Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
What is Best Time of the Day to Get Pregnant - Morning, Afternoon or Night?
From tracking ovulation to taking the right supplements, conceiving can be a tricky process. But, does the time of conception bear any relevance during this entire process? We know that there is a fertility window between your last period to the next, where you are at peak fertility. This three to five day window is the ovulation period when the chances of getting pregnant are high. Now let’s find out if the best time to conceive is in the morning or at night.
What is the Best Time of the Day to Conceive?
A study found that getting intimate in the morning, precisely before 7.30 a.m will increase your chances of getting pregnant. The semen quality at this time is much higher than during the rest of the day. This was found to be true especially in the spring months of March, April, and May.
However, a team at the University of Modena found that men’s sperm motility and quantity are at their highest during late afternoon hours. If you were also to consider that most women ovulate in the time leading to midnight, you have the best time of day for intercourse to get pregnant.
With testosterone levels in men increasing substantially between 6 am to 9 am, and libido at its peak between 10 pm to 1 am, you have several windows to choose from to try and get pregnant.
As it may be hard to keep track of your ovulation window if your periods are irregular, it is ideal to get cosy with your partner every alternate day or every day, to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Remember, semen thrives in a healthy body, so you will need to quit smoking and drinking, and consume healthy food items if you intend to get pregnant. More importantly, remember to have fun and not turn it into a routine.
Also Read:
How to Conceive Baby Fast & Easily
Key Things to Keep in Mind While Thinking About to Have Baby
Can Late Ovulation Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant? Read more
Suggested for you
Sex during Pregnancy - Is It Safe or Not?
Parents-to-be often wonder if it is safe to have sex during pregnancy and whether it will affect the baby in any way. Moms-to-be also grapple with hormonal changes, fatigue, and self-consciousness about their change in appearance that can have an effect on their libido. This article can help you figure out the optimal time to have sex during pregnancy, the benefits, when to avoid it, the safest positions, and other frequently asked questions.
Is It Safe to Have Sex while Pregnant?
If you have a healthy and normal pregnancy, it is absolutely safe to have sex right up until the last trimester. Having sex during pregnancy is good for both your body and your relationship. Studies have even shown that pregnant women who have sex regularly are less likely to have preterm deliveries.
However, if your doctor has mentioned that you have a high-risk pregnancy or suggested that sex should be avoided due to certain exceptional situations, it is better to abide by the doctor’s advice and abstain from sex.
When is Having Sex During Pregnancy not Safe?
If you are wondering when a pregnant woman should stop having sex, here are some situations when your doctor may advise you to avoid sex during pregnancy:
History of Miscarriage: If you have a history of miscarriages before this pregnancy, it is safer to abstain from sex.
Vaginal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding or spotting could be signs of a threatened early miscarriage, and during pregnancy, it is better to avoid sex if you have any vaginal bleeding.
Pelvic Pain: If you have pelvic pain or abdominal cramps after intercourse, you should contact your doctor immediately and avoid sex during pregnancy.
Placenta Previa: If you have a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, sex should be avoided during pregnancy.
Incompetent Cervix: If you have a weak or incompetent cervix, sex during pregnancy is unsafe. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and is located above the vagina. A weak cervix can open too soon and cause you to go into labour prematurely.
STDs: If you or your partner have a sexually transmitted disease, you should abstain from sex during pregnancy as you may contract that disease and it could affect the pregnancy.
History of Preterm Labour: If you have given birth to a premature baby in the past or show signs of preterm labour in this pregnancy, it is safer to avoid sex.
If You Are Pregnant With Multiples: If you are carrying twins or triplets, you should avoid sex as this may cause cramps, bleeding or contractions. Multiple pregnancies are at a higher risk of going into preterm labour and having sex could trigger this.
If Your Water Has Broken: When your water breaks, the amniotic sac full of fluid that protects the baby in the uterus tears. This fluid then leaks from the vagina. It is unsafe to have sex if your water has broken as it can cause infections in the baby.
How Can Your Sex Life Be Affected by Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can drastically affect your sex life. Sex drive can increase or decrease throughout the pregnancy due to various changes in the body. Many women may experience a lower sex drive due to hormonal fluctuations, and self-consciousness about their appearance. However, there are pregnant women who also report an increase in libido.
First Trimester:
During the first trimester, women are affected by morning sickness, mood swings, fatigue, tender breasts, and the urge to urinate frequently. All these along with hormonal changes can cause a decrease in libido.
Second Trimester:
Many women report an increased libido when they have sex during pregnancy’s 2nd trimester. The morning sickness and other discomforts of the first trimester usually disappear in the second trimester. The pregnant belly is still small enough so that you can have sex comfortably. Women have an increased blood volume during pregnancy, and this causes increased blood circulation in the pelvic region and engorgement of the vagina. This may heighten sensation in that region and help women orgasm more easily.
Third Trimester:
A lot of women report a decrease in libido when they have sex during pregnancy’s 3rd trimester. This is because many sex positions may feel uncomfortable as the belly gets bigger. You may also feel less interested in sex as you are anxious about the childbirth and motherhood as the due date nears. These feelings are completely normal, and it is not uncommon for women to abstain from sex in the last trimester.
Benefits of Pregnancy Sex
Sex during a normal and healthy pregnancy can be beneficial for both the mother-to-be and the baby. Here are some benefits of having sex during pregnancy:
Better Orgasms: Increased blood flow to the pelvic areas heightens sensation in the genitals, and this helps women orgasm more easily, even multiple times.
Better Sleep: Sex during pregnancy relaxes the mother and helps you sleep better. Also, the rocking movement of sex can lull the baby to sleep.
Increases Immunity: Studies have found that sex increases levels of a specific antibody that fights colds and infections.
Decreases Pain: Having an orgasm releases a hormone called oxytocin that has been found to increase tolerance for pain by over 70%.
Reduces Blood Pressure: Having sex lowers blood pressure. This is beneficial for pregnant women as high blood pressure can cause a dangerous condition called preeclampsia.
Improves Intimacy: The hormone oxytocin released during orgasm is also called the ‘love hormone’, and it increases feelings of intimacy and attachment to your partner.
Accelerates Recovery Post Childbirth: Having an orgasm during pregnancy helps in preparing the pelvic floor for childbirth. This, in turn, accelerates recovery post childbirth.
Increases Happiness: Having an orgasm causes the release of chemicals called endorphins, which are linked to feelings of pleasure, sensuality, pain relief, and elation. This makes both the mother and the baby happy and relaxed.
Burns Calories: Sex is a good way to burn calories. 30 minutes of sex can burn over 50 calories. So, sex during pregnancy is a great way to remain fit.
Signs of Problems During and After Sex when Pregnant
If there are any signs of problems during sex when you are pregnant, you should stop immediately and contact your doctor. Similarly, you should contact your doctor right away for any problems you may have after intercourse. Some side effects of sex during pregnancy that women may experience include bleeding or spotting, increased foetal activity, and uterine contractions. Light bleeding or spotting and mild cramps after sex are quite common. However, You may want to approach a sex therapist if you have any of these problems during and after sex when pregnant:
Pain during sex
Heavy bleeding
Leaking of amniotic fluid
Painful cramps that do not go away
How Can You Have Sex Safely during Pregnancy?
Here are a few pregnancy sex tips to ensure you and your baby are safe from infections:
Protect Yourself From STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases are dangerous for the mom-to-be and the baby. STDs can be contracted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. During pregnancy, have sex with only one person and make sure he does not have multiple sex partners. Avoid sex with a partner who has an STD.
Avoid Anal Sex: Anal sex involves anal penetration by the penis. This is unsafe during pregnancy as the anus is full of bacteria that can cause infections. It is best to avoid anal sex during pregnancy.
Avoid Blowing Air Into The Vagina: If you have oral sex, make sure your partner avoids blowing air into your vagina. This can cause an air embolism, which is an air bubble that can block blood vessels.
Sex Positions to Try during Pregnancy
Here are some safe and comfortable sex positions that you can try during pregnancy:
Sitting Down: Sit on your partner’s lap while he sits on a stable chair. You can control the depth of penetration by standing or squatting.
Side By Side: This position, also called spooning, reduces the pressure on your belly during sex. Lay sideways with your partner lying behind you. This allows only shallow penetration.
Woman on Top: This position reduces pressure on your abdomen and lets you control the speed and depth of penetration. This position is linked to higher sexual satisfaction in pregnant women. The man lays back or sits, and the woman straddles him while facing either forward or back.
Can You Have Oral Sex while Pregnant?
Oral sex is absolutely safe to have during pregnancy. However, ensure that your partner does not blow air into the vagina. This may cause a dangerous condition called an air embolism. Also, avoid oral sex with a partner who has an STD.
Other Way You Can Get Closer to Your Partner
If you are not interested in having sex, it is perfectly all right. There are other ways to get closer to your partner:
Cuddling and caressing
Massages – Giving each other massages can heighten the intimacy between couples.
Kissing
Mutual Masturbation- Touching each other to bring yourselves to orgasm is another way of being intimate with your partner without having sex.
Oral Sex- If vaginal sex makes you uncomfortable, try oral sex. This way, you can be intimate without the discomfort of vaginal sex during pregnancy.
FAQs
Here is all you need to know about some frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy:
1. Can Having Sex Trigger My Labour?
Having sex has not been conclusively linked to triggering labour in any scientific study. However, there is a reason it may trigger labour in the last trimester. Semen contains prostaglandins that soften the cervix. Also, an orgasm can cause the release of the hormone oxytocin, which induces labour.
2. Will Pregnancy Affect The Sex Drive Of My Partner?
Your pregnancy may affect your partner’s sex drive for various reasons. These include anxiety about having sex in the presence of the unborn child, concerns about the health of you and your baby, your health and your baby’s well-being, and worry that sex might hurt the unborn baby. It is best to communicate openly with each other and consult your doctor about any concerns you both may have about sex during pregnancy.
3. Can Sex During First Trimester Cause Miscarriage?
There is no evidence that sex during the first trimester causes miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester, but are caused due to chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus and not because of sex.
Sex is completely safe during pregnancy and can be beneficial for the mother and the baby. In a healthy pregnancy, it is absolutely fine to have regular sex. However, it is best to consult a doctor about this if you have a difficult or high-risk pregnancy. You can have a satisfying sex life when you are pregnant if you communicate honestly with your partner about your likes and dislikes. Use the tips in this article to make your sex life more fulfilling during pregnancy.
Also Read: Sex after Delivery Read more
Suggested for you
Do Babies Cry in the Womb?
A baby’s activities inside her mother’s womb are the mystery that parents treasure to glance at. Many of us have been delighted feeling their kicks inside the womb. But while we all know that babies cry after birth and that occupies a big part of their day, have you wondered whether they cry inside? Let us find out.
Do Unborn Babies Really Cry in the Womb?
Babies do cry in the womb, but it isn’t necessarily how they would cry once they are out in the world. Scientists are yet to determine the degree of this. Research shows that human foetuses display different states inside their mother’s womb. The previously known behaviours were active awake, quiet sleep, quiet awake and active state. The fifth discovered in recent times was that of crying. Hence, it is a milestone in terms of your foetus' development inside your womb.
How Does a Baby Respond in the Womb?
Babies start learning techniques to deal with the world outside while they are still inside their mother’s womb. According to a study, a 16-week old child with ears still developing in her mother’s womb was found to respond to sound. The study also revealed that foetuses respond by kicking when they are spoken to and touched. Babies generally react to stimuli which lie outside the womb, such as, light, sound, movement done by the mother, the pressure placed on the mother’s womb, like if an elder sibling presses against her mother’s belly etc. Your foetus can move around, get startled, urinate and even do a somersault.
A study was conducted to observe the reaction of foetuses in their third trimester to music being played on their mother’s belly. The study revealed that interruption in music triggered responses from the foetuses which were similar to crying in 10 of the foetuses. This evidence suggested that the baby crying in the womb was triggered by the interruption of music.
When & Why does an Unborn Start Crying?
By the twentieth week, the foetus already knows the breathing movements, can move her jaws to open it, she can quiver her chin and extend her tongue. By this time she can even swallow. By the beginning of the twenty-fourth week, babies become capable of producing crying sounds and respond to noises in the external environment.
You might still be wondering why do babies cry in the womb. Babies use crying as a mode of communication and to show their displeasure. Your unborn may cry to communicate her hunger, fatigue, fear or, just to let you know that she needs to be hugged.
Signs Your Unborn Baby is Crying
You can witness the signs of your unborn crying inside your womb while doing an ultrasound. The signs could be like an extended breath with open mouth and tongue going down. Next, the baby gets engaged in faster breathing with a pause between inhalation and exhalation for settling. Other signs are puffing and trembling of her lower lips. Some babies open their mouth, depress their tongue, take irregular breaths several times prior to exhalation and then settle down while crying. A foetus was found to tighten her chest then with trembling lips she took three rapid breaths and tilted her head.
What Happens When Baby Cry while in the Womb?
When a baby cries inside her mother’s womb, it is indicative of a well-developed coordination between her brain, her nervous system, and her body. In order to cry, your baby needs to use the breathing techniques, face muscles and above all the application of sound.
But can you hear your baby cry in the womb? Studies have revealed that crying can be silent and loud. When your baby cries inside your womb, she uses the silent version of crying. This type of crying can be recognized through body movements and facial expressions, much alike children post birth. You get to know that your baby has developed senses to recognize external stimulus.
What Does Crying Indicate/Represent?
Her brain, nervous system and body can match up to each other’s signals.
Well developed facial muscles
She has learned the breathing techniques well
Non-vocal crying abilities
She has become capable of recognizing stimuli external to your womb
Understanding of good and bad stimuli
Why It Is Important for a Baby to Cry?
Crying helps in the development of your baby’s physical and psychological aspects. It helps in the expansion of her lungs. Crying is the language for communication of your foetus. When your baby cries, it is an expression of distress. If post watching your child crying through an ultrasound, you pat your own belly, your young one is likely to understand that you care. This understanding will pave its way for the development of a sense of care and responsibility.
It is important for a baby to cry to help her grow up. By that we mean her body develops well and gets to coordinate with each other to perform normal body functions. The coordination between the brain and the rest of the body gets portrayed by your foetus’s movements and other activities, one of which is crying. During an ultrasonography, your paediatrician and you would be able to realise that she is preparing well inside.
While there have been many questions regarding babies crying within their mother’s womb, studies have revealed that they actually do. As a mother, you might be able to feel that your baby is crying within your womb. And even though it may pain your heart, do not get perturbed as crying symbolise vitality. It is an important indicator of your foetus’s growth and development. It implies her body’s motor actions are working well. It will also prepare her to react appropriately after birth to any stimuli that may cause her any displeasure.
Also Read:
Healthy and Unhealthy Signs of Baby in the Womb
Talking to Your Baby in Womb Read more
Suggested for you
Breastfeeding a Baby With Fever or Cold
Many mothers often have questions or concerns with regards to sickness/illness and breastfeeding. Understandably, it can be a source of great anxiety and lead to many questions about the best path forward for your health and your child’s health. The following article will attempt to address some of those questions and concerns, provide more specific guidance on the situations in which it is acceptable to breastfeed and enlist precautions to be taken to minimize the risks of infection to your baby from contact.
Is It Safe to Breastfeed with Cold or Fever?
In general, yes – it is safe to breastfeed your children even if you have common illnesses such as a sore throat, cough, cold, fever and the like. However, while nursing will not transmit common diseases, it is possible that close body contact with your child could spread your illness. In this way, it is beneficial to use caution during extreme illness, though some of the antibodies in your breastmilk might help protect your child from becoming infected.
Why Breastfeed Even if You Have Cold or Fever?
In the majority of cases, it is perfectly acceptable to breastfeed your child when you have a cold, fever or some other infection.
The following are some of the reasons why breastfeeding is acceptable even when you are sick:
1. To Prevent Early Weaning
If you stop breastfeeding because of illness, this can lead to your baby being less likely to accept breastfeeding in the future, as they become more accustomed to its absence. While this is not a sure thing to happen, there is the potential, and early weaning can be bad for some children, especially during the first year.
2. Improved Immunity
Breastmilk provides antibodies that help your child develop a stronger immunity to common infections. Because of the antibodies and the fact that you normally develop infections days before symptoms appear – there is a low risk for your child developing signs of infection as transmitted from the mother, and if they do it is often very mild.
3. Decreased Risk of Mastitis
Mastitis happens when a lack of breastfeeding causes a build-up of milk in the breasts, which can lead to inflammation and even infection. Continuing to breastfeed during illness reduces the risk of this happening, and will ensure that you have adequate supplies for your child.
4. Providing Comfort
Evidence shows that for both child and mother, breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which can lead to increased levels of happiness and comfort, as well as less stress. Breastfeeding can also reduce depression for mothers and children, and in general continuing contact during illness will be good for the physical and emotional health of your child.
5. Source of Hydration
Breastfeeding is very important to keep your baby hydrated, and if they have mild illness, hydration can become very important. When sick, mothers should take great care to drink as many fluids as possible to stay hydrated, so that they can keep their child hydrated as well.
6. Keeping Breastmilk Supplies Normal
Discontinuing breastfeeding during illness or infection can reduce the supply of breastmilk overall. This can be challenging for your baby, as you will have to recover from having low supplies of the milk and perhaps have to substitute formula milk.
7. More Digestible Nutrients
Breastfeeding provides easily digestible nutrients for the baby than those found in other foods or milk. Breastfeeding also provides for more easy absorption of those nutrients, which an absence of breastfeeding would prevent.
When to Avoid Breastfeeding?
While it is commonly recommended to continue breastfeeding even when you are sick, there are some situations in which it would be against the recommendation of most doctors. These include diseases like HIV, septicaemia, and HLTV-1. These are all diseases which can be directly transmitted to a child via their mother’s breastmilk.
Even in cases of food poisoning, it is important that breastfeeding should continue. Generally, as long as the symptoms are confined to the gastrointestinal tract (like vomiting or diarrhoea) there is no risk of spreading an infection to your child. If the food poisoning progresses to septicaemia, the bacteria have usually passed into the bloodstream by then and breastfeeding should be avoided. However, this is very rare. Follow up with your doctor if you are worried about the risk that food poisoning might pose to your child.
Is Taking Medicines Safe During Breastfeeding?
Sometimes it is safe to take medicines while breastfeeding – such as paracetamol and ibuprofen – though you should consult your doctor as this varies in accordance with the medication. In general, though, you should avoid most over-the-counter medications and use caution when taking antibiotics (ask your doctor for specific guidance if you have been prescribed an antibiotic).
Most illnesses will subside within a few days without medication, so you should try to avoid medication if at all possible. If you do take medication, first make sure that it is safe for you to take, but then also check if it is a short-acting drug (less than six hours in effect) or a long-lasting drug. In general, for mothers who are breastfeeding and nursing, short-acting drugs are generally much more effective and have fewer side-effects.
Are There Any Side-Effects of Medicines on Your Baby?
Some medicines can have side-effects on your baby, both when given to them directly and when transferred to your baby via the mother’s breastmilk. These side-effects will vary depending on the medication and how your child receives a dose of that medication. You should consult your doctor before taking any medications which you think could pose harm to your child.
Should You Inform Your Doctor That You Are Breastfeeding?
Yes, you should inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is generally safe when you are sick, some of the medications prescribed to your doctor can be very harmful to your child when transferred through breastmilk. Always make sure that your nursing and breastfeeding are a part of the conversation when it comes to the treatment of your illness.
Home Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms with Cold or Fever
Some commonly used home remedies for breastfeeding moms with cold or fever include:
Using a salt water or apple-cider vinegar and water gargle can help relieve a sore throat and cough.
Use zinc gluconate lozenges, though not in excessive quantities, as they can interfere with the absorption or use of other minerals in the body.
Make sure you get a lot of rest.
Avoid long-acting drugs and use short-acting drugs instead.
Try using a nasal spray to reduce nasal congestion.
Garlic eaten raw, cooked or as a supplement can help (though raw is best, where possible).
Echinacea, such as through tea, is often an effective supplement for mothers, as it is safe for nursing. Black tea or hot lemonade can also be quite beneficial and are not considered to have any side-effects.
Some mothers can try slippery elm bark to help relieve symptoms of a sore throat and cough.
Try drinking fenugreek tea, which can help relieve some of the symptoms of chest congestion and cough.
Take hot baths, and in general, attempt to remain as clean as possible.
Sprinkling cayenne pepper on your food, or putting a small amount (less than a teaspoon) in your water or drink, can reduce head congestion.
Placing a drop of essential oils, like eucalyptus or peppermint oil, on a cotton ball or tissue and putting it near the nose can help with deep breathing.
Extra vitamin C – whether through foods, supplements or juices – is very good for the body when nursing.
Ensure that you are drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Precautionary Tips
The following are some additional precautionary tips to take when you are sick to prevent transmitting a disease to your child:
Do not put your baby's pacifier or spoon in your mouth before offering it to your child. This can cause your germs to be transmitted to your child.
Restrict face-to-face contact, as this is the easiest way in which infection can get transmitted. Avoid coughing or sneezing when in close proximity to your child.
Always cover your nose or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, regardless of where you are. These germs are easily transmitted to children.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while you are sick to stay hydrated and maintain a good supply of breastmilk. This will also help to keep your child hydrated via your breastmilk.
Wash your hands as often as possible, and always do so before you breastfeed your child. It is good to use soap and hot water, and in some cases a sanitizer is good as well.
Try to maintain a safe distance from your child when at all possible. If you do, use protective clothing to mitigate skin-to-skin contact, and wash your hands.
Make use of your breast pump if possible, though is not a requirement. It is simply necessary to avoid close contact and the spreading of germs as much as possible.
Keep a humidifier in the room where you and your child are sleeping at night. This will help with the risk of spreading germs.
Also wearing an air mask when you are near your child, such as during breastfeeding. This will also help to lower the spread of germs.
While it seems like breastfeeding with fever, cold or related illnesses would be a cause of great concern, this is not the case. The risk to your child when you are sick mainly comes from the close contact between you and your child, rather than the breastfeeding itself. There are many reasons to continue breastfeeding even when you are sick, as the lack of continued breastfeeding could be bad for both mother and child, especially during the first year of the baby’s life. You should take certain precautions when sick to ensure your baby does not become sick from you – and even use certain home remedies – but there is certainly no risk from breastfeeding with common illnesses. Certain medications should be avoided, and if you have additional questions or concerns, you should follow up with your doctor.
Also Read: Sore Nipples - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Read more
Check out this new Memory
Juhi Srivastava
Mom of a 6 m old boy
1 min ago
#walloffame
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Juhi Srivastava
Mom of a 6 m old boy
3 mins ago
#momandme
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Decoding the 'Working Mothers are Better Mothers' Argument
It's now increasingly being felt that working mothers end up having children who are more socially adept and independent. There are several arguments that lend credence to the fact that working women are better mothers and it’s worthwhile to try and comprehend them.
The debate about whether working women make better mothers has been going on since time immemorial and probably won’t end any time soon. While at the end of the day, this boils down to a personal choice, let’s try and decode the reasons in favour of working moms.Any rational adult will agree that for any choice we make – you win some you lose some. So there is no one straight answer to the question ‘who is a better mom’. So let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of being a working mother and a stay at home mom.
Advantages and Disadvantages of being a Working Mom
Let us take a look at the different aspects of being a working mom, and how they affect different areas of your life.
Personal Premise
Jobs present a unique opportunity for growth and exposure to a wide spectrum of people and situations that just won’t be possible if you are a stay at home mom. In turn, this can lead to overall personality development (yes, personality development is not just limited to college kids!). The financial stability and independence that a career and job bring can also prove important in times of crisis for the family.
However, having the same things expected of you as are expected of a single woman or a male colleague can take its toll on your health. While working moms are full-time employees they are also full-time mothers, and if due consideration is not given to this aspect, then life as the employee of an organisation can become quite stressful. Add to this the fact that, once you are home, your attention will immediately be called upon by your family and your baby, which leaves you very little time to relax and pamper yourself, or do things that make you happy.
Family Front
Spending an average of 9 out of 16 waking hours in an office (and 2 hours on an average commuting to and from office) means your family only gets about 5 hours with you... which is not a very big number. Factor in your daily and monthly chores, keeping the house in order, and there is almost no time left for your husband and your baby.
One can choose to look at this situation in a positive light too: an additional source of income means your children can go to a better school, you can provide for them beter, maybe even buy that dream house you and your husband wanted in 3 years instead of 5... all of which is for the benefit of the family, no doubt. But it cannot be ignored that all these things come at a very heavy price.
Relationship
It is not unheard of partners getting competitive with each other when they are both working. While most men and women consciously try and accomodate each other’s work now more than in the old days, they often don’t quite know a way to make it work. Things can get especially messy when one partner is doing better at work than the other – leading to feelings of resentment. What couples need to realise that at the end of the day, they are both on the same side, they are on the same team. Hell, they ARE a team. But this is easier said than done.
However, there are also brilliant example of ‘power couples’ that both understand and respect each other’s work and profession, and in a way this brings the couple much closer to each other. They see each other as two equals, who are both committed to the relationship, the house, and the kids, and out of this realisation comes mutual respect, love, and a bond that is unbreakable.
Children
This is perhaps the biggest pain point for any working mom – not being able to spend enough time with her child or children. We always want to say and do so much when it comes to our children, isn’t it? And this makes the working moms vs. stay at home moms debate even more painful.
As working moms, you can imbibe your children with a lot of precious values – independence, confidence, commitment, discipline, being organised and focused. What’s more, you can do this by yourself becoming an embodiment of these values, by becoming the perfect role-model fo your child.
However, it is undeniable that this comes at the price of not actually spending that much time with your child. A mother’s care is irreplacable, and a lot of factors of your child’s overall development and growth depend on how much quality time you spend with them, such as their sense of security, their performance at school, their social skills, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of being a Stay At Home Mom
Now, let’s take a look at what it means to be a stay at home mom, and the advantages and disadvantages of the situation.
Personal Premise
Definitely a stay at home mom (SAHM) gets more time to look after herself. With 9 extra hours to herself (as compared to a working mom), the sky is the limit to what an SAHM can achieve. She can chalk out enough time for her baby, the household chores, and her hobbies and ‘me’-time, while also managing to make time to be spent with her husband.
Unfortunately though, somehow SAHMs end up spending all their time just tending to the house and their children! Talk to any SAHM and the first thing she’ll probably say is that there’s never enough time!
Family Front
Being always present ‘at home’ can mean a stay at home mother gets a lot of time to spend with her family. She can develop close bonds with just about everyone in the family, while also stay in touch better with her maiden family. However, always ‘being available’ also means SAHMs get taken advantage of a lot. There is a general notion among a lot of people that stay at home moms do not need to hire a maid. This kind of thinking overburdens a stay at home mom to the point that somehow she always become responsible for everything.
Relationship
While we all love our husbands, stay at home moms make for the most conspicuously caring partners because they can actually demonstrate it through their actions. A working mom may want to cook a fancy dinner for her husband but not be able to do it, but a stay at home mom actually can! Making plans is easier because only one of the partner’s schedule needs to be taken into consideration since the other partner is relatively free. This gives the couple more time and opportunities to do things together, bringing them closer.
However, there can be a situation where the husband does not feel understood because the wife has no context or perspective of what it’s like to hold down a job and deal with the challenges that come with it. A lot of times this can lead to feelings of disappointment that can be enough to wedge a rift between the couple.
Children
The biggest upside of being a stay at home mom is the fact that the children always have their mother around. The constant presence of the primary caregiver goes a long way in making children socially well-adjusted. It is very important for children to feel loved, cared for, and heard. Being able to see their mother as soon as they come home from school every single day, when they are bursting with stories to relay, boosts not only their confidence but also emotional stability.
The flip side of the situation is that children sometimes get too attached to their mother, and may take longer to become independent and self-sufficient.
So... What’s the Verdict?
Well, it’s simple – moms are awesome! That’s the final verdict.
No matter how you choose to work it out, you know – and so do we – that you are doing it all for the love of your child, your husband, and your family. As with any other situation, there are a lot of gains and losses on either side of the debate, and what you choose to prioritise is completely your decision.
However, it would be advisable to be aware and alert of the ‘cons’ of your side, and try your best to not let them get in the way of you being an awesome mom! Make your husband your best friend, and enrol his help and co-operation in whatever you choose to do. Do not brand your family as ‘uncooperative’, try your best to make them see your choices.
While there is no right or wrong choice, every woman should make a decision based on her circumstances and the support infrastructure available to her. However, it definitely is true that children of working mothers exhibit certain advantages over kids of stay-at-home moms. Read more
Suggested for you
Let the Sindhu Darshan Festival in Leh Make your June Awe-Inspiring!
Picture Leh Ladakh and you're instantly transported to gorgeous hills, blue rivers, unusual eateries and valleys of colour. If your summer has dragged so far, and we tell you Leh just got more tempting with the annual Sindhu Darshan festival in June...well, it can get heady! Here's all you need to know to be tempted to make that long due trip to Leh.
The Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated annually on Guru Purnima in June. It is a mark of respect for the river that originates from the holy lake Mansarovar. It is also a tourist-favourite effort to promote cultural unity and communal harmony in India. What started off by commemorating India's brave soldiers is now a common thread uniting diverse cultural identities. But there's plenty of reason beyond this to book your calendar from June 12-14.
#WOMRecommends Treats For You at Sindhu Darshan 2015
Rekindle your faith in God by making an offering to the river Sindhu
Sometimes all you need to keep going is faith in the divine. How about joining hundreds of others in giving an offering to the holy river? The tradition goes like this: get water from your home in a clay pot and immerse it into the river – a perfect expression of oneness beneath exterior differences!
Sing along to a peaceful Buddhist prayer
If you haven't heard a Buddhist prayer by a senior Lama, you are missing out on a lot. This is the stuff Buddhist chant sessions are made of – peaceful and uplifting – only a thousand times more so.
Groove along to peppy cultural programs and performances
Artists from various parts of the country come along to Leh to be part of this festival. Simply put, here's a fantastic opportunity to experience some terrific cultural extravaganza and watch the glorious hills of Leh dance!
Get lost in the stunning beauty of ‘Sindhu Yatra’
Around this time, several sightseeing tours are organised around town. From the daily life of the native population to some amazing food, here's your chance to immerse yourself in beauty.
From Armchair to the Road: Reaching Sindhu Darshan
The Sindhu Darshan Festival will be held at Shey Manla, which is 8 kms away from Leh, Ladakh. Here are a few travel options for you based on your budget and convenience:
A flight to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and a local bus or taxi to Shey Manla
A trip by train to Chandigarh and Pathankot, the nearest railway stations
A roadtrip from Srinagar or Manali – within a day or two's distance from Leh (provided you take night-halts and enjoy the scenic locations!)
Travel Tips to Sindhu Darshan
The weather is likely to be pleasant so pack comfortable summer clothes. Carry a few thicker outfits in case the nights get cold.
Carry medicines for motion or altitude sickness as Leh is situated high above sea level. Take a doctor's opinion before travel if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or heart problems.
Remember to take your children's playthings, water bottles and special foods as it might get difficult to find these enroute.
Give yourself and your brood time to acclimatize in Leh. Drink lots of water, eat light and breathe in the pure, unpolluted air to feel fresh.
While you're enjoying the Sindhu Darshan festival, your adventurous hubby can also go for a trekking trip or a visit to the many bookstores if he's more of a reader. Take your kids to the Hemis Festival if you're staying longer – this happens later in June and is a haven for colorful dances and beautiful handicrafts. There's a lot on offer and we are not even talking about those glorious photographs you can click with the tall hills in the backdrop! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. can I eat dill leaves? I'm 10 weeks pregnant
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. I think it is not advisable to be eaten during this time you should check with your doctor before you eat with it very as far as I know it would not be advisable during the time of pregnancy but yet if you need to be more sure about it better to check with your doctor on this
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. hi dctr..last 7 days ago childbirth took place., breast food did not come for the last 5 days. this is cesarean.Milk secretion is a little in the past two days .. How long does it usually?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. A C-section Women it can easily take about 7 to 10 days so just to be on the safer side I am going to recommend you to start taking a lactation supplement of Shatavari powder that you can take 3 times in the day which is what is going to be helpful and take it with warm milk
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert what to do for normal delivery
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Yoga supposed to be really very good regular walk for at least thousand to 1500 steps per day is also going to be good containing and maintaining proper health is definitely going to be good so these are certain things that can definitely help you in a normal delivery
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my daughter not well
infection Pus in brain and infection Pus in hip
unlimited fewers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. it is important to follow the instructions and medicines course given by your doctor for the problem .
they are safe if given by registered medical practitioner. do not undertake medicines or medical prrocedures not prescribed / guided by the doctor.
take a follow up in few days if it is not improving for need of treatment modification
r
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hello Dr. I am mother of 7 months old daughter. we are doing his vaccination course from govt dispensary. last vaccination they gave when he was 5 months now they ask to come when she completed 8 months. wanted to ask is there any other vaccination due in these monthe
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. yes flu vaccine and typhoid vaccine
there are multiple vaccines available in the market.
government setup gives many vaccines.
there are many vaccines which is not available at the government setup and you should get them at private setup (discuss with yourdr) eg.typhoid, hepatitis a, chickenpox, flu vaccine etc.
many times vaccines are region specific and according to the disease those vaccines has to be taken after consulting your doctor.
kindly meet your doctor who will tell you which vaccinations you can take for your child which is not available at the government setup .
also there are painless vaccine option available at private setup.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. My doctor said that my twin babies abdominal circumference is a bit low at week 26. Is there some defect or something. I’m a bit scared if everything will be fine or not
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. probably further evaluation further ultrasound examination required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Check out this new Memory
Riya Kapoor
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old girl
3 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Juhi Srivastava
Mom of a 6 m old boy
4 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Hema
Mom of a 5 yr 1 m old boy
4 mins ago
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive