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Side Effects of Stopping Breastfeeding on the Mom and the Baby
Most mothers enjoy the unique experience of breastfeeding. It comes with its share of hard work, but it is totally worth it. Weaning is a process where the mother gradually shifts the baby from breastfeeding to other sources of food. Often child-led weaning means that the mother continues feeding the baby until the baby no longer desires breast milk. This can extend beyond 24 months and varies from baby to baby. Some mothers choose to wean earlier due to a range of reasons.
Are There Any Side Effects of Stopping Breastfeeding?
Notwithstanding the reason, weaning can present side effects for both the mother and the baby. All mothers experience some discomfort, along with other effects when they stop breastfeeding. The reduced levels of prolactin and oxytocin cause hormonal changes, which can also lead to physical pain. Here, we discuss a few of the effects of quitting breastfeeding.
Effects on the Mother
There are many weaning related side effects on the mother. Discussed below are some of the side-effects of weaning.
1. Mastitis and Clogged Ducts
A plugged duct can cause extreme tenderness in the breast that is fairly localised. If it remains untreated, it can cause mastitis, a breast infection that causes severe pain, fever, and redness. The breast becomes tender and warm to the touch. Mastitis can be treated by using warming pads, expressing the milk, and a dose of antibiotics.
2. Fullness of the Breasts
Weaning can be the cause of a feeling of fullness of the breasts. Breasts become painful and heavy because of the collection of milk. Expressing milk can reduce this feeling of fullness.
3. Physical Illness
Some problems that appear after stopping breastfeeding include headaches, nausea, and mood swings. These can be the effect of hormonal changes that are a result of stopping breastfeeding. Sometimes these problems mimic early pregnancy symptoms. Consult your doctor before you decide to wean.
4. Increase in Fertility
The hormones secreted in the body during breastfeeding reduce the chances of ovulation; these hormones change when the mother stops breastfeeding. The mother may have her period within six weeks of weaning, meaning that ovulation has begun once again.
5. Depression Post-Weaning
Weaning effects on mothers include mild to severe depression. This is associated with hormonal changes in the body when the infant stops suckling, or milk is no longer being expressed. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, can also create a feeling of calmness and joy for the mother. With the reduction in prolactin levels, the mother may begin feeling sad, and she may associate this sadness with the end of the bond between her and her baby. Not every mother experiences depression, however, you must seek help from a medical practitioner if you feel depressed.
6. Extreme Fatigue and Tiredness
The progesterone and estrogen levels in the mother’s body try to rebalance after weaning, and this causes extreme tiredness and fatigue. Discontinuing breastfeeding may not reverse normal sleeping patterns, inducing further fatigue in mothers.
7. The Feeling of Shame About Eating
When nursing, mothers are advised to consume sufficient calories to sustain breastfeeding. Women usually eat a lot while feeding without gaining weight. When a mother decides to wean, she may find it challenging to cut down the food intake as it is habitual. It may make some mothers feel guilty about eating more during mealtime. Depression caused by hormonal changes makes this feeling more pronounced for some mothers.
8. Issues of Attachment with the Infant
Reduced oxytocin levels, and subsequently, bonding makes some mothers feel a slight estrangement from their children. The mother may also feel less proficient at soothing the child without breastfeeding. Finding other ways to bond, like playing together, cuddling during sleep time, etc. can help the mother and the baby bond better.
9. Palpitations and Anxiety
Anxiety may surface in plenty of ways, such as the mom being too snappy, worrying and overthinking, dreading the little things that shouldn’t matter, and so on. This feeling of anxiety can be accompanied by palpitations.
10. Insomnia
Some mothers find it hard to get a good night’s sleep even though feeding is no longer required through the night.
11. Skin Changes
Weaning an infant can bring in a lot of changes in the skin due to a surge in hormones. Dryness, acne, stretch marks, and other breakouts are common when breastfeeding is stopped.
12. Increased Stress for the Mother
The inability to comfort the baby or the anxiety, sore breasts, and headaches may increase levels of stress in some mothers.
Effects on the Baby
Babies, too, can face some problems when breastfeeding is stopped. Here is what happens with the infants:
The risk of infection increases as breast milk contains antibodies that fight off infections, which the baby is no longer consuming.
The nutritional advantage of breast milk is lost, and dependency on external nutrition increases. This may be a problem if the baby doesn’t take to formula or solid food easily.
Tips to Stop Breastfeeding
Instead of stopping breastfeeding suddenly, mothers should gradually stop breastfeeding by reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions over a few weeks.
Another useful tip is to shorten the length of each breastfeeding session. For instance, if your baby is used to breastfeeding for fifteen minutes, try reducing the feeding time to ten minutes.
Mothers can also combine breastfeeding with formula milk by replacing one of the baby’s breastfeeding session with a bottle of formula milk.
Speaking to a lactation consultant before weaning your infant will aid in fighting the effects of weaning. Ice packs, warming pads, sage tea, and a good bra will go a long way in the prevention of engorgement and mastitis. Whatever the reason for weaning, listen to your body and do not feel pressured by unsolicited advice. As the mother of the infant, you should be free to decide what is best for you and your baby.
Resources & References: Medical News Today, Babycentre
Also Read: Tips to Stop Breast Milk Production Read more
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SAKSHI JAMWAL
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Taking Probiotics during Breastfeeding - Health Benefits and Food Sources
Breastfeeding is all that a baby needs. The food and nutritive value that a baby needs are satisfied wonderfully by breastfeeding, which also helps in creating a stronger bond between the mother and child. Although that nutritive value in the milk could be supported better by use of other elements. Quite recently, many doctors and people have started realizing the benefits of probiotics and have been wondering if they are the right fit for a lactating mother, too.
What is a Probiotic?
Any reference to the bacteria within the body is not simply in relevance to a disease or an infection. There are tons of bacteria and microbes present in the various section of the body that plays an essential role in keeping us healthy. Our intestine itself contains a large quantity of those, which help support digestion, too. The current lifestyle and food choices have led to a devastating reduction in these bacteria, causing a widespread presence of digestion related issues in everyone. Probiotics are the corrective measure that supplies our body with those bacteria and help bring up their quantity the right way.
Is it Safe to Take Probiotics while Breastfeeding?
For a pregnant woman to opt for a probiotic for newborn breastfeeding could also mean that he gets the probiotics, too. But is that a safe option? It actually is.
This isn’t an unnatural supplement that is artificial to the body. It is a way to replenish the presence of healthy bacteria that is already present inside. Most babies have these in good amounts since they are present in the breastmilk. For lactating mothers to consume probiotics so that their own bacteria are in good quantities, shouldn’t pose any problems.
How Babies Get Probiotics?
The healthy bacteria inside a baby begin to thrive almost immediately following his birth. Primary ones amongst those are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. When the baby is in the womb, many probiotic bacteria are already passed to him. Later, during natural delivery, the baby comes in contact with the vagina, where a large number of healthy bacteria are present. These find their way into the baby as well, which is why babies that born vaginally seem to be healthier than other babies. This is precisely why doctors advised pregnant women against washing their vaginas with cleansing agents or chemicals.
Once delivery is completed, the other source of probiotics for babies is through the breastmilk. Oligosaccharides are prebiotics that assists the development of existing healthy bacteria in the baby. These elements are indigestible and, hence, end up creating a protective barrier for the intestine, allowing the bacteria to grow in large numbers. These bacteria inevitably help build up a strong immune system and mature the defence mechanism of a child in early stages. Breastfed babies end up being able to combat infections quite better, due to this exact reason.
Health Benefits Of Probiotics For Baby And Mother
Here are some of the health benefits of probiotics for both the baby and you.
1. The Mom Stays Healthy And Protected
For all the beauty around it, breastfeeding actually rids the mother’s body of many nutrients as they are transferred to the baby. This also provides a lot of antibodies which can reduce the strength of the immunity system of the mother. By consuming probiotics, they act as reinforcements and bring back the immunity necessary to keep you healthy. It also ensures that your metabolism stays streamlined and regulated.
2. The Baby’s Immune System Gets A Boost
A large part of the immunity that a body provides comes from the intestines. Probiotics consumed by the mother do find their way into the baby, one way or the other. There are natural antibodies that are absorbed by the child via breastmilk. But when these are complemented with probiotics internally, the immunity system rapidly starts growing and reaching a mature stage.
3. Reduction In The Frequency Of Reflux
A specific type of probiotic bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri provides a unique benefit. Studies have shown that babies who consumed those bacteria showed fewer signs of suffering from acid refluxes compared to other babies. The presence of probiotics stimulates the digestion process, reducing the chances of food being present in the stomach for long intervals and thus preventing reflux.
4. Improving The Frequency Of Bowel Movements
Constipation is an ailment that many babies suffer from in the early days. Some do continue to have it later in life, too. Probiotics have shown marked improvement in babies that have had chronic constipation. Studies have revealed a streamlining of bowel movements and better consistency in poop when probiotics were consumed by babies.
5. Preventing Certain Skin Diseases From Occurring
One of the most common problems that young babies and newborn children face is eczema. But, probiotics have been able to counter that, too. By including probiotics in the diet of the mother, babies have a higher chance of preventing any eczema from occurring for at least a couple of years of early life.
6. Reducing The Chances Of Rashes And Yeast Due To Diapers
Many times, the rashes that you observe on a baby due to diapers are actually caused due to a yeast infection. This yeast is already present in the digestive tract of the baby, and its prolonged exposure leads to an infection. A probiotic cannot remove the infection, but it can prevent them from happening in the first place. Certain probiotics that are rich in bacteria such as lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium are known to work wonders on yeast infection. What these do is act directly on the yeast present in the gut and reduce their growth. If antibiotics are already being administered for the infection, probiotics shouldn’t be given until at least a couple of hours after the medicine.
7. Prevent The Occurrence Of Colic In Young Babies
Quite a substantial number of babies seem to be suffering from colic. This usually happens when a baby ends up taking a lot of air while breastfeeding. It usually goes away after the first 24-30 weeks but until then, it can cause quite a bit of discomfort, primarily due to the presence of a gut that undergoes inflammation. All it needs is some help from friendly bacteria, which can be provided by probiotics.
Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, multiple studies have shown the administration of probiotics to reduce the time a baby spends in crying due to colic pain, a reduction in the number of times a baby vomits, as well as increased amounts of bowel movements, all compared with babies not administered probiotics.
8. Helps Relieve The Discomfort Of Thrush
This is yet another infection that is caused by yeast. Primarily affecting the mouth, thrush in infants can be found on the nipples of the mother, too. The source is unknown but antibiotics are deemed to be a possible cause as well. If not treated in time, it tends to stay for longer periods and get even more painful over time. Consuming probiotics can not only relieve the discomfort but can even end up treating the condition altogether.
9. Assists In The Production Of Vitamin B
Vitamin B is an absolute necessity for a young baby and the mother, both. Probiotics are known to produce these vitamins, which directly affect the metabolic activities and help absorb the necessary nutrients. The vitamins are also essential in keeping the levels of iron intact to prevent anaemia from occurring, as well as maintain the healthy tissue of the skin while promoting the growth of the nervous system.
10. An All-Around Health Monitor And Protector
Probiotics do everything from absorbing minerals for the body, removal of toxins, stimulating digestion, reduce inflammation in various organs, and reduce chances of disorders from occurring, strengthening immune response, and a lot more. They provide a 360-degree protection for the developing child.
Probiotic-Rich Foods for Breastfeeding Mothers
If you want to incorporate probiotics into your baby's diet and yours, here are some foods that you can try.
1. Buttermilk
Plain yoghurt cultured with lactic acid bacteria makes for a great source of probiotics.
2. Probiotic Fortified Milk
Acidophilus fortified milk is not only sweet to taste but gives the necessary probiotics for your gut too.
3. Soft Cheese
Specially fermented soft cheese, like Gouda, keep the probiotic bacteria alive until they reach the intestine and thrive.
4. Kombucha Tea
A type of fermented tea that has been providing benefits for many years. Avoid if you suffer from candida.
5. Kimchi
A preparation of fermented cabbage, it provides probiotics along with a ton of other nutrients.
6. Tempeh
This can be literally called a probiotic-rich alternative for tofu, which can be used in multiple recipes.
7. Pickles
Needed another reason to dive into pickles? The presence of probiotics should make it well worth it for you.
8. Miso Soup
Made from beans, rice, and fermented rye, this probiotic soup helps relieve digestive issues as well.
9. Microalgae
Spirulina and various blue-green algae can find their way into your body from the ocean and give you the probiotic boost you need.
10. Dark Chocolate
There you go! That’s the reason why dark chocolate is so popular among health fanatics. The presence of probiotic bacteria is all the reason you need.
11. Sauerkraut
Not only does it contain probiotic bacteria, but it is a great combination of a multitude of vitamins.
12. Kefir
Made from fermented grains and goat’s milk, kefir provides the immunity boost as well as a supplement of antioxidants, too.
13. Yoghurt
If everything else fails, the cheap and best option for probiotics is this.
Keeping your baby strong and helping him stay strong ahead in life is what the initial stages of the baby’s growth are all about. By including probiotics as a part of your diet, you can ensure they find their way into your little child, and provide him with the strength he needs to grow rapidly and live a healthy life.
Also Read: Probiotics for Babies Read more
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Tips to Deal with Your Preschool Going Messy Eater
Most kids in their early stages of life are messy eaters as they are learning about food and table manners. Parents need to be patient in understanding about this kind of behaviour and should inculcate good table manners in preschoolers by helping them to learn about their food.
This is the period when your preschooler starts learning about the basic eating habits. As the child is still in the learning stage, sometimes there may be instances where they will create a mess on the table, or throw a tantrum if the food is not his favorite. You should have the patience needed to handle the mess with utmost care without making your little one feel ashamed or guilty. Read through to arm yourself with the right tricks for handling picky preschooler.
Handling Messy Eaters
1. Change His Clothes
If he is wearing some good clothes, changing them before a meal can prevent them from getting dirty.
2. Keep the Meal Time Short
The shorter the meal time, the less likely he is to mess with his food. Make sure your child is hungry before you serve him as this will make him eat more and waste less. Similarly, ensure that you take away the food plate as soon as you see him stop eating.
3. Serve Less
The less you serve him, the less he will spill or throw. Let him ask you for more food, then serve the required amount in his plate. This will prove to be beneficial in reducing his messing-with-food habits.
4. Break the Food for Him
Provide considerably small pieces of bread, vegetables or fruits during meal time as they are easy for the kid to eat and will also attract him, as he can hold them and put in his mouth on his own.
What to Expect from Messy Eaters
Like so many other baffling habits, messing with food seems to be the favourite game of such kids. Studies have shown that playing with food is one of the best ways of development and learning to identify different foods quickly.
Expect the following from your messy eater:
Dropping food on the floor if he doesn't like it
Digging his mouth and hands in the food
Splashing his meal as he finds it amusing
Playing with it, in case he is not hungry or is full
He will definitely mess his clothes while digging into juicy food items like melons, mangoes, oranges and more
Thus, patience is the key to handle messy eaters. While some kids may deliberately mess with food, others use it as a way of learning and growing. Deal with your messy eater with love, and he will learn to eat properly, much faster than your expectation. Read more
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Contribution – My Product review: Babyhug Safe Journey Forward Facing Car Seat
Car seat is not just a seat for a child, it is designed for its safety. Several countries have made a law to use car seat for the children to prevent any accidental injury or car crash death. it is the best way to prevent children from any sort of injury which may happen during the car journey. Moreover, parents can drive safely as car seat won’t allow any child to jump and hop on the seat, which sometimes distracts the attention of the parents while driving.
I bought babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat recently from firstcry.com. at first I was sceptical to buy it as I was under perception that car seat is only meant for the toddlers, but after going through its special features I couldn’t stop myself to buy it.
Babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat is good for the kids up to the age of 12 years or for the kids who hue under 36 kgs. My kids are of age 6 and 5 years and I used this car seat for them thrice and I was totally amazed by seeing the comfort of my kids. I use it on the front seat of the car to see its effectiveness.
it is a definitely a must have product if you are concerned about the safety of your child while driving. Seat is comfortable and soft. It’s back cushions doesn’t lead to any sweetness or humid feeling. And it doesn’t give any feeling of stiffness even after 3 hours of long car-journey. Its safety hardness is worthy of applause.
As of now I cannot see any negative side of this product.
Hence, to sum up, I would definitely recommend this babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat for the safety of a child special while driving.
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Screen Time for Babies - YES OR NO? What Is Your Answer?
I know the whole world is so accustomed to mobile phones and TV time. Be it at dinner tables or be it at home, everybody is glued to the screen.
So the question is how will I handle the baby the whole day if I don't give him/her screen time? The next problem that I have often heard is 'Oh my baby never eats without a phone'.
My baby is 2-years-old today and we still don't have a TV at home. I always loved watching TV but for the sake of my child, I never installed it after delivery. I am still glued to my mobile phone, but now she doesn't like it at all because I never watched it in front of her.
Today, she is so busy playing, eating with her own hands, taking a shower. She is so independent and has no time for TV. It's just upto you as a parent how you train your child since she is a baby. She is a big-time fan of books and by now tries to speak good words and statements too. Every day she enjoys those reading sessions with her friends and daddy too. She loves indulging in this activity and looks forward to it on a daily basis
Guys, parenting is hard I know. But what you do in their first two years matters a lot. Make them self independent so they never ask for a phone or TV and still are busy the whole day without throwing any major tantrums.
Did our parents really give us any phone or TV? And still, we grew up well. Why can't we try that now?
Good luck people. Hope this article really helps you in shaping your child. And yes this is my first article. And hopefully would love to write many more.
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
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
6 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 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.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
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.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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