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Health Advice for New Moms

May 11th, 2024

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Health Advice for New Moms

Saturday, May 11th, 2024

Motherhood is the purest form of unconditional love. Becoming a mother is an extraordinary journey filled with joy, wonder, and challenges. From sleepless nights to the overwhelming responsibility of nurturing a new life, every moment is a learning experience. As you embark on this adventure, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being, not just for yourself but for your little one too. To help you sail through this new chapter with confidence, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to maternal health, offering invaluable advice and practical tips for new moms.

How to take care of your Health as a new Mom

  • Adequate Rest
    As a newborn baby has no fixed schedule and needs to be fed seven to eight times a day, a new mother can be overwhelmed by exhaustion. While it may seem impossible to get a full night’s sleep, prioritizing rest whenever possible is crucial. Take advantage of your baby’s nap times to recharge, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends and family.
  • Good Nutrition
    Your body needs the right nutrition as a new mother. Aim for a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products to support your postpartum recovery and breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories on top of their daily 1,800 to 2,000 calories.
  • Hydration
    Keep sipping water and other fluids throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. Contrary to popular belief, drinking water is essential for milk production and overall well-being. Aim for at least eight to ten glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated.
  • Physical Exercise
    Gradually reintroduce physical activity into your routine to promote postpartum recovery and boost your mood. Start with gentle exercises like walking or yoga, gradually increasing intensity as your body heals. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen especially if you have had a c-section delivery.
  • Mental Wellness
    You must prioritize your mental health and seek support and care whenever required. Due to the hormonal changes after birth, it is normal to experience “baby blues” in the initial weeks after birth. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing prolonged sadness, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
  • Postnatal Massage
    Consider postnatal massage as a way to promote healing and relaxation after childbirth. It is important that your massage therapist is experienced and gentle. If you have had a c-section delivery, check with your doctor before starting a massage.
  • Lactation and Breastfeeding
    Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for first-time mothers. Reach out to lactation consultants or gynaecologists for assistance is you face certain issues such as lack of sufficient milk, leakage, heaviness, latching issues with the baby, etc.
  • Regular Check-ups
    Regular antenatal and postnatal check-ups at regular intervals are crucial to protect the health of the mother as well as the unborn child. Post-partum checkups are vital to ensure that your body is coping with changes and it helps you clarify any questions that you have about your health as well as your baby’s.
  • Managing Post-Delivery Bleeding
    Light bleeding post-delivery is normal and typically lasts for six to eight weeks. However, seek medical attention if bleeding is excessive or accompanied by fever. Additionally, be prepared for changes in your menstrual cycle, which may be delayed, especially if you’re exclusively breastfeeding.
  • Contraception
    Discuss contraception options with your gynaecologist to plan for future pregnancies effectively. While breastfeeding may offer some contraceptive benefits, it’s not a foolproof method, so explore other options to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Seeking Support and Guidance

Your journey through motherhood is unique, and it’s essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support, whether you’re struggling with breastfeeding or coping with postpartum emotions. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate the challenges of new motherhood. Do share how you’re feeling with your partner and close loved ones. Feeling supported is one of the best ways to get through the baby blues and begin feeling more like yourself again.

Postpartum care at KokilabenDhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Motherhood is a transformative experience filled with love, joy, and growth. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you can navigate this journey with confidence and grace. Reach out to experienced gynaecologists and obstetricians at our Centre for Mother & Child for compassionate postpartum care and support for breastfeeding. You can also reach out to our Department of Psychiatry for professional counselling assistance. Please find below links for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_motherchild.html

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/psychiatry.html

Liver Transplantation: Eligibility, Benefits and Risks

Thursday, April 18th, 2024

The liver is a critical organ in the human body that is responsible for an array of functions that help support metabolism, detoxification, immunity, digestion, vitamin storage, etc. Liver transplantation emerges as a lifeline for those grappling with end-stage liver disease, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of dire circumstances. In India, live donor transplants constitute a significant majority, highlighting the critical need for this life-saving procedure. Following kidney transplantation, liver transplants rank as the second most common major organ transplant in the country. This article aims to spread awareness about the eligibility criteria, potential benefits, and associated risks with this procedure.

Types of Liver Transplant

  • Living Donor Transplantation
    This procedure involves transplanting a portion of a living donor’s liver to a recipient suffering from end-stage liver disease. Donors, whether related or unrelated, ideally possess compatible blood types with the recipient.
  • Deceased Donor Liver Transplant
    Deceased donation offers a vital option for patients with end-stage liver disease who lack alternatives for survival. Organs harvested from deceased donors provide hope for recipients awaiting suitable matches.

Liver Transplant Eligibility

The journey towards liver transplantation begins with rigorous eligibility assessments for the donor as well the recipient. These include:

Eligibility Criteria for Recipients

  • Signs of liver failure or primary liver cancer
  • Signs of end-stage liver disease
  • Overall physical and mental health conducive to surgery and recovery
  • Absence of factors indicating future alcohol or drug abuse

Eligibility Criteria for Living Donors

  • The donor could be spouse, siblings, mother or children
  • Good Physical and Mental Health
  • Compatible Blood type with the recipients
  • Age between 15 and 55
  • No history of Hepatitis, HIV or cancer
  • No History of Excessive Alcohol use

Benefits of Liver Transplant

Liver transplantation offers a multitude of benefits to the recipients, including:

  • Enhanced life expectancy, as the procedure replaces a diseased liver with a healthy one, fostering immediate improvement.
  • Improved health over time, as the new liver assumes its functions, leading to gradual recovery.
  • Elevated quality of life, enabling recipients to partake in activities previously restricted by illness.
  • Reduced dependence on medications and treatments post-transplantation, as the new liver functions optimally.

Risks of Liver Transplant

Despite its transformative potential, liver transplantation carries inherent risks, including:

  • Infections, which can affect the transplanted organ or other organs, posing a threat to overall health
  • Bleeding during surgery, which, though rare, can be life-threatening
  • Rejection of the new liver by the body’s immune system, jeopardizing the success of the transplant
  • Complications from anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches, which may arise during surgery
  • Long-term side effects of immunosuppressant medications, including an increased susceptibility to infections and the development of complications in other organs

Liver transplantation represents a remarkable feat of medical science, offering renewed hope and vitality to those facing the challenges of end-stage liver disease. While eligibility criteria, benefits, and risks vary, the decision to undergo transplantation is a collaborative effort between patients, hepatologists, transplant surgeons and other specialists guided by the shared goal of restoring health and extending life.

Liver Transplant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Transplant is a state-of-the-art comprehensive liver transplant centre in Western India with an expertise of successful completion of over 283 transplants in the past. The comprehensive liver transplant programme helps in transplanting livers both from living donors and cadavers and is equipped with dedicated Liver Transplant Operation Theatres (OT) and a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as well as a team of experienced liver transplant specialists. Please find below our website for further details:

https://kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_transplant/livertransplantationunit.html

All you need to know about Fatty Liver disease

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Did you know? Medical experts suggest that fatty liver disease is at the core of most liver disorders including liver cancer in India, contributing to the total disease burden of the country. In India, one in three people, or 30% of the population, have fatty liver disease. Among its many other crucial functions, the liver is an organ that removes toxins from the blood, aids in digestion by producing bile, and controls energy levels. Let us understand the key factors behind this condition, the symptoms, precautions and treatment options regarding fatty liver disease in this blog.

Fatty liver disease is a medical condition in which fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. There are two main types of fatty liver disease that include alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AFLD occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption, while NAFLD occurs in individuals who do not consume alcohol but have unhealthy lifestyle habits. Research suggests that certain health conditions or diseases, your family history, diet and the digestive system may make you more likely to develop NAFLD.

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease. The most common risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and certain medications. Rising rates of obesity in India and around the world are projected to make NAFLD even more common in the coming years. Medical research suggests that ninety percent of people with two or more metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and unhealthy levels of fats in the blood may have NAFLD. The condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in children and young adults which is a disturbing fact.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

In the early stages, fatty liver disease may not cause any symptoms. With the progressing condition, you may notice the below common symptoms that need further care and attention:

  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Swelling in the abdomen and legs
  • Mental confusion

Consult a hepatologist for further assistance and diagnosis; do not delay seeking medical care.

Keeping your Liver healthy

Your liver performs essential functions every day. Just like many other parts of the body, fat can build up in your liver. This may damage the liver and lead to serious health problems. It’s normal to have some fat in your liver cells, but excess fat can interfere with your liver’s normal functioning. Here are some ways to keep your liver healthy:

  • Say no to alcohol
  • Make sure that none of your medications are toxic
  • Get vaccinated to protect against hepatitis
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Engage in regular exercise
  • Control existing health conditions
  • Treat liver cirrhosis

Fatty Liver Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Treatment for fatty liver disease involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These changes can help reduce the amount of fat in the liver and improve liver function. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage the underlying causes of fatty liver disease, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Fatty liver disease is a serious medical condition that can lead to liver damage and other health complications. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about fatty liver disease, consult experts at our Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery for further treatment and care. Please find below website link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hypertension

Monday, May 16th, 2022

High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can be easily detected at a doctor’s clinic and controlled with low-cost treatment. Despite this, India ranks 193rd for women and 170th for men among 200 countries in terms of hypertension diagnosis. Surprisingly, 60–70% of Indians with hypertension are completely unaware of their disease. Because of the lack of diagnosis, extremely low rates of hypertension treatment exist, putting people at the risk of developing life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) shows no symptoms and is a “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health disorders. Using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more. This World Hypertension Day, let us understand the key lifestyle changes to manage hypertension and raise awareness about the same.

Know your numbers

Is your blood pressure in the normal or dangerous range? Getting your blood pressure checked is the best method to find out the same. High blood pressure is defined when one or both of your blood pressure readings are higher than 130/80 mm Hg most of the time. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should keep a track of it on a regular basis and seek medical help.

How to manage your blood pressure?

Your daily habits can affect your blood pressure (BP). The right lifestyle choices can help control your blood pressure. Here are a few expert recommended suggestions:

  • Eat a heart healthy diet
    Include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet which are high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, which may harm your heart health. They can increase plaque buildup on blood vessels, increasing your blood pressure levels and thus your risk of heart disease. Replace them with healthy fats.
  • Limit your salt intake
    Salt causes your body to retain fluids. Extra fluid in the body can raise blood pressure. The majority of the salt people consume comes from processed foods rather than table salt. Avoid processed foods, ready-to-eat meals, ready sauces, condiments, and other similar food items.
  • Lose excess weight
    Extra weight makes it more difficult for your heart to circulate blood throughout your body. This raises your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure in check.
  • Quit smoking
    Your blood pressure rises every time you smoke. Smoking causes blood arteries to narrow and your heart rate to rise. When you have high blood pressure, these symptoms are exacerbated. Quit smoking today.
  • Manage existing health conditions
    Preexisting health conditions could worsen your hypertension. Take the required medicine as advised by your doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about all your medications including over-the-counter treatments and herbal supplements.
  • Limit alcohol intake
    Excessive use of alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Alcohol may also react with certain medicines. Stay “No” to alcohol.
  • Exercise regularly
    Exercise can help you lower your blood pressure. It can facilitate blood flow and strengthen your heart. On most days of the week, try to obtain at least 30 minutes of exercise.
  • Manage your stress
    Certain hormones released during stressful situations can make blood pressure higher. Take some time to exercise, pursue a hobby, listen to music and find other ways to unwind and cope better with your stress levels.

Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. Work closely with your doctor to learn about high blood pressure and how to manage it effectively.

Hypertension care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Worried about your fluctuating blood pressure levels? It is important to ask questions and monitor your blood pressure readings. If you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with our team of doctors to come up with an individualized plan to control your blood pressure. Consult our doctors for further medical assistance, call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit the below website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

Liver Health – How to Keep Your Liver Healthy?

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

Every year, roughly 10 lakh new individuals with liver cirrhosis are diagnosed in India. As per the World Health Organization, liver disease is the tenth leading cause of mortality in India. Statistics suggest that the number of people with liver problems has doubled in the last decade, leading to a requirement of more 50,000 livers for transplantation each year.

The liver is the body’s largest solid organ. It eliminates pollutants from the bloodstream, regulates blood clotting, and conducts other vital functions. Hepatitis, fatty liver disease, autoimmune conditions, genetic conditions, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer are some of the common liver ailments that needs medical attention.

Symptoms of Liver Disease
Liver disease may not always show prominent signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the below signs and symptoms of liver disease do seek further medical care:

  • Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice).
  • Dark urine colour.
  • Pale stool colour.
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Abdominal pain and swelling.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Tendency to bruise easily.

Speak to your family doctor if you notice persistent signs of a liver disease.

Functions of the Liver
The liver is a critical organ that performs over 500 important functions in the body. Here are some of its most important functions:

  • Albumin production: This is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body.
  • Bile production: This fluid is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
  • Filters blood: The liver filters all blood leaving the stomach and intestines, removing toxins, by products, and other dangerous compounds.
  • Regulates amino acids: The liver maintains a healthy level of amino acids in the bloodstream that is required for production of proteins.
  • Prevents infections: The liver filters blood and removes bacteria from the bloodstream. 
  • Stores nutrients: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper.
  • Processes glucose: The liver removes excess glucose from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen.

Ways to Keep your Liver Healthy
The liver is one of the body’s largest and most vital organs. Having an unhealthy liver can lead to various liver ailments and metabolic disorders. Follow these tips in your daily life to maintain your liver health:

  • Avoid alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver cells and lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis).
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise decreases stress on the liver, increases energy levels and helps to prevent obesity – a risk factor for liver disease.
  • Eat healthy meals. High levels of fat in the blood and high levels of cholesterol are common causes of fatty liver disease. Reduce the amount of saturated fats, trans fats and hydrogenated fats in your diet.
  • Fight obesity. Obesity, particularly, abdominal or central obesity, is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Aim for the ideal body mass index (BMI) target.
  • Protect yourself against Hepatitis B or C. Practice safe sex and avoid unnecessary sharing of personal items to prevent the spread of hepatitis B or C.
  • Quit smoking. Exposure to tobacco smoke can have toxic effects on your liver.
  • Get vaccinated. If you’re at increased risk of contracting hepatitis talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
  • Use medications wisely. Take medicines only when prescribed and as per the recommended doses.
  • Protect yourself from toxins. Use a mask or gloves while handling insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Keep the area well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes.

Treatment for Liver Disease at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Liver diseases can affect your ability to filter out toxins, break down fat and make vital proteins. The Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery specialises in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and the associated biliary system and is supported by the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.

Consult our team of hepatologists who are skilled at diagnosing and treating all conditions that affect your liver. Please find below website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

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