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List of 15 Best Vegetable & Fruit Juice for Babies
We all know that breast milk is something that is essential for every infant. It provides their tiny little bodies with nutrition and even helps to build the immune system. But once they hit the 6-month mark, it is a wise idea to diversify their food intake.
Is It Good to Add Fruit And Vegetable Juice to Baby’s Diet?
Yes, the nutrition that your baby receives from vegetable and fruit juice makes it a good choice to add to her diet. However, it is important to remember that solid food cannot be supplemented with juice alone as her body is growing and needs large amounts of protein, fats, calcium, etc.
At What Age Should Baby Start Having Fruit and Vegetable Juices?
"By when can babies drink juice?" is a question that often plagues parents. During the initial six months, it is best to avoid giving her juice. This is because she needs all that space in her little belly to consume breast milk which helps provide antibodies along with nutrition. After that, your little bundle of joy can begin with juices along with solid food as early as the sixth month of its birth.
Things to Remember While Giving Juice to Babies
Use a cup and a spoon to give her juice instead of a bottle. Begin with small portions - maybe two tablespoons a day (broken down into small sips).
Make sure you give diluted juices to her initially, as it is easier on the stomach. Diluting this juice initially can be 25:75 ratio, 25 being the fruit.
Begin with a single fruit or vegetable so that her digestive system can get used to it.
Observe closely for any allergic reactions that might be caused because of the juice, and discontinue immediately if any such allergy is noticed.
Always boil the fruit/vegetables and avoid giving raw juice as much as possible.
Start with simple local foods such as apple, pear, carrot or radish.
Fruits such as banana or orange cannot be boiled and are raw juices and should not be given at the initial stage of introducing solid foods.
Always read the back of processed baby juice products to make sure the juice is pasteurized.
Do not supplement juice for either water or solid food.
Juice for babies at seven months should be boiled fruits and vegetables. Babies at this age also need to be observed for reactions, so it is wise to use diluted juice. Feed your child not more than 2 tbsp a day.
Juice for babies at eight months can be raw, but it must be thoroughly cleaned. At this age, parents can try new forms of juices.
Make sure to give juice along with solid foods so that your baby can absorb the extra nutrition easily.
The best first juice for baby is the juice of a boiled and stewed apple or pear. Make sure to boil and skew the apple and grind the juice out.
What Fruits & Vegetables Are Best for Babies?
Here is a list of healthy juice for babies:
1. Stewed boiled apple juice
2. Tender coconut
3. Grape juice (raw)
4. Muskmelon juice (raw)
5. Watermelon juice (raw)
6. Boiled carrot juice
7. Orange juice (raw)
8. Boiled tomato juice
9. Sapota juice (raw)
10. Boiled pear juice
11. Boiled peach juice
12. Papaya juice (best avoided during summers)
13. Banana juice (raw)
14. Lychee juice (raw)
15. Mango juice (raw)
Make sure to always begin with boiled veggies. When the child is comfortable with the new food, you can introduce combinations such as carrot and apple, apple and banana, etc. Orange juice for babies and grape juice for babies are rich in vitamin C which will safeguard them from cold.
Can You Give Homemade Juice to Babies?
There is some debate over what experts have to say. Organisations like the American Academy of Paediatrics do not recommend homemade juice due to lack of pasteurization. However, the National Guideline on Infant and Young Child Feeding (INDIA) recommends boiled homemade food and juices. This may be due to lack of a practice of eating packaged foods.
Can You Use the Juice From Fruits That Have Been Steamed (or) Boiled for Fruit Purees?
Though some nutrients are destroyed while boiling, there is no hard and fast rule that disallows its use. In fact, juice concentrates can be made through boiling.
Uses of juice from steaming/boiling fruits include:
1. Chemical-Free
Your child need not consume juices that have preservatives in them.
2. Storage
These juices can be stored for long periods of time.
3. Nutrition
Some juices, such as tomatoes, become even more nutritious after boiling.
4. Budget
Homemade concentrates that are made by boiling, are cheaper than the store variety.
5. Edge Over Packaged Juices
The fruits and vegetables that are the ripest have the most nutrients. As you can choose which ones you want to boil, you can ensure that your juice is more nutritious compared to the packaged versions.
Can Fruit Juice Cause Dental Problem in Babies?
Yes. An excessive feed of fruit juice can lead to dental problems in infants. This is due to the natural sugar content in them. Perhaps following the juice by sips of water is a good idea.
Can Fruit Juice Cause Any Other Harm to Your Baby?
If the baby is fed large amounts of fruit juice without much solid food intake, milk or water; it will lead to undernourishment. Undernourishment during the first year of birth will affect the child’s cognitive skills, and mind and body development.
Excessive fruit juice has large amounts of sugar and calories, which may result in excessive weight gain.
Juices can lead to diarrhoea as they are devoid of the fibre element that is present in fruits and vegetables.
Juices nourish the soul. Once your baby hits the 6-month mark, let her get a taste of some extra flavour. Fruit and vegetables juices are nutritious and help the baby develop a taste for healthy food options at an early age.
Resources and References: Kids Health Read more
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Green Coffee for Weight Loss
Green coffee is a well-known supplement for weight loss. Green coffee is basically raw, unroasted coffee beans, which is now being used for weight loss. Other than promoting weight loss, green coffee can even help in regulating blood sugar levels and improving memory in adults. If you are thinking of including this beverage in your diet for weight loss, find out how you can make it a part of your weight loss diet.
What Is Green Coffee Extract and How Does It Work?
Unroasted green coffee beans are used to make the green coffee bean extract. Coffee beans contain a compound called chlorogenic acids. These acids have antioxidant properties, which make green coffee good for weight loss and for lowering blood pressure. When the coffee is roasted, the chlorogenic acid content is reduced, which is why drinking our regular coffee does not promote weight loss.
Chlorogenic acids being rich in antioxidants can block the production of any new fat cells in the body and burn the fats that are already present in the body. Drinking green coffee can prevent free radicals from damaging the body by strengthening the immune system of the body. Green coffee even stops the accumulation of fats present in the body and lowers the amount of sugar being produced in the blood.
Green coffee is also known to improve the metabolism of the body. Drinking green coffee also curbs binge eating since it has the ability to keep one full for long periods of time. It also contains amino acids, proteins, and vitamins, all of which promote weight loss.
Is It Safe to Drink Green Coffee?
The caffeine content and chlorogenic acids in green coffee may not be the same in different brands of the coffee. Sometimes, a low-quality green coffee can also be sold as good quality green coffee. If you happen to buy it, the caffeine content in the low-grade green coffee can interact with other supplements or drugs that you might be taking at the time and may have a negative reaction. So, you must buy a good brand of green coffee.
If green coffee is consumed in excess, it may cause headaches, nausea, depression, anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, fatigue, increased heart rate, ringing ears, loss of calcium and magnesium. Therefore, it is suggested that one must consult a doctor before making green coffee a part of their diet.
Which Type of Green Coffee Is Good for Weight Loss?
There are two types of green coffee which can help in effective weight loss.
1. Green Coffee Extract
With high levels of nutrients and chlorogenic acids, green coffee extract comes in the powdered form or in the form of pills. During the processing of the green coffee extract, most of the chlorogenic acid is extracted.
2. Soluble Green Coffee
Soluble green coffee, which resembles instant green coffee can be made easily. All you will need is some powder and hot water to make soluble green coffee. Soluble green coffee comes in three forms - freeze dried, granulated, and powdered. From these, the freeze-dried variety of coffee is the best. Strong coffee infusions are frozen and then vacuumed to dehydrate the crystals of coffee. You can use this form of soluble green coffee to lose weight.
How to Use Green Coffee for Losing Weight
If you are ready to try green coffee beans for weight loss, here's how you should go about it for best results.
1. Select the Best Green Coffee
First, select the best brand of green coffee and make sure that the brand you buy is not a low-quality coffee. It is best to pick organic green coffee if you want to lose weight as it is free of any chemical pesticides. All you will need to do is grind the coffee beans in a coffee grinder, then steep it in hot water for about five minutes.
2. Add Supplements
If you don’t like drinking just plain green coffee, you can always add some supplements to make it better. You can add turmeric, cinnamon, mint leaves, or ginger to enhance the benefits of the coffee.
Green coffee and turmeric is a great idea since it can boost metabolism, reduce inflammation and also increase insulin sensitivity. Let half a teaspoon of turmeric root seep in the tea for at least five minutes before drinking. Crush the turmeric for best results.
If you want to use cinnamon, steep one-inch stick of cinnamon in a cup of water overnight and then make your green coffee in the morning using the cinnamon water. Cinnamon is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce LDL, and improve the sensitivity to insulin. Mint leaves help flush out toxins from the body, thus aiding in weight loss. All you need to do is steep a few mint leaves in your green coffee for five minutes before drinking it.
Ginger is another ingredient that you can add. The gingerol present in ginger produces a thermic effect on the body and also helps to improve the sensitivity to insulin which makes it a great addition to your green coffee. Start brewing your green coffee and then add some crushed ginger to it. Allow the ginger to seep in the green coffee for five minutes, then strain and enjoy.
3. Do Not Consume Sugary Foods
Avoid eating foods high in sugar if you are trying to lose weight with green coffee. If you snack on desserts, it would work against the green coffee, and you will end up seeing no results. If you feel like you need to snack on something, rather than reaching for that bag of potato chips, opt for nuts, seeds, or vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Do Not Drink Green Coffee Right After a Meal
Drinking green coffee immediately after a meal will cause you to have an upset stomach and can even cause food poisoning if it reacts badly with the food that you have just consumed. So avoid consuming it after meals.
5. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Follow a healthy lifestyle if you want to lose weight. Drinking green coffee can help in weight loss, but along with that, you will also have to exercise and eat healthy food on a daily basis. By incorporating these two habits into your lifestyle along with the consumption of green coffee, you will get the best results.
When to Drink Coffee for Weight Loss
To gain the maximum benefits from this beverage, you need to drink it at the right time. The best time to drink green coffee is mentioned below.
You should drink it in the morning—before or after work out.
You can have it with breakfast.
You can drink it before lunch.
Recommended Dosage of Green Coffee for Weight Loss
The recommended dosage of chlorogenic acid is 200-400 mg per day for losing weight. You can consult a nutritionist to find out how many cups of coffee you should drink on a daily basis for losing weight.
How Many Cups of Green Coffee Should You Consume Per Day?
You can drink 3-4 cups of green coffee per day for losing weight. Avoid drinking too many cups of green coffee, as it may affect your health negatively.
Does Green Coffee Really Promote Weight Loss?
Although many studies claim that green coffee can help one lose weight, nothing can be said for sure. The effects of drinking green coffee may be different on different individuals. You can always try it after consulting with a nutritionist.
Drinking green coffee has many benefits. And it can promote weight loss if you follow a healthy lifestyle. However, before you start drinking it, remember to check with your doctor if you are on any medication and only start after gaining consent.
Also Read:
Ways to Use Green Tea for Weight Loss
Benefits of Drinking Hot Water for Weight Loss
Effective Fat Burning Foods for Weight Loss Read more
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Marriage Does Change You As a Person and These 5 Things Are Proof!
It's a proven truth that people change after marriage, but ever wondered what makes them change? Is it your new family, household chores, or new responsibilities? Here are some feelers on what changes a marriage may have in store for you.
The day you officially took your wedding vows of holding each other in a lifelong commitment, your life quietly underwent a major change. Marriage, that beautiful bond of togetherness, comes with responsibilities and considerations you may have never faced when single. It is normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed and a long way off from life as you knew it. Here are some interesting reasons which will help you understand and appreciate why people change after marriage.
Changes You'll Need to be Wedded To
1. “I” Gives Way to “We”
When you’re single, you only have yourself to think about. You have absolute freedom to pick what you want to eat, where you want to go, and how you wish to spend your hard-earned money. Once you’ve joined the married bandwagon, it is imperative to keep your hubby in perspective. This may mean giving him company in watching Star Trek especially because he meekly sat with you for reruns of Sex and the City just the other night.
2. Watch Your Habits Collide
Once you're married, watch out for colliding habits that lie bare in front of each other! You may like to keep everything spotlessly clean and tidy to the extent of driving your man bonkers. He could find digging his nose or listening to loud music a great evening stressbuster. Whatever the habit is, you will both learn to live with it in time. Talk about any habits that particularly displease you but remember that accommodating and adjusting to the pleasant and the not-so-pleasant aspects of your spouse is the essence of companionship.
3. Shift in Priorities
Your priorities definitely change after you tie the knot. You now have bills to pay, food to put on the table and children to take care of. Your late night dinners and weekend getaways with your girlfriends might suffer a bit of a setback because your family now is your top priority. Marriage teaches you to prioritise and place your spouse and your family's needs at the epicentre of your living.
4. You Gain a Spouse and Lose a Few Friends
No one said marriage was going to be easy! You have enough on your plate already trying to make time for two families – yours and his, and now you find little or no time for those lunch dates, midnight movie plans and worse still, the Friday and Saturday night outs or clubbing. It helps if you and your spouse have the same circle of friends but if not, God save you from the wrath of your friends. People change after marriage - it’s the hard truth and one that your friends will learn to understand and accept especially when they find themselves in the same boat.
5. Change in Sexual Activities
You’re now married and can’t wait to explore newer dimensions in your sexual activities. While the famous "honeymoon period" will be mesmerizing, beware of a lull when you get down to everyday life. For some couples, the very lucky few, nothing at all changes thanks to their libido. For many others, sexual activity tends to lessen and becomes more of a routine. A busy day at work and home takes its toll, so by the time you hit the bed you have no energy left for romance. This dip in lovemaking doesn’t mean that all love is lost. Go the extra mile to initiate intimacy and revive your passion every once in a while.
Life is a continual learning experience, full of changes that may initially cause confusion and stress. With time and patience, you will learn to assimilate these changes and adapt them to your life. Marriage, which brings to you companionship like never before, does so at the cost of the added responsibility of a spouse and two families to tend to. However, for this sort of timeless togetherness, it really isn't asking for much to accept and embrace a few changes to your erstwhile lifestyle. Read more
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Eating Duck During Pregnancy - Is It Safe or Unsafe?
You would have heard different things about eating duck during pregnancy. The stigma around it suggests that pregnant women can feel tired when they eat duck. However, duck is highly nutritious for pregnant women. It offers multiple nutritional benefits. We will know about eating ducks, their benefits, easy to cook recipes in this article.
What Is Duck Meat?
Duck is white meat, which is part of the poultry family. The presence of myoglobin classifies duck meat as white meat. Though people from across the world relish different delicacies of duck meat, the method of cooking duck varies from one region to region. Pekin duck meat is the most common duck meat eaten in the United States of America. Pekin ducks are also known as the 'Long Island' ducks.
Can You Eat Duck Meat When Pregnant?
You can eat duck mean when you are pregnant. Anything consumed in moderation does not have bad effects on the body. It is, however, advised to eat cooked duck when pregnant. Do not eat undercooked or raw meat as they can contain harmful bacteria for the expecting mother. It can result in unnecessary complications for the mother and have a possibility of harming the fetus.
Health Benefits of Having Duck While Pregnant
Many expectant mothers have this question in mind, "Is duck good for pregnancy?" Yes, eating duck during pregnancy is good. Below listed are the benefits that mothers can reap by eating duck during pregnancy.
1. Excellent Source of Protein
Duck is rich in high-quality protein. It includes a wide variety of amino acids a pregnant lady requires and meets the daily protein intake. Protein helps boost the growth and development of the fetus and build the placenta, red blood cells, and tissues of the baby's body. Protein generally improves the body's immunity, skin, nails, and hair.
2. Immunity Booster
Duck meat is a good source of antioxidants with the presence of a mineral called Selenium. It works on preventing inflammation and getting the body cells from being damaged. Prevent cell damage and prevent inflammation, thereby boosting your immune system. Hence, duct meat helps a pregnant to fight different infections or diseases that may occur during pregnancy.
3. Promotes Healthy Heart
Duck meat has Omega-3 fatty acids, which help develop the baby's nervous system, brains, and eyes. These fatty acids also help lower high blood pressure levels and thus reduce the potential risk of evolving heart ailments.
4. Source of Antioxidants
Duck meat has antioxidants that effectively fight free radicals in the body. The presence of extra free radicals in the body can cause different diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart issues. Antioxidants protect the body cells against free radicals.
5. Excellent Source of Vitamin B
Vitamin B, also known as Vitamin B complex, is found abundantly in duck meat. Vitamin B complex comprises eight vitamins; all these are put together with help in multiple ways to the mother and the growth of the fetus and then the baby. Some examples are increased energy levels, brain development, neural tube formation, vision, nervous system spine, etc.
6. Rich Calcium and Phosphorus
The presence of calcium and phosphorus plays an essential role in developing and strengthening the bones and teeth of the baby. Calcium also helps in building the baby's muscles, heart and nerves. It helps to prevent preeclampsia and osteoporosis that are common pregnancy complications faced by many pregnant women.
7. Improves Hemoglobin Count and Avoids Anemia
Hemoglobin is found in Red Blood Cells within the body. These help in transmitting oxygen to the tissues in the body. Duck meat is a high source of iron content, thereby helping in preventing iron deficiency and avoiding Anemia. An expectant mother needs a sufficient quantity of iron for the unborn baby and herself.
Risks of Eating Duck When Pregnant
Below are the two commonly related risks of eating duck when pregnant. Read them to understand and take a conscious decision before eating duck.
1. Listeria or Listeriosis
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of pathogenic bacteria that are found in animal meat, cheese, soil water, etc. They can survive in refrigerated foods like refrigerated pates, meat spreads, ready-to-eat meat, dairy products, etc. When a pregnant mother consumes this bacterium through food, it can easily transmit the bacteria to the baby. Symptoms of listeria include fever, muscle pain, chills, headache, etc. At times the risks include meningitis, spontaneous abortion, and other bacterial infection.
2. Toxoplasmosis
This is a parasite that is present in meat and soil. This can be easily detected through blood tests during early signs and stages of pregnancy. If you are immune and have antibodies, don't worry about toxoplasmosis; however, the bacteria don't get killed during cooking.
Pregnancy Safe Duck Recipes to Try
1. Duck a l'Orange
Total Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Duck Legs: 4
Butter: 50 grams
Oranges: 2 (for the sauce and garnishing)
Orange Juice: 200 ml
Red Wine: 200 ml
Chicken Stock: 100 ml
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Instructions
First, use a zester to zest the orange
Now remove the peel and pith and break the orange into different parts – keep aside the zest and the parts
Remove the duck skin with a sharp knife. Then season it with pepper
Take a pan and heat butter in it. Now add the duck once the butter is hot
Now let the duck cook for 10 minutes. Now turn the heat off - flip the duck over and allow it to sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Ensure the flame is off
Make sure the duck is cooked properly without any part being left raw or uncooked. Now remove it from the pan. Set it aside and cover it to keep it warm
The next step is to make the sauce using the same pan
Remove the duck fat, put the red wine, chicken stock, orange juice, honey, orange parts, and the orange peel
Bring all of it to a boil and then put on simmer for 2-3 minutes. Continue to stir.
Once cooked, it is ready to serve
Carve the duck and serve it with orange sauce. Add some boiled vegetables like potatoes and carrots along.
2. Crispy Duck Pancake
Total Cook Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Serves: 5
Ingredients
Chinese Pancakes: 2 Packs (100gms each)
Whole Duck: 2 Kgs dressed
Spring Onions: 1 bunch finely shredded
Cucumber: 1 finely shredded
Orange (large): 1 peeled
Hoisin Sauce: 120 Gms
Cinnamon Powder: 1 tsp
Ginger: 50 gms finely sliced
Sichuan peppercorns: 2 teaspoon
Five Spice: 2 teaspoon
Sea Salt Flakes: 2 teaspoon
Oil: to grease
For the Glaze:
Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Shaoxing Rice Wine: 1 tablespoon
Honey: ½ tablespoon
Five Spice: 1/4th teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat microwave oven to 170°C.
Take a large roasting tin and line it with foil, and place an oiled metal rack over the top.
Now take the dressed duck and, with the help of a fork, prick all over. Put it in the fridge uncovered for 2 hours.
Mix five-spice Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and salt and make powder out of it.
Now rub this powder mix all over the duck, inside and out.
Put the orange peel and ginger into the bird's cavity, place it on the prepared rack and roast it in the oven for two hours.
Now mix the glaze ingredients in the meantime.
Once the duck is roasted, remove it from the oven. Increase the temperature to 200°C.
From the tin, pour away the collected fat. Now place the duck back on the rack over the tin.
Generously brush the duck with the glaze and place it in the oven for 15 minutes,
Keep brushing glaze every 5 minutes until the duck's skin becomes crispy and the duck meat is carefully cooked.
Now remove from the oven, leave it covered and allow it to rest for 15 mins. Then shred the meat and keep it aside.
Warm the pancakes and follow the pack instructions to serve rolled up with the shredded meat, with hoisin, cucumber, and spring onion inside.
Safety Tips to Ensure Before Having Duck Meat in Pregnancy
It is very important to take precautions before eating duck when pregnant. Duck meat needs to be cooked thoroughly before eating, at least in 165°F. Organize the refrigerator properly, keep the raw meat, cooked food, and ready-to-eat food separately. Leftover food needs to be warmed properly before being eaten. Ensure you do not eat raw, dried, or smoked duck meat.
Do not touch foods that are risky to consume. Ensure you wash the hands properly, rinse the kitchen utensils cautiously. Remember not to rub your eyes.
FAQs
Below are the answers to some of the most commonly and frequently asked questions related to duck and pregnancy. Read them carefully to know what options a pregnant woman can consider and whatnot.
1. Is It Safe to Eat Duck Eggs in Pregnancy?
Yes, it's safe to eat both the duck and the duck eggs during pregnancy. However, the duck meat and the egg need to be cooked properly. Do not consume raw meat as it can lead to constipation during pregnancy.
2. Is It Okay to Eat Duck Breasts or Duck Steaks During Pregnancy?
Duck meat contains two types of bacteria like campylobacter and salmonella. These bacteria get killed only when they are cooked properly at a high temperature of 165°F. Hence it is not advisable to eat pink duck. Duck breasts and duck steaks are usually cooked in rare to medium heat.
3. Can I Have Crispy Duck (Peking Duck) and Duck Spring Rolls During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can have Crispy Duck (Peking Duck) and Duck Spring Rolls During Pregnancy. Crispy duck is thoroughly cooked, and duck spring rolls are deep-fried in hot oil before serving.
4. Can I Eat Duck Terrine and Duck Pate (Duck Liver Pate) When Pregnant?
The answer is simply a no. Duck pate and duck terrine have a high chance of causing listeriosis or listeria. This is an infection that enters the body through contaminated food. Listeria causes very severe infections in pregnant women.
Duck is generally safe to eat when you are pregnant, provided it is cooked properly. Consult your doctor before you begin eating duck meat when you are pregnant. Duck meat has immense minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential vitamins beneficial for an expectant mother. Thus, it is considered a highly nutritious food. Follow the recipes, tips, and ways suggested to eat duck meat and enjoy your pregnancy period.
Also Read:
Eating Fish when Pregnant
Eating Chicken during Pregnancy
Eating Meat while Pregnant – Is It Safe? Read more
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When Inductions of Labour Don't Work - Understanding Failed Induction
Induction of labour might seem quite simple to hear. Just go to the hospital, get a ‘drip’ fixed, undergo induced contractions and have a baby. However, many women end up having failed inductions. Why does this happen? Let’s delve a little deeper into this issue and understand why exactly an induction fails.
What is Induction of Labour?
Induction is a process which causes labour to start artificially before it naturally begins on its own. Natural labour begins when your baby’s lungs secrete a hormone which tells your body that he is ready to enter the world. This kick-starts your cervix and causes your uterine muscles to contract, which opens the cervix. There are many methods of artificial labour or induction, but the most commonly used is artificial oxytocin hormone. Every method of induction follows the same pattern – tricking your body into believing that it is ready to give birth.
Do Inductions Work Every Time?
Many times women get induced with medications to undergo false labour but the process ends up failing, and this could end up causing foetal distress. As a result, these women have to have an emergency C-section then and there. This happens quite a number of times. Often, these women are told that their bodies simply could not take up the medication and the same thing may happen the next time.
Some are even told that it was a great thing that they were in the hospital so that their baby could be saved. We mistakenly think that labour will automatically kick in once induction starts but the answer is no. Liken the process to a flower bud whose petals are tightly furled. If you forcibly try to pry the petals apart to get to the flower bud inside, you will destroy both the flower bud and the petals surrounding it. But if the bud has opened a bit, then you might be lucky enough to encourage the petals to open. Same with induction, if both your body and the baby are not ready, your labour will be that much harder to proceed to a successful finish.
Why Do Inductions Fail?
The unborn baby in your tummy is still developing his lungs, brain and heart. Your body is wrapped tightly around him so that he goes through this development in a safe environment. During your third trimester, your body will start increasing its number of oxytocin receptors. When your baby is ready to be born, oxytocin will be released into your bloodstream and trigger these oxytocin receptors, ‘unlocking’ them. These receptors then signal your uterine muscles to start contractions and dilate the cervix. Your contractions will increase with time and become more intense as oxytocin releases in waves into your blood.
A cycle will establish itself naturally with more oxytocin being released in response to stimulation by your baby, resulting in birth. Now, when does a failed induction of labour occur? If your labour is being induced artificially, you will need a large amount of oxytocin to stimulate oxytocin receptors. If oxytocin is being flooded into your system from external sources, the oxytocin receptors in your body will get overwhelmed and fail to respond to the normal feedback your body would usually have. If your body does not respond, the oxytocin drips will be increased, and this will result in painful contractions.
Babies will face trouble due to this greater pressure and mothers might ask for an epidural to help them bear the pain. Their bodies might even stop responding to the artificial oxytocin completely, resulting in an emergency C-section.
Did Your Body Fail? – Myth Busted
If induction fails, many women end up thinking that their body didn’t respond the way it was supposed to. They will start thinking that the same thing will happen the next time and the only option for childbirth for them is a C-section. This will lead to constant worry, anxiety and insecurity in their minds. But this is a myth. The reality is that women’s bodies are biologically designed to protect their babies inside until they are born.
When the baby is ready to be born, there will be a signal that your baby is ready and your body will respond by going into labour. When an induction fails, the main reason is that your baby wasn’t ready to come out of your womb and did not send a signal your body was expecting to get. Since induction is artificial and not biological, it interferes with the normal cycle of things in your body and ends up either not responding well or refusing to comply.
The critical thing to remember if you have had a failed induction is that it is absolutely not your body’s fault. Do not blame yourself or feel guilty about a failed induction as it is not your fault. As induction is an artificial process, it is natural that it has a considerable chance of failing. Your body is not broken, and neither was your baby too big. Your body just functioned exactly as it was supposed to, to protect the baby inside. The heartwarming thing is that your baby is safe and his birth was still an amazing experience, whatever the case. So rest, heal and enjoy the journey of motherhood!
Also Read:
Using a Foley Balloon Catheter for Labour Induction
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How to Use Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labour
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Rear-Facing Car Seat Buying Guide
What is a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
A Rear-Facing car seat, also known as infant car seat, is a portable safety seat consisting of a base and a shell like infant carrier into which your baby can be secured. When compared to leaving your infant unrestrained, these car seats reduce the risk of death/ injury to your baby by almost 90%.
Why Should I Choose a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
A newborn’s joints and spinal cord are very delicate and are at risk while travelling. A Rear-Facing car seat not only secures these joints, but also provides enhanced protection for your baby’s head, neck and spine, which are not firm as yet. The Rear-Facing car seat shields the baby from any direct impact. In the event of a collision, the shell shaped interior absorbs the energy of the impact and the integral harness keeps the baby snuggled, as compared to a forward-facing car seat. For this reason, experts recommend Rear-Facing car seats for as long as possible, that is, until the child is able to sit on own or has exceeded the prescribed weight limit for the specific category.
Reference: 5-Childcarseats.org.uk
Which One Will Fit My Infant?
On the basis of characteristics, infant car seats have been broadly categorized into three categories:
1. Group 0
Infant Carriers or Carry Cots which can be secured by seat belts in the rear seat of the car are used for this group. These car seats are designed for vulnerable infants like premature babies, babies who suffer from apnea, or weak babies with low birth weight. Experts however recommend that these car seats be used for your baby’s early months, even if your baby is healthy and not suffering from any of the above problems.
Specifications :
Position
Lying (in carrycot), rear facing, lie-back orientation, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
Up to 09 kg(20 lbs)
Approximate Age
Birth to 09 months
Recommended heights
per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your child arrives. You would need to use this when you take your baby home for the first time, from the hospital.
Lasts About
09 to 15 months depending on the child’s growth.
2. Group 0+
As a surrogate of Group 0 car seats, these car seats have been designed to last longer and are meant for healthy children. These car seats administer front & side impact protection and cater to greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine. These carriers also secure the baby in Rear-Facing position using a standard adult seat belt and/or with an ISOFIX fitting and are equipped with handles for moving the car seat in and out of the car with ease. Turning up the given handles makes it a carrycot and clicking onto the stroller frame converts it into a pushchair. And all this can be done without so much as waking the baby up.
Specifications :
Position
Sitting, rear facing, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
Up to 09 kg(29 lbs)
Approximate age
Birth to 15 months
Recommended Height
As per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your baby arrives.
Lasts About
09 to 24 months depending upon the growth rate of your baby and size of the seat.
3. Group 0+ & 1
Conventionally equipped with chassis, these car seats are integrated with handles and are strapped using an adult seat belt. They are bulky, and are recommended only for big vehicles, since they occupy a relatively large space in your car. Like other infant carriers, these car seats also offer Rear-Facing positions and provide robust features and enhanced security for your child. Although these larger car seats secure your child's head effectively during a moment of sudden deceleration. and also require space for additional straps. These car seats are meant for specific vehicles, which makes them less sought after, though they are available.
Specifications
Position
Sitting, rear facing, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
From birth 2-3 kg (4-6 lbs.) Up till 13 kg (29 lbs.)
Approximate Age
Birth to 15 months
Height
As per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your baby arrives, and use it for his/her first ride homewards.
Lasts About
09 to 24 months depending upon the growth rate of your baby and size of the seat.
Benefits & Limitations
Here is a comparative analysis of all the categories under the Rear-Facing child car seats. This will give you a bird's-eye view of all the pros and cons and help you with your buying decision.
Benefits
Group 0
Group 0+
Group 0+ & 1
Portability
Yes
Yes
X
Handling Convenience
Yes
Yes
X
Convertible to infant carrier
Yes
Yes
X
Convenient for multiple cars
Yes
Yes
X
Individual harness tensioner
X
X
Yes
Multi-recline - 4 recline positions
X
X
Yes
Enhanced Security
X
X
Yes
Offers both Rear-Facing and forward-facing positions
X
X
Yes
Limitations
Group 0
Group 0+
Group 0+ & 1
Most kids outgrow the seat within few months
Yes
X
X
Should only be used for travel via car and not for any other activity outside the car
Yes
Yes
X
Non-portable and Bulky
X
X
Yes
Cumbersome
X
X
Yes
Expensive
X
X
Yes
X - Positive X - Negative Yes No
How to Buy
Now that you know what to look for in a Rear-Facing car seat across the groups 0, 0+, 0+and 1, find out how to go about determining whether these features are tailor made for your child to take an informed buying decision.
Make sure to push back the seat padding as though pushed back by child’s weight and measure the seat using a measuring tape.
Look out for a low shoulder, small and adjustable harness. It is always better to choose according to your child’s measurements.
Check for adjustable buckles. Check how convenient it is open and put back.
Look out for the distance of the adjustable crotch buckle from the seat’s back surface. Check how convenient it is to open and put back.
Look out for an adjustable handle as most car seat models require that the handle be lowered during travel.
Make sure to recline in all defined positions and check for comfort in each.
Look for robust security features and a strong comfortable base.
Check if the seat fits well in your car and can be customized according to your baby’s needs.
Look out for portability or use in multiple vehicles. Check by converting it into a carrier and pram etc.
Check recommended feature labels, safety instructions and user manuals.
Buying car seats online from a trusted website will save you the trouble of testing all these details yourselves, as the website will provide the images of all the necessary features and certify the product before putting it up for sale. You can also access reviews, opinions of other users, ratings etc. from the comfort of your home. Just ensure that you choose a product with a reasonable return policy, so that in the event you require a replacement, the process is easy.
The Truth About Those Common Myths of a Rear-Facing Car Seat
1. Myth
I grew up fine without a car seat, so will my child. I think my child is safe even without one.
Fact: You were fortunate enough to endure without a car seat, but it was not the safest of moves. Also, this does not imply that you can expose your baby to dangers. Safety is mandatory for everyone.
2. Myth
My child would not be travelling much in the car, so buying a car seat seems such a waste.
Fact: It does not matter how frequently your child travels with you. Even if your child will travel with you just once, when you go home from the hospital, it is your responsibility to ensure his/her safety. Accidents never come with a forewarning. You must be ready with a car seat before your child arrives for his/her first journey homeward.
3. Myth
A child car seat is not comfortable for my child.
Fact: This will not be a concern if you are using the correct child car seat for your child’s age and weight. Also, make sure you are following all the guidelines correctly. Safety and comfort, are the key factors kept in mind while designing and manufacturing any child car seat. Car seats are designed to keep your baby comfortable even during long journeys.
4. Myth
A child car seat never works. Securing it is a hazard too!
Fact: This will not be a concern if you are using the correct child car seat for your child’s age and weight. Also, make sure you are following all the guidelines correctly. Safety and comfort, are the key factors kept in mind while designing and manufacturing any child car seat. Car seats are designed to keep your baby comfortable even during long journeys.
5. Myth
My baby’s legs are too big for a Rear-Facing car seat.
Fact: Rear-Facing car seats are designed keeping baby’s body structure in mind. Your baby is absolutely safe, even if his/her legs are bent at the knees or he/she can touch/kick the vehicle seat.
6. Myth
I can carry my infant in forward-facing position too.
Fact: It is strictly recommended to avoid forward-facing position for infants. Your child must travel in a Rear-Facing position for as long as possible.
7. Myth
We shall not cover long distances. Safety seat is not required for small distances.
Fact: Whether you’re travelling cross country or just around the corner, your baby needs to be safe, and there’s no telling when disaster might strike. Routine trips are often the ones that are deceptively dangerous.
Reference: 6-Durbin, D. R. (2011). Technical report—Child passenger safety. Pediatrics, 127(4). Advance online publication. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-0215
FAQs
1.Why is Rear-facing Position Important for a Baby?
In a frontal crash (the most common and most severe type of crash), the head is thrown forward, but the body is held back. While older children and adults are protected with seat belts, a baby’s delicate neck, head and spinal cord are protected by spreading force through the back, which is not possible in a forward-facing position.
2. Do I Need a Base with My Infant Car Seat?
A base is an accessory to the infant car seat and need not necessarily be installed along with it. In certain situations like air travel, you may even be required to remove it to get a secure fit.
3. What is The Proper Recline Angle for My Child’s Infant Seat?
For an accurate angle, you should match the level lines on the side of the plastic shell with the ground level. The angle arrived at with this method, works best, even for older children. If your car seat model has a ball as an angle indicator, then the ball should be between the two marks on the indicator that matches the weight of your child. In most cases, it is found to be a maximum of 45 degrees.
4. I have an Airbag in The Front Seat of My Car. Should I Place My Child’s Car Seat in Front of The Airbag? Would it be The Safest Place for The Child Car Seat?
No, a child car seat is always the safest in the back seat, as opposed to the front seat, despite the car being equipped with an airbag in the front. The back seat reduces the chances of injury and death by more than 30%.
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