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Is Eating Pineapple during Breastfeeding Safe?
Most women are aware that eating fruits during pregnancy and while breastfeeding their baby is quite important, as fruits are extremely nutritious and babies also get the taste of a variety of nutritive elements that support their growth. Including pineapple in a pregnant woman's diet is recommended, especially in the last stage of pregnancy, as it is known to induce labour. However, when it comes to consuming this fruit while nursing, it cannot be surely stated that it is safe for a baby. Since what you eat and drink is ultimately used to form the milk in your body, it indirectly will be consumed by the baby. Therefore, being informed about the safety of eating pineapple is of utmost importance.
Can a Breastfeeding Mom Eat Pineapple?
A mother who is breastfeeding can make pineapples a part of her diet, but only after she has been breastfeeding her baby for about 5-6 months. There are various studies that strongly indicate that a higher presence of citric fruits in the diet of a woman can be harmful to the baby’s body. This also tends to include pineapple, since it has a pretty strong flavour and an acidic content, which could be quite strong for the baby.
Nutritional Value of Pineapples
Pineapples are a pretty important fruit for breastfeeding moms since they are immensely rich in numerous vitamins and a few elements that are very specifically found only in itself. A simple cup full of pineapple chunks contains a nutritional distribution as follows.
Element
Percentage of daily value required
Pantothenic acid
7%
Folate
7%
Fibre
8%
Vitamin B1
11%
Vitamin B6
11%
Copper
20%
Manganese
67%
Vitamin C
105%
Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=34
Benefits of Eating Pineapple for Nursing Moms
While the evidence of pineapple juice increasing breast milk in a lactating woman might not be conclusively proved, there are many other benefits of consuming this fruit for a mother and her baby.
The presence of various substances in pineapple that contain antiemetic and diuretic properties are quite useful for new mothers.
Regular consumption of pineapples is also known to bring about a substantial reduction in the pain experienced in joints and various muscles of the body.
If a mother has an infection of any sort and is not healing, the recovery period can be accelerated by eating pineapples.
The content of fibre and numerous elements help in stimulating the digestive process and treating various disorders of the stomach, as well as constipation, consequently reducing haemorrhoids.
Since consuming pineapples helps in controlling hypertension by diluting the volume of blood as well as removing any blood clots, the health of the cardiological system is improved and the heart remains in an optimal condition.
Any bouts of an extreme headache, dizziness or sleeplessness are highly reduced when including pineapples in your diet.
When and How to Introduce Pineapple to a Breastfeeding Mom's Diet
Before you eat pineapples in the breastfeeding stage, it is essential to get a confirmation from your doctor. Usually, mothers are recommended to wait for their baby to be at least 5-6 months old before consuming pineapples. This is because the immunity system of the baby is still developing early on, and the probiotic organisms are in a vulnerable stage of growth. The introduction of the strong elements of the fruit to the child could cause an allergy or even indigestion, ruining the thriving nature of those bacteria.
Hence, it is best to eat a small portion of a pineapple in the form a pulp in beginning. Once the baby shows no adverse reactions to your milk for a week, you can continue eating pineapple chunks in controlled portions. However, refrain from consuming it on an empty stomach.
Is Canned Pineapple Safe for Nursing Mothers?
While canned pineapples seem juicier and better looking than actual fresh pineapples, they should be strongly avoided by nursing mothers. Not only does the canning process rob the fruit of its important nutritive elements, but the long storage also increases the amount of sugar and calories already present and other chemicals too, which could be harmful.
How to Choose Fresh Pineapples
When going to the supermarket to purchase pineapples, there are certain aspects of the fruit that need to be examined before buying. This ensures you pick only the best and fresh ones every time.
Hold a pineapple close to your ear and tap on it. The sound should be dull or almost absent.
The crust of a fresh pineapple is generally elastic and a bit soft. The tail is also green and separates easily from the fruit.
A ripe pineapple has a peel that has a consistent shade of yellow-brown colour all over, without any blemishes or spots.
How to Prepare, Eat, and Store a Pineapple Safely
To avoid consuming any bacteria or germs that can harm the baby while breastfeeding, it is essential that you clean, prepare, and store a pineapple in a safe and hygienic manner. Here are some tips to keep in mind when consuming pineapple.
Wash your hands and rinse the pineapple thoroughly under running water. This helps in getting rid of any microbes and germs on the surface.
Cut the skin of the pineapple cleanly and cut it into your desired shape and size.
Store the pineapple chunks in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Consume the pineapple within 2 days of refrigeration.
Avoid buying cut pineapple from vendors, as you cannot be assured of the hygiene practices kept in mind while cleaning and cutting it.
The connection between pineapple juice and breastfeeding might not make sense early on since every fruit seems to bring only benefits to the one who eats it. By knowing the right time to eat it and the right way to consume it, a nursing mother can derive benefits from it while ensuring the well-being of her child.
Also Read: Eating Banana during Breastfeeding Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 2 Month Week 2 Old
Your baby is growing stronger and stronger each and every day. He will now be able to lift his head, chest, and shoulders off the ground when he’s on his stomach. He can push himself up with his arms while lying on his stomach. He won’t crawl until at least 6 months, but these pre-crawling motions are his way of developing the necessary. Wear a nursing bra with flaps that you can open with one hand while holding your baby with the other. Wear a nursing cover or shawl, or use the baby blanket to cover your chest and midriff, while your baby is feeding, if you would like to have the extra coverage.
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Things To Know About Over Eating Of Sugar During Pregnancy
We know the cravings are on an all-time high. Indulge if you really have to once in a while but also educate yourself on the effects of excess sugar during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy is such a fragile time even with all the excitement of having a baby soon. Your diet, your sleep patterns, and your activity have to be carefully planned and monitored so that your growing baby gets the best possible care till he enters this world. While you can manage to squeeze in light workouts, relax enough to sleep on time, diet seems to be the most challenging of all.
Even if it does seem doable to control your diet for 9 months, you’re hit by cravings that cannot be ignored! What’s a girl to do then? You may plan to have 2-3 servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and include enough folate to your diet but crave a big chocolate cake instead.
While it is alright to indulge once in a while, overeating sugar in pregnancy may not be good for your baby. It may put you at a risk of gestational diabetes and also could potentially cause an unhealthy affinity for sugary foods in your child at a future stage.
How much is too much though? Let’s find out everything you need to know about eating sugar during pregnancy.
What Amount Of Sugar Can Be Safely Consumed During Pregnancy
While there are no standardised recommendations for the amount of sugar to be consumed during pregnancy, it is best to consume it with caution. The amount of sugar you can safely consume during pregnancy depends on your blood sugar levels, your weight and your metabolic rate. Either way, it is best not to exceed 25 gms of sugar during pregnancy in one day.
Side Effects Of Excess Sugar Consumption
Even when not pregnant, overconsumption of sugar-rich foods and carbohydrates affect your health negatively. During pregnancy, this could affect you and also the baby adversely. Excess sugar can travel through the placenta to the baby and increases the baby’s blood sugar levels too. This will in turn lead to excess production of insulin the baby’s body and can lead to baby being born larger than normal.
Delivering a baby too large can lead to delivery issues and necessary c-sections. It could also lead to a premature birth.
Reasons To Avoid Excess Sugar During Pregnancy
We’ve already discussed the possible side effects of overconsumption of sugar in pregnancy but there are more reasons to avoid sugar in excess. Here’s what sugar during pregnancy does to you
1. It Causes Lethargy and Fatigue
Sugar and sugar laden foods provide empty calories and no nutrition. The only energy spike you may feel is from the burst of sucrose that hits your blood steam but then rapidly drops as well. This leaves you feeling lethargic and low on energy.
2. It Causes Weight Gain
The fact that excess sugar causes weight gain is a common one. During pregnancy your body naturally gains weight to support the growing baby. This natural weight gain coupled with excess sugar can lead to obesity and birth complications.
3. It Could Lead Grade 1 Fatty Liver
A pregnancy diet with a high count of sugar can lead to acute fatty liver syndrome. It can also hamper the fetus’ metabolic rate and lead to obesity in the future. It also puts the baby at a risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
4. It Aggravates Pregnancy Symptoms
Common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, mood swings and heartburn get even more intense when sugar is consumed in excess.
5. It Increases the Risk of Preeclampsia
The higher the sugar intake of the pregnant woman, the more the risk of preeclampsia.
6. It Can Make Your Baby Crave More Sugar
Your baby’s taste buds can permanently be affected by your overconsumption of sugar during pregnancy. Once grown, the child may excessively crave for sugary foods and this might lead to diabetes and obesity early in life.
7. It could lead to nutritional deficiency
While cravings are completely normal during pregnancy, if you crave more sweets than wholesome foods, you might suffer deficiency of actual nutrients you may need.
8. It is linked to autism
The exposure of the uterus to to high blood sugar could affect the brain development of the baby. This would increase the chances of developmental disorders.
Tips To Reduce Sugar Consumption in Pregnancy
To avoid the risk of the above mentioned complications, here are some tips to reduce sugar cravings and consumption during pregnancy:
1. Include more fruits
One way to satisfy sweet cravings is to eat sweeter fruits like mangoes, pineapples and strawberries. Try and limit fruit juices as they contain more sugar than fiber.
2. Limit processed sugar in snacks
Refined sugar needs to be avoided during pregnancy altogether. However, if you’re finding that hard to do, try and cut down on ice-creams, cakes and pastries and other dessert items that contain too much sugar.
3. Read labels on packed foods carefully
Check for the hidden sugar in packaged items that you eat like ketchup, peanut butter, cereal, etc. Pick ones that have a lower sugar content.
4. Keep junk food out of reach
Keeping junk food around the house is tempting and may cause unnecessary snacking. Buy them only when you crave them badly.
5. Ditch artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are harmful to the body in the long run so opt more kinder alternatives like honey, jaggery or palm sugar.
6. Limit if not avoid
If you cannot ditch sugar completely, limit the intake during pregnancy. Have one teaspoon instead of two with your cup of tea.
Foods That Lower Blood Sugar In Pregnant Women
In case you are mid-pregnancy and your blood sugar level are higher than normal, here are some healthy foods to include in your diet. Along with exercise, these food help lower blood pressure during pregnancy.
1. Low-glycemic foods
Whole grains , beans, barley, fruits, oats and vegetables are all low on the glycemic index. These foods take longer to digest, which prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
2. Fiber-rich Foods
Soluble fiber as found in oats and legumes improve blood sugar levels. Whole wheat foods contain insoluble fibers which maintain digestive health. Fruits and vegetables contain both types of fibers.
3. Probiotics
These stomach-friendly bacteria are great for digestive health. They maintain blood sugar levels. Dahi or yogurt is the best probiotic to consume.
4. Protein-rich foods and health fats
Poultry, eggs and nuts fall into this food group. Protein helps control blood sugar as well as keeps you more energetic and full for longer. Nuts, olive oil and avocados contain healthy fats. These also keep your full longer and keep cravings for unhealthy food at bay.
We know sugar is addictive, which is why it’s hard to quit it. This is why filling yourself up on the above mentioned foods to kick the craving. Remember, this is to ensure that your health and your baby’s health remain at its optimum.
Replace white, refined sugar with natural sugars and you should be healthy and your baby safe during pregnancy. Read more
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Taking Care of Children During COVID-19
Children and adolescents have been at home with schools being shut for over one year. Their regular schedules have been disrupted with no clear idea of when they will get restarted. As a result, parents must keep a close eye on their children. Here are some tips:
Children may be encouraged to visit reputable websites such as the World Health Organization, the Centres for Disease Control, or the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Try answering children's queries but figure out a way of striking a balance.
Limit media exposure, especially if there is fear-mongering or alarming content, exposed to pandemic related information.
Create a new household pattern that includes academic work, chores, play, phone or other kinds of technological engagement with classmates and relatives, and family time.
Meals and bedtime should be scheduled.
It would be fantastic to do some indoor workouts as well.
Family time can include games that parents may not have had time to play thus far. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with the family by playing board games, carrom, antakshari, etc.
Try not to transfer anxiety to children.
If there is significant distress, consider an evaluation by a mental health professional.
School teachers can teach simple exercises, including deep breathing, muscle relaxation techniques, distraction and positive self-talk.
Children can also be taught about the importance of prosocial behaviour and human virtues like empathy and patience, among others. This can help them understand their role in society and how social distancing is not equivalent to emotional distancing.
The teachers need to interact with parents regarding feedback about their mental health.
Spend time with the child, show interest and play with them. Give lots of affection and bodily contact.
Always encourage the child to play with others, and children should not be separated from siblings.
Children should be given protective foods such as seasonal fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus, and other yellow fruits and colours of orange. Vitamins A, E, and C and minerals like zinc, copper, iron, and selenium have been shown to alter immunological responses.
Advise the child to drink 8-10 glasses of water and keep them hydrated. Water helps to flush out toxins.
Provide them with home-cooked food. Use low cholesterol oil for cooking food and include spices like ginger, garlic and turmeric in the diet, which are natural immunity boosters.
Don't give food made with maida, fried and junk food to the child.
Avoid sugary or packed juices and carbonated drinks as these are very low in nutrients.
Avoid providing cheese, coconut and palm oil, butter, and unsaturated fats that are unhealthy.
Include whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat flour, oats and millets in the children's diet. Include beans, lentils and pulses as they are good sources of protein.
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges should be included in the children's diet as they are good sources of vitamin C, which is very much helpful in improving immunity levels and fighting off infections.
Antioxidants can be found in almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds, and they should be included in your daily diet.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
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