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How I Increased My Breastmilk Supply: Personal Experience of Breast Feeding Struggles
When I came to know that I am going to be a Mon, It was a given that I would breastfeed. There was no two way about it. It just was natural. However, I was naive. Only after the birth of my son I realised that breastfeeding is not easy for everyone. At the beginning I did not take it too seriously as I was told that it would increase gradually. Weeks turned into a month but my milk supply did not improve. Doctors prescribed some medicines but it did not work. Thus began my journey of breastfeeding challenge and this is what I have learnt along the way
1. Breastfeed as Often as Possible
The most important point to remember is that you need to breastfeed no matter what. As we know, milk production works on demand and supply. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you produce. Even though I did not produce much milk. I breastfed my baby first and then gave him top feed. Sometimes I just wanted to give up as giving formula would have been easier but I continued breastfeeding and gradually my supply began to increase
2. Pumping is Your New Workout
Pumping stimulates the breast to produce milk. The movement of the pump mimics the sucking action of the baby hence it is like breastfeeding when you are not feeding your baby. Apart from the breastfeeding every 2 hrs, pumping 2 to 3 times in a day also helps in increasing breast milk. At first I was only able to produce 10 ml with a lot of effort but as I continued I was able to pump 60ml on average and sometimes even 120ml or more. It is after pumping for around 2 weeks I was able to decrease top feed from 7 times to around 3 or 4 times and now I topfeed only twice in a day. My baby seems to be fine without the top feeds too so I will soon be reducing that to 1.
3. Chug That Jug of Water
water also helps in increasing milk supply as it keeps you hydrated. Ideally the recommendation is 4 litres daily but I did not drink much. However whenever I drank good amount of water I noticed a difference. Also drinking warm water seemed to help in milk supply than cold water.
4. Get Some Shut Eye
Do not underestimate the power of restful sleep. I know, with a newborn it is difficult to get enough sleep but sleep is directly proportional to milk supply for some and that was the case for me. Even though you might not get enough sleep, try to make sleep your priority after baby. Sleep when baby sleeps. After the first month baby sleeps a bit longer so it gets better.
5. Don't Worry, Be Happy
When you are struggling with feeding your child and not to mention the 101 advice and judgement you get from other people, it seems impossible to remain stress free. The only way to not stress but work on increasing breast milk is to convince yourself that it is ok if you are not able to produce enough but you'll keep on trying. Little breastmilk is way better for your child's health than no breast milk. As for judgement, just remember your child's health is much more important than what other people think.
6. Go Natural
There are many herbal medicines in the form of tablets and granules. I have tried many of which some worked and some didn't. They do not have side effects so no harm in trying. The most common ones suggessted by doctors too are lactonic and lactare. I tried both and Lactare tablet worked for me but not the granules. Different things work for different people. Give atleast two weeks to see its effect.
7. Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy
This is definitely no time for dieting and trying to lose weight. A breastfeeding mother needs higher calories than a normal person. So make sure you eat well. I have always had a good appetite but postpartum I lost my appetite due to having quite bland food. It is important to have healthy meal but don't be too concerned about having only salads and fruits and food with no spices etc. Incorporate veggies, dairy, pulses and non veg in your diet. Eating fresh homecooked meals helps in recovery as well as milk supply.
8. Perseverance Pays
To put it simply, don't give up. It might seem like nothing is happening at first. It might take a month or two or even three. You might never be able to produce enough to exclusively give breast milk but that's ok because you will be happy that you did the best that you can. Mixed feeding is having best of both worlds. Might be a bit cumbersome but whatever is best for your child. On the other hand, who knows you might be able to exclusively breast feed in just a month. Be consistent with breastfeeding, pumping, sleep and diet and its guaranteed that you'll see some improvement.
9. Take a Look Inside Your Kitchen
I tried every home and traditional remedies that I came across. Not sure if it helped but it did improve my overall health. Some of the ones I tried are fenugreek seeds: 1 teaspoon each in the morning and night , cumin seeds with jaggery, water of arhar daal, soup prepared from mixture of rice flour and ajwain and many others. Home remedies are time tested solution so I am sure one or the other would work for you. Whatever home remedy you try make sure it is safe for you and the baby I have had some success with home remedy along with the above steps.
These steps have helped me be able to breastfeed my baby for the past 5 months and I hope my experience helps someone out there who is struggling with breastfeeding like me.
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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7 Yoga Poses to Avoid When Pregnant and Why
The importance of exercising cannot be undermined during pregnancy and yoga is one of the safest ways of staying physically and mentally fit during your pregnancy. Yoga not only helps you prepare physically for the upcoming labour and birth but it also helps in keeping you calm and relaxed throughout your pregnancy. However, you cannot do all yoga poses when you are pregnant. Here in the following article, we shall discuss various yoga poses that you should avoid during your pregnancy.
Why should you avoid some Yoga Poses during Pregnancy?
Your body is not the same during pregnancy because it is undergoing a lot of physical changes. If your body is changing then the exercising needs to change too, in order to be in sync with your changing body. Therefore, whatever yoga poses you were doing prior to getting pregnant can not only cause a threat to you and your baby, but you may also feel great discomfort and difficulty in doing these yoga poses. And it may cause some complications in different phases of pregnancy. For instance, in the first trimester, you should avoid deep abdominal twisting poses as it may adversely affect the implantation process. Hence, it is important to list down all the yoga poses to not do while pregnant.
Types of Yoga Poses that must be Avoided during Pregnancy
Your body is working hard during pregnancy and thus it is not the time when you should push yourself too hard. The aim of yoga during pregnancy is to increase flexibility, relieve stress and work on your breathing. It is advised that you should do as much as you can and if you feel like stopping or resting in between, do that and listen to the signals of your body. It is strictly recommended that you should consult your doctor before practising any kind of yoga poses during pregnancy. However, following are some of the prenatal yoga poses to avoid or the poses which are a complete no-no during pregnancy:
1. Jumping or Fast Flowing Poses
Jumping and fast flowing poses can put your body under loads of stress during pregnancy.
Why to Avoid
At the onset of your pregnancy journey there’s a lot going inside your body. It begins with conception when the implantation process begins and then the development process of the embryo. In your early pregnancy, too much jumping and fast poses may make you more nauseous. Therefore, it is best to avoid yoga poses that involve intense jumping and moving sequences. Restorative and grounding poses are beneficial during this time as it would not only help in the foetal development but also keep various complications arising during this time at bay.
Poses to Avoid
Avoid all yoga poses, which involves fast movements and jumping.
2. Compressing or Twisting Poses
Twisting, twirling or compressing poses can put undue stress on your abdominal region during pregnancy.
Why to Avoid
You will have to monitor your abdominal movements and refrain from doing any strenuous abdominal yoga poses. As the embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall, the formation of placenta begins and thus you will have to monitor your tummy movements. Any twisting movements can decrease the flow of blood to your abdominal region by compressing the nerves.
Poses to Avoid
Moon Pose, Boat Pose, Spinal Twist towards the Knees.
3. Vigorous Stretching Poses
It is important to pay heed to severe stretching poses as it may cause harm to your joints and ligaments.
Why to Avoid
As you move forward in your pregnancy, your body starts preparing for the labour and childbirth. This leads to your muscles and ligaments becoming more flexible than before. When you do any kind of extreme stretching yoga poses during your second or third trimester, you may end up hurting your ligaments or pelvic joints.
Poses to Avoid
Camel Pose, Fish Posture, Wheel Posture.
4. Lying Back Poses
Though these poses may appear less complicated any yoga pose that involves lying on the back may put pressure on the inferior vena cava.
Why to Avoid
Lying on your back in pregnancy may trigger the feeling of nausea, cause lower back pain, increase the blood pressure and also cause heartburns. Apart from this, the nerve in the back called vena cava performs vital functions during pregnancy, which is transferring deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart. Lying for longer durations on your back may harm this nerve and cause various complications.
Poses to Avoid
Corpse Pose.
5. Inversion Poses
Inversion poses can make you extremely nauseous and giddy during pregnancy.
Why to Avoid
Pregnancy makes you gain a substantial amount of weight to nurture your pregnancy needs and also of your unborn child. As your tummy grows, it will become difficult for you to maintain your centre of gravity and thus your body’s balance. Doing inversion poses in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy may cause extreme dizziness and you may even lose your balance. Both these situations can prove to be fatal for you and your unborn child.
Poses to Avoid
Shoulder or Headstand, Downward Facing Dog Pose.
6. Heated Yoga Poses
Heated yoga poses can cause an increase in the body heat and thus cause harm to your unborn baby.
Why to Avoid
There are some yoga poses, which are said to increase body heat. Such yoga poses should be completely avoided in all the trimesters of pregnancy. These poses not only elevate the body heat but such poses may also cause dehydration during pregnancy.
Poses to Avoid
Bikram pose.
7. Prone or Belly Down Poses
As you move ahead in your pregnancy journey, you will find it difficult to lie on your tummy and thus any yoga poses involving lying or bending down from the tummy may be harmful.
Why to Avoid
As your baby grows inside your tummy, it tends to squeeze your internal organs and any kind of extra stress by bending down from the tummy or lying on your tummy may put extra pressure on your abdominal region. This may neither be good for you or for the baby growing inside you.
Poses to Avoid
Swan Pose, Cobra Pose, Bow Pose, Locust Pose.
Exercising is important during pregnancy but more than that it is you and your baby’s well-being that holds priority. Therefore, do not challenge yourself and do things that your body cannot cope up with and a strenuous yoga workout is one of them. It is important that you consult your healthcare practitioner before following any exercise regime and also know about various yoga moves to avoid during pregnancy. For the best interest of your baby, it is advisable that you take help from an expert in doing various yoga poses during pregnancy. Apart from this, it is important that you drink enough water to keep yourself well hydrated. Get cues from your body and if anything makes you feel uncomfortable, do not push yourself to do it.
Also Read:
Exercises to Avoid in Pregnancy
Abdominal Exercises in Pregnancy Read more
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Easy Tips to Train Your Twins to Sleep Through the Night
Motherhood is a daunting task, especially when you have to care for twins. Twins and sleep go two opposite ways without proper sleep training. You must have had moments when you put one of the twins to bed and the second one wakes up, leaving no time for you to relax. You can put that aside really quick, once you train your twins to sleep through the night. It does not look as easy as it's said, but with a few practices, you will be able to put them to bed for longer periods of time and gain a peaceful night's sleep for yourself.
When to Sleep Train Twins
Before we settle down and start giving you tips on how to sleep-train your little ones, it is very important for you to know that though they are twins, they different sets of identities. Just like they will most likely have different career paths when they grow up, their sleep training session would differ as well. However, it does not mean that sleep training your twins can be a difficult task. It may take a while longer for both the kids to get sleep trained, as compared to a single baby. This is a little challenging when you have premature born babies, as their developmental schedule will be different – activities that a single baby can do at a certain age might take a few more weeks or months for babies who are born earlier than expected. Sleep training twins can be a different ballgame altogether. Below, are some guidelines to help you decide the right time to sleep train your twins.
Newborns
Newborns up to the age of 2 months need to bond with their parents. It is a very vital part of their overall development. Newborn twins' sleep schedule does not require sleep training. Instead, focus on getting to know your babies and bond with them.
2 to 4 Months
You can start sleep training at this age, but keep in mind that your twins will wake up several times in the night for their feeds. A continuous period of sleep will not be a possibility at this age, but it's the best period to begin the process.
6 Months and Beyond
When sleep training twins 6 months and above, keep in mind that it will take more effort and patience to sleep train them the older they get.
How to Keep Twins on the Same Sleep Schedule?
To conquer the sleep routines of your twins, you will have to strategise your approach. Remember the golden rule: stick to a routine! Babies love routine in their lives. It's good for the babies' brains and bodies if they are eating every four hours and napping accordingly.
1. Double-Duty Feeding Routine
The key to getting your twins to follow the same sleep routine is to first fix their feed routines. It is usually observed that babies who tend to eat at the same time feel drowsy at the same time too. Magic! Feed them both together, change their nappies, and let them “play” till one of them starts feeling drowsy. That’s the cue. Take them both, swaddle and lay them on the bed for their nap.
2.Put the Babies to Sleep Separately
Should twins sleep in the same room? The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that you put your twins in two separate beds, so that they can sleep peacefully without the risk of waking each other up. You can put them in the same bed once they are in a deep sleep. It works out well, at times, when one of the twins has gone to sleep and the other is still waking up. You will notice that both the twins will be able to take two organised naps, per day, at the same time.
3. Wake the Other Twin if One of Them is Already Awake for a Feed
When his sibling is awake for a feed wake up his other sibling as well. It will help you set their sleep routine. Gradually they will get adjusted to this routine, and you will find them waking up for their feed at the same time and also going to bed simultaneously.
4. Create a Strong and Steady Bedtime Routine for Your Twins
Follow a healthy routine by bathing them, dimming the lights, reading them a book, playing lullabies and giving them a before-bed feed. After a few nights, they will know once the water runs that sleep time is nearing and their body clock will eventually get adjusted to the routine.
5. Make Small Achievable Goals
Many twins are born with lower weight than their singleton counterparts, and that makes it longer for them to reach their individual milestones. This can get you easily discouraged from your sleep training habits. Focus on the small achievements instead, and maintain a positive attitude. Going down from four feedings to three in the night, teaching your kids to soothe themselves with the pacifier and fall back to sleep themselves is no easy feat, so celebrate it!
How to Create a Bedtime Routine to Sleep-train Twins
Your twins will be more relaxed if they know what is coming next. The more relaxed they are, the more likely they are to fall asleep without much trouble.
1. Give Them a Warm Bath
A warm bath just before they go to bed in the night works wonders on their bodies. It helps them to relax and creates a soothing experience to them. Every day, with the same routine, your twins will know that bedtime is near, the moment you turn the tap on.
2. Read them a Book
Reading a book can help you and your twins bond well. It also signals them to soothe themselves and gradually sleep.
3. Sing Them a Song
Music is known to have therapeutic effects on babies. A round of lullabies or music can help them soothe themselves to bed.
4. Comfort Objects
You can place 'comfort' objects such as a toy or blanket in their cribs, which can pacify them quickly and aid self-soothing. This also helps them go back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night.
Additional Tips to Get Twins to Sleep Through the Night
Twins not sleeping through the night? Here are some additional tips for you to help your twins sleep longer through the night.
1. Finding the Best Bedtime
See what bedtime routine suits your twins and plan to put them to bed at the same time every day.
2. Sleep Signals
Look for sleep signals in your twins and put them to bed when they are drowsy, so that they have enough time to soothe themselves and sleep.
With a little patience and time, it is absolutely possible to get your twins to sleep together in the same sleep schedule. One of the siblings might be earlier to catch the training than the other, but that’s okay. Both of them will eventually get there.
Also Read:
Tips for Potty Training Twins
How to Bath Your Twins Baby
Tips to Deal With Twins Fighting Read more
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Being a Mom Is The Best Feeling In The World
Hello I am Rumana Imran sutar. I am a proud wife and a happy mother. I don't do a job but I am fully occupied by my work, husband, family and my son.. First when i got to know that I am pregnant I was fully nervous. I was so afraid that how will I handle a baby, too many quest running around my mind. It was a very tough phase as we go through a lot of changes during pregnancy but I was lucky enough to have a loving and caring husband and a supportive family.. In the span of 9 months I went through lots of stress, sadness, and even happiness as these all are pregnancy swings which my husband and my family had to bear.
And when finally I had my labor I was completely frustrated as the labor is the tough phase to go through.. But as soon as I saw my son all the pain got converted to happiness and I became a "MOTHER" what a best feeling it was teary eyes but still happy inside.. Awesome feeling so today am here to share my experiences with all the mums.. Its not easy to take care of a kid but its not difficult even with the support and love of your hubby and family everything becomes easy.. This is the time when we will not get any free time for ourself but this is only the time which we are gonna cherish our whole of life so all the mums enjoy each and every moment with your kids.. I am not perfect but I will try my best to help all d mums around.. Its a journey with lots of ups and downs but surely has a very happy ending. I m all set to help. So help me and let me help others.
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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World Day Against Child Labour – How you Can Save a Childhood
As you read this, your child is probably busy studying, playing with friends or relishing a snack. For millions of child labourers under the same sky, school or two square meals are only dreams. In the worldwide movement against child labour, the UN declared June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labour. Do spare a thought for how you too can help save childhoods from being lost forever.
As per recent global estimates, a distressing 120 million children who are 5-14 years of age are child labourers. World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, first started in 2002, is an initiative by the International Labour Organization. While the world has certainly seen progress in child protection and education, we are far from eradicating child labour. Children below 14 years still toil in establishments such as hotels, restaurants, garages, automobile workshops and as domestic help. What's worse is that child labour often magnifies into deeper problems like child trafficking and sexual abuse.
Reasons Child Labour Still Haunts Us
Poverty
Lack of employment for the parents
Lack of social protection by the government
Failure to ensure attendance in school
Failure to meet the minimum age for employment (14 years)
Poor education and teaching standards
Behavioural indifference
What You Can Do to End Child Labour
Annually on the World Day Against Child Labour, the ILO reviews the shortfall in achieving a world free of child labour. Impoverished parents often fail to educate their child who then has no option but to take any job he can find. Even though illiteracy, poverty and unemployment present a seemingly vicious cycle, pitching in to stop this malpractice is still possible.
Be a socially-responsible consumer
Many large corporates employ child labourers in their manufacturing units – something consumers should not encourage. Read up about the origin of products you purchase and steer clear of any brands that don't follow fair trade and workforce practices.
Associate with the local children's NGO or help-group
Whenever possible, get together with your kids and contribute to your local children's NGO or a larger group such as the Bachpan Bachao Andolan. Give financial aid, books or learning toys as well as time in teaching lessons. You never know which kid you may inspire to work hard and take up a decent job when older!
Charity begins at home
Employing a child below the minimum age of employment can land the employer in trouble – a rule that is often bent and taken lightly. If you find child labourers employed by your neighbour, the local grocery store or a garage, speak to the manager and tell him this is illegal.
Bring up your child with a sense of equality and fairness
Never let your child feel superior solely on account of higher financial or social standing. As moms, it is important to build empathy and equity in our children so they can grow up to be socially responsible citizens.
You are a lucky mom with a kid who's lucky to have you too. On this World Day Against Child Labour, take time out to reflect on the unlucky kids who spend the otherwise glorious childhood toiling for their bread. After all, all children deserve to be loved and cherished, not left to suffer in silence. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. 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
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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