Galactogoues: Herbal foods in mother’s diet to enhance lactation

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

Galactogoues

 

A galactagogue, is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. It may be synthetic, plant-derived, or endogenous. I will be concentrating more on the herbal or plant derived galactogogues which have been traditionally used in many cultures, tribes and communities to produce a good milk supply. Not only these herbs have lesser side effects, also they can be easily incorporated in the daily Indian meals. I will also upload some recipes soon which are high on calories and also have galactogogues, which lactating mothers can savor. Continue reading “Galactogoues: Herbal foods in mother’s diet to enhance lactation”

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Nutritional value of breast milk

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

Slide6What is the nutritional value of breast milk and why it is important to choose breast milk over formula or top feed. Read more to know…. Continue reading “Nutritional value of breast milk”

Understanding the mechanism of Lactation and how to increase production of breast milk.

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

Slide1What is Lactogenesis or Lactation?

Lactogenesis is the onset of milk secretion and includes all of the changes in the mammary epithelium (breast glands) necessary to go from the undifferentiated (not developed) mammary gland in early pregnancy to full lactation sometime after delivery.

How does milk production i.e. Lactation occur in humans? Continue reading “Understanding the mechanism of Lactation and how to increase production of breast milk.”

Understanding basic ultrasonography (USG) in pregnancy

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USGUltrasonography is a very important tool in pregnancy to check the baby’s growth, development, position and movements. It also gives parents the first glimpse of their baby. It is very important that you understand the terminologies and other factors in the scan by which your pregnancy will be followed up for 9 months. The doctor will also give you an ultrasound report with a printout of your baby’s images. 3D and 4D color scans are becoming very popular because they offer a more life-like image of your baby.

*Sex determination of the unborn baby (fetus) is strictly prohibited in India under the PCPNDT Act, hence will not be dealt here in this article. Continue reading “Understanding basic ultrasonography (USG) in pregnancy”

Synchronizing twin schedule: Tips on maintaining Sleep and Feeding Schedules

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

Sync twins“Two mouths to feed plus two bottoms to wipe plus two little ones to soothe to sleep can make for two shell-shocked parents”. A single baby in itself is a full time job, and having twins or multiples is like never ending job!!!! When I had my twin daughters in 2013, I had no idea what was in store for me. It was like a continuous cycle of feed-burp-sleep-change diapers. Continue reading “Synchronizing twin schedule: Tips on maintaining Sleep and Feeding Schedules”

Preparing for the arrival of twins…… what do you need???

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

Baby Clothes

How many clothes do the twins require?

How many baby wraps are too many?

When should I get the things ready?

These are some of the questions, which go through the minds of to-be-mommies. But planning in advance, avoids a lot of confusion at the last minute. In case of a twin pregnancy, the time of delivery may vary compared to that of a singleton pregnancy and delivery may occur as early as 7-8 month. Hence its advantageous to be prepared & packed with all the baby clothes and other requirements for the hospital stay. Here is a list of things you will require for your stay in an Indian hospital. Make changes accordingly. Continue reading “Preparing for the arrival of twins…… what do you need???”

How is a twin pregnancy different from a normal singleton pregnancy?

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Author: Gauri Kshirsagar

There is a lot of difference between a twin pregnancy and a normal singleton pregnancy. For example:

  1. The weight gain of the mother is different
  2. You may require more frequent trips to your doctor, say once a month as compared to singleton pregnancy where a visit every trimester is required
  3. You may need more folic acid during the 1sttrimester of pregnancy, do consult your doctor
  4. The morning sickness may me more as compared to a singleton pregnancy
  5. Even the chances of pre term delivery and maternal hypertension are more
  6. They weight of each baby is less than what it would be say if it were a single baby
  7. You may require a Dexamethasone injection at 6 months for the lung development of the babies incase, if there is a premature labour/delivery
  8. Normally mothers-to-be are advised to perform mild exercises during their pregnancy, but in case of a twin pregnancy you may require bedrest or more rest and hence its better advised to consult your doctor first.
  9. A twin pregnancy may deliver some days before than the expected date of delivery, hence be prepared beforehand.
  10. It’s a myth that you need to eat 3 times more, just have nutritious food in proper amount

Continue reading “How is a twin pregnancy different from a normal singleton pregnancy?”