The Mom Crowd

The New York Times recently published an article about a 356-page recommendation written by safety experts to the Food and Drug Administration to ban “over-the-counter, multisymptom cough and cold medicines for children under 6.” The article never specifies who the safety experts are, except that they are internal to the F.D.A. The next step in the review process is to get an outside expert recommendation.

The article speaks about the marketing strategies of drug companies. Apparently, there is a huge market to target children, because they get sick far more often than adults. It makes sense why they would offer more products for children.

The concern is that some of these medicines may be ineffective or even harmful. The article suggests that the research that has been done is outdated.

One specific narcotic to treat pain and suppress cough, Hydrocone, is said to be unsafe and ineffective. The drug has a shaky approval history with the F.D.A. The F.D.A. is currently allowing Hydrocone to be marketed for children.

I find this interesting, because I just went to the doctor yesterday for medicine to treat my cough and viral infection. I am breastfeeding, so that limited what my ENT could give me. He gave me medicine that they give children and babies. Then he informed me about the symptoms of pneumonia and to call if I got any of those. That didn’t sound encouraging.

I don’t believe that we should fear all cough and cold medicines. I would be absolutely sure that I consulted with my pediatrician or at least called the nurse before giving my child a “multi-system cough and cold” medicine. What would I do if my child was in significant pain with a cough and cold on a Saturday night and I couldn’t get a hold of my pediatrician’s office until Monday morning? It depends on the situation. I would definitely research more natural remedies until I could see the doctor or stick with the medicine I am sure is safe.

What steps would you take in this situation? What do you think about the article? Should all “multi-system cough and cold” medicines be banned by the F.D.A.?

Read the full article here.

When McKenna and I announced the launch of our new website we mentioned that everyone who leaves a comment would be entered to win a fun prize.

We did our random drawing this morning and drum roll please… a big Congratulations goes to our winner, Kathy! Kathy has won a Starbucks gift card.

Thank you to everyone who entered! Keep those comments coming. We love hearing from you!

It always interests me to know what growth percentile my daughter is in. For some reason I gain satisfaction from knowing that my daughter’s weight gain is average.

The MedCalc: Interactive Growth Charts allow you to view your child’s growth on the same growth chart that most doctors use to determine what percentile they are in. You input the birth date, gender, height, weight, and head circumference, and then choose from one of 11 different growth charts. You only need to input the specific information for the chart you want to view. The site also has Newborn Baby, Pre-Term (Premie) Child, and Down syndrome growth charts available.

Check out your child’s growth at MedCalc: Interactive Growth Charts.

Thanks to everyone who answered our first “A Little Birdie Asked Me” segment. All of you had great answers.

Our first “A Little Birdie Asked Me” question was “What is your favorite thing about being a mom?” Several of you mentioned the smiles and hugs your little ones give you. I know that is my personal favorite thing about being a mom. Lyndsay couldn’t decide and said everything is her favorite. April listed her favorite thing about each of her three kids. Some favorites are momentary and change all the time like in Dawn’s response.

The joys of being a mom are truly immeasurable.