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Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips
As an expecting mother, you are sure to be full of doubts regarding the arrival of the baby. You might be evaluating everything around you, about its suitability and whether it is safe to be in the same environment as the baby. Pregnancy is characterised by such neurotic behaviour, and most of your worries turn out to be unnecessary.
The worries are not all about the items in the environment of your baby- you are sure to feel doubtful about your capability as a mother too. In many cases, women might have doubts about whether they will be able to feed their child owing to the small breasts they have. While small breasts might feel inadequate to nurse the baby for a long time, the reality could not be farther- the ability of a mother to breastfeed her child does in no way depend on the breast size of the mother.
In this article, let us clear some common doubts regarding this topic and delve deeper into it.
Does Breast Size Matter when Breastfeeding?
The short answer is- no. The size of your breasts does not affect your ability to breastfeed your child in any way. The size of the breasts is different in women who are not pregnant owing to the differences in fat content present in the breasts. The tissues which produce the breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant, so they are not characteristic of the size in any way. While the breasts may increase in size during pregnancy, you might still be worried that they are not big enough- but your worries are unfounded. Having smaller breasts mean that you have fewer amounts of fat in your breasts, and does not mean that you have a less amount of milk-making tissue. Therefore, women who have small breasts are more than capable of being able to feed their child with a healthy supply of milk.
Does Small Breast Make Enough Breast Milk?
Having small breasts mean that you have a lesser amount of tissue in your breasts, which do not affect the milk-making capabilities in any way. The tissues which produce breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant and it is this which causes the increase in size. Therefore, the size of the breasts does not indicate the milk making capabilities in any way, so you will be sure to make the required amount of milk for your baby regardless of the size of your breasts.
What Changes Your Breast Goes through to Prepare for Breastfeeding?
Your breasts, like most other parts of your body, go through a range of changes during pregnancy and even after giving birth. They will increase in size and will appear to be fuller and larger in a short time. The growth does not stop after you deliver the child- you might observe that they grow for a couple of weeks after the baby is born. The initial growth during pregnancy occurs because of the change in eating habits and the fact that the tissues which are supposed to be making the milk are being laid within the breasts. The size changes continue after delivery because they will be adjusting the production of milk according to the needs of the baby, and this growth will stop after a couple of weeks. You may notice the changes quickly, or might not notice them at all- in any way, you will definitely be able to breastfeed your child regardless of the size of your breasts.
What about Storage Capacity of Breast Milk?
Larger breasts can hold more milk at any given time, compared to smaller ones- therefore, you might have to feed your child more often, during his time of growth. They are just like containers- large breasts can store more milk.
How Often to Breastfeed with Small Breasts?
You will have many questions regarding small breasts and breastfeeding, and one prominent one will be how often you have to breastfeed your child. Compared to those with larger breasts, you will have to feed your child more often. You can choose to feed him on demand, rather than setting timings for breastfeeding him. So when he cries out for nourishment, feed him- even if it every hour, because it will ensure that your child gets the required amount of milk.
Breastfeeding Positions for Women with Small Breasts
You can feed your child in any position in which the both of you are comfortable, including the natural nursing position.
Tips for Breastfeeding with Small Breasts
Even though breastfeeding is generally easier with smaller breasts, you might still have a few difficulties initially. Here are some tips to help you navigate through those challenges:
Speak out to your doctor about your concerns in this matter- she will be able to help you and put your mind at ease.
You can try using the V-hold rather than the C-hold, as the C-hold was designed for larger breasts. Do keep your hands out of the latch, though.
Ensure that you feed your child at least three times a day, and help him latch on correctly.
Use both breasts while breastfeeding- this will help the baby get more milk while feeding.
Check whether your baby is getting enough breast milk, and always keep an eye on his wet diapers.
Always take him to the doctor for the scheduled appointments, as it can reassure you that the baby is growing fine. The doctor keeps track of the growth of the child, and if he gains weight consistently, it is an indication that you are feeding him enough.
You can also join a support group of similar women for advice and help on those simple doubts you have.
If you ever have any worry, call the doctor and talk to her about your problem.
When do you need to be Concerned?
If the size of the breasts does not change during the pregnancy or even after the delivery, it means that there is not enough of the milk-making tissue inside. This results in lactation failure, characterised by a low milk supply. You can still breastfeed, though- after consuming supplements.
What about Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery?
If the procedure involved damage or removal of the milk ducts of the breast, it might result in low milk production. You might still be able to breastfeed, though- you can consume supplements, and continue breastfeeding your child after consulting with the doctor.
Small breasts do not indicate an inability to breastfeed - it simply means that you have less fat on your breasts. However, you need to monitor your milk production with the help of the doctor to ensure that your child is getting enough milk while feeding.
Also Read:
Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples
Tips for Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Myths & Facts About Breastfeeding Your Baby Read more
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Two-Vessel Cord (Single Umbilical Artery) - Diagnosis and Treatment
When in the womb, your baby’s connection to you is through the umbilical cord and placenta which is connected to the uterus. Oxygen, nutrients and essential blood supply reach the baby’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord, which normally has three blood vessels. Two are arteries and one is a vein. Understanding the abnormality that occurs in this important link between you and the baby can help you take the steps to prevent it.
What is a Normal Umbilical Cord?
A normal umbilical cord will have two arteries and a vein forming a three vessel cord. It is covered with Wharton’s Jelly, which is a gelatinous substance called and is about 20cms in length. The important functions of these blood vessels are
The arteries carry the waste products like deoxygenated impure blood and carbon dioxide from the foetus to the mother’s bloodstream, which is then eliminated through the mother’s kidneys.
The vein carries nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the foetus.
What is a Two-Vessel Umbilical Cord?
Sometimes during the development of the baby, an abnormality occurs, and only one artery and a vein are present. The umbilical cord is then called a two vessel umbilical cord or single artery umbilical cord (SUA).
How Common is It?
Less than 1% of single pregnancies and about 6-11% of multiple pregnancies have this condition. This is quite rare and could occur either due to the improper splitting of cells when forming the umbilical cord (around the 5th week of pregnancy) or due to improper formation of the second artery which gets suppressed.The exact cause is unknown. However certain mothers are at a higher risk.
Causes and Risk Factors of Single Umbilical Artery
As explained above the exact cause of SUA is unknown, and depends on the way the arteries split and form during pregnancy.
The risk factors contributing to such formation are:
Being a Caucasian woman
Becoming pregnant after 40 years of age
Having had diabetes or high blood sugar levels during the timeline of the pregnancy
Multiple pregnancies
Being pregnant with a girl child
How is Two-Vessel Cord Diagnosed?
The attending doctors assess the risks for this condition by checking:
The medical history of the mother
Foetal echocardiogram
Genetic abnormality screening or aneuploidy screening)
These tests can detect the problem and determine if your baby will be affected. Mothers who are at a risk of two-vessel umbilical cord abnormality are asked to undergo a colour flow Doppler ultrasound scan around the 14th week of pregnancy. Ultrasound scans are normal in the 18th week of gestation to help detect a two-vessel cord.
Can a Single Artery Umbilical Cord Affect Your Baby?
While in some cases there are no complications, in others there are risks to the baby and its development. Single umbilical artery complications do not necessarily harm your baby. However, certain risks that the baby is exposed to are:
Preterm labour
Restricted growth of the central nervous system
Congenital heart problems in the baby
Kidney problems in the baby
Gastrointestinal problems in the baby
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
High risk of the genetic abnormality known as VATER - vertebral defects, anal atresia, trans-oesophageal fistula with oesophagal atresia, and radial dysplasia.
How is a Two-Vessel Cord Treated?
The doctor will monitor the baby’s growth through ultrasound scans even if there are no complications. When the low-speed ultrasound findings indicate the possibility of SUA, a high-speed ultrasound will be done. If the baby is diagnosed to have a Single Artery Umbilicus or other abnormalities, an amniocentesis, where the foetus is tested for congenital abnormalities using a sample of amniotic fluid, is done. High-Speed Doppler Ultrasound scans and colour flow scans will be scheduled to view the baby’s development and if it is age appropriate. In spite of all precautions, if the baby is born with organ dysfunction, additional monitoring is performed in the NICU.
Can You Prevent Single Umbilical Artery?
Since there are certain risk factors that increase the possibilities of single umbilical artery associated anomalies a mother-to-be should:
Quit smoking
Discuss risk factors that may lead to SUA with the doctor
Regularly attend appointments with the doctor
Report any untoward symptoms to the doctor
Educate herself and take an informed decision on her delivery
Educating yourself and being able to take an informed decision is the best way to go for mothers. Remember that the phenomenon of two-vessel umbilical cord complications is rare. Even if present, it may not affect your baby. Always discuss your fears and concerns with your doctor and make an informed decision. Read more
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Missed Miscarriage - Causes, Signs and Effects
Missed miscarriage can be one of the problems that you have to go through once in a lifetime. Hence it is very important to have a clear idea about the same. You need to know the specific signs, and effects related to the miscarriage to identify them at the earliest. This will help you to get the proper treatment for the same at the earliest.
What is a Missed Abortion?
A missed miscarriage can be a very confusing term as it does not have any symptoms of cramping or bleeding. A missed miscarriage is also known as the silent miscarriage as it has no specific symptoms of bleeding or cramping. During this time, one could only feel mild symptoms like breast tenderness or nausea. You will only find out about the missed miscarriage when you undergo an ultrasonic scan. During the scan, the fetal heartbeat is absent in case of a missed miscarriage.
How Common are Missed Miscarriages?
Unfortunately, about 20 percent of the pregnancies can result in a miscarriage and this is within the first three months of the pregnancy. Thus the chances of a missed miscarriage are not completely uncommon. As per the missed miscarriage statistics, chemical pregnancies (miscarriage within the 5th week of gestation) accounts for about 50 to 75 percent of all miscarriages.
Causes of a Missed Abortion
The most common reason for a missed abortion is chromosomal abnormalities. This chromosomal abnormality causes the missed miscarriage by not allowing the development of the pregnancy. Causes of a missed abortion at 7 weeks are also similar and can be liked to developmental abnormalities in the embryo.
Signs of Missed Miscarriage
As mentioned earlier, there are no specific missed miscarriage symptoms like regular miscarriages. Normal miscarriage symptoms like vaginal bleeding, severe cramping or discharge of the foetal tissue are not present in this case. During the time of the missed miscarriage, the signs of pregnancy may continue as the placenta will not have stopped releasing hormones. Some pregnant women may notice symptoms like fatigue, breast tenderness, or nausea disappearing. Diagnosis of the missed miscarriage is done by a medical practitioner by the lack of heartbeat of the foetus. During the regular check-ups, if there is a missed abortion, an ultrasound will show the undeveloped foetus.
What can you Do after Diagnosing a Miscarriage?
After the diagnosis of the missed miscarriage, you may need to undergo some missed abortion treatments. Different choices after the process of miscarriage are:
Natural Process
When you find out about the missed miscarriage, you have a few options for treatment. But you can always wait for nature to take its course. But in some cases, people like to move ahead of the pregnancy and the end the same as soon as possible for a new pregnancy.
Medication
The use of the medication will result in contractions in your body which will expel the remaining tissue. The result of the same is very similar to the heavy periods. Your doctor will prescribe you a pain medication as well. This will help you to easily undergo the contractions due to the medications.
D and C Procedure
When the pregnancy is older than eight to nine weeks, the D and C procedure is recommended. The D and C is the dilation and curettage process which helps you to remove the womb. During the process, you will be put under a general anaesthesia. The process is so keen that it ensures complete removal of the tissue and thereby preventing the infection. The process is similar to the case of an abortion, but here the removal of pregnancy that is already lost takes place.
After the process of the miscarriage, couples have to wait between one to three menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again. This is for the complete development of your womb to be ready for the next pregnancy.
What will be the Effect of a Silent Miscarriage on Future Pregnancies?
After a missed abortion, your doctor will keep track of your future pregnancy through early scans and follow up with any treatment that could be required. In most cases, future pregnancies are quite successful. Thus, it is advised to keep a positive mind towards the future pregnancy or undergo counselling to avoid the mental stress during the missed miscarriage.
Tips to Deal with The Loss
The missed miscarriage can be a depressing time for anyone, especially if there is a missed miscarriage after a heartbeat. The feeling of loss of something you wanted is likely to occur similar to depression. You can follow the tips mentioned below to ease your mind.
Consulting a good therapist
Proper meditation and relaxation
Plan for the future
Missed miscarriages can be a challenging time for any women. It is important that you understand that it does not mean that you cannot conceive at all. Seek any support that you require during this difficult time.
Also Read: How to Avoid Miscarriage Read more
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Choosing the Perfect Baby Stroller
Baby strollers are a boon in disguise for parents who like to include their babies in their various outings and still want to retain the freedom of movement. By choosing the perfect baby stroller, parents can not only be assured of their baby’s safety and comfort but also find themselves more capable of performing various activities. However, in order to choose the best baby stroller, you need to understand your need and what exactly is available in the market.
A baby stroller is an essential equipment for child-care. While it may not be of much use in the very early months of a baby’s development, when parents prefer to carry their baby; it surely plays a significant role in later stages of child development. As a parent, you are responsible for choosing the perfect baby stroller for your little angel, and the choices are many! For information on the many types of strollers, and to understand the features and characteristics of each, check out this detailed Buying Guide to help you make a choice. In the interim, here's a shorter version to give you a brief understanding of all the variants of baby strollers available in the market and how to choose the best baby stroller out of them. There are five distinct types of baby strollers, these are:
1. Light-weight strollers
These are the most basic form of strollers available in the market at very inexpensive rates. Take a look at some of these. The foldable or adjustable nature of the slim frames and un-padded fabric seating of these strollers render them useful for only short durations.
2. Standard strollers
These strollers have a padded seating or reclined surface and typically have an umbrella or sun-shade outfitted into it. Much more robust and comfortable than light weight strollers, these can have a rather extended use. These strollers also have storage compartments or pockets at the back or side, wherein you can stock diapers or feeding bottles. If you think a standard stroller fits your requirement, you can select one here.
3. Jogging strollers
These strollers are very robustly built with shock absorbing mechanisms. They can be used for long walks, jogs, trekking and mountain climbing. Although, they may require accessories and add-ons for very young babies as they are primarily designed to hold older babies.
4. Car seat strollers and travel systems
These are the most commonly preferred strollers by parents who have to drive their babies to various places. Simple car seat strollers have a detachable car seat which can be mounted on the rear seat of the car while the stroller frame can be carried in the storage space, to reassemble later. The more complex travel-systems have larger and heavier car seats and frames, which can be used for older babies as well.
5. Multi-seat strollers
Double or triple seat strollers are also available in the market for seating twins, triplets or more than one children in the same stroller. These strollers can either have a tandem arrangement, i.e. the seats are arranged one behind the other or have side-by-side seating arrangement.
How to choose the best baby stroller
In order to choose the best possible stroller for your baby, you have to become more than an aware customer. In addition to checking out what is available in the market, you must understand your own need and usage too. The following tips can help you frame a checklist for baby stroller shopping:
Thoroughly research the different brands, models and variants of baby strollers available in the market. Try to gather as much information as possible online, before taking your baby out and taking some test-rides in actual strollers. After all, you want to invest in a stroller which your baby feels most comfortable in.
Determine your lifestyle requirements and the frequency or rigor with which you will use the stroller. If you will only use the stroller for brief market runs, then probably a light-weight or a standard size stroller is what you should be looking at. But if you have an active and physical lifestyle, then buying the jogging stroller can be more up your alley.
Map out a tentative budget based on the type of stroller that you want and the type of stroller that would best serve your needs. There is no point in spending more money than required as the life-cycle of this product is only as long as your baby learns to walk for extended periods.
Check and re-check the need for accessories and add-ons. If the overall cost for the stroller and its accessories exceeds your budget, it is better to look for a more comprehensive alternative in the market.
A baby stroller can be your baby’s favorite place in the world for it will take him places and let him enjoy the ride. By choosing the right stroller for your baby, you can his comfort and safety. You can also liberate yourself from the continuous need of carrying your baby and go back to enjoying some of your old hobbies like jogging and shopping. Read more
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On This World Mental Health Day, Detox Your Mind and Stay Healthy
Our mind is worst than a physical prison. We can escape the prison of the mind and can create the space for positive thoughts, ideas to grow and live a happy, care-free life.
Most of us are working out regularly, tending to our physical well being but we are ignoring the major aspect of our health, That is mental health.
Each morning we are born again and starts feeding anxiety, worry, panic, fear, pride, ego, rejection which can lead to lack of focus, stress, health issues.
Just like we opt for detox diet to flush out the toxins from body it's necessary to flush out the toxins from mind. Just certain changes in lifestyle can have a positive impact on our mind and health.
Here Are The 10 Ways To Detox Your Mind
1. Spend Time Outdoor
Spending time outside increase the energy level of mind and body. Even improves the physical and mental health. It is the easiest way to detox and relax
2. Spend Sometime Without Technology
Sometimes its important to spend some time without phone, laptop, TV and Focus on smaller things in life. Like Watch a sunset, Spending time with family.
3. Meditate
Human mind is referred to monkey mind. Meditation is the way to detox the mind and calm the monkey mind. It helps in enhancing the ability to focus
4. Drink Enough Water
Dehydration in body can lead to stress. Our body including brain needs water to function properly. Slight dehydration can effect on mood.
5. Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the natural way to Detoxification process. Enough sleep can range from 7-9 hours. Stress and anxiety are the culprits behind lack of sleep.
6. Spend Time With Yourself
Spend time with yourself, ask questions to yourself. Be honest with yourself and identify the problems coming from externally and internally.
7. Stop Comparing Yourself With Others
Start focusing on what you love or what others love about you. Your soul will feel more happy.
8. Examine Your Diet
you can't feed your mind properly if you're not feeding your body. Examine your diet and cut out the junks. Avoiding Sugary and alcoholic will make you feel better physically and mentally.
9. Start Saying No
You can't please everyone and rather than being overbooked and overwhelmed say no to non essential work and to people who not adding anything positive to your life.
10. Cleanse your mind
Try to free yourself from past or things that bother you. Its very important to take action and get rid of thoughts that are sink into the mind. Read more
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
6 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
6 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
5 hours 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
6 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
5 hours 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
4 hours 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
4 hours 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
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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