Breastfeeding can be especially challenging for working mothers who must juggle feeding schedules with professional responsibilities. Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed is a journey that requires planning, resilience, and plenty of support. For many new mothers, pumping and storing breast milk becomes a vital bridge that allows them to nourish their babies while thriving in their careers. But let us be honest — it is not always easy. From finding the right...

  Family history of heart defects can increase the likelihood, as genetic inheritance may predispose a child to congenital heart issues.   Q:What are Congenital heart defects?   Dr: Congenital heart defects (CHD) refer to a range of heart defects present at birth. These abnormalities can affect the structure and function of the heart, including the heart valves, walls, and blood vessels. Some common types of CHD include holes in the heart's chambers, narrowed or...

  Limiting screen time and encouraging more interactive activities can provide children with more opportunities for language development Excessive gadget use in children can lead to developmental delays, particularly in speech and learning. When children spend too much time on screens, they have fewer opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing language and social skills. Gadgets often provide passive stimulation, limiting exposure to rich, varied languages that foster communication abilities. Additionally, prolonged screen...

  A breastfeeding mother should maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is crucial. Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, essential antibodies, and emotional bonding, promoting healthy growth and development in infants. It reduces the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases while enhancing cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of certain cancers. It is a natural, sustainable, and beneficial choice...

  ORS is a life-saving treatment for dehydration in children. Diarrhea in children can be caused by several factors, including infections, dietary issues, and underlying health conditions. Here are the eight most common causes:   Viral Infections: Viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus are common causes of diarrhea in children. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter can cause bacterial gastroenteritis, leading to diarrhea. Parasitic Infections: Parasites such as...

  The emotional impact of cleft lip and cleft palate can be profound for both the affected child and their family. A cleft lip or cleft palate is a congenital condition that affects the formation of the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth. Here is a brief overview of each:   Cleft Lip:   A cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip. This split can occur on one or...

  Guided by trained therapists, art therapy promotes self-discovery, fosters emotional well-being, and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of ASD What is Pulmonary Rehab?   Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours or restricted interests. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it presents differently in everyone, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Autism is often diagnosed in early childhood, but...

  Most parents do not see the signs of social anxiety disorder in their child. Most parents assume that they just have a quiet child or that the child is shy Social Anxiety is often misunderstood as being shy. Kids are usually quiet in new situations or around new people. A shy child will watch, observe and slowly dare to explore and interact with the new scenario. It may take a few hours or a...

  Children with Down Syndrome do not grow as much as their peers, their facial features are flat, with upward slanting eyes, a small head and a short neck. However, physical appearance does not indicate the extent of cognitive impairment. In India 23,000 to 29,000 children are born each year with Down Syndrome. This is quite a significantly larger number, but awareness of the condition and access to proper treatment and care is highly inadequate....

  Vaccines confer activity immunity on the individual by teaching the immune system how to respond to certain infections. If you did not already know, and are still confused about vaccinations and their necessity, here are TEN reasons why you should make sure your child is up to date with his/her immunization schedule.   VACCINES ERADICATE DISEASES & SAVE LIVES.   Diligent worldwide administering of vaccines is what has successfully eradicated Smallpox, which claimed thousands...

  Too much screen time is also a major cause of dry eye in kids. Over time it can even lead to the child having trouble focusing. Studies have actually shown a rise in myopic vision in children who spend too much time looking at the computer/ tab screen. There is in an increased number of young children wearing glasses to help them see better. Vision problems and poor eyesight among kids have become common...

  Bodily fluids lost due to diarrhea need to be replaced with urgency. Administering ORS at the first signs of diarrhea saves lives." Oral Rehydration Salts or ORS is administered to patients with dehydration to rehydrate the body. It is quite a simple mode of treatment and can prove to be lifesaving.   WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATION?   Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluids than is consumed. As a result, the body does not...

  Treatment for ASD is customized to benefit the individual because no two autistic individuals are the same. It is important to ensure that the treatment is structured, intensive and consistent for more favorable outcomes. It is never easy to accept that one's child has a condition that is untreatable - a condition that requires unconditional support and tireless effort to help the child cope with otherwise simple day-to-day activities. However, with the right kind...

  Being diagnosed with heart disease or undergoing heart surgery and then subsequently adopting a number of lifestyle changes is often stressful on the patient. Cardiac rehab will also help the individual to cope better. Just as we keep track of physical development in children through certain milestones, parents must also watch out for red flags in their child's emotional development. Every child at some point feels sad or has an angry outburst. However, if...

  In most cases parents do not see snoring as indicative of any underlying disorder and this may be true to a certain extent. However, if the child snores very loudly and has a very disruptive sleep pattern it is best to see a doctor to find out what could be wrong. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs due to a blockage in the upper airway that causes the child to stop breathing briefly while sleeping. The...

  All the vitamins, proteins, fats and other nutrients that the newborn needs are found in breastmilk. These nutrients help the baby grow and gain the right amount of weight. Choosing to breastfeed your baby is one of the most important decisions the mother makes for her new-born. There are significant advantages for the mother and for the child, that many first-time mothers may not be aware of.   BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING TO THE BABY...

Certain vaccine shots are more painful than others. This is not a reason to fear vaccines. It is easier to treat the soreness at the injection site or the fever, than the disease for which the child was vaccinated. It's true. To fall victim to naysayers who spin conspiracy theories around vaccines, is to put yourself and your loved ones in danger. Vaccines are run through several tests and evaluation to ensure it is safe...

  Rubbing the ears vigorously with a towel can damage the ear canal which increases risk of infection. Don't let the name deceive you. One could develop Swimmer's Ear without even stepping into the swimming pool! Wetness is the culprit here and that happens even during a regular bath.   WHAT IS SWIMMER'S EAR?   When water stays in the ear after a long swim or shower, it gives room to the growth of bacteria...

  ADHD medication can reduce and even eliminate many of the problems of the condition, without having an addictive influence on the child/ adult when taken as prescribed by the doctor In recent times Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD for short, has become a tag for any child that has a little extra energy than the rest. Schools are quick to suspect ADHD in children who cannot sit still in the classroom and end up...

  The first few days or even weeks are more about getting the baby used to the idea of chewing and swallowing and exploring tastes, rather than nutrition. Every little milestone that your baby crosses makes you swell with pride. These little achievements are significant in understanding the physiological development of the baby. However, you cannot force them to happen. Every child takes his or her own time to move from one milestone to the...

  Whether you choose to feed your baby breastmilk or formula is a personal choice. Most doctors recommend that the baby has breastmilk for at least 6 months after birth. Bringing a baby into this world is a cause for much celebration. In the joy of cradling the new born, you must not forget a few important precautions and care-techniques that will ensure the health and safety of the baby. Our every step should help...

  It is always best to get an eye test done for children, once every two years. In fact it is advisable to do the first eye test when they are just six months old Eye care for kids and for grown-ups varies drastically. Vision being a subjective issue, it's not easy to spot mild disturbances in the child, who is not likely to even sense anything wrong until the problem is glaring. This means...