“Cha-may weeya ”
Medicine Talk
Siletz
Community
‘
Pharmacy Notice
by Derris Hurley, RPh
Because of new federal regulations, written authorization is required when
| requesting someone else to pick up prescription medication for you.
■
Authorization forms are available at the clinic.
|
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
Thumb Sucking - Is it a Problem for Kids?
Thumb sucking is a normal desire and need for infants. During the first one
or two years of life, it shouldn’t be discouraged.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use give children a sense of security and help
them become more comfortable with their environment. Tired, stressed, or hungry
children are more likely to suck their thumbs.
Most children quit sucking their thumbs and fingers all by themselves between
the ages of 2 and 4. This occurs in approximately 85 percent to 90 percent of
children. Sucking often lessens gradually during this period as children spend
more of their waking hours exploring their surroundings. So for most children,
prolonged thumb sucking is not a problem.
Problems can occur for the other 10 percent to 15 percent of children who
continue to suck their thumbs at age 3 and 4. If thumb sucking continues into this
age group, it may be time to help wean your child away from this.
Make an appointment for your child to visit the dentist about this. This habit
becomes a concern when permanent teeth are getting ready to come in or in some
cases, the roof of the mouth (palate) can become permanently deformed. Speech
problems, including the development of a lisp, can occur.
Your dentist can determine if these problems are occurring and can offer
suggestions to help your child break this habit. Your dentist may suggest treatments
for thumb sucking, including bitter nail solutions or providing your child with a
special thumb guard. This is a clear plastic thumb covering that straps to the
child’s hand. When it’s in place, it doesn’t allow the child to form a suction.
This allows no comfort in the activity and the child gradually loses interest.
Of course, all treatments must be accompanied by large doses of positive
parental reinforcement.
If it's time to stop, a positive approach is always best. Punishing children
increases their desire for security and drives them back to the habit. Negative
reinforcement can work in the opposite direction, making children feel more
anxious and needing the comfort of thumb sucking.
Children can’t be expected to stop instantly. It may take a long time. Being
consistent is important. Help your child quit by giving him/her a teddy bear, a
blanket, or just lots of affection.
If they’re still having a hard time beating the habit, try gradually increasing
the number of hours in which they’re not allowed to use the pacifier or suck their
thumb. You should continue increasing the number of hours until they’ve been
weaned of the habit.
Phase out bedtime pacifier use last, as this is the time they need it most. Try
using rewards to encourage children to stop. The younger the child, the more
frequently the reward must be given. Many children need a number of small rewards
before they lose the impulse to suck their thumbs.
A child’s first days of attempting to quit sucking his/her thumb will be difficult.
Like all habits, the yearning diminishes slowly and eventually becomes easier.
Parents and other family members can offer encouragement and rewards. Family
members need to be patient. It may take several attempts before the habit is
completely broken.
24 □
Siletz News
□
May 2003
Health
Clinic
Breastfeeding Program Reaches
Six-Month Mark
by Barbara Danna, RN, BS, CLC
Babies who are solely breastfed (no
formula) during their first year are
healthier infants, children, and adults.
They have a lower risk for diabetes and
other childhood and adult diseases. As
part of the Diabetes Program at the
Siletz Clinic, the Breastfeeding
Program was created to respectfully
encourage, educate, and support
breastfeeding in the tribal community.
It’s been six months since the
Breastfeeding Program began. One of
our activities is a breastfeeding circle
on the second Tuesday of each month
at the Siletz Housing Department
conference room. This is a wonderful
time for breastfeeding moms and
expecting mothers to support each
other, enjoy a meal, and receive
breastfeeding education.
I’m a certified lactation counselor
and am available at the Siletz Clinic
before and after delivery for assistance
with any breastfeeding concerns.
The most common breastfeeding
problems are poor positioning of the
baby and incorrect latching, which can
cause sore nipples. Moms also need to
nurse more often when breast milk first
comes to establish an abundant milk
supply and prevent engorgement.
Moms learn all these things in the
hospital, but sometimes life can be
overwhelming when mom first gets
home. Many tricks are available that can
help mothers and babies feel successful
and enjoy their breastfeeding time.
The Breastfeeding Program also
supplies high-quality breast pumps so
moms can leave a supply of breast milk
at home for later use in a bottle. Women
are returning to work and pumping their
breast on breaks and lunch hours.
Pumping takes only 10 minutes and
breast milk can be stored/frozen for up
to six months.
We also do home visits - days,
nights, and weekends. When a mom and
a baby need help feeding/eating, they
need it now.
We’re very excited with how well
the program is going. News is traveling
in Siletz News and by word of mouth.
The number of women who are
breastfeeding their babies is growing
monthly. It’s as though once women
learned that there is help for them and
their babies at the clinic, that was all
they needed to hear. They’re calling
with questions and what they need help
with is usually something small.
Moms instinctively do everything
correct with their breastfeeding. They
simply need a little support - someone
to say that mom and baby are doing
great. You don’t have to be a registered
nurse to give support. All of us can
encourage and support breastfeeding in
our families and community.
Women are intelligent and when
educated, can make informed decisions
on breastfeeding their children. Please
continue to look for monthly articles on
breastfeeding in Siletz News.
Moms and Babies Breastfeeding Circle
2nd Tuesday of each
month, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Housing Department
Conference Room
You’re invited to
come eat, visit, and
learn about the many
benefits of
breastfeeding.
Sponsored by Siletz Tribal Diabetes Grant