Dr. Kavita Sharma - Surya Hospital and Cancer Care Centre

  Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful journey — but let’s be honest, it also comes with new responsibilities and challenges. Breastfeeding is one of the most important — yet most overwhelming — experiences for new moms. As a gynecologist, I’ve seen many mothers feel confused or unsure during the early days of nursing. That’s completely normal. Here’s my expert guidance to help you start breastfeeding with confidence, comfort, and care. 🍼 1. Start Early — Within the First Hour The first hour after birth is known as the “Golden Hour.” Your baby is alert and naturally ready to latch. Early skin-to-skin contact helps release oxytocin, boosts milk supply, and builds emotional bonding. 🌼 2. Colostrum Is Nature’s First Vaccine That thick, yellowish milk in the first few days? It’s called colostrum — and it’s packed with antibodies and nutrients. Even a few drops are powerful for your baby’s immunity. Don’t worry if it seems like “too little” — it’s exactly what your ...

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and anticipation — but also a time for increased care and caution, especially when it comes to what you eat. While most foods are safe when properly handled, certain items carry increased risks for the developing fetus and the expectant mother due to bacteria, toxins, or nutritional imbalances. As a Gynaecologist, I often meet expectant mothers who are unsure of what’s safe and what’s best avoided. This article serves as a practical and evidence-based guide to foods you should avoid during pregnancy , along with safer alternatives. 1. Raw or Undercooked Meat Raw or undercooked meat may harbor pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes , Toxoplasma gondii , Salmonella , and E. coli . These can lead to severe foodborne illnesses, some of which cross the placental barrier and impact fetal development. 🔍 Risk : Miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, neonatal infection ✅ Recommendation : Ensure all meat (including poultry and sausages) is fully cooked to...

Your menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly bleed — it’s a regular biological signal that offers deep insight into your reproductive, hormonal, and overall health . Many women normalize discomfort, mood swings, or irregularities, but these symptoms could be your body’s way of asking for help. When your cycle is regular, it’s often a sign that your body is balanced and functioning well. But when it’s not — whether it’s too heavy, too painful, or too irregular — it may be trying to alert you to something deeper. 📊 Menstrual Cycle: The Body's Monthly Report Card Your cycle is regulated by a series of complex hormonal interactions involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries , and uterus . Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rise and fall in a precise rhythm to regulate your fertility and overall health. A disruption in any of these hormones can result in irregularities in the cycle — which often ...

  ✅ 1. Book Your First Prenatal Checkup Visit your gynecologist (ideally around 6–8 weeks) for: Confirmation via scan Estimation of due date Basic blood and urine tests Folic acid & prenatal vitamin prescription 🥗 2. Start Taking Folic Acid Daily It helps prevent birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine. Dosage: Usually 400–600 mcg/day unless otherwise advised. 🍛 3. Watch Your Diet Eat small, balanced meals. Focus on: Green vegetables, fruits, nuts, lentils Iron, calcium, and protein-rich foods Avoid raw papaya, soft cheese, excess caffeine & junk food ⚠️ 4. Avoid Self-Medication Even common painkillers or flu medicines can harm your baby. Always consult your doctor before taking anything. 🚫 5. Say No to Alcohol, Smoking & Passive Smoke These increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental problems. 🧘‍♀️ 6. Rest & Stay Calm Mild fatigue and mood swings are normal in early pregnancy. Take naps, stay hydrated, and ...