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Drinking Soda During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Alcohol may not be an option for pregnant women as it can harm their baby during pregnancy, but a lot of moms-to-be drink soft beverages like soda, soft drinks, mocktails, etc. While drinking these beverages during pregnancy is safe when consumed in moderate amounts, these drinks have their own side-effects. Drinking excessive soda during pregnancy can have some adverse effects on you and your baby.
Can You Consume Soda During Pregnancy?
Drinking fresh lime soda during pregnancy is good if you're not going overboard. An occasional soda is not likely to harm you in any way.
How Much Soda Can You Drink While Pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is safe to drink one or less than one serving (1 serving= 330 ml) of soda or diet soda per day.
Whether you consume soda containing sugar or artificial sweeteners, the caffeine in soda can be refreshing, but it can be harmful to the foetus. A study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists shows that a pregnant woman should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. One serving of soda has between 32-42 mg of caffeine. Hence, if you limit your daily consumption of soda to one serving per day, you are safe.
Which Contents of Soda Can Harm Your Unborn Baby?
Soda is a brew made from a mix of several ingredients. Here are few of the ingredients in soda that can affect you and your baby:
1. Caffeine
Soda is high in caffeine, which is known to raise one's blood pressure. It can also cause insomnia, which can cause constipation and dehydration in the mother-to-be. This is harmful to the baby's motoric and nervous system development. Consumption of more than 300 mg of caffeine a day may lead to miscarriage, and the consumption of more than 500 mg of caffeine in a day can cause chronic high breathing in a baby at birth.
2. Sugar
Steady insulin levels are essential for the optimal growth of the baby. The sugar present in sodas increases blood sugar levels, which can cause an insulin burst. Consuming large amounts of sugar can also lead to obesity, which can lead to miscarriage or cause health problems like congenital disabilities in the baby.
3. Carbonated Water
Soda is made from the carbonation of high-pressure water and carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide is the main ingredient that causes the fizzy bubbles in the drinks. This carbonated water present in the soda is detrimental to your bone health and can cause issues like back pain, as your bones gradually become too weak to support your growing belly. Plain carbonated water contains only gas, but some manufacturers also add in minerals like potassium and sodium. Sodium causes a spike in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for your body.
4. Artificial Sweetener
Plain soda contains large amounts of sugar, whereas diet soda contains artificial sweeteners - they are harmful in their own regard. Aspartame, a non-saccharide artificial sweetener used in diet sodas can cause disabilities in babies if consumed excessively. Drinking diet soda, contrary to popular belief, is as harmful as drinking regular soda during pregnancy.
5. Flavouring Agents
Even if a soda doesn't contain caffeine, it will most likely contain some flavour - phosphoric acid is one of the flavouring agents present in sodas. This phosphoric acid can affect the calcium in your bones and make them brittle.
Harmful Effects of Drinking Soda During Pregnancy
Listed below is the summary of the harmful effects of consuming soda during pregnancy:
Loss of calcium from bones due to the carbonated acid and phosphoric acid (flavouring agent)
Increase in blood pressure due to the presence of sodium in carbonated water
Can cause birth defects such as congenital disabilities
The excessive consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners may lead to obese babies
May also lead to miscarriage
A 2018 study suggests a negative relationship between consuming sodas during pregnancy and the baby's brain development. The study found that when mothers-to-be consumed more sugar during pregnancy, especially in the form of sodas, their children grew up with poor non-verbal and problem-solving skills along with poor memory. The study also showed that the effects were just as bad with diet sodas - consuming it during pregnancy was linked to poorer visual motor, spatial, and fine motor abilities in babies.
Soda might be a refreshing replacement to alcoholic drinks, but it is not worth the risk when it comes to you or your baby. So, limiting the consumption of soda ensures the healthy growth of the child and also prevents any congenital defects in the child during delivery. Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is a good idea. Fresh fruit juice and milk are also good choices for both hydration and nutrition.
References and Resources: WebMD
Also Read: Drinking Alcohol during Pregnancy Read more
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Massage After Caesarean Delivery - All You Need To Know
You have recently welcomed your little bundle of joy in your life and you must have already realised that being a new mommy is challenging. Your munchkin demands all your time and attention and you hardly have time to look after yourself - we understand that! But if you don't pay attention to your health now, you might regret in future.
Post-delivery, your body will be in pain, especially if you had a C-section delivery, but to get relief from the pain and heal completely, you can get postnatal massages! A postnatal massage can help relax your tense muscles, soothe aches, and help you heal emotionally and physically. But should a woman get postnatal massages after a C-section delivery? Find out!
What Is a Postnatal Massage?
The postnatal massage is a full-body massage given to moms after they give birth. Postnatal massages are given by a professional masseuse who specialises in giving postnatal massages. You can call a masseuse to your home and get the massage whenever you have time. Postnatal massages can be very beneficial especially for a new mom who had had a C-section delivery. The wounds of C-section delivery take quite some time to heal; if you have had a C-section delivery, you might experience pain, especially around the area of your wound. You can opt for massages to recover completely, but do consult your doctor before getting massages. Doctors suggest that women wait for about six weeks before getting abdominal massages if they have had a C-section delivery.
Benefits of a Postnatal Massage
A postnatal massage can relax a woman's body after the stress it has been under. Post a C-section delivery, scars will take some time to heal. A woman can opt for postnatal massages after a few weeks of delivery. Getting massages post delivery will help soothe aches and pain and improve blood circulation to the area. It will particularly ensure scar tissue on the inside does not affect other internal organs and that you do not face long-term issues. Following are the benefits of getting postnatal massages:
A postnatal massage helps increase the blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, which soothes them and helps recover them quickly.
It stimulates the healing process and reduces the swelling by removing the excess fluid and waste products from the body.
It helps a new mom relax. As massages help release endorphins, the feel-good hormone secreted by the brain, it helps a person relax. It will also help you sleep better.
A massage also helps improve mood and lower stress levels of a new mom, thus helping her cope with depression.
Getting postnatal massages can ensure a speedy recovery. However, if a woman has had a C-section delivery, she should wait to get a massage until her C-section wounds have healed.
How Long Should You Wait for Massage After a Cesarean Delivery?
As mentioned earlier, doctors recommend waiting for a minimum of two weeks before getting a full-body massage after a C-Section. This is to ensure that your body is not exposed to infections post-surgery because you will be very vulnerable and weak after the delivery. Since you will also be breastfeeding your baby and your baby's immunity will be low, it is ideal that you wait for a couple of weeks or more and heal completely before getting a full-body massage. You can get head, leg, feet and back massage after a C-section but avoid abdominal massages for at least 6-7 weeks.
Which Oils Can You Use for Postnatal Massages After a C-Section?
You should generally skip herbal oils and consult with your doctor regarding the oils that are safe for a new mom. Generally, mustard oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil are considered safe, but checking with a doctor would be the best bet. Your masseuse could even bring with her a special concoction that is ideal for pregnant women, especially for tummy massages after a C-Section. Make a note of how your baby reacts to the smell of the oil; if he doesn't like it or worse develops an allergic reaction to it, change the oil especially for a daily massage as you will be in close contact with him while breastfeeding him.
Why Does a C-Section Scar Need to Be Massaged?
When your C-section scar will heal, the tissue is likely to grow in all directions as this was not the normal birth and scar tissue would grow any way it pleases. It can interfere with the internal working of your body and can come in contact with other organs such as the bladder and affect its normal functioning. This haphazard healing could also be slow and painful, which will extend your recovery time and make even sitting up painful. A body massage after a C-section will enable this growth to be more uniform, and improve the blood flow to the area, thus keeping it stimulated for better growth and healing. Only a seasoned masseuse that specializes in these massages should be allowed to carry out the treatment as they will know how to handle such a delicate area.
What Will Happen If You Don't Take Postpartum Massages After a C-section?
Not getting a tummy massage after a C-section delivery can result in long-term issues. Your scar may heal with time and look fine, but your body will need help in order to heal this surgically-affected area. Scar tissue could accumulate on other organs such as the bladder or even the uterus and could result in functional impediments such as infertility in extreme cases. You could even develop pelvic and back pain as a consequence. However, getting massages post delivery can soothe your body and promote healing.
How Often Should You Get Postnatal Massages After Your Wounds Are Healed?
It is advisable to get a postnatal massage once a day to speed the healing process and to stimulate skin growth in the affected area. However, you must make sure that your masseuse is a professional and massages you gently (by applying very less pressure), especially the abdominal region.
Precautions You Need to Take While Getting Postnatal Massages After a Caesarean Delivery
Anything you do to your body after a C-Section must be carefully carried out. Here are some precautions you need to take while getting massage post a C-section delivery.
Don't get a massage soon after the delivery. Wait for a couple of weeks or more, better yet consult a doctor to check how long you should wait before getting abdominal massages.
Make sure your masseuse is specially trained in giving postnatal massages, especially abdominal massages after a C-Section.
Ask your masseuse to be gentle near the scar and the surrounding area and tell her to not apply too much pressure while massaging.
Note your body’s reaction to the oil that is being used for the massage and change it the moment you notice anything wrong.
When to Avoid Getting a Postnatal Massage
Avoid a tummy massage after C-Section if you have had any complications, or your doctor has advised against it. You must also take care to not do a massage when you have a skin infection, eczema or any rashes or allergies as this could aggravate your condition. If the area is extremely sensitive and you are in a lot of pain, give it some time before you indulge in a massage and ensure to find a good masseuse.
Listen to your body, and you will not go wrong with this one. Use this as an excuse to indulge it after the stress it has been under and realize that as a new mommy you need certain things to help your body recover and help you take better care of your little one.
Also Read:
Foods To Eat & Avoid After C-Section Delivery
Recover after C-Section Delivery
Tips to Reduce Tummy after C-section Read more
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Anterior Placenta During Pregnancy
The placenta develops in the first weeks of pregnancy. This flat, pancake-like organ is attached to the uterine wall and provides the developing baby with the oxygen and nutrients it needs, while also removing waste products via the umbilical cord. The placement of this organ can be at the front, back, or sides of the uterus, depending on where the egg gets fertilised. An anterior placenta pregnancy is when the placenta gets placed along the front of the uterus.
What is Anterior Placenta?
The fertilised egg, which will grow to become your baby, travels along the fallopian tube and embeds itself along the uterine wall. The placenta forms wherever this egg is embedded, which can be at the top, sides or in the front and back wall of the uterus. When the egg embeds itself along the front wall of the uterus, it forms an anterior placenta. You will know if you have an anterior placenta pregnancy during the ultrasound scan performed around the 20th week of the pregnancy. An anterior placenta baby is just as safe as any other baby, as its development is not impacted in any way. An anterior placenta pregnancy does the job of nourishing your foetus.
Is Having an Anterior Placenta Considered a Problem?
All positions along the uterine wall are normal sites for the development of the placenta. Placental health and the development of the baby do not depend on its placement. Therefore, it is not a problem to have an anterior placenta.
In cases where foetal movements are not felt, even at the 23rd week, going for a foetal health assessment can be reassuring for mothers.
Despite its location close to the surface of your abdomen, an anterior placenta does not pose any additional dangers to the health of the foetus. This is because there are many layers - the thick uterine wall, abdominal muscles, and fat that insulate it from the exterior world.
Birth complications caused by an anterior placenta are few. It is only when the placenta is placed low on the uterine wall that birth complications may occur.
The placenta travels over the course of pregnancy and it is possible that a low-lying placenta will move into the upper part of the uterus and cause no complications by the time of delivery.
However, if the anterior placenta is lying very low in the uterus at the time of delivery, it might partly or completely block off the cervix. This would make a caesarean section necessary. This condition, called placenta previa, is a rare condition.
What Are the Symptoms of an Anterior Placenta?
An anterior placenta has no specific symptoms; it is only detected by the absence of a certain symptom. The doctor may suspect an anterior placenta if a handheld doppler will take a little longer to find the foetal heartbeat or the mother feels no movement by the 23rd week. A foetal assessment and ultrasound are a good idea in this case.
Complications in Pregnancy Due to an Anterior Placenta
An anterior placenta does not in general present any complications during gestation. However, it might seem vulnerable and prone to complications because of its position. This is the exception, rather than the rule. The placenta, being a vascular and blood-rich organ, means that any tearing, rupture, cutting or needling poses the risk of excess bleeding. Some of the anterior birth complications are:
An anterior placenta can pose complications during delivery if a caesarean section is required. The anterior placement could make incision placement more complicated or may result in more bleeding during the delivery.
Complications are faced during needle positioning during amniocentesis. This includes risks of seeding, bleeding, and tears in the membrane.
An anterior low-lying placenta has a chance of complications like placenta previa. This may partly or completely block off the cervix, necessitating a caesarean delivery.
Placenta accreta is a complication faced when the anterior placenta grows over the site of the old caesarean section scar and the placenta grows into, and through, the wall of your uterus.
Ultrasound and MRI scans can be used to diagnose all these conditions well ahead of delivery to make sure that plans for a safe caesarean birth can be made.
Is C Section the Only Birth Option?
If one has an anterior placenta, caesarean is not the only option while giving birth. If the vaginal opening is not covered, those having an anterior placenta have a good chance of giving birth normally.
Placental Grading
The placenta goes through a process of calcification and maturing over the term of pregnancy. It develops calcium deposits and some parts begin to die, only to be replaced with fibrous tissue. This calcification is the basis of grading of the placenta, with:
Grade 0
This is from inception in early pregnancy.
Grade I
This is at around 31 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Grade II
This is at around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Grade III
This is at around 38 weeks of pregnancy; not before 37 weeks.
At grade III, the placenta is severely calcified. This calcification is considered a normal part of pregnancy, and not a source of concern.
Care needs to be taken in cases of premature calcification with pre-existing conditions like placenta previa, diabetes, high blood pressure or severe anaemia. This is because research indicates that if placental calcification occurs before the 32nd week of pregnancy, the baby may have a low birth weight.
Complications due to placental calcification are not common, and in most cases, calcification does not affect the development of the foetus.
Factors That Cause Placental Complications
An anterior placenta is not in itself a cause of complication. Complications occur only when it combines with additional conditions like an anterior low-lying placenta, placenta previa or a placental abruption. In all these cases, complications occur if a C – section is indicated or if the placenta gets detached from the wall of the womb.
Precautions to Take While Having an Anterior Placenta
Many pregnancy self-help sites and books teach techniques to make things easier during delivery for expectant mothers, which can be summarised as points for placental and mental health Some of the anterior low-lying placenta precautions include:
Eating Well
A well-nourished placenta is a healthy one.
Staying Hydrated
Your placenta needs fluids to process all the growing foetus' waste products.
Creating an Exercise Plan
Find an exercise with inversions and a stretching plan ideal for you through your pregnancy, and try to stick to it.
Not Worrying
The worst-case scenario is not the most likely to occur. Before you assume the worst, write down your symptoms that indicate this scenario and find out if the symptoms match your fears.
Making Good Lifestyle Choices
Do not abuse your body with stress, overwork, alcohol, drugs and over or under eating.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Once the doctor confirms that you have an anterior placenta, it is important to stay vigilant and watch out for vital signs and symptoms that could indicate a complication. Make sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
1. Vaginal Bleeding
If you notice any spotting or extensive bleeding, get in touch with your doctor to schedule a check up.
2. Abdominal Pain
Any abdominal pain out of the blue or even due to trauma to the stomach area, such as an accident or fall, is a cause for concern and should be checked out as soon as possible.
3. Uterine Contractions
Not to be confused with labour, if you experience abnormal uterine contractions that are fast or away from your due date, contact your doctor for a check-up to diagnose or rule out any complications.
4. Severe Lower Back Pain
You are likely to experience back pain during pregnancy, but if the pain is too severe to handle, contact your doctor immediately.
Above all stay happy. A happy frame of mind, along with timely medical intervention and expert consultations, makes for happy and healthy babies. Keep yourself prepared, and have a safe pregnancy! Read more
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9 Delicious and Easy-to-Make Thanksgiving Treats and Desserts for Kids
It’s that time of the year again when families gather, laugh together, and enjoy some warm and delicious food. Yes, Thanksgiving, the season of making holiday food is almost here, and we can't keep calm! While you may want to stick to Thanksgiving classics by carving the bird and making succulent gravy, there are enough and more unique Thanksgiving dishes you can make that will make your guests reach for a second helping. And here’s the best part: your kids will be all too pleased with some new dishes and sweets on the table!
Fun and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Children
We have a list of delicious Thanksgiving foods, from traditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes to side dishes to desserts (everything to make your Thanksgiving meal a success), that will leave your kids wanting for more and your guests raving about your culinary skills!
Scrumptious Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Snacks for Kids
Because your kids will need something to dig in (and munch on) until the aroma of the main course hits them.
1. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is all the more delicious when it is made from scratch. This creamy dish is nothing but warm and comfort food. And since it’s a corn dish, your kids are bound to love it!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Frozen corn kernels (choose fresh corns, if you like) - 2 cups
Coconut milk - 1 can
Salt - 1 tsp
A handful of parsley (chopped)
Red pepper flakes - 1/4 tsp
Recipe
Heat the corn kernels and coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat and stir well.
Bring it to simmer and add in the salt and sugar.
Cook well until the coconut milk evaporates a bit and thickens.
Season with salt and pepper flakes and give it a nice stir.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, turn off the flame.
Transfer it to a bowl and garnish with parsley.
2. Orange and Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots may not be your first choice when you think about Thanksgiving food, but thanks to this side dish, that you will see carrots as a refreshing change, and perhaps make this dish more often. This side dish is roasted and has honey in it, so be assured, your little bunnies will enjoy them as snacks!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Large carrots (peeled) - 10-12
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Honey - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Black pepper powder - 1 tsp
Orange zest (grated) - 1 tsp
Freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 tbsp
Water
Recipe
Cut the carrots into small sticks.
Take some water in a large pan, add some salt to it followed by the carrots. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat.
The carrots should turn tender. Once tender, drain and place them in a large bowl.
Toss with the honey, oil, salt, black pepper powder, orange juice, and grated orange zest.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (200°C).
Place the carrots in a baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes.
3. Pumpkin Cookies
It’s Thanksgiving holiday, and you need to have one pumpkin dish (if not more) on your table. So here’s a pumpkin snack your kids will enjoy. It’s time for pumpkin cookies; this make-ahead dish will definitely save you precious time on the big day.
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Prep: 1 hour
Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients
All-purpose flour - 2 1/2 cups
Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
Pumpkin puree - 1 cup
Egg - 1
Butter - 1 cup
Granulated sugar (white sugar) - 1 cup
Cinnamon powder - 2 tsp
Nutmeg powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger powder - 1/4 tsp
Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Vanilla extract - 1-2 tsp
Recipe
In a bowl, take all the dry ingredients (except brown sugar and granulated sugar) and mix well.
In another large bowl, take the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the butter, and beat well using a hand mixer; beat until the mixture turns creamy.
Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat again.
Slowly, add in the flour mixture to it and beat until it is mixed well and turns smooth.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes.
Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C).
Next, scoop the chilled dough on to a baking tray lined with baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start turning brown.
Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on the cookies and serve.
Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for Kids
Because grandmom’s recipes are too tasty to not be a part of Thanksgiving dinner. They even get hearty conversations started at the dinner table.
4. Pumpkin Soup
With Thanksgiving, comes the official soup season. And pumpkin soup is just what your kids and guests need to start with their Thanksgiving meal. The warm spices that go into the soup will even keep your kids warm in the winter season.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Pumpkin puree - 1 can (4 cups)
Onion (grated) - 1
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Chicken broth - 4 cups
Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
Pumpkin spice - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Recipe
Heat some olive oil in a saucepan or wok over medium heat.
Add in the grated onion and cook until tender. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
Add in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, spice, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir occasionally, then cover it with a lid and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Your soup should be ready.
5. Herb-Stuffed Turkey
There is no Thanksgiving without turkey, but wrestling with it is not a layman’s job. If it’s your first time with the bird, here’s a turkey recipe to get you started. What’s more, after you try (and succeed at) this recipe, you will want to make it every Thanksgiving.
Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Ingredients
Turkey (thawed, if frozen) - 1 (5-6 kg)
Sage (chopped) - 8 sprigs
Carrots (cut into small pieces) - 2
Small onions - 4
Bay leaves - 2
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Garlic (finely chopped) - 3 cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
Place the turkey on a baking sheet, and remove the giblets out of it.
Wash the turkey inside out to remove any excess fat and pat it dry from outside.
Cut the onions into quarters and stuff half of the quartered onions into the cavity of the turkey.
Stuff it further with sage, and some carrots, if you like.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (200°C).
Place the remaining carrots, sage and onions, and bay leaves in a large roasting pan.
Place the stuffed turkey on top. Brush the outside of the turkey with some oil and season with salt and pepper.
Tie the legs of the turkey together with string and tuck its wing tips under its body.
Roast the turkey for about 2-3 hours.
Once cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and cover with an aluminium foil. Let it rest for about 25 minutes then carve!
6. Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
If mashed potatoes are on your mind, here’s a casserole dish that is creamier (and dreamier) than the plain mashed potatoes. This cheesy mashed potato casserole will look wonderful sitting next to the turkey on your dinner table.
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Prep: 40 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Potatoes (peeled and cut into small pieces) - 9-10
Garlic cloves (peeled and crushed) - 6-8
Milk - 1/2 cup
Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Butter - 1/2 cup
Green onions (chopped) - 1/2 cup
Recipe
In a large saucepan, place the potato pieces and bring them to a boil.
Cook them for 20 minutes until they turn tender, then drain.
Transfer the potatoes to a bowl.
In another bowl, mix the heavy cream, milk, green onions, garlic, and salt. Pour this mixture on to the potatoes and mash well.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (200°C) and grease a glass baking dish.
Transfer the mashed potato mix into the baking dish and sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes.
Mouth-watering Thanksgiving Desserts and Treats for Kids
Thanksgiving or not, kids just need an excuse to gobble sweets. So, it makes sense to plan for one or more of these sinful delicacies, no? After all, holidays call for a bit of indulgence and bent rules!
7. Apple Pie
There’s nothing quite like a classic apple pie. Go ahead and make this dessert in advance - it’s going to be a hit among your guests, and your kids will devour it too!
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep: 1 hour
Cook: 1 hour
Ingredients
For pie dough
All-purpose flour - 2 1/2 cups
Salt - 1 tsp
Butter cubes - 8-10
Ice water
For the filling
Granny smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced) - 6-7
Flour - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon - 1 tsp
Nutmeg - 1/4 tsp
Egg (beaten) - 1
Additional sugar for icing
Half a lemon
Recipe
Take the flour and salt in a bowl and mix well.
Add in the butter cubes and mix well with the flour.
Add some ice water to the bowl and stir the mixture well until it comes together in the form of dough.
Remember, the dough should not be too sticky.
Work the dough into a ball and cover it with cling wrap, then refrigerate.
In a bowl, take the sliced apples, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the apple slices are coated well.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (200°C).
Meanwhile, take out the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into half.
Roll out both the halves; they should be round and about 3 mm thick.
Place one rolled out dough in a pie dish making sure that the rolled out dough reaches the edges.
Pour the apple filling on to the dough.
Roll the other half of the dough on top.
Trim the extra dough from the edges and pinch the dough around the edges, so that the edges are sealed together.
Brush the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle some sugar on top.
Make slits in it.
Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
Allow it to cool before serving.
8. Strawberry Trifle Pudding
For a refreshing taste and colour in your Thanksgiving menu, trifle pudding is just what you need. Plus, it speaks of Thanksgiving in all ways possible! Make this strawberry and banana trifle pudding a day in advance, and refrigerate!
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Granulated sugar (white sugar) – 1 cup
Cornstarch – 5 tbsp
Strawberries (cut lengthwise into small slices) – 3 cups
Bananas (cut into small slices) – 3
Milk – 4 cups
Egg yolks – 6
A pinch of salt
Vanilla bean (split lengthwise and pods scraped) – 1/2
Heavy cream – 2 cups
Icing sugar – 1 ½ tbsp
Vanilla wafer cookies – 20
Unsalted butter – ¾ cup
Recipe
In a saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, white sugar, salt, vanilla bean and pods. Add in the milk and continue to whisk until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
Add in the yolks and whisk again.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to stir until a large bubble forms and pops.
Reduce to low heat and keep whisking. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until it melts.
Place a mesh sieve over a medium-sized bowl, and transfer the above pudding immediately through it.
Cover it and let it cool.
Whisk the cream and icing sugar in a bowl.
Mix the pudding well, and pour two spoons of pudding in a dessert glass. Spread it evenly.
Place a few vanilla wafer cookies on the pudding, followed by a few slices of bananas and strawberries.
Layer it with some whipped cream. Repeat with another layer of cookies, pudding, and fruits.
As you add in the layers, make sure to arrange the strawberry slices around the sides of the glass too as shown in the image.
Repeat one more layer and keep it in the fridge for about 4 – 6 hours.
Top it with some whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
9. Turkey Cookies
Your turkey-shaped cookies will be the star dish in your Thanksgiving menu, and trust us these cookies will taste as yummy as they look. But your little ones may find it rather hard to decide whether to eat them or stare at them. So try the cute and sweet version of the big bird (kidding!).
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the cookies
All-purpose flour - 2 cups
Egg - 1
Milk - 4 tsp
Unsalted butter (softened) - 2/3 cup
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp
Baking powder - 1 ½ tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
For the decoration
Vanilla frosting - 1/4 cup
Candy corn pieces - 40
Orange food colour
Peanut butter cups - 12 - 15
Candy eyes (as required)
Candy corn pieces (as required)
Strawberry fruit leather (cut into small stripes) - 1 roll
Recipe
To make the cookies, start with whisking all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and butter using a hand mixer until it turns creamy and smooth.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat again – it should appear fluffy.
Mix in the milk.
Add in the dry ingredients and mix well – you should have the cookie dough.
Make small balls from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (200°C).
Bake the cookie balls for about 8-10 minutes so that they get cooked, but are soft.
Remove them from the tray and press them slightly with the help of the back of the glass or a small bowl.
Do this while the cookies are hot or they may turn cold and hard to press.
Now comes the fun (or tedious) part – time to decorate the cookies!
Mix in the food colour to the frosting in a bowl and stir until you get the desired colour.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag; use a nozzle with a very tiny hole.
Take one peanut butter cup and cut it from one side so that it looks like a semi-circle (but is more than a semi-circle). Squeeze some frosting on the back of this peanut butter cup. Take one cookie and cut it slightly from one side (think one side of a hexagon). Place the peanut butter cup on this edge of the cookie.
Take another peanut butter cup, and cut it along the edges so that you get a smaller (circular) version of it.
Squeeze some frosting on the back of it and place it above the bigger peanut butter cup such that they both stick together as shown in the picture.
Stick the eyes with the frosting on the smaller peanut butter cup. Take a candy corn, cut its white part and stick it under the eyes to make the beak. Take 1 fruit stripe and place it next to the beak.
Take about 8 candy corns, squeeze some frosting on to one side of their white parts and stick them at the back of the cookie as shown in the image.
Place another round cookie on the tray and stick the decorated cookie on to it (the hexagonal side should come down), as shown in the image.
Add tiny feet underneath using frosting and they are ready to serve. And serve soon before the turkey falls apart!
How to Involve Your Children in Meal Preparations This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, though one of our favourite holidays, can leave you quite tired, especially if you do the cooking all by yourself. But if you want to cook for your family and loved ones and not spend all your time in the kitchen, ask your kids to help with the holiday preparations. They can make some cute and tasty snacks too - here are some Thanksgiving food ideas for your kids.
Mini Apple Pie
Cranberry Sauce
Chocolate cookies
Pumpkin Energy Balls
Marshmallows
These are some dishes that your kids can try on Thanksgiving. And if you want your kids to help you with the heavy recipes, here’s how you can get them started:
While getting the turkey ready will be hard for them, you can always ask them to help with the stuffing. They can mix the ingredients together and even stuff in the cavity of the turkey.
You can ask them to mash the potatoes. It’s something they will like (yep! kids like it messy); so ask for their help as long as they enjoy doing it.
While making cookies, you can ask your kids to scoop out the dough on to the tray and ice the cookies. This way you will get some time to relax and your kids will learn something new.
You can even ask your kids to decorate the table while you get the food ready. These little tasks will make your kids responsible, and they will appreciate that you trust them to not mess it up.
These are some ways in which you can involve your kids in the holiday season. Thanksgiving is all about coming together and being thankful for all the good things in life. Choose the dishes from the above list and cook some delicious Thanksgiving food. Enjoy it with your family and be thankful for it and all the good things you have in life. Happy Thanksgiving!
Also Read: Things To Thank Mom For This Thanksgiving
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Why Do Newborns Cry? A Guide for New Mothers
Being a mother is a blessing, but a first-time mother faces a lot of difficulties in raising a child as the only way a baby can communicate is by crying. Decoding his cries is a task that needs some time and patience. Here is a list of reasons why babies cry, especially in the first 40 days.
1. Hunger: The most common reason for crying in babies is hunger. Hunger pangs make the baby irritated, as he needs to be fed every 2-3 hours in the initial phase. Newborns develop the sucking reflex while they are still in the mother's womb. So, he will latch onto the nipple easily after the first few feeds.
2. Gas: After feeding the baby comes the burping part. Newborns often take in a lot of air while feeding (both in breastfeeding or formula feeding), and the gas in his stomach will make him uncomfortable. Some methods to burp the baby include, putting him on your shoulder, making him lay upside down on your knees and patting on his back to help him pass the gas out. Nowadays anti-colic roll-ons are available in the market. You can also ask for medicines for colic from your paediatrician.
3. Stuffy nose: Children are often not able to sleep if their nose is blocked due to a cold. Usually, no medicine is prescribed for newborns to deal with a stuffy nose. The best solution, in this case, is breast milk. Your paediatrician may also prescribe some saline nasal drops to help with the cold.
4. Sleep: Sometimes, a baby can be irritable if he is not able to sleep properly. You can try putting him to sleep by singing a lullaby as babies love their parents' voice. You can also take him for a stroll and ensure that his bed is comfortable.
5. Diaper Rash: If the baby wears a wet diaper for a long duration, he can develop a diaper rash. To avoid it, try and keep the baby's skin dry by regularly changing the diaper. Keep the area moisturised by applying coconut oil. Several diaper rash creams are also available in the market.
6. Discomfort: Sometimes, none of the reasons discussed is why your baby might be crying. In that case, check the baby's clothes and surroundings. If he is wearing clothes that are too tight or warm, change his clothes. If the bed isn't made or is crowded with pillows and toys, remove these things and make it comfortable for him to sleep easily.
I hope this list of possible reasons behind your baby's crying helps you in having a better life with your newborn. If your baby continues to cry even after you have tried everything, then I would suggest you see a paediatrician for a better understanding of the problem.
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
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
11 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. 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
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
11 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
10 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what is the pain killer than can be taken by a breastfeeding mother to deal with pain of stitches after delivery?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
27 mins ago
A. dolo 650 safe analgesic. 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
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