Health benefits and risks of honey to children.

Benefits of honey to Children

Honey for kids older that twelve months of age is known to be highly effective in treating minor cuts and bruises on account of its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.
Honey also promotes the growth and development of good hair and keeps the skin supple and soft. Honey if consumed by older children is also known to benefit their health on account of its anti oxidant properties and the presence of vitamins and minerals like manganese, iron, copper etc. In case of a persistent cough in children older than two years old. Honey may also be used to soothe the throat and act as a natural cough suppressant. However it should be given in a small quantity.
Honey also triggers the production of saliva which in turn acts as a natural expectorant thereby providing relief from cough. Research has shown that darker honey has more antioxidants and has more health benefits as compared to the lighter varieties of honey. In some cases honey is also known to tackle the problem of bed wetting in children if consumed by them on account of its moisture retaining properties and benefits.

Risks of honey to infants
Honey for infants less than one year old is highly dangerous as it is known to develop a severe allergic reaction called infant botulism. The bacteria associated with this reaction forms spores which if swallowed by the baby will result in the production of a poisonous toxin that tends to affect the intestines of the baby. Symptoms of infant botulism are poor sucking, weak cry, lack of facial expressions etc. Some people tend to follow the old habit of soothing a crying baby by dipping the pacifier in honey. This practice should be stopped completely as the immune system of the baby is not strong enough to fend of the benign strain of raw honey.
 Although many food manufacturers commonly use honey as an important ingredients in their foods, it is an established rule among baby food manufacturers not to add honey to any of their products. Honey for babies does not cause infant botulism only on consumption. The botulism spores are even known to be found in soil, uncooked foods and dust and hence even pose a risk to adults and older kids. Honey not only harms the baby’s teeth on account of its sugary taste and composition but also tend s to develop a “sweet tooth” in him as he grows.
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS

The red flower that we are mentioning today is a flower with innumerable benefits. It is called “Rosemallow" and belongs to the family of the Malvaceae. It has another popular name, the most common Indian garden flower, Hibiscus.

This trumpet shaped flower is widely used in Ayurveda, herbal hair care products and is said to be very beneficiary to health. Lets brief you more about the health benefits of the hibiscus. Take a look.


Health Benefits of Hibiscus
1. The natural flower extracts are said to be a great remedy for heart related ailments. Drinking the flower concoction is said to bring down the blood pressure levels in the body.
2. The anti oxidant rich flower is the best medicine to reduce body fat. A teaspoon of powdered petals of the flower can actually reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood that block the arteries leading to heart attack.
3. Another health benefit of the hibiscus flower is that it can actually bring down the body heat. The flower concentrate can be added to a glass of water and relished like a fruit drink. It also boosts the immune system.
The white hibiscus, specially has the highest cooling effect and is used in decreasing the eye pressure and face treatments.  The petals are applied like a face pack and is said help prevent acne.
4. Hibiscus is a natural diuretic thus its juice is advised for those who suffer from diabetic and kidney related problems.
5.  Making a churan of the red hibiscus flowers can naturally improve the blood color and also is a good medicine for anaemic patients. In eastern countries, the dry petals of white hibiscus is used as a garnish on sweet dishes and desserts.

Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

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Poverty

Poverty is far from being eradicated. During the last two decades, the number of people effected by extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled, from 164 million in 1982 to some 313 million as of 2002. Poverty alone does not lead to malnutrition, but it seriously effects the availability of adequate amounts of nutritious food for the most vulnerable populations. Over 90 percent of malnourished people live in developing countries.

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Lack of access to food

Most major food and nutrition crises do not occur because of a lack of food, but rather because people are too poor to obtain enough food. Non-availability of food in markets, difficult access to markets due to lack of transportation, and insufficient financial resources are all factors contributing to the food insecurity of the most vulnerable populations. People are increasingly dependent on international markets for all or part of their food supply, particularly between harvest periods. Many people are increasingly vulnerable due to fluctuations in the prices, as was recently illustrated during the global food crisis.

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Disease

Certain illnesses and infections, such as tuberculosis, measles, and diarrhoea are directly linked to acute malnutrition. A combination of disease and malnutrition weakens the metabolism creating a vicious cycle of infection and undernourishment, leading to vulnerability to illness. HIV and AIDS have become a leading cause of acute malnutrition in developing countries. A child infected with HIV is more vulnerable to acute malnutrition than a healthy child. Anti-retroviral drugs are more effective when combined with adequate, regular food intake. So ensuring a healthy diet is an important aspect of HIV control and treatment.

If the HIV-infected child becomes acutely malnourished, her/his diminished nutritional state will increase the likelihood of infections, and may lower the effectiveness of medications — either anti-retroviral treatment or for other illnesses and infections.  When severely malnourished, an individual may not be able to tolerate medications at all. The combination of acute malnutrition and HIV and AIDS thus considerably increases the chances of morbidity, placing the child at a higher risk of death.

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Conflicts

Conflicts have a direct impact on food security, drastically compromising access to food. Often forced to flee as violence escalates, people uprooted by conflict lose access to their farms and businesses, or other means of local food production and markets. Abandoned fields and farms no longer provide food to broader distribution circuits.  As a result, food suppies to distributors may be cut off, and the many populations dependent on them may be unable to obtain sufficient food.

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Climate change

In 30 years, the number of natural disasters — droughts, cyclones, floods, etc. — linked to climate change has increased substantially.  The effects of climate change are often dramatic, devastating areas which are already vulnerable. Infrastructure is damaged or destroyed; diseases spread quickly; people can no longer grow crops or raise livestock.

According to UN studies in over 40 developing countries, the decline in agricultural production caused either directly or indirectly by climate change could dramatically increase the number of people suffering from hunger in the coming years.

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Lack of safe drinking water

Water is synonymous with life. Lack of potable water, poor sanitation, and dangerous hygiene practices increase vulnerability to infectious and water-borne diseases, which are direct causes of acute malnutrition.

SOLUTIONS TO MALNUTRITION

Action Against Hunger’s assessment, treatment and prevention activities are designed and carried out together with communities and health services. Until recently, children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were treated in intensive-care inpatient facilities known as ‘Therapeutic Feeding Centres.’ These hospital-like centres required children and their parents or caregivers to remain in residence during their month-long treatment.

The recent development of innovative food products for treating severe acute malnutrition, known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), now permits treatment to take place in the community at any time and place, resulting in a shift towards new outpatient treatment programmes. Such programmes, known as Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition, offer severely malnourished children the opportunity to be treated at home, rather than in a centre, with family and community support for recovery.  Health professionals assist communities to diagnose nutritional problems, and oversee community-level activities.

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Ready-to-use therapeutic foods

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods have been developed in the form of peanut-butter based pastes and biscuits that are nutrient-rich and packed with high concentrations of protein and energy. RUTFs reduce exposure to water-borne bacteria as they contain no water. They require no refrigeration and are ready to serve, ensuring that essential nutrients are not lost by the time the products are consumed.  With no water, heating or preparation required, RUTFs avoid all of the major inconveniences of therapeutic milk-based products, which are the standard treatment in inpatient care of severe acute malnutrition.

CMAM and RUTF have resulted in revolutionary changes in the fight to overcome acute malnutrition by enabling:

1. A massive scaling-up of treatment programmes to cover many more malnourished children
2. Increased coverage, with broader access to treatment
3. A reduction in social costs associated with SAM treatment, as parents and caregivers are able to treat severely malnourished children without medical complications at home, without leaving the rest of the family or foregoing income-generating activities

CMAM includes three main elements:

1. Community Outreach
2. Outpatient Care: home treatment
3. Inpatient Care: hospital or health facility treatment

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Community outreach

To reach as many acutely malnourished children as possible and achieve maximum programme coverage, CMAM depends on community involvement in all aspects of the programme. Known as Community Outreach, this aspect of CMAM includes community assessment of nutritional status, community mobilisation, active case-finding of acutely malnourished children, and referral and case follow-up. Community volunteers work directly with malnourished children and their families. Alongside local health professionals and volunteers, Action Against Hunger's teams assess the nutritional status of childen and identify new cases of malnutrition as early as possible, so that timely interventions can prevent further deterioration. By working in partnership with local health services, Action Against Hunger aims to integrate the assessment, treatment, and prevention of acute malnutrition into national, regional and local healthcare systems.

Children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition are provided with care and support, which may include food and micronutrient supplements, medical treatment, if needed, and nutrition advice/education for parents and caregivers. Nutrition education can include information on optimal infant and child feeding and care practices, advice on hygiene and sanitation, and the prevention of illness, and psycho-social support. The weight and height of children with moderate acute malnutrition are monitored regularly in order to prevent deterioration into severe acute malnutrition.

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Outpatient care: home treatment

Children treated through community-based Outpatient care represent 80 percent of all cases of severe acute malnutrition. Those who are clinically stable, have no medical complications, and still have an appetite, are directly admitted to a programme of home treatment that is supported by weekly visits to  “stabilisation centres “ (either hospitals or health centres) for medical supervision. Weekly visits allow health professionals to evaluate the children’s progress and provide them with a weekly supply of RUTF for home treatment. The visits also allow acutely malnourished children to receive preventative measures and treatment for infections, illnesses, and micronutrient deficiencies (such as antibiotics, vitamin A, de-worming tablets, immunisations, etc). Follow–up visits can continue for up to two months, depending on the child's progress and recovery.

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Inpatient care: hospital or health facility treatment

A child who does not have an appetite, does not gain weight, and/or exhibits serious medical complications is admitted to a specialised hospital, clinic, or other inpatient health facility where s/he is treated using therapeutic milk products. Such children represent about 20 percent of cases of severe acute malnutrition. When a child with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications has regained his/her appetite and medical problems  have been successfully treated, s/he is transferred to outpatient care.  A child may remain in inpatient care for four to seven days, depending on his/her recovery.

NUTRION AND COLIC

NATURAL COLIC TREATMENT THROUGH NUTRITION AND CARING

Infant colic and reflux are distressing for both parents and  baby but they can be relieved without drugs. Colic is a symptom of reflux or other eating problems. When is crying considered colic? 

   Consolable; When crying is easily consolable with carrying and affection, then that is just what babies need. 

Inconsolable; When crying is frequently inconsolable, beyond athletic bouncing sessions and extreme distraction techniques, one needs to look for something that is regularly causing pain. We are often given a “diagnosis” of colic, or more commonly today, reflux or GERD for the frequently long-crying baby, (Natural Colic Care: Professional Help for Colic, GERD and Breastfeeding, Nutrition & Natural Parenting Challenges)

What is colic? It's a baby who cries a lot. At least that’s what we’re told, along with assurances that baby will “grow out” of it one day. The attuned parent, often sensing that their inconsolable baby is in pain, desires to do something more than just wait. Often the baby with colic is prescribed sedative drugs with potentially dangerous side effects. While posing risks to the infant, these generally do not address the source of the problem.

Since the development of new expensive drugs for gastric acid reflux, most crying babies are diagnosed with GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and prescribed the new proton pump inhibitor drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid. Parents usually find that these provide little help, if any. Current studies reveal that there is great randomness to the symptoms used to diagnose GERD, that while the drugs will reduce acid in the stomach and esophagus they do not reduce baby’s colic symptoms or other symptoms, and that GERD drugs increase intestinal infections and pneumonia. While the GERD diagnosis and prescription of these drugs is lucrative, it sadly steers parents away from finding real solutions for their baby.

Common Causes In the nursing baby, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, garlic, or spicy foods in mother’s diet often cause uncomfortable gas or irritation. Sometimes caffeine or chocolate are problematic as well.

Number One Cause While not frequently proposed, research proves that the number one cause of colic is intolerance to cow’s milk proteins in the diet of the breastfeeding mother or in formula. Corn, wheat, and soy are some other common offenders.

Other Symptoms Often other symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, spitting-up, rashes, sleeplessness, or waking with screams go along with this picture. Sometimes chronic stuffiness and ear infections also stem from food sensitivities; again, dairy being the major offender, Palmer, 2001.

Finding Out Blood and scratch tests are simply not reliable, and are often negative. Once other, rare medical conditions have been professionally ruled out for the chronically crying baby, dietary trials in search of offending foods will likely provide the solution that is needed.

 

REMEDY

Nursing Mother; Strict elimination of dairy and other offenders in the nursing mother’s diet will produce better results than elemental formulas, while helping the intestines to heal and maintaining immune protection and other benefits.

 Caring for Colic; Lots of jiggling often helps to move painful bubbles through baby’s system. Tummy rubs may be responded to positively as well. The general rule for reacting to a crying baby who cannot be comforted is to simply hold them and validate their feelings. Yet when a child frequently suffers from painful bouts of colic, it may be more kind to help distract them from their pain, if and when possible.

How a Poor Diet Affects Children's Teeth

Good nutrition starts in the mouth. Saliva mixes with food to travel into the stomach for further digestion. Eating a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are naturally low in sugar and have abundant vitamins and minerals. Children that eat a poor diet such as potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are at risk for developing teeth problems.

Too Much Sugar

Potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are high in sugar and calories. The sugar content in these food stick to the surface of teeth. Bacteria feeds on the sugar and breaks down the enamel in teeth. Over time, cavities, gum disease and rotten teeth will develop. Replacing high sugar foods with low calorie sugars or decreasing the amount of high sugar foods will help prevent teeth complications.

Eating Too Much

Many children eat in front of the TV, computer, on the phone or while playing video games. When this happens, children become unaware of how much and how long they have eaten. As soon as 5 minutes after eating, if plaque isn't brushed away, bacteria starts to feed on food particles stuck in teeth; therefore eroding the enamel of teeth. If a child has been eating for prolonged period, this is detrimental to the teeth and body. Eating too much will cause weight gain.

• Remedy

 Consume More Calcium

A diet poor in calcium may lead to cracked, chipped and decayed teeth. Calcium is needed for developing strong bones and teeth. Strong teeth prevent cracking, chipping and decay from occurring. Calcium is found in dairy foods such as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt and the U.S. Department of Argiculture recommends 2 to 3 cups a day of low fat dairy. One cup of milk, 1 cup yogurt, and 1.5 oz. of cheese counts as a single serving size.

Fluoride

Fluoride is found naturally in some foods and beverages. This helps protect teeth against cavities and teeth decay. Flouride is often placed in community drinking water. The American Dietetic Association states fluoride is an important element for mineralized tissue and development of bone in teeth. The recommended dietary allowance is 3 to 4 mg daily.

References

• Diet and Dental Health
• The role of dietary calcium in bone health
• Inside the Pyramid: Low Fat Dairy
• Sources of Flouride

Junk food effects on children concentration

 How Healthy Eating Affects Children's Concentration

Research shows that healthy eating can improve children's concentration and help them do better in school, says pediatric behavioral nutritionist Janice Baranowski from Baylor University in Houston. Baranowski adds that getting the proper nutrients is especially important for young brains that are still growing and developing. Nutritionist Beth Reardon from Duke University's integrative medicine center in Durham, North Carolina, adds that research also suggests that certain foods may affect kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, either in a positive or a negative way.

Brain Development

The brain develops faster during early childhood than at any other period of life. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid in breast milk and some formulas, is believed to be crucial for brain development and may help brain cells work more efficiently, says Baranowski. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish may also help facilitate learning and reduce sleep and behavior problems that can interfere with concentration in older kids, according to a 1996 Purdue University study of boys ages 6 to 12 that was published in "Physiology and Behavior."

Breakfast Fuel

According to a 2005 University of Florida report published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," breakfast eaters may have improved memory and get better grades on tests compared to kids who skip breakfast. Children who don't eat breakfast also suffer from hunger due to lack of fuel to start the day. A University of Michigan study of elementary school children published in the July 2001 issue of "Pediatrics" found that the kids who didn't get enough to eat had significantly lower math scores and were more likely to repeat a grade than children who fueled up with a healthy breakfast.

Preventing Energy Dips

High amounts of sugar and fat can hurt children's concentration by causing energy dips. A heavy, fat-laden meal--like a fast-food burger and fries--slows alertness by sending blood from the brain to the tummy to help with digestion. Candy, cookies, cakes and other sugary foods can hinder concentration because sugar causes blood sugar to spike and then plunge, causing an energy crash. Too much sugar also contributes to childhood obesity, which can impair physical and mental health.

References

• Janice Baranowski, R.D., M.P.H.; Assistant Professor of Pediatric Behavioral Nutrition, Baylor University; Houston, Texas

Is your child ready for that potty?

Toilet Training Your Child

When should I start toilet training my child?

Do not start toilet training until both you and your child are ready. You are ready when you are able to devote the time and energy necessary to encourage your child on a daily.
Signs that your child is ready include the following:

• Your child signals that his or her diaper is wet or soiled.
• Your child seems interested in the potty chair or toilet.
• Your child says that he or she would like to go to the potty.
• Your child understands and follows basic instructions.
• Your child feels uncomfortable if his or her diaper is wet or soiled.
• Your child stays dry for periods of 2 hours or longer during the day.
• Your child wakes up from naps with a dry diaper.
• Your child can pull his or her pants down and then up again.

You may start noticing these signs when your child is 18 to 24 months of age. However, it is not uncommon for a child to still be in diapers at 2 and a half to 3 years of age.

How should I prepare my child for toilet training?

Allow your child to be present when you go to the bathroom and make your child feel comfortable in the bathroom. Allow your child to see urine and bowel movements in the toilet. Let your child practice flushing the toilet.
Before toilet training your child, place a potty chair in your child's normal living and play area so that your child will become familiar with the potty. Consider placing a potty chair on each floor of the house if you live in a multilevel home. Allow your child to observe, touch and become familiar with the potty chair.
Tell your child that the potty chair is his or her own chair. Allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty chair, as if it were a regular chair. Allow your child to leave the potty chair at any time. Do not force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.
After your child has become used to the potty chair and sits on it regularly with his or her clothes on, try having your child sit on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper. Let your child become comfortable with sitting on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper.
The next step is to show your child how the potty chair is used. Place stool from a dirty diaper into the potty chair. Allow your child to observe the transfer of the bowel movement from the potty chair into the toilet. Let your child flush the toilet and watch the bowel movement disappear down the toilet.

How do I teach my child to use the toilet?

After your child has become comfortable with flushing the toilet and sitting on the potty chair, you may begin teaching your child to go to the bathroom. Keep your child in loose, easily removable pants.
Place your child on the potty chair whenever he or she signals the need to go to the bathroom. Your child's facial expression may change when he or she feels the need to urinate or to have a bowel movement. Your child may stop any activity he or she is engaged in when he or she feels the need to go to the bathroom.
Most children have a bowel movement once a day, usually within an hour after eating. Most children urinate within an hour after having a large drink.
In addition to watching for signals that your child needs to urinate or have a bowel movement, place your child on the potty at regular intervals. This may be as often as every 1 and a half to 2 hours.
Stay with your child when he or she is on the potty chair. Reading or talking to your child when he or she is sitting on the potty may help your child relax. Praise your child when he or she goes to the bathroom in the potty chair, but do not express disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Be patient with your child.
Once your child has learned to use the potty chair, your child can begin using an over-the-toilet seat and a step-up stool.

What about training pants?

Doctors disagree about whether to use disposable training pants. Some think that training pants may confuse children and make them think it is okay to use them like diapers. This may slow the toilet training process. Others think training pants may be a helpful step when you are training your child. Sometimes, training pants are used at nighttime, when it is more difficult for a child to control his or her bladder.

What if my child has an accident?

Your child may have an occasional accident even after he or she learns how to use the toilet. Sometimes, children get too involved in activities and forget that they need to use the bathroom. Suggesting regular trips to the bathroom may help prevent some accidents.
If your child does have an accident, stay calm. Do not punish your child. Simply change your child and continue to encourage your child to use the potty chair.

How long will it take to toilet train my child?

Every child is different. It may take as long as 3 to 6 months for your child to be toilet trained during daytime. It may take longer to teach your child to use the toilet during nighttime when his or her bladder control is reduced. It is important for you to be patient and supportive. If after a few months, your child is still resisting or having difficulties with toilet training, talk to your family doctor. The most likely reason your child has not learned to use the potty is that your child is not yet ready for toilet training

Constipation in children

How can You tell?

Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

How can I tell if my baby is constipated?

A circus of bodily fluids, a nighttime explosion, and more diaper-changing disasters. Hear parents' tales of their worst encounter with a dirty diaper.

When it comes to a baby's bowel movements, there's no "normal" number or schedule — only what's normal for your baby. Your baby may pass a stool after every feeding, or wait a day or more between bowel movements. Her individual pattern depends on what she eats and drinks, how active she is, and how quickly she digests her food and then gets rid of waste. With practice, you'll be able to tune in to your baby's unique habits.

If you're concerned that your baby may be constipated, there are a couple of clues to look for. One clue is less frequent bowel movements than her norm, especially if she hasn't had one in three or more days and is obviously uncomfortable when she does have one. And if she has hard, dry stools that are difficult for her to pass — no matter how frequently — she may be constipated.

By the way, if you notice very liquid stools in your child's diaper, don't assume it's diarrhea — in fact, it may be evidence of constipation. Liquid stools can slip past the blockage in the lower intestine and wind up in your child's diaper.

Why do babies get constipated?

There are several possible culprits:

Formula. Babies who breastfeed exclusively are rarely constipated. Breast milk has the perfect balance of fat and protein, so it produces stools that are almost always soft — even if your baby hasn't had one for several days. If your baby is on formula, it's possible that something in her formula is making her constipated. Ask your baby's doctor about switching brands. (Despite what you may have heard, the amount of iron in formula doesn't have any bearing on constipation.)

Is it serious? Find out fast

The introduction of solids. Don't be surprised if your baby becomes mildly constipated as she steps up to solid food. That's often because rice cereal, usually the first food given during this transition period, is low in fiber.

Dehydration. If your baby isn't getting enough fluid, she'll become dehydrated and her system will respond by absorbing more fluid from whatever she eats or drinks — and from the waste in her bowels, as well. The result is hard, dry bowel movements that are difficult to pass.

A medical condition or illness. Though it's uncommon, constipation can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism, some metabolic disorders, some food allergies and botulism. If your baby passes hard, painful stools, you'll want her doctor to check her out, just to make sure.

Rarely, constipation is caused by a condition called Hirschsprung's disease, which is typically diagnosed within the first few weeks of life. A baby with this disease suffers from a birth defect that prevents her gut from functioning properly.

Breastfeeding While Pregnant

You may have never intended to be breastfeeding while pregnant, but here you are. The fact is that lots of nursing mommies never actually plan to be breastfeeding while pregnant, but as many of us know…sometimes babies are conceived at the most unexpected times!
On the other hand, you may be one of the moms that actually plans a pregnancy while still breastfeeding to ensure that your sweeties are close in age.
No matter what your situation, these moms all find themselves in the situation of nursing while pregnant.

Symptoms of Pregnancy During Breastfeeding

There are various things that a nursing mother might notice that may alert her to the fact that she may be pregnant while still nursing. * Some women notice a decrease in their milk supply. This is usually not a permanent situation and your supply will adjust back so that you can continue nursing.
* You may have sensitive nipples.
* You may be more tired or thirsty than in a previous pregnancy…but as long as you keep drinking enough and resting enough this should not be a problem.

Is It Safe to Continue to Breastfeed?

Absolutely! In fact, throughout much of the world, breastfeeding while pregnant is a common occurrence. It is just “normal.” There is no reason why a mother cannot preserve a good breastfeeding relationship with her child without risk to the health of her new baby who is growing inside her. It is a very safe and natural event. Research confirms that any mother who is getting the proper nutrition should have no problem providing perfect nutrition for both her unborn baby and the breastfeeding child. However, if a child is younger than one year, it is important to watch your child’s weight gain and provide additional solid food if necessary. (Your pediatrician can help you determine your child's needs.)

What Might Happen

In some case, the nursing child will think that the breastmilk tastes different or may be frustrated by a supply drop during pregnancy. This is normal and is not a sign that you must stop breastfeeding.If you decide you want to wean your child, it's still easiest to do it slowly. Many moms try the "don't offer, don't refuse" approach if their child is old enough. Then if you can anticipate when your child is likely to want to breastfeed, you simply offer a snack or a helpful distraction instead.
However, most children simply adjust to the taste, your breast milk supply returns and they are perfectly content to keep nursing as long as mom is willing.

Don't Forget

Breastfeeding during this pregnancy may provide one of your last opportunities to sit alone with your breastfeeding child and nurse, cuddle and truly enjoy these moments...because before you know it you will have to divide your time between him and the new baby. Enjoy this time! Don’t rush to wean. Allow your sweet baby to nurse and he will have the reassurance that, although there is a new baby coming, you still want what is best for him, too.

How to get your child to eat that food

Picky Eaters - 7 Ways To Get Your Child To Eat.....

Let's face it; lots of little kids are picky eaters. Most of them outgrow this in time, but meanwhile it can be very frustrating if the picky eater is one of your own children. Questions are always in the back of your mind - Are they healthy? Will they grow? Will they fall off the doctor's growth charts? Will they ever eat anything besides macaroni and cheese? If there are no health issues and they're just fussy, try some of these tricks:
1. Give your dishes kid-friendly names. For example, call the food Maria's Pixie Dust Noodles or Beautiful Butterfly Cheese Sandwiches. Some kids prefer names like Eyeball Soup or Greasy Hair Spaghetti. Whatever works and you're not too disgusted.
2. Find out what food your child's favorite sports person, super hero, or cartoon figure like and fix these especially for your child. Make a big deal out of it and take a picture of your child eating the extra special dish.
3. Some people are successful with sneaking bits of offending food into their child's current favorite dishes. For instance, grated carrots in cookies, extra fruit in yogurt, raisins added to oatmeal, or a little hamburger mixed in with the mac and cheese. Baby food can be hidden in a lot of things. Be creative and experiment. When baking from scratch, you can sometimes take out half the sugar in cookie, granola, muffin, or snack cake recipes. Oftentimes you can use applesauce instead of oil.
4. Cut everything up. Sandwiches, toast, cheese, fruit, veggies, and pancakes can be cut into triangles or interesting cookie cutter shapes. Ask your child what shape he wants his cheese in today; hearts or stars. Make the presentation on the plate look appetizing, and be sure one food doesn't touch another food! That bothers a lot of kids. You can even buy a new special "big boy" plate or "big girl" bowl. You never know, this could make the food on the plate look more interesting.
5. Kids like smoothies. Throw frozen strawberries or a berry blend, plus a banana and any other fresh fruit you want into the blender along with some milk or orange juice and 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. Let them help prepare their creation.
6. When eating out, let your picky eater try a bite of the food from your plate. If you take a bite of your entree and rate it from 1-10, your kids become curious and want to give your food their own rating. Usually if you rate it a 1 yuk, you get more takers than a 10 yummy. They see it as a fun dare.
7. Use the scarcity tactic. It works in sales and it can work at home. Make a new dish, but only just enough for the grown ups at the table. While you're all at the table, have the grown ups praise the new dish to each other. If the kids ask, tell them it's a new dish and "Sorry, but there's only enough here for me and Dad. I wish you could have some, but this is all there is." If you've done a good job, your children will be begging to try it. You can then happily share the small amount you made.
Some of these tactics will work some of the time, but not all of them all of the time. What's important is that your attitude is light and you're not forcing them to eat. Try to stay positive and be a good food role model. Eventually, although there are no guarantees, your child will slowly pass through their phase of picky eating. I thought my picky eater would never ever like more than 5 things (and 2 of them were pizza), but she did and is now a healthy and thriving teenager.
source;  By Peg Baron

Finally you can give rewards, put a prize on the dish, get your child to eat by making them anticipate their favorite toy, a visit to the park e.t.c.