Newborn Care - Myths And Facts!

1. Myth - some food in the mother's diet will cause colic in the baby and should be avoided
Fact - the mother can eat any nutritious food that she is used to. It will not cause any health problems in the baby.

2. Myth - giving gripe water to the baby will help digestion
Fact - the baby's saliva and digestive juices will digest the breast milk completely. There is absolutely no need to give gripe water or any herbal products for digestion.

3. Myth - whenever a baby cries continuously it is due to hunger or abdominal pain
Fact - while crying the abdominal muscles tend to contract giving the abdomen a rigid look which has lead to this common misconception. A baby may cry due to many reasons. It may be hungeror insect bit or due to cold or hot environment or the baby might simply want to be held by the mother. If the baby can't be consoled or if it refuses to feed, a visit to the doctor is a must

4. Myth - by massaging the head and nose, facial features can be altered
Fact - facial features are geneticaly predetermined and cannot be altered by massaging. It is best to avoid such practices.

5. Myth - giving honey or sugar will boost immunity
Fact - mother's milk is the best immunity booster. Until 6 months of age exclusive breast feeding is the norm. Giving honey to children less than 1yr can cause botulism.