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10 Effective Pregnancy Exercises for Normal Delivery
Physical exercises during pregnancy, contrary to the myths and beliefs of being harmful, are helpful for the mother’s health and increase the probability of a normal delivery. Performed in the right form and intensity, exercising during pregnancy is actually advisable.
Instructions to Follow Before Exercising During Pregnancy
Exercise is essential and very helpful during pregnancy, but a few vital instructions should be followed that can benefit both the mother and baby.
Wear Loose and Comfortable Clothing: This ensures that circulation is not obstructed.
Control the Room Temperature: A room that is too hot or too cold can affect your body temperature and harm the baby.
Drink Plenty of Water: This ensures that you stay hydrated.
Wear Comfortable Footwear: This provides stability.
Warm up with Stretches: Initially doing some stretching exercises helps prevent aches and
Don’t Exert Yourself: Don’t exercise if you are too tired.
Avoid Standing Still For Long Periods: This may lead to pooling of blood and resultant swelling in the lower limbs.
Best 10 Exercises to Do During Pregnancy for a Normal Delivery
Performing exercises based on the phases of pregnancy can help the mother prepare for an easy and normal delivery, without causing any harm to herself and the child.
How to Warm Up
Doing a warm-up helps prepare your body for a workout by making the muscles flexible and reducing stiffness.
Head tilt, both sides – A set of ten repetitions
Head nodding, (up & down) – A set of ten repetitions
Head rotations (both directions) – 1 set of five repetitions
Arm swing rotations (clockwise and anti-clockwise) – A set of ten repetitions
Shoulder rotation movements (clockwise and anti-clockwise) – A set of ten repetitions.
First Trimester Pregnancy Exercises For a Normal Delivery
The first trimester (initial three months) is the most vulnerable period and mothers are advised to avoid any tiring activity, which includes lifting heavy weights, extreme cardio or high-intensity workouts. Gentle exercises are permissible, but only after consulting your doctor.
1. Wall Slide
This exercise is helpful in stabilising your spine and lower abdomen when you experience a backache.
Steps:
Stand with your back against the wall. Bring your feet to the front, away from the wall.
Now, slowly drop your waist so that your thighs are parallel to the floor as if you are sitting on an invisible chair.
Raise your hands above your head and rest them against the wall. Now, slowly pull them down on either side of your head, like you would during a shoulder-press. Repeat for ten counts.
2. Clam Shell
This exercise helps tone the muscles, abs, thighs, buttocks and pelvic floor. As your tummy grows through pregnancy, it is advised to do this exercise with your back against the wall.
Steps:
Start by lying on the floor by your side with flexed knees and an arm below your head and the other supporting your body by touching the ground. Keep your heels one on top of another.
Press your heels together and elevate your leg to the maximum possible height.
Pause for a second and then return to the starting position. Repeat for five counts
Repeat on the other side.
3. Hip Raises / Bridge
This exercise will support the lower back to accommodate the growing belly. It also strengthens the buttocks and helps during labour.
Steps:
Lie flat on the floor with bent knees and place your palms under your hips.
Gradually elevate your hips to bring the torso in line with the shoulders.
Hold for a second and lower down to the initial position.
Walking is necessary during pregnancy, but avoid brisk walking. It helps pregnant women to be more flexible and avoids fat deposits in the body. Walking at least 30 minutes twice a day is adequate. During the first trimester, it is common to have some nausea, so having a light workout routine is highly advised. In the second trimester, the mother feels better, and this is a perfect phase for exercises that would help in an easy delivery.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Exercises For a Normal Delivery
Second trimester (13-27 weeks) or the honeymoon phase is relatively easier because symptoms of vomiting sensation usually resolve by this period. Abdominal cramps are common and movements of the baby are felt easily, as uterine contractions become frequent. Workouts in this phase are usually safe, but better done after a consultation with your doctor.
1. Downward Dog
This exercise is not recommended in late pregnancy, but helps pregnant women in the second trimester to become more flexible and stretch their body.
Steps:
Take a cats posture by tucking the toes and spreading your fingers wide, press the floor with your fingertips.
Bend forward and rest on your feet and palm with your fingers pressing firmly into the floor and forming an “A”.
Bend the right knee and straighten it feeling the stretch.
Bend the left knee and straighten it.
Repeat as many times as you can comfortably.
2. Pelvic Tilt (Or) Angry Cat
This exercise strengthens the pelvis, soothes back pain during pregnancy, helps in labour and works towards easing the delivery process.
Steps:
Get in a cats posture, with flat palms and pointed toes against the floor.
While resting on all fours, bend your head back
Arch your back so that your spine is curved.
Hold the posture and return to the initial position gently
Relax, and then repeat.
3. Lying Cobbler Pose
This helps relax your mind and body during pregnancy while stretching your body and improving flexibility.
Steps:
Lie flat on a floor close to the wall, with legs stretched. Rest your feet on the wall.
Stretch your legs in front of you as you sit on the floor. Use a blanket to sit on if you are uncomfortable
Join the soles of both feet, hold your ankles and pull them close to your pelvis
Relax, but refrain from pushing your knees down to the floor
Exhale as you bend forward as far as possible.
Hold for as long as comfortable, inhale, and sit up slowly
Third Trimester Pregnancy Exercises for a Normal Delivery
In the third trimester, heavy workouts must be avoided, as a heavy and strenuous activity like lifting heavy weights can cause complications like leakage of the amniotic fluid, for instance.
1. Butterfly Pose
This pose widens your hips and eases pain in the lower back.
Steps:
Sit on the ground and bring the soles of your feet together, with the knees pointing outwards.
Grasp your ankles (or feet) and draw your heels as close to your body as comfortable.
Lean forward, hold the position, and breathe deeply.
2. Pelvic Stretches
Exercising the pelvic floor muscles is essential when you are preparing for labour. Kegel exercises for a normal delivery focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. To isolate and exercise these muscles, try stopping the flow of urine without using your abdominal muscles, thighs or buttocks. For slow Kegel exercises, start by sitting with a straight back comfortably on the workout ball.
Steps:
Slow Kegel exercise: Hold the contracted muscles for 3-10 seconds for 10 sets.
Fast Kegel exercise: Contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles 25-30 times before relaxing for five seconds, and perform four sets of exercises
3. Yoga
Yoga during pregnancy for normal delivery is highly recommended for expecting mothers and there are plenty of forms and aasanas that can help increase the flexibility and endurance in an expecting mother. Some aasanas that can be done include:
Yastikasana (Stick pose):
Lie down with your arms stretched above your head and keep your legs straight.
Keep the arms and legs as close to each other as possible.
Hold for as long as it is comfortable.
Vakrasna (Twisted pose):
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you.
Bend your left knee, placing the left foot near the right knee.
Inhale and raise your arms to shoulder height.
Exhale and twist as much as you can comfortably, and grasp your right knee with the right hand. Hold for a while.
Do the exercise in reverse.
Konasana (Angle pose)
Sit comfortably on the floor.
Press the soles of your feet together and draw them towards your body, slowly.
Lean forward as much as you can comfortably
Hold for five breaths
4. Squats
Squats are important, as they help in the contraction and loosening of the pelvic muscle and help reduce delivery pain. Taking position with the support of a gym ball or holder will give a good pressure to the pelvic area and thighs.
Steps
Breathe and bend down to acquire a sitting position.
Wait for a second, and return to your starting position.
Repeat the squat, now keeping your elbows placed inside your thighs, and gently try to open your hips by pushing them back.
Slowly return to the standing position with feet well supported.
Benefits of Exercise for a Pregnant Woman
Exercising in pregnancy offers a range of benefits for the mother and ensures higher chances of normal safe delivery. It also provides the following benefits,
Prevents weight gain
Prepares a mother’s body for a normal delivery
Reduces labour pain
Improves circulation and keeps the heart rate stable
Improves your stamina and makes you more flexible
Helps you recover quickly, post-delivery
Reduces the chances of high blood pressure and pregnancy-induced diabetes
When to Stop Exercise in Pregnancy
Generally, about half an hour of exercise is adequate and recommended. An expectant mother must stop when the following is observed:
Fatigue
Pre-existing blood pressure problems, asthmatic conditions, cardiac disorder, diabetes etc.
Vaginal bleeding
History of a preterm delivery or wasted delivery
Experience augmented contractions shortly after exercising.
A proper exercise routine for pregnant women can be very helpful in making normal delivery more likely, additionally reducing labour time and its pain. To ensure safe practices, one should ask the doctor about exercising in detail and perform the exercises under supervision.
Also Read: Exercises You Should Avoid When Pregnant Read more
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How to Choose and Buy Clothes for Your Baby
Expecting couples tend to make for some excited yet confused shoppers. Putting together a baby’s wardrobe can be quite puzzling and worrying as it is difficult to ascertain the right size which may perfectly fit for a baby. Also, there are so many types of baby clothing available that selection becomes a task. Buying clothes for a baby is not the same as buying clothes for yourself. It is essential to keep a few things in mind while buying baby clothes so that you may get the best thing for your baby.
Essential Baby Clothes You Should Buy
Some of the essential baby clothes that you should buy for your baby can be:
A. 2 to 4 Infant Gowns
These gowns offer easy diaper access and are convenient to wear. They are usually available in soft cotton and hence will keep your baby irritation-free and clean without any hassle.
B. 3 to 6 Bodysuits/Onesies
Bodysuits with side-snap Ts or in kimono style which have a broadhead opening and fairly loose legs for easier dressing are a good buy.
C. 4 to 6 Vests or Undershirts
Vests with snaps at the sides or shoulders which allow wide head opening may be best suited for your baby. Also, undershirts which snap below the crotch are preferable or else they would ride up.
D. 4 to 8 One-piece Pyjamas
One-piece pyjamas also make great daytime clothing for a baby. These are comfortable and your baby would wear it with ease.
E. 2 to 3 Blanket Sleepers
Blanket sleepers are being by preferred by most parents today. Blanket sleepers are a safer and practical alternative to the usual blankets for babies. So go ahead and buy one for your little one.
F. 3 to 5 Pair of Socks and Mittens
You may like getting your baby a few pairs of soft socks to keep him warm and cosy even in summers when the air conditioner is usually running. You can also buy mittens to cover your baby’s hands and to prevent him from scratching himself.
G. 3 to 5 Sweaters or Jackets
Depending on the weather conditions, your baby may require a few sweaters made with soft wool. Select the ones that button up at the front for convenient dressing.
Essential Tips to Shop for Your Baby’s Clothes
Here are some essential tips that will help you buy clothes for your newborn baby:
1. Give Priority to Comfort
While buying clothes for your baby, make sure you pick light, cotton fabric clothes. Babies have sensitive skin which can easily get irritated if they wear synthetic or clothes made of rough fabric. Prioritise your baby's comfort over style when shopping for baby clothes.
2. Keep it Simple
It is tempting to get carried away with fancy baby outfits and accessories. However, they may not be best suited for your baby with regards to his comfort and safety. Ribbons, frills, too many buttons can bother your baby and cause rashes. So, select simple clothes which you can make him wear easily and remove too. Also, ensure to remove all tags that can irritate your baby's delicate skin.
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
During winter months avoid bundling your baby in too many layers of clothing to prevent overheating. For the summer and rainy season, cotton clothes may be your best bet. In case you feel that the temperature is slightly cold, you can always opt for layering.
4. Stock the Essentials
Babies dirty their diapers a lot more times than you can imagine, hence, you will need to change their diapers and outfits too, a few times every day. So, stock up on all the baby essentials. Get an adequate number of baby essentials for the likely messy incidents and spillovers. Invest in mittens, socks, hats and caps, onesies, sweaters and zipper jackets for the winter months.
5. Make a Note of Size and Quantity
Avoid filling your baby’s closet with too many clothes as he will grow quickly and the clothes may not fit him for long. It is desirable to stock up the basics in suitable numbers and keeps purchasing as and when there is a requirement. Read the labels carefully for the size while buying. You can also enlist the help of the shopkeeper to buy appropriate-sized clothes for your baby. The acceptable norm is to buy slightly bigger clothes for your baby rather than fitted ones.
6. Opt for Easy to Wear
Clothes that are supposed to be worn over the head can be unsettling for a baby. Look for styles that do not involve wearing through the head. Preferably choose clothes with broad necks or with buttons and snaps.
7. Easy to Clean Clothes
You may like to buy clothes made of fabric which is easy to clean. Babies regularly spit-out, drool, burp, and poop. So, opt for fabrics that don't retain stains or become spoiled after frequent washing.
8. Buy Basic Things
It is also advised to buy a good supply of accessories like burp clothes and bibs so that you don’t have to change your baby’s clothes every time he spills something on his clothes. Get a ready stock of baby wipes as well.
9. Wearable Blankets
Wearable blankets are a good purchase than the regular blankets. Refrain from selecting anything too fancy or with drawstrings to prevent any strangulation and choking hazard.
10. Changing Mats
Invest in a good quality changing mat for your baby which may prove very handy when stuck in unlikely situations.
Size Guide for Buying Clothes for Your Baby
Clothes of different brands can vary in size. The size of clothes usually depends on the height and weight of the baby. Moreover, babies too have diverse body sizes and shapes.
Baby Cloth Size Chart
The following chart is a wide-ranging guide which may prove useful while buying clothes for your baby:
Age (Up to 12 months)
Weight
Size
Premature or small babies
3 kg
Size 00000
New-borns
4kg
Size 0000
Up to 3 months
6 kg
Size 000
3 to 6 months
8 kg
Size 00
6 to 9 months
10 kg
Size 0
9 to 12 months
12 kg
Size 1
Buying clothes for a baby can be perplexing, but if you know what all the things you need, it will be a fun experience. Remember to not buy too many clothes for your baby as he will grow soon and those clothes won't fit him. So, buy in the appropriate quantity and have a happy shopping experience.
Also Read: Fabric Conditioners for Babies Read more
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Is It Safe to Consume Mussels During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is the time when women have to exercise most caution while choosing what to eat. This is particularly the case for eating certain meats and seafood that carry a higher risk of parasitic infections and heavy metal concentration. Mussels are a delicacy in many coastal countries around the world.
As long as they are cleaned and cooked well, they are tasty, nutritious, and have low mercury content. If you wonder whether to continue eating mussels or add them to your diet during pregnancy, continue reading to find out all you need to know about mussels and pregnancy.
What Are Mussels?
Mussels belong to a class of marine invertebrates called Bivalve mollusks that include other species such as oysters, clams, and scallops. These animals are called filter feeders, meaning they survive by filtering out and feeding on nutrients that flow through the water where they live. Since they have to filter through a large quantity of water to accumulate enough nutrients, they also end up collecting a larger amount of microorganisms in their tissues. Mollusks have been consumed for centuries by humans, and it is advisable to clean them thoroughly with hot water and soap to get rid of the bacteria and parasitic organisms that live in them.
Nutritional Facts of Mussels
Mussels are highly nutritious as they contain a significant amount of micronutrients. The following table gives the nutrient profile of 100g of mussels.
Nutrient
Amount
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
172 kcal
Vitamin B12
24 mcg
Carbohydrate
7.39 g
Riboflavin (B2)
0.42 mg
Fiber
0 g
Thiamin (B1)
0.30 mg
Sugars
0 g
Folate
76 mcg
Fat
4.48 g
Niacin (B3)
3.0 mg
Saturated
0.85 g
Pantothenic acid (B5)
0.95 mg
Monounsaturated
1.01 g
Vitamin C
13.6 mg
Polyunsaturated
1.21 g
Choline
65 mg
Omega-3
0.94 g
Vitamin A
91 mcg
Omega-6
0.18 g
Vitamin E
1.10 mg
Protein
23.80 g
Vitamin B6
0.10 mg
Source: https://www.nutritionadvance.com/mussels-nutrition-benefits/
Is It Safe to Consume Mussels During Pregnancy?
One of the commonly asked questions is, "are mussels safe during pregnancy?" The answer is yes, as long as it is cleaned and cooked thoroughly. Since mussels are filter feeders, they accumulate large microbes, including the Echinococcus and Toxoplasma gondii species. The risk persists in both farmed and mussels caught in the wild.
The concern is primarily around the transmission and subsequent outbreak of protozoans such as Cryptosporidium, which can be harmful to others along with pregnant women. There is also a higher risk of accumulation of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the mussels, which can cause a toxoplasmosis infection with serious outcomes for the fetus.
Safe cleaning and cooking practices need to be followed while preparing dishes out of mussels. They need to be washed with hot soapy water and cooked until the shells burst open. Open shells after cooking are a good sign of thoroughly cooked mussels. Pregnant women should never consume raw or undercooked mussels as there is a high risk of infection from organisms such as Vibrio vulnificus and the microbes, as mentioned above. Before you plan on including mussels in the diet, it is ideal to consult your doctor about the risk and benefits.
When to Consume Mussels in Pregnancy?
Mussels can be consumed at any point during the pregnancy. Most women are still experiencing nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. Therefore, if the smell of seafood triggers nausea, it is best avoided. Regardless of when the mussels are consumed during pregnancy, it is essential to clean and cook them thoroughly. Caution must be used when consuming mussels in a restaurant.
Recommended Intake
The cause for concern when it comes to seafood is the presence of mercury. While shellfishes have very low mercury content, it is ideal to limit consumption during pregnancy. The recommended intake is about two or three servings per week which are about 6 ounces of mussels. If you have other seafood and fish as part of your weekly diet, include mussels in the total seafood quota for the week.
Health Benefits of Consuming Mussels While Pregnant
Mussels are loaded with plenty of micronutrients that are essential for the body. Once you have the go-ahead from your doctor, you can include them in the diet. Here are some of the health benefits of eating mussels:
Mussels are a great source of lean protein that can meet a portion of the daily recommended requirement to help the development of the fetus. Protein is needed to build the body's structures, such as the muscles, cells, and tissues.
Mussels are high in Iron which is needed for the body in greater quantities during pregnancy. The haem iron found in the meat is more readily absorbable and hence a high-quality source of the mineral. Iron is required to make red blood cells as the blood volume in pregnant women increases throughout pregnancy.
Mussels are also a good source of micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for developing the fetus.
Mussels are delicious, so pregnant women who have seafood cravings can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.
Potential Side Effects of Eating Mussels When Pregnant
Mussels also have side effects, especially during pregnancy. Here are some of those:
The biggest concern with mussels has to do with foodborne pathogens. Since these organisms are filter feeders, they accumulate various different microbes and parasitic organisms that can infect humans. Toxoplasmosis is one of the high risks associated with mussels. This parasitic infection can cause serious complications in the developing fetus. Infection caused by the Vibrio Vulnificus bacterium is also of concern as they are commonly found in mussels. Eating raw mussels can cause food poisoning and diarrhea, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is a rarer risk that can cause illness when people consume shellfish contaminated with toxins. The symptoms can begin soon after consumption and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Complete recovery can take up to 3 days.
Raw or undercooked mussels can also harbor Hepatitis A. Jaundice caused by the organism can be transmitted from the mother to the baby, making it a risk.
Mussels are exposed to heavy metal contaminants in the ocean. While mercury, which is the substance pregnant women should be most wary of, is very low in mussels, it can still accumulate in the body with excess consumption.
Ways to Safely Cook Mussels During Pregnancy
Consider these tips before you add mussels to your diet:
Always buy fresh mussels from reputed stores or outlets than going for unknown vendors or harvesting them yourself. You are more likely to be aware of the conditions in which the mussels were farmed if they are bought from a reputed store. Mussels that smell bad or fishy must be avoided.
Avoid purchasing imported mussels as there is no way to tell for sure about the conditions in which they were farmed or the place where they were harvested. Locally farmed mussels are the safest choice as it is possible to check for their standards.
Mussels that are safe for consumption will be closed. Even if the shells are open, they should close with a gentle tap. Avoid buying open mussels or ones with their shells broken.
Wear hand gloves to handle the shells and clean them thoroughly with hot soapy water before preparing them. Ensure that the containers containing the raw and washed mussels are kept far enough to avoid cross-contamination.
The mussels must be cooked thoroughly to kill microbes or parasites for at least 5- 10 minutes using boiling water or steam. The cooked shells must open after the thorough cooking process. Any unopened shells need to be discarded.
Mussels that are steamed in white wine are also safer for pregnant women. The dish should also contain milk or cream that is pasteurized.
Deep-fried mussels are also safe as the high temperature of deep frying would kill the most harmful microbes. Large mussels need to be opened and checked for thorough cooking before being served.
Mussels baked without the shell are safer as they are more thoroughly cooked during the baking process. They also tend to be cleaner compared to their shelled counterparts.
Tinned or canned mussels are the safest as they are thoroughly sterilized as part of the canning process. They are also cooked in the tin, reducing the chances of contamination. Pickled mussels are also safer as they are cooked before being marinated.
Mussels Recipes to Try During Pregnancy
There are dozens of recipes to cook delicious mussels. Here are our top picks:
1. Garlic Butter Mussels
Simple to make and delicious mussels dish.
Ingredients:
Fresh mussels scrubbed and debarred- 3 pounds
Garlic butter- 10 tablespoons
Finely chopped shallots 3/4th cup
6 garlic cloves- minced
Fresh chopped parsley – 4 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Freshly grated lemon peel – 1 tablespoon
Water
Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Method:
Put the mussels into a heavy boiling Dutch oven that has a lid. Add enough water to completely submerge the mussels and place the oven on high heat until it starts boiling. Boil continuously on high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the shells pop open while occasionally stirring the contents. Wait until most shells have opened and discard those that don't
Strain the mussels and store them in a bowl covered in tin foil. Do not discard the water the mussels were boiled in; save it for later use.
Use the same boiling Dutch oven to heat the butter over a medium flame. Add the shallots into the molten butter and then the garlic and sauté the mixture for three to five minutes until it becomes tender.
Next, add three teaspoons of parsley, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Pour the water, in which the mussels were boiled, back into the Dutch oven along with the mussels.
Continue to boil the mixture on medium heat for ten to fifteen minutes until the taste is satisfactory. Add some of the freshly ground pepper and season with a tablespoon of parsley before serving.
2. Steamed Mussels in Tomato Broth
This simple and yet delicious mussels dish has a tangy twist of tomatoes.
Ingredients:
Extra virgin olive oil – 1 teaspoon
4 cloves of garlic- finely chopped
6 ripe plum tomatoes- coarsely chopped
Water
Scrubbed and de-bearded mussels – 3 pounds
Freshly chopped parsley- 2 teaspoons
Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Method:
Place a Dutch pot over low heat and pour oil over it, and wait till the oil gets hot. The pot needs to have a tight-fitting lid to enable boiling and retaining the flavors. Add garlic to the oil and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and turn up the heat to cook them for a while. Stir the tomato mix every minute or so to ensure even cooking. Add a little water and continue to boil.
Add the freshly cleaned mussels to the tomato broth and cover the lid tightly. Allow the mussels to boil and steam in the tomato broth for 15 minutes or more until the shells open up. Stir at regular intervals to mix uniformly and spread the heating all around. Stop cooking once most, if not all, of the shells have opened. Discard the unopened mussels.
Serve the mussels with the tomato broth with sprinkled parsley on top.
Mussels are delicious seafood items that you can include in your weekly quota of seafood. They are an excellent source of lean proteins and are loaded with plenty of essential nutrients. It is important to thoroughly clean the mussels and cook well to ensure they are safe to consume.
Also Read:
Eating Crab while Pregnant
Eating Shrimp in Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Eat Prawns during Pregnancy? Read more
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App That! 5 Apps Working Moms Need
Technology can be both a friend and a lifesaver. There are a number of top apps for working moms, which can help restore sanity and keep you organised. These savvy apps are easy to operate and don't require that extra effort. Are you ready to be impressed?
Are you the kind of mom who needs help staying organised? There are a number of amazing phone apps to help you on your journey as a mom and a professional. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.
5 Apps which Help Working Moms Stay Sane
Net nanny
Mothers should keep a tab on what their children view online. To ensure this, install Net Nanny on your phone. You're not alone, moms! Schools use this app to great effect. It gives you the necessary control to check how your kids use the Internet. Be assured that if your kids watch things they shouldn't, you would know that. It is one of the best apps for working moms who want to know what their kids are up to.
Calorie counter
Is your hectic schedule making you eat unhealthy everyday? If yes, then this app will help you keep a track on the amount of calories you consume per meal.So, when you log into the app it keeps a tab on what you’re eating. It also has the ability to scan the food package barcode and give you a heads up of the calories you'd consume. This app will help you make wise eating choices when you're on the move.
iSlick
This app is perfect for working moms who don’t have time to shop at a mall. This online shopper app will give you the lowdown on all the best deals, sales, and discounts. Real-time alerts on the app will keep you ahead of the game when it comes to online shopping. You don't have to worry about scouring online for deals. Great app, right?
Mint.com Personal Finance
This personal finance app is great for working moms who need to keep a check on their money.The app helps you categorise all transactions made by you. It'll help you keep a check on your savings account, investments, and credit. It can efficiently help you budget expenses for the month. This is one of the best apps you can download. This is among the top apps for working moms.
Stylish Girl
Who said working moms don’t have to be concerned about maintaining a personal style?If you feel that you never have anything to wear to work, this app will help you make swish sartorial choices. All you need to do is click pictures of your wardrobe and upload it to your own virtual closet. You can then use the app to mix and match styles to create different looks. If you have a date with hubby, this app will help you choose the sexiest one in your closet. Have no fear! This is definitely among the best Android apps for working moms.
These Android and iPhone apps for working moms are pure life-savers. Play around with a few of them before you settle on a specific app. If you need help navigating them, ask for help. You'll be quite amazed at how organised and sane life will become. Read more
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New Mom Kareena Kapoor Shares 5 Really Sad Ways We Judge Mothers, and Why It Is Grossly Unfair
Right from the moment a woman gets married, or perhaps even before that, judgment from society keeps flowing in! No one is immune to it – not us, not our fellow moms, not celebrity moms. In India, we hold tremendous respect for the ‘mother’ – the one who brings a new into the world. But the mother is also the one for whom we reserve the most biting of remarks and criticism! In a recent interview, Kareena Kapoor Khan lashed out at everyone who judges a new mother for some totally unreasonable things!
Even though he is only a few months old, Kareena Kapoor’s baby, little Taimur, has already experienced a taste of how the world functions. There was a huge furore over Baby Taimur’s name and how his parents could possibly choose it. But it didn’t stop there. The ball of criticism keeps rolling, from parenting decisions to how much time we spend with the baby, to how we behave as mothers.
Recently, Bebo talked about five really unfair things we mothers get judged for in India. We love how she busts every one of them, true to the spirit of the modern Indian woman who refuses to abide by something her heart does not believe in!
1. The ‘Right Age’ to Have a Baby
All of us have experienced this one at some point or the other. The ‘alarm’ from well-meaning relatives and neighbours when we are still not married at 30. The ‘meaningful’ questions about ‘whether there is a problem’ when we don’t have a baby within the first two years of marriage. The pressure to have a baby at what society thinks is the right age is immense, especially in India. Kareena too experienced a fair share of this when she got married. But as long as you are healthy and fit, she thinks the decision should be yours alone! It should be based on when you feel prepared, NOT when everyone else thinks is the right time!
“Everyone has an opinion in India, especially when it concerns women. `Hey, you’re old enough to be married.’ `Oh, you must have a baby now. It’s the right age.’
These statements don’t resonate with me. I know that people in the West reproduce even when they’re well past their 40s. When you want to have a baby should be your choice!”
2. 45 Days Confinement Period / Returning to Work
The confinement period after childbirth has been an intrinsic part of the Indian culture, and many communities still follow it. It was initially started to make sure the new mother got ample rest, nutrition, and protection from any irritants/germs in the outside world. Very often, new mothers are served bland and tasteless food at this time and even not allowed to leave their room. However, adhering to this confinement period may not be either an option or a choice for today’s modern Indian mother.
We, as new moms, ensure we look after our health and follow the doctor’s advice to get adequate nutrition for ourselves and our baby. However, if we want to get back to our feet, or return to work, before the 45 days period is over, how can someone else seal the decision for us? Is it fair to forcibly confine us to a room even when medical advice doesn’t require or recommend it, and criticise us if we disobey?
“Yes, I was on my feet a few days after the delivery, but it’s upsetting to have people judge you for it. No one has the right to comment on how I conduct myself or what sort of a mother I am. How can anyone decide if I can step out before 45 days? If I’m spoken about like that, what would it be like for other women?”
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3. Postpartum Depression
The period after delivery can sometimes be even more challenging than the nine months of pregnancy. This is a period when many new mothers suffer from postpartum depression (PPD), or an intense feeling of sadness and tearfulness, often caused by hormonal imbalance. However, there are many women who manage to recover quicker than others and get back on their feet soon after delivery. Isn’t it crazy to expect that every new mom will go through a period of PPD and remain ‘low’ and ‘sombre’ after childbirth? Not only is this ignorant, but also terribly unfair to the many women who actually go through this serious mental health concern.
“Postpartum depression is not a must, right? It’s whimsical to generalise that every woman goes through that phase, almost making it sound like a norm. Every pregnancy and every mother’s journey with her child during those nine months and afterwards is different. You can’t draw parallels. No one out there really knows me or what I am feeling at a given time. How can anyone decide on my behalf whether I am supposed to feel depressed?”
4. Sharing Mommy Experiences on Social Media
In today’s internet-savvy generation, social media is our best friend. That’s where we meet other new moms, share our baby’s pictures, and stay connected with friends and relatives. It is a delight for many of us to share our experiences of motherhood with the other people in our life. However, if some of us do not frequently post about our baby on social media, does that mean we don’t love our baby?! Is it necessary to be over-effusive about parenting and raising kids and share every detail of our life with other people?
“Just because I’m elusive and my husband and I are not on social media talking about our emotions on an hourly basis, people take the liberty to put out stories about my child and me. What kind of a mother I am is something that will unfold with time. I will not scream from rooftops about experiencing motherhood or how much I love Taimur.”
5. Weight Loss after Pregnancy
Finally, this one is perhaps the most taxing and distressing of all judgment we face as new mothers. “Oh, how much weight you have put on! How will you ever lose it?!” – so say the very people who congratulated us on how ‘big’ we looked during pregnancy. Why is the pressure to bounce back after delivery so immense, when all of us know it takes time, patience and effort? Celebrity moms like Kareena actually have it worse, even though we assume they have fitness trainers and the money to make it possible quickly. In reality, celeb moms are criticised both for losing AND for not losing baby weight! While the former is seen as a sign of ‘focusing too much on oneself’, the latter becomes ‘unattractive and not glamorous anymore’!
“It was annoying to read reports about my fitness regimen and the way I’m losing weight. My aim is not just to lose the weight I have put on. I don’t want to do it overnight. It may take long, but I want to feel light, happy and energetic throughout the process. As a couple, we don’t share details of our lives with the world at large. So, I will not clarify what we do, how I plan to lose weight or what I do with my baby.”
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How To Deal With Judgment As a New Mom
How many of the above experiences have you faced in your journey as a new mom? Society may be evolving and people may be getting more educated and broad-minded; however, these criticisms and opinions passed on new mothers still prevail!
Dealing with such pressures can be emotionally and physically draining. The best way to deal with them is to get tuned to your own instincts as a mother and as a woman. Our instincts never lie, and know just what is best for us and for our baby. Don't give in to demands of behaving like a perfect mother. The pressure of judgment may forever remain, no matter what you do. But, as Bebo puts is beautifully, doing what you think is right makes all the difference.
“There’s always the pressure of being judged, no matter what you do. It’s about how you deal with it. I enjoyed my pregnancy, and I will enjoy my life on MY terms.” Read more
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts hi I am at 35 th week 2 days and my baby weight is 1.880 I saw few video in that video they said baby weight would be above 2 kg is that any problem ? my baby weight is okay or not
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
14 hours ago
A. Hello mom every baby is different as every pregenancy as well too , so please avoid stress as it wouldnt be good to take that tension please have a healthy diet , and keep your self hydrated
Dr Bandana Joshi has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 m old child
14 hours ago
Q. can I bring 3 month old baby with me to the office.is there any physical harm with the baby
Dr Bandana Joshi
Ayurvedic Physician
13 hours ago
A. Better to avoid as they are so many people in office and you can’t ask everyone to sanitise the hands but if for particular occasion you are planning to taue the baby to office then you can plan
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. my mother died 9 years ago. Now I am 8 month pregnant(32 week).my due date is June 25.I am planning my delivery in hospital near to my home since this is my first pregnancy.I have only father and unmarried brother in my home.If there is emergency I don't have any female to support. Does hospitals allow male bystander during delivery. what should I do if I don't have any female support. My aunt live far from our home.
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. yes. males can come. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
36 mins ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
34 mins ago
A. ok cse vsmall babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
24 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
24 mins ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
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