Dr. Madhavi’s journey is a heartfelt story of dedication and resilience. Born and raised in Delhi in a Gandhian ashram, she experienced a blend of modern education and traditional values. Growing up, she witnessed the deeply rooted myths and customs of her Haryana heritage, which ignited her passion for modern pediatric care and education.
Her medical journey began at Lady Hardinge Medical College, followed by a challenging yet rewarding specialization in pediatrics at Maulana Azad Medical College. Despite initial doubts and a brief detour into gynecology at AIIMS, Dr. Madhavi’s unwavering commitment to children’s health guided her path. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career, she navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable strength, often being away from her young daughter for extended periods.
Dr. Madhavi's story is not just about a career; it's about compassion, perseverance, and the profound impact one can have on children’s lives. Her dedication to pediatric care, her resilience through personal and professional challenges, and her commitment to dispelling health myths through her patients and her Instagram handle bacchon_ki_doctor make her an inspiring figure in modern healthcare.
Table of contents [Show]
The Power of Patience
When asked about the one piece of advice Dr. Madhavi would give her younger self as a pediatrician, she emphasized the importance of patience. "Be patient. I think patience is one thing which I have learned a lot in this field. Because kids will take their time. Even if you want to hear their chest, kids will take their time," she shared. She reflected on her experiences both as a doctor and a mother, acknowledging that while she considers herself a good doctor, parenting is a continual learning process. "It's a work in progress every day," she added.
Memorable Moments in Medicine
Dr. Madhavi's most satisfying experiences in her profession revolve around not giving up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. She recounted an incident from her time in medical college where a severely dehydrated child was brought in with no heartbeat. Despite the grim prognosis, she and her team worked tirelessly, and the child miraculously recovered and went home after five days. "You can do your 100%, and the rest is up to God. But never give up," she advised. The gratitude from parents, such as a simple thank-you message for her support in breastfeeding or helping a child recover, also brings her immense satisfaction.
Dr. Madhavi highlighted two common health issues she encounters: eating habits and immunity. She pointed out the daily struggle parents face with these intertwined issues. "If your child is eating well, eating healthy, the baby will have good immunity," (correction made) she explained. She stressed the importance of parents setting a good example by eating healthy themselves. "The moment you decide that you want to become parents, it should be a conscious decision, and you have to start eating healthy that day itself," she emphasized.
Dr. Madhavi elaborated on the daily challenges of ensuring children develop healthy eating habits."Parents today face daily struggles with their children's eating habits, screentime and immunity," she noted, highlighting the direct link between healthy eating without distractions and a strong immune system. (correction made)Children under five are going to catch infections as part of their immunity building. If they don't catch infections, that's not healthy," she said, underscoring that mild infections are a normal and necessary part of developing a robust immune system.
She stressed the importance of parents being role models in healthy eating. "Parents need to eat well themselves. When my daughter is at her grandmother's, we might order in or eat out, but when she is home, we are very disciplined. We limit junk food to once a week, and even then, it's not always pizza or burgers. We opt for healthier choices like dosa or sandwiches," she shared. She emphasized that parents must avoid setting a poor example by consuming unhealthy foods frequently, as children will mimic their parents' habits. "I gave up eating Maggi since I had my daughter because I knew if she saw me eating it, she would want to eat it too," she revealed.
Dr. Madhavi highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach children's diets. "Our generation has more access to unhealthy food options. If we don't change our ways, we are heading for trouble," she warned. She encouraged parents to focus on home-cooked meals and to avoid the trend of special recipes often seen on social media. "I never made special dishes for my daughter. Until she was three, she ate what was cooked at home. It's high time parents stop looking for special recipes on Instagram and focus on feeding their children regular, healthy home-cooked meals," she asserted.
The Importance of Immunity and Vaccination
Dr. Madhavi emphasized the critical aspects of building a child's immunity, starting with breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding is the base of your immunity. All the antibodies a mother has built up over her life are passed on to the baby through breast milk," she explained. She pointed out that breastfeeding provides a unique pool of antibodies that cannot be matched by vaccinations alone. "If a mother is giving her own set of antibodies to her child, there's nothing better than that," she stated. She also noted that breastfeeding can often mitigate minor infections, reducing the need for medical intervention.
Vaccinations are another crucial component of building a child's immunity. Dr. Madhavi stressed the importance of adhering to vaccination schedules. "Vaccinations are very important and commonly ignored in our country. Ensure you get all the necessary vaccinations according to your financial ability. Government vaccinations should not be missed as they are free. For additional vaccines like typhoid, mumps, Hepatitis-A, chickenpox, and flu, try to get them if you can manage financially," she advised. She encouraged parents to work with their doctors to create a catch-up schedule for any missed vaccinations, emphasizing that keeping vaccinations up to date is essential for a child's health.
Breastfeeding: The Importance of Support and Understanding
Dr. Madhavi dispelled the myth that diet significantly affects milk production. "If the baby is there and the nipple is stimulated, milk will flow," she stated. She pointed out that even mothers with limited access to food can successfully breastfeed their babies. The key, she explained, is frequent nursing and staying stress-free.
Understanding the Challenges of Breastfeeding
Dr. Madhavi acknowledged the struggles many mothers face with breastfeeding, highlighting the importance of support and proper information. "When a mother needs all the support to breastfeed, it is often lacking," she said. "And then, when they switch to formula, they face pressure and guilt for not breastfeeding. This lack of support is a significant issue."
She shared her personal experience, emphasizing that both the mother and the baby need time to adapt to breastfeeding. "The first 45 days are crucial. Both the mother and baby will take time to adapt to breastfeeding. It's a form of exercise for the baby, and the mother needs to develop the skill of latching," she explained. Dr. Madhavi also faced her own set of challenges, including pain and bleeding nipples. "Being a pediatrician, I also had my fair share of problems. I used a pump for a few days, which helped my nipples heal, and then ensured my baby latched well," she shared.
Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions
Dr. Madhavi addressed common misconceptions that add unnecessary stress to new mothers. "A baby will lose weight initially; it’s physiological. However, when people around create a fuss, suggesting formula feeding due to weight loss, it adds to the mother's stress," she noted. This stress can interfere with the natural process of milk production. "When a mother is stressed about her baby’s weight and health, it affects her ability to produce milk," she said.
She also pointed out that conditions like jaundice in newborns are often misunderstood and wrongly attributed to breastfeeding issues. "Jaundice is expected in newborns, but not all of them need a treatment, and often mothers are put on dietary restrictions and formula is introduced which is not needed”, she explained.
The Role of Support and Education
Dr. Madhavi emphasized the role of proper support and education in successful breastfeeding. She appreciated the growing awareness and the role of lactation consultants and doulas in helping new mothers. "Awareness is increasing, and many mothers now seek help from lactation consultants. However, every week brings new challenges from latching issues to concerns about milk supply," she observed.
She stressed the importance of understanding the mind-body connection in breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding is a mind game. When the brain releases prolactin and oxytocin, milk production is stimulated," she explained. She used a vivid analogy to illustrate this point: "If you forget to switch on the gas while making tea, it won’t be made, no matter how many ingredients you add. Similarly, without nipple stimulation and a stress-free mind, milk won’t flow."
Dr. Madhavi elaborated on the significance of delaying the introduction of sugar and salt in a child's diet, drawing from her extensive experience and insights. "Both sugar and salt are highly addictive substances," she emphasized. "Once children develop a taste for them, it becomes challenging to wean them off. They begin to crave these flavors which can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and potentially contribute to long-term health issues."
She pointed out the cultural and nutritional contexts influencing these guidelines. "In India, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against adding sugar or salt to a child's diet until they are two years old. This recommendation is evolving in our country due to shifting nutritional challenges. Previously, malnutrition was a major concern, but now, with improved economic conditions, obesity is becoming prevalent."
She highlighted the crucial need to establish healthy eating routines early on. "It's not just about avoiding immediate harm from sugar or salt; it's about shaping a child's palate to appreciate natural flavors," she explained. "By introducing wholesome, unprocessed foods without added sugars or salts, parents can help their children develop a preference for nutritious options. This approach lays a foundation for lifelong health and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases."
She also addressed common misconceptions about the role of these additives. "Many believe that a small amount won't make a difference, but it's the habit-forming nature that poses a concern," she cautioned. "Children can quickly become accustomed to the heightened flavors of sugary or salty foods, making it harder for them to enjoy the subtler tastes of healthier alternatives."
In conclusion, Dr. Madhavi advocated for parental patience and consistency in guiding children's dietary choices. "It's about educating both children and parents on making informed decisions," she emphasized. "By promoting a balanced approach to nutrition and encouraging natural tastes from an early age, we can empower families to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits."
Turning Mealtime into Adventure
Dr. Madhavi brings a playful twist to mealtime advice, urging parents to skip the distractions and embrace creativity. "Let's turn rotis into airplanes and explore the wonders of food together!" she suggests with a smile. By making meals fun and interactive, children learn to appreciate different tastes and textures without the need for screens or sugary temptations.
She emphasizes the importance of patience and flexibility, noting that every child has their own pace when it comes to eating. "Whether it's one spoonful or two, let them lead," she advises warmly. Beyond the kitchen table, Dr. Madhavi recognizes the challenges parents face in social settings where unhealthy habits prevail. "Setting clear boundaries helps navigate these moments," she reassures, knowing that consistency and gentle guidance pave the way for balanced eating habits.
In closing, Dr. Madhavi champions a joyful approach to parenting, advocating for mindful choices that extend beyond mere nutrition. Her insights into avoiding early sugar and salt exposure resonate with practical wisdom, emphasizing the importance of fostering natural tastes in children. With a playful nod to turning mealtime into imaginative experiences, she empowers parents to navigate the complexities of modern diets with confidence and creativity. By nurturing curiosity and respecting individual eating rhythms, Dr. Madhavi invites families to embark on a delicious journey where every meal becomes an opportunity for exploration and bonding.
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