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5 things about breastfeeding no one told me about
"The moment a child is born, a mother is also born." This quote cannot be truer considering the rush of emotions and things to do that come with becoming a mother. One of the first "new" things I encountered on becoming a mother for the first was that of breastfeeding. While I breastfed for quite sometime, there are a few learnings I picked up on my journey of breastfeeding which no one told me, but I’m glad I embraced it.
You will not get milk, the minute you start breastfeeding and stressing about it makes things worse. Colostrum is the first liquid which is produced for the first 2-4 days which looks clear or a golden yellow Color. It is liquid gold, rich in nutrients, highly concentrated and full of protein - the perfect first food for your little angel. The key to a woman’s mental health about breastfeeding is knowing that colostrum comes in small quantities naturally. Transitional milk then starts getting produced 2-5 days after delivery until 2 weeks, post which, mature milk is produced.
The power of pumping! I think it is vastly underestimated in breast milk production. Pumping after feeding empties the breasts making the body produce again to refill. Breast milk production follows a demand and supply method. The more the demand, the more the supply. If the baby is sick and may not feed that often it helps maintaining the supply. Manual breast pump and electric breast pumps are the options available. There are brands like Philips Avent and others which make good quality and convenient to use pumps. I personally have used the Philips Avent pump which is I found super comfortable and fast with few parts so cleaning and sterilising isn’t a hassle. I would personally prefer the electric pumps because it saves time and effort. Using either type of breast pumps has never been easier with the instruction manuals and videos available, it makes pumping a less daunting task than it appears.
Rooting is a natural reflex which babies are born with. It basically is the turning of the babies head towards the "root" - the mothers breast. But if the newborn hasn’t developed it yet, milk can be hand expressed to help guide their mouth to the nipple. It can also be triggered by gently stroking or touching the corners of their sweet little mouths and which mom wouldn’t love to do that ?! Sucking is also a natural reflex albeit different from rooting. When the roof of the mouth of the baby is stimulated, sucking comes in, allowing the baby to "drink". There is a possibility that a newborn may need help with these reflexes, it does not mean that breastfeeding is not possible. Any concerns regarding these reflexes should be discussed with a lactation specialist to get to the root of the issue and fix it.
Breastfeeding made me hungry all the time. There are many myths regarding diet during breastfeeding and while all advice may not be particularly wrong, it is best to consult a lactation specialist for proper guidance. Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in proteins is ideal. And importantly hydration is everything ! Since breast milk is composed of more than 80% water, replenishing the use of water in our bodies is critical to avoid getting dehydrated.
Every baby is different and so is the time they take to breastfeed. While there are some general numbers to get an idea, these aren’t set in stone and isn’t the best way to judge whether milk supply is enough or not. A better method would be to check for count of wet diapers. Newborns may nurse 20 minutes or even longer on one or both breasts, some may needs 8 sessions and some 12 or even more. Feeding often and on cue is the best way to keep stress at bay. For mothers like me, who are fussy, keeping track of the feeding schedule of babies using apps or diaries, kept me sane knowing that there is pattern and when to expect the next feed. Having said that, there should always be room for changes and updates in the baby’s feeding schedule as they grow.
All in all, questions about supply, about whether or not the child has had enough wet diapers, questions about your diet are all part of the breastfeeding journey. The key is to keep stress as far away as possible, eating a balanced diet and staying happy with the knowledge that your child is being given the best you can do and there is nothing better than that.
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Saugat Deb
Father of a 8 m old girl
1 min ago
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Your Baby This Week : 1 Month Week 4 Old
Your baby’s hands should be mostly open by now-ready to reach out to the world. Also, if your baby can’t grab objects just yet, he can grasp things placed in his hands. And when he wraps his hands around something, he may not let go so easily. Keep potentially dangerous items far from the reach of his own. If you are using formula, your baby’s travel bag should include extra bottles and travel-sized cans of formula. If you are breastfeeding, pack a shawl or wrap so you’re going to make you feel more comfortable nursing in public. Take the pacifier if your child uses them, extra diapers, a portable package of wipes, baggies for dirty diapers, a nasal bulb, and a first-aid kit. Pack a burp cloth, a change of clothes and extra layers for the purpose of transit, in conjunction with the appropriate clothes for your destination. Don’t forget a few favorite toys, as well as a few new ones to surprise him with it. Other useful tools include a car seat/stroller combo, and a papoose-style, front-or back baby carrier that allows you to keep your child snug while you have both hands free.
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Epidural Side Effects on Mother and Baby
Epidural anaesthesia helps in blocking the pain in a particular part of the body. Unlike general anaesthesia which when administered leads to total lack of feeling, epidural anaesthesia provides relief from pain by decreasing the sensation in the lower half of the body. Although many women opt for it during labour, epidural anaesthesia comes with its share of side effects on the mother and the baby.
Side Effects of Epidural on the Mother
Following are the side effects of epidural anaesthesia on the mother:
1. Drop in Blood Pressure
Administering epidural anaesthesia can result in a sudden drop in the blood pressure level. It can result in nausea or dizziness. This is the reason why blood pressure is continuously monitored after an epidural anaesthesia to make sure that the blood flow to the baby is sufficient. In case of a drop in the blood pressure level, IV drips, medications, and oxygen are immediately given to the mother.
2. Headaches
About 1% of women may experience a severe headache if in case there is leakage of the spinal fluid. If a headache is continuous and persistent, a “blood patch” which is a procedure to inject the woman’s own blood into the epidural space is carried out. This provides relief from a headache.
3. Urination Problem
Epidural anaesthesia may cause a problem in urination. A urinary catheter may be required to help in urination after an epidural anaesthesia is administered. However, this is a rare condition.
4. Back Pain
One of the most common epidural side effects is back pain. Back pain is caused due to the soreness where the needle is inserted. It may also be caused due to spinal fluid leak or allergic reaction to any of the substances that are injected or present in the needle.
5. Normal Delivery Becomes Difficult
Epidural may often make it difficult to push out the baby during childbirth. Therefore, other medical interventions may be required like a c-section or forceps to give birth.
6. Numbness after Childbirth
Women who are administered an epidural anaesthesia during childbirth may experience numbness in the lower portion of their body. This may happen for quite some time even after giving birth, so much so that they may even require assistance in walking for a short distance.
7. Nerve Damage
Administering an epidural anaesthesia may sometimes cause a permanent damage in the area where the catheter was inserted. This may require several weeks or months to heal, and some women don’t even recover completely.
8. Other Side Effects
Some women after being administered an epidural anaesthesia may experience shivering, ear problems like ringing ears, tingling sensation in the legs, itching, or even fever.
Epidural Side Effects on a Baby
Epidural anaesthesia may even affect the baby:
The immune system of a newborn may get affected by local anaesthetics used in epidurals.
A newborn of a mother who has been administered epidural during childbirth may have many deficiencies.
Epidurals may even cause a drop in foetal blood and oxygen supply. This may happen if and when the mother’s blood pressure level becomes lower than normal.
After being administered epidural anaesthesia, the mother-to-be may even have a fever. This, in turn, may affect the baby’s APGAR score. It may cause the newborn to suffer from seizures which may at times prove to be fatal.
It may also cause foetal bradycardia which is a condition in which there is a decrease in the foetal heart rate.
Babies born to mothers who took epidural during childbirth may have a significant neuro-behavioural problem.
The newborn may take more time to latch and suck since the epidural anaesthesia dulls the sensation of the baby’s soft palate which is required in doing so.
The newborn may take more time progressing after birth. He may have to spend more time in the NICU away from his mother.
What are the Side Effects of Epidural Postpartum
Epidurals are not only administered during labour. They are also given in case of operations in the lower body parts and in some cases used in postoperative pain care relief. However, people experience epidural side effects years later, and in case of babies who are born of mothers who took epidurals during labour, epidural side effects after birth can be seen. Listed below are some postpartum side effects of epidural:
1. Epidural Haematomas
This is caused when an epidural needle or catheter punctures a blood vessel. Bacteria may enter while being injected or when the catheter is inserted and cause an epidural abscess.
2. Minor Problems
In some cases, a person may experience minor neurological problems such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the particular area of the body even hours after an epidural. This may be caused due to nerve damage while a needle or epidural catheter was inserted.
3. Paralysis
Paralysis, weakness, or loss of sensation over a large part of the body is caused due to rare complications. This may be due to the pressure from the accumulation of blood (epidural haematoma) or pus (abscess) which damages the spinal cord and the nerves that surround it.
4. Back Pain
Pain in the back may occur in the area where the epidural needle has been inserted. This is caused due to tissue irritation. However, this pain usually ceases in a few days time.
5. Itchy Skin
This is caused due to the side effects of the pain-relieving drugs in the epidural. It can be treated by changing the medication.
Epidural anaesthesia is considered to be a highly effective form of pain relief during childbirth. With so many side effects, it cannot be considered to be absolutely safe for the mother and the baby. Having said that it is beneficial in more ways than one during childbirth, it is best to avoid using it frequently, for every child delivery that you may have.
Also Read: How to Achieve Painless Normal Delivery Read more
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10 Interesting Carnival Games and Activities for Kids
A kid’s carnival party should spell fun in capital letters. And nothing spells fun like games, that to lots of them! You can grease your creative elbow to explore a range of ideas from putting up some game stalls where the kids may go and play as per their desire and pace. Or you can create engaging D.I.Y games with simple prizes. You can also choose and click to buy games online. So, whether you pick homemade games or simple ideas to purchase, the bottom line remains that you can easily organise memorable and fun carnival games for kids for their enjoyment!
10 Exciting Games for Your Child's Carnival Party
Some thrilling games for your child’s carnival party can include the following:
1. Cola Ring Toss
This delightful game can be one of the outdoor carnival activities which are sure to take your party’s fun quotient to dizzy heights.
What You Will Need
Plastic cola bottles
Small rack rings meant for tossing
2-litre bottles of cola and soda
A solid table
How to Play
Arrange three dozen plastic cola bottles on the table.
Provide each player with five rings so they may try their hand at tossing the rings around the cola bottles.
If a player fruitfully tosses the ring, he wins a 2-litre cola or soda bottle.
If he successfully tosses more than once, he has to select between the soda and cola bottles.
You can consider offering a consolation prize to a player who is not able to loop a bottle.
2. Duck Pond
Kids are bound to make a delightful splash with this awesome activity which can be one of the carnival games for kids’ birthday as well.
What You Will Need
A large kid’s pool or a tub
Few small-sized rubber ducks
Numbered buckets
Sharpie
Water to fill the pool
Prizes like stickers or small toys
How to Play
Fill the pool with enough water.
Number the ducks from 1 to 4. The numbered ducks should be the same as the numbered buckets.
Fill the numbered buckets with several small prizes.
Every kid gets to enter the pool and select a duck.
Accordingly, he can pick a gift from the same numbered prize bucket.
Put back the duck into the pool for the next kid’s turn.
3. Shooting with Little Squirts
This wonderful game can conveniently qualify for backyard carnival games.
What You Will Need
Plastic golf balls 0r ping-pong balls
Bottle caps of dissimilar sized drinking bottles
Water guns
Rope
Buckets filled with water
How to Play
Set the ping-pong balls on the bottle caps.
Offer every kid a water gun filled with water. Keep adequate buckets of water close-by for refilling the water guns.
Determine a mark using the rope for every kid to take his position behind the rope.
Every kid has to take an aim and shoot at the balls.
The kid who shoots down a ball off the bottle caps wins the game.
4. Penny Toss
This pleasing game can be suitable for indoor carnival games for little kids.
What You Will Need
Metal Cans
Wrapping sheets in different colours
A cardboard
Several pennies
Masking tape
Table
How to Play
Cover the board with a wrapping sheet.
Cover the metal cans with a changed coloured wrapping sheet.
Stick masking tape on every metal can’s base and assemble them on the cardboard.
Place the cardboard on the table. At a reasonable distance set a mark on the floor for the kids to take their position.
Give every kid some pennies. Allow them to take turns to try and throw them into the cans.
The kid who manages to toss the maximum pennies in the metal cans is declared the winner.
5. Dart Throw
Kids can have a gala time flinging darts and playing with coloured balloons.
What You Will Need
Thick cardboard or a wooden piece
Tape
Small coloured balloons
Few darts
How to Play
Fix numerous coloured balloons onto the wooden piece and hang it against a wall.
You can use a mix of small and big balloons to make the activity more challenging.
Hand over every kid three darts to fling at the balloons.
The kid who succeeds in bursting the maximum balloons is the winner.
You can place a small folded slip stating the prize name inside the balloons.
Thus, the kid will receive the prize written on the slip upon bursting it.
6. Guessing Game
This stimulating game can charge up your party with unlimited enthusiasm!
What You Will Need
Colourful things like beaded necklaces, rubber bands, jelly beans and so on
Clear plastic jars
Colourful paper
Pens
A fancy container
How to Play
Fill the clear plastic jars with various colourful things.
Place them side by side for all the kids to see.
Provide every kid with chits of coloured paper and a pen.
Ask all the children to jot down their guesses as to how many items each plastic jar contain along with their names.
Collect all the chits in a bowl and announce the winner after checking the answers.
7. Let’s Race
This exhilarating game is sure to be a clear winner with all the children.
What You Will Need
A marker or chalk
Toy vehicles/cars or toy horses
A large bulletin board
Dice
How to Play
Draw a racetrack or speedway on the bulletin board with six lanes using the marker.
Assign every kid a number starting from 1 till as desired, preferably 6.
Ask all the players to position their toy car or horse in their assigned lane.
Roll on the dice. The kid whose lane number corresponds with the dice number gets to move his car by one space.
The kid who completes the racetrack first is the winner.
8. Dunk Tank
Dunk tank can be a cool DIY carnival game. Kids can have oodles of fun playing with water balloons.
What You Will Need
A volunteer to be the target
Several water balloons
Buckets of water
How to Play
Give all kids water balloons.
Ask them to fill the balloons with water.
Get a volunteer to be the bullseyes.
The kids take turns to try and hit the bullseyes with the water balloons.
The kid who hits the target the greatest number of times is the winner.
9. Basketball
This enjoyable activity will endlessly keep all the kids entertained.
What You Will Need
A basketball
Hoop
How to Play
Structure a basketball hoop at an elevation appropriate to the height of the kids participating in the game.
Every kid gets three chances to basket the ball in the hoop.
The child who baskets the maximum number of times is the winner.
10. Breaking the Pyramid
You can put kid’s teeming energy to good use with this delightful game.
What You Will Need
Several plastic tumblers
Softballs
A table
How to Play
Stack up the plastic tumblers on the table in the form of a pyramid.
Set a mark for the kids to stand at a distance.
Each child gets three chances to throw the softball at the pyramid of tumblers to break it down.
The kid who succeeds in knocking down the pyramid is the winner.
Carnival games can be easy to make and easy to play. Plus, it can be fun for kids of all ages. So set the ball rolling for a special carnival party with amusing and easy games.
Also Read:
Awesome Indoor Games for Children
Fun Filled Dance Games for Children
Reading Games and Activities for Kids Read more
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My Dilemma of Having a Baby - Is It the Right Time?
Is this the right time to have a baby? If not, then when is the right time? We all have asked this question to ourselves when we think of a baby. I too had this dilemma before I had my baby. Let me tell about my story and the thought process that I went through.
As a newly married couple, we were very busy enjoying our life our way - trips, plans, surprises. It was our first anniversary. We were getting wishes everywhere, phone calls, messages, on social media, etc. After our first wedding anniversary, whenever we had to attend some family function, everyone saw me with a question in their eyes, "Any good news?". I used to feel like "Oh God, give me a break please!". And yes if you are having a fatty body type, then some aunts try to look at your tummy as they have a sonography machine fit in their eyes. One of our close aunts even had a dream of my pregnancy too. Ufff, it was a real torture. Frankly, all of this sucked. Everytime they ask me ''khushkhabari kab de rahe ho, ab to ek saal ho gya" My mind used to be like "are ek hi saal to hua h kon sa sadiya bit gai h".
Anyway, my husband and I took all these incidents as a joke. But when even my sister (whom i trust a lot) suggested me to have a baby and said that it is the right time, I was shocked. ''Now you should plan a baby'', my elder sis told me, as she is my best friend too. I was like "What? No way, not so early, we are not going to plan a baby, at least for the next 3 years", I replied. Then she gave me many pros about having a baby early in life. She said "If u plan a baby now, you would get pregnant may be within a month or it may also take a few months. Then count more 9 months of pregnancy. Which means if you try to conceive now, you will be having your baby in your hands after one year. And when your baby will be 1 year old, you would be concentrate on your business fully (as I started my craft business).
So this was the practical calculation my sister provided me with, which made sense! After hearing this, I was in a dilemma. My husband, being very supportive, said that your decision will be final. And in that confusing state, it was pink lines on my prega news kit. Yes, I was pregnant! You can call a semiplanned pregnancy. Anyway, planned or not, it gave me a beautiful feeling. We both welcomed our baby with all positive vibes. So, the thing is that our plannings may fail sometimes because God has some better plans for you.
Even if you have not planned a baby yet and if you find that you are pregnant, welcome your little one with all your heart. It will definitely prove to be the correct decision. And enjoy your unplanned or semi-planned (like mine) journey of becoming a mother. If you have same experience as mine, please share 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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Relationships with inlaws, is it always scary? Or is there another side to it?
Alot of people getoverwhelmed when it comes to staying with inlaws. In my case i have enjoyed most of mytime with all of my inlaws. Especially during the long stretch of lockdown. I was pregnant during most of the lockdown. My parents live
abroad and it was not possible for either of us to travel.
During the period of lockdown my mother in law was likemy very own mother, not just that but my sister in laws were like my dearest friends and my brother in law like my little brother. All of them went nuts trying to make me happy and comfortable
all of the time. They would make me breakfast, fret over my health , cook my favourite dishes , help me with work and most importantly act upon every my every wish. And all of this was truly out of love and care. I was so happy just to be around this
positive atmosphere. Lockdown never seemed like it. Infact i secretly wished sometimes for a very long lasting lockdown with them.We had so much fun during lockdown...all night playing games laughing and telling stories. Sometimes i felt extremely
guilty for not missing home or my very own parents. Naturally when delivery comes near a person misses or longs for ones parent but in my case i had all the help i needed. I was relivedthat i had my inlaws all the time even post delivery. My
Mother in law pampered me just like her very own daughter. She would stay awake at night just so that i could catch some sleep. She would get emotional and cranky when i would be in pain. All my time with my in laws i felt just like home.So
in my conclusion inlaws are a very big boon and i respect them alot for everythingthey havedonefor me.
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
16 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
9 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
7 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
6 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
6 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
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