MY baby is lactose intolerant, what can I do?

For babies with lactose intolerance, lactose-free formula milk is available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, although soya formula is not recommended for children under six months. Breastfed babies may benefit from lactase substitute drops to help their bodies digest the lactose in breast milk. The best advice would be to speak to your doctor, who should be able to allay any concerns you may have. And remember, for many children, an intolerance to lactose is only temporary and will improve after which point it is safe to gradually reintroduce milk and dairy products into their diet.

I am 16 weeks pregnant, and have been advised to get the flu jab. Is this safe for my baby?

Yes, the vaccine is safe and does not carry any risks for either you or your baby. It is safe to receive the vaccination at any stage of pregnancy. You are being encouraged to get the flu jab to ensure you and your baby are both protected from the negative impacts of flu. For more information, you can visit the Scottish Government's Flu website www.immunisationscotland.org.uk

WHY does my midwife recommend my newborn is given vitamin K?

Vitamin K helps the blood to clot, but the body’s ability to store it is low. In rare cases (affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 babies), a vitamin K deficiency can cause a bleeding condition that is known as haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN can occur anytime between the first few days and the first few months of life, and can be life threatening. That is why it is generally offered to babies within the first 24 hours of birth.

HDN most commonly occurs in babies who are born prematurely or who have a complicated delivery, such as a breech delivery. There may also be an increased risk of HDN developing if the mother takes certain medication during pregnancy, such as anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy. However, HDN can be prevented if the baby is given extra vitamin K after birth.

The best advice would be to speak to your midwife. They will be able to give you all of the information you need to be able to make an informed choice on what is best for you and your baby.

WHAT is fabricated or induced illness?

Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse. It occurs when a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child.The term FII covers a wide range of cases and behaviours involving parents seeking healthcare for a child. This ranges from extreme neglect (failing to seek medical care) to induced illness

FII is also known as Munchausen's syndrome by proxy. Munchausen's syndrome, also known as factitious disorder, is a condition where a person pretends to be ill or causes illness or injury to themselves.

However, healthcare professionals in the UK prefer to use the term fabricated or induced illness, or factitious disorder imposed on another. This is because the term Munchausen's syndrome by proxy places the emphasis on the person carrying out the abuse, rather than the victim.

The term Munchausen's syndrome by proxy is still widely used in other countries.