Allergy Expert Advice - 5 Part Live Chat Video Series

Allergy series - part 1

(Streamed live on Feb 8, 2023)

Watch part 1 of the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice about starting solids and food allergies. Paediatric dietician Helen Norrish joins the kōrero with Makere from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

• starting solids (0:30) and starting solids (20:35)
• introducing iron-rich foods (2:00)
• introducing allergen foods (3:30)
• preparing and cooking food for babies (4:55 and 22:45)
• breastfeeding (8:20)
• advice for parents if their child has a food allergy (11:30)
• constipation when starting solids (16:57)
• where to get support (15:05 and 27:45)

Allergy series - part 2

(Streamed live on Feb 22, 2023)

Watch part 2 of the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice about food allergies. Nurse practitioner Pauline Brown joins the kōrero with Makere from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

• how to identify an allergic reaction (1:30)
• what to do if your child has an allergic reaction (4:40)
• when to test for allergies in children (11:20)
• best methods for allergy testing and tests to avoid (19:05)
• getting support from the GP and dietitians (23:10)
• eczema and food allergies (28:10)
• resources and websites with more information (37:45)

Allergy series - allergen foods

(Streamed live on Mar 31, 2023)

Watch the next video in the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice on food allergies in children. Paediatric dietitian Helen Norrish joins the kōrero with Roscelyne from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

• when to introduce allergen foods (1:25)
• what are allergen foods (1:55)
• how to introduce allergen foods (3:50 and 21:30)
• suggestions on foods for different stages of development (6:30)
• practical tips on allergen foods (8:40)
• introducing allergen foods when another whānau member has a food allergy (12:10)
• what to do if your baby has a diagnosed food allergy (16:20)
• who to see if you're worried your child has a food allergy (20:50)
• food allergens and breastfeeding (23:30)
• resources with more tips and information on food allergies in children (28:00)

Allergy series - eczema and food allergies

(Streamed live on Jun 27, 2023)

Watch the next video in the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice on the relationship between eczema and food allergies. General practioner Dr Rebekah Thompson joins the kōrero with Makere from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

• overview on eczema and food allergies (1:35)
• how people present to the doctor with eczema and food allergies (5:30)
• case history of a child with eczema and how Dr Rebekah managed it (6:20)
• what happens to the skin in eczema (11:30)
• advice for managing eczema (13:15, 42:00 and 50:05)
• using steroid creams (15:10)
• types of steroid creams (16:25)
• the role of bleach baths in eczema (19:15)
• the role of allergy testing in eczema (22:25)
• introducing allergen foods (27:30 and 34:25)
• food reactions that aren’t related to the skin (32:45)
• food allergy testing (36:20 and 38:40)
• severe food reactions (47:40)
• ingredients in foods and cosmetics (54:30)

Allergy series - will I harm my baby if I give them peanut butter?

(Streamed live on Jul 4, 2023)

Watch the next video in the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice on food allergies and intolerances in tamariki. Paediatric allergy specialist Dr Shannon Brothers joins the kōrero with Roscelyne from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

• the difference between food allergies and intolerances (4:40 and 21:30)
• what age is food allergy diagnosed (7:20)
• key foods that can cause an allergic reaction (8:45)
• how to check for allergens in foods and reading labels (9:50)
• why it’s important to introduce allergen foods before 12 months of age (13:38)
• how to introduce allergen foods (18:10)
• introducing food allergens in babies with eczema  (20:40)
• research behind the advice to introduce allergen foods early (23:20)
• rashes around the mouth (27:30)
• when to start introducing allergen foods (31:20)
• skin prick testing for food allergies (33:35)
• why some tamariki develop food allergies and others don’t (39:35)

Check out the allergy section for more information