your baby unattended  to in the bath tub.Bath tub should be disinfected after use. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult the doctor and ask a free question.

Sexual abuse of children may sound very scary and degrading, but the truth is it is a very prevalent problem. As much we may not want to believe, the number of boys and girls who are sexually abused, and that too by close family and friends is very high. This may be difficult to digest, but is the truth. The sexual abuse in male and female children is 50% in each group which is again unbelievable but true.

What is considered child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse includes touching and non-touching activity. Some examples of touching activity include:

1. touching a child's genitals or private parts for sexual pleasure.
2. making a child touch someone else's genitals, play sexual games or have sex putting objects or body parts (like fingers, tongue or penis) inside the vagina, in the mouth or in the anus of a child for sexual pleasure.

The thing to ponder, however, is that people who abuse children have a deeper problem. This could be due to a combination of social and psychological issues that the person is facing. Often helping identify the underlying problem could be a solution to the problem too, but this is rarely done. If you think a child could be subjected to abuse, look out for the following symptoms.

1. A feeling of guilt or shame.
2. Irritability and anger with minimal reasons.
3. Mood swings, often uncommon in children.
4. Feeling very isolated and sad.
5. Very anxious and angry.
6. Symptoms of withdrawal, not wanting to be left alone.
7. Sleeplessness.
8. Fatigue and pain in the back, legs.
9. Loss of appetite, energy.
10. Bruises (look out for these, which may not be in visible areas).

How to handle?

Given the fact that the offender is in close family and/or friends circle, the suspicion levels are quite low.

1. The first step, therefore, is to open up and talk with either your parents or someone close.
2. Look for support groups which can be very helpful.
3. Do not be isolated though the urge is very strong.
4. Build a daily schedule to ensure your routine continues (studies, work, etc.).
5. Focus on exercise or other passions as they help you deviate your mind.
6. Be sure to not be alone with the offender, stay in a group.
7. Give out a strong message saying it is not acceptable, and do not keep quiet.

Homoeopathic remedies:

Homoeopathy can come rescue of the offender all well as the victim. If we see according to the point of view of who committed the crime, many reasons may come to the light and we can be treated accordingly. Usually, these criminals have a very painful and sad childhood. This could lead them to commit a crime like child abuse. 

The following are the medicines to treat such people with anti-social behaviour-

1. Aur.
2. Bar-C.
3. Hyoscyamus.
4. Stramonium.
5. Merc.
6. Tarentula.
7. Med.
8. Nux V.
9. Syphilinear.

There are certain homoeopathic medicines which are helpful in the treatment of children who are victimized. The most common symptom is nightmares.

1. Calc.carb. 
2. Aloes. 
3. Phosphorous. 
4. Cechris. 
5. Sepia. 
6. Staphysagria. 

For treatment for actual physical and mental symptoms of the victim child, following homoeopathic medicines may help:

1. Aconite. 
2. Ignatia. 
3. Arnica. 
4. Staphysagria. 
5. Calendula. 
6. Nat. mur. 

Homeopathy is a safe and effective way to treat the victims as well as the culprits of sexual abuse. It focuses on the way patients have reacted to events and the personality of the patient. It helps to bring complete harmony of physical, mental and social well being. 

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a homeopath.

Exams are here again. As always we tend to neglect our food in the process of concentrating on studies. But we forget that to concentrate on studies we have to concentrate on taking a healthy diet.

Here are a few diet tips that will help you balance your study as well as diet.

1. Eat small and nourishing meals every three hours, instead of just 2-3 heavy meals. The brain needs a constant supply of energy and a heavy meal will divert the blood supply to digest the heavy meal.

2. Your daily diet must include 2-3 fresh, seasonal fruits. Start your day with a boost of fruit energy. Have a banana with a tablespoon of honey as the first meal of the day. Fruits provide you not only with fiber, vitamins and minerals but also simple and complex carbohydrates for short and long duration of energy supply when studying. The fiber will also help to keep the bowel movement clear.

3. A good breakfast is a must for anyone. The breakfast must contain foods with complex carbohydrates like flakes, oats, rawa (semolina), daliya (wheat cracks), poha (rice flakes) or pav with vegetables and a protein source such as eggs, milk, pulse, sprouts or paneer.

4. Nuts and dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and dates provide nutrients which enhance brain power and concentration and also provide an extended source of energy supply.

5. Include potassium-rich coconut water, citrus fruits/ juices and soups in your diet.

6. Green leafy vegetables, pulses, and nuts will also provide vitamins and minerals to help avoid anemia. (Anemia is a common problem causing difficulty in concentration.)

7. Including milk as a bedtime meal and curd/lassi/buttermilk after lunch or as a mid-meal assures a supply of Vitamin B12 too.

8. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Always keep a glass of water beside you to remember to take sips of water every 15 minutes.

9. Basic exercise like stretching, walking or yoga with meditation will help to reduce negative stress and also help you to get good sleep.

10. Avoid junk foods as they will provide you no nutrition.

11. Avoid stimulants like tea, coffee or colas as they may seem to perk you up but the energy does not sustain for long. Too much may even cause bloating or acidity.

12. Avoid aerated drinks as they are full of sugar and may cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels causing a sudden rise and drop in sugar levels.

13. Chocolates may seem to may you feel good but the sudden rise and fall of sugar it causes in the blood can lead to trembling nervousness and panic.

14. Have your dinner if possible a little earlier than 9-10pm.

15. Keep about 2 hours between dinner and your bedtime.

16. Have a sound sleep for at least 7-8 hours daily.

Remember your body and mind need the fuel to help you perform the best. So, nourish it and take care of it and it will do the same for you.