Vomiting & Diarrhea without a Fever, a Parent’s Conundrum

My child acting up: Top 3 Tolerance Issues

Immunity Supporting Tips for Busy Moms

Essential Nutrients for Mother and Child Tag Team

A mother who is healthy herself, will be able to help support her child’s growing bodies to get the most out of nutrients from food to thrive. Adequate nourishment, whether it is with food or alternative nutrition (e.g. Similac Gain IQ HMO Liquid (Ready to Drink) for children) for the child, it is also essential for the mother (e.g. Similac MUM for mothers) for similar reasons.⁶ These will help support mother’s bones, muscles, heart, and gut to make her strong and resilient to better provide for her child. A mother who is healthy modeling healthy habits will help her child’s growing bodies get the most out of nutrients to thrive.^{1, 4}

Portion Control is Important both Mother and Child

It is always important to not eat more nor force someone to eat more than they can. Portions all depend on a child’s age, body size (not weight), and physical activity level. A pregnant or breastfeeding mother needs about 300 to 500 additional calories to support her health and the health of her child.⁴ A child needs about 1,000 to 1,400 calories a day.¹ Albeit in different portion sizes, each meal should consist of ¼ vegetables, ¼ fruits, ¼ grains, ¼ proteins, and 1 cup of dairy.^,2,

Milk is the Duo’s Friend

Calcium is needed at 500 milligrams⁵ for children and 1,000 milligrams⁴ for mothers per day, while Vitamin D is needed at 600 IU (International Units)^{1, 4} the same amount for each. These two nutrients build strong bones for the child, while it prevents the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis for the mother. This makes not only other calcium rich foods important, but makes milk an important meal time item. To get the minimum Calcium and Vitamin D needs per day, 2 cups of fortified cow milk is recommended.^{3, 5}

Iron holds the fort for both

Children need about 7 milligrams of iron per day, while a mother may need 3 times that to aid in their body’s production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are important for circulation, oxygen distribution, and preventing anemia. For both, common signs of iron deficiency are fatigue & irritability that could lead to behavioral issues for both.^{1, 4} Iron daily requirements can be easily met if the daily diet consists of plenty of lean meats or fish (1 oz ≅ 1 mg iron), legumes and leafy green vegetables (½ cup ≅ 0.5 to 4 mg iron).⁵

Even if you feel your nutritional vigilance is not quite enough yet, Similac MUM can help. It is a scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding mums without causing excessive weight gain.⁷ Included in its formulation of 27 essential vitamins and minerals, Similac MUM has a unique combination of prebiotics scFOS for bowel regularity, Zinc, Vitamin C, D (to support calcium absorption), E, and Selenium to support the immune system and bone health. Sometimes children cannot consume enough food to get the required amount of nutrients. For this Similac Gain IQ HMO Liquid (Ready to Drink) can help. It has a unique blend of HMO and nucleotides that support your child’s natural body immune system.^{8, 9} With additional 10 key brain nutrients (AA, Omega 3 & 6, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Iodine, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1 and B12) to support brain growth.¹⁰ The unique Eye Q Plus in Similac Gain IQ HMO Liquid contains a unique combination of DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E which support vision and brain development.^{10, 11}

To experience the full range of Similac nutrition, please visit Similac Myanmar today to sign up for samples.¹²

Self Care for Mothers

For a mother, the health of her child takes priority over anything else in her life, but stress can lead to high blood pressure, migraines, and more likely to give in to unhealthy habits (eg. excessive caffeine consumption, binge eating, projections). Self-care through rest, nurturing a pain free back, and keeping a healthy diet with food and maternal milk when needed (eg. Similac MUM) are simple fixes that can help ease pressure of motherhood.^{1, 6}

Importance of Resting

In some cultures, a mother wishing to take a break is frowned upon, but it should be encouraged. Stress, besides affecting mental health, can cause high blood pressures, migraines, and make a mother prone to picking up unhealthy vices. Vices like excessive caffeine consumption or binge eating can affect pregnancy and lactating conditions. Rest does not have to be going to a spa, having a girl’s night out or even taking a vacation. All in the comfort of your home, lying down on the sofa, watching your favorite TV show, or listening to a playlist while working are all forms of resting.^{1, 2}

Take Care of that Back Pain

Your back consists of many muscles, nerves, and bones responsible for posture and mobility. Prolonged pain can have permanent damage if not taken care of. While doing chores, it is important to check your posture from time to time and avoid lifting heavy items if you have back pain. Since a mother may be gaining some weight during pregnancy, back pain will be common. If the pain is persistent, it is best to visit a medical professional for treatment options. Normally, you can treat back pain with term appropriate stretches, exercises, and hot compresses.¹

Why Eating Well is Key

Since food is fuel for life, why not load up with nutrient dense items? Eating regular meals and satiating items will less likely make you binge and maintain consistent energy throughout the day. Snack on bite sized fruits and veggies instead of going for highly processed foods that are high in calories, but low in nutrients.^{1, 3} Take note to have plenty of folic acid (leafy greens, citrus, beans) to promote red & white blood cell production and Vitamin D (fortified foods, salmon, sunlight) to help the body absorb calcium for bone and teeth health. Also include a healthy serving of wholegrains and lean proteins for satiation and good carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar and control weight.^{3, 4}

Many moms feel anxious and guilty for taking some time for themselves as they believe family comes before their needs. Even if all you do still does not feel enough, especially in the nutrition department, Similac MUM, a scientifically formulated maternal nutritious milk, can help fill in without causing excessive weight gain.⁸ Included in its formulation of 27 essential vitamins and minerals, Similac MUM has a unique combination of prebiotics (scFOS, for bowel regularity), Zinc, Vitamin C, D (to support calcium absorption), E, and Selenium to support the immune system and bone health. Self-care for mothers is important, so rest up, eat healthy, and take care of any aches and pains.

Want a sample of Similac MUM? Visit Similac Myanmar today to sign up!

3 Key Nutrients for the Mother

The quality of nutrition a mother consumes is important for herself during pregnancy and while the child grows up. A mother that is healthy models healthy examples for her child, while she remains strong to support her child through their education, life lessons, and grow into healthy adults. Support with healthy fats, important minerals, and vitamins from foods and maternal milk options (eg. Similac MUM) and avoiding some vices is key.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

What top nutrients a mother need

These nutrients are essential for controlling weight, bone health, and gut health to provide maximum comfort and reduce risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Healthy Fats: Watch out for Saturated or Trans fats, often found in deep fried foods, fast foods, or any highly processed packaged foods. Healthy fats that come from plants, nuts, and fatty fish can improve nutrient absorption. Healthy fats are omega fatty acids and a well-known one is called DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid. This fatty acid is key to the production and transportation of hormones that keep mood stable.^{1, 2}

Calcium: Pregnancy requires a lot of energy, and if a mother does not get enough calcium from food, it will drain the reserves meant for her bones, potentially causing future bone issues. Calcium is also important for circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems for their efficient functionality.¹

Fiber: Fiber is a natural bulking agent in food to keep a person more satiated. It absorbs water in the gut and helps things move along to ease any constipation issues. Whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain cereals, and brown rice) and fruits, vegetables, and legumes (beans, split peas, and lentils) are good sources of fiber.¹

Iodine: is a key nutrient in thyroid function, which regulates hormones that control core body functions like metabolism and heart rate. Commonly consumed from iodized salt, iodine can be naturally found in dairy, eggs, and seafood.¹

Protein: classic nutrient for supporting every other cell (muscles and organs) in the body for functionality. It will help a mother’s body repair and maintain vital tissues. Avoid pregnancy unspecific protein shakes and instead focus on consuming more lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, nuts and nut butters, eggs, and tofu.¹

What to avoid and what to do specifically during pregnancy

Avoid Caffeinated Items: Excessive amounts or even as low as 3 cups a day (≙300 milligrams of caffeine) cause irritability, poor sleeping patterns, fussiness, and restlessness. Caffeine is also found in sodas, energy drinks, strong tea, and chocolate.³

Calorie Counting: If you were overweight before, the added weight during pregnancy can put stress on your joints, stress on your heart, cause obstructive sleep apnea, and gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes some mothers get during pregnancy and puts them at risk of developing the standard diabetes after).⁴ Calculated based on height and weight, if they tell you BMI (Body Mass Index) is 25.0 to 29.9 or higher, you’re overweight. Dieting without direction is not encouraged as most mothers will restrict themselves too much and miss out on important nutrients. The best way to control weight is a regime of exercises and set meal plans as recommended by medical advice.⁴

The quality of nutrition a mother consumes is important for the mother as she is responsible for supporting the health of her child too. But when keeping healthy with food gets a little though or it alone is not enough, maternal nutrition milks can help. For example, Similac Mum is scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding mums without causing excessive weight gain.⁸ The scientific combination of Vitamin D & scFOS helps to support calcium absorption. scFOS , a prebiotic fiber, helps to support bowel regularity. It also contains 27 essential vitamins & minerals.

For samples of Similac MUM, please visit Similac Myanmar to sign up.^{5, 6}

Prebiotic Fiber Highlights for Yours

Supporting the health of a mother during her vulnerable pregnancy days ensures that she remains strong and will be there for her child as they grow up. A mother who is healthy herself, can participate her child school activities, host sleepover parties with their child’s friends, and enjoy life as a family more.¹ It is said that a healthy body starts with a healthy gut, so supporting digestive health with prebiotic fibers will help the microbiome do its job and aid in digestion for efficient nutrient absorption.^{1, 5}

What is a Microbiome?

The microbiome is a system of trillions of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They are responsible for regulating metabolism, weight gain control, control digestion, and immune function.² Unlike a set pack of genes a person is born with, the microbiome can be influenced by lifestyle and environment, including a person’s nutritional choices. When it is out of balance, lacking the necessary nutrients to power it, it will take it from other places. This puts the body and gut in constant inflammation, weakening the immune system.²

What are the Food Options for Prebiotics?

Prebiotic fiber (scFOS, fucosyllactose oligosaccharide) is a type of complex carbohydrate and naturally found in plant-based foods, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Already common in a lot of Asian favorite dishes, red onions, garlic, leeks, seaweed, soy beans, bananas, and apples are great sources of prebiotic fibers.^{1, 3} These food items are more nutritious, aside from fiber, when processed close to their most natural form. For example, fruit juice with pulp will contain more fiber than a filtered one. For grains, any whole grain would do, but keep in mind to drink plenty of water when you do eat fiber. This is because fiber absorbs water to bulk stool, as well as to keep things moving and regulate bowels.^{1, 3}

Other Nutrients to Keep in Mind

The benefits of eating high fiber foods are that, when eaten close to their natural state, they retain nutrients, unlike packaged foods. The other nutrients a mother should keep in mind that she gets enough of are vitamin D to increase calcium absorption for bone health, folic acid for red blood cell health and blood flow for the heart, zinc & vitamin C for antioxidant properties protect cells in the body in general and increase immune cell strength.^{1, 4}

How about for mothers who find it a little bit daunting to take care of their own nutrition, while she is trying best for her child? What if even when she still eats healthy, it is still lacking in something? Also, since fiber can take a little getting used to, mothers can take nutritional supplements for prebiotics and other missing essential nutrients. For example, Similac Mum is scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding mums without causing excessive weight gain.⁷

A strong nutritional foundation is what will provide you and your child with the means to enjoy what life ahead of you has to offer.

Want to try Similac MUM? Visit Similac Myanmar today to sign up for samples.

Is your child Lactose Intolerant?

Any type of indigestion issues can take away comfort from your child. If it happens often, it can lesson your child’s body’s ability to absorb nutrients and interrupt growth. Does your child suffer from excessive gassiness, bloating, irritability, unable to keep food down, have constipation or even diarrhea? All these symptoms could be the result of intolerance to lactose. Therefore, finding out if it is an allergy or an intolerance and providing the right kind of treatment. Usually changes in the food they eat to changing the type of milk with grow up milk alternatives (eg. Similac Total Comfort) to prevent intolerance issues and help your child enjoy life.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Lactose vs. Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme, and it breaks down lactose, which is a sugar found in milk products (e.g. Milk, Lactose, Whey, Curds, Milk by-products, Dry milk solids, Nonfat dry milk powder). It is when people’s bodies, including children, who do not make enough lactase to digest milk proteins that causes “lactose intolerance”. Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in a lot of animal milk products like cheeses, yogurts, breads, cereals, conventional whey mixes, and some canned foods. Considering this product versatility, it is in a lot of your child’s favorite foods. This sugar is broken down by lactase enzymes in the small intestines into simpler forms like glucose and galactose and goes on to be absorbed.¹

Allergy or intolerant?

The main difference between an allergic reaction to an intolerance is that symptoms of allergies show up immediately. An allergy is caused by the body’s immune system having a negative reaction to proteins in milk. This type of issue can potentially cause major health side effects like anaphylaxis. If your child breaks out in hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, itching of the face, and vomiting after a milk product, then they are possibly having an allergic reaction. Lactose Intolerance can take some time to show up, usually within 24 hours. Also, intolerances can develop later in life, even if your child did not have it before. Intolerances to milks are caused by lactase enzymes in the gut decreasing. Severity depends on the quantity consumed and tolerance level. Symptoms of intolerances can range from irritability, nausea, stomach aches, bloating (hard tummy area is an easy way to tell), excessive gas passing, foul soft stools, and diarrhea.^{2, 3} 

How do I provide comfort?

If intolerances are not taken care of, it can cause some feeding issues and affect your child’s overall health. With the process of elimination, remove the food item from your child’s diet. This process may take some time with careful monitoring. If symptoms improve, with guidance from a pediatrician, try introducing the items back in their diet to see if symptoms return. If you are worried that your child may not be getting enough protein and calcium because of a cow milk diet, no need to worry. Your child can get calcium from dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale, nuts (almonds), beans (white beans), fish (sardines, salmon) and calcium-fortified drinks. Soy and almond products are also rich in protein, which is an alternative for meat or milk-based proteins.^{4, 5}

But as children are, soy and almond based milk alternatives can have a flavor they are not a fan of. For this, parents have to look for appropriate growing up milk alternatives that have prebiotic fibers for gut health and other essential nutrients for overall health. For example, Similac Total Comfort is lactose free, has easy to digest proteins, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals to support a child’s digestive system and reduce allergy risks. Similac Total Comfort stage 3 with Tummy care Nutritional System contains prebiotics (FOS), partially hydrolyzed 100% whey protein, very low lactose, unique vegetable fat blend. Similac Total Comfort Stage 3 which is 98% lactose free and no palm oil for better nutrients absorption and softer stool.^6.7 

Visit Similac Myanmar for more information and request free samples to see if it will work for your child.^{4, 5}

Dealing with your child throwing up food as a Parent

Once a calm meal and suddenly your child just vomits out the food shortly after. At first you may express your frustrations to clean up the mess, but there can be medical issues behind it. Is it because of allergies? Is it because of gas? Are they doing it on purpose? First, remain calm and then get to the root cause. You may have made menu transformations into more easily digestible food options and look for growing up milks (eg. Similac Total Comfort) to further ease digestive issues.^{1, 2, 3, 4,}

Rain checks your reaction

Your first reaction is to scold your child for making a mess. The thing is, very young children cannot comprehend your reaction and only know their own discomfort and pain. Remain calm and the best reaction is no reaction at all. If the vomiting or throwing up of food was intentional, they will soon realize that what they are doing is boring and calmly eat their food the next time.^{1, 2}

Find the root cause

Every child develops different eating habits, and they all have their unique taste preferences. Are the pieces of food too big? Try smaller bite sizes and see if it lessens the digestive and swallowing issues. Is it because of the texture? Try different cooking methods. Did they have the urge to vomit because they have had bad reactions to it before? Usually, allergies show up as red faces and rashes in most cases. Asides from vomiting, your child can experience diarrhea and nausea without the explanation of food. Look for signs of discomfort after meals and remove the suspected items. Poor eating habits, if prolonged, can cause malnutrition, irregular bowels, aggravate allergies, decreased energy, and weaken the immune system.^{1, 2}

Reevaluate their nutrition

If it is not the texture nor the taste, it may be the food itself is lacking certain nutrients. Sometimes some foods cause acid reflux to come back up and bloating and may need to switch to easily digestible foods that support gut health. Prebiotic fibers are important here as they feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, allowing them to flourish to fight off the bad ones. This helps with digestion and increases nutrient absorption and fibers bulk stool for easier passing. Foods’s rich in prebiotic fibers are bananas, apples, barley, oats, and cocoa. Careful with the diet changes as the change itself can sometimes upset your child’s sensitive tummies.^{1, 2, 3}

To make your child feel comfortable in the gut, they may need some easy to digest formula growing up milk for when food alone is not enough in fixing digestive issues. For this Similac Total Comfort can help. Similac Total Comfort Growing-Up Milk is an easily digested and absorbed nutritional formula for toddlers 2 years and above who may experience abnormal reactions in their gastrointestinal tract such as constipation, flatulence, diarrhea due to poor tolerance of lactose. Similac Total comfort with Tummy care Nutritional System contains prebiotics (FOS), partially hydrolyzed 100% whey protein, very low lactose, unique vegetable fat blend.

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3 Reasons Why Your Child is Refusing Food

A little tummy ache here and there is common in children. It becomes concerning when it happens too often and they start refusing food. Sometimes making dietary changes with gut health supporting foods and digestive health supporting growing up milks (eg. Similac Total Comfort) can provide comfort. From milk intolerances to gastro issues, here are 3 reasons why your child may be refusing food.^{1, 5}

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

This is when food and stomach acid comes back up the esophagus. When it happens in younger children, look out for choking, wheezing, wet burping, bad breath, and frequent refusal of food. GERD is usually minor, but if prolonged, it can damage the esophagus and cause poor growth due to inefficient nutrition absorption. Do not feed food to your child more than they can eat and avoid chocolate, caffeinated drinks, spicy foods, and tomato-based items that trigger GERD symptoms.^{1, 4}

Allergies and Food Poisoning

Your child may have had a reaction to a certain food and are now refusing other items associated with it. For this, to find out which food is causing it, requires some patience. Usually, these allergic reactions are immediate or within 24 hours, resulting in either diarrhea, hives, and in the worst case, anaphylaxis. Remove the suspected food (you may have to take account of what your child ate that whole week) and visit a medical professional. When preparing food at home, properly wash and cook meats and vegetables with care.^{1, 3}

Constipation

Even in adults, if you feel backed up, you are less willing to eat anything. Children may not be able to put a name to a problem, but they sure will tell you what is happening. When they say their tummy hurts, check if their bowls are regular. If you see bloating, some crying, or irritability, they may be constipated. Children can be constipated if they are not eating enough fiber and drinking enough water. Since dietary fiber increases stool size and softens it for easier passing, adding high fiber foods like apples, bananas, barley, oats, and beans to a child’s diet should ease constipation.^{1, 2}

Tummy aches and food refusals only become worrisome when they happen too often. Easiest form of treatment is through food. But when food alone is not enough, your child may need the help of growing milks to ease tummy aches. Make sure that they are formulated with the right prebiotics (2’-FL) HMO & Nucleotides and high-quality fibers to support gut health. For this, parents can look towards Similac Total Comfort stage 3. Not only does it have a unique combination of DHA, lutein and natural vitamin E that supports vision and brain development,^6,7 it is rich in prebiotics to support gut health, 2’‐FL HMO & Nucleotides to enhance resistance.^8,9 It also contains Vitamin A, B12, C, D, folic acid, iron, selenium and zinc which help to support the developing immune system.

Visit Similac Myanmar today to get a sample and explore more child digestive information