Gripe Water Research Articles

Nurturing orphaned Indian Grey Wolf at Machia Biological Park, Jodhpur, India

The Indian Grey Wolf Canis lupus pallipes is an iconic species of grassland in India. It is a Schedule 1 species according to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and CITES Appendix 1 species. In the absence of parental care, five wolf pups were rescued from Baavarla on 26 November 2020 and brought into Machia Biological Park for hand rearing. In the absence of colostrum, a milk replacer formula (PetLac) was provided to the pups. The pups were kept at an ambient room temperature of 101°F as an adjustment to their natural surroundings. Gripe water, Vitamin A, and multivitamins were administered orally. The temperature and body growth parameters were measured and recorded weekly. Rabies vaccine was administered in the 26th week from the date of rescue. The diet of the wolf was gradually changed and from the 37th week, raw meat was included in their diet. Antibiotics Ciplox-TZ (ciprofloxacin and tinidazole tablet) Brand-Cipla and SPORLAC-DS (lactic acid bacillus tablets 120M) Brand-sanzyme Ltd. were given periodically to restore the gut fauna of the pups.

A qualitative study to understand sociocultural beliefs around perinatal and neonatal health in rural areas of Mohali, Punjab, India.

Globally, 600,000 mothers (15-49 years) die every year due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Wide variations are seen in cultural practices and beliefs surrounding this period of a woman's life. The present study explores the cultural beliefs and practices of women and families during pregnancy and the postnatal period in order to understand what behavioral management strategies are required to improve maternal and infant outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The study was conducted in a rural area of Punjab, from December 2019 to March 2021. A total of 20 women (up to 3 months postpartum, age >18 years, were interviewed. In general, women described eating varied and fairly healthy diets during pregnancy, especially nutritious warm food, following traditional practices. Other cultural practices included restrictions on movement and mobile phone use and the use of unsafe home remedies to promote infant safety and wellbeing, such as using gripe water, applying black pencil to the baby's eyes, and feeding the baby honey. A few were not inclined to engage with these and other cultural expectations, preferring instead to follow contemporary practices influenced by social media. These practices included being accompanied by a family member during delivery, celebrating the baby's birth regardless of sex, and early bathing post-delivery. It can be concluded that while many traditional practices are still followed in India, there are new beliefs and behaviors arising from an intersection between culture and technology. Developing strategies that acknowledge older beliefs and modern approaches is essential to promoting better antenatal and postpartum care.

“Because of mchango, I give my baby gripe water so he sleeps and stops crying”: Exclusive breastfeeding and parents’ concerns about colic-like symptoms in infants under 6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania

BackgroundEffective social and behavior change strategies for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rely on understanding how families interpret infant behavior and provide care. Little research thoroughly explores household use of non-prescribed medicine for infants under 6 months in rural Tanzania, which can interrupt EBF and may have other harmful unintended effects.
 AimTo explore parents’ use of non-prescribed medicine in response to infants’ colic-like symptoms during the EBF period.
 MethodsWe conducted thematic analysis of a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 36 mothers and 30 fathers of infants 0-6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania. Here, we focus on emergent themes related to concerns about colic-like symptoms and global implications for public health practitioners.
 ResultsParents reported concerns about excessive crying and perceived infant abdominal pain, attributed to a potentially serious disease state locally known as mchango. Most parents gave non-prescribed medicines (e.g. gripe water, oral traditional medicine, and/or other commercial medicines) to treat or prevent mchango and associated symptoms, often including infant crying. After receiving supportive counselling on soothing techniques, most were willing to avoid giving non-prescribed medicines. Some reported continued challenges attributed to mchango symptoms, namely inconsolable crying.
 ConclusionWhile symptoms of mchango reported in this study overlapped with colic symptoms, literature in Tanzania suggests, in some cases, mchango is perceived to have spiritual origins and potentially be dangerous if left untreated. Empathetic counseling can offer parents knowledge and skills to manage colic-like symptoms without using non-prescribed medicines. Health workers need clear messages and training on risks of non-prescribed medicines and Tanzanian legislation banning its promotion and distribution.

Child feeding practices of mothers of rural coastal area of Navsari district

Poor feeding habits are one of the most serious barriers to achieving and preserving health of children under the age of five, as they pose a significant challenge to social and economic growth. To know the socio-demographic profile and to study the prevalence of Infant and young child feeding practices of mothers A cross-sectional study in rural areas of Navsari district, Gujarat, included 243 women, who had one child aged 12 to 23 months preceding data collection. Data were analyzed using statistical software Epi Info 6. About 32% of the infants had received pre-lacteals feeds, most common feed was Gripe water (44.9%). The colostrum was fed by 90 % mothers. Half of mothers had initiated breast-feeding within 1 hour after delivery. Only 88 mothers (36.2%) had given exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months. About half of children had received complementary feeding during 6–9 months of age. Most of the mothers (96.7%) were washing their hands before each feeding of the child whereas 61.7 % were cooking special meal for the child. Majority of mothers (93.8%) think that breast-feeding should be continued for 1 to 2 years. Continuing to emphasise nutrition education could go a long way toward empowering mothers to avoid using pre-lacteal feeds, to sustain exclusive breastfeeding for a prescribed period, to incorporate complementary foods at the appropriate time, and to enhance overall child-care through optimum use of community health workers.

Maternal aspects of home based newborn care (HBNC) practices in rural areas of Uttarakhand, India: A cross-sectional study

Background and objectivesAround 2.6 million infants die within the first one month of life every year and India alone accounts for about one-fifth of global live births and one-fourth of neonatal deaths. Uttarakhand being a rural predominant state of India has neonatal mortality rate of 31 per 1000 live births in 2018 that is much higher than the targeted 12 deaths per 1000 live births by 2030 as per Sustainable Developmental Goal-3. The present study is being undertaken to examine Home Based Newborn Care practices of mothers in rural areas of Uttarakhand, India. MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 205 postnatal mothers who were within 42 days of delivery in Doiwala, Uttarakhand using total enumeration technique. Data were collected using reliable, structured and pretested tools comprising various aspects of home based newborn care practices. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. ResultsDelivery of most of the mothers (94.15%) took place in health centers though they never consulted obstetricians during pregnancy. While the remaining 5.85% of mothers gave birth at home with the help of local Dais and family members. Most of the babies (95.12%) were born full-term and about half of them (47.40%) were immunized with BCG, OPV and HEP-B vaccines. About 78.05% of mothers initiated breast feeding within the first hour of delivery and 88.29% of the mothers reported exclusive breastfeeding. However, the remaining 11.71% of mothers provided water, gripe water or ghutti to their babies as pre-lacteal feeds. 72.68% of mothers delayed the first bath of their baby for at least 48 h post-delivery and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was practiced by 74.63% of mothers. Most of the participants (93.66%) were aware of keeping umbilical cords clean and dry, however, the remaining 6.34% of the mothers still practiced traditional methods of applying turmeric powder and ghee to the cord. ConclusionMost of the mothers were aware of hygiene maintenance and thermal protection for babies during the post-natal period. Some of the major challenges experienced by the mothers include early bathing of newborns, delayed initiation of breast feeding, cord care, avoidance of KMC, providing pre-lacteal feeds to newborns, as well as others.

Recent Advances in the Management of Infantile Colic

The diagnosis and management of infantile colic has come a long way since the first case series published by Wessel et al in 1954. This paved the way for framing the diagnostic criteria for infantile colic i.e. Wessels criteria and to its current evolution of Rome IV criteria of Functional gastrointestinal disorders. The management of colic has evolved from the use of gripe water to its current use of probiotics. This review discusses the advances in the treatment of colic, the use of probiotics and the role of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 in infantile colic. There is further emphasis on the other available options with their limitations and the side effects. L reuteri DSM 17938 since its discovery in the year 1962 by Professor Gerard Reuter has found its place in clinical research and multiple studies substantiate the efficacy of this naturally occurring probiotic which is not only limited to infantile colic but to multiple other indications and is recommended by the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Exclusive breastfeeding in first-time mothers in rural Kenya: a longitudinal observational study of feeding patterns in the first six months of life

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age is recommended by the World Health Organization as the optimal mode of infant feeding, providing adequate nutrition for the baby and protection against infectious diseases. Breastfeeding can be adversely affected by individual, cultural and socio-economic factors. The study aimed to explore barriers of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life among first-time mothers in rural Kenya.MethodsAn observational longitudinal design aimed to provide rich data on breastfeeding behaviour. Twenty pregnant first-time mothers were recruited through antenatal clinics and snowballing. Mothers were visited nine times at home from late pregnancy, at 1 week and 2 weeks post-delivery, then monthly until the baby was aged 6 months. Visits were conducted between November 2016 and April 2018. At the first visit, participants were asked about breastfeeding intentions and infant feeding education received. At each postnatal visit, direct observation of breastfeeding, a recorded semi-structured interview on feeding, mother’s and baby’s health was performed. Interviews were transcribed, checked, content was grouped into categories and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach.ResultsMost participants were adolescent (75%) and unmarried (65%). All 20 mothers intended to and did breastfeed, however additional fluids and semi-solids were commonly given. Only two mothers exclusively breastfed from birth up to 6 months of age. Prelacteal feeds, home remedies and traditional medicine were given by over a third of mothers in the first week of life. Concern over babies’ bowel habits and persistent crying perceived as abdominal colic led to several mothers receiving advice to give gripe water and traditional remedies. Early introduction of maize porridge from 3 months of age because of perceived hunger of the child was recommended by other family members. Breastfeeding observation showed persistent problems with positioning and attachment of infants.ConclusionsExclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months was uncommon. Prioritization of capacity to detect mothers with breastfeeding problems and provide breastfeeding education and support is necessary, particularly during the antenatal and early postnatal period. It is important to engage with other women resident in the household who may offer conflicting feeding advice.

Analysis of Content and In-Vitro Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate in Gripe Water Administered to Infants

Analysis of Content and In-Vitro Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate in Gripe Water Administered to Infants

Barriers and Opportunities for Improved Exclusive Breast-Feeding Practices in Tanzania: Household Trials With Mothers and Fathers.

Effective promotion of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) is needed to improve child nutrition and survival. We explored barriers and facilitators to EBF in rural Tanzania and assessed parents' willingness and ability to try specific recommended EBF practices plus strategies for men to support breast-feeding. We conducted Trials of Improved Practices in 36 households with infants <6 months. Fathers participated in focus group discussions on ways to support breast-feeding. Fathers and mothers were individually interviewed 2 and 3 times, respectively, about their willingness to try and experience with selected new practices. We analyzed data thematically. Common barriers to EBF were (1) use of gripe water and traditional medicines for perceived symptoms of infantile distress; (2) mothers' workloads and time away from infants, limiting availability for EBF; and (3) water given for perceived thirst. Although several mothers expressed concerns about breast-milk insufficiency, few were giving other foods. After counseling, most mothers reported breast-feeding more optimally. Some reported improved breast-milk supply. Fathers saw their roles as providing food to mothers to ensure sufficient breast-milk and encouraging new practices. Dominant gender roles and work away from home were barriers even if fathers were willing to help with household chores. Fathers mostly provided emotional support or encouraged others to help with chores. Exclusive breast-feeding promotion needs to address concerns about infantile distress and help parents develop effective soothing techniques while avoiding nonprescribed medicines. Engaging men in EBF interventions could help change social norms and facilitate men's involvement in improving breast-feeding practices.

Selective Detection of Sub-hundred Picomolar Mercuric Ion in Aqueous Systems by Visible Spectrophotometry Using Gripe Water Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles

A selective and sensitive spectrophotometric determination of Hg2+ was designed based on gripe water functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Gripe water was employed as both a reducing and a stabilizing agent for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The sugar moieties of gripe water were responsible for the reduction of auric ions to Au and the resultant nanoparticles possessing an average particle size of 16 nm were highly stable over a period of 1 year. The gripe water-functionalized gold nanoparticle system was highly sensitive in detecting Hg2+ ions in aqueous medium, with the limit of detection being as low as 0.05 nM. It was also highly selective of mercury even in presence of eleven different commonly associated cations. The efficacy of the nanoparticle sensor system in the analysis of mercury in real-time samples such as bottled, tap, lake and river water has also been evaluated to be good.

Association of Practices Regarding Infant and Young Child Feeding with Anthropometry Measurements Among an Urban Population in Karnataka, India.

BackgroundMothers' knowledge of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) play a crucial role in the overall growth and development of a child, determined by their anthropometry. Malnutrition has been linked to the short- and long-term effects on child health and, ultimately, national development. This community-based cross-sectional study focuses on the nutritional parameters of infants and young children in an urban slum population. The primary objective was to study IYCF from birth up to two years of age. The secondary objective involved studying the association between feeding practices and anthropometric measurements among children of 12-23 months of age.MethodsThe mothers of 96 children who were between 12 and 23 months of age, living in the urban slum of B.K Nagar, Bangalore, India, were administered the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) IYCF questionnaire. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding information from these children from birth to 24 months were obtained. Anthropometric measurements were measured with appropriate calibrations.ResultsThe population consisted of 57.3% females and 42.7% males. All children had mean anthropometric measurements below the World Health Organization Multicentre Growth Reference Study (WHO-MGRS) standard (weight for age in males, P=0.009, and females P=0.005). A delay in the initiation of breastfeeding was observed in female children (54.5%), showing a significant reduction in their weight (P=0.020) as compared to those initiated early. There was also a declining trend of continuation of breastfeeding from age 12 months to 23 months. The study revealed a high consumption of gripe water (68.8%) and bottle feeding (40.4%). A significant difference was found in children who consumed nutritious food, especially meat, with height (P=0.018) and weight (P=0.011), along with other foods.ConclusionIYCF and anthropometry have a direct association, evidence of which is reflected by the mother’s knowledge of feeding practices along with other socioeconomic parameters.

FACTORS IMPEDING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN A LOW-INCOME AREA OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is estimated to be the most effective measure to save infants from morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. South Africa is challenged by very poor exclusive breastfeeding practices (6.8-8.3%) during the first six months of life. In the low-income area investigated, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was 6% in 2011. The aim of this study was to describe the factors impeding exclusive breastfeeding practices in a low-income area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa in order to provide recommendations on tailored and generalisable intervention strategies for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding practices. Focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers and health care workers. Several barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices were reported and seven themes were identified during data analysis: 1) the perception that infants needed water, gripe water and Lennon's Behoedmiddel; 2) the concern that milk alone does not satisfy an infant; 3) inadequate infant feeding education and support by the health system; 4) the lack of community-based postnatal support; 5) convention and family influence; 6) mothers separated from infants; and 7) local beliefs about maternal behaviour and breastfeeding. The barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices proved to be multifaceted and interlinked. The influence of convention and community perceptions and beliefs combined with suboptimal infant feeding education by the health system and the lack of local postnatal breastfeeding support initiatives posed an intricate group of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices.

Postnatal counseling on exclusive breastfeeding using video – experience from a tertiary care teaching hospital, south India

Introduction: Adequate antenatal counseling combined with postnatal lactation support is likely to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.Objective: To assess the impact of a postnatal video based health education program in promoting exclusive breastfeeding among primiparous mothers.Methods: This interventional study was done in a tertiary care teaching hospital, south India. Primiparous mothers in one postnatal ward (group A) received routine lactation counseling. A similar group of primiparous mothers in another postnatal ward (group B) were administered a video based health education program on exclusive breastfeeding in the local language Tamil in addition to the routine lactation counseling. The exclusive breastfeeding rates of these two groups of mothers were compared. Their knowledge and perceptions after intervention were also compared using a pretested questionnaire.Results: Among 878 primiparous mothers, 94% fed colostrum and 43% initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. Correct attachment was noted with 96% and 13% had lactation issues. Group B had marginally better exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months but not statistically significant. Mothers in group B had a statistically significant better knowledge score post-intervention compared to those in Group A. Use of gripe water was more in group A compared to group B.Conclusion: The video based health education program when combined with routine lactation counseling improved the knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal primiparous mothers better than with routine lactation counseling alone. However, both interventions had similar effect on exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months.

Is maternal anxiety a barrier to exclusive breastfeeding?

Objective: To assess the association of maternal anxiety with nonadherence to exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: This questionnaire-based study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India mothers with infants less than 6 months of age and not exclusively breastfeeding were interviewed and their demographic and clinical details were noted. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to these mothers. Results: A total of 85 mother–infant dyads were included. The mean age of the mothers was 26 years and 57% were from urban areas. Among the additional feeds given, cow’s milk was the commonest (57.6%), followed by gripe water (28.2%) and formula feeds (16.5%). The mean HADS anxiety subscale score was 12.2 (±5.3) and HADS depression subscale score was 9.5 (±3.8). The mean score on IIFAS was 58.4 (±3.6) suggesting a relatively favorable attitude toward breastfeeding. On linear regression analysis, higher HADS depression score, lower birth weight and lower per capita income were independent predictors of poorer attitudes toward breastfeeding. Conclusion: Maternal anxiety may be an independent risk factor for nonadherence to exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months.

Knowledge, awareness, and practice of postnatal care among mothers

Objective: The objective was to study the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the postnatal care among the mothers. Design and Setting: A pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge and awareness of postnatal care in mothers at a tertiary care center. The questionnaire was given after stabilization between 1 and 5 days of the postnatal period. Materials and Methods: Totally, 200 postnatal mothers (18-35 years) out of 540 mothers who were given antenatal and postnatal education in our antenatal care center were selected. Study Period: June 2013-September 2013. Results: Knowledge of mothersregarding breastfeeding practices (78%), thermal care (89%), skin and eye care (72%) was good. They have poor knowledge regarding dangers of pre-lacteal feeds (45%), timing of first bath after birth (60%), umbilical cord care (60%), and vaccination (36%). About 32% of them are practicing oil instillation into nostrils while 44% of mothers were intended to use gripe water for infantile colic. Conclusion: The study highlights that there is vital need to improve the knowledge and awareness in the society regarding communitybased newborn care. We should also strive toward helping removing myths and wrong practices, which are rampant in the community.

Gripe Water Administration in Infants 1-6 months of Age-A Cross-sectional Study.

Gripe water (GW) administration to young infants is common practice in this part of country. In order to ascertain why mothers administer gripe water to their infants and to find out what benefits or health risks it poses, we proposed to study the practice of mothers giving GW to their babies. Three hundred and thirty five eligible mothers of infants aged 1-6 months (who after qualifying inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study) who attended the well baby clinic during the study period, were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire which contained both open and close ended questions after obtaining informed written consent. The study population was then divided into two groups based on administration of GW or not and the results were compared and analysed among the two groups using odds ratio with 95% C.I. For calculation of statistics, the statistical package SPSS 13 was used. 64.18% of the mothers were administering GW for their infants. Most mothers believed that GW helps in digestion and prevents stomach ache. Infantile colic, vomiting and constipation were common in GW administered infants, when compared to those who did not receive GW and the difference was significant with p-values of 0.0001, 0.0373, 0.0007respectively. GW administration is a common problem in infants and remains a significant challenge that thwarts exclusive breast feeding. More over GW administration does not seem to prevent infantile colic and on the other hand, may be associated with vomiting and constipation. Misconceptions prevailing among mothers have to be removed by effective counseling so that the mothers are aware of safe and healthy feeding practices to be adopted for feeding their babies.

Gripe water-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their applications in nonlinear optics and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from aqueous silver nitrate through a simple, eco-friendly and ‘green’ method using gripe water as reducing as well as stabilizing agent. Control over the dispersity of silver (Ag) nanoparticles was attained by altering the synthesis process. The size and morphology of the particles were perceived using high-resolution transmission electron microscope and the surface plasmon resonance of the prepared nanoparticles was observed by UV–VIS spectrum. Herein, we report the nonlinear optical behavior and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of silver nanoparticles with different particle size and dispersity. The nonlinear optical behavior was studied by single beam Z-scan technique using tunable Ti: Sapphire mode-locked femtosecond laser as source. The nonlinear optical parameters such as the nonlinear refractive index, nonlinear absorption coefficient β and the third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ3 of the prepared Ag nanoparticles were obtained for various wavelengths by tuning the wavelength of the laser from 700 to 950 nm. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an inspiring phenomenon especially in the case of silver nanoparticles. The as-synthesized silver nanoparticles show huge enhancements in the order of 109 in the Raman spectrum of rhodamine 6G dye.

Green synthesis, characterization of Au–Ag core–shell nanoparticles using gripe water and their applications in nonlinear optics and surface enhanced Raman studies

In recent years there has been excessive progress in the ‘green’ chemistry approach for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles have gained special significance due to their unique tunable optical properties. Herein we report a facile one-pot, eco-friendly synthesis of Au–Ag bimetallic core–shell nanoparticles using gripe water as reducing as well as stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized Au–Ag nanoparticles are characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy to determine the surface plasmon resonance, and using transmission electron microscopy to study the morphology and the particle size. The optical nonlinearity of the bimetallic nanoparticles investigated by z-scan technique using femtosecond Ti:sapphire is in the order of 109. The nonlinear optical parameters such as the nonlinear refractive index n2, nonlinear absorption coefficient β and the third order nonlinear susceptibility χ3 are measured for various wavelengths from 700 nm to 950 nm. The Au–Ag nanoparticles are also used in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic studies to enhance the Raman signals of rhodamine 6G.

Involuntary graphene intake with food and medicine

Graphene is found in charred roasted meat and also in plant charcoal, which is present in the infant's gripe water. Graphene as graphene oxide (GO) is produced on charring the surface of meat on a barbecue forming nitrogen doped GO originating from the pyrolysis of protein in air. The unintentional intake of such nano carbon stained cooked meat is a traditional delicacy. The presence of graphene and nano carbon particles in plant charcoal, used in the branded formulation of gripe water applied for stomach ailments in infants as a medicine, strongly refutes the toxicity of such nano carbons in humans. The isolation of graphene and nano particulates from both the sources is described here. These are characterized by elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, PXRD and by FESEM, TEM and SADP image analysis. The intake of nano carbon contaminated roasted food since the discovery of fire possibly trails mutation to evolve resistance in humans. This work suggests that graphene and other nano carbon particles produced by the pyrolysis of bio-products in air are non-toxic to humans.

A gripe in the waters

Gripe water is one of the most frequently used supplements for babies with gastrointestinal problems. Mothers have sworn by it as a cure for tummy upsets and colic for generations, but just how safe is it?