Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Baby Sleeping on Side - Risks and Precautions
Some swear that a baby is supposed to lie on his back or stomach, while others claim that sleeping on the side is the best. In this article, these questions are answered among many others, including whether sleeping on the side is safe for babies.
Why is it Important that your Baby Sleeps in the Right Position?
SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome refers to the sudden death of children who are under a year of age. SIDS usually occurs as a direct result of fatal sleeping accidents in infants, so it is extremely important to ensure that your child uses a safe sleeping pattern. SIDS mainly occurs when the baby is sleeping, too. Therefore, it is imperative that the child always sleeps in the right position.
Is Sleeping on the Side Safe for Babies?
Can a baby sleep on one side? No- sleeping on the side is not a safe option for children, as it can directly lead to a number of health conditions in the child.
1. Harlequin Colour Change
In this condition, the side in which the baby is asleep on changes colour into pink or red, while the other half remains unaffected. There is always a clear demarcating line that runs through the centre of the body of the child, with either side coloured markedly different. The sleeping side will be a bright pink or red, while the other side will be normal. This occurs when the child sleeps on his side for hours. However, it is to be noted that even though it may look alarming, this condition does not have any ill-effects on the child. The condition is a benign one, and the colours fade away in a matter of minutes after switching the side of the baby. This condition is thought to occur due to gravity affecting the blood flow in the immature blood vessels of the child, causing accumulation of red blood cells near the skin.
Treatment
No treatment is required for this condition, as the colours fade away in minutes after the position of the child is changed.
2. Flatheads
At a young age, the skull of the child is soft and malleable. This allows the brain to grow and expand, and the skull expands at the same rate too. Flatheads occur when pressure builds up at some point of the skull, causing it to go concave or flatten, or even sink inwards. This can happen if the child is placed in the same position repeatedly so that the contact area on the head is the same. Flatheads can occur in children even if the child has been sleeping straight, but his head was turned to the side. The improper shape of the skull may result in the brain being unable to expand, leading to stunted brain growth.
Treatment
The treatment consists of using braces called baby helmets to correct the problem. These are manufactured by certified manufacturers or hospitals and help reposition the skull of the child.
3. Torticollis
Torticollis is characterised by the abnormal tilting of the neck of the child in one direction, due to the severe shortening of sternocleidomastoid muscle that connects the lateral side of the head to the clavicle. Since the muscles of the child are still tender and growing, they may be affected and shorten due to the repeated sleeping on the side or even turning of the head.
Treatment
The stiffness in the muscles of the child can be released via physical therapy or wearing a recovery harness. The harness is usually wrapped around the body of the baby and has a soft pad near the neck. This pad effectively pushes the head in the opposite direction, which gradually brings the neck to the normal position.
4. Risk of Choking
Torsion is created in the windpipe, which makes breathing difficult for the child. In some cases, regurgitated food can get accumulated near the tracheal opening, and this results in another choking hazard. Tummy sleeping is more likely when the baby sleeps on his side, and this can increase the risk of SIDS.
Treatment
There is no treatment for this- the best thing to do is to prevent your child from sleeping on his side.
What If Baby is not Comfortable Sleeping on His Back?
This is not about the comfort of the child- safety is of a higher priority, compared against comfort. You have to make your baby get used to sleeping on his back, by encouraging him to sleep in the right posture. You should never let him know how convenient it is to lie on the sides. This can be done by making him sleep on his back from an early age, as early as possible. This way, the child gets used to sleeping like that even if he is not comfortable with the position.
Precautions to Prevent Baby from Side-Sleeping
Some of the precautions include:
1. Place Your Baby on the Back
This is an easy way to ensure that your child does not side sleep. Just make sure that you place him on his back when you put him to sleep, whether it be his crib or his cradle. This position also reduces the chances of upper respiratory infections occurring in the child.
2. Remove Unnecessary Support Structures
In many cribs or beds, it is found that there are items which don’t benefit the baby in any way. These include home pillows and even crib bumpers, which can negatively affect the sleeping position of the child.
3. No Sleep Positioners
Most sleep positioners or wedges are designed to ensure that your child sleeps on his side, which is not a good sleeping position. Even if the positioner helps the child sleep on his back, it must still be avoided- they have been proven to pose a suffocation hazard to the children.
4. Reduce Swaddling
Swaddling creates a cylindrical surface around the baby, which makes it easy for him to roll over in his sleep. Therefore, you must ensure that swaddling is reduced- it also increases the risk of SIDS.
5. Change Up the Positions
To reduce the risk of flatheads in children, switch the position of his head every alternate right. Shift his head to the left and right at night alternatively, when he lies on his back.
When Can Babies Sleep on Side?
For the first year of his life, it is essential that the child only lies on his back. After that, the oesophagus, trachea and breathing mechanism are all fairly developed- it is, therefore, safe for him to lie on his side.
What if your Baby Rolls Over to its Side while Sleeping?
Newborns sleeping on side have to be absolutely avoided, so you must keep an eye on the child in the first year to check if he rolls over in his sleep. Baby sleeping on side in 3 months is still bad- it is only around 6 months of age the muscles get sufficiently strong enough to support the child lying on his tummy. When the child rolls over on his own, it means that the risk of him choking during sleep is low- however, this should not be allowed to happen below the age of six months.
Sleeping on the side does no good to children below the age of 12 months, and is an unsafe practice. Only after a year of development do the muscles and internal organs of the child get strong enough to lower the risk of choking, so the baby must not be allowed to lie on his tummy or side during the first year of its life.
Also Read:
How Many Hours Does Baby Needs to Sleep
Baby Sleep Training
Baby Sleeping Too Much Read more
Suggested for you
Squats During Pregnancy: Benefits, Tips And Safety
Pregnancy is a phase where the mother goes through a lot of changes, both physically and mentally. Exercising is a good way to make sure your body is ready for the due date. Exercise and pregnancy undoubtedly have a positive association.
Now why is squatting an exercise that needs to be looked at? This is because, apart from exercising to stay fit and for recreational purposes, it is always a good idea to do a specific exercise that will be more beneficial for the current state of your body. As pregnancy and delivery need a good toned abdominal, back and upper thigh muscle tone, squatting yields maximum benefits. However, it is important that squatting is done in the right manner.
Is It Safe To Exercise When Pregnant?
Yes. It is safe to exercise when pregnant, but with the terms and conditions applied - a right type of exercise done in a right amount at the right time. In fact, squats in pregnancy are recommended to build strength in your lower body which takes a lot of pressure during delivery.
Amazing Benefits Of Squatting During Pregnancy
Exercise in general and squatting specifically has a lot of potential benefits during pregnancy and eventually during labour. Squatting is a traditional form of exercise advised to pregnant women by midwives. Here are some common benefits:
1. Healthy body weight
Weight gain in pregnancy can be unhealthy if it is above a certain level. Too much fat accumulation causing weight gain is not a good idea. Comparative studies have proven that those who were active earlier and continued exercising during pregnancy had healthier weight gain than those who stopped after becoming pregnant.
2. Cardiovascular fitness
Cardiovascular fitness, endurance and muscular strength can be maintained and improved through exercise and squatting during pregnancy. There is a lot of maternal adaptation happening in all the systems of the body during pregnancy, particularly the cardiovascular system. The blood volume increases, heart rate increases and cardiac output increases. Being sedentary during this time is not a very good idea.
3. Muscular strength
You will have some extra weight all over your body during pregnancy. All the weight will be borne by your legs and the back muscles are at work for extra hours to bear it. Squats in pregnancy help you maintain the right posture and it prevents undue stress on the knee ligaments without affecting you and your baby negatively.
4. Improved posture
Lower back pain can really hurt during pregnancy and squatting is the solution. Improving the posture and body mechanics decreases the frequency and severity of the pain which is otherwise quite common during pregnancy. The most common types of back pain during pregnancy - the lumbar pain and the back of the pelvis pain, both are taken care of when you squat.
5. Treatment of pregnancy-induced complications and prevention
In those women who are pre-disposed to gestational diabetes, exercise has shown to prevent or control it by improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and also reduces the episodes of hypoglycemia by improving the glycogen stores in the liver and muscles. But the women who already have gestational diabetes may need advice and exercise under guidance.
Pregnancy-induced-hypertension is another complication of pregnancy that can be perilous. Few studies have reported protective effect of leisure time exercise during pregnancy against hypertensive disorders induced by pregnancy.
There is always a risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy. There is also a risk of foetal malformations in early days after pregnancy. This is why these precautions about exercising in the first trimester are necessary.
6. Relief from minor discomforts
Squatting helps reduce minor discomforts which are very common during pregnancy like constipation, poor bladder control, varicose veins, insomnia, heartburn, and leg cramps. Some women also reported that 3-5 minutes of exercise alleviates symptoms of morning sickness.
7. Easing of labour
There is evidence that says that the women who were active throughout their pregnancy and performed squatting exercise during the 9th month of pregnancy had an earlier onset of labour at term, shorter duration of labour, reduced complications during labour and delivered babies with high APGAR scores. (APGAR scoring is done by the paediatrician on the new-born to estimate the health. Higher the score, the healthier the baby).
Also recently there has been a lot of importance being given to squats to bring on labour and also delivering in the same position. In fact various hospitals are now designing the labour room table such as to allow delivery in a squatting position and encourage squats while pregnant to induce labour.
8. Faster recovery
An active mother during pregnancy recovers faster, and gets back to the pre-pregnant state in terms of energy, pain, muscle strength, weight loss, toned abdomen and endurance sooner.
9. Psychological benefits
There is no denying that pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum period however beautiful, is known to psychologically impact the mother. Exercising during pregnancy has positive effects on the maternal mental well-being leading to decreased depression and an improvement in self-esteem and body confidence.
Type Of Squatting Exercise You Can Do
Here is a brief overview of how to do squats during pregnancy. Read about the various squatting positions during pregnancy and how you can practice them:
1. Sumo Squat
Stand straight with an erect spine.
Keep your feet apart, slightly more than a shoulder width. Slightly rotate your legs such that toes point outwards.
Stretch out your arms in front of you with or without dumbbell or simply keep your hands on your hips.
Now gently bend your knees keeping your back completely straight.
Go down till you are comfortable and at the same time feel the stretch on inner muscles of the thigh and the glutes.
Don’t go so low as to stress your knees.
2. Wall Squat (Half)
For the wall squat exercise you will need a smooth surface wall preferably with the tiles for a smooth slide and for more ease an exercising ball
Keep your feet a shoulder-width apart and away from the wall
You can keep the ball between the wall and your back for easy sliding or simply lean directly against the wall
Now slowly bend your knees pointing forwards, lean back and start sliding downwards
You can take a deep breath and slowly exhale
Squat only as low as you are comfortable with minimal stress on the knees
The outstretched arms will provide balance. You can also keep them on your knees
Now slowly slide upwards while leaning against the wall or the ball
3. Wall Squat Sliding Down (Full)
This is similar to the wall squat half
You will need few pillows in addition to a smooth surface
Body position is similar except you may not need the ball
Keep the pillows in front of the wall on the floor and stand in front of them
As you slide down slowly land on the pillows for support
And slowly slide up
4. Simple Squat
Stand on with your feet shoulder-width apart
Turn your feet in an outward to stabilise yourself
Leave your hands loose by the sides
Take a deep breath and as you exhale slowly begin to bend your knees and go down
Make sure there is enough space in between your legs for the tummy to fit in comfortably
As you go down, support yourself with your palms placed on your knees
Bend slightly towards the front enough to not lose your balance
Stretch your back and hold the position it will help the muscles in your lower back to relax
Don't lift your heels while doing so
5. The Chair Squat
Keep a sturdy chair against a wall so that it doesn’t slide back
Stand in front of the chair
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes are pointing outwards
Keep your hand outstretched for better balancing
Now slowly lower your glutes ( muscle located in the buttocks ) towards the chair as if you are going to sit down on the chair
Do this very slowly with your gluteal muscles and thigh muscles at work and not the gravity
Breathe deeply and slowly
Sit in the chair with the glutes lightly touching the chair. Your thigh muscles are still at work
Now slowly stand up with the same group of muscles initiating the movement
Do not take the support of the knees
6. Deep squat hold with pelvic muscles contraction
Stand in the wide sumo squat position facing a wall
Squat as far down as you can do comfortably
Keep your arms outstretched. If needed, you can place the palms on the wall for balance but do not lean against the wall
While you are in the squat position, hold there and contract your pelvic muscles ( as if you are trying to hold on urine)
If possible you can stay low and contract and relax the pelvic muscles a couple of times. This will retract and release the abdomen also
Now slowly rise up
You can also take the support of the back of a chair to do so
Tips To Perform Squats Safely
There are certain contraindications to squatting during pregnancy that you must know about. Consulting your doctor is the best idea before you begin squatting on your own.
1. It’s your first time!
The first major no-no for squatting is to attempt it without researching whether it is safe for you. If you’re wondering how to do squats during pregnancy, it is better to ask whether it is safe first.
There is enough information on the internet to help you but unless your doctor gives you a green signal and explains to you the advantages, the risks and the red flag signs may not be evident. In particular, the posture during a squat exercise, which involves repeated bending and straightening of the upper body, can become a major risk factor for a lumbar disorder associated with lower back pain, result in miscarriage or even a premature labour.
The four most significant contraindications to beginning an exercise program or resuming one are:
Physical injury
An acute bout of illness or a serious chronic disease,
Onset of persistent or recurrent abdominal or pelvic pain, and finally
Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding.
2. Absolute Contraindications (exercise not advised at all)
Any sort of exercise is not advised if you face any of the following:
Cardiovascular, systemic and respiratory disease
Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or thyroid disease
Ruptured membranes or premature labour
Persistent bleeding after 1st trimester
Incompetent cervix
Pregnancy induced severe hypertension
Multiple pregnancy(triplets, etc.)
Poor foetal growth
3. Relative contraindications
It can exercise but require careful evaluation, monitoring, and prescription based on the individual situation)
You can exercise but require additional care and guidance based on the your situation during pregnancy if you face or have face any of the following::
A history of premature delivery (3 or more)
Diabetes
Any previous problems of rapid labour or poor foetal growth
Early pregnancy bleeding
Poor lifestyle choices and bad fitness levels
Breech presentation post 28 weeks
Experiencing arrhythmias and palpitations
Anaemia or deficiency of iron
Extreme weights – under or overweight
Precautions To Take While Doing Squats Or Other Exercise In Pregnancy
Various professional organizations and noted researchers in the field have published guidelines for exercising during the childbearing year. Here are some tips to perform squats safely in pregnancy as published by Hammer et al in the journal of perinatal education
Obtain medical clearance before participation.
The exercise prescription should be individually based.
Regular mild to moderate exercise routines are preferable to intermittent activity.
Gradually increase exercise intensity and duration if previously sedentary.
A maximum heart rate limit up to 155 b/min is recommended, although levels of intensity higher than this can be prescribed on an individual basis.
Walking, cycling, swimming, low-impact aerobics, and stretching are recommended activities.
Do not exercise in the supine position after the 4th month. Don't stand motionless for long periods of time.
Stop exercising when fatigued and do not deliberately reach a point of exhaustion. Get plenty of rest.
Do not perform exercises that could cause a loss of balance.
Eat an additional 150–300 calories a day and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise. Emphasize complex carbohydrates to replace muscle glycogen stores.
Do not exercise when it is hot or humid or when febrile. Wear clothing that is cool and allows ventilation.
Bouncing, jerky movements should first be reduced and then avoided during the 3rd trimester.
Avoid high-altitude activities and scuba diving.
Participation in competitive sports is acceptable during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy if risk is accepted, but contact sports should be avoided thereafter.
Lifting light to moderate weights is encouraged to develop or maintain strength, but the valsalva manoeuvre should be avoided.
Know the warning signs to discontinue exercise and consult with prenatal health advisor.
When you should avoid squatting
There are a few instances during your pregnancy where it is not advisable to squat. For example, if the baby is not in the optimal position, i.e. the baby’s bottom presents itself first when the baby is in the breech position, which pushes it deeper down into the pelvis. You can turn your baby to the optimal position before continuing squatting.
Other instances include experiencing pain during squatting. If you are having some sort of discomfort while squatting, then it is best that you get your technique analysed or choose another technique.
Thus, squatting in pregnancy is recommended for those who want to ensure a smoother, easier delivery. However, precautions need to be taken in order to confirm whether your body and you are ready for this.
Also Read:
Treadmill Workout during Pregnancy
Is it Safe to Jump while Pregnant
Performing Pelvic Tilt Exercise in Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
How to Make Vaccination Fun for Kids
After reaching a certain age, our kids likely smarten up to the fact that most doctor check-ups might include a shot? ...
As a parent, we’re doing our job and making sure our kid gets the doctor's full recommended vaccination schedule on time. But the problem is, even though immunizations save lives; shots can be scary! And this realization can make way for fear of shots and lots of pre-checkup anxiety and screaming.
Well, here I am discussing a few steps by which we can make sure our child’s vaccination experience goes as smooth as possible...
1. Be Honest
We have to be honest with the child and have to explain that shots can pinch, but that it won’t hurt for long. Help your child to focus on what they can do to help get through the shot.
2. Importance of Vaccinations
There are a ton of resources that explain immunizations in ways kids will understand. We love those animated videos that explain how vaccinations work. These materials will help kids understand why the shots are important while connecting vaccines with fun activities and colourful characters.
3. Be Emotionally and Physically Present for Their Comfort
Being held still by unfamiliar people can be one of the scariest parts for children receiving vaccines. Often times, children do best if they sit on a parent’s lap for further support and to help them stay still. Use reassuring language to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings.
4. Play It Cool
We know it can be hard to see your child cry, but it’s your job to stay calm as getting emotional will only escalate the situation. After you’ve prepared the child and distracted them, it’s time to let the medical staff to do their jobs. Be ready with a smiling face when it’s done, and know that you’re doing what’s best for your child.
5. It's Simply Ok to Cry
Let your toddler or child know it's okay to cry, but encourage him or her to be brave. Explain that a shot doesn't hurt much. If possible, you may practice timing a second to show how brief that really is.
6. Distract Them
While the shot is being administered, give your kids something else to focus on. Hold their hand, or give them a new toy to play with. A teddy bear for the toddler to clutch, bubbles to blow, a favorite book to read out loud can help lessen the fear of shots. Having the doctor "examine" a doll or teddy first while the toddler will be on hold is also works great. If possible, play their favorite cartoon on a phone or tablet while the shot is being administered.
7. Treat is a Must
Consider a post-shot treat. Promise a trip to the playground or the children's museum or the ice-cream shop or toy store or to visit a friend's home or to the game zone. This will make your little one happy.
8. Give Praise
Tell your child how proud of him or her you are for doing something that was difficult or scary. And even if aspects of the process do not go as planned, tell them something specific that they did well, such as using their words or taking deep breaths. Celebrating what your child did well will help them feel more successful and willing to participate during future medical experiences.
Finally, I want to conclude with these few words. Vaccination can be difficult and scary for kids and their families, but they don’t have to be. Preparing your child, comforting, and supporting them with validation, play and praise can help them feel successful and overcome their fear.
It is my small attempt to provide a few vital tips and tricks for happy vaccination, hope all parents will like my effort. Happy parenting....?
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
Suggested for you
Quick and Easy Hairstyles for New Moms
Looking for super easy new mom hairstyles? If you answered in the affirmative, help is at hand. Well, there are some easy hairstyles that wouldn't rob you of your precious baby time. Say goodbye to exhausting hairstyles and say hello to hassle-free hairdos.
Being a new mom means nothing above a two-minute shower, let alone the feel of a good lather. In such a situation who has ever got time for maintaining a hairstyle? To make things easy, we have for you some quick and simple hairstyles that should make up for the lack of time.
Easy Hairstyles for New Moms
1. The Half-Up Hairstyle
This easy-to-do hairstyle is held by a maximum of three bobby pins. All you need to do is take the top layers of your crown area, tease them a bit, and secure this section at the crown with a pin. Now twist the front hair and take it towards the crown. Secure this with another bobby pin. Repeat this with the other side. There! You're done.
2. The Messy Bun
If you're a hands-on mom, chances are that you will be running around picking groceries and handling your little one in the morning. So what you need is a quick and frill-less hairstyle that is also chic. The messy bun is a perfect choice. How do we make it? Pull your hair back and fasten it in a high ponytail with an elastic band. Now, twist your hair and arrange it around the elastic band. Use bobby pins to put in place strands of hair that stick out.
3. The Braids
If you have long to mid length hair that is difficult to manage, this is the hairstyle for you. For this, you need to part your hair into two sections. Now start braiding the loose strands on both the sides. When both the braids are done, pull them back to form a long braided ponytail. Secure it with a sparkly band. This hairstyle isn't just simple, but super cute too. You can even sleep with these braids on. This is one of the best quick hairstyles for new moms.
4. Add Volume
Have guests coming over for lunch, and don't know how to manage looking good, whipping up a feast and tending to the baby? Well! We make it simple for you. Just pull all your front hair up (even the small sections) and tease it a bit with a wide-tooth comb. Now pull this section back and then push it in front. There! Your mini bouffant look is ready. You could leave a few strands loose on the sides to add some character. This hairstyle should take you all of five minutes to get done.
5. Effortless Curls
Sexy waves could be your saving grace if you have a last minute invite you can't put down. Doesn't sound one bit true? Well! Don't be surprised. All you need is a bit of twisting and you'll see results. For this you need to part your hair in two sections. Twist the loose strands and take it towards the crown and secure it with a bobby pin. Repeat this with the other side. Go get ready. When you're done, remove the bobby pins and be amazed by your beachy crinkled hair.
These quick and easy hairstyles for new moms do not need a lot of time to get into place. These hairstyles ensure that moms look presentable, at any time of the day. Taking the time out to try out new and elaborate hairstyles can be done when you do not have much on your plate, at all the other times don't forget to try one of the mentioned hairstyles. Read more
Suggested for you
The Expected Birth and the Most Unexpected Death I've Seen in My Life
It was a Monday morning when I was packing a lunch box for my husband and myself. We were getting ready for office and something made me feel different. I just asked Anand, my hubby, to bring the pregnancy kit to confirm the most awaited and exciting news of our little world. Yessss! The result was positive! We had been married for only 3 years, but this was what our family was waiting for since the last few months.
Everyone was so happy to hear the news, and we started counting down to the delivery date, especially my mom-in-law.
She came to stay with us when I was four months pregnant and took good care of me. I shared a very special bond with her. She never treated me as a 'Bahu'. We used to joke, we used to share our thoughts, we used to cook together and most of all our understanding for each other was so good that we never argued over anything.
When I was eight months pregnant, I took maternity leave from the office and went to my mom's house for delivery as we had better medical facilities there.
My in-laws went back to their city and Anand continued with his office routine after dropping me at mom's house.
The final day came and we were blessed with a baby girl, delivered via a C-section. Anand came a day before. Next day came my in-laws. I could see the happiness in their eyes as well as the hope for a baby boy too. My family was also very happy. In-laws went back the next day.
I was discharged from the hospital. Anand went back after staying for a few days with me.
It took a bit longer for me to adjust to the new routine, with a crying baby at hand all the time. I was not keeping well due to thyroid issues during pregnancy. It was very tough but my mom's support made me stronger.
Days passed and my baby was 20 days old.
I was having my tea one day when Papa's phone rang; he said something to my mom but I could not hear as they were in another room. We have a joint family, so there are a lot of people in the house. I heard some noise outside my room. My taiji was saying, "Sarika ko mat batao." (Don't tell Sarika.)
I just got scared and started walking towards them with confusion in my eyes.
I was asked to sit. All family members came into my room and my mom said in a low voice that my mother-in-law met with an accident last night and she is no more.
A lot of things went through my mind - Oh my God! What has happened! How did all this happen?
I just could not understand anything. My poor baby lost her grandmother before even recognizing her. I was only crying and crying.
We immediately left for in-laws' city. Anand was there in front of the hospital where she was found after the accident. My father-in-law and mother-in-law were going somewhere on their Activa when they met with an accident. They were rushed to the nearby hospital. My father-in-law was safe with no injuries but mother-in-law had suffered severe internal injuries and doctors could not save her life.
This was a disaster because we lost a major pillar of our family. We were not mature enough to face all this at such an early age. Moreover, this was the most unexpected thing which could have happened with us when everyone was so happy. With a 20-day old baby in my hands, we performed all the rituals. We were shattered and did not come out of the shock for days and months.
The biggest responsibilty on our shoulders now was that of my father-in-law, as he was already not keeping well. At the same time, I had to look after my daughter as well.
After staying there for a month, Anand had to join back office so we brought my father-in-law back with us. Soon, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and started forgetting everything. We tried our best and got him treated by the city's best neuro-physician. We always took good care of his food and medicines. Anand used to work from home so that he could look after his father.
My daughter, Peehu soon turned a year old. I joined the office for a few months but then quit due to lack of support at home. I didn't want an aaya anymore.
Every moment, I missed my mother-in-law... there was no one to play with her granddaughter, as my father-in-law never played with my baby. Sometimes he recognized her and sometimes not.
2 more years passed, we planned for a second child. In the midst of my pregnancy, my father-in-law's condition started worsening. Now we were looking for a nurse who could assist him for his daily chores like bathing, going to the washroom, and eating as now he was totally dependent. But we didn't get any.
Somehow we managed and again the day came. We were blessed with a baby boy. Everyone was so happy. I named him 'Samarth'. This was the name my mom-in-law wanted for her grandson.
But now the challenge was bigger.
As Anand now started going office, we hired a male-nurse for my father-in-law. Days passed, but despite all the care, he became more and more sick day by day.
It was very difficult for me to manage everything with 2 children and a patient. But we always had one thing in mind: we have lost one person already, we will not leave any stone unturned to save the second pillar of the family.
However one day, my father-in-law's BP dropped too low and we admitted him to the hospital. He was admitted in the ICU for multiple illnesses for more than 50 days. Finally, he expired after fighting with life for 5 years.
Now my son is 1.8 years old and daughter is 5 years old. I just feel very bad for both of them as they never got their grandparents' love. However, I know their blessings will always be showered on us.
But this is what life is all about - the expectations and the unexpected!
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
Suggested for you
What Type of Parenting Style Do You Follow and What Literature Says
Hi friends,
Today I would like to share with you the four types of parenting in our society. All of us usually train our kids as we were raised by our parents. We may/may not be having differences of opinion about the way we were raised by our parents and those who had differences will be trying to improvise it when it comes to the parenting roles. So in this context, I feel it's very important as a parent to know the types of parenting styles in our society and to evaluate ourselves as what type of parent are we. Hence here is a brief description of the same...
Types of Parenting
1. Authoritative
2. Authoritarian
3. Permissive
4. Neglected
1. Authoritative: Warm, responsive, and accepting but with set expectations for behaviour and achievement.
Positives - Differences are approached with reasoning and discussions, no forcefulness.
This type of parenting does not resort to punishments as a means to teach or inculcate a behaviour, rather it's the patient explanations of the parents and reasoning out to the kids which helps them to better understand their mistakes and rectify them. Parent-child rapport is good and increases the confidence in kids.
2. Authoritarian: High degree of parental control with obedience expected.
Punishment >>discussions
I feel this is an outcome of the busy life schedule among the parents as we don't have enough time to sit and explain things in the right way but want perfect behaviour from our kids. This approach instills fear of punishment rather than understanding. It causes emotional disturbances and psychological stress.
3. Permissive: Warmth and acceptability with very few rules and expectations. Child's autonomy valued highly.
4. Neglectful: Similar to permissive but lacks warmth and responsiveness
Often in daily life, we have mixed types of parenting. Mom and dad have a different style and studies have shown that mixed variant is better than both parents having the similar approaches.
Studies found authoritative parenting style with the most positive outcomes in most of the domains of behaviour, education, responsibility.
It's a highly debatable topic and difference of opinion are very common in the view of parents as we all feel our ways of parenting are always the right way. (I too do the same as I feel I am the best).
Kindly opine your views and evaluate yourself as to what type of parenting style you are following.
Happy parenting to all my dear friends!
Reference: Nelsons textbook of Pediatrics
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
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
20 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
19 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
19 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
13 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
Check out this new Memory
Gazala Noori
Guardian of a 2 yr 5 m old girl
2 mins ago
#risingstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Firstcry user
Father of a 7 m old boy
2 mins ago
#babyofsummer24
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Salma Sultana
Mom of a 2 yr 6 m old boy
3 mins ago
#risingstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Maheshwari
Mom of a 11 m old girl
4 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
ancyibrahim
Mom of a 11 m old boy
9 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive