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Choosing to Have Only One Child - How It Affects the Behaviour of the Child
Friends, in today's fast-moving world, everything demands a good financial situation - even raising kids. It starts with their different needs - nutrition, health, education, entertainment and so on - and many of us decide to be the parent of a single child by choice to balance our finances without compromising on the care we can give our only child. The motive behind this is only the proper and best care for the baby.
Another factor behind this thought is the aspect of both parents working and facing a shortage of time. Kids need time for happiness. These days, both parents work and kids are being taken care of by grandparents, extended family, daycare faculty, etc. The couple already lives with the guilt of giving less time to their kid. All these reasons force them to have a single child.
But what happens ultimately?
Being parents we balance our time and finances and try our best to take good care of our child. But is this actually true? Because who does the child have for company?
Every child needs a constant companion. Your kid also needs a companion with whom he can play, and share his parents, relatives and childhood with. You can do everything in your power for your baby, but the happiness he will get when he is with other children is irreplaceable. Just think of what will happen when he is able to experience this happiness at home! He will be on cloud 9!
There is also a matter of behavioural issues to think about. Depression is a disease related to behaviour, thinking, and emotions, and I was shocked to know that little children can also be affected by this condition.
One of my friends provides tuitions at home to students of the 9th and 10th grade. She was discussing an incident that happened at her place. One of her students went up to her and seemed sad. She asked him if he was okay. There was no reply from his side, and on asking again, he started crying.
She got upset. What was to be done now? She sat with him, pacified him and tried to counsel him. Ultimately, the boy said, "No one loves me. I have no company. My parents don't have time for me. I don't know what to do."
We all were shocked to hear about this! A boy of hardly 15 years of age was depressed because he had no one - no one to talk to, to fight with, to love, and to share things with. His parents also had no time for him as they were working.
He was a single child of his parents. My friend counselled him regularly and spoke to his parents about it separately without telling him. She tried to make a jolly good environment in the class and threw some snack parties to make the kid happy and joyful. She was able to get that child out of his depressed state. Obviously, his parents too did their job wonderfully. His father took a few months off from work and then later, his mom decided to leave her job when his father had to rejoin work. Now, the boy no longer feels lonely. These career sacrifices are worth it when they save the happiness of your child!
Just imagine what would have happened had my friend not noticed the changes in the boy which his parents couldn't even see because they were busy! The boy could not even express this front of his parents as they were always away at work. He could have lost his soul and mind to depression. While parents work for the well-being of their kids, at times, some decisions have to be taken to make things right.
So friends, please do not gift loneliness to your child by choice.
These are my thoughts and observations only. They are not applicable to those who are in difficult financial situations or working couples who don't have anyone to depend on to take care of their child in their absence. Nothing mentioned here is meant to offend anyone.
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
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Is it Good to Eat Banana during Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding your baby will provide him with all the essential nutrients he needs for development and to fight infections and it can lower your risk of developing severe diseases. And consuming nutritious foods while breastfeeding can improve the quality of your breast milk. Eating fruits and other healthy stuff can contribute to breast milk production, but when it comes to fruits, should you eat all of them? Bananas, for instance, are super-healthy, but can you eat them while breastfeeding your baby!
Can You Eat Bananas While Breastfeeding?
Banana is a tropical fruit and is widely consumed all over the world. And yes you can eat it while breastfeeding your baby. It is rich in several nutrients such as potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, iron, dietary fibre, etc. And eating a banana during breastfeeding can have several health benefits for you and your precious little one.
Benefits of Eating Bananas While Breastfeeding
Bananas are very nutritious for nursing mothers. Some of the benefits of eating bananas in the breastfeeding phase are given below -
1. Can Provide You With Energy
Bananas contain about 17% of the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of carbohydrates. Hence, they are a great source of energy and extra calories. Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories per day, and 225 g of bananas can provide around 200 calories of energy.
2. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure and Strengthens Bones
Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium which helps maintain electrolyte and fluid balance in our bodies. Potassium can also ensure the proper transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Bananas also help maintain blood pressure.
3. Aids in Digestion
Bananas are a good source of fibre which helps stimulate regular bowel movements. Bananas also contain prebiotics which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and thus promotes digestion.
4. Lowers the Risk of Cancer and Helps in Tissue Repair
Bananas are a good source of Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps repair the tissues and maintain healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidant properties of bananas fight free radicals which cause cancer and also prevent heart disease by stopping the arteries from hardening.
5. Helps Fight Infections and Synthesise Haemoglobin
Bananas contain 41% of the RDA of Vitamin B6. This vitamin helps manufacture antibodies that are essential for fighting off infections. Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the production of haemoglobin, the blood protein which carries oxygen to all the cells in your body.
6. Can Help Reduce Depression
Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan which is essential for the production of the nerve transmitting chemical called serotonin. This chemical can help regulate mood, sleep, social behaviour, and memory, and thus lower the chances of depression.
Delicious Banana Recipes for Nursing Moms
Here are a few tasty and healthy banana recipes that you can try and enjoy in your nursing stage.
1. Banana and Strawberry Smoothie
The banana smoothie is quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed in breakfast or an evening snack.
What You Will Need
To make the smoothie, you will need a ripe banana, a cup of milk, a tablespoon of yoghurt, a small cup of strawberries.
How to Make
Take all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. If you do not want to use milk, you can substitute the milk with orange juice.
2. Banana and Egg Pancakes
Banana pancakes are easy to make and make for healthy and delicious breakfast. So check out the recipe below!
What You Will Need
To make the pancakes, you will need 2 ripe bananas, 4 to 6 eggs, a small cup of chopped walnuts, honey or maple syrup for the topping, a pinch of salt.
How to Make
Mash the bananas well in a bowl. Beat the eggs using a beater or fork until it is well blended and mix this with the mashed banana. Add the chopped walnuts and a tiny pinch of salt. Next, lightly grease and heat a pan. Put a ladle-full of batter onto the hot pan and spread it to make a small circle. Let it cook and then turn it to let the other side cook. Once done, turn off the heat and serve it topped with honey or maple syrup drizzled over the top of the banana egg pancake.
Side Effects of Having Bananas While Nursing
Bananas may not be recommended for some women while breastfeeding as it may cause certain side effects such as:
1. May Aggravate Cough and Cold
Eating bananas are known to aggravate cough and cold in some people. So, nursing moms who have a cold and cough should avoid eating bananas.
2. May Lead to Allergies
People who are allergic to latex should avoid bananas as it can cause a similar allergic reaction in such people.
3. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
As bananas contain high levels of fructose, they are not recommended to people who have diabetes or high blood sugar levels. If you are a breastfeeding mom and have diabetes, it is suggested that you avoid eating bananas.
Bananas are very nutritious and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. However, before making this superfood a part of your diet, check that you are not allergic to it. Better yet, consult your doctor whether or not you can have them while breastfeeding.
Also Read: Chocolate during Breastfeeding Read more
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5 Ways to Ensure That Having a Baby Doesn’t End Your Travelling Days
My husband and I love to discover new places and cultures. Everything about travelling, from making the decision and packing bags for the journey to exploring new places, meeting new people, trying out their cuisines, and carrying back home memories and little souvenirs of the people and places, is exciting for us.
I believe travelling can add to your personality like nothing else. It makes you a better person, teaching you trust, tolerance, and compassion - all of which this world could use a lot more of.
When I had my baby, Dhyana, I let my impatience lead me in some aspects of my life, especially regarding travelling. I couldn’t wait to pass on my traveller’s legacy to my child.
No sooner than she turned three months old were we heading out again, this time the three of us! My recently-turned-one-year-old baby has already been on six holidays. You could say she’s almost a veteran, wouldn’t you? She’s gone swimming when she was 3 months old, and then enjoyed the spray of the cold rains in Mahabaleshwar in the early morning hours (decked in layers of warm clothes, of course).
Here are a couple of the trips she's been on!
First: 3 months old - A short, 1-night stay over at my friend’s farmhouse, just away from Mumbai.
Second: 4 months old - Headed to Lonavala for a 2-night stay at the Hilton, Lonavala.
Third: 6 months old - Went on a 3-night trip to Pune, and stayed at the Crowne Plaza, Pune City Centre (by now, we were even visiting places around with Dhyana—the OSHO Ashram, the German Bakery, and discovering the finest restaurants in the city)
Fourth: 9 months old - A 2-night stay at The Herb Farm in Igatpuri
Fifth: 10 months old - A 3-night stay at Mahabaleshwar at the Bella Vista, one of the finest and most kid-friendly properties, with a huge play area filled with toys and slides, and many activities the entire day to keep you and your little one occupied.
Sixth: 11.5 months old - a 6-night stay in Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh - the longest trip we'd made with our baby yet.
Here are a couple of my tried-and-tested ways of ensuring that having a baby didn't stop my travelling days:
1. Set Aside Your Baggage of Apprehensions
Of course, she’s a baby, and tiny and vulnerable, but you are her parent and you’d be there for her in case of anything.
That being said, better safe than sorry. So…
2. Get Her Routine Check Done by Her Paediatrician
Before you get on the plan, ensure your baby is not running a fever or looking like she’s headed there. A complete check for your little one at the paediatrics is always a good idea. Ensure your paediatrician is accessible even when you are away and need to call at midnight, if need be.
While travelling with Dhyana, if she ever needed a doctor, I’ve called hers right away, which means once even at 4:00 am!
3. Start Your Preparations at Least 4-5 Days in Advance, Targeting the Completion of Baby’s Packing at Least 2 Days Before the Trip
Of course, it can get strenuous. But that’s why we begin days in advance!
I always set 3 bags for my baby:
Bag 1 for all her clothes and accessories;
Bag 2 for her medicines, bathing toiletries, toys, and her favourite storybooks (can’t imagine forgetting this), and;
Bag 3 for her baby formula and other edibles, and miscellaneous items like her tiny swing in which I put her to sleep, her pram, the booster chair (although this we stopped carrying after she turned 10 months old) and carry-cot (which we stopped carrying after she turned 5 months old).
4. Always Make Sure That the Baby’s Medical Files are With You
That way, a new doctor who may need to take a look at her is just a medical file away from her medical history. You don’t want to be caught without it. Ever.
5. Never Miss Carrying These in Your Bag
Doctor’s file, sufficient diapers, medicines, food, thermals for the baby, baby wipes, sunscreen and baby lotions.
And honestly, through all these trips, handling my baby was the most joyous of experiences. In fact, she’s always remained a bag of energy, playful and always ready to explore new places and people around her! I think I would safely call her a traveler. Wouldn’t you?
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
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
46 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Ma'am I am two months pregnant now....can I continue breastfeeding my 17 month old baby ?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
45 mins ago
A. No I’m afraid you’ll have to quit breastfeeding your child because it is not advisable to feed your child when you’re pregnant with the second child is not healthy for you neither for your coming child so you’ll have to skip and quit onto your breastfeeding
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
33 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert is continuous urinary irritation is normal in summer during pregnency
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
32 mins ago
A. in this case it is important to rule out urinary tract infection for which urine report as well as urine culture needs to be done.
in the report if it is found that there is positive urine culture then dr gives antibiotics for around 14 days after which culture report is repeated to see if the infecdtion is gone.
kindly take plenty of fluids to drink to and maintain hygiene of the urinary area and contact your doctor for relevant examination and investigation
at the earliest d
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
29 mins ago
Q. why my vaginal area and back pains during pregnancy
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
24 mins ago
A. because of the pressure of gravid uterus. 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
26 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
23 mins ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. 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
19 mins ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
17 mins ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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 Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
17 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
17 mins ago
A. Post vaccination swelling may be a common thing specially after DPT vaccine which may be painful for two or three days and the swelling may remain fheven up to month so if it is not causing any pain or other symptoms nothing to worry.
Swelling can be reduced by giving ice fomentation locally and paracetamol can be given for fever or pain.
Thrombophobe ointment can be applied in acute pain and swelling .
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