Children's Health Blog | Dr Lethabo Machaba Paediatrician

Brand New Show To Air On TBN "Secrets of Super Powered Moms Journeys to Motherhood with God"

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 08:28:42 GMT

"Dr. Lethabo Machaba Presents 'Secrets of Superpowered Moms' Show, Exploring Motherhood with God."

Join Dr. Lethabo Machaba and a group of dynamic women as they discuss the most heated topics in motherhood, sharing their personal experiences and the heart of God. The show starts on 06 May 2024 , airing every Monday at 18h30 on TBN Africa, DStv channel 343. There will be a repeat of Secrets of Super Powered Moms on Saturdays at 17h30.

If you have watched the show and need help, visit this link to find out about CRC Churches various support groups. Or scan and visit the QR code below.

First Season "Secrets of Super Powered Moms Journeys to Motherhood with God" 14.00pm , 6 August 2023 on TBN

You can watch the trailer video and read the video transcription below.

Video Transcript

"Hi TBN family, I am Dr. Lethabo Machaba and I've got the most exciting news for you. We will be bringing you the first season of our brand new show, Secrets of Superpowered Moms, Journeys of Motherhood with God. This will be based on my book with the same title and we'll be discussing the most heated motherhood topics.

Ranging from infertility, pregnancy, mental illness, body image issues and so much more. On set, I will have the most powerful dynamic women such as Mateyama, Zenande, Pastor Angie from CRC, Pastor Kesha, Prof Salome and many more. These woman will pour their hearts out and share the heart of God with you.

This show will be every Sunday at 14h00 on TBN Africa, channel 343 . See you there!"

5 THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT AS A NEW PARENT

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:15:05 GMT

Are you a new parent? Here’s a list of 5 things you shouldn’t stress about.

1. BABY CRYING OFTEN

Crying is a baby’s way of communicating. It’s their way of telling you they need a feed or their nappy needs a change. Some babies cry more often and louder than others and this doesn’t mean you are constantly doing something wrong.

If they seem to be inconsolable and have prolonged patterns of crying and discomfort, particularly at night, you can ask your paediatrician about the possibility of colic. A medical check-up will also help diagnose a serious medical condition if present.

2. YOUR FIGURE

If you’re a mom, you have just carried an entire human for close to a year and you should be proud. Your figure and going back to the size you were before you got pregnant should be the last thing on your mind once you give birth.

This is something that many moms worry about and shouldn’t as it can cause unnecessary stress. Focus on eating well and healthy, especially if breastfeeding, and focus on taking good care of your baby. Gentle exercise as often as you are able is fine, but don’t go overboard.

3. BABY SNEEZING

This does not always mean they are coming down with a cold, in fact, your baby might likely sneeze a few times on day one and this is completely normal. They have just exited a water-filled sack remember?

They need to clear out their little nasal passages to keep air flowing through properly so don’t be alarmed if you hear a couple of “atchoos” now and again.

4. DELAYS IN WALKING AND TALKING

Some parents tend to compare their children’s development with that of other children.

Remember that milestones are different in every child. Some children begin walking as early as nine months while others are still only just crawling or learning to stand at fourteen months.

If you are concerned about your baby not reaching any milestones, you can chat to your paediatrician for guidance.

5. BREASTFEEDING VS BOTTLE FEEDING

It can be stressful for a new mom when their child has not latched properly at the breast the first time or first few times. Breastfeeding is a new process for both you and baby and may take some practice.

In the beginning, you may be concerned that baby is feeding too much but it does take some time to establish a steady supply of breast milk. Some moms do not produce enough breast milk and need to supplement feeds with formula or formula-feed their babies altogether.

This may come with feelings of guilt and may take some time to get over it but as long as your baby is thriving and happy, you should not worry.

COMMON ILLNESSES CHILDREN GET AT CRECHE

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:00:51 GMT

As a parent you may feel excited at the thought of your little one starting creche but also nervous.

Not only because it’s a new environment for them altogether but because you’ve likely heard some stories from other parents that go along the lines of: “I just know, if one child is sick, everyone is going to get sick” or “these kids just pass on everything to each other!”

As nervous as you may be, it’s quite normal for young children to catch all sorts of illnesses from one another once the creche season of your life begins.

Babies and toddlers are especially prone to catching various viruses and infections because their immune systems are still developing. Now put a group of young children together sharing toys, sneezing or coughing without covering mouths or touching things and touching one another throughout the day and you have the ideal environment for viruses and bacteria to flourish. And this is how “creche syndrome” comes about; an ongoing cycle of colds and other illnesses.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON CRECHE ILLNESSES MY CHILD CAN GET?

Respiratory illnesses:

Coughs, colds and flu fall into this category and you may notice symptoms of a runny nose, coughing and increase in temperature. These get passed on very easily and it may seem as if your child’s nose is constantly runny. It’s been reported that young children in daycares or crèches can get up to 10 -20 upper airway infections a year; mainly the common cold caused by viruses. Ensure you give your child enough fluids and see a doctor if they continue to have a temperature over 38 C for two to three days.

Gastroenteritis:

This causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug. Other symptoms include nausea, tummy pain, fever and lack of appetite. Ensure the child gets plenty of rest and water and stick to plain foods like rice, pasta or toast as rich or salty foods may make them feel worse. Hand washing is important because gastroenteritis is highly contagious so definitely keep them home until they are A-okay. Always consult your paed or family practitioner if they show signs of dehydration, have been vomiting for more than three days, have had diarrhoea for longer than a week or have blood or mucus in their stools. Please also ensure that your child has received the rotavirus vaccine as it helps prevent infection by rotavirus during rotavirus season.

Ear infection:

You may notice your child pulling at their ear in discomfort, irritability and sometimes discharge coming out of their ear. These usually clear up quickly. You can try to relieve the pain by placing a warm or cold washcloth on their ear and wiping any discharge with cotton wool whilst awaiting to be seen by your paed. Any swelling and a very high temperature also calls for a check up with your paed to rule out anything serious. If needed, we will also refer to an ENT surgeon.

Other common illnesses include Hand Foot and Mouth disease as well as worms. They may seem scary but are really not as serious as they sound.

KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN HEALTHY

When it comes to keeping our children healthy, also remember that lifestyle is important.

This includes good nutrition, good hygiene practices and preventing cigarette smoke exposure. If you are particularly concerned about recurring illness in your child, visit your paediatrician to rule out any allergy possibilities or more possible serious issues.

It’s also best to consult with your paediatrician for direction before giving your child multivitamins, immune boosters or certain over-the-counter medicines.

INFANT REFLUX: SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT?

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:52:52 GMT

Infant reflux (when your baby spits up), is completely normal.

We often scale it at mild, moderate or severe. Most infants experience it and with the exception of a few very specific cases, it is not a sign of any serious health issue.

WHY IT HAPPENS

The esophagus is a long tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. At the lower part where it joins the stomach, there is a ring of muscle called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). What this ring does is that it squeezes the esophagus closed so that stomach contents can’t flow back up.

In adults, this ring of muscle stays closed by default and opens when we swallow to let food into the stomach. But in babies, the muscle is still so weak that it can’t stay closed most of the time. Stomach contents can reenter the esophagus and get vomited out. For adults, this can be painful and cause what we call “heartburn”. This is because the acid from our stomach burns the inside of our esophagus, but baby’s stomach acid is far less corrosive and causes far less pain.

This form of reflux occurs in healthy babies multiple times a day, more often if they are premature. Generally, the problem goes away as they get older and it’s rare for a baby to still experience it after two years of age.

WHEN TO WORRY

You should contact a doctor if:
Your baby continues spitting up after two years of age.
Your baby vomits forcefully, projecting stomach contents in a stream (projectile vomiting).
The fluid they spit up is green, yellow, has blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds in it.
They have blood in their stool.
They have breathing difficulty or a chronic cough.
Eating makes them irritable.
They start refusing to eat.

These are indications that your baby could have an underlying health condition like an allergy or GERD.

GERD is essentially a disorder of the LES that causes it not to close properly when it’s supposed to.

HOW TO MANAGE INFANT REFLUX

Try to keep your baby upright for thirty minutes after feeding them. This will give them a chance to digest some of the food and will decrease the chances of it coming back up.

Infant reflux can cause your baby to have disturbed sleep. Try to feed your baby long before bedtime. This will give them a chance to fully digest the food before they go to bed burp your baby often, both during and after feeding.

Sometimes extra air gets into their stomach when they feed.

When the air comes out it can bring stomach contents with it, especially if they are laying down. Place a cloth over your shoulder and hold your baby so that their chest is rested on that shoulder, then gently tap them on the back moving up and down the centerline.

Avoid vigorous play directly after feeding.

Remember, it is completely normal and can’t be completely avoided, but hopefully these tips can help you manage it better.

BREASTFEEDING VS. FORMULA FEEDING

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:40:29 GMT

A child’s infancy stage can be taxing on mothers but also very rewarding. Making sure your little one gets the right nutrition is extremely important.

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

In general, breast milk is considered the gold standard due to its multiple benefits for infant nutrition and should be the default mode of feeding. South Africa promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months with an attempt to decrease child mortality. Formula feeding can be an alternative when breastfeeding challenges are present and exhausted. It too can provide nutritional value.

WHEN TO BREASTFEED

For the first six months of a child’s life, I recommend exclusive breastfeeding. After that, you can start introducing solids while continuing to breastfeed until they are at least 2, in keeping with WHO recommendation.

There is no hard and fast rule about when you should stop breastfeeding your child and despite popular beliefs, you will not cause any psychological damage by breastfeeding them too long. It’s good to trust your intuition and stop when it feels right for you and your child.

BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK

Breast milk has the ideal ratio of nutrients for a growing baby.
Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula.
Breast milk contains immune boosting elements that babies can’t yet make in their own bodies and can’t get from formula or solid foods.

BREASTMILK’S ONE “FLAW”

Often breast milk doesn’t have enough vitamin D. Ask your doctor about supplementing your babies’ milk with vitamin D.

WHEN FORMULA FEEDING IS APPROPRIATE

Sometimes breastfeeding just isn’t viable. Maybe your body isn’t producing enough milk or you have a specific health-related reason as to why you can’t feed breastmilk to your baby. These things happen and no parent is perfect. What matters is that you do the best you can with what you have. Formula feeding can give your baby the same nutritional complements that breastmilk does. The most significant differences are that it lacks the immune boosting elements but has appropriate amounts of vitamin D.

FORMULA FEEDING THE RIGHT WAY

Although breastfeeding may allow for closer bonding, bottle feeding your baby should still be an interactive experience. You and your baby should both be holding the bottle.

The formula doesn’t need to be warm; some babies are perfectly fine drinking room temperature or even cold milk. If your baby prefers warm milk, you can run hot water over the side of the bottle or leave it to soak in a bowl of hot water until it reaches the desired temperature.

When preparing the formula, follow the right instructions on the container regarding quantities, add water and shake well. The powder generally mixes quite well with water so you shouldn’t encounter any clumps. Remember to boil and cool water first.

Remember to discard any formula that was prepared over 24 hours ago.

Expressing breast milk also has its own set of guidelines to follow and we’ll look at this a bit closer in an upcoming blog so stay tuned!

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

Wed, 18 May 2022 16:34:00 GMT

Your baby’s first teeth, also known as milk teeth, are a big deal.

I see far too many children with poorly cared for baby teeth. I’m sure that if parents knew the tremendous value they hold for their kids, they wouldn’t treat them as if they were disposable. Just because they eventually fall out, it doesn’t mean they are not important.

IMPORTANCE OF BABY TEETH

One of the most important functions they play is holding space in the jaw for adult teeth. If your child loses a baby tooth early, their other teeth will drift into the space created by its absence. This will lead to tension and misalignment when the adult teeth come up.

If your baby loses a baby tooth early, you can take them to a dentist to get a space maintainer inserted to stop the other teeth from drifting.

Teeth are used for eating and chewing, without them your baby will struggle and develop behavioral adaptations to cope.

Teeth are important for making the mouth sounds needed to speak. Learning to speak is one of the greatest challenges that your sweet baby will undertake on their way to toddlerdom. Without the right tools, it will be more difficult for them than it needs to be.

Lastly, teeth are used for smiling and self-expression. Sure, they’ll still be cute and beautiful with missing teeth, but it may still affect their confidence as a child if they lose teeth too early.

DENTAL TIMELINE

6 months – your child’s first baby tooth should begin emerging, this is also the beginning of the teething period (see our previous post for more info on teething https://drlmachaba.co.za/teething-time/). This is a good time to take your baby to the dentist for the first time. This visit can be delayed but should not be done later than 1 year.

3 years – your child’s last baby tooth should emerge; these are usually molars. At this point, your child should have ten teeth on the top and ten at the bottom.

6 years – your child will get their first adult tooth.
12-13 years – they should have a full set of adult teeth, with 16 on top and 16 on the bottom.
17-25 years – wi sdom teeth will emerge.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BABIES’ TEETH

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, preferably with a non-fluoride toothpaste for babies. If fluoride toothpaste is used, make sure the quantities are age-appropriate (tip: check for age on the box).

Use an amount the size of a grain of rice until they are 3 years old. Afterward, you can then start using an amount the size of a pea.

Generally, brushing should take 2 minutes and you should help them until you are confident that they will do it properly themselves.

As soon as they have 2 touching teeth, they should start flossing. The area between teeth is often the site that cavities form. As with brushing, you should assist your child until you are confident that they will do it properly on their own.

Avoid sugary or acidic drinks where possible as the thin layer of enamel around baby teeth can be weakened by these drinks. Watch out for fruit juice and cool drinks in particular.

Taking care of your babies’ teeth and teaching them how to take care of their own teeth as they grow up will help them minimise the amount of dental-related problems they face as an adult.

You play a very important part in laying the foundation for their oral hygiene that will serve them throughout the rest of their lives.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY BABY CATCHES THE FLU?

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:29:39 GMT

Every year during winter, a strain of the flu virus spreads across South Africa.

The flu is a far greater threat to our little ones health than the common cold, and should be taken seriously. Some of the information you’ll need can be found right here, and after you’ve read this, you should be fully equipped to protect your kids from the virus.

WHAT IS THE FLU AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE COLD?

The flu (also known as the influenza virus) and the common cold are both viruses that can affect children and adults. The common cold however, is much milder and less of a threat. The flu on the other hand is a serious risk to children under 5. While both are infections of the lungs, nose and throat, only the flu has a significant risk of turning into pneumonia.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLU SEASON AND VACCINATION

In South Africa the flu season is generally a 19 week period during our winter. Since the season starts in May and ends in August, I recommend that you vaccinate your kids (you too) every year before April. If your baby is older than 6 months they can get the vaccine, just consult your doctor if your little one is allergic to eggs. The regular flu vaccine often contains the ingredient, but it is not difficult to source an egg-fee version.

If your baby is younger than 6 months, it’s good to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with them is vaccinated and not showing symptoms.

HOW BABIES CONTRACT THE FLU

The flu virus uses droplet transmission. This means that it spreads through microscopic water droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales. If your child breathes in these droplets or if they touch something these droplets landed on, then touch their eyes or mouth, they could contract the virus.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BABY HAS THE FLU

The common cold and the flu both present with symptoms of:

Runny nose.
Sore throat.

But the flu will have more severe symptoms accompanying them such as:

Fever
Body Aches
Chills
Tiredness
Weakness
Coughing
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Most of the time your baby won’t present with all these symptoms but if they have a few you should take action as soon as possible. The longer you leave it untreated, the worse it can become.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BABY HAS THE FLU

Ideally you should take them to see a doctor within the first 2 days. The medication for the flu works best if taken within the first day or two of contracting the virus, but they can still benefit from the medication if taken after the window period.

You can expect your baby to be sick for 1-2 weeks but the symptoms should mostly clear up by the 5th day. Make sure they get plenty of rest and fluids and while they may have a decreased appetite, it is important that they get enough nutrition. I’ve found that smaller meals more frequently work best.

The flu can be very daunting for little ones. Make sure that they are comfortable during their recovery. They may experience alternating fever and chills so give them things to keep warm with that can be easily removed. If needed, analgesia such as a paracetamol (e.g. Calpol), mefenamic acid (Ponstan), ibuprofen (Neurofen) etc., can be given to alleviate body aches and fever (but never give aspirin to babies or toddlers).

I wish you and your family the best of health this season and should anything go wrong, we’re here to support you.

SABC NEWS APPERANCE – WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2021

Fri, 06 May 2022 15:14:23 GMT

Netcare Sunninghill Hospital Pediatrician, Dr Lethabo Machaba, was interviewed by SABC News on World Asthma Day 2021.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2021 – TREATING CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:10:10 GMT

WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2021 – TREATING CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

Wednesday 5 May marks World Asthma Day 2021 and I recently featured in this educational video by the Boksburg Advertiser on caring for children with asthma.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY – ‘UNCOVERING ASTHMA MISCONCEPTIONS’.

Tue, 03 May 2022 15:01:21 GMT

‘Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions’ is the theme for World Asthma Day 2021.

eNCA’s Morena Mothupi speaks with Dr Lethabo Machaba, a paediatrician at Netcare Sunninghill in Johannesburg.

TEETHING TIME!

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:52:00 GMT

Teething is a process that’s different for every baby.

Some parents wake up one day and are surprised to see a new tooth that they didn’t even realise was growing in the first place. For other parents, however, the teething process can be quite an unpleasant time for both them and their little one.

Don’t get it wrong — when babies are teething, they are not growing new teeth. Your baby has a full set of teeth hidden under their gums at birth and teething is the process by which these teeth break through or erupt through their gums. Most babies start teething around 6 months old and in some rare occasions, some babies are even born with teeth or a tooth.

If your baby begins to teeth a few months earlier or later this is no cause for concern unless they reach around 18 months of age — in this case, consult your pediatrician.

Apart from noticing your baby trying to chew on everything they can get their hands on, how else can you tell your baby is teething?

Some of the signs include:

Irritability.
Tender, swollen gums.
Baby constantly putting objects and fingers in the mouth in an attempt to reduce the irritation .
Rubbing cheeks and pulling ears.
Excessive drooling that can cause a rash on their face.
A slightly raised temperature .
Changes in eating patterns and fussiness at mealtimes.

Time to bring out the teething toys, bibs and more bibs!

There are many different teething rings that work great when they are cooled in the fridge (fridge – not freezer) and given to baby to chew on.

Some mothers freeze cooked foods like sliced sweet potato or freeze dampened facecloths and these also work well to relieve the gums. Just remember that whatever you give them doesn’t contain small pieces (such as teething necklaces) that could be a choking hazard.

You can even give your baby a soothing gum massage with your finger or a cool cloth. Some moms and dads are even brave enough to sacrifice their own fingers as a teething toy and I’m quite sure baby enjoys that one.

Before opting for over the counter teething gels or medication, consult with your pediatrician as you may find that these are actually unnecessary and you would do well with the home-made and natural relief measures.

Fever, diarrhea, vomiting and coughing shouldn’t just be taken as symptoms of teething.

Contact your pediatrician if you notice these in your child or any other symptoms that seem concerning to you.

As stated by a number of pediatric dentists, “Teething does not cause fever, runny nose, cough, or diarrhea. Teething causes teeth.”

For tips on taking care of these newly erupted teeth, look out for our next article.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE WORMS?

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:30:30 GMT

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD HAS WORMS

There are many types of intestinal worms but the most common one in children is the threadworm. Threadworms (also called pinworms) are a type of roundworm that can infect your child’s intestinal system. They aren’t particularly dangerous but can cause your child discomfort.

The main symptom of a threadworm infection is itchiness around the anus and/or the vagina. Children with worms will scratch this area compulsively and this may cause the area to become red and inflamed. Other symptoms to watch out for are loss of appetite, grumpiness and trouble sleeping. In some cases, the worms will be visible around the anus or in the toilet after your child makes a poop. The worms look like small white 1cm long threads.

If you are unsure whether they have worms, take them to visit the doctor. They could do a sticky tape test, which involves putting a clear piece of tape over your child’s anus then removing it and sending the tape to the lab. At the lab, they will look for eggs under a microscope to make a diagnosis.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS WORMS

Your doctor will prescribe antiparasitic tablets or syrup but you can get them over the counter if you suspect an infection. The medication for worms is generally harmless, but you should consult your doctor before giving them to children under two years old or pregnant women. It is best that everyone in the family takes the antiparasitic since it can easily spread between family members. The course should be repeated after 2 weeks to make sure that the worms, that were eggs during the first dose, are killed after they hatch and before they lay new eggs.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD HAS WORMS

Threadworms move to the anus at night to lay their eggs. This causes itchiness and scratching. When children scratch, the eggs get transferred to their hands and can get caught under their fingernails.

From their hands, the eggs can land up on a variety of surfaces such as clothes, towels, eating utensils and toys. When the eggs get into a child’s mouth and they swallow them, the eggs will hatch and infect their intestines.

The best ways to prevent worm infections are:

Keeping your children’s fingernails short.
Washing their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, playing outside and before eating.
Teaching your child not to scratch their bottom or put their fingers in their mouth.
Ensuring they use clean underwear every day.
Ensuring they shower/bath every day (bathing in the morning is better for getting rid of worm eggs).

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely avoid worm infections. It is recommended that families with children from age 1 should preventatively deworm together every 6 months. Dewormers can be in a liquid form that you can give to your young children for three days and you can get these over the counter at the pharmacy.

WHEN TO WORRY

If your child passes a large worm, complains of abdominal pain or nausea, has low energy levels, or starts vomiting, these are signs of a more serious infection and you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.

What to do if your baby swallows harmful substances or objects?

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:17:12 GMT

HELP - MY BABY SWALLOWED BLEACH!

As a paediatrician it’s not uncommon to receive calls from panicked parents whose children have indulged in things they are not supposed to.

Young children are naturally curious and every parent has had to remove random things from their mouths or ask multiple times that they spit it out.

But what to do if your child actually swallows something of potential danger? Medicines they are not supposed to be taking? Cleaning or cosmetic products?

Poisons can be divided into: swallowed poisons, inhaled poisons, absorbed poisons (through skin or mucous membranes) and injected poisons. In this article we will focus on swallowed poisons.

It’s important to stay calm and not to scream at the child. Rarely will a child drink large amounts of liquids like bleach and other similar products. Usually they are just experimenting and once they realise how it tastes, they are probably not going to continue. Swallowing small amounts might cause irritation to the mouth and vomiting but usually nothing more serious than that. It’s usually okay to give the child a small amount of water or milk and monitor afterwards if there are no danger signs as listed below, but if you are concerned or unsure, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

First steps to take if your child swallows a harmful substance:

Firstly, get whatever item it is away from the child as quickly as possible and if there are any remains left, remove it with your fingers or tell them to spit it out. Try and establish how much was taken and the time it was taken.

Keep the bottle or container so that if necessary, a doctor can see exactly what was swallowed and how much of it.

There is a Poison Information Centre you can contact to get information on the ingested poison, otherwise contact your doctor.

Contrary to popular advice, don’t try to make the child vomit as this can do more harm to them. The substance could cause damage to the throat or some of the vomit might end up in the lungs.

Always get help immediately if you notice any of these danger symptoms:

Drowsiness or unconsciousness.
Difficulty breathing or no breathing.
Seizures or convulsions.
Severe vomiting.

What about objects like coins?

If your child swallows a small object like a coin or small bead and shows no immediate symptoms, keep your eye on them for at least 24 hours. In some cases, after further evaluation and X-rays, these objects may need to be removed surgically. If you notice any of these danger symptoms contact your doctor/paediatrician immediately:

If you notice any of these danger symptoms contact your doctor/paediatrician immediately:

Vomiting or drooling.
Gagging.
Not eating.
Coughing.
Chest pain.

If they happen to swallow a battery, this calls for immediate attention – go to the hospital as soon as you can. Batteries and even fridge magnets can cause serious damage to a child’s esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. An X-ray will be taken to determine where the object is and if it is in the esophagus, it will need to be removed with surgery.

Safety first

A lot of these accidents can be prevented by keeping hazardous liquids and objects far from where children can reach them. Keep all bottles labelled so you know exactly what the contents are and watch out for objects that can cause choking. Look around the home at your child’s eye level and you might just notice things you never noticed before.

HOW TO TELL IF MY BABY IS CONSTIPATED AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:01:31 GMT

It’s common for parents to misdiagnose constipation in their little ones for a few reasons, so let’s begin by understanding what kind of pooping behaviour is normal for your baby.

The misdiagnosis is mainly because in the first 3 months of life, colic is also present in many babies. How often your baby passes your stools changes as your baby grows and also depends on whether they are breast-fed or formula fed. Constipation in young infants is more common around the time of dietary transitions: in babies who have started eating solids (around 6 months), change of formulae to whole milk and change from breastmilk to formulae milk. But if you do suspect your newborn may be constipated it’s best to check in with your pediatrician also to exclude other more serious conditions like Hirschsprung disease.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD BABY POOP?

Breast-fed babies generally have more bowel movements than formula-fed babies. After the first few days of birth, your baby may have 2-5 bowel movements a day, even more than that, until baby is around 6baby constipation weeks old. Now what can alarm new parents is not seeing a dirty diaper after a couple of days. After 3-6 weeks, it’s completely normal for your little one to take “poop breaks” and this is because breast milk is easily processed by your baby’s digestive system and doesn’t produce much solid waste. It shouldn’t be mistaken for constipation.

For formula-fed babies, one to four bowel movements a day is considered normal but it’s also not strange for them to go a few days without any bowel movement after 6 weeks, as long as when they do, the poop is not hard.

Seeing your little one strain and sometimes cry while passing a stool should not always be mistaken for constipation because it is normal for infants to strain while pooping (just try passing a stool while lying on your back and you’ll understand!).

HOW SHOULD MY BABY’S POOP LOOK LIKE?

For newborn breastfed babies, a mustard colour with a runny consistency (a scrambled egg appearance) and a tan colour for formula-fed babies. The consistency is usually firmer for formula-fed babies but should not be firmer than peanut butter. Once they start eating solids, you’ll notice the change to brown, sometimes with pieces of undigested food.

CONSTIPATION WARNING SIGNS

A significant drop in bowel movements.
Straining for longer than 10 minutes but still not passing any stools.
Harder than usual stools, sometimes resembling little pellets.
A fussier than usual baby.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT CONSTIPATION WARNING SIGNS?

Some simple additions or changes in your little ones diet can do the trick. If baby is 6 months and older you can:

Offer a bit more water with meals (boiled and cooled in a sterilised bottle).
A few ounces of 100% fruit juice like pear, apple or prune juice.
Certain pureed fruits and vegetable like prunes and pears (think of the P ones).
Change to a multigrain or whole wheat infant cereal.
Your baby’s paediatrician might recommend an infant glycerin suppository to be used occasionally.
Always seek and follow your pediatricians advice.
Don’t use oils, enemas, constipation medicine or laxative to treat your baby’s constipation before consulting a paediatrician.

Contact your paediatrician immediately if you notice the following:

A loss of appetite.
Swollen belly.
Bloody stools.
Fever and vomiting.

The below infographic courtesy of Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a good guide when it comes to the many variations of baby stools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colic

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:40:08 GMT

There can be nothing more stressful for the parent of a newborn than a constantly crying baby who just can’t seem to be soothed.

They’ve fed and had a nappy change yet continue to wail with clenched fists like they’re in pain, but as a parent you just can’t seem to figure it out. It may well be colic.

As a paediatrician , I specifically dedicate a 6 week first visit for all my recurring patients to deal with matters arising in the crucial neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) and colic is the most raised topic by moms and dads. There is also a special 2 week visit for all first time parents to address these issues as early as possible as they can cause great stress for families.

Here are some frequently asked questions about this common occurrence:

WHAT IS COLIC?

Firstly, let me start by highlighting that it isn’t a disease or physical illness. It is intense, frequent and prolonged crying and fussiness in your baby. Experts agree that colic is when an infant who is otherwise fine and healthy (not sick or hungry) cries longer than three hours a day, more than three days in a week and for more than three weeks. It usually begins around 2-4 weeks and goes away by 3-4 months. You may be thinking “that’s such a long time!” Well the episodes do get shorter, usually lasting 1-2 hours until baby is 3-4 months old.

WHAT CAUSES COLIC?

There could be different causes and factors at play. But it can happen to any baby; regardless of whether they are breast-fed or formula fed.

Some of the causes or triggers include:

Underdeveloped digestive system or imbalance of healthy bacteria in their digestive system.
Not enough burping during feeds.
Food allergies .
Infant acid reflux (GERD).
Possible allergies or milk intolerance – for a breastfed baby it may be something in your diet and for a formula fed baby it may be an ingredient in the formula.
Overstimulation.
Exposure to tobacco smoke.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BABY HAS COLIC?

Excessive and inconsolable crying that seems like screaming.
Episodes start around the same time each day (usually at night between 6 and 12pm).
Extending or pulling up of baby’s legs to his/her tummy.
Clenching fists.
Bloated tummy.
May pass gas while crying.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY BABY HAS COLIC?

Try burping baby more often, not just at the end of the feed but during feeds as well.
If you’re breastfeeding, eliminate certain foods from your diet. Keep track of what you’re eating and drinking and speak to your healthcare provider.
Switch formulas – check with your healthcare provider about other alternatives.
Soothe your little one with rocking, walking around, holding and close contact.
Try a baby massage and warm bath.
Play soft music or white noise and sing or talk to baby.

There is unfortunately no cure for colic and just remember that your little one may keep crying no matter what you try. Keep trying a number of these different approaches, baby will eventually outgrow this phase.

If absolutely nothing seems to help, contact your paediatrician and they can determine whether another medical condition might be the issue or they may prescribe medication that will help baby feel better.

Also visit your paediatrician or seek immediate medical attention if baby is:

Over 6 months old and is still having colicky episodes.
Running a fever.
Not feeding well.
Vomiting or having diarrhea or bloody stools.
You as a parent also need to find a way to manage the stress. Get support, make sure you take breaks and don’t blame yourself. This phase passes sooner than you think.

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT SENDING MY CHILD TO CRECHE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:24:32 GMT

As parents, the health and well being of our children is one of the biggest priorities in our lives.

Now that we’ve been living with the reality of the pandemic and under lockdown for close to a year, many parents have already adjusted to life in the new normal. But you might still be unsure of the best decisions to make when it comes to the health of your children.

You might be especially nervous about the younger ones because who knows whether they might come home one day wearing their best friends mask or telling stories of how “Jimmy sanitised my hands with his saliva”?

Firstly, you may be wondering whether your child is actually at risk of contracting Covid-19. Data shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that as of 21 January this year, children made up 12.7% of all reported Covid-19 cases in the US with 0.00% – 0.19% of Covid-19 deaths being children.

In SA, there have been few reports so far of children being diagnosed with the virus as compared to adults, and fewer deaths. Although the risk of infection is less in children, it’s still important to keep track of your child’s health and development. Be sure to contact your paediatrician for any concerns and questions.

SO SHOULD I SEND MY CHILD TO CRECHE?

While there’s no clear cut answer, there are a few factors that can guide you in arriving at the right decision:

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH.

What is your child’s medical history? Are their vaccinations on track? Are they in general good health? As a start, these are some questions to think about. Making sure your little ones are up to date with their vaccination schedule is essential in ensuring the risk of infection from many diseases is reduced.

Also remember to keep giving them the necessary vitamins and immune boosters prescribed by your paediatrician or family physician. There’s no need to go crazy and double up on anything either! And as always, if ever you’re unsure, contact your paediatrician.

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES TAKEN BY YOUR CHILD’S CRECHE.

Feel free to ask your childcare provider about the measures they are putting in place to ensure that creche remains a safe and healthy space for the children.

Are the staff sanitising regularly, wearing masks and checking temperatures daily?
How do they clean and disinfect the space? How is the ventilation?
How do they handle any confirmed or suspected cases in their staff or any of the children?
Do they have good hygiene and hand washing protocol?

When it comes to parenting, you can never ask too many questions. But also remember that it’s your responsibility to teach your precious one good hygiene practices and to avoid sharing their things with other children (we can all imagine the nightmare of seeing our kid share a half sucked sweet with another one!)

As a family, decide what is best for your kids and what suits your lifestyles, all in the child’s best interests of course.

Just don’t let the pandemic rob you of good memories – your children can still learn and have fun while still remaining safe and protected in our new normal.

JERUSALEMA DANCE CHALLENGE – NETCARE SUNNINGHILL HOSPITAL

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 14:24:14 GMT

Nothing brought the nation together last year like the Jerusalema Challenge!

What a timely song for us all to experience in the wake of a pandemic that caught us all of guard. And what an awesome experience to pioneer this challenge at Netcare Sunninghill, an experience in my entire career I’ll never forget.

METRO FM HOW TO: BE A PAEDIATRICIAN (TALKING TO DOCTOR LETHABO MACHABA, A QUALIFIED PAEDIATRICIAN)

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 11:30:50 GMT

"This was a lunchtime interview I did with Thomas Msengana and Pearl Modiadie on Metro FM a few years back in 2018."

You can listen to the insert and read the description below.

Description from Omy.fm

Doctor Lethabo Machaba is a qualified Paeditrician, currently working at her private Practice, at Busamed hospital Modderfontein and at Sunninghill Netcare.

Doctor Machaba studied her undergrad degree(MbchB) at the University of Cape Town(UCT) after being awarded the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship in 2003.

She graduated in 2008.

Dr Machaba worked for 2 years as an intern medical doctor at Tembisa hospital and did her community service at 1Miltary

Hospital.

In 2012, she worked at a children's HIV clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital(CMJAH).

She then specialised in paediatrics through WITS from 2013 and qualified as a Paediatrician in 2016.

Whilst specialising, she worked at CMJAH, Baragwanath and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital.

Dr Machaba is passionate about community service and advocating for childrens rights to health.

She is an executive member of an NGO called Every Nation Midrand missions where they do free wellness clinics for the disadvantaged children and their families and refer them to government hospitals if needing further treatment.