Family planning is the right of everybody where it depends upon the couples whether they choose to have a baby or not. Family planning allows you to understand the importance of pregnancy spacing and the factors that are to be considered before trying to conceive. If you are planning on for a pregnancy, you should also know about the care your child will require at different stages of life.
Quick Fact: Many unplanned pregnancies can occur in the very few months after giving birth to a child.
Family Planning
It is always better to plan your pregnancy so that you are ready for conception or otherwise. While you may not be ready to have a child for some years, family planning gives you another benefit to prepare and time your pregnancy as well. For those who already have a child, trying for another pregnancy can be question they might be pondering upon. Therefore, spacing between pregnancy becomes also important where your preferences matter. While the research suggests than you should plan your second pregnancy after 18 to 24 months, but keeping this space below five years is considered better.
When it comes to not having a baby, it is better to look out if you are having unprotected intercourse. Talking to your doctor and conferring with the use of contraceptives can help you plan your life accordingly.
Child Care
If you planned to go ahead with pregnancy and start your family, you need to be committed towards the care and development of your child as well. It is up to the parents to ensure their child is safe, stimulating and growing in the environment along with yielding opportunities for his development. Parents need to understand that how children grow and how to respond to their needs as well. Besides, they should also make up to the clean and safe environment around them along with looking upon their nutritional requirements.
At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist who are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological needs, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.
Do take an appointment with the best women and childcare hospital at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.
Consultant – Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Lullanagar, Pune
Is your child refusing to eat a proper diet? Are you worried about his immunity? Whenever the weather changes, kids become susceptible to many diseases such as cold, flu, throat infections and stomach infections.
Immunity is the shield that protects your child from all ailments and helps them live a healthy life. Therefore, you must provide immune booster supplements as their daily supplements.
Importance of immunity-building foods
The immunity level to fight infections in the child tends to decline due to various factors such as sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, consumption of junk food, and stress. To maintain optimum immunity levels, it is essential to take a proper diet full of nutrients and immunity booster food that will help build immunity in the body. Under-nourished children that live in poverty suffer from malnutrition and low immunity. They are more vulnerable to diseases and health disorders.
The micronutrients that are vital immunity-builders and makes a healthy and balanced diet are zinc, iron, copper, selenium, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C and E.
Let’s discuss the food items that includes these immunity boosters.
Sweet potato: Sweet potato is rich in vitamin B6. It is essential in building better immunity as it is also rich in protein, potassium, Vitamin A and fibre.
Banana: Banana is regarded as one of the best immunity boosters as it contains high levels of vitamin B6. It is also a comfortable food for toddlers as they can easily consume it in cereals or smoothies or can eat it as a whole fruit.
Chickpea: A child having zinc deficiency can suffer from impairment of both phagocyte and lymphocyte cell functioning. Chickpeas consist of Vitamin B6 and Zinc and greatly help prevent this deficiency.
Walnut: Another source of zinc is walnut. Nuts like walnuts, almonds are easy to incorporate in the child’s diet as you can give it in the form of smoothies or crackers or even energy bars. Kids love that!
Jaggery: Jaggery is a prime source for iron which helps increase immunity in kids. Jaggery can easily replace sugar because of its sweet taste. You can incorporate jaggery with chapati, or make sweet toffees with it which are all-time favourites.
Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are not one of most favourite vegetables for kids, it is a great source of vitamin A. Consumption of pumpkin can provide immunity against diseases like diarrhoea, measles and so on. Excess consumption of pumpkin can cause toxicity. Therefore, it should be consumed in a natural, balanced diet.
Curd: Curd naturally contains bifidobacterium or lactobacillus which are non-pathogenic bacteria, also known as good bacteria. These are probiotics that are known to be great immunity boosters and provide protection against diseases like diarrhoea.
Berries: Berries are colourful, tasty and full of antioxidants. These are regarded as the best immunity food for both kids and adults. Berries reduce the risk of cell damage and help in boosting the immunity system. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries or raspberries are nutritiously delicious and are generally liked by kids.You can serve these as it is or can prepare milkshakes, custards or smoothies.
Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, limes, or grapefruit are all classified as citrus fruits. The citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. They are juicy and mouth-watering which are liked by the kids. Not only Vitamin C, these citrus fruits are the source of Vitamin B, magnesium, antioxidants, phosphorus and potassium. This is why they are among the best immunity boosting foods.
Dry fruits and seeds: Dry fruits and seeds are the major source of providing immunity. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews in dry fruits and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, healthy fats, fibres and vitamins. They can be served with hot milk.
At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best fetal medicine specialists in Lullanagar, Pune.We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.
Do take an appointment with the best Fetal Medicine hospital in Lullanagar, Pune at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.
Rice, mashed potato, or small pieces of fruits? Are
you worried about your baby’s menu while introducing him or her to solid foods?
Have you set a date for making him eat solid foods? Are you confused about when
to make your baby eat those solid foods? Many moms get plenty of
advice from family members, friends, or even relatives regarding what a baby
should eat and avoid but this can only make the matters worse as everyone has a
different opinion. So, it will be a tough choice for you to decide what to give
your baby. But, we solve your problem as we give you a complete list of solid
foods that you must include in your baby’s diet plan. Read on to know more
about this and get going!
Are you aware? Your baby
is ready to eat those solid foods when they are about 4 months to 6-months-old.
It is no brainer that your baby’s digestive system wouldn’t be fully developed
to digest solid foods. Thus, it is essential to introduce solid foods at the
right time. Not too early or not too late. Every child is different. It is
essential to know whether the child is ready to have solid foods. So, looking
for few signs will allow you to determine whether your child is ready. When you
notice that your baby has gained good neck control, shows an interest when you
are having food by looking into your plate, attempts to reach out to your food,
or even tries to open mouth when you try to offer him/her food. It is a known
fact that most babies will show signs of eating solid foods around 6 months. Introduce solid foods when you and your baby
are relaxed.
The signs that your baby
is hungry are the baby will be excited to see that the food is ready and
leaning towards you when you have the plate of food. The signs your baby is not
interested in include pushing the spoon away, shutting the mouth while you try
to feed her/him, and turning the head away. Try to feed your baby just a
spoonful of the amount and later move onto those larger portions. Instead of
placing food in the front, you must try to place it on the tongue. Allow
him/her to suck the food. Make sure that the foods are properly mashed, cooked,
pureed, or strained with appropriate texture. Avoid feeding foods like peanuts,
cashew nuts, almonds, or those foods where there is a risk of choking.
Here are some foods that
are ideal for your baby
Vegetables: You can begin withsweet potato, carrot, or even peas. Even if your baby rejects them then just try to feed them the next day. Do not easily give up on feeding your baby.
Cereal: Opt for iron-fortified cereals.You can choose barely and oatmeal.
Fruits: Try to make your baby eat mashed bananas or apples, pears, and even peaches. Even pureed avocado is a good option as it is creamy and jam-packed with healthy fats.
Finger foods: These are small in size and can help your baby grip them properly. Hence, crackers, dry cereals, small pieces of scrambled eggs, and bread can be given to your babies.
Iron-richfoods: These are essential to keep anaemia at bay.Raisins, peanut butter, and spinach can do the trick here.
Follow these tricks while preparing food for your baby
Try to mash or puree the foods until they become smooth. Do not give your child big pieces of food. Foods should be cooked unless they become soft.
In order to make the cereals smooth, try to mix them with formula milk.
It is essential to cut strawberries, grapes, and tomatoes into small pieces.
Remove the skin and bones of the fish before you cook it.
Know what to avoid: Raw fruits and vegetables,popcorn,
raw eggs, large chunks of poultry,and even those raisins which are
uncooked.
Caution: In case, you observe that
your baby has a food allergy then avoid him/her giving those foods. Consult
your doctor regarding the symptoms you observed in the baby after he/she
injected certain foods.
Does your baby have acne? Does it sound strange? Yes, some babies do have acne. Generally, children in their teens develop acne due to hormonal changes. However, in the case of infants, the hormones of the mothers present in the bloodstream of the babies cause acne. In addition to acne that occurs in some babies, insect bites are also a common issue seen in these little fairies. As mothers, it is natural for you to feel concerned about baby acne and insect bites. The good news is that these are minor issues and can be easily addressed with little care and attention.
Baby acne is small, reddish-looking pimples that usually occur in the facial area such as the forehead, chin, cheeks, and eyelids. It usually occurs in a quarter percentage of babies when they are 2-3 weeks old. In some cases, acne can be seen in the neck, back, and chest areas as well. Considering babies have delicate and sensitive skin, it is easier for them to develop acne especially with their under-developed pores attracting dirt and dust in the surroundings. Therefore, it is important to maintain regular cleanliness and hygiene in the baby’s circle of activities.
Here are some tips to take care of when your baby has acne:
For some people, squeezing acne is a natural tendency. However, do remember it is your baby’s skin. Please be patient and deal with baby acne carefully otherwise there are chances of leaving unwanted marks.
When the acne is a little dry, don’t be tempted to scrub them. Instead, always use lukewarm water to cleanse the area gently twice or thrice in a day. Always pat the area dry with a soft towel or baby wipes.
Do not use any chemical-based products or more specifically any adult-use products on your baby’s skin. In case the acne increases and doesn’t naturally subside, it is always better to consult your doctor to treat this skin condition.
Now that we have learned a bit about baby acne, let us also understand another commonly occurring issue in babies ?? insect bites. It is common for babies to have mosquito bites and red ant bites. Though not all insect bites cause many medical issues and are often treatable with lotions and ointments, they can cause a certain level of discomfort to your child. Let us understand how to prevent these irritants and keep the baby’s smiles intact.
Most insect bites are dependent on the weather as certain seasons in a year are breeding grounds for insects. Therefore, it is important for you to keep your indoors safe with nets and baby-friendly repellents.
You can choose to close certain windows and doors to prevent the entry of these insects. However, ensure to keep the baby’s room ventilated with a fresh breeze and adequate light.
While you take your baby on a stroll to the nearby park, please protect your little one with the right clothing and any other steps recommended by your doctor.
Whenever your baby is affected by an insect bite, do remember to remove the stinging tweezers from the skin and clean the affected area with baby soap/wash and water. You can also use cooling natural products such as aloe vera gel or an ice pack to soothe the baby.
We hope that this feature on baby acne and insect bites proved to be informative and useful. For more tips and understanding on these topics, talk to our experts.
Paediatric Endocrinology involves diagnosis, prevention and treatment of children and adolescent populations with endocrinological conditions. The science of Paediatric Endocrinology specializes in the prognosis and treatment of the disorders of the endocrine glands. Dr Venkatachalapathy, a notable paediatric surgeon, explains paediatric endocrinology and its conditions.
The disorders of the endocrine system may include:
Disruptions in physical growth and variations involving lack of physical and sexual development in childhood
What are the objectives of a paediatric endocrinologist?
The objectives of a paediatric endocrinologist include:
understanding the anatomy and functionality of the endocrine system
Identifying the endocrinological diseases linked to the environment
Discovering the chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system
What are the common endocrinological issues in kids?
Endocrine cancers
Hypospadias and Cryptorchidism
Precocious puberty
Diabetes
Obesity
Thyroid disorders
Why do kids suffer from endocrinological disorders?
A few challenges with the endocrine system may create disruptions. Any hormone in excess may complicate paediatric health. Similarly, lack of secretion of a hormone or its scarcity may be harmful to the body. One of the examples may be taller kids owing to the excess of the growth hormone. The lack of growth hormone may disrupt the natural height of kids.
What are the main constituents of the human endocrine system?
The glands that constitute the human endocrine system are:
Reproductive glands
Adrenals
Pineal body
Parathyroids
Thyroid
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Despite being a part of the digestive system, the pancreas is also a part of the endocrine system. The pancreas secretes and produces digestive enzymes. Endocrine glands are those that generate hormones. Pancreas, liver, thymus, lungs, heart, brain and skin, placenta and kidneys are also the organs that release hormones.
Endocrinological disorders and kids:
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism involves excessively high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. There are various symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight loss
B. Protrusive eyes
C. Swollen neck with an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
D. Excessive perspiration
E. Increase in the heart rate
F. Blood pressure or hypertension
G. Tremors
H. Nervousness
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism involves abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. The deficiency of thyroid hormone may slow the body processes. There are various symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
A. slow heart rate
B. Dry skin
C. Fatigue
D. Delay in the puberty
E. Slow growth
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the autoimmune conditions children may suffer. It involves an autoimmune response from the immune system, which ends up blocking thyroid production.
Endemic Cretinism:
Endemic cretinism involves the onset of hypothyroidism during conception. The cause of endemic cretinism is dietary iodine deficiency hindering the normal thyroid hormones. There are various symptoms of endemic cretinism.
The symptoms of endemic cretinism may include:
A. Spastic Dysplasia
B. Problems with Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills. These problems stem from damage to both pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a severe condition involving abnormal elevation of blood glucose. Inadequate insulin production is the primary cause of diabetes. It may lead to serious health concerns, including premature death.
It is already affecting over 220 million people worldwide. Low-income countries and middle-income countries are in the clutches of this illness, with over 80% of deaths linked to these countries.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type-1 diabetes
Type-2 diabetes
Type-1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes stems from an autoimmune process destroying the pancreatic islets. The condition mainly affects kids and youngsters. The main risk factors for diabetes mellitus type 1 may be hereditary, autoimmune or environmental. There are various symptoms of type-1 diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus type-1 include:
A. Excessive thirst
B. Abnormal hunger
C. Weight loss
D. Excessive urination
Are there any risk factors linked to type-1 diabetes?
There are various chemicals or drugs which may trigger diabetes.
They may include:
A. Alloxan
B. Streptozotocin
C. Pentamidine
D. Rodenticides
These are the risk factors that may trigger an autoimmune response. The response may end up destroying the pancreatic islets.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is often called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects over 90% of diabetics worldwide. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are obesity and deskbound lifestyle or inactive lifestyle.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 2 are similar to that of type 1 diabetes. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes remain latent for years to decades. Therefore, the diagnosis may occur later in life. Most patients report that they discovered their diabetes after the complications arose. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is leading to obesity in children worldwide.
Are there any risk factors for diabetes mellitus type 2?
Old age
Family history
History of gestational diabetes
Impairment in the glucose metabolism
Deskbound or sedentary lifestyle
Obesity or being overweight
Hypospadias:
Hypospadias is one of the common birth defects. Hypospadias may affect 1 in 250 newborns. The number has recently doubled. The cause of Hypospadias remains unknown. Some studies correlate it with maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Are there any risk factors for Hypospadias and Cryptorchidism?
Preterm birth may lead to Cryptorchidism. Small gestational age and paternal smoking may lead to hypospadias. Paternal pesticide exposure may be one of the risk factors for Cryptorchidism.
Are there any ways to cope with these problems?
Positive changes in the environment and maintaining an ideal weight are two essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. Youngsters should develop healthy food habits. Parents should encourage their children to eat more organic foods. Children may prefer regular exercise and reduce sedentary lifestyle. Curbing the global problem of obesity requires us to opt for a multidisciplinary approach.
Dr Venkatachalapathy, an expert paediatric surgeon in Hebbal, affirms that it’s necessary to abide by the doctor’s guidance. A paediatric surgery may help diagnose, treat, and manage the surgical needs of kids. Finding a good paediatric surgeon in Bangalore is subject to a general knowledge of endocrinology.
In the past few months, the word immunity has become a commonplace term in our daily life, especially in the current COVID19 scenario. Immunity has achieved enormous importance and everyone is constantly striving to enhance it through various means. As a parent, you would be naturally concerned about your child’s immunity. To make your little one immune to most diseases and infections, understand the importance of immunization.
Vaccines produce immunity through the manufacturing of antibodies in the body that works like the protective agents countering any attack of infectious diseases and other conditions. By following the schedule of timely vaccination, your child can be protected from a lot of diseases such as polio, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis, etc.
In our country, we have various government-run health awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of immunization and some vaccines are available for free at designated centres on scheduled dates. However, every parent needs to be aware and follow the vaccination schedule that starts from the time of birth until the child becomes a teenager.
Today, let’s explore the reasons to immunize your child and gain an understanding of the vaccination schedule you need not miss.
Not only vaccination helps in countering any future dangerous diseases but also helps in controlling the spread among children. This gains significance as children as toddlers have more exposure to the external environment such as schools, play areas, creches, nurseries, etc. Despite the current COVID situation, children are less exposed; it is still recommended to keep a tab of the immunization schedule. Isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? On another note, we hope things get back to normal and our children have a better and safe world to explore and enjoy!
Do you understand that by following a proper vaccination schedule, you can avoid severe health complications, serious illnesses, and hospitalization of your child?
Despite the world not being safe enough to travel right now, wouldn’t you want your child to travel freely without any potential health threats? Are you aware that measles can be contracted during travel? Therefore, it is essential to take the vaccine shots as per the schedule.
Considering our social commitment, it is important to keep our communities free from disease. You can do a small but significant part by taking your child to the doctor for the vaccination procedure. Let us commit to keep our community and country free from the impending dangers of diseases by doing our bit.
Now, let us look at the vaccination schedule to be followed for your child during the early stages:
At birth, you need to vaccinate your child against polio and Hepatitis (B) and also have Bacillus Calmette??Gu??rin (BCG) administered.
When your baby reaches 6 weeks, ensure to have DTP 1, IPV1, Hepatitis B (B2), HIB1, Rotavirus 1, and PCV1 vaccines administered.
At 10 weeks, remember to have your baby vaccinated against HIB2, IPV 2, Hepatitis B (HB 3), Rotavirus 2, and PCV 2.
At 14 weeks, your baby needs to get vaccinated against HIB 3, IPV3, Hepatitis B (HB*4), Rotavirus 3, and PCV 3.
From 6 months until your child enters and completes the teen years, there is a detailed vaccination schedule.
For more information on the importance of vaccination and the various boosters to improve, talk to our experts.
It is often a difficult choice for mothers to make whether to care for the sick baby at home or to seek medical help. When is the right time for a parent to make this important call? Sometimes, what seems like a minor ailment can turn into a major health complication, when left untreated without any proper medical attention. You need not fret for every little thing. Nevertheless, whenever you are in doubt, do not hesitate to take medical guidance as the right professional help can safeguard your precious little one from serious illnesses and severe infections.
In this feature, let us understand the various aspects of seeking medical attention at the right time when your baby falls sick.
High temperature: One of the most important red flags of 0 warning would be fever with a temperature higher than 102 F. It is always better not to delay, especially when you observe that the temperature doesn’t drop even after a day.
Diarrhoea and vomiting: Look out for severe loose motions and vomiting, sometimes with the presence of blood. Irrespective of using quick home remedies, this condition requires immediate medical attention.
Breathing issues: If you observe rapid and heavy breathing in your baby, this could often be connected with lungs and chest congestion. Please do not take this easily as the regular flow of oxygen is very important for your baby’s well-being.
Urinary issues: If your baby has difficulty urinating or passing stool, this could be because of a urinary infection. This can be quite uncomfortable and painful for the baby causing much agony to the parents as well. Timely medical intervention can help resolve the problem.
Vaccinations: As discussed in our earlier article on the importance of immunization, please follow the vaccination schedule for various diseases such as flu, hepatitis, polio, etc. This will help you prevent a whole lot of diseases and improve your baby’s immunity to counter any infections in the future.
Eye problems: If you observe discharge in your baby’s eyes which could be caused due to irritants such as baby products or some allergic substances, then please consult the doctor immediately. Some of the signs to catch are swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes, etc. In such cases, please don’t be tempted to line your kid’s eyes with kohl or kajal. Keep them natural as such beauty enhancers can irritate your baby’s eyes.
Other health-related issues: In cases of persistent sore throat, severe headache, or pain in the stomach area which are commonly occurring symptoms along with fever, please seek medical advice.
Dullness and inactivity: If you observe that your child is not at his/her playful self and exhibits dull and inactive behaviour persistently, then please speak to your doctor. Though the child might not experience overwhelming health issues, sometimes this can be linked to his/her overall well-being and any medical conditions in disguise.
We understand that caring for a sick baby can take an emotional toll on the parent. However, with the right kind of medical attention, you can help your baby regain health and happiness. Please understand that these symptoms or signs may not appear very scary but a little delay on your side can cause a major impact. Our message would be: Don’t worry too much but at the same time, don’t take your baby’s health lightly.
COVID-19 is leaving a significant impact on social, economic, and medical fronts worldwide. Older adults and many other age groups with existing conditions are at higher risk of COVID-19 and its morbidities. Very few cases of COVID-19 are reported in newborn babies. At present, there’s no concrete evidence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 from the infected pregnant ladies to their foetuses. Studies even see no traces of the virus in the samples of breastmilk. Studies, however, warrant preventive measures and sanitary protocols while handling the cases of COVID-19. To prevent the transmission of the virus from mothers to their kids, the women should observe standard protocols while carrying their munchkin or breastfeeding.??
Are there any risks of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy?
A safe vaccine presents itself such that its benefits can outweigh the risks. However, pregnant women need to take the vaccine under obstetric guidance. While taking the vaccine, pregnant women and their obstetricians should oversee the symptoms and medical history. If a pregnant woman has any existing conditions, it may be important to stay under clinical supervision. The vaccines, however, may help safeguard both mother and her child from any future issues. The mother should consider taking as many doses as recommended by the obstetrician. You should wear a mask and maintain social distancing as you previously did even after receiving vaccinations.
How does COVID-19 complicate the pregnancy?
Some women with COVID-19 may develop severe symptoms. Compared with nonpregnant counterparts, women with COVID-19:
might be 3 times more likely to be treated at the ICU
may require advanced life support and a breathing tube
Might have a very low risk of death due to COVID-19
What types of symptoms/conditions can complicate the incidence of COVID-19 in pregnant women?
The risk of COVID-19 infection itself depends upon a pregnant lady coming into contact with someone with COVID-19. You may be at a higher risk of infection specifically if you live in a high-risk area or are in a profession where you come into contact with infected people more frequently. Advanced maternal age may be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Women with several pre-existing health conditions may be at a higher risk of infection. The health conditions may include a body mass index above 35kg/m2, heart diseases, diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension).
Are there any factors to consider before taking the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy?
Eligibility for COVID-29 vaccines may vary from area to area. Healthcare practitioners and staff members are likely to undergo the first vaccination drive. The next category to include in the vaccination drive might be people with certain health conditions, nurses, essential workers, and people above 60 years of age. Since pregnancy is one of the risk factors for severe COVID-19, the condition may make you eligible for the vaccines, depending on the region you are living in.
Below are the factors you may consider discussing with your obstetrician or healthcare provider before taking the vaccine:
Consider taking the vaccine immediately as it’s available for you:
You must take the vaccine under various circumstances. You may consider taking the vaccine promptly if you have additional risk factors such as diabetes, advanced age, high blood pressure (hypertension), or obesity. If you are in a profession including healthcare and if you think you are at risk, take the vaccine as it becomes available to you.
Consider waiting till childbirth to appear for the vaccination:
If your obstetrician confirms that pregnancy may be a risk factor for serious complications, you may consider taking the vaccine after childbirth. It’s beneficial provided you follow the obstetrician’s guidelines properly and uphold safety protocols actively.
Discuss with your obstetrician if you think deferring the vaccination is important:
You may consider postponing the vaccination under various circumstances. A few pregnant women might have exceptional risk factors and uncontained exposures. The onset of the second trimester may minimize the risk of spontaneous abortion. If your obstetrician allows you, you may consider postponing the vaccination until after childbirth.
If the benefits outweigh the risks
If your obstetrician recommends a vaccine whose benefits outweigh the risks after being infected with COVID-19, take the vaccine. However, it’s important to keep the concerned officials in the loop to get the latest updates on vaccine availability. The vaccines may be subject to availability in your vicinity depending on various factors.
Is it likely for the COVID-19 to be transmitted through breastfeeding?
Studies worldwide haven’t yet detected active COVID-19 in the breastmilk of any mother diagnosed with or suspected to carry COVID-19. Therefore, it might be highly unlikely that the breastmilk expressed by a mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can transmit the virus. Researchers are still underway to confirm whether breastmilk can infect the baby with COVID-19 or not.
Can a mother residing in containment zones opt to breastfeed her baby?
Yes, a mother can opt to breastfeed her baby owing to its lifelong health and growth benefits for the baby. Breastfeeding is known to even better the mother’s health. Contrary to the presuppositions, the studies worldwide haven’t detected any chances of breastfeeding infecting the baby. Your obstetrician may recommend you to breastfeed your baby with various safety protocols.
Is immediate skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding safe even if the mother has confirmed or suspected COVID-19?
Of course, it may be safe. Your obstetrician may guide you under various recommended or stopgap precautions. The safety parameters or protocols might be the same worldwide. However, stopgap solutions are a possibility under exceptional circumstances. Immediate and regular skin-to-skin care and kangaroo mother care enhances the thermal regulation of newborn babies. It may also help better various other physiological outcomes in the babies. Neonatal mortality is one of the most important factors to highlight. Keeping the baby close to the mother allows early breastfeeding. It may help curb the chances of neonatal mortality. The enormous benefits of skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care noticeably outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
What are the alternatives if a mother has confirmed COVID-19 or is a PUI?
There are various alternatives to breastfeeding a baby or an infant:
A. Expressed breastmilk:
Hand expression may be a method to avail the breastmilk. Many may use a mechanical pump. It may be subject to the obstetrician’s approval. Both pump expression and hand expression are equally beneficial.
Expression of breastmilk has many other benefits including the mother’s renewed ability to breastfeed after recovery.
The helper should observe and maintain all the safety protocols under the obstetrician’s guidance.
The mother’s decision may also matter while expressing the breastmilk.
B. Donor milk:
In the event of a mother’s inability to express milk, she may consider availing donor’s milk. It may be subject to availability in these tough times.
How to uphold and maintain safety precautions while breastfeeding if the mother has or is suspected to carry COVID-19?
If a mother is diagnosed with or is suspected to carry COVID-19, she must:
Fasten the mask recommended by the obstetrician or medical staff while breastfeeding.
Replace the mask promptly under the obstetrician’s or medical staff’s supervision.
Avoid the reuse of the masks under any circumstances.
Unbutton or unwrap the mask from behind instead of touching the frontal sections.
Wash the hands regularly using the sanitizer as per the obstetrician’s guidelines.
Regularly disinfect the surfaces around using the disinfectant recommended by the obstetrician/medical staff.
By Dr. Shilpi Srivastava, Consultant Physiotherapits, Lactation Expert and Child birth educator, Motherhood Hospital, Noida
Eight-year-old Suresh is enthusiastic about sports and he is so passionate about it that he even doesn’t want to give a break to it if he is sick or met with some injury. Since he doesn’t take adequate rest after meeting such injuries, his body has become prone to wounds and sprain. The health experts even suggest that the tender bones and tissues of children are often subjected to some kind of injuries when they play without taking proper precaution and don’t rest after having a muscle pull or sprain.
Even a report from Centres from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 2.6 million children from 0-19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries. Some sports, which require frequent contact, are more dangerous than others. Contact sports such as football or basketball can be expected to result in a higher number of injuries like sprains and strains than a noncontact sport such as swimming. All kinds of sports can result in an injury either from the trauma of contact with the other players or from overuse or misuse of a body part.
Most frequently occurring injuries
The most common injuries are muscle-joint sprains, bruises, dislocation and fractures and all these occur at frequent injured areas of the body, knee, ankle and shoulder joints. These injuries are short-lived and can be recovered within 10-15 days. According to the experts, only 4 in 10,000 injuries are that severe, which results in quitting sports.
In all these injuries, diagnosis and care play an utmost pivotal role. Since children have soft tissues and bones unlike adults, their X-ray or MRI reports should be carefully evaluated by the pediatric orthopedic or radiation specialists familiar with such kind of reports. Even parents, doctors and faculty members should be cautious enough to give a good-enough time to the kid to resume sports. Unlike movies, they should be refrained from participating in any kind of sports competition during the treatment procedure.
The treatment of such injuries depends on how badly the kid is hurt. Here are some of the options your doctor may give you:
First aid: If the injury is minor, the kid may only need to put ice on your knee, elevate his leg, and stay off his feet for a while. He can reduce swelling by wrapping an ace bandage around his knee. Crutches can help to keep weight off his knee.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce swelling and pain. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications or prescribe something stronger.
Physical therapy: The child may need this a few days a week to get his knee back in working order. During these sessions, he will do exercises to strengthen the muscles around his knee that will help him regain a full range of motion. He may be sent home with exercise to do on your own.
Surgery: The doctor may tell you that you need this if your ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is torn badly. A surgeon will remove the damaged ACL and replace it with tissue to help a new ligament grow in its place. With physical therapy, kids who have surgery can often play sports again within 12 months.
Key Prevention Tips
Take proper time to heal completely
In general, an injury takes 12 to 16 weeks to be fully healed. But mostly, children start feeling better after a span of four weeks or so. And, they often get back to sports. This practice can have serious repercussion on bone health and might lead to disability. So, one should take full prescribed time for resting.
Always wear protective gears
Parents or teachers should create awareness among kids about the importance of wearing right protective gears such as elbow and knee pads, helmets, wrist guards for their activities. Also ensure that all the protective gears are in right condition. For example, avoid wearing such gears which have missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding. Poorly fitting equipment may be uncomfortable and also does not offer the best protection.
Warm up is the key
Before playing any sports, a kid should devote 20 minutes of his/her time in stretching the muscles, side shuffling and warming up. They help in activating muscles and reducing injuries during the sport.
Stay Hydrated
To avoid heat-related injuries or illness, give some time to the child athletes to get their body gradually adjust to the weather conditions. Parents and coaches should make sure that players are hydrated well. Injuries occur when a child is not hydrated or rested well.
Follow the guidelines
Ensure that your child’s sports program or school has an action plan that includes information on how to teach athletes ways to lower their chances of getting a concussion and other injuries. Get more concussion safety tips.
The ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic has forced a large part of the world??s population to stay indoors. But, in India, the government has suggested some relaxations in the lockdown period to revive the economy. The worry now is how to get kids out again without significantly raising the risk of the spread of the disease. One should not forget the fact that the deadly coronavirus hasn??t gone away from our country and we are still in the process of coming up with a vaccine.
Although researchers are working on developing the vaccine, the only way we can prevent the infection is by adhering to the basic guidelines suggested by the health bodies for ourselves and our kids. Managing kids in this lockdown and keeping them safe from a host of potential threats is of importance during this time. Here are some essential dos and don??ts in this regard:
Keep Recently Bought Groceries Out Of Reach Of Kids
By now we are all aware why it is extremely important to be cautious while handling the groceries we bring home every few days. Since any object coming from outside might be a potential virus carrier, make sure that you place all such stuff in a safe and secluded spot in the house which is out of reach of your children. You can place it in the storeroom or in the balcony and lock the door. Do not let the child touch any of these objects before they are thoroughly washed with soap and warm water or cooked.
Sanitise Yourself And Kids Immediately After Returning From Outside
As soon as you are back from grocery shopping or a short cycling session in the park, make sure to have a bath and put the clothes out for laundry. Do not let the child touch any object, be it keys, masks, cap, spectacles, toys etc before they are washed or sanitised.
Ensure Shoes Are Kept Outside
Kids have a habit of touching everything within their reach out of inquisitiveness. It is very important therefore, to strictly separate the shoes you take out. Place a shoe rack outside the house and always leave those shoes out so that the child does not touch them by mistake.
Keep In Touch With The Child??s Pediatrician
If possible, keep in touch with the child??s pediatrician in the case that the child develops fever and common cold. In consultation with the doctor, keep a few basic medicines at home to ensure they are handy when the child needs.
Don??t Delay Your Kids?? Important Vaccinations
Though the infection has brought the world to a standstill, do try to get the child vaccinated where services are available because they protect them from serious diseases. World Health Organisation also warned us, saying immunisation is an essential health service which may be affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic and disruption of immunisation services, even for brief periods, will result in increased numbers of susceptible individuals and raise the likelihood of outbreak-prone vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles.
Be Judicious About Your Choices
As a global society, we can??t say for certain what will happen next ?? whether a sudden surge in new coronavirus cases will make it necessary to reinstitute quarantine measures, as has happened in Singapore and Hong Kong, or, worse still, fears of a more contagious strain come to be. The smart thing to do is remain cautiously optimistic about regaining your freedom to move, but remain realistic that we don??t know what the future holds.
Maintain Respiratory Hygiene In Public Places
It is always a bad habit to cough or sneeze openly in public. Droplets through coughing and sneezing are what had led to such a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Thus, it is recommended to maintain your respiratory hygiene while in public. Cover your mouth with a tissue or cough and sneeze in your folded arm.
Toll Free Number
