The little-known health risk of giving children bubble tea

Can kids drink tea? There are many debatable answers and reasons as to why kids should or shouldn’t drink tea. Still, especially in Asia, tea is popular among children, and even more popular is bubble tea made so tempting with those chewy little pearls made of tapioca.

However, one mum recently learned in a very scary manner of a little-known risk of this type of tea, particularly related to the tapioca pearls.

Can Kids Drink Tea? Just be Careful of Bubble Tea

Taiwanese milk tea (or bubble tea as it’s popularly known) is loved for its sweet taste and unusual texture given by the addition of “black peals”, or tiny tapioca balls.

However, when giving bubble tea to little ones (even though this might only be an occasional treat), please remember this cautionary story about eight-year-old Xiao Lin from China.

What Happened?

Xiao Lin endured pneumonia, fever and coughing for over six months. His mum, Linlin, didn’t think too much of it and gave him medicine. The medicine helped to soothe his symptoms for a while, but they soon returned.

However, Xiao Lin’s coughing took a turn for the worse, and was coupled with high fever. But strangely, he did not show any classic flu symptoms such as a runny nose. Concerned about the condition of her child, Linlin took him to the local hospital for a thorough medical checkup.

After running some tests, doctors found out that Xiao Lin had suffered multiple attacks of pneumonia in the past six months, which was highly unusual.

They deduced that there was probably a foreign object inside him that led to these symptoms. Only after inserting a probe into his lungs were they able to confirm their diagnosis.

Xiao Lin’s lunch endoscopy showed a foreign object blocking his air passages. | Image Source:
YouTube

Xiao Lin’s endoscopy showed a black tapioca pearl – a common bubble tea topping – stuck in his right lung. Soon after this discovery, the doctors took the eight-year-old to the operating room, where they surgically extracted the tapioca pearl.

The Aftermath

Surprisingly, the pearl looked brand new even after six months – it had not broken down at all!

The doctor in charge explains that as the lungs do not secrete digestive juices, their main mechanism of defense from a foreign object is to wrap it with secretions. This meant that over time, the black pearl was set to only grow larger, potentially becoming a life-threatening hazard.

The pearl looked brand new even though it had been in Xiao Lin’s Lungs for six months. | Image Source:
feedytube.tv

Furthermore, the main danger was related to the fact that the cause of the boy’s illness was so hard to detect. The good news is that Xiaolin is recovering from his ordeal.

Watch the full video below to see the full incident:

What We Can Learn from this Incident

Looking back, Xiao Lin’s mum speculates that her son took a sip of the bubble tea when she took her eyes off it. However, he accidentally sucked in and choked on a tapioca pearl, which eventually lodged in his trachea.

Xiao Lin’s disturbing experience is a warning to all parents to be mindful of even innocent-looking objects children are exposed to – even certain kinds of food and drinks.

Here at theAsianparent we’ve also collated a few tips to help prevent such incident from occurring again.

Preventive Measures to Take with Food and Drink:

Infants and Toddlers

Cut food appropriately:

Dice, shred, or cut up carrots, celery and green beans.

Shred, dice or cut up carrots, celery, green beans, meats and cheeses.

Dont’ feed them high risk choking hazards like:

small, hard foods like
hard candies, cough drops, nuts,
 and
popcorn

soft, sticky foods like
chewing gum, marshmallows, jelly,
 or
gummy candies

Never leave a small child unattended while eating
and always supervise them. This pearl incident was the result of negligence.

Educate caregivers.
 In a situation where your child is left in the care of someone else, teach them about choking hazards and precautions to take to prevent choking. Identify emergency resources and contacts.

Seat your children while they eat
 and stop them from chatting, laughing, or playing while their mouth is still full of food or drinks.

Never feed them huge balls of peanut butter
. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on bread, instead.

Cut high risk items like grapes, cherries or melon balls into quarters
before feeding them to your child, remembering to de-seed it first.

For young children, grapes are a common choking hazard that can kill. | Image Source: Stock photos

Older Children

Occasionally monitor
 your children in case anything happens.

Teach them to alert you if they feel unsafe.
 Tell them about safety risks and to let you know immediately if something bad has happened or if they feel uncomfortable.

Remember that age does not matter.
 It doesn’t matter if your child can already chew his/her food properly. Grapes and tapioca pearls are the perfect size to block a child’s windpipe. Once the grape is stuck, the airway will be blocked completely. Continue cutting food for them if necessary and don’t forget to educate their caregivers as well.

Continue avoiding the choking hazards above, and
discourage your child from multitasking
 — when he’s eating, he shouldn’t be distracted from his meal.

Don’t give older children latex balloons to play with
. Children often breathe in latex balloons while trying to blow them. They can even choke on the torn latex pieces. Unlike other things, latex is smooth and can twist itself to the shape of a child’s throat, suffocating them. First Aid is of no help as the air that pushes through the lungs can completely block the throat.

What Can I Do if My Child Is Already Choking?

First, see if the object can be coughed out. Encourage your little one to cough so that the object is spat out.

When that doesn’t work, you can try to slap it out. So, help your child to bend forward. Then between their shoulder blades, give five sharp back blows using the heel of your hand. After five blows, check their mouth. If you can find anything there, ask your child to spit it out.

Now, if you’ve tried both coughing it out and slapping it out, you can try to squeeze it out. For this, try giving not more than five abdominal thrusts to your little one. Here’s how you do it according to the American Red Cross:

– Stand or kneel behind the child and wrap your arms around his or her waist.

– Locate the navel with one or two fingers of one hand.

– Make a fist with the other hand and place the thumb side against the middle of the child’s abdomen, just above the navel and well below the lower tip of the breastbone.
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– Grab your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.

If none of the above works, call an ambulance. Continue your efforts to get the object out until the ambulance arrives.

Watch this video for a better understanding on how save a choking baby.

References:
Margaret R. Hurd
,
feedytube.tv
,
Nationwide Children’s
,
WebMD

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This Exclusive Mum-Club Gives The Best Vouchers, Freebies and Offers. Be A Member Today!

Life as the Head of the Get-Things-Done Department is no easy feat. From grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, to managing the kids’ classes and family outings, every single thing requires planning and most importantly, budget. No doubt, it’s tough at first, but as with other things, motherhood too gets better with time. And as mentioned earlier, look out for those little things that make your day, for example, hunt for deals!

Yes, we call it SMART retail therapy. Shop, but not till you drop! We know that you’re always searching for the best deals when shopping for the kids and yourself too, so why not enjoy these little treats once in a while? Here’s the good news – there’s a “Mum-Club” that gives you that and so much more! Many mums have been enjoying the perks of motherhood with this exclusive club, so are you ready to join them?

Say Hello to Enfamama A+ Club!

Welcome, mums! Here’s where you can unlock a world of privileges and benefits because you deserve it! It’s especially beneficial for first-time moms, as there are many useful tips to help you get through your early years of motherhood.

Enfamama A+ Club Benefits & Privileges

1# Free Samples

Delivered straight to your doorstep!

2# Birthday Specials

Expect a sweet surprise on your birthday

3# Useful Parenting Advice and Tips

Great tips and advice to help you through your motherhood journey

4# First to Know About Our Promos

Be the first to know about our fantastic deals and promotions.

5# Exclusive Vouchers

Get exclusive deals and vouchers from our participating companies.

6# Exclusive Member Deals

Get access to limited and special members-only deals.

That’s not all! Enfamama A+ Club also has a variety of exciting privileges for your kids, such as:

<Good Kids>
Learn Through Play Activities

Exclusive deals on children activities, home activity kits and birthday parties.

<Mini & Moments>
Early Childhood Enrichment Centre

Special promo on children’s art & music programme

<Wizard Within>
Interactive & Personalised Storybooks

20% discount* to create your child’s very own storybooks

<Party Perfect>
Balloons and Party Items

15% off* on fun and simple Try-Me boxes that expands your child’s learning

<Brain Cave>
Whole Brain Development Centre

Get FREE* brain development assessment and trial class

<Kindermuzik>
The Most Trusted Music Programme

RM50 voucher* to experience the wonders of music-based learning

For pregnant mums, Enfamama A+ Club is here to help you spice up your maternity looks!

<9 Months>
Stylish Maternity Fashion and Essentials

Get your favourite items at 15% off
*.

Self-care is a must, mums. So pamper yourself with rejuvenating health and beauty products. Enfamama A+ Club members get to enjoy:

<Jeanie Botanicals>

100% Raw, Natural and Organic

Enjoy 20% off* on handcrafted luxurious nourishment for your skin, body and wellbeing.

*terms and conditions apply

Enjoy more self-care moments with soothing and relaxing music, especially if you’re currently expecting. Let the music heal your soul 🙂

<Spotify> Music for Everyone

Get access to 20+ tracks of classical music to soothe you and your developing baby.

Gifts and Vouchers Worth More Than RM700!

Yes mums, all of these could be yours when you
join the Enfamama A+ Club
 today. And to make it extra special for you as our new member, you get to purchase a 600g pack of Enfagrow A+ MindPro for only RM20!

This RM20 voucher is a members-only offer, so hurry,
sign up
 as a member now. Enjoy the perks of being a mum with Enfamama A+ Club!

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theAsianparent Malaysia

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Real Mum Review: Skinature By Drypers

Recently, I got the opportunity to try out Skinature by Drypers in my search for the softest diaper in the market to help with my baby’s sensitive skin.

Honestly, it’s been a while since I last shopped for diapers in a supermarket or in a physical store, so I’m quite out of touch with new products on shelves.

Nowadays, most of my purchases are made via Lazada or Shopee.

So when the chance came about to try out this new Skinature by Drypers, I jumped at it because I was eager to see if this diaper would finally be the one to rid me of all my worries when it comes to Jedi’s sensitive skin problems.

Softest Diaper: Fighting Diaper Rash And Other Skin Problems

Jedi was born with pretty sensitive skin, having suffered from prolonged cradle cap and also eczema since birth. So I am very careful when I change his laundry detergent or when I pick diapers.

The struggle with eczema lasted for months. We saw countless dermatologists and paediatricians, who gave us many creams to combat the flare-ups. To date, we still have 10 different types of nappy creams on standby just in case!

But when we tried Skinature by Drypers, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Jedi’s skin did not experience any diaper rashes or redness or flare-ups. It was SUCH a relief!

With their new Derma-Care Technology™, Skinature by Drypers has one of the softest materials I have ever felt in a diaper. The premium materials contribute to great absorbency, leaving me to sleep in peace knowing my baby is not in any discomfort as he learns to sleep through the night.

In fact, every morning when I change Jedi’s diaper, there is no pee leakage and the whole diaper is still dry and as soft as ever!

These are some other plus points about the diaper that every parent will appreciate:

1. It can hold a lot of volume!

As mentioned, one of the best things about this diaper is the fact that it can hold A LOT of volume. My baby drinks 180ml of milk before going to bed every night, so you can imagine how much volume a diaper would need to hold by the next morning!

2. Your baby can sleep comfortably with this diaper.

Their Derma-Care Technology™ ensures that the baby’s skin remains dry throughout the night, while the diaper does its job of absorbing as much volume as it can. One of the special features that allows for the dry skin is the 3D embossed top sheet with deeper air pockets, creating a huge space between the diaper and baby’s skin, allowing more airflow and breathability.

3. It is very soft and gentle on the skin

Since Jedi has such sensitive skin, it’s very important for me to find the most suitable diaper for him. As it is, we normally only buy him organic cotton clothes!

Skinature by Drypers mimics the same softness that organic cotton has since it is made with soft fibers produced with air-through technology, making the material super lush and gentle on the skin.

If you notice in the picture above, I chose to emphasise the focus more so on the tape part, which is most commonly the part that will cut the baby’s skin and cause redness.

With plenty of soft material there, my baby’s skin is well protected by any cuts.

Not only that, Skinature by Drypers is also chlorine-free, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested to be free from 26 EU allergens, putting my mind at ease for any potential allergic reactions.

As I said before, since Jedi switched to Skinature by Drypers, we have not had to use any nappy creams and there hasn’t been a single incident of diaper rash!

4. It has a super cute design with a wetness indicator

I am a sucker for design, so when I saw the little polar bear design on the diaper, I just could not resist. But beyond just being cute, the diaper also comes with a wetness indicator – one of my favourite features in a diaper. This is important because sometimes my little one might soil his diaper without me realising and I can easily check with a wetness indicator.

5. The sizing is versatile

I have a pretty big baby with chunky thighs so certain diapers will become too small for him quickly. What I realised with Skinature by Drypers is that even though Jedi is almost 7.5kg, size S still fits him really well because it has a 6x more stretchable waistband.

This is something that is a bonus for me, not only because he can stay within a size group for a longer period of time, but also because it’s a more comfortable fit for him (and his thunder thighs!).

6. No nasty chemical smell

I’m sure parents would notice that with certain diaper brands, after it is used, there is a very strong chemical smell coming from the diaper. That is probably the chlorine kicking in. With Skinature by Drypers, I realise my diaper bin is not smelly.

7. The price point is reasonable

One of the main things parents look at when buying diapers, besides the features, is also the price point. I am no different. It is important that I find the best diaper for my baby that keeps his skin dry and free from rash, but it also has to be reasonably priced.

8. The pack has an easy-open design

I don’t know how many diaper packets I have struggled to open, ripping apart the whole package and having all the diapers fly everywhere. When you’re in a frenzy to get your baby’s diaper changed, the last thing you want to worry about is opening the diaper packet!

I love this design on the Skinature by Drypers packet, which also makes it easy to just keep the whole packet next to your diaper changing table and take out what you need, rather than having to open the whole packet and rearrange the diapers in a separate box or tray.

So overall, I guess you can say that I have had a very enjoyable experience using Skinature by Drypers on my baby. And if Jedi could speak, I’m sure he would say that his comfort level has certainly improved since the switch.

Special Design For Newborns

I actually really wish that I had discovered Skinature by Drypers a lot sooner, especially when Jedi was a newborn.

One of the main problems I found with diapers for his newborn stage was that it was always too big and I would find the extra material chafing his umbilical cord stump.

Skinature by Drypers has addressed this pain point with its special cut-out design for its NB size that protects the umbilical cord stump and the baby’s navel area.

This special cut-out design reduces the pressure and contact of the diaper with your baby’s umbilical cord stump as the belly button heals. At the same time, it enables better air circulation to keep the navel area dry.

This would have certainly been useful and I would not have had to go through the horror of finding blood on my baby’s diaper as a newborn.

Parents who are keen to find out more or try this diaper should click
here
.

If you’re ready to buy it now, check out
Lazada’s Super Brand Day
 promotion on 16 June, or CHUP DULU from 11-15 June or
Shopee Super Brand Day
 from 22-26 June.

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C-Section Birth Images That Help Normalise Birth

When we think of the miracle of childbirth, we don’t often think of C-section births. But that’s changing. A lot of people in the world today celebrate a mother’s bravery by capturing C-section birth images. And they are truly memorable.

Giving birth is a risky sort of miracle. My elders used to say that a mother has one foot in the realm of the living and one foot in the realm of the dead when giving birth. Without doubt, they just meant it’s really risky. And it’s even more so when a mother goes through a Ceasarian section procedure.

A recent study found that 18.6% of all births from 1990 to 2014 were Caesarian section. That’s 1 in 5 mothers. The World Health Organization stated that the recommended C-section rate worldwide should be at 10%-15%.

Though the procedure has saved numerous lives, a higher worldwide C-section rate is a heightened mortality risk because of the procedure’s possible complications.

C-section birth images

In spite of this risk, the option to have a C-section is a godsend when natural birth is not possible. That’s why there are photographers like
Jessica Bender
 who choose to immortalise C-section birth images.

Jessica was used to taking photos kids during their birthdays but not during their births. When she was chosen by her friend to take C-section birth images during her delivery, she said yes.

“It was an odd feeling to be so excited that someone needed to have emergency surgery,” the Canadian photographer
 writes in her blog
. “I felt guilty for about 39 seconds.”

She had to wait for her friend’s baby to come out while stooped on a stool, camera pressed against her face. Jessica noticed that her friend remained calm, cool, and collected as she watched the doctors “cut open the midsection, layer by layer.”

“She has forever reframed what a C-section means to me,” Jessica says of her friend. “In the past, it was presented as something to fear, but seeing Carly meet her baby . . . there was zero fear.”

Remembering a child’s birth through C-section birth images

Huffington Post ran a series of photos submitted by members of the
International Association of Professional Birth Photographers
 for Cesarean Awareness Month last April.

So we thought it would inspire mums-to-be about the beauty of a mom’s bravery in childbirth. It’s a celebration of the complexity of birth, and the joy that comes along with it.

Some of these photos are from birth photographers, while some of them are from the parents themselves. A few photos are from our community.

A series of miracles

“This mother, Esther, came from Nigeria to have her baby. It was an unexpected C-section, which was initially disheartening for everyone involved. But it was remarkable to watch Esther become a mother, especially given the circumstances.” —
Photo and words by
Sarah Lewis, birth photographer

First breath.
Photo by
Lindsey Scholz, birth photographer

“My sweet little girl entering the world but still half inside of me. I am so grateful that the anesthesiologist snapped this for us.” —
Photo and words courtesy of Kristin Kelly, mother.

A baby’s first light. Photo courtesy of kidspot.com.au.

Cleaning the baby. Photo courtesy of kidspot.com.au

First contact. Photo courtesy of kidspot.com.au.

“I just prayed and I was so relieved to hear his first cry. He was loud. I could hear the strength in his voice.”
— Curtina, mother. Photo by
Ker-Fox Photography
.

“I like to keep everything light, so we were all joking and laughing in the OR. The anesthesiologist is also a fellow travel agency owner so we talked shop the whole time. You know, when she wasn’t holding the barf bag for me.” —
Lia, mother. Photo by
Kelly O’Roke
.

“This was a Cesarean birth of twins, and this is “Baby A,” who came out singing to the heavens and reaching for his family.” —
Photo and words by
Jennifer Mason, birth photographer
.

“After a really long labor, this family — of three! — was happy to just finally all be in each other’s arms.”       —
Photo and words by
Jaydene Freund, birth photographer
.

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“The delivery lasted, like, three minutes, so I didn’t have much time to think. They had the baby out so quick, and then they put him on my chest and we just spent time soaking him in and getting to know him. I love my birth story and everyone who helped it unfold so beautifully.” —
Anonymous, mother. Photo by
Angie Klaus
.

“The anesthesiologist was my photographer haha!”—
Photo and words by Carla Perlas, Regional Content Head of The Asian Parent.

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Does an egg a day keep the doctor away?

Are eggs good for kids?

My 3-year-old son certainly thinks so. When I recently asked him what his favourite food is he replied, “eggs, scrambled eggs and omelette”! Needless to say, he’s a true egg-lover.

So when I recently heard that an egg a day may be bad for children, I panicked. My son eats one daily. Was I setting him the foundation for an adulthood full of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol? Surely an egg has to be better than a burger a day. So I set out on a quest to find the truth about eggs. The first thing I did was to find out what other mums thought.

The majority wins!

Fellow mums were of the opinion that an egg a day for children was fine. Many said it’s the ideal brain-food for kids.

Other mums said it was their children’s main source of protein. I was happy to know my boy wasn’t the only egg enthusiast around and that other parents thought similarly about the goodness of eggs.

If you stay within the daily cholesterol limit for your kids, a daily egg shouldn’t be an issue

Good egg or bad egg?

Over the years, eggs have been labelled as good or bad for health. One of the most popular claims is eating them frequently causes elevated blood cholesterol. However, recent research has busted this claim – eating an egg daily is not directly responsible for this.

One egg contains approximately
185mg
 of cholesterol. A healthy child’s daily cholesterol intake should be
under 300mg a day
. As long as your child is not going over this amount every day, an egg daily shouldn’t be a problem.

An egg is like a multi-vitamin pill

Just look at all these nutrients and the related benefits found inside an egg:

Choline:
 for brain development, function and memory;

Folate:
 produces and maintains red blood cells;

Iron:
 carries oxygen to the cells;

Lutein and Zeaxanthin:
 maintain good vision and protect the eyes against harmful UV rays;

Niacin:
 promotes normal nerve function and helps release energy;

Omega-3 fats:
 improve blood cholesterol;

Protein:
 helps keep body strong;

Riboflavin:
 helps keep body tissues healthy;

Vitamin A:
 protects against cancers;

Vitamin B12:
 protects against heart disease;

Vitamin D:
 keeps bones and teeth healthy;

Vitamin E:
 acts as an antioxidant;

Zinc:
 promotes a strong immune system.

Salmonella and eggs

A common accusation against the egg is that it causes salmonella poisoning.
Salmonella enteritidis
 is a common bacterium found inside perfectly normal-looking eggs.

If eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, they carry the risk of causing salmonella poisoning. Most people recover without treatment. But infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems are at risk for serious illness.

The simplest way of destroying any salmonella bacteria is to full-boil the egg. But it’s also pretty easy to prevent food poisoning via egg consumption simply by following some basic food safety rules:

Be sure to eat fresh eggs with shells intact.

Wash the outside of the egg shell before you crack it.

While it is recommended not to give soft-boiled eggs to children, pasteurised eggs (which we will talk about soon) are the better option.

Kampong, organic or cage-free?

The options are many when it comes to eggs

As with almost anything these days, the choices when it comes to eggs are huge. Here’s what different labels on those cartons mean:

Cage-free:
These are eggs from birds usually raised in an open barn.

Free-range :
These are laid by hens that have the opportunity to roam about freely. These hens obviously have a more ‘natural’ diet as opposed to caged hens.

Organic:
Organic eggs generally come from cage-free hens who eat an organic feed and don’t receive vaccines or antibodies.

Vegetarian:
The hens that produce these eggs are only fed a vegetarian diet – free from any meat or fish by-products. Hens are kept in cages or indoors and do not peck at any grubs or worms.

Pasteurised:
These eggs have been put through a pasteurisation process where they are heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 3.5 minutes. This kills bacteria without cooking the egg. Eating pasteurised eggs is recommended for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems so they can reduce the risk of contracting a salmonella infection. Pasteurised eggs are available in selected Singaporean supermarkets.

So, are eggs good for kids?

Like with any good thing, moderation is the key. But we do hope this information has made it a bit easier to decide what to do when your child demands an egg a day!

We would love to hear your opinion on the good and bad of eggs. Does your child eat an egg a day? Take our poll and let us know!
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Kidney Disease in Children: What Every Parent Should Know

One of our biggest concerns is to ensure that our children grow up healthy and happy. Despite all of our efforts, sometimes our children still get sick, and our worst fear would be for them to fall ill over serious injuries such as heart attack, kidney disease or even catching virus from influenza.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, kidney disease is short-term or permanent damage to kidneys resulting in loss of normal kidney function. There are a few causes of kidney failure, and that includes:

birth defects

hereditary diseases

infection

nephrotic syndrome

systemic diseases

trauma

urine blockage or reflux

What to do If Your Child Has Kidney Disease?

We talked to
Dr Yap Yok Chin,
 Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist (Managing Paediatric Transplant Patient since 2005), to get her input on the matter and what parents should know about this illness.

What is the first thing you need to do if your child has kidney disease? How would the doctor evaluate them, and what treatment would they need?

A child with kidney disease should seek a specialist (Paediatrician/Paediatric Nephrology) for consultation on the type of kidney disease.

Before confirming the diagnosis, the evaluation process involves going through the medical history and a complete physical exam, including urine tests, blood tests, imaging studies, or a biopsy.

Among children with end-stage kidney disease in Malaysia, the leading causes of kidney disease are Glomerulonephritis and Focal segmental glomerulonephritis (include nephrotic syndrome) (39%), Congenital anomaly of kidney urinary tract (16%) (Reflux nephropathy, Obstructive uropathy, Renal dysplasia, Cystic kidney disease) and Systemic disease 4% (SLE & Metabolic)
1
.

Further evaluation and treatment for kidney disease in children depend on the cause of kidney disease.

2. Would chronic kidney disease limit their lifestyle, and they can’t live like other children?

Children with early stages of chronic kidney disease (1st to 2nd stage) might not have any symptoms and remain well to participate in all lifestyle activities.

Children with more severe kidney disease (3rd to 4th stage) and those undergoing dialysis will need dietary change – low salt and phosphate, take medicine to control blood pressure, proteinuria and anaemia.

From our experience, they may experience a negative self-image; however, they can still attend school as usual and light extracurricular activities.

3. Is it advisable for young children to go through kidney transplants?

Yes. Research has shown that children with a renal transplant have a better survival rate at 5 years (90%) than children on dialysis therapy (73-77%)
1
.

4. Would they need to follow a special diet?

Eating ideal food and at a proposition may improve the child’s growth. The child’s diet will need to be adjusted depending on the stage of chronic kidney disease and dialysis therapy.

Generally, I’d advise reducing the amount of salt (canned & processed/packaged food). Limit amount of phosphorus – dairy products, processed foods, packaged food and sodas. Keep in mind that the children will need adequate protein for growth.

5. What kind of medications do they need to take? How would it affect them?

Children may need to take medications to manage the symptoms and prevent complications such as anaemia, acidosis and control blood pressure. It’s important to discuss why your children need those medications with your health care professional and how it will affect them.

Common chronic kidney disease medications are:

Blood pressure medication (Antihypertensive)

Reduce the amount of protein in the urine (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or receptor blockade)

Diuretics (Control of oedema)

Phosphate binders (Prevent absorbing phosphorus from the food your children eat)

Sodium bicarbonate (help to balance the acid in your child’s blood)

6. How is the recovery journey after the transplant?

The hospital recovering from a kidney transplant surgery is usually a week if there are no complications. Before going home, the transplant team will counsel the child and family on everything needed to know about taking excellent care of yourself and your new kidney.

During the first 3 months, there will be frequent bloodwork and reviews to monitor the child’s overall health and kidney function. During this period, it is crucial to keep the child’s hands clean, avoid crowded places, and take their medications as prescribed by the doctors.

7. Is the child able to live everyday life like everyone else after the surgery?

Your child will be able to return to school in 3 months after the transplant surgery. Make sure they exercise regularly. Avoid contact sports that can injure their belly area and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Reference:

Chapter 5, Paediatric Renal Replacement Therapy,
Wong HS and BL Goh (Eds) Twenty Fourth Report of the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant 2016, Kuala Lumpur 2018,
www.msn.org.my

University of Rochester Medical Center

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Your Menstrual Cycle Explained - Including How to Eat and Workout to Feel Empowered

On average, women menstruate for about 40 years and use 11,000 period pads or tampons in their lifetime. But how much do we actually know about our periods and our menstrual cycles? And how much do our families, spouses, and friends understand?

The reality is – probably very little.

By learning about your monthly cycle and realizing why you may feel or act in a certain way throughout it, you can optimize your life. Today we’ll break it down. From what to expect during the menstrual cycle’s 4 different phases, to what to eat, and how to workout to feel empowered.

Ready? Let’s get started.

How long is the menstrual cycles?

Credit: Freepik

You might guess somewhere between 3-7 days. That’s when you bleed; from spotting, to flow, to spotting again. While your period is a part of the process, your menstrual cycle is about much more than that.

If you instead ended up with between 25-35 days, you’re right!

The length of the menstrual cycle refers to the time between the first day of your last period, to the start of your next period.

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines. Every woman is different and the length, and everything else about your menstrual cycle, can therefore vary. Listen to your body – and if you feel unwell in any way, seek medical advice.

How can you take care of yourself during your menstrual cycles?

Credit: Freepik

By understanding the impact of your own menstrual cycle, you can take better care of yourself and adjust your routines in ways that make you feel empowered. Ranging from planning your workload, to food habits, and workouts – which we’ll get more into below.

Through my own journey of learning and discovery, I’ve stumbled across so much useful information that has made me feel more in control of my body.

I now understand why my body may act in a certain way, which sometimes has an impact on my emotional and mental well-being.

Your menstrual cycles is like the 4 seasons of the year

Now, let’s dive into the details.

To put it simply, our menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases. You can think of them like the 4 seasons of the year.

Winter:
 Menstruation Phase (your period)

Spring:
 Follicular Phase

Summer:
 Ovulation (baby making time!)

Autumn:
 Luteal Phase

If you already have learned something about your cycle and put an effort into exercising, living and eating well, you’ve done most of the hard work!

Now it’s just about understanding what happens during each menstrual phase, so you can optimize your food and exercise habits throughout the menstrual cycle.

1. Menstrual cycles: The Menstruation Phase

This is the period (pun intended) in which your body releases a blend of blood, uterine lining, tissue and mucus. Even though you may feel like “a lot of blood” is coming out of your body, only about 36 % of your menstrual fluid is made up of period blood – about 3-5 tablespoons on average. This phase of your cycle is about slowing down.

Food Goals during the Menstruation Phase

Prioritize foods that support the process of menstruation, and replenish nutrients lost in the process. If you are listening to your body’s cravings, you may notice an inclination for warm foods, such as soups and stews. Lean in to these cravings, as they can be an easy way to help your body renew and re-energize.

Essential Nutrients & Foods for the Menstruation Phase:

Iron:
 Beef, beans, molasses, lentils, firm tofu, tuna, eggs, dark-meat turkey & chicken

Vitamin C:
 Bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruit, papaya, mango

Vitamin B12:
 Salmon, mussels, yogurt, turkey, chicken, eggs, beef

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
 Salmon, cod, mackerel, skipjack, tuna, halibut

Zinc:
 Turkey, chicken, eggs, pork, avocado, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, lentils, yogurt, shellfish

High Fiber Carbohydrates:
 Sweet potatoes, quinoa, lentils, oats, brown/wild rice, winter squash

Exercise Tips during the Menstruation Phase

Credit: Pexels

Your energy will dip during menstruation – and this is completely normal! If you’re up for it, try to engage in light-intensity physical activity, such as walking, stretching or yoga. Gentle movement can also help ease cramping, relieve muscle tightness, and/or bloating experienced during your period. Again, everyone’s body is at different levels of athleticism, so go ahead and do more if you’re able to.
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2. Menstrual cycles: The Follicular Phase

Your estrogen levels rise as your body prepares eggs for ovulation. This time is more likely to be the ‘happy’ phase of your cycle!

Food Goals during the Follicular Phase

This phase is often accompanied by a drop in appetite, as your brain shifts to focusing on your upcoming fertility window. This is the time to fill your plate with protein and lots of veggies, with a daily serving of berries and fermented foods.

Essential Nutrients & Foods for the Follicular Phase:

Kredit: Unsplash

Phytoestrogen Foods:
 Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, hummus, berries, grains, garlic, sprouts

Fiber:
 VEGGIES, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, avocado, berries, apples

Antioxidants
: Berries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, citrus, passion fruit, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, pomegranate

Fermented Foods:
 Raw & fermented vegetables, yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh

Cruciferous Veggies:
 Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, broccoli

Exercise Tips during the Follicular Phase

This is a great time to get a little more ambitious on the workouts you choose and to discover new ways to move your body. Try a different workout, or something that challenges both your body and your mind at the same time.

3. Menstrual cycles: The Ovulation Phase

When a mature egg is released. In other words, it’s baby-making time (if that’s what you’re planning for)!

Food Goals during the Ovulation Phase

You might experience a drop in appetite. Researchers believe this is your body’s way of directing your attention toward mating. Keep your plate similarly balanced as in the late follicular phase (protein + fats + veggies), with an extra emphasis on magnesium-rich foods to prevent the inevitable drop in magnesium that occurs with ovulation.

Essential Nutrients & Foods for the Ovulation Phase:

Fiber:
 VEGGIES, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, avocado, berries, apples

Cruciferous Vegetables:
 Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, broccoli sprouts, broccoli

Zinc:
 Turkey, chicken, eggs, pork, avocado, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, lentils, yogurt, shellfish

Magnesium:
 Hemp seeds, flaxseeds, tofu, almonds, quinoa, sorghum, pumpkin seeds, spinach, dark chocolate (!)

Exercise Tips during the Ovulation Phase

Credit: Freepik

The surge in 2 special hormones, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), causes testosterone to peak. This contributes to the increase in libido you might notice around this time of your cycle. Use it as an excuse to get busy!

You might also see your energy continue to increase from your follicular phase, so this is the perfect time to take those HIIT / cycling classes!

4. Menstrual cycles: The Luteal Phase

In layman’s terms, the makings of what happens to your egg. Either it gets fertilized, or it doesn’t, and disintegrates, causing a decline in progesterone and some estrogen. This causes the whole cycle to start again as you move back into period phase.

Food Goals during the Luteal Phase

 As the luteal phase draws to a close, you may begin to experience stronger sweet cravings and heightened emotions. The luteal phase is not a time for carbohydrate restriction, and including moderate amounts of low glycemic (high fiber) carbohydrates can help stave off sweet cravings.

Or, indulge in a little dark chocolate to curb those cravings, but one that is made of at least 70% dark chocolate!

Essential Nutrients & Foods:

Credit: Pexels

Vitamin D:
 Salmon, mackerel, tuna, egg yolk, mushrooms

Magnesium:
 Hemp seeds, flaxseeds, tofu, almonds, quinoa, sorghum, pumpkin seeds, spinach, dark chocolate (!)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
 Salmon, cod, mackerel, skipjack, tuna, halibut

Thiamine:
 Oats, whole grains, bean-based pastas, nuts, oranges, sesame seeds

Vitamin B6:
 Turkey, lentils, fish, potatoes, banana, watermelon, poultry

Exercise Tips during the Luteal Phase

The first three to five days of the luteal phase are often accompanied by high energy levels. Your exercise and diet may closely resemble similar to the ovulation phase during these early days.

However, as you move further into the luteal phase, you might notice your body shift from energize-mode to chill-mode, as progesterone levels rise. This is a great time to focus on strength training and slower yoga with moderate-intensity cardio.

In the end, it’s all about listening to your body

There is a lot of information here to digest. Baby steps are a good place to start and if you’re already making some progress on your nutritional, fitness and wellness journey, you’re halfway there!

Listen to your body. Keep track and/or take notes via period tracker apps or note-taking apps if it helps.

Most importantly, never be afraid to speak to friends or to a gynaecologist if something just doesn’t feel right. It’s so important that we start to normalise period talk and feel empowered about how our body works.

Source:
https://mplsimc.com/

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB
.

Read more:

Top 10 Habits That Can Help You Lose Weight

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Tun Malaysia's Unique Name

Imagine being named after not one, but two countries!

19 year old Tun Malaysia Venecia Zaman Riera has parents so patriotic they named her after Malaysia, the land of her father’s birth and Venezuela, her mother’s motherland.

Her father, Tun Kamalul, an IT consultant, was stationed in Venezuela when Tun Malaysia was born.

“I was born in Venezuela. At the time, my father, who was a very patriotic man, misses his home dearly and suggested to my mother that I should be named ‘Malaysia’ and so my mother agreed.

“But then my mother got a little jealous because my name carried my father’s choice of name. So she wanted to name me ‘Venezuela’ as well. But since ‘Venezuela’ was too long, they decided to name me ‘Venecia’ which is an old name for Venezuela. So my name became Malaysia Venecia,” she explained in an interview with
 Astro Awani
.

She was often teased as a child

“Ever since I was little, they would always tease me ‘Cuti-cuti Malaysia’ or ‘Malaysia Boleh’. But now that I am much older, I learned to embrace what the meaning of my name means to the people of this country. I started to love my name, it is a beautiful name.

“Nowadays whenever someone teases me ‘Malaysia Boleh’, my response would be ‘Of course, Malaysia (meaning myself) Boleh, but can you?” said the spunky teenager.

Born overseas with an international heritage, this international business major student still considers Malaysia home.

“Malaysia will always be home to me. This is where I grew up ever since the
age of four!”

Tun Malaysia speaks fluent Malay, English and Spanish, and is close to her traditional values and roots, competing in Silat Gayung Fatani tournaments with her sister.

For this young lady, Malaysia is not just her name but represents a harmonious multicultural nation.

“Malaysia has united us with Sabah and Sarawak, to become a country with multicultural backgrounds. To me, Malaysia means unity, where we all come together and for a nation. Just like they always say, One Malaysia,” she said in the interview with Astro.

Source:
Astro Awani

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A great mystery, finally answered: What do stay-at-home mums do all day?

Stay-at-home moms can’t seem to catch a break. They do what’s right for their family—dedicating all their time to raising their kids—which sounds like a noble and good thing to do, and yet they still don’t get the respect they deserve.

Some people still see stay-at-home parenting as the easy way out. They perceive stay-at-home moms as women who just lie around the house all day, pausing their Netflix binge-watching to change a dirty diaper or two.

But stay-at-home parents do so much around the house. They’re not only childcare providers, but also cooks, housekeepers, money managers, laundrywomen, teachers, etc.
SheKnows
 put together a very scientific (no, not really) pie chart to finally answer what remains a mystery to many non-parents:

“What does a stay-at-home mum do all day?”

In case you’re having trouble reading the fine print, some highlights from the pie chart include “20% grocery shopping (for healthy she’ll never make but will make her feel like a responsible mother)” and “5% cleaning her children’s pee off the walls (of the local Rite Aid)”.

Though the pie chart is comical and shouldn’t be taken seriously, it is disheartening that stay-at-home moms still feel the need to defend themselves from people that devalue the work (yes, parenting is work)
that they do.

What moms with their time depends a lot on their socioeconomic statuses

Redbook
 recently conducted a survey of over 500 women who identified as stay-at-home mums, asking them about their daily lives. They found that the women they interviewed were from diverse backgrounds whose activities ranged from playing tennis for hours to milking cows. In addition, many women who call themselves stay-at-home mums also work for pay.

What mums with their time depends a lot on their socioeconomic statuses. While well-off mums spend their day socialising, exercising, and running errands, mums whose households don’t have large incomes end up doing large amounts of housework.

When Insure.com tried to compute the economic value of a stay-at-home parent, it listed 14 tasks ranging from cooking and driving to planning parties and just “finding up what the kids are up to”, as
Business Insider
 reports.

Though not an exhaustive list, that gives us an idea of the amount of work stay-at-home mums really do—a lot more than some of us salaried employees, some of whom often get paid for just spacing out at our desks for hours.

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Music Makes Me Lose Control, Study Finds That Kids Who Like Hip-Hop Likely to Become Rebellious

All parents of a young teen have heard of Justin Bieber and One Direction – they’re a teenager’s anthem, the cute boy the pine over and their songs make them squeal with excitement.

Now parents have a reason to love these music stars too, a study in the Netherlands shows that kids who listen to “mainstream music” such as music by Justin Bieber and One Direction will end up being better behaved in the future.

Parents who think it’s cute that their kids are hipsters by rejecting mainstream pop music should think again. Findings of the research done show that kids who listen to “unconventional music” like hip-hop, punk and trance, are more likely to become delinquents.

Music taste and delinquency

The
study
 conducted was tested on 300 children in the Netherlands. The study followed the children for four years of their adolescence where researchers found out their favourite types of music and tracked incidents of ‘minor delinquency’ like shoplifting and vandalism, from when they were 12-years-old till they reached the age of 16.

Does hip-hop really causes your kids to ‘act out’?

Kids who were into hip-hop, metal, gothic, punk, trance and techno reportedly started to ‘act out’ and did so by the time they were 16.

Whereas, kids who enjoyed rock music at age 12 were relatively well-behaved, but were more likely to engage in bad behaviour when they reach 16.

On the other spectrum, researchers predicted that kids who listened to mainstream pop, classical or jazz would probably not have a future of delinquency.

Take note of what your children are listening to

The study suggests that what can be seen as “innocent” enjoyment of “deviant” music may be an early sign that the kids may grow up to be deviants themselves.

The authors theorize that “Music is the medium that separates mainstream youth from young people who may more easily adopt norm-breaking behaviours.”

They also suggest that “in peer groups characterized by their deviant music taste, norm-breaking youth may ‘infect’ their friends with their behaviour.”

So perhaps parents should take a closer look at what kind of music their kids are listening to. Your teen’s music taste may determine what kind of behaviour they will have in the future.

Do you think that music is really to blame for a child acting out? Do you agree with the study’s conclusion?

Some parents might argue that they listen to the same genre and they turn out perfectly fine. That is true in nature, and music alone should not be the main cause of children acting out badly.
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However, it is a parent’s responsibility to ensure what their children listening to are appropriate and as of age. And even if they start to listen to music that we do not approve of, it is also our responsibility to teach them what is right and wrong.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Supermum Fatimah Abu Bakar Named Among Netflix’s 55 Ground-breaking Women in Entertainment

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Netflix and UN Women launched a collection named
“Because She Watched
” of series, documentaries, as well as films that were made by or featured female creators. The collection, which will be available for viewers throughout the year, features female creators around the world including
Malaysia’s Fatimah Abu Bakar’s masterpiece titled
Babies
.

Babies docuseries explores the growth of babies, motherhood and fatherhood

The Malaysian mother-of-four has aptly chosen
Babies
 to stand among the list, which is a docuseries that centres around the emotional story of a baby’s first year of life while combining elements of both motherhood and fatherhood.

The heart-warming docuseries uses ground-breaking science to explore the growth of babies from the angles of love, first food, crawling, first words, sleep and taking their first steps.

“
Babies
 lets us peep into the exquisitely mysterious world of these complex little human beings and how both parents are immensely involved in the process of raising and caring for them. It’s important to show that fatherhood is just as deep as motherhood”, said Fatimah.

The thespian, writer and acting coach also talked about the importance of strong female characters on screen as they inspire others to combat barriers in breaking the space for women in today’s world.

“It’s important to see strong women characters on screen who defy the odds as they teach young women to stand up tall and overcome barriers. I felt the most empowered when I was involved in
Maria
, it mirrored my own life at the time and it was interesting to say the least to flit in and out of reality. The experience was truly enriching,” she said.

Collection to celebrate inclusion of female creators

Meanwhile, other female creators from behind and in front of the camera include Sophia Loren, Salma Hayek,
Stranger Things’
star Millie Bobby Brown and Lana Condor from
To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
.

With the this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “
I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,
” the collection celebrates the stories that have inspired the women who inspire us. Series, films and documentaries such as
Unbelievable, Luna Nera and Followers
 to
Orange Is the New Black and Lionheart
, have started important, often hard, conversations that challenge the status quo and societal views.

Founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Dr. Stacy L. Smith stated that research has shown that inclusion behind the camera leads to greater inclusion on screen.

“We’re encouraged that last year, 20% of the directors of Netflix original films were women and we are excited to celebrate these female creators on International Women’s Day. There’s still more to do to reach equality, but by recognising female talent from around the world, we hope more women will feel encouraged to tell their stories, pushing that number even higher,” said Stacy.

UN Women and Netflix’s partnership in support of the  Generation Equality campaign comes on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a platform recognised as a visionary agenda for women’s rights.

“This collaboration is about taking on the challenge of telling women’s stories and showing women in all their diversity. It’s about making visible the invisible, and proving that only by fully representing and including women on screen, behind-the-camera and in our narratives overall, society will truly flourish,” said UN Women Deputy Executive Director Anita Bhatia.

The collection is available at
Netflix.com/BecauseSheWatched – or by searching “
Because She Watched
”
 on Netflix. Every title in the collection will be labeled “XXXX’s Women’s Day Pick” and subscribers will be able to choose from a selection of “
Because She Watched
” profile icons to celebrate their favourite female characters from the collection.
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7 tips for busy pregnant mums to meet nutritional requirements – every pregnant mum’s every day nutrition guide

If you’re a busy mum-to-be, things can feel quite overwhelming. As your body undergoes massive changes, you must also make sure that you are in optimal health and be mindful of nutrition in pregnancy guidelines. Staying healthy and eating right have suddenly become a huge priority. To make sure you stay on the right track, here are some simple tips on how to take care of yourself during pregnancy.

1. Eat a Healthy Breakfast Everyday

Start the day right with a healthy breakfast. Not only will doing this put you in a good mood, it will also give you the energy you need to go about your busy day.

Of course, in the early months of your pregnancy, this can be quite a challenge. If you’re still experiencing morning sickness, go slow and drink some liquids first, like ginger tea.

Remember that it’s important to get some nourishment for you and your developing baby. Choose food that is easy to eat such as chicken porridge or whole-grain bread. Make sure to eat some fruit and veggies, too. Smoothies can also be a great breakfast alternative.

2. Pregnancy Power Foods

Eating well-balanced meals is essential, especially when you have a little one developing in your womb. You must eat foods rich in
folate
,
iron
,
calcium
, and
protein
.

Folate
 is essential for growth and development of cells. These days, many kinds of food are enriched with folate, and these can help ensure that you get your daily requirement.

Iron
 helps you avoid feeling weak and tired, plus it helps your body produce more red blood cells to supply oxygen to your baby. You can find iron in food like lean red meat and leafy green vegetables.

Calcium
 primarily helps with bone development. Up your calcium intake by taking milk and eating fish with edible bones like sardines and anchovies.

Protein
 is essential for tissue growth. Choose well-cooked chicken and lean cuts of meat for protein. Milk and dairy products provide you with protein, too!

3. Get Ready to ‘Go’

This can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s common in many pregnancies. Because of hormonal changes, many pregnant women may experience constipation.

To help keep things moving along, you have to make sure to eat fibre-rich food such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans and grains. And together with an increase in your fibre intake, don’t forget to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.

4. Give Up ‘Bad’ Snacks

If you’re craving for a bag of salty chips or a sugar-sprinkled donut or two, resist the urge and just say no to junk food! While you’re at it, remember that soft drinks are a big no-no, too.

Be mindful of every single thing that you put into your body. Baby needs the good stuff!

5. Make Healthy Choices for Two

Avoid alcohol and
caffeine
. For now, you’ll have to put your love for coffee on hold. More than one cup of coffee or four cups of tea is too much, mummy! Did you know that soft drinks contain caffeine, too?

Also make sure to avoid
raw or undercooked fish and seafood
. They may contain parasites, harmful viruses or bacteria. And while cooked fish is actually great for your diet, you need to avoid fish high in mercury such as tilefish, swordfish, shark, and marlin.

Going back to undercooked food, don’t eat that soft-boiled egg, undercooked chicken, or medium-rare steak. Make sure all your food is well-cooked and well-done!

That’s not all. For now, you must also
avoid soft cheeses
 like brie and gorgonzola. These might contain bacteria that are harmful for your baby.

Even if these foods are your favourites, it’s best to err on the side of caution. That sushi binge or wine and cheese party will have to wait until after you give birth.

6. Move It, Mum!

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you should stop exercising (unless your doctor advises you so!).  At some point, you will feel lazy and heavy, but you have to set aside some time every day to be physically active.

Being fit during pregnancy
 is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Not only will being physically active help you put on weight gradually, it also conditions your body and gets you in shape for childbirth.

Go for a swim. Practice gentle
yoga
. Go out for a walk on a nice day. Do some
stretching exercises
 which are good for reducing pregnancy aches and lower back pains.

Find ways to move around and aim for at least 30 minutes of being active every day. But listen to your body and know your limits. Find the right balance so you can feel energized throughout your pregnancy.

7. Drink Milk: Include Anmum
TM
 Materna in Your Diet

As a busy pregnant woman, it may be hard to exercise and eat healthy on a daily basis. Work and your other tasks can keep you occupied, and you may not have enough time and energy to grab some vegetables at the store to cook yourself a healthy meal.

One of the trusted ways to get the right nutrients is to include Anmum™ Materna as part of your balanced diet.

This is an excellent formulated milk for both expecting moms and women planning to become moms to support their nutritional needs.

Anmum™ Materna is packed with key nutrients that are essential for pregnant mums. Aside from folate, iron, and calcium, it contains DHA and Gangliosides (GA®). It also contains Probio DR10™, or  Bifidobacterium lactis – a type of live and good bacteria – and Inulin,  a prebiotic beneficial for good gut health. It is important to have good intestinal environment for effective absorption of nutrients.

Mums will be happy to know that Anmum™ Materna prenatal milk is low in fat and Anmum™ Materna (plain) has no added sugars, so you worry less about excess weight gain.

Perhaps best of all, Anmum™ Materna is so convenient! It is specially formulated to provide you key pregnancy nutrients with just two glasses a day. And it’s all oh-so-easy to prepare for busy mums-to-be with stick packs for easy consumption. Simply keep some in your handbag, and you can enjoy it at the office when you want to.

Pregnancy is a precious and exciting time for mums-to-be. You must remember to take care of yourself even if your days are packed and busy. By making healthy choices, you can make sure you’ll meet the nutritional requirements you and your developing baby need for a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.

For more healthy pregnancy tips and Anmum
™
 Materna nutrition information, check out
https://www.anmum.com.my
.

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Mengapa Kita Perlu Bercakap Mengenai Keguguran & Kelahiran Mati? Ini Kepentingannya

Keguguran atau
stillbirth
 (kelahiran mati) mungkin memberi definisi yang berbeza di setiap negara, namun secara amnya kelahiran bayi mati berlaku pada usia kandungan 22 minggu ke atas sebelum bayi sempat dilahirkan. Ini bermakna bayi meninggal di dalam rahim beberapa minggu atau jam sebelum atau selepas ibu mengalami sakit bersalin.

Keguguran pula adalah ‘kehilangan’ kandungan yang berlaku sebelum usia 22 minggu ataupun berat bayi kurang daripada 500 gram jika usia kandungan tidak diketahui. Dan kes kelahiran mati yang tercatat setiap tahun mencecah sehingga 2.6 juta.

Namun keguguran dan
 stillbirth
 mungkin masih dianggap tabu bagi sesetengah masyarakat. Dan di Malaysia juga masih ada yang berpendapat topik ini terlalu sensitif untuk dibincangkan.

Walaupun tradegi ini berlaku di kalangan keluarga sendiri dan rakan-rakan rapat pun sebolehnya mereka akan mengelak dari bercakap mengenainya.

Untuk membuat pasangan yang mengalami pengalaman hitam ini bercerita mungkin agak sukar, jadi kaum keluarga dan teman rapat lah yang sebenarnya patut sentiasa bertanya jika mereka ini dalam keadaan baik atau tidak.

Penting sebenarnya untuk kita bercakap mengenai isu ini, terutama sekali buat pasangan yang mengalaminya.

Memang perit untuk diluahkan namun lebih memudaratkan jika dipendam. Untuk pasangan yang mengalami kelahiran mati, ada banyak kebaikannya mengapa anda perlu bercakap mengenai apa yang terjadi.

Mengapa perlu bercakap mengenai
stillbirth
?

Ramai pasangan yang mengalami kisah hitam berpendapat mengapa mereka perlu bercakap mengenai pengalaman mereka yang cukup menyedihkan itu? Malah buat apa orang mahu tahu, cukuplah mereka saja yang tahu dan biarlah kisah itu disimpan rapi. Tapi silap antara kepentingan untuk bercakap mengenainya adalah:

#1. Meningkatkan kesedaran

Ya, memang itu hak masing-masing itu tidak membicarakannya, namun ia adalah penting untuk meningkatkan kesedaran orang ramai mengenai hal
stillbirth
 ini. Bayangkan ada ramai pasangan yang terdekat dengan anda tidak tahu akan risiko yang mungkin mereka alami ketika kehamilan.

Dikalangan rakan-rakan anda serta keluarga tentu ada yang hamil namun seperti anda dulu tidak tahu akan tragedi yang bakal berlaku kepada anda. Lantas tiada kesedaran dan cara menanganinya dengan betul jika ia berlaku. Bukanlah kita minta untuk kisah hitam ini berlaku kepada sesiapa pun cuma ia adalah risiko yang mungkin berlaku, jadi penting untuk diambil tahu.

#2. Menghilangkan rasa beban

Percayalah bila anda lepaskan apa yang terbendung dalam benak perasaan anda sekarang akan kurang sedikit bebanan yang dirasai. Jika masih tidak mampu untuk meluahkan kepada yang terdekat, minta rundingan dengan pakar di hospital.

Berjumpa dengan pakar psikiatri bukan bermaksud gila, ia adalah satu khidmat pertolongan untuk anda meluahkan apa yang anda rasa, dan mereka akan bantu beri nasihat yang sewajarnya tanpa penilaian ‘bias’.

#3. Merapatkan lagi hubungan keluarga dan rakan-rakan

Apabila anda mula berkongsi, keluarga dan rakan akan tahu anda mempercayai dan cukup memerlukan bantuan mereka waktu ini. Percayalah mereka akan sedia membantu dan memberi semangat kepada anda saat anda meluahkan.

Anda tidak tahu mungkin mereka pun ada bebanan mereka sendiri kisah yang mereka lalui sendiri, jadi apabila anda menceritakan kisah anda mereka juga akan berkongsi sesuatu yang anda sendiri tidak pernah tahu. Lantas boleh menjadikan ikatan perhubungan anda dengan keluarga dan rakan-rakan lebih rapat.

Apa yang patut dilakukan jika pasangan meluahkan kepada anda tentang pengalaman mereka?

Pertama sekali janganlah suka menggunakan ayat “benda dah berlaku, nak buat macam mana,” malah katakan saja yang anda bersimpati. “Tak boleh bayangkan benda ini terjadi kepada aku, berat dugaan ini, namun kau tabah.” Berikan kata semangat yang begitu, ia sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu mereka rasa lebih kuat.

 Elakkan juga untuk berkata “takpe, boleh pregnant lagi,” sesungguhnya kita tak tahu sekiranya mereka
struggle
 untuk hamil atau bukan mudah untuk mereka mencuba hamil, tiba-tiba kehilangan pula. Katakan “tidak mengapa, kita berdoa untuk yang terbaik.” Dengan sentiasa mengingatkan mereka untuk berpaling kepada Allah swt adalah yang terbaik, sesungguhnya hanya Dia yang tahu perasaan orang yang ditimpa dugaan ini.

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
theAsianparent Malaysia

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Little boy chokes to death at preschool: Do you know how to save a choking child?

We leave our kids at daycare, secure in the knowledge they’ll be looked after well. But apparently, this is not always the case. Heartwrenching preschool CCTV footage has emerged of a four-year-old boy choking to death at school, all alone during lunchtime.

“Why didn’t a teacher come to his rescue?” sobbed the mother’s boy

September 10 was a normal day for a kindergarten class in Hunan, China. The teacher on duty at mealtime made one critical and life-threatening mistake: She went away, leaving the little ones eating lunch on their own.

Soon, one of the boys begins choking on his meal. The CCTV footage shows the boy is suffocating, as he tries to remove the food stuck in his mouth by coughing non-stop.

The child did not receive any help for three minutes. His classmates – too young to understand the gravity of the situation – are oblivious to the little one’s suffering.

The footage then continues, showing the teacher coming back to the table. She tries to help the child extract the cake that was choking him, but to no avail.

Immediately after that, the teacher can be seen hurrying the boy to a hospital. The journey took eight minutes, but unfortunately, the boy could not be saved in time.

The kindergarten school has taken full responsibility for the unfortunate episode after thoroughly discussing it over with the victim’s parents.

The following video shows the full sequence of events. Be warned that this video contains distressing content – viewer discretion is advised.

How to Stop a Child Choking

The choking child can appear conscious or unconscious – and you should act accordingly depending on how they appear.

Here are guidelines from the
National Healthcare System UK
 on how to act if you see a child over one year old choking. Remember, these short tips may not seem much, but they can potentially help you save a life.

If the child is still conscious…

Place the child facing downwards on your lap OR help sit up while leaning forward.

Pat his back five times.

If these back blows don’t help at all, apply the Heimlich Maneuver. This technique involves giving hard pushes towards the abdomen, which can help remove the object stuck in the child’s throat. The steps are to:

Stand or keep your knees down, facing the child’s back.

Tighten your hand into a fist place it between the navel and ribs.

Grab onto your fist with your free hand while still having both around the abdomen, then pull them both inwards and upwards.

Continue doing this action up to five times.

*Note that too much force may damage the lower ribcage, so do take caution.

Once the technique has been applied, evaluate the situation. Has the object been removed? If it hasn’t been expelled while the child is clearly aware, continue the Heimlich Maneuver. Always stay by the child’s side.

Even if the object has been expelled and the child isn’t suffocating, it is still best to consult a medical professional to evaluate his condition.

Educate yourselves and all carers of your kids on how to stop a child choking.

If the child is unconscious…

Lay them down onto a hard, flat surface.

Attract attention and call for help. Use your phone to notify the emergency hotline.

Open the child’s mouth. If you can clearly see an object that’s stuck and can be retrieved, try and take it out.

Apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation by giving the child a few breaths.

Always stay by the child’s side.

We are very sorry for the mother’s loss of her son. It’s a death that certainly could have been prevented had the responsible adults known what to do.

References:
AsiaOne

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Staying Healthy For Your Developing Child: 6 Nutritional Diet Hacks for Busy Mummies

Motherhood is an extremely rewarding journey, but it can sometimes drain your energy – you are always on-the-go and it may seem that time is always against you.

This rings especially crucial during pregnancy, because you are not only responsible for your own well-being, but also that of your
developing
 baby.
It is important to note that a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are especially important during pregnancy or lactation.

Remember, nutrition is key
during pregnancy
– what you eat can affect your child’s development, which is why focusing on yourself should always be a priority as well. Neglecting this aspect could lead to stress, malnutrition, and growth deficiencies for your child.

This might sound a bit overwhelming, but fret not, with  adequate nutritional knowledge and guidelines, including your doctor’s recommendations, you will do just fine.

So, here are six useful diet hacks that we have put together to ensure you get that maternal and child support during your pregnancy journey.

 #1. Pan fry a quick salmon for your omega-3 fatty acid fix

According to a research study from the
University of Granada
, adding salmon to your diet during pregnancy increases omega-3 fatty acid levels that are vital for both your health and your child’s.

It also improves your antioxidant defenses due to nutritional contents such as selenium and retinol in salmon. Salmon also contains essential proteins, minerals, and vitamins like iron.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
 recommends that pregnant or lactating women can take up to two to three servings of salmon per week.

Pan-frying a salmon is one of the easiest, tastiest ways of cooking this fish – just follow these fool-proof tips:

Seasoning:
 Just season salmon with salt and pepper – these two spices are more than enough to enhance the flavour.

Use a non-stick skillet:
 Using a non-stick skillet allows you to easily flip the salmon when pan frying.  Cook it with olive oil (this is also high in omega-3 fatty acids!) until golden brown for about four minutes. Do the same for the other side.

Add a healthy side:
 You can also quickly pan fry some asparagus – these green stalks are high in Vitamin K and support your child’s development.

#2. Crazy busy week up ahead? Make pre-packed meals

Meal preparation may sound daunting and time consuming, but making pre-packed meals is a smart way to make sure you get your healthy portions for the whole week. You only need to spare one day in a week to prepare.

The most important thing to consider is making sure you get enough of your macronutrients. Here are some ideas to add to your grocery list:

Protein:
This is especially important to help build your child’s
important organs including the brain and heart
. You can add poultry, fish, dried beans, peas, eggs, nuts, cheese and tofu.

Carbs:
Pregnant women should have between
175 and 210 grams
 of carbs daily. Carbohydrates, which become an easy energy source for your body include whole grains, pasta, cereal, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables.

Healthy fats:
 According to the
American Heart Association
, the majority of fats that you should take must be from unsaturated fats – there are two types of good fat: monounsaturated (almonds, avocado, olive oil, mixed nuts) and polyunsaturated fats (salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans).  You should aim for four servings of healthy fat per day.

From here, prepare between three or four different recipes so you can have diverse meals for the week. Meal prep does not have to be extravagant, it can be as simple as setting aside a few almonds, steaming some veggies and some brown rice. Cooked brown rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in a tight shallow container.

#3. Blend a nutritious smoothie

Smoothies are a great way of packing in the essential nutrients, fibre, and minerals that you need into a tasty treat! Instead of heading down the smoothie corner near you to sip some sugar-filled drinks, you can make a healthier version.

All you need are the essential ingredients plus a blender, and you are good to go. Here are some of your must-have nutritious ingredients to shop for:

Organic, green vegetables such as baby spinach or baby kale

Peanut butter

Nuts (walnuts, cashews) and seeds (flax, chia, hemp)

Unsweetened almond milk

Fruits like banana, mango, avocado, orange, apple, grapes, mixed berries, lemon

Greek yoghurt

Ginger or turmeric

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Honey for sweetness

There’s a lot more to add on the list, but try to avoid any canned options as these are generally high in sugar – so watch out for the food labels.

#4. Give yourself a snacktime

Setting aside time to snack ensures you get small, frequent meals throughout the day. Pregnancy and lactation can give you intense hunger cravings.

But, when you go hungry, it is easy to grab whatever is in the pantry. However, chances are, you will be grabbing onto something that is high calorie and low in energy, such as cookies or sweet biscuits. While there’s nothing wrong to consume these foods in moderation, these empty calorie foods contain high preservatives, while the calorie levels give you little energy or nutrients that you need throughout the day.

Thus, it is important to eat the right and healthy snacks that can both satisfy your hunger, give you energy, as well as provide you with essential nutrients. One of the best foods that you can snack on is nuts and seeds – these are a good source of healthy fat and protein that are essential to your diet.

You can try a  trail mix by mixing up dried fruits, salt-free nuts, dark chocolate, and oats.

#5. Make a weekly menu plan

If you are going for a pre-packed meal for the whole week, you will only have to prepare your menu once in a week. However, if you feel like you have enough time to make fresh meals every day, then you will need to have a good menu plan to maintain a healthy diet.

Planning what you want to eat at the start of the week can save you time when thinking about what you should eat – at least you will know exactly what to prepare when  your meal time comes.

Always keep in mind your nutritionist or dietician’s advice for the essential nutrients that you will have to include in your menu. You can make your menu plan any time you want as long as consider the portions that you need to take. Just like pre-planned meals, the daily menu needs to include your dose of essential carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals from fruits or vegetables. Menu plans can make you extremely creative, resourceful, and disciplined to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

#6. Drink Enfamama A+ to
support your nutritional needs
!

But sometimes, no matter how much we prepare or how hard we try, some things in motherhood do not always go as planned. Some days, you have little to no time to calculate your macronutrients for the week, other days you just do not get enough nutrients in your body no matter how hard you are trying. But, that is perfectly fine especially if you can get your quick fix with formulas such as Enfamama
A+
.

What is Enfamama A+?

Enfamama
A+
is scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating mothers. During pregnancy, as we have reiterated, mummies have increased nutritional needs to support both themselves and their developing child.

With proper nutrition and stimulation, you can help support your child’s growth and development from
pregnancy.

Enfamama
A+
 contains 100mg DHA (in two servings daily) which is formulated to meet the expert recommended daily DHA intake*. It is also high in Folic Acid, which is essential for growth and division of cells.

Other than that, Enfamama A+ contains a unique blend of nutrients:

Choline:
Choline is a nutrient necessary for the muscle, brain, and liver to function properly. Choline is also an essential nutrient for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Choline
 has been shown to improve the fetus’ cognition, brain development, and placental functioning. It also acts to protect your developing child against neural and metabolic deficiencies.

Calcium:
 Calcium intake is especially important during pregnancy and lactation. Calcium is essential in a child’s bone development. Conversely, there are adverse effects on maternal bone health if maternal calcium stores are depleted.

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D supplementation is essential for the absorption, as well as utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.

Iron:
Iron is important as it is a factor in red blood cell formulation. Women who do not get enough iron in their diet may feel tired throughout the day and are at risk for infections.

Inulin (prebiotic):

Inulin is a type of dietary fiber that is crucial to increase intestinal bifidobacteria to help maintain a good intestinal environment.

In summary, Enfamama
A+
 is a great choice for maternal and
developing baby’s
 nutrition. It
helps you get the supplementary nutrients
 needed, while skipping the hassle or worry of getting enough – it also comes in two delicious flavours of chocolate and vanilla!

Keen to try out Enfamama A+?
Sign up for a free sample and join the Enfamama A+ Club for more support!

*For adult pregnant and locating females, the minimum intake for optimal adult health and fetal and child development is 300mg/d EPA+DHA, of which at least 200mg/d should be DHA. Reference: FAO 2010. Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition. Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper no.91, FAO: Rome.

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Fitness Trends Around The World For 2020

Fitness and wellness trends are constantly evolving and improving. With each passing year of technology and knowledge progress  we find ourselves spoiled for choice on ways to become fitter, stronger and healthier.

The American College Of Medicine is a leading expert on sports medicine and exercise science. For the past 14 years, they conducted a comprehensive global fitness trends survey asking thousands of fitness experts (e.g. personal trainers, medical professionals, wellness coaches and clinical exercise specialists) what they think will be the trends of the year. These trends are rated accordingly and with some being improvements of last year’s trends to new concepts.

Here are some interesting trends that we can follow to ensure 2020 is the year we achieve our fitness goals based on the survey and what people in the industry are predicting.

Outdoor training:
 Training in a gym isn’t for everyone. Being outdoors cycling, running, walking, hiking or swimming, can be more fun and gets you out of the house and office. These can be done solo or with a group and can last for as little as an hour-long bike ride to a weekend of hiking and climbing.

Get the kids fit:
 If you’re a parent, getting your children to do a sport or be active can be challenging. Child and teen obesity is a real problem and it’s been proven that many of these children end up with serious health issues as adults. Start them young and make them understand that keeping fit and at a healthy weight through a wholesome diet is necessary for their future wellbeing.

Beat that middle-age spread:
 It’s not only the children that need to keep in shape. The world’s population is ageing and we are living and working longer than previous generations. The fitness industry has realised this and offers a wide variety of exercise options for seniors.

Workout from home:
 There are many reasons why people don’t want to hit the gym or go outside for a run / cycle. It could be a question of time or logistics; but there are now so many choices for live connected workouts that can be done in the comfort of your living room. A great example of this is the indoor cycling classes by Peloton are live streamed and on-demand, and can get very competitive! Here are some of our favourite at-home workouts.

Free weights:
 Free weight training is increasing in popularity and is based on using kettlebells / barbells / medicine balls correctly and gradually upping resistance to improve strength.

HILIT:
 Everyone knows what HIIT is and it has been proven to be an extremely effective way of getting fit. High-intensity low impact training (HILIT) is becoming more prevalent and is about doing high intensity exercises without putting stress on your joints. It’s the ideal option for those who have injuries and need to take it down a notch.

Rowing:
 The rowing machine is enjoying a renaissance and there has been a steady increase in rowing classes. This is an exercise that uses over 80% of your muscles and is relatively low impact, great for upper body strength and improves posture.
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High-tech fitness:
 Working out at home used to mean using weights or a resistance band and following a programme on a screen. This is old-school because fitness at home has entered another dimension with the introduction of systems like Mirror, which touts itself as the ‘nearly invisible home gym’, and is a full length mirror that streams live and on-demand workouts when switched on. These type of home fitness options aren’t cheap but neither are personal trainers and gym memberships, and there’s something very enticing about exercising in the comfort of your living room.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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10 Ways Being A Dad Makes You Poorer

Everybody knows that it’s expensive to raise a child, but just how much would it cost you?

How much does the average Malaysian dad spend from the time of their child’s birth to when he or she goes to university?

The scary truth is, the cost of raising children is staggering and probably far more than what most (single) people can imagine!

For instance, you could be paying RM12,000 every year for babysitting services alone – that’s roughly the cost of a down payment for a brand new Audi A6! And we’re looking at just one aspect of the bigger picture, as these costs will surely escalate as your child grows older.

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Why Your Middle Child Is The Most Powerful Of Your Kids

The common stereotype of the middle child is they will always be ignored in favour of the more accomplished firstborn or the cute and needy youngest child. They often get lost in the hustle and bustle of family affairs, developing an inferiority complex that never really goes away.

It’s a common stereotype in popular culture, but is it really true? New research suggests that a middle child has some pretty cool advantages. Contrary to popular belief, being the middle child has helped some people develop strong leadership qualities when they grow up.

Here are eight reasons why being a middle child is a pretty cool deal.

The middle child gets a good deal, actually

1. They’re skillful negotiators and peacemakers

The middle child will always compete with other siblings for attention and resources, so finding their own niche and voice in the family becomes a priority for them.

Catherine Salmon, a professor of psychology at the University of Redlands and coauthor of the book
The Secret Power of Middle Children
 says as much. Middle children hone their skills in empathy as a result of their childhood experience. Seeing things from another person’s perspective helps them become better problem-solvers.

“The negotiator role is one they typically have to take up to get what they need in competition with the needs and desires of favored firsts and pampered lasts,” Salmon said.

Sharper negotiating skills in middle children is a social and professional advantage. This makes them better at making friends.

A 1976 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that compared to firstborns, children born after them had better social skills and
were more popular
.

2. They tend to be risk-takers and creative

A survey of 1,000 parents and 1,000 middle children by
TheBabyWebsite.com found that a third of the parents surveyed admitted that their second child often gets
left out
.

This has the positive effect however, of taking intense scrutiny off the middle child. This means middle children are often freer, more creative, and more willing to do new things.

For example, middle children will often get to spend more time alone, forcing them to come up with creative ways to entertain themselves.

3. They are less likely to break under pressure

Okay, so the eldest are more likely to be under more pressure to live up to their parents’ expectations of them. This often leads to a higher risk of depression, than those children who came after them.

Middle children don’t often have this problem, since there’s less pressure upon them. So they’re less likely to be hard on themselves when encountering failure or disappointment during adulthood.

4. Middle children have an entrepreneurial spirit

Alright, alright, the eldest are usually given a
lot
 of credit for being natural leaders. However, middle children tend to learn many highly valued leadership qualities. Among these are cooperative skills, relationship-building skills, and independence. (Is it a coincidence that 52% of US Presidents are
middle children
? You decide.)

Salmon said eldest children are more likely to lead using dominance. But middle children lead through persuasion because they’ve learned negotiation and peacemaking skills early on.

“In addition, middles’ ability to think outside the box, the result of greater openness to experience (which also facilitates exploring different niches in the family), lends itself to entrepreneurial approaches,” she said.

5. The middle child is an amazing relationship partners

So, the middle child has good people skills. Good! Because conflict-resolution skills are helpful in the workplace and a long-lasting marriage.

On a related note, a
study
 by the University of Washington’s John Gottman found that couples who are more willing to make compromises are more communicative. They were able to clearly state their positions during arguments. And they had stronger marriages.

Salmon conducted a survey for her book which revealed that 80% of middle children had never cheated on their significant others. On the other hand, 65% of firstborns and 53% of those born last had. There’s also a
review of birth order literature
 in 2010 that found that being a middle child had a strong correlation with being faithful in monogamous relationships.

6.  They are flexible

Still not convinced? Well, numerous studies have detailed the social and mental benefits of growing up with siblings.

One study in Ohio State University revealed that a child with siblings had more highly developed social skills in kindergarten than an only child. It can be attributed to them having to play well with others at an early age.

Recent research has turned this idea on its head, though. The argument is that being an only child has little to no effect on future social development. But, growing up with siblings has been linked to lower rates of divorce and higher rates of altruism.

The middle child gets a pretty a good deal. They learn from the wisdom and mistakes of their elders, and they can teach what they learn to the siblings younger than them.

This makes them flexible. There is no assigned role to the middle child. They can be fluid and assume either role, as student or teacher.

7. Middles are less likely to succumb to helicopter parenting

This is the age of helicopter parents. They hover around their kids, make a lot of noise, fuss and overprotect. You know the deal.

Children may find it difficult to learn to live independently with helicopter parents around. But if you’re a middle child, HA! Being forgotten and ignored suddenly doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.

Other kids suffer from the insufferable effects of over-parenting. But middle children? They’re largely left to their own devices. This means more freedom to solve their problems and the chance to forge a path for themselves.

“It seems a bit counterintuitive, but in a post-helicopter age where many college kids and beyond aren’t very good at managing their own time and efforts, perhaps because parents have done too much of this for them, it seems like there might be a real advantage to not be the 24/7 focus for parents,” Salmon said.

Image Source: Fresh off the boat

The path of the middle child

I have to give it to the middle children: they are some of the most motivated and confident people I know, and they’re also deeply in touch with who they are.
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So if you have a friend who’s a middle child or if you have a middle child, go to them when they’re feeling down. Show them this list. They are awesome. The world will break without them. You can’t have a world without a middle, eh?

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