COUNTERING BABY ACNE AND INSECT BITES

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 Ÿ?? 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.

Understanding Your Baby Crying

Most of you would agree that apart from sleeping and feeding, crying is the most common behaviour seen in newborn babies. No matter what part of the day or night, mothers have the in-built alarm that rings, when the child cries. When the infant reaches the stage of 6-8 weeks, crying is at its summit. Do not worry, as this phase is temporary and this too shall pass! Most important is understanding the messages your child conveys through his/her crying. Have you been having a difficult time understanding the meaning behind your little one’s crying?

Do you know that infants cry for approximately three hours a day? Have you observed that most of this crying and sulking happens during late afternoons and sometimes evenings as well? However, this doesn’t apply to all babies alike, as there could be exceptions. Some babies are unusually calm and it is always good to seek medical help in these cases too. 

Babies communicate through their crying and when you respond on time consistently, they feel reassured and safe. This sense of safety helps in promoting the overall development of the child. Some babies cry incessantly and with no apparent reason which can be described as colic. We have in detail explained about colic in another feature of the Ÿ??Happy Kids series. Please feel free to reach out to us if you want to have an e-copy of the same. 

Babies cry primarily for reasons such as, when they feel hungry,  irritated, lonely, etc. It is good when you feed your baby on time and when you feed your baby immediately after he/she cries,  the baby will also feel a sense of reassurance and safety. In some cases, the crying decreases as the needs are taken care of. Here  are some quick tips and precautions: 

  • Sometimes the baby might need a nappy change or just a  cuddle or a gentle hug. Holding the baby will help to comfort the baby soon.  
  • You can also try singing a soft tune to your baby.  
  • Gently rhythmically pat your baby and this works like magic for most babies.  
  • A little bit of movement can help divert the attention of your baby when he/she starts crying. Take your baby for a little walk and see the change.  
  • On this note, please donŸ??t carry your baby to noisy public places such as cinema theatres, auditoriums, etc. The huge sounds can cause distress for your baby and also hurt their gentle ears.  

While it is important to calm your baby down and comfort with cuddles and cooing, it is equally crucial for you to take care of your well-being. The constant crying and sometimes your inability to soothe your baby into calmness might be a stressful experience for you. In case you are unable to take the strain,  please talk to your spouse and family members and seek help in taking care of the child. In case you want to speak to someone for professional advice, do consult your doctor if needed. 

The key is to quickly respond to the baby’s cries and you will see a difference for yourself. Babies need attention and every parent/caretaker is required to give that care always. For more information on baby crying and related topics, talk to  our experts.

Breastfeeding And Its Countless Benefits

Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. Trust that you cherish every moment with your little bundle of joy. Every mother goes through a phase of self-doubt and wants to offer the best care possible. One of the primary aspects of caregiving is breastfeeding.

Despite the divided opinion, do you know that breast milk is undeniably the perfect nourishment that you can give to your child? The medical community globally recommends breastfeeding for the first six months that can be continued with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, food grains, etc.

It is a personal decision. However, we would like to help you with information related to the benefits of breastfeeding. Ultimately, it is your choice!

Some quick facts on breast milk:

1. Do you know that breast milk-fed babies have a faster recovery rate from sickness or infections when compared to formula-fed babies? 

2. Are you aware that breastfeeding reduces the crying spells in young ones and also helps them through the vaccination phase? 

3. Do you know that breastfeeding helps in comforting and soothing the baby when in pain or discomfort? 

4. Are you aware that a new-born baby would require 8-12 feeding sessions in a day? 

5. Do you know that colostrum, the yellowish, thick milk  produced in the first few days is very beneficial for your baby It is potent with antibodies. 

6. Are you aware the breast milk is easily digestible for your  baby?  

With the perfect combination of vitamins, protein, and fat, breast milk is essential for your baby’s good health and growth.

Here are some benefits: 

You will be glad to know that breastfeeding can prevent diseases such as allergies, respiratory tract infections, diabetes, etc. It’s in your hands to minimize the risks.

For better immunity and a higher IQ, breastfeeding is an easy  solution. This will help your baby will grow into a healthy and  smart child. 

Due to the beneficial gut bacteria consumed through breastfeeding, your child can maintain a healthy weight and  have a reduced risk of childhood obesity. 

In addition to the innumerable benefits ensured to your child, breastfeeding will help you in these ways: 

Do you wish to drop off the extra pounds gained during  pregnancy? Breastfeeding will help you get back to your pre pregnancy weight by burning of fat and calories. 

Minimize the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in the future. By caring for your child, you are also caring for yourself. 

Research says that mothers who breastfeed their babies are at a lower risk of depression. Breastfeeding helps in your mental and emotional well-being.  

Being diagnosed with infertility itself may distress you. You should give yourself at least 3-6 months and start preparing your body for IVF. You may have lesser time than 3-6 months. It’s best to start preparing yourself physically and emotionally for an experience lasting for months.

In a nutshell, breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to your baby and you. It is a healthy, effortless, and cost-effective way of child  care. It is a precious and most personal gift that you can give to  your child. A joyful and hassle-free motherhood experience is on  your way. Have you made the choice yet? For more information on the countless advantages of  breastfeeding, talk to our experts.

Understanding Colic

 

Every mother loves to see the smiles of her child but not the painful crying. It would be quite stressful for mothers, especially new mothers to see her baby crying. Every parent would have been through such a situation. Are you concerned with your little one’s crying? One of the causes is colic and every parent needs to understand more about this condition. 

Colic is prolonged and intense crying or irritability in a healthy infant. Do you know that about 1 in 5 babies have colic? This kind of episode can start from three weeks of age and gradually subside when the baby is 3-4 months. How can you detect that your baby is suffering from colic? Check out for signs when your baby cries uninterruptedly even after a cuddling session with the mother. 

Some important aspects of colic that you need to know are: 

  • Painful crying with screeching, screaming quality 
  • Crying without a definite reason even after a feed and diaper change 
  • Continued irritability even after the crying episode has ended 
  • Discolouration of the face and stiffened legs & arms  
  • Crying episodes happen around the same time every day
  • Interrupted and erratic sleep schedules 

Food allergies, issues in the digestive system, etc. are some of the possible causes. Though it does not cause severe medical issues to the child, it is a stressful time for the parents. Don’t fret about this situation as this is a regular aspect of the baby’s early growth phase and won’t last forever. To help alleviate pain, you can try some of these easy home interventions: 

  • Lay your baby on his/her tummy, or give a nice, gentle rub on the tummy 
  • Wrap around a soft blanket around your baby and hold  him/her close to you 
  • Lay your baby on your lap and give a gentle massage on the  back 
  • To calm your baby down, a pacifier is a good go-to solution
  • Give a nice, warm bath to your baby

While you are taking care of your baby with colic, ensure to take care of yourself. Plan out the colic care schedule with your spouse so that you can have a few hours to unwind and vice versa. While music can soothe your child while having a colic spell, it can work wonders on you and help you overcome anxiety. Wear your headphones and listen to some pleasant music while you are tending your baby. Sometimes, a little sharing can be helpful. Speak to a friend or a counsellor if you need a listening ear. This can help you beat the blues. 

We hope that you understand colic in a better manner. Though it might not be a major matter of concern; it is always good to know about colic and if there’s anything more than the usual,  medical help is always available. Understand the symptoms of colic in terms of the frequency of episodes, patterns, etc. 

In case your baby experiences more discomfort and cries  intensely more than the regular norm, talk to our experts. 

New-Born Baby Care Essentials – 10 Essential Things To Know!

 

Motherhood is a continuous learning experience. Are you ready to journey through some essentials to learn more about your little one? Here are 10 things to know about your new-born baby: 

1. Baby feed: Your baby may often feel hungry. Make sure to feed your baby every 2-3 hours. Please don’t be tempted to feed your baby with solids to keep the stomach full. Strictly, no solids,  please. 

2. Holding with care: Holding a newborn baby can be a frightful experience. However, holding your baby for 2 hours in a day can be soothing. Holding your baby can promote breastfeeding,  improves confidence in the baby, and also strengthens the bond between the baby and the parent. Hold your bundle of happiness close to your heart. You will see the difference! 

3. Baby products: Use products free from fragrances and chemicals. As your baby might be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances or chemicals, it is always the best way forward to use gentle and safe products, namely soaps, powders, lotions, etc. 

4. Massages: Give gentle massages as it will help your baby relax. Massages help to promote development in muscles and keep tummy problems at bay. Massaging will also help your confusion as you would not know the real cause of your baby’s crying Ÿ?? whether it is hunger, pain, discomfort, etc. Gradually,  you will become better at this. Understand and respond! 

8. Diaper changes: Do you know that your baby might require frequent diaper changes? Prepare mentally for this routine. On average, you might require to change the diaper approximately 6-10 times a day. This will help to avoid any discomfort your baby might undergo due to frequent discharge of urine or stool. Check your baby’s diapers after every feeding session. 

9. Tummy time: Ensure that your baby spends more time on his/her tummy during his/her waking time as this will promote strength in the back muscles. However, please take care that your baby doesn’t sleep on the tummy. 

10. Umbilical cord: Don’t be in a hurry to clip off the remnant of the umbilical cord. If you apply even little force or do anything to remove the umbilical cord unnaturally, this can lead to infections. Just keep it dry. It will fall off on its own. 

For more information on new-born care essentials, talk  to our experts.

COVID Vaccination & Baby Care post pregnancy

COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination:

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:

  1. might be 3 times more likely to be treated at the ICU
  2. may require advanced life support and a breathing tube
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Expression of breastmilk has many other benefits including the mother’s renewed ability to breastfeed after recovery.
  3. The helper should observe and maintain all the safety protocols under the obstetrician’s guidance.
  4. 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:

  1. Fasten the mask recommended by the obstetrician or medical staff while breastfeeding.
  2. Replace the mask promptly under the obstetrician’s or medical staff’s supervision.
  3. Avoid the reuse of the masks under any circumstances.
  4. Unbutton or unwrap the mask from behind instead of touching the frontal sections.
  5. Wash the hands regularly using the sanitizer as per the obstetrician’s guidelines.
  6. Regularly disinfect the surfaces around using the disinfectant recommended by the obstetrician/medical staff.

Which foods increase breast milk?

A healthy pregnancy and childbirth skyrocket you to cloud nine. Another phase of affection and mushiness approaches you right after childbirth. That’s right! It’s about how a mother starts feeding her munchkin. Good pregnancy care is the doorway to many subsequent reasons to celebrate. And motherhood sets out to become a complete pack of elation when a new mother starts feeding her new-born. 

Mother nutrition is yet another subject of importance both during and after the pregnancy. A few important tips for new mothers may help them make the most out of their newfound motherhood. Manufacture of milk functions like a supply and demand system. The mother’s body provides milk in response to the demand received. Distributing the right proportion of milk regularly from the breasts is critical to consolidating and maintaining an ample milk supply.

Here’s how you can start:

A. The first few days after childbirth are most important. Make sure you regularize skin to skin contact from birth. 

B. You may have a regular attendant or lactation consultant at the hospital. Ask them to audit positioning and latch techniques. It will help you maximize effective breastfeeding.

C. Feed your baby each time you notice the signs of hunger in him/her. The signs may include but may not be limited to licking lips, fondling the mouth and tongue thrusting. 

D. It’s obvious and usual for the babies to expect to breastfeed as often as every 1-3 hours. Breastmilk is digestible and wholesome. It’s recommended to breastfeed the baby frequently. 

E. Hunger cues in babies are important. Avoid using pacifiers at least until the milk supply is well established. Once the baby starts gaining weight, it would be the right time to resort to pacifiers. But using pacifiers in early motherhood may decrease milk supply. They might even lead to weight loss in a baby.?˜

And below is the list of foods to regularly include in your diet and enjoy breastfeeding your munchkin. These are the foods that will increase your breast milk.

  • Unripe Papaya:

As your journey from motherhood progresses to a new phase, you may plan on a diet that suits your nutritional requirements. Unripe papaya functions as a natural sedative. It allows you to relax. You may consider using the unripe papaya even in your salad preparations. Many Asian countries consider unripe papaya as a noteworthy galactagogue. 

  • Carrots:

A carrot is a root vegetable. Being a rich source of Vitamin A, carrot boosts the quality of milk production. Carrots facilitate healthy lactation. You may consider eating raw carrots in salads or enjoy them as juice. Take a cup of carrot juice for your breakfast. Carrots are readily available worldwide and are the facilitators of healthy lactation. 

  • Asparagus:

Asparagus is a rich source of fibre, vitamin A and vitamin K. It stimulates the hormones responsible for lactation. You may consider using asparagus as a garnish on your favourite delicacies or saut?? it with your desired snack.?˜

  • Barley:

Barley facilitates lactation. It helps keep your water levels healthy. You may use barley in your favourite salad. Soak the barley overnight and drink the water the next day. 

  • Bitter gourd:

Bitter gourd shines out as a nutritious vegetable with many features. The water content in bitter gourd boosts healthy levels of hydration. Being easy to digest, it helps boost a healthy production of breastmilk. Most of us dislike bitter gourd for its bitter taste. We can, however, make it far more palatable and tastier with recipes available nowadays online and in magazines. 

  • Sweet potato:

Energy is one of the irreplaceable aspects of a healthy pregnancy. While facilitating trimester care, pregnant women count on the foods that energize them. Sweet potato is a rich source of carbohydrates providing energy. B-Complex, vitamin c and magnesium are the other important vitamins present in it. You may use sweet potato in various regional and national delicacies. It’s easy to cook and available almost everywhere. 

  • Almonds:

Dry fruits are revered worldwide for various properties and health benefits. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Full of polyunsaturated fats, almonds make a fabulous choice for all who want nuggets of nutrition. Raw almonds are a favourite food for many dynamic people worldwide. You may consider using almond supplements to boost a healthy milk supply. Baked and roasted almonds make memorable snacks worldwide. We love them for their health benefits and a piquant aroma. Many doctors prescribe almonds for nursing mothers. 

  • Water:

We often love drinking a large dose of water after an hour of strenuous workout. And when the climate becomes warm, cool water is something we love relying on. How can we overlook water while considering breast milk production? Hydration is an irreplaceable part of a diet dedicated to healthy milk production. Enjoy every glass at regular intervals or sporadically. Don’t consume a large amount in a go. 

  • Milk:

The nutritional value of breastmilk plays a crucial role in shaping your baby’s health. Milk is a rich source of healthy fats, calcium and folic acid. These are the nutrients helpful not only in the production but also the nutrition of the breastmilk produced. Enjoying a glass of milk twice a day may facilitate ample milk production. 

  • Chickpeas:

?˜Chickpeas are known for various health benefits. Chickpeas are also regarded as a superfood rich in fibre, protein and B-complex. Being a source of calcium, chickpeas may aid breast milk production.?˜

You may include various other food items in your platter. They may be Fenugreek seeds, garlic, green leafy vegetables, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds and holy basil// ensure that you are producing enough breastmilk?

  1. Healthy breastfeeding will be comfortable for you and your baby. It will involve nil to negligible pain. 
  2. A healthy daily schedule of feeds involves at least 8 to 12 feeds a day. 
  3. It’s a good sign that your baby wishes to feed often. Breastmilk is easily digestible and your baby may enjoyably nurse again and again. Most healthy babies prefer breastfeeding every 1.5 to 2 hours. 
  4. When you produce enough breastmilk, your breasts tend to feel mushier and lighter after every feed.
  5. Assess your baby’s reflexes each time your baby swallows while feeding.
  6. After each healthy feed, your baby would be off the breast on his/her own. 
  7. Check your baby’s weight regularly.
  8. You may prefer getting your munchkin assessed regularly by a good paediatrician.
  9. Don’t feel apprehensive if you notice weight loss in your baby immediately after birth. This may resolve within five to six days after birth. 
  10. By the end of the fourteenth day, he or she will be back to the original weight carried at birth. 
  11. Nurse your baby regularly so that the milk gets removed from the breast properly at definite intervals. 
  12. You may prefer nursing your munchkin at a frequency of 1.5 to 2 hours. 

What foods to avoid while breastfeeding?

You may have just discovered that you might be pregnant. You are already feeling the excitement. And congratulations on starting one of the best phases of your life. However, your diet in pregnancy and breastfeeding influences your baby’s health in various ways. Breastfeeding care is also one of the most important subjects in postpartum health. The pre-pregnancy period gives you ample time to decide on the right diet and healthy lifestyle choices. 

Healthy breastfeeding diet – what does it mean?

A healthy pregnancy diet or breastfeeding diet doesn’t just mean eating for two. The facts may contradict a few beliefs prevailing today. The onset of the 3rd month of pregnancy implies that you just need an extra 200-300 kcal per day in addition to your diet before pregnancy. A healthy diet involves a mixture of various food items that satiate your nutritional requirements. Add lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils with a small amount of dairy and meat if and as needed. 

What are the foods to avoid while breastfeeding?

While dietary essentials and multivitamins prescribed by your obstetrician/dietician are important, you should avoid certain foods and lifestyle habits while breastfeeding. 

Below are the foods to avoid while breastfeeding:

  • Fish with high mercury:

The consumption of fish high in mercury level or other foods with mercury may affect breastfeeding. Breast milk with high mercury levels may interfere with your baby’s neurological development. If your obstetrician asks you to avoid seafood, avoid it strictly. If you love to eat fish or seafood, make sure that you don’t exceed two portions a week. 

  • Peanuts:

It’s best to avoid peanuts if your family has a history of allergies to peanuts. The allergens in the peanuts might progress into the production of breastmilk. They may hamper your baby’s health. As a result, the baby may suffer from various health issues. The disorders may include hives or rashes and at times, cough with wheezing. Even a small consumption of peanuts ends up complicating the production and nutritional value of your breastmilk. 

  • Alcohol:

Never drink alcohol in pregnancy. Even occasional drinking is forbidden in certain cases. Alcohol tends to cross the placenta and hamper your baby’s growth in various ways. It may create physical, mental or growth issues in babies. Most obstetricians will forbid you from drinking alcohol the day you conceive. Avoiding alcohol while breastfeeding is as important as avoiding it throughout pregnancy.  

  • Citrus fruits:

Citrus fruits are known to give a sense of relaxation. They are perhaps the best source of Vitamin C. But they can interfere with your baby’s tummy as they are acidic. Babies have an amateur gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it’s hard for their gastrointestinal tract to digest the acidic components. Babies may develop rashes and start spitting up after you breastfeed them. Although grapefruits and oranges can be fussy during breastfeeding, you won’t have to remove them from your diet. If you think you are prone to their adverse effects, opt for the other vitamin-C rich fruits. You may consider including pineapples or mangoes in your diet. 

  • Broccoli:

Broccoli is a vegetable that offers dozens of health benefits. But if you are to breastfeed your munchkin, avoid Broccoli. If you will breastfeed your baby after consuming Broccoli, your baby may develop flatulence or gassiness. Even onions, cauliflower, cabbage and cucumber cause flatulence. It’s best to avoid or restrict them while you breastfeed your baby. 

  • Coffee:

The various ways caffeine impacts the foetus are under scientific scrutiny. The amount of caffeine in coffee is double the amount in cocoa, colas and tea. Try to limit your coffee intake or abstain from it throughout your breastfeeding phase. Some portion of caffeine from the coffee you regularly consume may end up in your breast milk. Insomnia and irritability are the two main signs that caffeine in your breastmilk is affecting your child’s health. Caffeine may cause other detrimental effects. It may include a decrease in the levels of haemoglobin. Caffeine hampers the iron content in the milk interfering with the baby’s overall nutrition. 

  • Chocolate:

Chocolate, tea and coffee have a common feature. They stimulate the brain. They are the stimulants that uplift your mood. Chocolate is a rich source of Theobromine. Theobromine is known for an effect similar to caffeine. You might be a chocoholic. But it’s time now to take a break. If you are breastfeeding, restrict the occasions you prefer chocolate or chocolate drinks on. Analyse the way your baby behaves if you breastfeed your baby after enjoying your favourite chocolate. If you see irritation and crankiness in your baby, it’s a likely sign that chocolate traces in your breastmilk are affecting your baby. The erratic and grumpy behaviour of your baby becomes more evident if you consume over 750 mg of Theobromine every day. It may cause insomnia in the mother as well. 

  • Peppermint:

Herbs are known to cure old ailments. They act as a remedy when you have almost no other alternative around. They are helpful specifically if you are allergic to certain medications. But when the herbs like peppermint are taken in large doses, they may interfere with the production of breastmilk. The mothers who are lactating should always avoid peppermint. 

  • Garlic:

Breastmilk is vulnerable to various dietary habits and lifestyle choices. The smell of garlic may interfere with the smell of breastmilk. If your baby develops apathy or discomfort while nursing, it’s likely that your baby dislikes the breastmilk. Many babies start frowning when they encounter the smell of garlic. It’s better to avoid garlic when you are breastfeeding. 

  • Dairy products:

Food intolerances and food allergies are growing nowadays due to various reasons. Some babies may develop intolerance to cow milk. Allergens may enter breast milk if the mother is lactating and consuming dairy products in high quantity. Stop consuming dairy products temporarily if you see your baby developing an allergic reaction after you breastfeed your baby. Skin allergies, eczema and insomnia may follow if your baby is allergic to the breastmilk with traces of dairy products. Replace high-fat dairy products with something like organic food products or toned milk. 

What Time Is the Right Time to Stop Seeing a Paediatrician?

Finding the right paediatrician is very important because they take care of your child’s heath. They are involved in every milestone of the child. In short, the period during childhood to adulthood is where paediatricians play a massive role in our children’s lives. And while it is hard to think about bidding farewell to our go-to family child doctor, at a certain point, we must say goodbye.

But a popular wonder among parents and young youths (soon turning adults) is, ‘what time is the right time to stop seeing a paediatrician’. Well, generally the common consensus is- once a child turns 18, that is when they gradually shift to a general doctor. However, sometimes, people continue to see their paediatrician even until 21 years of age (i.e., college graduation). 

Should you continue to see your paediatrician even into adulthood? 

There are many reasons patients even after turning adults continue to visit their paediatricians. Some of the reasons may include intellectual disabilities, doctor-patient familiarity, etc. However, in other cases, patients suffering from lifelong illness experience a hard time switching and thus, they stick to their childhood doctor. Among the reasons, some of them include-

College stress: 

Leaving for college can be a scary feeling for many children- new environment, new faces, overwhelming study pressures, etc. All these factors may not give them a chance to find a new doctor or even make them feel more comfortable to visit their already familiar paediatrician. 

Lifelong illness: 

Patients who ail with chronic conditions such as intellectual disabilities continue to see their paediatricians even into adulthood- to avoid the emotional trauma of having to confide in someone new. Other conditions that make transitioning to adult care difficult include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, etc. 

If you’re looking for?˜the best paediatrician in Noida, many multi-speciality hospital chains provide holistic child care such as Motherhood Hospital- Mother Hospital is a Leading Chain of Women & Child Care Hospitals with the best gynaecologists, the best obstetricians, and?˜the best paediatrician in Noida.?˜

10 things to do for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby

During your pregnancy, you’ll get advice from everyone about how to keep yourself and your baby healthy. And choosing to stay healthy depends on you.  Below are the top 10 ways to keep you and your baby healthy.

  • See your gynaecologist as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and keep visiting the specialist once a week for the first three months.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Take folic acid for at least the first three months and vitamin D for the whole duration of your pregnancy and beyond.
  • Maintain hygiene in all aspects food, utensils, hands, etc.
  • Exercise regularly as it benefits you, and therefore your baby.
  • Cut out alcohol, quit smoking and cut down on caffeine.
  • Get adequate rest including sound sleep.
  • Attend a childbirth class. It will help you feel more prepared for delivery.
  • Check your medications: Talk to your gynaecologist before taking any medicine.
  • Track your weight: Gaining extra kilos may make it hard to lose weight later. Also, not gaining adequate weight can put the baby at risk for a low-weight birth.

Book an appointment at Motherhood Hospitals. It offers a complete birthing experience to couples by hand-holding them through their journey towards parenthood. We have a team of obstetricians/gynaecologists who are highly experienced in pregnancy care and birthing. With the highest standards of clinical competency, backed by state-of-art technology and proven protocols, Motherhood is committed to offering the best outcomes for the mother and child.

Services we offer include:

Comprehensive pregnancy care, preconception care, pregnancy care, high-risk pregnancy care, 3D/4D ultrasound, early pregnancy scan, NT scan, anomaly scan, growth scan, maternal-foetal medicine, vaccination, antenatal classes, diet and nutrition plan by clinical dietician, exercise during pregnancy designed by highly experienced physiotherapist, antenatal workshops, Lamaze, lactation counselling, postnatal nutrition, postnatal fitness, 24×7 emergency care