Various symtoms in a baby, as vomiting , diarrhoea , skin rash , eczema or urticaria, conjunctivitis, wheezing or oedema , may hide a food allergy: a food allergic reaction occurs when certain proteins in the food we eat inappropriately react with some component of the immune system, triggering an allergic reaction.

Some food allergies, that show up immediately after the ingestion of the allergic food (within few hours), depends on a “wrong” reaction of a specific class of antibodies, the IgE antibodies: in allergic individuals (who are sometimes referred to as being “atopic”) eating certain food proteins (such as whey and casein protein contained in cow’s milk) results in the production of IgE directed against the protein. The second time individual eats the food; these molecules interact with each other, and with the food protein, causing the release of harmful chemicals and the symptoms of food allergy.

Other food allergies may show later: it’s the delayed-type food allergic reactions, appearing after 24-48 hours from the food ingestion and depending on other specific immune cells, the “T-cell”. When the food is ingested, the food protein is recognized as harmful by these cells, that run into the area of the body about to suffer damage (as the skin or the bowel), release chemicals and, through a chain of events, lead to damages associated with symptoms of food allergy.

The most common food allergy in infants is Cow Milk Allergy, a reaction to cow milk that results from a hypersensitive immune response to one or more milk proteins. Most babies with cow milk allergy develop symptoms within the first few months of life. It’s rare for symptoms to begin after the age of 12 months. Symptoms of cow milk allergy are various, ranging from eczema and rash, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation to breathing symptoms, as wheezing.

The recommended treatment for Cow Milk Allergy is to completely skip milk proteins from the baby’s diet. Because milk is an important food for infants, cutting it out from a baby’s diet may put them at risk of poor growth. This risk can be overcome with an alternative hypoallergenic formula, such as amino-acid based formulas (usually referred as AAF) or extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHF), which can provide rapid relief of symptoms and enables optimal growth and development.

Source: Act Against Allergy - For the treatment of Cow Milk Allergy is a global educational initiative with information and tools to know and increase the awareness of childhood cow milk allergy and other infant food allergies and to support parents and healthcare professionals. Act Against Allergy complies with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information.

After the birth of my son hospital staff asked me to express milk by hand. No breast pump was offered. I just could not get it right and it was a very frustrating experience. Even after breastfeeding for many months I still never managed to express by hand. If I ever have another baby I will be sure to take a breast pump to hospital with me. It is something I had not considered at the time I had my first baby. With this short post I would like to share my personal experience with other mums-to-be.

There are many different breast pump brands available. The Australian Breastfeeding Association stocks a large range and can give good advice. On my website I currently only offer the Avent manual and electronic breast pumps. I used the manual pump at home with my son and was very happy with it. My friend is having a baby at the end of this month and she has upgraded to the Avent iQ Uno electronic pump. You start pumping manually and then the electronic mechanism takes over and continues at the same pace at which you initiated manual pumping. The speed is also easily adjusted while the electronic pumping is in progress. We are running a great introductory sale offer on the Avent breast pumps. If you are an expecting or new mum you might like to take advantage of this special or to visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website to read more about the various breast pumps available and how they can benefit you.

Our website is Visit www.nursingwear.com.au
www.nursingwear.com.au

I have only ever used the Avent breast pump personally. If you have used another brand with which you were particularly happy/ unhappy why not post a reply here with a product recommendation/ cautioning.

The pregnant Women

A women’s back and pelvis is particularly vulnerable during pregnancy because of the stress caused by carrying the unborn baby. The most obvious factor is the dramatic adaptation the musculoskeletal system must make to accommodate the forward shift in the centre of gravity. This as well as hormonal changes make the ligaments throughout the spine and pelvis more supple, and therefore at a greater risk to sprains and strains.It has been documented that up to 96% of women have been shown to suffer back or pelvic pain during pregnancy, with the onset mainly in the third trimester although sooner in multiparous women.

Pain has been documented in the back and pelvis, sides, uterine area as well as legs groin and pubis, which is due to the significant muscular strain placed on the mother’s muscles and ligaments by the growing child.

Care after birth

It has been found that women with low back pain during pregnancy continue to be at high risk of pain for more than 10 years after the birth.

The process of childbirth places great strain on the mother’s spine and pelvis, as well as the supporting musculature. The action of the hormones also continues to have an effect on making ligaments suppler for up to 4 months after the birth.

Care for the child

Significant stress on the head and spine can occur even during the most straightforward birthing process, and even more so in forceps and vacuum extractions. This in babies can lead to symptoms such as, prolonged crying, sleep and feeding problems and colic. We get our children’s teeth and eyes checked regularly so why not get there spines checked too?

How the chiropractor can help

Chiropractic care can help correct any restricted joint movements and maintain spinal balance as well as ensuring the pelvis is correctly aligned both before and after the baby is born.

The chiropractor can accurately identify the source of pain in order to dictate the treatment. This can involve soft tissue muscle massage, pelvic blocking and gentle manipulation. All techniques are modified to ensure comfort and safety to the mother and child.

Many difficult labours result from the malpresentation of the baby. By treating the spine and pelvis the chiropractor prepares the mothers musculoskeletal system and the babies position in the womb for birth, thus decreasing birthing times and complications of labour.

Adjustments and pelvic exercises aid a faster return of the new mums shape and health and decreases the risk of back pain that may initially be absent but often presents as the child grows.

Chiropractic care should be considered for all women who want a healthy, comfortable pregnancy and easier labour and many women return after the physical stress of childbirth for checkups for themselves and their children.

 

Dr Rachel Hippolyte, DC,  RN, Bsc hons chiropractic

Central City Chiropractic

Upper

Level Perth Train St

,Cnr Wellington &

Barrack St

Perth 6000

08 9221 4567

Pediatricians continue to acknowledge that babies do not always need to start solid foods with bland and pasty commercial infant cereals. Many suggest the goodness of avocado as a first food for baby. It is said that an avocado is so packed with nutrients that it is the only single food that a human could survive on if lost in the jungle!

Babies need carbohydrates, and fats as well as proteins for their growth during the crucial first year and avocados deliver these essential nutrients and many more! An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed - a perfect food that will be more readily accepted as baby begins solids. A wonderful “good fat” food for baby’s brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby’s first food instead of refined cereals! Avocado may be offered as early as 4 - 6 months old! As you begin to introduce a wide variety of foods, you will find that mashing an avocado and mixing with applesauce, peaches or pears, bananas and even yogurt make a wonderful meal or snack.

Do you doubt the goodness of avocado?

Have a look at the nutrients in one medium avocado:

VITAMINS: (one medium)

Vitamin A - 1230 IU

Vitamin C - 15.9 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg

Niacin - 3.9 mg

Folate - 124.6 mg

Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg

Vitamin B6 - .56 mg

Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS: (one medium)

Potassium - 1204 mg

Phosphorus - 82.4 mg

Magnesium - 78.4 mg

Calcium - 22 mg

Sodium - 20 mg

Iron - 2 mg

Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. USDA-NAL source

“Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. “ California Fresh Avocados

Avocados are high in fat!

Yes, avocados are high in fat and calories and we are often told to stay away from them due to this. A medium size avocado contains approximately 700 calories and up to 30 grams of fat - WOW! While avocados are indeed full of fat, infants should not be on a “low fat” diet so disregard any advice to not feed avocados because they are high in fats! If you have any doubts, as always we recommend you consult your pediatrician. The benefits of avocados far outweigh the “risks”. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are said to lower “bad” cholesterol and also aid in maintaining a healthy heart. Also high in fiber, avocados are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack.

Just how does one select the perfect avocado for baby’s first solid food?

When selecting an Avocado, you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Avocados are served fresh from their peels! There is no need to cook avocados for baby or adult! Give an avocado a gentle roll around your counter to help separate the meat from the shell before you slice!

If you want to freeze avocados, I suggest peeling and piting then freezing avocados in slices. You may then take out a slice, mash it up and then serve at room temperature. You can also create a bath of:

• 1/2 cup water and * 2 squeezes-drips of lemon juice
• Bathing the slices in mixture will help to retard browning.

**Don’t feed citrus or acidic fruits to a baby before 1 yr esp. if your baby gets rashy from other foods! Using a drip or 2 of lemon juice in a puree or to bathe several avocado slices is not the same as pureeing up a few orange slices and serving them!**

Enjoy some simple avocado baby food “recipes”:

Mashed Avocado - (4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

Banana-Cado - (4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Peel and mash 1 banana

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved.

Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

Guacamole for Baby - 8 months (due to wheat germ & Cheerios)

1 ripe avocado

wheat germ or crushed cheerios (optional)

pinch of garlic powder, pepper & basil

Peel and pit a ripe avocado and cut “meat” out and mash with a fork. Mix avocado, wheat germ/cheerios and spice then blend.

Fold in plain whole milk yogurt until a texture good for your baby is achieved. Allow baby to dip toast, soft cooked veggies or even her own fingers in the guac. for a yummy meal accompaniment.

Avocado & Cream Cheese Delight - 8months

Prepare avocado as shown above then blend with Cream Cheese until a semi-smooth mixture is formed.

Add wheat germ or crushed cheerios and shape into little balls or spread on toast or crackers or blend with cereals.

Avocado Fruit Salad - 6-8 months

3 or 4 ripe avocados

3 or 4 ripe bananas

3 or 4 Pears (steamed)

A couple of dollops Yogurt (for 8 months +)

Peel, deseed and slice fruits as needed.

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved

Add a couple of dollops of Yogurt if desired

*Use diced fruits as a Baby Finger Food snack for older infants and toddlers - drizzle the Plain Yogurt over the fruits.

Here are a few great foods to mix with avocados for baby:

Bananas

Peaches

Pears

Apples

Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)

Chicken

Rice

Yogurt

Always consult your baby’s pediatrician prior to introducing solid foods. Generalities may not apply to your baby’s particular circumstances and your baby may require the iron fortification of commercial cereals!

 About the Author:  Maggie Meade, a WAHM with 3 boys, is editor/owner of WholesomeBabyFood.com a popular website dedicated to helping parents navigate through the solid food/weaning stages with natural homemade baby food.