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In babies with tongue tie, there’s a tight piece of skin holding the tongue down from the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This is also called ankyloglossia and could affect baby’s ability to latch on properly to suckle (as the tongue does not cover the lower gum). This can lead to baby chomping on mum’s nipple with resultant sore nipples.

First thing, do not be scared. Even if indeed, she has tongue tie, it’s not a huge problem. Some doctors believe that if it’s not affecting baby’s feeding, then it should be left well alone. But others believe, it should be taken out as there’s also a possibility that it could cause speech problems later.

The treatment, if required, is cutting through the tight piece of skin holding the tongue down. The area is usually numbed before this procedure is carried out. Older babies and adults may have to be put to sleep first (general anaesthesia).

If you disagree with your doctor about the treatment he has suggested, please seek a second opinion. Perhaps visiting a teaching hospital may present you with many options for qualified medical opinion

Have a good night, y’all 

Did you know your kitchen sponge may contain more bacteria than your toilet seat?

In this quick health explainer, Dr. Ketch reveals the hidden germ hotspots in your home that most people overlook every day.

From kitchen sponges and TV remotes to bathroom faucets, doorknobs, light switches, and shower curtains, these common household items can become breeding grounds for bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly.

In this video, you’ll learn:

Why kitchen sponges are bacteria magnets

The surprising danger of TV remotes

How bathroom faucets help spread germs

The dirtiest surfaces you’re touching daily

Simple cleaning tips to reduce infection risks at home

A few minutes of cleaning these hidden hotspots could make a big difference to your family’s health.

Tell us in the comments: Which of these germ havens surprised you the most?

Your breast hurts. Your mind immediately goes to cancer. But what if that’s not the most likely cause?

Most breast pain is NOT cancer.

Common causes include:
Hormonal changes before your period
Breastfeeding-related infections (mastitis)
Breast abscesses
Certain medications
Non-cancerous breast lumps

See a doctor if:
• The pain lasts more than a few weeks
• It keeps getting worse
• It interferes with daily life
• It stays in one specific area

Early check and evaluation brings peace of mind and helps identify the real cause.

Listen to your breasts. Don’t ignore persistent pain.

Q: Doc good evening. Please what is the remedy for body itching after bathing?

A: Thanks for your question. It is important to ensure that your bathroom is clean, the towels frequently washed and your sponge clean. However, the cause of your body itch may be something completely different.

That itch could be caused by skin that has been excessively dried out by soap, cold or dry air and/or hot baths. This causes the skin to lose the protection of its natural oils and makes the nerve endings to become super sensitive leading to the itching.

What to do? After a bath, try dabbing your skin so that it is still slightly moist before applying a moisturizing lotion that locks in the moisture. Drying your body completely aggravates the dryness and itching as this encourages more evaporation from your skin, more dryness and therefore more itching.

Lotions that contain glycerine, lactic acid and panthenol are very good. Body washes with moisturizers are also good for those with this problem, as they will not dry out your skin when you take a bath.

If the itching continues, however, please see your dermatologist to rule out other causes.

Why should your period be a “secret” you feel you have to hide?

Today is World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

I’ve always wondered about people who snigger behind their hands whenever they see a girl/lady with period stains. There is nothing funny about periods. It’s neither a crime nor a shame. It’s just normal. The same way breathing is normal.

Let’s normalize talking about periods and ensure every girl child has access to menstrual hygiene products.

Before motherhood, sleep was simple.

Then suddenly, I became a new mum and discover that tiny humans have VERY strong opinions about staying awake at 2am

Sometimes I just wished I could explain nicely: ‘My darling, mummy loves you dearly…but mummy also needs sleep.’

The exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn is real – especially with nighttime feeds, crying, diaper changes, and trying to figure out what exactly the baby wants this time

Over time, I learned that sleep as a new mother has to become intentional.

A few things that may help, if you’re also a first time mum trying to figure it out:

Keep lights dim during nighttime feeds. Bright lights wake both you and baby fully, making it harder to fall asleep again.

Sleep when the baby sleeps. Yes, everyone says this, but honestly, it helps. The dishes and emails can wait sometimes.

Create a comfortable sleep environment. Good pillows and a comfortable mattress are not luxuries for exhausted mothers

Wind down early. A calmer evening routine can help you settle into sleep more easily.

Try relaxing bedtime routines. Warm baths and calming scents, including quiet moments may help your body relax.

And most importantly: Please give yourself grace. You are not failing because you are tired. You are human. And motherhood is hard work

#HealthyLivingWithDrKetch