Pregnancy, Parenting and Beyond

for calcium - u can take spinach, paneer, cheese.... Food options for CALCIUM FIBER - Fruits and Vegetables PROTEIN requirements during Pregnancy Include all food groups in meals+snacks... Dinner can be soup or Salad of baby spinach or lettuce +boiled egg or grilled chicken/turkey +black beans or kidney beans +shreadded cheese or cottage cheese +salt/pepper+drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice + carrots or broccoli or corn LENTIL DOSA 1/2 cup - Urad dal 1/2 cup - Toor dal 1/2 cup - Moong dal 1/2 cup - Chana dal 1/2 cup - whole moong dal 1/2 cup - rice and 1 table spoon Methi seeds Soak all the above and grind it and keep it overnight to ferment, You can have 4-5 dosa's for lunch. SAMPLE DIET FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETER http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Sample_Diet_for_Gestational_Diabetes OR SAMPLE MENU'S http://pregnancy.emedtv.com/gestational-diabetes/gestational-diabetes-sample-menu.html OR DIET PLAN http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/diabetes-gestatio

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Nose bleeds are common in the winters and during pregnancy. Apply coconut oil to your nostrils at night. Vicks vapour-rub makes the nose dry - avoid using it. Avoid blowing your nose too hard. READ: http://www.babycenter.com/0_nosebleeds-d uring-pregnancy_255.bc Cool mist humidifier is more useful than the warm mist one. Keep warm water in a flask at ur bedside... staying hydrated is important, especially in the winter - as we tend to drink less water in the cold season. Going to pee at night...many many times...well...dats a part of every Pregnancy...

>Eat a variety of Foods >Don't skip meals. >Eat a good breakfast. Limit Carbs...Boost Protein...Avoid Fruit and Juice. >Include High-fiber foods. Fresh fruit and vegetables...whole grain breads or cereal...beans and legumes >Limit foods containing sugars...sodas, fruit juice, flavored teas, most desserts >Limit milk intake to max. 2glasses per day - as lactose is a natural sugar >WALK after meals... 15 to 30mins... will reduce your blood sugar levels. >Snacks: Mixed Nuts...Dried Apricots, Plums, Prunes, Craisins...cheese... >lentins/dal doesn't work for everyone... check your readings after meals...limit 1/2cup >chappatis...limit 2 per meal >make curries with base sause of Spinach or Tomato. >Try tofu... it helps to bring down the numbers >Salads fill up your tummy... pick smart ingredients. >Greens are Good... Avocado, Spinach, green leafy veggies, Peas, Green beans, moong dal(easier to digest than other lentils) >Ser

Help your baby learn to talk Guide to Motor Development Month by Month - Baby's First Year Physical Development and Milestones Social Development Making Baby Smile and Laugh Enjoy Reading the above links!!

Your milk quality will not suffer from poor eating habits, but your own health is sure to suffer...So, Eat Well!! for your own good. As your child gets older, she will pick up on your eating habits... So, Dad's and mom's maintain a healthy menu and junk food moderation, right from the start!! Drink Plenty of Water : It is most important to stay hydrated while breast feeding your LO. Your body needs tremendous amount of water during lactation. Symptoms of dehydration are : Irritability, loss of energy and focus. Follow the Food Pyramid : 6 servings of Whole Grains 2 servings of Fruit 3 servings of Vegetables 2 servings of Milk Products 2 servings of Meats 1 serving of Fats and Sweets What to avoid? Certain foods pass into your breast milk and may cause allergic reactions in your baby... for e.g. fussiness, rash, diarrhea, vomiting or refusal to nurse... Common problem causing foods to keep a check on are : Caffine -- Chocolate -- Citrus fruits -- Dairy Product

Benefits of Breast-feeding: >For baby: > Builds a strong immune system. Protects against allergies, ear infections and illnesses during the first year. > B-milk is easy to digest, rarely causes constipation and is filled with nutrients. > B-milk is the prefect food, it changes in consistency based on the baby's needs. The first flow is called Colostrum, which is thick and full of nutrients. > B-milk is naturally formulated for a baby's diet and promotes normal weight gain. >For Mom: > B-feeding causes the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. > B-feeding can reduce stress levels and help you feel happier. > B-feeding heals your body and builds up your immune system. http://www.promom.org/101/ Problems faced during Breast Feeding: > Stimulate your breasts before feeding sessions - massage the breasts. > After baby is done feeding - use a pump to empty out the breast - that way more milk will be produced. > S

The pyramid divides food into six groups. Here's a quick look at those groups and how many servings a day from each group you should aim for: • Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta (6-11 servings a day): Choose whole grain varieties like whole-wheat bread or unprocessed brown rice over white whenever possible; they contain the most fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. • Fruit (2-4 servings a day): Vary the color of the fruit you eat and choose fresh over canned — most prepackaged varieties are preserved in sugary liquid. Bonus: The fiber in fruit will help you head off constipation and hemorrhoids — two common pregnancy symptoms. • Vegetables (3-5 servings a day): As with fruit, fresh is best for fiber, folate, and other important vitamins. Broccoli, for example, is packed with folate, calcium, and B vitamins — all essential nutrients for your growing baby. • Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts (2-3 servings a day): Choose lean meats and eat fish sparingly (some variet

Under-wired nursing bras have been linked to plugged milk ducts and mastitis . If the under-wires press on the milk ducts, they can interfere with your milk flow, clogging the ducts, which then become infected. Plugged milk ducts and mastitis are painful and can put you in bed for several days. A soft-cup nursing bra provides much more support than you might realize. Look for one with non-stretch straps made by a company that specializes in nursing clothes and accessories. Those whose size is 38 or 40 with a DD and more... tend to get mastitis or plugged ducts even with non-under-wired bras... they need to take special care. Is it really necessary to get a Nursing Bra? If u plan on breast-feeding, then YES... The snap-clips which open up and allow you to expose only the breast is much easier and comfortable rather than having to take off your Bra. Also, if you plan on using leak pads, get a bra with cups of a size bigger. Get only one or two bra's initially, because B-feeding

> Prepare them well with your personal information... > Don't overwhelm them, parents tend to get nervous. > Avoid mentioning that they are coming here for Pregnancy or Delivery - as that is a like taking away job positions from people here in the USA - for e.g. Doula's, Birthing consultants, Baby-sitters... > You can mention that Parents/in-laws are coming here to visit and see their Grand-children. > Try to show that they are working or have some reason to return to India. > Avoid getting upset over the issue, many-a-time the visa is denied. Stay calm, you and your husband/partner will surely be able to go through the moment.

> Feeling angry or irritated at small/petty issues. > Feeling over-heated/ hot.. really hot...!! > Bursting into tears - for no particular reason > Cooking - Blah!! don't feel like entering the kitchen > Eating - taste buds feeling weird... > Missing close family members and friends > Desperate need to go back to India > Sad and lonely > Read books that you like - not Pregnancy or Baby related. > Watch your favourite movies. > Meditate and Pray. > Call home as often as possible and stay connected with your loved ones.

Cloth diapers is a subject that has been discussed and something that i myself was considering on doing... > The cloth is soft and delicate to the baby's skin. > Lesser chance of rash. > Out here they use the cloth diapers and a waterproof chaddi/diaper outside. but the outer pant/panty costs approx $17 each, which i personally feel is too expensive.. > Moreover, washing and drying the cloth is gonna be really tough... as most of our babies are due almost in Fall/Winter. > Cloth diapers are good to use in the afternoons, especially during summer. > Also, u can use it more often in the first 3months, when baby will mostly be in the Crib (confined area - not moving around as much). > Diapers are easy to use and throw.. Pampers is a gr8 brand for newborns. and with all the other issues of your own back ache, your vagina healing, your body changes, getting baby to BF, burp, sleep, colic.... diapering is something u dont want to fuss with... jus use disposable and b

Baby Care Skills: If you are first time parents and short on time... Check out for weekend/crash courses offered by Hospitals or the Community Center. Learn minor tasks like - How to bathe, diaper, comfort your baby. Childbirth Class: If u are going to opt for a natural vaginal delivery, such a class will prepare you for every step of the process. Take your husband or birth partner along with you. You will learn breathing and relaxation exercises, nutrition facts, comfort techniques and postpartum care. You can opt for Bradley method or Lamaze or most classes actually offer a combination of various methods. = Check your hospital, community center or even Insurance Plan for class options (for e.g. Kaiser has classes at select centers) Breastfeeding: This class will teach you the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding. The proper positions, latching techniques and tips for establishing a healthy milk supply. =Always ask for a lactation consultant during your hospital stay. Pr

Contributed my mom's on the IHM Comm. >Cotton bedsheets >Baby pillows for positioning (mustard seeds-RYE- pillows) >Light Blankets >Mittens >one-foot square bits of cloth as Burp Cloths >Swaddle cloths >Towels >gripe water >plastic or cane mat/chatiee >Almond oil for body massage >Coconut oil for hair and to massage self >Kajal Pencil >Sweaters and caps >Flasks >Pressure Cooker >Any of your favorite foods, especially ladoos (ding and methi) >Incense - if you wish to use it for baby and yourself Avoid using Gripe water for gas relief, baby gets used to it and you may have to continue using it until your child is 3-4yrs. Just give lil' sips of warm water, and if baby cries for more than 20mins - due to stomach ache - give Mylicon. Avoid buying Clothes from India, baby out-grows them real fast, Indian clothes don't fit well due to use of diapers here, and clothes available here are really good.

Tips from Members on IHM and Indian Moms: >Check with Friends and neighbors in the area, as to which doctor they recommend? >Try to go to an Indian, as they know more about our personal habits, foods, and remedies. >Go to a doctor who has not less than 15years in the business. >Check that the Ped is in network with your Insurance, and that the hospital that they are affiliated with is in network as well. >It is not necessary for the Ped to be affiliated with the Hospital where you will deliver your baby. >Check that the Ped practice has multiple doctors, in case your Ped is out of town or not available. >Are the office hours of the practice comfortable to your schedule? >What are their after-hours policy, on-call doctors/nurses, weekend arrangements? >If you do wish to meet the doctor, do they charge a fee for prenatal consultation? http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/postpartum/pedsquest/index.php

Are u kidding me?? I have never heard of this one before... Have any of us done this? http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/tool-birth-plan.aspx

Shoulder Straightener: Squeeze your shoulder blades together, while sitting or standing and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat this a few times during the day. The new curves that you body is taking on, makes you hunch forward. This move realigns your posture and stretches your chest and back muscles. Squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold a chair. With you weight on your heels, slowly lower your body as if sitting, pausing at knee level. Squeeze your glutes and thighs to come up. Repeat 10 times, thrice a day. This helps to prepare your muscles during labor. Kegels: Contract your pelvic muscles (as if stopping yourself from peeing), hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10times, thrice a day. This strengthens the pelvic muscles and helps prevent leaking pee. Baby Hugs: Pull in your abs as if to "Hug" your baby, hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Do not hold your breath. Repeat this a few times daily. This helps to tighten muscles around the uterus that stretch and weaken as t

After delivery you will not have the time or energy to go shopping until approximately 3 months - so shop before delivery... 1.Big box of diapers. Pampers is the best and most recommended brand. (minimum 15-20 diapers during the initial days. Diapers never go waste.) 2. Wet wipes. 3. Minimum 10 soft blankets. 4. 5 towels. 5. 6-8 burp towels. (buy matching with dresses) 6. Car seat with stroller matching - buy good and long purpose which we can be converted for toddler use 7. pink clothes for girl baby and blue clothes for boy baby full cover clothes till toe, half clothes 8. Bath tub - infant to toddler and bath-time toys. 9. Bath liquid soap, shampoo, lotion and powder. (for massage Almond oil or regular Coconut oil (Johnson baby oil gives rashes to most Indian babies) 10. Alcohol swabs. 11. Baby complete bath to medical kit (consists thermometer, medicine droppers, comb, nail-clipper, e.t.c) 12. Car seat toys and Crib hanging toys. 13. Breast pump and some bottles in case of eme

There's no real harm in sleeping on your right side, lying on your left side is actually good for you and your baby: It improves the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and it helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body. That, in turn, reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. If you train yourself to sleep on your left side early on, you'll have an easier time falling asleep when your belly is bulging later. During the second half of pregnancy, avoid sleeping on your back, a position that puts the full weight of your uterus on your spine, back muscles, intestines, and the inferior vena cava (the vein that transports blood from your lower body to the heart). Back-sleeping can also put you at risk for backaches and hemorrhoids, inefficient digestion, and impaired breathing and circulation. Lying on your back in the second and third trimester can also cause changes in blood pressure. For some women, it can cause a drop in bloo

Bloating and Gas are a part of every Pregnancy. For some it may be short-lived while for other it may linger through the entire nine months. As the system that processes your food, slow down - Gas production steps up. Gas production does not harm you or your baby physically, but to try to dimish the discomfort and beat the Bloat... you can... >> Take it Slow. A slow digestive system calls for slow eating. Sit down at every meal. Chew your food well. Try not to gulp. >> Avoid the Overload. Eat smaller meals. Eat more frequently to avoid the feeling of Hunger. >> Keep moving. Not only physically - by taking walks. But keep your insides moving - by not getting constipated. >> Fiber overload. Excessive amount of high-fiber foods also cause gas. >> Foods to Avoid. Avoid foods that are associated with flatulence: Beans, Onions, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, green peppers and fatty/oily/fried foods. Avoid Carbonated drinks/sodas. Substitut

Pack this bag once you cross 7 months, and keep it in a place your hubby/partner will be able to pick it up easily in an emergency... Baby clothes - preferably a bodysuit and blanket, socks, mittens and cap. (you just need it when leaving from hospital to home, till that time hospital provides everything) Extra diapers and wipes. Flexible clothes for u like tops and pants or feeding gowns, nursing bras, panties, moisturizer, Lanolin/breast-nipple cream. (get extra panties and maxi pads) Clothes for your partner for 2 to 3 days. Maxi Pads for bleeding like extra large(hospital people will provide disposable panties and pads but more thick and uncomfortable), no pads necessary for C-section. Blanket for your hubby/partner for night sleeping...if necessary one extra pillow. Dollar bills/Change for the Vending machine. Take out menu's in the area, for hubby/partner. Camera, Battery, Video recorder. Contact numbers of Family and Friends. (some hospitals don't allow use of

Most women will experience food cravings at some point or another during pregnancy. In fact many women will crave some type of cuisine or unusual food product during pregnancy. The most popular cravings include sweet and salty foods, while other women report craving spicy or fatty foods. Why all the cravings? Causes of Food Cravings During Pregnancy >>Some cravings are simply the result of your body's needs for additional calories for the growth of baby. >>Sometimes nutritional deficiencies present ethical problems as well. Many pregnant vegetarian women find they get uncontrollable cravings for meat this means you need more protein also your body needs more first-class protein. There is no easy answer to this. Some women give in to the craving over the short-term and revert to strict vegetarianism after the birth. Others find that including fish or balancing pulses and grains in their diet boosts their protein intake. Including more eggs, milk or cheese in

Tips to buy crib /bassinets etc 1.Make sure you and Baby can rest easy by choosing a crib with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal of approval, which indicates that the crib meets the quality, safety, and functional requirements established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2. Convertible cribs will last your child from birth to adulthood by first transforming into a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. Some cribs will include all the necessary parts to complete these conversions, while others may require you to purchase additional conversion kits. 3. Most cribs feature adjustable height mattresses . Keep the mattress at the highest level so it is easy to pick up your infant. As your baby becomes increasingly agile, lower the mattress so she can't climb out of the crib. 4. Look for cribs with hidden hardware to ensure sturdy construction and to prevent your baby from being scratched. Your crib must also have a non-toxic, lead

The crib is the first piece of nursery furniture usually purchased. It should be comfortable and easy for baby and parents too . TYPES OF CRIB >>Single Drop-Side Single drop-side allows one side to be raised and lowered for getting baby in and out. Benefit: Crib is very stable because one side rail is permanently attached to both the headboard and the foot board. >>Double Drop-Side Double drop-side has two sides that raise and lower. Benefit: Lets you get baby in and out from either side, without having to walk around. Kickbar Drop-Side Release enables you to simply lift the drop-side a little with one hand, then push your foot against the kickbar to release the drop-side. Benefit: Strong metal drop-side release ensures that the side rail does not drop accidentally. Also, it's durable enough to last through several children. >>Kick bar Drop-Side Release Kick bar drop-side release enables you to simply lift the drop-side a little with one hand, and then

Stage 1 In stage 1, your body prepares to give birth. This is the longest part of labor where you are having contractions and your cervix is dilating and may take several hours. This stage can be divided into three phases: Ø The early of labor is marked by very light contractions that may be 20 minutes or more apart. You will feel uncomfortable but you can continue your normal routine or go to bed. Ø In the active phase contractions generally are four or five minutes apart and may last up to 60 seconds long. Women desiring medication are admitted to the hospital at this stage. Ø Later, your contractions may be two or three minutes apart, lasting up to a minute and a half. Some women might shake & vomit during this stage, but it’s normal. This stage will not last more than an hour or two & partners support is crucial. Stage 2 Stage 2 is the delivery stage. The baby starts to move down the birth canal. You will need to help push during your contractions. This is th

A woman is in 'labor' when she experiences uterine contractions, thinning and dilation of the cervix. This takes place in the final stage of the third trimester. The distinct signs of labor are: Ø Lightening or the positioning of the fetus into the pelvis region. Ø Discharge of pink or slightly bloody mucus and the mucus plug. Ø Defined and regular contractions of the cervix, in a wave-like motion, accompanied by cramps. Ø Breaking of water surrounding the baby or the weeping of amniotic fluid. Ø Dilation and thinning of the cervix. It is important to differentiate between 'true' and 'false' labor pains. The Braxton Hicks contractions or 'false' labor pains might occur in second or third trimester. These are irregular cramps that might be uncomfortable or painful. 'True' labor is characterized by contractions at regular intervals that keep getting more frequent, despite movement or position change. The most defined

Usually called “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy and go away after first trimester. For many women, it isn’t limited to just morning and last throughout the day. Nausea creates loss of appetite & may result in weight loss. Nausea does not affect the baby in any way as the fetus is protected in the womb. Here are some of these tips to control your nausea:- Ø Get out of bed slowly. Sit for a few moments before standing Ø Eat crackers or toast as soon as you wake up... try Graham crackers or Wheat thins Ø Eat frequent small meals (6 to 8 meals a day, rather than 3 large meals) Ø Consume ginger products such as such as ginger tea, ginger candy, ginger soda/gingerale or lemon+ginger water Ø Take your Prenatal vitamins in the night Ø Stay hydrated with fluids and eat lots of fruits Ø Slowly sip a Soda (sprite with Lemon) Ø Do not force yourself to eat anything, eat whatever pleases your palate Ø Get plen

== You may Email this list to yourself and take a Print-out to use it as a check list during shopping. BABY SHOPPING LIST Nursery Needs Bassinet or Cradle (used in the first three months) Fitted bassinet sheet (3 sets) Crib (4-in-1 convertible is a good buy) Fitted Crib sheet (3 sets) Quilt (place under the sheet to soften and protect the mattress) Waterproof crib mattress and protector {Sealy or Serta} Dresser/Drawer (with wheels makes it comfortable to use) Diaper changing station (preferably not portable) Night light Toy chest Humidifier Air Purifier Feeding Essentials Nursing Pillow Burp Cloths Cloth bibs (8 to 10) Nursing Bra Breast Pads (to absorb leaks) {Lansinoh, Medela} Nipple Cream (to relieve soreness - wash off before nursing) Breast Pump {Medela, Lansinoh - double electric, Playtex embrace} Breast milk storage bags {Medela, Lansinoh} Formula {Similar Advanced EarlyShield, Enfamil LIPIL, Good Start Supreme} Bottles (6 - 2 to 4 oz; 6 - 4 to 8oz : Angled neck or Vent prevents

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth, which is usually discarded. Cord blood banking uses external facilities as a place to store and preserve your baby’s cord blood. Umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants to treat a variety of pediatric disorders including leukemia, sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders. Patients who need a cord blood transplant can currently try to find a match with a sibling or from an unrelated person. An autologous (self) transplant can also be done if a child's umbilical cord blood has been stored in a private cord blood bank, although you wouldn't do that for conditions like leukemia because of the genetic risk of the leukemia being in the cord blood too. There are usually two fees associated with cord blood banking. The first is the initial fee which includes enrollment, collection and storage for at least the first year, and the second is an annual storage fee. The initial fe

Ø Have ginger tea Ø Gargle with lukewarm water by adding some salt 3 times a day Ø Take a glass of milk. Add little haldi, ½ tsp black pepper, 5-10 dry grapes (kissmiss) & required. qty of water. Boil this milk & drink it before going to bed. Don’t drink water immediately after consuming this mixture Ø Take small pieces of ginger & garlic. Grate them well. Take a tsp of honey & mix grated ginger-garlic. Swallow before going to bed & don’t drink water. Ø Take 1 cup of rice (Sona masoori is best or else Basmati but not boiled rice) & prepare it like normal white rice. Add bit salt while preparing. For tadka- use ghee or any kind of oil. Heat it & to it add 1 tsp of black pepper, cumin seeds (jeera), hing, cashew nuts(optional), curry leaves. Let this mixture stand for sometime & then add it to rice along with some salt for taste. It should be warm/hot when you eat it. You can eat this for dinner along with dal too. Ø You can

>> Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. DEE - Pampers Sensitive Rocks..... For size N and 1 ... ur baby is so delicate and Pampers is so soft and wonderful.  I've used Pampers Swaddlers until month 8... Size 2-3. Then switched over to Cruisers. At 11 months, I started using Luvs... its economical and works well when my DS is teething, as he got diarrhea for every tooth that popped out. Mallika Suresh Diapers -- >Initially Pampers >After 6 months, Huggies. >After 1year, Sam's Brand - Members Mark Diapers Wipes -- >Huggies >Later started using Members Mark Namrata >HUGGIES ....is the best >You can get it frm COSTCO,Sam's club or BJs (more economical to buy in bulk. >Pampers unscented wipes is good. Also, wash your baby's privates once in a day. >Huggies wipes are thicker and more absorbent - better to clean baby poop. Bhavna Patel-Bhatt >Pamper Swaddlers N is good for the first 1 week - until cord falls of

Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. Chicco Cortina KeyFit Travel System Evenflo Aura Select Travel System Shaily - Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System - Bermuda Its so nice and easy to maneuver. Tejas is 14 months and he uses a front facing car seat; he used the car seat of the travel system until last month. It can accomodate a baby till 30 pounds and 32 inches. Its sturdy and safe. It comes in 2 colors....both r nice. Graco Quattro Travel System Bhavna Patel-Bhatt I have bought 3 Travel systems in total Graco is the worst purchase ... Very bulky and inconvenient... i used the Snap and Go until 8 months Later on bought the macclearan Voila stroller... Best stroller in the world. Also, Indian babies never reach 32lbs within one year... and after than rear-facing car seat become uncomfortable for baby... so the smaller version is fine. Shriya There's one more choice for travel system too, the earlier one was Alano Travel System - Mulberry And the