Search Results for: Citizen responsibility

I love being a mom :One thing #MondayMommyMoments

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on June 30, 2018 8

Having a child is a blessing and a miracle.I am a doctor, I know the science behind it.I also know the possible challenges , before a baby is conceived.The busy bee lifestyle you have today , makes it even more difficult.

I love being a mom.If there’s one thing I have to say I love most about it , is the bliss of being loved unconditionally, without judgment (at least till 2 -3 years age).Then they learn to judge.But even then the love is so pure it glows, embraces and cocoons you in its rosy warmth.

When I wake up in the morning her smile and good morning mama makes me all happy inside.It’s like the perfect sound to wake up to.When I tie up her hair for school, the way her hair smells and feels beneath my fingers make me feel peaceful.Then I kiss her goodbye as she runs towards the school gate, my heart whispers a silent prayer to keep her safe and learning happily.

Motherhood is a big responsibility.An honor.It’s a chance to help make the future citizen of the world.All that is good inside us, we need to teach.All that’s not so good, we need to avoid.The balance is crucial! Children are perceptive.They can smell a lie instinctively.To make them learn and do anything, you need to be the example.I have never found walking the talk, as challenging as when I became a mom.With other people, it’s just easier!

The first 2 years of mommyhood was a blur.I started blogging when Rai was two and a half .That’s roughly the same time, she was able to see and follow what I did.Before that life was a struggle and I was barely coping.Now Rai is a companion a friend and my daughter. Every day I wake up and as the day passes, I am growing up just like Rai.Growing up to be a mommy, best suited for her.

[bctt tweet=”Just like you can’t pinpoint the exact moment you learned to stay afloat while swimming.You can never say, when you learned to be a mommy #MMM” username=”misra_amrita”].

Mompreneur biz focus:Mayura Amarkant the soothsayer

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 19, 2018 11

Mompreneur’s biz focus series on my blog is always great fun .Hearing the stories behind the beautiful blogs, makes me feel blessed.I realize how lucky I am to be a part of the wonderful blogchatter #MyFriendAlexa team.

Today on my blog we will hear the story behind Mayura Amarkant ,”the insane writer”.

She is not insane.She writes like time has stood still.And writes and writes .Every day without fail.

Like SEO,Traffic, Alexa ,sponsorship Monetization nothing matters.What matters is pouring your heart and soul on being your best person ,so that your writing shines.

Mayura’s writing shines .A storyteller at heart ,she writes fiction and nonfiction,poetry and prose as easily as a child laughs.

Unpretentious and innocent.Truth and sincerity ,it’s all there.

At present, she is managing a biz ,home and her blog.Mother of two smart children , Abhimanyu & Sanskriti,she is a hands on parent .

Great parents make awesome little citizens of tomoorow — Great parents make awesome little citizens of tomorrow

Lead Connector with www.AGENCY09.in

Her husband ,Amarkant Jain, has been her support and guiding light for the last 17 years. At present, he is Methodiser, AGENCY09.

Mayura with husband Abhinav — Mayura with husband Amarkant

What made Mayura the super woman ?What’s the story ?

I belong to the Stone Age (so does my blog)

Hmm…Stone Age – the era when black and white, buffalo back televisions played only one channel, Doordarshan and later another channel was added to the list – DD Metro. We waited all week for the Sunday special treat, a movie that the family huddled together and watched.

Family outings, weekend picnics, long walks and holidays with grandparents was a normal way of life. We grew in a safe and secure world where our heroes were our parents and relatives.

Neighbours were part of the family and camaraderie was second nature. We didn’t need Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or any technology to remind us about birthdays, anniversaries and important occasions. We kept up with each other’s lives and stood by each other in times of crisis without expecting anything in return.

No mixer-grinder, microwave, mobile phone, dishwasher or washing machine. Mothers and grandmothers lovingly cooked all the meals and life was one big joint family. Evenings were full of loud squeals of kids who played with their mates till their moms dragged them home. The concept of tuitions was attached to ‘dumb’ kids. Schools took up the responsibility of coaching us for competitions and most of us ended up winning envious positions.

Life was simple and totally awesome. There was always time for everything. We caught up with our friends over a leisurely cup of chai. The highlight of this era is the amount of time we devoted to reading and discussion. Books landed up in our hands without any promotions. A recommendation from a friend or elder was enough for us to grab the book and read it from cover to cover.

My icons where Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Carolyn Keene, Ruskin Bond, Enid Blyton, Anita Desai and Robin Cook, among others. Women’s magazines like Femina and Woman’s Era influenced our ideas on womanhood. Still other magazines like Stardust and Filmfare dished out filmy gossip. Our parents encouraged us to read the Times of India and Indian Express. Later, Mid-day became the afternoon paper where Marjorie Orr was a friend we met almost every day.

Quality content thus ruled our lives and we were open to healthy discussions over issues. Life was not about proving a point; it was about moving forward – together. We read almost everything – news, biographies, autobiographies, stories and poems. For us, genuine causes deserved to be spoken about and life hacks were passed down from the elder to our generation.

If you smiled or nodded at any or all the above, then my blog, diaryofaninsanewriter ,is for you.

In promotional terminology, if you are looking for quality content that you can consume leisurely, this blog is for you. There is something in it for every one – interviews, parenting articles, tips and tricks, social causes, inspirational meetings, stories and poems.

At present, I have kept technology, health and sports for later as I would need expert contributors for the same.

What inspires you Mayura?

I am inspired by almost everything around me – people, incidents, the doorbell, the fan, my kids, colleagues, husband, parents, in-laws, neighbours – just everyone. There is something that each person has to offer. It depends on whether we want to receive or not.

My life is extremely busy and nothing dramatic happening. I draw inspiration from my daily routine as I firmly believe that life’s joy is in the little things. No point in waiting for something big to happen. Finding joy and motivation in life’s little things make us happier individuals.

Give us your favourite quote

‘Ugta rog aur ugta dushman jadd mein hi kaato’

What it means:
Arrest disease, sadness, enmity before they grow into unmanageable monsters. Anticipate the future and face issues, challenges and problems bravely with a plan to move forward. Life is simple, we can make it simpler by solving problems before they become too big.

Give our mompreneurs 3 super tips for inspiration

It is easy to give up. Don’t.
Give your kids an inspirational mother to look up to.
Add mompreneurship to your daily task list.

What’s your vision with this blog?

I aim to put out quality content for my readers. I want to build a community of people who love reading and appreciate good writing. My blog should be the first thing they open every morning, just to check whether there is something that will touch their heart. Chai-time conversations around something they read on my blog is what I am looking at. Real sharing of thoughts, experiences and beliefs is what will keep this community growing.
Many ask me why this blog doesn’t carry my name. That is because there are many insane writers out there and each one has a fantastic view to put forth. Over time, I plan to invite guest bloggers and columnists who will give their valuable thoughts to the blogazine.

What charities are you a part of?

I am always around to support charitable causes. Whether it is Gift A Meal in Mumbai or Ek Umeed in Pune. I have delivered sessions to deaf and mute children and support several orphanages. I plan to own an NGO someday and work on mental health and rehabilitation of people. Fingers crossed.

Mompreneur biz focus:Mayura Amarkant the soothsayer

Short bio
Brand Catalyst | Strategic Planner & Executor | Crisis Manager | IMC Professional
Institution builder with 16 years of experience
Marketing & Communications expert
Soothsayer who can predict a brand’s future and customize solutions
Inspirational leader with a contagious positive attitude
An analytical problem-solver with excellent research, networking & writing skills
An articulate thinker with a 360-degree view to issues
A social media catalyst and influencer
A contemporary woman who teaches and practices work-life balance
A doctoral student whose research interest lies in women & leadership
Blogger at: diaryofaninsanewriter

So that was Mayura Amarkant blogger and writer extraordinaire ,enthusiastic friend,inspiring mompreneur and a tough act to follow.Even with her busy schedule her blog posts are never later than your morning cup of tea.

Do visit her blog and website and encourage her brilliant writing.

My message to a child-woman on International Women’s day

Healthier mothers and babies:Mommy stay with me

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 6, 2018 63

Healthier mothers and babies is what everyone wants

When me and my sister where babies ,we grew up in daycare .Both of our parents worked and there was nobody to take care at home.

Mommy stay with me:Maternal seperation and baby health

Back then government didn’t give mother’s childcare leave.

Looking back ,my memories say growing up days were fun. No really horrible memories.Back then we missed our mom, but there was nothing she could do.We needed the money.

Fast forward to today.I am luckier.I didn’t have a full time job when my baby was born.And now my work has flexible timing and a better government policy of childcare, supporting it.

But even then I worry .When I have to take leave suddenly due to baby issues.It always sounds like an excuse.But all moms know, the most difficult thing in this world is to walk away from teary eyed little ones.

But the question is no longer just the babies immediate health.Your decision will change a little person’s life.

Baby’s health and mothers health are important parameters of health standards and improvement.

Government has expensive projects in place to make healthier mothers and babies.

But still we are haunted by the increasing number of mental and physical lifestyle diseases.

A few things are different for different socio economic classes.

India’s uncontrolled population explosion ,lack of strict birth control makes good healthcare facilities ,adequate nutrition, difficult for the large majority below the poverty level.Their problem has no solution ,till the people in charge understand that limited resources , and unlimited babies make for impossible situations.They make gullible votebanks ,but unproductive citizens

In a country where survival of babies is often the primary question,few have time to worry about their future physical and mental health.

But if you want a better tomorrow for your baby you may need to plan your today well.

What research says?

Healthy mothers have healthy babies.What you think too can affect your baby
Mothers nutrition and child’s nutrition both are important.Nutrition has a large role .Both undernutrition and over nutrition will cause malnutrition.There’s malnutrition of obesity to watch out for.
Stress levels during pregnancy can alter the stress response in the unborn child.
Childhood stresses can cause lifetime harm ,both psychologically and physically.

Your physical and mental health has a lot to do with your childhood.

Yes you already know this.

But did you know most of your adult diseases ,can be traced back to childhood?

Mother’s will sigh in exasperation. What else are we suppose to take care of?

Just blaming childhood stresses ,is but oversimplification.

The various researches show a 2 ‘HIT'(3) theory.

1st hit is a stressors in childhood .This cause changes at the cellular level and in your brain wiring.Your adaptation is good ,average or poor,

Presence or absence of a similarly potent stressor later .A cascade of neurochemical,neurohormonal, over -reaction.Because your brain is already sensitized you go into protective mode.

Result:

Metabolic diseases and mental health problems.

That’s scary ,but I am hopeful

Because this is good research .

Why You ask?

Someone is finally talking about it.Maybe things will change

Government of Italy has declared 22nd September “Fertility Day”.They want to encourage women to have children.They have a declining childbirth rate ,and an economic slump.But the Government gives inadequate support to working mothers and most private companies don’t have flexibility for working moms.

The research findings can help .A lot.

To help moms stand up for “work from home” policy.
To take jobs with flexible work hours.
To not have to explain why they want to be with their babies and compromise the career ladder.
For child right biggies to keep in mind ,for future recommendations and actions.
For corporations to take Corporate social responsibility to another level

Plus you are at risk, only if you face another episode of high chronic stress.So actively try to decrease stress
Teach children to cope positively with it.

Another good news is, since you know this ,you can have lifestyle habits in place to deal with it.

Yes you can beat the childhood

scars by practicing healthy lifestyle .

There’s a lot of science backing this up.Many studies has been done including one at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai .

What can this stress triggers do?

Obesity(2)
Diabetes
Hypertension
Metabolic dysfunction(3)
Hyperlipidemia
Muscle wasting disease
Depression

How does this happen?

Sress in early childhood causes change in muscle mitochondria.

(Mitochondria are the cellular organelles which help you generate ATP as energy currency for your body.)

Hypothalamic pituitary axis which controls stress has an altered response (3).

Stressors removed .Normal growth pattern.

Re-exposure to similar stressors later in life:Metabolic dysfunction ,physiological and emotional distress.

What are the early life stressors that can cause this?

Prenatal postnatal early childhood ,adolescent period are all susceptible.

Stressors may be:

Nutritional
Emotional
Physical
Sexual.

They may present as:

Starvation during famine and war

Maternal separation
Childhood neglect
Adverse parenting
Childhood physical or sexual abuse
Medical trauma

These stressors can alter the stress adaptation responses.

They are major risk factors for developing metabolic disorders (1)

With improved environment children can adapt themselves to these stressors .Growing up,they will be externally normal.But since these cellular changes have happened ,if exposed to chronic stress in later life ,metabolic and psychological problems can be precipitated .

Why does this happen?

Childhood stress reprograms your HPA axis (3)and your brain in general .

Some people adapt well due to good environment follow primary stress exposure.

But others may have maladaptive responses.This can cause inappropriately high levels of cortisol in your blood during exposure to chronic stress as adults.

The pancreatic B cells may be lower in number following childhood stress adaptation.

What this means ?

If you face high level of chronic stress later in life your brain and hormones can over react.

Putting you at risk of obesity diabetes, hypertension and depression-anxiety disorders.(4)

Maternal separation during early life disturbs neuroendocrine, neurochemicals and behavioral changes in adults.

Maternal seperation can be variable .From 40 minutes to 8 hours.Which period will be traumatic for the child is difficult to predict.

Abuse in childhood and adolescence ,can cause type 2 diabetes,food addiction and significantly heavier adult women(6).

What can you do to protect yourself & your child?

Don’t worry during pregnancy.

Related

5 Tests you should do when you are planning a baby.

Alcohol and pregnancy what you should know

Always work actively to lower your stress levels.

Teach children coping skills through play.

Exercise:Low levels of physical activity is seen to increase and precipitate theses metabolic problems.A good physical exercise schedule protects against development of these metabolic disorders.

Avoid high calorie diet .Swinging insulin levels can make you prone to 2 Diabetes ,obesity,depression,anxiety and a host of other problems.

Practice mental health exercises.

All moms deserve to spend time with their babies.All babies need their mothers.

Mompreneur’s biz focus :Jewellery making & Basudha

But to make this possible, we need the help of society ,government and the corporate sector.

Everyone has a mother and you are what you are because your mom cared .

What do you think we should do to change the situation?

Are you a mom struggling with work-biz-home?Share your story with me in the comments below.

I am taking my alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter

#MyFriendAlexa.

At the end of second week of the campaign My Alexa rank:

Global:449707

India:37113

Lets see what works.

This post is also linked up with

#Writing Wednesdays

References:

1)Chrousos GP. Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nat Rev Endocrinol (2009) 5:374–8110.1038/nrendo.2009.106 [PUBMED]

2) Stress and obesity/metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence.

Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011 Sep;6 Suppl 1:21-8. doi: 10.3109/17477166.2011.615996.Pervanidou P¹, Chrousos GP.

3)Early-Life Stress, HPA Axis Adaptation, and Mechanisms Contributing to Later Health Outcomes.Jayanthi Maniam, Christopher Antoniadis, and Margaret J. Morris[PubMed]

4)Nemet D, Dolfin T, Litmanowitz I, Shainkin-Kestenbaum R, Lis M, Eliakim A.Evidence for exercise-induced bone formation in premature infants. Int J Sports Med (2002) 23:82–510.1055/s-2002-20134[PubMed]

5)Franks PW, Ekelund U, Brage S, Wong MY, Wareham NJ. Does the association of habitual physical activity with the metabolic syndrome differ by level of cardiorespiratory fitness? Diabetes Care(2004) 27:1187–9310.2337/diacare.27.5.1187 [PubMed]

6)Mason SM, Flint AJ, Field AE, Austin SB, Rich-Edwards JW. Abuse victimization in childhood or adolescence and risk of food addiction in adult women. Obesity (Silver Spring) (2013) 21:E775–8110.1002/oby.20500 [PubMed]

7)Mela V, Llorente-Berzal A, Diaz F, Argente J, Viveros MP, Chowen JA.Maternal deprivation exacerbates the response to a high fat diet in a sexually dimorphic manner. PLoS One (2012)7(11):e48915.10.1371/journal.pone.0048915 [PubMed]

8)Masuzaki H, Flier JS. Tissue-specific glucocorticoid reactivating enzyme, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) – a promising drug target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord (2003) 3:255–6210.2174/1568008033340135 [PubMed]

9)Mindfulness meditation

10)Chronic stress:32 simple solutions

Maternity Benefits :A Topic No One Wants to Talk About

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on January 8, 2018 22

Motherhood a profession?A job? A vocation?A blessing?
It’s all and some more.Mothers have the most profound effect on the child.It’s not me, but psychologists who say this.Children need their moms.
But families need to sustain themselves too.
SAHM is a luxury many can’t afford.

What society forgets is that everyone has a mother.Mother’s bring up nations, their leaders, their army men, their entrepreneur’s, everyone!If a nation continues to ignore the sacrifice women make to bring up the future citizen of the world you are missing the point.

My story

When I became a mommy my life underwent a 180 degree reset.I wanted to do everything I always wanted to do, but my first priority shifted from own happiness to baby’s health and happiness.

It’s a miracle how mothers across time and geographical borders want the same for their child

But I had another little bug to take care of.This bug was inside my brain.The weird nonstop talking part which wouldn’t let me give up trying.
The education and learning I have received.What kind of example will I set if I dont practice what I talked about ?
About being able to support me financially and socially.

It seemed impossible that I could continue having a career while I brought up the little one.

God intervened.
My Job as a medical teacher was God sent.
It’s flexible and helps both of us juggle baby work housework and professional duties without hair tearing worries.

When my baby was born, I was not in a Government service.I received no paid maternity leave.In fact at a job interview, an interviewer asked me about my plans for family planning!That gave me a jolt.That’s strange and discriminatory but stranger things happen.

Now things hopefully are changing.Laws are being made but are you aware of them?

I share a few of the key changes in the Indian Maternity Benefit Amendment bill and how it will affect you.

Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
Key points in the MB Amendment Acts

Increased paid maternity leave (from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks).But for third or more pregnancy it is still 12 weeks
Work from home options.After the 26 weeks leave and depend on nature of work an agreement with the employer.
Option for adoptive mothers.Up to 12 weeks of leave from the day of adoption.
Creche benefits.Mandatory with up to 4 visits allowed during work hours.
The responsibility of the employer to educate the employee about her rights.

Some other countries with good Maternity benefits are:

Germany: Has sensible and kind rules for pregnant, nursing, mothers and also for child care benefits.
Canada and Norway allow 50 weeks and 44 weeks respectively as paid maternity leave.
The United Kingdom has excellent maternity benefits with up to 52 weeks leave.
But not so good in the USA.I was surprised to know they have the lowest levels of leave for mothers in the industrialized part of the world!

My thoughts :

Why would any country want a brain drain of successful, hardworking creative sincere women workforce ?

Women bring essential soft skills to a workplace which no man can.

A society which doesn’t appreciate women can never truly progress.

How can governments across the world deprive such a large section of the population to the right to a livelihood?

Do not think you cannot be financially independent without a job.You can do the same as an entrepreneur.

[bctt tweet=”When the going gets tough, you will discover superpowers!” username=”misra_amrita”]

You just have to believe.That’s my Word of the year.

You may have to work harder but you will be stronger.

Additional ideas and resources(will be updated)

Have a skill?Use Skillshare Udemy, Teachable, Etsy, Instamojo, to share your course, class and digital products. LinkedIn to network and create a professional circle.

Check out Inkwellteam an extraorservice force for global flexible work options connecting businesses with accomplished women !

Did you get maternity benefits?How do you think the Government can help families more?

Write in the comments below!

Writing this for #MondayMommyMoments.

This week the #MondayMommyMoments prompt is :

A Mother deserves the highest salary !-Manushi Chhillar (Miss India 2017)

Your thoughts on this. Tell us the good, bad and the ugly.We want to know!

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I love being a mom :One thing #MondayMommyMoments

Mompreneur biz focus:Mayura Amarkant the soothsayer