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Ways To Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy
For thousands of years, people have been determining infertile days or safe periods for intercourse to avoid pregnancy. Once you understand the menstrual cycle and what happens in each phase, you can calculate safe days with higher accuracy. The premise behind a safe period calculator is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy naturally, without any side effects.
What is a Safe Period (Unfertile Period)?
‘Safe period’ refers to the days when a woman has reduced chances of getting pregnant. So, if you do not want a baby and do not want to use contraceptives either, this is the time you should have sex with your partner.
Biologically speaking, this is the time whenthe egg is not present to be fertilised. If you have intercourse when there is no egg, you cannot get pregnant because this is the unfertile period in a menstrual cycle.
For most women, ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstruatal cycle starts. It is not easy to know exactly when you would start your next menstrual cycle . However, if your periods are mostly regular, it is easy to calculate the days of ovulation. To do this, you need to use the date of the previous menstrual cycle as a starting point. It is important to note that an egg can be fertilised only four days before ovulation and three days after ovulation. In other words, this is not the safe period, and so, you should avoid intercourse during this period.
Why Should You Calculate Your Safe Period?
Calculating your safe period is advantageous because it will help you understand what days it is favourable to have sex without protection and with no pregnancy scares. Knowing how to calculate your safe period is essential if you do not wish to have a child right away. However, more importantly, safe period calculation is a great method of birth control because it does not involve ingesting hormonal birth control pills, using an IUD, or hormone injections which can have different effects on different women, ranging from extreme mood swings to weight gain and other problems that hamper one’s well-being.
How to Calculate Your Safe Period to Avoid Pregnancy
To calculate your safe days, you need to understand the various phases of the menstrual cycle.
Phases of the Cycle
The menstrual cycle can be divided into three phases: the follicular phase (pre-ovulation phase), the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase (post-ovulation phase). The duration of each phase varies from woman to woman. However, the average menstrual cycle is believed to be 28 days. The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Let’s look at what happens in each phase.
1. The Follicular Phase / Proliferative Phase
The follicular phase occurs before ovulation. In this phase, the maturation of the follicles in the ovary takes place. This phase ends with ovulation. In this stage, estradiol is the hormone at work, and the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is secreted.
2. The Ovulation Phase
It is in the ovulation phase that a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum (also known as an egg). The time just before and after ovulation is usually referred to as the ovulation phase. A woman could get pregnant on the days she is ovulating.
3. The Luteal Phase / Secretory Phase
The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle. It is marked by the creation of the corpus luteum and terminates in either pregnancy or degradation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure that helps produce oestrogen and progestogen. The body needs oestrogen and progestogen to maintain the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus.
The safe days for a woman after a period depend on the lifespan of both the sperm and egg. In most cases, ovulation happens on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle if the menstrual cycle is of average length (28 days). The ovulation time varies for each woman and can occur from the 12th day to the 19th day of the cycle. A sperm usually lives for 3 to 5 days in the reproductive tract. Therefore, it is possible to become pregnant unprotected sex is had five days before ovulation. The lifespan of the egg is quite short- only about 24 hours. If fertilisation does not occur within that time frame, the egg will die.
Safe Period Chart to Avoid Pregnancy
Here is a quick look at the breakup of safe days and unsafe days which simplifies the calculation for you and explains how to count your safe days:
Safe times using the calendar method
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Start of period 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Safe Days
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Unsafe days
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Unsafe Days
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Safe Days
Start of period 29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Safe Days
When to Have Sex to Avoid Pregnancy
1. What Is a Safe Period to Have Sex?
A thumb rule – If you are having sex, you can get pregnant! Despite all calculations and theories, there is no definite way to determine when a woman will ovulate, so many factors come into play. Most women ovulate 12 to 14 days before they begin their period, but some women ovulate at a different time. So, figuring out when it is safe to have sex yet avoid pregnancy is quite a guessing game.
2. How Long Is a Safe Period?
Based on their experiences, many women believe that it is safe to have sex and avoid getting pregnant just after their period starts or before it begins. Beware, fluctuating hormones and changing schedules can make these calculations inaccurate. As a general rule, if your cycle is a regular one (28 days), then the seven days before your period should be the safe period. But do not forget that this calculation works only if your periods are regular. Here’s what a missed period may mean.
3. How to Calculate the Time of Ovulation?
Safe period and ovulation are related because safe days are calculated based on ovulation. According to the popular Safe Period Calculator method, day 1 to day 7 are safe and unfertile in a regular menstrual cycle which lasts 26 to 32 days. This takes into account the premise that the lifespan of the sperm in the reproductive canal is 3 to 5 days. This method calculates that ovulation occurs onthe 19th day. Therefore, fertilisation can occur until the 20th day of the cycle. Since all these calculations are an approximation, and the results can vary from woman to woman.
This calculation is adjusted to reflect WHO (World Health Organization) data that shows that approximately 80% of menstrual cycles range between 26 to 32 days.
Different Methods to Calculate Safe Period
Here are some methods you can use to calculate your safe period:
Safe Period Calculator or Menstrual Cycle Calculator
Cycle calculators are accurate in most cases. However, many people find these calculators and apps very complex. Also, most of the information that they ask to calculate the infertile period, - for example, months of data about body temperature, cervical mucus and dates of menstruation - may not be readily available with every woman. Put simply, to use these calculators, you would need data about your periods as well as body temperature handy. Therefore, many people prefer using simpler period calculators like the ones below, which do not ask for months of data but still give accurate results.
1. Avoid Your Fertile Days
Avoid your fertile period. Remember, safe days depend on different cycle lengths. The following table lists the most fertile days for various cycle lengths. If you do not want to get pregnant, you need to avoid intercourse on the following days:
Length of Cycle
Most Fertile Days
24 days
Days 5 to 10 of the cycle
28 days
Days 9 to 14 of the cycle
30 days
Days 11 to 16 of the cycle
35 days
Days 16 to 21 of the cycle
2. Calculate When You Are Less Likely to Get Pregnant
Keeping track of your periods for at least six months will help you map your fertile days.
Step 1:
Use this formula: Subtract 18 days from the total days of your shortest cycle. Using the resulting number, count from the first day of your next period and mark that date on your calendar.
Step 2:
Subtract 11 days from your longest cycle. Using that number, count forward from the first day of your next period. Mark that date on the calendar.
Step 3:
Your most fertile period is between those marked dates. It should be safe to have unprotected sex any time other than on those dates. However, bear in mind that sperm live up to 4 days, so count four days on either side as risky too. Note that this only works if your periods are regular.
3. Who Can Use the Safe Period Calculator?
You need to ask your doctor about the efficiency of natural family planning methods. The doctor will do a check-up and let you know if these would be effective for you. Use the safe period calculator as a natural birth control method only after your doctor gives the go-ahead.
If your menstrual cycle is regular and falls in the average range of 26 to 32 days and if the variation between your longest cycle and your shortest cycle is about seven days, you should be reasonably safe using the safe period calculator method as birth control.
4. Who Cannot Use the Safe Period Calculator?
Applying the same rule as above–if you are in the regular 26-day to 32-day cycle and the variation between your longest and your shortest cycle is more than eight days, then it would be risky to use this method.
Do remember that because of hormonal changes, it would be wiser to wait for six months after childbirth to use this method.
Also, because of erratic cycles, this method is not suitable for teenagers or women on the verge of menopause. This method might not work for women who have erratic cycles because of conditions like PCOS and hormonal imbalance.
5. Examples of Calculating Safe Periods
Calculating a safe period can be confusing. Here are two examples of calculating the same.
Take the example of a woman who has 24 days between 2 menstruating cycles. This means that her ovulation would be ten days after the first day of her last period. Based on this (24 minus 14) calculation, her safe period would be from day one to day six after her last period and from day thirteen to her next period.
Let’s take another example of a woman who has 32 days between 2 menstruation cycles. Her ovulation would be 18 days after her last period. Based on this calculation (32 minus 14), her safe period would be from day one after the last period to day 14 and from day 21 to the next period.
Safety: Women with regular menstruating cycles have an 85% safety ratio for not getting pregnant in 12 months. However, the success rate depends on how well you calculate the safe period and how religiously you follow it.
Handy Technology: In today’s world of technological advancement, there are numerous apps available that can help you chart your menstrual cycle, calculate your infertile days and store all this data for your quick reference!
There are many tools like a menstrual cycle calculator that are available. These tools will give you a rough estimate of your ovulation period. As a result, you can calculate ovulation as well as the safe period with higher accuracy and greater ease.
Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness-based Methods)
Your body demonstrates various signs in the ovulation phase. If you recognise these signs and avoid sex when you see these signs, you can avoid pregnancy. This is also called natural family planning.
Various fertility awareness-based methods are:
1. Basal Body Temperature Method
Charting your basal body temperature is quite easy. To put it simply, what you do is take your temperature first thing every morning and plot it on a chart.
Some women experience a drop in body temperature when they are ovulating.
If you see a temperature shift that lasts for at least three days or occurs at the end of your cycle, you can draw a line between your follicular phase and luteal phase temperature. You might also observe a clear shift and be able to track the path between the lowest luteal phase BBT and the highest follicular phase BBT.
Analyse the chart at the end of the month to find the pattern.
Create such a chart for 3-6 months to see a clear pattern.
If your temperature does not come down for more than 18 days, we recommend you do a pregnancy test at home or see a doctor.
2. Charting Basal Body Temperature
Keep these 4 rules in mind when charting your basal body temperature:
First 5 days rule: For the most part, you can assume that you are infertile during the first five days of your menstrual cycle. This may not be accurate if you have had a cycle that was shorter than 25 days. To determine this, track your menstrual cycle for about six months.
Dry day rule: You might be infertile on the day you don’t observe any cervical fluid.
Peak plus 4 rule: Your infertile period starts on the 4th evening after your most fertile cervical fluid (CF). This is when your CF becomes infertile again, and there is a clear BBT shift.
Temp plus 3 rule: You might be infertile on the evening of the 3rd day after your BBT shift.
Women with regular menstruating cycles have an 85% safety ratio for not getting pregnant. However, the success rate depends on how well you calculate the safe period and how religiously you follow it.
Once you figure out how to track the signs of fertility, you can safely indulge in unprotected sex during the infertile period. If you think you are at risk of being fertile, use protection or abstain.
It is important to remember that no method is fool-proof. While most of the methods are accurate and time-tested, hormonal ups and downs in a woman’s body can make your calculations go awry. It’s best to follow the golden rule: when in doubt, assume you’re fertile.
3. Cervical Mucus / Ovulation Method
The colour of cervical mucus changes when you are ovulating. Note the colour of cervical mucus every day. A change in colour would indicate that you are in the ovulation phase.
Here is how you can interpret your cervical mucus:
The flow masks the mucus during menstruation.
No mucus is produced for a few days after menstruation. These ‘dry days’ are safe days.
When the ovum ripens for the next cycle, mucus production increases. It appears yellow, white, or cloudy, and feels sticky.
Clear, slippery mucus which is stretchable indicates the most fertile days of the cycle.
A few ‘dry days’ after clear mucus indicates the onset of the next period.
4. Sympto-thermal Method
A combination of multiple methods, this involves tracking ovulation symptoms like pain in the abdomen, heaviness and tender breasts, in addition to body temperature and the colour of the mucus. Using different methods simultaneously ensures that the safe days are predicted with greater accuracy.
5. Cycle Beads App
The Cyc leBeads smartphone app is available for both Android and iPhone users. It is based on the highly effective family planning method of the same name.
Enter the start date of your most recent period.
The screen will show you where you are in your menstrual cycle and the chances of pregnancy on that day.
This method is most effective for women with a menstrual cycle from 26 days to 32 days.
Women with a cycle falling outside this range should use a different method of family planning.
Here is how to use the cycle beads:
On the first day of the period, place a rubber ring in the red bead.
Move the band over the beads in the direction of the arrow.
The brown beads indicate safe days. The white beads indicate unsafe days.
6. Standard Days Method
Similar to the calendar method, this method involves tracking your cycle for eight to ten continuous cycles and is effective only if your cycle is more than 27 days.
Here is how you can predict safe days using this method:
Consider the shortest cycle for the calculation of the first fertile day.
Subtract 18 from the total number of days.
Use the result to count from the first day of your cycle to mark the first fertile day.
Consider the longest cycle for the calculation of the last fertile day.
Subtract 11 from the total number of days.
Use the result to count from the first day of your cycle to mark the last fertile day.
When you have identified your first and last fertile days, it is easy to track the safe sex days too.
Standard assumptions:
Sperm lives for 4-6 days in the reproductive tract and can fertilise an egg during this period.
Only one egg is released per cycle and lives for 24 hours, during which time it can be fertilised.
The most fertile period is 7 days before ovulation and 3-4 days after your period.
How Effective Are Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) to Avoid Pregnancy?
Because of many variable factors, the safe-days method is not 100% reliable. Some women trust this method completely. Hormonal changes (that you are not aware of) and irregular periods can cause errors in calculating the infertile period. Condoms are the easiest option, but if you dislike using then the next best choice is oral contraception.
FAMs will work only if:
You are meticulous with the safe period calculation and follow it accurately.
Your partner is willing to follow the safe-days-only sex method.
You use other forms of contraception on your fertile days.
What Are the Advantages of Using Fertility Awareness Methods to Avoid Pregnancy?
If used correctly, FAMs can give you reasonable protection from an unwanted pregnancy.
Some advantages of using FAMs are:
No expense
No medication, therefore no side effects
Greater understanding between a couple
Some religious beliefs do not allow artificial contraception, so safe days method is a preferred option
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Fertility Awareness Methods to Avoid Pregnancy?
Difficult to implement if your partner is unwilling to follow this method
No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Some medicines (even over-the-counter ones) can cause errors in calculation
Sometimes the tracking of periods becomes cumbersome and calculations can be inaccurate because of hormonal changes
Things to Remember About Having Sex During the Safe Period
First and foremost, there is no such thing as a 100% safe period
It works best if your periods are regular because fluctuating cycles can cause an aberration
If your menstrual cycle days fluctuate by more than eight days in a six- month period, the safe day calculation will not work.
Sometimes you might need to use emergency contraceptive pills to avoid a pregnancy
Other Ways to Have Sex Without Worrying About Getting Pregnant
Looking for other ways to have sex without worrying about conception? We’ve got you covered.
1. Use a Condom
The easiest method of contraception, condoms also protect you from STDs.
2. Try New Positions, Places and Tricks
Spice upthings by having intercourse in different positions and at different places in the house!
3. Invest in Sex Toys
With couples shedding their inhibitions in the bedrooom, it is easy to find a sex toy which you both love. Choose from vibrators, dildos and more for a pleasurable experience.
4. Sexy Foreplay
Engage in a game of strip poker or invent a game of your own to add an element of fun to foreplay.
The FAM is one method of birth control, but it comes with its disadvantages. So, make sure you are vigilant and thorough with your calculations to avoid an accidental pregnancy.
Also Read:
Calendar Based Methods of Contraception
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period? Read more
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Can Twin Babies Sleep Together?
Being parents is a tough job itself and having twins is like stepping up the challenge without asking for it. A lot of things need to be re-thought once you have more than one baby at the same time, right from feeding them to taking care of them and getting them to sleep as well. Most parents wonder can twins sleep in the same crib or should they have separate beds or separate rooms to grow up in. The future decisions of rooms can be taken once they grow up, but as babies having them sleep together is a coin which has two sides, benefits and risks.
Should your Newborn Twins Sleep Together?
The answer to this question has several parts and a lot of dependencies as well. Generally, when the kids are newborns, then having the twins to separate together is generally not an issue. The movements of the babies are restricted anyway and there are fewer chances they would end up disturbing the other. This works even when one child is crying and the other is sleeping since the infant sleep cycles are pretty deep and they tend to sleep through rather easily. However, as your twins start growing up, then the chances of one disturbing the other begin to increase, and you might have to rethink your decision of keeping them together.
Benefits of Making Twins Sleep Together
Having your twins together in the same crib or the same room has a lot of benefits for the babies and for you as well.
Both babies will require a lot of care and attention throughout. Having them in the same room and in close proximity will make things easier for you, than having them apart and spreading everything all around.
Having twins together works to their benefit a lot, especially if they have been born during a colder season. Their combined body heat keeps them warm and comfortable and helps develop an early bond between them.
The touch of a human and the smell makes the entire environment cosy for the babies, just as it does for us.
Having grown up in the womb together, the twins do have an awareness of each other and find it comfortable and safe to know that they are in the presence of a known entity and tend to be calmer.
Disadvantages of Making Twins Sleep Together
For a baby, having a companion is one of the best things to happen to him. However, the twins might begin to have some problems when they are together, especially as they start growing up.
Not each child will be the same as the other. One might sleep peacefully while the other might keep moving around a lot. This could disturb the other’s sleep and irritate him.
Improper ways of sleeping together under a blanket could increase the risks of making it too hot for them or even end up suffocating them, making it difficult to breathe.
With a growing age, the space for each one will start getting smaller and uncomfortable for them to be in a constricted area all the time.
Should Twins Co-Sleep in the Same Cot?
Co-sleeping in the same cot works towards the benefit of the twins, especially in the newborn stage. The initial sense of security and comfort is extremely essential for a baby when he enters a new unknown world. The presence of the twin can make the baby feel like being in a womb all over again, and keep each other calm. This can change as the twins grow up and you might have to switch them to separate beds.
The switching could be your own decision or you could take it once the babies start making it evident themselves. This can manifest in incessant crying, or one baby accidentally hitting the other, or a general sense of discomfort throughout.
Risks of Sharing a Crib for Twins
With twins sleeping together, SIDS is a very valid risk that you might be exposing your babies to. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is usually the reason why parents are advised to keep their baby in a separate crib, and not have him sleep in the same bed as themselves. However, this applies to twins sleeping together as well, since conditions might arise where the babies sleep in a weird position, which could end up restricting the supply of oxygen to either baby and lead to death by suffocation.
When to Make Twins Sleep Separately?
Having a large crib works to your advantage if you have twins. This allows them to stay together for a longer duration as they will have enough space within the crib. However, if you start seeing signs where the babies end up hitting each other due to their reflexive kicking and hand movements, or you begin to feel that space itself has gotten a little constricted, the time is ripe. Move your baby into separate cribs, but do ensure they spend some time together throughout the day.
Helpful Tips to Make Twins Sleep Together
There are a few tips parents can be aware of when they feel overwhelmed and challenged by having twin babies who sleep together.
Don’t worry if one twin starts crying while the other is sleeping. There is no need to rush because the other baby will rarely wake up due to the cries.
Try to sync together the feeding and sleeping cycles of the twins. This gives you enough time to catch your own sleep as well.
When separating the twins into separate cribs, keep them close nevertheless and choose designs in such a way that they can still see and hear each other.
Establish a fixed routine for both the babies as much as possible.
Use a light blanket for the babies since their combined body heat will keep them warm enough.
When figuring out for how long do twins sleep together, there is no conclusive answer. As long as each baby has enough space for itself and is comfortable where it is, the twins can be together. Having a companion to grow up with is a rarity and your twins will soon have an unbreakable bond between them that will be cherished for life.
Also Read:
15 Spellbinding Facts about Twins
Helpful Tips to Take Care of Newborn Twins
Siamese Twins(Conjoined Twins) Read more
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Taking Letrozole (Femara) for Treating Infertility in Women
Letrozole is an oral medication used to treat infertility in women. If you have been trying to conceive for a long time now and failing repeatedly, your doctor might prescribe you letrozole. Earlier, letrozole was used for treating cancer in the breast tissue. However, nowadays, this medicine is given to treat fertility issues in women.
What Is Letrozole?
In strict medical terms, letrozole is a non-steroidal medication. It is consumed orally and functions as an aromatase inhibitor. This inhibition helps in reducing estradiol levels in the body, which allows the follicle-stimulating hormone to rise and follicles in the ovaries to grow readily.
Who Should Take Letrozole?
Not all women with fertility problems will be recommended a dose of letrozole. Usually, letrozole is prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many other disorders that affect the ovulation cycle of a woman are met with an administration of letrozole. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe the medication if the cause of infertility has not been determined conclusively.
How Does Letrozole Work?
Many women may feel bloated after taking letrozole medication. This makes it important to understand how letrozole works in a woman's body.
Letrozole is typically an aromatase inhibitor, which means that it blocks any kind of aromatase activity within the body. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for the production of oestrogen hormone in the body. Once this drug enters a woman's body, the cycle of converting androgens to oestrogen is halted in its path. As the oestrogen levels drop in the body, this is sensed by the pituitary gland, which is responsible for maintaining optimal hormone levels at all times. In order to balance the reduced oestrogen, the gland secretes the follicle-stimulating hormones to increase oestrogen. The effect of generating FSH is multifold, as it also affects the ovaries causing them to be stimulated and generate an egg. At times, higher FSH could cause a woman to release more than one egg as well.
Ovulation begins and reaches a peak once the dose is completed. Engaging in sexual intercourse at this stage can help increase the chances of natural conception substantially and achieve pregnancy.
How to Take Letrozole for Treating Infertility
Doctors usually recommend women to take around 2.5mg letrozole for improving fertility. The dosage usually lasts for 5 days to a week, if a tablet is taken every day. The right time to start taking letrozole is on the third or fourth day of your menstrual cycle. When you take it for 5 days in a row, ovulation usually kicks in and continues for about four days to a week after the course is completed.
What Is the Success Rate of Fertility With Letrozole?
The effectiveness of this medicine is difficult to determine as a successful conception depends on a variety of factors. However, after administering letrozole, a substantial improvement in ovulation is observed in women. Most women get pregnant after beginning with letrozole course and deliver their babies successfully. Women with PCOS or other ovulatory disorders may benefit from this medicine successfully.
Risks and Side Effects of Taking Letrozole for Infertility
While letrozole does have its benefits in countering instances of infertility in various women as well as helping most of them achieve improved ovulation cycles, there are a bunch of risks and side effects that might occur as a result of its intake. In most cases, letrozole is not recommended for long term usage due to the possibility of birth defects.
The primary action of letrozole is to stop the conversion of androgens to oestrogen, which causes the levels of the hormone to fall within the body. While the pituitary gland does stimulate the ovaries to counter this fall, the effect of oestrogen reduction can be observed easily. Women may experience instances of dizziness or headaches as a result of it. At times, hot flashes may occur and a few women may have tender and sensitive breasts more than usual.
The alternative to letrozole is clomiphene. However, the side effects of the drug range from mood fluctuations to a substantial impact on the lining of the uterus and on the mucous covering the cervix. While letrozole does not cause such effects, it does tend to cause leg cramps in some women. Thankfully, the cramps and headaches subside once the course is completed.
Since letrozole is taken for conception, there is a rare chance that a woman would be on birth control pills at the same time. In the rarest of the rare cases, any medication with letrozole is bound to react with the pills and reduce their effect. Similarly, women attempting to get pregnant during their breastfeeding phase should not take letrozole since it can find its way into the baby’s body and disturb his hormones.
Earlier, letrozole was attributed to being responsible for birth defects in children. But this was later observed to be in cases where women would continue to take letrozole even while breastfeeding the child, causing toxic reactions in the baby as well as the formation of physical anomalies in the development. Similarly, women who have a premenopausal endocrinal condition are suggested to avoid the drug entirely for similar reasons.
Knowing how effective letrozole is for fertility may not provide a clear and concise answer because the actual effect of letrozole is not on fertility but on ovulation. Better ovulation can increase the chances of conception, but only when you indulge in sex on a regular basis.
Also Read: Fertility Drugs for Women Read more
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10 Tips to Make Breast Pumping at Work Easier
Having recovered well from your pregnancy and seeing that your baby can now drink milk properly from the bottle, you might decide to get back to your workplace. However, that does not mean you are done with breastfeeding as your baby will still require breastmilk for his growth. With some pumping tips for working moms, you can make sure to carry out breast pumping even while you work without any hassles.
Ways to Help You Get Through Pumping Breast Milk at Workplace
Employing a pumping at work schedule and taking into account the right time and procedure to pump your breast, there are few more ways that can assist you through this transition.
1. Opt for a Hand Pump
Hand pumps are extremely convenient to carry and can be put even in your daily work bag. Your work environment may be quite dynamic, giving rise to random meetings or visits that might not always leave you in a place conducive to carry out easy pumping. A hand pump can be quite a stealthy option in this regard, allowing you to pump your breast without making it too evident for anybody else to notice.
2. A Car Adapter Connection
You might be one of those mothers which have to commute a lot in terrible traffic to reach to work. With that time already wasted, you can’t afford to schedule any more time for pumping your breasts. With that in mind, you can use your electric-powered pump with the battery of your car using a simple adapter. This allows you to easily pump your breast with minimal intervention, while you are stuck in traffic and waiting for the lights to go green.
3. A Spare Pump
Avoid using the same pump you use at home for your work purposes, too. Firstly, this puts a lot of pressure on the pump, is used repeatedly, and can result in breakdown at times, putting you in a fix. Secondly, if you tend to forget your pump at work, you will be left at home with no pump. So, it is best to either buy a spare pump or borrow it from one of your friends who isn’t using it.
4. The Right Clothes
Taking out your breasts to pump them when you are wearing a complicated dress is not a challenge you need in addition to the one you already have. Opt for clothes that can be easily unbuttoned, or pulled down, to expose your breast and use the pump. Buttoned shirts, wrap-around dresses, or even nursing blouses paired with a jacket can be great choices.
5. Remember to Mute
Breast pumps are known to make the groaning sound every time you press the lever to pump your breast. Although this is not a problem when done in private, you might aim to multi-task breast pumping with a conference call that isn’t that important. Even in that case, remember to mute your microphone lest all the members listen to the sound and know that your breast is being pumped as they speak.
6. A Breathable Mesh Bag
After usage, a breast pump is usually moist and even after washing, it requires some time to catch air and dry. Keeping the pump in open visibility on your desk might not be a possibility. Using a mesh bag that allows the pump to breathe can be a great way to carry it around. Drying a pump is not only important for its continued use but also prevents any kind of fungi or bacteria from thriving in it.
7. A Zip-Loc Bag
If you have a common refrigerator in your office to store your lunch or other food items, it can also act as a great way to store your milk. Once you are done with the pumping, immediately put the bottle and other parts in the ziplock bag and put it in the fridge. This restricts any immediate growth of microbes and reduces the need for incessant washing. Also, the bag also resembles someone’s lunch so you won’t have to face any questions as well.
8. Block Out Private Time
Many mothers might think of sneaking in pumping time as and when their schedule permits. However, this may not always be possible in your working environment. With that in mind, keep a specific time block on your office calendar that is unavailable for any meetings or discussions. This allows you to give the time you need in pumping out the milk peacefully without any distractions.
9. Get Multiple Bras
Constantly wearing nursing bras to work can soon wear down on you. And let’s face it, they aren’t fashionable enough to go along with the lovely dresses you’ve picked up for your new work life. Nowadays, there are numerous pumping-friendly bras that allow for hands-free pumping as well. Browse any popular online portals and look at the wide variety from them. Pick out ones in various styles that can go with different dresses and still help you maintain a style quotient.
10. Lock Your Door
This one’s a whammy even though it might feel simple. Many offices these days have an open-door policy that makes use of cubicles without any doors or even conference rooms that have glass doors with no locks. Surely, pumping your breast in the toilet is not an option and not only is it unhygienic. Take a look around your office and look for places that might have access to locked doors. Talk to your boss about arranging a place if needed or work with a colleague who can accompany you.
In different organizations, pumping at work laws could make it easier for you to pump your breast at work with ease. In many other places, that might not be the case. Be a step ahead and get aware of the environment you’ll be in so that you can pump your breast safely, and your child won’t have to be hungry when you return.
Also Read:
How to Breastfeed Your Baby at Work
Going back to Work after Maternity Leave
Breast Milk Pumping Side Effects
How to Store Breast Milk after Pumping? Read more
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How To Make a Lip Balm At Home - 15 Recipes That You Must Try
Lip balms are essential for each and everyone, especially in the winter months. They help prevent your lips from becoming dry and chapped. Most of us end up constantly licking our lips to wet them, and this worsens the condition. That’s why it's always best to carry a lip balm with you wherever you go. There are many types of lip balms available in the market, but how do you find the right one? If you don't trust the ingredients of the store-bought lip balms, how about you make them on your own? Making your own lip balm will give you the advantage of customising it to your taste. All you need is a base like coconut oil or beeswax; a flavour, a colour and voila! Let’s look at some simple methods below on how to make lip balm at home naturally. You can use a double boiler to make your own lip balms, which means heating the mixture in a pan which is placed in another pan filled with water.
Simple Homemade Lip Balm Recipes
Are you wondering how to make lip balm at home for pink lips and glossy sheen? Here are some surprisingly simple DIY ideas you can try to make your own lip balm at home. You do not have to spend your hard-earned money on those generic lip balms.
1. Lavender Lip Balm
The presence of lavender essential oil in the lip balm will give your lips a heavenly taste. It will also feel soft on your lips.
Ingredients
4 tbsp almond, olive, or jojoba oil
1 tbsp grated beeswax
1 tsp honey
7 drops of lavender essential oil
¼ tsp Vitamin E oil (you can do this by squishing a Vitamin E capsule)
½ tsp coloured lipstick (this is for a hint of colour)
1 tsp cocoa powder
Method
Warm the oil (whichever you choose) and beeswax in a small bowl made of stainless steel. Make sure to warm it on very low heat. Stir till the beeswax is melted and whisk in the essential oil, coloured lipstick, cocoa powder, and vitamin E. Take the bowl and place its bottom into a pan of ice water. Continue whisking the mixture as you add in the honey. Once the honey is mixed in, transfer the mixture in a lip balm container or tube. Allow it to set for 3 hours in the refrigerator. Your lip balm is ready.
2. Coconut and Beeswax Lip Balm
This lip balm will give you that fresh coconut taste and glossy sheen to your lips, thanks to the beeswax. Beeswax will also moisturise your lips.
Ingredients
1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
1 tbsp grated beeswax
A dash of organic honey
2 Vitamin E capsules (squish the oil from these capsules)
Method
Heat the beeswax in a stainless steel bowl until it melts. When the beeswax is halfway melted, add the honey and coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients well. Pour the Vitamin E oil. When the mixture cools down, transfer it into a tin or a lip balm container and place it in the refrigerator. Apply whenever your lips feel dry.
3. Chocolate Mint Lip Balm
This lip balm is almost like a dessert and will give you an amazing taste along with moist lips.
Ingredients
Some drops of peppermint oil
1 tsp cocoa powder
2 tsp almond oil
2 tsp white beeswax pellets
Method
Melt the beeswax pellets in a boiler on a stove or microwave. Add the cocoa powder and stir well. While stirring, add the almond oil and peppermint oil. Let the mixture cool down; once it cools transfer it to a lip balm container and refrigerate. Use it often to hydrate your lips.
4. Rose lip balm
Want that lovely rose smell on your lips? This lip balm is excellent for a rosy shine.
Ingredients
½ tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp cocoa butter
3 tbsp infused rose oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp alkanet root (powdered)
Method
Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add the rose oil, castor oil, and cocoa butter into the mixture. Put in vanilla extract for a nice fragrance and the alkanet root for the red colour. When the mixture cools, transfer it into a lip balm tin or tube. Put the balm in the refrigerator for some time to set and use whenever you want.
5. Lemon and Raspberry Lip Balm
Make your lips ‘lip-smackingly’ fruity fresh with this homemade lip balm.
Ingredients
Few drops of lemon essential oil
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
2 tsp raspberry gelatin powder
Method
Heat the coconut oil in the microwave for 20 seconds. Add the raspberry gelatin powder and mix it well with the oil. Put it in the microwave again. The gelatin will melt, giving the oil a raspberry colour. Add the lemon essential oil and blend the mixture well. Transfer the mixture to tin and place it in the refrigerator until it sets.
6. Peppermint Oil Lip Balm
Keep your lips fresh and cool with this peppermint oil lip balm.
Ingredients
1 tbsp beeswax pellets
1 tsp almond oil
1 tsp coconut oil
2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
Method
Heat the beeswax pellets in a stainless steel pot and add the coconut oil and almond oil to it once it melts. Use a pair of chopsticks to mix the ingredients together. While stirring with the chopstick, also add the peppermint essential oil to it. Once the mixture cools, put it in the fridge in lip balm tubes or containers and let it set.
7. Shea Butter Lip Balm
Shea butter lip balm would be a perfect choice to get soft, hydrated lips, as this lip balm uses shea butter and beeswax. It is also great for curing cold sores.
Ingredients
1 tbsp organic coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp beeswax
Few drops of lemon essential oil
1 tsp honey
Method
Add the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil to a double boiler pot and heat it on a stove. Once the beeswax melts, stir in the honey and lemon essential oil to the mix. Allow the lip balm to cool down and transfer it to lip balm containers or tubes. Let is stay in the fridge to set. Use it as required.
8. Honey and Hemp Lip Balm
This is a unique flavoured lip balm which is delicious and smooth.
Ingredients
2 tsp honey
1 tsp hemp oil
10g cocoa butter
15g shea butter
10g beeswax
4tsp almond oil
Method
Heat the beeswax, shea butter, and cocoa in a double boiler till the beeswax melts. Add in the hemp oil and almond oil. Stir the mixture till it becomes a smooth liquid. Add the honey to this. You can use a milk frother to mix the ingredients till it turns medium thick in consistency. Pour this honey and hemp mixture into lip balm tubes or tins and place in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes.
9. Beetroot Essential Oil Lip Balm
Here's how you can make beetroot lip balm at home.
Ingredients
1 tsp beetroot powder
Few drops of your favourite essential oil
¼ cup cocoa butter or mango butter
Little beeswax or soy wax
Method
Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add the cocoa butter or mango butter and mix. Add some drops of your favourite essential oil like peppermint or grapefruit oil. To create a pretty red colour, add the beetroot powder and stir the mixture well until there are no lumps. Allow the beetroot lip balm mixture to cool and pour it into containers. Place it in the refrigerator to set.
10. Maple Syrup Lip Balm
A sweet treat for your lips, this lip balm will keep your lips looking luscious and soft.
Ingredients
2g soy lecithin
5g beeswax
4g sweet almond oil
4g cocoa butter
3g coconut oil
4g maple syrup
Method
Take the coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, almond oil, soy lecithin, and maple syrup in a double boiler. Heat the ingredients over medium heat and stir continuously to melt all the ingredients. Remove the heat and whisk the mixture till it cools down. Transfer it to a lip balm tin and place it in the fridge to set.
11. Orange Vanilla Lip Balm
Combining two favourite ingredients, this lip balm is sure to give your lips a yummy taste along with soft lips.
Ingredients
2 tsp grated beeswax
2 tsp shea butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp olive oil
7-8 drops orange essential oil
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Take the coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler and heat until the beeswax melts. Stir well to blend all the ingredients together. Take it off heat and add the vanilla extract and orange essential oil. Stir again. Let the orange-vanilla mixture cool, and transfer it to a lip balm container and tube. Keep it in the refrigerator to set.
12. Grapefruit Lip Balm
If you are wondering how to make lip balm at home without beeswax, here is your answer. This lip balm is made with grapefruit, and the citrusy taste will make you addicted!
Ingredients
¼ - ½ tsp grapefruit essential oil
1 tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
Beetroot powder (to add colour)
Method
Add the coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and castor oil in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Stir till the mixture turns into liquid and turn off the heat. Add the grapefruit essential oil and stir. If you are adding the beetroot powder for colour, add a little bit at a time while stirring and stop when you get your desired shade. Transfer the mixture into containers once it cools and set in the fridge before use.
13. Lime Lip Balm
A lip balm made with the good old lime will never go out of fashion. Try this recipe for a lip-smacking flavour and shining lips.
Ingredients
1 tsp cocoa butter
1 tsp almond oil
1 tbsp coconut oil
9-10 drops of lemon essential oil
1 tsp beeswax
Method
Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, almond oil, and cocoa butter over medium heat in a double boiler. Stir till the mixture melts and take it off the heat. Add in the lime essential oil and stir as the mixture cools. Pour it into a lip balm tin or any other container and place in the fridge to set.
14. Green Tea Lip Balm
A perfect soothing lip balm which has antioxidant properties.
Ingredients
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp beeswax
2 green tea bags
Few drops of essential oil (optional)
Method
Heat coconut oil and the tea bags in a double boiler over low heat and let the green tea mixture steep for an hour to bring out the green tea flavour. Remove tea bags and add olive oil and beeswax. Heat them till the beeswax melts. Turn off the heat and allow the lip balm mixture to cool. You can add 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil. Transfer the mixture to lip balm tins or tubes and place them in the refrigerator to set.
15. Coconut Petroleum Jelly Lip Balm
Wondering how to make lip balm at home with petroleum jelly? Here is a great recipe which will give your lips softness and shine along with a lovely fragrance.
Ingredients
1 tsp petroleum jelly
4 drops of vanilla extract
5 drops of almond oil
1 tsp coconut oil
Method
Heat the petroleum jelly in a double boiler over low heat till it melts. Add the coconut oil, vanilla extract and almond oil and stir to blend the ingredients together smoothly. Let the coconut-petroleum jelly mixture cool and pour it into lip balm containers or tubes. Place in fridge for about 20 minutes to set.
DIY lip balms are in a rage, and you can make many different lip balms, each with a variety of flavours and fragrances. You can make lip balms with or without beeswax if you want, as you can always substitute for beeswax. Apart from the above recipes, you can also experiment with unique flavours and colours. Try your hand at making your own one-of-a-kind lip balm and flaunt it proudly.
Also Read:
Effective Home Remedies for Reversing Skin Ageing Process
DIY Pedicure Procedure for Beautiful Feet
Home Remedies for Treating Sunburn At Home Read more
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How Play Is Related to Mental Health - a Basic Guide for Parents
Playing is an amazing process to stimulate and help with brain development. The Indian parenting style concentrates primarily on physical growth only. We never care for mental health development. Mental health is much more important than physical health. A baby has a trillion nerve cells at the time of birth but unfortunately, if they're not taken care of, the number of nerve cells decreases according to the growth of the child. The restoration process will never completely be fulfilled by physical care measures like nutrition and vaccination. But when a child is getting enough amount of play and physical activities, the neurons are restored.
Most importantly, play helps to develop:
Cognitive skill
Motor skills
Gross motor skills
Understanding of the world
Speaking skill or language development
Social skills
Sensorial development
All of the above skills are needed to help with the improvement of intelligence or mental health. It can be done through play; but not the kind that happens only within four walls, not the kind which calls for loads of expensive toys in a baby's room, and definitely not the kind that requires handing the child over to the babysitter to play with. The development of some skills take place while playing indoor games; some require nature and sunlight; some need a peer group; and some need just regular playtime at the kitchen table with mommy. It's important to understand the emotional as well the psychological needs of a child.
Physical health is something that's always seen, but remember, it's the unseen mental development that helps create your child's personality in the future. We give loads of importance to nutrition, diet plans, record our child's height and weight regularly, but show less concern about skill development. We choose expensive toys, which are worthless, but are not concerned about how even simple games like hide-and-seek, playing ball, pouring water into a drinking glass and so on can help to develop motor skill as well cognitive skills.
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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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
17 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
10 hours ago
A. yes. 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 childdo 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.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
9 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
8 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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
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