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Your Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery
Going into labour can be an exciting and anxious time in your life and pregnancy. All the effort and care of the past nine months is finally coming to an end with the delivery of your baby. Whether you have your delivery date fixed already or not, you should be prepared to rush to the hospital the minute you go into labour. This includes having a bag already packed with all the essentials you will need during your stay at the hospital.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag?
A good time to pack a bag for the hospital is around the 34th and 35th week of your pregnancy. If you are a high-risk pregnancy, then you can pack a bag a couple of weeks earlier. You must not delay packing your bag beyond the 38th week. The baby will not wait for anyone, least of all for an unpacked bag!
What to Pack for Labour?
Mothers who are delivering vaginally will have to stay for one to two days post-delivery at the hospital while mums who’ve had a C-section will stay longer, upto a period of 3 to 4 days. You must keep in mind the length of your stay in the hospital when packing your bag. You must also ask your hospital what they provide for mothers and you can keep those items off your list of things to pack. Make a hospital bag checklist for mom and baby, as this will help you keep track of what you have sourced and what you need to still find.
Documents: Make sure that you make a folder that contains all your documents such as ID proof, insurance documents, and hospital forms.
Dresses: Be sure to pack loose clothing from maternity sores that have buttons on the front in order to be able to quickly undo them for breastfeeding. When going to the hospital, if you do have the time, wear loose clothing that is old as it could get stained by various fluids.
Footwear: Take slip-ons as they are the easiest to get in and out of. You can also carry socks in case you feel cold in the air conditioning.
Lip balm: Most mothers find that outside their labour room their lips start to dry out. Keep a lip balm to protect your lips from the air conditioning.
Snacks and drinks: Labour can sometimes extend for hours. This will be the time that you are glad that you carried some small snacks to help you through the pain. Sugar-free candies are a great snack.
Pillows: Pillows can help ease the pains of the contractions. Also, remember to pack a breastfeeding pillow for use soon after birth.
Underwear and sanitary napkins: You will need extra pairs of underwear and sanitary napkins during your stay in the hospital post-delivery.
Toiletries: If you are particular about using a particular brand of toothpaste or cannot do without your floss, then you will appreciate having taken the time to pick up extra toiletries and packing it into your hospital bag.
Nursing aids: Be sure to pack nursing bras and pads to make breastfeeding a more comfortable experience.
Glasses or lenses: It is quite easy to forget your glasses and lenses in regular life without having the excitement of labour to distract you. Buy an extra pair of glasses and keep them in your bag beforehand.
Gadgets: Be sure to pack your mobile and tablet charger and an mp3 player if you desire to listen to some music to ease the pains of the contractions.
Accessories: Buy a couple of headbands and hair clips to help keep away the hair during labour. After delivery, these will help you as you learn how to breastfeed.
Going home clothes: Be sure to pack comfortable clothes for you to wear when you are discharged from the hospital.
Books: Keep it light and stick to one or two titles that will help you stay calm and relaxed. PG Wodehouse is a great option as is Alexander McCall Smith.
Nursing bras: Read up on the different types of nursing bras and try a few to select a style that you are most comfortable with. Choose a bra that does not have an underwire. Pack at least two nursing bras.
Breast pads: This will help soak up any unexpected leaking of milk as you learn to breastfeed.
Maternity pads: You will need pads after birth and be sure to pack at least an entire pack.
Nightshirt: Pick a nightshirt with a front opening as it will help with breastfeeding.
Toiletries: Do not forget to pack towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrush, and floss.
Old or cheap underwear: Do not carry new or expensive underwear and stick to cotton underwear.
Eye mask or earplugs: These will help you sleep, particularly if your ward is noisy.
Handouts: Your pre-natal classes or consultations will give you material to read up on how to breastfeed.
Books: Carry a couple of books for entertainment that will keep your mood light.
What Should Your Birth Partner Pack?
Packing for the hospital is a two-way street; while you may need your essentials it is important to communicate with your partner and prepare them for what they may need in the hospital and what you may need from them during the delivery of your child, here are a few points to consider:
Neck-pillows
Calming music
Blankets
Earphones
Cash
Comfortable shoes
Appropriate clothes
What to Pack for Newborn Baby
Your newborn baby hospital bag checklist should include the following:
Two to three bodysuits and vests.
A baby blanket to keep your little one warm especially when you and your baby are heading home.
Nappies: Be sure to pack as many as you can as a newborn can go through as much as 12 a day.
Muslin handkerchiefs for mopping up any milk.
One pair of socks and booties for the journey home.
A woollen hat to protect your baby’s head on the way home.
An outfit to go home in when you and your baby are discharged.
A baby car seat can be the best way to transport your baby back home as it is safe and comfortable.
Jacket or sweater if the weather is particularly cold.
Things You Should Not Carry in Hospital Bag
Here are some things that should stay out of your pregnancy hospital bag.
Jewellery, as it can get in the way of your tests and procedures and can even get stolen.
Cash or other valuables as they are easy to misplace in a large hospital.
Medications that have not been recommended by your doctor. This includes even vitamins.
Breast pumps are provided by the hospital and you will not need to carry your own to the hospital.
Get your bag ready a couple of weeks before your ninth month of pregnancy begins. Do not stress out about what to pack in hospital bag for baby and mom as some family member can always bring one or two items to you at the hospital. You can also run a few drills with your partner in preparation for when you are rushing to the labour room.
Also Read: Hospital Bag for C-section delivery Read more
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How to Teach The Pronouns I and You to Preschoolers
Your baby is growing up to a point beyond “mumma” and “dadda”. Now he recognises people and objects well but can't seem to wrap his head around the difference in pronouns. Here is how you can help your child understand the difference and the correct usage of “I”, “you”, “he” and “she”.
Is your child mixing up his me’s and you's? Have you been trying hard to teach him the difference and failing? Don’t fret, this is completely normal and we've got just the solution for you to easily teach your child his pronouns.
1. Getting Started
Language is a challenging milestone for all children and learning grammar is definitely not the easiest thing. Pronouns are confusing to a child because when you speak to him you refer to him as “you”. Your child with his natural tendency to mimic, will also refer to himself as 'you'. To tackle this mimicking, you need to point at your child and say “me” over and over till he mimics. At the same time, it is important to still refer to him as “you” while speaking to him.
2. Difference Between Boy and Girl
When a child understands the difference between “he” and “she” it gets a lot easier to learn pronounces in all their tenses. You can start by asking your child through pictures “Is that a girl or a boy?” You can use family or friends’ pictures or even characters from books. Keep practising this till your child gets the difference. To make it more interesting you can add a points system and a reward for correct answers. ||
3. Using Pronouns in Sentences
Once your child can recognise the difference between a girl and a boy, you can begin to teach him to use pronouns in short phrases. Ask a question like “who wants this chocolate?” and your child will respond with an “I want it.” This may take some practice before you can move on to sentences. You can continue showing the child pictures of people doing activities. You can say things like “he is riding a horse” and then ask your child “Who is riding the horse?”
This entire process takes time so it is important that you do not lose your patience. It is also important to resist the urge to correct your child every time he is incorrectly using pronouns. That may put too much pressure on him. Have faith in your child and be there to tell him the right usage of pronouns. Once he gets the hang of it, you will realise that patience was the key all along. Read more
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Baby Night Feeding Tips For Hubby And You
When your baby arrives, late night feedings can really stress you out! You need to be in control at home and work by getting adequate rest at night. Proper planning and understanding between you and your partner will ensure more peaceful nights for all three of you.
Do you know about irate parents? They are often the “we-just-had-a baby” kind of parents who are still struggling with the nighttime feeding regime of their precious little one. So, who gets to stay up awake for all those late night feeding sessions? Does the burden fall on the mom or dad, or simply both? Find out effective tips to tackle this dilemma before it drives one parent crazy.
Night Shifts: Ways to Manage Late Night Feeding
1. Single Caretaker, with A Standby of Course
With a new member in your midst, you will find a good night’s sleep being a thing of the past. Every few hours, either you or your partner has to attend to feeding the baby. In most homes, the parent taking care of the primary chores of feeding, massaging or bathing the baby during the day takes over at night too. However, this comes with the rider that the other parent working outside is close at hand at night whenever required and for any reason whatsoever.
2. Alternate Night Feeding
Just go ahead and sketch a calendar where you both take turns waking up whenever your baby calls. Rotating nights allows each parent to get at least 3-4 nights of sleep across the week. This way, your baby's night needs are met and you don't wake up cranky each morning before your day starts. If your husband has never bottlefed the baby before, he is most probably afraid of not knowing how to do it right. Make things simpler for him with a bottle designed like a teat, helps prevent colic, and and is easy to hold.
3. Divide Your Responsibilities
Weekends and weekdays can be different for both parents. Precisely why there should be a night feeding plan in place too. Make sure that the partner who works outside can take over on weekends or Fridays and Saturdays and the one staying at home manages night feeds on the other days. This role reversal can be followed in terms of the other household chores as well. Laundry, outdoor shopping, cooking for other members at home, cleaning - the list is indeed endless.
4. Half-Nights Are Less Burdensome
Many parents agree that taking up the burden of a full night is far more hectic than knowing that one can snooze for a few hours before the alarm buzzes off. The act of dividing night hours acts as an assurance for both parents and ensures that the baby is well taken care of at all times. This division lessens the pressure of waking up at odd hours alone and not having someone to help you.
Overall, regardless of the steps you take, it's a good idea to focus on the total contributions made by each parent, keeping the other activities they are involved with in mind. There is absolutely nothing that is ‘too much’ or ‘too little’ as far as taking care of your little one is concerned. She deserves you both through early morning hugs and late night feeding needs alike! Read more
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Sex your way to a Healthy Life
The advantages of sex, apart from providing unbridled passion and pleasure, are quite interesting to note. A good round of sex lulls you into sleep, helps burn those extra calories, and relieves you of any stress you may be harbouring as a busy mom. So, get your mojo on ladies.
A good romp in the bed will go a long way in keeping you healthy and happy, besides keeping that spark alive with your partner. It doesn't stop there! A little roll in the hay will ensure you remain a youthful mom who doesn't need anti-ageing creams. Get ready to decode the nookie secrets that are doing you and your body a world of good. Explore all the amazing health benefits of sex, which go beyond just a good orgasm and cuddles.
How Everyday Sex is Keeping You Healthy
1. Keeps The Heart Healthy
Listen up! If you have sex more than twice in a week you're less likely to have a cardiac arrest. Too bad if you're stuck with the one-session-a-month limbo because of your child's school examinations or too many office deadlines that bog you and your mood down. Such a schedule is likely to make you fall prey to cardiovascular problems. The message is loud and clear - sex sets your heart racing for all the right reasons.
2. Stress Buster
Juggling between packing tiffins for your little one and making office presentations can really get to you sometimes. While a cup of coffee may be your way to ward off stress, sex could be an enjoyable and healthy alternative you shouldn't ever shy away from. A good round of bedroom pleasure releases endorphins - the happy hormones - thus making you better equipped to handle stress. How do you even say no to free happiness and those accompanying free hugs?
3. Longevity
When you orgasm, you release a hormone medically known as dehydroepiandrosterone. The release of this hormone builds immunity and keeps your skin glowing while also repairing tissues. Little wonder, women who are lucky enough to reach two orgasms or more, live longer than those who have sex just once a month. Good skin and a long life - we're already in the 7th heaven!
4. Boosts Blood Flow
Have you ever asked yourself – is sex healthy? The answer is a resounding yes. Sex is an exercise that races your heart beat and makes your breathing more rapid, in turn improving blood circulation. This cleanses your blood stream of toxins that cause diseases and lethargy. This means you can spend more time playing with your child and teaching him poems and good table manners - all without getting tired!
5. Sleep Better
After a heady and passionate session of lovemaking, you can expect to sleep like a baby. As a mom, sleep can be a luxury - a gift that sex literally brings to you in the comfort of your bedroom. It can't get better than this right? When you sleep well, you automatically start feeling healthy, happy, and relaxed. However, this doesn't mean that you overexert yourself in the bedroom every night. Now that could leave you tired!
6. Fit as a Fiddle
One of the best benefits of having sex is that it helps burn those extra calories you put in during that summer vacation with your kids. Sounds comforting? It also saves you from spending a lot of unnecessary money at the gym. A dose of naughty sex at least thrice in a week can do amazing things for your waistline, your overall body image, and your confidence. The calories you stand to get rid of as a result? 80 per session! We say light some scented candles, play his favourite jazz track, and pounce!
There are several survival benefits of sex for women. From getting that drop dead glowing skin to keeping your blood pressure under check, the between-the-sheets drama does a woman a ton of good. The next time you're tired of all those diaper changing and cooking sessions and feel lazy about sex, remind yourself of the umpteen advantages of sex and get ready to roll! Read more
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7 Foods that Deserve the Axe for a Trim Belly
An unhealthy diet is one that also includes foods to never eat for a flat stomach. If you want a toned tummy, you need to work towards it, and that doesn't mean you exercise and then make up for it with all the wrong kinds of food.
Belly fat is the toughest to lose, but you can get there if you give certain foods a miss. Combined with exercise, you should have less trouble achieving your goal for a slim and trim mid-section. Get started on the road to fitness with these tips and tricks!
A Checklist of Foods to Avoid to Lose Belly Fat
1. Fast food
Fast food may be tasty, but it doesn’t help your cause when you’re trying to lose belly fat. There’s nothing nutritious about gorging on a burger and fries or downing a glass of milkshake. They’re loaded with calories, saturated fats and carbohydrates.
2. Fizzy drinks
Fizzy drinks is one the top of the list of foods that make you feel bloated and has absolutely no nutrition to offer, only plenty of pounds. The high sugar content in these drinks makes it harder for your body to burn off calories and as a result, your tummy bears the brunt of it.
3. Sweets
Chocolates, sweets, ice-creams and cakes are some foods you should avoid for a flat stomach. All the sugar in them leads to weight gain and the first place that comes under attack is your stomach. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a bowl of fruit instead.
4. Fried potatoes
Fried potatoes in the form of French fries, potato wedges and even potato chips should be avoided at all costs if you want a flat tummy. Anything that’s deep-fried is always bad for your health and results in weight gain, increased cholesterol and heart disease. While fried potatoes may be your favourite snack, remember they’re your stomach’s worst enemy.
5. White rice
As popular as it may be, white rice is refined and stripped of most of its fibre and nutrients. Its empty carbohydrates give way to increased insulin levels and fat storage. The end result is a pot belly and an expanding waistline over time. While brown rice is a healthier alternative, avooid rice completely for those washboard abs you're dreaming of.
6. Whole milk
One food you shouldn’t eat for flat abs is whole milk. Skimmed milk, which is fairly low in calories, is a better option. It provides all the nutrition of whole milk without the added fat so you don’t have to worry about those kilos.
7. Alcohol
Not just solid food, but there are also certain liquid non-fatty foods to stay away for a flat stomach such as alcohol. Alcohol is no stranger to weight gain. Like sweets, it’s high in calories and packs on the pounds where you least want them to.
Nothing ever comes easy and certainly not a flat belly. If you want it, you have to work hard at getting it and that means giving these foods the axe from start to finish. Replace them with nutritious food and continue working out diligently to see results. Read more
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Buttermilk with herbs
Are you suffering from acidity after a heavy meal? Are you tired and just back from a long day in the sun? Well, try a glass of chaas and I'm sure it will act as a healthy substitute for that bottle of cold drink, soda or antacid. A yummy, cool drink made from curd and spices or herbs, buttermilk, is packed with numerous health benefits. Among the several reasons to drink buttermilk every day, a few can be it aids in digestion, is a great tool against dehydration, gives you calcium sans the fat and combats acidity. Buttermilk or chaas is a popular summer cooler across India.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
5 Minutes
00 Minutes
Ingredients
(measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml)
1.5 cups curd/yogurt
½ tsp(teaspoon) roasted cumin (jeera) powder
1 cup water
5 to 6 small ice cubes
black salt/kala namak as required
a few coriander leaves or mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step 1
Blend all the ingredients except coriander leaves in a blender jar till the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2
Pour the ready chaas in glasses.
Step 3
Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves.
Step 4
Serve fresh or chill and use later.
Nutritional Information
Total Fat
1.36 g 2.1%
Saturated Fat
0.85 g 4.2%
Trans Fat
0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.05 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.39 g
Calories from Fat
12.28
Cholesterol
6.20 mg 0%
Sodium
162.75 mg 0%
Total carbs
7.42 g 0%
Fiber, total dietary
0 g 0%
Sugars, total
7.42 g
Protein
5.13 g 2.1%
Vitamin A
40.30IU 6.8%
Vitamin C
1.55 mg 2.5%
Calcium
179.80 mg 0%
Iron
0.08 mg 0%
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 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
7 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
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 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
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
7 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
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 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..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 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
5 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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