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How to Pump & Store Breast Milk
With mothers becoming increasingly conscious about taking care of their children in every possible way, but without compromising on their career, one essential in every new mother’s bag is a breast pump. This is also very beneficial for mothers who are suffering from any lactation issues, or simply want to also include their partner and family members in the process of feeding the baby. Easily available in many different types, breast pumps not only help feed the baby when the mother is not around but have multiple other benefits too. Read on for an overview of this clever device.
Video: How To Pump and Store Breast Milk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWYp2Bw40Fc
What is a Breast Pump?
A breast pump is a machine which mimics the sucking action of a baby to help express breast milk. It consists of a breast phalange or shield which fits over the nipple, a pump which is operated either manually, or by electricity, and a bottle where the expressed milk collects.
When Can You Start Using a Breast Pump?
You can choose to start using a milk suction pump as soon as your baby is born in case there are medical issues which are coming in the way of nursing. Premature babies who find it difficult to latch on, multiples, or children with special needs may also necessitate early pumping. However, if nursing is progressing well, doctors recommended waiting from one to three weeks before introducing the bottle to avoid nipple confusion.
What is a Breast Pump Used for?
Used for expressing breast milk, a breast pump is not only essential for mothers who want to return to work or take a break from breastfeeding, but also helps maintain or even increase milk supply.
Why Breast Pump is Used: Pumping stimulates the production of milk and is an effective solution for mothers experiencing lactation issues. A breast pump alleviates discomfort caused by engorged breasts too.
How to Use a Breast Pump?
Getting started with your breast pump is as easy as one-two-three! Simply place the breast shield over your nipple, and pump to start expressing. If you are using an electric or a battery operated pump, this simply involves switching it on, but if you are using a manual pump, you will need to pump it manually.
Tips to Pump Breast Milk
Here are a few tips which will help in preparing to pump breast milk:
Relax: Finding a quiet spot to relax helps encourage let-down
Massage: A quick breast massage, leaning over to let gravity do its part, or a warm compress help you start off
Invest in a hands-free pumping bra: This bra holds the pump in place leaving you free to read a book, text or even work on your computer. Some mothers even make their own hands-free bras by cutting holes in an old sports bra or attaching rubber bands to a nursing bra
Start at the lowest setting: When using an electric pump, do make sure you start at the lowest setting and increase it gradually as you get comfortable
When to Express Breast Milk by Hand and How Do You Do It?
If you prefer to nurse your baby, and only occasionally feel the need to express milk, pumping breast milk by hand may be the right option for you. Here is how to do it:
Wash your hands: Babies are sensitive, and it is important to maintain hygiene at all times
Massage: A gentle breast massage or a warm towel help stimulate let-down, making it easier to express milk. You could even lean forward to let gravity help
Getting the right position: Using your thumb and index finger, form a C about an inch behind your areola
Express: Press your fingers towards your chest wall and use a gently rolling motion to express milk
Storing: Collect the expressed milk in a clean bottle for storing
How Much to Pump Breast Milk?
How much you pump mainly depends on how much your little one consumes. It is not always necessary to pump in excess, so don’t get unduly worried if you are unable to pump in large quantities.
There no set rule about how often you should pump breast milk. Pumping breast milk primarily depends on how old your baby is. Over a period of time, the amount of milk you can pump gradually increases
How much you wish to pump also depends on how your breasts feel after you have pumped.
How much you need to pump will also depend on how big your milk-making glands are. Remember that the size of your glands is different from the size of your breasts
A good pump can pump both breasts in about 20 to 30 minutes if you let down fast
With continuous practice, you will be able to pump more milk, as your breasts get adjusted to the pump and give you quality milk
Keep a significant time difference in between two pumping sessions to ensure that you get similar quantities of milk.
It is more important to know how much milk your baby gets in the 24-hour time period and not per feeding
There is no single rule about how much breast milk to pump. So, pump your breast milk at your own convenience and according to your baby’s needs. Nobody knows your body better than you do.
How to Store Breast Milk?
Storing breast milk can be quite tricky as the fat content of the milk is continuously undergoing change. The first thing you should be careful about is dating your milk. This allows you to know when you pumped the milk and use the oldest one first.
You can store breast milk in a plastic or glass container which is air tight, to keep it fresh for a longer period of time
Usually, the pump comes with a storage container with a measurement scale, allowing you to store milk according to your baby’s consumption
The milk can be stored in the freezer for a certain duration depending on the temperature, although it is better to make sure the baby consumes the milk in the earlier periods, since with time, its nutritional value diminishes
Where to Store Breast Milk after Pumping?
Pumping milk from breasts becomes a relief when you know that there is stored milk in your freezer. You do not have to keep undergoing the process every time. This milk can be kept fresh form two weeks to twelve months. However, keep the following pointers in mind when you are storing it.
How to Freeze and Thaw Breast Milk?
Time is a major constraint in freezing and thawing breast milk. If the thawed milk is not consumed within 24 hours of refrigerating or after 1 hour at room temperature, it will spoil. A disadvantage about thawed milk is that it cannot be frozen again. The following should help you keep your milk fresh and in good quality.
1. Freezing Breast Milk
While freezing, remember to keep it in containers according to the portion suitable for your baby. If 50 ml is consumed per intake, store it accordingly. This helps you to make sure that you do not waste milk.
Do not freeze it in containers from which you cannot dispose it easily. This not only increases the hassle but also allows impurities to seep in.
2. Thawing Breast Milk
Always remember that the milk needs to be thawed and not boiled. Hold the container which has the milk in it under warm water until it reaches a suitable temperature.
You can also let it defrost in the main compartment overnight and use it at room temperature the next day.
Do not use the microwave for defrosting or warming as it kills the nutrients in the milk. Hot spots may also develop, decreasing the quality of the milk.
3. How Long can Breast Milk be Stored?
If you are storing the milk in the freezer section of your refrigerator, it will stay fresh for a maximum of two weeks. The sooner you can use this milk, the better it is.
Some refrigerators have a separate compartment as a freezer. As this is opened less frequently, and at 0⁰ F, it keeps the milk fresh for three to six months.
Deep freezers, comparatively, keep the milk fresh the longest. It can be preserved for a maximum of twelve months.
However, if you like the milk to be fresh and consumed within a day, the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the best way to store breastmilk is at room temperature for six to eight hours
What are the Different Types of Breast Pumps?
There are several types of breast pumps that cater to the needs of all the mothers depending on their requirement with multiple modulation. However, these dominantly fall under three major types. Using the pumps depends on your comfort level and practice. Start at a lower suction rate and gradually increase the setting to match the amount you can pump.
1. Manual Milk Feeding Pump
Using breast shield to cover your breast, you can express milk from the breast, squeezing the lever which creates a suction.
2. Electric Pump
This breast pump uses electricity to operate, allowing the mother to continuously use the pump and even adjust the degree of suction
3. How Do You Choose a Breast Pump
For smooth and problem-free pumping, you need a pump that is of good quality and works well over time. A manual pump or an electric pump that does not work very well over time can hinder the expression of milk. A high-quality electric double pump might give you better results
What are the Reasons You are Facing Difficulty Pumping Breast Milk?
Pumping breast milk takes a little bit of patience and a little bit of time. Adjusting your schedule to accommodate it might create issues some time as you might not always be able to find time to pump when you lactate. However, once you get the hang of the lactation time periods, you can conveniently pump milk keeping the following factors in mind which might also create difficulty while pumping.
1. A Fussy Baby
It is important for you to be relaxed for let-down to take place. If your baby is fussing, you may not be able to pump effectively
2. If Your Little One has Just Finished Feeding
This is not the best time to prepare a new batch. Give your body some time. Relax a little and eventually start pumping. Remember, there is no rush. Your baby and your breasts understand when to accommodate each other
3. Not Knowing the Rate of How Fast or How Slow to Pump Is
If you try to pump at a faster rate, chances are that you will not be able to pump any milk at all. At the same time, pumping at a slower rate won’t create enough suction
4. Inappropriate Size of the Breast Shields
The right-sized shield is important for successful pumping. Using an inappropriate size might cause your nipples swell up when you start the pump. In this case, the quantity of milk expressed might not be a lot and you may also end up with pain in the breast region
5. Scant Lactation
Keep your body hydrated at all times. Frequently breastfeeding and pumping can help resolve the issue by preventing the milk from drying up and increasing the flow of breast milk
6. Stress
During the pumping process, it is very important for you to be relaxed. If you and your body aren’t relaxed, you will not get sufficient results at the end of it. If you still have difficulties, gently massage your breasts and use warm compresses on them before pumping. Be comfortable, close your eyes, and go to your happy place while pumping
Pumping breast milk is rapidly catching up among new-age mums as it lets you fulfil your baby’s needs while also bringing you convenience. Attaching a machine to your breasts might be scary as it is a relatively new idea, but with the convenient methods that are coming up, mums around the globe are readily accepting this. When in doubt, talk to other women who use various breastfeeding methods and seek help. Sometimes, talking to others who are on the same journey might give your deeper insights into catering to the needs of your baby.
Also remember that when it comes to the wellbeing of your baby, multiple factors may come into play. What to expect in the process of child-rearing becomes the priority of every parent. Fathers too play an active role in it. Breast pumps help ensure that feeding is not only a mother’s job but the father can pitch in to help too. Read more
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Eating Sausage During Pregnancy
Sausage tastes delicious and can enhance the taste of soups and sandwiches. Many women crave for it during pregnancy and it is safe to include in a pregnancy diet as long as it is cooked thoroughly and consumed in moderate amounts. That said, it can also lead to certain unwanted pregnancy complications. So should you include it in your pregnancy diet or not? Read on to know the benefits and side effects of eating sausage in pregnancy and make an informed decision.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Sausage?
Yes, sausage is safe to consume during pregnancy. But as with any other meat, it is necessary that you cook it at the right temperature, for the right time, so that it is cooked to the core with no juices inside. However, as mentioned before, it is safe to eat but not the healthiest choice as it can lead to some unnecessary pregnancy complications, so consult your doctor before including it in your pregnancy diet.
Types of Sausages - Safe and Unsafe
Here are some of the common types of sausages. Some of them are safe to include in a pregnancy diet while others aren’t. Read on to find out which ones you can include in your diet. However, eat it in moderate amounts.
1. Dry or Semi-Dry Sausage
Dry or semi-dry sausage is usually mixed with meat that is either chopped or ground, cultured well, then cured by making use of sodium nitrite and salt. Certain casings are then used to place these inside them, where it is allowed to ferment and then dried.
Many popular sausages such as bologna or pepperoni fall under the category of dry or semi-dry sausage.
Safety Tips
In most of the procedures that involve preparing these sausages such as fermentation and drying, the removal of moisture results in termination of any bacteria that can cause illnesses. But some of them can still remain. Therefore, it’s best to not have dry sausages while pregnant.
2. Cooked or Smoked Sausage
Sausage made from ground meat or chopped meat that is seasoned well, cooked and smoked is enjoyed by all. A wide variety of sausages such as cooked bratwurst, salami, bologna, hot dogs, and the likes are either cooked or smoked.
Safety Tips
The process of cooking is what rids these sausages of any bacteria. So if they are not cooked well and are not hot, avoid eating them.
3. Fresh Sausage
Fresh sausage is made from chopped pieces of meat, which have been cured properly beforehand and seasoned well, to be prepared fresh. Most of the sausages that are made from pork, beef, or the other variety of sausages that are great for breakfasts and hail from the Italian cuisine, are usually fresh sausages.
Safety Tips
These sausages are quite safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, it is necessary to ensure that they are refrigerated properly when stored, and cooked in a thorough manner before eating.
Benefits of Eating Sausage During Pregnancy
Sausage is known to contain nine types of amino acids, which contain enough proteins, making it a great and healthy option overall. It is also a rich source of vitamins, especially Vitamin B12. This helps boost the haemoglobin levels, which thus helps metabolize the fats present in the body and synthesize proteins well. Another key element present in substantial levels in sausage is iron. This further complements in keeping the haemoglobin levels of the blood to an optimal level, which prevents the onset of anaemia.
Side Effects of Consuming Sausage While Pregnant
Following are some side effects of consuming sausages during pregnancy.
1. Premature Delivery or Miscarriage
Eating sausage in pregnancy can also lead to being infected with listeria. Listeria is a specific bacteria that can affect the pregnancy, leading to consequences such as premature delivery, miscarriages, and in the worst scenario, stillbirth.
2. A Higher Chance of Contracting Other Diseases
Symptoms of being infected with salmonella are severe. Nausea, intense stomach ache, followed by diarrhoea, vomiting, and frequent dehydration are also some complications that may arise if you eat sausage while pregnant and get infected with salmonella bacteria. This may be further compounded by high fever and body pain. Another parasite causing toxoplasmosis can lead to premature delivery, jaundice, and convulsions in the mother.
3. Heartburn
Having a lot of spicy sausages can cause heartburn, and you may have trouble sleeping.
4. Pregnancy Complications
There is always a high chance of any microbe being alive in the meat, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy complications. So it is suggested that you cook it properly before including it in your pregnancy diet and avoid any complications.
5. An Increased Amount of Sodium and Fat in the Body
Nearly 27% of sausage is made up of fat, 10% of which consists of saturated fats. Similarly, 1.2% of the sausage is made up of sodium. Eating too much sausage can increase sodium and fat content in your body and result in unwanted complications.
Tips for Eating Sausages Safely in Pregnancy
If you do want to eat sausages during pregnancy, here are some tips that you should keep in mind.
Always consume the sausage when it is piping hot. If it is not, always reheat it to the appropriate temperature, and then consume.
Avoid eating sausages that are not cooked well.
Store sausages in the fridge for not more than two days. While consuming them after that, make sure they are heated fully again and cooked until hot.
Make sure that any raw meat is not placed close to the sausage you want to eat. The juices of the meat could enter the sausage and cause bacteria to thrive.
Some sausages are uncooked, others are ready-to-eat. Make sure you cook both of them at the right temperature before consuming them.
Always opt for sausages that are less spicy and contain substantially low amounts of sodium.
Delicious Sausage Recipes You Can Try
If you would like to enjoy some delicious sausage dishes, here are a few recipes you can try.
1. Baked Sausages With Butterbeans
Baked sausages with butterbeans taste delicious. Here is how you can make them.
Ingredients
Sausages - 4-5
Drained butterbeans - 2 cups
Brown onion (chopped) - 1
Coriander leaves
Tomatoes (chopped) - 1
Garlic cloves - 2-3
Capsicums chopped - 2
How to Prepare
Preheat the oven to 180° C for about 20-25 minutes.
In a baking tray, place the onions and capsicums, and then sausages on top. Keep the tray in the oven and cook for about 18-20 minutes.
Once cooked, add the butterbeans, garlic, and tomatoes to them, and mix well.
Add some water until the mix is juicy.
Follow it up with sausages and cover it with a foil. Place the tray in the oven and cook it for the same duration.
Remove it and garnish with coriander before serving.
2. Sausage Casserole
Sausage casserole too tastes yummy plus it is filling too. Here's the recipe for sausage casserole.
Ingredients
Sausages - 6-7
Boiled potatoes - 2
Cheddar cheese - 1 cup
Tomato puree - 1 cup
Curry powder - 1 tsp
Chicken stock
Sunflower oil - 1-2 tbsp
Drained beans - 1 cup
Bean sauce - 1 cup
Carrots - 1/2 cup
Chopped onion (medium-sized) - 1
Water
How to Prepare
Preheat the oven to 180° C.
Heat some oil in a pan and fry the sausages in it. Transfer them to a plate then fry the onions and carrots in it.
Add the beans, tomato puree, curry powder, and chicken stock to the mix, and let it cook on low flame for 8-10 minutes.
Mash the boiled potatoes in a separate bowl.
Take a casserole dish and place a few sausages in it. Add the bean sauce and potato mash to it, then add the bean-tomato curry mixture, followed by some more sausages.
Bake it in the oven for about 20 minutes then enjoy.
3. Honey Glazed Sausages
Want to eat something sweet and spicy? Make honey glazed sausages. Check out the recipe below -
Ingredients
Sausages - 4
Honey - 3 tbsp
Vinegar - 1 tsp
Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Brown sugar - 1 tsp
Sesame seeds
Water
Oil for cooking
How to Prepare
Take some oil in a pan and cook the sausages for about 20 minutes.
In another pan, take some honey and sugar and let it boil.
Remove the fat from the sausage pan and cook them on medium flame again.
Add the vinegar and honey and sugar mixture in the pan with sausages. Stir continuously to prevent sausages from sticking.
Once fully cooked, pair them with mashed potatoes and serve.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe to Eat Chorizo During Pregnancy?
Since it is pork sausage, it should be consumed in moderate amounts. However, it is best avoided.
2. Can I Eat Hot Sausage While Pregnant?
Hot sausage tastes delicious but eating them in large quantities may lead to heartburn. So it is best avoided in pregnancy.
3. Can Pregnant Women Eat Vienna Sausage?
Vienna sausage is made from pre-cooked sausage that could have bacteria, and they also consist of elevated levels of nitrites and sodium nitrate. So they are best avoided in pregnancy.
4. Is It Safe to Consume Italian Sausages?
Occasional consumption is not harmful since it has a lot of fat and calories.
Sausages can be consumed during pregnancy but cooking them properly is extremely essential to prevent any harm to the baby. By keeping consumption occasional and maintaining all precautions, you can gorge on your favourite food items and have a healthy pregnancy.
Also Read:
Eating Chicken during Pregnancy
Eating Egg during Pregnancy
Eating Fish during Pregnancy Read more
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Pav Bhaji
Pav bhaji is not just a snack, it is a meal for the masses. What makes pav bhaji’s appeal so appealing is that it is quick to conjure and tastes absolutely divine. Add a dollop of golden salted butter, squeeze a wedge of lemon and let yourself get lost in the taste. We propose that you try our cinch recipe of the Mumbai street-style pav bhaji and do tell us how your version turned out to be.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
15-20 Minutes
25-30 Minutes
Ingredients
4 potatoes
4 tomatoes
½ cup cauliflower
2 onions
1 inch ginger
8-10 cloves garlic
½ capsicum
¼ cup green peas
4 Nos green chillies
¼ cup coriander leaves
Juice of 2 lemons
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
Method
Step 1
Boil potatoes, peel, mash and keep aside.
Step 2
Boil peas in salted water for 10-15 min, keep aside.
Step 3
Boil cauliflower in salted water for 5-10 min, keep aside.
Step 4
Wash capsicum, remove seeds and cut them lengthwise.
Step 5
Grind garlic-ginger to a fine paste.
Step 6
Finely chop onion and coriander.
Step 7
Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions. Saute for 3-4 min. Next, add chopped green chillies and ginger-garlic paste.
Step 8
Add tomatoes and stir continuously till the oil starts separating from the mix.
Step 9
Add capsicum, boiled peas, boiled cauliflower and mashed potatoes.
Step 10
Mix thoroughly and let the whole thing simmer for 10 mins.
Step 11
Lastly, add the pav bhaji masala.
Step 12
For the pav, slice individual pieces into two and roast them in a little butter on a griddle.
Step 13
Garnish the bhaji with chopped coriander leaves and a dollop of butter.
Step 14
Serve hot with buttered pav, chopped onion and a lemon wedge.
Nutritional Information
Calories
303 Kcal
Proteins
7.1 g
Fat
9.4 g
Carbohydrates
50.2 g
Cholesterol
23 mg
Sodium
99 mg
Potassium
1421 mg
Read more
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8 Moms Share The Most Special Thing Their Baby Daddy Did After Their Delivery
Pregnancy is hardly the tip of the iceberg for any mother. There can be no fixed number we can put on just how many thoughts cross a pregnant woman's mind, and how many emotions she goes through. And after her delivery, her emotions are even crazier - a mix of delight, anxiety, confusion and fear! Wouldn't it be nice to have one person do even just one thing to ease us out at such times of confusion, anxiety and turmoil?
The following quote from the acclaimed movie Before Midnight comes very close to perfectly summarising the upheaval a woman feels after delivery. Celine is talking to Jesse about the time after their twin girls were born, and says -
“When they were born, I had no idea what to do. People expect women to have instinct that kicks in, like a female baboon. But I had no idea how to do anything. I loved them so much, and I was doing everything wrong. And you were away so often, calling me, asking me how my day went, and I couldn't even say it to you because I felt so ashamed for being so clueless.”
8 Husbands Who Completely Stole Our Hearts!
As we asked our mommies about the special things their husbands did for them after delivery, we heard some really amazing stories. These are real stories of real fathers who understood that the birth of a child means the birth of a father too, and stepped up to the play.
1. This 'Girl-child Loving' Dad
When Sowmya Reddy (Hyderabad) gave birth to her second daughter, a lot of relatives suggested that it was going to be a 'big burden, especially since its India we are talking about'. But Sowmya's husband stepped in and replied:
“That's not a burden, I am one of the luckiest person to have two angels. Having one daughter is lucky but having two is luckiest!”
No wonder Sowmya calls him 'The Best Father'!
2. This Empathetic Dad
When Mamta Gupta (South Delhi) delivered her second child – a beautiful baby boy – the doctors had warned her that since he was a premature baby, he was going to need extra care. Among other things, one of the guidelines the doctor gave was to make the baby sleep on the stomach and to cuddle the baby while he slept. Mamta's husband knew just what that meant, and understood the challenge therein. Mamta said:
“... for 6 months my husband took care of that. He made him sleep on his stomach so that I could get some rest without even flipping on the other side. I already knew that he is a good father because we have a daughter as our first child. But that period proved that he can go sleepless nights to make his kids comfortable.”
3. This Nurse-dad
Getting comfortable in the bed can become a real challenge for a pregnant woman, especially as the months go by and she gets bigger. Now imagine having to comfort your child through the entire night again, being forced to lie in a stiff position yet again! But not for Nancy Joseph (Tiruvallur). After the first time that their son Nikshith was vaccinated, Nancy's husband slept the whole night with the son on his chest, in order to comfort him. Nancy further added, “He held his leg the whole night so that Nikshith would sleep peacefully without crying in pain.” Nancy truly believes Nikshith is blessed to have the world's greatest dad.
4. This Super Dad
Sreeja Sreedharan's (Benagaluru) story is one of a 'super-dad' who has always garnered praise for his parenting skills from everyone around. Sreeja think he is not just a great husband, but also the baby proofing expert, baby food chef, and the primary caregiver of their two year old daughter. Talking about her time after delivery, Sreeja recollected:
“Post-delivery, he woke up with me every time I had to feed and sat with me to ensure the baby is held in case I fell asleep. He helped me with changing the diapers, bathing and rocking her to sleep, sometimes without even waking me up. He accompanied me back home and ensured he was around to manage the kid during the first months.”
5. This Monk Dad
It would be difficult to imagine a husband reflecting greater wisdom about parenting than a mom, but that is exactly what Mamta's story shows us. Not only does this Mumbai-mommy and her husband practice healthy love and mindful parenting, they are both aware of the responsibility that comes with molding a life, a young impressionable mind. The best examples of this is the parenting tip that Mamta's husband gave her - “Enjoy every minute of it, it will go quickly!”
6. This 'Actions Over Words' Dad
A woman often needs to seek the help of older women when it comes to child-rearing and parenting. Having a quiet husband who didn't talk much, Lovleena Mishra (West Delhi) was really worried about her situation after delivery since there were mostly working women in her family, who were unavailable for long periods of the day. But then one day, her husband stepped in, and completely took care of everything. Said Lovleena:
“My husband started communicating. We talked about my needs. Sometimes he will simply figure out what I wanted... I never even asked my husband once to hold the little one. He did it on his own. It built confidence in me seeing him embrace being a dad... He understands that helping me out with the baby is called parenting and not babysitting!”
7. The Newborn-soothing Dad
A mom is completely exhausted after delivery, and yet she has to be attentive of a new life that she has just given birth to. Wouldn't it be nice for someone to take care of the newborn even if just for a few moments, enough to let the mom catch a few winks of sleep? That's exactly what happened with Sunayana Srikanth (Bengaluru).
“I will not forget is the night of my baby's birth. It was my husband who stayed back in the hospital room with me. I was completely tired and nearly fell asleep. Being the first night in the outside world, however, my baby kept crying incessantly fussing around and all those things. The whole night, believe it or not, my husband rocked, sang, and held the baby close to him. The whole night!! That's when I just knew, that he is gonna be the best dad EVER!”
8. This Rebirth Dad
Many women may have experienced this in their lives – men are scared of babies! They often don't know how to handle babies, and are completely clueless about what to do as a father. But fatherhood completely transformed Anubhuti Mehn's husband after the birth of her son Anshu. This mommy from Surat recalled:
“(my husband) used to run away from small babies ... he was scared to carry the little ones in his arms. But now he is a changed man... one who loves to flaunt his 'dad status' by taking good care of Anshu. He is no more afraid to change diapers, clean poop, wake up at midnight to make our baby sleep, make him ready to go to market and work to earn for him along with all this. This daddy has taken a shift. The word fatherhood has sensed a new meaning in him.”
Weren't those some really heartening accounts of loving husbands? Did you husband do something extra special and memorable for you after you delivered your child too? Tell us about it in the comments! Read more
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Here's How You Can Make Your Home Festive-Ready in 3 Weeks!
Cleaning the house is a big part of desi festivals, and it is daunting and time-consuming. Juggling responsibilities at home and at work can make festive cleaning a boring and stressful chore, but planning your way through it can make it less overwhelming and more productive. Three weeks are all it will take for you to get your home neat, clean, and decorated for the big day – here’s how you can go about it!
Week 1 – The Bedrooms
Your bedroom is your happy space – conquer that first! Cleaning your bedrooms in the first week will cut down your work considerably – completing the tedious tasks initially will leave the last few days before the big day open for other things, like preparing festival food and setting up your puja room. Here’s a step-by-step approach to getting your bedrooms festive-ready.
1. Identify key areas you want to clean.
Each of your bedrooms will have areas that you’ll want to clean in particular, and they will most likely be common across all of them – the bed, cupboard, dressing table, mirrors, windows, ceiling fan, and curtains. Keeping a note of these areas will help you decide where you want to start first, and you can follow this route with the other rooms too!
2. Clear out all the surfaces, and dust first.
Before you get to cleaning each individual element, take a dusting cloth or a feather duster and start with brushing off the dirt that has already accumulated on various surfaces and in different parts of the room. Dust all around the room, over each and every surface you can see – make sure to leave your windows open so the dust gets out! Also, remember to keep all the items that are out in the open inside a cupboard, before you begin dusting. You can put them back in their places once the surfaces are squeaky clean. Take your curtains down before dusting too.
Tip: Take the bedsheet off the bed and dust your mattress thoroughly. If you’re not looking to dust your mattress, cover your bed with an old bedsheet or a large plastic cover so the dust doesn’t settle on it.
3. Memorise the process: soapy water + clean water + dry cloth.
Remember to keep two buckets of water ready before you start off with your dusting: one with soapy water to clean the dirt, grime and marks off, and one with clean water to wipe off the soap.
Start by using a good quality sponge brush (dipped in the soapy water) to help clean the dirt off different surfaces – do not go for metal scrubbers as they can leave marks! When cleaning off the soapy water, dip the cleaning cloth in clean water after each wipe so that the soap comes off completely. To be safe, repeat the dip-and-clean method at least three times to thoroughly get the soap off. The last step in this process is to clean the surface with a dry cloth. A good cotton cloth is ideal – this will make sure no water stains remain on the surface after it is dry. To make sure all the soap is gone, run your finger across the surface for a squeaky sound. If you hear it, the surface is clean!
Use this cleaning method for your floor, cupboards, ceiling fan blades, dressing tables and bookshelves, mirrors and windows, and pretty much any non-electronic surface. Remember to turn off the electrical supply before cleaning your appliances.
Tip: To get squeaky clean windows and mirrors, dry them off with newspapers instead of cotton cloth. It works miraculously!
4. Use this process to declutter.
You can easily declutter your space while cleaning your bedrooms! Since you are going to empty most surfaces while cleaning, simply toss the items you don’t need into one box and keep it aside. You can give those items away later.
You can clean one room at a time throughout the week. If you want to break this process down further, leave the mirrors and windows for the weekend and finish the rest of the cleaning during the weekdays! Also, use this opportunity to set up any lights you want in the room before the festival.
A great way you can go about cleaning your bedroom (or any room, for that matter) is by starting from top to bottom – for example, clean your ceiling fan blades first so that the dust falls to the ground, which you will clean last – that way, you won’t have to clean one surface over and over!
Tips to Get Your Bedroom Spick and Span
It’s time to get your new sheets out! Change your curtains, bedsheets, bed covers and pillow covers once you’re done cleaning the bedroom. This will enhance the look of your now-clean room!
Don’t forget to clean out the smallest corners of your room – the windowsill, for example, gathers a great amount of dust which usually settles in the sliders and other crevices. You can use a small brush to get the dirt out. An old, hard-bristled toothbrush can do the trick too!
Get your kids to help out by handing them items and letting them put them back in their places when setting up. Encourage them by giving them extra TV time or some pocket money for each task – that will take some of the load off your back!
If possible, finish the dusting and cleaning before your domestic help comes in for the day. That way, all the dirt and dust collected on the floor from your cleaning can be taken care of by them!
Week 2 – The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are not very time-consuming to clean, but they need care too – dirty bathrooms can cause health issues. Here’s how you can go about getting them festive-ready.
1. Empty the bathroom beforehand.
Before you start cleaning your bathroom, make sure you empty the cabinets, drawers, and shelves so you can freely wash each and every surface well. To make sure you don’t end up wasting too much time reorganising, keep all the products that belong on one shelf together. That way, you can put them back in their place without a second thought.
2. Do not mix different chemicals together.
We cannot stress this enough – don’t mix different products together! A lot of these chemicals, on coming together, can react and let out poisonous fumes that can have dangerous consequences. Remember to read instructions of use carefully, and only use the recommended amount!
Tip: Use warm water to clean out the soap/chemicals from your bathroom floors and tiles.
3. Go for homemade cleaning products.
In homes with toddlers running around, there’s always a fear that they might accidentally ingest harmful substances if it gets within their reach somehow. To rid yourself of this fear, go for DIY cleaning products. They are natural, homemade, and get the job done with minimal consequences. Here’s a simple DIY bathroom tile cleaner you can make:
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of white vinegar
2 tablespoons of baking soda
15 drops of your favourite essential oil
Mix these ingredients together and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray this on your tiles, toilet or sink, and scrub. Your bathroom will be clean in no time!
Another simple homemade cleaning product is a mixture you can make with lemon and coarse salt. Rub some lemon and coarse salt on dirty faucets to get rid of hard water stains and rust.
4. Remember this simple organising hack.
You can organise your bathroom cabinet while you’re cleaning it! Just remember this one hack that will save you a little time – on the back label of your product, you may be able to see a small logo of a tin that says ‘6M’, ‘12M’ or ‘24M’. This means that your product is good for use up until those many months from the date on which you open it. The number stands for the number of months, and the M stands for ‘months’. This tip is just in case you can’t find the expiry date on your product!
5. Beautify your bathroom.
Your bathroom is low-maintenance, so the decorating aspect will also be simple! If you have a basin that is attached to a counter, beautify the counter with some potpourri and scented candles; but if that sounds like a lot of work, plug in an essential oil diffuser! For another fun change, you can simply change the light bulb from your usual white to a diffused yellow. Yellow lighting might match the multi-coloured lights you will have on during the festival! To make your bathroom look super organised for any guests you may have on the big day, fold your towels and put them on towel racks instead of bars. They will be easily accessible when needed.
Handy Tips to Get That Bathroom Clean
Ditch the plastic toothbrush stands and containers and go for metal and wicker baskets instead. They have a more rustic, homely vibe.
Stocking up your bathroom with some organic soaps, body washes and shampoos instead of chemically-laden ones will not only make it look aesthetically pleasing, but using them can be great for your skin and hair as well!
If you have guests staying over at your house during the time of festivities, make sure you have a small hamper in the bathroom where they can dump their used clothes.
Get your bathroom a good-looking bath mat – make the entrance to the bathroom attractive!
You can get your kids involved in bathroom cleaning duties as well – turn it into a fun water fight! Just make sure your children are old enough to not play around with chemicals, if you are using any, and that they don’t get hurt accidentally.
Week 3 - The Living Room and Kitchen
Your kitchen and living room will be the stars of the show – one is where you cook, and the other, entertain. These spaces need to be spick and span right up until the days of the festivities, which is why attending to them last is a great idea. Here’s how you can dazzle your guests with a beautiful kitchen and living room.
Kitchen
1. Start with the tough stains.
Whether it’s your gas stove, your kitchen counter, or your chimney, grime and dirt are hell to clean off – especially if you’re doing it after a long time! These stubborn stains require quite a bit of attention, so that’s exactly what you should do. Take your regular grime/stain solution and apply it liberally all over the areas you want clean, scrub them well and leave the solution on for a good 20 minutes. While the solution works its magic, you can focus on other aspects of your kitchen. Once done, you can wash everything off in one go!
Tip: Clean your microwave in no time. In a bowl of warm water, squeeze a lemon and put it in the microwave and heat it for one minute. The stains will loosen up – clean them off with a cloth!
2. Clear out all your utensils.
While the grime solution is doing its job, take out all your utensils and keep them out of the kitchen area. You could keep them out on your dining table and cover them with a large plastic cover or cloth, or in the living room till you’re done! To make life easier, keep all the utensils that belong in one drawer together. This is a great time to rid your kitchen of old plastic containers and bottles you don’t need anymore – this will clear up some space!
3. Go from top to bottom.
Always remember, when you’re cleaning out your kitchen, start from the top! First, clean the top shelves and cabinets, dust and scrub the walls, and then move to the kitchen counter and go down to the drawers and floor. This will make sure no dirt falls on to a surface after you’ve cleaned it.
4. Scrub, scrub, scrub.
The only way to make your kitchen shine bright is by scrubbing every nook and corner. Kitchens are a sensitive zone – there’s always a fear of rodents and pests sneaking around, so it’s best to clean everything well. Use the soapy water + clean water + dry cloth system we mentioned earlier to clean your messy kitchen.
Tip: Use the rough part of your sponge to scrub the grimy kitchen tiles to avoid marks, and use metal scrubbers for your stove, chimney and counters!
5. Declutter your refrigerator.
When cleaning out your fridge (use the top-to-bottom method here too!), note the expiry dates of all the packaged goods and throw the expired ones away! Then, keep all the products that are nearing expiry at eye level or in the front so that you can use those first and then move on to the newer, fresher ones. Make sure that you switch off your gas and electricity supply before you start cleaning your kitchen.
Tip: Collect all the old plastic containers, cups and bottles you get while cleaning and take them to your local raddi wala. You’ll end up making a bit of money!
6. Organise your utensils according to when you will need them.
Since festive cooking is around the corner, you will need some utensils you don’t usually use during the rest of the year – large pots and pans, large ladles, kadais and so on. When you’re setting up after cleaning the kitchen, keep these utensils in a dedicated drawer. That way, you won’t have to search far and wide to find that one big, specific kadai you need to make halwa in. Do the same thing for your regular utensils if you’re looking for a complete change!
Living Room
To get your cleaning process organised in the living room, scroll back up to Week 1 – that’s what you’ll follow here too! Here are other things to keep in mind:
1. Cover your electronics with plastic.
Your TV, stereo, and speakers will need protection when you’re doing a round of dusting, so make sure you have some thick plastic covers that you can use to cover them. Make sure to disconnect and switch off everything you need to – electricity supply included!
2. Clean your living room at the very end.
Your living room area can be an extra space where you keep all your kitchen material when you’re cleaning it – after all, kitchens always have a lot of stuff! Once you’ve restored all your kitchen items in their place, you can move on and start with the living room.
Tips for Organising and Decorating Your Kitchen and Living Room
Start your dry-cleaning work beforehand. Take your sofa covers, cushion covers and curtains and send them off to get dry-cleaned so you can get them back in time for the festivities.
Don’t ignore your kitchen rags. Hand-wash them or stick them in the washing machine while you’re cleaning out the kitchen/living room so they can dry by the time you’re done!
Here’s a DIY greasy stove cleaner you’ll love using - mix together 1 cup of baking soda, half a cup of water and vinegar. Apply the mixture on the greasy area. Scrub thoroughly and voila - stains begone!
While organising your kitchen cabinet, make sure to put all the crockery and delicate cutlery at the back so your children cannot reach it.
This is also a great time to light up your living room – go all out with fairy lights and tea lights, and bring out the candles and diyas so you’re ready to celebrate!
With this comprehensive cleaning guide, you will be a hundred per cent ready to welcome your favourite festival. Diwali is meant to be spent with your loved ones - you don’t want to be stuck cleaning the house at the last minute while everyone is having fun! So, why wait? It’s not as daunting as you believe, especially now that you have this list! Set your dates and get cleaning – trust us, it’ll be a breeze! Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
1 hour ago
Q. why can't I add child details in my profile
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please add in your profile aftwr login and still is you find any difficulty then you should contact first cry customers service department.
Take care
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
43 mins ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
42 mins ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
57 mins ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. 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
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
39 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 min ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
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