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Food Ideas for 9 Month Old Babies
With thousands of options and multiple voices of advice, the initial stage of parenthood isn’t the least bit easy. Amidst staying up all night and diaper duties, feeding healthy food to your baby may seem like a tough task.
Video: Food Ideas for 9 Month Old Baby
https://youtu.be/HEA7UsR0i8k
How Much Food Should a Baby Eat at This Stage?
While babies may not be able to consume everything that adults eat, their taste buds will be delighted with the introduction of new food and flavours. It can be scary and troublesome for most new parents to figure out what to give and how much to give their child, but know that there is no golden rule by which you must operate. Do not place unnecessary stress on the food itself, and remember to keep it as nutritious and natural as possible.
As the experience is new for your baby, he/she will nibble on the food and spit it out if the taste is not enjoyed. Remember that a baby’s tummy is the size of a person’s fist, and it doesn’t take a lot to get them full. Also, since their taste buds are still developing, they may not like all the different kinds of food you give them. Some of them will like vegetables, some will like fruits, and some will even determine what texture of food they like. It can be either in puree form, mashed, or even small tiny chunks. Trial and error are crucial at this stage to understand your baby’s preference.
Don’t forget, though, that your baby is also getting all the nutrients required for formula or breast milk. Make sure that your baby is eating three meals a day in addition to the milk.
Best Food for a Nine Month Old Baby
Your baby will be adventurous or develop into a fussy eater, with the introduction of new food, so make sure you pick the best and delicious tasting food for them.
Some of the food you can start with for your 9-month-old Indian baby is:
1. Fruits
Berries such as blueberries, melons, cranberries, or dates, figs, cherries, and citrus fruits can be cut into 1/4th their size and given to your child. Always ensure these are completed cooked and either pureed or mashed before serving your baby
2. Vegetables
Brocolli, Asparagus, potatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, mashed potatoes, onions, and parsnips, all which can be cooked and mashed, are nutritious and a great food option for your baby.
3. Meat and Egg
Eggs, chicken and fish which are thoroughly cleaned and cooked should be fed to your baby. Do not give any raw meat or runny eggs.
4. Water and Juices
Your baby’s digestive system is still developing, so make sure he/she gets plenty of water. Try making natural juices (no sugar) at home instead of giving your baby processed juice.
5. Cheese and Other Dairy Products
Cream cheese, cottage cheese or paneer, dahi or yoghurt, ghee, and butter can be given in very small quantities to your baby.
6. Cereals
Cooked quinoa, millets, whole wheat pasta (softened), rice, and oatmeal are tasty options to give your baby
7. Grains
Toast, small pieces of chapatti or flatbread, crackers give your baby his/her fill of grains.
8. Legumes
Mashed lentils, beans, and soups made from legumes are a great way to feed flavourful, yet nutritious food to your baby.
9. Spices
As your little one’s taste enhances, try using small quantities of asafoetida, cloves, coriander, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek, nutmeg, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, turmeric, and garlic while cooking for him/her.
Video: Diet Plan for a 9 Month Old Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpTbhzmIfA
9 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
Make sure your baby’s food is soft to prevent choking. Here is a detailed schedule of what you can give your child at meal times and as snacks:
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Wheat sheera
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
White dhokla with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bhagar/ (millet)- moong dal (green gram split) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Beetroot- broccoli- mushroom soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sweet potato + poha (flattened rice) powder
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Spinach- pumpkin puree
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Roti dipped in carrot- moong dal (green gram split) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Idli with ghee or butter
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil)- spinach soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Palak (spinach) khichdi
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Rice with egg yolk or dal
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
White dhokla with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato with poha (flattened rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- pumpkin- rice soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Rice- carrot porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)- moong dal (green gram split) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Multigrain chilla
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed peach or grated apple
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Mashed avocado + sweet potato + murmura (puffed rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bhagar (millet) cooked in buttermilk
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed chikoo (sapota) or mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)-tur dal (pigeon pea) puree with mashed rice
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lauki (bottle gourd)-rice porridge
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- pumpkin- soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Multigrain chilla
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Spinach- pumpkin puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Carrot- beetroot- coriander soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil)- spinach soup + rice porridge
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet) -tur dal (pigeon pea) puree
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Idli with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Bhagar (millet) cooked in buttermilk
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Carrot- beetroot soup with murmura (puffed rice) powder
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats-apple smoothie
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Sweet potato + poha (flattened rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Wheat- banana sheera
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Rice- carrot porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Beetroot- broccoli- mushroom soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar(sorghum) puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Lauki (bottle gourd) rice porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mashed potato + crushed murmura (puffed rice)
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Idli with with non-spicy sambar
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- wheat- pumpkin soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Seviyan (vermicelli) upma
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Spinach-pumpkin puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
French beans and peas dalia (broken wheat)
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) satva
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
French beans and peas dalia (broken wheat)
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)- moong dal(green gram split) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar(sorghum) puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Sweet potato + poha(flattened rice)powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Roti dipped in dal- palak
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats-apple porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Egg yolk or paneer (cottage cheese)pulao
*Introduce small portions and then depending on your baby’s taste and appetite, increase the portion. Never force your baby to finish the food
Food to Avoid
It is important to serve your baby clean and fresh food. Be alert and notice the texture of food that your baby prefers, so that you can incorporate more of it into the next meal. While your child can now happily join you at family meals, here are a few foods that must be avoided at all times.
1. Honey
It contains bacteria that can cause a serious illness in your child, by damaging the intestines and leading to a rare syndrome called infant botulism. It can also be damaging to a baby’s emerging teeth.
2. Some Types of Fish
Shark, swordfish, and marlin contain high traces of mercury which can affect a baby’s nervous system. Also, avoid shellfish to avoid food poisoning
3. Whole Nuts
Do not give whole nuts to your child, until he/she turns five, in order to avoid choking
4. Sugar
Sugary food is bad for your kid’s growing teeth. These include ice-creams, biscuits, and sweets
5. Salt
Do not add salt to your baby’s food, as the kidneys cannot cope. Avoid salty foods, such as namkeens and chips altogether. Babies should have less than 1 gm of salt a day
6. Citrus or Acidic Fruits
Some infants may suffer from acidity due to citric fruits. However, a dash of lemon is allowed in purees.
7. Peanuts/Tree Nuts
This is sensitive food and may cause allergic reactions in your baby. It is typically introduced 1 year onwards.
8. Whole Milk
This can cause tummy issues and should never be supplemented with breast milk. It can also hinder absorption of iron, which is crucial to an infant’s growth
Can You Give Your Baby Finger Foods and Snacks?
Nine-month-old babies are generally ready for finger food and snacks. They have what you can call, a ‘Pincer grasp’, which is a skill where they pick up small objects with their thumb and forefingers. If your baby has started picking up small objects with his/her fingers without any support and can chew small bites of food, then its time to introduce finger foods for him/her.
Finger foods can be cooked carrots, apples, pears, cucumbers, or even paneer, that can be chewed well by baby teeth. Cut all of them into small, long shapes for your baby to hold and nibble on. Be cautious and never leave your child alone while they have finger food.
If your baby has still not picked up things with his/her fingers, wait for a month or two before introducing finger food
You can include one or two snacks between meal times for your 9-month-old baby. Give small quantities of food at regular intervals, which can help weaning easy in the future. Make sure that this does not affect breastfeeding.
Video: 9 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
https://youtu.be/_jihWeTG_Wo
Homemade Baby Food Recipes for 9 Month Old Babies
Here are a few recipes that you canwhip up quickly to delight your baby at home.
1. Pumpkin Puree
An easy and simple recipe that is full of beta-carotene, potassium, and iron.
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin
1-2 cups of water, vegetable stock or breast milk
How to Prepare:
Cut the pumpkin and peel away the skin. Scoop out all the seeds and put the fruit in a blender or food processor. Add water or vegetable stock till you get the desired consistency. Blend until smooth.
Once you have the puree, cook it in a cooker for 10-15 minutes (1 or 2 whistles).
2. Quinoa and Banana Mash
A nutrition rich and filling meal that is great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
1/2 banana
Pinch cinnamon
3 tablespoons cooked quinoa
1 tablespoon whole milk yoghurt
How to Prepare:
Mash the banana in a bowl. Cook 3 tbsp of quinoa, without any oil, in a separate pan with water for 10-12 minutes. Add the cooked quinoa to the banana, along with yoghurt, and stir to combine the ingredients.
You can also add powdered cinnamon (a pinch) for taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.
3. Plain Vegetable Khichdi
An staple Indian recipe when you are introducing rice and vegetables to your child’s diet.
Ingredients:
½ cup rice
½ cup moong dal (green gram)
1 cup mixed vegetables washed properly and chopped into small pieces (carrots, peas, potatoes and beans)
1 teaspoon ghee
A pinch of turmeric
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
chopped coriander leaves
How to Prepare:
Clean the dal and rice. Soak both of them in water for thirty minutes. Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker. Now add the cumin seeds till they crackle. Follow it with dal and rice and then vegetables. All these can be sautéed, followed by a pinch of salt. Add water and pressure cook this for 3-4 whistles, till everything is well- cooked.
Mash khichdi lightly with a spoon. Serve it with a little ghee on the top.
4. Atta Halwa
Atta halwa or porridge is a food recipe for 9 month old Indian baby
Ingredients
2 teaspoon Atta
½ tsp ghee
2 cups hot water
Formula or breast milk
How to Prepare:
Heat ghee in a pan and add atta. Roast the atta, stirring continuously. Once the atta is slightly roasted and gives off a nice aroma, slowly add hot water. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and bring it to your desired consistenty. Your baby will love the smooth texture of ghee. Turn off the heat.
Once the atta halwa is a little cool, add milk to adjust the consistency and add flavour to the halwa. You can add banana puree or applesauce for sweetness.
5. Finger Vegetables
Finger foods for 9-month-old baby are perfect for a mid-morning or evening snack
Ingredients
1 carrot
1 pumpkin
1 sweet Potato
1 zucchini/ cucumber
How to Prepare:
Cut any or all of the vegetables into long slices that your child can grasp in his/her. Steam them in a pressure cooker for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6. Oats Pancakes
These pancakes are super easy to make and delicious, as well.
Ingredients
1/4 cup oats
1 medium banana
1/4 cup milk
How to Prepare:
Mash the banana in a bowl, and add the milk. Mix well and add oats. Mix until well blended. Heat up a pan and add 1-2 drops of oil. Add 3-4 tablespoon of the mixture, and let it cook on one side. After 30 seconds to a minute, or until slightly brown, flip and cook well. Serve warm.
7. Vegetable Soup
This is a comfort food, especially in the winters and monsoon, and easy to make for your baby.
Ingredients
1/2 carrot chopped
3-4 beans chopped
10 peas
1/2 tomato chopped
1/2 potato finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon ghee
Pinch of pepper
Pinch of jeera powder
How to Prepare:
Pressure cook all the vegetables in 2 cups of water for 3 whistles. Let them cool, and blend into a smooth puree. Reheat the puree, add water if required, as well as the pepper and jeera powder. Serve warm.
Feeding Tips
Start by taking any solid food that you want to introduce to your child in a big spoon and give them little nibbles off the spoon.
All vegetables and fruits can be given to babies at this stage, but create a schedule and discuss it with your paediatrician before deciding. This can help avoid any allergies or reactions your baby may have.
Follow a ‘4-day rule,’ i.e. wait for 4 days before introducing a new food, in order to check for allergies.
Time flies, and soon your little nine month old will be walking and running. Make the most of this time by introducing healthy food habits and create a solid foundation for their food habits, down the line.
Disclaimer:
Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.
Also Read: 10 Month Old Baby Food Ideas Read more
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Using A Birthing Ball – Benefits, Exercises & Tips
Wondering about effective ways of exercising and dealing with labour? Birthing balls are a boon for a mother-to-be. You may have seen these giant inflated balls in the gym, your yoga class or even during one of the antenatal visits, at your doctor’s clinic. A birthing ball is not only effective during the birthing process, but these vinyl balls may help you sail through your pregnancy also. We shall discuss how you may use a birthing ball efficiently and derive maximum benefits out of it.
What Is a Birthing Ball?
A birthing ball or a birth ball is a kind of an exercise ball that you may use during your pregnancy, labour and even after birth. These rubber balls can be used in many ways in pregnancy and later.
Benefits of Using a Birthing Ball
A birthing ball has many benefits and may help you in many ways in pregnancy; following are some of the benefits of using a birthing ball:
It helps in easing your back pain and thus makes mobility easier during pregnancy
It helps in increasing blood flow to your pelvic region (uterus and placenta)
It helps in reducing spinal pressure
It helps in giving counter-pressure to your thighs and perineum
It helps in providing excellent support to your ankles and knees
It helps you to be in an upright position and thus works efficiently with gravity for your baby’s descent
It helps in opening up of your pelvic muscles
It helps in right positioning of the baby, just before the birth
It helps to reduce your labour hours
Some women may feel dizzy while using a birthing ball. If you feel any dizziness, refrain from using the birthing ball.
Difference Between a Birthing Ball And a Gym Ball
A birthing ball and a gym ball are more or less the same. Both these balls are made of an anti-burst material, which means on being punctured, they wouldn’t burst at one go but deflate slowly. Both these balls should be kept away from sharp objects, direct heat or rough surfaces. However, there are some differences:
Gym balls are comparatively smaller than birthing balls.
Most birthing balls come with an anti-slip finish.
Therefore, it is essential to buy a birthing ball that has an anti-slip finish, so that it does not slip when you sit on it or use it. Secondly, it should be of an apt size that is neither too small nor too big for you.
Which Birth Ball Should You Buy?
You should buy a birth ball according to your height, which means if you sit on the ball, your feet should touch the floor comfortably. It is also recommended to opt for an anti-slip finish and anti-burst feature. Make sure to buy a ball that can take your weight. Therefore, a birth ball that meets all these criteria should be purchased and you are good to go!
Why Do You Need to Buy a Birthing Ball Cover?
You need to buy birthing ball cover because of the following reasons:
The cover makes it easier for you to carry the ball from one place to another.
The cover helps to keep the ball clean.
The cover helps to manage the ball effectively
The cover makes the ball feel soft against the skin
The cover makes the ball look pretty, and you can keep changing the covers for a new look.
Which is the Right Size for a Pregnancy Ball?
The right size of the ball for you can be determined based on your height. The following table helps you to ascertain, the right size of birthing ball for you:
Your height
Recommended Ball size
Less than 5 feet 4 inches
55 centimetres
5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 10 inches
65 centimetres
5 feet 10 inches or taller
75 centimetres
It is recommended to buy a good quality birthing ball or a birthing ball from a renowned brand. Most birthing balls are pressure-tested and will easily take weight up to 300 kilograms. It will be a good idea to buy a pump along with your birthing ball as most balls do not come with a pump. It is very common for the ball to lose some air over a period of usage, you may fill up the air as and when the need arises.
Tips for Using Maternity Ball for the First Time
If you are using maternity or birthing ball for the first time, following tips may prove to be useful for you:
Place the ball on a rug or a carpet rather than placing it on the floor. Wear anti-skid shoes, or you can be barefoot. You may ask someone to help you to sit while supporting the ball from behind.
Balance your body by placing your feet firmly on the ground and keeping them apart (almost 60-70 centimetres).
Get into a comfortable position by placing your hands on your knees, and you may try rocking sideways or back and forth. Once you secure your position, you may try a little bounce.
In case, you do not feel confident with the bouncing or rocking movement; you may place a chair close to you and take support from it.
In case you wish to use the ball for exercise, make sure there is ample space in the room to place the ball. You should keep your movements slow and steady. You should stop in case you feel uncomfortable.
How to Use a Birthing Ball?
You can use your birthing ball in the following ways:
In Pregnancy :
Here are some of how you can use your birthing ball in pregnancy:
You may use it to sit comfortably or to relax simply. Sitting on a ball is much more comfortable than sitting on chair, couch or sofa.
You may use a birthing ball to do some exercises. You may rock gently sitting on the ball. You may move back and forth or sideways.
You may use a birthing ball to change your baby’s position in the later months of pregnancy. In case your baby is in a posterior position, the forward leaning and upright positions may help your baby to change position
During Labour :
Birthing ball has many benefits during labour, such as:
You may lean on the ball for support
You may use it for sitting and rocking front or sideways
You may use it for rocking and swaying rhythmically along with your contractions
The ball can be used during the labour or at the delivery stage
The upward curve of a birthing ball provides good support
The curve puts gentle pressure on the engorged vagina during labour
The ball provides good mobile support, especially to the upper body
It is very important that you are comfortable using a birthing ball, before using it for labour.
After Birth :
You can effectively use your birthing ball even after the birth of your baby in the following ways:
It is more comfortable to sit on as compared to sitting on any hard surface, as you may feel sore for a few days after birth.
It is very convenient and comfortable for breastfeeding your baby. You may even rock and soothe your crying baby, sitting on the ball.
It is perfect for exercising and helps you tone up and lose your pregnancy fat.
It can be used for sitting, even in your office. You may also help your baby stand, walk or scoot with your birthing ball.
Exercises to do with your Birth Ball
Your birth ball is extremely beneficial for exercising in pregnancy. You may also use birthing ball exercises to induce labour. Following are some of the exercises that you may do with your birth ball:
The Bouncing Exercise: Bouncing gently on a birth ball helps in strengthening your legs and your balancing ability. During labour, this exercise is useful in giving counter pressure.
The Pelvic tilt exercise: Place your birth ball against the wall and sit with your back touching the ball. By pulling your tummy in a little, gently curve your lower back and push it towards the ball. This is very good in strengthening your lower back and uterus.
The Hula Hoop Exercise: You need to sit firmly on the ball with your hands resting on your hips. You should make large circular movements with your hips, just like hula hoop dancers do.
The Resting Child’s Pose: You will be required to kneel in and bend towards the ball. Use the ball to support yourself.
Tips To Use Pregnancy Ball Safely
Following are some tips on how to use pregnancy ball or labour ball safely:
Choosing a ball with a non-bursting feature is important. The non-bursting feature ensures that the ball does not burst suddenly.
Make sure to buy the right size of ball for you (according to your height)
Always move carefully on the ball
Buy a ball that has a non-slippery or anti-skid surface
Place your hands on the ball to keep it steady before sitting
Keep a safe distance between your feet so that you do not slip
It is better to sit barefoot on the ball or wear good anti-skid footwear, to avoid slipping
Never hold your breath sitting on the ball. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
It is recommended to use pregnancy ball in supervision for the first few times before you get a good hang of birthing ball positions.
A birthing ball is a great way of staying fit in pregnancy, easing out your labour woes and has ample benefits even after your baby is born. It is recommended to master the technique of using a birthing ball before using it for labour. It is also advised to be cautious at all times while using a birth ball, to avoid accidents or mishaps. Happy rolling ladies!
Also Read: Preparing for Labour & Delivery-Smart Ways to Prepare for Childbirth Read more
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Superovulation - Process, Risks and Success Rates
Infertility treatments can be really exhausting both emotionally and physically. Before getting into these treatments, we need to be fully aware of the process, risks attached to it and of course the success rates. This post explains in detail all you need to know about superovulation therapy as a part of infertility treatment.
What is Superovulation
We all have heard of IVF (in-vitro-fertility) treatment; superovulation is a part of it. Superovulation refers to the artificial drug-induced production of multiple eggs which can then be used in IVF reproduction technology. In the normal course, a woman ovulates one egg per cycle. In superovulation process, with the help of fertility drugs, she will be able to produce more than one egg, which the doctor will retrieve from the ovaries just before ovulation. More eggs will lead to more embryos. This process thus increases the chances of success rate in IVF.
Who Can Opt for Superovulation
Women who are already ovulating but are unable to conceive can opt for superovulation to improve their chances of getting pregnant by releasing more eggs. Women with open fallopian tubes and whose partners have adequate sperm count can also opt for superovulation. Another case is when women are ovulating with the help of oral medication, but are unable to conceive can also go for superovulation.
Superovulation Process
The superovulation process starts with women releasing extra eggs with the help of oral medication like clomiphene. This involves low cost, less risk and can be considered as a mild form of superovulation.
An ultrasound around the time of ovulation will reveal exactly how many follicles are being released. If only one follicle is released, then the dosage of medicines will be changed accordingly in the next cycle.
Many doctors recommend gonadotropin during superovulation. Gonadotropin is a hormonal medicine that can be injected into the body to initiate ovulation. Women under the medication of gonadotropin ought to be carefully monitored to ensure that they do not produce too many eggs.
Women undergoing the superovulation protocol will be asked to take three days of medication and then return to the clinic for an ultrasound and blood tests. Depending on the response of the ovaries the doctor will ask you to come to the clinic during the next one to three days for additional monitoring.
The doctor then injects the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to initiate ovulation, once the desired number of eggs have matured. In case of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), you will have to come back to the clinic after 36 hours of hCG injection for the insemination process.
Fertility Drugs That Are Used in Superovulation
Superovulation focuses on two processes, inducing the ovaries to mature more eggs and to prevent premature release of those eggs. The doctor needs to be able to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries before ovulation. If ovulation occurs before the retrieval, then the IVF cycle will have to be cancelled. The following first two medicines are used to induce superovulation, and the last two are injected to prevent premature ovulation.
Gonadotropin
Gonadotropins
GnRH agonists
GnRH antagonists
How Many Eggs Do You Ideally Need
The ideal number of eggs you need to be matured solely depends upon your diagnosis report and treatment plan. It also depends on the doctor’s professional experience and opinion. An ultrasound report will reveal how many follicles are produced by your ovaries. The problem is that not every follicle will give you desired quality of egg which can mature into an embryo. Hence, a number of eggs are produced to improve the success rate of your pregnancy. Taking into consideration the above factors, the number of eggs varies from 8 to 15. In case of micro-IVF you just need four or five follicles.
Risks Associated with Superovulation
The following risks are associated with superovulation:
1. Multiple pregnancies
Superovulation increases the risk of multiple births. Around 20-30% of successful IVF pregnancies have resulted in twins or triplets. Superovulation has the highest risk of triplets as compared to other treatment options.
2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
OHSS is a condition wherein the ovaries became enlarged and filled with fluid as a result of gonadotropin medications. Mild forms of OHSS are quite common, and the symptoms involve bloating or slight pelvic discomfort; it goes away immediately after the treatment ends. But in rare cases, OHSS is more severe, and women experience difficulty while urinating, rapid weight gain, dehydration, complications in other organs like kidney and liver and are under high risk of developing blood clots. A woman under gonadotropins medication is closely monitored to significantly reduce the chances of OHSS, and if the patient is at high risk of developing OHSS, then the treatment is cancelled immediately.
3. Ovarian torsion
Ovarian torsion also called ovarian twisting happens in extremely rare cases. As the ovaries get enlarged, it twists on itself, restricting the blood flowing into it. This leads to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and at times fever. Surgery needs to be performed to resolve the twist.
4. Ectopic pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus say in fallopian tubes, ovaries or cervix, then it is termed as ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is quite rare and happens because many women with infertility have tubal dysfunction and fertility medications cause the release of more eggs. This increases the possibility that not all fertilized eggs move through the tubes into the uterus for implantation.
Side Effects of Superovulation
Any treatment carries a certain amount of risk attached to it. The side effects depend upon the medication dosage and how your body reacts to it. Superovulation may cause the following side effects:
Nausea
Headaches
Off-cycle abdominal bleeding
Bloating
Mood swings
Respiratory disorders
Weight gain
Stomach upset
Dryness in the vagina
Hot flashes
Anxiety
Joint pain
Redness or swelling on the injection site
Low sex drive
Acne
Side effects can be lessened by taking the medicines at night or with food. Also, if the treatment is done with lowest effective dose, the side effects can be lessened.
What is the Success Rate of Superovulation
The success rate of the treatment depends upon factors like – treatment used IVF, IUI, mini IVF, diagnosis of the patient, and age of the patient.
In the normal course, IVF success rates are higher compared to the superovulation IUI success rates. Superovulation will not be successful in case of women above 40 years of age and women with primary ovarian failure. In such cases, doctors recommend an egg donor, as the IVF success rate with an egg donor is quite good. Ovarian reserve testing is done to predict whether superovulation will work or not.
Superovulation can definitely increase your chances of getting pregnant through IVF or IUI. Have a detailed discussion with your doctor to understand your situation better and to know if superovulation is the correct treatment for you.
Also Read: What is Anovulation? Read more
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Dengue in Pregnancy
Come rainy season and humid climate, and mosquitoes up their ante, becoming highly active, thus giving rise to many mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue is a prominent illness that can cause several complications, making it especially risky if you are pregnant.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is an illness that is passed on by mosquitoes. If left untreated, it can metamorphose into a severe and deadly infection known as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Dengue is generally found in the urban areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which typically breed in stagnant water, are carriers of the dengue virus and they spread it through their bites. These mosquitoes have a life span of 40 days and carry the virus through this entire period. The rainy season is their favorite breeding season and one needs to be careful, especially during the months after the monsoon. These dengue-carrying mosquitoes are at the peak of their activity during early mornings and late afternoons.
Causes of Dengue
The following are the most common causes of dengue
Dengue carrier mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti that are mostly found in tropical regions and warm and humid climates are the primary cause of dengue.
Since these mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, open drains, pots, flower vases and stored water can become potential hotspots for dengue-carriers.
The dengue virus consists of four strains, which means that you can be susceptible to the remaining three even if you have been infected once.
Early mornings and late afternoons are when the dengue mosquito is most likely to bite.
Symptoms of Dengue
The following are the symptoms of dengue, which generally show up four to seven days after you have been infected by the dengue-carrying mosquito.
Dengue is identified with high fever which is accompanied by a couple of symptoms like headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, rash over the body, swelling of glands or pain behind eyes.
Severe dengue can show the following symptoms:
Bleeding from nose or gums
Extreme abdominal pain
Skin bruising
Continuous vomiting
Difficulty in breathing
Rapid breaths
What are the Risks of Dengue Fever During Pregnancy?
There are many risk factors that are associated with dengue and pregnancy when both happen simultaneously as your growing baby could be affected in the following ways:
Low weight at birth
Miscarriage if dengue strikes in the early stages of pregnancy
A primary effect of dengue in pregnancy is pre-term birth which does not allow your baby to grow fully
A severe complication of dengue is Dengue haemorrhagic fever and it can be fatal for the foetus.
Will Dengue Affect Your Baby?
Dengue does not lead to any kind of physical deformity nor does it pass on to the baby. However, it is best to take enough precautions so that the infection does not spread to the baby after the delivery. Your doctor will check your baby for a low platelet count, fever and rashes over the body if you have contracted dengue during pregnancy.
How to Treat Dengue while Pregnant?
The importance of treating dengue in pregnancy management is critical and is no different from general cases of dengue. Like others, it will include a blood test to check if you are infected with the dengue virus and to understand its severity. Here are a few pointers to its treatment during pregnancy:
You are advised to drink a lot of fluids including water and fresh juices since it is important to maintain the embryonic fluid level, and being hydrated is the key to it.
You will be administered pain killers and antibiotics to keep joint pains and aches in control.
Over-the-counter medicines are a complete no-no during pregnancy since they are not safe.
Your blood pressure and platelet count will be checked on a regular basis.
In case of severe dengue, platelet infusion may be advised.
You will also be administered intravenous fluid and oxygen.
Blood transfusion could be needed in case there is excessive bleeding.
Is Dengue Treatment Safe for Pregnant Women?
The most common form of treatment for dengue when you are pregnant is to ease its symptoms since there are no specific vaccines or antivirus that have been made for dengue. However, the safety of the mother and baby is of paramount importance; hence only medicines like paracetamol, which are free of side-effects will be prescribed. Also your doctor will ask you to drink a lot of fluids and take rest.
In case of severe dengue, you will be treated at a hospital where your condition can be continuously monitored and steps can be taken to stabilize your blood pressure and minimize any chances of dehydration. If your platelet count is low then you will need a blood transfusion to achieve the minimum level.
What are the Preventive Measures of Dengue Infection?
It is very important for you to protect yourself from contracting dengue during pregnancy to avoid any complications in the future. You are also responsible for your baby’s health and will have to keep it safe from the dengue virus. The following precautions will help you to do so:
Mosquitoes love warm environs so choose a cool room to rest in during the day time.
Install mosquito nets wherever possible and use safe mosquito sprays or repellents to keep the mosquitoes away.
Remove any stagnant water in vases or air-conditioner outlets around the house to prevent breeding.
Wearing full sleeved and light coloured clothes can help in warding off mosquito bites.
Get your blood checked on a regular basis and seek medical advice when you are in doubt.
Cover the doors and windows with a fine mesh to prevent the mosquitoes from entering your home.
While applying mosquito repellents, it is better to apply the repellent frequently and repeatedly rather than applying a larger quantity in one go, as this provides better protection.
Conclusion
As a mother-to-be, you will need to be extra-careful during pregnancy and ensure that you are safe from illnesses like dengue. Preventing dengue infection, taking timely measures and seeking prompt medical advice is the key to keeping yourself and the baby safe from dengue. Read more
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Are You Raising a Spoiled Brat? By a Mom of a Bullied Kid
“Abey loser, tujhe khelna nahi aata. You can’t be in my team”.
“He is an ullu. Maths aur Science mein usko zero mila hai, toh obviously ullu hi hai na woh?”
“Oye, paani leke aao, mujhe mud pizza banana hai”.
“Aree aaj mere friends aaye hai, toh mein unke saath kheloongi. Tumse katti!”
“Jaa be Marathi” (I am a non-Marathi, still it made me cringe)
Such are the conversations I get to hear among kids nowadays. There are no constant friends or constant enemies, but there sure is this consistency in the rudeness that is dished out by the self-proclaimed “smart kids” towards the “ordinary ones” in their eyes. More often than not, these kids are accompanied by their didis or caregivers who are paid to take care of them but not empowered to discipline them. In fact, they are treated much worse by these brats. So, parents like me, whose kids often find themselves at the receiving end of these outbursts from kids, are forced to discipline them, notwithstanding the consequences.
We had just shifted into the complex when my daughter started interacting with this boy of a similar age. He seemed to have trouble controlling his temper and used to hit the kids for all and sundry reasons. After one or two such incidents involving my daughter, I forbid her from playing with the boy. It was three months since the incident and once again my daughter came to interact with the boy through some mutual friends. I kept a keen eye on the boy, knowing his temperament. I wasn’t wrong either. He drank a mouthful of water and spat on my younger daughter’s face. Her fault? She was a 9-month-old infant sitting in her pram, enjoying her evening stroll and looking at her sister play. It was the first time in my life that I got angry at a kid who was not related to me. But I knew that if I didn’t put my foot down, this bullying would continue. Complaining to his caregiver was of no use at she herself was being called “paagal”, “kutti” and much more by the kid. I talked to her a few days after the incident and came to know that the boy behaves in a similar manner at home too.
I remember my stay in China and observing the kids there. China had a one-child policy for quite a long time. So most of the kids that I met there were single children. With both parents working, the kids are mostly taken care of by their grandparents. And like grandparents all over the world, Chinese grandparents too are putty in the hands of their grandchild (most often their only grandchild). They wait on them and run around them all through the day, feeding them, running behind with hand fans and buying them whatever they ask for. Most of these kids, having grown up all alone with not even cousins to bond with, behave extremely selfishly and don't even know the meaning of sharing. So incidents of altercations in parks and play areas became a daily event there. I used to feel so proud of parents back home whose kids are taught to be polite, encouraged to share and chided for acting selfishly. I came back to India after 2-and-a-half years in China to find out that things were changing in India too.
Being a stay-at-home mom, I often get asked if I have a nanny to take care of my kids. They seem surprised when I answer in the negative. It has become a norm in most households to have nannies for kids even if parents or grandparents are at home to take care of the kids. It gives the mothers much-needed me-time and makes the kids less dependent on them. But it also means that the kid is mostly under the care of people whose nature might mould the behaviour of the child. I have observed kids undergoing radical changes in their talking patterns, food habits and social behaviour influenced by their caregivers. I see didis running around their wards, spoon-feeding them in between their playtime when they are more than capable of feeding themselves. By making our kids less dependent on us, we are making them and ourselves more dependent on their nannies- the same ones who have no rights to discipline our kids in case of misdemeanors but have to listen to our taunts in case the kid complains about them being even a bit critical of his/her behaviour. It would be advisable to discretely observe your kid’s interaction with his/ her playmates to understand if you are unintentionally raising a rude kid. Empower your nannies to at least stop your kids from bullying younger ones.
I was a product of a generation that advocated corporal punishment. Any unacceptable action or behaviour was dealt with promptly either at home or at school. But today, the moment my daughter complains to me about how her teacher gave her a black mark in her behaviour chart, I start questioning the teacher’s behaviour. We are scared to discipline our own kids for fear of their reaction. So you cannot expect more from their nannies than to follow your lead. Kids have been cocooned into this soft treatment that they react very badly at any indication of disappointment from their parents. I do not advocate for a return to the days of corporal punishment. But neither do I support the view that wrongdoings only deserve a note in the diary or a mark in the behaviour chart.
Being a parent is a huge responsibility, not just to your child and family but also to the society at large and consequently the whole world. What we choose to teach our kids defines how they grow up to be. If good behaviour is not encouraged with a pat on the back, if bad attitude is not nipped at the bud with some form of punishment, then sooner than later we would end up complaining about how ugly the society is turning out to be. Let’s teach our kids to be more caring, less selfish, mindful of others’ sentiments and make them stronger to face their lives ahead.
P. S: I try my best not to resort to corporal punishment at home. A day off the TV, a day with no playtime outside, a lecture on the mistake that was committed by her and handing over extra chores for the day are the punishments that I dole out and these have been quite effective. Every parent needs to figure out what will work with their child. Failing to discipline kids fearing that it would make them sad is not the way forward.
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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Colourful Frittata
A frittata is one recipe that one can never go wrong with and at the same time cooks up a treat. Appealing to look at and luscious in taste, this dish is nutritionally rich, with superfoods spinach and broccoli - including these in your diet increase the odds of fertility and thereby conception.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups bite-size broccoli florets
1 cup blanched spinach
4 large eggs
50 ml milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into thick slices
1 cup grated white cheddar
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
Method
Step 1
Boil 500 ml water; add broccoli and cook until just tender, for about 3 minutes. Drain well. Blanch the spinach as well. In another bowl, whisk eggs, add milk, salt, and pepper.
Step 2
Stir in the broccoli, blanched spinach, red pepper, cheddar, and parmesan.
Step 3
Heat oil in an ovenproof nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Pour the egg mixture into the pan and reduce the heat to medium.
Step 5
Cook for 3 minutes to set the bottom of the frittata.
Step 6
Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese.
Step 7
Transfer the pan to a pre-heated oven and bake until the frittata is set in the center and slightly puffed up. It may take about 15 minutes for this.
Step 8
Let it cool for 5 minutes in the pan, and then loosen the edge with a spatula and slide onto a large plate. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Calories
329 Kcal
Proteins
24.5 g
Fat
23.2 g
Carbohydrates
7.5 g
Cholesterol
237 mg
Sodium
681 mg
Potassium
352 mg
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
3 mins ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
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