Memorandum by The Royal College of Midwives
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the professional
organisation and trade union representing 95 per cent of all practising
midwives in the United Kingdom. Virtually all practising midwives
work within the NHS, and the RCM is recognised in every Trust
that provides a midwifery service.
COMMENTS
The key issue here is about reducing the risks
of a child developing an allergic condition.
Hygiene
— To regularly vacuum carpets and wash
floors. Preferable to have simple wooden/laminate floors that
can be easily washed—most family homes with young children
now have this; this is a trend.
— Avoid quilts/pillows made of feathers
or polystyrene materials.
— Consider the type of mattress that
the child sleeps on and change regularly as can be afforded/possible.
Reducing the collection of dust mites in
mattresses/carpets etc.
Clothing
— Cotton is advisable—avoid nylon
as far as possible.
— Bed linen/sheets—should consider
cotton.
— Regular change of bed linen.
— Wash clothing and bed linen with
non-bio washing powder.
Skin Care
— Simple, non-perfumed soap/lotion
for washing/bathing.
Environment
— Caution/avoidance of pollen laden
areas in high season.
— Avoid smoking in the home or near
children/do not take children to smoke filled environments.
Foods
— Exclusive breastfeeding for the first
six months without the introduction of supplements or solid foods.
Breast feeding contains specific immunological properties; while
this may to a certain extent protect children from certain diseases,
especially asthma, the home and environmental factors play a significant
part. Parents can continue on to two years if they are able to;
especially if the child is diagnosed with an allergy or there
is a familial history of allergies/asthma.
— Avoid the early introduction of cow's
milk, particularly below six months.
— Introduce child to solid foods from
family's own diet/foods after six months. It is therefore important
that family chooses/eats healthy/fresh food with fewer additives,
colours etc.
— Caution if familial history of nut
allergies.
— Parents should not give their children
replacement foods/products/cut out dairy unless they have been
diagnosed as having specific food allergies by a physician.
— If they suspect that the child has
symptoms similar to allergies; always consult a doctor/seek specialist
medical advice and not try to self-treat.
Prevalence
— The evidence is suggesting 25-30
per cent.
— The most common allergies are around
foods; lactose intolerance nut and other minor foods. However,
parents should not self-treat/give replacement foods which can
result in sensitisation of the child.
— Other allergies include atopic diseases
such as eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Education/Treatment/Gaps
— Needs education particularly around
foods/healthy eating and environmental factors. Good public health
education on how to reduce risks of allergies.
— Referral for specialist medical opinion—treatment
should be dependent on the allergy and its causes.
Gaps
— Late diagnosis as parents attempt
to self-diagnose particularly around foods or have their children
sensitised/desensitised by non-medical specialists.
— Poor/lack of knowledge.
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