Guest guest Posted March 18, 2000 Report Share Posted March 18, 2000 Margaret, You are right there are valid arguements on both sides of the issue. I am certainly not judging anyone for using motrin, I have myself in the past and do agree that if my child is uncomfortable I will do something to make her/him more comfortable, I just don't use tylenol or motrin anymore. I also would have taken a child to be seen with a worsening cough, but would have gone to a homeopath to get treatment instead. It is just a different perspective and since the more common one is to treat fever, I wanted to offer an alternate viewpoint. Each family needs to make their own medical decisions. I have an advantage having worked in the hospital and studied much on my own, that I can treat most illnesses myself. I believe that all different types of medicine have their place and I would be the first to take my child to the ER for a broken bone. Just my .02 from the other side of the fence. Wendi http://www.lactivist.com breastfeeding info & resources Re: fever This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know and I have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am concerned about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol or occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the motrin for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn helps their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids get sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough would go away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. Within half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. Margaret Wendi wrote: > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child in > Spite of Your Doctor. > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever is > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious one > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude of > your child. " > > Wendi > http://www.lactivist.com > breastfeeding info & resources ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/975/0/_/410002/_/953416220/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2000 Report Share Posted March 18, 2000 Margaret, At one point I think I could have declared myself moderate but lately I just don't think that is possible. LOL Just ask Amy, who thinks I am the most radical woman alive. LOL As for the book title, I don't think it is meant devisively but as a wake up call to parents who trust blindly in the medical establishment and don't realize that a lot of what is done to healthy children isn't necessarily helpful or benign. I don't think it is meant as a " your doctor is bad " book but more as a " you should be in full charge of your child's health " book. I do see your point though. Wendi http://www.lactivist.com breastfeeding info & resources Re: fever > > > > This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know and > I > have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am > concerned > about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol or > occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the > motrin > for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and > making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn helps > their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids get > sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The > only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad > cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the > cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough would > go > away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the > doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. Within > half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. > > Margaret > > Wendi wrote: > > > > > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child in > > Spite of Your Doctor. > > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as > > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever > is > > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious one > > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude of > > your child. " > > > > Wendi > > http://www.lactivist.com > > breastfeeding info & resources > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/2122/0/_/410002/_/953418336/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2000 Report Share Posted March 18, 2000 This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know and I have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am concerned about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol or occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the motrin for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn helps their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids get sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough would go away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. Within half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. Margaret Wendi wrote: > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child in > Spite of Your Doctor. > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever is > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious one > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude of > your child. " > > Wendi > http://www.lactivist.com > breastfeeding info & resources Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2000 Report Share Posted March 18, 2000 Wendi, I didn't think you were judging anyone for using motrin, or anything else. I respect your viewpoint and am glad when you share it with us. I, too just wanted to express a view. I guess I would sum up my approach as moderate, as these issues are rarely as black and white or clear cut as they might seem. In other words, sometimes I don't treat fever, but if my child seems very uncomfortable, I treat. I don't rush to the doctor for every symptom (and don't blindly follow everything she says, ever), but sure if my kid is really sick, I have him looked at. Then I decide how to proceed from there. I too have worked in a hospital, with babies and toddlers, and I have married into a family of doctors, including two pediatricians. Believe me, we disagree plenty but I have come to at least understand where they are coming from and why they believe what they do. They are specialists and treat children who are very ill and they are the first people I would turn to if my children were ever seriously ill. But they simply lack the training to take care of most childhood issues, incl. breastfeeding, child development, etc. But that's getting wayyyyy off-topic! By the way, it is unfortunate to me that the book " How to Raise a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor " has such a divisive title. It sounds like a great book, but the title alone already sets up such a divisive tone. Just my ..02 Margaret Avoid pushing too hard. Your children are full of spirit and will find their way. Their true parent resides within them; you are only a reflection. --Vimala McClure, The Tao of Motherhood mailto:potterkim@... Wendi wrote: > > > Margaret, > > You are right there are valid arguements on both sides of the issue. I am > certainly not judging anyone for using motrin, I have myself in the past and > do agree that if my child is uncomfortable I will do something to make > her/him more comfortable, I just don't use tylenol or motrin anymore. I > also would have taken a child to be seen with a worsening cough, but would > have gone to a homeopath to get treatment instead. It is just a different > perspective and since the more common one is to treat fever, I wanted to > offer an alternate viewpoint. Each family needs to make their own medical > decisions. I have an advantage having worked in the hospital and studied > much on my own, that I can treat most illnesses myself. I believe that all > different types of medicine have their place and I would be the first to > take my child to the ER for a broken bone. Just my .02 from the other side > of the fence. > > Wendi > http://www.lactivist.com > breastfeeding info & resources > > Re: fever > > > > This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know and > I > have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am > concerned > about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol or > occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the > motrin > for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and > making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn helps > their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids get > sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The > only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad > cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the > cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough would > go > away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the > doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. Within > half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. > > Margaret > > Wendi wrote: > > > > > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child in > > Spite of Your Doctor. > > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as > > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever > is > > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious one > > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude of > > your child. " > > > > Wendi > > http://www.lactivist.com > > breastfeeding info & resources > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2000 Report Share Posted March 18, 2000 In a message dated 03/18/2000 12:33:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, NatureBaby@... writes: << " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, even if it reaches 105 >> While this statement in itself may be true, it doesn't mean that fevers don't warrant treatment. If nothing else, for comfort measures. Then again, I am definitely of the mainstream medical thinking... Chantel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 I tend to go by how the baby/child seems/feels. If the child is perky despite the fever, I let it be, but if the child seems uncomfortable/miserable I treat it with tylenol. However if it persists for more than a few days and the child looks poorly, off to the doctor we go. Just my .02$ jen Re: fever >While this statement in itself may be true, it doesn't mean that fevers don't >warrant treatment. If nothing else, for comfort measures. Then again, I am >definitely of the mainstream medical thinking... >Chantel > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >DON'T HATE YOUR RATE! >Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as >0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. >Apply NOW! >http://click./1/2120/0/_/410002/_/953469118/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! >http://www.lactivist.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 If my child seems miserable I will do comfort measures such as a tepid bath, essential oils, homeopathy etc. but I try never to give anything that is going to dramatically lower a fever. One of my big concerns is that by reducing a fever, with medication, you run the risk of the fever spiking up rapidly when the medication wears off. The rapid spiking of fever is what causes febrile seizures. I try to support my child's immune system and help with comfort measures but I let my children's fevers work to attack the pathogen. It is difficult for me to say when I would go off to the doctor because the few times that my children have had a severe fever that had me concerned was when they got immunizations and when I called the doc at that point they blew me off and said that 104-105 fever for four days was a perfectly fine reaction to an immunization. That has helped to lessen my trust in doctors. Wendi http://www.lactivist.com breastfeeding info & resources Re: fever >While this statement in itself may be true, it doesn't mean that fevers don't >warrant treatment. If nothing else, for comfort measures. Then again, I am >definitely of the mainstream medical thinking... >Chantel > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >DON'T HATE YOUR RATE! >Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as >0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. >Apply NOW! >http://click./1/2120/0/_/410002/_/953469118/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! >http://www.lactivist.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/937/0/_/410002/_/953479013/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 <><< " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, even if it reaches 105 >> While this statement in itself may be true, it doesn't mean that fevers don't warrant treatment. If nothing else, for comfort measures. Then again, I am definitely of the mainstream medical thinking... <> I agree and I have to say again this depends on the child. My son would have very high temps up to 106 that could not be brought down no matter what. He had a kidney infection. It was vital he be treated for this and one of the signs is a fever that will not be brought down. Liz SAHM to Connor 7 Tristan 4 and Makenna 1/7/00 http://members.aol.com/rosesgrow1/index.html Re: fever > From: rnspu96@... > > In a message dated 03/18/2000 12:33:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, > NatureBaby@... writes: > > << " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > even if it reaches 105 >> > > While this statement in itself may be true, it doesn't mean that fevers don't > warrant treatment. If nothing else, for comfort measures. Then again, I am > definitely of the mainstream medical thinking... > Chantel > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > DON'T HATE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2120/0/_/410002/_/953469118/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! > http://www.lactivist.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 Margaret, Actually I was referring to treating fevers as well. I know for sure that I am a radical in most every other way. LOL Medically, I am becoming less moderate by the day. Compassion and love for each other? Now that I like. If that is radical than you can put me at the forefront of radical because love and compassion are the way to change the world. I use them everyday and they make such a huge difference. You sure are a pleasure to have on this list. Big hugs, Wendi http://www.lactivist.com breastfeeding info & resources Re: fever > > > > > > > > This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know > and > > I > > have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am > > concerned > > about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol > or > > occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the > > motrin > > for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and > > making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn > helps > > their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids > get > > sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The > > only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad > > cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the > > cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough > would > > go > > away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the > > doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. > Within > > half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. > > > > Margaret > > > > Wendi wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child > in > > > Spite of Your Doctor. > > > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such > as > > > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > > > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever > > is > > > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious > one > > > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude > of > > > your child. " > > > > > > Wendi > > > http://www.lactivist.com > > > breastfeeding info & resources > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/975/0/_/410002/_/953494950/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed! http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 Wendi, Al I meant was that in terms of decisions of when and how to treat fevers in children, I am moderate. In terms of my whole life, and my work with children and social justice, I am not moderate, I am most definetly radical. Radical can look a lot of different ways. I believe that in this troubled, violent world of ours, one of the most radical things we can do is show compassion and love for one another. Now *that* would change the world. -- Margaret Avoid pushing too hard. Your children are full of spirit and will find their way. Their true parent resides within them; you are only a reflection. --Vimala McClure, The Tao of Motherhood mailto:potterkim@... Wendi wrote: > > > Margaret, > > At one point I think I could have declared myself moderate but lately I just > don't think that is possible. LOL Just ask Amy, who thinks I am the most > radical woman alive. LOL As for the book title, I don't think it is meant > devisively but as a wake up call to parents who trust blindly in the medical > establishment and don't realize that a lot of what is done to healthy > children isn't necessarily helpful or benign. I don't think it is meant as > a " your doctor is bad " book but more as a " you should be in full charge of > your child's health " book. I do see your point though. > > Wendi > http://www.lactivist.com > breastfeeding info & resources > > Re: fever > > > > > > > > This idea of not treating a fever may or may not be valid, I don't know > and > > I > > have read arguments on either side. But when my kids are sick I am > > concerned > > about their comfort and want them to feel better, so I give them tylenol > or > > occassionally motrin if they seem really uncomfortable. I only use the > > motrin > > for high fevers that persist. I look at it this way, : reducing fever and > > making them more comfortable helps my kids sleep better, which in turn > helps > > their little bodies fight the illness. Fortunately, neither of my kids > get > > sick often, and when they do, their illness is typically short-lived. The > > only exception is that last year had pneumonia following a bad > > cold. He never complained, seemed energetic, but he coughed a lot and the > > cough worsened at night. After about a week of me assuming the cough > would > > go > > away on its own, using humidifiers, extra pillows, etc, I took him to the > > doctor and he had his first x-ray and there was fluid in his lungs. > Within > > half a day of antibiotics his cough was markedly better. > > > > Margaret > > > > Wendi wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > Here is a quote from Dr. Mendelsohn's book How to Raise a Healthy Child > in > > > Spite of Your Doctor. > > > " Unless your child's fever is accompanied by additional symptoms, such > as > > > vomiting or respiratory difficulties, it need not be a cause of concern, > > > even if it reaches 105. " " More important in determining whether a fever > > is > > > the result of a mild infection like the common cold, or a more serious > one > > > such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behaviour, and atttitude > of > > > your child. " > > > > > > Wendi > > > http://www.lactivist.com > > > breastfeeding info & resources > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2004 Report Share Posted August 20, 2004 " Until we can get something compounded - what else do people do for fever? " Depending on how high the fever is, we do nothing but give love and comfort and keep the child cool with vinegar-drenched towels round the feet. We drag the couch over to the television and lay him down to watch whatever he wants (it would be the Olympics now for sure). Fever is very useful, we don't battle it usually. If it gets above 41 Celsius, we call a doctor or we may even rush to the hospital. But this has never happened. Marjan Netherlands Mom to Nick, asd, 7, SCD since jan 18 2003 , 9 Finn, 4 http://specificfoodsforspecificminds.blogspot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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