Hyperemesis is a crippling sickness of severe nausea and vomiting which effects less than 1% of pregnant women. It is different to regular ‘morning sickness’ which affects a large proportion of pregnant women and usually clears up around the 16 week mark. Hyperemesis is a serious condition which can lead to severe dehydration if not treated. To understand the condition more and how it differs from regular morning sickness I’d like to ask you to read the following blog of a mum who suffered from the illness first hand as I personally was lucky enough to escape with the regular nausea that early pregnancy brings.
I have never read a blog that reflects the cruelty of the impact that this illness can have over a woman whilst she’s ‘glowing’ during her pregnancy. This blog is written by an old friend of mine and is well worth a read! http://www.wonkyeye.ie/wonky-eye-blogger/cgispm3anygqg3j5s5nwku8ahzimmv2017814
Hyperemesis Ireland is a new support network for expectant mums who are in need of guidance and care – as a healthcare professional and as a woman I am so glad that this service is now available in Ireland!
#hyperemesisgravidarum #youarenotalone
I hope you found this information helpful and as always don’t hesitate to contact me on the WonderBaba Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wonderbabacare) with any questions or for one to one advice for your little one! You can also consult with me in person at Milltown totalhealth Pharmacy in Dublin 6 or over the phone on 012600262.
The first thing I have to say is that suppositories are not as scary as some people think, they are just cone-shaped boluses of medicine which can be easily given to your child to treat pain of fever when a liquid is not suitable. Suppositories available to treat fever and pain include ones based on paracetamol such as Paralink and Tipol, and ones based on ibuprofen such as nurofen. These are both suitable from three months of age – just make sure to read the packaging to get the correct dosing for your child.
Using suppositories is more invasive than using oral medicine so a correct approach and a respect for your child’s comfort is essential. I will explain in the next section how to use them but now I just want to emphasise that when used properly with a willing child they are so simple, easy and convenient to use. I personally feel that a child who is still in nappies is an ideal candidate for this method of giving medicine – they are used to you cleaning and touching their nappy area and so will not be distressed when you insert the suppository – in fact many children will not even notice!! I also think it is a different situation when a child is out of nappies and unless you have the child’s permission and general understanding of what is going to happen I think the oral route of medicine is best when possible. Another factor to consider is that suppositories have been proven effective for the treatment of pain or fever but they may actually take a little longer to take effect than oral medicine.
Some Useful Hints
Who should not use suppositories?
I hope you found this information helpful and as always don’t hesitate to contact me on the WonderBaba Facebook page (
In the early 1990s advice was issued for parents to place their babies to sleep only on their backs. This recommendation was introduced by the American Academy of Pediatrics as babies who sleep on their backs have been proven to be less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. I’ll write another article explaining all about SIDS soon but it’s just important to highlight why we are correctly advised to place babies to sleep on their backs when we are discussing flat head syndrome.
Childbirth is obviously a beautiful and wonderful thing, amazing and magical all at the same time! However when you look behind the magic and under all of that happy new baby bliss sometimes you find a mum who is struggling to recover from their vaginal birth due to an episiotomy, haemorrhoids or vaginal tears. Not every mum will experience discomfort after childbirth but in all honestly a little tenderness and inflammation is to be expected at least. So to all new mums I would like to help you focus purely on your mesmerising new WonderBaba by explaining how exactly you can relieve your pain and soreness so it is no longer an unwelcome distraction!
Keep your child inside if the pollen count is above 50 or high. To check the pollen count on any given day you can look up the MET Éireann website –
If using the air conditioning in your car set it to re-circulate the air in the car instead of drawing in new air which may be heavy with pollen.
I hope you have found this article helpful and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact me by sending a private message to the WonderBaba facebook page (
After three children and five and a half years of continuous nappy changing its fair to say as a Pharmacist I have had a vested interest in trying out all of the many many nappy rash creams that are available on the Irish market! I’ve had phases with little or no nappy rash to battle and phases where it has felt impossible to clear! For the last couple of months I have unfortunately been battling a particularly persistent case so I was excited and eager to try the new Mustela 123 Vitamin Barrier Cream which arrived on our shelves in Milltown totalhealth Pharmacy…yes I am that sad – this is exactly the kind of thing that makes my day at the moment!! 
Heat rash is also known as miliaria or prickly heat. There’s a few different kinds and the rash can range from mild small pimples to deep red lumps. Its generally a pink or red rash which can be made up of dots, spots or pimples – most often these affect the head neck and shoulders. Heat rash occurs when your baby’s sweat glands become blocked and become swollen, itchy and generally uncomfortable! It often occurs under clothes where the heat is worst and the material rubs off it causing further irritation and friction. 
On a personal note I would recommend breastfeeding or if not bottle feeding your baby during or just after their vaccinations – and LOTS AND LOTS of cuddles and hugs…they are shocked and horrified by whats going on and a little love and reassurance is sometimes the best medicine!
I hope you have found this article helpful and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact me by sending a private message to the WonderBaba facebook page (
