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Baby's Digestive System - When and How It Develops
Babies are delicate and so is their digestive tract. Whatever your baby puts in his mouth may enter his gastrointestinal tract, which is not strong enough to fight various kinds of pathogens or bacteria that enter his body. In the initial months of your baby’s life, his digestive tract will undergo many changes. For the first few months, it will not only produce various enzymes that help and aid digestion, but it will also develop antibodies to fight various infections and medical ailments. To know when and how a baby’s digestive system develops, read the following article.
An Infant's Digestive System Transition from Womb to Birth
When a baby is inside his mother’s womb, he gets all his nutrients from the placenta. But soon after the birth of your baby, everything changes for him as he no longer depends on placenta for the nutrition. Now, his digestive system will have to fend of itself, which means it will have to digest food on its own. However, a baby’s digestive system is not mature or strong enough at birth, and it will take some time to adjust. And because of this very reason, he may even lose approximately 10 percent of the weight within a few days after the birth. Breast milk has all the nutrition and energy that a baby requires at birth. It is through breast milk only that a baby will get all the calories for his growth and development. It may take time for the breast milk to turn from colostrum to fat-dense milk, and ones the transition happens, you will notice your baby will start gaining weight.
As you know that babies have a smaller tummy, so you will have to feed your baby often. In the initial few days after birth, your baby may only be able to take an ounce of milk, but this may gradually increase up to three to four ounces a day before your baby is three months old. Apart from the smaller tummy, your baby may also have a small and underdeveloped oesophageal valve. This valve is responsible for the transfer of food to your baby’s tummy. However, being small and underdeveloped, it may lead to frequent spitting. Your baby's kidney will also be immature, hence it is important for a mother to pay heed to her baby’s feeding schedule to ensure that the baby gets ample nutrients, is hydrated, and there is no electrolyte imbalance.
The Digestive Tract Lining Issue
Adults and older children have a layer of mucus lining around their gastrointestinal tract. This mucus lining acts as a shield in protecting the digestive tract against any microbes or contaminants that they may consume with their food or liquids. However, babies do not have a strong mucus lining around their gastrointestinal tract. This may put babies at high risk of catching various kinds of infections. However, this should not be your cause of concern because as your baby will grow, this lining will become stronger and will mature completely and your baby’s body will become strong enough to start making its own antibodies. Before your baby’s body starts making its own antibodies, your baby will get them from the breast milk. Apart from this, the breast milk will also help your baby in building the mucus lining by promoting the good bacteria and keeping various dangerous pathogens at bay.
Why Avoid Solid Foods Until 6 Months?
You may be tempted to give a morsel of food to your baby when you have your meals. However, if your baby is less than six months of age, this may not be a good idea. This is because no matter how eager or ready your baby may be, his digestive system may not be ready or prepared for the same. Your baby's body will not be efficient enough to produce the apt amount of enzymes to digest starch in the food until he reaches six months of age. Also, bile salts and lipase, which aid in the digestion of fats, do not reach a maturing stage until 6 to 9 months of age. By 4 to six months of age, your baby will have an ‘open gut’. This gut will allow the whole proteins to pass from the small intestine to the bloodstream. This will also aid the antibodies from the mother’s milk to enter into the bloodstream; however, if large molecules of food or other pathogens pass through it, it may lead to allergies or infections.
When Does a Baby's Digestive System Develop Fully?
Are you thinking how long it will take for your baby's digestive system to mature? Well, your baby’s digestive system needs to make enough digestive enzymes that can help digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins present in the solid food. And this may not happen until 6 to 9 months of age. Therefore, your baby’s digestive system gradually starts maturing at around 6 to 9 months of age. By this time you can start introducing various kinds of solid food in your baby’s diet after checking with your doctor.
Tips to Care for Child's Digestive Health
Colic, diarrhoea, spitting up, tummy pain, and other digestive problems are very common during the first few months after the birth of your child. But there is no need to worry as these are very common issues that most babies may face due to an immature digestive system. However, here we have some tips that may help you to take care of your baby’s digestive health.
1. Breastfeed
Breast milk is a boon for babies as it not only provides them with ample amount of nutrition, but it also helps in building antibodies. Therefore, you must breastfeed your baby until 6 months of age or longer. It has also been proved that babies who are exclusively breastfed are less likely to have digestive, respiratory, or other health complications.
2. Introduce Solid Foods Gradually
You may give solid foods to your baby once he turns six months. However, refrain from adding too many foods at the same time. Begin by slowly introducing one food at a time and monitor how your baby’s digestive system responds to it. Bananas, broccoli, apples are some of the food items that you may begin with.
3. Look Out for Food Allergies
Make sure you register any allergies or food sensitivities that your baby may have as it may impact his digestive health. For this reason, it is important to start with one food item at a time to know if a particular food item may be the culprit behind the food allergy. If your baby is allergic to any food item, make sure you refrain from giving any food preparation that may contain that food item in it. Some babies may be lactose intolerant, may have nut allergies or even be allergic to eggs. So, keep a good eye on your little baby.
Now you know when your baby's digestive system develops, so introduce solid foods to him once you are sure that his digestive tract is completely developed. Please consult your doctor before starting off with any kind of solid food for the first time as your doctor may be able to guide you better as to how you may go about feeding solid foods to your baby.
Also Read: Gas Problems in Babies Read more
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Is it Good to Eat Banana during Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding your baby will provide him with all the essential nutrients he needs for development and to fight infections and it can lower your risk of developing severe diseases. And consuming nutritious foods while breastfeeding can improve the quality of your breast milk. Eating fruits and other healthy stuff can contribute to breast milk production, but when it comes to fruits, should you eat all of them? Bananas, for instance, are super-healthy, but can you eat them while breastfeeding your baby!
Can You Eat Bananas While Breastfeeding?
Banana is a tropical fruit and is widely consumed all over the world. And yes you can eat it while breastfeeding your baby. It is rich in several nutrients such as potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, iron, dietary fibre, etc. And eating a banana during breastfeeding can have several health benefits for you and your precious little one.
Benefits of Eating Bananas While Breastfeeding
Bananas are very nutritious for nursing mothers. Some of the benefits of eating bananas in the breastfeeding phase are given below -
1. Can Provide You With Energy
Bananas contain about 17% of the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of carbohydrates. Hence, they are a great source of energy and extra calories. Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories per day, and 225 g of bananas can provide around 200 calories of energy.
2. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure and Strengthens Bones
Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium which helps maintain electrolyte and fluid balance in our bodies. Potassium can also ensure the proper transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Bananas also help maintain blood pressure.
3. Aids in Digestion
Bananas are a good source of fibre which helps stimulate regular bowel movements. Bananas also contain prebiotics which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and thus promotes digestion.
4. Lowers the Risk of Cancer and Helps in Tissue Repair
Bananas are a good source of Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps repair the tissues and maintain healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidant properties of bananas fight free radicals which cause cancer and also prevent heart disease by stopping the arteries from hardening.
5. Helps Fight Infections and Synthesise Haemoglobin
Bananas contain 41% of the RDA of Vitamin B6. This vitamin helps manufacture antibodies that are essential for fighting off infections. Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the production of haemoglobin, the blood protein which carries oxygen to all the cells in your body.
6. Can Help Reduce Depression
Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan which is essential for the production of the nerve transmitting chemical called serotonin. This chemical can help regulate mood, sleep, social behaviour, and memory, and thus lower the chances of depression.
Delicious Banana Recipes for Nursing Moms
Here are a few tasty and healthy banana recipes that you can try and enjoy in your nursing stage.
1. Banana and Strawberry Smoothie
The banana smoothie is quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed in breakfast or an evening snack.
What You Will Need
To make the smoothie, you will need a ripe banana, a cup of milk, a tablespoon of yoghurt, a small cup of strawberries.
How to Make
Take all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. If you do not want to use milk, you can substitute the milk with orange juice.
2. Banana and Egg Pancakes
Banana pancakes are easy to make and make for healthy and delicious breakfast. So check out the recipe below!
What You Will Need
To make the pancakes, you will need 2 ripe bananas, 4 to 6 eggs, a small cup of chopped walnuts, honey or maple syrup for the topping, a pinch of salt.
How to Make
Mash the bananas well in a bowl. Beat the eggs using a beater or fork until it is well blended and mix this with the mashed banana. Add the chopped walnuts and a tiny pinch of salt. Next, lightly grease and heat a pan. Put a ladle-full of batter onto the hot pan and spread it to make a small circle. Let it cook and then turn it to let the other side cook. Once done, turn off the heat and serve it topped with honey or maple syrup drizzled over the top of the banana egg pancake.
Side Effects of Having Bananas While Nursing
Bananas may not be recommended for some women while breastfeeding as it may cause certain side effects such as:
1. May Aggravate Cough and Cold
Eating bananas are known to aggravate cough and cold in some people. So, nursing moms who have a cold and cough should avoid eating bananas.
2. May Lead to Allergies
People who are allergic to latex should avoid bananas as it can cause a similar allergic reaction in such people.
3. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
As bananas contain high levels of fructose, they are not recommended to people who have diabetes or high blood sugar levels. If you are a breastfeeding mom and have diabetes, it is suggested that you avoid eating bananas.
Bananas are very nutritious and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. However, before making this superfood a part of your diet, check that you are not allergic to it. Better yet, consult your doctor whether or not you can have them while breastfeeding.
Also Read: Chocolate during Breastfeeding Read more
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When to Create Facebook Account for Your Kids
Kids are flocking to social networking sites like never before. Thanks to greater internet penetration, Facebook now has an ever-increasing presence in our lives. When should you let your kids on Facebook? And how do you protect them from the dangers of cyberspace?
Social media has become the latest place to hang out. Some of your children's friends probably already have Facebook accounts and they've been hankering after you to sign up too. But as much as you'd like to indulge them, just think if it's too early to expose them to the vulnerabilities of social media? How do you decide when the right time is to introduce your children to Facebook?
What's the Right Age to Create a Facebook Account for Kids?
Times are changing and just like how you pestered your parents to let you hang out with your friends, your children are probably putting pressure on you to let them have Facebook accounts. Kids are becoming social media-savvy at a very young age, and may feel pressured to follow suit and get online too. The fact is, there is an age limit on Facebook that allows only children of 13 years and above to create an account. While it's easy to bypass this rule, there's a reason it's in place. Young kids are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers including bullying and can have their personal information left open to the public.
You could argue with them over the fact that there's no pressing need for them to socialise online, when they can have a sound social life in the real world. But your children may not want to be left behind when all their friends are hobnobbing on the social media platform. It's a good idea to talk to them about the pros and cons of Facebook and social media in general. Older children can be left to make their own choice, but if they're very young, you must be the decision-maker and put your foot down even if there's a tantrum coming!
What are the Potential Risks for Kids on Facebook?
Children, too young to handle social media and everything that comes with it, can suffer tremendous distraction in studies. All those updates from friends, chats and photo-sharing can be addictive. Facebook also has numerous interesting games and they're difficult to stay away from. If you're not careful, your children's health could suffer with the lack of outdoor activity and not being around people enough in the real world. There are even more serious risks to contend with. Your children could unknowingly befriend someone with bad intentions and end up sharing personal details like school timings and your home address. This could lead to cyber stalking or stalking in person. A lot can happen with such private information! So, if your brood's been pestering you to let them sign up with the site, keep the Facebook age limit in mind and carefully decide if they're old enough to enter the world of social media.
As a mom, you need to set ground rules and the age restriction for Facebook is just one of them. Make use of the different privacy settings on the site to keep out unknown people and protect your children's privacy. Monitor their page and make sure you have their login details too. Don't allow them to accept friend requests from people they don't know in real life. These small steps, while not fool-proof, can protect your children against the dark side of socialising on the internet. Remember, young kids don't need to be on Facebook. They should have as much of a life as possible in the real world. Read more
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5 Unexpected (and Surprisingly Delicious) Ways Food Can Help Your Skin
You’ve probably heard of the phrase, “you are what you eat.” This saying couldn’t be any truer when it comes to your skin. As the largest organ in your body, anything you eat will show up in your complexion. That's why you were told to avoid foods like chocolate and french fries if you wanted clear skin.Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. While greasy and sugary foods deteriorate skin quality, healthy foods can give you a radiant complexion. This doesn’t mean you should restrict yourself to a diet of cabbage and kale to achieve beautiful skin. There are many tasty foods that can help you glow from within.Here are five delicious foods that can improve your skin:Coconut OilYes, that heavenly oil you love to cook and bake with is fabulous for your skin! Coconut oil provides a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) ⏤ fatty acids that deliver plenty of health benefits. In a study published by the Foods journal, medium-chain triglycerides were shown to reduce and even prevent inflammation.Chronic inflammation damages cells and inhibits your body’s repair mechanisms. As a result, it is considered to be the primary cause of skin aging. By lowering inflammation, the MCTs in coconut oil reduce tissue damage and help your skin repair itself. This is why coconut oil is used in so many bath and body products. Okay, its tropical paradise aroma might be another reason!Fatty FishAre you struggling with dry skin despite applying tons of moisturizer? Skin dryness is inevitable as we age. That’s because the skin’s sebaceous glands produce less oil over time. These oils form a protective barrier over the skin and prevent moisture from escaping. As oil production goes down, your skin’s barrier thins out, accelerating water loss.Here's where oily fish can help. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can restore your skin’s lipid barrier. In one study, supplementation with omega-3 rich oils was found to boost skin barrier function, improve skin hydration, and increase skin smoothness within 12 weeks. Eat two servings of fatty fish per week to get supple skin.Green Tea Do you want younger-looking skin? Then you should swap your frappuccino with green tea. Green tea contains potent antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins. These compounds scavenge your body looking for free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to protect your cells from damage.This protection gives your skin a chance to repair itself. In one German study, volunteers that consumed green tea polyphenols had softer, thicker, and more elastic skin after 12 weeks. Keep in mind, though, not all green tea is good for your skin. Conventional green teas are loaded with heavy metals and deadly pesticides. Opt for organic green tea to enjoy nothing but goodness.Sweet PotatoesWho would have thought those crispy, sweet potato fries were good for your skin? Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene ⏤ a red-orange pigment that is a precursor to vitamin A. The pigment acts as a natural sunscreen. Beta carotene consumption can help your skin withstand up to three times more sun exposure without getting a sunburn.And that’s not all. In addition to its protective properties, beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, or retinol, in your body. Retinol rejuvenates your skin by accelerating cell turnover. This can help you reduce skin discoloration, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Sounds like a good reason to check out some mouth-watering sweet potato recipes!HoneyWork, kids, chores ⏤ modern life can be overwhelming. All this stress not only wrecks your health but also ruins your skin. A 2014 study found that stress impaired skin barrier function, caused skin dryness, and promoted wrinkle formation. Our natural tendency to reach for sugary foods during times of stress can further damage the skin.Stressed and craving sweets? Have some honey. Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which makes it a healthier sweetener. And here’s the best part: Honey is proven to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. Stir a few teaspoons of this natural stress reliever into your favorite calming tea to boost your mood and your skin.Savor Your Way to Beautiful SkinThe foods you eat directly affect skin health. Therefore, you should eat nutritious food if you want smooth, glowing skin. Fortunately, there is much more to healthy food than greens and salad. There are many delectable foods you can enjoy while treating your skin. Add these tasty foods to your diet to radiate health and beauty. Read more
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Nelson Mandela said "education is the most important weapon to change the world" education play on very important role in the development of an individual and making him a knowledgeable citizen every human being must have a proper education.
Education that makes an individual self reliant,helps to supress the social evils and contribute towards the development of the society and nation as a whole
People still don't realise what role education and being educated plays in our lives and society. So, before making people aware of education and working for their access , it is very important to understand the need and imprartence of education it's help the removing the poverty, safety and security, increase productivity,confidence, improve the Standerd of life, women empowerment-education helps in empowerment women women can voice out themselves in the society against the injustice done to them .theycan be self-reliant and need not be dependent on any one .women empowerment will bring a lot of development in society ase well ase nation .uplifting of the economically weeker section, education is the most significant ingredients to change the world.comunication is related to the education development of the nation is held on the education it's act important role.indiviual growth , education gives independent life leed nature to all human beings in the entire world Thakeing particular ly in india education is a constitutional right of every citizen irrespective of caste ,creed race, religion, ge nder ,etc. That's status given to education in India because educated people are always treated well and are well respected everywhere where in the world. Some of the prominent steps:1)the formation of the right to education act 2009 made education a fundamental right for every child belonging to 6-14 years .2) sarva shiksha abhiyan.3) adult education and national development schemes.4)beti bachao,beti padhao. 5) midday meal scheme and many more, 6) various other intiatives that the government has taken are uddan ,saksham ,pragati, etc,.to make education accessible to every part of country. Conclusion: education is the pathway for a nation's progress. Education is the backbone of society the government should take all measurements to provide education to every one this will bring equality of people and when people improvise thire way of living. They become more responsible towards society Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 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
4 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 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
5 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
4 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
2 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
59 mins 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
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