Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Posted on August 8, 2016September 27, 2016 by admin

We all know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, but have people really understood the importance of breastfeeding a baby? Women today consider breastfeeding as unimportant and are starting to opt for the artificial option of bottle feeding instead.

Here are a few benefits of Breastfeeding your baby, which every mother should know –

1] Healthier Baby –

Mothers should breastfeed their baby as it leads to lesser chances of him/her getting pneumonia, cold and viruses. Certainly, it has been proven that breastfeeding your baby may reduce his/her chances of getting chronic conditions like type I diabetes, celiac disease and chronic disease. Breastfed babies also develop stronger bones in the future.

2] Decreased rate of Cancers –

It has been scientifically proven that women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and it also helps mothers from shedding their post pregnancy weight quickly along with avoiding postpartum depression.

3] Baby Mother Bonding –

Breastfeeding your baby helps develop a stronger bond between the mother and the baby. The baby gets more familiar with his mother and it helps the baby in developing various tastes from the beginning. Apart from that, it’s also empowering for a mother to see her baby grow and thrive on her breastmilk.

4] Expert Advice – Experts in the medical industry have recommended and emphasized to every new mother the importance of breastfeeding her baby for atleast the first 6 months. Dr. Madhavi Latha, Lactation Specialist, suggests that new mothers who have a full-time job and don’t have enough time to breastfeed their baby should consider a breastfeeding pump to pump and store their milk, refrigerate it and then which can be consumed within 8 days.

Apart from that, Dr. Raghuram Malliah, says that pain is a part and parcel of motherhood. Mothers should know the trick of handling their baby with care while breastfeeding. Taking a day’s break can negatively impact the milk flow, instead of this they can restore the milk and feed later because mother’s milk digests sooner.

Dr. Shobha Venkat even suggests that mothers, in order to keep themselves hydrated, should drink enough water before breastfeeding the baby.

The bond between a mother and baby is sacred and cannot be destroyed easily. Make sure all you mothers secure this bond forever.

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Stem Cell Bank

Posted on March 21, 2016October 20, 2016 by admin

While you are pregnant, one of the most important tasks for you and your family is to plan and safeguard your baby’s future! This requires a lot of groundwork and planning for the baby-on-the-way. Health conscious and aware parents are considering cord blood stem cell preservation to be an integral part of their baby plan.

What is Umbilical Cord?

The term “cord blood” is used to describe the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta after the birth of a baby. Up until recently this afterbirth umbilical cord was discarded as medical waste. Cord blood contains stem cells that may be cryopreserved for later use in medical therapies, such as stem cell transplants or clinical trials of new stem cell therapies.

What are cord blood stem cells?

The blood in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich in stem cells. The stem cells in cord blood can grow into the blood and immune system cells, as well as other types of cells.

One of the most important decisions to be taken is – Which is the best umbilical cord blood bank for my baby?

Here are a few questions that you must ask the cord blood bank and choose the best cord blood bank for your baby.

Let’s take it step by step based on the following parameters –

Are there any specific accreditations I should look for when selecting a cord blood bank?

To decide on a cord blood bank, you’ll want to look at a number of factors which will define cell processing and lab practices: Cord blood banks should comply with national accreditation standards developed by national regulatory bodies such as ISO, FDA, GMP, GCP and GLP. Cord blood banks who have attained these gold standards have a systematic, hygienic, temperature controlled and regulated lab for extraction and preservation.

When and how is cord blood collected?

Umbilical cord blood is harvested quickly and painlessly just a few minutes after the birth of the baby— after the cord has been clamped, on both sides, and cut (either before or after the delivery of the placenta). The blood is collected either by drawing the blood from the umbilical cord with a needle and a “gravity bag” to drain and collect the blood.

What questions should parents ask about Collection?

It is necessary to know if the cord blood bank takes care of the collection of cord blood at the time of birth and the cost of shipping the cord blood to the preservation facility is included in the contract/agreement. It is also important to ask about paramedic or collection experts’ availability on weekends and wee hours.

How does the cord blood bank manage shipping at the time of preservation and retrieval?

Most cord blood banks assure free global shipment at the time of retrieval, but it also important to understand the shipping criteria during transportation of the specimen from birthing centre to the cryopreservation facility. You may also want to ask the cord blood bank to guarantee to transport the specimen to the lab and processed within a certain time window. It is mandatory that the cryo-shipping container has a temperature logger.

Is CFU really important, should we as parents care about it?

The answer is simple, it’s a big Yes. At present Colony Forming Units or CFU are considered to be the only and the best measure of whether stem cells are “viable”, or quite frankly if the cells are alive. The Total Nucleated Cell count includes both living and dead cells. In the CFU test, a small portion is watched under controlled conditions to see if cord blood stem cells divide and form colonies. It is a standardized technology to image the cells and count colonies in the image. It is advised by experts to take the CFU test before preservation as the test takes a lot of days for colonies to grow rather than wasting time at that time of retrieval or transplant to perform the test.

We hope this helps you to ask the right questions and thereby make your decisions about preserving your baby’s stem cells with the right bank!

For more information you may check: parentsguidecordblood.org/ and http://www.babycell.in/

Babycell has a panel of cord blood banking and stem cell transplants experts. To address your queries on stem cell banking you may call 1800 209 0309

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Posted on March 2, 2016May 23, 2016 by admin

10 Awesome Things about Being Pregnant!

Posted on February 24, 2016April 20, 2016 by admin

Pregnancy is a huge turning point in your life that brings in a rush of mixed emotions! Your body goes through a lot of exciting changes and reactions which will be a nostalgic memory for the rest of your life. You are enjoying the attention and the extra care people are showing towards you but have you considered the other reasons that this journey will be unforgettable?

Here are 10 reasons to cherish pregnancy that every pregnant woman can relate to, we know you will have more to add to this list!

1] You have a secret that only you and your husband know!
Isn’t it exciting when you have to hide the ‘Big News’ from your friends and family until you are sure that you can disclose it? You have this uncontrollable blush when you face your loved ones and try your best to hide the news.
Before you disclose this exciting news to your family and friends, you should tell your spouse first! It’s also exciting to share this joyful news with your family in a creative way.
Here’s a link to try out some exciting ways – http://bit.ly/1XLX8DF

2] You Won’t Have To Do Any Heavy Lifting -
Once your family members find out you’re pregnant, they start making it a habit running around making sure your errands are completed while you sit in the comfort of your home!
Say goodbye to heavy physical work and enjoy your cup of tea while the others work.

3] You will always get a seat!
Leave all your worries behind when it comes to standing in a long queue at a ticket counter or worrying about getting a seat while travelling! Pregnant women will always be treated royally by everyone almost wherever you go.

4] Pregnancy spa and massages become the way of life!
If you are a woman who loves pampering yourself by booking an appointment at the nearest spa, this is the time to make most of it!
It also rejuvenates you and helps you get rid of physical and mental stress. Pregnancy massage is different from regular massage consult your OB/GYN before enrolling for sessions.
You have 9 months of these amazing visits!

5] Everyday day is a ‘Good Hair Day’
Your hair-fall decreases each day while you’re pregnant, which makes it appear thicker and voluminous.
Get rid of all those clips and rubber bands, and enjoy your bouncy tresses and flaunt them along with your adorable bump.

6] Yes, it’s time for a holiday – You get to go on a Maternity Leave!
Pack all the stuff on your office desk and say goodbye to your daily to-do list because now your daily task manager has only one task on it – Relax!
It’s time you enjoy your leaves and tick things off your bucket list!

7] Woohoo! – Did you feel the kick?
We often come across movies, articles and videos that talk about babies kicking inside a mother’s womb. However, it is the mother for whom this is a special moment. These foetal movements are the first steps that mark the beginning of the baby-mother bond.

8] No one is going to stop you from relishing your favourite food items –
During pregnancy, you will have various food cravings like pickles, tamarind, ice creams and candy, the list goes on. The best part about this phase is that no one will stop you from relishing them.

9] That proud moment of carrying “a life inside you!”
During pregnancy, you will know how it feels to carry life inside you; a living soul that beats within your womb. Such moments are a blessing that nothing in the world can replace.

10] You get to watch your beloved husband become a Dad–
Pregnancy not only brings changes into a woman’s life but also a man’s life. You see the to-be-dad transform from a man into a husband and finally into a father. Just like yours, his lifestyle also changes for the better. But more importantly, a baby on the way will be one of the crucial responsibilities you undertake together, helping you get closer and work as a team.

10 clever ideas on gifting your pregnant wife on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Valentine’s is the season of love, care and affection! It’s also the gifting season, which gets some men worried! We’re here to help you out!

Here are some clever ideas on what to gift your pregnant wife this Valentine’s Day –

1] Chocolate, Of Course!

Not only is dark chocolate insanely delicious, but it also has some amazing health benefits! The generous amount of Theo bromine in dark chocolate will help relax her stressed muscles and dilate blood vessels. This chemical stimulates the heart and will give her an extra boost during that overtime her body is putting in.

Get some home-made delicacies for her in a heart shaped box with a cute ribbon and a personalized message to show her how much she means to you!

2] Play a round or two of Mini-Golf –

Your sweetheart is going through a lot of changes in her body, and she could definitely use her husband’s emotional support. She would enjoy a day out with you that will remind her she is still entitled to go out and have some fun! To not make it a more stressful or tiring event, take her somewhere nice and quiet for a fun activity like miniature golf. It will be romantic and will help you bond with her on the -day!

3) Gift her a Heart Necklace –

Women have always been crazy about jewellry. Gifting your lady luck a heart necklace will just bring an irresistible blush on her face. The simplicity of a heart necklace will only lift her mood up and will add the flavour of love this Valentine’s season.

4] A tranquil massage –

Prenatal massage therapy is one of the best methods for relieving aches and pains, reducing stress and anxiety, and even making the process of labour easier. Make her feel special this valentines by gifting her a soothing spa kit.

You can also book a couple’s massage to accompany her to make your bond stronger!

5] Cupid Maternity T- Shirt –

A cute T- shirt with a heart or cupid over the belly will make your darling go gaga over it! It will also give her another reason to flaunt her baby bump in style! After all, who doesn’t like to dress up and spend a few romantic moments with their partner on this day?

6] Get her some drinks!

Your wife needs to stay hydrated all the time. What better way to make her feel special by taking her out for non-alcoholic drinks that are safe for her?

Try your hand at making some simple and fresh Mocktails at home or surprise her by taking her out to a nice restaurant and get her some cranberry mixes to make it a perfect night-out. She will surely relish these moments as they will make her feel young and lively again!

7] Dinner for Cravings!
Food is not just the way into a man’s heart, but a pregnant woman’s heart as well!

Make a list of the cravings she has mentioned to you, and make sure you set the table for her with all of these favourite things, there is nothing more special than a husband who remembers what his pregnant wife was craving for! Give her a special Valentine’s Day that she will never forget!

8] Maternity Photo-shoot –

There is no woman who has said ‘no’ to a photo-shoot!

During this memorable time of her life, it becomes important to capture these special moments. Making her feel pampered by surprising her with photo-shoot planned is a great way to do this! Create some amazing themes that cover her interests, for e.g. if she likes scenic backdrops, take her to a beautiful place and compliment her pregnancy glow in those pictures. We are sure this will steal her heart and make you her dream man!

9) Momma needs some Ice-cream!

Take your sweetheart on an Ice-cream date or maybe those yogurt joints where she can choose her favourite toppings that she loves!

When she is pregnant she will definitely be craving sweets and ice-creams and taking her out on a simple ice-cream date will just help you brighten up her mood.

10] Gift your wife an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Gift Jar.–

The best gift a husband can give his pregnant wife is something that safeguards their baby’s future! Gifting your expecting lady a gift as unique as an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Gift Jar will just make her feel overwhelmed with your love and care towards her and the baby. Also, those antenatal and postnatal programs that are clubbed with the package will just be the cherry on top of the cake. This would be a gift that speaks the language of love and clearly shows her that you care!

Go ahead and register yourself this Valentines for a lifelong healthcare investment and let your family benefit from it in future.

A Ray Of Hope For Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on February 2, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and to acknowledge this month, we want to spread awareness on how Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells might have a potential cure for this disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The first signs of Alzheimer’s often include lapses in memory or struggling to find the right words. Over time, symptoms such as confusion, mood swings or memory loss develop and become increasingly severe.
Scientists have been actively engaged in research on stem cell transplants for Alzheimer’s disease patients and studies have shown some benefits. It was discovered that low doses of umbilical stem cells infused into a sample brain reduced the inflammation caused due to the plaque.

This brings us to the cessation that human umbilical cord MSCs (Mesenchymal stem cells) can bring a relief to an Alzheimer’s patient with its therapeutic components.

Here’s an info-graph that will give you insights on the current state of the disease.

Five things you can stop worrying about now that you’re pregnant!

Posted on January 14, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Hello to be mommies, Congratulations on your pregnancy! We understand that you are curious, excited, sad, frustrated and at times really tired. But we would want to throw some light on five things that you can stop worrying about since you are pregnant. We hope this gives your belly a good laugh!

Sanitary Napkins and Tampons

Yes you heard it right. Its 42 weeks of bliss without your periods. You can get rid of tampons and sanitary napkins. You don’t need them anymore. Enjoy this break from cramps, bleeding and back-aches

Trying to get pregnant

The struggle finally ends. You clearly don’t need to keep checking and monitoring pregnancy tests. Now that you are finally pregnant, go ahead and make the big announcement!!

Looking Fat

Your tummy will keep growing each week. Enjoy more shopping as per your new sizes. You don’t need to worry about being fat or looking fat. Your husband, girlfriends and sisters cannot question your body weight anymore!!

Birth Control

You don’t need to worry about contraception anymore.

Mood Swings

You will be pampered by your hubby, friends and family members, so you can stop being conscious about your mood and hormonal changes. Enjoy the love and pampering. The best way to burst your pregnancy stress is to spend time with your loved ones.

5 things To-Be-Dads need to know!

Posted on June 19, 2015November 2, 2016 by admin

We are pretty sure that all you dads-to-be are super excited to step into the new role termed – Fatherhood! But are you ready to take life one notch higher?

A lot may happen that no one will have prepared you for. There’s no way to anticipate every possible scenario, but you need not be completely in the dark, here are a few tips that can help you out a little:

1. Learning the basics –

Change is the only thing that will be constant. Starting from the changes in your partner?s body to the changes in the house, everything is going to change, your everyday life can go for a toss but the first step is acceptance! Accepting things will make life easy!

2. Is it all about your wife and the baby?

Yes, you read it correctly, stepping anywhere close to fatherhood is a completely different ball game, and the only concentration of your life now is your wife and her growing belly.

3. Never question her cravings!

The next nine months your wife is going to extremely fussy about things she wishes to eat. So, if she wakes you up at 3 in the morning demanding for an ice-cream or a chocolate, don’t argue, just go and get one!

4. Go easy with those hormones –

Don’t worry it’s a temporary phase, but yes it persists. Don’t be surprised if she expresses 10 different emotions in just 1 minute, those are her hormones acting on her.

5. Talking helps -

Your wife is going through a roller coaster ride and is extremely vulnerable, the best way to sooth her down is by talking to her and by stating obvious things like you will be by her side throughout the journey of parenthood.

We know with these tips you can’t crack the entrance examination, but this will help you at least sync into the new role. We wish you all a very happy Father’s (to-be) Day!

Style your comfort in pregnancy trimesters!

Posted on May 26, 2015November 2, 2016 by admin

In pregnancy the only key factor that your dressing depends upon is comfort. Relying on that completely, often your style goes for a toss. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with fashion trends. Pregnant women too can wear whatever they like, the only key is to modify and adapt it to your new body!

1st trimester: In the 1st trimester the major challenge you face is to keep your pregnancy under wraps. To overcome this challenge you can opt for clothes which are lose and flowy. This will help you cover up those extra kgs you gain in your first months. The best suggested attire would be a lose kurta, an A-line skirt with a lose top or a blouson top with a stretch band at the bottom.

2nd trimester: While you move on to your 2nd trimester you will realize your body is changing with the day. At this time the major challenge that you will face is spending on new clothes every time. But rather than blowing up your budget on buying new clothes every month invest in a few items that will grow with you. Try going for dresses that have details like ruching, tie-backs, buttons or gathering at the sides. They will let you adjust your clothing as your body grows and changes.

3rd trimester: The moment you enter your third trimester you feel huge and uncomfortable. Everything you wear right from zippers to waist bands will be torturous. In this phase try going for comfortable yet stylish ankle length maxi dresses. Maternity leggings along with tunics can also add quite a lot to your style and make you feel comfortable at the same time.

During all the three trimesters make sure you play with colours and don?t just stick to blacks and greys. Whatever you pick make sure it suits your body. If you think you are comfortable in extra lose clothes make sure you pair them with accessories; they are certain to take your look from drab to fab.

Signs Of Pregnancy

Posted on April 29, 2015April 7, 2016 by admin

Missed your period? Is it a hormonal change or pregnancy?

Find out with these 7 simple signs!

Morning sickness

Do you wake up in the morning feeling nauseous? This could be one of the occurring symptoms of pregnancy. This condition affects pregnant women mostly during the first trimester, about six weeks after conception. If a feeling of queasiness follows you throughout the day, it might be a good idea to see your gynaecologist as soon as you can.

2. Tickling nipples

A sudden increase in the blood supply especially in the breast area results into irritation around your nipples. One of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy, this may start within a week of fertilization

3. Faint bleeding or spotting

You may experience slight stains on your panties. They may be red, brown or even pink. Don?t be alarmed when you get it. It?s a common sign of early pregnancy.

Swelling of breasts

Tender breasts and swelling around that area is also one of signs that you shouldn?t neglect. You may also experience blue veins popping out around your breasts. These changes are brought about by hormones which may make your?breasts?feel?swollen.

Feeling worn-out all the time

From one person you are developing into two. ?It goes without saying that you require more food, more energy and more rest. When your body starts providing extra support and nutrition for your baby it often takes a toll on itself making you uneasy and tired all the time.

Frequent urination

You may realize you are peeing almost every 10 seconds. Why is that happening? The hormones are to be blamed again. Soon after you conceive, the amount of blood in your body and its flow rises. This causes extra fluid to be processed through your kidneys and then gets collected straight into your bladder.

A skipped period

A missed period is one of the definite signs of pregnancy. But this too depends from cycle to cycle. If you are always regular, and you miss a period, chances are more. However if you suffer from PCOS or have irregular periods you cannot be sure until you see a doctor.

Still a bundle of nerves? A pregnancy test will solve all your worries!