Dr Melissa Chettiar

Dr Melissa Chettiar Specialist paediatrician

15/11/2025

It’s important to pause and honor those we lost, and to recognize the extraordinary courage of the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who stood on the front lines.

They cared for others through exhaustion, fear, and grief, often at great personal risk. Their dedication became a source of strength for entire communities during some of the darkest moments of the pandemic.
Taking time to remember both the lives lost and the sacrifices made helps ensure that the impact of the pandemic, and the humanity shown throughout it, is not forgotten🤍

13/11/2025

A small glimpse into our Lotus DM Radio interview!✨

It was such a lovely experience chatting about World
Prematurity Day, happening this 17 November.’ © To listen to the full interview, head over to the link in our bio!

# Awareness

It is now considered safe to start solids between 4-6 months of age, depending on the baby’s developmental readiness: St...
05/11/2025

It is now considered safe to start solids between 4-6 months of age, depending on the baby’s developmental readiness:

Start slow with 1-2 teaspoons once a day after a milk feed, and gradually increase to 2-3 meals a day as tolerated. Go slow and follow the baby’s cues.

New research suggests not delaying the introduction of allergenic foods like peanuts, eggs, fish, and dairy. In fact, starting these foods early can protect against developing allergies to these foods

Isn't it wonderful how we keep learning?

Let's talk BCG vaccine - that little mark that tells a big story about protection against tuberculosis Around 3-6 weeks ...
03/11/2025

Let's talk BCG vaccine - that little mark that tells a big story about protection against tuberculosis

Around 3-6 weeks after birth, you might notice a small lump or abscess where your baby received their BCG vaccine . Here's what you need to know:

What's Normal:
- A small, firm bump at the injection site
- Possible redness or slight swelling
- The bump might slowly develop into a small ulcer
- If the baby develops enlarged, tender lymph nodes in the armpit about protection against tuberculosis. CG vaccine. Here's what you need to know:

When to Reach Out:
- If the lump grows larger than 1cm and a large abscess appears
- Significant redness spreading beyond injection site
- Signs of fever lethargy poor feeding
- The area looks infected or very painful
- If the baby develops enlarged tender lymph nodes in the armpit

Remember: This reaction is actually a sign that your baby's immune system is responding exactly as it should 💕

29/10/2025

My love language is helping children live the kind of lives they deserve to. Pain-free and healthy.

Their love language? The artwork that lines the walls of my office - each drawing a testament to the joy, resilience, and hope of childhood.

These little masterpieces fill every space in my heart with gratitude. A reminder of why I chose pediatrics - to nurture, protect, and celebrate every precious life.

This is more than a profession. It’s a calling 💕


16/10/2025

Our brave Ayden spent one month in the ICU on a ventilator, fighting for his life.
He developed every complication possible, and his diagnosis carried a very poor prognosis.

At one point, he suffered a cardiac arrest and required prolonged CPR. We did everything we could for our sweet boy, but his condition continued to deteriorate.

It seemed like all hope was gone, but then everyone came together in prayer. We never stopped believing, and with each passing day, Ayden grew stronger and began to defy the odds.

He had left the ICU smiling and talking.

We have all witnessed a true miracle.

A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible doctors, physiotherapists and nursing staff who cared for and helped to manage our precious Ayden with such dedication.

Advances in research have led to a shift in our guidance to introducing peanuts to infants. Introducing peanuts at a you...
06/10/2025

Advances in research have led to a shift in our guidance to introducing peanuts to infants.

Introducing peanuts at a young age (around 4-6 months) may help prevent food allergies
If your baby has a suspected food allergy or food intolerance to a specific food we should develop a personalized strategy for your family, Feel free to schedule an appointment with me by calling 031 904 6033

Worried you're not doing enough activities, songs, or stimulation?Take a deep breath. Your baby's developing mind flouri...
30/09/2025

Worried you're not doing enough activities, songs, or stimulation?

Take a deep breath. Your baby's developing mind flourishes most from your love, eye contact, and the soothing sound of your voice.

Sometimes, less is actually more; too much stimulation can overwhelm their little systems.

Your responsive, loving care is exactly what nurtures healthy development. If you ever have any concerns about your baby, please feel free to schedule an appointment with me by calling 031 904 6033

Sweet mama, motherhood is one of life's most beautiful gifts... and it can also feel like a lot sometimes.It's completel...
25/09/2025

Sweet mama, motherhood is one of life's most beautiful gifts... and it can also feel like a lot sometimes.

It's completely natural to wonder when you'll feel like "you" again.
Here's a gentle reminder: 80% of new parents experience these feelings of adjustment.

Small moments of self-care are like little gifts to yourself - a peaceful nap, a quiet walk, even a warm shower without interruption.

If feelings of sadness linger for more than two weeks, please call me on 031 904 6033. You're not alone and support is always available at my rooms.

Support our Cupcakes 4Kids with Cancer initiative on 2 September 2025… every contribution matters!
12/08/2025

Support our Cupcakes 4Kids with Cancer initiative on 2 September 2025… every contribution matters!

To the extraordinary women who multitask with grace, keep radiating….. HAPPY WOMENS DAY
09/08/2025

To the extraordinary women who multitask with grace, keep radiating….. HAPPY WOMENS DAY

Address

Kingsway Hospital, Suite 104, 1st Floor, Medical Centre
Durban
4001

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday 09:00 - 16:00
Friday 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday 09:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+27319046033

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr Melissa Chettiar posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Dr Melissa Chettiar:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category