I agree w/ FCL, a comprehensive developmental eval is needed, and it's usually best accessed thru the state or county Early Intervention program. Contact your pediatrician for more information about getting plugged in, the sooner the better.View Thread
I'm not sure I understand. The usual vaccine schedule has a gap from about 18-24 months until kindergarten at age 4 or 5. Other than yearly flu vaccines, nothing is usually given in that gap. So most 2 year olds aren't due for any vaccines until kindergarten. That's not accidentally, that's what's supposed to happen to protect kids safely and effectively.
Were some vaccines given earlier than they were supposed to have been given? Which ones?View Thread
Swollen lymph nodes (often called "glands") are very common in children, and usually don't mean anything serious is going on. Most commonly, these swell up to help the body fight infections, and go down in size as the infection is cleared.
Most infections are viral (for example, mono), though sometimes they're bacterial (like strep throat or a skin infection near the node, or cat scratch disease) If a child has significant fever or pain, it's a good idea to get evaluated. If the child just seems a bit run down and not quite himself, but not too sick, it's fine to wait a few days before going to the doctor.
Rarely, enlarged nodes are caused by other things. The OP mentioned Kawasaki Disease, which usually affects kids aged 1-5 years. KD includes prolonged fevers plus red eyes, rash, swollen hands/feel, swollen lips, and enlarged node(s) in the neck (not all of these findings are always present, but usually most of these findings are there within 5 days.)
Lymph nodes that are especially large or accompanied by significant illness should be evaluated right away, but ordinary nodes (say, the size of a marble) in a child who's not very sick can be safely observed for several days.View Thread
There are two separate things being discussed on this thread, and they're completely different.
1 - young babies who spontaneously, out of nowhere, seem to hold their breath for a few moments and get a red face. Then they resume normal activity. This is what the original post described, and what Dr. Parker responded to. I suppose it could be a moment of reflux, or passing gas or just a weird feeling that goes by. It does not sound like anything pathologic or worrisome. if your little baby is doing this and you're worried, talk to your pediatrician.
2 - completely different are several people talking about "Breath Holding Spells". These are common, and a very specific thing: toddlers and young children (NOT babies) who get upset/angry/scared, usually during times of pain or frustration. Then they suddenly stop breathing and turn either pale or blue-ish, and lose consciousness. These episodes can be very scary, but the children quickly recover without any intervention. Afterwards they may cry a little while, and then they're fine. These episodes often run in families, and sometimes run in same families where adults have ordinary fainting spells. Children outgrow these by the time they're 5. More information about these: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/spells.html
Of course, if you're worried, you ought to talk with your child's doctor.View Thread
I glad you were able to write this. You're recognizing that you're having a bumpy road, and you want to protect your child.
I suggest you get yourself in front a qualified mental health professional right away. You may be suffering from depression, which may be affecting your judgment in many ways. The post-partum period is a very high risk time for both parents to experience these kinds of problems, and there is good help available.
In the meantime, I assure you that at least some of these feelings are common. newborns are not fun, and really they're not very lovable either. They poop and cry and keep you awake. There is magic on the way, though-- the beginnings of a smile, and interactions, and giggling, and actual fun stuff that parents get to enjoy. It's coming soon, and this will help.
If you're feeling angry while holding your child, please put him down and walk away. It won't hurt him to cry.
Perhaps others here will share ideas. Best of luck to you-View Thread
UTIs in girls often have no specific cause-- they're essentially bad luck. Sometimes, there is a specific thing that contributes, like kidney reflux (urine going backwards to kidneys) or chronic holding of urine and/or stool. Your daughter has probably been evaluated for these things. It sounds like you need to speak with these doctors who have ordered these tests to get the answers you need (and deserve).
A neurologically normal, healthy individual with access to fluids will not become dangerously (or even close to dangerously) dehydrated. When he's thirsty, he will drink.
If it's important to you that he stop using sippy cups, discard them and stop talking about this issue. Don't watch his fluid intake, and do not monitor his trips to the bathroom. When you stop paying attention, the problem (if there is one) will be solved.