Is Your Newborn Getting Enough Milk?

The first weeks of motherhood can be stressful, overwhelming, and confusing. You may find yourself constantly questioning your parenting tactics and wishing there were some sort of newborn coach to guide you through.

You may obsess over analyzing dirty diapers, trying to squeeze in more sleep, and ensuring your little one is happy and calm. If you’ve chosen to exclusively breastfeed, nursing opens up a whole different can of worms when it comes to worrying. Rest assured, here’s one thing you won’t have to stress over. Here’s how to take a deep breath and relax, knowing your newborn baby is getting enough to eat:

1.Understand frequent feedings

Is your brand new baby nursing around the clock? Are you stressing that this means your little one never gets enough to eat? Breathe. Throughout your time nursing, your child may have periods where he or she feeds more often than usual. This helps to build or adjust your milk supply based on your little one’s demands.

2.Check the scale

A good indicator that your newborn is getting enough to eat is to check his or her weight. While brand new babies typically lose 10 percent of their birth weight after leaving the hospital, most gain those numbers back within 10-14 days. If your little one is well-fed, you’ll see the numbers on the scale progress accordingly.

3.Count diapers

In the first week after baby’s birth, your newborn should be producing 6-8 wet diapers each day, with regular bowel movements too. If your little one has trouble wetting diapers, it may be a sign that he or she isn’t taking in enough milk.

4.Note the disposition

How’s baby acting throughout the day? If he or she seems satisfied after breastfeeding – and has periods of being alert and active, your little one is most likely taking in enough milk. Though do keep in mind that during the first month of life, newborns sleep an average of 16.5 hours during the day.

5.Listen in

While your little one is nursing, you should be able to hear him or her swallowing. Watch your baby’s mouth too during feeding sessions. You’ll want to look out for a strong and steady motion in your newborn’s lower jaw.

If your newborn baby doesn’t meet one or more of these requirements, call your pediatrician right away. Most likely, with the help of your baby’s doctor and a lactation consultant, you can remedy the situation and ensure your child’s getting everything he or she needs.

GET YOUR JUNIOR CHEFS READY!!!

Q: When should kids start helping out in the kitchen?

A: As soon as they are able!

Innovative educator Maria Montessori9 A Famous Philosopher), who developed a unique philosophy of education that more than a century later still bears her name, believed that the teacher’s primary job was to provide opportunities for children to learn and flourish by way of their natural curiosity and intuition.

Parents who provide  “practical life activities” for their children—the everyday activities of living—are acting as their kids’ first and best teachers. And what life skill is more practical than food preparation, an activity parents can expose their kids to every day? This I realised when I saw my toddy more in kitchen than near toys.

As I have always been listening to the complaints of mingling of more than necessary time in the gadgets and TV, I always insisted my child to get engaged in toys; especially which shelled motor skill development in it.

Then one day I noticed him doing something with bread in the fridge. His interest in bread seem to be key to my lock.Here comes the Idea!!! Why not to let him enter the kitchen stuff? The cost will be only a little untidiness and kitchen cleaning would take a lot time.

Is having kids in the kitchen a messy proposition? Undoubtedly. But who hasn’t made a mess or two in the interests of learning?! Make sure your child knows it’s okay to make a mess, and you’re ready to go.

Invite your kids into your kitchen. Who knows where it might lead?!

Having toddlers help with meal preparation is an especially good strategy with picky eaters. Food that children have helped prepare is more interesting and more appetizing than food that merely shows up on their plates. Meal prep also teaches kids the value of food, helps them develop fine motor skills, and gives them scheduled, focused time to talk with you, which increases language development—as well as emotional bonds. Now, that’s quality time!

First, make your kitchen safe and accessible to your toddler. Assign a low drawer to hold utensils that will be solely for his use. Have a special, easily reached place in the fridge for food and drink designated just for her. Provide a stool that gives him access to the kitchen counter. Hang an apron somewhere she can get it down herself. Teach him good food preparation hygiene by washing your hands and making sure he washes his as well.

10 Simple Food Prep Activities That Even a Toddler Can Do

1. Spread butter or jam on a piece of toast.

Place the toast on a plate to help contain the mess. Place just a small amount of butter or jam in a small bowl and provide a small spreader or a butter knife your child can manage.

2. Slice apples.

Purchase an apple corer. Cut the apple crosswise in half, place it flat side down on a cutting board, and let your child push down on the corer, offering minimal assistance. Use small tongs to remove the apple slices from the corer.

3. Peel and slice a hard-boiled egg.

This is a great activity for concentration and for refining kids’ fine motor skills. After the eggs have cooled, crack the eggshells gently and peel a piece or two to start the process, then allow your child a turn. Once the egg is peeled, have your child cut the egg using an egg slicer. Use tongs to remove the egg from the slicer.

4. Peel an orange.

Have your child practice her fine motor skills and build hand strength with this activity that will also fill your kitchen with a heavenly smell! For very young children, make sure you bring home easy peeling fruit.

5. Scoop out melon with a melon baller.

This is a messy activity—a great one for a hot day outside. It takes coordination to make balls, and just scooping a melon out is an accomplishment for toddlers! Most kids find this activity great fun.

6. Slice cheese.

Pre-cut several long rectangles of cheese. Provide plastic knives and invite your child to slice the larger pieces into bite-sized pieces to snack on. Plastic knives will go through most cheese easily and safely, and your child will feel a sense of independence and responsibility.

Tune in my blog by folllowing  for ten more fun food activities to get your junior chefs comfortable in the kitchen. Maybe someday they’ll be cooking entire meals for you—

One can always dream!

Paraaya Dhan: Metaphor I Hate Most

I still remember when my engagement ceremony was going on, my mother's eyes were filled with tears for a moment realising the fact I won't be part of her daily chores anymore ....hahaaa...just kidding!!! Perhaps she was cherishing the last innings of happiness in which I was only her daughter not anybody else's anything.

When we ( me and my fiance) touched her feet, her hidden tears broke out in burst . My aunt standing nearby consoled her saying, "BETI TO HOTI HI PARAAYA DHAN HAI!!!!"

In terms of lifetime value,a investment in son  is future investment whereas a daughter is deemed a hefty cost to the family.

Again, some of you will proclaim that it is meant to honour the girl. I personally cannot get past the word: paraaya. To those who say that it is immoral for a son to be required to leave his parents, I would like to ask, “Since when does living in the same house qualify you as an effective caregiver to a parent? Does the rest of the world, which does not live with their parents after marriage, stop caring for them? Both my brother and I moved out to study and work in our early twenties. Does that mean that we have stopped caring for our parents.

Even after marriage , me as well as my brother are not there with them all the time.As we both are settled outside our hometown, we could only manage to visit them once or twice in a month. Then what difference does it make for them my brother being a son and me being a daughter to them. 

But just to follow the legacy, our culture has gurped that daughters are so called Paraaya dhan ,who doesn't deserve to be there first ,when their parents need them.

The fact of the matter is that the tide has been turning for half a century. Ideas disseminate. Ideas proliferate and people, men, women and the transgender community, begin to question the status quo. Thousands of young families are already migrating to the urban centres of India, in search of brighter future or financial prosperity. Some have been driven out by necessity. Whether the patriarchs like it or not, the word ‘family’ is no longer synonymous with “joint family” when our social fabric is viewed through the lens of modernity.

Gender now is no more a Finish line to prioritise family member whether he is a son or daughter.In recent times, there’s been a lot of talk about gender equality in India. Bollywood, web series, advertisements, online campaigns, all have sough to break stereotypes and highlight gender-related issues.

But a lot more had to do to change the mindset of society.Nature never partiallise when baby surrounds mother's womb.No mother in this world can ever make a difference between her siblings.

Need is just to Revolutionise our Thoughts , Nothing Else!!!

Surely you will get rid of Stretch Marks Now

Stretch marks are common among women after pregnancy. You might have fine lines mostly in the areas prone to fat accumulation like breast, hips, arms, abdomen, tummy and thighs. They may develop due to hormonal changes or sudden fat loss in these regions. 

Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks? It is not possible to get rid of stretch marks completely as they only get lighter with time .Massaging creams, lotions, and oils cannot make the marks disappear but only turn your skin smooth and supple. Over the months and may be years, the marks gradually turn into fine lines which are almost closer to your skin tone. Though you may have to bear the natural ‘battle scars’, they become less visible in three to six months after delivery, write Janet Arenson and Patricia Drake in their book Quick Look Nursing: Maternal and Newborn Health. 

There are certain effective home remedies you can try to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after delivery. Most of these remedies are from The Big Book Of Home Remedies, written by Samuel Billings (2). 

1. Oil Treatment:

Massaging the affected areas with oils make your skin smooth and help reduce the stretch marks. Some of the popularly used oils include: Olive Oil: Olive oil moisturizes and exfoliates your skin. It also improves the blood circulation and removes stretch marks to a great extent (3).  Take some oil in your palms and gently massage the area.

Let it remain for 30 minutes so that the vitamins A, D and E in the oil are absorbed into the skin.

Take a bath after the massage.

Though it is a time-taking process, it gives you results when you follow it regularly.

Or you can also prepare a mixture of olive oil, water and vinegar, and apply in the nights. Vitamin E Oil: Extract the oil from vitamin E capsule.

Mix with any moisturizer you use regularly and apply on the stretch marks.

On regular usage, it gives effective results by fading off the marks.

Castor Oil: Apply castor oil on the stretch marks and massage the area gently in circular motion for about five to ten minutes.

Use a plastic bag to cover the area, roll a hot water bottle on it for about 30 to 40 minutes. The heat opens the pores and the oil gets absorbed into the pores.

Clean the area and repeat it every day for at least a month to see good results.

Other Oils: Various oils like coconut, almond, avocado, castor and vitamin E can be mixed in equal proportions and applied on the skin. You can also use them to massage the region. You can also use any one oil and use as a massage oil. Essential Oil Treatment: Take regular oils like almond or coconut.

Add a few drops of essential oils like rose, geranium, lavender, myrrh or helichrysum.

Use this mixture to massage on the stretch marks for at least 30 minutes. It will help reduce the stretch marks quickly.

2. Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera promotes healing and soothes your skin. Use fresh gel rather than the one available in the market. Rub it directly over the skin, leave for 15 minutes and wash it off using lukewarm water. Apply on the affected areas regularly.

You can also prepare a mixture of one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel with oil from five vitamin A and ten vitamin E capsules. Rub it over the skin until it is completely absorbed. Apply it twice a day.

3. Honey

: The antiseptic property of honey works in reducing stretch marks. Take a small cloth and apply honey on it.

Place the cloth on the affected area and let it remain until it turns dry.

Rinse off using warm water.

Or you can prepare honey scrub by mixing it with salt and glycerin. Apply it on the stretch marks, leave until it dries and rinse off using water.

4. Egg White

Egg white is rich in protein, which helps rejuvenate the skin and makes it look fresh. Beat two egg whites using a fork.

Clean the affected area with water and apply a thick layer of egg white using a makeup brush.

Let it dry and then rinse off using cold water.

Apply some olive oil to keep the skin supple and moisturized.

Repeat it every day for at least two weeks. It helps improve your skin tone, and the marks fade away slowly.

5. Shea Butter Or Cocoa Butter:

Shea or cocoa butter can be used just like oil treatment. They are also the primary ingredients present in most of the body lotions. Take some shea or cocoa butter and apply on the stretch marks regularly. Rinse off the area after some time. This remedy improves the skin elasticity, prevents dryness and reduces the stretch marks. Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer and helps nourish your skin.

6. Sugar

Sugar is one of the best remedies for stretch marks. It exfoliates your dead skin, and your stretch marks turn lighter. Take one tablespoon of sugar, mix with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice.

Use it as a scrub before you go for a shower.

Do this every day for a month.

7. Lemon Juice

The acidic property of lemon juice works in healing stretch marks. Rub fresh lemon juice on the affected area.

Leave it for about 10 minutes so that the juice soaks into your skin.

Rinse off using warm water.

Apply every day for better results.

Or you can also make a mixture of lemon and cucumber juice in equal proportions and apply it on the stretch marks.

8. Water

: The skin should be well-hydrated to erase the stretch marks and other skin conditions. Consume at least 10 to 12 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and protected from toxins. It keeps your skin supple and restores its elasticity. Try avoiding tea, coffee and soda as they are dehydrating agents.

9. Apricot

Deseed the fruit and cut into small pieces.

Crush the fruit in a blender to make a paste.

Apply on the stretch marks, leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse off with lukewarm water and repeat regularly.

10. Potato juice

Potato contains phytochemicals, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which improve the skin texture. Cut a potato into two halves and rub one-half over the stretch marks.

Allow the juice to soak into the skin and let it dry.

Then rinse off the area using lukewarm water.

You can notice the difference in a few months.

Or you can use potato juice or pulp.

11. Turmeric And Sandalwood:

They are known for their ability to promote brighter and even skin texture. Prepare one spoon of sandalwood paste by rubbing sandalwood stick in a bit of water.

Prepare a smooth paste of fresh turmeric root.

Mix both in equal proportions and apply on the skin.

Leave until it dries almost to 60% and then scrub your skin until all of it comes off.

Repeat every day for at least six months to see the improvement.

12. Milk, Sugar And Green Coconut Water

: Scrubs are effective in boosting the skin regeneration process, and they are one of best ways to remove stretch marks after birth of the baby. Mix two spoons of raw milk, a few drops of lemon juice and cucumber juice, half a spoon of sugar.

Apply on the stretch marks and scrub for around five minutes in a circular motion.

Rinse off with water and pat the area dry.

Apply coconut water in excess and allow it to dry until you can sense the stretch on the skin.

Then apply shea butter or aloe vera gel.

After some time, rinse off the area and then apply moisturizer.

You can use this remedy three times a week to help remove marks and lighten the skin.

Repeat not more than 3 times a week.

13. Alfalfa:

Alfalfa leaves are a great source of protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins E and K. Their antifungal property detoxifies the skin and helps heal the stretch marks. Prepare a smooth paste by mixing the powder with a few drops of chamomile oil.

Massage it all over the stretch marks.

Apply two to three times a day and you can notice stretch marks fading away within a week.

Alfalfa powder is available in food stores.

14. Home-made Moisturizer:

Moisturizer helps improve skin elasticity. You should choose it depending on your skin type. If your skin is dry, you should use the one with cocoa butter and if your skin is oily, use cream which contains aloe vera or a clay moisturizer. Mix olive oil, aloe vera gel and wheat germ oil in equal proportions.

You can use it as a moisturizer if you have dry or combination skin type.

The above mixture can be mixed with clay if your skin is an oily type.

15. Home made lotions

Take a quarter cup of aloe vera gel and a half cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Extract oil from six vitamin E capsules and three to four vitamin A capsules.

Mix all these ingredients, take in a glass bottle and store in the refrigerator.

The natural stretch marks removal lotion can be applied every day. Mix half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of vitamin E oil and two tablespoons of grated beeswax.

Bring the mixture to boil until the wax gets melted.

Store it in a bottle and refrigerate it.you can use it everyday.

16. Exercise To Fight Pregnancy Stretch Marks:

You can try doing exercises that work on the muscles of the areas with stretch marks. They tone the skin and help regenerate the tissues. It tightens the loosened skin and helps diminish the stretch marks. A combination of exercises and balanced diet helps you feel better.

17.CONTRAST SHOWERS AND SWIMMING:

They have a significant effect on the skin. They improve the blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues and enhance skin elasticity. All you need to do is alternate your shower between hot and cold water for micro-circulation.

5 Most Effective Home Remedies for Constipation

If the empty bowel is your pursuit every morning and you’re not getting the same, it’s time to go natural. Although, you try not to divulge the problem of constipation publicly, yet your social life gets quite disturbed by this embarrassing issue. There are many effective home remedies for constipation that you can try at once. They are far better than the laxatives that you can find at your nearest drugstore.





Constipation remedies not only prevent irregular bowel movement but also prevent its repetition in the near future. These natural remedies are simple and can offer you quick relief from this discomforting problem. Here, we are discussing the top 5 effective home remedies for constipation that you must try now!

1. Fibres are The Most Effective Natural Remedies for Constipation

If you are looking for laxatives to soften the stools and regulate your bowel, incorporate the fibre-rich food in your daily diet. Fibres clean up your digestive tract if consumed regularly. You must eat 20-30 gms. of fibres each day. These constipation home remedies are available in the form of leafy greens, berries, beans, legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, etc. They are highly effective in treating the early morning discomfort. As such, you can also prefer fibre supplements to induce their bowel relieving properties.

                    

2. Castor Oil in Natural Constipation Remedies

Castor oil is a strong laxative to improve your bowel movement. It is trusted to stimulate the small and large intestines since centuries. Take 1 tsp of castor oil empty stomach in the morning. If you hate it this way, mix with fruit juice or warm milk to enhance its flavour. But you should take it in moderation to avoid any side effects. It is not recommended for the pregnant women. Also, avoid prolonged intake of castor oil to cure constipation.

                        

3. Wrinkled Prunes for Constipation Remedies

Prunes are the most traditional and time-tested  natural remedies for constipation. This wrinkled fruit is rich in dietary fibres along with a compound called Sorbitol that causes the intestinal contraction to get back into action. You can either eat some prunes or sip prune juice which is slightly lower in its fibre content. Here again, there is a word of caution. Avoid over consumption of prunes or its juice, else it may cause serious diarrhoea.

                   

4. Lemon Juice in Remedies for Constipation

It is one of the best ways to answer the question, how can I treat constipation. Lemon is rich in citric acid that acts as an instant stimulant for your digestion. It removes the harmful toxins from the body. This effective home remedy is also the simplest one. Add the juice of half lemon in a glassful of warm water. Enhance its flavour with a pinch of rock salt and a little honey. Drink this juice empty stomach early every morning. Lemon juice is one of the most amazing natural remedies for constipation because you can avail the goodness of lemon and consume a glassful of water each day.

                        

5. Molasses in Natural Remedies for Constipation

Here, we are particularly talking about the blackstrap molasses. This sweet remedy has always helped the constipation victims with its high content of magnesium, mineral, and vitamins. The making process of these molasses results in its amazing benefits to cure constipation. Black-strap molasses result from third time boiling of pure sugarcane juice. This crystallised form is recommended to be consumed in the night to have a clear bowel on the next morning. You can take it directly in the quantity of 1-2 tsp or mix it with warm water or tea. Apart from being tasty, it’s quite healthy as well.

                            

Have a Happy Healthy Stomach!!!!!!