Happy, healthy little chicks
These matriarchs have experience under their belts and ‘tend’ not to panic. They may have forgotten about colic and believe in old-fashioned remedies like thickening feeds with cornstarch and adding mustard powder to the bathwater – but they’re there when you need them, and if nothing else, reassure you and give you a much needed break when you need it most.
These are highly specialised medical practitioners who are trained for emergencies, critical illnesses, chronic syndromes and serious childhood complications. They’re busy and expensive people. Their expertise should focus on sick babies – not common problems like colic, cramps and crying babies (unless of course these are severe, which is rare). If you had problems during your pregnancy, complications at the birth or afterwards, this warrants follow-up with a paediatrician.
Your family doctor can treat the run-of-the-mill problems like infections, colic, fevers, vomiting, weight loss etc. Your family doctor keeps records of the family’s medical history and is familiar with your circumstances. S/he will refer your baby to a specialist when necessary.
Physiotherapists (in my opinion) are underutilized when it comes to baby care. Babies who have birth or pregnancy related injuries, genetic abnormalities, muscle weaknesses who need help with posture, balance and muscle control or are behind with their milestones can be helped with physiotherapy. Physio and nebulising babies with chest infections is better than giving them antibiotics.
The clinic nurse keeps your baby healthy by keeping tabs on your baby’s weight gain and growth according to a scientifically calculated growth chart. Called the ‘Road to Health’ for girls or boys this little book records your baby’s health, immunizations, vitamin supplements, deworming treatment and developmental screening for the first five years. Keep this little book in a safe place - you will need these records when your child is ready for primary school as proof of his/her health, development and immunisations. Your clinic sister (municipal, pharmacy or in private practice) is there to answer all your questions, advise you on baby care and refer your baby for follow-up if and should this be necessary.
Although a pharmacist cannot prescribe medicines, they can advise you about over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever relief, teething troubles, colds and coughs,
