Know Your Thyroid

Today's super woman, balancing home and career may be more prone to thyroid disorders than she realizes. The pressures of multitasking put her system at risk, which goes up particularly for new mothers.

What is thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in front of the neck, which produces the hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland controls their production.

What causes HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Stress makes the thyroid gland falter. It has a strong genetic basis and a gender bias, being more common among women.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
It is often linked to depression or abnormal cholesterol and sugar levels, particularly during pregnancy or lactation. There are a number of subtle symptoms which mimic hypothyroidism, the commonest being 'feeling drained or tired'. This is often accompanied by weight gain, swelling of the feet, body or face, water retention, irregular cycles, dry skin, constipation and hair loss.

How is it tested and treated?
Usually blood tests of Free T3, Free T4 and TSH are conducted. The thyroid hormone replacement (T4) pill has to be taken lifelong.

Tips to control hypothyroidism

• Eat right and less, walk more, sleep well, smile.
• Take medicine regularly.
• Drink boiled or mineral water; avoid water filters, which use iodine as disinfectants.
• Avoid iodine-rich foods like broccoli, soya, prawns, shellfish and crabs.
• Get Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 levels checked, particularly if you're a vegetarian.
• Test your thyroid regularly and keep it in control.
• The winter season aggravates thyroid, so be careful.

Why is Breast-feeding Necessary & Beneficial?

Breast feeding is essential for the mental and physical development of a new born baby. Mother’s milk is the most natural and complete food for the baby. Breast feeding generates integration between the baby and mother creating a life long attachment. The posture of feeding, patience and affectionate touch of the mother makes the child relaxed, comfortable and secure.

The first milk called colostrums is a yellowish, thick and sticky liquid rich in antibodies, minerals and proteins. The baby may be unable to suck initially
but soon gets adapted to it. Great care and patience is required from the part of the mother during this stage. Sucking stimulates the milk glands, enhancing milk production. The baby will start chewing the nipples after four to five months of breast feeding. The is a natural indication showing the need of solid foods, but it is better to seek the advise of a pediatrician. The child may have problems to digest solid food fully so weaning foods can be given at this stage.

Mother’s milk alone may not be sufficient enough to supply all the nutrients required for a growing child. Inclusion of cereals and fiber rich food in the diet can improve the muscular functions. But breast feeding should not be stopped in this stage because it provides all the necessary nutrients to keep the baby healthy.

Breast feeding is useful to both baby and mother and should be deliberately promoted if the mother does not suffer from any illness. Mother’s infected by tuberculosis or HIV and those addicted to alcohol or drugs should avoid breast feeding. Breast feeding consumes a fare amount of energy and reduces weight gained during pregnancy. It helps to regain the uterus size and to stop bleeding. Lactating in mothers can reduce the risk for ovarian and breast cancer. The possibility of pelvic fractures and osteoporosis are seemed to lessen in breast feeding women.

Baby can be fed either directly from mother’s breast or feeding bottle. Mother’s milk is the natural and balanced source of protein, fat, sugar and water required for the infant. The difficulties in the preparation, mixing and measuring of artificial feeds can be avoided. Moreover improper sterilization of bottles can result in infection.
Breast milk is available at any time with the right temperature and taste. Breast feeding can enhance teeth growth and speech development. It can reduce sleeplessness in both child and mother.

Mother’s milk has several preventive aspects and such infants have a less possibility towards Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Premature babies who are breast fed will be healthier than those artificially fed. Breast fed babies will be mentally stronger and have better I.Q. It also raises the self-confidence and relationship between the child and mother. Breast feeding is that what makes a mother sacred above everyone in the world.