The mother of the baby that has the cleft eyelids came to the Center this morning; she is still waiting on the hospital in Kumasi to call her to let her know when the surgeons will be there that can do the operation to correct part of the baby’s problems. We are not exactly sure what they can do but even a little improvement would be good. Also, the mother of the child with Cerebral Palsy came today; that baby is gaining and looking strong. The mother is still worried and it is sad that there is not much that can be done for the child.
Steve has got the monthly report finished and ready for me to edit. I spent part of the day working on the receipts; I got them all sorted by category; it should not take me long to get them entered especially if Steve is free so he can help me. Everything is quicker if you can get good help. Ha!
A mother and father brought a 3-week-old child to the Center this morning; the mother said that she had no breast milk because she had been sick right after the baby was born and was admitted to the hospital. They started feeding the baby formula. The mother is still breast feeding but is absolutely positive that the baby is not getting anything to eat. We had the mother feed the baby while we were taking the history and giving them feeding advice. The baby ate and ate and ate the whole time we were talking. We told them that we would not give the baby formula but if they had deep pockets, they could buy it themselves. We assured them that if they stopped the formula the breast would produce more. When they got ready to leave, we showed them the baby’s stomach; it was so tight and protruding that we knew the baby had eaten well. The baby was trying to go to sleep. The father was so surprised and happy because he did not have to buy formula anymore!
While we were talking to the parents, we told them not to use enemas on the baby; they confessed that the midwife was doing it almost every time she came to bathe the baby. We also told them not to give the baby water or anything to drink until it was 6 months old. They said that the midwife was also giving the baby the bath water to drink every time she bathed him. Please! It is no wonder these babies have diarrhea and have a hard time gaining weight! Meri said that it was a common practice for the midwives to give the babies bath water; she said they don’t care if the water is from the river; that there is soap in the water or if the baby has urinated or pooped in the water; they say it is the way they have always done it; I guess they think they are bathing the baby inside and outside. The father said that he was going to make the midwife stop giving the bath water to the baby!
Take care and have a great day!
In HIS Service,
Steve, Kandie and Skeeter
The Monkeyshines
I am going to live! I felt better today than I did yesterday. Mom is still not happy with the amount of food I am eating but I ate a bunch more than yesterday. I am sure that I will be able to make her happy by eating even more tomorrow.
I had more energy today too! I have been jumping around and playing off and on all day; I had to take a few naps but I did not lay around all day like I did yesterday. I also was eager to get out of my cage today!
I think I need one of those medical bracelets; you know the kind that people wear to alert the medical profession that they are diabetic or have some medical condition or are allergic to something. Well, I need one that says I am allergic to Ivermectin; especially the injectable type! If I had one of those, I would never have to have another shot. I heard Mom and Dad talking and they were talking about my next Rabies and Distemper shots! What are they sitting around plotting my DEATH? You know I have to go to the vet to get the Rabies shot!
While I was working in the Child Center a grasshopper jumped across the veranda; I was on it in a flash! I gobbled it down even though it is not my favorite!
We must get our protein where we can!
Love, Skeeter
