14.4 million children in India are obese (World Obesity Federation) and the cases of diabetes among children are also rising at alarming rate. Studies have shown that these numbers could reduce of babies are breastfed unto 2 years of age instead of being given formula. Exclusively breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight at age of 7 or 8 as compared to those offered formula and breast milk substitutes. Continue reading “Breastfeeding can reduce risk of obesity in children”
Breast milk can take care of all the nutritional and fluid requirements of the infant from birth to 6 months. It can satisfy half or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and one-third of energy needs between 12 and 24 months. Breast milk is also a critical source of energy and nutrients during illness.
The health of an infant is dependent to a large extent upon the nutrition it derives thru breastfeeding. Hence, the food a mother consumes has a great impact on the nutrition that the baby derives. While there are certain food that aids breastfeeding, there are certain foods and drinks deserve caution while you’re breast-feeding.
In our previous blog post we had a look at some food that can help to increase the supply of breast milk while feeding the child. Here, we’ll look at some tips on how they can increase the supply of breast milk & in turn have a positive impact on the infant’s health.
Maternal milk is the best known optimal and complete food for all babies. Breast-feeding is associated with better nutritional and non-nutritional outcomes compared with formula feeding even in case of preterm birth. Galactogogues are the substances that are known to promote lactation. Here are some foods that can help nursing mothers and in turn, baby’s health. Foods known to help increase breastmilkContinue reading “Must have food for nursing mothers”
When babies are exposed to numerous toxic compounds in the womb, it can damage the body and affect development, brain function, and reproduction.These chemicals can also impair the immune system and increase vulnerability to carcinogens and can lead to other diseases later in life. Eliminating these harmful substances can give your baby the best chance at a happy, healthy life.Continue reading “Toxic chemicals in food that pregnant women should avoid”
Certain nutrients gain more importance during pregnancy because of the specific physiological changes taking place. There is expansion of blood volume, increase in heart rate and growth of placenta. In addition to the macronutrients such as carbohydrate, proteins and fat, one has to pay attention to certain vitamins and minerals. Iron, folic acid and calcium are three vital nutrients that are often found to be lacking in our body and need to be supplemented during pregnancy right from the beginning. Continue reading “3 must-have nutrients in pregnancy”
My heart reaches out to mothers who equate healthy baby with chubbiness and plumpness. Media projects images of ‘perfect baby’ who is fair with blue eyes, chubby cheeks and a wholesome built. But like all other deceptions, this idealistic projection has turned into a dangerous fad. It’s high time we stop trusting media stereotypes and use our own discretion in perceiving a truly healthy baby!
Ideal Birth weight
It is important that a mother takes all efforts during pregnancy to ensure that newborn has an ideal birth weight (3 – 3.5kg/ 6.5 -7.5lbs). Most babies who are born full term (38-40 weeks gestation) weigh between 6-9lbs (2.7 – 4kg). An average Indian baby weighs approximately 2.8 kg and is 51 cm long. Babies born closer to the ideal weight are better protected against diseases in later life. Low birth weighthas been definedby the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). If your child is anywhere above this weight, then he/she is normal and does not need be treated like an underweight baby with excessive feeding.Continue reading “Being chubby – Is it good for baby’s health?”