Child Health and Behaviour Back
Your Child’s Health is in your Hands
The care of the baby starts even before conception. If the mother is under-nourished the baby that is born also tends to be under-nourished. Hence nutrition of girls plays a very important role for the well being of future generation. Folic acid is a Vitamin which has to be consumed by every woman who is planning to conceive to prevent spinal cord abnormalities (Neural tube defects). If there is any family history of inherited diseases or if they are married among close relatives then it is prudent to undergo genetic counseling prior to conception. All girls should be
compulsorily immunized with Rubella Vaccine to prevent congenital Rubella syndrome in the new born.
Care during Pregnancy
Once conceived, mother has to register with an Obstetrician and undergo regular visits and follow the advice of the Doctor. It is better they avoid contact with pets and persons with infections in the first three months as the fetus is susceptible to infection as the germs are transmitted to the fetus across the placenta. Pregnant women need to take extra calories, protein, iron & vitamin supplements.
New Born Care
Exclusive breast feeding is a MUST for six months. It has been scientifically proven to increase the IQ (Intelligent Quotient). There are lots of useful traditional practices passed on from our ancestors. Confinement and delivery at mother’s place provides the required relaxation both
physical and emotional for the pregnant woman. Further, isolation of couples for forty days helps the woman to totally focus on her baby and as well as her health. Applying oil and giving massage to the baby helps in emotional bonding between the mother and the child and also provides sensory stimulation which helps in the baby’s development.
Early Childhood
Vaccinations have to be administered as per schedule. After six months weaning foods should be started. Initially porridge followed by mashed food and by one year of age they should be taking the family food. Interaction with the baby should be started during the infancy itself.
Beginning from late infancy (six months onwards) babies can be told stories and shown picture books which helps in their cognitive development. Instead of sending the kids too early to play school, mothers can take the role of teachers as well and teach at home. Sending kids too early to school results in frequent infections in the children.
Middle Childhood
Physical activity should be strongly encouraged among children in view of alarmingly rising trend of obesity. TV and Computer viewing should be restricted to two hours per day. Good eating habits have to be cultivated. Parents should not encourage intake of junk foods.
Adolescent Stage
This is a stage of turmoil for the children who are caught in between childhood and adulthood. This is a stage when parents need to show their utmost attention. They are exposed to unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, drinking, exposure to drugs and sex. Parents need to have a watch on their children’s behaviour and any deviation from normal should be attended to seriously. Parents should be good role models in grooming their children to become good adults.
Dr. Mrs. V.Rajeswari
M.B.B.S., DNB (Ped), PGDAP, FNNF,
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