           
|
|
|
|
|
Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your
e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of
announcing news, events and special offers available only
AskDrSears.com registered users.
Baby Sling Closeout Special!
Extended through May until sold out! 
Buy a baby sling for a friend and get one free for yourself
Buy one get one free
Discount code: freesling Or 50% off your babysling Discount code: halfoff expires: 05/30/08
*Not valid in conjuction with any other offers.
Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users. HIDDEN MEDICAL CAUSES OF NIGHTWAKING
As a pediatrician, one of the reasons I am becoming increasingly cautious about insensitively using the cry-it-out approach to get babies to sleep longer is that doctors and parents automatically assume that a nightwaking baby has bad sleeping habits and they miss underlying painful causes of nightwaking. Suspect a medical cause for nightwaking if:
Here are the most common painful causes of nightwaking and which are often "hidden" because they are not as obvious as ear infections, teething, or urinary tract infections. 1. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
When baby lies flat, irritating stomach acids are regurgitated into the
esophagus, causing pain that adults call "heartburn." Mention this possibility
to your doctor, since GER can often be successfully treated with smaller, more
frequent feedings, elevating the crib 30 degrees, and medication.
2. Food allergies, such as an allergy to formula
or to the cow's milk breastfeeding mothers drink. Suspect if baby is restless
most of the night and is generally gassy.
3. Ear infections Suspect an ear infection if
baby has a yellow discharge coming from her nose and/or eyes.
4. Pinworms Suspect in the toddler or older child who
is waking up with scratch marks around the anus, other family members have
pinworms, or you see tiny white-thread-like worms around baby's anus or in the
bowel movements at night.
Infants who awaken frequently because of a medical cause are also more likely to be colicky and fussy during the day, but not necessarily. If you suspect a medical cause, in partnership with your doctor, keep investigating until you find the cause and the treatment.
|
AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.
© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.
