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Traditional Practices and Falicies |
There
are certain practices traditional to India, which may not be good
for the infant in terms of safety and health. If you are indulging
or contemplating any of these practices (under force of custom),
consider these facts: -
Prelactal feeds : -
Traditionally
a new born is given prelactal feeds like honey, water, glucose water
or top milk, before the mother's milk comes in. These feeds are
not only inessential, but also unhygienic and can cause infection.
Giving prelactal feeds also delays the initiation of breast-feeding
causing delayed or insufficient production of milk.
During the first few days breast milk output is traditionally
considered to be "poor". However, Colostrum or the milk
that comes initially, is the only feed a newborn requires.
Colostrum is rich in proteins and fats and contains essential
antibodies which protect the baby from allergic disorders
later in life. |
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Giving Honey -
In many families there is a practice of giving honey to the baby
or of making an Aum on the tongue of the newborn, with honey.
- Honey
is thick and viscous, thereby constituting a choking hazard.
-
It is unsterilized and therefore unhygienic.
Use
of Ghuttis and Gripe Water -
These
are popular with all strata of society. Unfortunately :-
- Their
digestive benefits are by and largely unsupported by hard medical
evidence.
-
The preparation is not standardized and therefore could be unhygienic.
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Some ghuttis contain opium and could cause opium poisoning.
Use
of Kajal and Surma -
Kajal is supposed to protect the child from evil, and is also supposed
to make the baby's eyes look large and beautiful.
- Kajal
causes eye allergies and infection.
-
Surma has a high content of lead sulphide, and can cause lead
poisoning.
Nose and Ear piercing.
- Piercing
in a newborn may result in bacterial infection, especially if
done by traditional pincers.
- The
baby may inadvertently pull the silver, gold or thread put in
her ear
As
far as possible the piercing should be postponed to later childhood
or at least till primary immunisation has been completed. Preferably
use the gunshot method with sterilized studs.
| To
prevent infection, place a small twig of Neem in the pierced
ear hole. |
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Black
thread or bangles : -
Most Indian babies wear black threads or bangles to ward off evil
spirits.
- These gather dust , grime and bacteria. If the baby puts them
into his mouth, they can cause infection.
- They may collect sweat and cause chafing and rash on the skin.
- If they are too tight, circulation can be cut off.
- The clasp on the black bangles can hurt the new-born
A good rule of thumb when you are faced with conflicting advice,
or when your own instincts advise against some custom, is to ask
your paediatrician. Therefore it is very important that you choose
a paediatrician that you have confidence in.
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