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10 Breast Pump Side Effects No One Told You About
Breast pumps have made life easier for mothers around the world. The convenience of pumping out breast milk and storing it for later use has allowed new mothers to return to work earlier, while still being able to provide their babies with breast milk. However, using breast pumps has some side effects that not many mothers are aware of. This article explains what the side effects of using breast pumps are.
Benefits of a Breast Pump
Breast pumps have a number of benefits for mothers and babies. They are also a great option for mothers who cannot breastfeed, for various reasons, to still give their little one breastmilk and avoid switching to formula. Here are some benefits of breast pumps.
1. Control Feed Timings
Mothers or caregivers can make a schedule to feed the baby and have more control over the timing of feeds. This makes the pumping and feeding schedule more organised and frees up some of the mother's time.
2. Relieves Working or Busy Moms
Working moms can pump milk before they leave and the caregivers can bottle-feed the baby during the day. Breast pumps also give moms some free time to run errands, meet friends, or pamper themselves.
3. Helps Increase Breast Milk Supply
Pumping after breastfeeding can help increase milk supply. Alternatively, keeping a stash of milk ready helps mothers who deal with low milk supply to feed their child.
4. Works Around Medical Conditions
If you or the baby have any medical conditions that prevent breastfeeding, pumping milk and bottle feeding will greatly help.
What Are the Side Effects of Breastfeeding Pumps?
Although breast pumps allow mothers the convenience of feeding their babies breast milk even when they are not around, using breast pumps has certain side effects and disadvantages that new moms should know about. Here are some side effects of using breast pumps:
1. It Can Reduce Milk Supply
One of the side effects of pumping breast milk continuously is reduced milk supply. A breast pump’s mechanism is very different from a newborn latching on to your nipple and suckling. The latching of a baby is what stimulates more milk production in your body. If a baby is not allowed to latch on, the milk production reduces.
2. Freezing It Depletes Nutrients of Breast Milk
When the baby feeds directly from the mother, the baby gets all the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Freezing breast milk for more than three months, thawing, and reheating causes depletion of vital nutrients in the breast milk.
3. Breast Pumps Can Cause Nipple and Breast Tissue Damage
Breast pumps can damage the nipples and breast tissue. The wrong setting can cause excruciating pain while pumping. Manual pumps can cause pain in both the breasts and the mother’s hands, as pumping manually is laborious and tiring.
4. Feeding With Both Bottle and Breast Confuses Babies
If you constantly switch between the bottle and breastfeeding, it could confuse the baby. This is due to the difference in the suckling mechanism in both cases. The baby may suck harder on the mother's nipples, as he does with the bottle. This could also lead to sore nipples in the mother. This could also happen because the baby may not latch-on correctly while feeding directly because the baby has become used to feeding on a bottle with a rubber nipple.
5. It Can Cause Painful Engorgement and Excessive Let-down
One of the electric breast pump side effects is that mothers pump too much so that they can have a big supply stored for later use. This causes the release of too many hormones in the body, which make the breasts swell and fill with too much milk. This is called engorgement and can be very painful for the mother.
6. It Does Not Replace the Bonding Time that Direct Breastfeeding Provides
Direct breastfeeding causes a close bonding between the baby and the mother, which cannot be substituted by bottle feeding. Holding the baby in your arms and feeling her suckling from your breast causes an emotional bonding that bottle feeding does not.
7. It is a Repetitive Cycle of Washing and Sterilising Bottles
A disadvantage of using breast pumps is that all the parts of the pump, the feeding bottles, and nipples need to be thoroughly washed and sterilised before and after each use. Another problem is that mothers may not be able to find a private place to pump when they are outside their home. They may also not be able to find a place to store the pumped breast milk safely.
8. Danger of Contamination
No matter how well you clean and sterilise everything, there are hard-to-reach parts of the pump and valves that can accumulate mould and bacteria. The bacteria and fungus find the nutrient-rich breast milk an ideal environment to grow and multiply. They can contaminate breast milk and make the baby fall ill.
9. Bottle-Feeding Causes Baby’s Teeth to Decay
Bottle feeding can cause the baby’s teeth to decay in the long run. When a baby breastfeeds, milk does not reach the baby’s teeth, as the mother’s nipple rests behind the baby’s teeth. While bottle feeding, the baby often falls asleep with the bottle in the mouth, causing the milk to cover the teeth. This can cause tooth decay on long term exposure. If the decay has progressed, the tooth may have to be capped or removed by a dentist.
10. It Delays the Mother’s Recovery After Childbirth
When a mother directly breastfeeds her baby, the hormone oxytocin is released into her body. The oxytocin causes a contraction in the uterus, thus reducing post-partum bleeding. Breastfeeding also helps the uterus size to become normal much faster. Studies have shown that the uterus of a breastfeeding mother returns to normal size, six weeks post-delivery, whereas it takes ten weeks for the uterus to return to normal size in a mother who does not breastfeed.
How to Avoid the Side-Effects of Using a Breast Pump
Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid some of the side effects of using breast pumps:
1. Consult Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor before using a breast pump. Follow your doctor’s suggestions on breastfeeding. She can guide you on how best to maintain adequate levels of breast milk supply while using a breast pump.
2. Breastfeed Your Child
Breastfeed your child directly for at least the first six months. Directly feed the child as much as possible. Holding the baby close and feeding her directly increases the hormone oxytocin in your body. This hormone is responsible for the let-down effect that causes milk to be released from your body. The greater the oxytocin level is in the body, the stronger the let-down effect will be.
3. Replace Old Pumps
Breast pumps should be replaced every eight to ten months to make sure the baby gets uncontaminated, nutritious breast milk. Old breast pumps could develop mould in the valves or in unreachable bends that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. This can contaminate the breast milk and make the baby fall sick. Old pumps also may not work as effectively as new ones. The pumping mechanism may become inefficient over time, causing the production of less breast milk.
4. Use an Automatic Pump
Use an electric or automatic breast pump instead of a manual one. Continuous use of a manual pump causes depletion of the mother’s milk supply. Due to this, your baby will not be able to get enough milk. A manual pump also tires your hands, as the milk has to be expressed by pumping mechanically with your hands.
Breast pumps have given working mothers a way to ensure that their baby gets breast milk even when they are not around. Many mothers also use pumps to express milk so that someone else can take a turn to feed the baby. This gives them time to rest or take a much-needed nap. However, using breast pumps has many disadvantages, such as those listed in this article. To circumvent the side effects of using a breast pump, mothers should try to directly breastfeed the child as much as possible. They should also talk to a lactation consultant before using a breast pump, and make a decision on whether to use a breast pump after carefully considering all the pros and cons.
References and Resources: MedicalNewsToday
Also Read: Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples Read more
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10 Best Home Remedies for Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation is a common occurrence during pregnancy. However, most women choose not to talk about it out of embarrassment and other reasons. While you may want to go for over the counter drugs for relief, they can be harmful during this phase, and if you are looking for medicines, the wisest option is to consult your doctor.
Video: 5 Best Home Remedies for Constipation During Pregnancy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBxF7tgFK4
Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy
Several reasons cause constipation during pregnancy. These include:
1. Reduced food and water consumption
Morning sickness affects most mothers, and makes it difficult to eat, and sometimes even drink water.
2. Changes in hormones
A surge in the production of progesterone results in the slowing down of the digestive process.
3. Changes in diet
Pregnant women tend to chance their diet to provide for their growing fetus, This change could cause cosntipation.
4. Due to iron supplements
One of the causes of constipation in pregnant women is increase in iron due to the precribed supplements.
Though constipation can be a cause of discomfort, it is easily remedied by a simple diet and lifestyle changes and a few easy home-remedies. While some offer immediate constipation relief during pregnancy, others help you get better gradually. Here are some remedies to help relieve constipation during pregnancy.
10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Constipation When Pregnant
1. Lemon
Lemon is great for digestion, and helps flush out the toxins and other undigested food. If you add a lemon to a warm glass of water it stimulates your sense of smell and taste and induces bowel contractions that help to pass stools. You may want to dilute the concentrated juice by adding a little bit of water. This decreases the intensity of the lemon and adds little fluid.
2. Water
You should drink plenty of water. Around 10 glasses a day is recommended. This helps you get the desired amount of water in your body. The water will start softening the hard stool ensuring that food moves smoothly through the digestive system.
3. Citrus Fruits (Oranges)
Citrus fruits like oranges have a highfibre content, and vitamin C. A major reason of constipation is lack of fibre in your daily routine. It isone of the best remedies for constipation. You should consume around 30 gm of fibre in a day. Grapefruits also have a high fibre content and could be consumed to treat constipation.
4. Prune Juice
Prune juice is one of the effective cures for constipation during pregnancy. You can have the juice around 5 times in a day to ease constipation and soften the stool. If the concentrated taste of the prune juice is too strong, it can be diluted with a little water and a slice of lemon can be added to enhance the taste.
5. Ispagula Husks
Ispagula husks or Isabgol is one of the well-known home remedies for constipation in India. Ispagula husks contain mucilage that absorbs fluids and this mucilage adds to the stool. If you choose this remedy then you need to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily. However, you should not opt for this remedy if you have any heart ailments or blood pressure. This cure should be used only if prescribed by a doctor
6. Flaxseed
This is another very popular home remedy for treating constipation during pregnancy. Flaxseed is full of dietary fibre which adds much needed roughage to your diet and it also contains omega-3S. Even for this cure, you will have to supplement it with around 10 glasses of water. You may also consider using flaxseed oil.
7. Massage
Constipation is inevitable during the early stages of pregnancy, however, you should not ignore it, else it can escalate to a more severe problem. Massaging the stomach gently can provide relief from constipation. It has to be done in a clockwise motion. This remedy should be avoided if you are at a risk of premature labour or the placenta is low lying.
8. Reflexology
This is a natural remedy for a lot of ailments. This is a safe method where pressure is applied to various unique points in the limbs. The method is completely safe and natural. You can ask someone in the family to help and gently massage the upper soles of the feet to relax and ease the digestive system. If you are alone then you can use the reflexology zones in the palm to get relief from constipation. Begin by massaging around the edges of the palm in a clockwise motion and working your way up. You may also place a water bottle under the sole of each foot and roll the bottle back and forth on the floor as you relax.
9. Acupressure
This ancient art of healing is found to be quite effective in treating constipation. The healer or practitioner believes that constipation is usually caused by blockage of energy (Qi).To release this block, you need to find the correct pressure point in the centre of the abdomen. It is located around 5 cm below the navel. Gently pressing this point, and gradually increasing the pressure for around 30 times daily helps. This remedy should be stopped at the latter stages of your pregnancy. If you have a disposition to premature labour, then this point needs to be pressed for about 30 times and repeated during the day.
10. Laxatives
There are of two types of laxatives. One that adds bulk to the stool and the other induces contraction of bowels. The laxatives which add bulk to the stool do so by increasing the water content. However, these could lead to a bowel cramp. The unintelligent use of laxatives can trigger a lot of side-effects. Hence they must be used efficiently and effectively. Laxatives help relieve chronic constipation. The chronic use of laxatives can lead to a lazy and twisted bowel. You should always consult a physician before you decide on using a laxative.
These natural remedies can help relieve you from the uncomfortable effects of constipation. If your constipation does not seem to respond to any of the home remedies, or alternative healing techniques, then it is recommended that you consult your doctor. Read more
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How My Mom’s Cancer Changed My Life Forever? Value Your Parents
Life was extremely busy. My son Ryan was 2. He had just started school. The joint family kept me busy with buzzing activities in and out of the house. Days just passed by running behind my baby and keeping up with the demands of my pleasantly big family. There was less time to visit parents. My mom called often but most of the times I told her I would call her back which i forgot. I took them for granted, visited them less and hardly called. My dad told me to call once in a while and just say hi. One night my brother in law got hurt while he was walking towards the washroom. He hit his face on the cupboard and started bleeding. We rushed him to a doctor for first aid and decided that in the morning we would take him for advanced ultra sounds and x rays to ensure he was perfectly fine. The first thing in the morning we took the required appointments and along with my husband we went around various doctors and pathologists. As we were in an orthopaedic clinic my mom called. As usual I told her that I would get back to her but she insisted I listen to her for a minute. I was in a haste so I told her to hurry up. She informed me she just got dignosed with breast cancer. My heart skipped a beat and the world that moved so fast collapsed. I broke down and sat on the ground. My husband kept asking but I could not answer him. As if, I was tongue tied. I wanted to speak but could not. It was unthinkable. I didn’t know what to do. There were bad thoughts that made no sense but preoccupied my entire being. We rushed to my mom after we made sure my brother in law was fine. I had to be strong. My husband kept cheering me up and explaining how my strength could reinforce my mother’s spirits.
How could such a horrible thing happen to my mother. She led such a healthy life. She practised yoga, ate a balanced diet and never indulged in worldly pleasures of eating out or drinking. There was certainly a mistake, I told my husband on the way. We should definitely go to a more advanced lab and get her retested. I could not help but panic. My younger brother Gaurav was broken. He wasn’t able to cope up with the situation. My dad put up a strong face but I was deadly sure that he must be scared to death. I couldn’t wait to reach home and hug my mother. As I reached she was occupied in cooking lunch. I simply went and hugged her. She acted so strong. She did not cry which made it more difficult for me to hold back my well of tears. I promised myself I would not cry and together we all shall overcome this crisis. Immediately all of us sat and chalked out our plan. My dad suggested we get her operated by a known oncologist in Indore, her hometown. According to him she would be in comfort zone and would be able to recover soon. Unanimously we agreed and without wasting time flew to Indore. She was operated upon successfully. According to the doctors the tryst had just begun. The surgery was a simple procedure. The chemotherapy and radiation sessions were the obstacles which my mother had to go through to be perfectly fine. It would take a year or more till all the procedures would be over. I decided to be there no matter what. My mother insisted I go back since I had a 2 year old child at home. But with the unconditional support of my mother in law I knew I need not worry. I just wanted to focus on her well being. The thought of being away from her was unthinkable. I stayed with her for 20 days after her surgery. I didn’t want to leave her even for a minute. When I wanted to cry I would take a walk in my nani’s garden. I would thereafter wash my face and be with my mom. When mom was fine and independent I decided to come back. My nani and mama were there to take care of her now. In another 10 days she would come home and we would continue her sessions here.
Once home her chemotherapy started. She started losing her hair. One day I visited her with Ryan who got scared because now she almost had no hair on her head. She felt embarrassed and asked me not to get him next time so that he remembers her as the prettiest nani he could have. I assured her how this phase was temporary and it shall soon pass. She would soon be her beautiful self with all fresh blood flowing inside her. I cannot forget the chemotherapy. She underwent extreme pain in all the 8 sessions. Later on we gave her pomegranate juice to revive her energy. After 5 months her radiotherapy began. She had to undergo 32 sessions. In the days when I accompanied her it was difficult to sit amongst similar patients who had their head scarfs to hide their baldness. Me and my brother were traumatised by the entire scene and hated our beautiful mom being amongst them. We cried in the parkings, but joked around with mom. We pretended to fight like old times to cheer her up. Her body was fragile and weak with so many things going on her at all times. She was unrecognisable but her will power kept up her spirits. Soon she was cancer free. The doctors declared her fit to lead a normal life.
10 years have passed and by the grace of his she’s healthy and happy. But even today I cannot forget the fear I experienced of being away from her. I try to visit my parents as much as I can. I try to be considerate and patient with their emotional needs. My husband encourages me to be in constant touch with them. There is no other priority when my mom needs me by her side even for trivial events like kitty parties and satsangs at her place. I try to keep my parents’ above all. Her illness shook my being. I became mature, independent and responsible. I also understood that parents cannot be replaced. Their presence is like a breath of fresh air in our lives. Whoever may come and go in our lives, we cannot take them for granted. For it is them, who love us unconditionally and expect nothing but our time in return. They are our First love and shall remain so till our last breath.
I understood the value of my parents in a difficult way but every body reading this blog should promise themselves to spend quality time with parents. Believe me! Nothing is more satisfying than putting a smile on your mommy and daddy’ s face. God bless our parents!
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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Moru Curry (Seasoned Buttermilk without Coconut)
Moru curry is a very popular dish among the Keralites and is an unavoidable part of their everyday meal. Moru curry can be made with coconut too, but we have made it sans the coconut and trust us it turned out just as good as the one with coconut. Steamed rice accompanied with this seasoned milk tastes absolutely divine is truly simplicity at its best.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
5 People
5 - 10 Minutes
5 – 10 Minutes
Ingredients
500 ml buttermilk
3 - 4 shallots
1 tsp ginger, chopped
2 - 3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 red chilli
2 green chilli
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
a pinch of fenugreek seeds
2 sprigs curry leaves
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds to it. Once it splutters, add mustard seeds.
Step 2
Add ginger and garlic. Keep mixing until it turns golden brown.
Step 3
Add red chilli, green chilli, shallots and curry leaves. Mix and cook for 1 - 2 minute.
Step 4
Add turmeric powder and mix well.
Step 5
Pour the buttermilk to the pan and stir. Add salt and stir well.
Step 6
Keep stirring for 1 - 2 min. Do not allow it to boil. Switch off the flame and serve hot or chilled with rice.
Nutritional Information
Calories
80 K cal
Proteins
4.0 g
Fat
3.8 g
Carbohydrates
7.6 g
Cholesterol
4 mg
Sodium
145 mg
Potassium
217 mg
Read more
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
2 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
56 mins ago
Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
55 mins ago
A. For breastfed infants it depends on age. During the first month of life, stooling less than once a day might mean your newborn isn't eating enough. However, breastfed infants may go several days or even a week between bowel movements, using every drop they eat to make more baby, not poop.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
53 mins ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
53 mins ago
A. Yes it is ok dont worry.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
35 mins ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 mins ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
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