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13 Essential Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding is the way your baby receives all the nutrition he needs. Breast milk contains antibodies that boost immunity. Doctors, however, believe that consuming vitamin tablets can act as supplements.
Why Are Postnatal Vitamins Important While You're Breastfeeding?
Your breast milk may be missing some essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B and Vitamin D. Both are essential for the mother and the child. A number of diseases can be mitigated by ensuring these vitamins are present in an optimal quantity.
What Essential Vitamins Do Breastfeeding Babies Need?
Here are the nutritional requirements of a breastfeeding baby.
Constituentt
Quantity per day
Can be found in
Vitamin K
92 mcg
Spinach, broccoli, soybean oil, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard greens, turnip greens, lettuce
Biotin
35 mcg
Eggs, cheese, fish, raspberries, and nearly all sorts of nuts, cauliflower, sweet potato
Vitamin E
20 mg
Sunflower oil, safflower oil, nuts such as hazelnuts, peanuts, avocado
Vitamin D
16 mcg
Fish rich in fats, egg, cheese, soy milk, vitamin D supplements, orange juice
Vitamin C
130 mg
lemon, tomato, orange, kiwi, amla, guava
Folic acid
520 mcg
Lentils, beetroot, rice, milk, wheat, green leafy vegetables
Vitamin B6
3 mg
Fortified cereal, fish, plums, banana, carrot
Vitamin B5
8 mg
Pulses, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, cheese
Vitamin B3
18 mg
Chicken, sesame seeds, peanuts, milk, eggs
Vitamin B2
2 mg
Brown rice, almonds, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms
Vitamin B12
3 mcg
Many animal sources like meat, fish, eggs, etc.
Vitamin B1
1.5 mg
Brown rice, soy, egg, legumes, green peas, seed oils
Vitamin A
1500 mcg
Fish, liver, sweet potato, pumpkin, mangoes, apricots, cod liver oil
Benefits of Postnatal Vitamins
Postnatal vitamins offer several benefits to the mother and the baby. Some of them are:
1. Vitamin K
In the nomenclature of vitamins, the letter ‘K’ for this particular vitamin comes from its German name, which literally translated to “vitamin for coagulation”. This comes from its property to help with blood clotting and helping a wound recover. Apart from supporting the circulation in the body, vitamin K provides a boost to the health of the bones and their density.
2. Biotin
Also known as Vitamin H, this is one of the core nutrients in the helping the growth of the body to proceed normally. The presence of the vitamin supports the function of metabolizing fats, amino acids, and other carbohydrates present in the body. The beautiful skin of a baby stays healthy due to this vitamin, as it also takes care of other skin conditions, too. It tends to keep the skin, nails, and hair all healthy at the same time.
3. Vitamin E
Supporting the healthy growth of the muscles and ensuring a good and coordinated movement is essential for a developing baby. Vitamin E helps quite a lot in this regard. On the other side, it works towards improving the immunity of the body, especially amongst the cells, and boosts the production of red blood cells. These work in a combination to protect the body from external infections.
4. Vitamin D
The most important of them all, Vitamin D3 is produced within the body by the skin by the presence of sun’s rays. Vitamin D2 is synthesised from yeast and is also present in the supplementary drops for the kid. These together are used by the liver to generate the final vitamin D constituent.
Its direct impact is on the strengthening and development of bones, in order to make them stronger by boosting their mineralization, made possible by the supported absorption of minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
The secondary impact it has is on the immunity. Vitamin D not only helps fight external infections but also prevents autoimmunity from triggering in certain diseases.
Although the human body can produce vitamin D by itself and is present in breast milk as well, the quantity is insufficient for continued benefits. This necessitates consumption of Vitamin D supplements or even food items like milk or cereals that are fortified with Vitamin D.
5. Vitamin C
Many people recommend taking food items rich in Vitamin C or such supplements when recovering from an injury. This is because Vitamin C helps support the reparation of various cells in the body and brings about speedy healing of any wounds. This is further complemented by providing a boost to the leukocyte production. Leukocytes are essentially white blood cells that are the body’s inbuilt army. These protect the body from external pathogens, especially the ones that could attack the wound.
Another important benefit that Vitamin C brings is the growth of skin and hair, too. All of the growth-promoting properties are a result of it supporting the formation of the collagen protein essential for the same.
6. Folic Acid
Also known as Vitamin B9, this is usually known for helping support the development of red blood cells and absorbing iron for the body. However, its important functions go way deeper.
Folic acid plays a vital role in the brain development of a baby and provides the necessary support it needs to expand its functioning. This is the crux of being able to perceive and process information in the early stages. Another key role is in building DNA and RNA within the body, to help the body grow at a faster rate.
7. Vitamin B6
Sleep is an essential component of the baby’s growth since most of the bodily processes of repairing and cell generation take place in deep sleep. Vitamin B6 helps regulate sleep cycles by streamlining the production of the hormone, melatonin.
It also plays a key role in neural development, since it contains pyridoxine that brings about an enhanced development of the brain and spinal cord. In order to make sure that the reflexes of the child are up to the mark, this vitamin should be included in the diet. It helps build neurotransmitters within the body, assisting the neurons to transmit electric signals amongst each other.
8. Vitamin B5
Most people that undergo surgery are prescribed vitamin B5 supplements, purely due to their ability to help speed up the healing process of the wounds. They contain pantothenic acid which not only supports the health of internal body organs but increases the vitality of red blood corpuscles.
This is one of those vitamins that help the digestive systems absorb other vitamins successfully, making it the support system of them all.
9. Vitamin B3
In case of the body suffering from any kind of disease or infection, as well as inflammations, Vitamin B3 is your go-to supplement. The presence of niacin helps improve the health of the adrenal gland, which keeps any stress-related hormones within the body in check. This keeps the nervous system healthy biologically and maintains a stable mental health, too.
10. Vitamin B2
All doctors tend to recommend Vitamin B2 supplements at the first signs of anaemia. Riboflavin, which is also another name for this vitamin, is the element that helps absorb iron within the body, as well as boost the development of red blood cells. This ends up reducing any signs of anaemia as it brings back the haemoglobin levels in the child’s body to normalcy.
Protection of the cell structure is key in successfully carrying haemoglobin with iron to the body. This is supported by the antioxidant nature of the vitamin that reduces the damages sustained by a cell and keeps its health intact.
11. Vitamin B12
Going back to the building blocks of the body, cobalamin or vitamin B12 affect the very genetic nature of the child. These are important in making sure your child grows in the right manner. DNA and RNA are proteins after all, and these need elemental support, too. Vitamin B12 goes one step ahead and brings about the growth of new nerve cells. These help in enhancing the cognitive growth of the child and make him smart.
12. Vitamin B1
This entire family of B-complex vitamins are collectively responsible for developing the neurons necessary for brain development and the sustained enhancement of memory and cognition, and Vitamin B1 is no exception. Termed as thiamine, it helps in generating ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which is the very source of energy for bodily cells. This helps in stimulating the metabolic processes that are necessary for the body to turn to an optimal state.
13. Vitamin A
One of the most versatile vitamins of all time, its primary function is associated with the development of sight, especially in the perception of colour and building up the capacity to see at night. Furthermore, it helps build up the basic blocks of the immune system and directly affect the tissue development of skin and hair as well, going for an all-around healthy growth of the child.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about postnatal vitamins.
1. Can I Take Prenatal Vitamins When I'm Breastfeeding?
Consuming prenatal vitamins isn’t harmful. These vitamins help your body cope with the demand of the baby’s growth. These may be useful in providing certain vitamin supplements in the early stages post-delivery. Such prenatal vitamins are useful only until the first month or so after the delivery since the mother’s body starts changing after that.
2. Should I Take Vitamins for My Hair, Skin and Nails While Breastfeeding?
Your child gets nutrients from the foods you eat when you're breastfeeding. Many multivitamins made for the skin and hair contain biotin compounds. When your baby ingests these vitamins, it may have an adverse on her health. Therefore, such supplements are best avoided.
3. Is Taking Postnatal Vitamins a Must?
Postnatal supplements aren't necessary if you adhere to the diet advised by your nutritionist.
Postpartum diet is different from pregnancy diet since each stage of your baby’s development requires demands of specific growth. The best vitamins for breastfeeding moms end up being the best ones for the baby too. These together should form the diet structure of the mother and help the baby grow in a natural way as far as possible.
Also Read: Foods to Eat After Delivery Read more
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Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine
Vaccinations are an important part of a child’s healthcare plan. It is important to know that vaccines play a crucial role in developing antibodies that help in strengthening your child’s immune system and protecting them from dangerous viruses. The DTaP vaccine is one of the most commonly found and important vaccines that your child requires.
What is DTaP Vaccine & Why It is Recommended
The DTaP vaccine for babies is an injectable vaccine shot used to treat three different infant illnesses - Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. Pertussis is more commonly known as whooping cough. While any person of any age can catch any of the three illnesses, children are especially susceptible to them as their immune system is not fully developed. Children are also vulnerable because diphtheria and pertussis are highly contagious diseases and can be caught from other infected children very easily. Tetanus is contracted through open cuts which are a commonplace occurrence when children play.
What are Benefits of DTaP Vaccine?
The DTaP vaccine is commonly used to create antibodies that combat all three diseases. These three diseases can be dangerous for young infants and adults alike.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can be extremely dangerous for children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 40, it has a 20% fatality rate for those around this age group.
This disease causes a heavy sore throat, fever and extreme weakness. The condition manifests through a thick grey coat at the back of the throat which can choke your baby and make it difficult for them to breathe. If the disease is not treated quickly the bacteria caused by it can infect multiple organs that can lead to multiple organ failure, heart failure and paralysis.
Tetanus
Tetanus is not a contagious disease and is caused by bacteria that live in the soil and dust. These bacteria enter through any cuts and punctures on the skin. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw and causes severe muscle spasms, seizures, and even paralysis.
Of all the conditions of tetanus reported, over 10% end up being fatal.
Pertussis
Pertussis or whooping cough is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in children today. The bacterial disease is highly infectious and causes a cough so severe that even talking, eating and drinking becomes impossible. Pertussis can worsen and cause other complications like pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death.
Pertussis is especially dangerous for babies under the age of a year as their immune system is more susceptible to the pathogen as well as the complications that arise from the infection.
Proposed DTaP Vaccine Schedule
Doctors recommend that this shot be given to a child in 5 doses. This should be spread out over 6 years
Recommended ages
The recommended schedule for the shots are 3 shots during the first year at the age of 2 months, 4 months and 6 months, this is followed by an additional 2 shots at the age of 16 months and 4 years along with a TDaP shot between the age of 11-12. If you fail to get the DTaP vaccine as a child, it is then recommended that you get a vaccine known as TDaP as an adult with 2 TD booster shots. A TD vaccine booster protects against tetanus and diphtheria but does not work against pertussis.
Recommended Number of Doses
Here are the recommended DTaP vaccine doses for children from birth to adulthood-
0-6 years: 5 shots of DTaP
11 years – 12 years: one shot of TDap
As Adults: One shot of Tdap followed by booster doses every 10 years
What is the Difference Between DTaP and Tdap Vaccine?
While children under 7 are administered the DTaP vaccine, the Tdap vaccine is intended for adolescents. The Tdap vaccine is also called a booster dose, as it renews the immunity which may have lessened over the years.
Who Should Avoid DTaP Vaccination?
Doctors recommend that some children either wait or not get the vaccine due to medical complications like:
Allergies
Major illnesses that weaken the immune system
A seizure caused by an initial dose of the vaccine
Recurring fevers
High fevers that are higher than 104 degrees
The baby cries 3 straight hours or more after the initial vaccine
Risks and Side Effects of DTaP Vaccine
As with any vaccine, the DTaP vaccine has some side effects to watch out for, the DTaP vaccine fever is amongst one of the most common ones, some other side effects and risks are:
A loss in appetite
Weakness
Vomiting
Fussiness and crying for extended periods
Seizures
When giving your child the 4th and fifth shot of the DTaP vaccine, you might notice a general swelling of the area that can take up to a week to reduce entirely. This is a very common side effect and there isn’t any reason to be alarmed.
There might be some moderate reactions to the vaccine which aren’t very common, but of which you should still be aware.
Persistent crying of more than three hours
Seizures
High fever
In case of any of these side effects, it is best to consult with your child’s doctor immediately and ensure your child receives the medical attention she requires.
Is There Any Serious Reaction?
Some of the more extreme and rare side effects include:
Coma
Permanent brain damage
Severe allergic reactions leading to paralysis
You must be especially wary of any increase in temperature. A high fever of 105 can prove to be fatal to your baby. Seek immediate medical help if the fever goes above 100. Medically trained professionals will be able to help reduce the fever and ensure that the health of your baby stays intact.
What Precautions One Must Take While Giving a Child DTaP Injection
It is always more prudent to give your child the DTaP injection when she is relatively healthy. A sick child must not be given the vaccine as they will not be able to fight the side effects as well as a healthy child will be.
Every parent struggles to do what is best for their child, sometimes this means taking preventive measures to ensure the long-term well-being of your child. Vaccines are the best way to ensure that your child does not suffer from ailments that can be easily avoided. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to understand which vaccines your child should get and when.
Also Read: Child Immunization & Vaccination Schedule Read more
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Blood Clot in the Uterus During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a phase in which a woman experiences a lot of changes, both emotionally and physically. It is, therefore, very important to take good care of your health and monitor all the changes that occur. Excessive vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is abnormal and needs to be reported to the doctor to prevent any risks or complications.
What Is a Blood Clot in the Uterus?
Whenever the body experiences an injury, like a cut or a wound, it is accompanied by bleeding, which subsequently leads to blood clots. Similarly, when the placenta separates or detaches from the uterine wall, it leads to bleeding and blood clotting - just how your body responds to any wound. The placenta is the key organ that maintains the transport of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the baby. Any damage to it is a serious problem and must be addressed immediately. These blood clots can occur during any time of the pregnancy - even during delivery.
What Are the Types of Blood Clots in the Uterus?
Blood clots or haematomas are classified according to the location of their origin. With respect to the placenta, there are two types of haematomas: subchorionic haematomas and retroplacental hematomas.
Blood clots that originate along the edges of the placenta are called subchorionic hematomas, and the ones that occur behind the placenta are known as retroplacental haematomas. Another type of blood clot that occurs due to the breaking down of blood vessels near the umbilical cord is called an amniotic haematoma and is usually found in front of the placenta. The type of blood clot is diagnosed by the doctor using ultrasound - a subchorionic haematoma - can be diagnosed in the first trimester itself.
Causes of Blood Clots in the Uterus During Pregnancy
Blood clots in the uterus occur when a part of the placenta separates from the uterine wall during the course of pregnancy. The reasons for the separation are still being investigated by doctors, but with little success. However, doctors have been able to identify some risk factors.
Women who have had an abdominal injury due to an automobile accident, or any other sort of mishap are at risk.
Mothers with high blood pressure are also at risk as it can lead to severe bleeding.
Complications
Most times, uterine clots get re-absorbed into the uterus, or they remain in the body till delivery. As long as your ultrasounds show that the pregnancy is progressing just fine, there is nothing to worry about.
Complications caused by blood clots during pregnancy can range from a heart attack to a miscarriage. Hence, it is very important to report any excessive vaginal bleeding that occurs during pregnancy. However, it has been seen that there are very few chances of a miscarriage to occur due to a subchorionic haematoma, which is the most common type. Other complications that have been reported include:
Treatment
Most of these blood clots do not require any sort of treatment and are self-resolving. The doctor will suggest rest for the mother as a remedy. Also, monitoring the clot over a few weeks to assess the size and any further complications is advised. Sometimes, the clot might only get detected during delivery. In these cases, the mother needs to follow up with ultrasounds to keep a check on the healing of the clot.
Excessive vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is an abnormal phenomenon and must be reported to the doctor. It is important to remember that vaginal bleeding can also be caused by factors such as sex or hormonal changes, and needn’t necessarily be a cause for concern. An ultrasound can diagnose the cause of bleeding and the location and size of the blood clot if there is one. Tracking any bleeding or other abnormal change during the pregnancy and keeping the doctor informed is the best way to avoid any risks to the mother and the baby.
Resources and References: What to Expect
Also Read: Blood Clots During Pregnancy Read more
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Cancer In Children
Each cell in our body has an independent system that manages its growth, controls its life duration and its interaction with other cells. When these healthy cells alter and grow unrestricted, and the body is unable to control them, the body is said to be affected by cancer. Every type of cancer has different signs and symptoms, and its treatment depends upon the rate of cell growth and types of cells. It can affect humans of all ages and gender.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a life-threatening disease that is characterized by the unhindered growth of cells which develop into abnormal size. These cells destroy other cells in the body and over a period, spread to other organs of the human body. The spreading of these cancerous cells is known as metastasis, thus resulting in a serious condition that is difficult to treat. These altered cells go on to form large masses or lumps of tissue that are called tumours. These tumours release function-altering hormones into the body and are capable of interfering with the nervous, digestive and circulatory systems of the body.
The growth of cancer cells in a body weakens the immune system drastically, and the affected person is unable to fight against any other illness he/she is afflicted with. The internal organs and bones are destroyed, and the person loses his/her strength.
Types of Cancer in Kids
There are various types of cancer that can affect children. The following are the most common types of cancer in kids:
Leukaemia: This is cancer that infects blood and the bone marrow and is one of the most common types of childhood cancer. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia are two main types of leukaemia which affect children.
Neuroblastoma: This type of cancer is mostly seen in infants and very young children. It is a cancer of neural crest cells which are specialized nerve cells. It originates in the child’s abdomen and causes swelling and high temperature.
Brain and spinal cord tumours: This is the second most common type of childhood cancer and accounts for one out of four cases of cancer in children. Spinal cord tumours, however, are less common than brain tumours.
Lymphoma: This type of cancer begins its journey from lymph nodes and other lymph tissues like the tonsils. The bone marrow and other organs can also get affected by Lymphomas. This type accounts for one out of ten cases of cancer in children. Two types of lymphoma that can infect a child are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Liver Cancer: Liver cancers are a rare occurrence in children. There are two types of liver tumours, Hepatoblastomas and hepatic carcinomas.
Kidney Cancer: This type is also known as Wilms’ tumour or nephroblastoma, and it usually originates in one of the kidneys. Usually, children of 3-4 years of age are affected by cancer of the kidneys, and it rarely strikes kids above the age of six.
Bone Cancer: This cancer typically affects older children and teenagers but can develop at any age. There are two types of Bone cancer, Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, and together they account for 3 out of every 100 cancers detected.
Soft tissue sarcoma: This type of cancer can originate from any part or organ of the body like the head, neck, groin, abdomen or the pelvis. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of Soft tissue sarcoma in kids.
Germ cell tumour: Germs cells develop into eggs or sperms and are mostly found in testicles and ovaries. On rare occasions, germ cells are also found in other parts of the body.
Retinoblastoma: This cancer affects the retina lining of the child’s eye and is a rare type (Every 2 out of 100). Children of 2 years or below are most susceptible to it.
Differences Between Adult Cancer and Child Cancer
Cancer types that develop in children are quite different from the ones that develop in adults. Like most adult cancers, childhood cancers cannot be linked to environmental or lifestyle factors. Apart from a few types, most childhood cancers respond in a better manner to specific treatments.
Since children do not suffer from any major health issues that can become worse, they respond to cancer treatment more positively than adults. On the other hand, if cancer needs radiation therapy as a part of its treatment, very young children are more likely to suffer from the side-effects than adults. At the same time, it is important to remember that children respond to chemotherapy in a better manner than adults do as their bodies handle it positively.
How Does Cancer Affect the Children and the Family?
Thanks to advancement in science and medicine, almost 80% of cancer cases in children are treated successfully. However, apart from the physical deterioration of the body and the visible changes, the child and its family are subject to a lot of stress and emotional upheaval.
Although modern-day treatments are highly effective, medicines, radiation and chemotherapy can leave their mark on the child. Most common side effects caused are hair loss, a feeling of tiredness, loss of appetite and lethargy. Due to a long duration of stay at the hospital, the child could miss school classes, friends and family life. Since they miss classes, they are unable to catch up with rest of the students for school work.
Cancer and the treatment that follows leave the kids tired and they may not want to indulge in any other activity. Some children are diagnosed with anxiety or depression and display symptoms of being withdrawn.
Since cancer treatments last for months or years, parents of afflicted children are unable to focus on their career or social life. They may need to reschedule their work timings and at times take long breaks from work to accommodate their kid’s treatment etc. Like the affected child, the immediate family goes through major emotional upheavals and is sure to need support and help from the hospital staff, doctors and social workers. Enrolling at a cancer support group is also a sensible thing to do.
It is important to for the child’s parents and siblings to learn to deal efficiently with this difficult phase of detection of cancer and its treatment to provide much-needed emotional support to the affected child.
Causes of Cancer in Children
The following are the probable causes and risk factors associated with cancer in children:
Exposure To Radiation: If a child is exposed to radiation at a very young age, he or she is at a greater risk of developing cancer than those who weren’t. The unfortunate children living in Japan at the time of the atomic bombing and those who were born around that time are examples of this cause. Children treated with radiation are at a higher risk of developing another cancer within their bodies. However, if radiotherapy wasn’t a part of their treatment, this risk is minimal.
Genetic Causes: If a child is detected with certain inherited conditions at the time of birth, it increases the risk of developing specific kinds of cancers in them. For example, babies detected of Down’s syndrome are 20 times more likely, than those without it, to develop leukaemia.
Contact With Infections: One common infection that can strike young children is EBV or Epstein Barr virus. It is known to cause infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever in teenage kids but does not display any specific symptoms. EBV can become a causal factor for the growth of certain types of cancer especially lymphoma, but this happens in extremely rare cases.
Complications In The Womb: The growth of some childhood cancers begins while the baby is in the mother’s womb. Wilms’ tumour, which is a type of kidney cancer, and retinoblastoma, which is retinal cancer, are common examples. Here, the cells in the baby’s body that develop early during pregnancy remain underdeveloped. When they do not develop as desired and remain immature, they develop into cancer cells.
Signs & Symptoms of Childhood Cancer
The symptoms of childhood cancer depend on the following factors:
Type of cancer
The part of the child’s body affected
If cancer has spread to the rest of the body
These symptoms are caused by external conditions that are not necessarily related to cancer, but occasionally, can act as pointers to indicate cancer. The symptoms are as follows:
Loss of appetite or inexplicable weight loss
Vomiting without a specific reason
Fever or sweating
Unexplained lumps in the body
Feeling of fatigue
Regular infection or flu
Constant headaches
Persistent backaches that occur while the body is at rest
Swelling of glands
Bruising, bleeding or rash on the body
Seizures or fits
Behavioural changes
Changes in vision
Changes in eye shape or size
Blood in urine (indication of bladder or kidney cancer)
Abdominal swelling and pain
Pain in bones, back, legs or arms
Diagnosis
Doctors use various tests to diagnose cancer and its causes. Tests like imaging, also confirm if cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Another important function of diagnostic tests is to decide which treatments will be the ideal for the specific case. Mostly, a biopsy is probably the only assured method of determining if the child is afflicted with cancer. However, a doctor may resort to other tests if a biopsy is not possible for some reason.
While selecting the right diagnostic test to diagnose childhood cancer, the doctor will consider the following factors:
The child’s age and his medical condition
The cancer type suspected from initial diagnosis
Signs and symptoms shown
Results from previous tests
Apart from a detailed physical examination, the one or more of the following diagnostic tests could be used to detect childhood cancer:
Biopsy: This involves the removal of a tiny portion of tissue from the affected person’s body, which is later examined under a microscope. A biopsy is known to provide a positive diagnosis whereas other tests may only suggest the presence of cancer. To carry out the procedure properly, imaging is used to guide the biopsy. The type of biopsy is decided by where the cancer is located and imaging is of great help here. A pathologist, who is a specialist in the evaluation of tissues, cells and organs, then analyses the sample tissue.
Blood Tests: These tests are carried out to measure the presence of various cell types in the child’s body. Certain types of cancer can be detected by checking the high or low levels of certain cells.
Lumbar Puncture: Also known as a spinal tap, the lumbar puncture involves taking the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample using a needle. It shows the presence of cancer cells or tumour markers. CSF is the fluid flowing around the spinal cord and brain while tumour markers abnormal amounts of substances found in tissues, blood and urine. The child’s lower back is numbed with the use of local anaesthetics.
Bone Marrow Aspiration And Biopsy: This combines the two procedures which are carried out together for the examination of bone marrow found inside large bones. The bone marrow is a spongy tissue that is solid and liquid in parts. Using bone marrow aspiration, the liquid is sucked out through a needle while biopsy takes out a sample of the solid portion. These samples are then sent to a pathologist for further study and observation.
Computed Tomography: Commonly known as CT or CAT scan, this method uses x-rays taken from different angles which helps in creating a 3D image of the insides of the body. A cross-sectional view using these images is then created to detect any abnormalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields instead of x-rays to create detailed images of the body. The patient’s body is often injected with a dye to obtain a clearer image of a tumour and its size.
Treatment
Your doctor will decide upon the line of treatment after considering factors like stage and type of cancer, health conditions and expected side effects. The common treatment options for childhood cancer are listed below:
Chemotherapy: This line of treatment includes the use of drugs to destroy childhood cancer cells and seeks to terminate the cancer cells from growing further. The drug is generally given through an Intravenous tube or a pill or capsule.
Surgery: Surgery involves the removal of the infected area (a tumour) and surrounding areas through a surgical procedure and is conducted by a surgical oncologist. After removal, doctors suggest chemo or radiation to eliminate the cancer completely.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses potent x-rays and photons to destroy cancer cells and is carried out by a radiation oncologist. Since other organs and tissues can be affected by radiation, doctors generally avoid radiation as much as possible.
Apart from the above, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation are also used to stop the spread of cancerous cells.
Late and Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment
Evaluating the effects of cancer treatments, in the long run, is important while deciding on the path to follow. Surgery, where spleen removal is involved, can cause risk of infections. The emotional impact of losing a body part is also huge and can cause depression. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause heart-related problems and hypertension. The lungs and the endocrine systems are also affected due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Coping With Childhood Cancer
Here are a few tips on how to cope with blood cancer in kids:
Seek support from family, friends, social workers and counsellors
Learn strategies to overcome stress and depression
Talk with other parents of cancer-stricken children
Involve the child in decision-making
Find strength through religious beliefs and practice meditation
Give vent to feelings of anger or sadness when alone
When a child is detected with cancer, it can cause extreme emotional upheavals with the family. The feeling of shock and disbelief hits the parents and is often followed by bouts of anger and fear. The process of diagnosis, followed by a long-drawn treatment can take its toll on the child and immediate family. The facts mentioned above can give you a clear picture of what to expect and ways to tide over this difficult process.
Also Read: Melatonin for Kids - An Overview Read more
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9 Ways Adopting a Dog Will Enrich Your Life
Deep down, we all love animals. Be it a fluffy cat, a big-eyed puppy or a tiny hamster; at the end of the day, they’re too adorable to ignore! But there’s something about dogs; just having them around can lighten your mood (or the exact opposite if they frighten you!)
We often see these cute puppies running around at the side of roads, and some of us secretly want to have them as our own. Well, guess what, you can adopt them! And believe us, you may feel that you’re saving the animal’s life, but in reality, the animal might save yours, in a couple of unexpected ways. Read on to find out!
Benefits of Adopting a Dog
Adopting a dog comes with a host of benefits. It’s one of the best deeds you can do this year; considering the fact that the population of stray dogs is ever-increasing! Here’s how adopting a dog will enrich your life, and make you a better person!
1. Experience the Magic
If you adopt a dog, you’re bound to experience this particular kind of magic. Confused? For your dog, seeing you is the highlight of his day, and he’ll stop at nothing to prove this to you. This magic that we’re talking about is the warm, fuzzy feeling you will experience when you get back home to find your eager pet waiting to pounce on you the second you set foot at home. Trust us; it’s magic. That single moment will take most of your stress away. It will make you feel like a child and will leave you grinning wide each time it happens. No other feeling compared to this one. With a dog around you will get to experience this every single day!
2. Say Goodbye to Loneliness/Isolation
The American Psychological Association published a study on the positive consequences of pet ownership, which proves that having a pet is critical for the overall well-being of humans. Humans fulfil their social needs by interacting with others in society - friends, relatives, colleagues, and pets! That’s right; pets can help meet one’s social needs just as well as humans, thus aiding their loneliness and pulling them out of their isolation. This is precisely why senior citizens or those who live alone are advised to get a cat or a dog because the mere presence of the animal is enough to add a spark to your daily routine. But this does not mean that a dog alone is enough for social interaction. It means that people who own dogs enjoy sharing their experiences with the animal while doing the same with their friends & family!
3. Boost your Self-esteem
It is a known fact that pet-owners have more self-esteem than non-pet owners. This, to quite an extent, is related to the fact that pets satisfy one’s social needs. Pet-owners tend to be more open-minded and creative. They turn into friendly humans with a positive outlook. That’s another thing about adopting dogs - they help get rid of the negativity at home and add a spark to the environment. One of the traits of this animal is that it understands your mood and unlike humans, it does not fear to step up and comfort you! Dog owners are generally more extroverted, and less fearful in the tasks they undertake in their daily life. Adopting a dog will lift your spirits and make you a stronger person without you even realising it.
4. Lower Your Stress Levels
A study claims that spending too much time with an animal can reduce stress by increasing the level of hormone ‘oxytocin,’ also known as ‘the love hormone’ in your body. It’s a neurotransmitter that reduces fear and increases trust. You’ll be surprised to know that after a rough day or an unfortunate experience, talking to your dog can be just as effective as talking to a friend (or even better, because you get the advantage of speaking your heart out without being interrupted). And not just on bad days, normally too, dog owners feel more secure and supported by the presence of their furry friend! Do you ever meet people who are more attached to their pets than humans? This is because the bond is real; it’s pure. Humans find it easier to connect to animals, and they can be themselves in front of their pets.
5. Improve your Physical & Psychological Health
On average, adults require 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy. For dog owners, this goal is entirely achievable. Taking your dog out for a walk will help you get the exercise you need for the day, thus keeping you fit and active. Also, it is believed that owning a dog makes it easy to detect and manage a variety of illnesses. And you cannot rule out the fact that reduced stress can have a significant impact on your heart health. It works wonders in keeping your heart strong and healthy, thus improving your overall health. Having a pet has also shown to contribute to lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol.
6. Gain an Exercise Buddy
If you have been trying to shed some kilos, but you lack the motivation, then adopting a dog might just get you there. Dogs offer more than enough motivation for you to step out of the house and sweat it out. Be it the long dog walks or chasing him around the house after he does something naughty, owning a dog will make you much more active. Walking your dog will, by default, make him your exercise buddy. Even when you think about going for a jog or strolling in the park, you will automatically think of taking your dog with you. He will always keep you on your toes, which will eventually, turn out to be quite beneficial for your physical health.
7. With Great Dogs, Come Great Responsibility!
When you adopt a dog, you feel responsible for him! You want to look out for him. You take care of his eating and sleeping habits, his health, his timely vaccinations and grooming! Believe us, owning a dog is no less than having a baby. There’s one more constant though - it makes you a responsible human. You learn how to take care of the tiny details of another being. And when you’re finally capable of raising him on your own, you’ll experience a sense of achievement like no other! That is one of the perks of owning a dog - they groom you into a responsible person, and that feeling of being needed by someone makes all the effort worth it.
8. Your Children Gain Buddies Too!
Families who own dogs never think of them as any different from their children, and why would they - children grow up to adore their pet dog just like their siblings. Over the years, dogs have proved to be the most loyal and lovable creatures. In your absence, your pet dog will stop at nothing in looking after your child. He will follow your child everywhere and make sure that he’s not alone. Children feel supported by the presence of their pet dog. It makes them feel secure, and they often grow up to look at their pet as their best friend. Besides, children who grow up with pet dogs tend to be more compassionate adults.
9. You’ll be Saving a Life
Lastly, by adopting a dog, you might just save his life. Irrespective of whether you adopt a stray dog or one from the animal shelter, if he gets to be a part of your family, you’ll be giving him a lot more than just ‘comfort’. He will end up in a safe environment, surrounded by a family that loves and adores him. He’ll get good, healthy & timely meals, which he might not have had otherwise. He’ll get timely vaccinations too, which are essential for his health and that of others around him. You might just pull him out of his misery and give him the love he deserves. And we can bet on it; you won’t regret a single moment! Plus, you’ll get back so much more than you have to give!
So irrespective of whether you’re a dog owner or not, hanging out with a four-legged friend can enrich your life in unimaginable ways. You know the benefits, so what’s stopping you? Go ahead and adopt a dog, for he will truly enrich your life in more than a million ways!
Also Read:
Groom Your Dog at Home with These 10 Easy Steps
Pet Friendly Home Cleaning Ideas
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My Journey From Low Breast Milk to Formula Feeding, and Then to Breast Milk and Formula
On 16th September 2019, I was blessed with a baby through C-section, who has turned 18 months. Till now I am breastfeeding my child and this gives me immense satisfaction.
Breastmilk is extremely beneficial for a child's growth and overall development. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months.
But initially, my breastfeeding journey was not easy. I had difficulty holding my son. I didn't know how to latch a baby properly. I did no research on breastfeeding and thought it would come naturally to me. But I was wrong. I thought I was not producing enough breast milk and hence on the advice of elders, I started giving my child formula milk. The thought of not being able to breastfeed my child shattered me and I started feeling guilty. I went through postpartum depression for a whole month. Those days were horrible but I recovered from that too. After two months of my baby, I started doing a lot of research and found that:
The more baby sucks the breast, the more milk is produced
Feeding at night increases breast milk as a women's prolactin levels are higher at night
Having adequate water
Having small and frequent meals helps in producing breastmilk
Having oats, protein biscuits, raw papaya, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and milk helps in increasing breast milk.
By following the above points I increased my breast milk and my child felt satisfied having breast milk. Formula feeding sessions became less and breastfeeding became more. But I did not completely stop formula feed. I alternatively gave him breastfeed and formula milk.
After six months. I started his solid foods with breastmilk and formula milk.
So my advice to all the expecting mothers and even new mothers is to research breastfeeding and never give up on breastfeeding and whatever be the quantity.
I hope my story helps you in successfully breastfeeding.
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.
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
15 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
4 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
15 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
8 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
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Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
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A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
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Dr Sameer awadhiya
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A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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