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Bonding with Baby - How Mommy, Daddy and Siblings Can Bond with the Newborn
Nothing can be more wonderful, soul lifting and beautiful then raising a child. God gives the privilege of being a parent to the blessed and nothing in this world can be so special. Bonding is the attachment between a parent and a baby defined by unconditional love. When babies arrive, they don't come with a manual and you are also not programmed for "Perfect parenthood". This bonding does not develop in a "Jiffy". It's not like a switch that you can switch on. It may take a while and you shouldn't worry about it. Sometimes, it may be love at first sight when you are overwhelmed with emotions. Whereas there can also be circumstances like traumatic birth, medical problems, adopted baby, postpartum depression, post-delivery discomfort that may make it difficult for a mother to give her child the love he deserves. Expecting parents don't need to wait until the baby is born. Pregnancy is the perfect time to start forming an attachment with your baby. Talk, sing, read to your baby when he is in the womb because it's the best time to get started with your baby-bonding journey.
Importance of Bonding
Bonding with your baby evokes a sense of responsibility, making parents pay attention to the needs of a baby during any hour of the day. It has been scientifically proven that this bond provides the baby's foundation for intimate relationships, building trust and a sense of security. Studies have further shown that if bonding doesn't occur, the child may experience sadness and reduced development.
Bonding Activities for Mommy
Bonding is a journey. The more you spend time with your little one, the stronger it gets. Just keep responding to your baby's needs and showering him with your love, hugs and kisses. Following tips can help you bond with your baby better.
1. Skin-to-skin contact
The mother should immediately initiate skin-to-skin contact with the newborn baby as it helps him in adjusting to the temperature outside the womb. This is also known as Kangaroo care. It helps the baby to relax and stimulates the release of milk for breastfeeding. Having skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding too helps to bond with the baby.
2. Feeding with Love
When you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, it's not just providing milk or satisfying hunger. It's much more than that. Some mothers worry that if they don't breastfeed, they won't bond with their baby but the truth is that loving mothers will always create a special bond with their children.
3. Baby Massage
Besides the innumerable benefits of baby massage, every gentle stroke helps you bond better with your little one. Touch is a very powerful element in human bonding and baby massage encompasses and supports this vital aspect. Massage is one of life's simple pleasures and research has shown that a baby massage can improve interaction in a number of ways like eye contact, touch, voice and thermal regulation.
4. Put your Phone Away
For better or worse, social media has changed the ways of parenting. This has drastically affected the attention a new baby gets. Keep your phone away and give quality time to the child. Make conscious efforts to bypass the ill-effects of today's digital world on parenting.
5. Responding to Baby's Needs
Especially in the first few months, respond to your baby's need immediately. Make him feel secure that you are there for him always. Kiss him! Hug him! All this helps him build trust in you and don't worry, you are not spoiling him by doing this.
6. Play Time
Playing helps your child's brain grow and he develops a better understanding. Laugh with him, play with his little toes and little fingers. Make him feel that there is no better friend than you.
Bonding Activities for Daddy
Babies bond with their mothers much earlier. So, fathers feel left out. For better bonding between the baby and his daddy, it's important that expecting mothers allow and encourage the involvement of the husband in prenatal check ups and pregnancy care.
Make him feel it when the baby kicks in your womb. After the baby arrives, get his daddy involved in changing diapers, giving a bath, talking, singing to the baby. All this will help the mother too, by reducing the number of things she has to do and give her time to rest.
Sibling Bonding
The arrival of a new baby can be exciting for the family but it can also be confusing for big brothers and sisters.
Involve the older sibling in the whole journey during pregnancy and after the baby comes.
Teach them how they can be of help to mommy and daddy. Make them familiar with the new baby. Tell them how much the new baby loves them. Keep a gift near the new baby for the big brother or sister, telling them the baby got it for you!
A happy family has strong bonds. Work hard to make your bond stronger day by day!
Happy Parenthood.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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You Need to Watch Out for These 7 Infections This Winter
December is awaited with pleasure - the holidays, Christmas, and the endless plans for New Year make it worth the wait. But what is unwanted and comes uninvited is the common cold, among other ailments! While common colds can make your life miserable, that alone is not to be blamed. There are other infections and diseases too, that can affect your health in the cold winter months, making you cancel your bookings and plans at the last minute. Find out what these other infections are and prevent them ahead of time.
7 Infections That Come Along with the Winter
Winter brings with itself cold temperatures and lots of infections, which is why you need to prepare yourself to beat these infections in time.
1. Common Cold
The common cold tops our list; how can we move ahead without discussing it? The common cold, true to its name, is common all year round, and more so in winter. It is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by many different viruses. These viruses spread easily in the cold months as the air is generally dry around this time. So contrary to common beliefs, being in the cold weather does not cause the common cold; it’s the virus(es) outside that makes us fall prey to it, and not the decreasing temperature.
This infection is marked by a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and/or a headache. Kids may even have a fever. These symptoms can last for a few days to a week or two. It is a self-limited infection and doesn’t require medical attention. You can opt for home remedies for colds and take preventive measures, like washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated, and taking ample rest.
2. Strep Throat
Do not confuse a strep throat with a sore throat, because the two are not the same thing. A sore throat is painful but not as painful as a strep throat. A strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils, which is caused by streptococcus bacteria, that lives in your nose and throat.
A strep throat can affect people of all ages but is observed more in children and teenagers. Along with blaming the bacteria and viruses, of course, you can blame the common cold for it too. This infection spreads if you come in close contact with a person who is already a carrier of it. If that person sneezes or coughs, the bacteria is released in the air, which may infect you if you are anywhere close. The symptoms of a strep throat include swollen tonsils, fever, a headache, and stomachache. To cure this infection at the earliest, it is suggested that you seek medical help and drink plenty of water.
3. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a swelling of the tissue lining in the sinuses. The sinuses are a group of connected spaces in your skull, located between your eyes and behind your cheeks, nose, and forehead. If you have a cold, the virus causing the cold can infect your sinuses and result in the inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection usually flares up in winter as the air is dry outside which dries the mucous lining, causing the mucous to thicken; this further results in congestion and infection. Lack of proper ventilation in your house may also cause sinusitis. To make sure you’re not at risk of contracting this infection, stay away from dust and take the necessary steps to avoid catching a cold. Drink gallons of water, eat healthy, and get lots of rest.
4. Bronchiolitis
This viral infection may not affect you but can affect your kids if they are very young, which is why we suggest that you know about this as well. Bronchiolitis usually affects children under the age of two. It’s a respiratory infection which is common during winter. Though there are many viruses that may cause this infection, the main culprit is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); bronchiolitis caused by this virus is highly contagious. Bronchiolitis affects both, the lower respiratory tract - the lungs, and the upper respiratory region - the nose, mouth, and throat. As mucous clogs the airways, your child may find it difficult to breathe properly. Other symptoms of this infection include wheezing, coughing, a fever, and dehydration. It can be treated at home, but if your child is dehydrated or has difficulty breathing, the best thing would be to get him hospitalised.
5. Acute Ear Infection
Winter is also the time when ear infections are common, especially if you are already fighting a cold. The Eustachian tube that runs from the middle of both the ears to the back of the throat drains fluid (made in the middle ear). When this tube gets blocked, the fluid gets accumulated, which leads to an infection. Ear infections are more common in children than in adults. A cold or a sinus infection may result in an ear infection. To beat this infection, treat the cold and its symptoms. However, if the pain worsens, you can hold a warm compress against your ear or take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
6. Influenza
Influenza is more commonly known as ‘flu’ (makes it sound less severe, doesn’t it!). Catching the flu is common during winters and is often ignored because its effects aren’t serious enough to lead to hospitalisation, at least not in adults. It is marked by a cough, a headache, high fever, a sore throat, and muscle pain, and may last for 3-5 days. To recover from the flu quickly, drink fluids (lots of water, preferably warm liquids, like soups) and take rest. Preferably, get a flu shot before its extremely cold to keep the flu at bay.
7. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that causes the inflammation of one or both the lungs. It is more prevalent in winter and can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. You can catch pneumonia if you have a cold or the flu. If you have long-term diseases like a heart problem, cancer, or asthma, then you may be at higher risk of catching pneumonia. Its symptoms include colds, a fever, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, etc., and therefore, should not be ignored. If you face difficulty in breathing, contact your doctor immediately. Do not take it lightly because pneumonia needs treatment!
Preventive Tips for Winter
While you cannot beat the cold and flu at the last minute, you can do something to beat them from biting you in the first place. Try these preventive tips to not fall sick in winter.
Wash your hands, a lot! By washing, we mean using soap, lathering it up for 10 seconds, and then rinsing. Washing your hands frequently can prevent the viruses from transmitting. The virus responsible for the common cold may survive on your hands for up to 3 hours. If you touch your face, nose, or mouth during that time, you could get infected. So wash your hands (thoroughly), a lot more than usual.
Get a good night’s sleep, every night. Set a bedtime routine that you know you will follow. Get at least 8-9 hours of sleep. When your body is well rested, it will heal quickly. So quit checking your Instagram posts before going to bed because they won’t help you stay fit. Get the rest you need!
Stay away from people who have a cold or some other infection. You don’t have to abandon the person completely; you can hang out again once they get better! Staying away from a person in your family with a cold is not possible, but if you avoid using their belongings or sharing plates or spoons with them, you can beat that virus before it breaks you!
Get a flu shot. To prevent catching the flu during winter, getting a flu shot can be the best thing you can do. So, don’t miss it and stay immunized.
Drink water and maintain hygiene to prevent catching a cold.
All these infections can ruin your winter plans and force you to spend your holidays lying sick in bed, so take precautionary measures starting now. Watch out for these infections and their symptoms, and prevent them. Happy holidays, people!
Also Read:
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Winter Skin Care Routine for Your Skin Type
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5 Funny Situations For Women Who Hate Makeup
You are not keen on using cosmetics to look prettier; you prefer the natural look. Indeed, spending time patiently in front of the mirror isn't everyone's cup of tea. But not wearing makeup can land you in situations too hard to not laugh at!
So what if you're different from your friends who love to cake up to look good? You're happy with the beauty that nature has bestowed you with and not interested in spoiling it with makeup. Going makeup free is totally acceptable - or is it? We are sure you’ll find a lot in common with the list that follows—you naturally beautiful lady, you!
Funny Things that Happen to Women Without Makeup
1. You wonder about the queue in the lady’s room
“Hey, what’s happening here?” You utter these words and get funny glances from women touching up their makeup. Be it a discotheque, pub, club, restaurant or wedding hall, you barely get space in the washrooms. These popular places are packed with strangers doing everything possible to keep their mascara, eye liner or lipstick in place. You're obviously the odd one out. After all, HOW can you just come to pee and not fix that lip colour?
2. You're assumed to be a tomboy
While you would rather enjoy your clubbing hours with a squeaky-clean look, you're expected to have all that colourful makeup to make you look ‘feminine.’ More often than not, women without makeup are either assumed to have no knowledge about self-grooming or tagged as a tomboy. Go your way girl; how many have the guts to face people with a no makeup face? Just enjoy your unclogged pores and be proud in your skin!
3. You're kept waiting for hours that seem like forever
You look dazed when your friends seem to go on and on in front of their dressers and ask you to wait. “Just a minute more” is what you keep hearing every other minute till you choose to let go of the count. As a woman not wearing makeup, you find it amusing that there’s so much more to getting ready than merely throwing on some clothes!
4. What are bare-faced selfies?
“Aren’t all selfies meant to be bare-faced?” Ask this and get ready for those slanting looks again. All your pictures, leave alone selfies, are sans makeup. You don't get the fuss about 'bare-faced selfies' and find yourself in an odd place - again. Sigh!
5. Wearing makeup for a natural look?
You just cannot align yourself with the idea that women spend hours and money on cosmetics that make them appear as if they are wearing no makeup. They actually attempt to look ‘naturally beautiful’ by applying sheer toned and ‘go nude’ cosmetics. Whatever they do, they often fail to appear as good as women with natural beauty like you.
Walking around without makeup does need a bit of an adjustment, especially with the way other women look at you. However, there’s no reason whatsoever to join the party if you're not comfy with the idea of looking caked. Go ahead, enjoy your bare looks—not many can flaunt their natural beauty anyway! Read more
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Study Proves Moms Are The Bravest in Coping With Illness - WITHOUT Troubling The Family!
Did you know that on an average moms fall ill around 324 times during their kid’s childhood? Three hundred and twenty four times! The moment your child comes back home with the sound of ‘achoo!’, you know you’re in store for some cough syrups and paracetamol. Children are exposed to infections multiple times in a day and that means that mums too stand a risk of falling ill! But call it a superpower or a motherly instinct, a new study proves that as moms, we are able to cope with illness much better and recover much faster than everyone in the family!
According to a latest survey conducted among moms, 68% women confirmed that they became more susceptible to diseases post having kids! Not just that, many moms say that there are just 13 days per month where they "feel completely fit and healthy".
On an average, a mother suffers from a mandatory annual bout of cough, cold and flu. Not to forget stomach bugs that come twice in a year along with a season of head lice that little ones very lovingly borrow from their friends at school and bring home! Infection is all around and children are easy carriers owing to their developing yet weak immunity. There's a LOT you have to tackle in terms of health every month, and considering the family depends on you for everything from food to care, this is no child's play!
Who Handles Illness Better? Mom v/s Dad
When they say moms are the backbone of the house, it should be taken literally! So, while moms are likelier to fall ill due to bugs transmitted by the children, on the positive side, they are also far better at handling illnesses. Not only are they less likely to be bedridden, but also experience less severe symptoms. Psychologists suggest the innate drive to ensure their child’s protection keeps a mother going. Historically speaking, roles of men and women have always differed. Where a man had to be physically strong to fend for the family, women were primarily caregivers with an an instinct to protect the family members. Mothers are like soldiers of the family. A day without their involvement in the house means a day of chaos! This is what the researchers think explains this behaviour:
"We haven't changed that much and so even now with differing gender roles, women's protective instincts kick in. They care for others (over themselves), whereas men maintain their own physical fitness in order to protect and provide for their families."
In today’s scenario, about 72% women feel they are able to cope with illness better than their partners. For instance, it is usually observed that men appear to experience more severe symptoms of viral flu than women. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers found the hormone estrogen provided additional resistance towards the flu virus. Therefore it was also concluded that men indeed face worse flu symptoms like stuffiness, soreness and runniness than women when faced with a viral infection.
Moms Need a Sick Leave Too!
Although moms are able to handle stress better, it is important to not forget the body does demand rest when it faces some unusual changes. To maintain the continuity of the daily chores and routine, mums don’t pay attention to health and treat a flu as a minor infection and carry on. They refuse to take any external help as they fear this could disturb other family members, however a day of proper help is what they usually require!
Prevention is Always Better Than Cure
We can’t stop kids from being kids but as mothers some preliminary precautions should always be taken to keep health in check!
1. Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Although a mother is on the job 24*7, physical exercise is usually missed out from their daily routine. Ensure including atleast a 45 minutes of daily exercise in your routine. Here are some quick tips to help you get that daily exercise - and yes, walking certainly counts!
2. Rest it Out
It is observed that individuals who who do not get adequate sleep of about 7-8 hours daily are more prone to falling ill. Therefore make sure you get that good night's sleep!
3. Hand Wash Should be a House Rule
Most infections are contagious. Tell your kids to wash their hands properly by rubbing a soap before they eat and after they come back home.
4. Maintain Cleanliness
It always a good idea to use anti viral and bacterial disinfectants to wipe floors and clean door and window handles.
5. Supplement Your Diet
Research shows that people who supplement their diet with adequate vitamins and minerals, tend to have a better immune system. Include multi vitamins and minerals and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Check out these immunity boosting tips shared by our mommy blogger that help both you and the kids to stay healthier!
Mothers surely are the multi taskers and the bravehearts of the family. And now science validates it too - time to feel proud of yourself and the fabulous job you are doing, moms!
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4128958/Women-cope-symptoms-colds-better-men.html#ixzz4W4Ogyeaj Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
15 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
14 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
9 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreAbhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a gynaecologist and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
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