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The 9 Dangers of Using a Sanitary Pad and How to Protect Yourself
Every woman relies on sanitary pads and tampons to see her through her menses. But have you ever spared a thought to how safe these products are? Are tampons or pads healthier? Find out how they can be dangerous and get introduced to safer alternatives.
Blessed are the people who came up with the idea of sanitary napkins. Isn't this a thought that comes to your mind every month? Sanitary napkins can see you through the heaviest of flows without making you feel uncomfortable. But are they safe? Studies have shown that they aren’t as innocuous as they seem to be!
Are Sanitary Pads Safe?
Time and again, environmentalists have stressed on the fact that used sanitary pads and tampons pose a big threat to the environment. This is mainly due to the chemicals that are present in them. If they’re harmful to the environment, how can they be good for you? Let’s take a look at the harmful ingredients used in these feminine hygiene products.
1. Dioxin
If you thought that sanitary napkins look white because the cotton used is white, think again. Cotton has a creamy shade and isn’t white. Manufacturers use a chemical called dioxin to bleach pads and make them white.
2. Pesticides
No, they’re not sprayed onto pads directly. Pesticides find their way into sanitary pads as they’re sprayed on by cultivators of cotton.
3. Artificial Perfume
Thanks to fragrant sanitary napkins, you feel fresh all through your periods. The fact is, perfume is added by manufacturers to allure buyers. Just like other chemicals, they aren't safe.
Possible Health Hazards of Sanitary Napkins
The chemicals used in the making of sanitary napkins can enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc on your health. Here are some potential health hazards of sanitary pads
Inflammation in the pelvic region
Cancer in the ovaries
Damaged immune system
Hormonal dysfunction
Infertility
Malfunctioning of the thyroid
Vaginal allergies
Rashes
Ailments related to the endometrium
Safer Options For Your Period
1. Menstrual Cups
While sanitary pads are made of unsafe products, a menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone, which is extremely safe. It’s inserted into the vagina and the blood is collected in the cup. Once you put it in, you can be tension-free for up to 12 hours! It’s reusable and lasts for years.
2. Organic Sanitary Napkins
Pads that are organic don't contain any artificial chemicals and pesticides, which makes them a safer alternative. But they aren’t reusable and you still have to be careful about how you dispose them.
4. Organic Cloth Pads
As the name suggests, organic cloth pads are made of cotton, bamboo or hemp and are covered with an organic cloth. You can wash them and reuse. They can last for a year or more, depending on how well you take care of them.
It’s a good idea to seek the help of a gynaecologist if you need more help choosing hygiene products that are healthier than tampons or pads. Spread the word and protect your loved ones from falling prey to the dangers of chemical-infested sanitary pads and tampons. Read more
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Lactogenic Food Recipes for Moms With Low Breast Milk Supply
I am the mother of twin babies. And I faced the problem of inadequate breast milk. Then I started researching foods that increase breast milk. I started making recipes with sesame seeds, fennel, fenugreek, unripe papaya, cumin, garlic, carrots, bitter gourd, watermelon, curry leaves (the foods that help to lactate). Here are some of my traditional recipes.
1. Fenugreek and Rice Porridge
Ingredients
Basmati rice - 1 cup
Fenugreek seeds - 50 grams
Coconut - 1 cup
Garlic - 5 cloves
Cumin powder - 1 tablespoon
Water - 4 cup
Salt
How To Make
Wash and soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
Wash and soak basmati rice for half an hour.
Cook the fenugreek seeds, rice, and garlic cloves in 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker for 4 whistles.
After cooking the rice and seeds, mash them well.
Meanwhile, you can extract coconut milk by grinding coconut with 1/ 2 cup of water.
Squeeze it with a metal strainer.
Add coconut milk to rice, and fenugreek, and mix properly.
Add some salt depending on your taste.
Heat the rice on medium flame.
Add 1 tablespoon cumin powder (it smells good). Bring to a porridge texture. Turn off the gas and serve lukewarm.
2. Bitter Gourd Pickle
Ingredients
Bitter gourd - 2
Fenugreek powder - 1 tablespoon
Garlic - 20 cloves
Kashmiri chilli powder - 5 tablespoons
Turmeric powder - 1 tablespoon
Coconut oil - 1/2 cup
Curry leaves - 5 sprigs
Vinegar - 1/2 cup
Mustard seeds - 2 tablespoons
Salt
How To Make
Wash the bitter gourds and remove the seeds. Use a slicer to slice the bitter gourds.
Take a bowl and mix these slice with 1 tablespoon salt. Cover and keep aside for 1 hour.
Chop the cloves of garlic.
Squeeze and fry the bitter gourds in coconut oil till they turn golden in colour.
Add chopped garlic, mustard seeds and curry leaves after frying. Keep aside.
Take a bowl and add the vinegar. Add 5 tablespoons of Kashmiri chilli, turmeric powder, salt as required and fenugreek powder, and mix well.
Add the fried mixture to the vinegar mixture and mix well. Serve. (You can also store in an airtight container for 1 or 2 months.)
Note: Fenugreek rice and bitter gourd pickle is the best combination.
3. Sesame Laddoo
Ingredients
Sesame seeds - 1 cup
Jaggery - 1 cup
Cardamom powder - 1 tablespoon
Ghee - 1 tablespoon
How To Make
Heat the kadai, add sesame seeds and dry roast on low flame for 10 minutes.
Heat a non-stick pan and add 1 tablespoon ghee. After the ghee melts, add jaggery while cooking on low flame.
After the jaggery melts, add roasted sesame seeds, mix well. Then add cardamom powder and roast well. Turn off the gas.
Take a plate and grease with ghee.
Transfer this mixture to the plate.
Wet your palm with ghee and make small balls.
Serve.
4. Carrot Milkshake
Ingredients
Carrot - 1, large
Milk - 1 cup
Cardamom - 1 tablespoon
Sugar - 1 cup
Cashews - 10
Chilled milk - 1/2 cup
How To Make
Thinly slice the carrots.
Add the sliced carrots and 1 cup of milk to a saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
Take a pan and roast cashews and cardamom.
Pour the boiled carrot mixture to a juicer and add the roasted cashews, cardamom, 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup chilled milk and blend well.
When it becomes of milkshake texture, pour in a glass and serve it.
5. Unripe Papaya Salad
Ingredients
Green papaya - 1/2
Garlic cloves - 4 cloves
Green chilli - 2
Grated jaggery - 4 tablespoons
Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
Lime juice - 3 tablespoons
Tomato - 1
Salt as required
Peanuts - 8
How To Make
Peel and grate the papaya after removing the seeds and inner membrane.
Grind the garlic cloves, and green chillies together to make a smooth paste.
Roast peanuts in a pan.
Take a bowl and add garlic-chilli paste, grated jaggery, cut tomatoes, grates papaya, lime juice, soy sauce, and salt as required and mix well.
Garnish with roasted peanuts.
Serve.
6. Fennel Seeds Water
Ingredients
Fennel seed and water
How To Make
Boil water in a deep pan. Add 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds and boil for 10 minutes.
Turn off the flame. Cover for 10 minutes.
After cool, drink it.
Tips for Increasing Breast Milk
Follow food charts.
Add curry leaves to curries.
Add fenugreek powder and cumin to food.
Eat watermelon.
Drink fennel seeds water instead of plain water.
Avoid alcohol (alcohol lowers the production of milk).
Breastfeed more, because when your baby sucks, your breast hormones are triggered to produce milk.
Feed from both breasts.
Add ginger garlic paste to curry.
Eat green leafy vegetables.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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6 Looks You Can Steal for Your Baby Boy from Taimur's Wardrobe
There’s no doubt about the fact that there is a new favourite Khan in town - and we’re not talking about anyone older than the age of two! That’s right - Taimur Ali Khan, who needs absolutely no introduction, has been the apple of the media’s eye for quite some time now. In fact, if you’re a regular social media user, it would hard for you to scroll through your feed without at least a single picture of this mini-celeb popping up!
His photogenic cherub appearance and confidence in front of the cameras apart, Taimur’s outfits contribute just as much to his ‘cuteness factor’. The little one is always rocking stylish outfits that you know would look good on your baby boy too. Well, no more gazing wistfully at the pictures and wondering where you can find those looks for your munchkin - your search ends here!
6 Taimur-inspired Looks for You to Choose From
1. Baby Rompers
Dungarees and overalls are outfits that we instantly associate with little babies. While the classic denim dungarees will never go out of style, you can also dress your baby up in adorable romper suits.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bje1pOUn_jr/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhCCzyrnGSA/
You can get the look here:
2. Tee-and-Shorts Combo
T-shirts and shorts - comfy for the baby and cute enough for the world to fawn over! Nothing spells out casual than a cute little tee and a pair of these 3/4 shorts that allows your baby to move with freedom and have the time of his life!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmInkxlAlZF/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnM77rAgmcU/
You can get the look here:
3. Formal Shirts
Honestly, adorable and comfy as other choices are, there is an inexplicable amount of cuteness that is radiated when babies dress up in grown-up clothes. Just look at little Taimur in his casual-formal shirts, and jeans and sneakers to pair - there’s a smart little baby! Get your little one of these cute shirts and pair them with comfy pants.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpww1dvjA5_/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BljR6EogWzG/
You can get the look here:
4. Ethnic Wear
If you thought the formal outfits were cute, here’s Taimur turning it up a notch with Indian formals, perfect for festive seasons! A simple vest or a comfortable kurta-pyjama and your baby boy will be gaining quite a few fans with his dapper looks!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgE0y_cDAVV/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm8f1noF_O_/
You can get the look here:
5. Jackets
With winter just around the corner, your baby needs to be all layered up to battle the cold. Hoodies or vests like these are perfect for the chilly weather!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc2EIhPHjxN/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj_MLBxnAfb/
You can get the look here:
6. Athleisure
Grown-ups are not the only ones who can access athleisure; look at this little guy in his jersey and track pants, and matching shoes to boot!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BneD3nIh4j1/
You can get the look here:
Now that your little boy is going to be all suited up or kicking back in comfy gear, there’s only one thing left for you to do - make sure he’s safe from the paps! Read more
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9 Best Tips for Announcing Pregnancy at Work
Announcing the exciting news about your pregnancy to the world is one of the best parts of being pregnant. While breaking this “good news” to the family can be quite a breeze, it is the part where people at the workplace have to be informed, that gives us sleepless nights.
How to Announce Pregnancy at Your Workplace
Announcing pregnancy to work colleagues needs some amount of preparation (and a lot of tact) so that one can devise the best way to approach this topic.
However, your office pregnancy announcement need not be as stressful as you think it will be. Here are a few super-practical tips you can implement when you decide to spill the beans at the office:
1. Let the Boss Hear it from You
Deliver this piece of information to your immediate boss personally, preferably face-to-face. This provides a dual benefit; your boss will value the importance you give him and you will be able to gauge the reaction first-hand. Make sure you keep your pregnancy news off social media till the time you disclose it to your boss, since many of your colleagues will be on your friend list. Experience says that the first-person tactic is the best in such a situation and is appreciated by the upper echelons of the corporate hierarchy.
2. Choose the Right Time to Tell Your Boss
While your excitement about breaking the news is plausible, do not choose a time when your boss is busy or distracted. Ask for his time, sit face-to-face and deliver the news in a private space. When you treat this special announcement with care, your boss will realize how important it is to you and he will extend all his support. Most women wonder when to tell about pregnancy at work. Waiting until the end of the first trimester is a great idea. This can be done provided morning sickness does not spill the beans earlier than you actually intended to. Telling your boss just before promotions or raises are due or on the cusp of a new project being announced is also not a good time.
3. Choose an Appropriate Place to Break the News
Decide where you want to share this important piece of information with your boss. The coffee machine or in the office lobby are definite no-no’s, given the continuous foot traffic one can expect here. Your boss’s cabin is the best place or you could even grab a quick lunch with him/her if you are comfortable.
4. Talk Openly About Maternity Leave and Benefits
One of the primary concerns of your department will be if you will come back after your delivery. If you haven’t made a decision yet and need time to decide, be honest and tell your boss accordingly. Think about training someone to take over during your absence and you will convey a message that you are a responsible person who will not leave the organization in between. Speak to the HR department and get details of the leaves you are entitled to and any other benefits. Don't hesitate when asking about your maternity leaves and other benefits. Discuss clearly and enjoy your perks, you deserve them.
5. Stay Cool, Stay Professional
Pregnancy is an important phase of your life and you need not hesitate about the timing while announcing it to your boss or your team. Avoid the words “I am sorry” and be as professional as you can while sharing your happy news. If there is an important project you need to be a part of, make it obvious that you will do your best to prepare in advance and you will be as committed as earlier. At the same time, always acknowledge that pregnancy will affect work in some ways and you are willing to take it in your stride.
6. Make it Fun and Informal with Co-Workers
If you have been working in an organisation for a long time now then surely your relationship with your colleagues would be very cordial. You may not be that formal with each other and you could even be friends with some. So, why shy away from sharing your happy news? In fact, you can announce your pregnancy to coworkers in a fun way. Your absence will obviously increase their workload, so appreciate them. And if this is your second child, how about clicking a photograph of your child holding a placard that says, “I’m going to be a brother/sister now” and showing it to them? They will be extremely happy for you.
7. Do Not Be Afraid
Pregnancy is an experience of a lifetime, don't be afraid of sharing this news with your boss or other colleagues. Most women feel that they may be asked to resign and won’t find a place in the corporate set up after they have a baby. However, this is a discrimination and most professional organisations would refrain from doing something like this. The bosses of today are open-minded and they understand, so don't be afraid.
8. Be Proactive About Your Absence from Active Work
Show the company that you have thought about how things or a certain project can be managed while you are away. If you can commit to a certain time during the day when you can check on emails, phone calls and project updates, go ahead and do that. This will help you remain in the loop and will create a responsible image of you.
9. Keep Your Clients in the Loop
Do not forget your clients. If and when you decide to come back, you do not want to ruin the existing relationship because you “forgot” to tell them. This will send out a subtle message to them that they matter and that you care. It will also help you manage the expectations they have of you during your absence.
Announcing your pregnancy at work may get you worried, but your organization is in a dilemma too. They will be worried about work getting affected and projects being delayed, so give them and yourself enough time to take appropriate steps to manage things. Keep all lines of communication open throughout this period and you will be able to manage things well. Communicate to your boss that you are willing to take the effort to ensure there is minimum disruption but pregnancy is a tough and important time for you too.
Also Read: Taking Care of Your Pregnancy at Work Read more
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I Followed the Do's and Don'ts While Pregnant for a Normal Delivery
Pregnancy is a 9 months beautiful experience. There are lots of up's & down's, mood swings & situations come across which can affect the same so to avoid the steps & enjoy the period of your pregnancy, here are some Do's and Don'ts Which I followed & they helped me out for a normal delivery & a healthy baby. Please go through the same and find if the following tips are useful for you as well during beautiful journey of pregnancy.
1. Do stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water which help to avoid the constipation, headaches, dizziness during pregnancy.
2. Eat lot of fruits & green leafy vegetables which are the good source of energy, vitamins and minerals.
3. Don't eat raw or under cooked seafood and meats.
4. Do visit your gynaecologist & get health check-up's at every month which help to know your baby's growth month by month.
5. Do take the medicines which are prescribed by your doctor only.
6. Do have the right diet plan for all 9 months.
7. Do read positive, inspirational, cheerful, enthusiastic articles, stories to feel good.
8. Try to avoid stress, do get lots of sleep and rest. Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy with your family.
9. Do take 1 hour slow walk or yoga.
10. Listen the soft, soothing & peaceful music while to sleep.
11. Being sedentary ( sitting down a lot ) is not healthy for you or your baby. So keep yourself busy and stat active.
12. If you did the exercise before the pregnancy then you can continue it while pregnant but listen to your body, make it simpler and slower in some amount.
13. Do ask for help. Are you more tired than usual? Then ask your partner to help you out.
14. Don't go for sauna.
15. Don't drink too much caffeine. Caffeine can cross the placenta and affects your growing baby's heart rate.
16. Don't take a whole meal at once, but make a part of it. Eat every two hours.
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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I used prega news pt kit. first I got the faint line. and day after tomorrow, another time I used prega news pt kit but I got negative. what does it mean? whether I am pregnant or not?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. I think it’s better that you have a sonography with your doctor because this way even I cannot suggest you because you’ve got both the test so how can we sure about what the result is going to be going to be for you to check with your doctor regarding this as sonography can actually clear the picture for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what does it mean if a faint line was followed by negative line?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Saint Line usually means positive only but for further more if you want to go ahead with a clarity on that then you can get a beta HCG on an ultrasound with your doctor because one line is usually visible and second is faint right so it is positive
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. the product didn't received today
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. Hello mam, please check the track the order section. You may get help from Fc wiz. The reason for delay in delivery can be provided.
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my product didn't received today
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. Hello, Check the status of the product on the page you have placed the order.
If the delivery date is crossed, you may check your SMS in your firstcry registered mobile number.Delay in delivery date reason may be sent by Firstcry team.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. hello,
Mera pregnancy ka 9th month 1 hfte me complete ho jaega jb se 9th month start hua hai mujhe 2 bar labour pain jaisa pain feel hua but wo kuch hi time baad shi ho gya. iss condition me kya mujhe kya krna chahiye?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. aapko Apne doctor se jaanch karva lijiye aur advise follow kijiye. 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
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. Mera pregnancy ka 9th month 1 hfte me complete ho rha hai lekin 9th month start hote hi abhi tk 2 bar labour pain jaisa feel hua hai but wo kuch time baad khud hi theek ho jata hai aisi condition me mujhe kya krna chahiye?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. Shayad false pains ho sakte hain jaanch karvani hogi. 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
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