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Consuming Cinnamon in Pregnancy - Benefits and Risks
Cinnamon is a common spice that has been used as a culinary seasoning and herbal medicine for centuries. Made out of the richly fragrant bark of many varieties of cinnamon trees, its spicy-sweet flavour makes it an extensively used ingredient in dishes, beverages and desserts. Although pregnant women can eat foods that have cinnamon as a flavouring ingredient, most doctors recommend against the use of its supplements during pregnancy.
Is Cinnamon Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
Cinnamon can be safely consumed during pregnancy when had in limit as a flavouring or a seasoning agent. It has benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood sugar regulator, and a natural flavouring agent. Although cinnamon has numerous health benefits, it also has dangerous side effects when consumed in higher amounts. Since it lowers blood glucose levels and prevents blood clots, pregnant women who are on medication for diabetes and blood thinners must be extra careful, especially around surgery. Cinnamon also stimulates menstrual flow, and large amounts can trigger a miscarriage. So, if you are wondering if cinnamon good for pregnancy, the answer is yes and no depending on how much you take. The good qualities of cinnamon can otherwise turn harmful when you’re pregnant. Avoiding supplements and cinnamon-laden foods is a good idea. It’s also better for women with high-risk pregnancies to avoid cinnamon altogether.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Pregnant Women
Some of the health benefits of cinnamon include:
1. It is a Natural Antioxidant
Cinnamon is among the most valued herbs, as it is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols (3,4,5). Antioxidants fight free radical damage to the body and promote good health. It also plays a role in fighting off infections caused by fungus, bacteria and parasites.
2. For Gestational Diabetes
Cinnamon bark contains active ingredients that can regulate blood sugar levels. When it is consumed in low amounts with food, it can control blood sugar levels in women who have gestational diabetes. However, its role in pre-diabetic and diabetic treatments needs further research.
3. Natural Flavouring Agent
Cinnamon comes in multiple tastes and aroma, which makes it an excellent substitute for artificial flavouring agents in food preparations. Some of the types include:
Chinese Cinnamon: Also called Indian spice, it has a sharp taste and aroma
Ceylon Cinnamon: Originates from Ceylon, Brazil, India and Indonesia. It is a sweet spice that gives a burning taste and has a gentle, fragrant accent.
Malabar Cinnamon: Has a sharp but slightly bitter taste
4. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Anti-inflammatory agents found in a certain variety of cinnamon such as Cassia are known to counteract enzymes that lead to inflammation in the body. When taken with food, this can ease joint pains and swelling in the body to give relief.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
Regular consumption of cinnamon in food is shown to keep a check on systolic blood pressure, which is good for preventing high blood pressure in pregnant women. It lowers the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy, which is caused by high blood pressure. It can be avoided by including cinnamon in your diet.
6. Nutritional Benefits
Cinnamon has plenty of carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids. It is rich in Vitamins C and E along with niacin. Especially of higher content are choline, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid. It also consists of trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, manganese and zinc.
How Much Cinnamon is Safe When Pregnant?
There are no studies that have established a safe amount of cinnamon to consume during pregnancy. General studies involving normal adults put the dosage around 1 to 1.5 grams of cinnamon bark a day. Healthy adults can tolerate that much without side effects.
Since not many studies have evaluated the safety of cinnamon during pregnancy, most of the known risks remain theoretical, based on what is known about some of its ingredients. The concern rises as fetuses do not possess a well-developed detoxification system to remove harmful substances; they are sensitive to toxins in food and medicine.
How Can You Use Cinnamon?
It is not advisable for pregnant women to take cinnamon in large quantities on a daily basis. A pinch of the spice or less than half a teaspoon is acceptable regularly. Cinnamon can be used in cooking for a rich flavour in dishes such a pulao and biryani. Its presence in pastries, pies and other bakery products is small enough to be harmless to the foetus. Cinnamon tea in pregnancy is also okay once in a while, as long as it is had sparingly. Cinnamon also contains essential oils that can be dangerous to the foetus and can even cause miscarriages. Therefore, it is advisable to put off aromatherapy that uses essential oils of cinnamon during pregnancy.
Precautions to Take While Having Cinnamon
Do not use cinnamon if you have an intolerance toward it or have obstetric problems
Ceylon types of cinnamon are recommended for cooking for its mild flavour
Avoid consuming poor quality or expired spices
In high-risk pregnancies and risk of miscarriage, it should be avoided entirely
Beauty recipes involving cinnamon should be replaced with other constituents, as the essential oil of cinnamon is considered harmful during pregnancy
Side-Effects of Cinnamon in Pregnancy
For those wondering if cinnamon and pregnancy can go together, here are some side effects to look out for:
Too much cinnamon can disrupt glucose regulation during pregnancy. It has been observed that taking 1 to 6 grams of it every day can reduce the average fasting serum glucose levels in those with diabetes in less than 40 days. It can spell trouble for women having a cesarean section, as it can cause problems with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Even if you plan to have a normal delivery, it may be of concern in case you end up with complications that need emergency surgery.
If you are on blood thinners, cinnamon can raise the risk of bleeding. In the event that you need to undergo emergency surgery or have a caesarean section during delivery, cinnamon in the system increases your risk of bleeding. If you’re on blood thinners such as antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants, cinnamon can lower the platelet count. Therefore, doctors suggest avoiding cinnamon a few weeks prior to any surgery.
If you are on any regular medication, cinnamon may interfere with it and cause complications. As observed in the case of certain medication for diabetes, cinnamon interferes with the proper function of the drug. Since there are no known drugs listed on this front, consult your doctor before using it during pregnancy.
Cinnamon allergy is the most common of all the spice allergies in people. As pregnancy makes you sensitive towards certain foods, look for signs such as a burning sensation in the mouth or inflammation in the tongue, cheeks or throat.
In large amounts, such as in supplementary form, cinnamon can cause miscarriages. Ayurveda also suggests limiting its use during pregnancy.
When taken in normal food amounts, cinnamon can be safely had by women who have a healthy pregnancy. So, don't hesitate to add it to your desserts from time to time!
Also Read: Eating Ginger during Pregnancy Read more
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Here's the Recipe for Homemade Cerelac for Your Baby
I am sharing the recipe for homemade cerelac with you all. This recipe is for all those moms out there who don't like to give their child store-bought cerelac and other foods. Store-bought foods contain preservatives and chemicals which may or may not suit small babies. If your baby is between the ages of 6 and 8 months, i.e., when you introduce solid foods to him, you should prefer giving homemade food to him. The recipe of homemade cerelac that I am sharing with you is healthy and nutritious. You can make cerelac at home in no time and it will also help your baby gain healthy weight.
When you introduce homemade cerelac to your baby, I would suggest that initially, you make it with minimum ingredients (as mentioned below). Later, you can add more ingredients as per your choice.
Here is a Simple Recipe of Homemade Cerelac
Ingredients
1 cup of rice
2 teaspoons of moong dal
2 teaspoons of toor dal
8 almonds
How to Make the Powder
Take all the above ingredients in a bowl and wash them properly.
Drain the water and let the ingredients dry.
Heat a pan and roast all the dry ingredients in it slightly. Make sure that you don’t overcook or burn the ingredients.
Transfer the roasted ingredients on a clean plate or bowl and allow them to cool.
Take all the above ingredients in a blender and blend to make a fine mixture.
Store the cerelac powder in an airtight container.
Your homemade cerelac is ready. You can also add other ingredients like ragi, chana dal, corn, cashew nuts, peanuts, jowar, etc later once your baby starts eating solids.
Please note that while making homemade cerelac, use clean and dry utensils because if you don’t then the powder might get spoiled.
Cerelac Preparation
When making cerelac for your baby, here’s what you will need to do -
Add 1 tablespoon of the prepared powder in a cup of normal water.
Stir it well to avoid lumps.
Add a pinch of salt, and boil the mixture.
Continue stirring it until you get a fine paste. Add more water if required.
Allow it to cool for some time. Check the temperature, then feed it to your baby.
This homemade cerelac mix is quite versatile. You can also add sugar and milk to make sweet homemade cerelac. So, this was the recipe of homemade cerelac. Try it out and feed healthy food to your baby.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Chair Sleep Training Method for Babies
If you are looking for a sleep training schedule for your baby that is gentle and natural, then there are several methods that you can use. However, as a parent, you would want one that leads to fewer tears and is a smooth process. The chair sleep training method is one such method that most parents recommend. It does not involve many technicalities and helps babies fall asleep without parents' physical presence around them.
A gradual and straightforward process, the chair method- sleep training feels like a cakewalk. While it is not without its complications, it is, by and large, a relatively easy method for babies who fall asleep soon. Also called the camping out method or “Sleep Lady Shuffle,” it involves a step-by-step procedure to start it and approach it.
It involves a simple and no cry method to put your child to sleep by themselves. It uses attachment training to sleep train your child. A parent starts by sitting on a chair next to the crib while putting the child to sleep. Each night the parent moves the chair a little further from the bed to then finally get the child to fall asleep in the crib by themselves.
If you are a mother to a baby who does not want to fall asleep, then the chair method of sleep training could be something you could try. Is it the right choice for you? Read on to find out what it is all about and how you should implement it.
What is The Chair Method?
A “no tears” training, the chair method of sleep training helps your baby fall asleep without being lifted. The process involves putting your child in the crib, sitting close to the crib in a chair, and comforting if necessary. You then gradually move the chair towards the door every night until you finally exit the room.
By 4-6 months, babies are ready to start sleep training and are capable of self-soothing themselves. An essential skill to master, the chair training method is an excellent method for daytime naps. Many parents like this method rather than letting their children cry out since it allows them to stay close to their babies. Even then, some babies drift off only after a bit of crying and fall asleep without a lot of fuss.
When Should You Start the Chair Method on Your Baby?
Using this method could vary depending on your child’s sleep patterns. However, 4-6 months is the right age to start on the technique. Starting any earlier could make it difficult as babies tend to rely on physical comfort to fall asleep. If you start it between 4-6 months of age and it does not seem to go very well, consult your pediatrician or try other sleep training methods.
How Long Does the Chair Sleep Method Take to Work?
Ideally, the method should take no longer than two weeks for success. You need to follow the schedule promptly to make sure that it works.
How to Implement the Chair Method?
Find below the steps and procedures involved in implementing the chair sleep training method.
1. Step 1: Nights 1-3
During the first three nights, you stay next to the crib with your hands placed on the baby while they fall asleep.
2. Step 2: Nights 4-5
After the third night, you stand next to the crib for the 4th and 5th night without touching the baby.
3. Step 3: Nights 6-8
It would be best to place the chair an arm’s length away from the crib and not touch the child. You will be sitting on the chair.
4. Step 4: Nights 9-11
Both you and the chair and two arm’s length away from the crib. Again you do not touch the child when they are falling asleep.
5. Step 5: Nights 12-13
You move the chair closer and closer to the door.
6. Step 6: Nights 14
You remove the chair from the room before bedtime. Once you put the baby down to sleep in the crib, you walk straight out of the room.
Note that you need not follow this schedule the way it is mentioned. You could add more physical reassurance to the plan if required and gradually phase it out. The only consequence will be that it will take longer. But the slow change is the key to a tears-free training method to get your child to sleep peacefully. If you want fewer tears and more sleep, then you must go slow. Whichever method you pick, you need to go slow and follow the steps as it suits you and your child.
Like any method, it is acceptable to customize the plan to fit into the family’s needs. If your baby needs a few nights of being held with this method, go ahead and do it. The worst-case scenario would be that it may not work. But at least you tried and learned something that does not work. You could cross it off the list and move to another method.
Tips for Chair Method Success
As with any method for anything, there are a few tips that will ensure success. Below are a few tips to make sure that you achieve success with this method.
Make sure that you have everything in place before you go into the room with your baby. You must place the chair at the right spot before you put your child in the crib.
Give physical reassurance to your child for longer if you think it will help, and your child will eventually fall asleep without your support.
It will involve some crying, and if your baby wakes up, sit down on the chair and wait for the baby to fall asleep.
Parental presence helps babies fall asleep in this method, and it is excellent for children who need the company of their parents when falling asleep.
Make sure that you do not fall asleep on the chair when waiting. Try to engage yourself by reading a book or listening to some audiobooks.
If your baby is in distress, then pick up and cuddle with them. Then, put them back down in the crib and start all over again from the next night.
Patience is crucial, and it may not work instantly. Keep trying, and do not give up until it works.
If your baby seems to be in severe distress on most days, then stop for a while and start it again after a few days.
Babies have their sleeping patterns and like different ways to soothe themselves. Parental touch and presence are critical for them to fall asleep, and they crave it. However, it is equally important to train your child to sleep alone and use different methods for them to fall asleep. You must try what works for you to ensure that you and your baby get a peaceful sleep.
Also Read:
Ferber Sleep Method for Baby
Cry It Out Sleep Training Method for Baby
Pick Up and Put Down Sleep Method for Baby Read more
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Did You Comb Today? - Grooming Yourself is Equally Important as Grooming Your Kids!
With my little toddler, every day passes so fast and it always seems like I am running out of time for doing the daily household stuff. Having realised that, I started to take a little help from one of my helpers who gives a bath to my baby every day, dresses him up and then waits a little longer for me to have a bath prepare or give food to my baby. Today, while I got this window of a few minutes...just before having a bath... I realised that it has been five days since I combed my hair. I have just been opening and tying my hair without combing it... I thought I should go and cut my hair short so that I will be able to maintain them. But later I thought that even if I do that, I will still need to comb them at least once a day...Then I started to think why is it that we put everything else in the house first and ourselves last. What is stopping us from doing basic things for our own self? I mean there are priority tasks which need to be done through the day and probably we want to finish everything and then take time to groom ourselves, but many times, or should I say most of the time, it so happens that something or the other comes up and we never get time to groom ourselves. So unless we put ourselves on the priority list, we will never be able to take time out for ourselves. And then we crib and feel unimportant because we have willingly and knowingly put ourselves last. Ignoring our personal hygiene can even have adverse health effects like hair loss, stress, etc. My husband always says that running a house is like running a small scale industry. We, the ladies of the house, run our household in the best way possible and have the capability to make things happen. And if we decide to put this on priority, then we can make it happen and soon we will realise that the time slot for other things gets adjusted automatically. So let's decide to prioritise grooming ourselves daily and not forget how important it is to keep ourselves clean too, just like our kids and house...and let's not forget to comb every day...!!!!!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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ज़िंदगी में बीते हुए अनमोल पलों की कविता - कहानियों का एक अलग ही आनंद है
1. वो अनमोल पल नवोदय के (कविता)
वो अनमोल पल
नवोदय की नौकरी के,
सदा ही समाए रहेंगे मेरे ज़हन में
रूह भी झुठला नहीं सकती है,
मेरे भावपूर्ण कथन को
इसकी नींव को गहराई से सींचा है मैंने।
भुलाना चाहूँ तो भी भुला ना पाऊँ
कोई भी समझ न पाया मेरी व्यथा को,
सभी अपना-अपना राग अलापते हैं
महसूस भी न कर सके मेरे,
नवोदय के प्रति समर्पण को
न ही समझ सके मुश्किलें।
क्या अलफ़ाज़ बयां करूँ मैं
मेरे परिवार में पति व बच्चों के,
जतन को सलाम है
दिल के समीप होकर भी,
दूर रहने का ग़म सह गए
इसके बावजूद मेरी कोशिशों को कोई न समझ पाए।
आखिर वही हुआ जो कभी
जीवन में सोचा न था,
मेरे सामने एक ही पल में
नवोदय का सपना धूमिल हो गया।
पर ज़िन्दगी में राहें कभी
खत्म नहीं हुआ करती हैं,
हर अंधेरे के बाद एक
नई रोशनी अवश्य ही जन्म लेती है,
मेरे सपने ने नवीन उम्मीदों के साथ
जीवन की प्रकाश रूपी राह चुन ली है,
लेखनी ने मेरी पुनः नई पहचान बुन ली है।
2. दोस्ती है अनमोल
मोहन ने उच्च- स्तरीय अध्ययन हेतु विश्वविद्यालय में प्रवेश लिया ,गाँव से माँ भी आई । पहले ही दिन विश्वविद्यालय में उसके साथ पुलिस-अधिकारी के बेटे, विक्रम ने गलत तरीके से रैगिंग करना शुरू कर दिया ।
रात में मोहन को घनघोर-बारीश के साथ अन्य-आवाजें आईं, कुछ आदमी पुलिस की गाड़ी में बम छिपा रहे थे, मोहन भीगते-हुए पहुँचा विक्रम के पिताजी को सूचित-करने के लिए । विक्रम ने सोचा, शिकायत करने आया होगा पर पता चला, पिताजी की जान बचाने आया है । मुझे माफ़ कर मेरे दोस्त, दुश्मनों की खोली तुने पोल, मोहन ने कहा माँ की सीख, दोस्ती है अनमोल ।
3. भाषा ही अनमोल
मातृभाषा संस्कृति की संवाहक है, जिसे ध्वनि ऊर्जा के माध्यम से शब्द रूप में ग्रहण किया गया है, शब्द ब्रह्म, मनुष्यता को उच्चतम विकास तक पहुँचाने वाली अभिव्यक्ति का माध्यम बनी है यह भाषा ।
मातृभाषा, यह माँ की लोरी के समान है, किसी क्षेत्र की भाषा वहाँ के सामाजिक संस्कृति परिवेश की माला के रूप में पिरोई हुई पहचान बनकर सदैव संस्कारित जीवन को प्रेरणा देती है । यह आत्मा की आवाज़ है, जो माँ के आँचल में पल्लवित हुई है। यह अनमोल मातृभाषा ही बालक-बालिकाओं के मानसिक-विकास को पहला शब्द को सम्प्रेषण देती है ।
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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Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. 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
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
58 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
23 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
20 mins ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 mins ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
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