The Dangerous Dengue- Dengue Fever Symptoms, Prevention and Cure

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Jaishri

dengue

Its really scary to know that a mosquito bite can take someone’s life. Recently a family friends kid had dengue fever and he almost went into comma because his platelet count was dropping. Its so scary especially with a baby. Everyday, I freak out because of mosquitoes.  With all the measures I take still I find 1-2 mosquitoes somewhere.

Brief about dengue:

Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites, if the mosquito contains the dengue virus. So if the mosquito bites a person infected with dengue and then bites the next person then the fever spreads.

My friends dad who is a doctor told me that these mosquitoes are active during the day so from morning 6 AM to evening 6PM. So watch out carefully during this time.

Symptoms:

  • ·         High fever
  • ·         Headache and joint pains
  • ·         Skin rashes
  • ·         Nausea

These are the initial symptoms, later when it gets worse; the person may have severe stomach pain, may vomit blood and have bad rashes. Continue reading →

Diagnosis:

A blood test will confirm dengue.  Treatment usually involved blood transfusion.
How to prevent dengue:

  • ·         Avoid water stagnation especially clean water. Dengue mosquitoes breed on clean water.
  • ·         With a baby use mosquito nets and sprays, use mosquito patches. I have reviewed on this blog.
  • ·         Get mosquito nets on your windows and use mosquito mats.
  • ·         Keep a mosquito bat handy.
  • ·         Always keep a bottle of eucalyptus and citronella oil with you. Mop your floor with these oils and drop a little around the baby.
  • ·         Pray to God that’s what we can do after all this.

 Image Source

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Journey from being husband wife to parents

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Anjjali

 

U,me and hum

 

Today I will touch a sensitive topic in this blog: “ Journey from  being husband wife to parents”

This is a phase which every couple goes about but might feel shy/uncomfortable to talk about it with the fear of being judged. When I wrote on the topic how life changes after becoming a mother I knew that not only my life has changed but “our” life as a couple has changed too and it happens with every couple. Eventually whether it will be a good change or bad change depends upon how you handle this changing phase.

First few months after having a baby is not easy…there are sleepless night, endless crying of baby, understanding his needs , changes in yourself physically and emotionally. Though I really feel for a mother it’s her second birth after a baby is born…as everything changes for a woman after having a baby be it her body, her thoughts, her entire look, and also relationship with husband…. Also now you no longer remain just a couple but you are parents of a baby too which adds more depth, meaning, responsibility and love to a relationship.

I always feel I am falling even deeper in love with my husband , in the new aspect of him being the father of my child. Its natural to get irritable at times but if handled with care and lots of love things remain good and beautiful.Do remeber it has to be a two way relationship!!!

Couple time is now family time. You’re always together, but no longer alone. Things have changed, responsibility has grown but so has love too – yes with arrival of new ones responsibility has grown a lot ,every move u make has to be planned adjusting ur baby needs in it. Ex.if u use to go theatre regularly before, u might not be able to go now as ur baby might get disturbed due to loud noises and so. There are many such things u sacrifice and one day eventually u feel where’s my life??? Where have the love lost???

I would say don’t give on all the things you use to do as a couple. Make some adjustments but don’t change urself and ur partner completely..its not fair..ur baby is there to grow with you not change u….i know things cannot be exactly the way it was before but new things can be made beautiful…Me and my hubby make sure that we watch atleast one movie every week (Friday night or Saturday night) at home so that we spend time together and also don’t crib that we r missing on movies. If u have someone to take care of ur baby…..go and enjoy some time with each other without feeling guilty!!!!! Thus working on your relationship pays off in spades. Without all that energy wasted growing resentful of each other, you’ll have to spend enjoying one another. “Choose to be happy,make the effort,practise..It will become a habit.”

I know spending time with baby gives joy , gives u back lotts of love but u do need to spend time with each other too. Despite the many demands of new parenthood, it’s important to reserve a space and time where it’s just the two of us, as a couple…and u have to do it consciously….dont be like a person who is just and just focussing on baby and ignoring other relationship..do remember on making new relationship old ones do not need to be destroyed or ignored..the key here is “Keep Balance”….Obviously ur baby needs ur time more but so does othes deserve ur bit of time and u too need others time and attention in ur life to keep u going.

Spend some time with ur friends too either by meeting them or talking on phone… hve some good conversation with them which doesn’t revolve only around ur kids…talk abt things happening in world…do a bit of chitchat here and there…u will feel fresh and ur relationships will remain lively.

Spend time to do activities on ur own where its not possible for both of u to go together. “Don’t look at time away from your family as a bad thing”, Look at it as a gift to them because you’re returning refreshed and happy. For ex: earlier when I wanted to go for shopping it was always me and my hubby going together but now I prefer mainly going with my girl friends due to various reasons because I don’t hve to rush while shopping, my baby and hubby doesn’t get irritated due to long hours and they both enjoy peacefully at home without my baby schedule going for toss and lastly I get time to spend with my friends….so u know its a win win situation for all of us…..So u don’t have to give up things just modify them here and there if it makes u happy but do it. Same thing applies for ur hubby: u should also indulge/send your hubby for a movie/play/cricket whatever he wish to do….let him go and have his time and enjoy..even he needs tht space as much as u do.

Nevertheless, if you feel like you are carrying the whole load, ask for what you need instead of storming around with a grumpy face, “Take help if u wish and do not be guilty about it” (i have learnd this hard way)…I don’t need to do A-Z of my kid to prove that I am a good mother..Hire helps/take help from hubby/friends when required and offer them to ur friends later when they have kids…it will be such a relief…..take help and give it too in return.

Don’t assume all things to happen as per plan and on schedule always after baby is born and get upset if they don’t- with small babies around, its not necsaarry that everytime ur house will be clean, things will be in place, u will cook on time, laundry the lying clothes,iron them and the list goes on and on…we all know u r putting lott of effort managaing home,baby and for many its office work too…”So its completely OK if u r nt able to do some things on time…its really fine”…if ur home is messy..u can clean it later, food has not been cooked just order it or make a simple dish..but don’t be frustrated and upset always, world will not go upside down if these small things don’t happen and neither will u taking tension or getting angry will help…SO JUST CHILL  and give ur baby and hubby one kissie :-)

Don’t ignore ur hubby for sake of ur child as both need ur time..assuming tht hubby will manage on his own since he is grownup wil not help..donot forget hubby is just a grownup CHILD and he needs u too…”Also do not avoid and ignore physical aspect of ur relationship!!! “

At last I will say, people become parents when they have children; they don’t become different people. All those things you love about each other — and your flaws — are still there, and now there’s a baby, too. That’s called a family.  Maintaining a marriage post-baby takes a lot of time and energy, exactly what you’ve got the least of right now so its necessary for both the partners to work consciously on small and lively moments to have a happy harmonious relationship not only with each other but with yourself and baby too.

Happy Parenting

 

 

Posted in Childcare, Delivery, Mothercare, Pregnancy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Red Juicy Beets…How Good is the Beetroot

Posted on September 5, 2013 by reks

beet
Do you like eating beetroot?
I don’t detest it but would prefer some other veggie if given a choice.
Last night,I was supposed to use up the 2 little beets sitting in my vegetable basket for the last 2 days. And I was still contemplating…
Continue reading →

So my mom in law took charge and quickly tossed in a few ingredients and lo! We had a tasty raita/ pachadi ready to go with the chapattis for dinner.

What’s in a beet for you?
The best blood purifier, a well known fact.

But did you know beets also contain?
Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid are a few of the many nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

What are the benefits?
Beetroots provide the vitamin B and iron required during pregnancy.
And yes Beets are a high source of energy that help beat your pregnancy blues.

So finally here is how you make the simple beetroot raita/pachadi…

Wash and grate one medium beetroot. Add to a cup of thick curd/yoghurt. Season with tempered mustard n curry leaves. Add hing/asafoetida,salt and sugar as per your taste levels.

Enjoy the wonders of Beets in abundance!!
beet<

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Baby grooming simplified for better health and hygiene

Posted on September 4, 2013 by reks

This is all about proper care of your baby that develops into a good routine for them as they grow older.
* Nails generally get infested with dirt quickly and small babies can also hurt themselves with overgown nails, so ensure that your baby’s nails are clipped and trimmed regularly. The right time do it is after a bath, when the nails are soft or when your baby is asleep.

*Babies or kids tend to sweat a lot, so wash their Hair clean with a mild soap or shampoo . Use a soft brush to comb it and keep it away from falling on their face. Introduce some play during bath time to make it relaxing for you and your baby. A good number of non teary soaps and shampoos are available in the market.

*Eyes are the most sensitive, so gently clean around the eyes during bath or with a wet cloth.

Continue reading →

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*Say Cheese !! There is a whole lot to be said on Oral health and hygiene, just to make it simpler;

o Wipe your baby s mouth with a soft wet cloth after every feed.
o Introduce the basics of oral hygiene by regularly cleaning the baby’s mouth including gums and tongue every night. The best way to do it is by wrapping a clean, wet cloth to your clean finger and gently going over the gums. This will also help moms to catch the teething time.
o Once your weaning process has begun, parallely start following a practice of brushing the teeth with a finger brush/baby brush.
o By the time your baby turns ONE, you can be sure that he would love to try using the brush by himself. You can now encourage him to follow the “twice a day brushing” ritual by using a pea size amount of a non-fluoridated toothpaste.
Recommends: Pigeon flavoured toothpaste for 1-3 yr olds, then you can move to Colgate or Pepsodent kids.

*Just as you would wash and wipe your baby clean during bathtime, dont forget the Ears.
Clean the outside of the ear, avoid inserting anything inside that may harm the eardrum ,even the softest bud or swab without consulting your paediatrician.

*Nose is best cleaned after a bath, with a soft cloth. Use fresh and clean tissues when your baby has a runny nose.

* Clean hands keep the germs aways, so once your baby starts feeding herself, ensure that she washes them before and after. Just because your babies dont walk as yet dont forget the Feet.
Wearing socks or being wrapped in a cloth for a long time can also cause sweat inbetween the toes. Ensure the toes and feet are always clean. Once your baby starts walking , train her to wash her hands and feet after coming home from out .

* Keep your baby’s bottom dry and clean. Change diapers, nappies or underpants often. Too much sweat or dampness can lead to rashes.

Lastly Practise what you Preach and stick firmly to a particular routine and your baby will automatically follow your path..

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Fruit Mania – the best fruits to eat during pregnancy

Posted on September 4, 2013 by reks

For all you soon-to-be mommies, here is a short list of fruits that add to your nutrition and boost your spirits during pregnancy.
Continue reading →

Your daily meal must ideally include atleast 6- 7 servings of fruits+vegetables, in which fruits should be 3-4 servings .
The most commonly available fruits that you can have during this stage are apples, oranges, bananas, apricots, cherries, grapes, guava, kiwi, mango, strawberries, peaches.
These fruits are packed with the necessary fibre and nutrients like Vitamin C, A, B6, Potassium, Folic acid,etc that keeps you going through the day.

-So go ahead and combine different coloured fruits to make a salad and drizzle with honey.
-chop and add them to your everyday morning cereal

to get the benefit of calcium as well;
-make a fruit smoothie with yoghurt or just plain milk
OR simply dunk small fruit pieces into a cup of yoghurt.
Alongwith your health , its also good for your glowing skin!!
Crunch and Munch !!

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Breastfeeding Problems

Posted on September 3, 2013 by admin

By Megha
BF

Hello mommies.

I told you the importance of breast feeding for your baby. But it also good for you as it burns calories, and protect you from ovarian and breast cancer. It might be tough in the beginning but do not give up.

Here are some common breast feeding problems and how to tackle them:

Stress: You are stressed out: this could hamper the milk flow, leaving your baby hungry. Continue to make the baby suckle as it signals the brain to stimulate hormone s to boost milk flow.

You are making too much milk: This could make your breasts swollen, tender and lumpy. Warm compresses can soothe the pain in this case.

Your nipples feel sore due to improper latching or suckling (baby bites or feeds vigorously): learn proper breast feeding techniques from your paediatrician. Apply non-toxic nipple creams (lanolin) between feeds-remember to wash before feed.

Quick Tip: Burn dry coconut and rub the black charred portion on a stone with some ghee. Apply the paste on the sore nipples. Was off before the baby feeds. Its the best remedy for Nipple Sore.
Continue reading →

You have a bacterial infection called mastitis (redness, inflammation, severe pain, fever): if left untreated can cause an abscess in the breast. Topical antibiotics will be prescribed after you see your doctor. Do express excess milk to avoid engorgement.

Your milk ducts are blocked: a swollen, hard lump in your breast and sometimes a red inflamed patch near the lump indicates this. Continue feeding and use hot compresses and massage to quell the pain.

Checklist for your baby:

  • Your baby is satisfied and sleeps or rests for 2.5 to 3 hours between feeds.
  • Your baby passes urine at least 5 to 6 times in a day; there is no specific poop count for a new born
  • Your baby gains weight about 30 g every day in first couple of months.

So all for today. Until next time love your baby more

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A short read on early intervention programmes for Autism

Posted on September 3, 2013 by reks

This article titled “Still a long way to go” talks about the programmes designed for children with Autism.
I thought it is important to share and spread the knowledge.

Published on 25th August 2013 in the magazine section of THE HINDU newspaper.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/still-a-long-way-to-go/article5056722.ece

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Review of Medela Mini Electric Breastpump – to continue the goodness of breastfeeding

Posted on September 3, 2013 by reks

Getting back to work after the maternity leave is challenging for most new moms as it was for me after my baby completed 4 months.
I had one week to prepare myself and my baby to get ready for the change. The breastfeeding pump was suggested by an aunt. So I immediately bought one from the local medical store . This one was a manual pump and quite exhausting. And off course they made the nipple sores worse.
Continue reading →

So I googled for a few options and also checked at a few good baby stores and closed on Medela Mini Electic breastpump.
I practised using it for a good 3-4days and finally when the day came , my baby was prepared to drink from the bottle. He would refuse to have from the bottle if I fed him, but would readily drink it if someone else offered him the bottle.
Babies can feel and sense their Mammas presence so well !!!

This breastpump was just ideal for me to use on the days I was away at work or even if I was busy with something else at home. So now the guilt of leaving my baby at home was reduced to some extent by the fact that I am still able to give the best nourishment required for him by using the breastpump.

The Medela one was very user friendly . Just read the manuals and follow them.
To make your breastpumping experience simple; all you need to do is just follow the 3 Ps
Plan in advance
Prepare accordingly
Pump the required

And yes as much as I recommend the Medela breastpump, it is always the best to breastfeed your baby directly as and when possible. This is one best way of bonding with your baby.

For more information on Medela Mini Electric,
visit : http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/products/pumping/mini-electric.html

Posted in Baby gear, Baby grooming, Baby Shopping, Babycare, Breastfeeding, Childcare, Mothercare | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mishri Mawa – Simple Sweet Dish

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Anjjali
                                mishri mawa
For making mishri mawa u need mlk,curd,sugar, elaichi pieces(optional) and pista(optional),kesar (optional)
 
I m stating this recipe quantity as per requirements in 1 litre milk which will be suficient for 2-3 ppl.
 
Take 1 litre milk preferably full cream milk and put it to boil.
 
Meanwhile take 4 spoon of curd in a bowl and add 8 spoon of sugar to it..mix curd and sugar very well and keep the mixture ready.
 
Once the milk is boiled for the first time ..add 1 spoon of mixture (curd and sugar solution) to the milk and keep on stirring it….gradually let the milk boil..after sometime add again another spoon of mixture to the milk and keep on stirring it……..Do note tht everytime u just need to put 1 spoon of mixture at one time and not more than that…also add mixture and let the milk boil for 5 minutes .keep stirring in btwn…and then add second spoon of mixture….this is the only thing u need to keep in mind and gradually let the milk reduced to 1/4..
once the milk has reduced to half in btwn u can add elaichi pieces for flavour..u can also add kesar…once mishri mawa is prepared spread it in a  glass bowl …sprinkle it with pista and refrigerate in fridge.
 
Dont be in a hurry to put curd and sugar mixture together in  milk as milk might get spilt and leave water..so just be careful.Keep stirring occassionally
 
Once cooled u can either cut in pieces or just serve as it is in glass bowls
 

 

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All about Books…Build your baby’s library

Posted on September 3, 2013 by reks

Books have always been an integral part of my life..No I’m not talking about the school curriculum ones, this is beyond that.
I was introduced to the so called storybooks in the primary level only. ‘Champak’ was a regular at home alongwith the very known ‘Readers Digest’.
Festival shopping was generally at Comms street (commercial street for the ones who are not familiar with blore). So after collecting all those heavy shopping bags, I was treated to an ice cream and a new issue of ‘Tinkle’. In course of time I graduated to the usual Astrix, Famous Five, Hardy boys, Sidney Sheldon, and the list is endless….
Continue reading →

This reading habit I wanted to inculcate in my little one as well, so around his 6th month when he started sitting up and was in the weaning process, we introduced him to picture and music books. This also helped in finishing up the meal without any fuss.

So reading became a part of my tot’s schedule and gradually bedtime reading became a must.
This current gen kids are so lucky to have a whole new range of colourful,musical and interactive books cum toys!!

Since I had continued to breastfeed my son even after his 15th month, it had become more of a habit than need for him. But I didn’t bother, finally when I met my doctor by chance, she immediately pointed out that I was looking weak and drained out . The first thing she asked me was if I am still breastfeeding and asked me to STOP asap. Now this seemed a more cumbersome task than the latching issues!!! Phew… Finally books came to my rescue.
With all patience I kept him engrossed in ‘Noddy’s toyland tales’ and within a week he totally forgot his wants or the comforts of breastfeeding.

Our visits to the bookstore is one we look forward to. There is always something ‘New’ and interesting. From ‘Mickey Mouse’ and ‘Barney’ to ‘Thomas’ and ‘Dora’ and off course a whole lot of Indian mythological stories, there’s so much to choose from. Infact I think there’s a new character and story for every age that every 6 months you can replenish your shelf.
So now that my son is 5yrs old you can just as well imagine his collection. Yes! he s got his own mini library.

Sounds expensive isn’t it?? hmmm to a certain extent.. But I’ve figured out ways to keep it on a low budget.
-The barter system: We exchange books with his friends
-Seconds sale: We shop mostly from Blossoms bookstore,where you get second hand books in decent condition.
So is he a bookworm? We don”t know as yet. All I know is that Books help create an experience of See, Hear, Touch, Feel and Talk, that is vital for the baby’s speech and landuage development and further hone their communication skills.

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All about Weaning – Baby Food Month by Month

Posted on September 2, 2013 by admin

By Rekha Menon,

wean

Everyone advises exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after which you can watch out for signs that show your baby is ready for solids. A very common sign is once your baby is able to sit unaided with her head steady, she is most likely to be able to grab finger foods  and  help  herself . Always wait and watch how your baby reacts to a new food/ingredient introduced . He can progress gradually.

6months:

  • Boiled rice mashed with milk and sugar or just daal-water is the most common first food.
  • Fruits and veggies like apple, carrot, sweet potato ,potato steamed and  pureed form.

Avoid foods containing gluten!

7- 9 months :

  • Progress from pureed form to coarsely chopped or mashed form.
  • Introduce finger foods like toasted bread, crackers, soft fruits, pasta. Try serving veggies in interesting forms.
  • Egg yolk can be introduced in the 7th month and if there is no issue in digestion, you can progress to the egg white by the 8th month.
  • For non veggies, a few tsps of chicken soup is the best  to start with. Gradually include small pieces of well cooked meat, fish in interesting forms and tastes.

Continue reading →

By one year, your baby can have any normal food that you make but with less salt, sugar and spices. Few sips of water is also essential for your baby has had his meal.

Few things we as mommies need to remember:

* never to force a particular food

* be patient

* lookout for any signs of a food allergy

* make your mealtime interesting .

Most important, continue breastfeeding atleast till your baby turns ONE!!

Bonus tip: As a working mom its quite difficult to experiment and try new dishes often . Here are a few recipes you can try,

* You can make purees of any fruits/veggies and pour into ice trays and freeze, defrost and use by mixing different flavours .

* Here is a simple one pot meal that I cooked regularly for my toddler after he turned one.

Rice, yellow moong daal, 2 cloves garlic,few pieces of chopped tomato, any 2 veggies ( everyday I tried 2 different veggies), pinch of turmeric and salt. Cook it all together in the rice cooker or pressure cooker. Just before serving, season with a little cumin seeds in ghee.

A cup of yoghurt to complete the meal. Burrrpp !!

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Review of Nestle Nan Pro Stage One Infant Formula

Posted on September 2, 2013 by admin

By Jaishri

nan pro prof
I still remember the night after my C section, I was longing for some sleep and my baby was crying non stop. There was no ways to soothe the baby other than breastfeed. And breastfeeding while sleeping was very difficult. The baby was too small and it was impossible for me to sit up and feed.

The milk that comes out during the first day is called colostrum, it is a clear liquid and has all the essential antibodies for the child’s well-being. For few people it does not even show up on the first day, but the only way to get the milk flowing is to allow the baby to suckle.

So the milk produced on the first day was insufficient for my baby and we had to introduce formula milk. Only that consoled the crying baby.

Please note: I am not promoting formula feed, breast milk is the best for babies, but there are some unfortunate mothers who are not able to produce breast milk. So mommies without BM don’t worry formula milk contains most of the nutrients of breastmilk but it does not contain antibodies to protect your baby. So you need to take some extra care of their immune systems.

My pregnant friends here do take this very seriously and start eating foods that increase lactation, from now as your body is already gearing up for Breast feeding. Continue reading →

I used to give my baby formula milk once in a while after coming back from the hospital. It was quite useful later on when I used to take her out, she would drink formula milk in the car.

The milk is prepared with boiling water, be very careful to mix the exact amount of water and always dispose the milk. Don’t reuse.

For bigger babies who feed on solid food, I would suggest you to add a spoon of this powder to their porridge or fruit or vegetable mash as the calcium in mother’s milk will not be sufficient.

nan pro2
Description from Nestle Website:

Nestle NAN Pro 1 Is a spray dried infant formula for healthy infants from birth when they are not breastfed. It contains a combined of problend, Immunonutrients, Essentials fatty acids and bifidogenic nutrients that help support immunity along with growth and development.

PreBlend:
-A protein blend containing whey protein. NAN Pro 1 is predominant in when protein. Whey proteins are easy to digest. The protein content is suitably modified to reduce the overload on infant’s kidneys.

Immunonutrients:
-Nutrients like Nucleotides, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A and C support the immune system.

Bifidogenic:
-Bifidobacteria are predominant in the gut of infant fed on breast milk. NAN Pro 1 contains a combination of nutrients that support the growth of bifidobacteria. A healthy gut flora helps in supporting the immune system.

LA/ALA:
-LA (omega 6 fatty acid {FA} & ALA (omega 3 FA) are precursors of ARA and DHA which are important for defence system.
-ALA, Iron & lodline helps in brain development. Vitamin A contributes to healthy vision.
-MOTHER’S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY

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Posted in Baby food, Breastfeeding, Product Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 286 Comments