Common Questions:
1. When should I start giving my baby cow's
milk?
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Paediatric
gastroenterologist with extensive experience in treating children with
gastroentestinal or liver problems. He is committed to advising mothers on
proper feeding habits for babies and children.
It is fine to use small amounts of cow's milk in cooking from six months onwards. But you should wait until your baby has reached her first birthday, before giving it as a drink. Even when you introduce a glass or sippy cup of milk to your baby’s diet, you can continue breastfeeding. The Ministry of Health recommends you continue to breastfeed till your baby is two years old.
Why wait to feed your baby cow's milk?
Cow's milk doesn't contain enough iron for young babies. Using it as a substitute for breastmilk before your baby turns one will leave your baby short of important nutrients and may lead to anaemia (too little iron in the blood). Infant formula milk contains more iron and vitamins than cow's milk, and is the better alternative to breastfeeding for the first year if needed.
Cow milk is also harder on your baby’s kidneys than breastmilk or formula milk and can lead to milk allergy. If you suspect your baby may have an allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk, speak to your doctor.
After the first six months, breast milk is not a good enough source of iron, so breastfeeding mums should make sure weaning foods contain plenty of iron. This means using foods such as lean red meats, vegetables and purées of fresh or dried fruit in your baby's diet.
How much cow's milk should I give my baby?
After your baby turns one, she needs to have a minimum of 350ml of cow's milk each day. This will provide her with essential protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin). If she becomes reluctant to drink milk, try offering two portions of calcium-rich foods instead.
Milk should play an important role in your baby's diet but experts say she shouldn’t have more than the required amount. This is because it may cut her appetite for solid foods, which in turn, could cut her intake of essential nutrients like iron and vitamins.
Should I feed my baby full fat or toned/skimmed cow’s milk?
For long, full-cream or whole cow's milk was considered the better option. This is because your baby needs the energy that the fat in milk provides. Fat also carries essential vitamins A and D. By skimming the fat off the milk, the vitamins are reduced.
But more and more experts are now starting to recommend toned milk because of the increasing obesity rates observed amongst toddlers. Research also indicates that there is no retardation of brain growth or vitamin deficiency if toned milk is used in the second year of life. If you do give your baby toned milk, make sure she gets fats from other sources in her diet. Vegetable oil is a healthier form of fat than animal fats such as ghee.
Do make sure that the cow's milk is boiled and pasteurised. Raw milk may contain harmful bacteria such as E coli and salmonella.
How can I encourage my baby to like cow's milk?
Some babies have no trouble switching to cow’s milk instantly, whereas others need to be coaxed slowly. If your baby doesn’t like the taste of cow’s milk, combine it with breast milk or formula. Every few days increase the amount of cow’s milk in the mix till your baby is comfortably gulping down only cow’s milk.
There is no reason why your baby needs to have her drink warmed if she prefers it cool, but some experts feel that, at this stage, it is important to break the habit of relying on a nipple bottle. You may want to try offering the milk in a sippy cup with a soft spout or lidded cup, instead.
2. Is it safe to give my baby honey?
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No.
Experts advise against giving honey (shahad or madhu) to a baby until he is a year old.
Traditionally, honey is believed to provide relief from teething pain or a cough. However, honey can contain a
spore or spores of the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This can cause a
serious but rare form of food poisoning known as botulism.
The symptoms of botulism appear around eight to 36 hours after consuming the contaminated honey. They are:
The symptoms of botulism appear around eight to 36 hours after consuming the contaminated honey. They are:
·
listlessness
·
lack of appetite
If you suspect your baby has botulism, seek
medical help immediately.
Honey can also harm your baby's teeth or give your baby problems during teething. Proper brushing and regular check-ups with a dentist is key to stress-free teething. Good dental hygiene is important as soon as your baby's first tooth appears.
As for treating your baby's cough, our experts have plenty of good advice for dealing with your baby's cough.
Some mums also use honey to add more flavour to baby food. If your baby is less than one year old, consider flavouring baby food with fresh fruit juice, puréed fruit, mashed banana, sweet potato (shakarkandi) or dried fruit instead. These foods are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. Only give these foods if your baby is over six months old. If he's younger, your breastmilk is all he needs.
http://www.babycenter.in/x555838/is-it-safe-to-give-my-baby-honey#ixzz2bN2vC23L
Honey can also harm your baby's teeth or give your baby problems during teething. Proper brushing and regular check-ups with a dentist is key to stress-free teething. Good dental hygiene is important as soon as your baby's first tooth appears.
As for treating your baby's cough, our experts have plenty of good advice for dealing with your baby's cough.
Some mums also use honey to add more flavour to baby food. If your baby is less than one year old, consider flavouring baby food with fresh fruit juice, puréed fruit, mashed banana, sweet potato (shakarkandi) or dried fruit instead. These foods are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. Only give these foods if your baby is over six months old. If he's younger, your breastmilk is all he needs.
http://www.babycenter.in/x555838/is-it-safe-to-give-my-baby-honey#ixzz2bN2vC23L
3. Is it safe to give sugar water to newborn
infants?
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No. Sugar water
is not advisable for your newborn baby as it only
contains empty calories. According to the Ministry of Health, the first food
for your newborn must be your first milk (colostrum), which is full of antibodies. Your baby needs nothing other than
breastmilk in the first six months of his life. If for some reason you can't breastfeed, your baby can get the necessary nutrients from formula milk.
Sometimes, sugar water is given to newborns as a first food immediately after birth. This is usually done if a baby needs to have a blood sample taken. It is also very rarely given as a first feed after intestinal surgery.
If you give sugar water between feeds, it makes it difficult for you to establish a feeding routine. This is because your baby will get full easily and lose his appetite for your nutritious breastmilk. Feeding your baby sugar water will also affect your milk supply. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will have to offer your baby.
But sometimes your baby may need more fluids, like during a bout of diarrhoea. If your baby is suffering from diarrhoea, take him to the doctor. The doctor may recommend an oral rehydration drink (ORS) or electrolyte solution to restore the balance of sodium in your baby's body. He may also ask you to give your baby more fluids. Give your baby more breastmilk, and if he is over six months old, feed him some water in between feeds.
There is a popular belief that sugar water can cure constipation. But while it is important to increase fluid intake when constipated, there is no evidence to prove that sugar water is the cure.
As long as you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby, it is rare that your baby gets constipated. Even if an exclusively breastfed baby does not pass stool for a few days, it does not mean they are constipated. If you have doubts about your baby's poo, speak to your doctor. Formula fed babies can get constipated.
If your baby is constipated, find out what you can do in our article on constipation in babies.
http://www.babycenter.in/x1032964/is-it-safe-to-give-sugar-water-to-newborn-infants#ixzz2bN313wqR
Sometimes, sugar water is given to newborns as a first food immediately after birth. This is usually done if a baby needs to have a blood sample taken. It is also very rarely given as a first feed after intestinal surgery.
If you give sugar water between feeds, it makes it difficult for you to establish a feeding routine. This is because your baby will get full easily and lose his appetite for your nutritious breastmilk. Feeding your baby sugar water will also affect your milk supply. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will have to offer your baby.
But sometimes your baby may need more fluids, like during a bout of diarrhoea. If your baby is suffering from diarrhoea, take him to the doctor. The doctor may recommend an oral rehydration drink (ORS) or electrolyte solution to restore the balance of sodium in your baby's body. He may also ask you to give your baby more fluids. Give your baby more breastmilk, and if he is over six months old, feed him some water in between feeds.
There is a popular belief that sugar water can cure constipation. But while it is important to increase fluid intake when constipated, there is no evidence to prove that sugar water is the cure.
As long as you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby, it is rare that your baby gets constipated. Even if an exclusively breastfed baby does not pass stool for a few days, it does not mean they are constipated. If you have doubts about your baby's poo, speak to your doctor. Formula fed babies can get constipated.
If your baby is constipated, find out what you can do in our article on constipation in babies.
http://www.babycenter.in/x1032964/is-it-safe-to-give-sugar-water-to-newborn-infants#ixzz2bN313wqR
4.
How
can I treat my baby's constipation?
Here
are a few things you could do to ease your baby's distress, but remember to
check with your paediatrician before you try anything out:
·
Gently move your baby's
legs in a bicycling motion to ease the hard potty along her large intestine.
·
If your baby is drinking
formula milk, give her extra water in between her feeds, but don't dilute the
formula. Too much milk powder can dehydrate your baby, so be sure to use the
recommended amount.
·
If your baby has started
solids, you can add a few tablespoons of pureed munnaka (prunes) to your baby's
morning cereal, or give her two teaspoons of prune juice. You can also add two
to three teaspoons of sugar in a glass of water and give it to your baby.
·
If your baby is over a
year old, you can try giving her fruits such as peaches, prunes and plums and
vegetables such as spinach, peas and cabbage (in small bits, of course) so that
she gets enough fibre. Feeding your baby with plenty of fluids will also help.
5. My baby's breasts seem enlarged and have
a milky discharge. Is it safe to squeeze the fluid out?
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No, it isn’t a
good idea to squeeze out any liquid from your baby’s breast.
Exposure to hormones during pregnancy causes a slight enlargement of breasts in some baby boys and baby girls. There might also be white milky discharge often called "witch's milk". This is common for newborns and nothing to worry about.
This condition usually goes away naturally within a few days and no treatment is needed unless your baby’s breasts seem red or tender.
Traditionally, witch’s milk is considered bad milk. But squeezing it out can cause bacteria to get into the milk glands and lead to an infection of the breasts (mastitis).
If you have hired a dai or a family member has offered to help with massaging your baby during your confinement period, make sure to tell them not to apply any pressure on your baby’s breasts.
If your baby’s breasts do get infected, speak to your doctor immediately. He will recommend an antibiotic treatment and ask you to not apply any kind of pressure on the infected area. Not treating the infection in time can lead to cysts that will need to be removed surgically.
Exposure to hormones during pregnancy causes a slight enlargement of breasts in some baby boys and baby girls. There might also be white milky discharge often called "witch's milk". This is common for newborns and nothing to worry about.
This condition usually goes away naturally within a few days and no treatment is needed unless your baby’s breasts seem red or tender.
Traditionally, witch’s milk is considered bad milk. But squeezing it out can cause bacteria to get into the milk glands and lead to an infection of the breasts (mastitis).
If you have hired a dai or a family member has offered to help with massaging your baby during your confinement period, make sure to tell them not to apply any pressure on your baby’s breasts.
If your baby’s breasts do get infected, speak to your doctor immediately. He will recommend an antibiotic treatment and ask you to not apply any kind of pressure on the infected area. Not treating the infection in time can lead to cysts that will need to be removed surgically.
6.
Foods
to eat after your delivery
We have
rounded up a few foods traditionally given during confinement that are rich in
minerals and vitamins that you need to recover from childbirth. After your
delivery it is natural for you to focus all your attention on your baby. But
try to look after yourself as well by paying attention to your diet. Eating
right can go a long way in helping you get back your strength and energy. After
all, your baby needs a strong and healthy mum. And if you are breastfeeding,
what you eat passes on to your baby through your milk. So all the more reason to eat
well!
Your family and friends may have a lot of well-meaning advice about the foods you should have while you recover from the delivery. Traditionally, during confinement, women have been given high-calorie food like full cream milk, butter, ghee, dried fruits and sugar. While you do need extra calories if you are breastfeeding, you can get the vital nutrients in a way that doesn't necessarily mean piling on fat as well.
Read on to find out what traditional confinement ingredients are particularly nutrient-rich and how you can eat them:
Your family and friends may have a lot of well-meaning advice about the foods you should have while you recover from the delivery. Traditionally, during confinement, women have been given high-calorie food like full cream milk, butter, ghee, dried fruits and sugar. While you do need extra calories if you are breastfeeding, you can get the vital nutrients in a way that doesn't necessarily mean piling on fat as well.
Read on to find out what traditional confinement ingredients are particularly nutrient-rich and how you can eat them:
Oats Dalia
Oats
are an excellent source of iron, calcium, fibre, carbohydrates and proteins. As
oats are high in fibre, they can also help keep constipation at bay. The most
common way to have oats is to cook it in the cooker and have it with milk and
perhaps nuts. You can also add fruits like bananas to increase its nutritional
value.
Haldi or
turmeric
Turmeric
contains vitamins B6 and C, fibre, potassium, magnesium and manganese. So, it
is packed with essential vitamins. Not only is it a standard ingredient in
Indian cooking, it has been used for centuries to heal external and internal
wounds. There is some evidence to suggest that turmeric helps to reduce
inflammation. It may also help in healing post pregnancy wounds and cure
stomach disorders, although evidence is limited to support this. You can add
about half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk.
Saunth or
dry ginger powder:
Saunth contains fibre, vitamins B6 and
E, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and manganese. It is a commonly
available ingredient whose supposed health benefits include anti-inflammation.
In North India, saunth ke ladoos are common. In South India,
chutneys are made from it. You can choose to add just a little dry ginger
powder to your meals.
Dals or
pulses:
Pulses
are considered an essential element of a well-balanced diet. They are rich in
fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. Pulses such as moong and masoor are easy
to digest and you can have them in the form of halwa or khichri. A bonus with
pulses - they help to prevent fat from collecting in your body!
Ajwain or
carom seeds
It is
traditionally believed that ajwain, a good source of thymol, not only soothes
pain from gas and indigestion, but also cleanses the uterus. There is not much
evidence to support this belief but thymol is known to have antioxidant,
antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. You can make a range of
dishes with ajwain from parathas to halwa, or you could simply add it to
your food as an extra seasoning.
Mandua or
finger millet
Finger
millet, mandua or ragi is an excellent source of calcium and iron, both
of which you need in plenty after giving birth. It can help you regain strength
after childbirth, and is a good alternative for mums who are allergic to milk
and dairy products. You can use finger millet to prepare dosas, idlis, rotis and halwas.
Badaam or
almonds
Almonds
are rich in carbohydrates, fibre, vitamin B12 and E and contain minerals like
magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium and zinc. As there are so many
nutrients packed into an almond, it's an ideal food to have while you recover
after childbirth. Almonds can be used in many recipes such as badaam milk, sheera, halwa and so
on. If you aren't in the mood to cook they make a great snack to munch on!
Green
vegetables
Green
vegetables are a great source of iron, which you will need to help you
recuperate. Consider eating spinach, beans, lotus stem, methi leaves, tinda, parwal or
other such green seasonal vegetables.
Methi or
fenugreek
Methi seeds are a great source of
iron, calcium, vitamins and minerals. They are commonly considered to help
prevent back and joint pains though there is little evidence to support this.
You can use them while cooking dal, vegetables, pooris or meats.
Black
sesame seeds
These
small, flat and black seeds are high in calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, and
phosphorous. With all these nutrients, sesame seeds or til are good to help replenish the body of essential
minerals. They are also popularly considered helpful in regulating bowel
movements. In North India, til ke ladoo are popular but there are many
other sweets made of til such as til patti, rewri etc.
Whatever you choose, make sure to have a well balanced diet with all the required nutrients. It's best to run your meal plans past your doctor. And if your doctor feels you need them, she might prescribe vitamin or iron supplements.
http://www.babycenter.in/a1049923/foods-to-eat-after-your-delivery#ixzz2bN3ptOdE
Whatever you choose, make sure to have a well balanced diet with all the required nutrients. It's best to run your meal plans past your doctor. And if your doctor feels you need them, she might prescribe vitamin or iron supplements.
http://www.babycenter.in/a1049923/foods-to-eat-after-your-delivery#ixzz2bN3ptOdE
7.
Benefits
of Pathiya Saapadu
What
is pathiya saapadu?
'Pathiya saapadu' is an essential part of
traditional South Indian cuisine. In the north, it is known as 'sattvik aahar'. The term 'sattvik' is
used frequently in ayurvedic texts to describe food, body constitutions and
personalities. To be 'sattvik' is to be beneficial, positive
and pure.
So pathiya saapadu or sattivik aahar is a pure diet. More than simply a well-balanced nutrient-rich diet, it is considered to be a diet which nourishes the body, mind and spirit.
Pathiya saapadu combines herbs and spices with medicinal properties with vegetables, legumes and grains, making for a healthy, nutritious and delicious meal.
So pathiya saapadu or sattivik aahar is a pure diet. More than simply a well-balanced nutrient-rich diet, it is considered to be a diet which nourishes the body, mind and spirit.
Pathiya saapadu combines herbs and spices with medicinal properties with vegetables, legumes and grains, making for a healthy, nutritious and delicious meal.
When
should I have pathiya saapadu?
Usually,
a woman goes on pathiya saapadu after childbirth. If you have
just given birth, your body will be recovering from internal and sometimes
external wounds. You may even be constipated for a while. As pathiya saapadu consists of light food and
broths, such as rasam, it is seen to be easy to
digest and supportive to the healing process. Being nutrient-rich, it can help
you gain strength. It is also believed to increase the supply of breastmilk. So
although doctors recommend no restrictions in your diet, many households ask
the new mother to have a pathiya sapaadu diet for a few weeks after
birth.
You may also be given pathiya saapadu if you are recuperating from a surgery or if you have an upset tummy. It is seen to provide relief from flatulence and restore normalcy to bowel movements. If you have been attending many parties, pathiya saapadu can help you detox.
You may also be given pathiya saapadu if you are recuperating from a surgery or if you have an upset tummy. It is seen to provide relief from flatulence and restore normalcy to bowel movements. If you have been attending many parties, pathiya saapadu can help you detox.
What
kind of food is in a pathiya saapadu diet?
Pathiya saapadu essentially consists of fresh
healthy vegetables and lentils combined with ginger, neem flowers, black
peppercorns, cumin, fennel, turmeric and tamarind. All these items are
recognised for their medicinal value. Clarified butter or ghee is used instead
of oil. Pathiya saapadu must be eaten fresh, straight
off the stove. It is also advised that you drink warm water with such food and
avoid cold water completely.
How
does pathiya saapadu benefit the body?
Pathiya
saapadu food chooses nutrient-rich ingredients and
recommends cooking in a way that preserves the minerals and vitamins in the
food. So the food is healthy and easily digestible ensuring that you can absorb
the nutrients you are eating.
Leafy green vegetables, which contain minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium, are the mainstay of pathiya saapadu. These are essential for your body's metabolism and immunity. Vegetables like pumpkin, gourd and squash are healthy too, and can be used.
Legumes like beans, peas and lentils provide fibre, protein, iron, calcium and zinc as well as B vitamins. These are soaked, allowed to sprout, and ground to a paste or prepared in very light, watery broths to aid digestion. Adding ginger, black peppercorns and neem flowers to these broths enhances their medicinal value.
Milk is also an important part of pathiya saapadu. It is a good source of calcium, which strengthens your bones. It is also consumed warm and infused with ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, which are believed to affect mucus formation in the body.
A variety of nuts are also a part of pathiya saapadu. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts and seeds like sesame seeds and flax seeds are very healthy and believed to be good for the digestive system. They are boiled or steamed, and not fried or roasted.
Whole grains like rice are combined with milk to make payasam, which can be eaten as a dessert. Other whole grain combinations are khichdi, which combines rice, lentils, ghee, spices, and porridge. They can also be prepared from broken wheat and herbs. These dishes are light and healthy.
Some vegetables are considered unsuitable for breastfeeding women in this diet. Eggplant and root vegetables such as potato and colocasia (carrot is fine though) are some examples. They are believed to be difficult for newborns to digest.
Pathiya saapadu is also known to help you lose excess weight. This is because it is easily digested and made to suit your needs but not more. Fried food is avoided altogether.
If you are interested in trying pathiya saapadu, see if it suits you. Medically speaking, women can have a completely normal diet after giving birth. So if you feel that you do not get enough nourishment from this kind of food, you can always go back to eating what you are used to. You may feel this way if for example you used to have non-vegetarian food regularly and suddenly switch to vegetarian food with this diet.
http://www.babycenter.in/a1049929/benefits-of-ipathiya-saapadui#ixzz2bN4436Ib
Leafy green vegetables, which contain minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium, are the mainstay of pathiya saapadu. These are essential for your body's metabolism and immunity. Vegetables like pumpkin, gourd and squash are healthy too, and can be used.
Legumes like beans, peas and lentils provide fibre, protein, iron, calcium and zinc as well as B vitamins. These are soaked, allowed to sprout, and ground to a paste or prepared in very light, watery broths to aid digestion. Adding ginger, black peppercorns and neem flowers to these broths enhances their medicinal value.
Milk is also an important part of pathiya saapadu. It is a good source of calcium, which strengthens your bones. It is also consumed warm and infused with ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, which are believed to affect mucus formation in the body.
A variety of nuts are also a part of pathiya saapadu. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts and seeds like sesame seeds and flax seeds are very healthy and believed to be good for the digestive system. They are boiled or steamed, and not fried or roasted.
Whole grains like rice are combined with milk to make payasam, which can be eaten as a dessert. Other whole grain combinations are khichdi, which combines rice, lentils, ghee, spices, and porridge. They can also be prepared from broken wheat and herbs. These dishes are light and healthy.
Some vegetables are considered unsuitable for breastfeeding women in this diet. Eggplant and root vegetables such as potato and colocasia (carrot is fine though) are some examples. They are believed to be difficult for newborns to digest.
Pathiya saapadu is also known to help you lose excess weight. This is because it is easily digested and made to suit your needs but not more. Fried food is avoided altogether.
If you are interested in trying pathiya saapadu, see if it suits you. Medically speaking, women can have a completely normal diet after giving birth. So if you feel that you do not get enough nourishment from this kind of food, you can always go back to eating what you are used to. You may feel this way if for example you used to have non-vegetarian food regularly and suddenly switch to vegetarian food with this diet.
http://www.babycenter.in/a1049929/benefits-of-ipathiya-saapadui#ixzz2bN4436Ib
