Tag: parenting

  • Enhancing Your Child’s Nutrition: The Power of Longer Family Mealtimes

    Enhancing Your Child’s Nutrition: The Power of Longer Family Mealtimes

    As parents, we strive to provide the best nutrition for our children to ensure that they develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. While we receive plenty of advice on what’s best for our kids, it’s important to know that these recommendations are supported by scientific evidence. One common belief is that family mealtimes have multiple advantages for children, including improved socialisation, stronger relationships, and potentially better nutrition. But do we really have concrete evidence to support this claim? A recent study conducted in Germany sheds light on this topic, revealing fascinating findings that can benefit both parents and their children.

    The study was a randomised controlled trial involving 50 parent–child pairs. It sought to investigate the impact of longer meal times on children’s fruit and vegetable intake. In comparison to regular mealtime lengths, extending mealtime by 50% resulted in increased consumption of fruits and vegetables by the children. Furthermore, the children in the longer mealtime group reported higher feelings of satiety and demonstrated increased water consumption. On average, the mealtime extension was only a mere 10 minutes.

    Implications for Families:

    For families struggling to encourage their children to consume recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, this study offers a promising low-risk intervention. While the study’s sample size was small, the positive effect observed with longer mealtime durations suggests that families could potentially benefit from this strategy. The key takeaway is that even a brief extension of mealtime, averaging just 10 minutes, can provide significant nutritional advantages. This finding holds practical importance for public health, as consuming an additional daily portion of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiometabolic disease by 6% to 7%.

    Benefits of Longer Mealtime:

    The study specifically found that the increased intake of fruits and vegetables during longer meals did not result in greater consumption of other food items. This reinforces the notion that longer mealtime durations facilitate a slower eating rate, leading to increased satiety and potentially reducing snacking between meals. Additionally, longer family meals create a conducive atmosphere for fostering healthier eating habits, potentially lowering the risk of obesity in children.

    Practical Strategies for Implementing Longer Mealtime:

    Establishing longer mealtime routines may seem challenging, but there are several strategies that families can employ to make this a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, choose a mealtime that is most likely to succeed, avoiding rushed mornings and selecting a time when everyone can gather together. Accommodating children’s preferences, such as playing their favourite music in the background, can make the experience more enjoyable (Party in the U.S.A. being a particular favourite in our kitchen). Transparent rules, such as everyone staying at the table for a certain period, help create structure and consistency. While these strategies may not work every time, habit change requires effort and can be fostered through consistent practice.

    Strengths and Limitations:

    It’s important to note that the study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to natural eating environments. The sample used in the study also had limited ethnic and socioeconomic diversity, warranting further exploration in more diverse populations. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of the intervention’s effects remains uncertain and requires further investigation.

    The findings of this clinical trial highlight the potential benefits of increasing family mealtime duration by as little as 10 minutes. By incorporating this simple and low-cost intervention, parents can improve their children’s diets and eating behaviours. Establishing new routines may require effort, but the long-term impact on children’s intake of fruits and vegetables can contribute significantly to addressing the major public health concern of poor nutrition. Remember, ensuring the availability of fruits and vegetables on the table is vital for maximising the effects of this intervention.

    As parents, let’s embrace the power of longer family mealtimes to nourish our children and cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits. By prioritising these moments together, we can promote not only physical well-being but also strengthen our family bonds.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Child Health Guides
  • How to Manage a Crying Baby

    How to Manage a Crying Baby

    abies cry. A lot. Studies show that 10% of babies cry “persistently” (more than three hours per day). On average it has been found that babies cry for 2 hours per day with a peak in the evening – the witching hour. Crying is particularly common in the first three months after birth. 

    A crying baby can be a huge source of stress and upset. There is nothing like an inconsolable infant to make you feel utterly hopeless! However, while crying can be distressing it is the main form of communication your baby has. And although initially, a baby’s cries can make you feel helpless with time you will learn to understand this vital communication tool. Here is our checklist of things to consider when your baby is crying. 

    Get to know your baby. Watch and listen. Does the cry sound normal?

    With careful attention, you will develop your communication skills with your baby. Pay close attention to them. With time you will know the cry they do when they are hungry, the cry for when they are lonely need a cuddle and the cry for when they have an apocalyptic nappy. 

    There is a catch. As is the case throughout the parenting journey, as soon as you think you have cracked it, they have taken a developmental leap that makes all your hard work redundant. You’ll quickly have a whole new set of skills to learn. 

    A high pitched or shrill cry that is different from your baby’s usual cry can indicate something is wrong. If you hear this make sure to give them a good check over. 

    Do they have a fever?

    Always important if the cry is persistent or abnormal is to check for a temperature. A fever in an infant is defined as a temperature above 38°C. Children under three months of age who have a fever above 38°C should be seen and assessed by a doctor. 

    Are they too hot or too cold?

    Babies can be quite fussy about their temperature. Infants have not yet developed all the sophisticated strategies adults and older children have to regulate temperature. Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the surroundings. 

    Are they tired?

    Sometimes babies will be tired but fight sleep, such is their excitement to take in the world around them. Some babies can be quite sensitive and find that too much stimulation around them can be overwhelming. 

    The best strategy here is to try to recreate the comforting surroundings of the womb.  Swaddle snuggly but ensuring the hips are free to move. Cuddle gently in your arms and rock soothingly. Singing a lullaby has been shown to help quieten crying babies quickly (my girls always found Christy Moore songs particularly soporific). Some babies prefer being held in certain positions such as on their front, side or over your shoulder. If breastfeeding is well established giving baby a dummy to suck can be very soothing. 

    Are they hungry or thirsty?

    Try offering breast or bottle if baby is distressed. Many parents worry about creating bad habits by doing this in terms of comfort, for the baby there is nothing quite like being cradled in the arms of a parent while being gently rocked and having some milk. And surprisingly, babies who are “spoiled” actually tend to cry less. 

    Do they have wind?

    We have a number of relatives and friends who bemoan the lack of winding of babies “these days.” They do have a point. It is surprising how often a massive burp instantly relieves a crying baby. 

    Do they need a new nappy?

    It seems simple but somethings the simple things are forgotten when you are particularly frazzled looking after a baby. Sometimes it may not even be that the nappy is soiled but just adjusting it to a more comfortable position can help. 

    Do they have a rash?

    Babies have very delicate skin. Check the nappy area for irritation and everywhere else for any uncomfortable looking rash. 

    How are you? 

    One aphorism of childcare is “As calm as you are is as calm as they’ll be.” With that in mind make sure you have also been looking after yourself. Babies can sense when we are stressed. I am a much better parent if I have been fed, watered, rested, not dying to go to the loo, and not too hot or too cold. You will be too so make sure that in your efforts to care for your child you have not neglected yourself. 

    If it is all getting too much give yourself a time-out. Put the baby on their back with their favourite teddy in a safe place such as the crib or cot and pull to door closed. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and take a few moments to have a (soft) drink, take a few deep breathes, listen to a song or read a few pages of a book. When you are ready and feeling a little refreshed you can start to soothe your baby again. 

    A great go-to for me was the baby carrier. Movement is a fantastic way to soothe a baby. Putting the baby in the baby carrier and going for a few laps around the park was a great way to calm everyone down. 

    It seems like a crazy thing to say, but treasure this time. It’s not for long that they are entirely dependent on you. Soon enough, you’ll have all sorts of other things competing for their attention. 

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Child Health Guides
  • How often do you need to have sex to get pregnant?

    How often do you need to have sex to get pregnant?

    How often do you need to have sex to have the best chance of getting pregnant?

    One of the most frequent problems we see as primary care physicians is couples having trouble trying to conceive. As a doctor, something that I find most gratifying is when I do a 6-week baby check having several months before having a consultation with the parents about how to optimize the chance of conception. Most good doctors, when advising couples on getting pregnant, will take a careful medical and lifestyle history to find out if there are any easily modifiable factors that may when addressed lead to an improvement in fertility. Thankfully, most of the time it really is just a matter of time before a couple conceives and the influence doctors have very little to do with it. Statistics show that 84% of couples having regular (at least three times per week) sexual intercourse will conceive within one year and 92% of couples within 2 years. 

    The birds and the bees

    An aspect that many couples find confusing is advice regarding the frequency and timing of sexual intercourse. There are innumerable sources of advice available but many lack quality of evidence or are confusing or contradictory. Knowledge of a few pointers of reproduction can help. Ovulation usually occurs 12 to 16 days before the first day of the next period. The egg lives for about 24 hours. Sperm can survive for up to 7 days. Therefore, for most couples ‘The Fertile Window,’ when the viability of sperm and the egg are at their highest, are the 6 days up to and including the day of ovulation. In terms of timing, the optimum time to have sex is 2 days before ovulation. A common mistake couples make is starting too late in the cycle.

    Little Soldiers

    A commonly held misconception (no pun) is that frequent ejaculations reduce semen quality. In fact, surprisingly, the opposite is the case. A study in 2005 that examined nearly 10,000 semen samples from men who were undergoing investigation for infertility found that even with daily ejaculation sperm concentration and movement remain normal. The same study found that optimal semen quality was found with no or only one day of abstinence from intercourse even in men who had low sperm counts.

    The most recent guidelines on fertility in the UK from NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) advise couples to have intercourse every 2-3 days. This advice on the optimal frequency of intercourse to conceive is based on more vintage studies from 1953 and 1962. These studies suggest that frequent ejaculations might reduce sperm number and movement capability. However, as we have already seen, it has been shown that this is not the case. In addition, another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also found no evidence that couples trying to conceive should in any way limit their frequency of intercourse. In fact, this study demonstrated that daily sex results in the highest chance of getting pregnant. This is the bottom line. Daily intercourse gives the highest chance of getting pregnant. 

    Don’t Stress

    Trying to get pregnant can be a stressful time and many couples wonder whether it will ever happen.  In particular, intercourse set at a specific time can become stressful and feel contrived. The stress of trying to get pregnant can actually reduce not only satisfaction but also frequency. This is why ovulation predictor kits which require couples to follow a strict schedule can be counter-productive. The most important advice that I could give about trying to conceive is to make a big effort to enjoy the process. Make it fun and exciting. Once you have your newborn at home with you the opportunities for this kind of excitement are considerably less. So make the most of it.

    If you can only manage every two days that is fine as the likelihood of success was almost as good compared to daily intercourse. Leaving it three days without intercourse on the basis of data from 69-year-old studies is more likely to result in a feeling that you are on a strict schedule and make the process less fun. Some couples might find that having frequent sex is stressful in itself and for these couples, ovulation predictor kits may offer a more useful guide.

    Let there be cuckoos…

    More frequent intercourse gives a higher chance of pregnancy and does not adversely affect the quality of semen. So don’t worry about delaying intercourse for three days during the narrow fertile window of 6 days as the guidelines suggest. Throw the ovulation predictor kit in the bin. Do all your going out for dinner, sleeping, and cinema trips (once COVID restrictions are lifted) while you can….. but most of all, please….. let there be love

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Nutrition & Lifestyle Guides
  • Living Your Best Day, Every Day – Blending Ancient Wisdom With Modern Medical Evidence

    Living Your Best Day, Every Day – Blending Ancient Wisdom With Modern Medical Evidence

    One of the many culture wars occurring at the moment is the battle between two modern versions of ancient philosophy. On one side of the battle is modern Stoicism, also known somewhat disingenuously as “Silicon-Valley Sorticism,” advocated by the likes of writer and entrepreneur Tim Ferris and author Ryan Holiday. On the other side is modern Epicureanism.

    Ancient Stoicism, practised by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, advocates that virtue is the only good and that to live a life of goodness one had to live in accordance with nature. Stoicism advocates self-mastery and resilience. Epicureanism is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurius. This philosophy promotes the idea of seeking the absence of pain and fear and the attainment of tranquillity. This is achieved through seeking moderate sustained pleasure. Its modern interpretation sometimes conflates this with being a bon vivant. However, Epicureanism advocates against overindulgence which can lead to fear and anxiety. Think of it as being “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” 

    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now many articles on “Living your best life” and “Living your best average day.” This is essentially modern Epicureanism. Living a day that you would be happy to live over and over again. There is available modern medical evidence on how to live a life of tranquillity that is free from pain and anxiety. The evidence advocates daily practises that are designed to improve an individual’s physical and mental health. This evidence is not merely Epicurean as it also reflects some of the wisdom of the stoics. 

    A practice of the stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was early waking. In living a life without fear and in tranquillity, rising early is integral. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that waking an hour earlier is associated with a reduced risk of depression (it is worth noting a big confounder of this study was that the early rising was genetically linked which may also point to a genetic predisposition to depression in later risers). Getting sufficient sleep is associated with less negative thinking and it has been shown that early risers are less prone to negative ruminations. 

    There is an abundance of medical evidence on the benefits of meditation. Although, meditation does not suit everyone. When the ancients described meditation it is more a form of contemplation rather than emptying the mind of thoughts. However people prefer to practice it, a period of reflection, contemplation, gratitude or simply tranquillity can have enormous benefits. Time spent reflecting also allows us to assess our priorities. If done early in the day, reflection allows us to prioritise what is most important to our happiness and, as far as possible, eliminate what makes us unhappy. 

    Several studies have suggested that spending time outdoors surrounded by nature can reduce stress and improve physical health and immune function. Reimagining your day so that not only do you exercise outdoors but also hold meetings or telephone conversations outdoors can allow you to garner these benefits. 

    Epicureans were believers in achieving happiness via negativa. That is in removing the things which made them unhappy. To this end, minimising exposure to social media is likely to be of benefit in pursuing a happy day. Indeed, there is evidence that social media usage can worsen people’s sense of satisfaction with their lives. Minimising social media and other distractions is also important to enhance our productivity. Other things to consider removing from your daily schedule might include unproductive meetings.

    Daily exercise has a multitude of enormous physical and mental health benefits. The Stoic philosopher Seneca was a proponent of what appears to be an ancient form of HIIT “short simple exercises which tire the body rapidly.” Epicureans also believed in practising daily exercise.  

    Nutrition is a central pillar of health. Synthesis of the scientific literature suggests that the optimal diet for health is one that is composed of foods that have a minimum of processing and is a “Pesco-Mediterranean” diet. That is, fish is the main meat, plenty of olive oil, leafy green veg, fresh fruit or nuts as snacks, other meats consumed should be good quality and the animal consumed ‘nose to tail’, water or coffee during the day and red wine at night. Such a diet is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, depression, cognitive decline, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cancer. The stoic belief of living in accordance with nature can be fulfilled through nutrition by ensuring that what we eat is of high quality and locally and ethically sourced. Stoics practised restraint and to this end, intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding can be beneficial. Time-restricted feeding, eating all of your calories for the day in an 8-hour or 12-hour window can be useful for weight loss and metabolism. It can also help decrease intra-abdominal fat. This ancient human adaptation also elicits powerful cellular responses that improve glucose metabolism and reduce systemic inflammation, and may also reduce risks of diabetes, CVD, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. It can also improve heart rate balance and heart rate variability. 

    There is also some emerging evidence that intermittent fasting may be of benefit in improving biomarkers of disease and be helpful in preserving learning and memory. Cicero observed that “need is what provides the seasoning for every and any appetite.” Hence, a period of fasting can make even the most simple of meals seem delicious. The Epicureans delighted in deriving enjoyment from simple pleasures. Taking the time to savour our food and contemplate its benefits enhances our days. Cheat meals are also important. These are something to indulge in so that we do not continuously crave them. As I said before, everything in moderation, including moderation. 

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Nutrition & Lifestyle Guides
  • Breastfeeding newborns – the simple yet essential questions

    Breastfeeding newborns – the simple yet essential questions

    Breastfeeding is supposed be a very natural thing. You would think that some sort of instinct would kick in, and that it really would be something everyone would be able to do. For whatever reason, this is not always the case and it definitely was not something that I found particularly easy. Perhaps because our lives have changed so much, it is not something we are exposed to or really have much knowledge about until you are expected to feed a crying infant. Despite the fact that there has been such a big push to promote breastfeeding, babies are hidden away under muslins and feeding bibs because that is just what is socially acceptable. So, how can we ask the questions we need to? That’s why this blog is intended as a tool for newcomers that have the simply yet important questions.

    Q: How do I prepare?

    It is definitely a good idea to try to talk about breastfeeding and look at pictures or videos, before baby arrives. This can be at an antenatal class, at an NCT meeting or simply with friends or family. Don’t be afraid to ask, most people are happy to share their tips and distastes stories. Despite being prepared, don’t worry if it takes a little time to get the hang of it. The midwives are great at explaining and showing you what to do and if you can get access to a specific breastfeeding consultant, this goes a long way to helping you get things going. If things are going a little slowly or you need to express, this does not mean that you will not be able to breastfeed. Simply go with what baby needs at the time and don’t give up.

    The first fluid that you will produce following the birth is colostrum, which does not look like milk at all, but is usually a yellow coloured fluid. Colostrum has more protein and less fat and carbohydrates than mature breast milk. It is rich in secretory immunoglobulin A, which helps to protect baby from infections and also helps to establish a normal gut microbiome. As it is low volume and highly nutritious, it helps your newborn as they learn to regulate the suck, swallow, and breathe cycle during feeds. I remember having to hand express tiny quantities of colostrum and painstakingly collect tiny drops in a syringe, which did seem a bit ridiculous but given the benefits, felt worth all the effort. The main thing to remember is that you just do the best that you can and try to get some of the benefits of this precious fluid.

    Q: How long will I have to do this?

    Initially baby may want to feed very often, so it is not unusual to have to feed every hour. Then once your breasts produce more milk and baby gets better at feeding you will notice baby feeding for longer. The more you feed the more this will stimulate your milk production. The other thing that you will notice is that the sucking will release your milk – otherwise know as the let-down reflex. Some women will feel this as a tingling or burning sensation, which can be quite strange. Baby will initially do quick sucks at the start of the feed, then sometimes pause waiting for the release of milk and change to a deep rhythmic suck when the flow begins. It can be quite fast and may cause your baby to cough or splutter when the milk does start to flow. This is not usually a persistent problem as baby will adapt to this, but you may need to change your position.

    Q: How do I know how long baby needs to feed for?

    The general rule about how much to breastfeed a baby is – on demand, which means as often as they want and for as long as they want. This will change over the days and weeks to settle into a more reasonable pattern. A rough guide is at least 8 times in 24 hours in the first few weeks. It is not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby – you will hear this many times. It is worth trying to look out for the hunger cues and start feeding then, because once they are really crying it is difficult to calm them down and just makes everything more stressful for you. If you notice baby sucking their fist, getting restless or rooting (turning their head an opening their mouth), try to get yourself in a place and position to be feeding.

    I felt that the most important thing, was being taught about how to get baby to latch. It is a bit counter intuitive and there are a couple of tips that may help, although it really is something that is easier to demonstrate and get somebody to help you with. The first thing is to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed, make sure your arms are relaxed and not straining, you may be there a while! Your baby’s head and body should be in a straight line and baby’s face should be close to your breast. Support their neck, shoulders and back, but don’t hold the back of their head. They will tilt their head back a bit which allows them to swallow more easily. Bring your baby towards your breast, with their nose at the level of your nipple. Wait for them to open their mouth wide and allow them to get a big mouthful of breast, with their chin coming into contact with your breast first.

    Q: Should I express?

    This is a personal choice and everyone will find their own happy balance. It is very useful to have some milk stored and to be able to get baby to take a bottle, to give you some rest. I would recommend that everyone has a pump though. Even if you are not planning to express for feeds, you may need to use the pump to help prevent or ease the symptoms of mastitis. This is something that breastfeeding mothers fear as it makes you feel so awful. Usually you will be feverish, and there will be an area on the breast that will be red, hot, firm and very tender. If this is the case seek medical attention immediately as you may need a course of antibiotics. This can come on when there is a mismatch in your supply and how much baby is feeding. If you feel that after a feed instead of being soft and pain free, they are still firm and sore it can be useful to express until the pain eases and are less firm. Don’t be tempted to express too much as this can increase your supply. Baby will usually then catch up or your body will regulate your milk supply.

    Q: How can I tell if I have thrush?

    You may notice burning or stinging around the nipple or areola. The nipple may look different – going white during feeds and bright red after feeds or cracks that don’t seem to heal. You may also notice severe pain on latching, which worsens with re-latching or a deep pain in the breast. Baby can also get thrush, which can be white patches or a coating on the tongue or appearing uncomfortable during feeds. If you notice any of these symptoms please seek medical attention for you and baby to be checked over and to get appropriate treatment.

    Q: How long should I breastfeed for?

    This is also a very personal thing, every mother and baby is different. Do not feel bad if you have to or want to top up with formula. You may be advised to do this if baby is not gaining weight, and the main thing is having a healthy, happy baby (and Mummy). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend breastfeeding for at least 6 months, at which point most babies start weaning. There are so many factors that determine how long women breastfeed for and it is different with each child. Ironically, after having struggled through and becoming successful breastfeeders, some mothers find the next battle is how to stop. The WHO also recommend that breastfeeding should continue for up to 2 years or beyond. It really it something that you will decide for yourself and when the time is right, you will find the strength to overcome this hurdle. I wish you all the very best of luck!

    Some additional great resources for further information on these topics can be found online at Mom Loves Best, a fantastic place for all your questions.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Child Health Guides