CitySaheli » Mommy To Be http://www.citysaheli.com Your Savvy South Asian Girlfriend Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:00:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Soaking Up The Sun Vitamin http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/soaking-up-the-sun-vitamin/ http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/soaking-up-the-sun-vitamin/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:00:56 +0000 citysaheli http://www.citysaheli.com/?p=3410 Sahelis, being cooped up all day could have a bigger impact than you may know.  Recent research shows that South Asian women (especially those with darker skin) may be deficient in or have lower levels of Vitamin D, commonly known as ‘the Sun Vitamin.’  The primary way to obtain this vitamin is by sunlight exposure, but a few dietary sources are also available.

Vitamin D is a steroid with hormone-like activity and is also one of the four main fat-soluble vitamins. It regulates the functions of over 200 genes and is essential for growth and development of the body. 

Vitamin D is especially important for pregnant women.  According to Science Daily, seven out of every ten pregnant women in the United States are not getting enough Vitamin D. Though supplementation poses as a solution, prenatal vitamins do not provide enough vitamin D, and at times higher doses are needed to raise levels.

Vitamin D deficiency amongst newborns and infants has especially been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, neurodevelopment disorders, and weaker bone structure. For adults, deficient levels have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and certain types of cancer.

CitySaheli asked Health Guru, Anita Mirchandani, how to ensure our Sahelis get enough Vitamin D.  Here is what she shared with CitySaheli: 

• Be cognizant about your annual physical and blood work
• As little as ten minutes daily of sun exposure could help achieve your recommended daily allowance (RDA)
• Dietary sources include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or sardines, eggs with yolk, mushrooms, vitamin D fortified milk, orange juice fortified with vitamin D, 6 oz yogurt fortified with vitamin D, 1 ounce Swiss cheese * always check labels for exact daily value amounts
• Try a multivitamin (includes vitamin D) especially if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, live in colder climates (up north especially), or work indoors most of the day
• Recommended amount of Vitamin D includes 5 micrograms (200 IU) for all individuals under the age of 50 including pregnant and lactating women

 

]]> http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/soaking-up-the-sun-vitamin/feed/ 0 Mama Knows Best http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/mama-knows-best/ http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/mama-knows-best/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:39 +0000 citysaheli http://www.citysaheli.com/?p=3092 When navigating through the sometimes-curious nuances of Indian cultural traditions, many of us look to our family members for guidance.  This is especially true for new moms or mothers-to-be as they embark on this new journey in their lives.  They are told to eat and drink a variety of different ‘special concoctions’ which will help achieve different positive outcomes and help ease the transition into motherhood.  Many of these recipes and suggestions have been passed down through the generations and although there isn’t always hard scientific proof that they do indeed work – generations of women follow the rituals non-the-less. 

City Saheli has had a chance to sit down with some of our own mothers to find out exactly why we are told to eat and drink certain concoctions during this exciting and overwhelming time in our lives.  We have chosen to list a few that were most commonly referenced by our ‘expert’ sources:

Raab – This liquid mixture, made of a combination of cloves, ajwain (carom seed) powder, ginger powder, jaggery, ghee and water, is an internal cleanser that helps reduce your stomach.  It also is supposed to increase your energy and strengthen your back, which is much needed after all the pushing and heavy lifting you have done for the past 9 months!  It should be taken first thing in the morning for approximately 2 weeks post partum for the desired effects to be achieved. 

Gundar Pak – A form of mithai (Indian sweet) made of gur (jaggery), gundar (gum), almonds, coconut, white poppy seeds, and ginger powder.  Similar to Raab, this mithai is meant to be taken post partum and functions as an internal cleanser and increases your energy level to help with all those sleepless days/nights ahead!  It should be eaten daily in the early morning for approximately a month after delivery.

Methi (fenugreek) – Used in many cultures, methi is taken by pregnant woman to help induce labor by stimulating contractions, and post partum to increase milk production in breast-feeding moms.  Although it can be consumed in an array of different forms (it comes as a seed, leafy green, or in pill form), our sources all say it is best taken mixed into a laddu (Indian sweet in a shape of a ball) and eaten daily. 

Kesar (saffron) – In a culture where the fairness and brightness of ones skin is emphasized, it is logical that there is a concoction given to pregnant women to improve their complexion in the hope it will impact their baby’s complexion as well.  A mixture of kesar, ground almonds, ground pistachios, cardamom powder, and sugar are mixed into a cup of hot milk and should be drunken daily after the 7th month in hopes of a “brighter outcome” on “d-day”. 

Ghee (clarified butter) – Ghee is one of the most common ingredients found in an Indian household, and lucky for all you pregnant moms out there – it supposedly helps you to have an “easy/slippery” delivery!  A spoonful should be melted and mixed with enough milk and sugar to ensure you can take it down, and it should be taken towards last month of pregnancy. 

City Saheli was lucky enough to have some of these home recipes passed along to us so that we could share them with Y-O-U!!!   Of course, every household may have variations on how these home remedies are made so feel free to change them as per your family’s traditions. 

* As with all diets, please check with your physician before starting any new regime or if you have questions as to what can be safely consumed during pregnancy. 

 gundarpak-methiladdu

Raab-Kesar

 

]]> http://www.citysaheli.com/2010/mama-knows-best/feed/ 0 Prenatal Yoga http://www.citysaheli.com/2009/prenatal-yoga/ http://www.citysaheli.com/2009/prenatal-yoga/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:20 +0000 citysaheli http://www.citysaheli.com/?p=2441 With the increasing popularity of yoga, and as the health benefits of this age-old discipline become better known, more and more pregnant women are incorporating this exercise form into their prenatal routines.  Although traditional yoga may conjure up images of headstands and tree poses, prenatal yoga is a discipline designed to be comfortable for the pregnant woman and the baby.  While the thought of adding yet another “to do” in your already packed weeks amidst your increasingly waning energy may seem difficult, prenatal yoga is actually exactly what you need to give yourself an extra bounce, your mind a respite, all while providing short and long term health benefits to you and to your baby.

Prenatal yoga has proven to help women throughout their pregnancy by: 

• increasing strength and flexibility,
• preventing pain in the lower back,
• diminishing swelling traditionally associated with pregnancy,
• reducing stress, and
• preparing for labor through relaxation techniques.  

Additionally, prenatal classes provide a relaxing environment to meet and converse with other pregnant women.  According to experts, this practice of yoga can be incorporated into a pregnancy routine at any time.  

How can you get started on prenatal yoga?  Citysaheli Baby has outlined a few guidelines to help you start out.

1. Check with your doctor before doing any athletic activity, including yoga.

2. Pick a day(s) of the week when you can routinely attend a prenatal class. This will help tremendously in extending the benefits both in and out of the class room.

3. Pick a yoga studio that is near your office or home for ease of access.  If you have access to few nearby studios, then ask if you can take a trial class. 

CitySaheli picks for prenatal yoga studios!

Karma Kids Yoga
Here prenatal classes are held four to five times a week and include yoga postures to address and relive the common discomforts of pregnancy;  relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to ease fear and anxiety associated with pregnancy and delivery;  and abdominal and pelvic floor toning to enhance postnatal recovery. Check out their website and attend their next prenatal yoga class. Mention CitySaheli Baby, and receive a free trial class.

Prenatal Yoga Center
The Prenatal Yoga Center is the first yoga center in New York City to focus on moms and moms-to-be. Over the past 7 years, over 6000 women have taken classes and workshops. The Center is based in the Upper West Side and offers classes in Chelsea, Brooklyn, and the Upper East Side as well.  Classes include:  Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Mommy and Me, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language and Music for Babies.

Jivamukti Yoga
Through the use of props and a wide spectrum of asanas adapted for the ever-changing pregnant body, Jivamukti’s pre-natal yoga classes enable the pregnant yogini to safely practice sun salutes, standing poses, balances, twists, forward bends, and even backbends. emphasizing breathing along with stretching and strengthening the body, these challenging but relaxing classes are empowering for pregnant women.

 

 

]]> http://www.citysaheli.com/2009/prenatal-yoga/feed/ 0 South Asian Guide to Naming Your Baby http://www.citysaheli.com/2009/south-asian-guide-to-naming-your-baby/ http://www.citysaheli.com/2009/south-asian-guide-to-naming-your-baby/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:36 +0000 citysaheli http://www.citysaheli.com/?p=2054 With a new baby on the way, parents make more room in their home, shop for new baby clothes, find new ways to save money, and try to pick the perfect name for their bundle of joy.  Often, this last task proves to be the trickiest.  For parents seeking a South Asian derived name, marrying culture with modern flair can be enticing but also incredibly challenging.  Today the process of picking a baby’s name is based mostly on the couple’s personal tastes; however, the practice of picking a baby’s name in South Asia is mired in tradition and has a deep cultural heritage.

Parents often want names that have some or all of these traits: carries culture, is pronounceable, is original, and has a beautiful meaning.  And if it happens to solicit a thank you from the tot when he or she is old enough, even better.  Although the accessibility of global resources, such as websites and frequent skype conversations with dadi and nani can help, it also can quickly lead to information overload, leaving parents overwhelmed.  With so many choices, it’s nearly impossible to pick the perfect name.  CitySaheli brings it all together for you in this South Asian Guide to Naming Your Baby.

Step #1:  Choose an Approach
Choosing an approach that aligns with your personal interests and beliefs can quickly help to narrow the list.  Below are some commonly used filters among the South Asian community to select the perfect name.

A. Baby Names by Birth Star. One way to name your baby is according to her Nakshatram or birth star.  According to Vedic Astrology, one’s birth star can have a significant influence on the life cycle of a person and her personality traits.  In other words, it’s considered good luck.  How can you determine your baby’s birth star?  The most common way in South Asia is to consult a priest or Vedic astrologer. If you don’t have access to either before leaving the hospital, get your hands on a Nakshatram calculator.

B.  Baby Names by Rashi. Another way to name your baby is by her Rashi.  According to Vedic Astrology, each of the 12 zodiac signs has two and one quarter constellations and each constellation is further divided into four parts (charan).  Each charan is assigned a letter and that letter is the ideal starting letter for the baby.   How can you determine your baby’s rashi? Again, the conventional way is to consult a priest or a vedic astrologer, but fortunately for those without regular access to the internet is very useful.

C. Baby Names by Meaning. Often, couples and/or families have strong attachments to the meaning of a name, especially one that triggers a specific emotion, memory or event. A CitySaheli friend has a name that’s derived from the Hindu goddess Parvati. Coincidentally, her husband’s name is a representation of the Lord Shiva who was Parvati’s husband according to the ancient Vedas.  Together, Parvati and Shiva created a son named Ganesh so when it came time to naming their son, they scoured for any and all names that were derived from Ganesh.  Certain websites like the one below have search engines geared specifically for this:

D.  Baby Names by Khandan (Family Lineage).  As earnestly depicted in the movie, The Namesake, many South Asian families ask relatives, especially elders, to name their baby.  Each family chooses the name based on different things.  The husband’s sister in many Indian cultures is often given the responsibility of choosing the baby’s name.  With so many other baby details to manage, why not take a task off your plate?

E.  Aesthetic Synergy with Last Name. Last, but certainly not least- you may be inclined to pick a name simply on how it sounds, especially with your last name. And why not? Your baby’s first and last name will be said together many times in her lifetime. Shouldn’t it sound nice?


Step #2: Choose a Category:
Once you’ve selected the right approach for you and your family, select the category that best meets your requirements.   With over 50,000+ names to choose from, identifying the right category can help slim the list down even further.

A. Traditional Names. Traditional Indian names never go out of style, especially now with families picking names to be culturally sophisticated.  Click on the resources below for more information:

B. Religious Names. Many couples are inclined to name their baby after a religious deity or icon.  No matter what the religion, this, too, is a classic move. The website below has a comprehensive database of names from all south asian religions.

 C. “Fusion” Names. If you are drawn to a name that has South Asian Roots but also has a western flair, you are likely seeking a “fusion” name.  The names that are considered “fusion” are based largely on personal preference. CitySaheli picks include:

  • Boys: Jay/Jai, Dev, ,Neal, Krish, Aryan, Arya, Kiran, Zane, Nalin, Kannan
  • Girls: Anya, Eesha, Aleena, Sahana, Asha, Veena, Krisha, Sarina, Monica, Sonya

 D. Create Your Own. You may find that none of the categories above appeal to you. This is when it may be time to create your own name.  Use root words to create your own name. A CitySaheli friend recently named her son, Jaiden, using the root word, Jai (victory).

 Step 3:  Have some fun!
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of names to just a few, below are some fun, context setting exercises.

A.  Other Cultures/ Languages. Often South Asian names exist in other cultures.  This link below will tell you if you’ve picked one of them and what it means in other languages.

B. Name Popularity. How popular is the name that you picked?  Enter the name(s) in the website below to learn more:

C. Numerology. Just how lucky is the name you picked? According to the study of Vedic numerology, the luckiness of your “name number” can tell you how strong your relationships will be with other people. How can you tell just how lucky your name is? Use the calculator below and have fun with it.  You can enter various combinations of a name (with or without last name, with or without middle name or middle initial) in this site and see which is the luckiest.

Whatever your approach, enjoy the process.  It is often said that when you meet your baby, then you’ll know what his or her name should be. It’ll just come to you. Congratulations and enjoy the process!

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