Ask Dr. Mommy Archive — July 2008

A Pediatrician's Q&A About Angels Foster Babies

Click here to submit a question to Dr. Mommy

Dr. Mommy is better known as Rachel Zahn, MD, a pediatrician and local mom of three kids, ages 20, 18, and 14. All three were born during her medical training, earning her the title. Rachel is also one of our newest Angels Board members. She attended our annual luncheon last year and says “I was so impressed with the organization, and so moved by the kids and their stories that I had to offer to help. The more I learn about Angels, the more passionate I become about our goals.”

Dear Dr. Mommy,
My partner and I have raised two kids, now ages 11 and 19, and are fostering an adorable four-week-old girl. We feel a little rusty on the subject of “when to call the doctor”. The other evening our little cutie spit up several times after eating. It seemed like so much formula, we worried she’d lost the entire feeding. We went back and forth over whether or not to call, and finally decided it could wait ‘til morning. The next day when we took her in to be checked the pediatrician said she looked fine, and probably had just eaten more than her small belly could hold. We were pleased we’d made the right call, but still feel like we’re in the dark. Have things changed since our big guys were small? Can you give us some guidelines?

Baffled in Bonita

Dear Baffled,

The question of  “when to call” can sometimes be confusing. To complicate matters a bit more, the rules are different for your 4 week old than for an older baby. You always want to err on the side of safety, but there are some guidelines that will help, both now and as your little girl grows.

Whenever your baby is ill, hurt, or not eating and drinking normally, it’s important to get the advice of your pediatrician. Often these calls can wait for office hours, but here are the exceptions:

Call the Doctor IMMEDIATELY, day or night, if:

• Baby is less than 8 weeks old and has a rectal temp over 100.4

This is because babies this young have immune systems that may not be working well yet. An infection that may not be serious in an older child can be severe in a new baby. Fever is an important warning sign. The newer ear thermometers are just as accurate (and easier), but the under-the-arm is not.

• Any baby is abnormally listless, lethargic, or sleepy at a normally wakeful time, with or without fever.
• Any baby is wheezing or breathing faster or harder than usual.
• Any baby falls from bed or table height and appears hurt.
• Any baby has a dark rash over the trunk that DOESN’T pale when pressed.
• Any baby is vomiting repeatedly and can’t keep down any fluids.
• You see blood in the diaper.
• Any time YOU are alarmed. Trust your gut.

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY if:

• There is loss of consciousness for any reason.
• Any baby has a seizure, with or without fever.
• Any baby develops hives over the body WITH swelling around the mouth or noisy breathing (allergic reaction).
• Any baby is breathing irregularly.
• Any baby is unresponsive.
• You suspect your baby has ingested poison or medication **.

First call POISON CONTROL: 800 222 1222

 A calming rule of thumb: If your baby is acting, eating, and drinking normally … it can
 probably wait ‘til morning.

See the Video
Please watch our Earning Your Wings video to learn more about the crisis in foster care and how you can help. (9 min 30 sec)

Call Now to Change a Child's Life
Call 619-283-8100 or contact us on-line to learn how you can make a donation or become a foster parent.

Please note that Angels places babies only in San Diego County of California.We regret that many of the interested applicants who contact us live outside of this area, but we cannot accept any applications from outside of San Diego County.

Home | Projects | Parenting Program | Adoption | News/Events | Donate | About Us | Contact
Copyright 2005 Angels Foster Family Network. Web site by Perfect Content