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A Sore Throat While Breastfeeding - Remedies and Precautionary Measures
It is very normal for a nursing mother to feel sick and fatigued, but when she is sick, she may wonder whether she should continue nursing her baby or not. Breastfeeding mommies may catch infections and are prone to medical ailments too. A sore throat is a kind of infection that can either be caused by bacteria or viruses, and can affect the health of a nursing mother. The medications you take to cure the infection may enter your milk and pass on to your baby while breastfeeding. So what should you do then? Read on, as we discuss various remedies, precautionary measures and other important information related to a sore throat while breastfeeding.
What are the Causes of a Sore Throat?
If you experience pain, irritation, or scratchiness in your throat, which worsens when you swallow food, you might be having a sore throat. Here are some things that may lead to this condition:
It may get triggered due to exposure to certain irritants, dryness in the throat, straining of the throat muscles, allergies, GERD, etc.
It may spread due to bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes. A sore throat may sometimes be one of the symptoms of other bacterial infections too, such as diphtheria or a whooping cough.
It may be caused due to viral infections like a common cold or influenza.
It may also be one of the symptoms of other viral infections such as chicken pox, mononucleosis, etc.
What are the Symptoms of a Sore Throat?
If you exhibit a few or all of the following symptoms mentioned below, you may be suffering from a sore throat:
Pain while swallowing
Enlarged tonsils
A severe headache
A fever
Chills
General pain and ache
A hoarse voice
A runny nose
Sneezing
How to Diagnose a Sore Throat
The symptoms of a sore throat are very evident, and by conducting a physical examination of your throat, jaw, nose, and ears, your doctor will be able to tell you whether or not you have a sore throat. However, sometimes in order to determine the exact cause of your condition, your doctor may expect you to take allergy tests and a throat swab culture. He may also check your blood count.
How to Treat a Sore Throat While Breastfeeding
Wondering what can be taken for a sore throat while nursing? Well, the method of treatment may largely depend on the severity of your condition. However, some of the treatment measures that your doctor may suggest are as follows:
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are some of the medicines that are safe to be taken for a sore throat while breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe you these if you also have a fever and body pain.Your doctor may give you a spray for your throat, to help you get relief from the throat pain, and also advise you to take cough drops.
Avoid using decongestants as they may hamper with your breast milk supply.
While breastfeeding, you can take antibiotics or anti-allergic medicines occasionally, if suggested by your doctor.
These are some measures you can take to cure a sore throat while breastfeeding. However, it is suggested that you consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Home Remedies for a Sore Throat While Breastfeeding
If over-the-counter or allopathic medicines don’t work for you, then you can resort to some home remedies. Here are some effective home remedies for a sore throat:
1. Chamomile Tea
Drinking chamomile tea can provide you relief from the pain in your throat and help fight infections. This fragrant tea works well for reducing throat irritation and pain.
2. Liquorice Root or Mulethi
This is an age-old remedy for curing a sore throat. Wash the root properly to get rid of the dirt and grime, then crush it gently. Keep chewing on it to let the juice of the root flow down to your throat to ease the pain you feel.
3. Warm Soups and Other Fluids
Drinking warm liquids can cure the itchiness and pain in your throat. Keep drinking soups and other warm fluids to ease your irritation.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling with apple cider vinegar mixed in water may help in relieving the symptoms of a sore throat.
5. Steam Inhalation
To get rid of nasal congestion and throat dryness, you can try steam inhalation.
6. Throat Lozenges
You can use throat lozenges to moisten your dry throat. You can even drink ginger tea or black tea or suck on ice cubes to lubricate your throat.
7. Salt Water Gargle
One of the most effective ways to ease your throat pain and discomfort is by gargling with salt water 4 to 5 times a day.
8. Elm Bark
You can make a decoction by infusing elm bark in boiling water. Sip this tea a few times a day to ease throat pain and irritation.
9. Honey and Lemon Water
Add one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water and squeeze the juice of a lemon into it. Stir well and drink while it is warm to ease your discomfort.
Precautions to Take While Breastfeeding With a Sore Throat
Because you are a nursing mommy, you need to be extra careful about what you eat or drink. Here are some precautionary measures that you should keep in mind:
Include foods rich in Vitamin C in your diet.
Keep sipping warm water as often as possible.
Gargle with salt water three to four times a day.
You can drink warm turmeric milk before going to bed.
You can eat raw garlic to improve your immunity.
Wash your hands often to get rid of germs.
Do not sneeze near your baby.
Cover your face while coughing or sneezing near your baby.
Additional Tips for Breastfeeding Moms to Feel Better
Being sick is not a good feeling in general, but for a breastfeeding mom, it may cause a lot more discomfort. But if you follow some of the tips mentioned below, you may feel better soon:
Take ample rest to ensure a speedy recovery.
Ensure proper ventilation in your house and try to keep it free from any kind of dust and smoke.
Consume raw garlic or garlic supplements to feel better soon.
Stay hydrated by drinking ample fluids.
Take hot water baths and inhale steam.
Avoid dry indoor air as much as possible. Ensure that your room is not too hot or too cold.
You can take zinc supplements for a faster recovery.
Refrain from going to places that may expose you to allergens, pollution, or dust.
Cover yourself well if you stay in a colder region.
Cover your ears if you are travelling on a two-wheeler.
When to Consult a Doctor
A sore throat is not a serious condition that may require you to seek immediate medical assistance. However, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned below, it may require you to meet with your doctor:
The symptoms of a sore throat last for over a week.
You have a high fever, which is of4 degrees or more.
Your fever does not subside even after consuming medicines.
You are consuming anti-thyroid medicines.
A sore throat can be easily treated at home; however, if you exhibit any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should call for medical help.
Also, if you experience any change in your milk supply after taking medicines for a sore throat, bring it to your doctor’s notice. If medication is the culprit, you may be told to discontinue it.
We hope that this article helps you deal with your sore throat and its symptoms!
Also Read: Sore Nipples: Causes, Treatment and Prevention Read more
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Coconut Oil During Pregnancy - How Safe It Is and Benefits
Natural products have always played a crucial role in maintaining our health. Coconut is one such product which has a wide variety of uses. Coconut oil is produced by drying out the coconut in sunlight and then pressing them in machines. Due to the use and the benefits of coconut oil, it is also known as the breast milk of mother nature.
Coconut oil has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help prevent common cold and flu. With the help of coconut oil, you can easily improve your immune system and stay healthy. During the 9 months of pregnancy, coconut oil can help you prevent common diseases.
How Safe Is Coconut Oil in Pregnancy?
The consumption of coconut oil is to be kept at a moderate level to reap the benefits. Coconut oil has almost 100% saturated fat and according to various health organizations, it is advised to limit the use of saturated fats. But not all saturated fats affect the body adversely. Coconut oil includes lauric acid, which is a medium chain fatty acid. This fat, unlike others, has positive effects on regulating cholesterol levels. The antimicrobial action in lauric acid is termed as a 'safe saturated fat'. Hence moderate consumption of coconut oil will ensure that your pregnant body absorbs fat-soluble vitamins which could help you and your unborn baby gain maximum nutrition. In other words, you have all the liberty to include coconut oil in your pregnancy diet.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Expectant Mothers
You may have doubts regarding the benefits for pregnant mother from coconut oil. Here are some major benefits that coconut oil offers to expectant mothers.
1. Coconut Oil for Getting Pregnant
Have you heard that coconut oil aids fertility? The truth is that it actually does help. Lauric acid has positive effects on the good cholesterol making your health better. It is a great immunity booster to the mother as well as the baby. It maintains vaginal health which is essential during the process of conception. It can also keep insulin and thyroid in check, which respectively, control the level of testosterone in women and facilitate healthy functioning of the thyroid. This, in turn, promotes fertility.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
Coconut oil is unlike other oils as it is almost entirely made up of medium chain fatty acids, which are metabolized by your body quite differently. They are converted into energy immediately or into ketones. This promotes weight loss. It also helps your baby get a regular supply of nutrients and calories required for growth. Make coconut oil a regular part of your diet to see long term benefits.
3. Lightens Stretch Marks
After delivery, one of the major problems faced by women is stretch marks. Whatever you do to prevent them, they are an inevitable part of pregnancy and are evident in your postpartum body. Using coconut oil for pregnancy stretch marks is found to avoid this. Applying the coconut oil on the stretch marks can lighten them or prevent them in some cases. Try using coconut oil for your pregnant belly as a moisturiser to see the effects.
4. Helps Cure Pregnancy Problems
During pregnancy, some women face symptoms like morning sickness, constipation, and heartburn. Coconut oil can provide relief. The usage of this oil will soothe your tummy and flush out any bacteria. It also helps calm acid reflex which is a cause of heartburn. Another common problem is vaginal dryness, for which the use of coconut oil is recommended to ease discomfort. Coconut oil can offer refuge during the first few months when pregnancy-related symptoms are at their peak.
5. Soothes Skin Irritation
You may face dry and itchy skin during pregnancy due to a change in hormones. Coconut oil can help keep your skin nourished and prevent dryness and itchiness on your skin. Post-pregnancy, sore and cracked nipples can bother you and make breastfeeding quite a painful task. Applying coconut oil to the nipples can soothe the cracks.
6. Painless Intimacy
For couples who are looking to conceive, coconut oil is actually a blessing. The vagina is capable of producing a lubricant that makes penetration easy, But not all women are lucky. Hence they need to look for some lubricants outside the body to have painless intercourse. Many oils can be used for the same, but coconut oil acts as a lubricant for pregnancy as it is safe and has anti-bacterial properties.
How To Use Coconut Oil in Pregnancy?
Here are some ways you can use coconut oil while you are pregnant.
Along with your favourite smoothie blend, add some coconut oil. This gives you nutrition as well as acts as a great energy booster during tiring days.
Use coconut oil for regular cooking. It could be best for stir fries and all other kinds of cooking.
Apply on your skin or vagina to prevent dryness and lock some moisture in. You can also prevent stretch marks with this method.
Mix it with some chocolate powder and spread it on bread for a power breakfast.
Use it as a salad dressing.
Mix a teaspoon or two of coconut oil in your coffee or tea.
How Does Coconut Oil Help Your Baby in the Womb?
Coconut oil has saturated fats which can help in the accumulation of fats. It can ensure that sufficient energy required during pregnancy is provided. At the same time, your baby is supplied essential nutrients from your body. As coconut oil and lauric acid are absorbed by your baby, your baby’s immunity will increase and promote healthy growth. Coconut oil is also easy to digest and helps absorb necessary nutrients from your diet. Thus your baby will gain more nutrition and protection from your diet.
Coconut Oil and Breast Milk
The use of coconut oil has a positive effect on your baby during breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that breast milk will contain antimicrobial properties gained from coconut oil. Hence, your baby will have more immunity from viruses and bacteria. Pregnant women store fat to ensure successful lactation after pregnancy. Lauric acid and capric acid in coconut oil will be part of the adipose store which is the milk store of a lactating mother in the later stage.
Coconut oil is one of the best diet supplements during pregnancy. When a part of your diet, coconut oil provides proper nutrition and protection to your baby. Start using coconut oil at the earliest to ensure that the benefits are gained throughout your pregnancy.
Also Read:
Is It Safe to Use Almond Oil during Pregnancy
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil While Pregnant
Olive Oil during Pregnancy and Its Benefits Read more
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Indian Mom's Empty Nest - Bringing Up My Baby Each Day!
With a busy schedule and daily routine, we sometimes miss out on the most elaborate happenings around us every day. One of them being, our little ones growing up. Somewhere in our minds change is never a constant, especially when it comes to our children. We keep nudging reality and believe change will happen, but eventually. But with each new experience with my toddler I am learning I am so wrong.
A small teaser of my son growing up equipped with individual thoughts and feelings was thrown at me while I was sneaking out to work this morning. Amidst my daily attempt of slipping out to work, while my little one is diverted by my mom or dad, I heard my little one scream out a ‘Bye Mumma.’ It was a simple and subtle stop to all my morning drama. It was like him telling me, "Oh come on ma! I will see you in the evening, now stop all the drama please."
I remember standing there in the moment both shocked and surprised as to how so often we underestimate the smartness of our little ones. How we just ignore the fact that they might be growing up to be wiser every new day. All the way to my work the one thought I could not omit from my mind was the clarity with which my little one had accepted the fact that his mom had to leave for work with no excuses attached. Trust a mother’s heart that though at one point is proud that her child is getting smarter on the other side sulks thinking he may not need her as much anymore.
We often read about the ‘Empty nest’ syndrome hitting moms as their kids go to college or join work in another city. But I would like to differ. I think for a mother the nest gets emptied at a certain level with every little milestone of her child. I am all for instilling independence in children from a small age, but there are no two ways to a mother’ heart and an Indian mother’s heart at that.
Right from the time her little one leaves the crib, or shifts to another bed and room, the first time she drops him at pre-school, his first trip, excursion, night stay away from her, the idea of her child needing her a little less than before is slightly traumatic. As a mother, I think I now know the reason behind my mother’s abrupt calls during my college years, shopping sprees and even birthdays where she had to be the first one to wish me.What annoyed me a little back then makes so much more sense today. So here’s to all mothers who are bringing up their babies, hug them a little extra, tell them an extra story, spend a few more minutes with them in the park or get them to talk a little more about their day. Because no matter how much time you are spending with them each day, time with them is running out. And it might just soon be time for the nest to be empty.
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
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Encouraging Your Preschooler To Create With Play Dough
Play dough is a great educational tool and it also helps with a child's physical development. You don't have to buy expensive play dough either; it can be made at home with easily available ingredients. Make play dough learning activities a fun part of your preschooler's day!
Play dough is perhaps one of the most versatile and loved toys. Children of all ages enjoy playing with it and some adults too! It can be squeezed, squashed, chopped, rolled, poked, pulled, shredded, and so much more. You can create an entire garden, you can make a boat, a beach, a plane– the options are limitless. What’s more, there are many benefits to playing with play dough, making it an essential part of every child’s growing years.
How Does Play Dough Help a Child’s Development?
1. Helps Develop Imagination and Creativity
Give your child additional items along with play dough and see his imagination and creativity bloom. Using pebbles and straws with play dough can really bring out the imaginative side in your child as she hosts tea parties, creates a garden, or builds a zoo. The list goes on as the possibilities with play dough are endless!
2. Helps in Fine Motor Development
Play dough helps build up strength in hand muscles and wrists, making it easier for kids to hold pencils and scissors. The squeezing, flattening, pulling and poking that goes with it helps develop large and small muscles. Another benefit of playing with play dough is that it helps in hand-eye coordination.
3. Calms and Soothes
All the squeezing and pulling that accompanies playing with play dough can be a great stress reliever, even for adults. At times, younger children struggle to express their feelings and emotions. Using play dough while talking and singing can help.
4. It’s Educational
Children can use plastic/wooden alphabets and numbers and impress them on play dough. They can then trace them with their fingers. They can also decorate it with colored beads and ribbons. Learning anything becomes more fun when done in a playful manner.
How to Make Play Dough for Preschoolers
Playing with play dough is a lot of fun and making it along with your child can also be a fun activity. The process is simple and can be done with ingredients easily found in the kitchen.
Take a big bowl and add 1 cup of cold water, 1 cup salt, 2 teaspoons oil, and food colouring of your choice.
Mix well and add 3 cups of flour and 2 tablespoons corn flour. Continue to mix till it reaches the consistency of your choice.
Once it’s a little firm, have your child knead the dough.
A play dough idea for kids is to add spices like turmeric, cinnamon or cocoa powder, and even a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.
Play dough benefits child development in many ways and combines fun all the while. It can keep your child occupied for hours. The best part is that there’s no right or wrong way to play with it. You can make anything out of it and its benefits for your child’s development far outweigh the messes she’s likely to make! Read more
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Boredom is an important aspect of growing up. You don't have to be the clown always!
Many times we come across situations where we run out of ideas to entertain our children. That's OK! Realise this, you are not born for the sake of entertainment. Not to sound fussy, but this is a very important aspect of a child's growth and development. We need to let them run out of ideas for their entertainment so that they can think and develop creative skills in themselves and by themselves.
Every child is unique and their minds work in mysteriously amazing ways. Let your child figure out new ways of doing things. It might get pretty messy at times, but yes they will surely be more connected with their minds and with time they will develop their creativity.
A child might get fussy initially, but that's okay. Eventually, they try to figure out ways to end this boredom. Do not give in to their tantrums. Letting them explore the ways to get over boredom doesn't mean that we can let them watch screens. It won't be as helpful as an open environment would be.
The level of exploration is the bare minimum for screens whereas when you give the child an opportunity to observe the world and the surroundings closely they tend to develop better concentration and understanding of nature. That way we are giving their brains a chance to observe and question the existence of everything around us.
Education nowadays is demanding our children to become independent and creative learners. The primary stage of learning starts from home. This is step one to prepare our children to face the competition and pace of the world.
Let them do their thing in their lone times or boring times, but yes, needless to say, 'we just have to look out for their safety and of the people around them.
Let us make a difference! Read more
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
5 hours ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. i am 5 months pregnant n i haven't gone for check up even once still now is it okay or should I go
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
36 mins ago
A. should go. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my baby is 2 months old and she has developed a white patch on her face. What should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. White spots on the body and face could be there sometimes, which maybe because of fungal infection or some conditions like pityriasis alba or some other factors some conditions are aggravated by dry skiniu, show a proper mousturisation is required. Also, maintain a proper hygiene and a proper assessment should be done to rule out any other causative factor
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my baby passes stool after every feed. Is it normal?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it's ok normal hai jj. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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