Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) in Pregnancy
Shatavari or asparagus racemosus is a potent therapeutic agent which promotes overall well-being and good health. Shatavari, which roughly means ‘acceptable to many’, holds great importance in Ayurveda and is a solution to various health conditions. Shatavari is used as a special tonic by women of all age groups to help them ease through many of the natural transitionary phases of life.
Can You Use Shatavari While Pregnant?
Shatavari strengthens the uterus and is known to help stimulate breast milk production during lactation. Taken after childbirth, it also improves immunity and strength and enhances the production of breast milk. However, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before consuming Shatavari during pregnancy to know the optimum amount that should be consumed and also to understand its interactions with other supplements you may be on.
Nutritional Facts of Shatavari
Shatavari is a source abundant in phytochemicals, which are non-nutritive plant chemicals that protect the body against disease-causing agents and promote good health. Phytochemicals present in Shatavari are known for strengthening the immune system and combating oxidative stress along with possessing anti-cancer properties. Some of the phytochemicals present in Shatavari include:
Steroidal saponins called Shatavarins
Alkaloids, mucilage, oligosaccharides, isoflavones
Sterols such as sitosterol found in the roots of Shatavari
Flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin that are found in the fruits and flowers of the Shatavari plant
Shatavari roots have various minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, and cobalt present abundantly in them. They also contain other essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and more. Along with minerals, Shatavari is also abundant in vitamin A and ascorbic acid. It is rich in essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid, which is highly beneficial for treating diabetes mellitus, arthritis, depression, high cholesterol and heart disease.
Benefits of Eating Shatavari During Pregnancy
Asparagus racemosus has been used as a traditional healer for ages. It possesses phytochemicals that play an important role with anti-fungal, diuretic, anti-tumour and immunostimulatory properties. Shatavari is also a galactagogue which increases the production of breast milk in lactating mothers. The presence of other compounds such as saponins, sulfur-containing acids, oligosaccharides, and amino acids makes it a beneficial herb that promotes good health.
Here are some of the benefits of consuming Shatavari Kalpa during pregnancy:
1. Rich in Folic Acid
Asparagus racemosus is rich in folic acid which is a critical nutrient required for the development of the foetus. It is required both before and during the pregnancy to have a healthy baby.
The benefits of folic acid for pregnant women include:
Critical for neural development of the foetus
Important for the formation of new cells and DNA in the body
Reducing the chances of heart problems
Maintains health and prevents cancer
2. Helps With Lactation
Shatavari is known for its function as a galactagogue (milk enhancing substance) which is helpful in increasing the production of breast milk in lactating women. Its galactagogue effect is attributed to the presence of steroidal saponins in the plant and confirmed by the evaluation of parameters such as levels of the hormone prolactin. Clinical trials with Shatavari root powder have shown elevated prolactin levels that were up to 3 times higher than normal with no toxic effects.
3. Contains Glutathione
Taking Shatavari churna during pregnancy is highly beneficial due to its content of glutathione. It is an essential nutrient for pregnant women as it functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants counteract the oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body. Left unchecked, free radicals can attack the foetal DNA and cause damages that manifest as birth defects. They can also make the mother and foetus susceptible to diseases associated primarily with the body’s immunity.
4. Stimulates the Immune System
It is said that the root extracts of Shatavari powder can stimulate the immune cells of the body. The body’s immunity after an infection can be suppressed and Shatavari roots can stimulate the immune system to fight against any new infection and speed up recovery. An active compound called sapogenin in Shatavari is a powerful immune-stimulator which is known to augment the body’s resistance in normal and immunity-suppressed phases.
5. Contains Inulin
Eating Shatavari during pregnancy supplies the body with plenty of inulin which is highly useful for the health of the gut. Inulin is a starchy substance that is not digested or absorbed by the stomach. It travels to the bowel where certain useful bacteria are able to use it to grow. These helpful bacteria are involved in improving bowel function and overall health.
6. Rich in Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral required for the proper functioning of the body and development of teeth and bones. Pregnant women need ample amounts of calcium to support the development of the baby. Some of the functions of calcium include:
Build and strengthen the bone structure
Assist the foetal development in the uterus
Help in the formation of bones in the foetus
Prevent abnormal bone development in the foetus
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is abundantly present in Shatavari and is an essential nutrient for the body. It works as an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin C boosts the body’s immunity and prevents viral infections such as colds. It is also important for the formation of collagen which is the main protein that helps form the skin and other connective tissue.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a much-needed nutrient for both the mother and the foetus. Shatavari is rich in vitamin E, and here are some of its uses:
Protects the body from pollutants and toxins
Prevents health conditions associated with nerves in babies
Improves immunity and protects pregnant women from diseases
Helps maintain the health and vitality of the body
9. Vitamin B6
Shatavari is rich in vitamin B6, which is an essential vitamin for the body. It is needed by both the foetus and the mother to boost the immune system and regulate bodily functions. It also prevents the occurrence of nausea and morning sickness and regulates blood pressure.
10. Vitamin K
Vitamin K, which is also an essential vitamin for the body, is abundant in Shatavari. It is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing coronary heart disease. It also helps maintain the functions of the blood vessels in the mother and baby.
Side-Effects of Shatavari
Shatavari has properties similar to the female hormone oestrogen. Therefore, women who are on Shatavari kalpa during pregnancy can experience breast tenderness if they already have elevated oestrogen levels.
In some women, it may also lead to variation in the size of the breasts which may not be favourable.
Some women are known to experience weight gain for no particular reason. (unsure of this point as the weight gain should have a reason. need expert's confirmation on this)
It is considered unsafe for individuals with kidney and heart problems.
Dosage of Shatavri for Pregnant Women
To get the best benefits of Shatavari root during pregnancy, consume Shatavari kalpa granules as per the directions of your healthcare provider. The dosage is usually 1 to 2 teaspoons twice a day with milk, consumed for 2-4 months.
Shatavari is immensely helpful for lactating mothers. However, as it has positive as well as negative side-effects and it should be used only under the supervision of your doctor during pregnancy.
Also Read:
Consuming Panchamrut during Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Drink Kombucha in Pregnancy
Eating Dry Fruits in Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
9 Big Reasons For Differences Between Husband-Wife After Childbirth
A lot of things change after the arrival of a baby. And while we believe in things like 'change is the only constant', actually dealing with it can get unnerving. Here are the 9 top-most reasons why most couples fight after the arrival of their little munchkin.
9 Reasons Couples Fight after Having a Baby
1. Postpartum Depression
The statistics on mental illnesses like depression and mood swings are a definite eye-opener, and a good reason to take postpartum depression seriously. Studies show that postpartum depression affects women more than we realise, and it has also been suggested that husbands of such women are twice as likely to suffer from postpartum depression too. (Yes, men suffer from PPD too.) While depression manifests in many behavioural ways, one of the common symptoms is constant friction with near and dear ones.
2. Misdirected Frustration
A lot of things change when you have a baby. But the most unnerving change for any mother is that suddenly there is so much happening. A baby is not in a position to comply with what you want. In fact, many believe that you are blessed with just the baby you deserve!
Jokes apart, a lot of the frustration about the baby that the mother cannot vent out properly, get misdirected towards the husband, causing quite a lot of friction between the couple.
3. Sleep Deprivation
Babies mean a lot of work – feeding, bathing, caring for them, tending to their needs can very much occupy a mother's entire day, and many times the night too. In such a situation, she is definitely going to be sleep-deprived. Even for a mother who is getting enough sleep, the quality of the sleep matters. Once a mother, she cannot really rest well unless she knows her baby is absolutely well taken care of. And we all know the effects of lack of sleep.
A stressed out, tired woman, can get angry and snap at things rather easily – and then the poor husband has to bear the brunt!
4. Intimacy Issues
One of the effects of having a baby is that most women become preoccupied with the baby. Even when the baby is sleeping or resting, in their minds mothers keep on thinking about the baby – what to feed her when she wakes up, sterilising her feeding bottles, etc. How and when is such a woman going to find time to be with her husband? Lack of sex can lead to real ugly fights between couples, and the birth of a baby increases the chances of such a situation arising.
5. The Burden of Expectations
Most women in India are expected to simply rise to the occasion and become exemplary icons of motherhood as soon as the baby is put in their arms in the hospital for the first time. However, a lot of women will confess to having felt completely clueless even after several months of having first held their baby.
However, our culture does not allow its women to feel their way around – let alone talk about – this very natural and common emotion. The result? Women feel crushed by the burden of expectations. Without an outlet for their feelings, they are bound to feel restricted, constrained, and in turn end up fighting with the one person they can vent in front of – their husbands.
6. Time Mismanagement
Many a times, having a tiny human being that constantly needs your attention can become overwhelming. In the bargain, women forget about taking care of themselves, and often times also forget that there are other people around them that also need them. Time mismanagement is a very common reason why couples end up fighting after having a baby. Both partners feel their partner is not giving them enough time and/or attention – and this becomes a common breeding ground for disputes.
7. The Grandparents
One of the most excited party in the family that is eagerly looking forward to the arrival of a baby are the grandparents. They want someone they can fuss over, someone they can spoil. Having raised their own children, they have certain notions about child-rearing, parenting, and how children should be disciplined. More often than not, they also end up giving in to their grandchildren, more and more often than they did with their own kids. They may also want to do things differently.
All of these become conflict points not just for the husband and wife, but for the entire family.
8. Finances
Having a baby is an expensive affair. From diapers, to baby clothes, formula feed, toys, prams, swaddles, highchairs, baby hygiene products... the list of things needed never ends. In fact, with each month, it only keeps on expanding. A lot of times this can become reason for conflict between a couples. Both partners may think of different ways in which they can cut costs, and either partner may not agree with the others point of view.
9. Parenting Styles
While this one may become an issue comparatively later in time, it continues to remain one for a long time, sometimes even till the child is well into her teens. Having come from different family backgrounds, both husband and wife can have rather radically different approaches to parenting – especially with respect to disciplining their child. One may want to be kind and gentle, the other may be a staunch believer of 'spare the rod, spoil the child'.
So, these were the main reasons for husband-wife arguments and disagreements after childbirth. They can daunt the most loving and supportive of couples!
When feeling low and in doubt about your marriage at this crucial juncture of life, just remember this: it is a learning experience for the both of you, and you are both growing together. Your baby is a symbol of your love and will bring you closer, not take you apart. Give things some time, reach out to each other and share your thoughts and concerns. This too shall pass. :) Read more
Suggested for you
How to Teach Cursive Writing to Preschoolers and Kids?
Teaching cursive writing to kids has always been a challenging task for parents. Some kids hate it with their heart, others warm up to it over time and enjoy it. But it does not matter whether your kid likes it or not, as a parent you will want to teach it to your child.
What Is Cursive Writing?
Writing is no less than an art form, given the existence of different ways of expressing letters on paper. Cursive writing stands out as a writing technique that focuses on stringing together the letters that form a single word. While printing keeps each letter individually and solely present on paper, cursive writing makes use a fluid hand movement to tie them together, making it faster to write and easier to read as well.
Methods of Cursive Writing
Going through numerous notebooks filled with cursive writing, all the styles may seem similar to each other. The two forms of cursive writing that have stemmed from two major schools or techniques of learning cursive writing have minor differences. Each form of writing has its own rule in forming the slanted nature of letters and connecting them together.
1. D’Nealian Method of Cursive Writing
This method is present in print form as well as in the form of cursive writing. It is well-known for presenting letters in a slanted manner, even when it comes to writing them individually. This is what makes it extremely easy to connect one letter with the other and create a fluid writing style. What makes it stand out is the fact that each letter written in this style has a tail to it. This tail is used to connect one letter to another, easing the transition of moving across words.
2. Zaner-Bloser Method of Cursive Writing
This is a method that has two different ways of approaching print writing and cursive writing. Print writing is usually upright and unidirectional, whereas cursive writing has the typical slant that defines it. The difference that Zaner-Bloser cursive writing has from the D’Nealian style of writing is the point where the letters connect to each other. In Zaner- Bloser, some letters are connected via the tail while there are few others that are connected by running an additional loop over the head as well.
Why Teach Cursive Writing to Your Child?
The digital age of today is all about typing out text and using voice to send messages. While writing is still present in all walks of life, and parents know how important it is to teach cursive writing to kids. The necessity of getting a hang of that skill goes beyond the simple aspect of writing alphabets.
Most parents choose to teach their kids the art of writing letters in a print manner. That does establish an understanding of the alphabets. But by the time children get a hang of that style, they suddenly have to change it and begin learning the cursive movement. This can create a higher level of difficulty, which could have been avoided by starting out with cursive writing itself.
The traditional printing style of writing makes use of numerous strokes and movements to form a single letter. Some kids tend to remember it in sequence and might face difficulty in replicating the same when writing words. Cursive writing creates a flow that connects one letter to another, tying the shape with muscle memory. Hence, it is best to teach cursive writing to kids in the first place.
A major challenge for kids while learning to write is the skill of spacing out letters in the right way. This leads to confusion while separating the words from letters, even while reading. Cursive writing creates organic space due to its fluid nature, which can be learnt by kids immediately.
Tips for Teaching Cursive Writing to Kids
As you begin to coach your kids in figuring out the better aspects of cursive writing, there are a few tips that can be helpful in that regard.
1. Avoid Settings Plans in Stone
There are multiple schedules and learning plans available out there that sketch out a great way of learning cursive writing in a span of days, weeks, or months. While it is good to pick one of the plans and craft learning activities for your kids around it, your child may require more time than mentioned in the plan to adapt to that writing style. You may get tired of teaching him but don't put pressure on him. Also, don't be a stickler to plan. Use it simply as a guide and let things proceed ahead at their own pace.
2. Use an Appropriate Paper Angle
Whether your child is left-handed or right-handed, it is necessary to know that he won't be able to master cursive writing, if he keeps the paper vertically aligned. The hand needs to flow along a certain direction with fluidity and for that, the paper should be angled correctly. Cursive writing is meant to be slightly inclined to one side and not be totally erect.
3. Don't Make Neatness a Priority in Early Years
The ability to move the hand and hold the pencil in the right way is quite difficult for kids. In the process of learning, your child may end up writing letters in a haphazard manner or over the lines of the ruled paper. Don't fuss over it. Focus on the movement of the hand and the creation of the letters. Once your kid learns to write in a cursive manner, neatness can be acquired over time.
4. Make Him Practice Regularly
Practice leads to perfection. So, make sure that your child practices cursive writing on a daily basis. But it is also important to not make it the be-all and end-all of their life. Allot a specific time slot for that practice and let him write only during that. Even if that means learning to write a single letter every day, that pace is still a good one.
5. Make Him Learn Letters Individually and Together
Cursive writing is a technique of stringing together multiple letters easily. Each letter does have its own way and movement of creation, which needs to be taught at first. But don’t wait until your child learns all the letters. The moment he has mastered a couple of them, teach him to string those letters together in a single word.
6. Teach Letters Formed By Similar Movements
When learning cursive writing, it is less about understanding the alphabet and more about figuring out the mechanics of the hand movements. Kids struggle primarily with that, which is why most learning activities build upon those movements. Once your child can make a particular type of a curve, let him learn all the letters that make use of the same movement. That can give him some good practice.
7. Take Writing Beyond Paper
Mastering the movement of cursive writing is the key to unlocking its technique. And, you don’t need a pen and paper always to help your child understand the basics of it. Teach him the movements by writing letters in the air and asking him to follow your hand movement. Trace out letters using fingers in a plate of rice, or let him write large letters on a whiteboard.
Figuring out how to teach cursive writing to kindergarten kids can leave most parents clueless. Starting early in life can definitely be beneficial for kids, but placing focus on the hand movements and making sure they are learnt appropriately can set the foundation for later years.
Also Read: Tips to Improve Your Child's Handwriting Read more
Suggested for you
Health Mix Recipe for Babies (From 10 Months to 5 Years)
Hi friends! Today, I am going to share a health mix recipe which is high in nutrition and good for babies from ten months onwards. This health mix recipe can be made into porridge for your little one and will keep him satiated for longer. It has all the cereals, nuts and spices which are good for baby's bones, growth and development. Since it is a porridge, it is easily digestible for the baby. This health mix is packed with carbohydrates and proteins which are vital for the growing baby. This healthy mix porridge helps underweight babies gain weight substantially. I usually feed this to my baby first thing in the morning. What's great is that this porridge can be eaten by adults and is good for breastfeeding mothers too.
Ingredients
Red rice - 100 gms
Peanut - 100 gms
Ragi - 100 gms
Wheat - 100 gms
Maize - 100 gms
Corn - 100 gms
Millet - 100 gms
Green gram - 100 gms
Barley - 100 gms
Sago - 100 gms
Roasted gram - 100 gms
Cashew nut - 100 gms
Almonds - 100 gms
Cardamom - 5 pieces
Method
Take the above ingredients in the mentioned measurements, wash and dry them in sunlight.
Next, roast the ingredients in a pan until they are fragrant.
Cool off the mix and grind it to a fine powder.
Sieve the mix finely to remove hard particles.
Store the finely grounded mix in an airtight container. A steel container is preferred rather than a plastic one.
The above dry health mix can be stored up to 2 months.
Preparation of porridge
1. Take two spoons of the finely grounded health mix you prepared. Add sufficient water and boil on low flame till the mixture thickens.
2. The consistency of the porridge can be adjusted as per your baby's liking and age - from runny to thick.
3. Add sugar to taste. You can consider using brown sugar, to make the porridge healthier.
That's it! If you want to bring variation in the mix, flavour it by adding steamed apple pieces and blending it with the porridge.
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
Suggested for you
Hand Washing for Kids - Importance and Right Procedure
Kids are not born with a developed immune system. Their immune system is weak and is still developing, and hence, they are susceptible to numerous diseases and infections. And to combat this, hygiene is extremely important. One of the cornerstones of teaching your child to have a good sense of hygiene is to teach him why washing his hands is needed.
Importance of Handwashing
The importance of handwashing for children cannot be emphasized enough; a child’s hands are the most exposed part of his body and interact with more germs on an hourly basis than we breathe on a daily basis. These microscopic germs are the cause of some of the most dangerous diseases and illnesses that can occur in children. Therefore, it is important to establish lines of defence against these germs, and the first step towards that is teaching kids the importance of washing their hands, as well as the proper technique to do so, in order to clean their hands.
How Do Germs Spread?
Before learning about the proper technique for washing your children’s hands, it is important to understand the ways germs can spread. Here are the most common ways in which the dangerous germs spread to your child through touch.
Touching dirty surfaces is the most common way germs can spread to your child. And it's not just floors! Common surfaces such as computers, bathroom facilities, (even door handles!), and so on, which are shared by many individuals, can become breeding grounds for germs.
Playing in the dirt is another favourite activity of children that causes germs to spread. This is especially bad due to the amount of unhygienic components that the dirt kids play with is exposed to.
If your baby is still wearing diapers, he can run his hands on and inside his diapers, which are dirty and can be a source of germs entering his body.
Germs commonly spread when your child touches someone who is sick or is about to be sick.
Bad bacteria is all around your child, even in food. If your child touches bad food or water, this bacteria can contaminate him as well.
Exposure to germs and bacteria can happen through sweat. Your child can contract diseases by touching your sweat, or even his own sweat, that has been contaminated by airborne germs.
Which Infections Can Be Prevented by Washing Hands?
There are numerous types of infections that can be prevented by the simple act of washing your child’s hands. Some of these include the common cold, influenza, hepatitis A, meningitis, and bronchiolitis. It is important to remember that washing your child’s hands with soap kills numerous infectious bacteria and germs that could, if left unattended to, become dangerous.
When Should Kids Wash Their Hands?
Children need to wash their hands various times a day - this is especially required during, before and after certain activities. These activities include:
Before a meal.
After a meal.
After playing in the dirt.
After waking up.
Before going to bed.
After playing a sport.
After blowing their nose.
After going to the toilet.
Children need to wash their hands whenever they are exposed to germs. For more situations where children must wash their hands, talk to your doctor to know when they are in contact with harmful germs in common situations.
What is the Right Procedure for Handwashing?
The first thing to consider when teaching your child how to wash hands properly is looking at the proper procedure. Here are the most important hand washing steps for kids to follow:
When teaching kids to wash their hands, the first step they must know is to rinse their hands using room temperature water.
The second step is to teach them how to lather the soap. The procedure for lathering soap is to scrub soap around the palms, fingertips, under the nails, between the fingers, and the back of the palm.
Wash the soap off with room-temperature water.
Finally, they need to dry their hands with a clean towel.
How to Get Children to Wash their Hands
Children will not always want to wash their hands. They may feel that it is a restriction or a rule, and children always like to challenge their limitations. However, it is important to learn how to get them to wash their hands when they need to. Here are a few tips to help.
Make it a game: Making washing their hands a game can help kids be excited about their hygiene.
Sing while washing: Make the process of washing hands fun! An interactive song will motivate them to sing along while washing their hands, making it a fun and entertaining aspect of their day.
Reward them: By rewarding them for washing their hands, kids can become excited to do so. To do this, first set a benchmark of how many times they need to wash their hands, and the situation they need to do it in. At the end of the day, if successful, they get the reward.
Talk to them: Kids are smarter than we give them credit for - sit them down and explain to them the purpose of good hygiene. They are sure to understand why washing their hands is so important.
Teach them through videos: A lot of educational videos for kids have the ability to teach them to wash their hands. Show them a cartoon or video online that teaches them the lesson in a fun way.
Don'ts While Teaching Children About Handwashing
There are some points to consider when teaching a child any habit, especially about hygiene. Here are a few things to avoid when teaching kids to wash their hands.
Don’t scream at them for not washing their hands.
Don’t wash their hands for them.
Don’t let their tantrum take prominence.
Don’t lose your patience with them.
To better understand the do’s and don’ts of teaching your child any habit, talk to a child psychologist to see which techniques are good and which ones are not.
How to Wash a Baby's Hands?
When you are incorporating hand hygiene for children, consider their age. Washing a baby’s hand is very different from washing an older child’s hands; here are a few tips for the same.
Using a warm wet towel, clean your baby’s hand.
Lather baby soap on their hands gently.
Using another fresh, warm towel, clean the soap off.
Soak their hands in a bowl of lukewarm water.
Wipe with a dry cloth.
It is essential to remember that incorporating healthy hygiene habits like washing hands and brushing teeth should be done from an extremely young age, so that they become a part of your kids' lives automatically!
Also Read: Essential Healthy Habits for Kids Read more
Suggested for you
10 Important Things to Remember When Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding a Sleepy Baby
Babies have erratic schedules – they sleep when they want, feed when they want, and basically keep the entire household on its toes! When the baby finally falls asleep after a lot of crying, it seems like a crime to wake her up.
However, what if it is time for her to feed and she still continues sleeping? Should you be bottle feeding or breastfeeding a sleepy baby, and if so, what is the best way to do it?
Tips for Bottle Feeding or Breastfeeding a Sleepy Baby
Is breastfeeding a sleepy baby recommended by doctors? What about bottle feeding? We have prepared for you a list of important pointers to remember when feeding your sleepy baby – either breast-milk or formula milk.
1. Follow The 2-Hour Rule
In the first few months after birth, your baby’s digestion is super speedy! She will need frequent feeding as her tummy gets emptied every couple of hours (even as soon as 90 minutes after feeding). Thus, one of the crucial breastfeeding tips for newborns is frequent feeding. Experts recommend the 2-hour rule i.e. wake your baby up every two hours for feeding. A sleeping baby may not be able to convey the need to be fed and it is not necessary that hunger will wake her up. This is why it’s important to do this proactively.
2. Keep Baby Lightly Awake when Feeding
While breastfeeding a sleepy newborn, it is helpful to lightly wake them up. It is a very common experience of new moms that the baby falls asleep nursing. Even if your baby is not fully awake, she can still feed. However, if you are having trouble, it is a good idea to try one of the following and lightly rouse your baby:
changing the diaper
giving skin-to-skin contact
massaging your baby's back
talking to your baby
Note: Always burp your baby after feeding so the milk goes down properly. This is even more important when feeding a sleeping baby as the feeding posture might not be optimal.
Watch: Simple Tips to Keep Sleepy Baby Awake for Breastfeeding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hMkYIUnXG4
3. Note The Difference Between Breastfed & Formula-Fed Babies
Babies have very speedy digestion, which is why they have the need to feed every couple of hours. However, while a breastfed baby might require feeding every two to three hours, formula-fed babies can go 4-5 hours between feedings. Infant formula takes longer to digest than breastmilk. Proceed accordingly.
4. Waking Up to Feed is a Healthy Sign
If your baby frequently wakes up for feeding, don’t panic. It does not indicate that the baby is not getting enough milk; it only means that she needs milk more often! It has been noted that babies who frequently wake up to feed have better bowel and urine outputs. It is a totally healthy sign.
5. Don’t Postpone Feeding Because Baby is Sleeping
Sometimes, especially when the baby has fallen asleep after a lot of difficulty, we try our best not to wake her up. We try and make as little sound as possible around the house so she can sleep peacefully. However, if it is her feeding time as per schedule and she is still sleeping, please do not hesitate in waking her up.
It is possible that your child is just too tired to wake up even when she is hungry. An infection or medication might also slow down the regular hunger cues she displays – e.g. waking up and crying. According to experts, waking a sleeping baby to feed is important. It is always best to stick to your feeding routine even if your child is sleeping to ensure her needs are being met even when not communicated.
6. Stimulate Your Newborn’s Suckling Reflex
When your baby is a few months old and has been feeding regularly, her suckling reflex has matured. She can now suckle even in her sleep which makes it easy for you to feed a sleeping child. However, for newborns, this suckling reflex might require some stimulation. You can do this through the following methods:
Talk to your baby gently while stroking her cheeks
Massage these areas: your baby’s chin, below the belly button, the baby’s palm
Practise skin-to-skin contact
7. Continue Feeding Till One Breast is Emptied
So, how long should breastfeeding sessions last for a sleepy baby? Experts recommend that you should continue feeding your baby till at least one breast is emptied. This will ensure she gets both foremilk and hindmilk (this is fat-rich and essential for growth – one of the breastfeeding tips doctors recommend for weight gain in babies too!).
Depending on your baby, the session can last from 15 minutes to more than half an hour – it is subjective, and is best to let your baby decide her own pace. Likewise, when bottle-feeding too, let your baby decide when she is full and look for the signs described in #8.
8. Ensure Baby Doesn’t Fall Asleep While Feeding
Since your baby was in the middle of her nap, it is possible that she is still sleepy and might doze off mid-feed. Also, the act of suckling is a sleep inducer. This is one of the common sleepy baby breastfeeding problems.
To make sure you don't have the scenario of baby sleeping through feedings, keep checking for suck-swallow-breath pattern in your baby’s cheek, jaw and ear. Make sure she is still suckling on your breast and feeding. If she does fall asleep, try to rouse her again by burping her, repositioning, or putting some breast milk on her lips.
9. Observe Signs That Your Baby is Full
When feeding a sleeping baby, it is also important to track the signs that your baby is full. If you see the following signs, it indicated you can now stop feeding and let the baby fall back to sleep:
Closing lips
Turning her head away
Stopping sucking
10. See The Doctor if Baby Shows Signs of Lethargy
Babies tend to need a lot of feeding, especially in the first few months. They are growing up fast and use up all the milk quickly. This is why they will often cry out for milk, even through the night or when they are napping. However, if your baby seems lethargic and doesn’t tend to wake up for feeding, it could signal a problem. If you suspect that your baby shows low energy levels and feeds less often, it is best to discuss with the paediatrician. Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. toddlers has no fever for 4 months is it ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes
what you have described is totally normal and there is no need to worry regarding this. but if you feel that it it seems to be somethingf different you can meet your doctor regarding this and the doctor will guide you.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my 2.6years oldgot fever in january until now no fever is there any problem if fever comes only immunity increases
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. if the child is growing properly and there is proper growth and development then it is not necessary that the child should have fever for proper immunity and it is a good thing that the child is not having fever
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. is it normal for toddlers get cold and gone in one day in these summers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes that's fine
you can go for home remedies like tulsi ginger honey (add honey if child is more than 1 year of age) combination which can be diluted with water and given frequently to the child.
also u can give turmeric with warm milk one or two times everyday.
give warm water to drink as well as nasal saline drops frequently. d
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot environment.
keep the child well covered.
if the palms and soles of the child are cold then the child is feeling cold and you have to take preventive measures to make the child warm
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. from which month weight will gain
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. hello in the first one baby weight will reduce and then it will start increasing and baby gaining a minimum of 600 g to 800 gram per month then it is a good weight gain and absolutely nothing to worry or not a problem and if the BM is S not sufficient you can give infant formula milk stage 1 using a bpa free bottle like babyhug
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
52 mins ago
A. pl do ultrasound. 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
Expecting Mom due this month
35 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
22 mins ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. 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
Check out this new Memory
SANA SUBZWARI
Mom of a 8 m old boy
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bhumi Sharma
Mom of a 7 m old girl
New Memory
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shibani Mishra
Mom of a 8 m old boy
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Nikhil Karande
Father of a 3 m old girl
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Minu Jha Banerjee
Mom of a 2 m old boy
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
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