Breastfeeding Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

The importance of Breastfeeding from a mother’s perspective

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:34:08 +0000

Mother’s milk plays a major role in the baby’s growth. The process of breastfeeding is such that it changes as per the baby’s needs and development.

Here I am a mother of 2 years old busy shaping my daughter into a strong person. Sometimes I wonder if I am a better mom for my daughter. The day I stepped into motherhood I was loaded with hundreds and thousands of questions, Of course, it’s a new journey and being a mother I have to make sure that I am doing the best for my daughter. However, one thing that could not even strike my mind was to breastfeed my baby. How I changed my mind from introducing milk bottles to choosing to breastfeed is truly a life-changing story.

Recently, I went through an article on the internet about a campaign “Freedom To Feed”. The campaign has launched by a versatile actress and a doting mother “Neha Dhupia”. It’s an initiative towards nursing your baby without feeling apologetic for the same. The campaign is about creating awareness for having hygiene places in public for breastfeeding and changing the perception of people towards the same. Being a mother I strongly support this thought as through this campaign people will come to know the importance of nursing and action will be taken to make dedicated places for women to feed their babies during travel.

Going through a nine month journey of pregnancy is not at all easy. From pregnancy stress to sleepless nights a woman goes through all.

Mother’s milk plays a major role in the baby’s growth. The process of breastfeeding is such that it changes as per the baby’s needs and development. Being a natural food it is gentle and safe on the baby’s stomach and loaded with anti-infective properties. I have exclusively breastfed my daughter for 6 months and continue to nurse her. Through this article, I am sharing my views on the importance of breastfeeding and why all new moms should give mothers’ milk to their babies.

Going through a 9 months journey of pregnancy is not at all easy. From pregnancy stress to sleepless nights a woman goes through all. Then a day comes that brings along a lot of joy and a lot more responsibility. Holding your baby for the very first time is a precious moment which is incomparable. Now here starts a shared responsibility of parents towards their baby- A responsibility to breastfeed. Undoubtedly feeding your baby is a time-consuming activity on the other hand it is a lifetime vaccine for your little one. Breastfeeding has to be started from Day 1 you hold your baby and should continue exclusively for 6 months as advised by experts until the baby starts taking solid food. You can also continue feeding until 5 years as per your personal choice. Mother milk will work as a strong base for your baby’s development. Another importance of feeding is the baby develops a special bond with the mother through skin contact. Research and studies have proven multiple benefits of skin contact between a mom and a baby.

Here are 9 other reasons why breastfeeding is a lifetime gift for your baby:

Brain & Eye Development
Healthy immune system
Improves digestion
Helps to fight illness and allergies
Best food for the baby
Packed with nutrients
Decreases the risk of obesity
Improves intelligence level
Contain antibodies

Breastfeeding has to be started from Day 1 when you hold your baby and should continue exclusively for 6 months as advised by experts until the baby starts eating solid food.

Breastfeeding works wonders for special babies:

Feeding is the best food for babies. When we talk about special babies, mother’s milk works wonders for them. Babies born with special conditions such as Premature Birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or Birth Detects (babies born with health problems) must be introduced to mother milk from Day 1 to prevent infection and future diseases. You can always take an advice of a lactation consultant. They are professional breastfeeding specialists trained to teach mothers how to feed their babies. Breastfeeding is not as simple as it might seem. As the day passes you will find yourself struggling with this process. Here you need a lactation consultant who can help you to come out of the difficulties you are facing while feeding your baby. Being a professional they will make you learn the tips and tricks of feeding and other related stuff that are not available on the internet.

Mother’s milk is time-tested and loaded with the right amount of nutrients a baby requires. The decision of breastfeeding is a personal one however seeing the benefits I urge all new moms to opt for the same. Being a challenging task parents sometimes choose an easier way of opting for milk bottles. Wait, think and rethink. Read about breastfeeding. Approach a health care provider to learn the nursing techniques. With a little effort and practice, parents can make this activity easier for them and their babies. A blind love, a selfless love and a bond that is created through feeding, this is how I describe a mamma-baby relationship. It has been 2 years, I am happily breastfeeding, making this bond stronger than ever.

Composed by: “Riccha Arora is a homemaker and a mother of two year old. She has had a passion for writing from a very tender age and also writes in blogs on parenthood & travel.”

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Breast Cancer Management: a way forward in healing

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:37:32 +0000

Dr. Chaitanyanand B. Koppiker is India’s one of the leading Breast Cancer, Breast Oncoplastic and Reconstruction Surgeon & the Founder and Managing Trustee of Prashanti Cancer Care Mission, Pune, India.

Dr. Debleena Bhatacharya, Associate Editor,interviews him regarding the Breast cancer management and the research associated for the treatment

1. In terms of mortality, as per the Globocan data 2020, in India, BC accounted for 13.5% (178361) of all cancer cases and 10.6% (90408) of all deaths . What is the reason behind such high mortality due to breast cancer?.

There are several reasons that can contribute to the high mortality rate due to breast cancer in India. In my experience major reasons for poor survival rate in India when compared to western countries is the late stage of detection. Many patients are unaware of the signs of the disease, and very few perform self-breast examinations or undergo routine checkups. As a result, most patients are diagnosed at a very late stage. Additionally, the stigma of social embarrassment and isolation is a major deterrent in seeking early care for breast cancer. A few more factors such as dense breasts, lack of adequate diagnostic facilities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and trained professionals, inadequate or fragmented treatment also contribute to late detection and poor survival.

2. How does a woman know that she is having breast cancer? What are the basic diagnoses that one can do at home?.

Many women from the community ask me how they will figure out if they have breast cancer. Firstly, remain aware of any hereditary/family history of cancers specifically in immediate family members. Women can take basic steps at home, to help early detection of breast cancer, such as being vigilant about any changes in their breast and doing regular self-breast examination as shown in Figure 1. There are specific signs one can look out for shown in the image Figure 2, such as

Change in size or shape of breast
Lump or thickening in breast
Redness or rash around the nipple
Discharge from the nipple
Constant pain in breast or armpit
Inverted or change in position or shape of nipple
Change in skin texture

3. What is the role of Mammography and how often should it be done?.

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that’s commonly used by the physician to detect breast lesions. It is typically painless and can help in detection of abnormal lesions in the breast. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women above the age of 40 should have mammography done every year.

4. Does any lifestyle change have an impact on reducing Breast cancer risk?.

Although some risk factors associated with breast cancer are beyond our control, healthy modifications to lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Healthy lifestyle behaviours for cancer risk reduction include

Having a healthy and balanced diet
Obesity Management
Active Lifestyle
Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking
Young mothers are recommended to breastfeed their infants. As breastfeeding has been shown to have a protective effect towards breast cancer.

5. Does breast cancer have genetic predisposition? Can you please elaborate on this.

About 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary, that is they result from certain changes in genes that are directly passed on from a parent. The most talked about breast cancer-related genes are the BRCA1 and BRCA2. Although changes or mutations in these genes can increase the risk of breast cancer to about 60% not all individuals with these mutations will develop breast cancer. According to NCCN guidelines, women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age or having a strong family history such as breast cancer in immediate family members should undergo genetic testing.

6. Can men also have breast cancer? .

Though breast cancer is most commonly thought of as a disease that affects women, breast cancer does occur in men. As discussed in the previous question, genetic predisposition of mutated genes such as BRCA2 can increase the risk of developing breast and prostate cancers in men.

7. Does breast cancer diagnosed in a lactating mother affect the baby’s health?.

There is no direct effect of breast cancer on the baby’s health. The treatment for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may affect breast feeding ability. Breastfeeding during chemotherapy treatment is not permitted. It is dangerous for infants because they interfere with normal, healthy cell division. Women undergoing radiation therapy can nurse the baby. However, radiation may damage the glands or ducts present in and around the breasts, which can limit the milk production in the affected breast. In such a case, you can breastfeed from the other, unaffected breast. It is best to discuss your options with your physician and identify the best course for you and your child.

8. What is the current gold standard treatment for breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment varies according to type of tumor, stage of cancer and tumour presentation. Surgery remains the main modality for treatment. In some cases, before the surgery neoadjuvant therapy could be given to shrink the tumor bulk. Surgery is usually followed by adjuvant therapy and radiation to ensure full recovery and minimize the risk of metastases.

In India, mastectomy or complete removal of the breast is still the main approach to breast cancer management. However, for most females, the appearance of the breast influences their self-perception and self-image. As a result, mastectomy is often known to result in loss of self-esteem and reduced quality of life (QoL) for the woman. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is an oncologically safe approach that also maintains the cosmesis of the breast. BCS has been shown to have better statistically significant outcomes than mastectomy. Patient reported outcomes of BCS show better quality of life, better self-image, and better satisfaction with the surgery compared to mastectomy.

9. You have been involved in many education initiatives around (breast) cancer at National and International level. Could you highlight to us the relevance of these initiatives for the community and what is the gap that you are filling here?.

My practice has always had a multi-pronged approach towards Breast Cancer Management- along with a state of art breast cancer-focused health care unit, we are quite active in capacity building and also run an impactful and exemplary research program. The research program traverses from clinical to molecular to translational research in breast cancer. We also are active in outreach and community awareness through our registered NGO PCCM.

In capacity-building we are at the forefront and run two rich international programs. One is a Masters Program in Oncoplasty in association with University of East Anglia and second is a global educational network for breast cancer physicians and surgeons called BreastGlobal (www.breastglobal.org). Working in resource-constrained settings in an LMIC has mandated the moulding of our approach to breast cancer management specifically for oncoplastic techniques. We have widely published in national and international journals our local surgical adaptations as well as on genetic and molecular aspects of breast cancer in the Indian scenario.

In 2018, my research unit went on to establish the tissue and data biobank to build a retrospective cohort of breast cancer patients that have been diagnosed and treated at my practice. The biobank is set with the vision that tissue repositories with annotated patient data have been proven to be of immense importance to understand cancer profiles and identify targeted and personalized therapies.

Our capacity building and research efforts will prove to be of national importance as I feel that training and education are cornerstones for development of next generation physicians and will directly impact the well-being of the society.

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Effects of Mobile Phones on Children's Health

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 08:25:52 +0000

The addiction
Cause and Consequences

Children are not fully-grown yet, and they are just little adults, their growing minds and bodies make them uniquely vulnerable to the effects of the environment around them, including all types of radiations generated by mobile phones, iPads, tablets, smartphones and all other kinds of wireless devices. In the new era, the children are exposed to technology at younger ages than ever before. There are different types of radiations generated by mobile phones and wireless devices, microwave radiations, ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. Ionizing radiations such as x-rays, radon, ultraviolet rays of sunlight all are high frequency, and high energy. Non-ionizing radiations are low in frequency and energy. Cell phones have non-ionizing radiations. Mobile phones send radio-frequency waves from its transmitting unit or antenna to nearby cell towers. When we make or receive a call, send or receive text, or use data, our phone receives radio-frequency waves to its antenna from cell towers.

Microwave radiations from the cell phones and other wireless devices are very harmful, particularly for children and unborn babies. Many researches have proved that, such radiations pose a greater risk for bodily damage in children and unborn babies. The rate of microwave radiations absorption is higher in children than adults because their brain tissues are more absorbent, their skulls are thinner, and their relative size is smaller. Fetuses are particularly more vulnerable, because microwave radiations exposure can lead to degeneration of the protective sheath that surrounds the brain neurons.

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According to a recent research, the brain tissues of children absorb about two times more microwave radiations than that of adults, and other studies have reported that the bone marrow of children absorbs ten times more microwave radiations than that of adults. Belgium, France, Germany, and other technologically sophisticated governments are passing laws or issuing warnings about children’s use of wireless devices. They also legislated that smartphone makers specify the least distance from the body that their products must be kept so that legal limits for exposure to microwave radiations aren’t exceeded. For iPads, laptop computers and tablets, the minimum distance from the device to body is 20 cm (about 8 inches).

There are many potential health risks to mental and physical well-being related to overuse of cell phones, especially low IQ & improper mental growth in children, sleep deprivation, brain tumors and psychiatric diseases are hot-button issues. Till date, studies related to radiations generated by mobile phones have been inconsistent and results have been conflicting. These wireless devices are now part of our everyday life, but they can be used in a manner that is safe enough, the most important point is the distance, holding a cell phone few inches away from our ear provides a thousand times reduction in risk. Unless a cell phone is turned off, it is always radiating, so when not in use, it should not be kept on the body. The best place to keep a cell phone is somewhere like a pouch, purse, bag, or backpack. These devices should be kept away from a pregnant woman’s abdomen, and a mother should not use a cell phone while breastfeeding and nursing, and baby monitors should not be placed in an infant’s crib. Children and teenagers need to know how to use mobile phones and wireless devices safely. Cell phones should not be permitted in children’s bedroom at all.

Can cell phones cause cancer?

In fact, there are solid grounds to believe it really is so. The cause for that is radio-frequency of electromagnetic fields given off by wireless and mobile devices. They have an adverse effect on our body, especially on growing skulls of kids, toddlers and teenagers, which can trigger the development of brain cancer in the future. According to a recent research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, excessive use of mobile phones may lead to the formation of brain tumors as glioma and acoustic neuroma. First and foremost, this is an issue for those adults and children who are virtually glued to their cell phones.

Pew research center has reported, that 75% of preteens and early teens keep all day their cell phones in their front pant pockets, which is way harmful for their reproductive health. Boys should not keep their cell phone in their front pants pockets. There is a potential harm to sperms, and girls should not place their cell phone in their inner wears. This recommendation was based on a case study of four young women with a history of keeping their cell phones in or near their inner wears, and who subsequently developed breast cancer. It’s obvious that more radiations are absorbed with more hours of use, so children should be taught to use their mobile phones as little as possible. Landlines, Skype, and computer phone services, when connected to the internet with a cable, don’t give off radiations, therefore the parents should encourage their kids to use those. Moreover, the Wi-Fi routers in the home should be placed away from where people, particularly children, spend most of their time.

Good health is above wealth, but majority of us undermine our personal health, and become more careless about our children’s mental and physical state day-by-day, caused by the excessive usage of cell phones. A recent survey found that 92% of world population has mobile phones today. Among which 31% admit that they never turn off their mobile phones. More than 90% of parents provide their kids cell phones, so they can easily keep in touch whenever they want to. All of this gives sufficient ground to talk about a cell phone addiction, specially about the possible dangers of cell phones on children’s health.

Why cell phones should be a complete ‘No’ to kids?
Checkpoints

Cell phone overuse has many severely bad side effects on children’s health primarily and adult’s health generally. We strive to be constantly connected and available. This makes us feel tired, nervous, and absent-minded. We hardly realize that a cause for our tiredness and fatigue is hidden in our pocket. It’s high time to determine more about the negative influences of mobile phones and other wireless technologies.

From time to time, many children and a few adults have a false feeling that their cell phone is vibrating in their pockets when it’s not. This situation is called a phantom pocket vibration syndrome. A study conducted by Dr. Michelle Drouin revealed that 89% of teenagers had experienced this type of sensation. This especially relates to the teenagers and undergraduates having a social media addiction. They are more anxious and nervous. Missing a text message from other side feels like a real tragedy to them. Reducing overall usage of mobile phones, and shutting off cell phone’s vibration is a good way to combat and to deal with this syndrome.

When texting someone or reading an article on the Internet, we all have to stare at a small-sized screen of our cell phone. This can put a lot of strain on kids’ eyes; they can dry out and hurt when blinking. Eventually, this may result in visual deterioration. To maintain clear sight, one needs to keep the device at least 12 to 16 inches away from the face.

While talking about cell phones and health, we cannot ignore their influence on the sleeping habits. Most of us including children even, get used to set the alarm and put a cell phone somewhere not far from the head or even under their pillow. In fact, it’s a very bad idea. As already mentioned, microwave radiations transmitted by a cell phone are harmful to a brain specially kid’s brains. Having a mobile device at hand can also end up with insomnia in children. They’ll feel tempted to check it at night. They won’t be able to sleep properly because of its vibrations and beeps. This can cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to serious mental health problems in children less than 19 years of age.

A healthy spine is one of the key factors of well-being during growing age. When our kids are slouching over a cell phone for most hours daily, they ruin their neck and back muscles. So, no wonder they feel the nagging pain in these parts. But wait, there’s more. Pain, strain and aching neck muscles can cause a severe headache to make things worse. So eventually, they’ll feel like a wreck. To keep our children healthy, it’s time to decide, that we should not allow our kids to overuse cell phones and other wireless devices.

About the author

Dr. Faisal Khan is a MRCPCH-UK scholar. He also has SMLE, MPH, MCPS to his credit. He hails from Pakistan and is currently practicing in Al-Dar Hospital Madina Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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MEDELA'S UNIQUE BREAST PUMP ADVISOR

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 06:13:06 +0000

Medela India, producer of breast pumps and nursing accessories announced the launch of their unique Breast Pump Advisor service, a first-of-its kind digital consultant of breast pumps, to ease out breastfeeding for new lactating mothers. The breast pump advisor is a personalized resource which recommends the ideal Medela breast pump basis one’s lifestyle, breastfeeding goal, baby birth, baby’s health, breast and nipple issues and breastfeeding challenges. Breast pumps are devices that enable mothers to provide mother’s milk for babies who cannot feed directly at the breast for a variety of reasons such as latch-on problems, cleft palate or premature babies. Breast pumps are also convenient, even necessary, for mothers to express and store their breast milk once they have returned to work, travelling or otherwise separated from their baby. Breast Pump Advisor serves as a one stop destination for every new mother to find and compare different Medela breast pumps and choose the one that best meets her needs. This multi-utility digital service refers a database of over 300 possible permutation and combination and displays the recommendation that best fits the mother’s unique journey. Not only does the mother get to know her ideal breast pump, she is also able to get a personalized list of articles to read which are based on her discreet lifestyle and breastfeeding challenges. Thus empowering her to make the right choice – for herself and her baby!

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