Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i Mother & Baby India

DR KIRAN COELHO A succesful gynaecologist and practicing obgyn for the last 30 years. DR ANITA MADAN A doctorate in education, she is currently the Curriculum Development head with EuroKids International Pvt Ltd where she promotes a developmentally appropriate curriculum. DR GEETANJALI SHAH Popular Mumbai paediatrician, conducts holistic fitness workshops for pregnant women. NUTAN PANDIT Breastfeeding counsellor and natural birth therapist who’s been teaching in New Delhi since 1978. DR DHERANDRA KUMAR Consultant clinical and child psychologist, he is founder and director of Psyindia, and engaged in direct work with children. SONALI SHIVLANI Mumbai-based childbirth educator, certified by Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association, USA. ANIKA PURI Childbirth educator, prenatal and postnatal massage therapist, certified counsellor, reflexolgist and a holistic practitioner of women’s health and fertility in Delhi. EFFATH YASMIN Founder…

Bite me! The Sophie la Girafe So’pure teething ring is made with 100% natural rubber, ideal to soothe baby’s sore gums! It has many parts including its ears, horns, ring and neck that are both natural and healthy for baby to chew on. The texture of the teether also relieves pain due to teething. The dark and contrasting spots stimulate baby’s sight. The lightweight construction makes it light and easy to grasp for little hands Age: 0 to 18 Months Product dimension: 10 x 5 x 12 cm Soft and supple Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion’s gentle formula is clinically proven to hydrate babies’ delicate skin for 24 hours, restoring the skin’s natural barrier, softening and soothing the skin. It is specially made for babies’ sensitive and delicate skin, keeping it…

When actor Disha Madan found out she was pregnant, it took her by surprise. “We did not know how to deal with it,” she says. Coupled with a few upcoming projects that she’d only just started working on, there was this sense of fear and anxiety she went through, because a baby simply just wasn’t a part of the plan. But when baby Vian made his entry into the world, all she wanted to do was “cherish every minute of his existence.” She talks to us about life, playing a new role—being mum to baby Vian. “I’ve been dancing since I was three, and having been trained in Bharatanatyam for over 20 years, I’ve always had a keen interest in professionally being associated with Arts. I took part in a…

FIRST SIP OF WATER Most babies will get all the hydration they need from breastmilk or formula for the first six months of their life and will not require any additional water. But if you’re wondering when can your infant have his first sip of water, at six months, your baby is ready. Be careful though. For, if you give him too much, it can possibly cause a tummy ache or make him too full to be able to eat properly. Giving newborn babies water could also interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients from breastmilk or formula. Well after his first birthday, when he’s eating solids and drinking milk, you can let him drink as much water as he likes. While a few sips of water will not cause…

The day a woman realises that she has conceived, numerous thoughts pass through her. She’s happy, excited, scared, anxious and overwhelmed all at once. As the initial months pass by, mood swings, coupled with nausea caused by the pregnancy hormones, can make her moody and exhausted. It is essential to prepare physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually to welcome a new phase of your life. RELAX AND DESTRESS: Dr Kiran Coelho, renowned gynaecologist, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Khar feels that when a woman is pregnant, her baby is exposed to everything she experiences—the sounds in the environment, the air she breathes, the food she eats, and the emotions she feels. Hence, it is essential for a mum-to-be to relax. “Maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy have been associated with higher incidence of…

EXERCISE TO PREVENT DEPRESSION Studies show that exercise during pregnancy may enhance the quality of life and wellbeing, improve self-image and fitness, prevent excessive maternal weight gain, low back pain, as well as decrease the risk of depression during pregnancy and postpartum. “Hence, we urge would-be-mums to start exercising in early pregnancy. Regular exercise in the form of antenatal classes, pregnancy yoga, pilates are also encouraged. Earlier, would-be-mums were asked to rest as much as possible while now we advise you to exercise as it releases endorphins. These are happy hormones and generate a lot of positivity. The added energy, increased stamina and improved muscles gained from exercise also helps prepare your body for labour. It also makes women more confident in dealing with discomfort during pregnancy and labour, thus…

BREASTMILK In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs for the first six months, it’s packed with antibodies that protect against illness. Formula milk is boosted with nutrients, such as vitamin D and iron. SWEET POTATO This great winter comfort food is packed with cold-fighting vitamin C. Babies can have it puréed, and older children will enjoy it baked and filled with toppings, like houmous or baked beans. MINCE RED MEAT is a good source of iron and zinc, which will help strengthen your child’s immune system. FROZEN PEAS The freezing process ensures peas retain lots of their power-packed vitamin C. They’re easy to add to soups and pies, and you can even throw some in a pan of boiling pasta for the last few minutes.…

You may be looking forward to catching up with your friends without having to change a nappy or sing Twinkle, Twinkle, but you’ll probably find you’re on edge the first time you leave your little one with a babysitter. “It’s natural to feel nervous about leaving your baby,” says UK-based psychologist Cynthia McVey, as she’s the most precious thing in your life. A recent survey found that 50 per cent of mums feel guilty about leaving their baby with someone else and 30 per cent are unable to relax. So it’s a good job we’ve got all the tips you need to have a stress-free few hours away from your precious little baby! CREATE A TRUSTED TEAM The key to feeling relaxed while you’re out without your baby is to…

Do you remember the first time you took your baby to a toy store? She must have looked around in excitement and told you that she wants most of what’s on display. Possibly, you would have had a tough time convincing her to pick one. Apart from the fun and play, toys play an important role in introducing children to a variety of colours, textures, shapes and sounds. “Toys play a crucial role in children’s life because they improve their senses of hearing, sight, touch and concentration,” says Annapurna Manelli, Hyderabad based mum to an eight month old. Toys foster a kid’s imagination and creativity while helping them interact and play with a friend. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, professor for The Great Courses audio/ video series, Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids…

A new house brings with it new dreams and aspirations for the family moving in. However, if you are a mum, you may find the whole process emotionally and physically draining. Since packing, moving and unpacking could be tiring and stressful, having a baby to care for is one more thing to worry about. Here’s our handy guide to make your moving easier: TAKE PRECAUTIONS: Packing and unpacking means loads of mess in the Indian context. Neha Chopra, a new mum has recently moved to a new house in Mumbai. She feels that exposure to dust can mean allergic reactions triggered by dust for you and your toddler—sneezing, coughs and cold, red eyes and irritability. “Keep relevant medicines handy and try boosting your and child’s immunity through Vitamin C-rich foods…

Crying is your newborn’s earliest form of communication, says speech and language therapist Lauren Woodcock. Here’s what your baby’s trying to tell you... ‘I’M HUNGRY’ This is a rhythmic, repetitive cry that gradually gets louder and more frantic. You’ll hear it a lot in the first few weeks. ‘I’M TIRED’ This starts off as a grizzle, then builds in intensity. Yawning and rubbing of eyes are also a giveaway. ‘I’M BORED/STRESSED/ UNCOMFORTABLE’ This is more of a fussy, whiney cry that will start and stop as you change position or entertain him in some way. A wet nappy is often the culprit. ‘I’VE GOT COLIC’ This one usually happens after feeds, but typically in the evening (just as you’re about to have dinner). Think intense screams, writhing around and drawing…

A call. A date. Nail-biting excitement. Butterflies in the stomach. What shall I wear? Oh, but it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s a call from the preferred school with a date for the interaction leading to panic/ excitement-driven nail biting and stomach churning. And what should the baby and husband wear?!!! “Has he been registered?” asked in the same tone as “Has he had all his shots?” is a seemingly innocuous question posed invariably by the parent who has already ‘registered’ his or her child. This question can pop up anytime post the arrival of your baby. I was asked when our son was 13 months and then started my spiral of chaos, anxiety and fear about which school and admission procedures. “Registered? For what?” I queried back. “School, of…

A time of the year which the whole world celebrates—The beginning of a brand New Year. If you are expecting your little bundle of joy this year or are a new parent, then this is a very special year for you, as this will be the first of many things to come. Here’s a little sneak peak as to what you can expect as firsts…… FOR PREGNANT PARENTS A positive pregnancy test can bring about a lot of thoughts, feelings and emotions, but have you thought about all the things that as a first time parent you are going to be treated to? First Ultrasound: Seeing that little blip and watching the tiny heart beat for the first time can make your heart skip a beat. Wave of Nausea: Even…

A normal delivery is the best gift that a mum can give her baby. Experts unilaterally believe in the several advantages of a vaginal birth. However, despite all the benefits, it can be a physically painful and draining effort for the mum. Also, there is a big chance of vaginal bruising. When a baby is being delivered through the vagina (which, albeit elastic, is also very tiny), it gets distended to at least 10 cm. The anus and anal sphincter is also at full stretch. When the baby’s head crowns spontaneously or during instrumental deliveries (especially if it’s the first baby) then, it is natural to get tears. However, not all tears are equally hurtful or tough to recover from. In fact, most tears heal naturally, or with simple remedies.…

FIRST GOLDEN HOUR A newborn has an innate ability to survive and thrive if we allow the primal reflexes to kick-in, as a sequence during the birth of the baby. During a safe and supported birth within an empowering birth environment, the newborn often undergoes a quiet, alert phase, which has been referred to as the first phase, or simply the Breast Crawl. When the newborn is placed skin to skin on the mum’s chest, shortly after birth, the baby is able to move closer to the breasts and attach, to initiate suckling. Studies show us that baby’s alertness gradually decreased within 150 minutes after birth, when baby usually becomes more drowsy and sleepy. This confirms the importance of first golden hour being critical to allow integration of many sensory,…

For the majority of us, the very thought of food is equally appealing and appetizing. Our festivals, celebrations or parties are incomplete without scrumptious food and drink. We celebrate every happy piece of news with sweets and our guests are always fed well. Though we adults like to try new foods and enjoy them at our convenience, most toddlers grow to have an aversion to new foods. Deborah Colson, MSc DipION Nutritional Therapist, Thinking Nutrition and author of Optimum Nutrition For Your Child explains, “Babies grow neophobic as they grow more mobile into toddlers; it is a built-in self-protection mechanism to stop them from trying to eat new foods, unsupervised, which might be poisonous.” As parents, we need to keep this in mind while introducing new foods to our tiny…

Do you have something to say? Is there any way Mother & Baby can help you in your journey of parenthood? Write in to the editor at this e-mail address: mbeditorial@gmail.com The letter of the month will win a special gift from Sophie la girafe® Hi Team, I love reading M&B and often recommend it to my friends who have babies. The content is insightful and interesting. When I was pregnant, I often got my doubts solved from my doctor and asked him additional queries based on the content I’d read in the magazine. One of my favourite sections is ‘What’s in Store’. I like the fact that it’s a compliation of products for the entire family, and not just restricted to only children. Thank you. KOMAL SETHI, NEW DELHI…

SHOPPING GUIDE www.toffy-house.myshopify.com www.ohmsclothing.com www.carters.com www.firstcry.com www.amazon.com…

After nine long months of anxious wait, your newborn is finally in your arms. Your friends and family are excited and you can’t wait to get home. Fun and celebration are to begin when the new member of the family gets home. Here is a checklist on bringing home your new baby. 1 LEAVING THE HOSPITAL: If you have any questions about your baby’s health and hygiene, breastfeeding or vaccination, do ask your doctor before leaving the hospital. Make sure to note when you need to visit next for your child’s check up. Dress up your baby in a comfortable pair of clothes, preferably cotton if it’s warm. Avoid overdressing him. You will not fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes yet. It is advisable to dress up in comfortable loose fitting…

No one knows your baby as well as you. But know a little more and you’ll be able to build an even stronger, longer-lasting bond. Establishing a secure connection between the pair of you relies upon effective communication. This guide will help you optimise how you connect with your baby. It outlines how he communicates and comprehends, so you can recognise his subtle cues and respond more effectively. And you’ll find activities to refine these heightened skills. It’s a self-perpetuating process. Your easily understood responses will instantly reward and renew your baby’s efforts. The frequency and depth of your interaction will skyrocket and your bond will deepen. At birth, your baby's brain is 25% of its adult size. But by the age of two, it has grown to 75%, facilitating…

● Change the sanitary pad at least once a day. ● Expose the region to fresh air for a few minutes every day. ● Wash regularly with warm water and a mild soap. ● Wear loose-fitting salwars or trousers to prevent the area from being rubbed. ● Wear cotton underwear till it heals. ● Change your sleeping position from time to time. ● Do not sit in one place for too long; keep moving. ● Wash the perineum from front to back to avoid infections. ● Eat fibre-rich foods to avoid constipation.…

POP A SUPPLEMENT It’s that time of year when bugs are flying around – the cold weather lowers our resistance, plus we stay inside more, so germs are exchanged much more easily. “If you’re breastfeeding a baby under three months, your main defence is to carry on,” says UK - based GP Catti Moss. “Breastmilk contains all the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your baby needs. If your baby is older than three months, you could give her a daily multivitamin.” Once your baby is weaned, you can boost her vitamins through food. “Zinc is known to strengthen your immune system, so it can resist infections like colds,” says UK - based nutritionist Amanda Ursell. Find it in red meat, oily fish and wholegrain cereals. “And studies show that, while vitamin…

Effath Yasmin is India’s leading International Board Certified lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapist, internationally certified lactation educator and the founder director of Nourish & Nurture Lactation Care & Parenting Education, an outreach clinic for mothers and families seeking professional clinical lactation management and parenting counselling. Yasmin sits on the board of directors and National Advisory Board of Birth India, an NGO striving for safe and supported birth in India and an active governing council member of the International Association of Tongue-Tie professionals (IATP).…

Every biological being, that produces milk for its offspring, is hardwired to create the perfect formula that will help build the foundation for the child’s long term health and provide for its immediate needs. At birth, a child is at her most tender and delicate stage, and requires a food source that is specially made for her, until her digestive system develops and strengthens enough to move onto more complex food sources, after six months of age. Breastfeeding is without doubt the best source of nutrition for a newborn and builds the start of a healthy mother-child relationship. Once the baby crosses the one year mark, she is ready to explore the wonders of food groups beyond that of mother’s milk. It is at this age that the mum considers…

Since he’s turned two and a half, my son William has gone from being an angelic child whose temperament matches his looks—all smiles and big blue eyes—to a monster. It’s scary. He’s become a scowling little thing, covered in blackmail-begotten chocolate while clutching random items stolen from my handbag. I love my son, but he rules our (toy-strewn) home like a mini emperor, yelling for biscuits and turning into a immovable plank when it’s time for bed. The other day, when I was trying to clean his teeth, William looked up and said glumly, ‘Please shut up, darling.’ I was clearly annoying him as much as he was annoying me. Something needed to change. But I can’t be the only mother struggling to enforce rules and often tempted to give…

1 – 3 MONTHS COOING NOISES At this age you’ll notice that your baby becomes more vocal, as the screams and gurgles give way to a birdlike ‘coo’ sound. “This is a key milestone in speech development,” says Libby. It’s a sign that the muscles of his tongue and mouth are getting stronger and he’s beginning to understand the link between making sounds and getting a reaction from you. TRY THIS Mirror his sounds. “Babies love to listen to your voice, so talk, sing and coo back to him, making eye contact,” says Libby. Your child is never too young to make conversation. When your baby lets out a coo, repeat it back to him and he’ll do the same. 4 – 7 MONTHS BABBLING SOUNDS Those first attempts at…

FRANCESCO Guicciardini said, “Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.” Friendships are as important for your toddler as they are for you. Kids learn about love, empathy, kindness and caring for another through interaction with other children. Valuable social skills including good behaviour and solving misunderstandings are imparted naturally through a bond of friendship. Here is a checklist on how you can help your kiddo make new friends. BE A ROLE MODEL Children often learn behaviour and communication skills from the way their parents behave or communicate. Be a role model for your child. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, professor for The Great Courses audio/video series, Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids, feels that parents can model good friendship skills through good communication…