Care of newborn and mother- First day

Care of newborn

• Wrap the baby well, because the baby's skin is sensitive to room temperature.
• Keep the room temperature 30-31 Degree Celsius. Please think that baby is just come out of the womb and you have to provide a warm room temperature.
• When the baby is awake, please put the baby on the breast. Before that, the breasts and nipple should be cleaned with drinking water and dry with a towel. Mother will feel difficult to make the baby to suck, but please keep on trying it. Even if you do not have breast milk, you allow baby to suck hourly to get used to sucking.
• When the baby cries, it denotes that baby is hungry. Give breast formula milk to the baby. Wash hands with soap and water. Take a bowl and spoon, put it in a big vessel, pour drinking water and allow it to boil for 05 minutes. Take the bowl, boil the water for 05 minutes, add breast formula powder (read the instructions of the pack carefully) and allow it to cool. Wash hands with soap and water, and feed the baby with a spoon through the sides of the lips. When the baby spits the milk and you just stop it.  When the baby cries badly, you feed formula, otherwise, you put the baby on breastfeeding every hourly or two hourly.
• Following that you have to do burping of the baby. It is a method to expel the gas from the stomach. If you don't do it, the baby will be experienced projectile vomiting and abdominal pain. Keep the baby on shoulders and gently pat the back till you hear a 'burp' sound. You please note that you should practice after every feeds till three months.
• You should arrange an environment for the baby to sleep well. No noise. No bright lights and you can go for dim lights especially in the night. This has to done to make the baby differentiate day and night from the very beginning.
• Wash hands with soap and water, and change the diapers or nappies frequently. Keep the baby dry always. Do not disturb the umbilical cord.
• Please note that keep the wrapped baby in bed always from the very beginning. Otherwise, you have to carry the baby in the hands always to stop crying in coming months and physical development of the baby will be delayed. And teach the baby to lie in bed from the very beginning.
• Please discourage visitors to avoid infections for the mother and baby.
• Always remember that wash hands before touching the baby.

Care of mother after normal delivery/ caesarean

• Complete bed rest for one day to get the stitches healed.
• Have liquid diet to prevent constipation in further days.

Reliability of the information 

"We live in the midst of so many answers, suggestions, and options to one question itself. During my motherhood period, I found very difficult to opt the best do's for my baby, despite being a professional nurse. After a lot of readings, observations, brainstorming discussions with my colleagues who are nursing experts, health professionals, and experienced mothers, and I have opted the best things for my baby, implemented and succeeded to have a happy motherhood period without a single episode of fever, cold or diarrhea for the baby and sleepless night too. In spite of committing trials and errors during your parenting time, you can read, understand and implement it. If you have any queries or suggestions, a great welcome to my blog."

                                                                                  Mrs.Ponnambily Jobin

Preparation of delivery

Preparation of delivery

1. Father and mother of the expecting baby have to be ready psychologically to welcome third person in your family.
2. After six months, pack a bag with necessary items for baby and mother. For baby, pack washed and dried clothes, pieces of cotton clothes, pampers, tissue paper and baby care items. For mother, pack sets of dresses, inner wears, sanitary pads, comb, bath soap, shampoo,phone charger and bar soap. Pack a plate, glass, thermo-flask, a small knife to cut fruits, and spoon also. Arrange all items in a bag and keep it aside. When emergency comes, you can quickly rush to hospital with the packed bag, with out wasting time.
3. Keep the house clean and tidy.
4. Arrange a room with attached bathroom for mother and baby. Plan an area for baby bath, it should be well ventilated and clean.
5. Mother should keep the body clean and tidy always to prevent post delivery infections. Remove hairs of private parts of the body including axillary region.
6. You should keep contact numbers of relatives or friends in your hand for an emergency purpose.
7. Arrange vehicles for emergency transportation to hospital.
8. Arrange extra money in your hand for hospital expenses.
9. Plan and arrange a source of blood of mother's group for blood transfusion if  needed.

Reliability of the information 

"We live in the midst of so many answers, suggestions and options to one question itself. During my antenatal period, I found very difficult to opt the best do's for my baby, despite of being a professional nurse. After a lot of readings, observations, brainstorming discussions with my colleagues who are nursing experts, health professionals and experienced mothers, and I have opted the best things for my baby, implemented and succeeded too. In spite of committing trials and errors during your parenting time, you can read and implement it. If you have any queries or suggestions, great welcome to my blog."

                                                                                  Mrs.Ponnambily Jobin

Tips for having a healthy baby during pregnancy

Tips for having a healthy baby during pregnancy

1. Stay active and have rest too. Try to do your daily chores/job till the time of having signs of labor. 
2. Be happy and cool. Don't get stressed.
3. Take prescribed supplements such as Iron, Calcium and Folic acid tablets. Avoid other medicines.
4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, bakery/junk foods. Have clean home made foods. Try to avoid restaurant foods also.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Avoid sweet (increases blood sugar), spicy (increases heartburn and acidity) and salty (increases blood pressure) foods.
7. Drink plenty of water, to balance amniotic fluid for the baby growth. Do not compromise the intake of fluids and food, even if you have vomiting.
8. Avoid fish with high mercury level and foods contain antibiotic like chicken, mutton, prawns etc.
9. Avoid dusty/smoky polluted environment. If you are living in a city, please wear mask or cover your nose and mouth with a towel while in outside.
10. Have plenty of vegetables, greens and fruits in your diet. Please be noted that do not take sweetened fruit juices (increases blood sugar).
11. Do antenatal exercises.
12. Do not do anything, which causes abdominal pressure. Watch carefully, while having relationship with partner, to avoid premature rupture of the membranes.
13. Do not worry about urine leakage while laughing or coughing, it would be normal after delivery.
14. Massage your body with oil and take shower daily to stay clean and helps to reduce stretch marks on your body.

Reliability of the information 

"We live in the midst of so many answers, suggestions and options to one question itself. During my antenatal period, I found very difficult to opt the best do's for my baby, despite of being a professional nurse. After a lot of readings, observations, brainstorming discussions with my colleagues who are nursing experts, health professionals and experienced mothers, and I have opted the best things for my baby, implemented and succeeded too. In spite of committing trials and errors during your parenting time, you can read and implement it. If you have any queries or suggestions, great welcome to my blog."

Mrs.Ponnambily Jobin

Health benefits of banana flower

Health benefits of banana flower
Banana flower is a large one, which grows at the end of the bunch of bananas. The color of the flower is dark purple-red.  It is rich in Vitamin A & C and has wonderful health benefits. 

Banana flower

 The major health benefits are:

1. It has antibacterial activity and cures the infection
2. It enhances immunity of the body
3. It may help to recover from malaria, as it is known to prevent the growth of malaria parasites
4. It is rich in fiber and helps to prevent blood sugar 
5. It is rich in iron and helps to increases hemoglobin of the body
6. It helps to increase lactation, moreover cures the excessive bleeding and prevents constipation too. Postnatal mothers and lactating mothers can have three times per week
7. The antioxidants in banana flower prevents cancer
8. It helps to prevent aging
9. It helps to increase progesterone and prevents excessive menstruation bleeding
10. It helps to support weight loss
11.  It is known for rich source of vitamins and minerals
12. It can be served as antidepressants due to Magnesium
13. It helps to prevent uterus related problems
14. It helps in healthy digestion 
15. It is known for treating diseases related to memory loss.

Benefits of virgin coconut oil

Benefits of virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is very good for cooking, as it withstands high temperature with out any damage. It is very diluted in texture and absorbs easily. It is very good for skin and hair also.

• It helps skin cleansing and moisturizing
• It strengthens tissues and removes dead cells
• You can apply over a wound and it is good healer. It has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties
• It will help to remove scars of burns
• Instead of ready made lotions, you can use this oil for massaging for babies
• It nourishes hair and stimulates hair growth
• It improves your immunity 
• It enhances good cholesterol, saves from heart diseases
• It helps to reduce postnatal stretch marks

Benefits of gooseberry/Amla

Benefits of gooseberry/Amla

Amla/gooseberry is a vessel of nutrients of antioxidants, vitamins and proteins. It is a main ingredient of Ayurvedha medicines. Main benefits are

1. It slows down the aging as it contains antioxidants
2. Amla juice is very good for curing sore throat
3. It helps to reduce the process of accumulation of cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart diseases
4. It increases the urination and helps to decrease the risk of kidney stones
5. It increases the metabolic rate and helps for weight loss
6. It assists the insulin function, thus helps to reduce blood sugar level
7. It contains fiber, prevents constipation
8. It has anti inflammatory process
9.  It improves immunity
10. It prevents formation of gall bladder stones
11. It is a rich source of vitamin C, prevents mouth ulcers
12. It enhances eyesight
13. It works as blood purifier, as it helps to remove toxins
14. It prevents osteoporosis, as it has calcium
15. It reduces the risk of cancer, as it has anti oxidants
16. It is liver friendly
17. It helps to have a smooth and glowing skin(Make a paste of amla juice, papaya, curd, lemon juice and bengal gram flour, apply on your skin, wash it after half an hour)
18. It prevents hair damage (Amla for hair)

Benefits of Ragi or Finger millet

Benefits of Ragi or Finger Millet

Ragi or finger millet is widely grown as a cereal crop in Africa and Asia. t contains mainly amino acids methionine, iron and calcium. Methionine is important for growth of new blood vessels and helps to prevent psychiatric problems, asthma and allergies. Iron is essential for blood production and prevents anemia. Calcium is essential for bone development and prevents osteoporosis. It is rich in fiber and contains very less unsaturated fats helps for effective weight loss.

Major benefits are:

• helps in weight loss
• helps to prevent osteoporosis
• diabetic friendly, as it contains less carbohydrates and high in fiber
• gluten free nature and reduces allergic reactions in the body
• it is a natural relaxant and cools body
• tryptophan in ragi helps to reduce appetite
• helps to reduce cholesterol by amino acids lecithin and methionine
• consists free radicals and reduce oxidative stress
• helps to reduce sleep disorders
• helps to prevent anemia
• high levels of fiber helps in easy digestion
• it increases lactation for lactating mothers
• helps to revert skin aging by blocking premature aging. Lysine in ragi maintains collagen and supports skin tissues to make it lively and prevents wrinkles and sagging.

Copper

Copper

Copper is a mineral, needed by the body in trace amount and an essential ingredient of proteins and enzymes.
Action
It helps in the;

• storage of iron
• formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells
• production of enzymes
• prevention of anemia

Deficiency
The deficiency of copper leads to fatigue, dizziness and skin sores.
Side effects
Over doze may lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and anemia.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Infants- 0.7 mg
Children-1-1.5mg
Adults- 2-3 mg
During pregnancy and lactation period, the women should go for mega doses of copper intake but, intake of copper through daily diet can be considered.
Sources
Nuts, Cashews, Honey, Oysters, Salmon, Mushrooms and Oats

Cobalt

Cobalt
Cobalt is one of the mineral, needs in small amount and is stored in the liver. It is richly available in a well balanced diet.
Action
It is similar to Vitamin B12 and essential for the production of blood cells.
Deficiency
Deficiency of cobalt may lead to pernicious anemia
Side effects
Over doze may lead to thyroid enlargement in infants and adults.
Sources
The richest sources are meat, oysters, cabbage, lettuce, spinach but strict vegetarians are at greater risk of cobalt deficiency than others.

Chromium

Chromium

Chromium is one of minerals, needs it only less amount for the body.
Action
It helps to:
-convert blood glucose into energy
-increase the efficiency of insulin
-Improves the tolerance to glucose in diabetic patients
Side effects
Over doze of chromium poses no danger.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Infant-1-40mcg
Children-50-100mcg
Adult-50-200mcg
Sources
Meat includes beef, chicken, liver, fish, oyster, cheese, egg, fresh fruit, potato and whole grain products.

Choline

Choline

Choline plays an important role in the nervous system. It is a component of lecithin and part of the Vitamin B complex.
Action
It helps to;
-produce acetyl choline, a substance essential for transmission of signals in the nervous system
-transport fat into the body cells
-maintain health of the liver and kidneys
The deficiency of choline leads to internal bleeding, high blood pressure, heart diseases and degeneration of the liver. 

Side effects
Over doze may cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting
Recommended Dietary Allowances
A typical diet provides 500-900mg daily, but do not exceed more than 1gm per day.
Sources
Cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, lentils, soybeans, egg, rice and liver are the major sources of choline.

Chloride

Chloride

Chloride is a component of hydrochloric acid. This mineral commonly found in salt products. Chloride helps to maintain acid balance in the body’s cells and fluids.
Side effects
Deficiency of chloride leads to weakness or confusion. At the extreme, it may lead to coma.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Infants-0.7gms
Children- 2.1gms
Adult- 2.5-3.0gms
Sources
Main source is table salt.

Calcium

Calcium

calcium and Phosphorous are the most abundant minerals in body, work together to keep our bones and teeth healthy. It is available as natural and synthetic supplements, found in mainly dairy products.
Action
-enhances bone and teeth strength
-facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses
-promotes blood coagulation
-enables muscle to relax and contract e.g. heart
-essential for growth and development of children
-saves off the brittle bone diseases osteoporosis, when used in combination with estrogen
-prevents muscle spasm, muscle cramps and tetanus
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Infants-400 mg
Children- 800 mg
Adults -1200 mg
Pregnancy- 1600 mg
Lactating women- 1600 mg
Post menopausal women- 1500 mg
Side effects
Doses above 200 mgs per day can lead to serious problems such as loss of appetite, constipation, fatigue, depression, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, slow or irregular heart beat and kidney stones. Remember that smoking, alcohol, tea or coffee decreases the absorption of calcium.
Sources
Calcium found in dairy products, salmon, sardines, greens, almonds, soy beans, yogurt, milk and cheese.

Branded Chain Amino acids

Branded Chain Amino acids

Three essential amino acids- Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine called branched chain. These are building blocks of protein. As these are not manufactured in the body, it must be obtained through diet, called as essential amino acids. The research studies showed that theses amino acids may help to restore muscle mass following surgery, an injury or trauma. Deficiency of essential amino acids leads to loss of stamina, weak immunity, slow healing of wounds, weakness and depression.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
The estimated adult daily requirement for Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine is 9mgs, 6mgs and 7mgs respectively. Infants and children require essential amino acids twice the adult requirement. Your total daily requirement for protein in general is number of grams equal to half of your body weight in pounds. For instance, if a person weighs 180 pounds, he needs 90gms of protein daily.
Sources
These amino acids are available in meat and dairy products.

VITAMIN K

VITAMIN K
There are two forms of Vitamin K are Phylloquinone (found in greens) and Menaquinone (produced in the body intestinal bacteria normal flora). Antibiotics destroy these bacteria, which leads to deficiency.
Action
It helps to:

• maintain blood clotting process
• produce clotting factors e.g. Prothrombin
• prevents hemorrhagic diseases

Recommended Dose

• Male- 140 mcg per day
• Female-140 mcg per day
• Pregnant woman- 140 mcg per day
• Breast feeding mothers- 140 mcg per day
• Infants – 15-30 mcg per day
• Children –15-30 mcg per day

Sources
It is found in sprouted peas, cabbage, cauliflower, oats, soya beans, spinach, cheese, egg yolk and green tea.
Side effects
Over doze of vitamin K may cause allergy, liver toxicity and drain damage among infants.

Vitamin H (Biotin)

Vitamin H (Biotin)
It is water soluble form and produced naturally with in the body by normal intestinal bacteria.
Action

1. It helps the body from fatty acids and process amino acids, starches and sugars.
2.  It helps to maintain sweat glands, skin, nerves, bone marrow and male sex glands.

Side effects
It is known as non toxic.
Recommended Dose

• Male- 100-200 mcg per day
• Female-100-200 mcg per day
• Pregnant woman- 100-200 mcg per day
• Breast feeding mothers- 100-200 mcg per day
• Infants - 35 mcg per day
• Children –65-100 mcg per day

Sources
It is found in dairy products including butter, cheese, milk, nuts, cashews, vegetables, green peas, soybeans, organ meats, egg, fish, chicken, brown rice, oats and sun flower seeds.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D
It is a fat soluble vitamin, present in two forms such as Ergocalciferol, which is found in a relatively small selection of foods and Cholecalciferol, which the body manufactures when exposed to sun.
Action
It helps to:

• control the formation of bone
• increases the amount of calcium and phosphorous by absorbing from small intestine
• facilitates normal growth and development of teeth and cartilage especially in children
• prevent rickets

Recommended Dose

• Male- 600 IU
• Female-600 IU
• Pregnant woman- 1000 IU
• Breast feeding mothers- 1000 IU
• Children –400 IU

Women over an age of 55 years may need to take a vitamin D supplement, because of menopause. The sunscreen lotion protects from harmful ultra violet rays, limits the body’s production of vitamin D.
Sources
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Other sources are milk, mackerel, sardine and salmon.
Side effects
Overdose may damage kidneys, cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, seizures and premature hardening of the arteries.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E
It is a fat soluble vitamin, known as Alpha-tocopherol and a leading antioxidant. It can build up in the body and high dozes may lead to toxicity.
Action
It helps to:

• protect the fats found in cell membrane through out the body from oxidation
• inhibit the natural cell destruction that occurs with age
• prevent blood clots
• prevent the risk of heart disease
• produce normal red blood cells

Recommended Dose

• Male- 30 IU
• Female-24 IU
• Pregnant woman- 30 IU
• Breast feeding mothers- 33 IU
• Infants – 12 IU
• Children –24 IU

Sources
Vegetable oil, corn, cotton seed, peanut oil are the best sources of vitamin E. Almonds , sunflower seeds, walnuts, whole wheat flour, spinach, onions, apples and black berries.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C
It is a water soluble vitamin called Ascorbic acid. It has an essential role in the manufacture of collagen and also repair damaged tissue and has antioxidant properties.
Action
It helps to:

• cure common cold
• absorb iron
• prevent iron deficiency anemia
• produce hemoglobin and red blood cells
• keep the gums and teeth healthy
• heal broken bones
• treat urinary tract infection
• treat scurvy (symptoms are bleeding gums, loss of teeth, delayed wound healing)

Recommended Dose

• Male- 60 mg per day
• Female-60 mg per day
• Pregnant woman- 80 mg per day
• Breast feeding mothers- 80 mg per day
• Infants - 35 mg per day
• Children –50 mg per day

Sources
Best sources are orange, lime, broccoli, cabbage, grapes, spinach, strawberries and tomatoes.
Side effects
Over doze may lead to head ache, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and faintness.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12
It is a water soluble vitamin, is also called Cobalamin and Cyanocobalamin. It is found in non vegetarian foods, not in plant based foods. Those who are on macrobiotic diet or vegetarian, suffers from Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Action
It helps to:

• Burn fat and carbohydrates
• Grow and develop normally
• Develop red blood cells
• Produce protective sheath for nerve cells
• Process DNA
• Prevent nerve damage and pernicious anemia

Recommended Dose
Male- 3 mcg per day
Female-3 mcg per day
Pregnant woman- 4 mcg per day
Breast feeding mothers- 4 mcg per day
Infant - 0.5 mcg per day
Children – 2.5 mcg per day
Sources
The best sources are fish (mackerel, sardine and snapper), dairy foods, organ meats and eggs.
Side effects
Overdose any cause nose bleeding, bleeding from the ears and dry mouth.