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This When I Learnt a Mother's Instinct is REAL and How It Transformed Parenting for Me!
By Vaishali Sudan Sharma, The Champa Tree
To be honest, it is difficult to express how you feel when you see your little one on the ultrasound and capture that little heart beating. Those emotions, feelings, the excitement, and happiness are so overwhelming that a mother always hopes for this phase to freeze. Indeed, embracing motherhood is not everyone's cup of tea. The parenthood journey comes with a lot of surprises at every twisted curve. Right from the day you see two pink lines on the pregnancy result window, you start looking for a guide for first-time parents, do’s and don’ts, and everything that would do in your capacity to protect your child. Motherhood journey has taught me quite a few lessons, but most importantly, it has induced in me a different level of self-confidence. It is expected that a mother-to-be have some inbuilt maternal instincts and set of caregiving abilities for her little one. But, I didn’t believe in all this until I became one. Someone giving you parental advice is not a thing of the past. Our culture comes with a detailed manual in the form of well-wishers. It doesn’t matter whether you are in a grocery store or a mall, or sitting in the comfort of your own house, people are ‘more than’ willing to give their pieces of advice on parenting. While I found a mass of information everywhere, the contrasting viewpoints of the crowd would drown out my gut feeling. This is when I would begin to doubt my parenting practices.As a mother, in most cases I have put my instinct to use and have possibly made a better decision about what is good or could be bad for my child. But, sometimes seeking suggestions or being given unsolicited advice from any random body can lead to utter mental chaos. It has often left me in the state where I’ve questioned my own instinct- my weapon of sanity.“Can one trust her maternal instinct?” Yes, but we often shut that voice and intentionally seek validation from the outside world. Remember, no one’s advice would match the little intricacies that make you and your child special or the bond you share with him/her. Also, no one is going to connect with your child in ways that you can. Like you read a blog or surf the internet to get help, you should allow your gut to work when it comes to raising your kids. For instance, when I became a mother, I wondered how I would choose the best baby products. Today, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to baby care brands advertising their products and their benefits. But which one is best? I’ve always relied on products free of dyes, phthalates, and do not have synthetic fragrances. I generally recommend and also use organic products made from skin-friendly ingredients that would make the motherhood journey easy. Products like breast pumps have given wings to my mother’s instinct and eased my anxiety multifold. The products I’ll be recommending are easy to use and have made my life stress-free. Being a mother, we know that breast milk contains a range of benefits for babies. It is rich in nutritional components, antioxidants, enzymes, and protects babies against diseases. However, we forget that breastfeeding has its limitations. Sometimes, breastfeeding becomes tiring and unmanageable due to several reasons. But thanks to these electric and manual breast pumps, my baby gets to enjoy my breast milk even when I am not around. https://www.firstcry.com/avent/philips-avent-electric-breast-pump-white/8146414/product-detailRecently, I purchased this Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump from FirstCry, and I must say, using this breast pump has been a great experience. Firstly, it is the fastest method of expressing breast milk and has adjustable suction levels. What I liked the most is, it has indication levels that inform about milk collection. Also, unlike a manual pump, this electric pump saves you from using your hands, which can be exhausting sometimes. However, you might not like the low buzzing noise of the electric motor pumping (Honestly, it eases your life so much, the buzz of the motor will start to sound relaxing to you!)If you are looking for an electric breast pump, ensure that it is easy to use and assemble. Also, it must have an adjustable vacuum and should be easier to carry everywhere. However, electric breast pumps are costlier than manual breast pumps.https://www.firstcry.com/avent/avent-manual-breast-pump-white/9978050/product-detail?sterm=&spos=1&sstock=1 If you are on a tighter budget, buying an Avent manual breast pump is also a good option. It is convenient in size, lightweight, and has a simple-to-use mechanism. Furthermore, it works for when there’s a power outage too. When you are on a parenting journey, you have to keep in mind the budget too. This manual pump comes at a reasonable rate and is compact to carry (the thing I liked the most). It lets you sit comfortably during pumping, and you don't have to lean forward to check whether the milk is ending up in the bottle or not. As a mother, I found these pumps to be non-negotiable. They are absolutely necessary to have during your breastfeeding journey. I’m glad I trusted my instinct during this phase, it has been rewarding to say the least.PS. Getting comfortable with your instinct might take time. Remember what works for others, might not work for you. Take time to tune in to how you feel, and slowly you’ll be able to drown out opinions that conflict with your own. Happy parenting, fellow mumma! Read more
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Dal Water (Dal Ka Pani) for Babies - Benefits & Recipe
The moment your baby reaches an age where he can start having solids, you will receive a ton of advice. However, the one suggestion that seems to resound from nearly every source is dal pani - the water you get from dal that has the taste but not as much of the nutrition. Many parents choose to mash some dal along with the water and feed it to the baby. Balancing this with other items is just as necessary for the baby's health.
Why Give Toor/Moong Dal Water to Baby?
Moong dal pani for babies is a suggestion that has trickled down from generations, and there is a pretty good reason for it. The benefits a baby receives from it are numerous, and they are essential for your baby.
Dal pani is easy to digest, making it the perfect first food for your child.
The abundance of proteins, vitamins and minerals in dal pani is highly beneficial to the baby, even more so if the baby is given some mashed dal with it.
Going for yellow moong dal is a better choice since the chances of allergies are minimal.
Numerous trace elements like zinc, iron, manganese present in dal pani benefit the growth of the baby and help in strengthening the immunity.
When to Start Dal Water for Babies
Dal ka pani for a 6-month-old baby is the usual way to go for most parents, as this is the age where babies start to consume solids. However, the right age for it depends on why the parent wants to feed the baby dal pani in the first place. While some prefer to make it an accompaniment to breast milk, others choose to feed dal pani as a way to wean the baby off milk. Nevertheless, the age of 6-8 months is ideal; you can even start feeding your baby dal pani at the age of one year.
Nutritional Value of Dal Water (Per Serving)
In a single serving of a cup of dal pani, the nutritional elements are distributed as follows.
Nutrition
Quantity
Energy
130 cal
Carbohydrates
22.4 g
Protein
9.1 g
Fibre
3.1 g
Fat
0.5 g
Vitamin A
18.3 mcg
Vitamin B9
52.3 mg
Niacin
0.9 mg
Riboflavin
0.1 mg
Thiamine
0.2 mg
Zinc
1 mg
Sodium
10.2 mg
Phosphorous
1.7 mg
Potassium
429 mg
Magnesium
41.4 mg
Iron
1.5 mg
Calcium
28 mg
How to Prepare Dal Ka Pani for Infants
Preparing lentil soup for babies is a pretty straightforward process. Ensure that all the utensils you use for preparation and serving the soup are sterilised and free of any external substances.
Ingredients Required
Ghee
Turmeric powder
Water
Yellow moong dal, split
Procedure
Wash and clean the dal and put in the cooker along with turmeric powder, water and ghee. Let it cook in the pressure cooker for 5 whistles or so, in order to make it soft.
Use a strainer to separate the mixture and get the water alone. Depending on how your child reacts to the taste, choose to add a tiny pinch of sugar, only for the initial servings.
Before giving it to the baby, check the temperature of the water on your wrist to make sure it isn’t too hot.
Once he starts having it regularly and reaches the 10-month mark, you can make the dal pani thicker. To adjust the consistency and make it less thick, add boiled water to the mix.
Tips to Remember While Giving Dal Water to Infants
Before giving dal ka pani to a 4-month-old baby and above, there are a bunch of tips you can adhere to, in order to make sure that the baby does not have any adjustment problems.
Do not put the dal pani in a sippy cup or bottle for the baby.
Let your baby sit up straight with some support and then give him the dal pani.
If the dal pani causes gas in the baby, add a pinch of hing to the water.
As your baby grows up, you can introduce other variants of the dal as well.
Avoid adding salt in the pani to enhance the taste till he is at least one year old.
If you are wondering if this is the right time to introduce your baby to solids like dal pani, here are some ways to know your baby is ready:
He can hold his head up when he is made to sit.
Your baby is showing interest in food that is presented on the dining table.
Your baby can make movements with his tongue.
Your baby is able to open his mouth wide for food to go in.
Dal pani is a great preparation that works for most babies and is a great way to introduce them to the world of solids. The bland taste of it can be good for their sensitive tongues. Gradually, he will start liking the changes in the taste and will be open to eating a thicker version of the dal pani as well.
Resources and References: Parents
Also Read: Rice Water for Infants Read more
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9 New Ways to Style the Classic Kurta
Let’s be honest - kurtas are our go-to clothes when we’re looking for some comfort. Be it the chilly winters or steamy summers, you need only slip into a kurta for all the comfort you need to deal with the weather. Traditionally, most of us mommies are used to pairing our kurtas with a pair of solid leggings or a matching salwar. But ladies, there are more than a million ways in which you can style your daily kurtas; you need only give it a try! Here are a few easy ways!
9 Unique Ways to Style Your Kurta
No doubt, nothing matches the level of comfort that a kurta has to offer. Available in a variety of shades, materials and styles, every mommy owns more than one of these beauties. If you have a wardrobe full of kurtas and you’re having a hard time looking for new styles, here are a few tips to aid your dilemma.
1. Consider Jackets
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Gone are the days when women willingly wore a nude-coloured sweater over a kurta for style! If you’re looking for unique ways to style your kurta, a jacket is ideal! Irrespective of whether it is a cloak-like long jacket, a cropped jacket, or a western, sleeveless jacket - it will give your outfit the ‘kick’ you seek! All you need to do is contrast a bright coloured jacket with a short or long kurta, and you’re good to go!
2. Pave the Way for Ripped Jeans
[caption id="attachment_225915" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/371687775476947423/?lp=true[/caption]
Ripped jeans just don’t seem to go out of style. If you’re looking for something classy with a kiss of Indian, wear a kurta with a pair of ripped jeans. It’s easy to carry and is quite the combination of sophistication and street-side boldness. A dark, bright kurta and a pair of sky blue jeans work well when you’re looking to step out for a movie or a casual lunch with friends.
3. Say Hello to Skirts
[caption id="attachment_220937" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaB8eDdjGdc/[/caption]
Long, flared, printed or strong - skirts paired with kurtas are never disappointing! This combination is ideal for occasions where you seek a classy, out of the ordinary look; not to mention the comfort that comes out of this combination! Slip into a long kurta, something with slits, and pair it with a floor-length skirt in contrast - the ideal outfit for weddings or family get-togethers! For a casual look, you can opt for pastel wrap-arounds, and wear them with printed kurtas. Voila!
4. Palazzo Your Way Through
[caption id="attachment_225913" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/576038608568784753/?lp=true[/caption]
Honestly, palazzos turned out to be a genius invention for those looking for a break from the routine leggings and salwars. They are classy, comfortable and easy to carry! A kurta paired with a palazzo is the go-to outfit of most working women. When you’re working for eight hours straight, pencil jeans or leggings don’t spell comfort as good as palazzos! You can wear a simple kurti with a plain palazzo, and yet look stylish as ever!
5. Experiment With the Bare Look
[caption id="attachment_220939" align="aligncenter" width="397"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaJxOiuD744/[/caption]
Long kurtas and anarkali-like kurtis come with the advantage of length. This means that on the days when you just can’t make up your mind, you have the opportunity of wearing nothing below your kurti (except a pair of cycling shorts, obviously). Just treat it as a mid-length dress - perfect for hot summers, and even weddings if your kurta is well embellished! A pair of high heels with a long, bright kurta can team up to make a stylish outfit for you!
6. Give Cigarette Pants a Try
[caption id="attachment_220940" align="aligncenter" width="247"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BdkzGmbnBAE/[/caption]
Step out of the traditional salwar and give these cigarette pants a try! Trust us, they are the perfect partner for your kurta if you’re experimenting with the ‘Indo-western’ style. The stylish fitting of cigarette pants will give your outfit a formal, elegant look. A little bling on your kurta and a pair of these beauties can effortlessly jazz up your ethnic look. If you don’t own a pair of these already, we suggest you get one custom made in cotton and style them up with short kurtas. You’re bound to fall in love with them instantly!
7. Jazz-up With Dhoti Pants
[caption id="attachment_220941" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaTLu3Gj82F/[/caption]
Don’t believe in love at first sight? Get a pair of shining dhoti pants with pleats. These beauties have made their way back from the 80s, and are in fact a popular garment wore by men! Honestly, pairing them with a kurta and calling the outfit 'classy’ would be an understatement. And why stop at kurtas? With a pair of these, you can create a million looks for yourself. Dhoti pants with a cropped top is just one example. Go figure!
8. Say ‘Yes’ to Shararas
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This traditional Pakistani attire has managed to make its way into a million Indian closets and hearts, no doubt. Shararas look way too good with short kurtas and are super trendy. There’s no secret behind why most celebs are giving these a try! You should too; they look super stylish with short kurtas. A nice, short kurta with a pair of shararas that say ‘bling’ are ideal for weddings and festive occasions. They look as good as lehengas, but with a twist!
9. Try Pairing Jeans & a Stole
[caption id="attachment_220943" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BriMfQgA8mG/[/caption]
For your daily look, there’s nothing better than jeans and a stole to accessorize a kurta. Irrespective of the colour and the length, these two accessories are enough to jazz up even the most simple kurta in your closet. Besides, there are hundreds of ways to carry a stole - single side, around the neck, and as a scarf. A kurta with a pair of jeans and a stole is a classy Indo-western combination, minus the effort of carrying baggy salwars!
Now that you have quite some styles up your sleeve, why don’t you give these a try and jazz up your routine kurtas? Know it for a fact that kurtas are going to trend forever. You just need the right accessories and the will to experiment with a variety of styles to keep your look classy!
Also Read:
Trendy Hairstyles You Need to Rock This Year
Different Types of Salwar that You Must Own
Simple Hacks to Convert Old Clothes into New Clothes Read more
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5 Ideas For Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with Kids
“Mayya Mori, Main Nahi Maakhan Khaayo...” Can you hear faint strands of Lord Krishna's famous reprise in the backdrop? No wonder, Janmashtami, or Baal Gopal's birthday, will soon be here on August 14! If your little one is driving you up the wall with kitchen raids, wall art and soiled clothes, try and think of it as his Baal Leela and gear up for Janmashtami!
One of the major festivals of the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated across India. Such is the charm of Mohana or Govinda or no matter which of the 108 names you address him by! This is also an occasion you should celebrate with your children. After all, they leave no stone unturned to carve their own exciting adventures every day, no less than the playful hero of Gokul!
5 Krishna Janmashtami Celebration Ideas For Kids
These 5 Janmashtami celebration ideas are awesome and will make your Gokulashtami a memorable one.
1. Help them decorate the puja room
Children love bright colours and anything that triggers their creativity. Why not let them help you setup the Krishna jhoola (swing) or singhasan (throne) and decorate it with flowers, sandalwood and jasmine garlands? Your munchkins will love dressing up Krishna in a colourful outfit, complete with jewellery and a flute. You can also help them make cows of mud for the background and add some tufts of grass. Perfect Gokul setting right in your home!
2. Tell them a thrilling Mahabharata story
What would Mahabharata be without the wise, mischievous and delightful Krishna? Right from his adventurous childhood, where he got the better of Putna Rakshashi (demoness) and Kaliya Naag (giant serpent), to Kurukshetra, where he was the charioteer of the brave warrior Arjuna, Krishna's stories are full of excitement. Watch your kids be enthralled (and also learn about Indian mythology).
3. Help them draw stunning peacocks
Think Krishna and a beautiful peacock feather comes to mind. The story goes that once when Krishna was playing his flute, the melody made the peacocks dance in joy. It was then that the Peacock King offered his feathers as an offering – a gift Krishna wore ever since. Legend aside, peacocks can be fun to draw and paint as well. Guide your artists to paint some with water colours or good old thumbprinting technique. They can also pose with their artwork, dressed up as Krishna or Radha!
4. Whip up some Janmashtami special treats
No Indian festival is complete without special delicacies. If you fast on Janmashtami, consider whipping up some upvaas-special food that the kids will adore. A complete meal plan could be Sabudana Pakora, Jeera Aloo, Seviyan Kheer and Cucumber Raita. Also make some Shrikhand, Milk Cake and Kalakand. Krishna loved butter, ghee and all things milk. Watch the plates being devoured as “Govinda Aala Re” plays in the background!
5. Watch the celebrations in the neighbourhood
If you live in a neighbourhood where Janmashtami is celebrated with gusto, there will be lots of confetti and light. The festival has a special charm in the cities of Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwarka, where cultural activities and the widely popular Dahi Handi take centrestage. In South India too, the day is celebrated with great joy. Go out and see the decorations with your family. You'll get lots of click-worthy moments, not to forget memories.
The ways to celebrate Janmashtami with children are several, all of them rewarding. Bring magic home this year by going the extra mile and celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with kids. Festivals are terrific in how they bring the family together. Plus, everyone's doubly happy when the little Baal Gopal of the house is pleased! Read more
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Some Products That You Must Use and Try for Your Little Ones
Since I was pregnant, I've been doing a lot of research into which products I should use when my baby comes into this world. I've done a lot of research because we had only heard of some limited brands until then, but I decided to use some natural products for my baby that are non-toxic and healthy for tender skin. I had planned to use some foreign brands, but they were too expensive to fit into my budget. I suggest you learn more about the products, including what they do and how they do it.
I ordered some excellent natural body wash, body lotion, shampoo, stomach roll-on, vapourising rub, mosquito roll-on, mosquito patches, wet wipes, hair oil, and massage oil during my 9th month of pregnancy. I ordered everything and set it aside for my baby. When he was born, he took his first bath with these products, and believe me, my baby's skin has become so smooth, nourished, and healthy. You can really feel the softness in your baby's skin, and the mosquito roll-on is super magical. Also, the shampoo is good too. Remember to buy the products that should be paraben-free, and I would recommend these natural products to all moms for their babies.
There are many fantastic items for moms as well, such as onion hair oil, face serum, and onion hair mask, which you will need to maintain your post-pregnancy glow and prevent hair loss. Moms, you can also use some items; I give them a thumbs up.
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
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
17 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
17 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
10 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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