06/16 Baby Dilemmas
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Posted by: reepslady
Posted on: 2004-04-06 08:07:12
I cannot believe that Kristin's husband is the only one being told that his behavior is not safe for this child. If Kristin gives the baby medicine for every single cough or cold, she will not be able to use antibiotics effectively one time when this baby REALLY needs it. I have known people who have almost died from simple things that they could not fight because their bodies had developed a resistance to antibiotics from being medicated every single cough or cold they had. I have four children, ages four to fourteen, who very seldom get sick, because I give them time (and I am only talking a day or two) to give their bodies a chance to develop it's own immunities. I treat a fever the old-fashioned way, tylenol, cool cloth, and tepid baths, and in most cases, they beat the infection on their own. I am in no means saying never take your kids to the doctor, sometimes it is necessary, and regular check ups are a must, too, but if you don't let a child develop some of their own immunities, the antibiotic you were "protecting" them with may not be effective when they really DO need it. He is one extreme, but she is another.
Posted by: reepslady
Posted on: 2004-04-06 08:07:12
I cannot believe that Kristin's husband is the only one being told that his behavior is not safe for this child. If Kristin gives the baby medicine for every single cough or cold, she will not be able to use antibiotics effectively one time when this baby REALLY needs it. I have known people who have almost died from simple things that they could not fight because their bodies had developed a resistance to antibiotics from being medicated every single cough or cold they had. I have four children, ages four to fourteen, who very seldom get sick, because I give them time (and I am only talking a day or two) to give their bodies a chance to develop it's own immunities. I treat a fever the old-fashioned way, tylenol, cool cloth, and tepid baths, and in most cases, they beat the infection on their own. I am in no means saying never take your kids to the doctor, sometimes it is necessary, and regular check ups are a must, too, but if you don't let a child develop some of their own immunities, the antibiotic you were "protecting" them with may not be effective when they really DO need it. He is one extreme, but she is another.
I AGREE
Posted by: gzbaby
Posted on: 2004-04-06 10:15:01
AS SOON AS I HEARD THEIR STORY I TOOK THE HUSBAND SIDE AND I STILL FEEL THAT WAY TO SOME POINT. THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR MEDICINE USUALLY IN EMERGENCIES. MY REPLY TO ALL OF THEM INCLUDING DR. PHIL AND THE PEDITRICIAN IS THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO MEDICATE A BABY JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A FEVER. A FEVER MEANS THAT THE BODY IS FIGHTING OFF AN INFECTION! IF YOU GIVE THE BABY ANTIBIOTICS IT LOWERS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM! BECAUSE WE GIVE BABIES SO MANY VACCINES THATS WHY THEY DON'T HAVE GOOD IMMUNE SYSTEMS. THE BODY WAS MADE TO HEAL ITSELF AND IS ALL WE DO IS INTERFERE AND COVER UP THE SYMPTOMS WITH DRUGS, BUT THAT DOESN'T GET TO THE CAUSE!
Posted by: gzbaby
Posted on: 2004-04-06 10:15:01
AS SOON AS I HEARD THEIR STORY I TOOK THE HUSBAND SIDE AND I STILL FEEL THAT WAY TO SOME POINT. THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR MEDICINE USUALLY IN EMERGENCIES. MY REPLY TO ALL OF THEM INCLUDING DR. PHIL AND THE PEDITRICIAN IS THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO MEDICATE A BABY JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A FEVER. A FEVER MEANS THAT THE BODY IS FIGHTING OFF AN INFECTION! IF YOU GIVE THE BABY ANTIBIOTICS IT LOWERS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM! BECAUSE WE GIVE BABIES SO MANY VACCINES THATS WHY THEY DON'T HAVE GOOD IMMUNE SYSTEMS. THE BODY WAS MADE TO HEAL ITSELF AND IS ALL WE DO IS INTERFERE AND COVER UP THE SYMPTOMS WITH DRUGS, BUT THAT DOESN'T GET TO THE CAUSE!
disagree
Posted by: dartex
Posted on: 2004-04-06 16:50:49
I think it is very stupid for the husband to play doctor with his child. He should be more protective, and I hope the wife understands just how dangerous his attitude is, and she should really think hard before she has more children with him.
Posted by: dartex
Posted on: 2004-04-06 16:50:49
I think it is very stupid for the husband to play doctor with his child. He should be more protective, and I hope the wife understands just how dangerous his attitude is, and she should really think hard before she has more children with him.
Posted by: neece04
Posted on: 2004-04-06 18:45:20
How is it dangerous for a parent to allow the child's body to fight the infection itself? If tylenol or cough medicine doesn't help within a couple of days, then definetly take the child to see someone. i feel that is why so many kids no a days have poor immune systems because of parents who jump onto the antibiotic bandwagon and won't try letting it runs it course for a little bit....maybe he should rethink the idea of having anymore kids with her, since she is so paranoid.
I don't agree
Posted by: hopealope
Posted on: 2004-04-07 09:42:09
I don't have any problem with letting a child fight an infection once they pass the three month mark. But, as it was said on the show, a baby's immune system is not fully developed at that age. They might not be able to fight it on their own. I also think antibiotics are overused and don't think they should be given out at whim. You also don't need to give cough medicine and tylenol for every little sneeze. But you can't always let nature take it's course. My first daughter had a fever at six weeks old. We took her to the doctor and she said sshe just had a cold, to just wait it out. Well twenty-four hours later she stopped breathing while I was nursing her. She was life flighted to the hospital where she fought for her life for three months. She had a virus and a severe bacterial infection. She died when she was two years old. I know that is not your typical case. I also don't know if the outcome would of been different if the doctor would of taken action sooner. I just know that with the two beautiful children I have now, I'm not willing to take a chance! But I do not medicate them with every little symptom. When they were younger I was more cautious.
Posted by: hopealope
Posted on: 2004-04-07 09:42:09
I don't have any problem with letting a child fight an infection once they pass the three month mark. But, as it was said on the show, a baby's immune system is not fully developed at that age. They might not be able to fight it on their own. I also think antibiotics are overused and don't think they should be given out at whim. You also don't need to give cough medicine and tylenol for every little sneeze. But you can't always let nature take it's course. My first daughter had a fever at six weeks old. We took her to the doctor and she said sshe just had a cold, to just wait it out. Well twenty-four hours later she stopped breathing while I was nursing her. She was life flighted to the hospital where she fought for her life for three months. She had a virus and a severe bacterial infection. She died when she was two years old. I know that is not your typical case. I also don't know if the outcome would of been different if the doctor would of taken action sooner. I just know that with the two beautiful children I have now, I'm not willing to take a chance! But I do not medicate them with every little symptom. When they were younger I was more cautious.
I agree
Posted by: cspencer12
Posted on: 2004-06-16 10:41:37
I am very sorry for yor loss.I have two children 2 and 4. I do not take my kids to the doctor for every cough. I let it take it course for about 4 days , unless it is real bad.For a lot of colds medication only helps the symptoms and not the cold. If you over use medication when you really do need it , it will not work. I try to look at it this way if i would not go than i do not take them. I think parent know and if you feel something is wrong than take them.If you feel they are not helping you and you think something is really wrong get another doctor till you get a diagnoses. My daughter was very ill when she was 4 months old i took her to the ER they said she had a yeast infection. I told them not good enough.She was bleeding through her stool a good ammount.. They ran test after test nothing.The were gonna send her home and i told them not. That i wanted her admitted they told me no. I caused a scence till they said ok. Well they finally ran a test for salmonella and that was what she had. We will never know how she got it.She was in the Hospital for a week. They said that if she was not in the hospital and i did not push the issue we would have lost her. You would think a doctor would know that going throgh 25 diapers a day full of blood was not a yeast infection. So keeps your eyes open and go with your gut. We know are kids better than any doctor. Force them if they do no want to do something. Just a little tip kids over a yr they do not consider anything under 102.00 a temp.
Posted by: cspencer12
Posted on: 2004-06-16 10:41:37
I am very sorry for yor loss.I have two children 2 and 4. I do not take my kids to the doctor for every cough. I let it take it course for about 4 days , unless it is real bad.For a lot of colds medication only helps the symptoms and not the cold. If you over use medication when you really do need it , it will not work. I try to look at it this way if i would not go than i do not take them. I think parent know and if you feel something is wrong than take them.If you feel they are not helping you and you think something is really wrong get another doctor till you get a diagnoses. My daughter was very ill when she was 4 months old i took her to the ER they said she had a yeast infection. I told them not good enough.She was bleeding through her stool a good ammount.. They ran test after test nothing.The were gonna send her home and i told them not. That i wanted her admitted they told me no. I caused a scence till they said ok. Well they finally ran a test for salmonella and that was what she had. We will never know how she got it.She was in the Hospital for a week. They said that if she was not in the hospital and i did not push the issue we would have lost her. You would think a doctor would know that going throgh 25 diapers a day full of blood was not a yeast infection. So keeps your eyes open and go with your gut. We know are kids better than any doctor. Force them if they do no want to do something. Just a little tip kids over a yr they do not consider anything under 102.00 a temp.
Regards
Posted by: mother222
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:08:09
I'm deeply sorry for your loss but I do belive that more people need to hear your story, as a mother I'm am very cautious with my daughter and some people might say overprotective. But as a mother you know when something is wrong with your child it is in you gut, and I would never let anyone tell me that there was nothing serious wrong if thats what I felt. When my daughter was 4 mo. old I was convinced that she had an ear infection that had followed a cold. I took her to the doctor immediatly and she reassured me that her continuous crying was due to fussiness or colic, that I wasnt going to buy. By 2 months I knew my daughter like the back of my hand, I demanded a second opinion that day at the doctors and sure enough it was an ear infection. The second doctor explained to me that if it had gone untreated that the eardrum would have ruptured and that can potentially be dangerous to the hearing. Why take a chance?
Posted by: mother222
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:08:09
I'm deeply sorry for your loss but I do belive that more people need to hear your story, as a mother I'm am very cautious with my daughter and some people might say overprotective. But as a mother you know when something is wrong with your child it is in you gut, and I would never let anyone tell me that there was nothing serious wrong if thats what I felt. When my daughter was 4 mo. old I was convinced that she had an ear infection that had followed a cold. I took her to the doctor immediatly and she reassured me that her continuous crying was due to fussiness or colic, that I wasnt going to buy. By 2 months I knew my daughter like the back of my hand, I demanded a second opinion that day at the doctors and sure enough it was an ear infection. The second doctor explained to me that if it had gone untreated that the eardrum would have ruptured and that can potentially be dangerous to the hearing. Why take a chance?
Posted by: somsom
Posted on: 2004-06-17 12:58:18
Hi!
I`m sorry about your dauther. I think you`re right. When a baby has a fever it`s more siries then when a seven years old kid has a fever. I live in Norway were I feel we take a pill for every pain. It`s a hidden problem because when we travel to a warmer place we get sick bicause our immun sistym is to weak and we don`t get to enjoi our vication. This is spesially for the children.
Preventative medicin is the key
Posted by: lvwlupus
Posted on: 2004-04-17 23:50:33
I am a mother of two very healthy kids who ironically just had a major gastrointestinal virus. I am always sure of myself when I pick up the phone to call the doctor because I learned with my first born. I jumped in the car to go to the ER a number of times and every single time they told me what i was doing at home was sufficient and not to worry about it until she became a lot worse. Most of the time it was fever due to teething. And the rest was Diarrhea due to lactose intollerance. As parents we hate to see our children suffer but I do give Motrin at the first sign of fever because I will take a Tylenol as soon as I feel feverish. I believe in monitoring closely at home until symptoms worsen. a Well Baby Care Book and Encyclopedia discusses dangers of Fevers and certain illnesses. It is my first resort. I do not believe in an antibiotic for everything. PREVENTATIVE CARE is more important. My children have been adjusted at a chiropractor since birth and that is how they stay so healthy.
Posted by: lvwlupus
Posted on: 2004-04-17 23:50:33
I am a mother of two very healthy kids who ironically just had a major gastrointestinal virus. I am always sure of myself when I pick up the phone to call the doctor because I learned with my first born. I jumped in the car to go to the ER a number of times and every single time they told me what i was doing at home was sufficient and not to worry about it until she became a lot worse. Most of the time it was fever due to teething. And the rest was Diarrhea due to lactose intollerance. As parents we hate to see our children suffer but I do give Motrin at the first sign of fever because I will take a Tylenol as soon as I feel feverish. I believe in monitoring closely at home until symptoms worsen. a Well Baby Care Book and Encyclopedia discusses dangers of Fevers and certain illnesses. It is my first resort. I do not believe in an antibiotic for everything. PREVENTATIVE CARE is more important. My children have been adjusted at a chiropractor since birth and that is how they stay so healthy.
danger
Posted by: kathimac1
Posted on: 2004-06-16 15:11:11
Motrin is a muscle relaxer and not effective for fever, child or adult. It also can damage the liver and even though, otc, understanding of what you are taking/giving, and the risks need to be researched.
Posted by: kathimac1
Posted on: 2004-06-16 15:11:11
Motrin is a muscle relaxer and not effective for fever, child or adult. It also can damage the liver and even though, otc, understanding of what you are taking/giving, and the risks need to be researched.
Regarding Motrin
Posted by: lianepress
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:06:16
Motrin is the only 'safe' drug (other than homeopathic) to give a child. Please share your knowledge of Motrin and how it is risky. It does not contain colours, dyes, aspartame, etc. A very curious mom.
Posted by: lianepress
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:06:16
Motrin is the only 'safe' drug (other than homeopathic) to give a child. Please share your knowledge of Motrin and how it is risky. It does not contain colours, dyes, aspartame, etc. A very curious mom.
Posted by: mkmom2
Posted on: 2004-04-06 23:00:34
I totally disagree with you. I think that the husband feels that the wife is too cautious and is always calling the doctor. I have a sister-in-law who is the same way. Her doctor finally told her to not call unless there was an emergency with their children. I think that the husband wanted to say more, but didn't want to put his wife down on national TV. I agree that there are times to seek medical advice, but sometimes it just needs to run it's course. It looked like that mom was always taking the child's temp and getting the tylenol ready. That's not a good thing either. I think that Dr Phil missed it on this one!!!
I agree
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 16:27:02
What this couple needs is some guidelines. I think both are too extreme either way. Once over a year, the emergency room does not want to you bring your child in if they only have fever unless it is above 104. If they are vomiting or anything else along with the fever than yes take them in. The problem is when you call your pediatrician and are upset they will always tell you to take the child in because now days if something were to happen then they would get sued. They are only proitecting themselves.
My sister-in-law is the same way. She medicates her kids for every sniffle and cough. Her kids are always sick and mine aren't. THere have been times I have quarentined her kids from my house because for 6 weeks every time her kids came over my kids ended up sick.
I do medicate my kids if they need it, they both have allergies bad!!! But I give them claritin that does interact with anything else nor does it make them feel medicated. My sister-in-law refuses to do this and drugs her kids with Dimetapp. Claritin is once a day. Dimetapp is every four hours and the kids are like zombies then they get in trouble at night because they won't go to bed. I think you have to be very conscious of what you are giving your children do some research and find some alternatives. I n this case prevention is better I believe because I would rather my kids be prevented from experiencing their allergies than to be doped up later.
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 16:27:02
What this couple needs is some guidelines. I think both are too extreme either way. Once over a year, the emergency room does not want to you bring your child in if they only have fever unless it is above 104. If they are vomiting or anything else along with the fever than yes take them in. The problem is when you call your pediatrician and are upset they will always tell you to take the child in because now days if something were to happen then they would get sued. They are only proitecting themselves.
My sister-in-law is the same way. She medicates her kids for every sniffle and cough. Her kids are always sick and mine aren't. THere have been times I have quarentined her kids from my house because for 6 weeks every time her kids came over my kids ended up sick.
I do medicate my kids if they need it, they both have allergies bad!!! But I give them claritin that does interact with anything else nor does it make them feel medicated. My sister-in-law refuses to do this and drugs her kids with Dimetapp. Claritin is once a day. Dimetapp is every four hours and the kids are like zombies then they get in trouble at night because they won't go to bed. I think you have to be very conscious of what you are giving your children do some research and find some alternatives. I n this case prevention is better I believe because I would rather my kids be prevented from experiencing their allergies than to be doped up later.
agree
Posted by: mother222
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:07:56
I agree with exactly what you said and I'm surprised at how many people agree with father. It is disappointing that so many people feel that way.
Posted by: mother222
Posted on: 2004-06-17 06:07:56
I agree with exactly what you said and I'm surprised at how many people agree with father. It is disappointing that so many people feel that way.
disagree
Posted by: rabbit75
Posted on: 2004-04-06 17:38:15
i think when one speaks about the health of a child the parent has the responsibility to take the proper action, becuase the child may not always know they are seriously ill. when i was 8 years old, i was a very active child, but then i began to feel tired more easily; began to get red specks on my face; and began bruising more easily and the bruises seemed to stay longer. my parents did not know what was wrong with me and they just discussed the possibilities -- one of them i was anemic. one of my sisters was having some stomach aches and they decided to take her to the doctor -- they also decided to take me to confirm their suspicions that i was anemic. well, the doctor found out i was seriously ill...i had cancer. the doctor told my parents that had they waited another day it may have been too late for me. i was very lucky -- i was treated at one of the world's best cancer hospitals (md anderson in houston,texas). i have been in remission over 10 years. i think that my parents were lucky when they took me to the doctor, but had they tried to see if i got better on my own or tried to medicate some other way, i could be dead now --- because despite the symptoms i was showing, i appeared to be a normal healthy child.
Posted by: rabbit75
Posted on: 2004-04-06 17:38:15
i think when one speaks about the health of a child the parent has the responsibility to take the proper action, becuase the child may not always know they are seriously ill. when i was 8 years old, i was a very active child, but then i began to feel tired more easily; began to get red specks on my face; and began bruising more easily and the bruises seemed to stay longer. my parents did not know what was wrong with me and they just discussed the possibilities -- one of them i was anemic. one of my sisters was having some stomach aches and they decided to take her to the doctor -- they also decided to take me to confirm their suspicions that i was anemic. well, the doctor found out i was seriously ill...i had cancer. the doctor told my parents that had they waited another day it may have been too late for me. i was very lucky -- i was treated at one of the world's best cancer hospitals (md anderson in houston,texas). i have been in remission over 10 years. i think that my parents were lucky when they took me to the doctor, but had they tried to see if i got better on my own or tried to medicate some other way, i could be dead now --- because despite the symptoms i was showing, i appeared to be a normal healthy child.
Posted by: neece04
Posted on: 2004-04-06 18:45:33
i am glad you are ok, but that is an extreme case.. i have two beautiful little girls and if they started acting differently then they normally did, i would take them to see our doctor, but you weren't just having a simple cough or slight fever, your behavior changed and you had physical marks to show something was wrong..
Completely Disagree
Posted by: traybug
Posted on: 2004-04-06 23:06:42
While I agreed with the discussion on the show about not medicating every single cough and cold...fevers in young infants are not to be taken lightly. I think any reasonably good pediatrician would say that. I have a seven month old baby and the very first visit I had with my pediatrician she warned me that if he ever comes down with a fever call immediately so we can discuss the proper course of action. The way she put it to me is that babies under the age of six months don't always have the immune system to ward of infection that an older baby or child might have. He recently did have his first fever at six months. I called the doctor as directed, she told me to monitor it for a few days, when the fever didn't get better after three days, she had me bring him in. She discovered that he had an ear infection and put him on antibiotics. I thought that this was a reasonable approach. I know everyone has their own comfort level but I would rather play it safe than sorry and at least phone the doctor for advice instead of making the decision myself. My son has also had a few colds none of which I ended up using more than a humidifier and menthol bath...as my doctor instructed. I think it is very important to have a health care provider that you trust...afterall, they are the ones who are truly educated on the subject. Again, all I am saying is why not at least call your doctor for advice and see what they recommend instead of playing Russian Rulette with your childs health?
Posted by: traybug
Posted on: 2004-04-06 23:06:42
While I agreed with the discussion on the show about not medicating every single cough and cold...fevers in young infants are not to be taken lightly. I think any reasonably good pediatrician would say that. I have a seven month old baby and the very first visit I had with my pediatrician she warned me that if he ever comes down with a fever call immediately so we can discuss the proper course of action. The way she put it to me is that babies under the age of six months don't always have the immune system to ward of infection that an older baby or child might have. He recently did have his first fever at six months. I called the doctor as directed, she told me to monitor it for a few days, when the fever didn't get better after three days, she had me bring him in. She discovered that he had an ear infection and put him on antibiotics. I thought that this was a reasonable approach. I know everyone has their own comfort level but I would rather play it safe than sorry and at least phone the doctor for advice instead of making the decision myself. My son has also had a few colds none of which I ended up using more than a humidifier and menthol bath...as my doctor instructed. I think it is very important to have a health care provider that you trust...afterall, they are the ones who are truly educated on the subject. Again, all I am saying is why not at least call your doctor for advice and see what they recommend instead of playing Russian Rulette with your childs health?
Posted by: krazymum
Posted on: 2004-06-16 13:14:07
I totally agree, my kids have never been vaccinated and they never will.As far as fevers go,myself i dont panic untill the fever is at least 100, then i give them tylenol.first timers tend to over react about things anyway. One thing they often miss is that babies have alot of tummy troubles ,I cant count the number of new moms who i have told to give their babies,ovol or gripe water,the babies settle right down.I avoid paediatricians like the plague,they play on parents fears and use kids as a cash cow,so I'm the last person to tell anyone to go running to any doctor.
Krazy is correct
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 17:12:21
I agree that every time a child has a fever or cough you should medicate them,
But vaccines is a totally different story. Why put your children in danger for no reason. Not only are you endangering your own children but others too. A child that it not old enough to have vaccinations yet or a child that for a medical reason can't them is put at risk everytime they play with your child. I used to run a home day care and I would not have allowed your child in my home with my children or with the others because it is my duty to protect them from unnecessary harm.
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 17:12:21
I agree that every time a child has a fever or cough you should medicate them,
But vaccines is a totally different story. Why put your children in danger for no reason. Not only are you endangering your own children but others too. A child that it not old enough to have vaccinations yet or a child that for a medical reason can't them is put at risk everytime they play with your child. I used to run a home day care and I would not have allowed your child in my home with my children or with the others because it is my duty to protect them from unnecessary harm.
typo in above message
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 17:24:48
I mean't to say that I agree you should NOT medicate every cough or sniffle
Posted by: slflaming
Posted on: 2004-06-16 17:24:48
I mean't to say that I agree you should NOT medicate every cough or sniffle
