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Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
A pre-term baby needs extra care, and it is natural for a first-time mother to be apprehensive about handling one. Kangaroo Mother Care offers guidelines which are designed to guide mothers through the crucial first few weeks of a baby’s birth
What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?
Kangaroo Mother Care or KMC is a straightforward and easy practice to care for newborn babies, especially for preterm infants. The practice involves skin-to-skin contact with the mother, father or the caregiver. It is a potent technique to promote the health and general well-being of preterm as well as full-term infants. This technique is also useful in reducing the infant mortality rate of low birth weight or preterm infants. Thus, KMC not only provides care but is believed to have extraordinary benefits for infants by providing basic survival needs such as mother’s warmth, breast milk, stimulation and protection.
What Are the Essential Components of KMC?
Kangaroo mother care has three essential components:
1. Skin-To-Skin Contact Or Kangaroo Position: Kangaroo position involves the infant coming in skin-to-skin contact with the mother. The infant is placed on the mother’s chest, between her breasts. The basic feature of KMC is early, prolonged and continuous contact between the mother and her baby.
2. Exclusive Breastfeeding Or Kangaroo Nutrition: Kangaroo nutrition involves exclusive breastfeeding for the baby. The direct skin-to-skin contact helps in the production of breast milk, and it also helps the baby to suckle better, because of easy accessibility to the mother’s breasts. However, in some cases, the baby may be fed expressed breast milk. The direct skin contact helps to strengthen the bond between the mother and her baby.
3. Support To The Mother And The Baby Or Kangaroo Support: Kangaroo support involves providing medical, physical or emotional support to the mother and the baby without separating them.
When Is KMC Care Needed?
Kangaroo Mother Care is needed to provide care and protection to the newborn baby, so that the baby may heal and grow naturally. Kangaroo care was initially practised for low birth weight and preterm or premature babies, but this technique is beneficial for all infants as it provides the necessities like mother’s warmth, protection and breast milk to the baby. So, KMC may be practised in the following cases:
Premature or low birth weight babies in neonatal care
Low birth weight and full-term babies
Full-term babies Infants who are separated from their mothers due to some medical reasons
To establish breastfeeding and good milk supply
What Are the Benefits of Kangaroo Care?
Following are some of the advantages of Kangaroo Mother Care:
1. Better Adaptation to the Environment: Premature babies face the challenge of thermal regulation. KMC helps the baby to come in skin-to-skin contact with the mother that helps in regulating the body temperature. Being in close contact with the mother makes it easier for the child to adapt to the new surroundings.
2. Helps Baby to Sleep Better: Babies, who are in close contact with their mothers, tend to sleep better than babies who are in neonatal care units. This happens because the baby is less stressed and feels relaxed in the body heat.
3. Aids Better Mental Development: KMC promotes better sleeping patterns, stabilised heart rate and oxygenation, which results in better brain development until adolescence. There is better brain development in babies who received KMC in comparison to babies who were kept in incubators.
4. Makes Breastfeeding Convenient: Kangaroo Mother Care helps the baby to breastfeed exclusively, as the baby is placed close to the mother’s breast. Babies have a heightened sense of smell, and they tend to suckle instantaneously.
5. Promotes Healthy Weight Gain: KMC helps the baby in gaining weight. When the baby feels warm, the baby does not use its energy to stay warm. The mother’s warmth and protection help the baby to suckle better and thus gain weight.
6. Reduces Baby’s Stress Levels: Close skin contact with the mother for a few minutes a day brings down the cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress) in the baby. KMC also increases the cuddle hormone oxytocin which helps the baby to feel relaxed.
7. Helps the Mother to Produce Milk: Close contact with the baby helps to regulate the hormone that helps in lactation. This helps the mother to produce more milk for the baby.
8. Helps the Mother to Fight Postpartum Depression: KMC is beneficial for mothers as well, as skin-to-skin contact with the baby helps the mother’s anxiety levels to go down. It also promotes attachment with her baby and reduces the chances of postpartum depression.
9. Helps in Bonding With the Father: KMC is very effective in building a bond between the father and the baby. Skin contact with the father has a calming effect on the baby and helps in better bonding.
What Can Mothers Do While Starting Kangaroo Mother Care?
All mothers can do KMC or Kangaroo Mother Care for their babies. The mother needs to consider the following before starting KMC for her baby:
Health And Nutrition: It is essential that the mother who wishes to start KMC is healthy and free from any serious illness. The mother should also take proper care of her nutrition and eat a well-balanced diet.
General Hygiene: It is very important for the mother to maintain good hygiene. It is recommended that the mother should bathe or sponge bathe regularly, change clothes and wash her hands frequently.
Support From Family Members: Apart from the mother, other family members may also help in KMC. Comfortable clothing: The mother can dress up in a front open dress, and the baby can be dressed in a nappy, cap, socks and mittens. The main aim of KMC is to provide maximum skin to skin contact with the baby.
What Is the Procedure of Kangaroo Mother Care?
The procedure of skin-to-skin kangaroo care involves the following:
1. The baby should be placed in an upright position between the mother’s breasts.
2. The baby’s head should be placed to a side, for easy breathing and eye contact with the mother.
3. The baby’s tummy should be placed on the mother’s upper abdomen.
4. The baby’s arms and legs should be folded.
5. The baby’s bottom should be supported by a sling or a binder.
Kangaroo Mother Care is very effective for the baby’s overall development and wellbeing. It can be started soon after birth and can be easily practised at home too. The KMC can go on as long as the mother, and the baby feels comfortable. If the baby wriggles and feels uncomfortable at any time when the mother tries skin-to-skin contact, KMC can be stopped. Any concerns or doubts about Kangaroo Mother Care can be discussed with your doctor. It is recommended to seek professional medical help to know about the correct procedure of KMC.
Also Read: Feeding Pillow - Benefits and How to Use It Read more
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True Knot in Baby's Umbilical Cord during Pregnancy
A knot in a baby’s umbilical cord is called a “True Knot of Umbilical Cord.” It can be caused by high levels amniotic fluid in the womb. It could also happen when the baby inadvertently experiences cord entanglement while being active. While in most cases, there doesn’t seem to be any complications during birth, there are risks involved. A knot of the umbilical cord sometimes changes the heart rate of the baby and may result in brain damage and stillbirths if the knot tightens during labour.
What is True Knot of Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord connects a growing foetus to the mother, providing the baby with blood rich in oxygen and nutrients. It resembles a cord and consists of two arteries and one vein which are protected and held together by a substance called Wharton’s Jelly. When this umbilical cord forms a knot, it is called a True Knot of Umbilical Cord.
Other Names For This Condition
Here are some other names by which this condition goes by:
Cord Knots in Pregnancy
Placental Knots
Umbilical Cord Knots
How Common is it during Pregnancy?
True Knots of Umbilical Cord are surprisingly common during pregnancies, usually occurring in one every 100 pregnancies. However, the true knot in umbilical cord fatality rate is low with only one in every 2,000 births causing complications. In cases of twins sharing the same amniotic sac in the uterus, chances of true knots forming are generally higher as there are two cords within the same sac.
Causes
Here are some factors that cause True Knots of Umbilical Cord:
Elevated foetal activity in the womb increases the chances of your baby getting entangled in the umbilical cord.
Long umbilical cords can wrap around the baby forming a knot
Babies that are relatively small have a high chance of getting entangled in the umbilical cord
Too much amniotic fluid in the sac allows for lots of movement of the foetus
Symptoms
Decreased foetal activity after the 37th week of pregnancy is often an indicator of this condition. This takes place as the blood circulation to the foetus is compromised, the degree varies according to how tight the knot is, thereby compromising the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the child.
Diagnosis Of Placental Knot
These are the modules used when diagnosing this condition:
Abnormal or decreased heart rate of the foetus.
Ultrasound exams to detect and assess the seriousness of the knot.
Colour Doppler Sonogram, used to check for problems with blood flow.
Examination of the cord during delivery.
Risk Factors
Some people are at greater risk of having knot formations in the uterus. These include:
Older women
Carrying two or more children at once (twins, triplets etc.) or having had multiple pregnancies
Long umbilical cord
Excess of amniotic fluids
Anaemia
Gestational Diabetes
Treatments
There is no special treatment for this condition. It is best to:
Keep a general eye on your baby’s development.
If a diagnosed knot is tight, your doctor will generally suggest a C-Section delivery to reduce the chances of the knot tightening even further during delivery.
True Knot Of Umbilical Cord Complications
Some complications involved with a baby born with knot in umbilical cord include:
Negative changes in the heart rate of the foetus.
Brain damage.
Death of the foetus or stillbirth.
Prognosis
Some of the outcomes that go with this condition are:
High chance of survival with care and management.
Possible chance of brain damage.
The mortality rate of around 10%.
Difference Between True Knot And False Knot
A False Knot is simply an excess covering of Wharton’s Jelly, which makes it look very similar to a True Knot. False Knots never endanger the foetus whereas True Knots might.
Prevention
Studies have shown that detecting knot formation is difficult to observe even with an ultrasound. This is because they have no characteristic patterns associated with them. However, sudden distress in the baby due to lack of proper oxygen and nutrients. They are:
Perform ultrasounds on a regular basis during pregnancy.
If diagnosed, close monitoring is required for the rest of the gestation period.
Knot formation of the umbilical cord is a dangerous phenomenon as it could lead to the blockage of oxygen and nutrients. Despite advances in modern medicine, medical professionals are yet to find a reliable way of detecting the complication. Thankfully, true knot formation is something that is rare and medical institutions have reliable systems to ensure the survival of the baby.
Also Read: How To Care Your Newborn's Umbilical Cord? Read more
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Everything You Need to Know About the Pneumococcal Vaccine
You take all the care in the world to ensure your little one grows safe in your womb. But then she takes her first breath in the real world, and the game changes. There are so many factors that suddenly come into the picture once your little one is born, that try as you may, you may not be able to keep your precious baby safe from harm. One boon of medical advancement that firmly stands by your side at such times is vaccination.
A vaccine is a preparation that is introduced into the body to teach it to fight with different diseases. Vaccines are routinely employed to prevent disease like rubella, measles, chicken pox, hepatitis, etc. in children. However, one disease that gets side-lined quite often is the pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal Disease: Causes, Types and Symptoms
The pneumococcal disease is a group of illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. An infection of this bacterium can manifest in the form of following types of illnesses:
Meningitis – when the bacteria infects the meninges (the protective tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord). Symptoms of meningitis in babies include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and photophobia (fear of light).
Bacteraemia – when the bacteria enter and infect the bloodstream directly. Symptoms include high fever with or without complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis (swelling of the pericardium, the protective wall around the heart), peritonitis (swelling of the peritoneum, lining that covers the inner wall of the abdomen) or arthritis from pneumococcal infection.
Bacteraemic Pneumonia – a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common symptoms of pneumonia include rapid shallow breathing, shaking chills, cough, fever, chest, congestion, headache and greenish, yellowish or blood-tinged sputum.
Otitis media – infection of the middle ear. Symptoms include an earache, fever and muffled hearing. In young children, frequent tugging at the ear may signal otitis media.
Sinusitis – infection of the sinuses. Symptoms include low-grade fever (less than 100.4 Fahrenheit), running nose, headache, nasal congestion and cough.
Who is at High Risk of Pneumococcal Disease?
Children up to 2 years of age are at highest risk for pneumococcal infection. This is because immunity of young children is very low and it’s very easy for them to catch any kind of infection. Daycare attendance and family child care have been identified as major risk factors – people who are responsible for the care and well-being of your child - this is because Pneumococci are transmitted via air, making it difficult to control and/or avoid infection. A person who has been infected by the bacterium can easily spread it to other people when they cough or sneeze. Infants and young children easily transmit it to other children too, in communal and family settings.
How Does Pneumococcal Disease Spread?
As explained previously, Pneumococci spread from person to person via droplets of respiratory tract secretions: when a person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets of fluid that contain the bacteria get expelled in the air. Anyone who inhales these droplets is likely to get pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococci are common in the nose and throat of healthy children. In some cases, however, their presence is an indication of oncoming otitis media or an invasive form of pneumococcal disease such as meningitis, bacteraemia and bacteremic pneumonia. In addition, children harbouring this bacterium in their nose and throat can easily infect other children.
Finally, it has been observed that day-care authorities have a higher rate of pneumococcal carriage: this means, these people are more likely to harbour the bacterium in their body, and thereby give rise to pneumococcal disease in children placed in their care. Pneumococcal disease thus contracted can vary in intensity and includes severe, invasive pneumococcal diseases such as bacteraemia and meningitis.
Can Pneumococcal Disease Be Prevented in Children?
Yes.
Vaccination is perhaps the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing morbidity and mortality caused by the pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease can be prevented in children less than 2 years by using pneumococcal vaccines. However, it is important to get the correct vaccine and to complete the dosage recommended in order to protect your child from pneumococcal disease.
About the Pneumococcal Vaccine
The bacterium that causes pneumococcal disease, Streptococcus pneumoniae, has various forms, known as serotypes. So far, over 90 serotypes have been identified. However, of these, 13 serotypes are responsible for a majority of the disease burden – these 13 are the most common cause for the pneumococcal disease.
A few years ago, a vaccine that provides protection against all these 13 serotypes was developed. This is known as the PCV13. It is better to choose the broad coverage PCV13 vaccine when it comes to protecting your child against pneumococcal disease since it provides protection against a higher number of serotypes.
Recommended Doses and Schedule for Pneumococcal Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended to be administered in a series for young children and infants. The series consists of three doses, each taken at the ages of 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks. A booster dose is given between 12 and 15 months. Even if the baby has missed any of these shots, it is imperative to administer the booster. It is also advised that you consult with a doctor to confirm the dosage interval and number.
Apart from the above schedule, the following points are to be remembered:
For a child who missed any of the doses, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician about when she can be given the next dose, and also how many more doses will she be required to take.
For children between 2 and 4 years of age who did not complete their pneumococcal vaccine schedule, 1 dose of the PCV13 vaccine is recommended.
For children who are below 5 years of age and were vaccinated with some other PCV vaccine, 1 additional dose of PCV13 is recommended.
How is the Vaccine Given
The PCV13 vaccine is administered intramuscularly. The site of injection for babies and young children is in the vastus lateralis muscle, which is located in the thigh.
While the vaccine has a lot of benefits and can indeed be a life-saver, there are a few things you need to follow before you take your baby to the doctor to get the shots.
Ask Your Doctor
Find out if your child needs to get the PCV13 vaccine. The answer will most likely be ‘yes’ for any child who is less than 5 years old. However, depending on how many previous doses of the pneumococcal vaccine your child has had, the dosage and/or schedule may vary.
Tell Your Doctor
Inform your doctor about the following things before giving your baby the vaccine:
If your baby has had a high fever at any time in the recent past
If your baby has ever developed an allergic reaction to any food, medicine or vaccine in the past
if your baby has any blood disorder, especially one that makes your baby bleed excessively
If, for whatever reason, your doctor has ever indicated that your baby has a lower/weaker immunity
What Can Mothers Do for Protecting Their Babies from Pneumococcal Disease?
It is of utmost importance for parents to make a careful, precise and unbiased decision in providing the right care to their child. All mothers should consult their treating paediatrician for PCV13, the broad spectrum pneumococcal vaccine, to protect from this disease. Mothers should spend some time with their paediatricians discussing vaccines against pneumococcal disease and ask the paediatrician which pneumococcal vaccine is right for their child and choose wisely. They should also share this information with friends and relatives and help protect against pneumococcal disease.
Also Read: Meningococcal Vaccination: Types, Schedule and Side-effects Read more
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40 Father-son Activities to Strengthen the Relationship
Fathers are the best role models for their sons. Apart from playing the traditional role of being a protector and provider, all fathers need to utilize time and put in some effort to forge emotional bonds with their sons. Moreover, most children of this modern era are engrossed in the world of social media and computer games. Hence, fathers need to step up and maintain close ties with their sons irrespective of their ages. The entire process of planning and doing even the most ordinary yet meaningful father-son bonding activities can foster communication, express emotions, and create memories to cherish a lifetime.
Best Father-son Date Ideas
The importance of time spent with children reinforces the fact that children need high-quality time with their parents rather than spending long lengths of time. Creating a special ritual with your child can also make them feel secure and loved. Doing chores together accompanied by words of appreciation can reinforce good behavior with siblings and peer groups. Sometimes, simple activities involving very little preparation should be followed through without distractions and can positively impact your child. Fathers who stay away from their children due to work-related commitments can utilize their family reunion event to connect and show young boys how to strike a healthy work/life balance. Each connection over a father-son date has a lasting impression and provides the support and reassurance that your child needs to become successful in their pursuits.
Here are some of the best things for fathers and sons to do together that can go a long way to promote a boy’s self-confidence and character development.
1. Camping
Numerous father-son camping activities teach young boys practical knowledge like starting a fire, tying basic knots, identifying plants and animals, navigating with a compass, and using a pocket knife to fuel their adventurous spirit.
2. Road Trip
Bonding by traveling to a new or even old place together can help relive old times and make new memories. Drive to a nearby location like an amusement park, a lake for bird watching, or a picnic near a picturesque location for photography to cheer up your child.
3. Gardening
Gardening involves several skills and requires considerable time and effort, which teaches your son how to be patient and appreciate nature. Prepare a list of the flowers, herbs, and vegetables together that is intended to be planted in your yard.
4. Making a Family Tree
Learning about ancestors through stories can help trace your family lineage and make your son feel proud of his roots. Visit ancestry websites, collect old photographs, meet up or call relatives to prepare a family tree together.
5. Mock Interview
Acting as a reporter and interviewing your son is probably an easy way of knowing your son better. Questions can be asked in turns, and make sure not to judge your son from his replies. This activity can help understand the younger generation and make him face his fears as he graduates to adulthood.
6. Undertaking Construction Project
Activities like painting, playing with a Lego set, or making a construction project with your son is a perfect way to teach him planning, precision, and other life lessons that can be applied for enhancing academic performances.
7. Grilling
Try to grill different foods with veg and non-veg varieties over a weekend with a bonfire and catchy music.
8. Fishing
Fishing can offer opportunities to learn more about different fish species apart from taking pride in catching the first fish for your son.
9. Building Model Rocket
Building a model rocket involves fuses and combustion that are bound to excite your son. Accompanied with stories about pilots, astronauts, and space travel can also lead to a career in space engineering.
10. Watching a Live Sporting Attend
Attending a sporting event with your son can get him interested in any particular indoor or outdoor sport. You can wear matching jerseys and make posters with slogans to cheer away your favorite team.
11. Hunting
Hunting gives plenty of time to indulge in deep conversations with your son apart from passing some man skills on tracking an animal and handling a gun.
12. Barber Shop Visit
A weekend visit to a barbershop can teach your teenage son about personal grooming, hairstyles, and the latest beard fashion, which he’s sure to be eager to learn.
13. Service Project
Doing a service project in the local community center, taking care of street dogs, or volunteering at a soup kitchen may give your son a chance to rub shoulders with people from different backgrounds and become compassionate about the needy and underprivileged.
14. Playing Baseball
Playing Baseball with your son can help him appreciate life’s simple pleasures apart from appreciating the sport.
15. Outdoor Trip
Flying a kite or a radio-controlled airplane in the nearby park may appeal to younger boys much as a short subway or bus ride that will widen his knowledge about the surroundings.
16. Reading Together
A visit to a book fair or a local library can introduce him to the fascinating world of books. Reading with your kids helps boost a boys’ imagination, creativity, math skills and understand the importance of literacy and sharing language with one another.
17. Take a Selfie
There’s nothing like taking an instant selfie at any interesting spot with your son to upload it on social media and draw comments that will make the day for him.
18. Dancing-off
Dancing can bring joy, especially when you can take the Internet by storm by posting your super-cool father-son dance videos that may be absolutely heartwarming to watch later in life.
19. Working on a Car
Working on a car with your son teaches valuable lessons on safety, mechanics, and understanding the general basics like changing a tire, changing the oil or brakes, washing, waxing, and polishing that might come in handy later in life.
20. Skiing
Skiing can be troublesome at first, but sliding down the slopes offers a feeling of freedom. As your older son starts learning the ropes, they can travel down more challenging courses that will test their courage and bravery. You need to motivate and encourage them to keep going forward no matter how often they fall or fail.
21. Attending a Car Show
Bank on your son’s love for cars to book tickets for the vintage car rally or exhibition of newly launched vehicles. They will start appreciating the value of labor, the specific engineering skills, or restoration practices involved in the show.
22. Mountain Biking
You can teach the rules of responsibility on the road through activities like racing around the neighborhood, developing a sense of independence, and finding peace in the lap of nature.
23. Bowling
Spend a day at a bowling alley knocking over some pins with your son can teach them all about aiming, focusing, and setting goals apart from the different bowling ball sizes and how the game works.
24. Wood & Leather Craft
Making a leather wallet, coasters, or carving out a wooden slingshot can give any son a chance to understand craftsmanship while taking pride in displaying their work or making gifts for friends and relatives.
25. Mixed Martial Art Classes
Doing a mixed martial arts class together helps burn some calories and shows your son the ropes of self-defense and how to release stress positively.
26. Archery
Archery serves as a good foundation for teaching your son sportsmanship, respect, and self-discipline. It’s not just about hitting the target but learning how to set small goals and accomplish them.
27. Roller Skating or Skateboard
Skating together on a skateboard or with roller skates at the local skate park, in the driveway, or building ramps are great activities to boost your son’s confidence.
28. Play Video Games
A fun session of virtual bowling and simple racing games can help your son to have a blast with you after a busy day at school or college.
29. Museum or Art Gallery Tour
A museum or an art gallery provides interesting insights about the past or contemporary events that can offer a new perspective to your young son about the world around him.
30. Movie Date
Give your son a taste of the classics by watching hits of yesteryear that you grew up loving. You might choose to surprise him with tickets for the next weekend’s release featuring the star he idolizes.
31. Music Concert
Win your son’s heart by booking tickets for his favorite bands or guest artists scheduled to perform at the next live music concert.
32. Collecting Items
Sharing a hobby together like philately, numismatics, or taking care of pets at home can keep a father and son busy over a weekend apart from spending time together.
33. Aquarium or Zoo Trip
Viewing fishes and animals in the zoo is the closest you can get your son to learn all about animals. So zoo or aquarium visits present an excellent opportunity for family bonding.
34. Watching Stars
Stargazing with your son through your old telescope can get him interested in outer space and might give him a goal to become an astronomer.
35. Cooking
Cooking is one of the much-loved activities for a family of food lovers. You can guide your son on how to stir, measure and glaze, and if he is old enough, pass on your chopping, roasting, and sautéing techniques.
36. Baking
Hunting for a recipe together on the Internet offers excellent moments to bake with your son while learning something new and relishing the delicious sweet treats afterward!
37. Horseback Riding
Discover the joy and thrill of riding a horse with your son, as this activity can test your physical fitness levels and develop trust in each other through wonderful creatures like horses.
38. Enjoying the Rain
Running around and stomping in puddles with your little man is the best way to let loose and have fun. Just don’t forget your raincoats and galoshes!
39. Karaoke
What better way to bond with your son than to sing your heart out and jam to your favorite tunes?
40. Comparison Shopping
Whether your son is a tween or a teen, teaching him the importance of saving money by shopping for comparison can make your son a more intelligent consumer later in life.
Suitable father-son activities help nurture skills like communication, social, writing, reading, and listening that contribute to shaping a child’s personality. Keep your phone on silent to ensure undivided attention during a date with your son. Playing simple games together is an easy way of teaching them the values of sharing, kindness, and empathy, making other relationships in their lives stronger and better in the future.
Also Read:
Role of Dad in Child Development
Inspirational Father and Son Quotes
Tips for Strong Father-Son Relationship Read more
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8 Helpful Tips to Keep Your Breasts Sweat-free This Summer
A month into summer and we are already waiting for it to get over, right? It’s HOT out there; and the fact that this heat is going to be the same or get even worse in the coming days is, in no way, cooling us down. So, how does your body cool down when you feel you might self-combust? By sweating! But it’s not just your armpits or arms that sweat; your private parts like your buttocks and breasts produce sweat too. Ladies, if you have sweaty breasts then believe us, it’s quite normal. This problem is experienced by almost all women at some point; however, it’s more common in women with larger breasts or breasts that droop downward. This is because the fold that forms between the breast and the skin under it traps sweat and this area can remain moist for long. Moisture being a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections, exposes this area to potential rashes or irritation. While a little bit of sweat is harmless, excessive sweating in this area can definitely be a nuisance, if not plain embarrassing.
Tips and Hacks to Keep Your Breasts Sweat-Free This Summer
While we can wipe off the sweat on our arms or neck with a tissue-paper in public, we can’t do the same where our private areas are concerned. Imagine beads of sweat running down to your stomach from underneath your breasts while you’re in the middle of an important discussion – neither can you sit straight nor can you run to the bathroom! It can be uncomfortable, not to mention, incredibly awkward! Thankfully, there are some tips you can try to beat this summer problem.
1. Save your Fancy Bras Made with Synthetic Materials for Special Occasions.
For sweat-free breasts, ditch bras made with synthetic materials like rayon or polyester. Synthetic materials don’t allow your skin to breathe, and when they trap heat, they prevent the sweat from evaporating. This means it’s going to get moist and smelly in there if you wear these all day!
2. Opt for Cotton Bras Instead.
Just like you think about your baby’s comfort in summers and make the right choices for him, do the same for yourself as well; after all, it is for the sake of your health. Wear cotton bras in summers. Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric; hence it won’t trap the heat and sweat against your chest. You will find many options in cotton bras; from coloured and tropical prints to strapless and t-shirt bras. When it comes to comfort, nothing can beat cotton, and now that you’ll find a range of options in cotton bras, your sense of fashion won’t get compromised too.
3. Use Panty Liners.
Panty liners can also be used once in a while for your chest area apart from using them ‘down there’! They can save your favourite shirts from getting those icky sweat stains. Stick a couple of panty liners inside your bra and on your breasts to absorb the sweat and to prevent it from staining your favourite kurta or shirts.
4. If Not Panty Liners, Paper Towels Come in Handy Too.
If you’re out of panty liners or find them too expensive for alternate uses, you can use paper towels – they work too. First, dry your breasts, then fold a few paper towels and put them in your bra cups. They will soak up the moisture and prevent the sweat from forming stains on your clothes.
5. How about Some Baby Powder?
Baby powder has several uses. Just like it keeps the sensitive areas of your baby’s skin dry, it will do the same for your body as well. Sprinkle some baby powder on your breasts, then put on a bra. Baby powder can also prevent the common problem of chafing (which usually occurs when our skin rubs against skin or clothing) in summers. By using baby powder on your breasts, the chances of you developing rashes like intertrigo will also be reduced. Intertrigo is a form of dermatitis which affects skin folds, particularly under the breasts. Applying baby powder will reduce the chances of developing this bacterial infection and keep your breasts sweat-free and dry.
6. Baby Wipes Always to the Rescue!
We are sure by now you must be into the habit of keeping baby wipes in your makeup kit, and why wouldn’t you? Baby wipes help avoid makeup mishaps. If you need another reason to keep them handy, here’s one. Baby wipes can help take care of the problem of sweaty breasts anytime, anywhere; a quick run to the washroom is all you’ll need to feel fresh again! Sweat begins to smell when it mixes with bacteria, so wipe your breasts properly to prevent bacteria from accumulating on and beneath your breasts.
7. Try Argan Oil.
Argan oil has been used to treat skin infections and hair problems for a long time now. But you will be surprised to know that argan oil works for ‘boob sweat’ too. The anti-microbial properties of argan oil help prevent rashes from developing. This oil is also known to negate bad odours. Applying a few drops of argan oil on and underneath your breasts will help minimise the sweat and skin irritation occurring because of it.
8. Give Bra Liners a Try.
You may not have heard of bra liners, but they are worth considering. Bra liners are made with absorbent materials that help absorb the moisture from the skin and prevent irritation as well as the risk of infections. Moreover, wearing them won’t seem like a difficult task even if you have never done it before. All you have to do is tuck a bra liner under your bra, and it will absorb all the sweat, leaving you feeling comfortable.
You can even consider going braless at times. No, you don’t have to ditch the bra when going out to run errands or to attend a meeting, but when you are at home, you can let the girls loose for some time, right? Give your breasts some bra-free time and allow them to breathe and relax. You will feel a lot better!
Try the above-mentioned tips and practise good hygiene to prevent your breasts from feeling sweaty. These simple and sure-shot solutions guarantee respite from smelly and sweaty breasts! Try these out, stay hydrated, and have a sweat-free and fresh summer!
Also Read:
How to Find the Right Fitting Bra
9 Types of Bras Every Woman Should Have
Common Lingerie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
6 hours ago
Q. hello good afternoon ma'am, Mera 1st trimester khtm ho gya h ,4th month chal raha hai actually mjhe kch dino se bhuk ni lgti h ,khana dkh k Mann ni krta h khane ka toh mai aap kch solution btaye
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. hello it s normal during the pregnancy and it is absolutely nothing to worry and try to have small meal frequently and avoid taking a large meal at a time which can help you and any concern you can talk with you doctor she can guide you accordingly
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Mom of a 8 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. mera baby 10 month ka ho gya h abi tk khada ni ho para kya jru
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Babies start to stand between the age of 9 months to thirteen months. Please wait for sometime before consulting a doctor. Please give semi solid food items like banana and mashed potatoes and mashed apples to the baby. Also give suji kheer and daal paani to the baby. Continue giving formula milk to the baby. You can also give mashed idli to the baby. Masaage baby legs with BabyHug coconut oil.
Thanks and take care
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. assembly job vacancy in firstcry store
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. hello dear this u need to ask them personally on call ot u can mail them as it is a parenting app so u can't right guidance on this here
Prachi Agrawal has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Hello doctor,
my son is 2.5 months old and completely on breastfeeding. He hasn't pooped since three days. please advise
Prachi Agrawal
Mom of a 1 yr 6 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. After two months of age, babies may have constipation problem which is not concerning until they are showing any abnormal signs.
It may last upto 10 days too. Keep a check on baby's activity and feeding, till the time that is all fine, no worries.
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. i eat chips daily. will it harm my baby?? actually i dont like to eat chapatti
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. dear Mum, if you eat chips daily then it will not harm your baby but it will be harmful for your health. so, you should not have it daily. you can have it occasionally.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 mins ago
Q. I am 31 week pregnant, my BP is shooted to 160, as per growth scan baby weight is less 1.4gm, under <.99 percentile. can you suggest me what to do ,or how much weight is expected
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 mins ago
A. please take medicines to control your blood pressure as advised even regarding induction of labour also. 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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