What is the Rourke Record?

The Rourke record is an evidence-based tool that guides primary care providers in caring for young children with evidence-based recommendations around prevention. It was developed here in London by Dr. Rourke. It is revised on a regular basis, and updates provide an opportunity to look at the latest evidence around prevention in the early years. Over the next three articles I will highlight some of the updates in the last Rourke record.

The following updates centre around nutrition growth and development.

1. It is recommended that breast milk is the ideal exclusive source of nutrition for the first six months of life. Exclusive nursing lessens infections and SIDS. It also improves bonding between mothers and babies, and lessens allergies later in life.
2. Introduction of solid foods is recommended at around six months but not before four months.
3. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for breastfeeding mothers as well as for babies. Supplements for moms can help reduce vitamin D deficiency in babies. Moms should use 400 to 600 IU a day of vitamin D
4. Plant based milks do not provide enough nutrition for young infants. If a parent does not choose to give breast milk or cows’ milk at nine to 12 months, a soy-based formula is recommended until two years of age. Supplemented soy milk is an acceptable alternative to cows’ milk after two years of age.
5. Milk consumption of more than 750 mL a day in babies can place babies at risk for iron deficiency.
6. Limit the use of highly processed foods, in particular those with high dietary sodium.
7. Allergenic foods like nuts/nut butters, eggs and seafood can be used once a week to maintain tolerance to those foods.

As evidence evolves, our guidelines evolve. In the next article, I will discuss recommendations from the Rourke record around environmental health and injury prevention.

 

Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!