Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Food Pyramid for Kids - Know The Key Components
"Normal is boring” is apt when it comes to food. Kids expect variety and find the usual food items to be boring. As your children are growing, you tend to get anxious about their food habits and more often end up pondering whether they are getting ample food, fed on time, and also, whether it’s nutritious or not. So, let’s explore about nutritious food for children.
What is a Food Pyramid?
Typically, children need healthy and balanced food to complement their growing bodies. Balanced food includes proportionate amounts of food belonging to certain specific, but basic food groups, such as vegetables, grains, and so on. To make things easier with respect to understanding balanced food, a food pyramid is used. It is a pyramid-shaped illustration that gives you a pictorial view of the various food items and their appropriate proportions that children must eat. In simple terms, it’s a food chart that gives you details about the required amount of fats, vitamins, and minerals, proteins and carbohydrates for your children.
The top-most portion is tapering and indicates food items that must be consumed in small quantities. The lower-most broad portion of the pyramid indicates food items that can be consumed in large quantities.
A typical food pyramid (top to bottom) consists of:
Top tapering layer – Food and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt
Second layer – Fats and oils
Third layer – Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts
Fourth layer – Milk, curds and other dairy products
Fifth layer – Vegetables and fruits
Sixth layer – Cereals and bread
Why is Food Pyramid Important for Kids?
Growing children require carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and fats. However, the amount of each of these important components varies depending on the age and gender. A food pyramid or chart provides general guidelines to help parents understand the need and components of a complete and balanced diet. Generally, a balanced diet, with adequate nutrients must include at least 3 to 5 food groups in every meal.
When in doubt, refer to a food pyramid, which acts as a guideline providing you complete details about the optimal quantities of food components that are required for the healthy growth of your child.
What are the Key Components of Food Pyramid?
The five basic food groups for kids that are part of the food pyramid are:
1. Grains
Children are involved in a lot of physical activities and so need carbohydrates as a source of energy. Grains, including bread and rotis, are a source of carbohydrates.
Age Group
Daily Recommendation (in Ounces(oz))
Food Sources
2 to 3 years
3-5oz
· Whole grain bread
· Roti
· Potatoes
· Whole wheat food items like chapattis and pasta
· Rice
· Cereals
· Oatmeal
· Corn
· Barley
4 to 8 years
5-8 oz
9 to 13 years
Girls – 5-7 oz
Boys – 5-9 oz
2. Vegetables
Children need minerals and vitamins. Vegetables are a good source of these nutrients. Green-leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients, and it is recommended to include 5 or more green and colored vegetables in the daily meals of children.
The following table provides a list of the recommended daily servings for children:
Age Group
Daily Recommendation (in cups)
Food Sources
2 to 3 years
1 cup
Vegetables include raw or cooked ones. You can also give them as purees or smoothies. Some of the vegetables include:
· Carrots
· Broccoli
· Beetroots
· Spinach
· Tomatoes
· Leafy greens such as Palak
4 to 8 years
1.5 cup
9 to 13 years
Girls – 2 cups
Boys – 2.5 cups
3. Fruits
Fruits are a good source of vitamins and fiber content. Whole fruits are recommended when compared to fruit juices.
Age Group
Daily Recommendation (in cups)
Food Sources
2 to 3 years
1-1.5 cup
Fruits include:
· Apple
· Banana
· Orange
· Peach and many other fruits that your child prefers
· Dried fruits
4 to 8 years
1-1.5 cups
9 to 13 years
1.5-2 cups
4. Milk/Dairy
Milk and dairy products provide the required amount of calcium, vitamins and proteins for your child. These nutrients help in bone growth and building strong teeth.
Age Group
Daily Recommendation (in cups)
Food Sources
2 to 3 years
2 cups
· Milk
· Yogurt/ Curds
· Paneer
· Cheese
· Buttermilk
4 to 8 years
2.5 cups
9 to 13 years
3 cups
5. Meat/Beans/Fish
Meat, beans, and fish are rich in proteins that are an essential component of child growth. They help in building and replacing the tissues in the child’s body.
Age Group
Daily Recommendation (in Ounces(oz))
Food Sources
2 to 3 years
2 oz
· Meat
· Fish
· Dry beans
· Eggs
· Nuts
· Peanut butter
· Seeds
· Soya beans
· Pulses
· Black beans and green grams
· Peas
· Sprouts
4 to 8 years
4 oz
9 to 13 years
5 oz
Additionally, the food pyramid also includes fats and oils. Fats and oils might sound unhealthy. However, all fats do not come under the unhealthy category. Fats occupy a small portion of the food pyramid. Children require an adequate amount of fats and oils as they are still going through a developmental phase and are involved in a lot of physical activities that require energy. Our body requires fats and oils for the following reasons:
To protect important organs
To control body temperature
To help skin cells, never and brain
Cod liver oil, olive, beans, sunflower seeds and peanuts are good sources of healthy fats. These sources provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are good for your child’s health.
One of the most vital requirements that complement a healthy and balanced food is water. Ensure that your children drink plenty of water. Fluids play an important role in your child’s meal. So, include items like watermelon, coconut water, oranges and buttermilk as part of your child’s meal.
The following is the recommended water intake for kids:
5 to 8 years - 5 glasses (1 litre)
9 to12 years - 7 glasses (1.5 litres)
13+ years - 8 to 10 glasses (2 litres)
What is My Plate and How is it Different from Food Pyramid?
With the growing emphasis on good health, eating healthy food became a priority. Blending appropriate amount of varied food items can help you be healthier in the present and in future. Eating healthy food cannot be restricted to a couple of components. It is moulded by various factors such as your food preferences, stages of life, access to food items, culture, personal choices and decisions and traditions. So, a new model named MyPlate was created. It was started by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is an agency responsible for nutrition.
MyPlate is a colourful plate illustration that reminds people to eat a range of healthy foods and ensure that they eat less of some foods and more of other foods. The plate is divided into four parts and includes a separate section beside the plate, indicating a side order.
Following are the parts of the plate:
Vegetables
Fruits
Grains
Proteins
And a side order of dairy products
Let us look at the differences between a food pyramid and MyPlate:
1. Proper Indication of Food Groups
The representation of food items in a pyramidal structure indicates that some food items are very important and some are less important. For example, grains occupied the largest portion, which misguided people that grains are very important while other items like fruits and vegetables are less important. However, in MyPlate, the plate is divided as follows:
Fruits and vegetables - half the plate
Grains and protein - around one-quarter of the plate
The divided portions pictorially give an idea about the required amount of nutrients.
2. Easy, Simple, and Relatable Illustration
The food pyramid has varied bands indicating the food groups. This format is not very easy to comprehend. However, MyPlate follows a simple, easy and relatable format. We use plates to eat our food. So, this format of using a plate indicating the approximate quantities of food groups is easier to understand. Every time you eat a meal, you can relate to the quantities and fix your meal accordingly.
3. The absence of Fats and Oils
The food pyramid includes fats and oils as these are also important components of our body. However, MyPlate does not include fats and oils. It is automatically understood that some of our food items are prepared using oils, and some food items from the basic food groups contain fat. So, fats and oils are not explicitly included in the plate.
4. The absence of Food Servings
The food pyramid indicates the number of servings from each food category that one must include in a meal. However, MyPlate does not indicate the number of servings. It just emphasizes the quantity of each food group. It indicates how to balance the food that you take.
Although there are various guidelines to help you understand the nutrients that you need to have a balanced meal, ensure that you enjoy your meal, drink plenty of water and avoid overeating.
Also Read:
Weight Gain Foods for Toddlers
Healthy Drinks For Kids
Iron Rich Food For Kids Read more
Suggested for you
Bleeding After Caesarean Delivery: Everything You Should Know
Blood loss is unavoidable during and after childbirth, more so during a C-section. Although some bleeding is normal, it helps to know what to expect, and when bleeding after C-section requires a doctor’s attention.
Post-C-Section Bleeding: Is it Normal?
Some bleeding is normal after a C-section, as well as after a vaginal delivery. Here is what you need to know about bleeding after a C-section:
After the procedure, you will experience heavy bleeding for the first few days, along with some clotting. This may be heavier than your periods.
This bleeding is a type of vaginal discharge, known as lochia, and is bright red in colour.
There may be some clotting along with the bleeding, which is also normal during this time.
This discharge will last for around a fortnight (6 weeks). Post that, it will become more watery and the colour will turn from pink-brown to yellow-white.
This bleeding occurs because the body needs to expel the extra tissue that is present in the uterus. Bleeding occurs irrespective of the kind of delivery.
In case the bleeding does not reduce after the first few weeks, you should consult the doctor.
What Are the Causes of Bleeding After Caesarean Delivery?
1. Severed Blood Vessels
During C-section, there are lacerations made, which cause bleeding. In some cases, the initial incision is not wide enough for the baby to exit, and this causes the tissues and blood vessels around this area to get severed while the baby is being taken out. Sometimes, bleeding occurs because some of the arteries and veins around the uterus are accidentally cut during the procedure.
2. Uterine Atony
Uterine Atony is another cause of bleeding after C-section. It occurs when the woman’s uterus does not contract after the placenta is expelled, following the birth of the baby. The blood vessels are closed by the uterine contractions, which prevent the area around the placenta from bleeding, once the placenta is expelled through the vagina. When the uterus does not contract after delivery, it remains open, resulting in heavy bleeding.
3. Placenta Fragments
Some women experience heavy bleeding when the fragments from the placenta remain inside the uterus. This is common in women who have had multiple C-sections.
4. Placenta Accreta
This is a common cause of bleeding. In this case, the bleeding happens because the placenta does not separate naturally from the uterus, as it is deeply embedded. Women who have placenta accreta have the risk of haemorrhaging because the doctor has to manually remove the placenta.
How Long Does Post Caesarean Bleeding Last?
After a caesarean delivery, the bleeding will last for about 6 weeks. There may be various reasons for bleeding after a C-section. Even if it is accompanied by small clots, bleeding is not a cause for worry. However, it must be remembered that the woman might have lost a lot of blood during the C-section, and heavy bleeding after the procedure may become life-threatening. Hence, it is important to keep a lookout for signs of internal bleeding.
Some Common Signs of Internal Bleeding Are
Rapid Heartbeat and Difficulty Breathing
Rapid heartbeat and gasping breathing are a sign of internal bleeding.
A Boggy Uterus
Post-C-section, if the uterus loses its form and becomes boggy or flabby, then internal bleeding may be the cause for it.
Weakness and Severe Anxiety
A lot of women experiencing internal bleeding may complain of weakness and severe anxiety.
Pale and Cold Body
Internal bleeding can make the woman’s face pale and her hands and feet cold.
Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
If your bleeding continues to be heavy even after the initial few weeks, it could be due to internal bleeding.
Reduced Urine Output
If the blood reaching the kidneys is less, then it affects the urine output. Thus, reduced urine output may be a sign of internal bleeding
How Much Bleeding Merits Medical Attention?
If your bleeding becomes heavy again, after tapering off, and the colour turns red, it may be due to overexertion. However, if clotting continues even after resting for a few days, it might be due to some complication.
You should consult your doctor immediately, if:
You are using up a pad or more every hour
The clotting continues
You are feeling dizzy or nauseous
Your pulse is more than 100,you are feeling palpitations
Your blood pressure is less than 100 systolic in your home bp apparatus
How to Manage Bleeding Post C-section
Simple ways to manage the heavy flow post-C-section are:
1. Use Pads – Not Tampons
During the initial weeks, when the flow is heavy, you should use thick pads similar to the thickness of baby diapers.
Tampons can cause a bacterial infection, so they should be completely avoided.
Pads and tampons also make it easier to estimate the amount of blood loss.
2. Wear Old Clothes
During this time, you should use old panties and clothes that can be disposed of later. You might get stains from bleeding, which are difficult to remove.
3. Regularly Change Pads
Keep a stock of maternity pads because you will need lots of them after the delivery.
Good quality maternity pads should be used. Folds of cloth should not be used at all.
3 packs of 12 pads can suffice. Initially, you will have to change hourly, and thereafter, every 3-4 hours.
Hands should be washed and disinfected every time you change the pad.
4. Rest is Best
Since you are bleeding heavily complete bed rest is advised in the initial weeks.
You should avoid any physically strenuous activity because it can affect the recovery process and increase bleeding.
Since the body is recuperating from the change, it is important that you co-operate in the process.
5. Get Help Around the House
You may ask for support from your family members or hire professional help.
Treatment Options
If there is still heavy bleeding after C-section, then you need to consult your doctor. The treatment will depend on the source of the bleeding, at which stage it started, and the seriousness. Hence, it is important to give a complete medical history to your doctor.
If your uterus has not begun to contract after the delivery, then your doctor may give you medication to stimulate contractions. If bleeding does not stop, you may go for some additional surgery. In some cases, hysterectomy is done to prevent blood loss.
Things to Keep in Mind About Bleeding After C-Section
Here are some things you should keep in mind about bleeding after caesarean delivery. We have also covered some tips on managing the bleeding and what to expect.
1. Breastfeeding May Help
Breastfeeding can help lighten some of the bleeding after a C-section, as the uterine muscles and blood vessels tend to contract when you breastfeed. Hence, the blood loss decreases due to the release of the hormone oxytocin
2. Keep a Watch on Physical Activity
Physical stress and intense activity can increase the bleeding after C-section. Hence, limit any physical work, such as high-intensity exercise, lifting heavy objects, etc., and take rest to recover quickly.
3. Effectively Relieve Pain
You may experience painful contractions during this time. However, avoid taking any medication without your doctor’s approval. Apply a warm compress to your abdomen to relieve pain. If it persists, consult a doctor who can direct you on how to manage pain due to contractions.
Adequate post-natal care is important, not only to make sure that you get back to a normal life as soon as possible, but also because your baby needs your care and complete attention in the first few months of her life. Make sure you take it easy and avoid exerting yourself to avoid complications, and do see a doctor if you notice any signs of ill-health.
References and Resources: Healthline Read more
Suggested for you
9 Ways You Can Stop Your Child From Unhealthy Snacking
Growing children need to eat - fact. Your little one’s diet plays a huge role in him grow taller, healthier, and happier. Therefore, a healthy mix of all the right nutrients served at the right times during the day is what your child needs. And we’re sure you’re doing just that for him, if not more! But are your child’s ‘harmless’ mid-day and evening snacks getting in the way of his healthy diet?
How Do Kids Develop Preferences for the Wrong Kind of Food?
Unlike a couple of years ago, kids today are much more aware of the choices in the market catering to their taste buds. They see ads on TV, while playing games on their parents’ phones; they see fancy toys being offered at their favourite fast-food restaurants. However, healthy food and produce aren’t marketed this aggressively towards kids. They may know basic things like how eating healthy will keep them healthy - but if their beloved cartoon characters are endorsing not-so-healthy munchies, it’s easy to guess what they’re going to prefer!
Similarly, parents can pack the healthiest stuff in their kids’ lunch boxes. But we’re talking about growing kids here - they’re always going to be on the lookout for something easy-to-eat and tasty to satiate their hunger! Unhealthy snacking will just undo the benefits their three healthy meals offer them, so this habit will need to be curbed early on.
Ways to Curb Unhealthy Snacking in Kids
If your little one indulges in more than his fair share of unhealthy snacks, here are some tricks you can try to help him back on the right track!
1. Provide him with healthy and filling snacks.
Don’t just stop with a nutrient-loaded lunch; provide him with delicious snacks that he can munch on in case he’s going to have to wait a while for his next meal. Apple slices with a peanut butter dip, carrot sticks with yoghurt, and dry fruits and nuts make for great options. If you’re looking for a non-messy option which he can just carry on the go (at school or while going out to play), pack in snacks like Timios Oaty Bites; not only are they nutrient-rich, made of whole grains, and low in sugar and salt, they also taste delicious! The attractive packaging is sure to appeal to your little one; and the best part is, it will keep him quite full and prevent him from binging on any more unhealthy snacks his friends might offer him!
2. Do the positive marketing yourself!
It’s not really possible for you to shield your child from ads and offers completely. But what you can do instead is explain the benefits of healthy eating to him - in a non-textbook manner. Tell him which of his favourite superheroes gained their powers because they’d finish every last vegetable on their plate; or how they are always so strong because they never eat any candy. Use your imagination for this exercise, because your child will gain all the factual knowledge he needs from his textbooks. Marketing healthy food as desirable though, will be a whole other challenge - one that will be completely worth it when you finally see results!
3. Be a good role model for your child.
If your kid sees you munching on anything you please especially after labelling it ‘evil’ for him, it’s not going to look too good for you, right? Kids learn by watching and observing, so make sure you set a good example for your little one by snacking on healthy options only! Also, make sure that he doesn’t always catch you munching on something unhealthy. After all, snack-time isn’t 24/7!
4. Follow a set routine for meal times.
While eating three meals a day should be the standard routine in any household, we all know we’re going to sneak in some extra food in between meals. So why should it be any different for your kids? What you can do to ensure that this habit is healthy is to set a time for snacks too. This way, whether mid-morning or evening, your child will have to wait for a particular time before you provide him with munchies. Of course, refusing to feed your little one outright might prove difficult; so if at all he really is hungry before his actual snack-time, tide him over with a few fruits or Timios Melts. This should satiate him without a sugar-high till it’s time for his snacks!
5. Don’t use junk food as a bribe!
Your child shouldn’t see calorie-rich unhealthy foods as a reward for doing things! Sure, you’d want him to clean his room or finish his homework, but if he knows there are chocolates waiting for him once he finishes his task, he’ll end up thinking that such foods are okay to eat as long as he acts like a good boy. Surely that’s not the message you want your child to take away!
6. Make sure your child stays well-hydrated.
Sometimes, it’s not really hunger that motivates your child to get a snack - it could even be just boredom. If he comes to you asking for a packet of chips or raids the fridge for ice-cream, offer him a glass of water instead. Drinking water can help curb his appetite AND keeps him hydrated - win-win!
7. Filter out sugar from his snacks.
The more refined sugar your child has, the more he’ll crave for processed foods. Kids naturally have a preference for sweet stuff, so feeding him sugary snacks is an easy way to get him hooked on to them! Therefore, make a conscious effort to remove excess sugar from his diet, especially when shopping for foods. You can always choose healthy low-sugar alternatives such as fruits or from Timios’ range of age-appropriate snacks.
8. Take your child shopping with you.
When you involve your child in the shopping process, teach him how to read food labels, help him distinguish between what’s healthy and what’s not, it helps ingrain good eating habits in him from a really young age. This won’t happen overnight, of course, so don’t be disappointed if he rushes off to the junk food section even after you’ve just taught him how they’re harmful to his health. Give it time and have patience, and yet again, indulge in positive marketing! Over time, you’ll see how your child automatically makes healthier choices when he goes shopping with you.
9. Make sure his other habits are just as healthy to complement his eating habits.
Growing kids need their required hours of sleep just as much as they need a healthy diet. Poor sleep directly results in poor food choices, because it messes up the timings of appetite-controlling and suppressing hormones, ghrelin and leptin, making him hungry at odd times. So a couple of hours behind on the clock and your child may find himself craving for sugar-loaded snack to perk him up. Similarly, he needs to stay active, and more importantly, busy, because sitting idle can trigger food cravings in him. Ensure that he spends enough time outdoors (and away from those ad-bearing phones and gadgets!) so that he works up an appetite for healthy food!
If your child was born with an affinity for green leafy veggies over sugary snacks, then consider yourself lucky! But more often than not, your little one is going to be drawn to eatables that aren’t going to do him any good. Make sure that you get him on the right track early on by inculcating these tips in this daily routine, and you won’t have to wait long for the day he willingly makes a healthy choice for his 4 pm snack-time!
Also Read:
Tips to Develop Healthy Eating Habits in Children
Healthy After-School Snacks Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Importance of Fruits and Vegetables for Children
What Are The Effects of Eating Junk Food for Kids Read more
Suggested for you
10 Best Parenting Books of All Time
Being a parent to a child is one of the most wonderful feelings. However, besides the joy and love, parenting involves unique challenges that keep changing as children grow up. Here is a list of 10 best parenting books that can help you navigate through your journey of being a parent.
Top Rated Books on Parenting That Every Parent Should Read
While children are getting smarter with each generation, parents need to up their parenting game too, to be able to handle them! These b ooks will help you on your way to becoming a great parent for your child!
1. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (1979)
This best-selling book is written by renowned experts Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish who specialise in effective communication between parents and their children. This well-loved classic offers enduring insights on ways to deal with problems faced by parents while raising their children. Recommended by parents all over the world, this book offers practical, sensible, and hands-on solutions to children’s frustration and anger.
2. Calm Parents, Happy Siblings: How to stop the fighting and raise friends for life by Dr. Laura Markham (2015)
A clinical psychologist and a mother of two, Dr. Laura Markham is an acclaimed author on parenting. She believes that a strong emotional bond between parent and child is key to raising a healthy and happy child. Raising siblings, as any parent would agree, is an extremely challenging task. In this book, the author emphasises on teaching children conflict resolution skills and creating a deep and meaningful bond with each child to cultivate a good family life.
3. Heart to Heart Parenting: Nurturing Your Child's Emotional Intelligence from Conception to School Age by Robin Grille (2008)
This book stresses the importance of emotional bonding between parent and child. Heart to Heart Parenting is about celebrating the blissful journey of raising your children and trusting your instinctive parenting acumen. A psychologist and psychotherapist, Robin Grille offers insightful and practical ways to help develop your child's emotional and social well-being.
4. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne, Lisa M. Ross (2009)
Children today are overwhelmed with many choices and with very little time, leading to behavioural problems like social anxiety and stunted emotional growth. The book offers ideas and ways for salvaging the freedom and care-free environment that every child deserves to grow up in. An insightful read, this is a timeless book that has become a favourite among parents.
5. The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting by Ilana Wiles (2016)
One of the funniest and most entertaining parenting books for moms, The Mommy Shorts Guide tells the story of an “average” mom from a refreshing perspective. Ilana Wiles’ humorous book on remarkably average parenting is a must-read for every mom struggling to be the perfect mother to her children. Although the book contains lots of practical advice, it does not offer a solid list of dos and don’ts about raising children. This book is more of a tribute to every mother and celebrates the less glamorous side of parenting.
6. Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka (1991)
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is an internationally renowned author and educator on parent and child relationship. Translated into ten languages, this best-selling book includes real-life stories told from a refreshing and engaging perspective. The book draws on relevant and current research to offer effective parenting tips for handling tantrums and instilling discipline. It also helps build a positive, promising, and healthy environment for your children to grow up.
7. Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn (2006)
In this pioneering book, educator Alfie Kohn argues that traditional parenting methods often send out the wrong message. Children are loved only when they earn our approval, which may affect their mental and emotional wellbeing. An alternate parenting approach Kohn suggests involves shifting from the traditional approach to working with children by offering unconditional love and support.
8. First-Time Parents by Miriam Stoppard (2009)
When you think of good parenting books, this is one that immediately comes to mind. In this book, Dr. Miriam Stoppard, a childcare specialist, offers first-time parents a practical guide to parenting. One of the best parenting books for new parents, this book addresses a wide range of topics. The book also talks about the role of the father, including emotional issues of adapting to becoming a new parent.
9. Parentology: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Science of Raising Children but Were Too Exhausted to Ask by Dalton Conley (2014)
In this witty and extremely entertaining book, Dalton Conley, a university professor, offers his unconventional but appealing approach to raising children. The book reveals pioneering research to help groom smart and self-assured children. The book, however, does not present a list of dos and don’ts or instructions for other parents. Instead, it is about his parenting experience.
10. Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility by Foster Cline and Jim Fay (1990)
Jim Fay, an educational consultant, and Dr. Foster Cline, a child and adult psychiatrist, stress the importance of “practice” while raising responsible children. This parenting book offers practical tips and tricks and shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children without resorting to shaming and manipulation.
Enjoy a good read while you pick up trick and tips which will help iron out the rough road of parenting, with this selection of parenting books.
Also Read: Positive Parenting Tips Read more
Suggested for you
Let Down Reflex (Milk Ejection Reflex) - Causes and Symptoms
The process of breastfeeding is rather complex, everything from the proximity to your baby to hormonal changes facilitating breast milk production and release, factor in for successful breastfeeding. In this article, we will look closely at the letdown reflex and the various factors that influence it.
What is Let Down Reflex?
Let down reflex is the process by which a mother’s body releases milk for a hungry baby. When a baby sucks at her mother’s breast, sensitive nerves of the nipple are triggered to release hormones into the bloodstream. Two such hormones, prolactin and oxytocin are directly responsible to assist with breastfeeding. Prolactin triggers the production of milk in the breast while oxytocin causes the breast to let down or allow the milk to flow. Oxytocin not only pushes the milk out by contracting the cells around the alveoli but also widens the milk ducts to allow the milk to flow more easily. This process makes the breast milk available for the baby to feed.
Let down reflex while breastfeeding allows the baby to feed as he sucks on the mother's nipples and plays a vital role in the nourishment of the child.
How Does Let Down Reflex Feel?
During let down reflex, you may feel a few sensations going on in your body. Here are some things that you may feel at this time.
A tingling feeling in the breasts.
Cramps in the uterus mostly in the first few days post delivery.
A feeling of fullness in the breasts.
Milk dripping from the breast.
The baby’s feeding action changing from sucking to swallowing.
What is an Overactive Letdown?
An overactive or forceful let down is when the milk from a mother’s breast is flowing too quickly and in larger quantities. An overactive let down usually is the result of an oversupply of milk or the fact that the mother’s body has not adjusted to the babies feeding needs and pattern.
Causes of a Forceful Let Down
A forceful letdown may occur due to the following reasons.
An oversupply of milk.
A sudden increase in the baby’s feeding requirements.
Excessive milk production on account of a temporary increase in the baby’s feeding pattern. If a baby starts feeding too often, the breast will get full quicker.
Symptoms of Overactive Letdown and Reflex
Most symptoms of an overactive let down can be identified by observing the feeding baby. If a baby is pulling away from the breasts or is gagging and coughing this could indicate an overactive letdown. If a baby is making clicking sounds while feeding or is refusing to be breastfed this could also indicate an overactive letdown.
Is Overactive Let Down Painful?
An overactive let down can have different effects on women; some women complain of an intense pins-and-needle feeling, some complain of intense pain while some mothers barely notice it. By and large, an overactive let down can fill the breasts with excessive milk and they can feel swollen causing pain.
How to Deal with Overactive Letdown?
Here are a few ways you could control or deal with an overactive letdown.
Increase the frequency of breastfeeding, you should be breastfeeding the baby every two and a half to three-hour intervals.
Allow sufficient time for the baby to feed on each breast.
Offer only one breast to the baby per feeding.
Feeding the baby in a laid back position should make it easier.
Squeeze the areola, this will allow the baby to feed at a controlled rate.
Expressing some milk before breastfeeding should slow the rate of flow while breastfeeding.
Massaging the breasts before feeding should also prove useful.
What is a Slow Letdown?
The opposite of an overactive let down is a slow letdown. A slow letdown can cause difficulties with the flow of the milk; the milk will flow slowly and may even be painful. A slow let down can also affect a baby adversely; it is difficult for a hungry baby to cope with slow letdown when he wants to feed. A baby may often get frustrated cry more often on account of hunger or bite on the breast to try and get more milk.
Causes of a Slow Let Down
The primary causes of slow let down identified so far are
Stress
Exhaustion
Physical discomfort of any sort
Consumption of alcohol
Smoking cigarettes
Let Down Reflex Pain
Let down reflex can cause pain and discomfort particularly in the first two weeks after childbirth. Shooting pain in the breasts and painful contractions of the uterine muscles may be experienced. Let down reflex may also result in cracked nipples and cause the breasts to become hard and swollen. Such painful experiences may interfere with the breastfeeding and necessary bonding sessions between mother and child. In case of severe complications, expert help and medical advice should be sought.
Dealing with Slow Let Down
Here are some ways you can deal with a slow letdown.
Anxiety and stress can further complicate slow let down, it is crucial that the mother maintains a relaxed composure before and during breastfeeding.
Breast compressions can be useful in assisting the flow of milk.
Touching the baby lovingly or expressing affection can aid in the release of oxytocin which will assist with the flow of milk.
Pumping before breastfeeding should also prove helpful.
The intake of certain herbs like fennel can also be helpful with milk let-down reflex.
Let down reflex is crucial for breastfeeding, but as seen above there may be complications in some instances. The two most common complications are one an overactive letdown and two a slow let down. For the most part, both these complications can be remedied, it is important for the mother to maintain her composure and relax. In case of severe complications, medical assistance and expert consultation should fix the problem. Breastfeeding is essential for the bonding between a mother and her baby, it is a natural process and difficulties faced on the onset may sort out on their own.
Also Read: Common Neonatal Reflexes Read more
Suggested for you
How Fathers Can Contribute in Taking Care of the Baby
Parenting is not easy - it never was meant to be. To be wholly and solely responsible for another individual for everything they might need for the next few years is an idea intimidating even to seasoned people. But when it's your own little bundle of joy, your love for them certainly makes things possible, if not easy.Foremost, adopt the idea of taking care of your baby and proceed step by step. Learn basics like when and how to feed, how to give your bub a bath, how to clean him up, how to engage in massage time and how to play with him. You will see that these things will help you bond with your baby. Being present and trying to learn what your wife does will help. Seeing and learning will give you on-the-job training. You can help by keeping supplies ready, and clearing out stuff later. Do not take it in one go. If it looks difficult to you then take some more time. Play and bond with your baby. Take him out to the park in a stroller. Keep a bag of essentials ready like diapers, wipes, a sick bag, a backup pair of clothes, milk to feed, their favourite toy, and a small blanket. Your baby will love the change as you show him around butterflies, flowers, kids playing, blue skies, and everything else. This will give you both a suitable environment to understand each other and the mamma a bit of earned rest. Try to learn cues like when he needs to be fed, wants to play and the like. The baby needs to be comfortable around you. The baby needs assurance that you will be able to take care of things just as well as his mum. Oh yes, the baby knows! Also, it's important to remember that things will get easier with time.
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
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
17 mins ago
A. better cesarean. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
2 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
30 mins ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
28 mins ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Check out this new Memory
jerome damor
Father of a 5 yr old girl
New Memory
Ira's birthday
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
pavi kaur
Mom of a 5 yr 7 m old boy
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Robin
Father of a 11 m old boy
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Krupali Chavda
Mom of a 2 yr 6 m old girl
1 min ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Robin
Father of a 11 m old boy
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive