Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Breast Milk Intake and Health Tips
Issues with milk intake? Dear Doctor (I apologize for the interruption, and thank you for taking the time to read this letter): My baby was born on April 4th weighing 3440 grams, and she will be 3 months old on July 4th. She is currently exclusively breastfed, and I have a few qu...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mom of Shanshan, Congratulations on your baby reaching three months of age! With a weight of 5.4 kg, your baby is at the 25th percentile according to the Taiwanese growth chart in the child health handbook. This is within the normal range, although slightly below the averag...[Read More] Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Breast Milk Intake and Health Tips
Concerns About Pediatric Injuries and Ongoing Health Issues
Please ask about the issue of bruising from a fall? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask again! It has been seven days since my baby fell off the X-ray table, and there are no other obvious symptoms. Should I take him back for an examination? Do we need to observe him for anothe...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mother of In-In, I am Dr. Tsai Cheng-Hsien, attending physician in the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Municipal Hospital. It is wonderful to hear that your baby has been healthy and without any issues for the past week! Please make sure to bring your baby back for regular ...[Read More] Concerns About Pediatric Injuries and Ongoing Health Issues
Understanding Head Injuries in Infants: What Parents Need to Know
Bruise Hello: On June 18th, I took my baby to the hospital for an outpatient visit. During an X-ray, the nursing staff accidentally allowed him to fall from a bed about one meter high. When discovered, he was face down but conscious. An X-ray was performed at that time, and there...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mother, I understand that such an incident can indeed be concerning. You may be wondering if there will be any long-term effects from the head injury. Generally speaking, infants have softer skulls, and their fontanelles have not fully closed yet. When a head injury occurs,...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries in Infants: What Parents Need to Know
Understanding Early Breast Development in Young Girls: A Pediatric Guide
A first-grade elementary school girl has a hard lump in her breast? Hello, doctor. I have an urgent question to ask: My daughter, who is in the first grade, has a hard lump in her breast that we noticed earlier. We took her to see a doctor, but the doctor said it is a normal phen...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear anxious mother, This is Dr. Tsai Cheng-Hsien, attending physician in the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Municipal Hospital. The process by which children undergo physiological changes and physical development to become reproductively capable adults is known as puberty. The...[Read More] Understanding Early Breast Development in Young Girls: A Pediatric Guide
Understanding Subdural Fluid Collections in Infants: What Parents Should Know
What is a subarachnoid cyst? Dear Dr. Tsai: When our baby was born, the examining physician mentioned that there were subarachnoid cysts during the brain ultrasound. I would like to ask you, what are subarachnoid cysts? Will they resolve on their own? What impact do they have on ...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Lin, Subependymal cysts are generally benign congenital brain cysts that commonly occur in front of the third ventricle. Most children will not experience any symptoms throughout their lives, and these cysts are often discovered incidentally during brain imaging studie...[Read More] Understanding Subdural Fluid Collections in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Delayed Initial Crying in Newborns: Causes and Implications
What causes a delay in the onset of initial crying? Dear Dr. Tsai, Our baby did not cry at birth and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit. It took about two hours for the baby to cry, but the sound was very high-pitched. Now, on the third day, the baby's crying ...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Lin Mama, I understand that you are very concerned about whether your baby’s delayed crying at birth may indicate neurological issues. This is a question that requires careful observation and patience to answer. There are many reasons why a newborn may not cry immediately a...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Initial Crying in Newborns: Causes and Implications
Understanding Milk Aversion and Fontanelle Concerns in Infants
Issues related to milk aversion and fontanelle? Hello Doctor: My daughter has just turned seven months old, and recently, over the past week or two, she has been very averse to milk. Especially in the last few days, whenever I try to feed her milk, she pretends to gag as soon as ...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mother Qi, Greetings from Dr. Tsai Cheng-Hsien, attending physician of pediatrics at Tainan City Hospital. It is common for babies aged 5 to 7 months to refuse milk or breast milk while showing a preference for foods with different flavors or textures. This phenomenon is re...[Read More] Understanding Milk Aversion and Fontanelle Concerns in Infants
Understanding Facial Tics in Children with Allergies and Asthma
Pediatric facial spasms Dr. Tsai: Hello, I apologize for the intrusion. My seven-year-old nephew has a history of allergic asthma and is currently on medication for control. Recently, he has been experiencing symptoms such as a crooked mouth, eyes rolling back, and his neck twitc...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
I apologize for the late response due to a busy schedule in the medical field. The symptoms of a crooked mouth combined with eye rolling and neck twitching to the right in a seven-year-old child are abnormal facial nerve movements. However, you did not mention whether the child e...[Read More] Understanding Facial Tics in Children with Allergies and Asthma
Urgent Pediatric Concerns: Addressing Baby's Development and Health Issues
Urgent matter: Baby's issue? Dr. Tsai: Hello, I have many questions regarding my baby sister. 1. My baby was born full-term but weighed only 2200 grams, and it was found that she has an atrial septal defect. Does this mean she will definitely develop more slowly than a nor...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
An anxious mother: Sorry for the late reply due to medical obligations! 1. A full-term baby weighing 2200g is considered underweight. This is generally classified as symmetric underweight (where head circumference and length are also smaller) or asymmetric underweight (where he...[Read More] Urgent Pediatric Concerns: Addressing Baby's Development and Health Issues
Understanding Infant Spit-Up: Concerns for Your 4-Month-Old Baby
Regarding vomiting... urgent? Hello, Doctor: My baby is already 4 months old, but he has been spitting up milk for the past two days. Isn't it supposed to improve after 3 months? Since my baby is now 4 months old, is it concerning that he is still spitting up? (The amount he...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Hello, Yoyo's mom: Your baby will experience less spitting up after three months, but it may still occur occasionally. Please observe if there is any brown substance or green bile in the vomit. This could indicate acute gastric bleeding or acute intestinal obstruction. If it...[Read More] Understanding Infant Spit-Up: Concerns for Your 4-Month-Old Baby
Understanding Stuttering in Toddlers: Causes and Solutions
Childhood stuttering My daughter is 2.2 years old and can express herself using sentences. Two weeks ago, she started exhibiting a stuttering phenomenon characterized by the repetition of initial sounds, which has been getting progressively worse. I am unsure how to address this ...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Hello Mrs. Yang: By the age of 2, 75% of children can name three body parts (such as eyes, nose, and belly) and can identify more than 10 words from pictures. This stage is referred to as the "begins to label" phase. The repetition you mentioned is often observed in the...[Read More] Understanding Stuttering in Toddlers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Newborn Jaundice: Blood Tests and Hospitalization Needs
Neonatal jaundice Hello Doctor: Regarding a bilirubin level of 15.2 mg/dL, what blood tests need to be performed? Is it necessary to admit the newborn to a moderate to severe neonatal care unit? Is it excessive to draw 50 cc of blood for testing? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Father with a Heavy Heart: When a newborn's bilirubin level exceeds 15 mg/dL, it is medically diagnosed as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. There are many potential causes for this condition. For instance, if jaundice appears on the first day of life, one should consider ne...[Read More] Understanding Newborn Jaundice: Blood Tests and Hospitalization Needs
Concerns About My 4-Month-Old Baby's Development: Is It Normal?
May I ask if Dr. Tsai has received this letter? My baby is currently 3 months and 25 days old. He was born weighing 2100 grams. I've noticed that at over 3 months old, when he is on his stomach, he can lift his head and his neck is quite strong. However, when he is on his st...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear anxious mother, Due to the hospital management system notifying me to delete duplicate inquiries, I was unable to respond to your previous message. A normally developed baby who is four months old can lie prone with their pelvis flat against the surface, while their head an...[Read More] Concerns About My 4-Month-Old Baby's Development: Is It Normal?
Understanding Pediatric Phimosis: When to Consider Surgery?
The child's glans is not protruding..? For a 4-year-old child whose glans penis cannot be exposed due to phimosis, is circumcision necessary? He has no issues urinating. Another child, aged 3, exhibits behaviors similar to adult masturbation; is this normal?
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mom, Circumcision surgery in children requires general anesthesia, so it must be approached with special care and caution. There are two situations that necessitate surgery: 1. A tight foreskin that obstructs urine flow, causing the foreskin to balloon during urination, res...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Phimosis: When to Consider Surgery?
Understanding Bowel Movements in One-Month-Old Babies: What Parents Should Know
Bowel movements in a one-month-old baby? Dear Doctor, my daughter is just over a month old. At four weeks, she had a bowel movement every 2-3 days, but now at over five weeks, she hasn't had a bowel movement for five days. However, I often hear her passing gas, just not havi...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Concerned Mom: For a one-month-old baby, the focus of bowel movements should be on the shape and color rather than the frequency. It is commendable that your baby is exclusively breastfeeding, as breast milk is low in residue. Some babies may have several bowel movements a...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements in One-Month-Old Babies: What Parents Should Know
Why Is My Baby Sleeping More Than Eating? Pediatric Concerns Explained
The baby is constantly sleeping and not eating? Dear Doctor: My baby is one month and one week old, currently weighing 4 kg. During the postpartum period, I have been exclusively breastfeeding, but the feeding sessions are not very long, lasting about 5-10 minutes before she fall...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Shan Shan's Mother, Your baby was hospitalized for 8-9 days due to umbilical cord inflammation, which indicates that it is not a common condition. I recommend that you have a thorough examination by the attending physician during your next visit to ensure a clear ...[Read More] Why Is My Baby Sleeping More Than Eating? Pediatric Concerns Explained
Concerns About Baby's Development: Standing and Feeding Questions
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Hello, doctor. Thank you very much for answering my questions last time. I have a few more questions I would like to ask you. Thank you for your help! My baby is over 3 months old, and I've noticed that when st...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Hello, Yoyo's Mommy: We are glad to hear that your baby is growing! Based on your description, the neurological development of a 3-month-old baby is a concern for you. Please do not worry; the behaviors you are observing are normal at this stage. Our physicians conduct regul...[Read More] Concerns About Baby's Development: Standing and Feeding Questions
Common Concerns for Parents of 3-Month-Old Babies: Expert Answers
Could you please provide the specific questions you have about the baby? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask... My baby is already 3 months old! However, my baby prefers to be held upright, and every time I hold him/her lying down, he/she cries loudly. Will holding him/her upright...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dr. Tsai Cheng-Hsien, attending physician of the Neonatology Department at Tainan Hospital, responds: Dear attentive mother, you are a very caring and observant parent! Your observations are quite detailed, and most of them are not concerning. However, we strongly advise against ...[Read More] Common Concerns for Parents of 3-Month-Old Babies: Expert Answers
Should You Switch Baby Formula? Expert Advice on Nutrition and Digestive Health
Regarding whether to switch formula? Doctor: 1. I am asking because I cannot find the answers to my questions, and I appreciate your understanding. My daughter, Xiao Zhen, is nearly 3 months old and is currently using Meiji formula. We have compared different formulas and found t...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mr. Chen, I apologize for the wait. All brands of infant formula use the composition of breast milk as the gold standard. With advancements in science, the components of breast milk have become better understood, leading to the addition of various trace elements to closely ...[Read More] Should You Switch Baby Formula? Expert Advice on Nutrition and Digestive Health
Addressing Tongue Rolling Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know
Cannot roll the tongue? Hello, doctor. My son is now 5 years old and is in preschool. Two years ago, he underwent a frenectomy at Taipei Medical University Hospital. However, he still cannot produce the rolled "r" sound. Because he cannot roll his tongue, his pronunciat...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Hello, Xiaoke's mother: A tight or thick frenulum can restrict tongue movement, potentially causing difficulties for infants in breastfeeding, licking their lips, and certain speech sounds. The speech issues primarily affect sounds that require tongue curling or flapping, su...[Read More] Addressing Tongue Rolling Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know