Storage of Fresh Human Milk

For breastfeeding mothers out there, here's a rundown of the proper storage of breast milk:

Countertop Table (room temperature up to 25C) -- 6 to 8 hours
Insulated cooler bag (-15 to 4C) -- 24 hours
Refrigerator ( 4C) -- 5 days
Freezer Compartment ( refrigerator: - 15C) -- 2 weeks
Freezer Compartment ( refrigerator with
separate doors: -18 C) -- 3 to 6 months

Citronella Bug Spray By Human Nature

Citronella Bug Spray by Human Nature is an organic insect repellant which is composed of virgin coconut oil, citronella oil and neem extract. It is said to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs. I previously recommended this one because the product is organic so it is safe to use even for young children. I finally was able to get hold of this spray a few months ago and based on my experience, it really doesn't ward off the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes still bite me even if only a few minutes have lapsed after I applied the bug spray. I actually just use it now as oil to massage my tired feet.

Child-Friendly Clinics

Frequent doctor's visit is essential in a child's life especially during the first year of life. A child is required to visit her pediatrician at least once a month, even if without any illnesses, so that her growth and development will be evaluated. This is also the time when recommended vaccinations for age are given to prevent certain illnesses. With the advent of new vaccines these days, vaccination is given almost every visit so most kids associate a doctor's visit with injection.

Parents may not have any problems at first with bringing their babies to the clinic. But when stranger anxiety sets in around 8 months, babies can show signs of distress whenever they see their doctor. It can be increasingly difficult when the child reaches the toddler years too. The mere sight of the clinic and white uniform of nurses and doctors scares them because they might have had a bad experience during their previous hospitalization or they remember their doctor's vaccinations. This is the reason why most pediatric clinics now are designed to be like a kid's playground. Clinics are usually painted with bright colors with a play area filled with toys and books. The usual white nurse uniforms are replaced with colorful scrub clothing. Some doctors even wear them too. In this way, the child's fear is minimized and at the same time, instill in them that a doctor's visit can be fun too!

Image credit: pedconsultantshr.com

Abbott Recalls Similac Powder Infant Formulas

Abbott is currently recalling Similac powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some countries in the Caribbean because it was found out that the milk formulas produced in one of the manufacturing facilities are contaminated with beetles and beetle larvae. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that these contaminants pose no immediate health risk but babies who have drank the contaminated milk might experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

To check if the infant formula that you have purchased is included in the recall, please visit this site: www.similac.com/recall/lookup.

News Info: Abbott

Childhood Immunization Schedule

Whenever I inquire about a child's immunization, I always ask the parents if they go to the health center or their child's pediatrician for immunization. This is because many parents assume that their child has completed his required immunization after their child has received all the vaccines given by the heath center. What the health workers failed to explain to them is that the child only received the vaccines under the Philippine Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) of the Department of Health. These vaccines are BCG (1 dose), DPT (Diptheria, Pertusis, Tetanus; 3 doses), OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine; 3 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses) and Measles (1 dose).

There are actually other available vaccines that can be given to the child when a child reaches a specific age. Booster doses of the vaccines under the EPI are also important.

Here is the list of vaccines that your child needs according to his age:

Less than 1 year old:
BCG: 1 dose
Hepatitis B: 3 doses
DPT: 3 doses
OPV or IPV: 3 doses
HiB (H influenza B): 3 doses
Measles: 1 dose
Rotavirus: 2 or 3 doses
IPD (Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine): 3 doses
Flu: 2 doses (yearly thereafter)

1 year old:
Chickenpox: 1 dose
Hepatitis A: 2 doses
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) : 1 dose
First Booster: DPT-IPV-HiB
Booster Dose: IPD

2 years old:
Pneumococcal (Pneumo 23)
Meningococcemia
Typhoid

4 years old:
Second Booster: DPT-IPV
Second Booster: MMR
Second Booster: Chickenpox

10 years old:
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

If your child wasn't able to receive the vaccine during the recommended age, you don't have to worry because there's actually catch-up immunization. Just ask your child's pediatrician.