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Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies
Colds and cough are the most common reasons for kids missing classes at school. They are contagious throughout the year. When it comes to the common cold, there is no one-stop cure for it - no antibiotics, no syrups, and no pills. However, there are several remedies that can offer your child some relief when he’s sneezing and wheezing all day long, thanks to an irritating cold or cough. It is better to provide such remedies to your infant from your kitchen than a medical shop. Also, there are so many different remedies for this ailment that you’re sure to find at least a few of the below items sitting right now in your kitchen!
Natural Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies
When it comes to a cough, there are two kinds:
Wet
Dry
A wet cough is the existence of phlegm in the throat and nasal area. A dry cough on the other hand is marked by the absence of phlegm. The remedies for both sometimes differ. It is necessary to diagnose the cold and cough before providing a remedy for it.
A person does not catch a cold or cough through food items, nor does cold weather create infections in babies, although it does provide a good breeding environment for germs. Children can be infected when they come into contact with germs that spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or when they come into direct contact with an infected person. So, the first and foremost thing to do is to maintain hygiene and sanitise your child’s hands regularly.
In spite of taking precautions, if your child does catch a cold and cough, the following are some effective remedies you can try to offer him relief.
Note: As children grow, their immune system, digestive system and respiratory system also develop. Therefore, remedies meant for a newborn will not suffice for a one-year-old. However, some remedies aren’t restricted to any specific age bracket and can be tried for a person of any age, be it for a young baby or a fully-grown adult.
Let’s start off with a few remedies that are suitable for newborn babies.
1. Breast Milk
There is no remedy or cure that is greater than the only natural food for a newborn human – the breast milk. It works as a remedy for any infections in babies who are six months of age or even older. Regular feeds also help calm a cranky baby who does not understand anything and gains comfort only from his mother’s touch.
2. Homemade Nasal Drops
This is very good for babies who have a blocked nose. Your paediatrician can prescribe locally available over-the-counter nasal drops. But you could also make saline drops at home, in case of an emergency. Using a sterilised spoon, mix ½ tsp salt and 8 tsp of warm filtered water in a sterilised bowl.
NOTE: Keep the baby’s head tilted as you drop the prescribed amount into his nostrils. This is done so that the saline does not ooze out. Also, use homemade saline drops in case of an emergency only since it is prone to bacteria.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric or haldi has been lauded for its healing properties for centuries now, so it isn’t surprising that it’s a part of lots of home remedies in India. Mix a little turmeric with warm water to make a smooth paste, and apply this mixture on your baby’s chest, forehead, and the soles of his feet. Wash it away after some time. The heat from the turmeric will help in diluting the mucus and allow it to ooze out easier.
4. Warm Mustard Oil Massage
Warm a cup of mustard oil with two cloves of garlic and a few kalonji seeds (Nigella sativa). Massage this infused oil onto your baby’s feet, chest, back, and palms. Wipe away the excess oil with a muslin cloth.
The following are a few remedies for babies around the age of nine months.
5. Jaggery, Cumin, Black Pepper, and Warm Water Concoction
This concoction can calm colds and a cough and sore throat.
You will need the following ingredients:
Jaggery– 1 or 2 tsp.
Black pepper – 1 to 2
Cumin seeds – a pinch
Water– 1 cup
Mix all the ingredients and bring the water to a boil. Cool and filter the water to be fed. Do not give the baby more than two teaspoons of this concoction as the jaggery and pepper contain heat, which is only good for young babies in small proportions.
6. Infused Coconut Oil Massage
You will need the following ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut oil
1 pearl onion,
2 to 3 tulsi leaves
1 betel stem
Heat the coconut oil and add the other ingredients to it. When the ingredients are warm enough, switch off the stove. Let it cool, and once the oil has reached a lukewarm temperature, apply it on the baby’s chest, back, the soles of his feet, and his palms.
Note: Though the common practice is to add a pinch of camphor to this oil, it is not advised to use camphor for children under two years of age. Research says that camphor is too strong and pungent, and will lead to the creation of more mucus. This is the body’s way of shielding itself from pungent smells.
The following are remedies to follow for babies who are aged 1 and above.
7. Honey Combinations
An important note - avoid honey for babies younger than a year. Honey cannot be given to children below the age of one as it is harmful to them. They do not have the digestive capacity to dissolve certain particles of raw honey. However, once they are above 12 months old, they develop enough digestion capacity to have honey. Honey is an excellent remedy to fight off germs that spread colds and cough. It can be combined with pepper, dry ginger, and lemon juice for excellent results.
Honey and pepper:Add a pinch of powdered pepper to a spoon of honey and feed the baby at regular intervals. This is good for both cold and cough.
Honey and dry ginger:A generous pinch of dry ginger powder with a tablespoon of honey is a great remedy for a cough.
Lemon and honey:Squeeze some lemon juice into a glass of water and add some honey to it. This is a tasty remedy and kids wouldn’t really say no to this homemade medicine! It also relieves both a cough and cold.
Feed your baby a teaspoon of these solutions every morning, noon, and evening. They can even be fed to the child more than thrice a day. You will notice that your baby’s cough and cold clears out soon.
8. Turmeric Milk
Everyone has heard of the term ‘haldi doodh’. Turmeric milk is a must for a dry cough. Give the baby a glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric at night. You can even add jaggery for sweetness. More so, milk and turmeric make for a healthy and nutritious combination.
9. Khichidi and Soups
Khichidi and warm soup make for excellent supplement food for children. It is calming, comforting, and relieves all kinds of cold and cough.
10. Juice of Citrus Fruits
Give the baby regular sips of juice containing Vitamin C, such as lemon, orange or amla. Vitamin C fights germs that spread colds. However, avoid this if your child suffers from a sore throat.
11. ‘Chukku Coffee’ or Dry Ginger Coffee
No, there is no coffee involved with this remedy; not for babies, anyway! This is a traditional drink that has its origins in Kerala and has several anti-cold and anti-cough elements. Here is the recipe for a ‘chukku’ kaapi or dry ginger kaapi.
Dry ginger (chukku) – 1-inch piece
Tulsi leaves – 6 to 7 (torn)
Peppercorn – Few
Jaggery – 1 tablespoon (or more, if you prefer a sweet drink)
Water – 1 cup
Coarsely crush together dry ginger and peppercorns. Boil water with jaggery and add dry ginger and peppercorns followed by the torn tulsi leaves. Let it boil and switch it off. Filter the mixture and feed the baby the lukewarm chukku kaapi.
12. Gargling
Make your baby gargle plain warm water or salt water twice or thrice a day to provide him relief from a sore throat and cough. Regularly doing this will provide quick results.
The following are remedies for kids across different age groups.
13. Steam
This is a natural way to help babies become calm and relieve a blocked nose. Run the hot shower/tap in the bathroom and let steam fill up the room. After turning off the tap, take your baby inside the room. The steam will be mild for you but it is perfect for a newborn. Steam inhalation can also be used for older babies or children. Avoid using boiled water in tumblers. This could prove to be dangerous if the tumbler get knocked over. Also, consider investing in a steam inhalator.
14. Head Elevation
Elevating the baby’s head helps stabilise the flow of his breath, bypassing interruptions.
15. Infused Water
If your baby is above six months of age or has been introduced to drinking water, then make sure the baby drinks sips of ajwain, cumin or tulsi water at regular intervals. Boil filtered water with a spoon of ajwain/cumin seeds or tulsi leaves. Filter this water and bring it down to a lukewarm temperature before bottling it.
16. Appropriate Clothes
As mentioned earlier, a cold environment becomes a breeding ground for cold and cough. If the baby has only a slight cold and cough, it is advisable to keep him snug and warm. If he is running a temperature, then do the opposite. It is advisable not to add to the high temperature the baby already is suffering from, and loose thin clothes can help reduce his temperature to an extent.
17. Lots of Water
Keep your baby hydrated with a lot of warm water, breast milk, or any other fluids. The chances are that your baby will not be comfortable eating solid food when he has a cold or cough. Fluids will help provide his body with the necessary nutrients and will also help boost his immune system.
18. Destress
Do not add stress to your baby. Yes, as parents we end up doing that. If the baby does not want to do something, it’s best to try something else. Also, if your baby does not want to have solid food, do not force-feed him. Instead, substitute the food with some soup, khichidi, or fruits. The intent should be to ensure that the baby takes in enough calories every day. The reason for this is that the more stressed the baby becomes, the more time he will take to recover.
Other Remedies You Can Try
Apart from home remedies, certain devices and balms can also help your child recover from a cold and cough.
1. Nasal Aspirator
If your child is suffering from a heavily blocked nose, a regular affair every time a cold strikes, it would be best if you invest in a nasal aspirator. As the baby is too young to consciously sneeze, nasal aspirators will quickly suck out the mucus without irritating or causing harm to the baby.
2. Menthol Balms
It is important to not use menthol/eucalyptus balms for babies under the age of two. The ingredients of an ordinary balm will be too intense for babies, thus forcing the body to produce more mucus to shield itself from such intensity. However, for any baby above two years, one can use the regular balm.
Some Dos and Don’ts:
Remember to give your baby an age-appropriate remedy for his cold and cough.
Do not neglect the cold or cough; this may lead to something more serious such as pneumonia.
Do not panic or get restless when the child does not stop crying.
Do try and keep different remedies ready and within your reach, especially at night.
Do consult a paediatrician if you notice something unusual, such as green mucus.
Do not neglect high fever and consult the paediatrician immediately.
Remember to use ingredients that the baby is not allergic to.
Also, do not give any fluid colder than room temperature.
Tips to Prevent a Common Cold
As mentioned above, it’s not really possible to cure a common cold but there are certain precautions you can take to prevent it from infecting your child.
Wash his hands thoroughly with soap so that he avoids picking up germs from different surfaces.
Feed him foods that are rich in phytochemicals, such as dark green, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables.
Teach him to sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of his elbow and not his hands. The germs will stick around on his hands unless he washes them, making him more susceptible to catching a cold or cough.
Let him get enough exercise regularly to help boost his immunity.
Consistency is the key. Be watchful of how the methods you use are working and if something gives relief to the baby, continue with it. If something is triggering more mucus production and irritability in your baby, avoid it. If the cold and cough persists for more than a week, do see a paediatrician to confirm whether it’s a common cold and not a symptom of something else.
On a general note, remember that children are more prone to cold and cough due to the lack of a fully developed immune system and respiratory system. They are growing. They will catch a common cold at least 6 to 12 times per year. Prepare yourself for its unwelcome arrival in your child’s body with herbs, steamers (age-appropriate), and the first aid box of Indian home remedies for cold and cough in infants!
Also Read:
Fake Coughing in Babies: Reasons & When to Stop?
Foods to Offer during Cold & Cough in Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Whooping Cough in Babies: Causes & Treatment
Infant Chest Congestion: Reasons & Treatment Read more
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15 Best Home Remedies to Help You Get Pregnant
Giving birth to a baby is one of the most satisfying and ecstatic feelings for a woman. Where some women get pregnant easily, others may have to wait a little longer to get pregnant. However, if you and your spouse have decided to take a plunge into parenthood, and want it to happen soon, then this article may help you. We shall discuss various home remedial measures that may help you get pregnant and fulfil your dream of becoming parents. Though there are no full-proof home remedies to conceive, the following ways may help you to conceive faster.
15 Natural Ways to Conceive Faster
There are a number of factors that need to be taken care of when you are trying to conceive, such as your ovulation, your partner’s sperm quality, and your lifestyle and diet. If you are trying to get pregnant, the following natural ways may be helpful:
1. Dates
Dates are a rich source of vitamin, A, B, E, iron, and other essential minerals. Dates are power-packed with nutrients that may help you in conceiving and also during pregnancy. Grind 10-12 dates (seedless) with two spoons of coriander roots. You may add this paste to a cup of cow’s milk and boil it. Take this mixture for a week after your period gets over for improving fertility.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are very effective in increasing blood flow to the pelvic region. They are said to increase female fertility and also help in thickening the uterine lining which reduces the chances of miscarriage. Take equal amounts of the bark of the pomegranate tree and seeds and make powder. Take half a teaspoon of this powder daily for a few weeks.
3. Maca Root
Maca root is extremely beneficial in treating infertility in both women and men. This root is beneficial for balancing the hormonal levels of the body, thus improving fertility. You may take half a teaspoon of maca root powder with a cup of warm water or milk. Take maca root powder for a few months but avoid it once you get pregnant.
4. Vitamin D
Lack of vitamin D in your body may lead to infertility and miscarriage. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you spike up your body’s vitamin D requirements. Many scientific research have shown the adverse impact of vitamin D deficiency on female fertility. The best way to get vitamin D is by basking in the early morning sunlight for 10 minutes, or you can even eat vitamin D rich foods such as egg yolk and cheese.
5. Cinnamon
This wondrous spice helps in better functioning of the female ovaries and thus helps in warding off infertility. It is used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, which is one of the prime reasons of infertility in women. You may add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink this tea for a few months.
6. Banyan Tree Roots
Banyan tree roots have been one of the effective home remedies for conceiving. You may take the Banyan tree root's powder with warm milk, for three consecutive days after your period finishes. You may follow this procedure for a couple of months to see the results.
7. Garlic
One of the effective natural remedies to get pregnant is by eating garlic. Garlic is known for improving fertility in women. You may take four to five cloves of garlic and chew it. Drink a glass of warm milk after chewing the garlic cloves. Follow this routine regularly in winter months to improve fertility.
8. Alum
Alum works as one of the greatest home remedies to get pregnant fast. If your periods are regular but you are facing difficulty in getting pregnant, alum is your solution. You may take a small piece of alum and cover it with cotton. Insert it into your vagina at night. Follow this routine till the cotton comes out clean (without any milky layer on the cotton). The absence of white layer is a sign that you are ready to get pregnant.
9. Nutmeg
This spice is beneficial in enhancing female fertility. You may include nutmeg in your diet to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You may take equal amounts of nutmeg powder and sugar powder (approximately 3 grams each) and take it with one cup milk (preferably cow’s milk) during your periods.
10. Rock Salt
You can use rock salt to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Rock salt is very effective in fighting infertility in women. You may take a spoonful of rock salt and soak it in 750 ml water. Drink this water early in the morning (before sunrise) for three to six months to see the results.
11. Mustard Paste
You may increase your chances of getting pregnant by following this simple and easy home remedy. You may effectively add mustard paste to your everyday diet after the fourth day of your menstrual cycle. Mustard is very effective in enhancing fertility in women. But don't overdo it.
12. Holy Basil
Holy basil has been used to cure various medical ailments and health conditions. Consumption of holy basil has also proved effective in curing female infertility. Few leaves of holy basil (three to four) can be chewed daily, followed by a glass of milk to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Alternatively, the seeds of basil can be eaten to enhance fertility.
13. Fennel and Rose Petals
If yoga and exercise is something that you cannot follow to increase your chances of getting pregnant, then you may consume fennel and rose petal to improve your fertility. Mix 10 grams fennel and 50 grams of rose jam and take this mixture every night with warm milk (cow’s milk).
14. Chaste Berry
Chaste berry is very beneficial for women who battle with hormonal imbalance. The increased prolactin levels in the body due to hormonal imbalance may lead to infertility. Consumption of chaste berry helps to combat PCOS and improves the ovulation. Take a spoonful of dried chaste berry and infuse it for ten minutes in boiling water. Drink this tea once a day for a few weeks for enhancing fertility.
15. Fennel and Butter
This combination is ideal to improve fertility in women who are overweight or heavy. You may take fennel powder (approximately 6 grams) and mix it with two parts of pure butter and consume this mixture for three to four months.
All the above-mentioned home remedial measures are effective in improving your chances of getting pregnant. You may try these home remedies to get pregnant with irregular periods also. However, it is suggested to consult your doctor before adopting any home remedies to enhance your fertility.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
Apart from the above-mentioned natural remedies, the following tips may also help in getting you pregnant:
1. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Consuming more amounts of caffeine hinders the absorption of iron in the blood, and it may also cause dehydration. Collectively all these things may lead to infertility issues in women. This may cause problems in conceiving and may pose the risk of miscarriage or preterm labour.
2. Avoid Sugar
Sugar is one of the fatal forms of carbohydrates. Eating more than required amounts of sugar may lead to disrupted insulin levels in the body. The high carbohydrate-rich diet creates insulin resistance in the body and may cause problems if you are planning to conceive. Switch to natural sweeteners or fruits as a healthy substitute for sugar.
3. Drink Adequate Water
You should drink adequate water if you are planning to have a baby. Water not only keeps the uterus healthy, but it also helps in increasing cervical mucus. The sperms attach better to the thickened cervical mucus and help you in getting pregnant.
4. Be Healthy and Fit
It is very important to exercise every day. If you are obese or overweight, it will be a good idea to lose some weight as it would improve your chances of getting pregnant. However, If you are underweight, then you may have problems with the ovulation. Maintain a healthy and fit body as it improves your chances of getting pregnant.
5. Sleep Well
It is very important that you sleep well, for the proper functioning of all your internal organs. Irregular or erratic sleeping habits may take a toll on your hormones. The disrupted hormonal balance may lead to problems in conception.
6. Keep Stress Away
Stress may lead to many health complications and problems in conceiving is one of them. The increased levels of stress may impact the hormones that are responsible for releasing the egg from the ovaries. Therefore, stress may lead to delayed ovulation or no ovulation at all.
7. Quit Smoking
Women who smoke may take longer to conceive than women who do not smoke. Also, a pregnant woman who smokes is at great risk of delivering a baby with genetic abnormalities.
8. Do Not Consume Alcohol
Alcohol consumption may lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation problems, and disrupted hormonal levels. All this may lead to complications if you are planning to get pregnant.
You may benefit from the above-mentioned tips if you want to get pregnant. However, it is recommended that you seek your doctor’s advice before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Also Read: 10 Best Foods That Can Boost Your Fertility Read more
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What It’s Like Being the Mom of a Boy
A daughter is her mom’s best friend and her dad’s little princess (I know I am my parents' too)! But a son is his dad’s MVP for life and his mom’s true love. The purity of a son’s love for his mother is complete and uncomplicated! Here, I want to write about what it's like being the mother of a boy.
It is, first and foremost, an honour, because it gives you the opportunity to raise men. It gives you an insight into a man’s world; it helps you understand how they see and interact in society.
It is an adventure because every day is a new challenge dealing with this little energy monster! Everything is higher- activity levels, hunger, humour and love. You will forever be low on energy running after him.
It makes you comfortable with risk and less afraid of the unknown. A son will always be one leap away from an injury!
You have to come to terms with feeling both braver and more terrified than you ever thought possible. He is an explorer and climber, always up for causing trouble.
It is unpredictable! Just when you think he’s the toughest, roughest kid, he will surprise you with the softest word or the kindest act that will melt your heart! The sweet snuggles and sloppy kisses are the bestest!
Dressing up boys can get frustrating! Unlike the girls' section which is utterly adorable, the boys' section is smaller, with a limited colour palette and the same old clothing options; you really have to brainstorm so that his next look doesn’t look too mundane!
He is your knight in shining armour! No matter how tiny he is, his protective instincts are always there to keep me safe from all harm! Oh boy! My husband can never dare to mess with me when my munchkin is around!
Your house will never be a quiet place ever again; it will always be loud unless he's sleeping or outside! Neither will it be clean! Boys have a unique skill of creating a mess in every corner of the house, especially if you are expecting guests!
You are going to watch him race his cars, build & crash those blocks, play cricket in the dirt and then in the evening, calmly watch TV with grandparents and later take his favourite toy to bed to sleep! He can be destructive or creative, all depending on his mood!
Being a mom of a boy makes you realize how pathetic all the gender stereotypes are! Worrying about raising them in a world that thrives of toxic masculinity, asking them to man up and choke up those tears - no more! Teaching them emotional intelligence and seeing them display emotion with understanding and compassion is an important part of motherhood. It's up to us to try and dismantle this culture that breeds unhealthy hyper-masculinity amongst men!
As I raise my son, I am forever conscious that I am raising a little man, striving to do a better job at it and setting a better example! So to all the new-age moms raising sons, I am so proud of you for the efforts you are putting into your little fellas' upbringing. And to the moms of all the gentlemen we have around us, thank you for doing such a good job!
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. Read more
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How can you Assert your Parenting Beliefs in a Joint Family?
Raising kids in a joint family is no mean feat. Parents, especially a mother, can feel stifled in the environment where her every belief is challenged, and her action dissected. In such a scenario, how can you assert your parenting beliefs. Learn here.
Raising kids in a joint family can prove to be a double-edged sword. The extended family can at times be a source of joy and relief, but it can also become a hotbed of conflict, acrimony and heartburn.
It is, therefore, imperative that young parents work on their assertion and communication skills and make the right moves to ensure that all parties involved, especially the kids, emerge unscathed from the experience.
Some Tips on Asserting your Parenting Beliefs in a Joint Family
Distinguish Between The Negotiable and The Non-Negotiable
As in any relationship, it is important to learn to let go of issues that may not matter much in the long run. The questions to be always asked when there is a deadlock are:
If I give up on this today, will it make a difference to my child 10 years down the line?
What is reacting in me – well-founded convictions or my desire to be right? This should help parents focus on the non-negotiable, which may not be so huge a burden, once the negotiable is taken care of.
Communicate your concerns
Communicating your concerns gently, but firmly may make extended family, especially in-laws, more amenable to change. When you use ‘I’ sentences such as: “I know you feel the child will sleep better with the bottle, but I am concerned about the damage the sugar in the milk will do to her teeth overnight” would be more effective than a brusque “That’s my decision”.
Rope in The Experts
Take the help from an expert, who could give a scientific justification for your decision (for example, a dentist, pediatrician or teacher). The internet could be your ally here, with some images or articles that could validate your viewpoint on the issue at hand. Sharing credible information with a “we both want what’s best for the child” attitude would create a positive bond between parents and extended family and serve as a good preventive approach to potential problem areas.
Take Help from Your Spouse
Your in-laws would feel less threatened and more relaxed if your spouse communicates with them on the troubling issues.
Keep Channels of Communication Open with Your Kids
Communicating openly and frankly with your kids will help them understand your concerns and limitations. Your child would sense the tension in you when you are required to give into something you do not believe in. Do take the time to explain privately to your children why you differ from your in-laws, without demeaning them.
Create Your Family Time
Every day, make it a point to create a little “family” time, where you, your spouse and children get together, bond and share ideas, concerns and affection.
Be a Role Model for Your Children
Your confidence and sense of self-worth will invariably trickle down to your children so make sure your behavior is always mature, intelligent and thoughtful. You can thus ensure that irrespective of other negative influences; your influence will be the most honored.
Be Appreciative of The Good in Other Members of The Joint Family
Children need to cherish their situation rather than look down on it. Their perception of their environment needs to be positive for them to thrive. Hence, constantly downgrading their cousins or grandparents would be unhealthy as it would suppress their natural urge to love their extended family.
Manage Your Emotional Baggage
When your resentments, anger and irritation get the better of you, your child could be at the receiving end of your misdirected aggression. You need to offload your emotional baggage with both care and tact, through effective communication. Find a healthy outlet for your anger. Never bring it down on your child.
Seek Professional Help
A professional could help you control your emotions. Family counselors can prevent much abuse and alleviate some misery by intervening when the situation becomes unmanageable.
Independence
Finally, as a small family unit within an extended family, do work on becoming as independent as possible, financially, materially and as caretakers of your kids. The lesser the dependence on extended family, even if you are living together, the lesser the likelihood of conflict. Also, if push does come to shove, and in addition you realize that your child is likely to suffer in the long term from autocratic decisions taken by the extended family, moving out to live independently may be the best option.
Ultimately, there are bound to be conflicts but life could still be pleasant if you learn to prevent and diffuse conflicts with joint family. Read more
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Taking Your Preschooler to Doctor Visits
Preschoolers may have preconceived notions in visiting the doctor’s clinic. Understanding the reasons behind their fear or apathy and preparing them for regular medical check-ups will make doctor trips less hassled for both of you.
Parents usually face some kind of resistance from their preschoolers when taking them for a visit to the doctor. This is because at this age, children start understating the implications of meeting a doctor and tend to fear what may happen next. Every child has his own way of reacting to medical visits and parents need to understand the reason behind a child's reluctance to visit the doctor. It's also important to explain the importance of visiting a doctor while also tackling fears, many of which may be founded in experience and fact.
Here are some typical reasons which contribute to a child's fear of visits to a clinic:
Fear of needle pricks. This is the most common reason, even for some adults to avoid a visit to the doctor. The pain inflicted by the needle prick is unbearable for your little ones and they dread going through it over and over again.
Fear of possible tests or procedures that are carried out at the clinic - they might be poked or hurt by some clinical instruments.
Discomfort with the doctor’s style or way of speaking; some doctors may come across as brusque or unfriendly.
Fear of separation from their parents when the doctor takes the child to a separate enclosure for a check up.
Sometimes children feel their illness can be cured at home by their parents and do not like any interference from an unknown person.
Lastly, they hate the taste of medicines which a doctor may precribe; many medicines are given an unpleasant taste to avoid children overdosing.
It's helpful to determine the actual reason for apathy to help tackle it better.
Tips to Encourage your Preschoolers to Visit the Doctor
Tell your child beforehand what to expect at the doctor’s place in a lighter or funny tone. However, if your child has an extreme case of doctor phobia, this may not be a good thing to do.
Explain the process that will be followed there; encourage questions and get him to ask the doctor something himself.
Carry toys, books, a music player or games to engage your child during the wait period to distract him.
In case of hearing or vision tests, ask the doctor if there is any home version which can be done before the visit to save time.
Never scold your child if he cries after a shot - this is a good time to reward him with a treat or praise him for good behavior.
Allow the doctor to develop an amicable relationship with your child. Choose a doctor who is friendly and good with children. The better the relation between the two, the less painful the visit to the doctor.
Children will gradually outgrow their fear of visiting a doctor. Till then, be patient and understanding when dealing with fear, which can be a very real thing for a child. Take heed of your little one's anxiety, and look for a doctor that he's comfortable with. It'll save you a lot of stress. Read more
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How breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and the baby
Breastfeeding let you skin to skin contact with your baby. It has all the nutrients which a new born baby needs for proper growth and development. Giving your breast milk to your baby is god gifted. A best thing a mother can give to her child after giving birth to the baby. Some mother prefer to give their breast milk to baby where as some mother has breast milk but they opt for formula milk or some are unable to breastfeed. Breastfeeding and formula milk both has pros and cons but there are many Benefits of Breastfeeding for mother and the baby.
For Mom
1. Reduce Risk of Ovarian and Breast cancer
Studies shows that, Woman who gives birth after the age of 25 are in risk of ovarian and breast cancer but those woman who do exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 months may reduce the rate of risk of ovarian and breast cancer and other health diseases later in life.
2. Help In Weight Loss
During pregnancy woman gains weight and their big worry is how to burn this and the best simple way is breastfeeding. It reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension. First three month of breastfeeding you may or may not see the result but if you are breastfeeding for at least 6 months after delivery chances are that you may return to your prepregnency weight.
3. Fight Depression
Research shows that some woman after delivery feel depressed, PPD (Postpartum Depression) hit 10 to 15 % of new mothers. Tiredness, sadness, difficulty in sleeping are signs of PPD. But breastfeeding release some harmones such as oxytocin also called as mothering harmone and cholecystokinin in mothers which help fighting postpartum depression(PPD) and helps relieve stress and make you feel satisfied and create emotional bond with your baby.
4. Help Uterus to Shrink Faster
Studies shows that woman who breastfed it takes 6 weeks for uterus to return to its original size or prepregnency size. But woman who choose not to give their milk it takes almost 10 weeks to shrink the uterus.
5. Great Bonding With The Baby
Formula milk fed babies also make bond with their parents, obviously. But Skin to skin contact and while breastfeeding talking with your little one, cuddling will make your and baby's bond more stronger. Mother milk has Oxytocin also called as love harmon which help in bonding.
For Baby
1. Promote Good Health
Mother's milk has lots of nutrients than formula milk which is easily digested by infants. Mother's milk produce antibodies which makes baby away from viruses, bacteria and other infection. It has colostrum and more protein then formula milk. Giving human milk to baby cause less stomach upset, it protects against respiratory illness and should not worry about constipation as easy to digest.
2. Brainy Baby
Studies says that babies who did exclusive breastfed for three months and babies who continued breastfed for six months has more developed brain than babies who fed by formula milk. Mother's milk contains fatty acid such as DHA which boost for sharper mind and high IQ level in babies.
3. Less Risk of Obesity
Mother's milk has beneficial gut bacteria which help in reduce the risk of obesity by 20 to 30% compared to formula fed babies in childhood and reduce the risk of obesity by 6% in future for babies if breastfed for 6 months of duration. More likely to gain right amount of weight as they grow.
4. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
As of now it is not confirmed but breastfed babies are half the cases registered than formula fed babies. Exclusive breastfeeding for 1st one month reduce sudden infant death risk by 50%. 35% reduced risk in the first year.
5. Benefit In Sleeping
It is said that formula fed babies sleep longer but some studies shows that breast fed babies get back to sleep sooner. The oxytocin produce in mothers milk make babies get sound sleep.
Other Benefits
Mother's milk saves your money and time
Mother's milk is free of cost. You no need to spends your money on buying formula milk powder. Babies wake up at night also as they feel hungry, in such cases it takes time to warm the bottle and mix exact amount of formula and water in the middle of the night, hence breastfeeding is the excellent way to calm the hunger. In formula feeding it takes time for sterilisation and cleaning bottle to feed baby during night. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. anytime after full term ok. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
7 hours ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. no relation ok c. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
7 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
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