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Breastfeeding Tips for Every New Mother
As Robert S. Mendelsohn rightly said, “Mother’s milk, time-tested for millions of years, is the best nutrient for babies because it is nature’s perfect food.”
If you are a mother, you can certainly relate to it. However, breastfeeding is one extremely challenging job. Many gynaecologists and obstetricians encounter new, inexperienced mother panicking due to not being able to nurse properly. So, today we are offering some tips for new mothers and moms-to-be to have a somewhat more comfortable nursing time.
- Position yourself comfortably. If you are not comfortable, neither will be your baby.
- There is no perfect rule, so choose what works best for you. Experiment and pick between couch, bed and rocking chair.
- Place as many pillows you need under back, lap or legs for support and comfort.
- Hold and cradle your baby on the same side as the breast you want to nurse with. Use a pillow for support, if needed.
- You have an overactive ‘super baby’, you can hold her lower arm under your arm to mitigate the possibility of interference.
- Cup your breast and let your baby latch onto it gently. It might take several attempts before the baby stay latched on, so be patient.
- Once the baby starts feeding, hold her close to support and encourage the nursing.
- After the baby is done, don’t pull out your nipple instantly, as it may cause injury to your nipples. Instead, insert a finger in her mouth to break off the contact gently.
Ideally, each session of breastfeeding last only several minutes, but quite frequently, as your baby’s stomach is small and digestion is quite fast. Stay prepared to get in action every few hours. Feel free to try out different lactating position to find the one working best for you. As a tip to relax, you can play some music or instrumental in a mild tone. It will encourage you to relax, have happy thoughts and focus on your bond with your baby.
While breastfeeding, you may encounter many complications such as insufficient milk supply, sore or cracked nipples etc. Moreover, if you had a high-risk pregnancy or preterm birth, your baby might have a problem latching on. Instead of enduring all the discomfort or depression, seek help. As you might need special guidance or equipment from your gynaecologist or obstetrician, get in touch with one.
Breastfeeding is a rather special time of your life. Do all you can to make this memorable and comfortable.
ILS Hospitals Organized Yet Another Successful Gyne-Endoscopy Program
ILS Hospitals, being a FOGSI conducts Gynae-Endoscopy Program from time to time. The 3rd gyne-endoscopy program was conducted from 31st July 2018. the program attracted several aspiring gynecologists by offering salient highlights such as live surgery, hands-on experience, interactive sessions, and certifications.
Renowned Dr. Aruna Tantia, Dr. Om Tantia, and other well-known doctors nurtured these young minds to learn the real-time practical knowledge outside their textbooks. Needless to say, it will help them shape their future even more effectively. The delegates, now with hands-on practice are moving ahead with their bright future.
When To Seek Medical Treatment For Food Poisoning
Are you feeling severe stomach cramps with nausea and vomiting? Are you rushing to the washroom every 2 minutes? Did you have something for dinner or even lunch or breakfast which could be contaminated? Could be, that you are suffering from food poisoning. It might sound funny to many individuals, but severe food poisoning is also considered as a medical emergency. The word ‘medical emergency’ casts impressions of – elderly man being carried in an ambulance due to heart attack or a punk youth taken to the ER due to road accidents, but it is a much broader scope.
Read more – Symptoms of Cardiac Emergency
It is true that you can treat minor to mild food poisoning with home remedies, adequate rest and over the counter drugs, but you need immediate medical attention to address if it is severe.
Food poisoning is a foodborne condition which occurs when you consume contaminated food or water. The severity and symptoms vary depending upon your immunity, strength and the pathogen you got infected with. Usually, it starts within a few hours after you eat the contaminated food, but it can also take a few days to weeks in some cases. The symptoms you will usually feel are nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, dehydration, dry mouth, lose motion etc.
However, in case you have symptoms such as feeling disoriented, dizziness, low blood pressure, high fever with chills, palpitations, breathing trouble, severe vomiting/diarrhoea, hazy vision, blood in vomit or stool, loss of urination, dark-coloured urine along with severe cramps, then you are going through severe food poisoning. If it is not addressed timely, it may cause a life-threatening crisis such as severe dehydration or even an organ damage.
After your preliminary check-up, your doctor will determine the exact treatment approach. Ideally, you will have to receive IV fluids and electrolytes along with antibiotics to boost your body functions. Moreover, the doctors will keep a close eye on the condition of the body temperature, blood pressure, kidney and nerve functions.
Needless to say, a timely cure will ensure proper recovery with no long-term complications. So, if you or any of your loved one is showing symptoms of the same, get in touch with our ER team and ensure your health and recovery.
The cases of food poisoning are quite common during the monsoon. You are hereby, recommended to avoid untreated water, unwashed food, raw or poorly cooked food, pre-cut fruits/vegetables, roadside food etc, particularly during monsoon.
Is Your Child Born With A Cleft Lip And / Or Cleft Palate? Here Is What You Need To Do!
Was your child born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate? Are you worried about what to do? You are not alone. Cleft lip/palate is the most common congenital defect among babies all over the world. Thankfully, almost every child undergoing the cosmetic surgery for the same makes full recovery with extremely minute or no scar at all.
Your baby’s lip and palate formation occur in the early stages of pregnancy itself. Cleft lip is the medical condition in which the upper lip is underdeveloped. Similarly, cleft palate is the counterpart condition, in which the upper root of the mouth is underdeveloped. These conditions each can arise, either as unilateral (only in one side) or bilateral (in both sides). Each of these complications can either be incomplete (the cavity does not elongate to the nose) or complete (the cavity elongates to the nose).
A child might have either of these conditions or both at the time of birth. Both these conditions lead to the formation of cavities of the facial structure that causes hindrance to the functionality of the organ and the overall aesthetic of the person. These conditions collectively lead to air leakage into the nasal cavity and as a result causes nasal spilling and nasal voice during talking. If left untreated, the child might develop speech disorders along with difficulty in breathing, eating and even hearing.
The cosmetic surgeries, namely the cleft lip repair and cleft palate repair these conditions along with its associated complications as well. Through these surgeries, a flap of skins are placed and secured on the site and with time, it entirely coagulates to restore its normal appearance and function. It is mostly recommended for the child at a very early age, between 2 to 12 months after the birth. In high-risk cases, the doctor waits until the baby grows up a little to recommend surgical corrections.
A surgery availed at an early age shows maximum benefits in the recovery from cleft defects. It not only ensures timely growth but also bears no sign of this surgery when the child reaches the age of 7-8 years. Moreover, it ensures your child does not suffer psychological trauma from being ‘different than others’ or face discrimination.
In case, your baby is born with any/both of these cleft defects, get in touch without paediatric surgeons and help your baby live the life you gave to her, to its fullest.
Read more – Some of the Major Kinds of Cosmetic Surgeries.
A Brief Introduction on Hepatitis on This Hepatitis Day
LIVER – one of the vital organ that performs many crucial functions of the living body. This includes its role in facilitating digestion, filtering toxins from the body, breaking down of fat and carbohydrate, removal of bilirubin, cholesterol, aiding in the blood clotting, synthesis of albumin etc. It is always advised to receive proper liver treatment in case of any discomfort or malfunction of the liver occurs.
We are observing World Hepatitis Day on 28th July. So, let’s have a look at the 5 different hepatitis types in brief.
Hepatitis, in general, is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the liver. These occur mostly due to the viral infections, but can also onset due to high dosage of alcohol, drugs, medicines etc. Autoimmune hepatitis is a special case, in which it onsets when the body produces antibodies against the liver tissue.
The 5 common types are Hepatitis are A, B, C, and D and E, where a different type of virus is responsible for each type.
Hepatitis A
It is caused by Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It gets transmitted through consumption of food and water contaminated by feces from a hepatitis A infected person.
Hepatitis B
It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It is transmitted by coming in contact with infectious body fluids from a hepatitis B infected person. It also can spread by using common blades or razor.
Hepatitis C
It is caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It transmits through direct contact with infectious body fluids from a hepatitis C infected person. It typically spread through needles or intimacy with an infected person.
Hepatitis D
It is also known as the Delta Hepatitis and is caused by the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). It transmits through direct contact with infected blood from a hepatitis D infected person. It usually onsets in conjugation with Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
It is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). Being a waterborne disease it transmits through water contaminated by fecal matters. It typically spreads in an area with poor sanitation.
In conclusion, Hepatitis A is always short term but highly acute, whereas type B, C, D, and E, mostly onsets as long termed and chronic. Type E gets equally acute and pose severe threats if infects pregnant women.
Despite the type and its degree of severity, it is best not to endure discomforts due to malfunctioning liver and seek quality liver treatment on time.
4 Most Common Types of Reconstructive Surgery
Though as per most common beliefs, cosmetic surgery solely comprises the procedures that aim to improve the body appearance, there is much more to it. The domain of reconstructive surgery deals with the surgical procedures to correct and restore the body parts. Minor procedures of several organs can be done through general surgeries and gynaecological surgeries as well, but complicated cases are always referred to a cosmetic surgeon.
Read more – How Cosmetic Surgery is Different from Plastic Surgery
It is often done to correct physical malfunctions present since the time of birth, known as congenital conditions. But mostly, it is done to correct the physical deformities that result due to some accident, injury or illness.
Let’s discuss a few most common reconstructive procedures-
1. Breast Reconstructive Procedures
These surgeries restore the basic shape of either one or both breasts. This is usually meant for the women who undergo mastectomy, mostly due to cancer. The surgery is also recommended for women with exceptionally large breast and suffers severe back pain and other associated illnesses due to it.
Men who suffer from breast cancer and undergo surgery may also undergo this surgery to restore their chest contour.
2. Skin Grafting
Cuts and burns of severe degree often need surgical correction rather than only ointments or lotions. Skin grafting involves removal of damaged skin and replacing it with a layer of healthy skin tissue, either from one’s own body or from a suitable donor.
3. Hand and Feet Surgery
These surgeries are mostly done for the patients with some deformities in hands/ feet due to, accident or congenital condition. This primarily restores the balance and functions, closely followed by its normal appearance.
It is also done for the people with webbed toes/finger or who are born with extra finger/toe.
4. Facial Surgery
These surgeries are mostly done for patients with congenital defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate. However, it can also be availed to correct damage caused by sinuses and as scar revision surgery.
These cosmetic surgeries not only restore the physical appearance of the organs but also ensures its functionality. In a nutshell, it is a life-giving surgery domain that helps the people to live their life to its fullest, even when any severe injury deforms the body parts due to the accident, or illness. However, it is always recommended to avail these specifically from expert cosmetic surgeons to get the best possible result.
A Brief Introduction to Sickle Cell Anaemia
Sickle cell Anaemia is a rare, genetic illness. It is a form of anaemia in which the red blood cells are incapable of carrying an adequate amount of oxygen in the body. It is an extremely difficult illness that is quite challenging to live with. Only the best hospitals can provide medication and treatment for the same. Let’s understand the various aspects around Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Blood carries vital nutrients throughout the body and also facilitates the exchange of gases, namely the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. The usual shape of the blood cells is just like a donut without any cavity inside. The bi-concave surface facilitates easy transportation of oxygen molecules. In case of sickle cell anaemia, the red blood cells resemble that of a sickle or crescent moon, thereby justifying the name.
This gives rise to 2 problems, inadequate oxygen supply, and the irregular shape of the cell leads them to get stuck in thin blood vessels, causing inflammation. A patient with sickle cell anaemia is likely to suffer one or more of the following symptoms.
- Anaemia that keeps on recurring and is closely followed by fatigue, and drained out of energy.
- Painful swells on feet, knees, and hands or other areas where the blood vessels are extremely narrow.
- Delayed growth which involves both natural and reproductive growth.
- High chances of gallstones, which often required gallstone operation to resolve.
- Poor vision that is purely due to blocked blood vessels reaching eyes.
- Frequent infections as this illness damages spleen, the organ that fights infections.
- Episodes of pain, particularly in chest, abdomen, and joints that lasts anywhere between few hours to few weeks.
Sadly there is no cure for sickle cell anaemia but with proper medication, it can be managed effectively through proper timely measures. The normal RBC has a lifespan of about 120 days, but the same reduces to 15-20 days for a sickle RBC. Needless to say, some of these patients require undergoing a periodic blood transfusion. These efforts along with proper medication can help the patient to get ease from the painful symptoms and to prevent the complications associated with the same.
On this 19th June, as we witness World Sickle Cell Day, we encourage people with this illness to stay strong and seek treatment from time to time. Also, we salute the never-ending support of their family, the doctors and most important the blood donors for their contribution.
A Brief Introduction to the Types of Blood Donation
Blood transfusion is a process of supplying blood of a matching group to an individual in need of it. Even though advanced procedures such as laparoscopic surgery rarely needs a blood transfusion, it is needed for medical emergencies, life support systems, several specific diseases, such as thalassemia, or even a major pre-scheduled invasive surgery.
Whether or not you have been a part of blood transfusions, you are more likely to be accustomed to only one type of blood donation. However, did you know that there are 4 types of blood donations, as per the element of the blood? Let’s have a quick look at each of them
1. Whole blood donation
The most common procedure, in which about a pint of whole blood is extracted out of the body. It may or may not be further segregated into platelets, plasma, and red cells, depending upon the need of the recipient. The procedure takes about half an hour or even less, while the patients can donate the same every 2 months.
2. Platelet Apheresis
It requires a special apheresis machine that collects blood and separates all its elements with centrifugal effect. The platelets component is kept for transfusion while the remaining elements return back to the body’s blood circulation. The process takes about 2 hours.
This type of blood is needed by patients battling cancers, undergoing organ transplant therapy and surgeries/medical emergencies that may involve massive bleeding. Moreover, while a single platelet donation can be used for multiple blood transfusion, it takes about 5-6 whole blood donations to make up for a single platelet transfusion. It can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
3. Plasma Apheresis
This type of blood donation goes simultaneously with the previous one. In this type, only the plasma is kept for the blood transfusion, while the rest is returned back to the body. The process takes about an hour and a half. It can be done after every two weeks.
4. Power Red
This one is yet another donation type involving the apheresis machine, which collects only the red cells while it returns the plasma and the platelets. Often the rare blood types have short supply as the donor need to meet few special guidelines for donating this type. It includes having higher levels of haemoglobin and specific body height and weight.
A single donation usually takes about an hour and collects two units of red cells. The donor can contribute every 120 days.
Each blood donation types has its own features. On this World Blood Donor Day, 14th June we honour every blood donor and feel our duty to pay tribute to one particular donor named James Harrison of Australia. This blood plasma donor rightfully earned the title of ‘man with the golden arm’ as he has donated blood plasma 1173 times throughout his entire life. After receiving 13 liters of blood for a surgery at the age of 14, he committed to donate blood in the future. Having a rather strong antigen against the group Rh antigen, he was able to donate blood plasma, which as per estimation, saved about 2.4 million unborn babies.
While saluting such a determined spirit, we, on behalf of ILS Hospitals, urge every healthy, capable individual to donate blood, at least once in their lifetime.
6 Superb Reason to Raise a Glass of Milk in Your Everyday Diet
You are what you eat!
This simple statement rules our lives. The diet, lifestyle, and heredity are the three main factors that contribute to our overall health. We have no control over our genes and amidst our busy lives, often we have no time to exercise routinely. So, we all must pick our food choices very carefully.
One of the best source of nutrients for everyday diet is a glass of milk, not only for the kids, but for every individuals. Let’s list out the advantages that it provides-
1. It Strengthens Your Bones
Fancy having the iron fist? Then you better start including milk in your diet soon. As per orthopaedic specialist, Milk is a rich source of calcium and sufficient dosage of calcium ensure that the bone stays healthy and keep issues such as bone decay and brittle bones at bay.
2. It Protects Your Smile
Cheese makes you smile while taking a shot, right? So does milk and other milk products in protecting that beautiful smile of yours. It protects the enamel of teeth and also reduces the chances of tooth decay and gum diseases.
3. It Offers a Diversified By-Products
Do not like milk or allergic to it? You don’t have to compromise on your health as milk offers a wide range of by-products or processed food. It includes curd, cheese, butter, yogurt, dips, sour creams. Moreover, it can be used to make frozen desserts ice creams, buttermilk, lassi etc. as well. Each of them has its own contribution towards our health.
4. It Provides Vitamin D
You don’t have to go and lie down under the scorching sun to absorb vitamin D if you are routinely consuming milk in your diet. Moreover, it also replenishes your body and keeps it nourished.
5. It is a Complete Product
It is the one food that contains everything – carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. It comes as no surprise that infants are prescribed to have their mother’s milk alone, not even water during the initial 6 months.
6. It Can Be Processed Accordingly
Do not want the extra layers of cream in your glass of milk? Go for the skimmed milk and still enjoy the other benefits the milk offers. Moreover, options like soya milk and soybean milk are available in the market as well, you cannot have dairy milk altogether.
In a nutshell, a glass of milk certainly belongs to your everyday diet, so, on this World Milk Day, 1st June, let’s ‘raise a glass’ too and take a step towards a healthier tomorrow. Cheers!!
6 Health Complications That Will Motivate You to Quit Smoking Now
How do you define a cigarette?
A pinch of tobacco wrapped in a roll, with fire on one side and a fool on the other side.
Work is stressful, for most of us, isn’t it? How often do you rely on your ‘so-called friend’ to relieve this never-ending stress? The answers will range from never, rarely, depends, often, to all the time.
The more your answer titles towards the right, the earlier and the deeper you are digging for your own grave.
Here we present 6 health complications associated with smoking that will motivate you to quit smoking –
1. Heart and Lungs diseases
Our lungs are capable of filtering the air and supplying oxygen to the bloodstream. However, over the years of smoking, both lungs and heart begin to perform inefficiently and as a result, the person develops several types of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
2. Diabetes Type 2
The direct impact of smoking on-setting diabetes is still a matter of conflict among research scholars, but it certainly has been found that prolonged smoking increases the complications associated with diabetes type 2. Several patients, who also happens to be chain smokers, often visits diabetes clinic to address a common complication of loss of sensation in feet/legs.
3. Reproductive Health
Let it be men or women, prolonged smoking can affect their reproductive health. As per leading gynaecologists, for women, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy and a lower rate of natural conception. Whereas, in case of men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
4. Poor Metabolism
The component nicotine makes people addictive of the same and as a result, many chain smokers suffer from several digestive and metabolic malfunctions. As a result, a person can either lose or gain significant body weight. People seeking liver treatment often turn out to be chain smokers.
5. Oral and Throat
Holding the cigarette between the teeth, in a long run leads to misalignment of teeth along with severe gum diseases. As per ENT specialists, several kinds of mouth/throat ulcers and cancer is a result of smoking too.
6. Bone Decay
Prolonged smoking leads to a much faster rate of bone decay as compared to non-smokers. It is often closely followed by severe orthopaedic complications and rheumatoid arthritis as well.
Despite the frightening consequences of smoking, the silver lining is the fact that putting down smoking can help significantly in damage control.
On this World No Tobacco Day, on 31st May 2018, ILS Hospitals encourages every smoker to quit smoking. Not only it affects your own health but it also causes damage to your family, friends, and colleagues, who eventually becomes passive smokers, over the years.