Breastfeeding is best for the baby and its benefits extend well beyond the paradigm of basic nutrition. Breast milk contains all the vital vitamins and nutrients, which a baby needs in the first six months of life. It is fully loaded with disease fighting substances, which protect baby from illness. Many international paediatric organisation recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and recent research reports have proven that breastfeeding is good for both mother and the baby.

Breastfeeding protects the baby from a long list of illnesses, such as ear infections, lower respiratory illnesses, stomach disorder and meningitis and are less severe when they do happen. Breast milk adapts as the baby grows to meet the changing needs. Breastfeeding builds a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby and it has long term benefits lasting right into adulthood.

The first milk of the mother contains high concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), which guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in baby's intestines, nose, and throat. Mother's body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in her body and makes secretory IgA, which is specific to those pathogens, creating protection for the baby based on to whatever mother is exposed. 

The antibodies in breast milk gives a baby's immune system a boost and also helps children avoid type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and inflammatory bowel disease that strike later in life. Babies who were not breastfed run the risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Breastfeeding boosts child's intelligence. Surveys have shown that premature infants with extremely low birth weight who receive breast milk shortly after birth improved their scores of mental development at eighteen months when compared with premature infants who weren't given breast milk. The emotional bonding happening during breastfeeding contributes to some of the brainpower benefits. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It reduces a child's risk of becoming obese as a teen or adult as the breast milk contains less insulin, which stimulates creation of fat. The high content of leptin in the milk regulates appetite and fat.

Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin that promotes relaxation and nurturing. Oxytocin released while nursing also helps your uterus contract after birth, resulting in less postpartum bleeding. It reduces stress level and the risk of postpartum depression. Research studies show that breastfeeding results in changes in breast tissue and lactation reduces the production of oestrogen, which reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby & Mother

Premature labor is also known as preterm labor. This is the term given when the body gets ready for an early delivery in the pregnancy. Labor is considered to be premature if it starts almost three weeks prior to the due date. Premature labor usually leads to early birth, but now this can be delayed with medical help. It is better that the baby grows inside you because there are fewer chances of problems after birth. 

Risk of Preterm Labor:
Some of the things, which can increase the risk of a preterm labor are:
- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Poor prenatal care
- Use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy
- Smoking
- Health conditions, such as preeclampsia, infections, diabetes, high blood pressure and clotting disorders
- Pregnant with a bay with birth defects
- Getting pregnant through vitro fertilization
- Pregnant with multiples like twins and triplets
- Becoming pregnant soon after having a baby

Symptoms of preterm labor:
Warning signs should be heeded to stop the stop premature labor, as acting quickly can help. Consult your doctor or midwife immediately in case you have the following:
1. Backache, especially in the lower back. Back ache can be a constant feature or might keep coming in intervals, but does not change with a change in position.
2. Contractions that take place in each 10 minutes.
3. A leaking feeling in the vagina or fluid leakage from the vagina.
4. Cramps in the lower abdomen very similar to menstrual cramps. These usually give a feeling of gas pains and come with a diarrhea.
5. Symptoms of flu like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Must to see a doctor if the liquids cannot be tolerated for more than 8 hours. 
6. The pressure in the vagina or pelvis increases.
7. Vaginal discharge increases.
8. There might be light bleeding from the vagina.

Ways to check for contractions
To spot and early labor one must be sure to check for the contractions. Contractions can be checked by the following:
1. When the fingertips are placed on the abdomen and the uterus feels too soft or tight then these are contractions.
2. Contractions if felt, should be timed and the starting time of these should be noted.
3. Contractions should be stopped by changing the position and drinking some water or by walking around.
4. Doctor or midwife should be contacted if the contractions occur every 10 minutes and the symptoms worsen.
5. Sometime women might experience false labor also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are not so strong, are erratic and stop on moving around.

Preterm Labor: What You Should Know

Once the reality of the positive pregnancy test sets in, dreaming about the yet-to-arrive begins. Curiosity about gender, options for names, ways to manage, shopping ideas, etc., begin to get discussed. And then totally out of the blue the news comes that there is a miscarriage. This is one of the most depressing phases. It is very important for the family to be around and support each other. While the entire family is upset and hurt over the news, the mother needs most care as there is just not emotional but a huge physical component also to the episode. On the other hand, remember that miscarriages are extremely common, and is no indication of a fertility issue.

The first step would be to diagnose and confirm the miscarriage. After that, depending on whether it was complete or incomplete, some medical intervention might be required. In most cases, medications like misoprostol are given to expel the uterine contents. These help by clearing out the contents in about a couple of days' time. In some cases, a D and C might be required if your doctor suspects that medication will not suffice. This also helps identify if there is any issue in the uterus that could have caused the miscarriage.

While the above take care of the physical part, the emotional component also requires cautious management. Needless to say, this is trickier than the earlier one.

Mourn to your heart's content - When you have nursed a life within you and have lost it, it is very normal to cry for its loss. There would be a mix of emotions - shock, denial, confusion, anger, grief, depression, etc. Take some solace from that fact that this is nature's way of removing unhealthy fetuses.

Get someone to talk to - Need not be your husband, but anybody whom you can talk to without having to watch words. A sibling, a good friend, a close relative - your choice. Make sure you don't pick ones who will judge and sympathize with you. More than sympathy, you need someone understanding and knowledgeable.

Socialize more - As you would have kept to yourself post your positive test, use this time to socialize more and meet friends whom you have not regularly been in touch with. Close family members, your children (if you already have), society groups, movie groups, etc., help to a great extent.

Formal medical counseling: If you are not able to cope with your regular circle of family and friends, try seeking professional advice from counseling.

Spirituality - Whether you believe in temple or churches, spend some time there. Involve in some religious activity if you would like, this helps very often.

As much as it is painful and traumatic, it is not very uncommon or unnatural. Get back on your feet, the sooner you do, the better.

Miscarriage - Ways To Recover

Infections of the vagina, cervix and uterus

Vaginal problems are very common and a little awareness can enable women to take care of this delicate region of their body. Vaginal infections are the most irritable and hurtful and lack of education on the same makes it difficult to prevent them; from burning and itching to unpleasant odour, most women have faced these infections at some point of their lives.

Here are few points you must know about to stay clear of these infections.

1. Vaginal infections: vagina contains bacteria and yeast which are good and maintain the health of the area. However, things like change in levels of hormones, poor hygiene, pregnancy, sexual contact, antibiotics, disturb the balance of health, thus causing infections. Most common types of vaginal infections are: bacterial infections, yeast infections, trichomonas vaginitis. While there exist over-the-counter cure for these infections, it is best to visit your gynecologist and get the infections diagnosed &amp; treated.

2. Cervix inflammation: infection or inflammation in the cervix is called cervicitis. It is pretty common and is influenced by a number of factors like allergies, infections or irritations - it is important to know the cause of cervicitis because in the long run, it could pose a problem with fertility. Symptoms of cervicitis include foul smelling vaginal discharge, pain during passing urine, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding like bleeding after sexual contact or between periods. Cervicitis is treated with the help of anti-fungal medications, antibiotics and anti-viral medications depending upon the evaluation of the underlying cause.

3. Pelvic and uterine infection: infection in the uterus and pelvis is also a matter which should not be left untreated. It can present with pain lower abdomen, pain during intercourse, frequent and painful urination. The infection can be caused by various organisms which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which in turn can spread to the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes.

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Infections Of The Vagina, Cervix and Uterus: Facts You Must Know.

Women who have recently given birth and are aiming to shed the extra pounds gained during pregnancy are in for quite a struggle. You not only have to adjust your life to a new schedule but also need to recover physically from the stressful effects of pregnancy.

The ideal time for losing weight-

According to health experts, you should ideally aim to come back to your original weight in at least, 6-12 months after the delivery. Women, who are careful about their fitness levels, try to regain their original weight by the end of 6 weeks time.

As is normal in the case of losing weight, all you need to do is incorporate a healthy diet as part of your daily meal plan coupled with regular exercise. Breastfeeding also aids in losing weight post-pregnancy.

Do not rush!

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through a lot, not just physically but mentally as well. Therefore, you need to give yourself ample time to recover. In order to do this, you should wait until your 6-week check-up to find out if you are healthy once again. Many doctors recommend waiting for a period of two months if you are planning to breastfeed your baby. This period helps to normalize the milk supply. On receiving the thumbs up from your doctor, you should concentrate on cutting down your calories.

What if you are breastfeeding? 

Women who are breastfeeding their baby, or are planning to do so should aim to lose weight slowly and gradually. Losing weight drastically will make you produce a lower quantity of milk that might hamper the growth of your baby. According to doctors as well as dieticians, breastfeeding helps the body to burn calories.

Meal plan for weight loss-

Follow a few healthy tips to lose weight slowly and safely without putting either your life or the life of your baby in jeopardy.

  Oftentimes new mothers now frazzled with the responsibility of a baby forget to eat or consume their meals very late. This should not happen. If you do not give time to yourself for meals or intend on crash dieting by not eating, you will not have enough energy, and may even fall sick.

  Try to eat smaller meals from time to time to harness more energy rather than having three big meals.
  Eating a healthy and nutritious breakfast is very important as it gives you the necessary energy that you need to perform physical activities throughout the day.
  Eat slowly with your entire focus on your meal. This way you will be able to avoid overeating.
  Avoid consuming dairy products or try to consume those, which are low in fat.
  Consume foods such as lean protein or those that are rich in fibre. You should also ensure to have them either boiled or broiled.

The only way you can become a healthier and happier version of your previous self is when you accept the fact that often it is not possible to return completely to your former self. Pregnancy is likely to leave lasting changes on your body. So, be accepting of yourself as well as realistic.

Postnatal Weight Loss - All You Should Know!

Top 5 signs you're ready to have a baby

Most couples dream of holding their first-born in their arms. But there are others who also dread the prospect of taking such a responsibility. Some are not sure and some cannot wait. It's important to know the fact that life certainly changes forever the moment a small bundle of joy enters your life. And there are many factors involved.

If you wish to know if you and your partner are ready to have a baby, check for these points:

1. You're excited

The first sign that you need to look out for, and which points out that you're ready to start a family of your own is you're eager and excited to welcome the newest addition. Reading baby books and blogs, thinking of ideas on how to decorate the room for your baby, or keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest parenting news may be certain signs that indicate your eagerness to have a baby of your own.

2. You're financially ready

Another indication that you may be ready to welcome a baby in your family is when you have every financial aspect sorted out, including investments and savings. The ideal financial plan should be such that you're able to add to your savings as well as build up a retirement corpus while still being able to sustain the lifestyle that you and your partner would like. Most importantly, sticking to the financial plan is as important as coming up with one.

3. You can empathise

A quality that every would-be parent needs to have is empathy. The ability to put yourself in another person's shoes is vital before you can bring another human being into the world. You and your partner may have different empathy levels, which you need to know beforehand as parenting also involves empathising with your child's pain fears, needs, and worries and so on. 

4. You're ready to make a professional sacrifice

Having a baby also calls for making a professional sacrifice as looking after a baby is not an easy task. You or your partner may have to take a long break from work. It's, therefore, vital to see where you and your partner stand in your careers.

5. You have support

Having experienced people around you or people you can trust can help ease the days that usually follow on the arrival of this newest visitor. Your support could be in the form of your parents or in-laws who can look after your child while you go for work or take rest. Other support systems that you can consider are day care. 

Above all, you need to be the best version of yourself before taking on this additional responsibility.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'consult'.

Related Tip: Title: 4 Worst Foods Ever To Feed Your Baby! #ParentingBlunders

Assessment for Young Couples: Top 5 Signs You're Ready to Have a Baby

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