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Bottle Feeding Problems and Their Solutions
When a baby refuses to bottle feed, cries or turns its head away, does not swallow and spills instead, it is a sign that something is amiss.
Signs Your Baby Refusing Bottle-feeding
A breastfed baby refusing bottle feeding is relatively common, and it isn’t much cause for alarm. Following are some signs that your baby is refusing bottle feeding.
Starting to cry when approached with a bottle or placed in feeding position.
Constantly turning and shifting its head to avoid the bottle.
Falling asleep while feeding.
Spilling most of the milk from the sides of the mouth instead of swallowing.
Not closing its mouth when the nipple is inserted.
Closing its mouth when the nipple is inserted but not sucking.
Coughing and spitting out the milk.
Throwing up the milk.
Sucking a little milk and then refusing more.
Feeding very quickly or very slowly.
Not feeding the expected amount.
Common Bottle Feeding Problems and their Solutions
There are various reasons for a baby to refuse bottle feeding; the good news is that most of these reasons are behavioural in nature and can be addressed, sometimes, by simply observing the baby for vital clues. Given below are some common problems associated with bottle feeding and their solutions.
1. Misinterpreting Hunger
The most common and the most easily correctable problem related to bottle feeding is the misinterpretation of hunger by new moms. Babies tend to suck on their thumbs and other objects for various reasons other than being hungry. A baby may suck on things out of anxiety, boredom or simply being tired; many mothers misinterpret this reflex of hunger. Attempting to feed the baby based on this behaviour can result in the baby refusing to feed simply because it is not hungry.
What to Do
If the baby is refusing to feed, do not force it, accept that you may have misinterpreted and wait till the baby gives more clear clues of being hungry.
2. Misinterpreting/Miscalculating Feeding Amount
The second most common and easily correctable problem with regards to bottle feeding is miscalculating the amount of milk or baby formula a baby really needs. Sometimes parents make calculations based on expert opinion or simply guesstimate their baby’s daily requirement of milk or formula. And sometimes professionals make the mistake of not properly calculating requirements based on changing requirements as the baby is growing. Whatever the case maybe, if a baby has had enough and is not hungry, it will refuse to feed.
What to Do
Commonly estimated feeding suggestions are only approximate figures and can vary from baby to baby. Some babies feed more than others and some less. As noted above, wait till the baby gives more clear clues of being hungry.
3. Distracted Baby
Humans are naturally curious beings; this curiosity is apparent as early as four months from being born. Once a baby is four months or older, his curiosity makes him take more interest in everything around him. Other children playing, pets acting up, and even music and television can distract a baby and make it lose focus on feeding.
What to Do
If you feel your baby is distracted, turn of all sound sources such as television, music etc., better still is to find a quiet room without people, children or pets.
4. Tired Baby
A baby may refuse to bottle feed simply because it is tired. A baby that has not slept enough will tire quickly; while it is true that a hungry baby may sleep less, it is equally true for a baby deprived of sleep to avoid feeding. It will throw up a fuss, cry or fall asleep while feeding.
What to Do
Seek expert opinion on sleeping and feeding schedules, or create a balanced schedule to avoid overlapping sleeping time with feeding time. Also, ensure that your baby is getting enough sleep and try to feed the baby before it gets tired.
5. Individual Feeding Pattern
Like all mammals, humans tend to display individual personality types, behavioural patterns and feeding habits from very early in their life. Some babies like to consume large amounts of food at one go; others like to feed a little at a time but more often during the day. If your baby is frequently refusing to bottle feed, then it is prudent to consider that you may not have fully understood his/her individual feeding pattern. Constantly feeding a baby can put added stress on the mother. Ideally, a baby’s individual pattern should be respected, but if needed, an attempt can be made to gently and gradually encourage a change.
What to Do
A baby should be encouraged to feed much of what food it needs in about forty minutes, but given individual patterns, this should not be forced. Stop if the baby does not wish to continue. Another approach to a frequent feeding pattern is to try and create longer intervals between feeds. Encourage play or take the baby for an outing, or let it nap to gradually increase the time intervals between feeds.
6. Bottle Feeding Aversion
Some babies may develop an allergy to milk protein or may develop intolerance to milk or formula. There are many factors that may induce feeding aversions, such as certain physical or oral problems and reflux. Fortunately, most feeding aversions are a result of behavioural issues than actual physical problems or medical conditions.
What to Do
A feeding aversion can be a very complicated problem with no easy or straightforward solutions. If all else fails, then the only solution is to consult experts to try and identify the root cause of this aversion.
7. Night Feeding
Newborn babies need to be fed frequently and even at night. Avoid feeding a baby, that has reached six months, at night. If night feeding continues beyond six months it could result in a formula fed baby refusing bottle. This is no cause for alarm; it may simply be that the baby relies on feeding to fall asleep. Night time feeding will not harm the baby, but given that a baby needs only a certain amount of food every twenty-four hours, she may simply refuse to be bottle fed during the day.
What to Do
Once the baby has reached six months of age, parents should consider slowly and gradually discouraging nighttime feeding. This can be done by simply encouraging the baby to feed more during the day.
8. Solid Foods
In a perfect world, a baby should only be allowed solid food after six months of age. In some instances, some babies need solid foods earlier. Solid foods generally have more calories and nutrition. As a result, the baby may lose appetite for bottle feeding.
What to Do
For babies, less than six months of age avoid starting solid food. If you have already started feeding them try and reduce the quantity and if possible stop feeding solids food all together till the baby has crossed six months of age.
9. Difficulties With Transition to Bottle Feeding
If you have been breastfeeding your baby beyond three months of age, then there is a high probability that the baby will find it difficult to make the transition to bottle feeding. Everything from the difference in feeding action between bottle feeding and breastfeeding to the difference in the taste of formula and breast milk, can cause this problem.
What to Do
The easiest way is to begin by providing expressed breast milk in the bottle that way if the baby has a problem with taste, then that problem has been resolved, and the transition would be easier to achieve. If this does not work, then it is advisable to try different nipples.
10. Tightly Screwed Bottle
The bottle used for bottle feeding needs to maintain neutral pressure for the milk to flow smoothly. The milk emptying out of the bottle as a result of feeding will create a vacuum which needs to be filled with fresh air entering the bottle. If the milk bottle is not able to vent the baby will find it harder and harder to feed as the negative pressure builds up. Some babies will tire and fall asleep while others will simply stop trying. In some bottles, the air can enter only from between the rim of the bottle and the nipple ring, if the nipple is screwed too tightly on the bottle the venting required in the bottle will not take place.
What to Do
Check the bottle for proper venting, and airflow.
What to do If You Tried Everything But Still Your Baby Refuses Bottle?
If all the above has been tried and hasn’t worked there are a few other approaches that can be tried.
1. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
Sometimes a baby may be unsettled for unknown reasons; a human baby is very perceptive and can detect stress in parents. As a rule, if the mum is calm and relaxed, the baby will be too and be more open to bottle feeding.
2. Allow the Baby to Get a Little Hungry
A baby that is not hungry will fuss over being fed. Too much hunger can cause ease and discomfort to a baby, but a little hunger will not harm the baby. Increase the time between feeding intervals and allow the baby to get a little hungry.
3. Let Someone Else Bottle Feed
Babies that are struggling to make the transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding will not accept being bottle fed by the mother. It is advisable to encourage the father or another family member to take on the responsibility.
4. Proper Positioning for Bottle Feeding
If the baby is not in a comfortable position, he/she may refuse to bottle feed. It is essential to hold the baby a little upright with the head being positioned to be in a straight line with the body. The baby should be snuggled in your arms and also have support for its feet.
It can be very frustrating when parents are faced with babies refusing to bottle feed; thankfully the common problems associated with bottle feeding are simple with simple solutions. If all else fails then seeking medical advice is the last and best resort.
Also Read:
How To Bottle Feed A Baby
How Soon Babies Can Start Holding Their Bottle Read more
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20 Surprising Benefits of Dark Chocolate
There is good news for all dark chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate with cacao content above 60 per cent is supposed to be the new superfood owing to the several health benefits it can offer. Much of dark chocolate’s goodness comes from its key component, flavonoids, which impart it remarkably high antioxidant abilities.
20 Reasons You Should Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can help to improve your well-being in many ways. Partaking this sweet delicacy regularly can play a significant role in keeping you fitter and healthier.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Most people wonder whether chocolate is good for health. So, here are some of the health benefits of dark chocolate:
1. Enhances Heart Health
The cocoa flavonoids present in dark chocolate are good for the heart. It can boost heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease considerably. It can lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol or oxidised LDL which builds plaque deposits in the arteries. It can also assist in maintaining the HDL (good) cholesterol levels thus protecting against heart issues.
2. Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate can potentially extend cancer protection by diminishing damage to cells. It can neutralise cancer cell production and the associated inflammation. Regular consumption of dark chocolate can particularly prove beneficial in defending against colon cancer.
3. Treats Diabetes
Dark chocolate for diabetes can be helpful. The flavonoids in dark chocolate support insulin sensitivity, improve glucose balance and inflammation markers, the factors which mainly contribute to the incidence of diabetes. People who take dark chocolate pieces can lower their chances of developing diabetes in comparison with people who don’t eat them.
4. Advances Brain Function
The potential merits of dark chocolate for the brain can be numerous because of its flavanol content. Eating dark chocolate can intensify blood flow to a few important brain areas, which in turn leads to general alertness and enhanced performance in tasks. It can also help to sharpen the memory, augment focus and shield the brain from ageing fast.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate contains magnesium which can support the lowering of blood pressure. Taking dark chocolate can also lift nitric oxide levels in the body thereby reducing overall blood pressure.
6. Contributes to Weight Loss
Consuming dark chocolate can curb cravings because its high satiety value can help you feel fuller for a longer time. Thus, you may be less tempted to gorge on snacks which can become a factor for weight loss. Also, they are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which stimulate metabolism to burn fat.
7. Relieves Cough
Dark chocolate is an effective cough suppressant because it is full of antioxidants like catechins, polyphenols, flavonols, theobromine. Some scientists believe it can be more effectual than common cold medicines.
8. Lowers Cholesterol
Dark chocolate has cholesterol-lowering advantages as well. It can improve lipid profile along with limiting platelet reactivity.
9. Safeguards Against Neurological Diseases
Dark chocolate can increase cerebral blood flow due to its substantial flavanol content which may help thwart age-related memory weakening. It also extends extensive protection to neurons in the nervous system and brain thereby preventing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
10. Strengthens Vision
The cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate can heighten oxygen availability and nutrient supply to the blood vessels present in the eyes, thus fortifying vision health. Studies show that dark chocolate displayed a better capability to enhance visual acuteness than white chocolate.
11. Improves Mood
Dark chocolate can be a feel-good indulgence. It is the existence of fatty acids that does the trick. Stearic and palmitic acids along with health-enriching flavonoids in dark chocolate have the potential to increase neural activity in parts of the brain linked to pleasure thus making one better happier and better.
12. Decreases the Risk of Stroke
Eating flavonoid-rich dark chocolate can lower the probability of a stroke. More research is needed to ascertain the precise quantity and type of chocolates which would most help reduce stroke risk. But it can be said that dark chocolate in moderate amounts decreases the risk of a stroke and helps us live longer.
Dark Chocolate Benefits for Skin
Some of the dark chocolate benefits for skin may include the following:
Protects Against UV Damage
The flavonoids and polyphenols in dark chocolate can protect the skin from the destructive UV rays of the sun thereby preventing sun spots and other related skin damage.
2. Fights Ageing
Dark chocolate’s incredible antioxidant qualities can aid in combating DNA mutilation which results in ageing symptoms like greying hair, wrinkles, and other diseases.
3. Hydrates the Skin
Flavanols in dark chocolate can support your skin in looking its best. You can achieve smoother skin by taking chocolate daily in moderate quantities. They fight free radicals and reinforce blood flow thus elevating skin hydration and providing skin with a glow.
4. Makes You Look Younger
Cocoa in chocolate can raise blood flow to the top-most skin layer thus making it appear young.
5. Prevents Collagen Breakdown
Dark chocolate can successfully battle stress hormones which cause collagen breakdown. Fewer collagen breakdown means fewer wrinkles and healthier skin.
Benefits of Dark Chocolates for Hair
Some benefits of dark chocolates for hair are:
Improves Blood Circulation to the Scalp
Dark chocolate can encourage blood circulation to the scalp thus allowing you to have thick and nourished hair.
2. Protects Against Dandruff
The anti-inflammatory abilities of dark chocolate can help the scalp be free from any infections. It can also stop the build-up and spread of dandruff by adequately supplementing the scalp.
3. Makes Hair Lustrous
Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients which can help prevent hair loss and promote thick, shiny hair.
Tips to Remember While Shopping for Dark Chocolate
Certain tips to keep in mind while buying dark chocolate are:
The darker it is, the more beneficial it will be. If you happen to eat a bar which is too sweet, chances are that it is stripped of the beneficial flavonoids to give it a more consumer-friendly taste.
Opt for less-processed kinds that contain a minimum of 70 per cent cacao.
It is normal to find great taste disparities from bar to bar. It all depends on the kind of beans employed to manufacture the chocolate.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are:
1. Is It Okay to Eat Dark Chocolate Every Day?
Yes, it is okay to eat dark chocolate daily. But be sure to take it in moderation. To reap its optimal benefits, limit your intake to 3-4 cubes as it still has calories and fats.
2. Are There Any Disadvantages of Eating Dark Chocolate?
Eating dark chocolate in excess can have certain side-effects. Owing to its caffeine content, too much consumption of dark chocolate can result in anxiety issues. People with heart trouble should control their intake as caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats. Caffeine may also negatively impact other medical conditions like diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
3. How Do I Choose and Store Dark Chocolate?
Some points to bear in mind are:
If the bar has sugar or milk listed as the ingredient, it won't contain 70 per cent cocoa content.
Avoid buying a chocolate bar which has trans-fat. In case you see ‘partially hydrogenated oil’ or ‘hydrogenated oil’ as ingredients, do not buy it.
Go for dark chocolate which is not alkali-processed. Some types are treated with alkali to alter colour and restrict bitterness. But such treatment destroys the antioxidant content.
Don’t be misled by fancy packaging. High-quality chocolate is smoother in taste without the grainy texture.
For storing dark chocolate, you may first like to divide it into serving-sized portions. Then wrap each piece in a clean paper towel before placing it in a zip-lock pouch and sealing it. You can store the zip-lock bag in the refrigerator safely for one year. Do check for any signs of condensation to rectify it immediately.
Dark chocolate is a useful health food. When you eat the right kind of it, you can forward to some amazing benefits, from healing numerous diseases to providing strength and stamina. Thus, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in it anymore!
Also Read:
Foods to Eat for Healthy Heart
Best Foods for Healthy Skin
Best Foods to Boost Your Metabolism Read more
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Your 8 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
Your child has finally started saying "mama" and "papa" and is becoming very curious about the world around him. As a parent, there's nothing more fulfilling than watching your little one grow up, physically, mentally and emotionally whilst achieving all the necessary milestones.
Below are some of the landmarks that you can expect in the coming weeks with regards to infant development at 8 months.
Growth of Baby
Nothing can quite fill you up with joy than watching your baby grow and develop. During the next four weeks, you will watch him improve his mobility, recognize others' faces and much more. Here's what to notice or look out for in your eight months baby activities.
Baby Development
Your baby will be rapidly developing his cognitive, social and emotional skills during this time. He will show a sense of empathy by being sad when kids around him cry, and he will be happy when he sees you! He will recognize different faces and be able to differentiate between voices. He will be developing different grips and gain better control of his fingers during this time, being able to pick, throw and grab objects at will and with increased accuracy.
32 Week Old Baby Development
Your 8-month baby's weight will increase, and your little one will begin trying to crawl. He will be propelling himself forward using his hands and is able to stand on his knees by holding furniture as support. This is not a good time to use baby walkers since playing and moving about on the floor will increase his mobility and build his posterior muscles. Let your baby roam around and keep cables and cords out of reach or anything that makes him trip or blocks his way.
33 Week Old Baby Development
Your baby will be choosing what he eats and how much he eats. He will still need to continue consuming breastmilk. However, this is the time you let him have a go at family foods since his molars are developing. Where mobility is concerned, your little one should be able to slowly clapping his hands and improve his dexterity with his fingers. Encourage him by showing how to clap and play games like Pat-A-Cake and let him copy you. At first, the household may get noisy due to utensils clashing like cymbals but keep in mind that he is gaining finer control over his motor movements in the process.
Your baby will also learn how to wave his wrist side by side or up and down. Encourage him to wave to family members and repeat that action in response to verbal cues given by family members such as "goodbye" or "see you later."
34 Week Old Baby Development
Your baby's vision will be improving rapidly during this week, and his short sight will be at its best. His long-range vision will take some time to improve, but he will be able to make out objects and people from a far-away distance and approach them. His true eye colour will also be slowly emerging, and besides vision, he will master the pincer grip. Since his dexterity is developing, he will now be able to pick up, drop and throw objects with increased precision. In addition to this, he will be able to point towards objects with his index finger as well.
35 Week Old Baby Development
Your baby will be very close to walking on his own at this stage. You may encourage him to walk by holding his hands and guiding him towards a direction. Remember that your baby's leg muscles are developing and it's a good idea to help them kneel and sit down. Your baby might take some time getting used to sitting down after standing, and that's okay. Alternatively, you may use a toddle truck with a stable base to assist and train their mobility. Cruising up the stairs and crawling across rooms shouldn't be a problem at this stage.
Baby Health
Your baby's health will be steadily improving. He will continue to be breastfed and eat solid foods now. Encourage your baby to self-feed and allow them to explore different tastes and textures in meals. Finger foods such as rice, cheese, and carrots will help them get acquainted with their taste buds, and you will often find them playing with saucepans and beakers. From a cognitive health standpoint, your baby will be able to understand basic instructions and will make object-noun associations. He will also greet family members when they return home from work by smiling gleefully.
Baby Milestones - 8 Months
At eight months old, these are the milestones you can expect your little one to achieve-
Speech improvement - Your baby will be making more consonant-based sounds and slowly transition to phrases. He will begin to understand words like "milk," "cat," and "table" and will have created object-word-link associations in his mind for them.
Improved grip - From the raking grasp, he will transition to the pincer grasp and be able to make complex motions with his fingers. His dexterity will increase and you will notice him trying to control and manipulate objects with his hands with greater precision now.
Tracking moving objects - No longer will your little one just be aware of moving objects but rather try to follow them or catch them.
Can handle separation - You can now expect your little one to be okay when you're away from the house or him for a few hours. He won't cry or be fazed at this age.
Will try to chew - Your baby's jaw muscles will start exercising as he tries to chew while eating different foods.
Standing on feet- Your little one should be able to stand on his feet partially or at least try to by now. His lower muscles should have developed, and he should now be capable of making other motions.
Behaviour
Your baby's behaviour will start to change a lot. This is the age when he is beginning to understand his surroundings, however, may not have the developed physical body or muscles needed to fetch the things he wants by himself. Your little one will also be chatting away all day long and experimenting with sounds using his own voice. Just remember to gently reinforce words that are linked with object-associations or people-associations to help him develop his vocabulary and add meaning to those babbles.
Their vocal skills will also expand if you make them interact with family members and involve them in social activities within the household.
8-Month Old Baby Activities
Here are activities you can do with your little one to speed up his growth and development in every single way-
The talking game - The talking game is an excellent way to let her senses soak in different words, vocabulary and start processing verbal information. Whenever you play with her, make sure you talk about the activity you're currently doing to get her absorbed in it.
Meeting others - Meeting new folks, friends, and family members will greatly reduce the anxiety of socializing with people. Socialising is also a great way to exercise visual recall and improve her social skills too.
Reading out stories - Babies enjoy illustrated books, especially the ones with big pictures and bright colours. This is the time to start reading out to her and stimulate her sense of colour perception and language understanding as well.
Make her crawl - Tell her to catch you by crawling towards you or ask her to get an object for you by making her crawl from one room to the next. Crawling strengthens her leg muscles which will prepare her for walking in the future.
Give her toys names - Give her toys a name and make her associate your sounds with them. Labelling objects with names create an object-noun link in her mind, and as you repeat it, he starts associating those names with the objects.
Mixing foods - Throw in a little spaghetti with different coloured vegetables and let your little one explore the different tastes and textures. Let your baby eat with their own hands since this will help them build their finger movements and enhance dexterity. Plus, they'll find it fun, and that'll keep them busy for awhile.
8-Month Old Baby Care
Your baby will be chewing toys and collecting every dust and particle lying in the house like a detective on the hunt. Make sure you babyproof the house and keep medicines or toxic products away from their reach. Make sure you keep movable furniture, potted plants and anything that can be dislodged from their place intact since you don't want falling objects or them getting hurt. At this age, they don't link cause and effect, so don't be alarmed if your little one starts to chew on your household pet or bite when you least expect it.
Feeding
Your baby may be less reluctant to consuming breastmilk unlike before once you introduce solid foods to his diet. Make sure he eats two to three solid meals a day to get his fill of nutrition and aim for 4 breastfeeds a day at this stage. For parents who are bottle feeding, 4 milk feeds are recommended too.
Sleeping
Your baby will be sleeping a lot at this age. You may find them sleeping anywhere between 10 to 12 hours a night in addition to taking between 1 to 3-hour naps in the afternoons. Don't fret though; it's completely normal and absolutely terrific news for you since you get to catch up on sleep a little finally and also plan out the everyday schedule. Your little one's routines and sleep patterns also become more predictable.
Tips for Parents
Here are some tips for parents who want to speed up their baby's development or prevent developmental delays -
Do not let your baby use a walker during these few weeks. The floor will become his best friend in teaching him how to crawl, sit and partially stand or walk
Introduce your kid to the world of colours and shapes through picture books and friendly comics.
Stack up a few pillows and ask him to crawl up them to build their sense of proprioception and strength.
To encourage physical activity, turn on some fun music and dance and sing along with that. You can use sock puppets or props to make it more fun and let your baby copy the rhymes and mimic words.
At the end of the day, your baby is exploring and expanding in many ways, just let him/her have a go at different things and remember not to get agitated whenever you hear funny noises in the noise (like the banging of cups and saucers). It's just their curious minds at work!
It's absolutely amazing to watch your little one progress from crawling to baby steps during these weeks. Introduce them to new foods, keep them busy and entertained and you'll be well on your way to successful parenting. The proof is in the pudding, and you must be patient because sometimes your little one might fall or slip when crawling or moving around and you have to let him learn how to deal with that.
Previous Month: 7 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
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Hemorrhagic Disease In Newborn
During pregnancy, the growing foetus needs an adequate supply of essential nutrients to develop all the organs and be healthy for delivery. Absence or shortage of essential nutrients can lead to the incomplete development of organs and birth deficiencies in the infant. In some cases, insufficient nutrition can also lead to long-term disorders or even death of the child. Therefore, it is important to ensure the proper intake of food to meet the necessary nutritional requirements.
What is Hemorrhagic Disease or VKDB?
Haemorrhagic disease in a newborn is also known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding or VKDB and is a bleeding problem in a newborn baby immediately after birth. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin K. In this case, due to the absence of sufficient vitamin K, the blood doesn't clot properly, thereby leading to severe bleeding and haemorrhaging in some cases.
The bleeding might be external or internal. Internal bleeding can occur in the brain or the intestines and can be fatal.
Types of VKDB in Newborns
Based on the timing of initial haemorrhage after the birth of the baby, this disease can be classified into the following three categories:
Easy Onset VKDB
This type of vitamin K deficiency bleeding can have severe haemorrhagic complications. It occurs within the first 24 hours of the baby's birth and is mainly observed in cases where the mother has been taking anticonvulsant or anti-tuberculosis medication.
Classic Onset VKDB
A classic vitamin K deficiency bleeding sets in within 24 hours after birth and may be present for as late as the first week after birth. In most cases, the classic onset occurs after the first day of birth, but sometimes it can also happen anytime during the first month of birth. This condition is seen in infants who do not receive prophylactic vitamin K at birth. VKDB bleeding typically occurs in the nose, skin, gastrointestinal tract and umbilicus. Bleeding in the brain is not very common in this condition.
Late-Onset VKDB
The late hemorrhagic disease in a newborn occurs between the second and the twelfth week after birth. However, the bleeding can happen up to six months after birth. This condition is common in infants who do not receive vitamin K prophylaxis in sufficient quantities at birth.
Causes of Hemorrhagic Disorders in Newborns
The primary reason for the development of hemorrhagic disorder in newborn babies is the deficiency of vitamin K at birth. In the absence of sufficient vitamin K, the body loses the ability to clot blood at a faster rate. The chances of newborn babies developing this disease are high as they typically have low levels of vitamin K at birth. The causes of vitamin K deficiency in newborns are mentioned below:
Developing babies might not receive sufficient vitamin K as its movement through the placenta is difficult.
Breast milk, which is the primary source of nutrition for the child immediately after birth, does not contain enough vitamin K to suffice the child’s needs. This keeps the level of vitamin K low, allowing the disease to set in.
Vitamin K in a human body is also produced by good gut bacteria. However, these bacteria are not present in the body of newborns.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for VKDB are different for each type:
Easy Onset
The risk of developing the disease within 24 hours of birth is increased if you have taken blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, anti-biotic or anti-tuberculosis drugs during pregnancy.
Classic Onset
Babies are at risk of classic onset when they have not received sufficient prophylactic vitamin K at birth. The chances of a classic onset are higher if they are only given breast milk.
Late Onset
Risk factors for late-onset include hepatitis, low levels of vitamin K in breast milk, chronic diarrhoea, cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of VKDB include:
Blood in stool
Blood in urine
Lumps on the head
Bleeding in the navel area
Bleeding mucus membranes
Bruising
Seizures
Excessive vomiting with blood in the vomit at times
Paleness in the skin and gums
Yellowish tinge in the eyes, usually after three weeks of birth
Bleeding in the penis if there has been a circumcision
Visible marks of needle stick in the body
Diagnosis
Prothrombin time is the time taken for the blood to clot and is used to determine the presence of the disease. A test conducted where the time taken for the blood to clot is measured. The baby is given a vitamin K injection, and the timing of the blood clot is taken into consideration. The existence of the disease is established if the injection shortens the blood clotting time after 30 minutes, or stops the bleeding altogether.
Ultrasound or MRI can also be used to identify a case of internal bleeding.
Treatment
In case the presence of this disease is established after diagnosis, the baby will be given a vitamin K shot right away to increase the clotting ability of the blood immediately. The baby may also be provided with an oral dosage of vitamin K instead of injections. A blood transfusion may be required for babies who have experienced severe bleeding.
Possible Complications
The possible complications of a vitamin K deficiency include:
Damage to the brain because of bleeding inside the skull.
Heavy blood loss in the baby.
Vomiting and a feeling of discomfort.
Body seizures
Death due to an excessive loss of blood is also possible
About Vitamin K Shot
A vitamin K shot contains low quantities of benzyl alcohol which is found to be safe for infants. You can also consult a doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with vitamin K shots.
It is difficult to supplement a vitamin K dosage with vitamin K rich food items to prevent the disease. It is important to know that the only source of nutrition for the baby during early days is the mother’s milk, which does not contain sufficient vitamin K. This makes a vitamin K shot a necessity.
Prevention
The occurrence of a hemorrhagic disease can be prevented by using the following ways:
A shot of vitamin K given to the baby right after birth is sufficient to prevent this condition.
In case you have taken anti-seizure drugs or blood thinners during pregnancy, your doctor might administer you a shot of vitamin K to protect the baby.
An Oral administration of vitamin K to the infant can also prevent the condition.
Hemorrhagic disease in kids can be lethal if not treated immediately. However, with certain precautionary steps, it can easily be prevented. Read more
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
10 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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