Rx Note

Introduction Infantile colic is a benign, self-limited process in which a healthy infant has paroxysms of inconsolable crying . The standard diagnostic criteria - known as the "rule of three" (or Wessel Criteria) is crying more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for longer than 3 weeks. Symptoms typically resolve by 3 to 6 months of age. NOTE: There is some evidence that a woman who smokes is more likely to have a baby with colic. Symptoms Colic symptoms may occur in up to 20% of infants. It usually starts between ages 2 and 6 weeks and occurs during the late afternoon or early evening at about the same time each day. The primary manifestation is recurrent crying episodes where the infant is very difficult to console, with fussiness, and/or irritability. Other symptoms may include Drawing arms and legs toward body, Turning red with crying, Burping and excessive flatus, Difficulty with passing stools, Tight fists, kicking, and arching of the back. The infa...

Introduction Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition and protection for newborn infants because of its proven health benefits for both infants and their mothers. Breastfeeding is associated with child health benefits including reduced risk for acute otitis media, gastrointestinal and other infections, and may be associated with reduced risk for atopic dermatitis and asthma . Maternal health benefits may include reduced risk of some chronic diseases and cancer. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life and then continued with the addition of complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond. Overview of Postpartum Care All infants should be placed skin-to-skin with the mother immediately after either vaginal or caesarean birth, unless medically contraindicated (e.g. if the mother or infant is medically unstable. During this period of skin-to-skin contact, a first attempt at breastfeedin g should be encouraged. Weighing, m...

Introduction Human milk is the preferred source of nutrition for almost all neonates and infants, including those born prematurely. Major infant formula companies continuously change their products to more closely mimic the composition of human milk and to improve nutrient delivery to infants with a variety of medical conditions. Formula choice depends on many factors including age, GI function, previous tolerance or intolerance to ingredients, nutritional requirements and various disease or conditions present. Ideally, infant formula should be given to an infant only when there is a medical indication such as clinical evidence of insufficient intake (especially excessive weight loss) or the mother is infected HIV or has active tuberculosis . Formula Selection Preterm infants have higher protein and calorie requirements. In addition, they need more calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (minerals transferred in utero during the third trimester). These special requirements led to the ...