Tag: Post Pregnancy

Don't diet. Your body has been through enough stress. It needs some tender loving care. Readopt your preconception diet - high-quality protein (egg yolks and red meats), healthy fats, and veggies. Once you’ve healed, start exercising and walking - you will feel confident. Be comfortable in your postpartum body while motivating yourself with the sculpted shape you wish to regain.

Sleep deprivation can cause sugar cravings as your body wants an instant energy fix, so rest well. Often, thirst is mistaken for sugar craving, so stay hydrated. Include foods like sweet/white potato, squash, bananas and plantains that give you natural sugar as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Be easy on yourself even if you give in to sugar cravings, once a while.

Breast milk has the perfect combination of nutrients for your infant's growth and immunity. As your baby grows, a balanced nutritious diet with lean protein, vegetables and fruit contributes to healthy bones and normal development. Injuries to the spine and nerve system can have long term physical and behavioral consequences; early detection can help mitigate risks.

Breastfeeding is recommended for first 6 months and to be continued for 1 to 2 years of life or longer. Breastfed children are better nourished with immunity-boosting properties than formula fed ones. Cow's milk is a great replacement for mother's milk. It is an excellent source of calcium and vit D. Avoiding cow's milk can lead to issues with bone health in later life.

Pelvic floor muscles weaken due to age, childbirth, pregnancy, heavy lifting and obesity. Lie down or sit comfortably with knees faced slightly apart. Squeeze back muscles inward as if trying to stop from passing wind. Do the same in the front as if trying to stop from urinating. Hold squeeze for 1 or 10 secs, breathing normally. Release and repeat 5-10 times at one go.

As compared to regular baby blues, Postnatal Depression (PND) is more intense, lasts longer and can be dangerous for both mother and child. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps the mother reassess depression cues and replace negative beliefs with positive ones. Adding omega 3 fatty acids to the diet can help. Family and friends need to be supportive.

Probiotics increase the immuno-protective potential of breast milk helping fight Atopic Eczema and enable the infant's digestive system to mature faster, improve bowel movements and prevent constipation. They regulate good bacteria helping fight fungal infections like thrush. A healthy brain-gut connection helps prevent Autism, ADHD and mood disorders in kids.

Apply a cloth dipped in warm water to the affected ear. Heat a small amount of salt or rice, place in a clean cotton cloth and place on affected part. Tea tree oil with olive oil, colloidal silver and apple cider vinegar are also beneficial. Drops of garlic oil, heated mango leaf juice, holy basil, olive oil, breast milk or onion juice can treat infections caused by fungus.

Omega 3 rich diet (supplements or foods) enriches quality of breast milk, improving cognitive functions and protecting baby from infections. Milk from overweight mothers (pre-pregnancy BMI more than 25) has lower beneficial bacteria and higher numbers of potentially pathogenic bacterial strains, which can leave the baby more exposed to infections.

Physical condition and mental make-up of mother, postpartum depression and stress related to not knowing pre and post pregnancy care are pregnancy associated challenges. Meditative and stress management asanas relieve anxiety and distress to a great extent. This can also prevent high blood sugar, acid reflux and sciatica during the pregnancy cycle.

Tend to your digestion: Vata makes your digestive fire quite unstable. Start slow, eat root and leafy green vegetables, dairy and meats. Check if your feeling gassy. Get a warm body massage that concentrates on the head and feet. Don't ignore insomnia, anxiety, fatigue or anything abnormal, mentally or physically see a doctor or counselor.

Don’t confuse drinking while nursing, with drinking while pregnant. Having a few glasses of alcohol while you’re nursing may be okay if there are celebrations. But, it’s better to avoid it. If you have to drink, wait for at least 30-45 mins before breast-feeding your child, so that your alcohol levels can drop and your child will be away from harm.

Raspberry, belongs to the rose family and is often referred to as the ‘woman’s herb’ by herbalists. It has eight species, some of them...

A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day...

Ghee - Improves digestion, nourishes tissue, strengthens the immune system, Oatmeal - Increases milk production, Pomegranate - blood purifier, rich in antioxidants and a symbol of fertility, Ginger - stops uterine bleeding and increases immunity, Garlic - increases milk supply and detoxifies the body after birth, Raspberry leaf - phosphorous and vitamins.