HOMEOPATHY IN THE NEWS - Article 3 Homeopathy, which has been called as a pseudo-science and quackery by many health experts, is apparently gaining popularity among the parents of newborns in the city. While there are many parents who are completely on homeopathic cure, some prefer a combination of homeopathic and allopathic medications. Mother’s concern Media professional Moushami Ghosh, who became a mother of a baby boy five months ago, would any time prefer to administer homeopathic medications over allopathic on her son. Ghosh says, “During my childhood, my mother used to either give me herbal or homeopathic medicines. So, in a way I have been conditioned to go with homeopathic remedy. Moreover, I fear that the side effects of allopathic medications are hard for an infant to handle.” Unlike Ghosh, Vijaylaxmi from Prabhadevi rather like to go with the combination of homeopathic and allopathic medicines. “For seasonal problems like cold and cough, I go to a homeopath and for serious issues like ‘blood in the stool’, I would certainly go ahead with the medicines prescribed by the paediatrician.” Worli resident Swati Soni, mother of a four-month-old baby boy agrees with Vijaylaxmi and is quite hesitant to introduce chemical-based antibiotics to her son. Reasons for fear Parents of newborns dread the side effects of the allopathic medicines. Moreover, word of mouth publicity about the benefits of homeopathy also tilts the scales in favour of the latter. Matunga resident Gandhali Paranjape, who is the mother of six-month-old twins, has faith in homeopathic medications for her babies as “it is known to be effective and is free of side-effects”, she says. Dr Tanu Singhal, general paediatrician attached to P D Hinduja National Hospital believes that sometimes the guaranteed cure offered by homeopaths - unlike allopaths - also contribute towards popularising homeopathy. Homeopaths say Malad-based Dr Trupti Parab, who has been practising homeopathy since the last 11 years, says, “Homeopathic medicines enhances the natural immunity of a new born unlike the allopathic medicines, which give a ready-made fighting capacity to a child. This is a major factor that attracts numerous parents of new-born towards homeopathy.” However, she also points out that in case of certain disorders like epilepsy, chronic asthma, etc. she refers the patients to the allopathic doctors as such problems require immediate relief. Dr Balbir Suri, who has a homeopathy clinic at Lokhandwala admits that more and more parents are leaning towards homeopathy cure for their infants. “Homeopathic medicines help in building the child’s strength that too with minimal medications,” adds Dr Suri. Paediatricians explain Dr Bhupendra Avasti, Head of paediatric department, Lilavati Hospital, dismisses the fear as baseless. He explains, “We usually prescribe drugs only to premature babies or babies born with infection and what all medicines are used are quite safe. And the parents who approach me are comfortable with the medications I prescribe.” “It would be wrong to say that parents are reluctant to follow allopathic treatment for their infants. In fact, the tendency to shift towards alternative cure is seen more in the parents of older kids once they see repeated health problems like cold and cough in them,” avers Dr Singhal. SOURCE: http://www.mumbaimirror.com BACK TO RESOUCES