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C-Section Scar Infection
The joy motherhood is unparalleled - you're now going to want to start caring for your baby right away! But if you’ve had a caesarean delivery, it is necessary to take care of yourself first. The entire process of a c-section is intensely surgical, which makes it open to the risk of contracting a post-caesarean infection. The wound will take its own time to heal and the stitches will fall off when they are due. But if an infection makes it way to the wound, it requires additional precautions.
What is C-section Wound Infection?
Since a C-section is basically an incision made on the body, post surgery it is no different from a wound. And with any wound, there is a chance of microbes and bacteria finding their way to it. If that so happens, the incision that is yet to be healed can develop an infection, leading to further difficulties.
Causes of Infection After Cesarean Birth
Although the chances of contracting an infection are quite low today due to advances in medicine, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of that happening. Some of those are:
According to studies conducted recently, it was found that women receiving nylon or staple sutures post-delivery were more likely to develop an infection. For this, the best option suggested is polyglycolide (PGA) sutures as they absorb better and are also biodegradable.
Suffering major blood loss during the delivery, while the surgery is in process, or even during labour
The caesarean delivery and labour have lasted longer than usual
The absence of antibiotics or any pre-surgery care to prevent infection
History of having caesarean deliveries
Prenatal checkups have been erratic during the course of the pregnancy
Consumption of steroids for extended periods
The amniotic fluid is infected along with the foetal membrane, leading to chorioamnionitis while labour is in progress
Having diabetes or diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
Suffering from obesity.
Signs and Symptoms of a C-section Infection
Understanding that the wound has been infected can only be surmised by observing the area of the incision. In case you cannot see the wound for yourself, the area should be inspected by somebody else. More often than not, certain symptoms are strong indicators of an infection being present in the body. These are:
The area of the incision has redness or swelling, accompanied by some pain
Abdominal pain after delivery begins to increase instead of decreasing
The wound begins to drain out, or pus leaks out
The actual wound begins to sting a lot and does not improve over time
The mother develops a fever with a temperature above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit
The mother is unable to pass urine due to an intense burning sensation accompanied by pain
Discharge is emitting from the vagina that has a bad odour to it
Vaginal bleeding increases, causing the mother to change pads constantly
Vaginal bleeding consists of blobs or clot-like structures
The legs begin to swell again and start to hurt
Diagnosis for C-section Wound Infection
Most doctors do examine the incision area and the wound before you are discharged to ensure that it is infection-free. However, many women do contract the infection a week after reaching home.
Doctors will primarily examine the area from the outside without removing any tapes or sutures. Most of the times, the redness and swelling in the region will give them a good idea of whether there is an infection.
At times, the sutures might be examined closely or the covering bandage will be removed a little to get a better idea of how the healing has been progressing. An infection can break down the sutures earlier than necessary.
If there is pus in the region, your doctor may use an injection to drain out the pus gradually and reduce irritation. At the same time, a swab sample might be taken to gather the culture present in the wound and sent to the lab for analysis.
Your doctor would also want to know how you’ve been taking care of the wound and what possible elements it might have been exposed to in the past week. This could give them a better idea of the source of infection.
Types of Infections After a C-section
These are the infections that may occur after a C-section.
1. Cellulitis
When the tissue around the incision region begins to redden and swell up - resembling an inflammation - it is a strong sign of cellulitis. This is primarily a result of an infection caused by specific bacteria belonging to the staphylococcal or streptococcal strains. In such a condition, pus is rarely present.
2. Abdominal Abscess
Once the incision region becomes inflamed and tender, the areas around the wound edges begin to swell as well. This leads to the bacteria infecting the cavity of the tissue, leading to the formation of pus. It starts leaking out from the incision as well.
3. Endometritis
At times, the infection can reach the uterus and begin to irritate the uterine lining. This is also a result of the bacteria that cause the above-mentioned abscesses, resulting in a condition called endometritis. It causes intense abdominal pain and vaginal discharge, accompanied by high fever.
4. Thrush
Caused by a fungus present in the body called candida, thrush usually affects women with weak immunity who consume steroids. This can cause a yeast infection or even mouth sores, owing to the absence of good bacteria to keep the regions healthy.
5. Urinary Infections
Certain women may require catheters to facilitate the passing of urine. These increase chances of urinary tract infections, thanks to the bacteria called e.coli.
Complications of Infection after a C-section
Necrotizing fasciitis – the infection begins to attack healthy body tissues.
Fascial rupture – the healthy body tissues are further exposed to the wound.
Dehiscence of the wound – the sutures and healed layers are reopened.
Wound evisceration – the worst case where the wound opens completely and the bowel begins to emerge out of it.
C-section Infection Treatment
Keep a regular check on the wound to see if it is healing properly or if there is any seepage or leakage of fluid from the area.
Any pus that exists should be drained out from the abscesses to facilitate healing.
A sterile saline solution should be used to clean the wound fully and remove any bacteria.
If the fluid is still leaking, the wound should be packed using sterile strips that help in absorbing the leaks.
The cleaning and dressing of the wound should be done regularly.
Preventive Measures for Cesarean Section Infection
Take proper care of the wound post-surgery and inform the doctor immediately in case of any concerns.
Stick to the antibiotic prescriptions and dosage frequency for the entire course.
Regularly undertake cleaning of the wound and changing dressings.
Wear loose clothes over the incision region and refrain from applying any lotions.
Opt for different ways of holding the baby during breastfeeding to avoid pressure on the wound.
Don’t let the skin fold over the wound or touch the area.
Let your doctor know if your body temperature begins to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If signs of pus, pain or swelling begin to show, contact your doctor immediately.
Tips That Can Help in the Healing of a C-Section Wound
Make sure you take regular medication to treat the pain and swelling.
Support your stomach and abdomen when sneezing, and walk straight without any strain on your back.
Drink lots of fluids.
Do not lift any heavy items.
Take as much rest as possible between feeds.
Cesarean Section Infection and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby if you have an infection due to a c-section may get a little difficult. Here are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
1. Lying on Your Side
Lay down on one side and hold the baby next to you. Push your breast towards his mouth and let him latch on. As he starts feeding, you can use your other arm to support his head.
2. Holding Like A Football
Bend the elbow to hold the baby on one side. While supporting his head, bring him closer to the breast as he lies on your forearm. Using a pillow while you do this can give you the necessary support.
The presence of an internal infection after a c-section can get quite debilitating for a mother just recovering from the surgery. Doing that while taking care of a newborn can be quite taxing. Your partner’s support is extremely essential at this stage as you do your best to recover soon and begin the journey of motherhood the way it is meant to be. Make sure to take the necessary precautions so that your c-section wound heals quickly and painlessly.
Also Read:
C-Section Scars
Postpartum Complications & Their Solutions
Recovering After a C-section Delivery Read more
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25 Healthy and Delicious Oats Recipes for Babies
Oats are an extremely healthy source of nutrients for people of all ages, but they are particularly good for babies. They contain high-quality protein and fibre, but low amounts of harmful saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Further, they are rich in micronutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc and copper, which give children a well-rounded nutritional profile. Oats are also highly versatile. They can be blended into various preparations in multiple cuisines. Supplementing oats in your child’s diet is usually preferred over other cereals such as rice or wheat, as oatmeal tends to cause less constipation in babies. This article will provide you with 25 delicious but easy baby oatmeal recipes you can prepare for your little one.
25 Simple Oat Recipes Your Infant Will Like to Eat
Try these simple oatmeal recipes for your baby. He will love it.
1. Multigrain Cereal Gruel
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp of powdered mixed grains such as quinoa, millets, jowar, and ragi
3 tbsp of powdered organic oats or instant oats
A pinch of powdered jaggery
A pinch of powdered cardamom
1 tbsp finely powdered almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds
1 cup water or milk
How to Make?
First, bring the water or milk to a boil and then add oats, mixed grains, and powdered nuts and seeds to it. Cook on a medium flame till the mixture is cooked well, then turn off the stove and add cardamom and jaggery powder. You can even top it off with a pinch of saffron powder before allowing it to cool. For babies under a year old, you can replace the spices and jaggery with fruit syrup or honey.
2. Fruity Oatmeal Blend
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
1 each of the following fruits, peeled and chopped: apple, pear, apricot, peach.
1 cup milk
5 tbsp of rolled oats
5 tbsp water
How to Make?
Take water in a pan and add peeled and chopped fruits in it and cover the pan. Heat on a low flame until the fruits soften, then take the pan off the stove. In a separate pan, boil the milk on a high flame and add rolled oats to it. Allow the oats to cook, then blend it together with the fruits until a smooth puree is formed. This rolled oats recipe for babies is both delicious and nutritious!
3. Veggie Oatmeal Blend
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes
This dish can also be given to babies who are 8+ months old.
Ingredients
5 tbsp of rolled oats
1 cup milk
1 tsp of virgin olive oil
5 tbsp of mixed pre-cooked veggies like carrots, spinach, kale, soybeans, and sprouts.
How To Make?
Mix the oil with all the veggies in a saucepan and cook on a low heat until they turn brown. Cook the oats in the milk until ready, then mix in the veggies and pour into a mixer. Blend until you get a smooth puree.
4. Oatmeal Dosa
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
This combines oatmeal with the traditional Dosa and is suitable for kids who are one-year-old and above.
Ingredients
5 tbsp of powdered instant oats
5 tbsp of rice flour
1 small pinch of salt
1 small chopped carrot
1 pinch of cumin powder
1 sprig of coriander
5 tbsp of curd
1-2 cups water
How to Make?
Mix the oats, rice flour, cumin, carrot pieces, water, and curd together in a bowl until a thick batter is formed. Layer your pan with the rice bran oil and pour the batter on top. Let it cook on a medium flame until the edges of the dosa loosen, then cook the other side. Serve it with honey or jaggery.
5. Mango Oats Porridge
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
3 tbsp of rolled oats
5 tbsp of pulped ripe mango
1 cup milk
1 tsp honey
How to Make?
Cook the oats in milk over a low flame until soft. Transfer them to a bowl, and mix in the mango pulp and honey. Stir well for consistency.
6. Banana Cereal Porridge
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
3 tbsp of instant oats
1 cup water
5 tbsp of mashed banana
1 tsp honey
How to Make?
Allow the oats to cook in water while stirring continuously. Take it off the stove and allow to cool. Finally, add the banana paste and honey and mix in well.
7. Oatmeal Porridge
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of rolled oats
1 cup milk or water
How to Make?
Add the oats to boiling water and cook on a medium flame. Keep stirring it to avoid clumps from forming. Once cooked, let it cool before serving. This is the most basic oats porridge recipe for babies.
8. Berry Oatmeal Smoothie
Recommended age: 8 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
3 tbsp of powdered oats
3 tbsp of apple puree
2 tbsp of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.
How to Make?
Pour all the ingredients into a mixer and blend them to make a smoothie. And it's ready!
9. Oatmeal Chapati
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
6 tbsp of wheat flour
6 tbsp of instant oats
1 sprig of coriander, chopped
1 cup of water
2 tsp of rice bran oil
How to Make?
Mix wheat flour, instant oats, and coriander in a vessel. Using water, knead the mixture into a malleable dough and let it rest for around ten minutes. Now you can use this dough to make Chapatis the usual way. It can be served with honey or curd.
10. Oatmeal Halva
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of rolled oats
1 cup milk
2 tsp of sugar or honey
2 tsp butter
5-6 slices of orange
1 tsp of crushed almonds
How to Make?
Saute the oats in the butter until they turn brown. Add milk and honey to it, allowing it to cook on a low flame for about six minutes. Separately, cook the slices of orange with sugar until they turn tender. Bring both mixtures into the same pan and allow it to simmer until it forms a thick gel.
11. Oats Pancake
Recommended age: 10 months+
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup of milk
1 tsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of honey
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 pinch of salt
2 eggs
2 cups of powdered rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
How to Make?
Mix oats with salt and baking powder. Add milk, olive oil, eggs, vanilla, and honey to the mixture. Whisk until the consistency is even. Grease a pan with olive oil, heat it, and pour the pancake batter evenly on it. Allow it to cook until brown, then turn it and repeat. It can be served with honey or ghee.
12. Oatmeal and Veggie Soup
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp of rice bran oil
1 cup of finely chopped veggies such as carrots, cabbage, spinach, and corn
3 tbsp of instant oats
1 cup soup stock
1 pinch salt
How to Make?
Fry the chopped vegetables in oil until golden, then add oats and let it cook. Later, boil the soup stock in a separate vessel. Finally, mix the stock with oats and veggies mixture and add salt as required. Let it cool before serving.
13. Banana Oatmeal Chews
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup of powdered rolled oats
1 banana
2 tbsp of honey
How to Make?
Set your oven to 180 degrees. In the meantime, crush a banana and mix it with oats and honey in a bowl to get a sticky batter. Shape the batter in different ways and bake for around ten minutes.
14. Oats and Apple Cookies
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of corn flour
5 tbsp of crushed oats
2 tbsp raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp of rice bran oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of apple puree
2 eggs
How to Make?
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Mix cornflour, crushed oats, raisins, cinnamon, and baking soda in one bowl. And in another bowl mix rice bran oil, apple puree, and eggs. Finally, mix the ingredients of both the bowls till you get a flexible dough. Shape it as you wish and bake for around ten minutes.
15. Khajoor Oatmeal Smoothie
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of powdered rolled oats
1 cup warm water
3 tbsp of date paste
1 pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
2 tbsp of curd
How to Make?
To make a khajoor oatmeal smoothie, first soak the oats and date paste together in water for around an hour. Then blend it in a grinder before serving.
16. Fruits and Oatmeal Muesli
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of powdered instant oats
1 cup of mixed fruits like apples and pears, finely chopped
1 cup milk
2 tbsp water
3 tbsp raisins
How to Make?
Soak oats in milk for a few hours. Mix the chopped fruits and water in a saucepan and cook on a medium flame for about five minutes. Take it off the stove and mash it to form a pulp. Now add the soaked oats and raisins. Include honey or sliced fruits if desired.
17. Tropical Beach Oatmeal
Recommended age: 10 months+
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of oats
1 cup of coconut milk
1 cup sliced fruits like pineapples or mangoes
1 tbsp of powdered almonds
How to Make?
Mix all the ingredients together for a delightful summer breakfast cereal. Add honey or jaggery to enhance its taste.
18. Oatmeal Khichdi
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of oats
1 cup water
1 pinch each of turmeric and chilli powder
1 tbsp of rice bran oil
3 tbsp of gram flour
1 pinch of sesame seeds
How to Make?
Take some turmeric powder, chilli powder, and sesame seeds in a pressure cooker and saute them for half a minute. Add the gram flour and oats and mix well. Finally, add water and salt as desired and cook for about ten minutes. Serve it with curd.
19. Chia Seeds and Oatmeal Biscuits
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 1 hour
Ingredients
1 cup of cooked oatmeal
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp ghee
2 tbsp milk
How to Make?
Mix all the ingredients together to get a thick batter. Shape it into different shapes and place in the fridge for an hour. Warm them slightly before you feed your baby.
20. Raisin & Oats Cookies
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of cooked oatmeal
5 tbsp of powdered almonds
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp honey
1 tsp of nutmeg powder
How to Make?
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, then shape the resulting batter into small discs and place them in the oven. Baking time should be around 20 minutes, or until the cookies begin to turn golden. Cool before serving.
21. Apple Oatmeal Porridge
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
3 tsp of powdered rolled oats
1 cup of milk
1 tsp butter
An apple, peeled and chopped
1 tsp of almond flour
1 tsp honey
How to Make?
Cook oats in milk on a medium flame until ready. Lower the flame and add chopped apple, butter, almond flour and honey to the cooked oats. Mix well, let it cool, and then serve.
22. Oats and Eggs
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of cooked rolled oats
2 tbsp of cooked veggies
1 tsp of rice bran oil
2 eggs
How to Make?
Heat the rice bran oil in a saucepan. Beat the eggs until uniform, then add them to the pan along with cooked oats and veggies. Scramble the mixture until fully cooked, then allow it to cool.
23. Coconut Banana Oatmeal
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of instant oats
3 tbsp of grated coconut
1 cup water
1 ripe banana, diced
1 pinch of cinnamon
How to Make?
Boil water and add banana, coconut, and oats to it. Allow it to cook until consistent. Garnish it with cinnamon powder.
24. Oatmeal Carrot Gruel
Recommended age: 6 months+
Preparation time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients
5 tbsp of rolled oats
5 tbsp of carrot paste
2 cups of water
How to Make?
Bring the water to a boil, then add the oats and cook over a low flame. As the oats are cooking, add the carrot paste and mix until uniform. You can add salt to taste.
25. Savoury Oatmeal
Recommended age: 1 year+
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
6 tbsp of instant oats
1 cup coconut milk
½ tsp of turmeric powder
1 pinch each of cumin, pepper, and chilli powder
1 sprig of coriander
How to Make?
Bring water to a boil, then add oats to it. As the oats are cooking, add the turmeric powder and mix well. Finally, right before you take it off the stove, add cumin powder, pepper, and chilli powder and stir. Allow it to cool and serve with veggie purees.
Things to Remember Before Giving Oats
There are few important tips to keep in mind before preparing a recipe with oats in it:
Try out the recipe yourself before feeding it to your baby. This way you can fine-tune the taste and consistency.
Before attempting to try something new, please ensure that your baby has no allergies to any foods or food groups.
Every time you introduce a new food, allow two or three days to pass to observe any potential allergic reactions.
Use oats and other cereals that have been milled or finely powdered so you can obtain the right amount of thickness in the recipe.
A secret tip, soaking oats before cooking is recommended, as this would reduce the preparation time. Soaking also breaks down the larger nutrients in the oats, making it easier on your baby’s digestive system.
You can introduce oats to your baby at around four months of age; however, as doctors recommend starting solid foods after the sixth month, it might help to consult with them beforehand. Oats are easily available in the market in several forms such as steel cut oats, rolled oats, oat bran, oat flour, organic oatmeal, instant oats, and so on. Choosing the right kind depends on several factors, such as the ease of cooking, digestibility and nutritional components. However, it is crucial that you carefully sterilise all the equipment, utensils, and feeding cutlery that are used to make your baby’s food. This is because a baby's immune system is not fully developed yet. If you are using cow's milk to prepare oatmeal recipes, replace it with breastmilk if your baby is under ten months of age. And most importantly, you don’t have to rigidly stick to the recipes described here. You can change ingredients or style of cooking as per your baby’s needs and wants.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Oats for Babies Read more
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Common Breast Changes after Delivery
One of the significant advantages that women experience during pregnancy and after childbirth is the increase in the size of breasts. While this is highly welcomed by the ones who have had smaller breasts, some women might experience high engorgement and wonder how to reduce breast size after delivery to a normal one. Exercises might work in some cases, but not all breast changes are related to size.
How Do Breasts Change After Childbirth?
While pregnancy already starts affecting the size of the breasts and their appearance in a multitude of ways, childbirth seems to kickstart a different phase of growth altogether. Some of the changes in breasts are structural, while others might need to be corrected or treated as soon as possible.
1. Increase In Breast Size
While breast size undergoes an increase during pregnancy to help the child with breastfeeding after its birth, they tend to keep getting slightly bigger after the delivery, too.
Why This Happens
On the one hand, the diet of the mother could be responsible for weight gain, which begins to reflect in the size of the breasts, too. Similarly, the hormones are yet to settle down and may continue to affect the body in various ways.
What You Can Do
Do your best to stick to food items that are nutritious and help you keep your weight under control. Invest in a bra that is comfortable and can support your large breasts without any trouble.
2. Bumpy Nipples
Once the pregnancy sets in, the areolas of the breasts start darkening over time. At the same time, the nipple also begins to jut out prominently. This is further accompanied by the appearance of tiny spots on and around the region.
Why This Happens
These numerous changes that take place on the breast and the nipple are all meant to help the baby spot the nipple easily after birth, and latch on to it. These elements help the little one breastfeed easily with poor eyesight and developing sensory perception.
What You Can Do
Time is the only factor that can reduce these changes. Following childbirth, your nipples would return to their original state after a few months or so, followed by other areas of the breasts, too.
3. Stretch Marks On Breasts
The body and the belly do increase quite a bit during pregnancy. Most mothers are aware of the stretch marks that appear on the tummy. But seeing the same on their breasts can be quite unnerving.
Why This Happens
Not all mothers have stretch marks on their breasts, and this can be termed to a hereditary reason. You might have an elastic skin that stretches and relaxes more frequently than others, causing stretch marks to be more apparent with weight gain.
What You Can Do
The best tactic in such a scenario is to keep the weight gain in check and maintain a healthy nature of food consumption. Most stretch marks fade away and lighten up in the first year itself. You might opt for skin treatments later on if you wish to.
4. Asymmetrical Breasts
Breasts are not always perfect. You might have observed your own to be slightly lopsided, but not quite apparent immediately. However, after pregnancy, that skewed nature might be strongly evident.
Why This Happens
The lopsided nature of breasts occurs due to an unequal proportion of breast tissue on either side. This also is a factor for hormones to act on the breasts accordingly. Therefore, the larger breast seems to get even larger than before, making the difference apparent.
What You Can Do
The growth of the breasts that happens during pregnancy is normal, and there is nothing that can be done to control the rate of growth for each breast. Using the right bra can help improve their visual appearance in the initial weeks. Your breasts might return to their usual state in the following months.
5. Sagging Breasts
One of the biggest post-pregnancy breast changes is the sagginess that the breasts seem to get after pregnancy. The increasing size of the breasts during pregnancy is euphoric for many women. But the aftermath of saggy breasts can affect the body image and self-worth quite a bit.
Why This Happens
Numerous factors right from an increase in weight, to development of breast tissue, to the elasticity of skin play a role in the sagginess of breasts. Women who have had larger breasts to start with, do have a higher chance of experiencing saggy ones later on. Hereditary reasons cannot be excluded, too.
What You Can Do
Quite frankly, the only way to counter the sagginess in breasts is to make use of a bra that can make them look great, as well as maintain a controlled diet that doesn’t worsen the situation. A few creams or techniques can help tighten the skin to give them a perkiness, but that is just temporary.
6. Engorged And Achy Breasts
Increase in the size of breasts during pregnancy is one thing. However, after delivery, many mothers tend to have breasts that truly seem engorged and might start hurting after a certain point as well.
Why This Happens
Lactation is proceeding at a rapid pace after childbirth and, at times, it can cause the breasts to be overfilled with milk. This puts a stress on them and causes them to ache with the overflow. Leakage can be observed at times as well.
What You Can Do
Pumping out milk and storing it can quickly relieve the engorgement and reduce the aches as well. If not possible, using an ice pack or frozen cabbage leaves in the bra can help numb the sensation and reduce the pain.
7. Blocked Milk Ducts
The production of milk is quite an interesting process. Which is why some women wonder why their milk ducts seem to be blocked, even when they are lactating properly.
Why This Happens
The culprit in such a case is an improper bra. Women who continue to use bras with underwires after delivery, risk obstructing the milk ducts that lie under the breasts. This hinders the flow and generation of milk.
What You Can Do
Go for bras that have cotton bustiers that don’t dig into your skin. Breastfeeding bras with enhanced support are also available in the market.
8. Sore and Cracked Nipples
Nipples face the biggest brunt during pregnancy and even after childbirth. Amongst other changes that they undergo, there are instances when the nipples might get sore or even crack, resulting in pain.
Why This Happens
A mild degree of soreness is normal since your breasts have undergone a massive change. However, severe soreness or cracking is a sign of your little one failing to breastfeed properly or latch on to your nipple with ease.
What You Can Do
To reduce the repetitive irritation on the nipples, make sure your baby latches correctly while feeding him. There are certain creams or ointments you can use to soothe the nipples, which are safe for the baby, too.
9. Mastitis
The nipples jut out, the areola gets darker, and numerous tiny spots occur on the breast after childbirth. Amongst these changes, you might notice a bright red spot appear on your breast that gets painful and inflamed quickly.
Why This Happens
Your breast is being exposed to milk and saliva constantly. If incorrect feeding leads to cracked nipples, the entire area becomes a thriving ground for bacteria, which can cause an infection termed as mastitis.
What You Can Do
Blocked ducts are the major culprits for the occurrence of mastitis. Make sure your breasts are pumped regularly to avoid collection of milk in any specific area.
10. Abscess
Usually observed after mastitis, there might be instances where the initial red spot may turn yellow and sore, with a lump that is filled with pus.
Why This Happens
If a mother tends to ignore the mastitis and treat it right away, the infection can get worse. This becomes painful for the mother and unhygienic for the child, since his mouth can interact with the pus-filled area, too.
What You Can Do
Doctors might need to remove the swollen area to treat the infection entirely surgically. At times, a needle can also be used to remove the pus with minimal invasion.
Are These Postnatal Breast Changes Permanent?
Mothers might start opting for exercise to reduce breast size after delivery, which is a good thing. Most breast changes tend to fade away in a few months, while a bunch of them might be lifelong. Thankfully, there are always measures to make sure your breasts look their best as much as possible.
How To Maintain Breast Size After Pregnancy?
Taking care of your breasts and making sure they look just as attractive as before after pregnancy can be achieved with ease by making use of a few tips.
Start exercising and focus on those areas that are responsible for strengthening your breast muscles and holding them up. These play a vital role in giving that firm and perky look.
While you may want to lose your pregnancy weight soon, don’t opt for an extreme diet to make it happen. The sudden weight loss could also affect your breasts. Opt for healthy meals instead.
Improving blood circulation in the area of your breast can help rejuvenate them easily. Alternate hot and cold water during your baths to stimulate the flow of blood through your body.
At times, breasts can also get hard and achy. These scenarios can be easily corrected by opting for simple breast massages that help bring back their firm nature.
Wearing a bra with a hardwire inside it may not be the best choice. Keep wearing breastfeeding bras or ones with a cotton bustier instead, to help maintain a good breast size.
Despite undertaking different exercises and corrective measures, women often wonder will breast size decrease after delivery, especially if they have had smaller breasts earlier. It is important to note that the body has changed in various ways, and a healthy and fit body is highly necessary than anything else now.
Also Read: Breast Pain after Stopping Breastfeeding Read more
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Pancake Fruit Kebabs
Pancakes are one of the most loved breakfast dish for kids. So, we have gone the extra mile to make it more healthy, innovative, and colorful. The pancakes in this recipe are made with whole wheat flour and are served with the deliciousness of Nutella and the goodness of fruits like banana, kiwi and strawberries. Make this for your kids for breakfast and see them devour it in no time!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
10-15 Minutes
10-15 Minutes
Ingredients
½ cup whole wheat flour
150 ml low fat milk
1 tbsp sugar
A pinch of salt
2 tsp oil
1 ½ tsp baking power
3-4 tbsp Nutella
Fruits as required
Sliced Strawberries
Sliced Kiwis
Sliced Bananas
Wooden skewers
Method
Step 1
In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a hole in the center and add oil. Add milk little by little and whisk continuously. The batter must be of dropping consistency - not too thick and not too runny. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2
After 10 minutes, give the batter a quick whisk.
Step 3
Heat a non-stick pan. Once it is hot turn the heat to medium. Grease the pan with a little oil and pour a small spoonful of batter. Do not spread. You need mini pancakes with about 2 inch diameter. At a time you can make about 4-5 mini pancakes depending upon the size of your pan.
Step 4
In a few seconds you will see bubbles pop over the pancakes. When they look a bit cooked, flip them carefully. Cook the other side for a few seconds and transfer to a plate.
Step 5
Repeat the step for the rest of the batter. Alternatively, you can also make 4-5 large pancakes with the batter and cut mini pancakes with a cookie cutter.
Step 6
Once all the mini pancakes are done, smear Nutella on one side of the pancake and cover it with another pancake. Do the same with the rest of the pancakes.
Step 7
On a skewer, thread the pancake sandwich followed by the sliced fruits as shown in the picture.
Step 8
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
227 K cal
Proteins
5.5 g
Total Fat
10.0 g
Total Carbohydrates
42.4 g
Cholesterol
3 mg
Sodium
82 mg
Potassium
274 mg
Tip: Replace half of the whole wheat flour with oats flour for a healthier version of this recipe. Read more
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MINNU - THE LIMITLESS OF SKY-JOURNEY OF PREGNACY FOR A DOCTOR
It was a miracle journey,,covid was a boon for us.we both are doctors busy with our duties and job constraints we a apart eachother due to pandemic situation.. luckily during post duty off for 14days in a month gave us chances for planning pregnancy.by god's grace my wife Dr sneha neonatologist suprised me with UPT postive followed by USG..we both and our families were blessed and unforgettable moments.At the same time we had other good news that is my own brother and brother in law also shared the news that their wife also UPT positive..It was a coincidence
During these nine months journey we faced many things due to migraine, covid,lockdown,journey issues consultation problems,exams my wife wrote fellowship exam durning 1st trimester which caused oligo..low normal AFI..which tensed us..later during 5th fetal medicine doctor says can't find gastric bubble..as we look different cases we were nervous later exclusive to show again for TIFFA we traveled 150km to show radiologist who is close friend..where she confirmed every thing was normal and perfect..these were two situations panicked us a lot.. throughout pregnancy my wife used DHA, ARGUMUST SATCHETS as general my wife doesn't consume water during these days she drank daily 5litres..repeated checkups,scans as we are doctors we have many gynec n radio friends who did very good in their busy hours..what ever the end result was good.. Finally we planned for c section..myself my father in law both were anesthesiologist and we called neonatolgist senior pediatrician in town,main obstetrician 2 and stand by 3othrs who are family friends with all their blessings.. February 13 morning 10:31am blessed with baby boy.. who is our incarnation..,,❤️we used to call him MINNU throughout pregnancy his nickname..and we named him as SIDDHIK AAYANSH ❤️😘 Read more
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
11 hours ago
Q. what types of clothes are good for a new born baby during summers
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. Cotton, Muslin clothes can be used. Prefer white or light coloured clothes since it absorb less heat.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts please suggest diet plan for wait gain of my 2 years old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. normal traditional food rich in protein ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. My due date is 5/5/24 but doctor was saying that baby head didn't get down.is it possible normal delivery for me
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. depends on many factors your doctor can explain you after ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
38 mins ago
Q. hi mam/sir mne nerothrestrone prevent-N leli thi when i was unaware of my pregnancy to delay my periods only one dosage of 5msg was taken by me is there any harm for my baby wil be there as heartbeat is there and my edd according to lmp and esg dates are having 2weeks gap please reply i am so tensed
Read moreDr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
26 mins ago
A. dear mom.
it would be good to talk to ur own yreati g gynec, he ir she will advice lr guide u accordiny..
take care n all the very best.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
34 mins ago
Q. hi sir/mam i had taken nerothrestrone prevent-N one tablet of 5mg when i was unaware of my pregnancy to delay my periods only one dosage was taken by me and i scanned fewdays and heartbeat came but there is the gap of 2weeks in my edd according to lmp and esg is there any problem please reply i am so tensed
Read morePOOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
33 mins ago
A. In clinical practice, the gestational age and EDD are often determined using the LMP, except when the discrepancy between the LMP-derived gestational age or EDD and that of early pregnancy ultrasound scan exceeds 1 week; in this situation, the ultrasound scan estimates are more reliable and should be used.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
33 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts advice some parenting hack.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
32 mins ago
A. Can u please elaborate your questions so that I know what’s can I help u with in detail so that u can help u as parenting is a very vast thing so till the time I do not now that is the detail I’ll not b able to help u with it ..
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