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Comparing the Goodness of Human Milk and Cow's Milk For Babies
Congratulations on entering the world's most noble job and life's biggest blessing – motherhood! You must surely be overwhelmed with this new phase in life and we're sure you are enjoying your little one immensely. Breastfeeding is one of nature's best gifts to both mother and baby and is highly recommended for the overall health of both. It even gives you time to bond with your baby.
Sometimes due to certain complications or inability, some mothers are unable to breastfeed. In such cases one may wonder whether it is okay to substitute human milk with cow's milk. For moms who need some information on feeding babies cow's milk over human milk, this article should help.
Should You Give Cow’s Milk Or Breast Milk To Your Baby?
It is always recommended by experts to give breast milk to your newborn up to at least one year of age. Cow’s milk is not advisable till your baby turns at least 10 to 12 months old. The main reson for this is – your infant’s digestive system finds it difficult to break down cow's milk. Also, cow’s milk is less nutritious as compared to breast milk. In case you are unable to supply adequate milk to your newborn, a pediatrician may recommend you to supplement your breastfeeding with cow's milk or formula milk (depending on other healthy, dietary, and feeding patterns and concerns).
Comparing The Benefits Of Human Milk And Cow's Milk For Babies
1. Breast Milk Contain Antibodies While Cow’s Milk Doesn’t.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help boost your baby’s immunity to combat bacterial and viral infections, and in turn protects your infant from the risk of various diseases and infections. In fact, one of the types of antibodies, called IgA, can be obtained by the baby only through the mother's breast milk. On the other hand, cow’s milk does not contain any of the antibodies that your breast milk has. You might now realize why breast milk is essential for baby's immunity.
2. Water Content In Breast Milk Is Adequate.
Your breast milk comprises of adequate amount of water that not only quenches your baby’s thirst but also meets your baby’s water needs. Contrarily, the water content in cow’s milk doesn’t match up to your baby's water requirement.
3. Breast Milk Contains Greater Amount Of Fats Than Cow’s Milk.
Your breast milk comprises of more healthy fats than cow’s milk. Cow's milk contains significantly lower amounts of the essential fatty acids that are so good for your baby's growth and development. What's more, they are present in a form that is easy for the baby to absorb and derive nutrition from.
4. Breast Milk Is More Easily Digestible Than Cow’s Milk.
This is primarily because cow's milk contains a much higher amount of proteins, as compared to breast milk. The human body requires more energy to completely digest proteins. This makes cow's milk hard for the baby to digest. Some cow-milk proteins are also known to cause allergies in infants.
5. Breast Milk Has More Carbohydrates Than Cow’s Milk.
This is why breast milk provides good quality nutrition to the baby, allowing the baby to remain energetic through the day. With good energy levels, everything else progresses smoothly too – growth, sleep, and play!
6. Breast Milk Has Right Amounts Of Vitamins And Minerals Too.
If you eat a balanced diet while nursing, your breast milk offers right amounts of essential vitamins and minerals to the baby, meeting all his nutritional needs. Cow’s milk, on the other hand, contains almost no vitamins, excess of minerals like sodium, phosphorous, potassium, and very little of iron. While all these are essential minerals, if they are not given in the required quantities, they can cause more harm than good.
What If You Can't Breastfeed Your Baby?
They say motherhood is an instinct. Everything just clicks, falls into place, kicks in, once your baby is put in your arms. But this is not entirely true. There are a lot of new things you have to learn, fast. Learning to breastfeed your newborn can be quite the challenge for a new mother. If for some reason you are unable to breastfeed your infant, however, you may have to devise different solutions. For most mothers, expressing breast milk and then feeding it to your baby with a spoon or a bottle will be the best alternative to breastfeeding. Other mothers may have to resort to supplementing their breast milk with external milk.
One may believe that cow's milk is more natural, and should be the obvious choice over formula milk, but that is not true. Formula milk is designed especially to be similar to breast milk. Cow's milk – although natural – is too different from breast milk (as we have seen above). The priority should always be: breast milk > formula milk > cow's milk.
If you are unable to produce enough breast milk to meet your growing baby's needs, you can alter your diet to increase your breast milk. Just like you are the best mom for your baby, your breast milk too is the best nutrition for him too. Remember – you are equipped with everything your baby needs, just follow your instinct and let nature take its course. Read more
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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can make you go through a range of emotions and feelings. On one side you may get all excited and happy to welcome your little bundle of joy into this world, but you may also be engulfed with the feelings of nervousness and ambiguity as to how your pregnancy journey is going to unfold. You may find it less stressful to deal with the physical changes happening inside your body than to deal with emotional or mental changes that may be affecting your mind. Just as your physical health is of prime importance, taking care of mental health is mandatory too. Read this post and understand how you can take care of your mental health during pregnancy.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Mental Health?
Pregnancy brings in many changes in your life, and your life will change a great deal once your baby arrives. Dealing with all the physical changes and hormonal changes may take a toll on your mental health too. You may feel worried about your baby’s wellbeing, or you may get jittery about the upcoming labour and birth too. All these overwhelming feelings may affect your mental health in pregnancy.
Mental Health Issues and Problems in Pregnancy
It is very normal for women and in some cases even men to experience mental issues or problems in pregnancy. Here are some of the common issues may crop up during pregnancy:
1. Anxiety
The feelings of anxiety crop up if you worry about how the future is going to unfold or how things are going to happen. Unnecessarily worrying about future may take a toll on your mental health during pregnancy. You may worry whether you will be able to nurture your baby well or whether or not you will be an excellent mother to your baby.
2. Depression
Another mental disorder that may affect a pregnant woman is depression. If negative feelings remain for weeks at a stretch, it is possible that you may be battling with depression. A woman can be depressed before or after getting pregnant; either scenario is not good for you or your unborn baby. Depression in pregnancy may crop up due to a number of reasons such as unplanned pregnancy, unreasonable work demands, problematic relationships etc.
Some of the other mental issues that you may face include bipolar disorder, eating disorder, OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks etc.
Factors That Can Put You at Greater Risk of Developing Mental Issues When Pregnant
Following are some factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing mental issues in pregnancy:
If you are on drugs or you are an alcoholic.
If you have been on any kind of other addiction or abuse.
If you are facing troubles or problems in your relationships such as an estranged spouse, undergoing divorce or other such related issues.
If you feel you do not have adequate support or enough people to take care of you.
If you have faced mental problems in the past.
All these reasons or any other such situations may make you more prone to having mental problems in pregnancy.
When is It Time to Seek Advice from a Health Professional?
Just like you take care of your diet and nutrition in pregnancy, you should also take care of utmost care of your mental health. In case you feel you any of the following signs or symptoms, you should seek advice from a health professional:
If you feel you are worried or anxious most of the times and you are not able to handle it.
If your negative thoughts are affecting your day-to-day functioning and you are unable to deal with them.
If you are constantly experiencing negative or bad feelings for almost two weeks or more at a stretch.
If you are experiencing obsessive compulsive behavioural traits or you have panic attacks.
If you are surrounded by feelings of hopelessness, you are losing interest in day-to-day activities, you are not able to cope up, or in short, you are exhibiting signs of depression.
If you register any of the feelings mentioned above, it may be associated with some kind of mental issue. It becomes imperative that you seek some sort of mental health pregnancy support for the same. Many professional units work closely with people suffering from such mental health issues. You may get in touch with your doctor and get more info on the same.
Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health while Pregnant
Here are some mental health and pregnancy guidelines that you can follow at your level to take care of your mental health during pregnancy:
1. Take Good Care Of Yourself
You are all set to welcome your baby into this world, and you may be doing everything for your baby and their wellbeing, but it is very important that you do not forget about yourself in that rut. Make yourself a priority too and do things once in a while that makes you happy. Take out time in a day and dedicate it to yourself and do things that you enjoy doing. Call this time ‘me-time’ and indulge in activities that make you happy and peaceful.
2. Too Much Knowledge May be Bad
It is important for you to be well-versed with the changing scenario, in other words, it is good to know about what is happening inside you or what will soon happen. However, all this information may sometimes intrigue you a bit too much, and you find it difficult to deal with. Therefore, you may go through prenatal or postnatal information, however, refrain from getting in-depth info or too much information on the topic.
3. Healthy Diet
Eat a good diet, which is loaded with all the essential nutrients. Eating good food is not only good for your growing baby but eating the right kind of diet also helps you in feeling good about yourself.
4. Get Ample Rest
With so many changes happening, getting rest and sleep may get a bit taxing. However, it is very important for you to get adequate rest to feel physically and mentally healthy. If you feel like napping at any time of the day, take out time and do it. It is your body’s way of signalling that it needs rest; therefore, do not neglect your body’s demands.
5. Exercise
One cannot undermine the importance of a good workout session. Pregnancy is no exception, which means it is essential for you to exercise to feel healthy. Take out time and exercise. Be it walking, cycling or swimming, any form of exercise is good. Whenever you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. The release of these hormones makes you feel happy and relaxed and keeps stress and anxiety at bay. However, if yours is a high-risk pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor about the kinds of exercises you can do.
6. Your Support System
Humans are social beings, and we like to be surrounded by people for help and support. Pregnancy is a time when you require a good support system from people around you. It may be your partner, your friends, your parents or your siblings. It can be anyone you can rely on for help, guidance and support. Being around people who love and care for you will keep mental issues at bay.
7. Do Not Exert Yourself
Listen to your body and function accordingly. If your body cannot take long working hours or you are unable to manage your daily chores all by yourself, do not exert yourself. Do as much work as your body feels comfortable doing, this way your mind will be at peace too.
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed at some point in time during your pregnancy. However, if you feel you are not able to manage your mental state, it calls for professional help. Do not hesitate and ask for professional support immediately!
Also Read:
Dealing with Migraines while Pregnant
Fever during Pregnancy
Is Practising Yoga Inversions during Pregnancy Safe? Read more
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गर्भधारण एक खूबसूरत एहसास
नये जीवन की तैयारी. . .
नया अनुभव. .
गर्भधारण जीवन की एक बहुत ही खूबसूरत अवस्था है एक बहुत ही खूबसूरत एहसास है जिसे सिर्फ महसूस किया जा सकता है इस एहसास को मैनें इस वर्ष महसूस किया और मैं कह सकती हूँ इससे बेहतरीन मेरे लिये कुछ और नहीं हो सकता है मै एक बेहद खूबसूरत बच्ची की मां बनी हूँ जो की छः महीने की हो चुकीं है इनका नाम है ईशानवी, जिसका अर्थ होता है ज्ञान की देवी
मैं अपनी मां के बहुत करीब हूँ मेरी मां मेरे लिये क्या महसूस करती है वह अब मैं अच्छे से समझ सकती हूँ जब से मेरी बेटी मेरी जिदंगी में आईं है ये सम्बन्ध और भी मजबूत हो गया है ये बहुत शानदार है
इस भावुक अवस्था में प्रवेश करने और इस से बाहर आने तक का अनुभव आपको पूरी तरह से बदल देता है इन पूरे नौ महीने में होने वाले मानसिक और शारीरिक बदलाव को महसूस करना और देेेखना अपने आप में अद्भभुत है
मुझे एक बात समझ नहीं आती है की पहली बार मांं बनने के लिये भी लोग योजना बनाते है की मुझे बच्चे कब चाहिए, ठीक है बहुत सी बातें होती है आज के समाज को देखते हुऐ लोग चल रहे है पर इसका दुष्प्रभाव भी पड़ रहा है फिर ऐसे लोग जीवनभर संतान सुख से वंचित रह जाते है और बहुत सी शारीरिक परेशानियों को न्योता देेेते है ।
ईश्वर के इस खूबसूरत उपहार को बहुत ही खुुुशी और आदर से स्वीकार करना चाहिए मेरा उन सभी गर्भवती महिलाओ से कहना है जो पहली बार मां बनेेेगी और जो गर्भवती है की इस सफर का आनंद ले ना की ये ध्यान दे की अब शरीर बेेेकार हो जायेगा अपने अदंर होने वाले परिवर्तन को खुुुशी से महसूस करें ।
धन्यवाद
यह मेरा पहला लेेेख है जोकि मेेरे निजी अनुभव पर आधारित है उम्मीद है आप सब को पसंद आयेगा । Read more
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A Story About How Daddy Tried to Handle His Toddler Without Help!
"What yaar! Again khichdi! I am tired of eating khichdi every day." Akash looked at his plate with disgust.
Seema was busy feeding Guddu. As she directed the spoon towards him, the naughty toddler pushed it away thereby spilling the food on the floor. That was the last straw. She screamed at Akash, "See what he has done. I have been trying to feed him for one hour. It's so frustrating."
She saw him listening to her with indifference. "Look at yourself! Sitting there like a king and complaining about the food. Why don't you take my place for a day and see how it feels?" Seema raged at him.
Akash looked at her angry face and replied, " If it's a challenge then I'll gladly accept it." He thought for a moment and added " Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. You spend the day as you wish. I will take care of Guddu. Consider it as my Valentine's day gift!" He smiled haughtily at her and said, "You are lucky to have got a loving and caring husband like me."
Seema was an intelligent woman and she recognised an opportunity when she saw one. Her anger evaporated and she agreed immediately. "Thank you, my dear husband. I am indeed very lucky!"
"Ab pata chalega Bacchu!' she laughed silently.
The next morning, Seema asked Akash, "Are you sure? Will you be able to manage him? You have never done this before." The mother in Seema was suddenly apprehensive about the whole idea.
Akash pressed her shoulder lightly. "Jaanu, trust me. I am his father. Who can take care of him better than me? Maybe it's my first time but I can guarantee you that this is just first of the innumerable breaks that you will get in the future."
"OK. Then let me show you where his things are kept."
"No need. I will find out. You are acting as if it's a treasure hunt!"
"Fine. But I have cooked Guddu's lunch and kept it beside the microwave. Just heat it before serving. Ok, I guess I'll leave now. Have a great day both of you."
Seema smiled gratefully at Akash, kissed her munchkin and left the house.
'Since it's Valentine's Day, I'll buy something for myself. It's been ages since I shopped in peace. Oh, I can't wait to start my day!' Seema sang to herself.
The shopping mall was crowded but that only added to Seema's excitement. She felt free and happy after a long time. As she entered the women's apparel section, her phone rang. It was Akash.
"Hi Akash. Wh..."
"Why didn't you tell me that Guddu is not wearing a diaper?" Akash screamed through the phone.
"Well, he gets diaper rashes easily. I use the diaper only when he goes to sleep. But what happened?"
"What happened? He pooped on my pants. That's what happened! Initially, I didn't realise. But the stickiness and the nauseating odour confirmed it."
"Well, your pant can be washed. And I wanted to tell you about it before leaving but you chose not to listen!"
"Guduuu! Stop it! Seema, he is throwing his toys outside the window! Haven't you taught him any manners? Is this the way you are raising my son?"
"How can you blame me, Akash? Well if you don't like my style of parenting, then do it your way. He is all yours. All the best!" Seema angrily put back the phone in her bag.
Seema took a bite of her favourite pizza and closed her eyes in pleasure. Yumm!
The pleasure, however, didn't last long as she quickly opened her eyes to the loud ringing of her phone.
"Yes, Akash ? " She asked warily.
"Just tell me where you have kept the garam masala. I won't disturb you again."
"Why do you need the masala?" Seema was instantly suspicious.
"The lunch you prepared is totally tasteless and my son refuses to touch it. I'll add some garam masala to spice it up and.."
"Are you mad, Akash? He is only 15 months old. Don't you dare give him any spices. Just add a dollop of ghee, sing, tell him stories and he'll surely eat."
Seema's head started aching now. So much for her break! She forcibly calmed herself down and went back to her half finished pizza.
Seema put on her sunglasses as she came out of the shopping mall with her purchases. Spending the rest of the day at her mom's place seemed like a good idea. She stood waiting for an auto and to her utter dismay, the wretched phone started ringing again.
"Now what?" asked Seema irritatingly.
"Your son has pooped thrice on my pants. Now I don't even have a pant to wear. I am wearing one of my formal pants. I didn't even get a chance to take a shower. The little devil refuses to go to sleep and I am dying of hunger!" Akash was literally shouting now.
"Well, you'll have to prepare your own lunch, daddy," Seema replied sweetly.
"But how can I when..??"
Seema didn't let him finish. "Well, you'll have to manage in the same way I manage every day. Bye Akash! And please don't call me again."
Seema was in a foul mood by now. She felt like throwing away her mobile. As she got onto the auto she thought, 'God knows what both of them are up to! I'd better get back.'
Half an hour later, she stood in front of her house door ringing the bell. No one answered and she used her spare key to unlock the door.
As she entered the house, she felt faint at the sight that greeted her. The house was in a state of complete disarray. Toys and clothes were strewn all over the place. A half finished plate of rice and curry lay on the table with smears of it painting the nearby fridge and wall. A stinky smell of poop mixed with that of curry filled the air. Holding her nose with one hand she walked towards the bedroom. Halfway she stumbled upon her son's soiled pant and a half broken toy car.
Two hours later, Seema lay down exhausted on the sofa.
Just then the door opened. A disgruntled Akash entered with a super excited Guddu.
Seema took Guddu in her arms and lashed out at Akash, " Where have you been? And what have you done to the house? It took me two hours to clean it!"
Akash looked bone-tired and shouted, "Have you any idea what I have been through? I thought of going to a restaurant to have lunch. But the little guy wanted a ride in the car. So after aimlessly driving on an empty stomach, I finally pulled outside a cafeteria to grab a quick sandwich. However, he (pointing at his son) refused to sit in one place and wanted to roam around. So instead of eating in peace, I had to run after him."
"As if this was not enough, he saw a little girl with a balloon. A tug of war ensued for that balloon and I just couldn't manage him. Finally, I left my half-eaten sandwich and went to pay the bill with the screaming monster in tow. And do you know what he did next? He broke the Ganesha idol that was kept on the counter. God! Why do people keep such delicate items in front of kids? So you see, I had to pay a hefty sum for the broken piece as well. And...."
Akash suddenly went silent and turned his head to avoid Seema's probing eyes.
Seema folded her hands across her chest and said in a stern voice " What are you hiding Akash? Out with it!"
"Don't look at me like that. You know I get scared." Akash muttered.
"Akash?" Seema insisted.
"OK fine. I'll tell you." Taking a deep breath, he said slowly "A young woman was standing in front of us at the bill counter. The monster pinched her from behind and she thought that I did it. Can you imagine it? She looked at me as if I was the most despicable creature on Earth!"
Seema stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter. It irritated Akash all the more and he glared at her.
Finally, she wiped away her tears of mirth and went to her subdued husband who was sitting silently in a corner. She hugged him and pulled at his cheeks mischievously. "Now do you understand what I go through every day?" She asked him gently.
"Yes, I do. I have learned that raising a kid is the toughest job on Earth and you are an awesome mother. But from now on you can count on my help." The sincerity in Akash's voice tugged at her heart.
Seema smiled and whispered in his ears " Happy Valentine's Day my dear!"
Akash grumbled "Happy? It's been a dreadful Valentine's Day for me!"
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 Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
23 mins ago
Q. Hello Doctor,
can vaccination be delayed for 2 months old baby ? if yes, how long can we delay ? please advise
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
23 mins ago
A. yes further you can contact with your doctor and you can get the the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details ighf required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concerned person with the geniune advice ...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
22 mins ago
Q. 31 weeks pregnant doctor suggested gestakind two times, refka tablets 1 time at night, iron capsule 2 times, and calcium tablet 1 time after lunch
is this okay? and how to take all this medicine??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 mins ago
A. okay follow as per the doctors advice. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
18 mins ago
Q. when can i start massage after c section delivery and which body part massage is not suggested
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
18 mins ago
A. Just on the tummy area where you have stitches rest you can start with it not a problem but just make sure tell your muscles to keep a very light hand and also keep it away from your stitch area rest you can go ahead with getting a massage done there is no problem
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
9 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert.
which formula milk is best for newly born baby if the mother is not able to feed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 mins ago
A. no problem can use any brand as doctors advise. 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
7 mins ago
Q. Hi doctor,
Please recommend me the feeding bottle & breast pump for post delivery.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 mins ago
A. many brands available but better to feed the baby directly. 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
4 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I lost my baby after delivery due to a weak heart and heart cells issue. Everything is good in the TIFFA scan but finally we lost our baby.
Will you please tell us the correct reason and after the TIFFA scan doctor knows this issue or not. Till the 5th month ending I consulted one doctor afterwards to the delivery time and consulted another doctor.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 mins ago
A. different reasons not possible to pin point. 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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