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5 Tips to Prepare for Breastfeeding before Delivery
Breastfeeding your child is a personal matter that you will need to think about and come to a decision about before your baby is born. Many experts advise to exclusively breastfeed your child for six months. This is because breast milk has everything your baby needs in order to develop into a strong and healthy toddler; it has the ideal mix of protein, vitamins and fat.
Those babies who are only fed breast milk for the first six months of their lives gain the antibodies that are present in breast milk which help them to fight off any virus or bacteria that may infect them. They also run a smaller risk of developing ear infections, diarrhoea and respiratory illness.
How to Prepare for Breastfeeding?
Though breastfeeding is a skill that comes naturally to many women, there are a few things that can be done in advance to make things easier for you later. Here is how to prepare for breastfeeding before delivery:
1. Be Natural
Babies who are born naturally and with as little medical intervention as possible are more likely to breastfeed well, and those who were born with more medical assistance have lower rates of successful breastfeeding. While there are many exceptions to this, natural births do increase the chances of success during breastfeeding.
If you are going to have a C-Section do not feel discouraged. Many women who have had C-Section deliveries have successfully nursed their babies at their breasts. It is simply a matter of making sure the circumstances are right, and your baby understands what to do. One thing you can do is to try your best to have your baby nurse from your breast within the first two hours of birth. If this is not possible, it is all right, just try the first opportunity you get.
2. Stock Up on Supplies
You will need nursing bras, pads, ointment for sore nipples and comfortable clothes to nurse in. These are the bare necessities of breastfeeding. You should also consider investing in a good nursing pillow, as it can greatly ease the physical pain mothers experience while breastfeeding, and open up more breastfeeding positions for you to try
3. Massage Your Breasts
This is how you prepare breasts for breastfeeding during pregnancy. During the last six weeks of your pregnancy, massage your breasts in order to clear your milk ducts. Keep your breasts well moisturised to prevent any cracking from taking place later on. Breast shells can be used to bring the nipple out in case you have flat or inverted nipples.
4. Prepare a Nesting Space
Create a comfortable space at home where you can nurse your child. You can add a comfortable chair or allocate a place in which to sit while breastfeeding your baby. Add some pillows, and make space to put things away. You can keep some books for you to read in this area as well.
5. Inform Your Care Team
You will need to specify and inform your team of caregivers beforehand that you will not want your baby to be fed anything other than breast milk. Request for your baby to be able to stay in the same room as you so that you can feed your baby whenever he is hungry.
How Does the Body Prepare Itself for Breastfeeding
You might be wondering how to prepare for breastfeeding before birth? The milk ducts in your breasts will grow and mature during your pregnancy, your milk-producing cells also start developing, and more blood goes to your breasts than before. This is why your breasts will get so much larger. Your nipples will also get larger as they will be instrumental in feeding your baby.
Should You Toughen Nipples Before Nursing
Your body naturally prepares the breasts for feeding, and so it is not necessary for you to toughen them up in any way. This is an old-fashioned practice that is not needed anymore. In fact, it causes unnecessary pain, and it also makes breastfeeding much more difficult later on. The best way to prevent soreness is by teaching your baby how to latch on quickly right at the beginning; the ideal time for which is an hour after birth if possible.
How to Get Additional Help
Becoming a mother can be very daunting, and when it comes to something as big as breastfeeding, it is always nice to have someone to talk to about it who knows what it is all about either by profession or personal experience as there is only so far research can take you. Here are some ways for you to get that additional help:
1. Family and Friends
Go to a woman that you trust; it could be a member of the family, like your mother or aunt or even a close friend who has breastfed before. A lot of women face certain difficulties during breastfeeding, and they will be able to shed some light on the area for you and give you tips on how to cope. As they are also already experienced, they will be able to give good support for you if you feel like you need any help or even just for someone to talk to.
Most older women are delighted to help the younger generation learn, especially about motherhood, as it is a way for them to pass down the knowledge that they acquired from their mothers and from all the generations before. Be careful to run the advice by your doctor though, during your prenatal visits.
2. Discuss it With Your Doctor
If you are concerned about anything related to breastfeeding, such as if any of the supplements that you take will affect your baby during the nursing period, you can always consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what you can take that will ensure that your child does not suffer any side effects.
Some women may have breast implants or may have undergone breast surgery. In cases like these, you should always ask for your doctor’s advice on whether or not they will have an impact on breastfeeding.
3. Attend Classes
Look for some breastfeeding education classes and sign up. You will be able to learn everything you need to know about breastfeeding, including hygiene and the different positions you can try to help your baby latch on quickly. Not just that, but you will meet other expecting mothers there that you can probably relate with and will be able to share the ups and downs of the adventure with.
4. Consult an Expert
It does not matter if your baby has not yet arrived. If there is anything that may cause you to become concerned that you will not be able to lactate properly, you can always get in touch with a lactation consultant who can answer any doubts you may have. If you need assistance for any reason, you may be able to arrange for someone beforehand.
5. Enlist Your Partners Support
Breastfeeding can be easier and can go on for a longer period of time if there is solid support from the father. Fathers can tag along to the antenatal or breastfeeding sessions, being there for you emotionally, and do whatever he can to try and relieve some of the stress you will be going through during this time. Nursing a child is taxing on the body, especially if you have gone the route of complete natural breastfeeding and feed your baby whenever he is hungry, not using a bottle for the first few months.
If your husband makes time for you and looks after your needs here and there, such as bringing you a cup of tea or seeing to dinner if your child wants to feed when you need to get dinner ready, it can help you feel less stressed. If you already have other children, it will be nice if your husband helps out with them as you devote yourself for the time being to feeding your newborn child.
Remember to always have a birth plan in place so that you will be able to get everything you need to do to prepare for your baby done. Work together with your doctor and keep reviewing and making any necessary changes to the plan based on the conclusions of the tests your doctor will perform to check the status of your child’s health and development. Your health will also play a major role, and you will need to be in fit condition if you want to be able to breastfeed your child without incurring any problems. If you do want a natural birth and want to breastfeed your child with as little medical intervention as possible, your doctor is the best person to consult with about a plan as they will be able to tell you if it is possible, if it is not and what you can do about it.
Also Read: Breast and Nipple Changes During Pregnancy Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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Useful Tips for Washing Cloth (Reusable) Diapers
If you have an infant in your home, washing his cloth diapers and other clothes will become a part of your daily routine. Many parents choose to use reusable cloth diapers these days as they are eco-friendly and not expensive. But it is important that you wash these diapers properly to save your little one from any infection. So, here are some tips to wash your baby's cloth diapers the right way.
Preparing Dirty Diapers Before Washing
If you are using washable cloth diapers for your baby, you will need to prepare the dirty diapers before washing them. First, dump the solid waste into the toilet and rinse out the diaper with a sprayer or under a tap. Next, put it into a wet diaper bag or pail and store it until there are enough diapers collected for a machine-wash cycle. You can also soak the dirty diapers in soapy water for an hour before washing. This helps in removing the stains.
Neutralizing Diaper Smell with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Dirty cloth diapers stored in a wet diaper bag can smell really bad. Here are some tips to neutralize the smell:
You can store the diapers in a pail filled with water and mix a tablespoon of baking soda to get rid of that smell.
You can also add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to prevent the foul smell.
Make sure you empty this liquid into the toilet just before you wash the diapers.
Add 1/2 cups of baking soda or 1 cup of white vinegar into your washing machine while washing the cloth diapers to get rid of the foul smell.
How to Wash Cloth Diapers
Here is how you can clean reusable diapers in a washing machine:
Wash the dirty diapers separately. Do not mix them with your regular laundry.
Check the washing instructions before washing the soiled diapers.
Make sure you do not overload the washing machine. This will prevent the diapers from getting cleaned properly.
Choose a good detergent. It should be mild, without any additives or strong fragrances. These can irritate your baby’s skin.
You can add some baking soda or vinegar into the washing machine to eliminate the bad odour.
Another alternative is to add a lid-full of an antiseptic liquid that is safe and gentle on your baby’s skin. These are commercially available and affordable.
If the diapers are badly stained, soak them for a few hours in water mixed with a cup of oxy-bleach. This will not be too harsh on the baby’s skin and is effective for removing tough stains.
Begin with a cold-wash and then do a normal wash and rinse in warm or hot water. However, the water should not be too hot as it can damage the cloth diapers.
Ensure that the diapers are absolutely detergent-free after the rinse cycle. The diapers should smell fresh, once you take them out.
If using a dryer, follow the drying instructions from the manufacturer for temperature settings.
However, the best way to eliminate odour and bacteria is drying the cloth diapers on a clothesline in the sunlight.
Here are some tips to wash cloth diapers by hand:
Empty the solids into the toilet and spray off whatever remains using a mini-shower, sprayer or faucet.
Rinse off the dirty diapers under a tap and soak them in a bucket of cold water with mild detergent in it for an hour.
You can add liquid antiseptic, vinegar, or baking soda to the water to eliminate odour and bacteria.
Once the diapers are soaked, use a cloth brush to gently brush the inside portions that are soiled.
Rinse the diapers until they are completely detergent-free.
Dry them out on a clothesline in sunlight.
Drying the Diapers
Once the diapers are washed, you will need to dry them. Here are some tips for drying the washed cloth diapers:
Check the drying instructions on the cloth diapers for temperature settings before using the dryer.
The best way to destroy bacteria and get rid of the odour is to dry the cloth diapers on a clothesline in the sun. The sunlight also whitens the diapers. This is also an eco-friendly option.
If the sunlight is too much, it can make the diapers stiff. Dry them out in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is a bit mild.
Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Cloth Diapers
Avoid making the following mistakes when washing cloth diapers:
Do not put them in the washing machine without removing the solids.
Avoid the used bleach, fabric conditioner, whitening agents, or strong detergents. They can cause the clothes to deteriorate and also irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
Do not use dryer sheets if you are putting the diapers in a dryer. Dryer sheets can reduce the absorbing capacity of the cloth diapers, and they may contain chemicals that may give rashes to your baby.
Do not dismiss sun-drying as an option. Drying the diapers in sunlight on a clothesline can reduce stains and odour and kill the bacteria.
Make sure the diapers are rinsed well and do not have any soap residue left in them. This can cause rashes on the baby’s bottom.
Do not overload the washing machine with too many clothes, as the diapers won't get cleaned properly.
Avoid mixing regular laundry loads with soiled cloth diapers. Wash the diapers separately.
What Product Should You Use
While selecting the products that you plan to use for washing the reusable cloth diapers, make sure you check the ingredients thoroughly. Choose a mild detergent that is free of strong fragrances. You can use baking soda, vinegar or antiseptic liquid along with the detergent to remove germs.
What Product Should You Avoid
Avoid detergents that contain harsh chemicals, dyes, enzymes, and lightening agents that can cause an allergic reaction on your baby’s skin. Avoid fabric softeners or conditioners as they can leave a residue in the cloth diapers that may irritate the baby’s skin. Avoid using strong bleach as this can damage the fibre in the cloth diapers.
How Often Should the Diapers Be Washed
The diapers should be washed every other day. On an average, a baby can go through 10 to 12 diapers a day in the first month. Babies between 2 and 5 months require changing around 8 to 10 diapers a day and babies between 6 and 12 months of age need at least 8 diapers per day. This means that it would be ideal to have between 20 and 24 cloth diapers in stock and wash them every alternate day.
Cloth diapers are beneficial for babies as they are gentle on the skin and allow the skin to breathe. They also reduce the occurrence of diaper rashes in babies. Washing reusable cloth diapers is very simple if you follow all the tips mentioned above. This will keep your baby’s skin healthy and save you a lot of money and are also environment-friendly.
Also Read: Cloth Diapers Vs Disposable Diapers- Which is Best? Read more
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Life Through the Eyes of a New Bride - A Tribute to Women
Today I step into a new role, a different phase of my life - That of a wife; that of a married woman. And like any other woman in my place, I am too experiencing butterflies in my stomach. Oh God! It’s a pity that only females have to go through all this. Till yesterday I was this happy-go-lucky girl who would take the world in her own stride, come what may. But today, things seem to be a tad too different. Suddenly, I wake up one morning to an all new world. No familiar surroundings. No familiar faces. No, “beta, get up! You’ll be late today.” Just those people around whom I hardly know or have met only a couple of days back.
I still have a very vague remembrance of my toddler days when I used to cry out loud and bring the house down just to avoid going to school. But back then, I was in the warmth of my mother’s care, who was fully prepared every time to deal with my tantrums just in case if things went out of control. Teenage was no different. Apart from the slight variations to my physical being, rest everything was unchanged. Making my mom shout out loud had somewhat become a favourite pastime for me. Today when I look back, everything just seems like a dream. It seems as if everything just went away quickly. It seems that the thirty years that I have walked on this earth have become only a matter of thirty days for me suddenly. I have started to miss those days already. I wish I could enjoy more of the pampering or even the nagging of my mom for that matter. God…why don’t you insert a rewind button in the human system? I am sure many would have benefited and offered you more praises and thanks for this one favour.
Cut to today - Today I stand here, surrounded with all the worldly pleasures (or I can say pressures) that come handy with being a new bride, or should I say, daughter-in-law. Responsibility. Responsibility. Responsibility everywhere. First and foremost, responsibility towards your hubby dearest. Second, responsibility towards your in-laws. And last but not the least, responsibility towards your extended family. Gone are the days when I shouted “Mummy, kya banaya hai? Achcha nahi he. Muje nahi khana". Now mostly the dialogues have turned to “Mummyji, khana kaisa hai? Table par laga du?” asking your mom-in-law (politely of course). Quite a metamorphosis. Isn’t it?
But then, it is a part and parcel of a women’s life. My grandmother did it. My mother did it. And now it’s my turn. To live for my family. To give away all that I have received from my mother as a part of her sacrifices. I literally have to come to terms with this fact now. It’s no more a girl’s world for me from now onward. With this new phase comes a new life – a life that will be mostly lived to make my family happy. My husband, my kids, and so on…of course, there is the in-laws part, but I can be content for now that it will not be much of that. I hope…
All this sounds too good. Yes truly. After all, what is a woman’s life minus the sacrifices? Whether she is a career-oriented woman or a housewife. There is a phase in her life when she has to go through a part of this, though not all. All this may seem very simple, but believe me...it’s not as simple as it sounds. Really. Salute to the creation called “WOMAN". I am glad that I am one.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Are You Ready for a New Perspective in Relationship Goals?
When we talk of parenthood, the role of a mother has always been given an edge over the role of a father. None of us can really deny the fact that mothers are the ones to devote more amounts of time and energy in raising a baby than the fathers too. Over the years there has been much written about how contradistinction a mother’s life changes after coming of the baby as compared to how it was before the baby. But, not many of us talk about how a father’s life changes after a baby come into the picture. So here’s a Husband and New Dad’s perspective on relationships.
How a Husband and New Dad Looks into This New Role
When we first planned on starting a family, we had a pretty clear picture that the baby was going to change the present dynamics of our marriage. But just when the romantic flirty messages changed into the grocery list, the intellectual chat changed into pee & poop talk and the birthday & anniversary reminders changed into vaccination reminders, I am still clueless. Nobody warned us about the plummeting our relationship had taken and the chaos the rest of out lives had follen into.
During the initial months everything seemed so exciting and gala, but soon after I found myself lamenting how our love for the baby had usurped our very own love story. Despite the fact that our happiness knew no bounds – she was happy and I was happy, but together our happy “we” times went missing from the picture.
And as determined as I was not to save our “us” for some day in the future, or pause our romance for tomorrow or even wait for the weekly off to hold a kiss for that matter, I also didn’t want to rush her into it either. I understood she needed time to recover & heal. But I also couldn’t shy away from the fact that her drive kept on taking a reverse gear whenever I tried to reconnect. I had been trying very badly to be the people who once met, married, fell in love and had a miraculous baby. But, our love story seemed to be lost somewhere underneath those soiled diapers and laundry piles.
How Sex and Intimacy Went Down the Drain
Who wouldn’t agree when I say that intimacy is like the glue in a marriage? So exactly how was I supposed to react if she chose sleep over sex? And even when, after a long, challenging day she tried to pry her tired and sleepy eyes open to tend to “us” because that might be our only chance during the entire day, I felt it was selfish of me to make her go through this. I did understand that “us” time would be the last thing on her mind with all the tiredness & exhaustion and over-touching from those tiny hands and feet climbing and clinging to her all day. And as much as I would hate to admit – it did feel like I was not wanted, I was not cared for, when all I had wanted was a sense of belongingness, even if the thought crossed my mind just for the millionth of a second.
How Reality Struck Hard
Did they tell you before having the baby that life will be more beautiful and lovely with the baby?
Reality check!
They sure forgot to tell you how different that love and life you probably imagined before having the baby could be when you are sleep-deprived parents to a highly active toddler. I knew beforehand, life couldn’t be the same and I was definitely geared up for this, but I so wanted more of her, I so wanted more of “us”. Reality struck me hard when one day, on hearing my wife calling, “Hey handsome” I jumped in all excited only to find that it was for the baby and not me (sigh)! He sure is my baby too and he’s handsome. But ouch! That hurt, and so much.
How I Started Looking at Our Relationship in a New Light
But amidst all that chaos we still tried to laugh while cooking or cleaning, appreciate each other, exchanged gifts, even when they didn’t seem to be enough. And just when I was beginning to think our relationship had lost its lustre, our marriage was far from being over, not even close. In all the drama going on in my life, I somehow missed seeing the bigger picture. This time around, she was the one to reach out. I’m glad I had the patience to wait and I didn’t rush her into it.
It was then I was able to witness how with each one of these challenging days passing by, we had been inching closer to each other gaining in trust, establishing mutual respect and building on faith. I had missed seeing how we kept fuelling on hope, en kindling belongingness and growing even deeper a love, all along the way, silently.
It just took me a little while to see how our relationship had metamorphosed and transformed into a more beautiful form, just as a butterfly does from a caterpillar, giving more meaning and depth to the relationship that we already had. Only my eyes were long clouded to realise how a whole new dimension of my psyche was born, as we lovers had morphed into something more. We were morphed into parents.
Our “us” today is definitely different than what it used to be, and not always a “good different,” but I love this life we’ve created and how we’ve grown as a family. And I have never been this sure how this phase of my life has shaped my personality and given me a deeper perspective on love and sacrifice.
Our relationship is definitely the most cherished aspects of my life, but the look of unconditional love that I see in those tiny eyes of my one-year-old who calls me “Papa“, and how my heart fills up with gratitude, love, and pride is beyond any word can describe and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
3 hours ago
Q. hello, on my first visit doctor suggested me duphaston twice a day..so m taking it morning n bedtime.now on my second visit doctor added susten sr 200 one tablet daily at night ,as m already taking duphaston at night , kindly guide me when should I take the susten tablet,also m having dizziness after taking susten .
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. Regarding the mentioned concern your local doctor will guide you in a proper way and the doubts can be cleared accorjodingly .so you can discuss and get the solution for query.
Also online consultation can be taken on the platform and it will also be helpful in getting the proper guidance as there could be a detailed discussion which would be benifecial helpful in the correct manner .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
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