World BreastFeeding Week (1st-7thAug): A Few Breastfeeding Myths All Mums Should Know

Mums, I'm not a medical expert, but I did do a little research - both online and offline - and talked to a few people, and here is a list of the common myths surrounding breastfeeding that we compiled. Of course, every mum is special and different, so do consult your doctor on the same and in case of any discomfort, get immediate medical assistance. Have a read:

Myth 1: Frequent nursing leads to poor milk production: Fact: Milk supply is at its best when healthy babies are allowed to nurse as often as they require.

Myth 2: Spicy food can affect the taste of milk and upset baby’s tummy: Fact: It’s true that too much spicy or oily food can lead to acidity, and this is certainly not advisable for anyone. But having spicy food does not lead to baby not liking the taste of the milk. In fact, having a little spicy food and food with different tastes will only introduce baby to a variety of flavours and make it easier for them to experiment with food as they grow up.

Doctor recommended diet sheet for your baby

The following diet sheet has been prepared by a paediatrician but SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH YOUR OWN PAEDIATRICIAN before administering to baby.

DIET SHEET:

Upto 04-06 months: Breast-feed only on demand or 02 hourly intervals. No water.

04 months: Clear fluids - juice of apple, orange, tomato, clear soups, dal water, porridge-wheat, rice, ragi, rava: can be mixed with mashed vegetables, stewed apple, ripe banana.

05 months: Soft dal, rice mashed thoroughly, khichdi - rice moong dal.

06 months: Mashed boil potato, carrots, green leafy vegetables and yolk of boiled egg.

07-09 months: Chapaati soaked in milk or dal, idli, dhokla, finely minced meat.

01 year: family diet, milk 600 ml.

P.S. Many women choose to put their baby solely on breast-feed till they are 06 months of age. It is completely a matter of choice whether you choose to do so or wish to start them on a diet before they are 06 months. Just ensure that your child is getting its proper feed and is growing properly. Take your baby for regular check-ups to the doctor.


DOs & DON'Ts for your baby:

1. No bottle feeding

2. New food to be given slowly and in small quantities. (1-2 tsp) at first and then increase gradually.

3. Any one food type of food should be given for 4-5 days before a new type of food is offered.

4. Solid food best given at feeding times, before breast feeding.

5. Encourage your baby to hold cup by 9-10 months.

6. No force feeding.

A List of the Important Vaccinations for your child

Following is a list of the important vaccinations that your child should be administered. Please consult with your child's doctor and check about the same as well. This list is based on a general doctor's reference chart, please CONSULT your own DOCTOR BEFORE GOING AHEAD with the same.

At Birth: BCG, OPVO, Hepatitis B1 DTPw1/DTPa1

06 weeks: OPV1/IPV1 Hepatitis B2 Hib1 DTPw2/DTPa2

10 weeks: OPV2/IPV2 Hib2 DTPw3/DTPa3

14 weeks: OPV3/IPV3 Hepatitis B3*, Hib3

09 months: Measles

15-18 months: DTPw B1/DTPaB1 OPV B1 Hib B1 MMR

02 years: Typhoid+

05 years: DTPw B2/DTPaB2 OPV B2

10 years: Td*/TT

16 years: Td*/TT

RECOMMENDED VACCINES:

15 months of age: Varicella Vaccine

18 months of age: Hepatitis A Vaccine

06 weeks: Pheumococcal Conjugate Vaccine*

<06 months: Rota virus vaccine


# <13 years of age: 01 dose; > 13 years of age: 02 doses at 4-8 weeks interval
+ 2 doses at 6-12 months interval
* 3 primary doses at 06, 10 & 14 weeks followed by a booster dose 15 months