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Effective Tips to Take Care of 6 Months Old Baby
Your little bundle of joy is six months old, and it just seems like yesterday when you held him in your arms for the first time. It is true, your baby grows really fast in the first year after birth, and as parents, you want to do your best to help your baby grow in a healthier way. So, what can you do to help your baby’s growth and development? Here in the following article, we shall discuss various tips about taking care of a 24-weeks-old baby.
How to Take Care of your 6 Months Old Baby?
Here we have some 6-month baby care tips that will help you to take care of your little one.
1. Your Baby’s Nutritional Needs
One of the most important tips to take care of a six-month-old baby is your baby’s diet and nutrition. By six months your baby is all set for solid foods because by this age not only his body’s nutritional demands have increased, but his developing digestive system is ready for solid foods too. Also, breast milk lacks iron, and it is very important for your baby’s growth and thus giving fortified cereals to your baby will be a good idea. You can give pureed fruits to your baby too. However, milk will still be the main source of nutrition to your baby, and your baby may still be on the breast or formula milk till he turns one. But it will be a good idea to start giving sipper cup to your baby once in a while.
2. Your Baby’s Sleep
Sleep is very important for healthy growth of your baby. Make sure your baby takes two to three naps in a day and sleeps for almost 10 hours at night. It is recommended that you follow a sleep-schedule for your baby and try to put your baby to sleep almost at the same time every day. Ensure there are no distractions in the room and you create a calm and peaceful environment for your baby. Babies at this age become quite aware of their surroundings and may get easily distracted.
3. Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones
Your little one is very active by the time he turns six months. He is able to roll, sit with support, babble a few words and does various other things. Your baby may feel wary of strangers and may feel comfortable with people he sees on a regular basis. All these developmental changes may make your baby little demanding. It is very important for you as a parent to keep your calm and meet and tend to your baby’s requirements. It may get a bit daunting, and it is recommended that you may ask for help from family members and friends.
4. Your Baby’s Teething
By six months of age your baby begins teething, and this can be a difficult time for your baby. Your baby’s gums may feel itchy, and he may drool all the time. Your baby will put start to put things in his mouth. It is suggested that you get good teething toys for your baby and make sure you keep them clean. Massing your baby’s gums is a good way of relieving itching.
5. Your Baby’s Communicational Skills
Your baby is well aware of his surroundings by this age, though he may not talk or understand much. It is very important that you talk, sing and read to your baby. You can play games such as peek-a-boo, read a book with bigger and brighter pictures or simply sing a lullaby to your baby. Your baby is listening to you and building up his vocabulary.
6. Your Baby’s Health And Well-Being
Your baby will get his third set of vaccinations by this age. Your baby may get following vaccinations by six months of age:
Hepatitis B and polio vaccine
DTap
Pneumococcal vaccine
Rotavirus oral vaccine.
In addition to the above-mentioned vaccination, your baby may also get a HiB shot.It is advisable to go for a combined vaccine in comparison to single shots. Your baby may feel irritable and cranky after the vaccination or in some cases may even run a fever. The injection may cause swelling or redness. You may give cold compressions to ease pain and discomfort.
Here, we have discussed some common care tips that will help you to take care of your six-month-old baby. However, seek your doctor’s advice in case you feel your baby is lagging behind in achieving developmental milestones. Read more
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Weakness After Delivery - Causes and Ways to Cope with It
When you hold your little one in your arms for the first time, you are overjoyed. Giving birth to a baby is not easy and post-delivery, a new mother's life changes completely. It is one of the most memorable and challenging times in her life, where exhaustion meets immeasurable joy, and there is only a beautiful future to look forward to. However, post-pregnancy, you might feel weak and tired. Find out why you feel week after delivery and what you can do about it.
Is It Normal to Experience Weakness Post Childbirth?
Postpartum fatigue is common. A woman goes through a lot of changes in her body during pregnancy. The incredible act of carrying, growing, and then bringing a new life into this world is not easy. And once you deliver your little one, sleep becomes one of the most coveted luxuries. Your tiredness level will actually depend on the amount of sleep you get and the amount of work you do. Some women may continue to feel tired for months, but others might feel fine after a few weeks of their delivery.
Factors That Contribute to Postnatal Fatigue
Here are some reasons that may contribute to postnatal fatigue:
In some women, a hyperactive thyroid gland may be the cause of fatigue after the birth of the child. If you also have a hyperactive thyroid gland, you will need to see a doctor. Along with that, you will need to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Sometimes, labour can go on for hours and the energy and strength it takes to push the baby out may exhaust the new mother completely. Furthermore, the drugs used for pain may also tire you out after delivery. A woman who has had a caesarean delivery may also feel tired post delivery.
Breastfeeding your baby can also make you feel tired and drained. Since your baby consumes the nutrients, you will need to consume more to keep up your energy and to meet your baby's requirements. If you don't follow a balanced diet, you might feel exhausted.
Loss of blood during delivery can make you anaemic, which also makes one feel tired or fatigued.
Postpartum depression is common among women, and fatigue is one of its symptoms. Hence a woman might feel tired if she experiences postpartum depression.
As you may have to feed your baby every 2-3 hours, it may affect your sleep, which might make you feel tired and lifeless.
Tips to Handle Postpartum Fatigue
Below are a few tips that can help you manage your postpartum fatigue:
1. Share the Duties
As you will have to feed your little one often, it is only wise that you ask your partner to help you to take care of some of the household responsibilities. If you are breastfeeding, you can ask your spouse to do other baby related chores, like changing the baby's diapers, making him sleep, or taking care of him while you sleep. If you are using formula, your partner can take a turn with feeding the child. You can also ask him to take care of household duties, this way you won't have to do everything on your own. You will have fewer responsibilities, you will get better sleep and hence may not feel tired.
2. Synchronize Sleep Schedules
Try to adjust your sleep schedule according to your baby’s sleep schedule. In the initial months, it will be hard no doubt, but once you know when your baby sleeps and for how long, change your sleep pattern accordingly. Sleep when your baby sleep. This way you will get enough rest and your health won't be affected.
3. Plan Your Day Well
If you are mindful of your baby’s sleeping pattern, you will be able to plan your day accordingly. Keep a note of how many hours he sleeps. Sleep for some time or get some important things done. Once you get a hang on your baby's sleep pattern, you will be able to manage everything. Your sleep, your tasks, and your baby too.
4. Get Help
Whether it is finding someone to help you in the house, or asking your family and close friends for some help. There are so many things to get done, such as cooking, cleaning, getting supplies and other work they can help you with. If you have people who love you and care about you, don't feel shy in asking them for help. Their help will mean a lot. If a little help can give you the time to relax and sleep, take it, you need it.
5. Try Relaxation Techniques
Some relaxation techniques like yoga nidra can help you relax. You can also try other yoga poses that will help your body relax and give you the much-needed rest.
6. Exercise
Getting some form of physical exercise will be very good for both of you. Take your baby out for a walk for at least half an hour as this will also help you heal from lower limb weakness after delivery. Fresh air will be good for both of you and you will also sleep better.
7. Be Cautious of Postnatal Depression
If you are unable to sleep even after sleeping and eating well, you may want to consult with a professional to make sure that you do not have postnatal depression.
8. Follow a Balanced Diet
Feeling weak and tired postpartum is normal but that does not mean you do not pay attention to it. You must eat healthy food and exercise to stay healthy and happy. Follow a balanced diet to ensure that you get the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to help you heal faster and gain your energy back.
9. Stay Hydrated
The importance of drinking water cannot be stressed enough. Water will help you stay energised throughout the day and replace any lost fluids.
When to Call a Doctor
While the fatigue and loss of energy for a while after birth is completely normal, it is best to call a doctor in the following circumstances:
Severe blood loss
No interest in anything
Weight gain along with dry skin, constipation and severe fatigue.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about postnatal fatigue:
1. What Is Postpartum Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
A disorder that leaves you feeling tired and that does not have any real medical reason for it, and that cannot be treated with rest. It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
2. What Causes Post-exertional Malaise (PEM)?
When there is mental or physical exertion that causes chronic fatigue syndrome to get worse, it is known as Post-exertional Malaise. It is said that you can find some relief from this if you exercise well.
3. What Results in Adrenal Fatigue After Pregnancy?
Progesterone levels drop once the placenta is expelled from the body, but the levels of estrogen remain high creating imbalanced hormones. When this affects the adrenal glands, it results in adrenal fatigue after pregnancy.
Being a mother is the most difficult but a rewarding job in the whole world. But post- delivery, looking after the baby and taking care of yourself and home, is likely to make you tired and stressed. But we know you will be fine. Try the above-mentioned tips, take good care of yourself, and you will soon be healthy and happy.
Also Read:
Hives After Delivery
Tips to Recover from Postpartum Pain
Leg Pain after C-section Delivery Read more
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Protein Shakes for Kids - Are they Safe?
Protein is one of the big three when it comes to diet, along with carbohydrates and fats. There are several important sources of protein, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, that make part of a balanced diet. Protein shakes are a quick way of providing the daily required amounts to your growing child, but they come with a few caveats. This article will help you understand them.
Can Children Have Protein Shakes
Is it safe to give a child protein shake? This is an often asked question by parents concerned about their children’s diets. Young kids are naturally lean, so there is nothing to be worried about. Besides, a healthy diet is more than sufficient to provide all the necessary nutrients, for example, protein-rich foods include chicken, eggs, legumes, milk products, and so on. To put it plainly, protein shakes are not essential at all. But if you feel like your child is not getting the required amount of dietary protein from daily food, there are a few options. You can find protein shakes in the form of ready-to-drink liquids or powders which can be mixed with water or milk.
Daily Protein Requirements for a Child
Children require far lesser protein than adults do. Research shows that very young children, that is between the ages of one and three, need around 15 grams of protein per day. Children between the ages of nine and thirteen need approximately 35 grams of protein a day. When it comes to adolescents, the need varies by sex, with boys requiring 53 grams of protein and girls requiring 46 grams of protein per day.
Some health standards suggest that teenagers might need more protein than even adults as they are going through growth spurts at the time. Overall your child should be receiving around ten to thirty-five per cent of their total daily amount of calories every day, in order to promote health, metabolism and muscular growth.
Types of Protein Shakes
Market protein shakes come in a variety of flavours, including strawberry, cookies and cream, chocolate, vanilla and so on. You can also mix the protein powders with fruit smoothies or milkshakes and make your own unique combinations. Most commercial powders are milk-based, that is whey protein or plant-based, that is soy protein. Please ensure that your child is not allergic to any of the ingredients found in these shakes. Further, ensure that the protein powders have low levels of sugar and high amounts of protein before buying them for your little one.
Can You Use Protein Shakes as a Meal Replacement for Kids
Proteins are essential in constructing the framework of the body in the form of muscles and tissues. They are also important in carrying oxygen in the blood, countering pathogenic infections, stimulating chemical reactions, and so on. Due to their importance, you might be willing to supplement your children’s diets with protein shakes, especially if your kids are picky or play a lot of sports. However, being reliant on these shakes as protein sources will not be healthy for your child. This is because whole foods have a host of other important nutrients that they will be missing out on if shakes are used as meal replacements.
Is Having Excessive Amount of Protein Harmful for Your Child
Even though children usually don’t need supplemented protein, consuming excess protein will not improve their growth and muscle development. The bright side is that protein overdose is practically impossible, as your child will have to eat double the daily required amount of protein for long periods of time to experience any negative effects. In fact, as the body cannot store protein, it is either metabolised as energy or stored in the form of fat.
Delicious and Healthy Protein Shake Recipes for Children
There are several delicious and healthy homemade protein shakes for kids as a substitute for the commercial options.
1. Orange and Coconut Shake
This shake is excellent for athletic kids as it provides both proteins as well as electrolytes required for those who are active.
What You Need
Half a cup of coconut water
Two tbsp of crushed mango pulp
Half a cup of orange juice concentrate
Two tbsp of any yoghurt
Crushed ice
How to Make
Combine all the ingredients in a mixer and blend until smooth consistency is reached. If your kid likes it sweet, add some honey or jaggery.
2. Soy and Chocolate Shake
A high-protein shake, this is a delicious alternative to restaurant milkshakes.
What You Need
Two tbsp cocoa powder
One tsp chia seeds
Two tbsp honey
One cup of soy milk
One cup tofu
Two tbsp peanut butter
How to Make
Simply blend all the ingredients together and serve it with or without ice.
3. Tofu and Berry Shake
A vitamin, mineral and antioxidant-packed shake, this is as nutritious as it is tasty.
What You Need
Half cup tofu
Five tbsp pomegranate juice
One ripe banana
Two cups crushed berries of different kinds
Ice
How to Make
Blend together in a mixer until you get a smooth texture. You can replace the pomegranate juice with any other flavour.
4. Coconut and Pineapple Shake
This shake is proteinaceous as well as rich in other nutrients.
What You Need
Four tbsp yoghurt
Few drops vanilla extract
One cup of pineapple cubes
One cup of coconut milk
Half teaspoon chia seeds
Four tbsp rolled oats
Honey to taste
How to Make
Crush the oatmeal and chia seeds together to make a flour. Then mix in the remaining ingredients and blend along with any ice if required. Keep in the fridge for a few hours so that the oats become soft. Remember to shake well before giving it to your child.
5. Banana and Almond Shake
Almond butter is an excellent source of fats, minerals and iron, making this shake positively nutritious.
What You Need
One tbsp almond butter
Two tbsp cottage cheese
One cup almond milk
One ripe banana
How to Make
Combine and blend together, mixing in some honey for sweetness. Almond butter can be replaced by the proteinaceous peanut butter as well.
Kids don’t need any more protein than they get from whole foods. Giving them commercial protein shakes can be problematic, as these protein powders contain sugar and unnecessary preservatives. A great alternative to taking care of your child’s protein needs is making protein shakes yourself at home.
Also Read: Is Protein Powder Good for Kids? Read more
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Muscular Dystrophy (MD) in Children
Children tend to face the risk of numerous complications pretty early in life. While most of the infections that occur externally can be combated well with vaccines and medications, certain issues can crop up as a result of the genetic makeup of the children themselves. Muscular dystrophy is one of those that affect many children and leads to a lifestyle that is extremely debilitating for them.
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
The term, muscular dystrophy, collectively refers to a bunch of diseases, all of which impact different muscles in the body and cause them to deteriorate and weaken. The result is an inability to control the movement in those areas where these muscles are located, which could also affect the muscles of different organs, too.
What are the Main Types of Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy can occur in various forms, affecting different regions of the body and in varying degrees.
1. Myotonic Muscle Dystrophy
This type of dystrophy is quite common in both genders and can occur at any stage of life. The name is derived from the stiffening of muscles and spasms that occur as a result of this condition, termed as myotonia. Such effects are highly observed in people who reside in places of cold atmospheric temperatures. The life expectancy, in this case, is highly impacted since it is known to affect various regions of the body right from the eyes to the nervous system and multiple glands as well.
2. Duchenne Dystrophy
While myotonic is commonly observed in people of all ages, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is common in children around 2 to 7 years of age. This disease begins to affect the muscles early on and leads to a permanent weakness and reduction in their size. Most children require a wheelchair to move around by the time they reach their teens. Malformation of limbs may also occur as a result and severe cases have shown complications in breathing and heart functioning as well. The life expectancy of kids with this diseases is limited to early adulthood.
3. Becker Dystrophy
Quite similar to Duchenne, the Becker dystrophy can be termed to be a milder version of it, which is known to affect only male children. The symptoms are similar as well although the severity and progression are comparatively less intense than Duchenne dystrophy. Heart problems are observed in children as well but many cases have been observed where such kids have lived late into their 30s and 40s, too.
4. Limb-Girdle Dystrophy
This disease directly affects the ability to walk properly, since the progressive weakness of muscles impacts the areas of shoulders, arms, legs and hips. Affecting both genders in their teens, most kids need wheelchairs to move around by the time they cross their 20s.
5. Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy
Compared to other dystrophies, this diseases is unique in the regions it affects the most. The weakness sets in strongly in the muscles of the upper arm, shoulders, and primarily the face. The progression of weakness is quite varied since there are periods where the dystrophy is quite rampant. While life expectancy is mildly impacted, there are major problems when it comes to eating food or talking to people.
6. Congenital Dystrophy
At times, newborn babies tend to have dystrophy as well, right at birth. Caused as a result of myosin deficiency, such dystrophies occur immediately following birth or in the initial weeks of the child’s life. Another variation of this dystrophy is the Fukuyama congenital dystrophy. While other types might result in contractures affecting the joints, the Fukuyama dystrophy affects the brain muscles and results in severe seizures.
7. Oculopharyngeal Dystrophy
As the name suggests, this progressive muscle weakness primarily affects the areas of the throat and eyes. Compared to other forms of dystrophy, this disease is majorly observed in adults past their 40s, with the weakness progressing gradually. In its peak forms, the weakness can manifest into pneumonia or even instances of choking on food while swallowing.
8. Distal Dystrophy
One of the mildest and rarest forms of dystrophy, this condition primarily impacts the muscles that are distant from the middle portions of the limbs. While it causes slight restrictions in movements, the long-term impacts are not as severe as other forms of dystrophy.
9. Emery Dreifuss Dystrophy
An extremely rare form of dystrophy, this is majorly observed in male teenagers. Caused a result of a defective gene, the weakness of muscles directly affects the shoulder region as well as the legs. Heart problems are observed in such children and even from the source of the defective gene, which could be the mother or a female sibling. Contractures are known to be quite common in this case, too.
Causes of Muscular Dystrophy
Genetic problems are the major cause of muscular dystrophy occurring in children and adults. A defective gene causes Duchenne dystrophy, which fails to secrete a protein called dystrophin. Other genetic sources are linked to chromosomes attained from the mother since the X chromosome is highly responsible for it. This is also why females have lower chances of experiencing dystrophy since both their X chromosomes need to be defective for that to happen. In rare cases, the dystrophy occurs when a new mutation or abnormality occurs in the individual itself.
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Various types of dystrophies have varying symptoms. But the most common ones are:
Stiffness and pain in muscles
Enlarged muscles in the calf region
An improper gait or trouble walking straight
Lying down or getting up with immense difficulty
Repeated instances of losing balance and falling down
How is the Diagnosis Done?
The diagnosis usually begins with blood tests to recognize certain genes. This is further complemented by conducting a muscle biopsy by examining a sample of muscle tissue under a microscope.
To check for muscle damage, an electromyogram helps to understand if the weakness is due to nerve damage or tissue damage. An ECG can also help in detecting heart-related problems and bring the diagnosis closer to a conclusion.
Complications
Here are some of the complications due to muscular dystrophy.
At times, muscular dystrophy can affect the area that is responsible for carrying out the swallowing action. This can make it difficult to consume food properly, affecting the nutrition of the person. Occasionally, pneumonia as a result of aspiration could occur, too.
Dystrophy can even result in weakness of the muscles of the heart. This affects the entire body since a weak heart cannot provide enough strength for effective functioning.
Muscles are also responsible for keeping us upright and holding the spine in the right position. If those muscles weaken, scoliosis can set in causing the spine to curve.
Similar to swallowing, the muscles responsible for breathing could be affected by the dystrophy, too. While this might affect only in certain portions of the day, such people might need the assistance of breathing equipment.
Mobility becomes a major problem when affected by muscular dystrophy. Contractures can occur, which is a result of the weakening of muscles surrounding the joints.
At times, the muscles and tendons of the legs can be affected drastically by progressive weakness, necessitating a wheelchair for moving around at all times.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there doesn’t exist any absolute cure to get rid of progressive muscle weakness altogether. Most of the treatment methods make use of medicines and therapeutic measures. Extreme cases might require surgical intervention.
1. Medication
Primarily, medications are suggested for the heart if the dystrophy is interfering with its natural functioning. To counter the damage sustained by its muscles, beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are commonly prescribed.
The next step is to improve the muscle strength to a higher degree and hinder the progress of muscle weakness. Prednisone and other corticosteroids are usually prescribed to make this happen, but these cannot be consumed for a long-term without side-effects.
The effectiveness of the medicine is yet to be conclusively determined since it works by acting on certain gene defects, but it is totally safe for consumption. Curing the dystrophy might be a long shot but there is a strong chance of muscle strength receiving an increment and keeping the effects of dystrophy at bay.
2. Therapy
In most cases, supporting devices help in improving the mobility in most people. Mild dystrophy can be countered by making use of wheelchairs and walking canes. Braces are also used in such cases, especially when the dystrophy has resulted in contractures. By stretching the muscles in the joint regions, their deterioration can be further delayed.
Therapeutic exercises should be undertaken only after a doctor approves them. Simple exercises like swimming or walking help muscles get the regular movement they need, in a safe and simple way. Few bodyweight exercises might be beneficial in that regard for adults. The weakness that dystrophy brings often causes the limbs to bend inwards and stay locked, which further restricts the degree to which they can be moved. Certain exercises can help increase the range of motion and bring back a degree of flexibility as a result.
3. Surgery
The swallowing problems that occur as a result of it can be corrected by creating a surgical incision in one of the throat muscles, which can make it easy to swallow. At times, a balloon is also inserted in the oesophagus to expand the throat tract and avoid instances of choking. A feeding tube is generally the last resort.
If medication fails to counter the effect of dystrophy on the heart, a pacemaker might need to be surgically installed to regulate the beating properly. Corrective surgery is also required in cases of scoliosis, where the spine needs to be adjusted. Drooping eyelids would need similar treatment as well.
How Can You Help Your Child?
Your child would quite soon understand that his condition is unique from other children, and might feel rejected or lonely as a result of it. Understanding the outlook for your child’s life and adjusting his lifestyle to go with it is quite necessary for keeping him a functioning individual throughout his journey.
Long-Term Outlook for a Child With Muscular Dystrophy
Since progressive muscle weakness continues to build throughout life, a child needs to adapt to a totally different way of living to combat it effectively. Simple actions such as walking around or sitting for a long time could get problematic, and the teenage years of a kid would be strongly impacted as a result of it.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Muscular dystrophy is a disease which is usually genetic. Therefore, any change in the diet will not improve the condition or treat it effectively. That being said, it is important to adjust the diet in order to avoid chances of obesity, leading the child to be overweight and worsening his life further. Changing your own lifestyle to suit the child might help in keeping his spirits high as well.
For children suffering from muscular dystrophy, life expectancy can be impacted quite severely depending on the intensity of the condition. It is necessary to cultivate a healthy atmosphere at home and allow a discussion with your child about the situation. Talking to a counsellor can be beneficial for everyone as well.
Also Read: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Kids Read more
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Motherhood - The Best Gift of the Love of Life
We all love gifts, don’t we?A gushing happiness duly follows a glitzy carton sealed with flowers and bows, and laced with a lot of love. Every time a gift is showed towards us, an instant curiosity springs from deep down the heart. Awaiting the perfect moment to unwrap it and unfold the surprise is both a thrill and bliss in varying measures. Isn’t it?The joy of cutting open the glossy cover is abundance.The painstaking effort in taking utmost care in un-wrapping the gift is worthwhile. Then, comes the moment!The first sight of it is captured in our memory for many moments! Do you remember your best gift?I see a sparkle lightening your eyes, as you fondly think about your “best gift”. Sometimes it is a jewel or a gem, attire or a sapphire, a cheque or a makeover cosmetic....Some other times, it is just a smile that lifts our spirits, a second spent for ‘just us’, a shoulder to cry out our grief, a touch that says ‘all is well’.... such gifts don’t come in wraps or boxes. They are visible and are available only to a loving heart; invaluable gifts straight from the hearts of heaven.One such gift was showered on me, too! It was the twilight of the day, when the world goes to rest, the birds fly to their nests, the sun moves to the west; it was that time that my world dawns with a slight streak of shine. Years ago, it was!The gift did not come in a package, in spite of the saying that “good things come in small packages.”As I lay on the cot, facing the dull dooms and the weird white walls of the huge hospital building, anxiety and expectation taking turns in enveloping me; my family on the other side of the wall as anxious as I was, came the gift, the best ever!A baby girl!My precious gift! Every mother feels the same. I also do.A child is god’s own gift to every parent. I feel it, I believe in it and I value it. As I take a trip down memory lane, I very vividly remember the scene, precisely every second of it. Exactly at 17.17 pm, I was blessed with the most beautiful gem of my life. I saw the tiny twinkle in a palm; she was silent and still like the deep, calm waters of the ocean. For no reason, my mind remembered the read lines from somewhere - if an infant does not respond to the new environment, something is amiss. A tight knot held my heart, I was speechless. Helplessly, I looked at the lady who held my gift; she too was waiting to sense the signs of life. A stinging pain passed through every strand of my nerve; worry writ all over, I looked at the tiny tot laying motion less in the wide palm of the physician. Time seemed still. The physician’s deft hands worked on her with brisk movements. She turned her upside down, tilted. I witnessed it without any emotion or rather drained emotions, a few moments slipped by.Then, there, I heard a “wheelllllll”, the cries of a new born and the joys of heaven. Relief flooded me. Happiness lightened me. I thanked all my lucky stars, for this moment, the momentous moment. Smiles on all the lips!Since the day till now, Every morning, I vow, to love her with all my heart, to raise her with all my capacity and above all to protect her all my life.I give my happiness, my years, my day and my nights, and literally my life for my little princess. All my life revolves around this adorable angel. She is 10 years now. Time slips through the fingers, isn’t it?As I look behind, I see the days I shielded her from the strings of rain, the rays of the sun, from the breeze and the freezing weather, from the bad and the rude, from the pains of sickness, from the fear of failure, from the dark, dull bouts of boredom, from the emptiness of the night and the noise of the day, from foul minds and foul mouths. I guard her under the loving captivity of my wings all these years. I will for all my life. The fear of loss has impelled me to shield her in all situations.Yet, I feel empty, life less, inadequate, lacking and my life meaningless. I could not ascertain the cause. As she rides, I run to stop her from falling and to avoid a skid. As she wheels on her skates, I wait with a heavy heart until she comes home safe. If she climbs a structure, I fear a fall; when she runs in excitement, I am terrified of her tripping down; when she Jumps into the pool, I panic a freak accident.Yes, I did protect her, all these years, this feeling over whelming and over powering others’. Safe guarding my child was ingrained in all my moves. Suddenly, out of nowhere a thought pierced my heart. I shuddered. I shivered as reality struck me hard. Sweating profusely, I let the thought seep in.All my life now, I have guarded her from every mishap. True, to the word. However, I have failed to foster a bond with her. I didn’t enjoy her growing years, I lost the delight in her feats, and I missed many a loving smile in my fears. Hardly have I revelled in the charm of cycling, the fun in the run, the delight in climbing heights, the small joys in splashing waters, the sport in the sliding skates, and certainly the wonders of water games or her cooking spree near the fire or any daring act with my sweet heart. It was fear that mercilessly gulped the simple yet invaluable joys in its wide, insatiable, gaping mouth. It’s already been many years now, I barely dwelt in the pleasures of upbringing. Tears welled and clouded my eyes; streamed down my cheeks as I stumbled upon reality and could not fathom the loss that I had run into. Can the past be revived; can I relive the past? If only.The pains of my loss loomed large. It lingered, hurting every living moment. Life, actually every living moment seems like an unbearable trip towards nowhere, I let the pain drain in my tears. The replay of the dead past persistently played with my emotions. After many moments of mourning the loss of life,I took a deep breath, cleared my voice, wiped my eyes and nose, and gave a long thought about the mess I was in. I saw a spark at the horizon. I slowly stepped towards it, sped and ran as I chased it with all my might. The path slowly brightened. Truth sank in. Smile and clarity resurfaced in its true, uncompromised form. Another present I received. It’s the present. I may have lost the past, but the present is the best present. I sure have a lot of life left. And now, I am determined to live that to the fullest with my priceless gift. Another oath in the offing – This time I resolve to love her all my life, treasure and foster her with all facility, Nevertheless bond and enjoy all the little pieces of life besides sharing a lasting, loving and memorable journey with the best gift of my life. Read more
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
9 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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