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Parenting

Take the Bite Out of Baby’s Teething – Pediatrician Q&A

Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, teething can be a hair-graying experience. Crying, whining, drooling and overall crankiness are often a normal part of the process when a baby’s teeth are on the brink of breaking through the gum tissue. In this blog post Manisha Panchal, M.D., a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, talks about the signs and symptoms of teething and provides tips on how to soothe baby’s pain and keep those brand new teeth healthy. Read More

Kids & Sun Safety: Q&A With a Pediatric Dermatologist

Swimming, playing hide-and-go-seek at the park, picnics or building sandcastles on the beach – some of the best childhood activities are outdoors. Amy Gilliam, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, says that good sun protection is a must and should become just as much part of your child’s daily routine as brushing teeth and flossing. In this blog post, Dr. Gilliam answers commonly asked questions about how to ensure that your child can safely enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Read More

Bye Bye Diapers – Potty Training Q & A

Iris Kaddis Hanna, M.D., PAMF Pediatrics

The economic crisis, strife around the world, natural disasters and the latest celebrity scandal may feature big in the daily news but eavesdrop on any group of parents of preschoolers and one of the top topics under discussion will probably be – potty training! Questions abound from when you should start training to the best way to go about it. The most important thing for parents to know is that much like crawling or walking, potty training readiness is a developmental milestone. According to Iris Kaddis Hanna, M.D., a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, every child will reach this step at a different age, when they are physically and emotionally ready to ditch the diapers and take the trip to the toilet. In this blog post, Dr. Hanna answers some commonly asked questions.

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PAMF Health Education’s Breastfeeding Support Seeks Survey Participants

Ongoing Project Provides Insights into Best Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers

Knowing that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for you and your baby is one thing – but what motivates moms to start and continue breastfeeding and what makes them stop? To learn just that and tailor our support for new mothers and their families, PAMF’s Education Division is conducting a large, ongoing survey of breastfeeding mothers called the Bay Area Breastfeeding Experience Survey (BABES).

The project, which follows BABES participants until they stop breastfeeding, has now been underway for two years. You’ll find the most recent highlights from the survey on our BABES website. Data is updated regularly by the team.

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A Bump on The Head? When to Take Your Child to the Doctor

Lauren Brave, M.D., Pediatrician, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatric Urgent Care

A bump on the head is one of those painful yet common childhood experiences that can happen at any age – whether it’s the newly mobile baby rolling off the bed, the elementary school kid falling off the jungle gym, or the teenage athlete colliding with an opposing team member during a high school football game. Pretty scary stuff for parents – should you rush straight to the emergency room? If your child loses consciousness, even briefly, you should seek immediate medical attention. For many minor head bumps, however, careful observation of your child for the first 36 to 48 hours is the most important thing you can do. If you are at all in doubt, don’t hesitate to follow your instincts and consult your doctor.

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Medication for Children: A Pediatrician’s Thoughts

Do you feel uncertain about giving your children medicine? According to Kellen Glinder, M.D., a Palo Alto Medical Foundation pediatrician at PAMF’s Palo Alto Center, one of the most common questions he hears from parents is, “Should I really give that medication to my child?”

In this video, Dr. Glinder, speaks about the importance of caring for children, especially when they are in pain. “Sometimes kids are so stoic, that by the time we actually know they have pain, it’s way beyond what we as adults could tolerate.”