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Common Breast Changes after Delivery
One of the significant advantages that women experience during pregnancy and after childbirth is the increase in the size of breasts. While this is highly welcomed by the ones who have had smaller breasts, some women might experience high engorgement and wonder how to reduce breast size after delivery to a normal one. Exercises might work in some cases, but not all breast changes are related to size.
How Do Breasts Change After Childbirth?
While pregnancy already starts affecting the size of the breasts and their appearance in a multitude of ways, childbirth seems to kickstart a different phase of growth altogether. Some of the changes in breasts are structural, while others might need to be corrected or treated as soon as possible.
1. Increase In Breast Size
While breast size undergoes an increase during pregnancy to help the child with breastfeeding after its birth, they tend to keep getting slightly bigger after the delivery, too.
Why This Happens
On the one hand, the diet of the mother could be responsible for weight gain, which begins to reflect in the size of the breasts, too. Similarly, the hormones are yet to settle down and may continue to affect the body in various ways.
What You Can Do
Do your best to stick to food items that are nutritious and help you keep your weight under control. Invest in a bra that is comfortable and can support your large breasts without any trouble.
2. Bumpy Nipples
Once the pregnancy sets in, the areolas of the breasts start darkening over time. At the same time, the nipple also begins to jut out prominently. This is further accompanied by the appearance of tiny spots on and around the region.
Why This Happens
These numerous changes that take place on the breast and the nipple are all meant to help the baby spot the nipple easily after birth, and latch on to it. These elements help the little one breastfeed easily with poor eyesight and developing sensory perception.
What You Can Do
Time is the only factor that can reduce these changes. Following childbirth, your nipples would return to their original state after a few months or so, followed by other areas of the breasts, too.
3. Stretch Marks On Breasts
The body and the belly do increase quite a bit during pregnancy. Most mothers are aware of the stretch marks that appear on the tummy. But seeing the same on their breasts can be quite unnerving.
Why This Happens
Not all mothers have stretch marks on their breasts, and this can be termed to a hereditary reason. You might have an elastic skin that stretches and relaxes more frequently than others, causing stretch marks to be more apparent with weight gain.
What You Can Do
The best tactic in such a scenario is to keep the weight gain in check and maintain a healthy nature of food consumption. Most stretch marks fade away and lighten up in the first year itself. You might opt for skin treatments later on if you wish to.
4. Asymmetrical Breasts
Breasts are not always perfect. You might have observed your own to be slightly lopsided, but not quite apparent immediately. However, after pregnancy, that skewed nature might be strongly evident.
Why This Happens
The lopsided nature of breasts occurs due to an unequal proportion of breast tissue on either side. This also is a factor for hormones to act on the breasts accordingly. Therefore, the larger breast seems to get even larger than before, making the difference apparent.
What You Can Do
The growth of the breasts that happens during pregnancy is normal, and there is nothing that can be done to control the rate of growth for each breast. Using the right bra can help improve their visual appearance in the initial weeks. Your breasts might return to their usual state in the following months.
5. Sagging Breasts
One of the biggest post-pregnancy breast changes is the sagginess that the breasts seem to get after pregnancy. The increasing size of the breasts during pregnancy is euphoric for many women. But the aftermath of saggy breasts can affect the body image and self-worth quite a bit.
Why This Happens
Numerous factors right from an increase in weight, to development of breast tissue, to the elasticity of skin play a role in the sagginess of breasts. Women who have had larger breasts to start with, do have a higher chance of experiencing saggy ones later on. Hereditary reasons cannot be excluded, too.
What You Can Do
Quite frankly, the only way to counter the sagginess in breasts is to make use of a bra that can make them look great, as well as maintain a controlled diet that doesn’t worsen the situation. A few creams or techniques can help tighten the skin to give them a perkiness, but that is just temporary.
6. Engorged And Achy Breasts
Increase in the size of breasts during pregnancy is one thing. However, after delivery, many mothers tend to have breasts that truly seem engorged and might start hurting after a certain point as well.
Why This Happens
Lactation is proceeding at a rapid pace after childbirth and, at times, it can cause the breasts to be overfilled with milk. This puts a stress on them and causes them to ache with the overflow. Leakage can be observed at times as well.
What You Can Do
Pumping out milk and storing it can quickly relieve the engorgement and reduce the aches as well. If not possible, using an ice pack or frozen cabbage leaves in the bra can help numb the sensation and reduce the pain.
7. Blocked Milk Ducts
The production of milk is quite an interesting process. Which is why some women wonder why their milk ducts seem to be blocked, even when they are lactating properly.
Why This Happens
The culprit in such a case is an improper bra. Women who continue to use bras with underwires after delivery, risk obstructing the milk ducts that lie under the breasts. This hinders the flow and generation of milk.
What You Can Do
Go for bras that have cotton bustiers that don’t dig into your skin. Breastfeeding bras with enhanced support are also available in the market.
8. Sore and Cracked Nipples
Nipples face the biggest brunt during pregnancy and even after childbirth. Amongst other changes that they undergo, there are instances when the nipples might get sore or even crack, resulting in pain.
Why This Happens
A mild degree of soreness is normal since your breasts have undergone a massive change. However, severe soreness or cracking is a sign of your little one failing to breastfeed properly or latch on to your nipple with ease.
What You Can Do
To reduce the repetitive irritation on the nipples, make sure your baby latches correctly while feeding him. There are certain creams or ointments you can use to soothe the nipples, which are safe for the baby, too.
9. Mastitis
The nipples jut out, the areola gets darker, and numerous tiny spots occur on the breast after childbirth. Amongst these changes, you might notice a bright red spot appear on your breast that gets painful and inflamed quickly.
Why This Happens
Your breast is being exposed to milk and saliva constantly. If incorrect feeding leads to cracked nipples, the entire area becomes a thriving ground for bacteria, which can cause an infection termed as mastitis.
What You Can Do
Blocked ducts are the major culprits for the occurrence of mastitis. Make sure your breasts are pumped regularly to avoid collection of milk in any specific area.
10. Abscess
Usually observed after mastitis, there might be instances where the initial red spot may turn yellow and sore, with a lump that is filled with pus.
Why This Happens
If a mother tends to ignore the mastitis and treat it right away, the infection can get worse. This becomes painful for the mother and unhygienic for the child, since his mouth can interact with the pus-filled area, too.
What You Can Do
Doctors might need to remove the swollen area to treat the infection entirely surgically. At times, a needle can also be used to remove the pus with minimal invasion.
Are These Postnatal Breast Changes Permanent?
Mothers might start opting for exercise to reduce breast size after delivery, which is a good thing. Most breast changes tend to fade away in a few months, while a bunch of them might be lifelong. Thankfully, there are always measures to make sure your breasts look their best as much as possible.
How To Maintain Breast Size After Pregnancy?
Taking care of your breasts and making sure they look just as attractive as before after pregnancy can be achieved with ease by making use of a few tips.
Start exercising and focus on those areas that are responsible for strengthening your breast muscles and holding them up. These play a vital role in giving that firm and perky look.
While you may want to lose your pregnancy weight soon, don’t opt for an extreme diet to make it happen. The sudden weight loss could also affect your breasts. Opt for healthy meals instead.
Improving blood circulation in the area of your breast can help rejuvenate them easily. Alternate hot and cold water during your baths to stimulate the flow of blood through your body.
At times, breasts can also get hard and achy. These scenarios can be easily corrected by opting for simple breast massages that help bring back their firm nature.
Wearing a bra with a hardwire inside it may not be the best choice. Keep wearing breastfeeding bras or ones with a cotton bustier instead, to help maintain a good breast size.
Despite undertaking different exercises and corrective measures, women often wonder will breast size decrease after delivery, especially if they have had smaller breasts earlier. It is important to note that the body has changed in various ways, and a healthy and fit body is highly necessary than anything else now.
Also Read: Breast Pain after Stopping Breastfeeding Read more
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Genetic Testing during Pregnancy - Purpose, Types & Accuracy
You may have to undergo various tests and screening during pregnancy to ensure your baby’s well-being. Sometimes parents may be advised for genetic testing during pregnancy, this may be performed to overrule any genetic abnormalities in the unborn baby. In the following article, we shall be discussing the purpose, types and various other aspects of genetic testing.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing involves testing the blood of both the parents to look out for abnormal genes, which the parents may pass on to their baby. In case one of the parents has abnormal genes, there may not be any genetic complications. In case both the parents have an abnormality in their genes, even then there is only a 25 percent chance that your baby may have faulty genes too.
When is Genetic Testing Ideally Done in Pregnancy?
It is recommended that genetic testing should be done before you plan to get pregnant. And where the pregnancy may be unplanned, it is recommended that you opt for genetic counselling at the earliest.
Why is This Testing Recommended?
You may be advised genetic baby testing or genetic foetal testing by your doctor because of any of the following reasons:
If you are a woman who has had two or more than two miscarriages. Sometimes, certain chromosomal deformities in the foetus may lead to a spontaneous miscarriage.
If you, your partner or a close relative has some kind of genetic disorder.
If you already have a child who is suffering from birth defects (due to genetic reasons).
If you are an older woman, 35 years or more then genetic testing for pregnancy over 35 may be recommended.
If you have had a stillbirth with your baby having prominent physical signs of genetic illness.
If the prenatal screening results were abnormal.
These are some of the reasons for which your doctor may recommend you to go in for genetic testing.
What Are Common Genetic Diseases
Here are some common genetic diseases that may occur due to faulty or deformed genes:
1. Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a blood disorder which may lead to complications like anaemia, liver ailments or problems in bone growth. In some cases, if a baby has this genetic disorder, he may not even survive.
2. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic condition that may cause life-threatening complications in your baby. It may cause severe digestive problems or may even lead to lung damage.
3. Sickle Cell Disease
This genetic problem may lead to various health complications such as anaemia, weakened immune system etc.
4. Fragile X Syndrome
This may lead to mental retardation, learning disabilities and developmental complications in your child.
5. Tay-Sachs Disease
This genetic disorder adversely affects the nervous system of your baby and thus, may lead to various problems of the nervous system, especially during early childhood.
6. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
This genetic disorder becomes prominent before your child may begin his formal education, which is around 6 years of age. This may lead to weaker muscles and may also cause fatigue; it may progress from the legs to the upper part of the body.
Main Types of Prenatal Genetic Tests Performed during Pregnancy
You may wonder what genetic testing is done during pregnancy? Well, there are two main tests that your doctor may recommend, screening tests and diagnostic tests. Here is more information on how these prenatal genetic tests may be performed during pregnancy to check for any genetic glitches:
1. Screening Tests
The screening tests may tell if you have a baby with genetic ailments.
a. First Trimester Combined Screening Test
Genetic testing during pregnancy first trimester is done through blood tests during your 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy which may also include an ultrasound at around 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The results of both these tests may help in establishing the risk of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or trisomy 18. However, the tests do not tell whether or not your baby may have these ailments.
b. Maternal Serum Screening
For genetic testing during pregnancy second-trimester, blood test may be conducted around 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to establish the risk of neural birth defects (spina bifida), Down syndrome or trisomy 18. In case you are at risk, you may be recommended to go for further tests.
2. Diagnostic Tests
The diagnostic tests may tell you about the defects that your baby may have.
a. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (11 to 12 weeks)
This test involves taking a sample of the placenta and testing it for any genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome and others. In some rare cases, a woman may have a miscarriage due to this test, though the chances are only 1 in a hundred.
b. Amniocentesis (15 to 18 weeks)
This test involves testing the amniotic fluid to check for any genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and others. Sometimes this test may lead to a miscarriage, though the chances are very minimal (1 in every 200 cases).
c. Ultrasound Scans (18 to 20 weeks)
This test may be done at a bit later stage in pregnancy to identify structural and physical abnormalities, limb defects, heart abnormalities and spina bifida.
What Do the Results of Prenatal Genetic Testing Mean?
The test results of the prenatal genetic testing can be positive or negative. If the test results are positive this means that your baby may be at a higher risk of having various genetic abnormalities but that does not mean that your baby will definitely have them. On the other hand, if the test results are negative then it means that your baby has low chances of having any genetic diseases; however, it does not entirely rule out the possibility.
The genetic testing that involves amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling, may give you more comprehensive and definite results in comparison to other testing methods. After your test results, your doctor may guide you to take help of a genetic counsellor in understand your case and also on the further course of action.
How Accurate Are These Genetic Screening Tests?
Just like the possibility of any test results going faulty, there are chances that genetic screening tests may show faulty results too. If the tests results are positive but there is not any problem, then it is called false-positive test results. Whereas, if the test results are negative but there is a problem, then it is called false-negative test results. You may get in touch with your doctor to know more about your test results and their authenticity.
Are there Any Risks of Genetic Testing While Pregnant?
Pregnancy may make you sceptical because everything that you do may have an impact on your baby too. So, you may wonder are there any genetic testing pros and cons that you should know about. The first and foremost thing to understand is that genetic testing is a personal choice. So, if you are thinking whether or not genetic counselling have any risk, the answer is that it may have more emotional stress rather than physical stress. Because it can be extremely disheartening and difficult to know that you may have a baby with a genetic disorder, which may adversely affect your child’s life.
Also, the screening tests only tell you whether you at a risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder and to know defects you will have to undergo diagnostic tests. Where some parents may want to know about a genetic disorder to prepare better for their baby, on the other hand, others may want to know to terminate the pregnancy. However, there are some parents who do not want to know whether or not their baby may have any genetic disorder. It is entirely up to you as a parent to decide, if you want to go in for genetic counselling or not.
If you wish to go for genetic testing or not, it is absolutely your decision to make. However, if you think you may or your partner may have any kind of genetic disorder, then it will be a good idea to talk to your doctor about the same and know what best you can do to avoid complications in your baby.
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I am Proud and Happy Being a Working Mom, I am Not Guilty
Our life as we know it, is not a bed of roses. It has thorns or hardships too.
Waking up early is hard.
Studying is hard.
Getting good grades in hard.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is hard.
Being a responsible worker after graduation is hard.
Finding a good partner and getting married is hard.
Conceiving at the right time is hard.
Bringing up a healthy baby in the womb until delivery is hard.
Let me come to the point.
Being a mom is hard.
Being a stay at home mom is hard.
Being a working mom is hard.
Being a human is hard. Come on that doesn’t sound worse.
We can accomplish tasks that are termed hard.
I pushed a little human out of a lemon sized hole in my body. That was hard and yes I did it.
I am doing a great job. And my kid will turn out just fine despite the hours I spend away from her.
So what did I do here?
I was lucky enough that the maternity Bill here in India got passed jus few days after my delivery. So I get to enjoy six months of paid maternity leave. Perks of working in a MNC.
I also made a decision that I would exhaust the Maternity Lop as well since I wanted to be with my daughter in all her monthly milestones. That decision I made gave me immense pleasure that I was there when she rolled over, tried to lift her head up, sat, try to stand, try to walk, say her first words, start taking solids. Me staying back home after paid maternity leave raised eyebrows even among my close circle but to me I chose what is best for me and my daughter. Happy that I had a supporting family who were all ears when I announced I would join back after a year.
I am now a working mom which likely means leave the house every day feeling guilty about my decision to be a working mom. “Am I selfish for abandoning my child?” ” “Are all the stay at home moms right?” Wait. Wait. I stopped the second-guessing and gave a pat on my back for making a decision that I very likely know is best for my family.
Instead of being racked with senseless guilt, read along to know why I feel fantastic about being a working mom.
Career Growth and Family Go Hand In Hand
It feels great to be working for a company that values family in conjunction with career. According to me there is no either-or when it comes to career and family. It’s both. Professional growth and parenthood are both important and I do not draw a stark line between them. I can’t be perfect at both. I learnt this quick, which gave me a peaceful mind.
Being a Parent Makes Me a Better Person
There’s another side of me I hadn’t discovered if I did not have my daughter—and it’s one of the better sides. No other experience in life could have taught me that I’m capable of loving and nurturing another person to such great lengths.
Shout Out for Help and Share Responsibility
Mom and Manger are the same— but different teams. Handling both is a key reminder that running a house isn’t very different than managing a team. Which means the moral is that moms are supposed to be 100% in charge of the cooking, organizing, planning, feeding, everything, is not only unfair, but false. Imagine if our manager did ALL the work, or if your supervisor wanted to lead every single project. At office, we need other people to be creative, meet deadlines, and execute on strategy; remember that we are not alone. So why do we constantly think moms should?
Working full-time has been an opportunity to change the usual game and make it level for both genders. Both me and my husband have an equal share of all the work at home and that includes making the baby sleep and not to forget diaper changes.
I Can Afford a Little Luxury
My idea of heaven is an hour-long massage followed by a refreshing bath. The fact that I bring money into the house makes me feel better about the occasional reward I hand down myself. Staying home is no less taxing or tiring than going to work—and probably more so—but when we earn an income, we don’t have to ask anybody’s permission to indulge ourselves now and then.
I don’t have insecurities about working full-time, and I know I’m fully present for the hours I’m with my daughter. As she grows, I want her to witness first-hand what it looks like to fully involve yourself into personal goals and a concrete family life. But if I didn’t work full-time, I would still care deeply about teaching her the importance of diligence, dedication, and heart.
So mommies get going, there is a whole new world out there just waiting for you.
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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New Mommy Saumya Tandon's Views on Motherhood Will Have Every Mom Nodding in Agreement!
Popular TV actress Saumya Tandon, who is best known for portraying the character of ‘Anita’ on the famous show ‘Bhabi Ji Ghar Pe Hain’, recently joined the ‘New Moms Club’ by giving birth to a baby boy on January 14th. Being a mother is a big feat, and the new mommy couldn’t agree more.
In a recent interview, Saumya confessed that being a mother has turned her life upside down, but for the better. She said that the new responsibility of the baby has made her realise what it is like to be a mother, and it certainly involves lots of hard work!
Saumya, on having embraced motherhood for the first time and having understood how difficult it is, saluted the mothers who take care of their home, family, and work on a daily basis. The new mommy appreciated women who balance their careers and household responsibilities, by calling them ‘little warriors’. She also hopes to find a balance between managing her own career and raising her baby.
[caption id="attachment_220912" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs4IiZKF8aC/?hl=en[/caption]
Saumya also shared her views on the much-conferred topic of men and women sharing household responsibilities. She opined that if women can go out for work AND manage household tasks (along with taking care of a child!), men should be able to do the same! And we are sure most mothers will agree with her. We sure do!
Taking care of a baby and raising a child is no mean feat even in normal circumstances (especially for first-time moms), but sometimes, it can be downright difficult for a woman who is a working professional. Most working women juggle their careers and the task of handling household responsibilities, and as a result, have no time for themselves. Hiring a maid or a nanny can be of help, of course; however, most of the time, the onus of the housework does fall on the woman. But, if the man of the house and the wife start sharing the burden of the household responsibilities among themselves, things will get a bit easier for both.
We have come a long way from the times when gender roles were extremely restrictive, and women were confined to the duty of taking care of kids and doing housework only, but we still have miles to go. Although a lot of women of this generation are stepping out of their comfort zone in order to pursue their dreams and make a name for themselves, a part of them is always at home, worrying about their children and family. Also, regardless of what a woman earns or how high she is up on the career ladder, she is always told to find a balance between the household responsibilities and her career. No doubt; today, many men support their wives and help with the housework, but the number of men who actually share the burden of household responsibilities (and other such tasks) with their wives is comparatively less.
Through her strong views, Saumya has rightly conveyed the plight of most mothers in India who are working as well as managing the household. We hope this situation will change soon!
The new parents have not settled on a name yet for their little miracle, but we are sure whatever they decide, it will be cute, just like their baby. On the work front, Saumya was last seen in ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain’. Currently, she is focusing on her baby and her fitness.
This new year has been a harbinger of happiness in Saumya’s life. We wish the happy couple many congratulations and hope they enjoy each and every moment of their parenting journey to the fullest!
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15 Must-Read Poetry Books for Kids
The first few years of a child's life are very crucial as kids tend to learn the most during this time. As parents, it is important that you teach all good things to your kids during this time. One of the things that you can teach your child is reading story and poetry books, and to get them started you will have to read stories to them. In this article, we bring you a list of poetry books to get your kids started. Reading books to your child can inculcate a habit of reading and always learning new things.
15 Best Poetry Books for Children
Poetry is a wonderful expression of art. You should encourage your child to read child poetry books with you. We give you the list of the best and popular poetry books, which you can read to your child.
1. We Sang You Home
Richard Van Camp
Age Recommended: 3-8 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/135671007513670905/
Why It’s Great: This is not just a poetry book, but a personified version of the bond between a parent and a child. This lyrical book expresses the feelings of new parents when they welcome a newborn in their lives. The rhythmic lines of the poem in the book are very heart-touching and describe the roller-coaster of emotions that new parents experience when they are blessed with a baby. The illustrations in the book are done by Julie Flett.
2. Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book
Jane Yolen
Age Recommended: 4-8 years
Why It’s Great: This book is a collection of fifty original poems and rhymes that describe the various activities that happen in a baby's daily life. These poems are divided into different sections. The book has amazing illustrations by Jane Dyer. You can read these poems to your little one and have him learn things along with the healthy interaction. The beautiful illustrations will keep your munchkin glued to the book.
3. Haiku Baby
Betsy E. Snyder
Age Recommended: 3-8 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/239253798923541048/
Why It’s Great: Your kid is sure to fall in love with this Japanese form of poetry. This book describes the various little thing the little ones are intrigued by. It elucidates the beautiful details of the simplistic things in the world like a raindrop or a leaf or a fish.
4. Little Master Carroll: Jabberwocky
Jennifer Adams
Age Recommended: 4-8 years
Why It’s Great: The idea of the story of this book has been taken from the original poem of Little Master Carroll. And the illustrations by Alison Oliver in this book bring the whole story to life. We're sure your kid will love staring at the pictures in this book while you read it to him. The book describes an adventurous trip through Jabberwocky.
5. Homemade Love
Bell Hooks
Age Recommended: 2-8 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/540220917794037415/
Why It’s Great: This award-winning poetry book by Bell Hooks defines the love between a sweet daughter and her parents. It talks about the homemade love that binds them all together. The beautiful illustrations by Shane W. Evans add more interest to this wonderful book. You can read this book to your child and teach him the importance of love.
6. Full, Full, Full of Love
Trish Cooke
Age Recommended: 2- 8 years
Why It’s Great: This lovely book focuses on the bond shared by a little kid Jay Jay and his grandmother. It elaborates on the details of a Sunday dinner with family. Sunday dinner with the family is pure fun - it is full of hugs and kids, and yummy dishes and happy faces. This book is perfect if you want to teach your child the concept of family. The illustrations in this poetry book are done by Paul Howard.
7. Little Poems for Tiny Ears
Lin Oliver
Age Recommended: 1-3 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/137289488806350599/
Why It’s Great: This book is illustrated by the famous Tomie Depaola, who is well-known for her attractive and interactive illustrations. This book is a collection of baby poems that you can sing to your little one. It covers poems about all the little things a baby gets thrilled by. Let it be a poem about bath time or one about playing peekaboo, this book has everything you need.
8. Poetree
Shauna Lavoy Reynolds
Age Recommended: 5-8 years
Why It’s Great: This amazing book is the story of a little girl Sylvia writing a poem to a tree. She ties the poem to a birch tree. When she returns to the tree she is surprised to see another poem tied to the tree. It would be interesting to find if the tree wrote the poem back to Sylvia. This book will intrigue your little kid. The beautiful illustrations by Shahrzad Maydani are sure to grab your kid’s attention.
9. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me
Maya Angelou
Age Recommended: 4-8 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/62557882310670983/
Why It’s Great: This book will help your child become a brave person. The powerful words by the poet give a new dimension to all the imaginations of a little child. This is indeed a very mighty poem and will surely be a lesson for the little one. The illustrations in the book are contributed by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
10. When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons
Julie Fogliano
Age Recommended: 3-6 years
Why It’s Great: This is a beautiful piece of work by the famous poetess Julie Fogliano. It depicts the journey through the different seasons. It describes the beauty of snow followed by summers and then the autumn season. It is illustrated by Julie Morstad and is a treat to read with your kid.
11. Imagine
Juan Felipe Herrera
Age Recommended: 5-8 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/22025485664898037/
Why It’s Great: In this wonderful poetry, Juan Felipe Herrera has described his childhood imaginations. He keeps you engaged by the fancy thoughts he imagined when he was a little child. The idea behind this poetry is to tell the little ones that they can live up to their imaginations. The illustrations are beautifully done by Lauren Castillo.
12. Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers
Pat Mora
Age Recommended: 3-8 years
Why It’s Great: This book is a collection of poems by thirteen poets from different parts of the world. Their poems explain the lovely relationship and bond between a mother and her children. These poets are all from different parts of the world. However, the feelings they share for their respective mothers are the same, they have the same love and affection for their mothers. The book is illustrated by Paula Barragan.
13. Shout! Little Poems that Roar
Brod Bagert
Age Recommended: 3-6 years
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/564498134546452180/
Why It’s Great: This is a collection of twenty-one poems that cover all sorts of silly and beautiful activities that little ones can do. This book has amazing and interesting ways to teach children how to do work all by means of fun. The beautiful illustrations in this book are done by Sachiko Yoshikawa.
14. A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
Alice Faye Duncan
Age Recommended: 8-10 years
Why It’s Great: This work of poetry by Alice Faye Duncan gives us a deep insight into the life of the renowned Black author, Gwendolyn Brooks. Your child would love to know how she rose to fame despite facing many difficulties in life. Read this poetry book to your child once he is a little older, and able to understand things and life in general.
15. Don’t Ask a Dinosaur
Matt Forest Esenwine and Deborah Bruss
Age Recommended: 2-5 years
Why It’s Great: This funny book is wistfully written by the poet. It describes the various activities that dinosaurs cannot do. It is a funny depiction of their odd features that prevent them from doing some very simple tasks like setting up forks and spoons on the dinner table. The credit for the life-like illustrations in the book goes to the very talented artist Louie Chin.
Reading is a healthy habit and you should inculcate the same in your child from an initial stage by getting him started with simple and fun poetry books. These poetry books open a window of imagination in your child’s mind and surely enjoy reading on his own when he grows up. So read these poems to your child daily, one poem at a time, and give him the freedom to imagine!
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Interacting with our children is the best investment we can make...
I have often heard people talk about the difference in bringing up a boy vs a girl and one of the most discussed topic under that heading is how boys take longer to verbalise their emotions as opposed to girls. Well i am certainly not an expert on the subject but with an experience of a little over 2.5 years, i feel that its time we take responsibility for our actions and stop playing the gender game. Whether its a boy or a girl, a child is a true reflection of you, nothing more, nothing less.
We all have different ways of showering love and affection on our kids and the beauty of the process is that the tiny infant understands you and even responds, such is the power of nature. What we sometimes miss in this high speed life though, is to constantly communicate with the child. Now, communication is perceived differently by different parents, buying a new toy each week doesnt qualify, neither does your quiet presence in the room, nor does the ubiquitous presence of your nanny, nor does Alexa playing nursery rhymes and neither does any gadget running obscure videos. None of these can replace a one on one communication that you ought to have with your child. A lot of people are of the opinion that they can communicate with an infant when he grows up to be a toddler because thats when he would comprehend; but truth is that they understand every form of communication, even during infancy. Its for the parents to know how to communicate with them.
Since i was busy moving cities when my daughter was born, i had to quit my job and become a full time mommy. Before i could even get into the whole settling mode, the deadly pandemic engulfed the world just like that. All these circumstances nudged me even closer to my daughter and being the talkative person in the family, i began to converse with her much more than i would have. Seldom did i leave my daughter in the company of toys for her to figure out what to do with them just like i rarely left her for any lone screen time. As a mother i was fearful but watchful of what she was doing or watching and participated with her in all the small activities teaching her a thing or two along the way. So basically engaging and communicating with my child is how my time was predominantly spent during the lockdown. In the hindsight, i realised that every minute spent narrating some imaginary story to her or introducing her to the world of pictures or at times indulging in some flashback moments with her, helped nurture her thought process, her vocabulary, her communication and more importantly, her comprehension skills. For me what was most satisfactory to see, was the need to interact that i had unknowingly developed in her. It feels so great when you see your child attempting to learn and do new things and the feeling is only heightened when they vocalise their thoughts and queries at a very young age.
The latest trend being marketed to us as new parents is, how to interact and engage with our child, completely disregarding the importance of a little bit of common sense and loads of motherly instinct. You dont need any modern world technique to engage with or entertain your child, just like you dont need a sixth sense to develop a habit of eating nutritional food, what you eat with them, in front of them, stock up at home is what a child will eat himself or herself without fuss. You may have to crank up the spices as per individual tastes but the ingredients are loaded with nutrients.
Advantages of interacting and communicating early on with your kid.
Communication comes handy when you are struggling to feed your child. Solution, make the eating time fun by telling them stories or showing pictorial books or maybe playing an indoor sport or doing a puzzle together. Trust me there are million ways of engaging your child and making him/ her eat without a screen.
Interaction from an early age assists in a two way communication which makes learning fun and develops at a much faster pace. Once you have built the foundation of a better understanding between you and the child, it becomes a lot easier to not just train them in basic etiquettes but also teaching them the other pre-requisites of human life.
The third most crucial aspect of early communication is that once the child has unfolded the power of communication, the parent gets a better understanding of their child’s need which in turn lowers the chances of the child throwing tantrums for no reason. we must understand that it is the lack of expression and communication that leads an innocent child to throw tantrums; its an inherent tool embedded in each child to showcase when he/ she is not understood.
Once the child learns to communicate, you begin to enjoy verbal reactions thereby strengthening your bond further with your child.
The simple joy of watching your child interact in their innocence is beyond description.
I am a firm believer of the fact that every parenthood journey is unique and very personal and not being judgemental about it is the basic courtesy that we as adults can extend. The opinions expressed are purely based on my learnings looking after my toddler. I like to believe that kids can be the best teachers and in their companionship, adults can learn and unlearn an incredible amount of life altering qualities and making any generalised assumption bases gender is a bit weird. Whether you have been blessed with a prince or a princess, when they will walk, talk, what they will eat, drink, all depends on parents, so never underestimate the power of being a parent.
Happy Parenting!! Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 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
4 hours 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
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours 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
4 hours 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
3 hours 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
4 hours 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
3 hours 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
4 hours 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
3 hours 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
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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