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Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips
As an expecting mother, you are sure to be full of doubts regarding the arrival of the baby. You might be evaluating everything around you, about its suitability and whether it is safe to be in the same environment as the baby. Pregnancy is characterised by such neurotic behaviour, and most of your worries turn out to be unnecessary.
The worries are not all about the items in the environment of your baby- you are sure to feel doubtful about your capability as a mother too. In many cases, women might have doubts about whether they will be able to feed their child owing to the small breasts they have. While small breasts might feel inadequate to nurse the baby for a long time, the reality could not be farther- the ability of a mother to breastfeed her child does in no way depend on the breast size of the mother.
In this article, let us clear some common doubts regarding this topic and delve deeper into it.
Does Breast Size Matter when Breastfeeding?
The short answer is- no. The size of your breasts does not affect your ability to breastfeed your child in any way. The size of the breasts is different in women who are not pregnant owing to the differences in fat content present in the breasts. The tissues which produce the breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant, so they are not characteristic of the size in any way. While the breasts may increase in size during pregnancy, you might still be worried that they are not big enough- but your worries are unfounded. Having smaller breasts mean that you have fewer amounts of fat in your breasts, and does not mean that you have a less amount of milk-making tissue. Therefore, women who have small breasts are more than capable of being able to feed their child with a healthy supply of milk.
Does Small Breast Make Enough Breast Milk?
Having small breasts mean that you have a lesser amount of tissue in your breasts, which do not affect the milk-making capabilities in any way. The tissues which produce breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant and it is this which causes the increase in size. Therefore, the size of the breasts does not indicate the milk making capabilities in any way, so you will be sure to make the required amount of milk for your baby regardless of the size of your breasts.
What Changes Your Breast Goes through to Prepare for Breastfeeding?
Your breasts, like most other parts of your body, go through a range of changes during pregnancy and even after giving birth. They will increase in size and will appear to be fuller and larger in a short time. The growth does not stop after you deliver the child- you might observe that they grow for a couple of weeks after the baby is born. The initial growth during pregnancy occurs because of the change in eating habits and the fact that the tissues which are supposed to be making the milk are being laid within the breasts. The size changes continue after delivery because they will be adjusting the production of milk according to the needs of the baby, and this growth will stop after a couple of weeks. You may notice the changes quickly, or might not notice them at all- in any way, you will definitely be able to breastfeed your child regardless of the size of your breasts.
What about Storage Capacity of Breast Milk?
Larger breasts can hold more milk at any given time, compared to smaller ones- therefore, you might have to feed your child more often, during his time of growth. They are just like containers- large breasts can store more milk.
How Often to Breastfeed with Small Breasts?
You will have many questions regarding small breasts and breastfeeding, and one prominent one will be how often you have to breastfeed your child. Compared to those with larger breasts, you will have to feed your child more often. You can choose to feed him on demand, rather than setting timings for breastfeeding him. So when he cries out for nourishment, feed him- even if it every hour, because it will ensure that your child gets the required amount of milk.
Breastfeeding Positions for Women with Small Breasts
You can feed your child in any position in which the both of you are comfortable, including the natural nursing position.
Tips for Breastfeeding with Small Breasts
Even though breastfeeding is generally easier with smaller breasts, you might still have a few difficulties initially. Here are some tips to help you navigate through those challenges:
Speak out to your doctor about your concerns in this matter- she will be able to help you and put your mind at ease.
You can try using the V-hold rather than the C-hold, as the C-hold was designed for larger breasts. Do keep your hands out of the latch, though.
Ensure that you feed your child at least three times a day, and help him latch on correctly.
Use both breasts while breastfeeding- this will help the baby get more milk while feeding.
Check whether your baby is getting enough breast milk, and always keep an eye on his wet diapers.
Always take him to the doctor for the scheduled appointments, as it can reassure you that the baby is growing fine. The doctor keeps track of the growth of the child, and if he gains weight consistently, it is an indication that you are feeding him enough.
You can also join a support group of similar women for advice and help on those simple doubts you have.
If you ever have any worry, call the doctor and talk to her about your problem.
When do you need to be Concerned?
If the size of the breasts does not change during the pregnancy or even after the delivery, it means that there is not enough of the milk-making tissue inside. This results in lactation failure, characterised by a low milk supply. You can still breastfeed, though- after consuming supplements.
What about Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery?
If the procedure involved damage or removal of the milk ducts of the breast, it might result in low milk production. You might still be able to breastfeed, though- you can consume supplements, and continue breastfeeding your child after consulting with the doctor.
Small breasts do not indicate an inability to breastfeed - it simply means that you have less fat on your breasts. However, you need to monitor your milk production with the help of the doctor to ensure that your child is getting enough milk while feeding.
Also Read:
Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples
Tips for Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Myths & Facts About Breastfeeding Your Baby Read more
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10 Soups You Should Include In Your Weight Loss Diet
Including soups in your diet can be a one-pot solution for all your weight loss woes particularly if you are tired of eating salads to lose weight. Soups are low in calorie and high in fibre and can make you feel full for longer. Soups are also light on the tummy.
We have some healthy recipes of soups that you can make. By including these soups in your diet, you can lose weight the healthy way and not compromise on the nutritious stuff.
How Soups Can Help You Lose Weight
Soups can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements as they are loaded with the goodness of vegetables and fibre content. Soups can also be your ideal go-to choice for times when you are battling bad cough and cold as they can help the body in replenishing all the lost nutrients. Also, soups can help you lose weight in the following ways:
Soups can match about two to three servings of fruits and vegetables effortlessly. Therefore, they can effectively limit hunger pangs by making you feel satiated. Just ensure you avoid adding unhealthy ingredients into your soup to maximise its benefits.
Soups with low-calorie constituents like vegetable broth, chicken stock, water can thwart accumulation of fat and support weight loss.
Soups offer an ample dose of fibres which may act as a potent natural appetite suppressant thereby helping in slimming down.
By adding spices like cinnamon, black pepper, and paprika in your soup, you can lose weight quickly as these spices enhance metabolic rate.
Healthy Soup Recipes That You Try at Home
Here are some healthy soup recipes that you can try at home and lose weight without compromising on the good food:
1. Tomato Soup
We all love to drink tomato soup, don't we? But you will love it even more if you can include it in your weight loss diet. Tomato soup tastes delicious and can even help you keep your weight in check.
Ingredients
Six tomatoes (washed thoroughly)
A teaspoon of cumin seeds
Six cloves
A teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Half a teaspoon of butter
Four cups of water
Instructions
In a pressure cooker, take the tomatoes and water to it. Let the tomatoes cook up to 4 whistles.
Once cooked, turn off the heat and take out the tomatoes from the cooker and peel off their skin once they cool down.
Next, process them in a blender to make a smooth paste.
Strain the mix to eliminate seeds if any.
Transfer this mix to a pan and allow it to simmer for a few minutes on medium heat.
Add water as per the desired consistency.
Turn off the heat and keep aside.
Take another pan, add butter to it. Once it heats, add cloves and cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds change colour, add soup to it.
Add salt and pepper.
Pour the cumin-clove mix atop the soup before serving.
2. Garlic Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is a great pick for vegetable lovers. The garlic in the soup can be a real treat for the taste buds. You may like to go in for powdered moong dal or oats to increase its thickness.
Ingredients
A cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, beets, green peas, capsicum)
An onion (finely chopped)
Six pods of garlic (finely sliced)
Two tablespoons of oats (powdered and roasted)
Pepper and salt to taste
Two cloves for seasoning
Two cups of water
Butter
Instructions
Heat the butter in a pan on medium flame.
Add the garlic and sauté for a minute.
Next, add the chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
Add the vegetables and stir fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Pour water and let them come to a boil.
Cover the pan with a lid and allow the mix to simmer until vegetables turn tender.
Sprinkle the salt and pepper.
Blend in the powdered oats and cook for about 2 minutes.
Turn off the flame and keep the soup aside.
In another small pan, dry roast cloves and crush them well.
Garnish the soup with crushed cloves before serving.
3. Moong Dal Carrot Soup
The amazing blend of nourishing lentils and antioxidant-rich carrots makes this soup a great addition to any weight loss diet. The skimmed milk in the soup delivers protein transforming it in a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
1/8 cup moong dal or split green gram lentils (washed and drained)
Half a cup of carrots (finely chopped)
Half a cup of onions (finely chopped)
A tomato (finely chopped)
Six pods of garlic (finely sliced)
Half a teaspoon of cumin seeds
Two cloves
Two to three tablespoons of skim milk
A cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
A teaspoon of oil
Instructions
Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat.
Add the garlic and onions, and sauté them for 2 minutes or until they turn light brown.
Next, add the carrots and tomatoes.
Cook for a few minutes.
In a pan, roast the moong dal until you can smell a pleasant aroma.
Add the roasted moong dal to the vegetable mix.
Pour water and allow the blend to simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes.
Transfer the mix to a blender and make a smooth paste.
Empty the mixture into a pan and place it on low flame.
Add the skim milk.
Season with salt and pepper.
For garnish, splutter cumin seeds and cloves in little oil.
Sprinkle them over the soup before serving.
4. Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup for weight loss can also be a valuable option. Drinking cabbage soup can help in melting the additional fat without you having to count the calories!
Ingredients
A small cabbage (finely sliced)
An onion (finely chopped)
A tomato (finely chopped)
Two cups of vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Tabasco sauce (optional)
Olive oil
Instructions
Heat a pan on medium flame and add the olive oil.
Add chopped onions and sauté them for about 3 minutes or until they turn pink.
Next, add the sliced cabbage and cover the pan.
Cook for about 10 minutes or until the cabbage turns soft.
Add the vegetable broth and boil the mix for 5 minutes.
Next, allow the mix to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Garnish with tabasco sauce.
5. Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is low in calories and tastes delicious. It can help you lose weight as well.
Ingredients
A cup of button mushrooms (washed and chopped)
A cup of milk
Half a cup of finely sliced onions
A teaspoon of cornflour dissolved in one-fourth cup of skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix herbs as per preference
Two cups of water
Instructions
Pour the milk in a pan and heat it on medium flame.
Add the mushrooms and boil them until they become soft.
Remove from heat and keep aside to cool.
Once they cool transfer them to a blender to make a smooth paste.
In another pan, add the onions and roast them by sprinkling enough water until they turn golden brown.
Transfer the roasted onions to a plate.
Next, add the mushroom paste to the pan with some water and allow them to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Blend in the cornflour and salt.
Lower the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the mix becomes creamy and thick.
Garnish with roasted onions and serve hot.
6. Red Kidney Beans Soup
You can gorge on this soup and have a slim and fit body. Plus, this creamy soup can double up as a main course dish too.
Ingredients
One-fourth cup of red kidney beans (washed)
Two onions (finely chopped)
A tomato (finely chopped)
A carrot (peeled and finely sliced)
Four pods of garlic (peeled and minced)
An inch of ginger (peeled and finely grated)
One-fourth cup of skim milk, if necessary
Salt and pepper to taste
Red chilli flakes (optional)
A teaspoon of chaat masala
A tablespoon of finely chopped coriander leaves
A teaspoon of oil
Instructions
Pressure cook the kidney beans along with grated carrots.
Save the water and keep aside half the beans.
Mash the remaining beans well in a bowl.
Heat the oil in a small pan and add the garlic, ginger, and onions.
Sauté them for 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Add the tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
Next, add the mashed beans, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and once the mix cools blend it.
Add red chilli flakes and mix to get a smooth puree.
Transfer this mix again to a pan, add the non-mashed beans and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes.
Pour the saved water as per desired consistency.
Add the skimmed milk if required.
Sprinkle coriander leaves, chaat masala before serving.
7. Mixed Vegetable Soup
This delicious soup uses bay leaves and pepper which intensifies its flavour and provides a spicy tinge. You can also squeeze a lemon to supplement the flavour.
Ingredients
A cabbage (finely chopped)
An onion (finely sliced)
A tomato (finely chopped)
Capsicum (finely chopped)
A cup of florets of cauliflower
Four to five bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
A teaspoon of oil
Instructions
Add the cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower to a pan along with some water and boil them for a couple of minutes.
Heat some oil in another pan and add the oil, bay leaves, and onions.
Sauté them for about 2 minutes.
Next, add the tomatoes and cook until they become pulpy.
Add the boiled vegetables, salt, and pepper.
Allow the mix to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Serve hot.
8. Spinach Soup
This delectable spinach soup can be an apt option if you are trying to lose weight. You can add potatoes if you wish to make its texture thicker.
Ingredients
An onion (finely sliced)
Four pods of garlic (minced)
A cup of finely chopped baby spinach
Two cups of vegetable stock
A pinch of powdered nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice
Butter
Instructions
Heat the butter in a pan and sauté the garlic and onions till they turn golden brown.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a boil.
Add the baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes.
Remove from flame and transfer the mix to a blender.
Puree the mix and season it with nutmeg, pepper, and salt.
Add the lemon juice.
Serve hot.
9. Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup
This easy-to-make soup is sure to charm both kids and adults alike. Remember to add a generous amount of pepper before serving for heightened flavour.
Ingredients
A cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, French beans, peas, cauliflower)
Half a cup of sweet corn kernels (steamed)
An onion (finely chopped)
Six pods of garlic (peeled and minced)
Two cups of skimmed milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter
Water, if required
Instructions
In a pan, heat the butter on medium flame.
Add the minced garlic and onion.
Sauté them for 2 minutes or until they turn translucent.
Next, add the vegetables and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Pour the milk and let the mix come to a boil.
Lower the flame and cook until the vegetables become soft.
Upon cooling, process the cooked vegetables in a blender to get a smooth mix.
Blend in the sweet corn kernels.
Heat a pan, and add the mix to it.
Sprinkle salt and pepper.
Add water if necessary.
Serve hot.
10. Minestrone Soup
This Italian soup may sound unfamiliar to you, but the ingredients to make this soup are available easily. This soup is full of veggies and adding dried parsley and crushed garlic in the soup makes it all the more appetising.
Ingredients
A carrot (finely chopped)
A zucchini (coarsely chopped)
A celery stalk (finely sliced)
Eight French beans (finely chopped)
One-fourth cup of sweet corn kernels (steamed)
An onion (finely chopped)
Three tomatoes (pureed)
Six pods of garlic (peeled and minced)
Half a cup of macaroni (cooked)
A teaspoon of oregano
A teaspoon of red paprika
Fresh basil leaves
Pepper and salt to taste
Oil
Instructions
In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add crushed garlic and chopped onions and fry them until they become light brown.
Add all the vegetables except for zucchini.
Pour adequate water to cover the vegetables and boil the mix for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Lower the flame and cook the vegetables until they turn tender.
Blend in the tomato puree, macaroni, and zucchini.
Cook for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Serve hot.
Making soups a part of your weight loss diet can help you lose weight in a healthy way. Drinking soups can curb your hunger pangs and stop you from reaching out to unhealthy snacks. So, try out these recipes for healthy soups and make them a part of your weight loss diet.
Also Read:
Best Cardio Workouts for Weight Loss
Swimming Workouts to Lose Weight
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Kesariya Sandesh
Sandesh, also known as ‘Sondesh’ is a typical, traditional Bengali dish that is made from freshly prepared paneer. There are many ways in which you can flavour it. We have taken the traditional route and used cardamom and saffron for flavouring. However, you can go creative and try strawberry, pineapple or chocolate flavor!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
8 People
15-20 Minutes
20-25 Minutes
Ingredients
1 litre milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp freshly powdered cardamom
10-12 saffron strands
1 tsp milk
Chopped pistachios for garnishing
Method
Step 1
Boil milk in a pan. When it comes to a boil, add the lemon juice. Stir and turn off the heat. In a minute, the whey and paneer will separate.
Step 2
Line a sieve with muslin cloth and pour the curdled milk into it to separate the whey from paneer. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Soak the saffron strands in 1 tsp milk for 5 minutes. In a small pestle and mortar rub it to get saffron paste.
Step 4
In a large bowl, add the fresh paneer, sugar, powdered cardamom. Mash and knead with hand, till the mixture is smooth and pliable. It will take about 5-7 minutes of mashing and kneading.
Step 5
Form 12-16 small balls of the paneer mixture. Put a saffron spot on each of them and garnish with chopped pistachio. Refrigerate until serving time.
Step 6
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
84 K cal
Proteins
4.4 g
Total Fat
2.9 g
Total Carbohydrates
10.7 g
Cholesterol
11 mg
Sodium
60 mg
Potassium
84 mg
Tip: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into paneer for chocolate sandesh.
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Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
6 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
6 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
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