chatwithketch

Q: Hi Dr Ketch, Please, let me know what is responsible for flow of brownish breast milk, occasionally mixed with blood? What step should be taken to control it if need be.

A: Brownish breast milk usually signifies broken down products of blood in breast milk and the occasional appearance of ‘frank’ blood in the case above, appears to confirm that this may be the case. The appearance of frank or altered blood in breast milk is not necessarily a serious issue but where in doubt, as usual, please see your doctor.

What would be the cause(s) of blood in breast milk?

• Growth of milk making cells: This is likely to cause blood in milk in the first few days of birth but usually does not persist beyond a week.
• Cracked nipples: This may occur due to difficulties with baby latching in to the nipple, a blocked nipple…

Q: Good Morning Dr.
My problem and concerns are as follow
1) I’m a diabetic and eating right/losing weight is a major,major downfall 4 me.
2) I also have R/A causing my knees 2 ache on a daily basis which prevents me from doing a lot of normal life things.
3) Have developed Neuropathy from the diabetes and this is so painful.
So you see I have a lot of health issues. Where/What/When do I start to make a difference and begin to do something to if not get rid of, at least begin to live with all of these issues.

A: Thanks a lot for writing in and hey! It’s not as bad as it all seems. First, you’re alive. Then you do know that you have some issues that have to be dealt with and finally, you’re willing to put in the work. So, you’re halfway to victory…

Q: I usually suffer severe cramps all over my body muscles at night. I wake up, stand and stretch in vain. The pain is usually so intense that I feel like crying loudly like a baby. Doc, what is the cause of these cramps? Is there any type of food or drink to avoid? What medicine should I take to remedy them?

A: Cramps can be extremely painful…I know, I had quite a lot in my first pregnancy 😀 They are involuntary contractions of muscles which happen suddenly. Involuntary means that you can’t control them…you’re minding your business and then they just show up 😀

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you probably have experienced this after prolonged periods of exercise. You’ve also, probably, experienced this after sitting still for a long time or for women, during pregnancy. These cramps may generally be due to dehydration, deficiency of certain minerals like…

Happy Easter to you all 😀 I hope you had a great day! My prayer for you all is that all your dreams, hopes and aspirations will receive fresh life, this season.

Q: Good day Doctor. Please what could be the cause of a swelling (a lump) in a man’s breast? Is it risky, ma’am & what are the steps to take? It’s been there for the past 5yrs now but it’s just been brought to my notice and he said it doesn’t hurt much. I need an urgent reply, ma’am.

A: Thanks for writing in.
When reporting a breast lump, it’s nice to put in some more information like whether the lump has increased in size, is associated with nipple discharge, whether there are any underarm swellings, change in appearance of the skin over the swelling etc.

A breast lump in a man is more commonly due to gynaecomastia…a…

Q: I am advised to go for Caesarian Section because I waited for 12yrs for this baby. What is your advice on this, Doc?

A: Congratulations on your pregnancy! I feel truly happy and excited for you. This is the beginning of a truly exciting journey for you.

When a woman has waited a long time, like you have to have a baby, the doctor wants to do everything to ensure a successful outcome for mum and baby. Babies, in your case and in the case of older women or even women who had to go through assisted reproduction, are called precious babies 😀 A good number of doctors are hesitant about allowing women go through labour for precious babies in order to avoid potentially difficult, vaginal deliveries that may require manipulation of the baby. It’s really just about ensuring the best possible outcome for mum and baby.

Having said…

Q: What also do I need to improve sleeping very well at night since I have a baby that sucks all night and day?

A: For those new mummies with children, this may be more wishful thinking as our bundles of joy have minds of their own😀. We just wish sometimes that we could explain nicely to them that we….well, just need to sleep now; regardless of how much they want to chat or cry (!) especially in the middle of the night! Well, here are some helpful tips that ensure a good night’s rest for mum and new baby
•    During nighttime feedings, keep lights low.  Night lights stop you and baby from coming fully awake and so you can go back to sleep after the feed…effortlessly.
•    Commit to sleep and make it a priority in your life.  The advice frequently given to new mothers to get some…