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Normal Delivery - Signs, Benefits, Process and Tips
Is this your first pregnancy? Are you confused between what a normal delivery and cesarean birth entails ? Here are some pregnancy tips for a normal delivery and answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask about pregnancy.
What is a Normal Delivery?
Normal Delivery is the same as a vaginal birth, where there is no surgical procedure involved. Most women undergo a normal delivery, as it allows the body to recover the quickest.
When is Normal Childbirth Recommended?
A young, healthy woman can comfortably go through normal childbirth. Active lifestyle, normal blood pressure, and position of the foetus are all indicative of a normal delivery. Here is when a normal delivery is recommended.
Between 30 to 34 weeks, the foetus changes position to a cephalic or head down position, ready for delivery. When viewed, it looks as if the baby’s position has moved down.
The urge to urinate will increase as the pressure from the baby’s head presses down the pelvic region and squeezes the bladder.
There will be an ache in the lower back as the foetus starts putting pressure on it (lower back). This because the foetus is positioning itself to get into the cephalic (head down) position.
You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. It could be white or pink and sometimes even a bit bloodstained. It is the usual sign of a healthy, normal pregnancy.
Upset bowel movement is caused, as there is a surge in hormonal activity. There might be some cramps and discomfort due to this.
Soreness of the breasts is also indicative of normal childbirth. As you reach the final stage, it may feel heavy and uncomfortable.
The breaking of the water bag usually takes place during labour. Sometimes it might happen even before the onset of labour. The doctor’s advice should be taken immediately.
Benefits of Vaginal Delivery
Normal Delivery is the birth of a young one through the natural process of labour in which there is vaginal birth of the infant. The reasons why this natural birthing is much better than any other method are as follows:
1. Helps Avoid Vacuum
This is an instrument that looks similar to a plunger used in a kitchen sink. This applies suction to the head of the infant, helping it pass through the birthing canal. The soft skull is often elongated by being pulled out of shape, due to the suction of the vacuum. A vaginal birth circumvents this dangerous method.
2. Bypasses Forceps
This instrument, resembling a large salad spoon, is used to pry the child’s head out of the birthing canal. Increase in the heart rate of the newborn is one of the risks of using forceps. Other risks include minor facial injuries, facial palsy, and minor external eye trauma. Greater risks include a skull fracture, bleeding within the skull, and even seizures. A vaginal birth does not require the use of forceps.
3. Healthier for the Mother and Baby
Both physical and mental health of the mother and child receive a setback due to surgery and epidural injection on the spine. The first few minutes spent between mother and child are the first bond the child has with the outer world. The comfort of the mother's arms and voice is reassuring after the traumatic experience the baby has with the world outside the safety of the womb. With natural birth, the child is almost instantly put into the mother’s arms. Thus, bonding is instantaneous.
4. Stimulates Lactation
The natural process of birthing stimulates many natural hormones systems in the body during labour and birth. Oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and most important, prolactin, the mothering hormone, are all secreted during this time.
5. Ingestion of Protective Bacteria from Birth Canal
There are changes in the vaginal microbes during pregnancy. The bacteria that the child ingests from the mother’s birth canal helps to build its immune system, and the child is better able to digest milk and solid foods. During the birth process, the human microbiota is formed, making the role of the vaginal microbiome a key role in its development.
6. Faster Postnatal Recovery
Unlike a medical intervention, the natural process allows the mother to recover quickly from the labour. The body takes its course to repair and mend to bring the body back to track. In a medical intervention, there are higher chances of infection, as an unnatural intervention will ultimately take longer to repair. Natural childbirth discounts any major surgery, and thereby, reduce the risks that accompany going under the knife.
7. Makes You Confident
The feeling of natural birthing gives the mother great confidence and achievement. Its a feeling like no other.
8. Shorter Hospital Stay
After Natural Childbirth the stay in the hospital can last from 24 to 48 hours. A C-section is different, where the stay can be from anywhere from 3 days to a week depending upon your recovery after the operation. Contrary to belief, the natural process, in general, is far shorter than medical intervention.
Chances of a Normal Delivery for a First Time Mom
Most first time mothers will deliver naturally by 41 to 42 weeks, but often, surgical intervention is done before this time, due to medical reasons.
Process of Normal Childbirth
1. First Stage
Cervix Thinning (Effacement) and opening (dilation). This might continue for an hour or so, till the cervix has dilated to 3 cm.
A. Early or Latent Phase
In this stage, the woman becomes aware of the contractions that start at an interval of every 3 to 5 minutes, but may vary.
What You May Experience: Here you might feel like going to the washroom, as the initial pains start.
What Can You Do: At this juncture, it is best to inform your caretaker that the baby is coming. If you are alone, then immediately call your doctor.
B. Active Phase
In this phase, the cervix expands from 3cm to 7 cms.
What You May Experience: There will be discomfort, as the pressure will continue to grow. It may feel like menstrual cramps and lower backache.
What Can You Do: If you are in your home, get things in order for the new addition to your family. If you are going to the clinic for the delivery, then a suitcase with the items for the newborn and yourself should be kept ready. You can also leave instructions for the work that has to be done at home if there is an elder child who will be there without you. All this planning will help distract you from getting too worried about your labour. You need to relax and be calm during this time. Some of the activities you could do to soothe the nerves include playing music and going for a short walk.
C. Transition Phase
The cervix continues to expand from 7 cms till it is fully enlarged to 10 cms.
What You May Experience: You will feel the pressure increase in the lower pelvic area, and there are chances that the water bag may break. The pain will be more intense, lasting longer, with less interval in between, and becomes quite regular.
What Can You Do: Reach the designated place of delivery. You must keep track of the contractions to see its pattern. If the water breaks, check its colour and odour, and note the time. Try breathing exercises to keep calm. It is now time to lie down.
2. Second Stage
Baby Is Pushed To Birth Canal: This is the Active Stage. During this time, the baby is pushed out of the uterus and into the world through the vaginal canal.
What You May Experience: Here, the contractions will be longer and much more intense, as your cervix would be reaching its maximum dilation. The contractions can last from 45 to 60 seconds, with only 3 to 4 minutes of respite in between. This will increase to about 1 and half minutes, sometimes less than a minute apart. This is the toughest phase, but also the shortest, as it is a race to the finish line.
What Can You Do: This might last for 3 to 5 hours. Try changing your position and get someone to massage your back. Continue to breathe in a regular pattern. Think of the child rather than the pain and do not give up pushing, as the baby needs all your help. Avoid screaming from the ‘mouth’; rather, use a throaty grunt which will help in pushing out the baby.
3. Third Stage
Placenta Is Pushed Out: The expulsion of the placenta is the third and last stage of labour. In this stage, the entire placenta comes out through the vaginal canal. Also called the ‘Afterbirth’. It is the last and final stage that ends the normal childbirth. This takes place 15 to 30 minutes after the delivery. It is a natural process,, which is sometimes manually assisted, so as to avoid infections. The lower abdomen is also massaged to contract the uterine muscles, so as to push out any remaining residue of the afterbirth.
What You May Experience: The afterbirth will be expelled out naturally, and you might feel it slip out.
What Can You Do: You can inform the attendant who will clean it out and give pressure massage to the lower abdomen.
When and How to Push a Baby Out?
Trust your instinct and also follow the instructions given to you when to push. Push like you would expel your bowels, but with all your strength. Try not to scream, as it dissipates your efforts. Rest in between the contractions and start when you feel the beginning of a contraction. You will have to stop when instructed. Stay focused.
How Long Does a Normal Delivery Last?
For a first-time mother, a natural delivery average of time should be of seven to eight hours of active labour as a norm. For consecutive births, the normal delivery will be quicker. It can be more or less, depending on dilation of the cervix. Once full dilation and crowning (the appearance of the top of the infant’s head) has been reached, pushing the child out of the birth canal can last about an hour.
What Happens When a Woman is in Labour?
There are many stages of labour, which can be followed to forecast the approximate time of delivery. They are as follows:
1. The Baby Drops
The foetus shifts to a cephalic or head down position, for its passage through the vaginal canal. The effects look as if the baby has dropped to a lower level. The bump on the woman looks as if it has ‘dropped’, giving some space between the breast and bump.
2. The Urge to Urinate Increases
The drop of the fetus takes some pressure off the lungs, but starts exerting pressure on the bladder instead. The urge to urinate increases, as the foetus gets to the head down position. The trips to the washroom will increase substantially.
3. The Mucus Plug Passes
A mucus plug forms in the cervix during pregnancy. This thick gelatinous plug is secreted so as to keep the cervix moist and protected against bacteria. As the delivery date approaches, the cervix starts to dilate. This process loosens the mucus plug, which then dislodges itself. It can be colourless, pink or even a bit bloodstained. Delivery is imminent after this, but varies from a few days to a week or two.
4. The Cervix Dilates
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens out or dilates to allow the child to be passed into the vaginal tract. When it dilates to 1 centimetre, you can expect to go into labour soon. It is difficult to detect this without an ultrasound or an examination by your gynaecologist. The dilation continues to increase all the way to 10 centimetres before there is enough space for the baby to be pushed out of the uterus.
5. The Cervix Begins to Thin
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which is elongated and closed. It is normally about 3 to 4 centimetres in length. It starts to thin or efface to allow dilation to take place. Contractions allow the thinning and dilation of the cervix till it is about 10 cm.
6. Back Pain Begins or Worsens
This pain is due to the position of the baby’s head. During labour, the head of the baby puts pressure on the tailbone of the mother in its attempt to move out. This pressure causes a severe backache.
7. The Contractions Begin
This means that the baby is putting pressure on the birth canal. The contractions are in the form of soft rhythmic movements from the top to the lower part of the uterus in an attempt to push out the baby.
8. A Burst of Energy
There will be a burst of energy due to adrenaline and noradrenaline being pumped into the blood stream. These are the ‘fight or flight’ hormones that infuse a surge of energy for the last strong contractions, which ultimately push out the baby.
9. Bowel Movement Urges Increase
It is common have the urge to poopwith the onset of labour. The initial stages of labour might seem like an urge to pass bowels, but as the pain intensifies, both pains are distinguishable. The bowels clear themselves out so as to clear space for the baby pushing against the pelvic girdle. Just before the onset of labour, the woman is advised to have an empty stomach. In some cases, an enema is administered to the woman just when labour starts, so as to avoid any faecal matter from being discharged during labour. This is to avoid any danger of the mother or child contracting an infection.
10. The Water Breaks
During pregnancy, the foetus is enclosed in a thin membrane sac of fluid called the amniotic sac. This keeps the foetus safe and in a pristine floating state. With the beginning of labour, this sac breaks, spilling out this colourless liquid. This is one of the signs of active labour and a call to the doctor is in order.
15 Tips to Help You Have Normal Delivery
Motherhood is a dream come true for many women, both young and not so young. Normal delivery was the norm till the idea of medical intervention for, presumably, an easier delivery was introduced. Now, more than ever before, women have realised the benefits of a normal delivery Here are some tips to avoid cesarean that can be followed to have a safe and wonderful experience of motherhood, for not only the mother and child, but also for the father and the extended family:
1. Read about Pregnancy and Labour
Being prepared for the future and your role as a mother is essential for a normal delivery. It is essential to have scientific knowledge of the various kinds of methods used for delivery so that your choice is guided by knowledge and not emotions or fear.
2. Do Research on Hospitals that Specialise in Natural Childbirth
There are various birthing options available, and background research on the best possible methods should be done with due diligence.
3. Always Remain Positive and Happy
Being positive and happy goes a long way in preparing you for normal delivery. Worrying about the worst-case scenario is detrimental to your mental health and affects the unborn child, as well.
4. Avoid Gaining Too Much Weight
Make sure you eat sensibly, so that you do not gain unwanted weight. Gaining approximately 12 kilos is normal during pregnancy. When there is an excessive weight gain, it can adversely affect the health of both the mother and child, due to secondary reasons such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (gestational hypertension), and pre-eclampsia or problems with the placenta. Apart from this, your labour may set earlier than usual.
5. Try Swimming
Swimming is the best exercise for an expectant mother. Using a safe chlorinated swimming pool with a caretaker at hand can be done even till the date of delivery. In fact, many women opt for a water birth. The foetus spends the entire gestation period in a sac of amniotic fluid, making it feel comfortable in water.
6. Walk Everyday
Always keep moving. Walking is the best exercise for anyone, especially pregnant women. A 30 minute walk, five times a week, will keep you healthy. Walking once in a while is not adequate to bring about a phenomenal change, so it has to be regular. Adults, including pregnant women, need to walk about 10,000 steps a day.
7. Do Kegel Exercises
These are simple exercises in which the pelvic floor muscles are clenched and released to make them stronger. This area supports the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum. The contracting and relaxing of these muscles make them stronger. It can be done during pregnancy to help control any urinary inconsistency. Most doctors recommend Kegel exercises during the third trimester of pregnancy, so as to usher in a smooth and natural delivery.
8. Do Pelvic Stretches
During pregnancy, the muscles of the pelvic region become soft, so as to allow delivery of the child. Pelvic stretches help to make the delivery smooth and strengthen the pelvic floor area even after delivery.
9. Practice Yoga
Daily practice of this ancient art will lighten your spirit and strengthen the breathing pattern of the expectant mother. Safe Yoga for vaginal birth helps the mother relax and strengthens her body to prepare for the natural delivery. Meditation also prepares the mind for the challenges of labour and childbirth.
10. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water helps to flush out toxins from the body. The water also dilutes urine, and so, reduces chances of a urinary infection, which is common during pregnancy. Dehydration may cause the onset of preterm labour, so being hydrated is essential. Approximately ten glasses of water a day is beneficial for an expectant mother.
11. Wear Flat Comfortable Footwear
It is important to be comfortable. The added weight on the front of the body changes the centre of gravity. There is pressure on the curvature of the spine, knees and legs. Wearing high heeled shoes can make the burden on these areas excessive leading to backache and knee or leg pain. Heels also make you unstable with the danger of falling over and hurting yourself and the child.
12. Squats
Low impact exercises for normal delivery, like squats, help in strengthening your core muscles. These include the pelvic floor muscles, the gluten and the hip muscles. If you are healthy and have a normal pregnancy, then this form of routine will help in ensuring a normal delivery.
13. Sleep
A good night’s sleep is a good way to be refreshed and help the foetus to be healthy. The body changes every day, and the energy and the resources of the body go first to the baby and then to the mother. An expectant mother needs two to three extra hours over and above the mandatory eight hours of sleep for a healthy adult. A strong mother and child will guarantee natural delivery.
14. Breathing
The Lamaze Method was propagated by a French Obstetrician called Lamaze in the use of regulated breathing to cope with the labour and relax the foetus.
15. Eat The Right Type of Food
Your health and that of your baby is what you eat, so always eat healthy food for normal delivery. Nutrition and hygiene are important to have a healthy foetus. The baby needs to be strong if it has to go through normal delivery. Food like coconut, fresh fruits, lean meat, and fresh fish should be favoured by the expectant mother. Avoid food that is too oily and deep fried. Home remedies for normal delivery can include various herbs like turmeric and ginger tea to feel refreshed. Also, to be avoided are overly spicy and aerated drinks. Liquor, hard drinks, smoking and drugs are a big taboo and should be avoided at all costs.
FAQs
1. Can the Baby's Position Be Determined Based On Movements?
It is very vital to know the position of the baby, especially as the delivery date approaches. For a normal vaginal delivery, the baby should be facing down, with its head angled towards your spine. You can tell the position of the baby by its movement. Keep in mind that the strongest movements are from the baby’s hands and feet.
If the baby is looking forward, face up then you will feel the movement under your ribs.
If it is already in the posterior position, head downwards looking out, you will feel the kicks in the front part of your tummy.
Gently press your tummy and feel the child move. It is most probably in the cephalic or head down position.
If you feel the hard-rounded lump of the child’s head under your rib, then it is in a breech position, which means its feet are positioned to come out first.
Watch the movement under the skin. You will be able to discern the fists and feet of the baby, as it pushes itself against the uterus wall.
2. How Painful is Vaginal Childbirth?
The pain during normal delivery is based on the physical health, anxiety, body positioning, training, and nutrition of the mother. The natural birth process involves the child forcing its way out of the uterus. This is a normal procedure as nature designed it. Therefore, the recovery from it is quicker. There will be a pain, but with the right preparation, it is bearable and has been so for centuries. The more physically active the mother is, the easier the delivery will be.
3. What Are the Chances of a Vaginal Delivery After a C-Section?
The C-section leaves scarring on the uterus wall tissue. It is the formation of fibrous tissue that replaces the normal skin after an injury and is the natural process of healing. This may cause tough tissue bands to form. Research shows that even though about 60 to 80 percent of women who try vaginal delivery after a caesarian are successful, the most concerning risk would be that of a uterine rupture. This is when the uterus ruptures or tears along the healed scar of the previous surgery. In this case, there would be an emergency operation and even a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. The doctor’s advice is essential if there has been a Caesarean Section for the first offspring to avoid excessive bleeding, sn emergency procedure, and in some cases, even fatality.
Contrary to popular belief, normal delivery is relatively safe in most instances. Thousands of years of evolution have perfected the design of the female body to do just that. It is only in extreme cases, such as the baby’s head being too large, etc., that other methods are used.
Also Read: Pregnancy Exercise for Normal Delivery Read more
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Dark Circles Under Eyes in Kids
The health and welfare of a child is every parent’s biggest concern and priority. One of the most commonly missed indicators of something not being right with your child can be the dark circles underneath the eyes of the child.
What Do Dark Circles Under Eyes In Children Mean?
The pigmentation underneath your child’s eye is commonly called a dark circle, commonly known as “racoon eyes”. These spots or discolouration of the skin in the region directly under the child’s eye is not usually painful, uncomfortable or harmful by itself. They are usually signs of illness, fatigue or allergies.
What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes In Children?
They are known to appear in a child or adult when the skin underneath their eyes become thin, exposing the blood vessels in the region and causing irregular discolouration. The causes may include:
Eczema
Anaemia
Accidental or Non-Accidental Trauma
Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
Nose Congestions
A Deficiency of Iron
Contact Dermatitis – This is a skin condition that can be contagious and leads to red, patchy or dry skin, this can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Fatigue
Allergies
Excessive Exposure to The Sun
Hereditary – dark circles can be genetic
They can also be caused by:
Types of Food That Cause Allergies
Latex Allergy
A Reaction to Rubber
A Response to Elastic
Allergy to Detergent
Allergies caused by Dyes
Reactions to Cosmetics
Reactions to Copper, Metal Or Wire.
For further causes of dark circles in children and more in-depth information on your child specifically, please contact your nearest medical child specialist.
Child Dark Circles Symptoms
The most common symptom in children is the discoloration or irregular pigmentation right underneath the eyes.
In rare they may turn out to be a type of cancer known as a neuroblastoma. This is a malignant tumor that affects the sympathetic nerves.
Here are a few symptoms to look out for that, if accompanied by dark circles, may require medical attention.
Itchy eyes with swelling could be a sign of conjunctivitis.
Coughing may signal an allergy.
Difficulty breathing could be a sign of an allergy or infection.
A headache could be a sign of problems with the eyes, allergies or infections.
A runny nose and dark circles could be a sign of an impending flu.
Sore throat could mean your child has allergies.
Nasal congestion can be a sign of either the flu or allergies.
Nausea and vomiting could be a sign of severe allergies or an infection.
Diarrhoea could be a sign of the stomach flu.
Skin irritation could be a sign of eczema or allergies.
White spots on the throat or tonsils could be a sign of severe allergies and tonsillitis.
Persistent and prolonged cough could be a sign of life threatening allergic reactions that are called Anaphylaxis
Blurry eyes could be a sign of impending vision loss.
Rashes on the back and throat could be a sign of allergies.
Swollen face or inflammation on the body could be a sign of severe, if not life-threatening, allergies and infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing dark circles may involve blood tests, sleep studies and urine tests.
Questions Your Health Provider May Ask You
During the examination and diagnosis process the doctors may ask you some routine questions. These Include:
If there is a cough, how long has there been one? How frequent is it?
In case of rashes, when did they first manifest?
Is your child allergic to anything you know of?
How are their sleep patterns?
Have you tracked their temperature? If so, has it been at a stable temperature or is it fluctuating? How high is their temperature?
Complications
Dark circles if left undiagnosed and untreated could lead to some major complications like:
The possible infection may spread.
There may be a loss of vision.
Chances of Anaphylaxis can lead to fatal outcomes.
A chance of losing the child’s hearing
Delays in the child’s development
Dark Circle Treatment
Most allergy related causes for dark circles like a runny nose, headaches, throat irritation, coughs, rashes etc. can be treated through antihistamines.
Rest is recommended to combat fatigue, If exposed to the sun for long periods of time, it is advised to use a sunscreen that has the required SPF for your child. In case of trauma, please consult your nearest physician.
Avoid foods your child may be allergic to. Immuno-therapy is recommended in cases of severe allergic reactions that can’t be avoided. Using eczema creams and lotions help battle eczema.
Do consult your healthcare physician before starting any treatments or implementing any action for your child.
Home Remedies For Dark Circles In Kids
Here are some other treatments that have little to no side-effects and can be prepared at home:
Using warm tea bags on your child’s eye can help alleviate some strain from the muscles in the region surrounding the eye; this ensures relief from fatigue.
Cucumber slices on the eyes are a well-known method to relax the muscles in the eye region and help combat dark circles.
Placing cold spoons on top of your eyes may help relieve fatigue.
Cotton balls soaked in cold water work well in combating dark circles
Gently massaging your child’s eye lid when closed can help relieve stress temporarily
· Iron-rich food like spinach can help increase iron levels in the body and over time fight against dark circles caused by a deficiency of iron.
Tips To Avoid Dark Circles
There are numerous ways to avoid dark circles. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Maintain a healthy nutritionally balanced diet.
Ensure your child gets the required sleep.
Exercise is important.
Iron supplements and vitamin supplements can aid in ensuring nutritional balance which can help fight and avoid dark circles.
Moderate screen time.
Don’t over expose them to sunlight. make sure the correct SPF is used on them when outdoors.
Even the smallest of symptoms can lead to extreme consequences when left untreated, dark circles could be completely harmless, but could also be a sign of more severe conditions, it is highly recommended that if your child has “racoon eyes” you consult your nearest medical care advisor.
Also Read: Squint & Amblyopia In Babies Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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11 Things All Moms Need To Do - And No, They Aren't Selfish
Right from feeding your baby to maintaining a clean room, taming toddler tantrums to unraveling your teenager's moodiness, parenting is super challenging. Amidst all this, moms often forget that there's someone else who needs their care apart from their kids – themselves!
Let’s face it – being a mom is as tiring as it is rewarding. You are an individual first, which is why you still need to care for yourself like any other person. After all, if you are drained out and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, how will you look after your children?
Check out our list of ways to destress that all moms need to incorporate into their lifestyle. They seem like little things but can make a monumental difference!
Absolutely Essential Things All Moms Must Do
1. Set boundaries
Yes, moms are everything to their kids– and to their families in general. However, there’s only so much you can do in a day. Do not allocate time that you do not have, and learn to say no when the situation demands it.
2. Take out time to relax
Just because there are never-ending chores to be done doesn’t mean that you should work around the clock. Set aside at least an hour or two for a nap or any other activity that rejuvenates you.
3. Ask for help when you need it
No matter how good of a multi-tasker you are, you cannot should not do it all. Ask your spouse to help out with household chores and taking care of the kids. And for those of you who are single moms, enlist help from your neighbors, friends and parents.
4. Get moving
Exercise is essential for a happy and healthy mind and body. Bonus: doing it for as little as 20 minutes every morning is enough to fuel you for the rest of the day.
5. Eat what you love
In the pursuit of making or planning meals that your kids love, it’s only too easy to put yourself last. Make sure that at least one item on the daily menu is something you love.
6. Laugh at your kids
Kids do a lot of silly things. Laugh at them; it’ll teach them to not take themselves too seriously. Plus, it’ll help them develop a sense of humor.
7. Let them make mistakes
Instead of being a helicopter parent, let your kids make their own decisions. And when they make mistakes, let them take responsibility for the same.
8. Pamper yourself
Just like your kids deserve the best, so do you. Put yourself first every once in a while. Go take a trip to that spa or buy those designer clothes you’ve been eyeing since forever.
9. Explore You
Stop putting off self-exploration till your kids grow up. Start doing the things you always wanted to, be it taking up a new hobby, or a new career. Since kids learn by example, you will also underline the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of passion.
10. Engage in a creative pursuit
Who said art and craft is just for kids? All humans enjoy—and benefit from— creativity. Psst, have you tried an adult coloring book yet?
11. Have a life outside of your kids
Believe it or not, it is still legal for you to meet your friends. And of course, do make time for the occasional date with your hubby or love interest.
Remember, you can’t take care of anyone when you don’t take care of yourself. You are important. Read more
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6 Completely Different Needs of Boy and Girl Babies
How often have you heard people dismissing a certain behavioural pattern by saying its “such a boy/girl thing to do”? Well, these people are not necessarily gender stereotyping or over-generalising. Science agrees that boys and girls have different skills and different needs – right from the time they are tiny babies!
While most of these differences can be attributed to the physiological and cognitive makeup of your child, they can impact how they hit developmental milestones. Your baby – girl or boy – is going to learn everything sooner or later, but understanding and acting upon their needs can make the journey easier.
Check out this intriguing list that explains just how boy and girl babies are different, beyond the obvious. This will also tell you how their needs and expectations from you as a parent may differ…
1. Boys Need Guidance With Understanding and Expressing Emotions
While this is neither a general rule nor does it mean boys are unemotional, studies have proven that girl babies understand people's emotions better. They can read facial expressions very well and faces appeal to them more than shiny mobiles! Not only do girls understand feelings more but they also express them more clearly than boys. Boy babies, on the other hand, may have a hard time expressing emotions such as fear or sorrow and end up getting agitated.
What you must do: Make sure you spend time discussing feelings every day. Help your baby give a name to what he is experiencing – e.g. “sadness” because the cookies are over!
2. Girls and Boys Need Different Diapers
Before you shake your head in disbelief and say – “It’s all pee and poop anyway!” check out this science-backed finding: Boys produce more urine at the front of the diaper while girls wet the middle region more. It is this physiological difference that mandates different diapers for both genders.
What you must do: Look for specifically designed diapers that ensure there’s no leakage and that your baby is dry. Huggies makes excellent diaper-pants called Huggies Ultra-Soft Pants that address the gender difference – with an extra dry layer in front for boys and in the center for girls. Problem solved!
3. Boys Need Some Extra Help With Potty Training
You may try the same training procedure and the same pestering and persuading but you will not get the same results. Girls can start toilet training several months before boys master the art. An average statistic suggests that while girls sit on the potty seat during poop-time by the age of three years or so, boys may take 4-5 months longer to learn.
What you must do: Reserve some extra patience for your little guy and keep at it without losing hope. You can also try out this excellent strategy of potty training in only 3 days.
4. Girl Babies Lag Behind in Motion and Spatial Skills
Again, this isn’t a general rule and your little girl may be quite the motion and spatial expert! But on an average, baby boys understand the concepts of moving objects, the laws of motion, size, distance, etc. faster than their girl contemporaries. This means baby girls may need some extra support while playing with rolling balls, rotating toys and the like.
What you must do: Give your baby exposure to building blocks, numbers, ball-play, etc. from an early age so she understands these concepts while also having a lot of fun!
5. Boys May Need Help Controlling Aggression and Movement
Right from the womb, boy babies are fond of moving around. They wriggle, squirm, crawl, and run – much more than girl babies do. This can also mean that they have a hard time controlling their agitation when something doesn’t happen as they want it to – say, a rattle that stays away from reach no matter how hard they try!
What you must do: Without being a strict disciplinarian, just make boundaries clear even when your kids are very young. No biting, hitting or other such violence! That said, both genders are likely to be little packets of energy when little and will keep you constantly on your toes. Make sure they wear comfortable clothes and skin-friendly diapers to avoid suffering rashes and infections while at play. Huggies diaper-pants, for instance, use ultra-sensitive material that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. So no matter how much wriggling around, your baby can stay safe and comfortable!
6. Boys Need an Extra Push With Talking and Gesturing
Many studies have noted that girls start talking at least a month earlier than boys do and also have larger vocabularies from the outset. Not just that, they even use gestures like waving goodbye earlier than baby boys do.
What you must do: Irrespective of their gender, spend time reading, talking and discussing things with your baby. Use bright colours, animated expressions and Parentese to help them learn the aspects of communication properly and quickly.
Now that you’ve established that the difference in needs between girl and boy babies is a real concern, go ahead and adapt your parenting style accordingly. The main thing to remember is that as a mom, you need to be attuned to the needs of your child and reassure them that you understand. Everything else will then fall into place. Read more
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Genius Play-area Hacks For Your Preschooler
Children need open spaces to play in, but what do you do when there's no access to an outdoor playground? Here are some fun play area ideas for preschoolers and toddlers alike. Your child will thank you and love you for them!
If you live in an urban area, chances are your little one lacks proper outdoor playing space. Apart from space, there may be other constraints such as allergies and health issues that prevent you from sending him to frolic in a playground. Creating this zone yourself is the next best thing you can do.
Easy Kids Play Area Home Design Ideas to Try
1. Install an indoor swing
One of the simplest things you can do to give your child the feel of a playground is to set up an indoor swing in the house. Place it in any convenient area, such as the living room or even your child’s room. She’ll love it and will spend hours on it, out of your way, while you complete your chores.
2. Have a sandpit
Kids love getting dirty and for most, their favourite area is the sandpit. You can create an indoor version for your little one with the help of an inflatable pool and some sand. Put in a plastic shovel, a pail, a small truck, a few balls, and voila! You have your own little sandpit. Place it in the balcony, if you have one, and your darling can get some vitamin D too. You can even fill the pit with small plastic balls Instead of sand.
3. Create a hopscotch grid
Hopscotch is so much fun, but where to play it if there’s no playground? You can’t draw a grid on the floor of the living room with chalk, and have your child get in the way. A better idea is to make a hopscotch grid on the floor of your child’s room with coloured tape. It’ll add a fun decorative dimension and serve as a pretty play area for kids at home.
4. Set up a loft
Kids love to have their own space like nooks and cosy spaces to crawl into. Tree houses rank very high on their list of must-haves! But how do you build one indoors? Instead of an actual tree house, you could make a loft in your child’s room. Have a short ladder going up to it, and if you have the space, build a slide to come down. You could also place a small tent in a corner. This will immediately become her favourite area!
5. Paint a mural
Murals are visually stimulating and add so much to a space. To get a playground feel for your child at home, paint a playground mural on the wall of his room. Paint flowers, trees, butterflies, a few children frolicking with balls, skipping ropes and slides. Use bright, vibrant colours to draw and hold his attention.
All children love free, open spaces to run around and play in, but at times it’s just not possible to give it to them. Fortunately, there are many play area ideas for pre-schoolers and toddlers alike. You can also arrange plenty of play dates for them so that they learn to socialise. Read more
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An unexpected baby...
An unexpected,thrilling, painful journey of my pregnancy.
So my pregnancy was really unexpected.I got pregnant after one month of my marriage. I was stern that I was not pregnant when my mom asked me to do a pregnancy test when she noticed some of the symptoms. I had high fever which according to some local myths in my place meant pregnancy. So I did a pregnancy test and after sometime I did not see any line.This made me super happy but later it was all in vain as two faint lines started to come.My mom shared the news with my husband.But this made him sad as he felt he had some wrong to me coz we have planned to start a family after my studies.It was hard to convince my husband that I was happy to be a mom and not to feel guilty. We visited a doctor to confirm but as my Hcg result was much lower she did not gave us much hope and told to visit after one week.This really made me sad and prayed for nothing to happen.After one week we once again visited and she showed us the tiny heart which was growing inside me.Pregnancy was really a tough journey for me as I had vomiting till 7th month of my pregnancy.I was hospitalized most of the time.As the days passed I was really excited at the same time scared.Then one day as I was getting ready to walk outside my mother noticed that my dress was drenched in water.When checked my water has been broken. But I did not feel any uncomfortable. It was my 8th month.My due date was on August 14th so there was still one month left.We hadn't prepared anything. So we rushed to the hospital and I was admitted. It was on July 12th 2020.They induced labour but nothing worked.Atlast they inserted tube which was a really painful experience. Then at last after little suffering(😅😅) my baby prince came to this world July 14th.It was also a really special day for me as it was my 1st nikkah anniversary. But he was underweight which made me sad.
Now he is a 7 month old and I am really enjoying my motherhood.Though it was unexpected I am now grateful whenever I see my baby's face.😊😊 Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Jennifer has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
49 mins ago
Q. I am 23 weeks 1 day pregnant. I was feeling the movements actively until today. Baby movements were not that good or maybe I didn’t feel it that way today. Is it a cause of concern? Should I wait for a day or two or should I go and see my gynaecologist?
Please suggest!
Read moreJennifer
Mom of 6 children
11 mins ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
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