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Kapalbhati Pranayama - Benefits, How to Do It, and Precautions
Yoga originated in ancient India and has been a part of our culture since then. It is a set of physical, spiritual, and mental exercises that are practised for our well-being. It has now become popular as a form of physical exercise in the west, too. Yoga reduces stress and promotes good physical health and mental well-being. Kapalbhati Pranayam or Pranayama is a popular yoga asana. Read on to know all about it.
What is Kapalbhati Pranayama?
Kapalbhati Pranayam is a type of breathing exercise which promotes overall well-being and good health. ‘Kapalbhati’ means ‘shining forehead’ in Sanskrit and ‘Pranayam’ means ‘breathing exercise’. It is named so because practising Kapalbhati is said to improve mental health and intellect. It is a yoga technique where you sit in a particular pose and do breathing exercises.
Types of Kapalbhati Pranayama
There are 3 types of Kapalbhati Pranayam:
1. Vatakrama
In this type of Kapalbhati Pranayama, we sit cross-legged on the floor and breathe. In this form of Pranayama, your inhalation should be passive and exhalation active.
2. Vyutkrama
In this Kapalbhati technique, you need to sniff in water in through your nostrils, let it go into your mouth and then spit it out.
3. Sheetkrama
This Kapalbhati technique is the opposite of the Vyutkrama. You take water in through your mouth and expel it via your nostrils.
Amazing Benefits of Practising Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati has numerous benefits for your body and mind. Some of them are as follows:
Practising Kapalbhati Pranayama can soothe your eyes and remove dark circles under your eyes.
It de-stresses you and brightens your mind.
It gets rid of heartburn, acidity, and gas.
It increases the capacity of your lungs and makes them strong.
Improves concentration and memory.
It can cure asthma and wheezing.
It alleviates sinusitis.
It stops hair loss and prevents premature greying of hair.
It prevents depression and boosts production of endorphins, making you feel positive.
It improves the health of your skin and gives you a radiant glow.
This yoga asana helps improves blood circulation.
It aids in digestion.
Practising this asana is known to improve the metabolic rate of the body, thus helping in weight-loss.
It removes toxins and wastes from your body by generating heat and dissolving them.
This yoga asana can also improve the functioning of your kidneys and liver.
It lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas.
It strengthens bones by causing an increase in your body’s calcium levels.
It can cure uterine fibroids.
It Increases your body’s energy level.
It can cure acne and treat varicose veins.
It slows down your body’s ageing process.
Practising this yoga asana can also cure insomnia.
It can regularise women’s menstrual cycles and prevent menstrual cramps.
1. Benefits for Health
Kapalbhati has numerous health benefits and can remedy various ailments.
The benefits for Kapalbhati for diabetes include lowering of blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin and reduction of stress, which is a significant barrier to effective blood sugar control.
The benefits of Kapalbhati for weight loss include reducing abdominal fat, toning abdominal muscles, and increasing core abdominal strength. Kapalbhati thus helps in fighting obesity.
Practising Kapalbhati regularly can also provide relief from constipation. This is a problem for many people across all age groups. Bad eating habits, not staying hydrated, and other health conditions cause constipation. Practising Kapalbhati can alleviate constipation and doing this for 3 to 5 minutes every day can remedy constipation within one week.
Kapalbhati Pranayama can improve your immune system and your ability to fight disease-causing microbes.
2. Benefits for Brain/Mind
The benefits of Kapalbhati for the brain and mind include:
It can help stimulate your nerves, energise your brain, and de-clutter your mind.
Kapalbhati Pranayama can calm your mind and provide you with a sense of balance.
It can also improve your memory and help you concentrate better.
3. Benefits for Skin
The benefits of Kapalbhati for skin include:
It can prevent and even cure acne if done correctly.
It can help in eliminating toxins from the body and slow ageing.
It can clear clogged skin pores, thus clarifying the skin and giving your face a luminous glow.
4. Benefits for Hair
The benefits of Kapalbhati breathing for healthy hair are:
It prevents hair loss by increasing the blood flow to the scalp and strengthening the hair roots.
Kapalbhati exercise also prevents premature greying of hair.
How to Do Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati is really simple to learn and practice. Any certified yoga expert can teach you how to practice this breathing technique. The steps to do Kapalbhati pranayama are as follows:
1. Posture
Sit cross-legged on the floor. Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing upwards. Now fold your index fingers of both the hands such that their tips touch the tips of your thumbs.
2. Inhale
Inhale deeply and calmly with both nostrils the until your lungs are filled with air. Focus on your abdominal region while doing this.
3. Exhale
Pull in your stomach such that you bring your navel as close as possible to your spine. You can place your right hand on your abdomen to feel the muscles contracting. Now relax from this contraction and exhale rapidly and forcefully in a short burst and follow this up with an automatic, immediate inhalation. As you release your abdomen, you will be able to feel your lungs filling up with air.
4. Repeat and Meditate
Repeat this breathing exercise 20 times. Rest for a while after this in the same pose and meditate silently. You can do another round after resting for five to ten minutes.
Side Effects of Doing Kapalbhati
Although Kapalbhati has many benefits, it can have certain side effects too in some people, and therefore, you should consult a yoga expert and your doctor before performing Kapalbhati. Some of the side effects that may be caused by Kapalbhati are:
It can cause a hernia and high blood pressure.
It can make you nauseated.
You may have a headache after doing this Pranayama.
It may make your mouth to become dry.
It may cause increased salivation and sweating.
What Precautions Should Be Taken while Doing Kapalbhati Pranayama?
Kapalbhati pranayama rejuvenates and heals both the body and mind. This breathing exercise has the power to cure several ailments. However, this yoga technique should be practised with care, and there are several precautions that you must take while doing Kapalbhati:
If you are a beginner and are aged 40 or above, you must do one exhalation stroke per second when performing Kapalbhati pranayama. Younger people can do two exhalation strokes per second. If you have been doing Kapalbhati for at least a year, and are younger than 40, you can attempt more than two strokes per second.
It is ideal to practice Kapalbhati early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Do not attempt Kapalbhati without learning how it is done. First get a health check-up done to ensure that you are fit enough to practice Kapalbhati. After you get the go-ahead from your doctor, learn the technique from a certified yoga expert and practitioner.
Avoid doing Kapalbhati if you have your menstrual period. Pregnant women should also avoid doing Kapalbhati as forcefully contracting the abdominal muscles can harm the unborn baby.
If you suffer from heart diseases, exhale really slow.
People who have high blood pressure should not increase their rate of Kapalbhati. Stick with a lower rate, like one stroke per second.
Kapalbhati may aggravate ulcers. So if you have ulcers, be careful while practising the technique and check with your doctor as well as your yoga teacher whether it is safe for you.
If you have a slipped disc, you should not do Kapalbhati. People who have stents placed in their blood vessels should also avoid doing Kapalbhati pranayama.
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma, wheezing or bronchitis should be careful while doing the breathing exercises.
Before practising Kapalbhati, you should learn basic pranayama techniques and become proficient in them. This is because Kapalbhati is an advanced pranayama technique and trying this without proper knowledge can do more harm than good.
FAQ's
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Kapalbhati Pranayam:
1. Can I Practice Kapalbhati Pranayama Before or After a Run?
Yes, Kapalbhati Pranayama can be practised both before and after a run. However, the best time to practice this yogic technique is on an empty stomach early in the morning.
2. Is it Okay to Eat Immediately After Doing Kapalbhati Pranayama?
You should wait for at least half an hour after a Kapalbhati Pranayama session before you eat food. Kapalbhati uses the breathing techniques to generate energy in your body, and eating immediately after this will cause that energy to get used up for digesting the food that you consumed.
Kapalbhati Pranayama is rapidly becoming well-known as the yoga technique to alleviate numerous ailments and bestow excellent physical and mental health. It is simple, easy to learn, and does not require too much time or any equipment to practice. So go ahead and try Kapalbhati Pranayama for your physical and mental well-being. Make sure you check with both your doctor and your yoga teacher before starting Kapalbhati if you have any health conditions.
Also Read: How to Improve Digestion Through Yoga Read more
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Fun and Interesting Facts About New Zealand for Kids
Though relatively small in size, New Zealand is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning mountains, breathtaking sceneries, massive glaciers, and beautiful beaches. There is a lot to learn about New Zealand, and one way to get your children excited to know about this beautiful country is through fun facts! These New Zealand fun facts are sure to get your children excited to learn about and visit this country!
History of New Zealand
The native people of New Zealand are called the Maori people, and they first arrived in canoes to New Zealand from Polynesia somewhere around 1320 and have been living in the islands ever since. Their culture is unique and rich, and due to the centuries of isolation on the island, their culture evolved in very different ways compared to the other Polynesia cultures. The Maori people developed their ceremonies, language, crafts, and other beliefs that are native only to New Zealand.
New Zealand is now a country though it is an island in the South Pacific and part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington though the most populous city in the country is Auckland.
Geography of New Zealand
The name for New Zealand in Maori is "Aotearoa," which can be translated to "the land of the long white cloud." This term is believed to have a practical and a mythological meaning because the cloud formation over the sea has helped the early travellers find their way to the country when on the sea.
Though New Zealand is one country, it consists of two islands- the North and the South, though the south is less populated than the North Island. The North Island contains both the most populous city in New Zealand (Auckland) and the capital of New Zealand (Wellington). Around 75% of the inhabitants of the country live on the North Island. However, the South Island is the larger of the two Islands though it is less populated and considered the most beautiful.
New Zealand is very popular for its unique and amazing landscapes. Since it is an isolated country, over 80% of the fauna and flora are native to New Zealand. Its fragile ecosystem is something that the government of New Zealand fiercely protects. Besides these beautiful animals and plants, the country is also famous for its stunning natural landscape. From hot springs to glaciers, sandy beaches to beautiful mountains, the country has it all!
Facts About New Zealand People and Culture
New Zealand has a rich culture and unique people. Few facts about them include:
New Zealand People Facts
New Zealanders are sometimes called "Kiwis," and they have a history shaped by their isolation.
Today, the Kiwis are no longer farmers, and over 86 percent of the people native to the country live in the cities.
Most people in the country live in the city of Auckland, while the Southern part of the country is significantly less populated.
New Zealand Culture Facts
The Maori culture is an essential part of New Zealand.
"Te Reo," the Maori language, is one of the official languages of the country.
The Maoris have influenced and named most of the current locations in the country.
They have so many legends in the country that explains everyday parts of nature, like the tide.
Another significant part of modern-day New Zealand is the rugby culture.
The culture in the country is very laid-back, and the people are friendly and warm.
Nature Facts of New Zealand
Bountiful nature and an abundance of greenery are some of the things New Zealand prides itself on. Here are some exciting nature facts about the country:
Since New Zealand was isolated for a long time, it has unusual and rich wildlife not present anywhere in the world.
Though the country is rich in birds and reptiles, it is one of those very few places on earth where you cannot find a snake.
Due to its geographical location, New Zealand is the first place on the planet to see the sunrise each day.
The country is a huge exponent of renewable energy and uses geothermal power, hydropower, and wind energy as its primary power sources.
The country has so many volcanoes, and most of them have been dormant for thousands of years now.
New Zealand has over 120 km long coasts.
Facts About New Zealand Animal and Economy
Check out these interesting New Zealand government facts and animals' facts for kids!
New Zealand Animal Facts
There is only one type of native land mammal in New Zealand, the short-tailed and long-tailed bats. The introduced land mammals include New Zealand rabbits, cats, rats, dogs, and more.
Most land animals on the island are birds, and most species of birds there have lost the ability to fly, and this is one reason why they could not defend themselves against the European settlers and the Maori people.
In the last millennia, half of all the species in the country became extinct due to the draining of swampland and deforestation.
The country has the heaviest insect in the world called the giant weta.
New Zealand has six different species of penguins, and they live and breed in the country.
The Kiwi birds are the only birds on the planet with nostrils located at the end of their bill. They use these to smell insects present on the ground.
The living descendant of the era of dinosaurs is the Tuatara, and they are famous for having a third eye at the top of their head.
The South Island of the country houses a species of snail that are carnivores. They can grow as large as an adult's fist but are no threat to humans since they can only eat bugs and worms.
New Zealand Economy Facts
The government in the country runs on a parliamentary democracy system that was used in Britain.
The country's primary industry is tourism, and it has over 2 million visitors every year.
New Zealand is the leading exporter of kiwifruit, butter, lamb, and wine.
The main economic sectors in the country are fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, and mining.
The essential natural resources are coal, natural gas, silver, iron ore, and gold.
The main seaports of the country are Tauranga, Auckland, Napier, Otago, and Wellington.
Facts About Famous Things of New Zealand
The country is famous for many things, ranging from nature to food to worldwide records. Here are some of them:
Kiwi is not just an animal; it has three different meanings: a kiwi bird (the country's national bird), a dry kiwi (a person born in the country), and the kiwi fruit.
30 percent of New Zealand is a national reserve since the country is a natural paradise, which is not protected will become an ecological threat.
The Lord of the Rings movies were primarily filmed in this country, and there are even options for tourists to take a tour of the Hobbiton movie set.
Other Important Facts and Information of New Zealand for Children
Children are sure to get enamoured by these interesting and incredibly cool facts about the country.
New Zealand is one of the first countries that gave the right for women to vote, initiated in the year 1893.
There are more sheep in the country than people.
The country is home to the steepest road globally, known as Baldwin Street that has a slope of 19 degrees.
There are three official languages in the country- Maori, sign language, and English.
It was one of the last countries in the world to be inhabited by people since its history dates back only to a few hundred years ago.
One of the most popular fun New Zealand facts about food includes the country being a top exporter of various dairy products.
New Zealand has a traditional war dance that used to be performed by the Maori people known as the "Haka." It was also the ceremonial dance performed by women and men in the country.
The country is sometimes visited by orcas that come to feed on the dolphins.
The highest mountain in the country is Aoraki Mount Cook. It was just called "Aoraki," which can be translated to "Cloud piercer."
Soak in all the beauty and charm of the country right from your home and educate your children with these fun facts!
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Top 15 Team Building Activities for Kids
Sports and other games are usually played in groups and team effort is absolutely essential in that regard. But not all kids are good at sports and may miss out on understanding how team dynamics comes into play. There are certain activities that can be organized, which are simpler as compared to sports, and can teach your kids to work together.
Benefits of Team Building Activities and Games for Children
The young age of kids is the perfect time for them to begin inculcating the core principles of teamwork, co-operation, and thinking outside the box.
Group activities help the kids interact with one another which also adds to their own self-esteem. Having help at hand, they can learn to strive to go beyond what was expected by rallying the team with them.
Types of Team Building Games
1. Communication-Based Games
These games rely heavily on being able to communicate ideas amongst each other. This is where children know which ideas can be easily explained, which kids respond better, and how they can sculpt the ideas to better suit others.
2. Teamwork Based Games
These games are based on having a cooperative effort to achieve a goal. By understanding each other’s opinions and choosing the right one to take the team ahead is how kids learn to resolve situations. Keeping a positive attitude to achieve the goals is the key in such games.
3. Trust Building Games
Carrying out the motions of the game in an experience that is shared with everyone forms the core of such games. Interpersonal skills that develop faith and trust in each other help build the game. By understanding which kids relate to you and who can build strong relationships with the other, a huge amount of social understanding is gleaned from kids.
15 Fun Team Building Activities and Games for Kids
Here are some fun activities for children that will help them engage and interact with their peers as a team.
1. Dream Drawing
What it is
All kids come together to one place with chalks or crayons and start drawing their dream objects. Some could draw a spaceship, others could draw a dragon, and so on. Once everyone is done with their drawing, kids can work together to choose the drawings and create a wonderful story from it.
How it Helps Kids
Dream drawing primarily stokes creativity in expressing ideas. Later, it involves discussion and skills of collaboration to work towards a common goal.
2. Dragon Weapon
What it is
There is a dragon, usually the facilitator, who must be defeated. For that, all kids have to work together to create a powerful weapon. Each kid needs to develop a small powerful object. These objects can later be discussed among the group and put together to create a weapon which can fire these powers at the dragon.
How it Helps Kids
Dragon weapon helps all kids understand how important it is to work towards a singular goal. If two powers end up being similar, kids can then work amongst themselves to combine them into a stronger power. Leadership and collaboration skills play a huge role.
3. Tell Me Your Life
What it is
A bowl of cards is passed around among the kids. On the cards are emotions, either happy, sad, excited, scared, and so on. Based on the emotion, a kid has 30 seconds to search for a memory of their life that can be connected to that emotion. Then, the kid ends up talking about it to everyone around.
How it Helps Kids
Being brave with vulnerability and making connections can be great lessons that kids learn from this game. There might be other kids in the group who have felt similar emotions and these can then bond together to be great friends.
4. Circle Space
What it is
A large circle is drawn and all kids are supposed to stand inside the circle, with their bags and other properties. If they can all stand, reduce the size of the circle and repeat. The kids will start leaving out luggage, or some might fall outside. Keep going on until all kids fail to fit inside it
How it Helps Kids
Problem-solving skills and making use of three-dimensional space can be easily learnt from this game. Moreover, it teaches kids to put people first instead of material objects.
5. Human Alphabet
What it is
Kids have to work together to quickly form the letter shown by the facilitator. Kids can work in teams to achieve this or simply play by pairing up instantaneously. The kids who can make the letter quickly using their bodies get points.
How it Helps Kids
Understanding the shape and structure of letters is extremely important as a communication device. At the same time, being able to look for creative solutions is key to winning the game.
6. The Sound of Silence
What it is
One blindfolded kid is chosen to stand in the centre of a circle formed by other kids. A tin box filled with marbles is handed to one child. The kids in the circle are supposed to pass the tin box around without making any sound. If the central kid can hear the smallest sound and point at the tin box correctly, the kid who has the box replaces the kid in the centre.
How it Helps Kids
For the kid in the centre, being able to listen sharply and making informed guesses using cognitive abilities is a learning experience. For the kids in the circle, they can all work together in figuring out alternative ways to transfer the box without making noise.
7. Save the Egg
What it is
This is a slightly messy game that requires lots of eggs and lots of supplementary material like cardboards, thermocol sheets, bubble wrap, packing material, and so on. Kids are split into teams and each team has the same objective. Create a package such that when the egg is wrapped in it and dropped to the ground, it stays safe.
How it Helps Kids
By choosing the right material, kids learn to think in advance and hypothesize the possibilities that can take place. Resolving conflicts amongst each other and thinking creatively about an innovative solution can all yield a great result.
8. Walk the Talk
What it is
Kids are split into teams and one kid from each team is selected. The kid is blindfolded and placed in a common area with others. Each team then has to direct their team member to reach a particular point before any other kid.
How it Helps Kids
The amount of noise and clamour the activity creates teaches kids to focus on the right instructions and follow them appropriately. For teams, they can come up with simpler techniques to convey directions to the other player appropriately.
9. Cool Currency
What it is
Gather together as many coins as possible of as many denominations and all possible currencies. Split the kids into teams and let each team pick out a coin. The kids have to study the emblem of the coin and then come up with their own emblem, coin, and currency.
How it Helps Kids-
Coins have emblems that have meanings to them as well as certain lines or mottos engraved to it. Kids can work together in figuring out their common beliefs giving rise to the engravings.
10. Make My Story
What it is
Gather a stack of newspapers and let the kids go through them to choose a favourite panel of their choice from the comic strips. All kids should keep the panels to themselves. Then group the kids together in teams and let them show their panels to the team members. The team then should work together in creating the best possible story using the panels that they have.
How it Helps Kids-
This is an intensely creative activity which, at the same time, requires problems resolutions and collaborative effort. Kids can get extremely attached to their own panels and want to make that the centre of the story. This is where kids also learn to make compromises for the bigger picture.
11. Bridge Builders
What it is
This game can be played using Lego blocks. Split the kids into teams and each team into two groups. All the groups have to construct one half of a bridge by themselves without looking at anybody else. Once they are prepared, they have to figure out if their half fits together with the half of the other group from the same team.
How it Helps Kids
The teams cannot see each other’s bridges but they can talk with each other. Communicating clearly and in detailed terms of how to build the other half is where kids learn to work together and collaborate in the absence of complete information.
12. Listen Carefully
What it is
Kids work in sequence. One kid has to talk for a short time on any topic of his choice. The kid that follows has to repeat exactly what the kid said as close as possible. The kids then reverse roles and the game continues.
How it Helps Kids
Exercising their memory well and making associations between words is how kids can learn to listen carefully to the other kid while understanding the meaning of their words.
13. Don’t Wake the Dragon
What it is
Kids have to quickly arrange themselves in the increasing order of height without talking to each other or making any sounds within a short period of time. By the time the dragon (facilitator) wakes up, the kids should be ready to shout “Boo!”
How it Helps Kids
Communicating by making use of physical movements and working towards a common goal by observing the actions of others can help in non-verbal communication to a great degree.
14. Tallest Tower
What it is
By making use of a variety of objects before them, each kid has to make their tower and try to make it as tall as possible.
How it Helps Kids
Thinking quickly on their feet and trying to visualise the tower in advance helps with planning skills and thinking outside the box.
15. Juggling Groups
What it is
Just like juggling alone, this is where the entire group works together to juggle as many balls as possible. Each kid tries to juggle balls for himself and pass on the rest to the next. The team that can juggle the most balls wins.
How it Helps Kids
While exercising the motor skills, each team member learns to keep an eye out for the other and prepare in advance to keep the balls juggling without letting them fall down.
Team building activities for young kids are not only exciting but are full of learning lessons that are necessary to be responsible adults. Working together and being socially open to each other goes a long way in developing the interpersonal skills that the kids will require later in their lives.
Also Read: Extra Curricular Activities for Kids Read more
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Bottlegourd peel chutney
Have you been throwing off the skin of bottle gourd after peeling it? If yes, don't do that now on. Here's a quick “Best out of waste” kind of chutney made from the peel of bottle gourd. The soothing bottle gourd has its benefits extended to not just its pulp, but its peel too. The skin is high in fibre and several vitamins. Use this uncommon, yummy and yet easy-to-make-recipe as an accompaniment to any paratha, thalipeeth or a pancake.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10 Minutes
5 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup bottle gourd peel
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1” ginger
4 green chillies
10 mint leaves
2 tbsp (tablespoon) coriander leaves
1 tbsp coconut
1 tsp (teaspoon) oil
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Heat oil, add onion, chillies and saute.
Step 2
Add the bottle gourd peels, ginger and garlic.
Step 3
Saute till raw smell leaves.
Step 4
Turn off the flame and allow to cool.
Step 5
Grind along with coconut, mint leaves, coriander leaves.
Step 6
Add required salt and half a cup of water for grinding.
Step 7
Temper, if required.
Step 8
Serve as an accompaniment.
Nutritional Information
Calories from Fat
11
Calories
25
Total Fat
1.5g 1%
Saturated Fat
0 mg
Saturated
0 g
Cholesterol
0mg 0%
Sodium
1.1mg
Total Carbohydrate
2g 1%
Dietary Fiber
0.9g 4%
Sugars
0 g
Protein
0.9g
*
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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My First Solo Trip With My 2-year-old Toddler - Travel Tips and Tricks
"Travel is the best addiction", I have always loved travelling and visiting new places. But after getting pregnant when I was put on bed rest, I missed the wanderlust.
After my 2-year-old son turned 2, I decided to go on solo trips with him. Finally planned to visit my brother and sister-in-law staying in Hyderabad. We stay in Delhi, it takes approximately 2 hours by air. When I informed my husband about my travel plans, he was a little hesitant as I had never travelled with Vihaan, our son, alone. He was well aware of the dreadful situations I might face. He asked me to give it a second thought and then book tickets. I wanted to give it a try, someday I might have to travel alone with him, then why not now. It would be a new experience for both mom and son. Still, I was nervous about handling his unannounced tantrums on the flight, or he might just whine and disturb co-passengers, or he may not just sit and walk around. I had to plan accordingly, how to tackle the worst scenario. I took care of a few details while planning my trip. Here they are ...
I booked an early hour flight, that coincided with Vihaan's sleep time, I was sure we would board the flight and he would sleep.
No diaper bag, instead a backpack was more convenient. I had my arms free to carry my son when required.
Comfortable shoes, the most important tip. Walking around the airport with a toddler is not a cakewalk so I decided to wear my sneakers, light and comfortable.
Comfortable clothes. For me, my most comfortable attire is denim and top, easy to change.
I kept an extra set of clothes for both of us and his diapers and wet wipes handy. Just in case if his clothes got dirty or mine. He might spill or puke.
I carried his favourite snacks and allowed him some cakes and chocolates as rewards if he listened to Momma. This really helped. Though I restrain him from refined carbs and sugar, I agreed to bend the rules just for that day.
Beforehand, I narrated to him adventure stories of how he would travel by air. He was looking forward to getting on the aeroplane.
Children can sense when we get nervous or irritated. So I was in a happy mood throughout our journey.
Lastly, airline people are very considerate and helpful especially if you are accompanying a kid or an elderly person. So never hesitate to ask for a helping hand.
Fortunately, all was fine, Vihaan was excited and exploring new things until we boarded our flight and eventually he fell asleep. It was my fear of the unknown, my apprehensions which I overcame.
This experience made me feel empowered as a mother. Believe in yourself and everything will fall into place.
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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My Story of an Exciting C-section for All Anxious Mommies
Generally, surgeries are thought to be scary, lying on a bed, not having any sensation, a region of your body being cut open, and some instruments going in and out of your body. However, for me, my C-section was an exciting and fun-filled journey, the story of which I would like to share with all new mothers or going-to-be mothers out there. Yes! You read it right; my C-section was indeed fun. I hope this story can relieve the tension of some of the expecting mothers.
Pregnancy is never an easy journey. Some women have a smooth one, while others bear the impacts of pregnancy, like vomiting, pain, nausea, etc. Luckily, my frequency of rushing to the restroom and the sink was very low. But my gynecologist always said, “Pregnancy is unpredictable, and one cannot be confident about anything until delivery.” For a smooth pregnancy like mine, the delivery was a surprise. I was convinced that I would have a normal delivery, but exactly after 38 weeks and five days, I was shocked when I had to be taken for an emergency C-section. My amniotic fluid was very low (though I never felt the leakage), and the baby was in breech position. Thus, I landed up in the
Operation Theatre (OT).
I was anxious before entering the OT like any other person who would undergo surgery would be. I was being prepared for the surgery, and when the time came, I was taken to the OT in a stretcher and asked to sit on the OT table. Hold tight and read! Now the fun part of the story begins. I knew spinal anesthesia would be given, and I also heard that these injections could be painful. I held on tightly to a pillow given to me and could feel a needle pricking into me. When the second dose was supposed to be administered, I started moving, thereby disallowing the nurse to inject me. The assistant held me tightly, and finally, I was given the injection. Then they tied my hands up as I lay on the table. The numbing process was very quick; suddenly, you didn’t feel your legs at all. I was amazed by how anesthesia worked. The doctors entered the OT and started talking about how to make the incision. I was shocked to hear that both have different opinions about that. There was a screen in front of me, so I could not witness the operation; however, their discussion was intriguing, scary, and amazing. They discussed how they would carry out the procedure. In just 10 minutes, my baby was out, and that loud cry of the baby brought tears to my eyes. As the anesthesiologist gave me the news that a baby girl was born, my entire life seemed to be different in a minute.
The baby was taken off me to record certain parameters and for a cleanup. In the meantime, doctors were continuing to remove the placenta and clean me up. That was when I felt like a lab rat, as there was a serious discussion about some outgrowth present at the opening of my uterus. They discussed digging deeper to find more about the outgrowth.
At this point, I was worried, and to keep my anxiety levels low, the doctors started interacting with me. Knowing my husband and me well, my gynecologist joked about not grooming my child like us. Though I was a little anxious, I was still feeling on cloud nine to become a mother to a wonderful baby girl. I was looking at the monitor, which showed that my heart was doing great. I was smiling continuously; I was amazed by the whole process, where I did not feel a thing. Later, they brought my baby to me, and as my hands were tied to the table, I could not touch her, but I managed to peck a small kiss on her cheeks. My procedure nearly took one hour to complete. Finally, I was stitched up and taken to the observation room.
The numbing effect, the discussions, the interactions, the baby’s cry, my first kiss, everything was just so exciting and overwhelming for me. Some women might connect with my experience, while others may have different opinions. However, in the end, all that matters is holding your bundle of joy in your arms - the most precious moment in a women’s life.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. can we get all item in one parcel which I orderd
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. This is a place which is associated with parenting if you have any questions associated with parenting I can help you with that but if you have any associated with your orders kindly check with the concerned department that they can give clarity about these things
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
29 mins ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
40 mins ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
33 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
35 mins ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
24 mins ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
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