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Are You a New Mom? Read This If Struggling in Motherhood
So you are a new mom, congratulations!
After delivery now its time to start a new life, a new job, a new struggle.Your daily routines have changed.Your romantic peaceful nights are replaced by sleepless nights.Your luxurious spas are replaced by 2 minutes shower.Your stylish branded clutches replaced by huge carry bags meant for your baby
Well, wait! I am not scaring you.I want you to be mentally prepared, stay calm and enjoy your new journey, your motherhood journey.
We often have the same perspective on motherhood. Sleepless exhausted nights, stitches pain, weakness, panda eyes, fat belly and what not?
New moms get panicked as soon as the baby cries without trying to understand that the baby is new to the environment around him/her. At this phase, the support of family especially her husband is much needed.
Mom, stop worrying about your skin, household chores, laundry and give all your attention to your baby. Your baby needs extra care, love, hugs and only you can do this.
After all, so long you have waited for this moment, so many pains you have borne to bring your baby to this world. Now just embrace the moment, take your charge and start the new journey.
For this, you have to be physically as well as mentally strong and healthy. Cut all the negativity out from your life and go with the flow. This is a phase which will soon pass away.
Take a look at your baby, admire his small eyes, tiny fingers. Your baby is your part, your own flesh and blood.
Motherhood is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of patience.
There would be times when you would be judged by others. Breastfeed or not, stay at home or working home and much more. Listen to them but follow your instincts. Do what you feel is right for you and your baby.
Take care of your self too. How can a tired, exhausted mom take care of the baby?
Take short naps with your baby.
Ask for help from your family.
Have a nutritious diet as your baby is on your feed.
No need to take guilt for that extra 15 mins sleep, that extra cup of coffee or some makeup.
Child's care and well being is your prime concern and priority but do not lose yourself in this process.
Do all those things that give you happiness and satisfaction. Have a break. Be a happy mom because only a happy mom can raise happy children.
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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Alarming Protein Deficiency Symptoms You Mustn't Get Unattended
Protein is a macronutrient and our body needs it in large amounts to function properly. Our body needs protein for the growth and maintenance of tissues in the body. It is the building block of all the muscles, hormones, enzymes and skin in our body. Most foods contain some amount of protein so you will rarely encounter protein deficiency in a developed country. However, protein deficiency can cause health problems. In this article, we will discuss the effects of protein deficiency in the body.
What Is Protein Deficiency?
When your protein intake is less than the required amount of protein in your body, it is known as protein deficiency. Vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of having protein deficiency than meat-eaters due to an imbalanced diet structure. A severe deficiency of protein, known as kwashiorkor is noticed in children of developing countries. A small amount of deficiency can cause many issues in the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Protein Deficiency?
The signs of a protein deficiency are noticeable even if there is a marginal difference in the intake and requirement. Let us look at the symptoms that can alert you of a potential protein deficiency in your body.
1. Oedema
If you notice swelling or puffiness in your skin, it is more likely to be oedema. It is a classic symptom of Kwashiorkor. Serum Albumin is a protein that is found in abundance in the blood or blood plasma. A deficiency of this protein in the human body is responsible for Kwashiorkor. Albumin’s main function is to maintain oncotic pressure which prevents an excess amount of fluid getting accumulated in the tissues or other organs of the body.
2. Weakness of Muscles
Muscles are considered to be the largest storage house of protein in the body. A lack of protein will make the body draw it’s protein requirement from the muscles to keep the other organs functioning. Over some time this causes muscle weakness and a condition known as muscle wasting.
3. Fatty Liver
A fatty liver is another symptom of protein deficiency. Although this condition can be caused due to obesity, it is primarily a symptom of protein deficiency. Due to protein deficiency, fat gets accumulated in the liver cells and can lead to liver scarring or potential liver failure if left untreated.
4. Skin, Nails, and Hair Problems
Skin, Nails and Hair are made of proteins. A deficiency in protein can lead to flaky skin and redness. In some cases, it can cause depigmentation of skin also. Brittle nails, faded hair colour, hair loss and hair thinning are also few symptoms of protein deficiency.
5. Risk of Fractures
Low consumption of protein may lead to increased chances of the weakening of the bones and risk of a fracture.
6. Stunted Growth in Children
Protein is not only important for tissues and bones, but they also play a vital role in the growth of children. A lower intake of protein causes stunted growth in children. Children need a steady supply of protein to help them in their growing years.
7. Recurrent Infections
Protein deficiency leads to frequent infections as the immune system of the body is compromised. A marginal reduction in the protein levels in your body can lead to an impaired immune system.
8. Anaemia
A protein deficiency leads to a lack of Vitamin B-12 and folate which can cause the body to slow down the production of red blood cells. This condition is also known as anaemia.
9. Increased Appetite
A severe protein deficiency symptom is that your urge to eat food reduces. However, if the deficiency is marginal, then your body may try to encourage you to eat more food to meet your body’s protein requirement. This may make you indulge in junk food or savouries which have protein in them but are also rich in calories. Binge eating will make you overweight or obese.
10. Inadequate Nutrient Absorption
A protein deficiency can also make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients like zinc, iron niacin, and calcium from other foods.
11. Low Blood Pressure
A protein deficiency can cause low blood pressure problems and also a low heart rate. The classic symptoms are dizziness, breathing difficulty, and in some cases fainting.
12. Muscle and Joint Pain
Muscle and joint pain also indicate a protein deficiency in the body. The muscles and joints in your body are breaking down to supplement the calories instead of using up your protein reserve from the body.
How Much Protein Should You Take?
Protein requirement for the body is determined based on the body weight, your age, muscle mass and the amount of physical activity you undertake. The recommended intake (RDA) is 0.8 grams for each kg of your body weight.
How to Manage Protein Deficiency
If you think you are plagued with protein deficiency check out the below points to build up your protein reserve.
1. Reduce your intake of processed food
Stop eating junk food and sugar-laden cookies and eat healthy foods rich in protein like eggs, meat, Greek yoghurt, fruits, whole grains and vegetables, etc.
2. Include alternative sources of protein in your diet
Try introducing plant-based proteins in your diet like whole grains, nuts and seeds, and lentils.
3. Use protein powder supplements
If you want to increase your protein intake, you can consider soups made from eggs, soy, peas, rice or whey.
4. Consult your doctor
Despite your best efforts if you find that your problem of protein deficiency is not getting solved, consult a doctor to check if you have low stomach acid condition. Low stomach acid prevents nutrients from getting absorbed in the body.
5. Make changes in your food consumption
If you eat cereals for your breakfast, change it to eggs. They will keep you full for a longer duration and boost your protein requirements.
6. Eat protein-rich foods in the beginning
Protein intake just at the beginning of your meal will keep you full and reduce the urge of snacking hours later.
FAQs
1. How Much Protein Do You Need While Pregnant?
Usually, 70g to a 100g daily intake of protein is considered ideal for a pregnant woman. However, it depends on your body requirements.
2. How Much Protein Do I Need in a Day While Breastfeeding?
As a breastfeeding mother you should try to include a protein component in each of your meals to meet your body’s requirement of protein and provide nourishment to your baby.
3. How Much Protein Should a Child Get and Why?
A child should get 1gm of protein for every kg he weighs. Protein is not only required to maintain the tissues and other organs of the body, but it also helps in the physical growth of the child.
4. Which Diseases Are Caused Due to Lack of Proteins in Children?
A severe lack of protein causes in the dreadful disease Kwashiorkor and also protein-energy malnutrition. Apart from this, brittle nails, hair loss, and skin patchiness are signs of protein deficiency in nails, skin, and hair that is commonly evident among children.
Protein deficiency is treatable. If you think you suffer from any or most of the above symptoms, speak to your doctor for proper treatment. Eat nutritious food and stay healthy!
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A Dairy-free Diet while Breastfeeding - Tips to Survive without Dairy
It is difficult to tell whether a baby has a milk allergy or whether he is showing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem, and as a mother, you should check if your baby is able to digest your milk or not. In case your baby is lactose intolerant, then it is not your milk that might be causing him trouble, but the lactose-based protein, vitamins, and nutrients from the dairy products that you consume. And if it triggers allergies then you must reconsider what you should eat while breastfeeding. You can always opt for a dairy-free diet. Do not worry, it is as healthy as the dairy diet that most doctors would prescribe you.
What Is a Dairy-Free Diet?
A dairy-free diet is the one that does not include milk and milk-based products. Dairy-related proteins or nutrients are present in almost everything. But a mother’s milk is free of dairy. However, if a nursing mother consumes dairy products, then the nutrients in those products may pass to the baby via breast milk. Hence, a nursing mother should avoid consuming dairy products. Goat milk is also a dairy product, so it should be avoided too.
Soy-based products are dairy-free; they are common alternatives to dairy products for almost everything. Soy milk does not contain casein or whey, the two allergenic components present in dairy products. Soy cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream also do not contain these two components. While buying any food products, always keep an eye for ingredients such as caseinates, curds, custard, half & half, nougat, paneer, pudding, rennet, and koumiss as they are dairy products.
When Is a Dairy-free Diet Needed while Nursing?
If you notice any changes in your baby’s behaviour, then you might have to consider changing your diet. Drinking cow's milk is the most common problem as it can trigger a gas problem in babies. If your baby cries incessantly or is not sleeping well, then also you must change your diet. If he has rashes, hives, eczema, itchy eyes, constipation, or diarrhoea, then your baby might be lactose intolerant. Your baby may find it difficult to digest dairy products, hence you should consider switching to a dairy-free diet.
Tips for Going Dairy-free while Breastfeeding
Staying away from dairy products does not mean that you can not have delicious foods. These tips would help you in finding healthy and tasty food options that you can always try.
Spend a lot of time in your grocery store. Before buying any product, read the labels carefully and opt for dairy-free products only.
Baking can be a really cool option. You can use almond milk in place of regular milk - it is tasty and healthy too! You can bake almost anything with almond milk and its rich taste would give your baked goods a special touch. Coconut milk or cream is also a good option.
Opt for dairy-free butter rather than your regular butter or ghee. Other than this, you can also opt for peanut butter - it is healthy and can make your breakfast or a light snack really yummy.
Eggs are another healthy option. A rich source of protein, vitamins and nutrients, an egg can be a perfect substitute for dairy products. Having one egg per day would ensure your well-being.
Buy dairy-free breastfeeding snacks. Some brands make dairy-free snacks that are good for nursing moms who are on a dairy-free diet. Some crackers are made of sprouted grain chips, which can serve as ideal snacks.
Consume dark chocolates in healthy amounts. However, before buying a bar of dark chocolate, check its ingredients.
Dairy-free desserts may sound awful, but some are just too good to resist. Especially, ice creams. Almond-based ice cream, cashew ice cream, and coconut ice creams are some value-for-the-money products.
You can consider going vegan. A vegan diet is free of any kind of animal protein. Hence, you won't have to think twice before eating anything. You can eat vegetables, nuts, cereals, and seeds.
If you are planning to dine out while on a dairy-free diet, then go ahead. A romantic getaway with your partner or just a simple day off from the kitchen would do good to you. A little bit of outing can always cheer you up, but be careful of what you eat. Eat foods that are not made with milk or milk-based products.
While nursing your baby, you should consume calorie-rich foods, as it is important for the healthy growth of the baby. Your diet should provide you at least 500 calories more than your normal intake. Five servings of fruits and vegetables every day should be enough for you to complement the lack of calories from your diet.
It is not that hard to go on a dairy-free diet, especially, when you know that you are doing it for your baby's health. If you feel demotivated at any point of time, remind yourself that it is temporary. Once you stop breastfeeding, you can go back to your former routine. So, enjoy the moments with your baby as much as you can and eat healthy.
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Sleepless nights from sleeing like a baby to putting to sleep to one
Yeahh gear up all the newly made mums...for all that u r going to wish for is S L E E P.
Motherhood for me is the ultimate roller coaster full of joy and sorrow, comfort and pain and hormones and fat.😜
A gush of emotion cloud your mind when you see the wee flickering cell in your ultrasound and you decide to be know it all mother. As the phones are smarter these days they come to your rescue for researching all the ultra tests and hard to name reports.
Every pregnancy is different and so are the experiences.I had often heard from my mother;"moment a child is born; a mother is born" ,that really happened both physically & emotionally.
It is two things magic of babies and lack of sleep... umm..actually...really EXHAUSTING.
Every mothers dismay i believe.
Speaking of a person like me who loved sleep no better than anything else, transition from sleeping like a baby to sleepless nights was horrible. We are into a whole new zone coping up a with new born & our body so sleep becomes almost therapeutic. My child is a very light sleeper and has never taken a nap longer than 2 hours in these 21 months, so all i could do to cover my sleep pangs was take a nap whenever he used to in the noon. Believe its not much but gradually our body too gets used to it.
Another thing that helped was taking long walks with my baby proved to be mood reviving both for me and him.
So take care all you mommies out there, these past few months have been terrible for everyone with the pandemic adding to our miseries.hope we stay strong and get out of it safe and sound.
Ignore any errors i might have been sleep writing...lol...😄 Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
12 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. yes. 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 childdo 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.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
Guardian of 0 children
55 mins ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
24 mins ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Anu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
24 mins ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Anu
Guardian of 0 children
15 mins ago
A. Hello i asked same thing to my doctor……she said avoid pizza burger n any kind of junk food n u dont know what they r use in burger sometimes they used frozen so better to avoid.burger is so easy better make in home ur craving will satisfy
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