I can hear a croup cough a mile away. The sound reaches my bare bones. The sleepless nights of hearing your baby coughing, stridor starting without warning, standing outside at 2am so the cold air can hopefully ease a tight chest, the “I can’t breathe mummy” in a raspy, barely audible tone at 1am, the roid rage and sheet white face for days after steroids are administered. And it begins again…
If you’re a parent who has or has had a child with croup, my heart goes out to you. My son has had reoccurring croup since he was 9 months old. We too have spent too many nights in A&E to count. I’ll be forever grateful that doctors at the hospital were able to give him lifesaving steroids during acute attacks when he struggled to breathe. However, being told…
“He’ll grow out of it”
“When?”
“Maybe at six or seven years old…”
made my heart sink.
Thankfully, we’ve just had our first winter without any croup episodes and he’s 4 and a half years old – HUGE deal! Chinese medicine has been an integral part of his recovery journey. It made a big difference on so many levels.
How I can help your child:
- Since specialising in treating babies and children with various methods of Chinese and Japanese medicine, I can share my knowledge and give you back some control. In basic Chinese medicine terms, croup is a mixture of Heat and Phlegm in the Lungs; usually with a background of general deficiency.
- I will look at the root of why your child is getting croup and give them an individualised treatment that’s specific to YOUR CHILD’s needs at that time.
- I use many needle free techniques (but you’d be surprised at how little the needles bother them) like massage, press stickers, cupping or guasha (oil & gentle rubbing over the skin with a small guasha tool).
- After an initial consultation – which includes time for me to really hear you and hold space for you as a parent – treatment sessions are only 30 mins for under 11 yos.
- The length of time your child has been getting croup, will help determine how often I should see them.
- I can show you massage techniques to do at home, recommend herbal food supplements (when applicable) and give you guidance on other things you can do to help your little one.
Tips for you to use at home if your child is prone to croup or any cough for that matter:
- Hoody – avoid going out in the wind but if it’s getting windy, put the hood up on your child’s hood. It’s very important to have the back of their necks covered. Or you could use a snood or scarf.
- Thyme (herb) – boil some water, put some thyme in it (fresh or dry), let it cool down, drain the herbs out through a sieve and give the warm drink to your child. It helps to break up the mucus naturally.
Contact me or please send my details to a friend…
The challenges with croup are real. I know. I’ve been there. You can call me 07359 379166, drop me a PM on Instagram or email me acupuncture@vidawoods.com.
I really look forward to being able to help you and your child,
Thanks, Vida
**Please remember that if your child is struggling to breathe, has blue/pale skin, is excessively drowsy, or drooling, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.**