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Taking a Bath After Delivery- Benefits and Precautions
Maintaining the body’s temperature at an optimal level is advised to women when they are pregnant. This effectively means staying away from hot showers or tub baths until your delivery. Which is why, after the baby has been delivered, most mothers look forward to getting a nice warm bath after ages. The process of natural delivery further helps in this regard, with quite a bit of fluid and blood that leaks out during and after delivery. However, taking a bath right away may be a great decision, but definitely not on your own.
Can You Take a Bath After Giving Birth?
The process of birth might cause stress or strain on the vagina, resulting in tears as well. For other deliveries, there might be wounds or incisions that need to be healed properly. That being said, most doctors recommend taking a bath after delivery is completed, as it also provides a trigger to the body to kick start the healing procedures right away. A regular bath rarely poses any harm, but having a tub bath is best avoided, due to the increased risk of exposing yourself to bacteria.
When You Can Take a Bath After Delivery
For women who have given vaginal birth, most doctors ask them to go for a bath whenever they can. Hot tub baths are still to be avoided since they might be unclean. However, this is not the case if your perineum has had to undergo stitches after your delivery was complete. It is a similar case for women who have experienced a caesarean delivery as well. Since stitches and incisions are present on the body and they are yet to be healed completely, the doctors do not wish to take any chance with exposing them to sources of infection. This might result in you staying away from a bath for about four to six weeks as well.
Benefits of Bathing Post Delivery
Taking a bath after you have undergone delivery is known to bring a wide range of benefits to the mother, from emotional to physical as well.
Going for a nice bath helps a mother feels cleansed completely, bringing back freshness and revitalising her energy to care for her child.
Opting for warm water while bathing helps in stimulating the circulation of blood within the body.
A normal delivery puts quite a strain on the vagina and a bath can relieve any pain and discomfort.
The body tends to get sore and tired due to the trauma of pregnancy. A bath can relax it almost instantly.
In certain scenarios, doctors might insist on taking a bath to clean the stitches properly and remove any external elements that could infect the wound.
Cleaning the body, especially the breasts, is important since your child will be breastfeeding soon.
Women experiencing enlargement of the breasts have found that a warm bath reduces pain in them.
Bathing After Giving Vaginal Birth
Giving birth to a baby via the vagina is no easy feat. If you are fortunate to have had your birth with minimal blood loss or no harm to the vagina, you would be able to walk around as normal after a few hours of your delivery. This can make it easier for you to take a quick bath and feel refreshed in no time.
In certain cases, an episiotomy might be conducted in a woman’s perineum if the vagina stretches during delivery and a doctor is required to make cuts to facilitate the baby’s birth. This can result in pain after delivery and make it difficult to walk around for a couple of days. When you progress enough to walk to the toilet without support, it might be a good time to bring up the topic of a bath with your doctor. Most doctors will even recommend taking a bath since it ensures that the stitches in the vaginal area will be cleansed and the chances of infection are reduced. Be gentle around the vaginal region and ensure that it is completely dry after the bath.
Bathing After a C-Section Delivery
Undergoing a caesarean delivery is a completely different ballgame. This is not different from any major surgery a person might undergo and the entire focus after the delivery is in ensuring healing and recovery. For an initial couple of days, you might be advised to take complete bed rest, following which doctors might ask you to start walking around gradually. Taking a bath, in this case, is completely the prerogative of the doctor. Some doctors might deem your recovery to be on track and ask you to take a bath, making sure your incisions are kept clean and dry without fail. This, too, might be restricted to only a small shower, and not a full-fledged bath.
Safe Ways of Taking a Post-Pregnancy Bath
When going for your first bath after delivery, it is necessary to be as careful as possible to prevent yourself from any physical injury as well as any infection. It is important to remember that your baby is fully dependent on you, and any harm to you will indirectly impact the baby’s well-being.
Always make sure that the place of the bath or the tub has been cleaned using disinfectants. The water that is used should be free of any microbes, too, and should not be too hot at all. It is also recommended to wear a bra or cover your nipples in order to avoid exposing them to unclean bathwater. Don’t use any bath suds or fragrant oils, for they may react with your skin or the wounds in a different manner. Once your bath is complete, make sure your dry yourself completely and take extra precaution around the wounds, ensuring no moisture stays in them.
Precautions to Take Before Having a Postpartum Bath
When going ahead with your bath, it helps to keep a few precautions in mind to avoid any further problems.
Do not opt for the bath on your own. Make sure your doctor agrees with it as well.
If you already have an infection or any other illness, it is best to avoid taking a bath.
Even while taking showers, make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold. The extreme temperatures could get you dizzy, more so due to the loss of blood post birth.
Make sure you navigate the bathroom carefully and use footwear with a good grip.
Choosing to use a stool or a chair to sit under the shower and take a bath might be helpful after a caesarean delivery.
Initial baths after delivery could result in vaginal discharges being present. This is normal and isn’t a cause of worry.
Make sure you keep your skin dry and remove any trace of moisture in the stitches.
Sitz Bath for Pain Relief
A sitz bath works wonders in relieving perineal pain after delivery. During a sitz bath, a woman sits in a pool of water that only submerges her hips and bottom. This relieves pain, reduces inflammation, soothes soreness, reduces itching, and softly cleans the area to prevent any infection. To take a sitz bath, you must fill a clean, disinfected bathtub or any large tub/bucket with two to three inches of warm water. You can also use cool water if you prefer, but avoid extreme temperatures. Sit in the tub for five minutes, stand up, and pat dry the submerged areas with a towel. You can do this three to four times a day. Avoid adding any soap or bath salts to the water. Make sure that the tub is properly cleaned and disinfected before and after every use. Make sure to consult a doctor if you notice any redness, oozing or swelling around the stitches. Taking a sitz bath can help speed up recovery, but make sure to follow the instructions clearly.
Going for a hot water bath after delivery might be a luxury too difficult to resist; and as much relief and refreshment as it might bring, it might not always be possible to do so. Keeping your health and your baby’s well-being a priority is paramount, so opt for a bath only after the doctor gives you the green signal.
References & Resources: Whattoexpect
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Joint Pain after Delivery - Causes & Remedies
Home Remedies for Stomach Pain after Pregnancy
Precautions to Take after Delivery of a Baby Read more
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11 Freshwater Fish That Will Beautify Your Home Aquarium
If you love nature and all its creations, then you certainly will have had a thought or two about having an aquarium. Fish make great pets even for beginners because they are resilient and can withstand a harsh environment. They do not require vigilant care, and mostly, they get along with other fish as well. The right choice of fish will fit into a small tank and add life to your room in a snap. Of course, depending on the sizes and types of fish, the requirements for the aquarium (its temperature and size, for example) may vary. Read this article to get a fair idea about the best fish for your aquarium and how you can take care of them.
11 Best Fish for Home Aquariums That Are Easy to Take Care of
Beginners and experienced fish-keepers alike would love to have colourful fish in their aquarium. Mentioned below are some types of fishes suitable for a home aquarium:
1. Danios
This fish is a hardy freshwater fish that can be owned by beginners. Because of their resilience, they are perfect for people with little time or have no experience in setting up a tank. These fish can survive a range of water conditions. They are super fun to watch and are generally quite active. They survive well on fish flakes. Zebra and Giant Danio are good varieties to start with.
2. Guppy
The guppy is one of the most colourful freshwater fish that you can lay your hands on. They can be found in a spectrum of colours. The important thing to remember about guppies is that they breed rapidly. If you have a small tank with both male and female fish, you may soon find yourself running out of space. Guppies feed on fish flakes but also enjoy frozen shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Guppies can, however, go for days without food and hence, are easy to take care of.
3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
This is a very tiny fish and will fit right in if you have a small beginner’s tank. It is also very low-maintenance and is not demanding in any way. The Mountain Minnow is docile and does not attack the young ones in the tank. The minnow, however, does prefer to swim in a school. So, you might have to get a few of them together so that they are happy. They survive well in cold water and consume fish flakes.
4. Betta
The betta is not exactly a beginner’s fish due to its aggressive nature (It is also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish). You should know, however, that the betta is aggressive only towards other betta. It is safe then, to have a single fish in your tank. It is a stunning fish with long and colourful fins. The betta is uncomplicated as far as care is concerned. They eat any food like bloodworms, fish flakes, and brine shrimp. Live food is also something that the betta would look forward to. Be aware that if you have any other fish that nips, the betta could be in danger because of its long fins.
5. Cory Catfish
The cory catfish lives in peace and dwells harmoniously with any other fish. You have almost up to 150 species of cory you can choose from. They are aggressive eaters and help to keep the tank clean. They eat algae and vegetative matter at the bottom of the tank. They also eat insect larvae, fish flakes, and bloodworms. The cory catfish has a lifespan of about 20 years and loves to be in groups of 3-4 at least.
6. Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami can exist in tanks that have an oxygen deficit. They come to the surface to breathe. It is a peaceful species which can dwell well with other species of fish. Any floating food works well with the gourami. The male of the species is always brighter.
7. Cherry Barb
This is a tiny and peaceful fish that will feel at home in your beginner’s tank, just as soon as they settle into space. You might want to get a few because they swim in a school. The male is brightly coloured. They are simple to maintain and feed. Keep live plants to entertain your cherry barb.
8. Black Molly
The black molly is the most beautiful fish you can have in a tank. Its deep black has an alluring feel to it. The fish can be moved from one tank to another and yet feel at home. However, be cautious when they breed because mollies tend to eat their young.
9. Bristlenose Catfish
This is a slightly larger fish and can reach 15cm in length. It is a low-maintenance, yet interesting looking fish. The fish will also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and epibioses. Due to its size, you may want a slightly large tank to give it room to play.
10. Kuhli Loach
This is an eel-like fish which adapts to water change very effortlessly. They are bottom feeders who eat spare food that has dropped to the tank’s bottom. They get along well with other small fish.
11. African Cichlids
This species includes beautiful fish like the peacock cichlids, zebra cichlids, and the yellow cichlids. They are hardy fish but are also prolific breeders. They can also be a bit aggressive. They require a tank size of 20 gallons to settle well.
Tips to Choose Fish for Home Aquarium
Here are a few pointers when you go shopping for fish:
Make sure to avoid the male and female of the same species or you might just end up becoming a breeder.
Do not pick fish that are hostile towards their juvenile.
Buy the right-sized tank to ensure that your fish are comfortable and have enough space.
Make sure that you pick fish that are active and swimming well.
Understand the water conditions that different fish require. Do not mix fish that thrive in cold water with fish that need warm water.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions regarding aquarium fish are listed below:
1. What Type of Fish Can Live Well Together in a Tank?
Most of the species that we have mentioned, like gourami, danios, cory catfish, mollies, and loaches can live in harmony in a tank.
2. How Many Fish Can I Have in an Aquarium?
The thumb rule to determine the number of fish that your tank may safely hold is the famous 'fish per gallon' rule. Classically, a well-maintained tank should handle one inch of fish for every gallon of water. This converts to a gram of fish in every four litres of water.
Although maintaining fish is much easier than having a dog or a cat as a pet, it still requires diligence and some hard work. Picking up the right tank and equipment is crucial to successfully keep fish thriving. If you intend to lay gravel, rinse it before adding it to your tank. Put in a mix of live and fake plants to keep the interest of the fish. Change the water in the tank every week or bi-weekly to ensure that your fish do not fall ill. Although the thought of having an aquarium can be pleasing, make sure you are ready to put in the required work for the sake of your brightly-coloured aquatic friends.
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The Ultimate Prams Buying Guide
What is a Pram?
The word 'Pram' is derived from the word perambulator, more suited to carry babies from birth till they grow into independent sitters. Newborn babies do not have control over their neck, which needs to be gently held in place when the babies are lifted from their lying positions. Therefore, they require a carriage where they can comfortably lie and look at the world above them. The pram bassinets are ideal for babies to lie down on their backs, when the parents step outside. The canopy of a pram covers more than half of the bassinet, thereby shielding babies from dust and heat and giving them a cozy atmosphere. Since prams allow babies a fully reclining position, straps and harness belts are usually absent. However, you can customize your pram to add these features if you feel that they are necessary.
How is a Pram Useful?
While it is true that the bonding between the caregiver and baby increases by holding the baby close to your body, in reality, how long can you really keep your hand propped up holding up the little one? You obviously need your hands free for other tasks, and need to move around, going about your daily routine. There is the option of wearing your child, but that still constricts your movements to some extent since you cannot bend down to make swift movements. The answer to this dilemma then is, Prams!
A full sized four-wheel pram has a full range of options for bassinet, travel systems, accessories, and large wheels and generally come with rubber tires. They also have a wide canopy and usually cover up to half the carriage protecting the infant from dust and harsh light. A pram has wheels which allows you to easily push it around while strolling.
Why You Need a Pram?
Most moms prefer to use prams for their babies because -
Babies like to explore the world and all its sights and sounds, and shouldn't have to wait till they find their feet.
Taking babies in a pram and going for long walks helps them shed that pregnancy weight while giving their back a much-needed respite from strain.
With a pram, newborns get to enjoy warmth and comfort, even when outdoors.
Most prams allow rear-facing option, giving them the chance to maintain eye contact or sing to their baby wherever they go.
Features List
There are a few features to consider while buying a pram. The 'Must Haves' point to the essential features, while the 'Good to Haves' are add-on features you may or may not choose to go for.
Must Haves
An adjustable canopy.
Reclining Seat - Fully reclining position is best for babies who have not developed head and neck support.
3-Wheel System or 4-Wheel System - A 3-wheel pram is lighter and easier to maneuver than a 4 wheel one. This is useful for parents who wish to jog with their newborns in tow. However, the 3-wheel structure makes the pram less sturdy and stable.
Reversible Seat It lets babies enjoy the world or look at you when they are cranky.
Good to Haves
Toy Attachments - To keep your baby entertained.
I-Pad Hookup.
Height-adjustable handle.
A Storage Basket-To hold the diaper bag/ purse/ grocery bags.
Reversible Handle - Strollers come with reversible handles that can be positioned to make your child face you on the rear, or forward, according to the child's age and mood.
Reference:- 4-http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/index.php?/topic/796558-reversible-pram/
Pros and Cons of a Pram
Just as there are 2 sides to a coin, prams have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Cons
A sturdy frame with 3 or 4 wheel options.
Can be heavy and bulky.
You can make the baby lie facing you or away from you.
Can be difficult to fold.
Storage spaces allow you ease of shopping with your baby.
Traveling through small spaces can be hard.
Prams can be customized with extra accessories, and converted into stroller to extended period of use.
Might not be ideal to use when traveling short distances (say, to a mall or a park).
What to Look for when Buying a Pram?
Here are some points to keep in mind while buying a pram for your bundle of joy-
Look for quality materials and sturdy wheels.
Ensure that it fits into the boot of your car.
Look for a balanced design and suspension.
Look for durability, extra padding for babies, reversible seats and a large storage capacity.
Read more
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What you Didn't Know About The Male Beard
Men with body fuzz and beards are making heads turn and how. No longer considered unkempt, non-motivated or untidy, they're giving tough competition to those sporting a well-groomed, clean-cut look. Yes, it’s time to know the reasons why your husband’s beard is hot and happening!
Gone are the days when moms equated business success and good looks with men who weren’t hairy or rugged looking. Today, the enticement factors lie elsewhere. Women of this generation are branding bearded men as independent, strong, talented, and wise. If you need more adjectives, add virile, mature and wild too! Now that you've taken that slanting look at him and know that you love your husband’s beard, get ready to underline the reasons.
5 Good Reasons your Husband’s Beard is Hot
1. He looks more masculine and primal
His one-day old stubble may graze your cheeks during those fleeting kisses, but then, it makes him look manlier—right? Sexy and rebellious too. Also, there’s something about your hubby’s beard that makes him appear dashing beyond comparison - morning, evening and night. At parties or while addressing a meet, he garners more attention than others. No wonder you best love him unshaven.
2. Kissing moments are more pleasurable
Kissing a bearded face adds another dimension to your secret moments - feeling ticklish! There’s a very different (think “aggressive”) kind of feel to making out in bed with a man boasting of facial growth. Have your bedroom acts not become all the more enjoyable after he’s grown a beard? Okay lady, get ready for more free skin scratches!
3. His beard makes you want to pet him
Legend says that husbands with beards are more likely to behave like an adorable pet that needs to be stroked, patted or simply fondled. What’s better than touching his brawny skin and igniting the passion in his nerve endings? Remember, bare facial skin can be smooth and boring and leave you feeling as if it’s your own! No small wonder that he sees you grimacing when he's reaching out for his razor!
4. He relives your lumbersexual dreams
If you have grown up with hidden desires of making love to a rugged, tough husband, then you're definitely enjoying the real thing. The beard on your husband’s face makes you think macho and confident. Your man can probably make his own bricks, build fires, or hull heavy logs - or so you fantasize! Phew, it’s already getting sultry.
5. It makes him look so good Period
Your husband looks super desirable in a smartly stitched button up shirt or a three-piece suit, especially with that trademark beard in place. He stands apart in a crowd and presents a unique blend of being stylish and strappy at the same time. Hotness!
Now, aren't these reasons enough for loving the way he looks? On a naughty note, somewhere deep down there, his beard is an assurance of how manly yet affectionate he is. More reasons to love that fuzz then, right? Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
34 mins ago
Q. 31 weeks pregnant doctor suggested gestakind two times, refka tablets 1 time at night, iron capsule 2 times, and calcium tablet 1 time after lunch
is this okay? and how to take all this medicine??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
24 mins ago
A. okay follow as per the doctors advice. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
29 mins ago
Q. when can i start massage after c section delivery and which body part massage is not suggested
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
29 mins ago
A. Just on the tummy area where you have stitches rest you can start with it not a problem but just make sure tell your muscles to keep a very light hand and also keep it away from your stitch area rest you can go ahead with getting a massage done there is no problem
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
20 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert.
which formula milk is best for newly born baby if the mother is not able to feed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. no problem can use any brand as doctors advise. 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
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
18 mins ago
Q. Hi doctor,
Please recommend me the feeding bottle & breast pump for post delivery.
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
5 mins ago
A. Philips are good brand
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
15 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I lost my baby after delivery due to a weak heart and heart cells issue. Everything is good in the TIFFA scan but finally we lost our baby.
Will you please tell us the correct reason and after the TIFFA scan doctor knows this issue or not. Till the 5th month ending I consulted one doctor afterwards to the delivery time and consulted another doctor.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 mins ago
A. different reasons not possible to pin point. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. My wife is 34 weeks pregnant and she is not able to bear the itchy stretch marks. She was not able to sleep at night. We are applying coconut oil and olive oil mix in the stretch marks, but she is not able to cope with the itchiness. Any suggestions appreciated
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 min ago
A. application of bio oil u can continue coconut oil. 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
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