Why is breastfeeding so good for your baby and you

Breast milk is the best for babies and the benefits of breastfeeding are one too many. Breast milk not only supplies your baby with its requirement of vitamins and nutrients, but also gets the substances which fight diseases, making your baby healthy and strong. 
Benefits of breastfeeding are:

1. Protects Your Body - Breastfeeding induces some changes in your body which you might not be very delighted to accept, but are for the sake of your baby. Did you know, these very changes benefit you as well. Studies have proved that women who breastfeed are protected against breast and ovarian cancer. The longer you feed, the more protected you are.
2. Reduces Stress - Adding to the benefits of breastfeeding you can derive, is the fact that it helps you reduce stress. It also lessens your risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding has been found to be relaxing since it releases the hormone called oxytocin. This release also helps the uterus contract.
3. Averts Risk For Baby - A breastfed baby has lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
4. Reduces Obesity Risk In Baby - Breastfed babies have lower chances of obesity. They are good at judging when their tummies are full and therefore stop drinking on time. This leads to healthy growth pattern. Compared to babies who are fed on formula, breastfed babies gain weight at slower speed, hence reducing chances of obesity later in life.
5. Increases Cognitive Skills - Multiple researches have shown that there is a direct relationship between cognitive development and breastfeeding.
6. Enhances Baby’s Immunity - Breastfeed babies are also said to be better protected from developing allergies as immune factors like secretory igA is present only in breast milk. It creates a protective layer on the babys intestinal tract. Babies who aren't breastfeed are known to fall sick pretty frequently as formula diet doesn't build their immunity as mother's milk does.

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Why Is Breastfeeding Is A Saviour For Your Baby & You | World Breastfeeding Week

Pregnancy is a time when women need to be in the best of their health. Yet, there are various kinds of conditions and ailments that a pregnant woman can suffer from. One of them is gestational diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes mellitus that usually afflicts pregnant women who are suffering from high glucose levels in their blood. Let us get to know more about this condition.

Timing: gestational diabetes strikes an expecting mother around the third trimester. This is usually the time when pregnant women exhibit levels that are higher than normal. This may be due to the fact that the placental lactogen can block the action of the insulin receptors, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels.&nbsp;

Past history of diabetes: women who have not previously witnessed a rise in their blood sugar levels or any previous diagnosis of diabetes can also end up contracting gestational diabetes during their pregnancy due to an ineffective insulin response of the body and its chemicals. Also, after suffering from gestational diabetes, women are at a higher risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, thereafter.&nbsp;

Untreated gestational diabetes: the children born to mothers, who were not treated properly for gestational diabetes, are usually at risk of various other ailments. These children may be prone to complications during delivery. After birth, they are prone to various issues like low blood sugar levels as well as jaundice. These children may not be able to enjoy a normal delivery, and may have to be delivered via caesarean section, and even face premature delivery.&nbsp;

Food: it is important to monitor the blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes. One of the best ways to do this is to follow a proper diet plan. The food in the diet of these expecting mothers should include dietary fibres, carbohydrates and other nutrients like protein, calcium and iron. It is important to break the meals down into smaller portions or mini meals so that the insulin inhibitors can do their work more effectively, even as the body and the baby remain nourished.&nbsp;

Exercise: while most forms of exercise are discouraged during pregnancy, it is always a good idea to remain fit by doing your chores and walking. Pre-natal yoga can also help by introducing certain yogic poses that are good for expecting mothers. Gestational diabetes can also be tackled with the help of exercises like walking.&nbsp;
Gestational diabetes must be treated on time, and properly, so as to avoid complications for the baby and mother during and after birth.


Things To Know About Gestational Diabestes

Having a baby is nothing less than a dream come true, but it comes with its own share of problems for new mothers. A lot of women today are opting for a C-section, or a Cesarean surgery to deliver their babies. While it is safe for most, at times certain complications can arise as a result of the operation.

As if life for mothers wasn t tough already, post Cesarean wound infection is another concern some new mothers have to face. It usually occurs due to a bacterial infection in the area where the incision was made during surgery. If you have recently had a C-section, look out for signs in the first couple of weeks such as fever (100.5 F to 103 F), wound sensitivity and pain in the lower abdomen area. Other symptoms include swelling at the incision point or in the legs, discharge from the wound, smelly vaginal discharge or blood clots and difficulty in passing urine. If you notice any of these signs, act fast and visit your gynaecologist at the earliest, to avoid complications from the infection.

Why does it happen?
There can be various reasons that an infection happens, just like on any other part of the body where a wound is exposed. Generally, it is more prevalent among obese or overweight women or those taking any form of steroids. Other causes include, an incision closed with staples or nylon sutures, in cases of an emergency C-section, or from an infection of the amniotic sac.

Types and Treatment
C-section wound infections are of two types that is Cellulitis or wound abscess and thrush.

Cellulitis and wound abscesses are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics. If you re in the hospital, you will be given the antibiotics intravenously, but if not, they can be taken orally as well. In case of abscesses, the pus is first drained out and smeared with antiseptic before being covered with gauze, after which the wound will heal on its own.
Thrush is caused by a fungal infection and is normally seen in women taking steroids or in those who have a weak immune system. Anti-fungal drugs are provided to combat the issue.
How can it be prevented?
Here are some things new moms can do to prevent the C-section wound from getting infected:

Regular follow-up visits with your obstetrician
Practising good hygiene and healing
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
Avoiding any strenuous exercises that may put pressure on the abdomen area and stitches
Resting as much as possible
Remember, even if you do develop an infection, it can be treated if addressed in time. New mothers need to take extra care of themselves, as a healthy mom, makes a happy mom!

Post Cesarean Wound Infection - How It Can be Prevented?

Mommy Makeover

Pregnancy can take a toll on your body. If you had a nice figure, you might find yourself having a flabby tummy after your child is born. Even if you lose the pregnancy weight, certain areas of your body may still have excess fat.

Mommy makeover is a process that rids you of those worries. The process is aimed at reshaping the body and reducing the excess fat that has accumulated post-pregnancy. This process has gained popularity among women in recent years.

However, the traditional methods of a mommy makeover are time-consuming and include many processes like liposuction, tummy tucking, breast augmentation, and labiaplasty. That is why moms today are opting for nonsurgical mommy makeover methods.

Nonsurgical mommy makeover

A nonsurgical makeover is vastly different from the traditional methods as there are no surgeries. The treatments involved in the process may vary from one woman to another. The common makeover treatments include the following  

  Cool sculpting   This process aims to remove the excess fat from the body, especially the abdomen region. It takes around an hour to treat a particular area of the body. Here two sculpting paddles are placed on the area and gently pulled upwards using light suction. The fat cells are frozen and then destroyed.

  Thermage   This is a laser-based treatment that helps to tighten the undesired loose, sagging skin. This process boosts the production of collagen in the body that tightens your skin.

  Fraxel   This process is used to minimize the stretch marks on the abdomen. A non-ablative laser called Fraxel is used for the process.

  Hair removal   Many women find hair growth in unusual areas of their body that did not occur before pregnancy. As taking care of their little ones takes time, they might not have enough time to wax and shave. Laser hair removal can permanently remove unwanted hair from the body.

  Spider vein removal   During pregnancy, many women develop spider veins or varicose veins. Spider vein removal therapy reduces the appearance of these spider veins. Depending on the type of veins and the location in the body, processes like Sclerotherapy are commonly used.

  Stretch marks removal   Stretch marks appear in the abdomen, breasts, thighs, arms and buttocks and slowly fade to grey or white. During the latter half of the pregnancy, these usually appear. They can be removed by many methods such as Tretinoin cream   it helps to build collagen and tone the marks to look like normal skin. Laser therapy is also used to develop more collagen or enhance melanin production, which helps in fading the marks over time. Other methods like Microdermabrasion and Micro needling are also used.

  Scar correction   C-section scars that are observed among women after pregnancy can be removed through a topical gel called Mederma. Curad Scar Therapy Cosmetic Pads are also
used to lighten the redness of the scars.

  Breast sagging correction   After pregnancy, your breasts might sag and lose volume. Enhancement techniques like augmentation or breast lifts will help in restoring size and
shape to the breasts making them look fuller.

  Localised fat correction   Excess fat can be removed using Carboxytherapy where carbon dioxide is injected into the fat area through a very small needle. As a result, the fat cells burst and the liquefied fat is removed naturally from the body. Carbon dioxide stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow.

  Radiofrequency   This is used to break down a part of fat cells and stimulate collagen formation. This helps in making the skin look smoother, reduces stretch marks and fat, and
helps with skin tightening.

  Mesotherapy   This method is performed by injecting small quantities of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and natural extracts in the skin. This is used for improving sagging skin,
rejuvenating the skin, and reducing fat or cellulite.

Things to keep in mind
Usually, the nonsurgical treatments do not require much recovery time and you can get back to your usual routine quickly. However, the Fraxel laser treatment takes about a week to recover. If you are seriously opting for this procedure, make sure you know all the details beforehand. Talk to your doctor and get to know all the steps you need to take before and after the makeover. It is advised that you go for this procedure after you have decided not to have kids anymore.

Post Delivery Non Surgical Mommy's Makeover!

4 Types of Contraception for Birth Control

There are a number of contraceptives available but which method of birth control suits you depends on your sexual life, preferences and your lifestyle as a whole. Professional medical help should be sought in order to understand what method of contraception sis ideal for you.

Here is a list of 4 types of contraceptives for birth control.

1. Barrier methods

Barrier methods are designed to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. They constitute-

- Diaphragms: It is a shallow and flexible cup that is made of either latex or soft rubber. It is inserted into the vagina before the sexual intercourse where it prevents the sperm from entering the uterus.
- Cervical caps: It is a thin cup of silicone whose function is same as the diaphragm, only it is smaller in size, so less noticeable and more rigid as well.
- Contraceptive sponges: These are soft foam sponges that are filled with spermicide and are disposable. They are also inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse in order to prevent pregnancy by killing the sperm cells or preventing them from entering the vagina.
- Spermicides: These are chemicals that can kill the sperm and hence assist in birth control.

Other methods include male condoms and female condoms.

2. Hormonal methods

Hormonal methods use hormones in order to either stop or regulate ovulation so as to prevent pregnancy. There are various methods through which hormones can be injected into the body. Some of them are-

- Contraceptive patch: It is a thin patch made of plastic that sticks to the skin and is responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream through the skin.
- Vaginal rings: A thin, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina where it stays for 3 weeks and is removed after that, only to be re-inserted in the 5th week.
- Implantable rods: They are inserted under the skin of the upper arm of women where they release progestin.

Other methods include contraceptive pills and progestin-only pills.

3. Intrauterine methods of contraception

The intrauterine device is a small device, T-shaped that is inserted into the uterus in order to prevent pregnancy. The good thing about intrauterine devices is that they can remain functioning for many years at a stretch. IUDs are two types-

- Hormonal IUD(Intrauterine Device)
- Copper IUD

4. Sterilization

Sterilization is the most reliable contraceptive for birth control as it is permanent. It either prevents the release of sperm or the fertilization of the egg. Sterilization methods can either be surgical or non-surgical. Some of the sterilization techniques are-

- Tubal ligation: It is the surgical technique used in females.
- Vasectomy: It is the surgical technique of male contraception.

Other methods include sterilization implants.



4 Types of Contraception for Birth Control

Health benefits: Red Chilli vs Green Chilli

Chilies have always been known as ingredients that add spice to indian food. Without chilies, any indian food cuisine is incomplete. Both have distinct tastes and also have different health benefits. Here's a comparison between the two:

Red Chilli: Red chilies are dried and then used in food a preparation. It is spicier or hotter than green chilies.

1. Source of iron absorption - Red chilies contain a good proportion of iron which is very good for blood health. They also have a lot of vitamin c that helps the body in absorbing iron
2. Burns calories - They produce heat in the body that directly burns down calories, just like heat generated due to exercise
3. Relieves from congestion - In india red chilies are provided to a person for consumption when he is suffering from cold. It relieves congestion and helps is better respiration
4. Reduces blockage in arteries - They are very powerful antioxidants that clear any blockages in the arteries or blood vessels.

Green Chilli: Green chilies are more subtle in taste and are used as fresh spices in various food preparations.

1. Manages blood sugar levels - Green chilies tackle high blood sugar levels and control it if consumed regularly
2. Promotes digestion - Owing to the various fibers found in them, they help in better digestion
3. Good for skin - Green chilies being rich in vitamin e is a very good spice for a clean and healthy skin
4. Very good for heart - Due to a considerable proportion of beta-carotene in green chilies the cardiovascular systems stays strong and the heart too stays healthy
Both chilies have great benefits and consuming both in permitted quantities is only good for health.

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Red Chili Vs Green Chili : What's Hot?

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