Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i Mother & Baby India

This is my favourite month of them all. For one, my little S was born in August five years ago. Then, it’s a beautiful time of the year in Mumbai, raining just enough to keep the weather pleasant, but not cats and dogs like it does in July! The month is at the helm of the beginning of a host of cultural activities and festivals on our side of the world, and there’s an air of celebration all around. I’m beginning to think it’s called ‘August’ for a reason! The month is also recognised as the world breastfeeding month. This once, everyone comes out in support of one of the most primal acts of nurturing and affection of the human race. This once, even sceptics’ walls don posters in support…

Trikonasana • Begin in a standing position and then move your legs open 3 ft apart. Turn your right foot open to the side, lift your arms at shoulder height and drop down to your right side. You can rest your right palm on the shin. Gaze forward or up to your fingers. Keep your chest open and knees straight. • While in the pose, continue to breathe normal. • Hold for 8-10 breaths. Release and repeat on the left leg. Benefits:This Asana helps to provide a great stretch to the spine, chest, thighs, calves and hamstrings. Back pains are greatly released with regular practice of this pose. It also helps to release stress from the body and mind.…

Deciding to start a family is one of the most exciting times for a couple. However, for some, the happiness could be short-lived, as they find themselves in the midst of a fertility crisis. Infertility affects about one in 10 couples, but the good news is that it can be avoided. Fertility issues can affect people of both genders, and have a number of causes—keep this in mind before you start a blame game! It is, therefore, essential to be informed of the methods and means for preventing infertility. The influence of lifestyle on reproductive performance varies, depending on the cause of infertility and individual circumstances. However, there is growing evidence that lifestyle choices have a significant influence on reproduction. Here’s how the two of you can heighten your chances…

Did you know that most mums make the decision to breastfeed their baby, even before they actually get pregnant? And this is primarily because of the experiences and exposure we have to breastfeeding. Hence it goes without saying that women should start preparing for breastfeeding right from the time they get pregnant. If you are thinking that there are some special foods or massages that are going to get your breastfeeding experience off to a great start then you are absolutely on the wrong track. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING PREGNANCY Information and Education: Two key factors and not just for the mother, for the father as well. Both parents should take a breastfeeding class to get the basics right. For the mother it is…

During pregnancy, our minds are often completely wrapped up in the childbirth process—how painful will it be, how soon will I recover, how far is life going to change. For most mums, giving birth can be terrifying and wonderful in equal measure—the love at first sight, the culmination of nine months of extensive prep, and anticipation of what lies ahead. However, before you leave the hospital and some serious mommy duty beckons, take the first two days to cherish your foray into this new life, as a family. Here’s how you can make the most of the first 48 hours post birth, and ease your way into mommyhood…. DAY ONE SKIN-TO-SKIN Once your baby is born, it brings about a large number of transitions for her—coming out of the warm…

1 Before delivering the baby, every mum to-be should be well-read about the basic concepts of breastfeeding and cluster feeding. 2 Family members should try to be supportive during this process. 3 As soon as the baby is born, within an hour, breastfeeding should commence. The baby should not be fed with any other feeds like water, honey, etc. 4 Cluster feeding helps to increase the mum’s milk supply, so try to see it in a positive light. 5 It is important to consult a lactation consultant to understand feeding methods and positions. 6 You must ensure that the baby is getting sufficient milk. Some ways to monitor this are: a) Baby passes urine six to eight times in 24 hours. b) Baby has gained weight when compared to the…

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU While you have a right to breastfeed wherever you choose, sometimes it’s worth being flexible. “My father-in-law found my breastfeeding in front of him a bit embarrassing,” says Tina Barua, 36. “Rather than standing firm, I went to another room when I was at his house,” she says. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES While a newborn will happily snuggle into your breast and feed quietly, an older baby may wriggle and squirm around leaving your breast exposed. Avoid this by wearing a feeding top or draping a light muslin or cloth over baby while you feed.…

•If you’re worried about your nipples, talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist. •You can try to pull your nipples out with your fingers. You can also discuss utilizing a device that gently suctions, or pulls out inverted or temporarily flattened nipples, with your doctor or nurse. •As the baby grows, the latch for babies born to mums with large nipples will improve. It could take weeks to get the baby to latch properly. However, even if your latch isn’t ideal, your baby will get enough milk, provided you have a strong milk supply.…

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. SONALI SHIVLANI Mumbai-based childbirth educator, certified by Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association, USA. DR GEETANJALI SHAH Popular Mumbai paediatrician, conducts holistic fitness workshops for pregnant women. ANIKA PURI Childbirth educator, prenatal and postnatal massage therapist, certified counsellor, reflexolgist and a holistic practitioner of women’s health and fertility in Delhi. NUTAN PANDIT Breastfeeding counsellor and natural birth therapist who’s been teaching in New Delhi since 1978. EFFATH YASMIN India’s leading IBCLC, biodynamic craniosacral therapist, and founder of Nourish & Nurture, Mumbai, India. DR DHERANDRA KUMAR Consultant clinical and child psychologist, he…

As a new parent, you’ll often find yourself stretched thin, trying to stay on top of everything babycare. You probably wish that your li’l munchkin also came with an instruction manual because no matter how hard you try, there’s always that one thing left off your checklist. While we don’t have an instruction manual, we do have something that can make your life easier. There may be far too many hurdles in your parenting journey, and your baby’s feeding habits needn’t necessarily be one of them. Thanks to technology, we’ve hunted a list of savvy apps to help to keep track of all things milky—breastfeeding, bottle feeds and even formula! 1. BREASTFEEDING NEWBORN TRACKER About: Helps you record the time and quantity of feedings and / or pumpings, and also…

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…

Giving birth to a baby is a beautiful process. The magic when everything goes right, and the tiny, delicate newborn lies snug in your loving arms after nine long months. However, in the run-up to this moment of joy, expectant mums have to change their entire lifestyles—giving up alcohol, raw eggs, and artificial sweeteners to ensure that the new life in the womb enters the world in good health. While prenatal diet holds the key to avoiding complications such as anemia (deficiency of oxygen in red blood cells), low birth weight and birth defects, postnatal diet is equally important for the healthy development of the newborn. By the second trimester of pregnancy, expectant mums crave for more calories, simply because the baby in the womb demands it from inside. Once…

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…

THE MOTHER Classically, the mother should be comfortably seated, with good back support. THE LATCH The baby’s mouth should be wide open. Maximum portion of the areola, especially the lower part, should be inside the mouth. The nipple should be directed towards the baby’s nose. The chin of the baby should touch the breast and the head should be tilted back to ensure that the nose is away and baby can breathe properly and swallow better. The lower lip should be turned outward, to prevent trauma to mother’s nipples. The ‘scissor hold’ is a wrong way of holding the breast, as it covers the areola and blocks the flow of milk. The baby should be completely turned towards the mother in a ‘tummy to mummy’ position. The head, neck and…

Breastfeeding is a universally accepted means of optimal nutrition that promotes a baby’s optimal survival, growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for upto two years of age or beyond. While emotional support by family, society, hospital or government policies are crucial, one of the most significant impacts on initiation and establishing of breastfeeding, is how it has been planned. Nursing can be a powerful and compelling experience for all mums, no matter how different their conception experiences may be—natural conception, assisted conception such as IUI or IVF, surrogacy or adoption. It’s just the that will differ, depending on the circumstances. Here are a few surefire tips to ease your way into breastfeeding...…

Think ahead: Plan to have a birth with as few interventions as possible. It is best to discuss all your feeding preferences with your caregiver before birth. Attend a good breastfeeding class or get a counselling session scheduled with your lactation consultant during pregnancy to learn about feeding and clear your doubts beforehand. This will give you the confidence to insist upon right practices and to avoid the interventions which are unnecessary or which may hamper breastfeeding. Find out the hospital’s policy: It is routine in some hospitals to give all babies pacifiers and artificial nipples. Be sure to let your doctor and the hospital know that you plan to breastfeed and that your baby should not receive a pacifier or an artificial nipple at any time. Enlist help: Ask…

Vishakha Khanolkar Palav is the Art Director for Mother & Baby India, a Commercial Artist and Photographer. She is also a Tarot Reader with a special focus on Numerology email: vishgraphics@gmail.com Aries This month, your li’l Aries baby will need a whole lotta’ lovin’. She’ll want to constantly be smothered in your cuddles and attention, and it’s best to take advantage of this before she grows out of it. However, mums, you’ll have to find new activities to engage her in, to find what it is that makes her tick. You will also need to motivate and encourage her little achievements, afterall, ain’t no cheerleader like her mama! Taurus Your baby will be very active all through this month, so buckle up for the exhausting ride ahead! However, she will…

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Swaddling is a traditional practice in which babies are gently wrapped in a light, soft blanket to help them feel calm and comfortable. The idea is to create an atmosphere like that of the mother’s womb, to mimick the warmth and security they felt, which also helps in putting them to sleep. However, it is important to note that even in the womb, they were able to move about freely—which means that the first rule of swaddling like a pro is to make sure that you do not make the wrap too tight, as this could potentially lead to joint problems in the future. LEARN THE ART • Lay down a swaddling blanket on a flat and safe surface like the floor, tabletop, or a semi-firm bed. Fold the blanket…

WHAT TO EAT • Fruits like bananas, muskmelon, apricot, and grapefruit will give mums desired nutrients like potassium and Vitamin A. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help in the supply of nutrients. • Calcium is vital for the human body, and mums can obtain it from milk, cheese, and yogurt. • Chicken breast, eggs, paneer, lentils, nuts, and seeds are among the best sources of protein. • Fishes like salmon and tuna provide Omega 3 fatty acids, which help in the development of the baby’s brain. Walnuts and sardines are also good sources of Omega 3. WHAT TO AVOID • Avoid excess caffeine and chocolate, as these stimulate the nervous system of the baby, making them irritable, fussy and induce loss of sleep. • Avoid citrus fruits like oranges,…

Our tiny humans can get quite ravenous when it comes to breastfeedingwe’re talking twice more than the average eight to 12 times she spends on your boob! If she’s feeding several times in short spans , usually in the evenings, you’re probably dealing with ‘cluster feeding’. It is exhausting, especially for a new mum, but it is a phase and most certainly, will pass. Here’s all you need to know about this newborn nursing phenomenon… WHAT IS CLUSTER FEEDING? Cluster feeding is when newborns demand frequent feeding over a short duration, during the early few days. Newborns rarely have a predictable eating or sleeping pattern. It makes cluster feeding hard to identify. Cluster feeding differs from the baby’s usual eating behavior. She will be awake during the night and sleeping…

Effath Yasmin is India's leading IBCLC, a biodynamic craniosacral therapist from Mumbai, India and founder of Nourish & Nurture. Her special interests lie in infant oral and sucking dysfunction, tongue-tie assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, biomechanics of breastfeeding and treatment of birth trauma, anxiety and depression. Yasmin serves on the national board of Birth India and international advisory board of ICAP (International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals) and GOLD Conferences. She is also the producer and director of an award-winning international documentary film Untying Breastfeeding screened across many countries.…

ROCKING, cuddling, smiling, breastfeeding, singing nursery rhymes, solving puzzles, playing peek-a-boo and reprimanding may seem regular routines in any mother-baby’s life. But, psychologists, counsellors and old wives’ tales insist that these seemingly mundane activities ensure a happy and healthy child. In our competitive age, a by-product of these routines could be helping the baby develop early skills. Plus bonding—the intense attachment between parent and child. “The confident and happy beings my brother and I are today, is because of the nurturing and time my mother invested in us. I feel it’s important to be around and give my son the same upbringing,” says Ritika Shah, mother of a six-year- NEWBORN TO THREE MONTHS BE AROUND AND MAKE SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT ALL THE TIME TO BOND BETTER During the initial months, the…