May 18, 10 | Posted by: Michelle Linsmeier, M.D.

Mom did know best

My family went out of town this last weekend, and while packing for the trip, I smiled at what I had laid out as “necessities” to pack.  In my pile of mom-must-haves were a tube of antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone 1% cream and A+D ointment.  I also had the Tylenol, Motrin and benadryl bottles (all generics, thanks to the recent recall) ready to go.  I thought of my mom, and how in some ways I have become her.  She would have carried the same supplies – plus a large sampling of bandaids of all sizes.  (At that moment, I remembered to pack the bandaids.) Medicine and parenting has definitely changed over the years, but some things hold fast. 

Mom used the “Dr. Spock” book of medicine (not Mr. Spock, I’m referring the the 1950s pediatrician who knew all for day-by-day childcare).  Now we have the internet, the AAP and experts like Dr. William Sears and Dr. T. Barry Brazelton.  And some things have definitely changed – my mom swears that the best relief for my teething gums as a toddler was the brandy she would rub on them. (Yikes!) And she denies any harm to my brother despite months of dipping his pacifier in honey to help him sleep at night. (Important: honey contains botulinum toxin – do not give raw honey to children under a year of age.)  However, she’ll be the first to admit that her grandchildren are much safer in a car than my brother and I were 30 years ago.   My childhood car seat was not much of a safety seat, according to Mom.

One of the tricks she used when we were sick is now proven clinically to be as or more effective than medicines (Go Mom!).  When my brother or I would have a sore throat or cough, we would get a spoonful of honey. (Yum- almost worth having the cough).  Now studies have shown that warm tea (no caffeine, please) or warm water with lemon and a spoonful or two of honey are as effective as cough suppressant medications in reducing coughing and improving nighttime sleep.  Plus, it is all natural and without the many side effects that over-the-counter cough medicines can cause.  (Again, see above how this should not be used in children under 1 year of age).  It seems that chicken soup and a spoonful of honey really are the best things for a cold. 

So, thanks Mom.  You did know best.  I can say that now that I am no longer 16 years old!

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