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How To Burp Your Baby: Positions, Tips And More
Knowing how to feed your baby is as important as knowing what to feed them. The hold, the latching, followed by burping are all essentials of a good feed. But knowing the importance of these factors make the task easier. . Babies burp because they swallow air bubbles while feeding. Since they are at a delicate stage, it is important to teach them how to burp properly.
What is a Burp?
Babies tend to swallow air bubbles during a breast milk or formula feed. These air bubbles get trapped in the baby’s digestive tract making them uncomfortable and gassy. Burping is the process of releasing the gas from the digestive tract through their mouth.However, there are other reasons that may contribute in these air bubbles reaching a baby’s digestive system, some of which are discussed below.
3 ways in which babies swallow air:
While milk feeding: A bottle/breastmilk feed requires a baby to suck continuously during which the air bubbles may enter their system
Food: This situation holds good for a baby that has already started on solid feed. Certain foods create gas while breaking down in the intestine.
Allergies: Allergy or intolerance towards certain food types can also lead to formation of gas in a baby’s stomach.
Why Does Your Baby Burp?
When the air bubbles get stuck in a baby’s stomach, it causes discomfort and uneasiness to them. They feel full and bloated and therefore squirm or cry signalling they need your help to provide some relief. . It is recommended that babies should be burped even if the baby does not get fussy. Burping is considered quite beneficial for babies, especially for those who experience frequent gastrointestinal problems. It is also commonly believed that breastfed babies may not require as much burping as a formula fed baby because they tend to swallow lesser air during the feed. However, it completely depends from a baby to baby and you should mostly be looking for their cues when they are required to be fed.
Why is Burping Important For a Baby?
Babies need help to get the air trapped in the stomach out. When a burping newborn gets bouts of burps, you need to understand why it is important:
Colic: Many babies suffer from colic (stomach ache) due to excessive air getting trapped in the stomach. A baby who is suffering from colic could break into bouts of crying and become extremely cranky. To reduce the effects of colic, it is important that you help your baby burp properly post a feed. .
Lack of sleep: Sometimes, mothers complain that their babies do not sleep well during the night or keep waking up. If you feel that your baby feels better when you make him or her sit, then chances are that the air trapped inside their stomach is causing discomfort.
Dangers of choking: You should also burp your baby before you feed him/her as , this helps clear the air inside and helps avoid choking instances while the baby is being fed.
Build a healthy habit: Burping your baby will make him or her more receptive towards you and lead a healthy life.
When To Burp Your Baby?
The best time to burp your baby is immediately after feeding time, especially in the first six months. For the first six months, you can hold your baby in an upright position for about 10 or 15 minutes (sometimes this can be longer if the baby spits up).
Do not worry if the baby spits as it is natural and good for the child.
How To Burp a Newborn Baby?
You should be aware of the correct burping techniques that can be used for burping a baby.s faster. By placing them in the right position, you can get the gas out of their digestive system. Although some babies tend to fall asleep right after a feed and hence burping them may become slightly challenging. Here are the best ways of how to burp a sleeping baby, or one that is awake:
Best Positions for Burping Your Baby
The first and the foremost point to correct is the hold and the postioning followed by the various techniques. Here are a few ways in which you may burp your baby:
Burping baby upright on your chest or shoulder –
Hold the baby against your chest while sitting upright and resting their chin on your shoulder. Keep a cloth on your shoulder till your back to protect your clothes in case the baby spits up. With one hand support baby's back with one hand and keep rubbing or patting gently.
If your baby has more head and back control then you could hold him/her further up your shoulder in such a way that your shoulder gently presses the baby's belly. This will help create a little pressure and let out the burp. Support baby's back with one hand and keepi rubbing and patting gently.
Burping baby in the lap–
Place a bib on the baby and sit in a way that the baby is facing away from you. Use one had to support baby's body by placing it on the chest with your fingers on their chin and jaw. Lean the baby forward slightly and gently rub or pat baby's back with the other hand.
On the lap with the baby's face down- Place a bib on your lap and lay the baby face so that the baby is lying across your knees, perpendicular to your body. With one hand support the baby's chin and rub or pat the baby's back gently. Be careful not to lower baby's head too low, to avoid blood rush to the head.
Burping baby while walking –
This technique can be tried once the baby has good head control. You may hold your baby upright, facing away from you while you stand and walk. Place one hand beneath the bottom and the other across the baby's tummy to apply slight pressure.
While feeding formula, burp your baby after feeding every 60-90 ml milk. . If you are breastfeeding the baby then you should burp him/her whenever you switch breasts.
If you want to know the best technique on how to burp a baby after feeding, you should do so while the baby is asleep by placing him/her on your shoulder facing towards you and gently rubbing the back. You can keep cuddling your baby as you continue burping him/her..
How Often Should You Burp Your Baby?
The frequency of burping your baby depends on how many times you are feeding him/her. .
If the baby has a tendency to be gassy or spitting up, try burping after every ounce (about 30 ml) of bottle feed or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding.
If your baby does not burp after a few minutes then you may consider switching your burping technique.
What if Your Baby Spits up While Burping?
The process of burping may trigger spitting of a little formula/breastmilk. In case of formula fed babies this also happens because some of the formula brands come with trapped air.
Precautions if your baby spits up -
You should stop feeding your baby if he/she begins to turn away from the bottle or breast. Overfeeding increases the risk of spitting or throwing up. .
You can hold the baby in a semi-upright position after feeding.
Burp your baby more often while feeding or once every ounce, if the baby frequently spits up.
Keep rubbing your baby's back in a circular motion.
If your baby is bottle -fed, you should avoid using a smaller or larger nipple hole.
Reasons Why Babies Cry During Burping
When the baby swallows too much air along with the milk or formula during a feed , it leads to discomfort which causes the baby to cry. Another reason for crying could be when the baby spits up (has a gastro-oesophageal reflux).
Burping the baby several times during feed and feeding the baby in a more upright position may help with this.
What To Do if Your Baby is Not Burping?
Babies should be burped at regular intervals during feeding and after that. You might try different techniques to make your baby burp. However, it is alright if the baby does not burp as long as there is no vomiting. If vomiting occurs once or twice it is not a cause for concern. Sometimes, the baby maybe happy and comfortable. Therefore, it is alright if he or she does not burp. You should observe your baby's behaviour after meals.
When To Stop Burping a Baby?
There is no specific age to stop burping your baby, however as a baby grows older, the digestive system matures and burping becomes less necessary. As the baby becomes 2 to 3 months old, regular burping may not be required. Since babies learn to sit upright by then, they will be able to burp on their own.
Best Tips on Burping Your Baby
It is important to know your baby's body language to recognize when they are gassy and need to burp.
You should track the number of times your baby needs to be burped.
Babies who are being bottle-fed burp more often because they swallow more air than breastfed babies. However, notice your baby’s pattern as this may differ from case to case.
If the baby does not burp after trying for a few minutes, then you may try a different technique and if it too does not work then you should stop forcing as your baby may be comfortable.
You should not force your baby to burp if they seem comfortable.
Gently rubbing the baby’s back during burping helps.
While breastfeeding make sure that the baby is latched tightly so that he/she does not swallow a lot of air. Also, while bottle feeding ensure that the nipple is not too big or too small for the baby to gulp in a lot of air.
The baby should be fed in a quiet place to cut down on burping.
Spit ups from the mouth and nose during burping is normal. However, if there is excessive vomiting then you may need to contact your paediatrician.
When To Take Medical Advice?
Medical advice should be sought if the baby has fever of 100.4 degrees, diarrhoea, bloody stools, and excessive gassiness.
Conclusion: If your baby is gassy but is feeding well, then there is no cause of worry. Babies generally tend to burp because their digestive systems are still developing. Only if they aren’t burping, you will need to ensure that they do. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you feel that is necessary. Read more
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False Positive Pregnancy Test
A possible pregnancy can evoke excitement or anxiety. Either way, one needs to be sure. Many women rely on at-home pregnancy tests which are a convenient tool to help you find out whether you’re expecting. They are easily available at pharmacies and many other medical stores. Most of these kits include sticks which are designed to detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone — hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. Even though the tests are claimed to be 97 – 99 % accurate, in rare cases you might observe a false-positive or a negative reading.
What is False Positive Pregnancy Test?
When your pregnancy test indicates a positive result, but you are NOT pregnant, it is referred to as a false-positive.
Causes of False Positive Urine Pregnancy Test Result?
Are you wondering why can a pregnancy test be false positive? Sometimes, although the kit might be doing its job fairly right, the results might be imperfect for many different reasons, such as:
1. Recent Abortion/Delivery
If you have had a recent delivery or an ended pregnancy (miscarriage or abortion) in the previous 8 weeks, your hCG levels can still be relatively high. This can cause a test to detect a positive since the hCG levels in your body drop slowly and gradually after pregnancy ends.
2. Chemical Pregnancy
A chemical pregnancy is when a fertilized egg stops developing after implantation and never becomes an embryo. Technically, though, you might have been pregnant when you took the test, this pregnancy ends in an early miscarriage. Around 25-40 % of pregnancies are estimated to end as undetected miscarriages.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy
This is a phenomenon when a fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the uterus. The embryo cannot grow since it there is no place for it to thrive outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is one of the reasons for false positive pregnancy test. But they are medical emergencies. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, you must seek medical help.
4. Miscellaneous Medical Problems
Certain medical conditions such as cancers of the ovary, bladder, kidney, lung, breast and stomach; gestational trophoblastic diseases; ovarian cysts ;kidney disease or urinary tract infections; adenomyosis can cause a woman’s hCG to rise and lead to a false-positive test result.
5. Menopause
Women who transition to menopause often have high levels of hCG. This can cause a false-positive test result in some older women.
6. Evaporation Lines
If you haven’t followed the manufacturer’s instructions properly, you might possibly get a false-positive. You’ll have to make sure you check the results within the instructed time frame. Letting the test sit longer than the specified time period can have you confuse the urine evaporation lines for a positive test line.
7. Defective Pregnancy Test
An expired, or a defective pregnancy test can yield false results. Always check for a valid test before use.
8. Taking the Test Too Early
Some highly sensitive tests can detect a positive just days after ovulation. Hence, it is recommended that you wait at least a week after a missed period. Testing too early is one of the common reasons for false positive pregnancy test.
9. Contaminated Urine Sample
If the urine sample contains any impurities like soap or blood, you might read an inaccurate result.
Medications that Can Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test
If you are receiving fertility treatment in the form of shots of hCG or gonadotropins for ovulation, you may get a false-positive test result.
Apart from that, medications like antipsychotics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, Parkinson’s disease medications and drugs like methadone, chlordiazepoxide or promethazine can cause false-positive pregnancy tests.
What is Phantom hCG Test And How is it Related to False Positive Pregnancy Test?
A Phantom hCG is a positive blood pregnancy test with a woman who is not pregnant. Certain chemicals in an individual’s body interfere with the testing kit, causing it to show a false positive.
You may have a reason to check whether you’re getting a Phantom pregnancy positive test if your urine test is negative.
What is the Reason for False Positive Blood Pregnancy Test Result?
If you’ve realized that you have got your U-check pregnancy test false positive, it is advised to have a healthcare professional confirm with a blood pregnancy test. Blood tests can detect hCG at lower levels than urine tests, and therefore are more reliable as they can detect a pregnancy earlier.
But a qualitative hCG blood test can also be false positive or negative due to some reasons. Some of the reasons of how can you get a false positive pregnancy test are common for urine or blood tests.
Specifically, certain medications (as mentioned above), tumors, ovarian cancer, blood or protein in the urine and a multiple pregnancies cause the presence of high hCG levels in a woman. Besides, chemical pregnancy, menopause and fertility treatment are also some of the causes that can lead to chances of getting false positive pregnancy test.
If your at-home pregnancy test has read a positive result, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to confirm the result with a blood test. If to your delight, you find out for sure that you are pregnant, you must see your doctor regularly. It is important to take care of your health and undertake early prenatal care under their supervision towards maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Read more
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14 Tips to Develop Emotional Intelligence(EQ) in Children
As a child is growing up, the entire focus from the parents as well as from the school is majorly on ensuring he does well in the subjects of science, math, and language as well as any other activities that constitute of part of the curriculum. But life isn’t all about doing well in subjects. Emotional intelligence in young children plays a vital role in sculpting them into the individual they will grow up to be. Your child’s signs of understanding your anger when he doesn’t perform well or his friend’s sadness on losing his pet are all signs that you need to be aware of, indicating the presence of a high quotient of emotional intelligence.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
In simple terms, the ability of an individual to understand his own emotions, as well as others, is what constitutes as emotional intelligence. People who have high emotional intelligence are adept at noticing how emotions affect others and understand the motivations behind their actions. Emotional intelligence is measured with EQ, which is different from IQ. An EQ is a measure of understanding multiple aspects.
Importance of Emotional Intelligence for Kids
Emotional intelligence is a key marker in establishing how well-balanced a child will be in his own life as well as in various social situations involving interaction with people on different emotional spectrums.
1. Awareness of The Self
Having high emotional intelligence enables a child to understand his own emotions and know very well why he is feeling what he is feeling. He can also understand why he feels like committing an action and where that feeling is stemming from. This self-awareness is absolutely necessary for understanding what your strengths and weaknesses are.
2. Regulating Your Own Actions
Having developed a good understanding of why he feels what he does, a kid with good emotional intelligence can then make efforts in correcting his actions and make sure that any impulses that might cause harm to himself or others are kept in check. He can reason with those feelings and understand that the emotion does not necessarily need to translate into a harmful action.
3. Inducing Motivation
Control over emotions grants any child with the ability to harness them when needed and channel them in a way that can be beneficial. Emotions of anger and aggression are useful in certain sports to go beyond the limit and motivate oneself to do better. Other situations might benefit from using frustration in a way to try doing something in a different manner.
4. Empathizing with Others
Only a person who can understand himself well can fully and successfully empathize with others. That is purely because he understands emotions to a very deep level. Children who are able to connect with their emotional side and harness it well, can empathize with others in a similar situation and be more understanding of their predicaments.
5. Better Social Skills
Interacting with people and creating good relationships is all a matter of navigating the variety of emotional contours and textures of every individual. Children having high emotional intelligence can grow up to be people who can easily connect with others and can hold their identity by being a strong social person.
How To Develop Emotional Intelligence In A Child?
There are numerous emotional intelligence activities for kids that you can undertake in order to get them started on the path of being better individuals and ones that have a good emotional quotient.
1. Learning How To Be Calm In A Moment of Anger
If you return home after a bad day and something starts irritating you, you can keep your calm and simply state that you are not in a good mood and need some time to relax and calm down before you can listen to others. This helps in family members being understanding of the situation, too.
2. Communicate Your Feelings
Teach your kid to be open to expressing his emotions, making the home a safe environment for it. Let him be okay with letting you know that he wants to cry or he is angry with something. Communication is the first step in resolving any situation.
3. Encourage Good Performance
Children are not able to control their impulses and emotions easily. Which is why, if your child is used to throwing things around, and one day, he doesn’t do so but plainly states that he is extremely angry, hug him and let him know that you are proud of the fact that he communicated and didn’t unleash his anger in throwing things.
4. A Non-Zero Sum Game
Let your children learn early in life that not every decision is a win-lose. There can always be solutions that can be win-win. Teach them the concept of compromise which can be initiated only after clear, calm communication is established.
5. Identify Their Motivation
Watch your child and figure out what is it that keeps him going. Talk to him on those lines by focusing on the aspects that work in this regard. You can make him aware that it is good to keep trying despite failure and help him use his emotions to achieve the goals he has set his mind to.
6. Teach Positive Affirmations
You won’t always be around to encourage your child and he needs to start doing things independently by himself as well. Allow him to understand the fact that he can use positive self-talk to make him handle his emotions better and keep himself focused and motivated throughout.
7. Focus on Problem-Solving
When faced with obstacles and problems, help your child understand that it is better to understand the problem and address it piece by piece than throwing a tantrum and being saddened by it. Problem-solving skills can go a long way ahead in life.
8. Better Ways To Channel Emotions
Experiencing frustration and anger is natural. But channelling it the right way is necessary, too. Try to get your child involved in a physical activity by gifting him a boxing bag that helps him address his anger. It is much better to instead translate the anger into simple clear statements that address the issue.
9. Calming Down On Their Own
Teach your kid methods to prevent impulsive action, such as taking deep breaths and counting slowly up to 10, or drinking some water. Many techniques like these are effective in calming down the person immediately.
10. Make Them Aware Of Stress
Preventing a problem is better than resolving one. Therefore, teach your child to be aware of any situations or triggers that might cause stress in him. By knowing them, he can take the right measures to avoid them or prepare himself to face them without surrendering to his emotions.
11. Understanding Emotions Of Others
Learning to read people’s faces and various verbal and non-verbal cues is a good way to douse an upcoming argument or offer support to someone in trouble. Let your child be aware of various cues he has himself so that he can be more aware of them occurring with others.
12. Be Open To Talking Freely
Make it comfortable to have your child talk to you about anything that he might face. Having a communication channel that your child can trust and be open with is extremely necessary.
13. Labelling Emotions
At times, the situation can be quite complex to understand what exactly your child might be feeling. In such cases, helping him label the emotion in plain simple terms can not only clear up things for you but help him understand what he’s feeling as well.
14. Accept Your Kid For Who He Is
Not every child is the same. Some are sensitive, some have anger issues. Let your child know verbally that you are aware of what he is feeling and offer to help him out with it. Acceptance can stop the situation from getting worse.
Why is EI Important for Children with Learning and Attention Issues?
Emotional intelligence games for children and all these activities are extremely essential, especially for children who have issues with learning and paying attention. These children have an added degree of difficulty since they have to face frustration on a daily basis, by seeing their peers do various activities quite easily while they can’t do so.
Often, emotional intelligence can change the outcome of a frustrating situation from a tantrum-filled, crying or inbuilt frustrated day to one that is full of communication, help and growth for the child and his family.
Why do Some Children Often Struggle with Emotional Intelligence?
Not all kids who have learning issues struggle with emotional intelligence. But the reverse can be true in some cases where low EQ could be indicative of the presence of a behavioural problem. ADHD afflicted children, kids with hearing problems and many others tend to misinterpret or ignore social cues altogether.
On the contrary, there have been cases where children with behavioural problems have shown surprisingly spectacular emotional intelligence, with great ability to understand and empathize with others.
Emotional quotient in children is a pretty important marker of their growth and development from a child to a young individual. Although this might not be addressed necessarily in the school, it is necessary for parents to be aware of this, take their child’s behaviour into account, and work together in helping them understand themselves and others in a better way.
An emotionally intelligent child grows up to be a better individual in the future and is liked by all. He even has a sense of self, the ability to empathise with others, and most importantly, he is social, which is a basic skill that is useful for life. There are too many good reasons to work on your child’s emotional intelligence. Try these tips to make your little fella emotionally intelligent, and see him grow into a kind person. However, besides this, focus on developing his other skills, too. Grab educational kits for your child and activate his other dormant talents.
Also Read:
How to Deal with a Highly Emotional Child
Social and Emotional Development in Kids Read more
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Zinc for Children - Benefits & Food Resources
Zinc is a vital nutrient that is essential for growth and development. Not only that, a lack of zinc has been associated with impaired cognitive development which makes it all the more crucial to add it to every child's diet. Read on to learn more about the importance of zinc in child's diet, how it impacts your child's health and development, and what foods you can add to incorporate it to your kid's diet.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a trace mineral that over 70 digestive enzymes rely on for regulating digestion and metabolism in the body. Children with zinc deficiencies experience growth defects and abnormalities which makes this a vital nutrient in every diet. It is also essential for the proper growth and development of reproductive organs in kids.
Benefits of Zinc for Your Child
The following are the benefits of zinc in children-
Promotes healthy height and weight ranges
Aids in cognitive development
Improves mood and memory
Prevents ADHD and enhances focus
As it is an immunity booster, it works well for kids as they are vulnerable to infection
Heals wounds and prevents age-related macular degeneration
Treats common cold and diarrhoea
Prevents retinal damage and loss of vision
Topical zinc ointments are applied to children's skin to eliminate diaper rashes and prevent sunburns.
Cancer is on the rise, and it’s important to protect your kids from it. Zinc acts as a powerful antioxidant keeping your kids that much safer.
Zinc Dosages for Children
If you're wondering about how much zinc to give kids, then we've got you covered. According to The Office of Dietary Supplements, these are the following zinc dosages for children-
Ages 4 to 8 - 5 mg/day
Ages 9 to 13 - 9mg/day
Ages 14 to 18 - 11mg/day
Teenage girls between the ages of 14 to 18 require only 9mg of Zinc a day.
Teenagers are highly recommended to not consume more than 34 milligrams of zinc a day which is the tolerable upper intake level, since they may experience various harmful side effects.
Zinc Rich Food Sources
You can up the zinc intake in your children through natural food sources. You can add these zinc foods for kids to your child's diet-
Red meat (pork, chicken, beef etc.)
Shellfish
Nuts
Mushroom
Whole-grain cereals
Unskinned potatoes
Beans
Breast milk
Caution If You are Planning to Give Zinc Supplements to Kids
If you are planning to give zinc supplements to your kids, then here are a couple of things you should know-
May experience side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain
High zinc dosage in children has been linked to increased blood cholesterol levels and recurring infections.
May interact with other medications such as immunosuppressants, blood pressure drugs, and antibiotics
Children below the age of 18 are not recommended to take over-the-counter Zinc supplements unless prescribed by a doctor.
Do not use intranasal zinc if you choose to give your child a zinc supplement since it has been associated with the loss of the sense of smell.
Although plant-based foods have zinc, they are in low doses and often not enough to cover the daily recommended intake. You can add zinc in your child's diet by encouraging them to consume yeast-risen whole-grain pieces of bread and soy-based foods like miso and tempeh to up their intake of this mineral. Zinc-fortified cereals and whole-grains are other options for kids who skimp eating meat and dairy products.
Please consult your family doctor or a certified nutritionist before choosing to use a zinc supplement for kids since they may experience the above-mentioned side-effects with an over dose of the mineral.
Also read: 13 Iron Rich Foods For Your Kids Read more
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Breastfeeding Diet Tips for Vegetarians, Semi-Vegetarians & Vegans
A healthy start is what you look for when it comes to your little bundle of joy. Especially, while breastfeeding, you take great care to provide your child with the best possible nourishment. But your well-being is equally important. What your child gets as nourishment comes from you. The quality of your breast milk depends on your intake of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. And if that is of the right amount, then you do not have to fret over it. However, for optimum nutrition, based on your diet plan, you might need some supplements so that you or your child do not miss anything. The care you are going to take now in your diet is going to take care of you both.
Is Going on a Vegetarian Diet While Breastfeeding Safe?
Yes, it is. If you are thinking that you would not be getting enough nutrients, then think again. Even without having meat, you can have plenty of vegetables to provide you substantial nutrients.
Types of Vegetarian Diets
There are three types of vegetarian diets:
1. Lacto Vegetarian
A plant-based diet with lots of dairy products, but without eggs. Dairy products are a good source of Vitamin D, protein and calcium. With a considerable supply of Vitamin B12 and calories from dairy products, getting nutrition from such a diet would not be that difficult.
2. Ovo Vegetarian
It contains eggs and plants but dairy products are a strict no-no. Eggs are a good source of nutrients such as protein, calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, among many others.
3. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
The best one, hands down. With eggs and dairy products to boost your body, you might not need any other supplements.
Tips to Consider When Following a Vegetarian Diet
Here are some tips to guide you through your diet.
Calories and proteins are a must. Eat accordingly.
Dairy products in your diet should be fortified with Vitamin D.
If egg suits you, then have one each day.
For extra vitamins or supplements, give your doctor a call.
Is Going on a Vegan Diet While Breastfeeding Safe?
A vegan diet is exclusively plant-based without meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products. That is why you should pay additional attention to your diet if you wish to follow a completely vegan diet while breastfeeding. You have to take special care about your calories and nutrients consumed in your vegan breastfeeding diet plan.
Tips to Consider When Following a Vegan Diet
Plant-based diets are extremely healthy but low on calories and nutrients. Supplements are required to fill in the gaps to make the 'vegan breastfeeding diet plan' a compelling one and having B12 in this diet is essential. Here are some tips that you will find useful while maintaining a strict vegan diet.
As plants are low in calories, make sure that you have plenty of alternatives or supplements in your vegan breastfeeding diet plan to complement the need.
Protein can be obtained from eating lentils, rice, nuts, beans, dark green vegetables and whole grain bread. Have them in plenty to meet your body's requirement.
B12 is a vitamin that can only be found in animal products. Preventing the deficiency of it is of utmost importance. Supplements are the best way to meet your body's requirement but make sure your doctor approves of it as well.
Plants laden with zinc are in plenty but your body responds better to animal products containing zinc. Hence, a lot of nuts, beans, grains, seeds, and leafy green vegetables should also be a part of your vegan breastfeeding diet plan. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are also good sources.
Dairy products are rich in calcium. But dark leafy vegetables can provide it to you as well. Beans, soy products, or fortified orange juice are also good sources. Dried figs are rich calcium carriers.
You can meet your iron requirements from mushrooms, tofu, nuts, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified bread, and cereal. Your diet plan should have a mix of foods containing high Vitamin C to make them more effective.
Fish is a good source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an Omega-3 essential fatty acid, which is an essential nutrient for your baby’s brain and eye development. However, it can't be part of a vegan breastfeeding diet plan. But flaxseed, hempseed, and walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which your body can transform into DHA but the amount may be too less.
Your iodine intake can be met with salt or seaweed and it can work well with your diet plan. It is needed for thyroid gland development.
Have you ever thought that a vegan breastfeeding diet plan can include sunlight? Well, it does, in a way! Your body gets a healthy dose of Vitamin D if you spend a few moments outside in the sun. But avoid the sunlight in excess; if the climate is too harsh, it is not advisable at all.
If you or your doctor feels like you're deficient in any of the nutrients mentioned above, you can always turn to supplements to meet the requirements.
Is Going on a Semi-Vegetarian or a Pescetarian Diet When Breastfeeding Safe?
A semi-vegetarian diet includes meat and animal products in it occasionally. If consumed in a balanced way and on a daily basis, a semi-vegetarian breastfeeding diet plan can assist you in leading a healthy life and in providing your baby with enough nutrition.
A pescetarian diet, on the other hand, does not contain any meat products. It's very similar to a vegetarian diet, but it includes fish. Fish is a very good source of protein, vitamin, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can sufficiently take care of a new mother.
Tips to Consider While Following a Semi-Vegetarian or Pescetarian Diet
If you opt for a semi-vegetarian or pescetarian diet then you should follow these tips:
Variety is the spice of life. So, enjoy the vast array of dietary options to the fullest but maintain a healthy diet.
Proteins and calories are a must. Each morsel should contain healthy nutrients.
For pescetarians, well-cooked, low-mercury fish is a good choice. A healthy dose of shellfish on a weekly basis is a plus.
Vitamins and supplements always come in handy. But try to have nutrients from healthy foods than depending on supplements for your nutritional needs.
If you're following any of the mentioned diets, ensure that you take adequate measures to meet your nutritional requirements.
Also Read: Eating Papaya While Breastfeeding
Is It Safe to Eat Peanuts during Breastfeeding
Consuming Garlic during Breastfeeding Read more
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Egg for Diabetes - Are They Safe to Consume?
Rich in protein, low on carbohydrate, think no further. The answer is simple, an egg. Be it a sunny side up, a French omelette, or just a regular hard-boiled egg, it is nutritious and can make doctors run far away. But is it right for diabetic patients? Well, there is no direct egg and diabetes link. It can boost the body in myriad ways. Right from delivering vitamins, to weight loss programmes, an egg can be an unavoidable food in the diet chart of a person with diabetes.
Should Diabetic Patients Consume Egg?
The concern regarding diabetic people consuming egg always banked on the cholesterol and fat content of an egg. But cholesterol does not spike diabetes level. It can trigger cardiovascular diseases, and people with diabetes should avoid that. If consumed in a limited amount, it should not be of trouble and should not put a crease on the forehead. Is egg good for diabetes then? Yes, that is what experts think.
Benefits of Egg for People with Diabetes
So, it comes down to the battle of two, advantages of eggs and diabetes. While considering, is it only fat and cholesterol to think about? Is egg for diabetes a risk? It surely is food for thought. But we hardly know all about an egg. Let’s dig a bit deeper.
1. High on Protein
Eggs are high on protein. Foods rich protein slows down digestion and glucose absorption. In the process, protein keeps hunger at bay. Hence, the chance is diabetic patient would consume less. That is why experts often suggest to include lean protein in diet chart that could check the eat-whenever-you-can and all-you-can type habit. Egg’s lean protein can make diabetics go lean.
2. Lowers The Chance of Blood Sugar
And what about carbohydrate? In the egg, not much, negligible. An ideal breakfast food, the egg is a protein-rich, carbohydrate-free diet that is good for curbing blood pressure.
3. Packs Punch with Vitamin
Rich with 13 essential vitamins and minerals, the egg is undoubtedly a good source of nutrients. The yolk contains biotin which is good for hair, skin and nails. As a plus, it plays a pivotal role in insulin development. Egg for diabetes type- 2 is an excellent remedy as it contains fat-soluble vitamin D which lessens the risk of the disease.
4. High on Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Surprised, right? What’s even better, eggs produced from chicken (not the broiler ones) are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, a prize for the diabetic people.
5. Fat Fact
A study, published in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health claimed that an egg contains about 5 gm fat and it is mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. So if a diabetic patient consumes just one, then the fat amount is really negligible. But avoid eating that egg with loads of cheese and butter, which are a good source of trans fat.
Side Effects of Eating Eggs for Diabetic Patients
Not much can be associated. But too much of anything can have adverse effects on the body.
An egg is high on cholesterol. Especially, egg yolks. One single egg contains almost 200 mg cholesterol, which used to make people think that it is not good for people with diabetes. How much the cholesterol in egg affects cholesterol level in the body is debatable. The American dietary chart allows 300 mg of cholesterol per day. So, a single egg every day can safely be consumed.
A person with prior heart disease or family history should also avoid eating too many. As coupled with diabetes, egg cholesterol can take a toll on the body.
Too much protein can lead to a kidney problem. Eggs are high on protein. Hence, diabetic patients should keep that in mind while planning a dietary chart.
Proper Ways to Consume Eggs for Diabetic Patients
It is always advisable to have properly boiled or cooked eggs. Be it sunny side up or a delicious omelette, eggs can be served in more than one ways to diabetic patients.
Experts suggest that 2-4 per week is ideal for a diabetic patient with a cholesterol problem or any other prior heart-related issues.
If the patient has diabetes and is not getting troubled by any other disease, then 1 per day is always welcome. People who prefer to have just the egg white can even lessen the cholesterol intake by a considerable margin.
If the eggs are from an organic and pastured hen, then the chances of benefiting from such eggs are higher.
Egg salad for diabetes is also good. If you are cooking it for yourself or your dear ones, then load the egg dish with lots of leafy vegetables, onions and mushrooms to make it healthier.
Egg whites for diabetes can be a good option. It can make a fluffy omelette, just avoid pancake batters in them.
If you want to cut down further fat intake, cook the egg in olive oil. You can have it scrambled, or anyway, you like it. And you can always avoid butter or cheese to prepare delectables with egg.
A poached egg is a nice option as that can be done using water as well. No oil, so no trans fat. A pinch of salt would not harm.
So, what’s keeping you away? Just get your recipe ready and get charged up on protein.
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Charul Verma has added a new answer
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