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I Visited the Bisleri Plant in Mumbai, and So Should You
When I got married ten years ago, I knew nothing about being a homemaker. I had no clue how to cook or clean. All I knew was my work, and I was excellent at it, growing year after year. After all, I was young, ambitious, and hungry for success. Homemaking seemed fit for a completely different set of people; an art I knew nothing about, nor did I have the inclination to master. But all that changed as soon as I welcomed my first-born. The moment I held her for the first time in my arms, I knew I wanted everything to be ‘perfect’ for her. Eventually, I warmed up to my new responsibilities; learning to cook, organise the house, clean, and much more. I wanted to ensure everything I did was for the wellness of my family.
That’s when I remembered that my mom was particularly strict about the water we drank or used for cooking at home. Every morning, she meticulously boiled a huge amount of water in a copper utensil, and set it aside for the entire day. I took a leaf out
of her homemaking guide, but not before tweaking it a little. I changed our water consumption from tap water to Bisleri, not only for drinking, but also for cooking. Over the last few years, since we have been using the original mineral water, I’ve become
a Bisleri loyalist after experiencing a stark difference in the health and wellness of my family.
My move of using mineral water, as opposed to normal tap water at home, has been met with both astonishment and criticism from various people, and I have argued my case religiously each time. Of course, not being an expert on everything ‘mineral water’,
I did have my moments of maybe - maybe not, which thankfully I had a chance to clarify with the professionals at Bisleri, recently.
FirstCry Parenting - India’s largest parenting community invited Heer and me for an afternoon at the Bisleri plant in Mumbai, where we would get a first-person perspective on how each drop of Bisleri comes with a promise of goodness! The visit to the plant gave me first-hand knowledge of how water moves through different stages of scientifically advanced, rigorous processes in the state-of-the-art production facility, to ensure that each consumer receives the purest, safest, and healthiest drinking water. I learnt new things, debunked some myths, and understood a lot more about mineral water. Of all the things, the FIVE things about Bisleri water that stood out for me, reiterating my belief in the brand, are:
1. 10-Step Quality Process
Every drop of Bisleri water that comes from the plant, undergoes a 10-step quality process. Water is checked at crucial points to see if it is fit for the next step of purification, and only then does it go through various forms of filtration and ozonisation, to remove impurities and maintain the highest safety standards.
2. 114 Tests
To ensure that the best quality product is provided to the consumers, tests are conducted throughout the process, not only to assess chemical and microbiological properties, but also, sensorial aspects of the water. And if that’s not enough, over 70 tests
are done on the finished product to check for Toxic Substances, Radio-Active and Pesticide Residues, and to ensure the correct levels of Microbiological Requirements and Ozone Concentration.
3. Mineralisation
The process of purification removes everything from the water, including the minerals, which affects not only the quality, but also the sensorial aspect of water. At Bisleri, water is enriched with Potassium and Magnesium after the purification process to help maintain a great mineral balance in the body. The Total Dissolved Solids in Bisleri water is at a much better level than other bottled or tap water.
4. Double Ozonization
Water purification at Bisleri goes through two stages of ozonization. First during the initial stage to kill harmful bacteria and, again, during the final stage to add sustainability to the quality of water. The process helps make water healthier.
5. Full Automation
The entire manufacturing process at Bisleri’s state-of-the-art plant in Mumbai and all across the country is devoid of any human intervention. Starting from sorting the bottle moulds to blowing them, lining to fill, labelling, packaging, assembly and dispatch, all the process are automated, and hence, the chances of contamination or infection are zero.
I say this because I saw it. If you’re still a bit skeptical, all you have to do is book a visit to the nearest Bisleri plant and judge for yourself.
You can get all details about booking a visit to Bisleri plant and verifying all of this yourself. After all, Har Maa jaanti hai, har Paani ki bottle Bisleri Nahi Hai.
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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Belly Mapping - How To Tell Your Baby's Position
The final position of the unborn baby before childbirth can affect the labour and delivery of the mother-to-be. The best position for the baby to be in before delivery is with her head down, facing your back. Women can find out in which position the baby is by using a technique called belly mapping.
What Is Belly Mapping?
Belly mapping is the process of determining your baby’s birthing position at the beginning of the third trimester. This is done by touching the abdomen and predicting the baby’s position based on the movements felt by the mother-to-be. This belly mapping procedure was pioneered by a woman named Gail Tully in the 1970s.
What Does Baby Position Mean?
The unborn baby keeps changing position inside the womb as she grows. Before childbirth, the baby gets into a position that is ideal for natural childbirth. This is called the occipito-anterior position. In this position, the baby’s head is downwards near the cervix, and she faces your back. Her back is against your belly. This makes it easy to push the baby through the birth canal during labour. The baby may be in different positions inside the womb. Some of these are:
1. Head Downwards
Around 48 to 49 babies out of 50 will be in the head down position at 37 weeks of pregnancy just before childbirth. The baby may even turn to the head down position after labour starts. The head down position is when the baby’s head is facing the birth canal.
2. Breeched
The breech position is not an ideal position for childbirth as the baby’s head faces upwards and the baby’s bottom or feet face downwards. There different types of breech positions include cross-legged, bottom downwards, and feet first. If during belly mapping, the breech position is found, the mom-to-be can try stimulating the baby to turn around with certain exercises.
3. Anterior
Anterior position is when the baby is facing the mother’s back, and the baby’s back is against the mom’s belly. If during belly mapping, anterior head downward position is found, it means the baby is in the correct position for a normal delivery.
4. Posterior
The posterior position is when the baby is facing the mother’s belly, and the baby’s back is facing the mother’s back. This position is quite common, but not ideal for normal delivery. If during belly mapping, posterior position is found, the mothers can try exercises to prompt the baby to turn around.
When to Do Belly Mapping?
Belly mapping should be done in the third trimester after 30 weeks of pregnancy. It should be done after a doctor’s appointment. This way, you can learn from the doctor about where the baby’s head is and how she is positioned.
Steps to Do Belly Mapping
Here are measures you can take to determine your baby’s position:
Gather The Materials: You will need a flat couch or bed to lie on, a large sheet of paper and pen or pencil. You can also draw the baby’s position on the skin of your pregnant belly, for which you need non-toxic paints or markers.
Find The Baby’s Head: Lie flat on your back or in a partly reclined position. Take deep breaths and relax. Place pressure very gently on the upper pelvic area above the pubic bone with your fingertips. If you feel something hard and round, it is the baby’s head. If you feel something round and soft, it could be the baby’s bottom. If you have felt hiccups in your lower abdomen, it means the baby’s head is downwards. You can try to pinpoint the location of the head using the direction of the baby’s movements. Strong kicks and rolls are from the legs and knees, but light fluttering movements are hands or fingers. Once you locate the head, mark it on your belly with the marker or on paper.
Locate The Baby’s Back: Next, try to find the baby’s back. If you move your hands upwards from the baby’s head. If you can feel a smooth, hard mass, this is the baby’s back. If you cannot locate the back, it could be because the baby is in a posterior position where the baby’s back is facing your back.
Mark The Position on Paper or Your Skin: Next, draw a large circle on the paper or on your belly. Divide it into four quadrants to help you figure out the baby’s position more easily. Mark the head and back.
Use a Prop Doll: Use a baby doll to mirror the position of the baby’s head and back to figure out where the hands and feet are. Use the force and direction of the baby’s movements to locate the position of the hands and feet. Once done, mark this also on your belly or on the paper to give you the baby’s position.
Tips to Get Your Baby out of An Inappropriate Position
Make sure to check with your doctor before doing any of these exercises. Here are some simple exercises that you can try doing to stimulate the baby to turn into the ideal birthing position:
Pelvic Rocks: This should be done when you feel the baby move. Get down on all fours (your hands and knees) and rock back and forth for five minutes. You can repeat this thrice a day. This may prompt the baby to roll over to the head down, anterior position.
Butterfly: Sit on the floor. Your bottom should touch the floor. Now position your feet to align the soles as they touch each other. Lift your knees and thighs up and down a few times like the fluttering wings of a butterfly. This is good for your lower back and pelvis. It could prompt the baby to change position.
Walking and Squats: Walking is good for you and the baby. It helps to pull the baby downwards by creating a rocking movement and by using gravitational force. Squats help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which are crucial for pushing during labour. Squats also open up the pelvis to give the baby more space to descend into the head downward position.
Exercise Ball: Sitting on an exercise ball will help strengthen your pelvis and core muscles. Sit on the ball with the hips higher than the knees.
Forward Leaning: Forward-leaning inversion can help stimulate the baby to turn over to the occipito-anterior position that is ideal for childbirth. Kneel on a couch and lower your arms to the floor such that your hands are touching the floor and your head hangs downwards. Raise your bottom high and flatten your back. Remain like this and then rise up.
What Will Happen if Your Baby Is in The Wrong Position?
Using belly mapping in pregnancy, you can find your baby’s birthing position and take steps to correct it if the baby is not in an optimal birthing position. There are complications associated with giving birth to babies that are in posterior or breech position. Mothers who deliver posterior babies may have a longer labour and may experience tearing of the perineum during delivery. The perineum is a skinny membrane separating the vagina and anus. Mothers may also be at higher risk of heavy postpartum bleeding and have assisted vaginal delivery or an emergency C-section. Babies born face-up may have to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care. Breech babies are usually delivered through C-section as they cannot pass through the birth canal if they are bottom first or cross-legged.
Belly mapping is a simple process to determine your baby’s birthing position. Taking steps to prompt your baby to get into the optimal birthing position will help you have a smooth labour and a natural delivery. Make sure to ask your doctor before doing any of the exercises mentioned in this article.
Also Read: Positions of Baby in Womb Read more
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Throwing a Ball With your 17 Months Old
While there's no age when a toddler can throw a ball, you can begin teaching from about 15 months of age. Is your toddler starting to play with one? Teaching him ball skills requires some interesting and well-thought strategies on your part.
"Catch!" “Throw!” These two simple words are enough to teach interesting ball skills to your 17-month-old child. You need to begin with the basics with simple ball catching and throwing tricks. Then, you need to move on to tougher challenges without making your toddler lose interest. The right encouragement and proper teaching can help him reach this essential development milestone effectively.
The Toddler Milestone of Throwing a Ball: Learning the Right Way
1. When Can a Toddler Throw a Ball?
There’s no pre-defined time for a toddler to learn to throw a ball. This development milestone usually takes place as hand mobility gets enhanced and kids learn to coordinate their foot and hand movements along with their eyes. Usually, this starts taking place about 15 months after birth.
2. Parents’ Role
Parents need to begin at a low, easy to grasp level. Every move should draw praise and encouragement to keep your child excited and eager to learn. Once a particular level of throwing and catching is attained, make the next one a little more difficult than before- without discouraging him in any way. For instance, take a step backwards, change the timing, or alter the strategy of throwing the ball.
3. Help your Toddler Learn Easily
Your child will make many unsuccessful attempts before he learns to throw a ball the right way. Help him learn through these mistakes by showing him how to improve. Position his hands for him, and help him use the right amount of force by holding his hands and throwing or catching for him. Here, the entire learning process can be split into two parts – throwing and catching.
4. Catch and Throw from a Static Position
Many toddlers are frightened by the sight of a ball coming their way. They may dodge it to avoid being hit. When they’re very young, they tend to rely on chance of throw rather than their own hand-eye coordination. To avoid this and allow kids to enjoy playing with a ball more, parents need to throw from a close distance and from a static position. Slow-moving objects or balls, like foam balls, balloons and scarves can be used for the purpose.
5. Handed Catching
You may wish to boost your toddler’s ball throwing ability from day one. However, this can intimidate him and make him run off when you say, "Let's play ball." Start with both hands or use a container to make the task of catching the ball easier. Gradually, you’ll find yourself throwing from different positions and getting your child’s attention without much effort. That’s the time to start moving farther away and playing with a little more force.
Throwing a ball with your 17-month-old is packed with a lot of exciting tricks. You’ll love this fun-filled activity too! When mom learns how to teach a toddler to throw a ball, he is sure to master the skill soon! Read more
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The Happiness Mantra for New Mommies to AVOID Postpartum Depression.
As soon as you announce your "happy baby news" to your friends and family, one thing that you just cant stop coming your way are the endless advice and suggestions about what should and shouldn’t be done by an expecting mother. No doubt this is important, but what no one advice about is infact more significant. And that dear mommy is your postpartum care- physical as well as mental.
Its such an irony of life that the biggest happiness in a mother’s life is also sometimes unknowingly associated with feelings of sadness, guilt, frustration, mental disturbance and fatigue, confusion and above all disappointment with herself, in short, POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION ! Is this a kind of sickness to be ashamed of ? The answer is a big fat NO ! This is nowadays very common in new mothers and with small simple steps of self care, it can be overcome to make this beautiful journey of motherhood- a memorable one. The mantra or the tips for the same are very general but are very effective.
A great start is like half of the victory achieved. Try and manage to wakeup in time so that you can freshen up and have a hot cup of your favourite morning beverage before the baby wakes up.
Eat healthy- Feed Healthy. Fix your meal timings and make sure you eat fresh, healthy and hot food. Give yourself the fruity treats in between the meals as a refreshment.
Messy surroundings can help negative energy grow at a higher pace. So try to keep your place as tidy as possible, you can take help of your family or can hire a house help for the same. Also use bright coloured bedding and curtains and allow ample light in your rooms every time, this helps retain the positive energy.
The Music therapy works like magic. Tune in to your favourite music channel or playlist while breastfeeding so that those long feeding sessions become less exhausting.
Read good to feel good. If you are a reading person, keep your favourite novel handy so that whenever possible you can sneak in to read a couple of pages. Basic idea here is to restrain your mind from wandering randomly towards negative thoughts.
The evening dose is the most important. Step out of the house, preferably for a walk in a garden or a drive to a calm place nearby, for atleast 15 minutes or more in the evening with or without the baby. This makes you feel confident and uplift your energy level after a hectic day.
Patience is the key. Dont stress yourself and the baby to get in a fixed schedule, it will take time for both of you to adjust with each other. Observe your baby and try to understand his/her cues and requirements, this will help you to understand what and when your baby actually wants and will lessen your confusion.
Keep your baby busy. There is nothing more painful for a new mom to see her baby cry (even after a full tummy and a good sleep). Invest in colourful, slow moving toys with soft music to keep your baby entertained.
Your comfort will solve half of your problems. Invest in nursing inner wears and clothes, this actually makes the breastfeeding comfortable and quick, not just for the mother but for the baby too. If needed you can also buy a feeding pillow.
Caring by Sharing. Breastfeeding is a very exhausting process. Feeding of expressed milk to the baby by some other family member (preferably father of the baby) once in a while can give a refreshing break to the mother. (Make sure to take all the needed precautions before pumping or expressing breast milk, specially in the initial 6 weeks when your breastmilk supply establishes as per the baby’s demand and also learn about all the care regarding handling and storing of expressed milk.)
Tame those peaking hormones. Motherly emotions makes you over protective and possessive towards your baby. Trust and allow other family members to look after the baby from time to time. This not only develops their bond with the baby but will give you more time for self care.
Real experiences are the best lessons. Talk to other mothers in your family and friend circle about their postpartum experiences and the problems they faced and its solutions. You will be surprised to know the various issues one can face in this time, but such experiences will help you prepare for any difficulty you may face with your baby.
New father- new duties. Sharing and talking about these feelings and problems, specially with your husband is equally important. The strength induced by your partner’s pep talk can sometimes create wonders. Knowing someone is always by your side gives an everlasting strength to boost your morale.
Practice makes the mom perfect ! You are brand new to breastfeeding and you as well as baby will take time to learn it like a pro. Make yourself aware and trained before the delivery, about correct ways of breastfeeding (as in correct latch and feeding positions). Take help of vedios available on internet. In case of serious issues, visit a lactation consultant immediately. Do not hesitate to use medical aids advised if any by the LC.
Never hesitate to seek help. Problems with breastmilk supply, latching issues with the baby, sleeplessness, not able to pacify or calm your crying baby, minor health issues with mother or the baby, weight gain, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, lack of support and help from family, feeling of extreme sadness or anger, extreme lowering of self confidence, etc triggers postpartum depression. Always remember that giving birth and taking care of a new tiny human is an extremely complex and exhausting process, so if you feel any of the above mentioned symptoms, taking help from a professional at the right time is the best solution. Do not hesitate to accept the problem and look forward to taking advised measures.
When in doubt, always remember the moment when you first saw that positive pregnancy test. Revisit the happiness and reason you and your partner decided to bring this tiny bundle of joy into your lives. When in pain, always remember that this phase is temporary (so don’t miss out on happy moments while you still can live those) and its gonna get better with time (so always stay hopeful and try harder to help yourself).
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Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy : Do's and Don'ts to follow
I am a mom of two children. And have had gestational diabetes in both my pregnancies.
Following a proper diet plan and regular walks has helped me sail through in a healthy manner both the times I was pregnant. Mentioned below are certain Do's and Don'ts that I followed :'
Do's
Take a walk for 15 mins post every meal.
Keep eating something after every 2 hours. Staying hungry for longer periods also increases blood sugar levels.
Have muesli with milk as soon as you wake up. This helps in controlling your blood sugar levels. There are a lot of no sugar added variations of muesli available in the market.
Monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis. Keep a record and that will also help your gynae to track and prescribe medication.
Fix a day every week and on that day make a chart to state your fasting sugar and post meal sugar (after every meal) monitor sugar level 2 hours after your meal.
Take lots of salads and water.
Add protein powder to your milk at bedtime.This keeps you full for longer and helps maintain sugar levels.Again there are many diabetic variants of protein powder available in the market.
You can have Paneer, bhuna chana, multigrain bread sandwiches (use multigrain whole wheat bread).Use tomato,cucumber and paneer in your sandwich.
Have 2 walnuts a day and 4 almonds.If its summer time make sure to soak them overnight.Walnut helps with good brain development of baby's brain and also keeps you full for long.
Have Lassi(without sugar or namkeen) / chach and nimbu paani as a meal option to keep you satiated.
Dont's
Anything made from maida is a strict no-no.
Dont consume sauce with your sandwiches or otherwise as well.
Fruits are good but are naturally high in sugar so dont take too many fruits in one go.
Avoid banana and mango they are very high in sugar content.
Never skip your metformin doses(if the doctor has prescribed them and they usually will).
Totally avoid sugar in any beverages (and I have stopped this forever now).So have your milk, tea without sugar.
Avoid bakery items all together.
Don't eat Vegetable that grow under the soil for example potato, beetroot and carrots.They all increase sugar levels.
PS : 1. Always follow the diet that your dietician and gynaecologist recommend.
2.Gestational diabetes put you at a high risk of having diabetes once you enter your 40's so follow your dietery regime even post giving birth.
A healthy you is a happy you 😊
Good Luck !!! Read more
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
14 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
11 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
6 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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