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Food Ideas for 9 Month Old Babies
With thousands of options and multiple voices of advice, the initial stage of parenthood isn’t the least bit easy. Amidst staying up all night and diaper duties, feeding healthy food to your baby may seem like a tough task.
Video: Food Ideas for 9 Month Old Baby
https://youtu.be/HEA7UsR0i8k
How Much Food Should a Baby Eat at This Stage?
While babies may not be able to consume everything that adults eat, their taste buds will be delighted with the introduction of new food and flavours. It can be scary and troublesome for most new parents to figure out what to give and how much to give their child, but know that there is no golden rule by which you must operate. Do not place unnecessary stress on the food itself, and remember to keep it as nutritious and natural as possible.
As the experience is new for your baby, he/she will nibble on the food and spit it out if the taste is not enjoyed. Remember that a baby’s tummy is the size of a person’s fist, and it doesn’t take a lot to get them full. Also, since their taste buds are still developing, they may not like all the different kinds of food you give them. Some of them will like vegetables, some will like fruits, and some will even determine what texture of food they like. It can be either in puree form, mashed, or even small tiny chunks. Trial and error are crucial at this stage to understand your baby’s preference.
Don’t forget, though, that your baby is also getting all the nutrients required for formula or breast milk. Make sure that your baby is eating three meals a day in addition to the milk.
Best Food for a Nine Month Old Baby
Your baby will be adventurous or develop into a fussy eater, with the introduction of new food, so make sure you pick the best and delicious tasting food for them.
Some of the food you can start with for your 9-month-old Indian baby is:
1. Fruits
Berries such as blueberries, melons, cranberries, or dates, figs, cherries, and citrus fruits can be cut into 1/4th their size and given to your child. Always ensure these are completed cooked and either pureed or mashed before serving your baby
2. Vegetables
Brocolli, Asparagus, potatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, mashed potatoes, onions, and parsnips, all which can be cooked and mashed, are nutritious and a great food option for your baby.
3. Meat and Egg
Eggs, chicken and fish which are thoroughly cleaned and cooked should be fed to your baby. Do not give any raw meat or runny eggs.
4. Water and Juices
Your baby’s digestive system is still developing, so make sure he/she gets plenty of water. Try making natural juices (no sugar) at home instead of giving your baby processed juice.
5. Cheese and Other Dairy Products
Cream cheese, cottage cheese or paneer, dahi or yoghurt, ghee, and butter can be given in very small quantities to your baby.
6. Cereals
Cooked quinoa, millets, whole wheat pasta (softened), rice, and oatmeal are tasty options to give your baby
7. Grains
Toast, small pieces of chapatti or flatbread, crackers give your baby his/her fill of grains.
8. Legumes
Mashed lentils, beans, and soups made from legumes are a great way to feed flavourful, yet nutritious food to your baby.
9. Spices
As your little one’s taste enhances, try using small quantities of asafoetida, cloves, coriander, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek, nutmeg, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, turmeric, and garlic while cooking for him/her.
Video: Diet Plan for a 9 Month Old Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpTbhzmIfA
9 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
Make sure your baby’s food is soft to prevent choking. Here is a detailed schedule of what you can give your child at meal times and as snacks:
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Wheat sheera
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
White dhokla with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bhagar/ (millet)- moong dal (green gram split) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Beetroot- broccoli- mushroom soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sweet potato + poha (flattened rice) powder
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Spinach- pumpkin puree
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Roti dipped in carrot- moong dal (green gram split) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Idli with ghee or butter
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil)- spinach soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Palak (spinach) khichdi
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet)- whole moong (green gram) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Rice with egg yolk or dal
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
White dhokla with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato with poha (flattened rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- pumpkin- rice soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Rice- carrot porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)- moong dal (green gram split) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Multigrain chilla
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed peach or grated apple
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Mashed avocado + sweet potato + murmura (puffed rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bhagar (millet) cooked in buttermilk
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed chikoo (sapota) or mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)-tur dal (pigeon pea) puree with mashed rice
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lauki (bottle gourd)-rice porridge
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato- pumpkin- soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer (cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Multigrain chilla
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Spinach- pumpkin puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Carrot- beetroot- coriander soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil)- spinach soup + rice porridge
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Mashed banana
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Cheesy potato
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet) -tur dal (pigeon pea) puree
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Idli with ghee or butter
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Bhagar (millet) cooked in buttermilk
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Carrot- beetroot soup with murmura (puffed rice) powder
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Sattu (barley) mix
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats-apple smoothie
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Sweet potato + poha (flattened rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Dal (lentil) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Wheat- banana sheera
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Rice- carrot porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Beetroot- broccoli- mushroom soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar(sorghum) puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Lauki (bottle gourd) rice porridge
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Mashed potato + crushed murmura (puffed rice)
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Idli with with non-spicy sambar
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)- wheat- pumpkin soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Seviyan (vermicelli) upma
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Spinach-pumpkin puree + jowar (sorghum)puffs
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Potato- paneer (cottage cheese) mash
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
French beans and peas dalia (broken wheat)
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Lentil- sweet potato soup
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) satva
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
French beans and peas dalia (broken wheat)
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)- moong dal(green gram split) khichdi
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Apple puree + jowar(sorghum) puffs
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Sweet potato + poha(flattened rice)powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Roti dipped in dal- palak
Diet for a 9 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats-apple porridge
Mid-morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Lunch
Roti dipped in dal
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Egg yolk or paneer (cottage cheese)pulao
*Introduce small portions and then depending on your baby’s taste and appetite, increase the portion. Never force your baby to finish the food
Food to Avoid
It is important to serve your baby clean and fresh food. Be alert and notice the texture of food that your baby prefers, so that you can incorporate more of it into the next meal. While your child can now happily join you at family meals, here are a few foods that must be avoided at all times.
1. Honey
It contains bacteria that can cause a serious illness in your child, by damaging the intestines and leading to a rare syndrome called infant botulism. It can also be damaging to a baby’s emerging teeth.
2. Some Types of Fish
Shark, swordfish, and marlin contain high traces of mercury which can affect a baby’s nervous system. Also, avoid shellfish to avoid food poisoning
3. Whole Nuts
Do not give whole nuts to your child, until he/she turns five, in order to avoid choking
4. Sugar
Sugary food is bad for your kid’s growing teeth. These include ice-creams, biscuits, and sweets
5. Salt
Do not add salt to your baby’s food, as the kidneys cannot cope. Avoid salty foods, such as namkeens and chips altogether. Babies should have less than 1 gm of salt a day
6. Citrus or Acidic Fruits
Some infants may suffer from acidity due to citric fruits. However, a dash of lemon is allowed in purees.
7. Peanuts/Tree Nuts
This is sensitive food and may cause allergic reactions in your baby. It is typically introduced 1 year onwards.
8. Whole Milk
This can cause tummy issues and should never be supplemented with breast milk. It can also hinder absorption of iron, which is crucial to an infant’s growth
Can You Give Your Baby Finger Foods and Snacks?
Nine-month-old babies are generally ready for finger food and snacks. They have what you can call, a ‘Pincer grasp’, which is a skill where they pick up small objects with their thumb and forefingers. If your baby has started picking up small objects with his/her fingers without any support and can chew small bites of food, then its time to introduce finger foods for him/her.
Finger foods can be cooked carrots, apples, pears, cucumbers, or even paneer, that can be chewed well by baby teeth. Cut all of them into small, long shapes for your baby to hold and nibble on. Be cautious and never leave your child alone while they have finger food.
If your baby has still not picked up things with his/her fingers, wait for a month or two before introducing finger food
You can include one or two snacks between meal times for your 9-month-old baby. Give small quantities of food at regular intervals, which can help weaning easy in the future. Make sure that this does not affect breastfeeding.
Video: 9 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
https://youtu.be/_jihWeTG_Wo
Homemade Baby Food Recipes for 9 Month Old Babies
Here are a few recipes that you canwhip up quickly to delight your baby at home.
1. Pumpkin Puree
An easy and simple recipe that is full of beta-carotene, potassium, and iron.
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin
1-2 cups of water, vegetable stock or breast milk
How to Prepare:
Cut the pumpkin and peel away the skin. Scoop out all the seeds and put the fruit in a blender or food processor. Add water or vegetable stock till you get the desired consistency. Blend until smooth.
Once you have the puree, cook it in a cooker for 10-15 minutes (1 or 2 whistles).
2. Quinoa and Banana Mash
A nutrition rich and filling meal that is great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
1/2 banana
Pinch cinnamon
3 tablespoons cooked quinoa
1 tablespoon whole milk yoghurt
How to Prepare:
Mash the banana in a bowl. Cook 3 tbsp of quinoa, without any oil, in a separate pan with water for 10-12 minutes. Add the cooked quinoa to the banana, along with yoghurt, and stir to combine the ingredients.
You can also add powdered cinnamon (a pinch) for taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.
3. Plain Vegetable Khichdi
An staple Indian recipe when you are introducing rice and vegetables to your child’s diet.
Ingredients:
½ cup rice
½ cup moong dal (green gram)
1 cup mixed vegetables washed properly and chopped into small pieces (carrots, peas, potatoes and beans)
1 teaspoon ghee
A pinch of turmeric
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
chopped coriander leaves
How to Prepare:
Clean the dal and rice. Soak both of them in water for thirty minutes. Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker. Now add the cumin seeds till they crackle. Follow it with dal and rice and then vegetables. All these can be sautéed, followed by a pinch of salt. Add water and pressure cook this for 3-4 whistles, till everything is well- cooked.
Mash khichdi lightly with a spoon. Serve it with a little ghee on the top.
4. Atta Halwa
Atta halwa or porridge is a food recipe for 9 month old Indian baby
Ingredients
2 teaspoon Atta
½ tsp ghee
2 cups hot water
Formula or breast milk
How to Prepare:
Heat ghee in a pan and add atta. Roast the atta, stirring continuously. Once the atta is slightly roasted and gives off a nice aroma, slowly add hot water. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and bring it to your desired consistenty. Your baby will love the smooth texture of ghee. Turn off the heat.
Once the atta halwa is a little cool, add milk to adjust the consistency and add flavour to the halwa. You can add banana puree or applesauce for sweetness.
5. Finger Vegetables
Finger foods for 9-month-old baby are perfect for a mid-morning or evening snack
Ingredients
1 carrot
1 pumpkin
1 sweet Potato
1 zucchini/ cucumber
How to Prepare:
Cut any or all of the vegetables into long slices that your child can grasp in his/her. Steam them in a pressure cooker for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6. Oats Pancakes
These pancakes are super easy to make and delicious, as well.
Ingredients
1/4 cup oats
1 medium banana
1/4 cup milk
How to Prepare:
Mash the banana in a bowl, and add the milk. Mix well and add oats. Mix until well blended. Heat up a pan and add 1-2 drops of oil. Add 3-4 tablespoon of the mixture, and let it cook on one side. After 30 seconds to a minute, or until slightly brown, flip and cook well. Serve warm.
7. Vegetable Soup
This is a comfort food, especially in the winters and monsoon, and easy to make for your baby.
Ingredients
1/2 carrot chopped
3-4 beans chopped
10 peas
1/2 tomato chopped
1/2 potato finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon ghee
Pinch of pepper
Pinch of jeera powder
How to Prepare:
Pressure cook all the vegetables in 2 cups of water for 3 whistles. Let them cool, and blend into a smooth puree. Reheat the puree, add water if required, as well as the pepper and jeera powder. Serve warm.
Feeding Tips
Start by taking any solid food that you want to introduce to your child in a big spoon and give them little nibbles off the spoon.
All vegetables and fruits can be given to babies at this stage, but create a schedule and discuss it with your paediatrician before deciding. This can help avoid any allergies or reactions your baby may have.
Follow a ‘4-day rule,’ i.e. wait for 4 days before introducing a new food, in order to check for allergies.
Time flies, and soon your little nine month old will be walking and running. Make the most of this time by introducing healthy food habits and create a solid foundation for their food habits, down the line.
Disclaimer:
Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.
Also Read: 10 Month Old Baby Food Ideas Read more
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Kegel (Pelvic floor) exercise after birth
Exercising during the onset of pregnancy is recommended in order to get your body ready for the baby’s arrival. There are plenty of exercises that can be done and one of the most beneficial is exercising with kegels. Kegel exercising helps in physically and mentally stimulating your muscles and mind and help you feel relaxed during a generally tense phase.
Video: Pelvic Floor Kegel Exercise After Delivery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GmNZC0sJIo
Pregnancy and Birth
The arrival of a baby is the most wonderful experience in a woman’s life; however, giving birth can also take a toll on her body. While you want to make sure that things run smoothly for your new born, you will also need to ensure their well-being and health. You will have to sleep well, eat healthy and manage your weight. Besides dealing with these, you will also need to work on getting back your pelvic muscles to pre-baby strength.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscle that supports the bladder, bowel and the uterus of a woman weakens, causing leakage or bowel incontinence after childbirth. The best way to strengthen pelvic muscles is with the Kegel exercise, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, the gynaecologist who developed these exercises as non-surgical option for pelvic relaxation.
Benefits Of Kegel Exercise After Delivery
Kegel exercises are beneficial when you’re pregnant and continue to offer benefits after the birth of the child. It is an exercise for your insides.
1. Healthy Healing
Kegel exercises after childbirth are needed for healing the weakened, strained or damaged pelvic muscles from pushing the baby through the birth canal. Sometimes your vagina’s muscles, cervix and uterus might get torn in the process of delivery or your doctor may have performed episiotomy – i.e. cut the perineum to ease the birth process. These muscles need to be healed and strengthened to avoid health issues in the long term. Kegels will increase the blood circulation to these areas and fasten the healing process.
2. Bladder control post delivery
Whether you have the baby through caesarean section or opt for normal delivery, you will have problems with bladder control. Urinary leakage issues are common after child birth. An expanding uterus can place a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor muscles and weaken them, causing a leaky bladder. This can be embarrassing in public especially when you sneeze, cough or laugh. This is called ‘Stress Incontinence’. Kegel exercise after labour helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles and help you with bladder control.
3. Rekindling Romance / Intimacy
A major concern for new moms is comfort with sex again after childbirth. Your pelvic muscles are partially responsible for your vagina’s tightness. Stronger pelvic floor muscles and toned vagina will make sex more pleasurable for both partners. Kegel exercise after pregnancy can result in toned muscles for increased sensations and frequent orgasms, thus rekindle the intimacy.
4. Loose ligaments
The loosening of ligaments and the additional pregnancy weight is a concern for all new moms. Pregnancy loosens and stretches your ligaments to enable your body to accommodate the baby as it grows inside you. On an average, pregnancy can add between 12-18 kilograms (15-35 pounds) of weight that is extra. This will add pressure to the pelvic floor muscles, which have to stretch and strain in order to hold the increase in weight. Building stronger pelvic muscles to help these ligaments, will protect you from vaginal atrophy, incontinence and prolapse as you grow older.
5. Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse affects women after multiple deliveries. With each pregnancy, you are placing increased pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Eventually, these muscles will weaken and will not be able to efficiently support organs like the bladder, uterus and rectum. It can cause these organs to drop and extend into your vaginal area. This can cause problems ranging from pelvic or back pain to bladder incontinence.
How To Do Pelvic Floor Exercises After Giving Birth
Pelvic floor muscle exercises after pregnancy are the simplest non-surgical options to resolve common post-delivery issues, but unfortunately most women find it hard to isolate the right muscles for kegel contractions. It is extremely important to follow the right technique and target the right muscles.
Ask your doctor to ensure that the exercises are being done properly. Exercising with kegels can be extremely beneficial, especially during the postpartum recovery phase in order to help you get back to your pre-baby condition.
Techniques For Kegel
Make sure you empty your bladder completely before doing Kegel exercises. Incomplete emptying of the bladder can increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Focus is very important while performing kegels. Focus on tightening the pelvic floor muscles only. Do not squeeze or move your legs, abdominal muscles or buttock during kegels.
Sit and lean slightly forward with straight back.
Begin with identifying the right pelvic floor muscles. Squeeze the muscles as if you are trying to stop the urine and passing of gas simultaneously; in case you are unable to isolate the muscles initially, insert a clean finger into your vagina, if you feel pressure on the finger, you have got right muscles.
Hold the contraction for 8-12 counts and then relax for 8-12 counts. Repeat two to three sets several times a day.
Keep breathing normally while exercising.
Try not to do Kegels while sneezing or coughing. It will keep you from leaking and avoid embarrassing situations.
Do not attempt kegels while emptying the bladder as it can weaken the muscles.
Do not use Kegel exercise to start and stop your urinal stream.
When Can You Start Postpartum Kegel Exercises?
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles is absolutely necessary for recovery after pregnancy. It should form part of your regular exercise routine.
You can check with your doctor or start with a kegel routine after 6 weeks of giving birth.
When To Stop Pelvic Floor Exercises
It is important to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles all through your life. Never stop kegels. Make them a part of your routine exercise even after pregnancy.
Conclusion: Doing kegels on regular basis helps tone up and strengthen the muscles and offer protection against problems like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse as you age. Take some time out to perform the exercise on a daily basis to reap the maximum benefits from them.
Also Read: Postpartum Exercises Read more
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Anaemia in Babies
Anaemia occurs due to the shortage of red blood cells in the body. These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body, so their shortage can lead to a range of symptoms such as weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat etc. Anaemia can be prevented with proper supplementation of iron in the food.
What is Anaemia in Infants?
The signs of anaemia in babies are tiredness, pale skin, loss of appetite, irritability, brittle nails, sore or swollen tongue, and rapid heartbeat. It is due to the lack of red blood cells that oxygen is not transported to all the tissues in the body. The most common cause of anaemia in babies is the deficiency of iron which is vital for making red blood cells that carry oxygen. Long-term effects of anaemia in infants include a delay in reaching developmental milestones.
Possible Causes of Anaemia in Babies
Some causes of anaemia in infants include:
A genetic disorder: The sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that destructs red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream. RBCs transport oxygen to all the tissues in the body and the disorder makes the body’s immune system attack the healthy RBC. Called hemolytic anaemia, the excessive loss of RBCs is higher than the replenished cells which lead to anaemia.
Loss of blood: Blood loss resulting from an internal bleeding or a wound due to an injury leads to the loss of RBCs. Other factors that contribute to it include frequent nose bleeding, bloody diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease.
Low production of RBCs: When RBCs are not being produced enough by the bone marrow, it is called aplastic anaemia. This can be due to bacterial or viral infections, side effects of medications, or certain forms of cancers involving the blood or the bone. However, iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of aplastic anaemia in infants.
What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Babies?
Anaemia can be classified as a deficiency disorder when it is caused by the deficiency of Iron as a dietary nutrient. The red blood cells contain haemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, that carries oxygen to the different parts of the body. If your baby doesn’t get enough iron in food, they’ll have less red blood cells, leading to an iron deficiency anaemia. Babies are especially susceptible to anaemia during their growth spurts. However, it should be noted that iron-deficiency anaemia doesn’t occur overnight. It is caused by a prolonged deficiency of iron. Also, deficiencies can occur due to reasons such as lesser amounts of iron in the food or blood loss in the intestinal tract.
What Causes Low Iron in Infants?
Deficiency of iron in infants is caused by many reasons such as:
Insufficient dietary intake of iron: Babies have enough reserves of iron in their bodies, and they get plenty of it from breast milk to last until 6 months. Beyond that, they should be given plenty of iron-rich foods to meet their growing needs. All babies between the ages of 9 and 24 months are at the risk of anaemia and hence those who are fussy eaters and don’t eat enough iron-rich foods might develop anaemia.
Premature birth: Full-term babies are born with iron reserves in their bodies which can last them from 4 to 6 months, on the other hand, premature babies may have reserves that could last only for about two months or so; hence they are at a higher risk of developing anaemia. It is seen that about 85% of premature babies below a weight of 1.5kg can develop anaemia.
Diabetic Mothers: Babies who are born to diabetic mothers who did not take care of it properly are at a greater risk of developing anaemia.
Low birth weight: Haemoglobin levels of a mother are responsible for low birth weight and anaemia in babies; especially if the mother had been anaemic during the third trimester.
Introducing cow’s milk before 1 year: Babies who are introduced to cow’s milk before they are 12- months-old are at the risk of developing anaemia. Cow milk has low iron-content, and it also interferes with the body’s absorption of iron. Cow's milk can also irritate the intestine’s lining and cause bleeding.
What are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Young Child?
Here are some of the signs of anaemia in babies:
Pale skin: When a baby is anaemic, his skin loses its colour and texture and appears pale and dull. It is predominantly noticeable around the eyelids and hands.
Lethargy: Anaemic babies also may have low energy and show acute drowsiness most of the times.
Weakness: A baby with anaemia is tired all the time and shows lack of interest in activities.
Low appetite and no interest in eating food: If your baby has anaemia, he will eat very less or not eat at all.
Irritability: Babies maybe constantly irritated for unknown reasons and the older ones may also show tantrums.
Difficulty in breathing: Anaemic babies may have trouble breathing as they tire themselves out trying to get as much oxygen as possible. They also suffer from shortness of breath frequently.
Faster heart rate: In anaemic babies, the heart tries to pump more blood and hence beats faster with irregular beating pattern.
Swelling in limbs: Some babies might have swelling in limbs, hands, and feet.
Pica: Pica is a condition characterized by infants craving for non-food items such as mud, chalk, metal etc. This is an important indicator of a nutrient deficiency of some sort.
Lowered growth rate: Since the body doesn’t get sufficient oxygen for its metabolic processes, babies show poor growth in terms of head circumference, height, and weight for their age.
How to Diagnose Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Infants?
There are certain tests that can be done to diagnose anaemia in babies:
RBC Test: A drop of your baby’s blood is observed under a microscope to look for the low count or the small size of the RBCs. Counting is also done to estimate the number of new and old RBCs to determine if their production is normal. The percentage of blood plasma is also determined by a hematocrit test. A small stool sample may also be tested to look for loss of RBC through internal bleeding.
Iron Test: A baby’s blood sample is tested for haemoglobin and iron levels. Ferritin, a protein that stores iron will also be tested. Screening for a genetic disease such as sickle cell may also be done.
How Can Iron Deficiency Anaemia Be Treated?
The treatment for anaemia in babies involves replenishing the lost iron in the baby’s body. It is done in the following ways:
Iron supplements: Iron supplements in the form of powder or syrups are given to boost iron intake. The supplements also contain vitamin C as it aids in the absorption of iron.
Iron-rich food supplements: The baby’s paediatric dietician would recommend a diet plan that is rich in iron to replenish the baby’s low iron reserves.
Does Iron Deficiency Anaemia Have Long-Term Effect On Your Anaemic Baby?
Anaemia in babies results in a delay in meeting the developmental milestones, as their growth rate is slower. Anaemia also compromises the baby’s immunity and makes it prone to infections. In severe cases of anaemia, it can lead to physical and mental retardation. Deficiency of iron leads to regressions in the skeletal muscles and functions of the brain which results in lower IQ. Babies may also have behavioural issues and problem in socializing.
Are There Any Preventive Measures?
There are certain measures that you can try to prevent anaemia in babies, they are as follows:
If the baby is born preterm or has a low birth weight, discuss with your doctor about iron supplements and come up with a long-term treatment course.
Do not feed cow’s milk to your baby until he is about a year old. Breast milk and iron-fortified formula milk should suffice.
If the baby is 4-months-old and is breastfeeding, without having been introduced to solid foods, the AAP recommendation is 11mg of iron per day until they start eating iron-rich foods. This is a good way to avoid anaemia in breastfed babies.
Once the baby starts on solid foods, they should be given iron-fortified cereal and eventually iron-rich foods. Poultry, lean meats, fish, green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, legumes and iron-fortified rice, and bread are ideal foods to start with.
Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits, avocados, kiwi, and cantaloupe should also be added to the diet.
With adequate supplementation of iron in food, anaemia can be avoided in babies.
Also Read: Leukaemia in Children Read more
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