Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Sleep and Feeding Schedule For Your Three Month Old
Scheduling a 3 month old baby's sleep and feeding schedule can make life easier and comfortable for mother and baby. Striking a balance between your and your baby's routine is very important. A baby will soon learn his natural rhythms when you put him on a schedule.
3 Month Old Baby Sleep
Your baby’s sleep has now started to regulate itself. Most babies sleep a total of 15 hours a day, including nighttime sleep and naps. They will stay awake for more time during the day. You'll also be able to gather some sleep and feel more rested the next day. Be warned of sleep regressions though! It has been observed that babies who've slept through the night for weeks may suddenly start to wake up! This is a temporary phase and happens because your child is now going through a growth spurt, learning new skills and is more socially aware.
This is also a good time for sleep training opportunity. Try and ensure he sleeps longer at a stretch and has a regular sleep-wake-feed pattern. But don't impose a rigid sleep schedule. Instead, observe his reactions to sleep training, and if he doesn't seem prepared, slow down and try again after some days.
3 Month Old Baby Feeding
Just like sleeping, your baby's feeding will start getting regularised now. He will take longer between feedings as his stomach capacity is higher. They may start to drop night feedings. Remember that he is still too young for solid food. Keep him on breastmilk or formula milk only till he reaches the age of six months.
Things To Keep in Mind when Scheduling
When creating a schedule for your baby, keep this in mind:
Feeding requirements- around 6 to 7 ounces of breast milk or formula milk per feeding, to a maxiumum of 32 ounces i.e. 6 feeds in 24 hours
Sleeping requirements- about 15 hours of sleep during a 24 hour period including night-time sleep and naps. Babies tend to take naps three times (morning, afternoon and evening) in a day
Physical development- your baby will need time for playing and interacting, developing his muscles and working on new skills. You will have to schedule activities like reading, massage and a stroller walk
Sample 3 Month Old Sleep and Feeding Schedules
Breastfed 3 Month Old Baby
7:00 — Wake
8:00 — Feed
8:30 — Nap
9:00 — Wake and Feed
11:00 — Feed and Nap
1:00 — Wake and Feed
2:00 — Nap
2:30 — Wake and Feed
4:30 — Feed and Nap
6:30 — Feed
7:00 — Catnap
9:00 — Feed and Bedtime
10:30 — Fill-Up Feed (This should always take place at your bedtime so you get a longer stretch of sleep)
+ 1-3 night feedings
Formula-Fed 3 Month Old Baby
7:00 — Wake and Breastfeed
8:30 — Nap
10:00 — Wake and Feed from breast or bottle
11:30 — Nap
1:00 — Wake and Feed from breast or bottle
2:30 — Nap
3:30 — Wake
4:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
4:30 — Catnap
5:00 — Wake
6:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
6:30 — Nap
9:00 — Feed and Bedtime
11:00 — Fill-Up Feed
+ 1 or possibly 2 night feedings
While this sample schedule will definitely get you started, remember that problems will arise. Sometimes, the amount of time between naps is not long enough, or your baby is still hungry after a feeding. But with time, you will be able to streamline this schedule and make things easier for both your baby and yourself! Read more
Suggested for you
Asparagus for Babies - Benefits and Recipes
Preparing meal plans for your baby while trying to wean him off and introducing him to vegetables can be quite challenging. You may naturally lean towards the more regular vegetables. However, you may like to consider asparagus as it is not only healthy but makes for a great finger food which can easily be handled by your baby. Asparagus is delicious both alone or when mixed with other veggies.
What is Asparagus?
Asparagus is thought to be a delicacy of the vegetable kingdom. They are young shoots of cultured lily plants and possess a typically intense, savoury flavour. Young, slender asparagus (sprue) is usually preferred. The older plants tend to become woody. Asparagus is available in purple, green and white varieties. All types are rich in vitamin A and C, iron, fibre, calcium and potassium. It also contains amino acid asparagine which renders it a natural diuretic.
When Can You Introduce Asparagus to Infants?
Asparagus may not make for an ideal choice as your baby’s first vegetable. Asparagus baby led weaning should be done with care. A baby’s tiny tummy which is still in the developing stages can find it a little hard to digest. Asparagus can trigger bloating and gassiness in babies. Therefore it is sensible to offer it to babies when they are in the age group of 8 to 10 months.
Health Benefits of Asparagus for Your Child
Some of the health benefits can be:
1. Enhances Immunity
Babies are more vulnerable to infections and allergies. Therefore, your baby may benefit from eating asparagus as it is full of immune-system improving antioxidants. It has high levels of vitamin A and C which play a significant role in the production of immune cells.
2. Improves Digestion
Asparagus has large amounts of prebiotics which can promote your baby’s gut health and improve his digestion. It can also reduce the likelihood of indigestion and other digestive issues.
3. Diuretic Property
Asparagus acts as a natural diuretic which means that it facilitates the removal of additional salts and fluids from the body by way of increased urination. Thus including asparagus in your baby’s diet can prevent the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
4. Abolishes Free Radicals
Body’s metabolism generates free radicals which can have a negative impact on health. Asparagus contains glutathione which is a detoxifying compound vital for the destruction of cell-damaging free radicals and thus essential for your baby’s well-being.
5. Boosts Brain Development
This spring veggie is rich in folate which can encourage the healthy cognitive development of your baby.
Nutritional Value of Asparagus
The nutritional value of asparagus is as follows:
Nutrition
Value (per 90g)
Carbohydrates
12.9 g
Potassium
202 mg
Calcium
20.7 mg
Iron
0.8 mg
Vitamin A
905 IU
Vitamin C
6.9 mg
Vitamin B-6
0.01 mg
Folate
134 ug
Dietary Fibre
1.8g
How to Cook Asparagus for Babies?
Some simple ways to cook asparagus for babies can be:
You can offer steamed asparagus to your baby as finger food. You can steam it using a steamer or by simply cooking it in some boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes or till tender.
You can puree fresh asparagus after properly washing it with water. Blend it into a smooth consistency or as per your baby’s liking.
Stir-fried asparagus can be another viable option. Cut the spears into ½ inch pieces. You may leave the tips as a whole if you like. Fry the pieces in some butter until tender-crisp (4 to 5 minutes).
In case you have frozen asparagus, you can microwave it in a covered microwave safe bowl with a little water for 5 to 7 minutes at 100% power, rearranging or stirring once.
How to Choose and Store Asparagus for Baby Food?
Take into account that all the spears in the bunch that you are buying are relatively uniform as it may be easier to cook them. Also, carefully inspect the tips of the shoots. These should be firm and not unduly soft.
Foods that You Can Mix with Asparagus for Infants
Certain foods that go well with asparagus for infants can be:
Potatoes
Carrots
Brown rice
Lentils
Chicken
Pasta
Asparagus Recipes for Babies
Some useful asparagus recipes for babies can be:
1. Asparagus Soup
This soup is not only easy-to-make but very healthy for your baby.
Ingredients
250 g asparagus
An onion
A tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
Salt
Pepper
Butter
2 cups water
How to Make
Chop the asparagus tips and cut the rest into ¼ inch rounds.
Melt the butter in a pan on medium flame.
Saute the onions, ginger-garlic paste and add the chopped asparagus.
Sprinkle the salt and pepper and cook for few minutes.
Pour the water and cover the pan with a lid.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from flame and puree the mixture with a blender.
Strain the pureed soup before serving.
2. Cheesy Asparagus
This delicious dish is sure to delight your baby’s senses.
Ingredients
Asparagus stalks (steamed)
Grated cheese
How to Make
Cook the steamed asparagus in some olive oil for a few minutes.
Add some grated cheese and allow it to melt.
3. Asparagus Puree
If you wish to know how to make asparagus puree for baby, here is a simple recipe.
Ingredients
Fresh asparagus spears
How to Make
Rinse the fresh asparagus with clean water and then boil it for 4 to 5 minutes using very little water.
Transfer the above and blend it to a smooth consistency.
Strain the mixture to get rid of any asparagus strings.
4. Apple and Asparagus Puree
This tasty dish can provide an array of nutrients to your baby.
Ingredients
Half an apple (sliced and cored)
Few asparagus spears
Homemade vegetable stock
How to Make
In a pan add the sliced apple and asparagus spears and cover with stock.
Bring it to a boil and then allow it to simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Remove from flame and blend it to a smooth puree.
Precautionary Tips to Consider
Moms may ask does asparagus cause gas in babies. The answer is yes it can. Therefore, it is wise to feed them in limited measures. Few other precautionary tips to consider can be:
In case you intend to pair asparagus with another food item, keep in mind to mix it with something your baby has already eaten.
Offer asparagus in small quantities when giving it to your baby for the first time to account for any possible allergic reaction.
Introducing your baby to different vegetables can be an exciting time. At the same time, you need to consider the likely effects. Overall asparagus can be a healthy option for your baby.
Also Read: Eggplant for Infants Read more
Check out this new Memory
Deepa
Mom of a 5 yr 7 m old girl
11 mins ago
😍
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Using a Hot Tub during Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
The very thought of enjoying a nice hot water bath in your tub and relaxing with beautiful scents and suds can make a pregnant women shiver with delight, given the amount of stress and anxiety she might be feeling. But why can’t a pregnant woman go in a hot tub to enjoy a nice bath? There are various reasons for the same. You might be thinking it is because of the fear of slipping in the tub. But, that alone is not the reason, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
Can Pregnant Women Use a Hot Tub
Ask any doctor or a nurse about enjoying a hot tub bath while you are pregnant and they will say a strict 'NO', the reason being the necessity to maintain optimal body temperature for the unhindered growth of your little one. Spending even up to 10 minutes in the hot water bath can elevate your body temperature to a degree that is equivalent to a high fever. This temperature, which hovers around 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, induces hyperthermia within the body and affects the foetus. Results have shown that such babies tend to have a higher risk of defects in the development of neural tubes, brain abnormalities and so on. Cases have also suggested the possibility of a miscarriage, although that isn’t conclusive yet.
Tips to Lower Risk while Using a Hot Tub in Pregnancy
By now you must be aware of the risks associated with using a hot tub during pregnancy. But if you can't resist it, there are a few tips you can put into practice.
Dip your feet in the warm water of the tub instead of immersing fully into it. Do this for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
If you are entering a hot tub or a sauna, make sure you do not spend more than 10 minutes in it. If you soak yourself in hot water for more than 10 mins, you put yourself at a risk of high body temperature.
The temperature of the tub should be safe and not too hot during pregnancy. Make use of a thermometer if needed and try to reduce it down to about 96 degrees or so.
The moment you feel any discomfort while taking a bath, get out of the hot water immediately, dry yourself, and contact your doctor.
It is best to keep away from any kind of hot tub baths or saunas if you already have any health conditions or a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
Is There Any Safer Alternative to Hot Tub?
For most pregnant woman, sitting in a hot tub is full of risks. But there are a few alternatives that could help you give the same amount of relief that a hot tub bath may.
Opting for a hot bath is a better option. A bath does not keep your body immersed in hot water continuously, thus reducing the chances of your body temperature elevating rapidly. Hot water can be taken in small proportion and specific body areas can be cleaned accordingly. Even in that case, do not keep bathing for a long duration or go for a hot shower, since that, too, can bring up your temperature.
Taking a wonderful bath in the hot tub during pregnancy may seem relaxing, but it can turn into a nightmare if the temperature of the hot tub is too high. It is best to stay away from hot water baths for a few months. Very soon you will have your child to take care of and then the both of you can enjoy them together.
Also Read: Do’s and Dont’s during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Male Fertility Tests - How to Check Male Fertility
When a couple has failed to conceive for over a span of at least a year, infertility is most often the diagnosis, as up to 15% of couples are infertile. A range of tests is available to examine the fertility of men, as it is believed that men contribute to infertility cases nearly 50% of the time. The most common test begins with the analysis of semen and sperm and goes all the way up to genetic testing.
What is Male Fertility Testing?
Male infertility can be due to factors such as low sperm production, blockages that prevent sperm delivery, abnormal sperm function, hormonal imbalances, chronic health problems, injuries, illnesses, lifestyle choices, and certain other factors. Male fertility testing involves a range of physical and medical examinations that determine the cause of infertility in men and recommend the treatment for infertility.
Most Common Fertility Tests for Males
To check fertility in men, urologists rely on different methods to determine the causes. Some of the most commonly done tests are as follows:
Semen & Sperm Analysis
This is the most common of all the tests and involves evaluation of semen in a laboratory by a trained expert. He checks for the sperm count, shape, movement and other aspects that determine if a man has low fertility. However, it has many exceptions, as sperm is not always as healthy as it looks and a lot of men who have low sperm count or abnormal semen are still fertile. It must be noted that about 15% of infertile men have normal semen and sperm. The semen analysis parameters to check for infertility include:
Sperm concentration: It gives a measure of how many sperms are present in a millilitre of semen produced. The measurement will be done to count if they are less or more than 20 million sperms per millilitre in the ejaculated fluid.
Motility: This exam is an evaluation of the mobility of the sperm and how well they are moving. The sperms with more than 40% motility are considered normal.
Morphology: This looks for how many sperms have normal shape; the minimum being 4% normal morphology. However, it is considered as the least important of the parameters for fertility in semen.
Hormone Testing
Hormones, such as testosterone determine the production of sperm in men; therefore it can be a useful tool in identifying problems with sperm production. The two main hormones tested for are:
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone): This hormone is crucial for sperm production. The normal FSH levels should be between 5 to 10 mIU/mL.
Testosterone: It is also related to sperm production. The normal levels should be 300 to 1,111 nanograms per decilitre.
Genetic/DNA Fertility Testing
DNA fertility testing is employed in case of unexplained infertility, where despite the presence of normal levels of sperm in the semen, they may not function properly. This test examines abnormalities in genes that may be stopping their proper functioning.
Other Male Fertility Testing Options
When the tests for semen and hormonal analysis return to normal, other tests need to be performed to look for the exact cause of infertility. Some of those tests include:
1. Sperm Agglutination
This test involves the examination of sperm under a microscope in a laboratory. The aim is to see if the sperms are sticking together and if so, then how many. If the sample shows that half of the sperm are stuck together, the report would say 50% sperm agglutination. Sperm in the semen can stick together at the head, tail, or head to tail, which binds them making them unable to swim. Sperms need to swim freely and in a straight manner to make it through the cervical mucus.
2. Sperm Penetration Assay
The sperm penetration assay is a test to predict the capacity of a sperm to fertilize a woman’s egg. In the lab, sperm is joined with specially prepared hamster eggs and the number of penetrated eggs are measured. It indicates whether the sperm is undergoing the required physiological changes for fertilization. This test is rarely used though.
3. Hemizona Assay
It is a laboratory testing of sperm function where a non-usable human egg is cut in half and one half is incubated with the sperm of the patient and the other half with a donor who is known to have normal sperm. The aim of the procedure is to see whether the sperm is able to get through the outermost protective layer of the egg.
4. Acrosome Reaction
This laboratory test is done to determine if the sperm heads are capable of undergoing the necessary chemical changes to dissolve the egg’s tough outer shell. It is a critical step at the start of the fertilization for the sperm to dissolve the coating on the egg to create a gap for it to enter.
5. Hypo-osmotic swelling
This test is used for infertile men who have genetically immotile sperm. It uses a specific sugar and salt solution to evaluate the sperm’s tail to move and thus move to penetrate the egg. Healthy sperm tails tend to swell in the solution whereas abnormal or dead sperm tails do not swell.
6. Testicular Biopsy
In this procedure, a tiny piece of tissue is removed from the testicles while the man is on local or general anaesthesia. The procedure involves a surgical cut into the skin of the scrotum and removal of a tiny piece of testicular tissue. The samples are examined to see how well the sperm are being produced.
7. Vasography
It is an X-ray exam used to look for blocks or leaks of sperm in the vas deferens. In the procedure, a radiographic dye is injected into the vas deferens. X-rays from multiple angles are taken as the dye flows through the ducts to search for blockages.
8. Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography uses a small ultrasound transducer to locate blockages or damages in the reproductory tract. It is also used to examine the prostate, ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles to search for abnormalities that could lead to infertility.
FAQ'S
What Fertility Tests Can’t Tell Us
A majority of the fertility tests mentioned above look for the presence of sperm and check whether they can reach and fertilize an egg. As infertility can be a highly complex and multifaceted problem, semen analysis can’t alone be used for a clear answer. In some cases, advanced testing is required to tell if you need to continue trying naturally or move to IVF.
Are There Any Male Fertility Tests Which Can Be Performed at Home?
There are home test kits available that can be used to measure the sperm count at home. It usually requires a man to ejaculate into a cup and although semen transfer procedures vary for different kits, the results are usually available in less than 10 minutes. The measured parameter is that the sperm count per millilitre of semen should be about 20 million. Some of the test kits work by detecting a protein that is only found in sperm, along with the number, they can also confirm the presence or absence of sperm. The results show up as a shade of colour which when compared with a control template can tell if the sperm count falls below 20 million. Another type of kit comes with a microscope that contains an inbuilt ‘grid’ system which offers a field of view. Built into the lens, this system allows you to see the presence of sperm along with enabling you to count them. By comparing your result with the interpretive guidelines provided, you can determine the sperm count. Since it allows you to see the sperm, you can also test for their motility.
How Accurate Are These Tests?
The home fertility kits are decently accurate when it comes to checking for sperm count. A normal sperm count does not indicate whether a man is fertile or not. These kits don’t measure many other factors that cause infertility as a specialist does, such as shape (morphology), movement (motility), vitality (percent alive), semen volume etc.
Fertility testing is an effective way to know the cause of your fertility problem that assists your doctor in guiding you to the best treatment that can help you conceive. Similarly, women should also visit the doctor if you are facing problem in getting pregnant. Infertility in women is common too, but it can be treated.
Also Read: 8 Effective Fertility Foods For Men Read more
Suggested for you
Nothing ‘Normal’ About My Normal Delivery: Mom Meenakshi's Childbirth Experience Will Give You Goosebumps...
Pregnancy is considered to be the most beautiful experience for a woman - you are creating and nurturing another life in you and preparing for his/her arrival in the world. A mom-to-be knows she will face immense pain during delivery, but is willing to go through all odds for her baby. As moms-to-be, most of us look forward to delivering our baby via a vaginal delivery. A C-section birth is typically seen as high-risk and to be opted for only in case of serious complications. But is a normal delivery really safe and free of trauma? This mom from Pune had a terrifying experience that will compel you to rethink...
Natural or vaginal births are the preferred birth choice for most women. We want to avoid surgical intervention when delivering our baby. Plus, they are also easier to recover from and are considered low risk when compared to the 'horror stories' that circulate about C-sections. However, you’d be surprised at how normal delivery experiences can also turn out to be horrific and scarring!
Mommy Meenakshi from Pune shared her delivery experience, and it is a serious warning for all of us when choosing a doctor/hospital for delivery!
The nine months of my pregnancy felt like a breeze (of course, barring the first trimester when your body is adjusting to a tiny human growing inside you. Read morning sickness, heartburn, severe anxiety, intense hormonal changes). I was extremely pleased with the fact that I could work until the very end of my term, I was physically fit (thank you yoga) and I could live my life as usual. In short, apart from a growing belly and severe tiredness towards the end, I didn’t face too many health problems.
It’s been five months since I delivered my beautiful child and I am yet to fully recover from what can only be termed as a TRAUMATIC postnatal experience.
I clearly remember the night of December 15, 2016, the day before my daughter was born. My husband and I had finished dinner and were catching up on the day that went by. The first set of intense kicks started around 9.30pm. I dismissed them as normal since our visit to the doctor that morning confirmed that the baby is in no hurry to come yet. She was due in 10 days.
As the night progressed, the kicks started getting intense. Since I had trouble falling asleep, we continued chatting into the night. By 2.30am our eyes were shutting and we were failing to comprehend what the other was saying.
That night I had a dream that my water broke in an elevator. I woke up in shock and realised that what I’d dreamt had turned into my reality. At 3.45am, there I was, in a pool of clear amniotic fluid and my bed linen was soaking wet. I slowly got up and went to the washroom to check. As I sat on the pot, I felt an intense gush coming from me, with streaks of blood and mucous. I didn’t panic. I knew it was time to head to the hospital. I knew she was coming.
Once at the hospital, while I was being prepped for labour, I started practicing the breathing techniques I’d learnt at my prenatal yoga class. As the contractions grew intense, I spread out my yoga mat and practiced the cat-camel pose. See, I desperately wanted a normal delivery. Throughout my pregnancy, I’d read horror stories of women who had trouble recovering from a C-section. I’d read about how hospitals in India force mothers to go through C-section to make money. I’d read about women who never managed to lose their pregnancy weight following a C-section. I felt that a normal delivery was my only chance of having a happy postnatal experience. Little did I know that there is nothing “normal” about a vaginal delivery in India.
At 8am, I was taken to the labour room. I’d already dilated 3 centimetres and was in a lot of pain. By this time I’d spent four hours at the hospital, being poked to draw blood for various tests and under the effect of enema. As the pains grew, I remember banging my hands against the iron bed. I remember kicking so hard, hoping that pain would dim what I was feeling throughout my body. But nothing helped. To make matters worse, the doctor soon administered a dose of Pitocin IV drip as my baby had apparently not descended into the birthing canal. Contractions grew intense within minutes. By now I’d reached pain level 10. I screamed and screamed some more with little to no sympathy from the attending nurses. My husband was not allowed near me. He could only watch the “show” from a distance.
His repeated requests to be allowed near me fell on deaf ears. He just wanted to hold my hand and tell me I’ll be ok. In fact, he was asked to leave the room several times. All this happened as I lay there in pain, crying and feeling helpless.
By 9.30am, my body started to give up. I could see my resolve of having an intervention free delivery shatter in front of my eyes. Thanks to that strong dose of Pitocin, my body was not allowed to labour naturally. Our spiral of interventions had begun. Unable to take the pain any longer, I requested for an epidural.
After a few minutes of feeling numb and painless, I found myself in pain again. This time I’d dilated 8 centimetres. But the baby had still not descended. I was given another strong dose of Pitocin and had to take another epidural.
Finally, at 11.15am, my doctor announced that I can start pushing now. But wait, how do I push or what do I push, when I can’t feel a thing waist down. I started pushing like throwing darts in the dark. At one point, my anesthetist—who would have easily weighed a 100kgs—sat on my stomach to apply fundal pressure. I kept pushing, with no clear instructions. Finally, at 11.39am, I heard a faint cry. I shut my eyes for a minute and my doctor announced that she will stitch me up now. She had to use an episiotomy (a cut made at the opening of the vagina) to get my daughter out. I had clearly discussed not wanting an episiotomy during one of our prenatal visits. But I was told that it’s standard procedure in India. I wish I’d protested harder.
Since I’d also requested skin-to-skin contact with my child, she was kept on my chest for exactly 30 seconds before taking her away to clean her. Even in the daze, I remember how the anaesthetist thought it was appropriate to joke about my wishes. The deep cut (around 10 centimetres) resulted in a lot of blood loss and my haemoglobin dropped to six (from 12). I was given two bottles of haemoglobin and when that didn’t work, I was given a bottle of pure RBC blood. I spent four extra days in the hospital, being hooked to an IV, unable to hold my newborn or nurse her without pain. All the poking resulted in nerve damage on both my hands, to the point that I couldn’t lift them because of throbbing pain for two weeks. Since then, numerous complications surfaced: thrombophlebitis, fissure, intense pain in the coccyx and perineum. But my daughter’s smiling face kept me sane through all of this. And of course, love and support of my family and friends.
Now my daughter is five months old. I’ve nursed her every day since she was born, even with two IV needles sticking out of me. I could not sit straight—even for five minutes at a stretch—for almost two months. But I continued breastfeeding because I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I still have a lot of pain to deal with. But the most difficult has been the pain of not asserting my rights as a mother.
I’ve tried to be a good mother and caretaker to my baby. But I know I could have done much more, had my postnatal experience been as smooth as my pregnancy. It’s unfortunate that mothers are not allowed to birth as they wish. It’s unfortunate that birthing rights are a joke in India, even today.
It is extremely courageous for Meenakshi to share her story with the world. As women, we expect childbirth to be a beautiful experience we will always cherish. And while we do anticipate pain - lots of it - what we definitely DO NOT expect is ill behaviour and ill-made decisions from our doctor - the very person who is supposed to be looking after us! As Meenakshi said, it is very unfortunate indeed that in an India that is progressing every day, and making new leaps in maternal care, THIS still remains the reality for many pregnant women.
Today, a lot about your delivery experience depends on your chosen doctor and hospital, much more than it did earlier. There are multiple accounts of doctors who disregarded the mom’s choice and emotions during labor and delivery, and this resulted in lasting trauma for the mother. Another distressing reality in India is the rising number of C-sections - far more than approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. As per recent reports, many such C-section are actually unnecessary and were conducted not because of pregnancy complications but with one sole objective: money lynching.
Alert: Many Indian Women Are Getting Unnecessary C-Sections! Check These Reasons Now
In order to avoid similar experiences it is imperative that we, as expecting mothers, prep for deliver the right way! From choosing the right doctor and hospital, to preparing our body for the stress of a delivery, we need to take extensive precautions to avoid any post-delivery trauma that might scar the beautiful moment of childbirth!
Things To Check When Choosing a Doctor/ Hospital:
Your comfort level with the doctor
His/her credentials and his/her ability to handle complex deliveries
His/her availability closer to your due date
His/her attitude - should be open, honest and assuring
The doctor’s clinic is close/easily accessible from your house
The doctor’s hospital/clinic has post-natal care facilities in emergencies, including NICU & ICU
Timings and availability during holidays, night time hours and emergencies
Precautions During Pregnancy to Prepare for Childbirth:
Take prenatal exercises with approval from doctor and guidance from an expert
The right diet as far as possible for optimum weight gain (Remember: you’re not eating for two)
Gather information about prenatal and postnatal education
Understand breathing techniques and practise what works for you to be focused during labour
Take care, moms. Only when we proactively take steps to assert our birthing rights and choices will the present situation improve. As people who bring another life into the world, we definitely deserve it!
Read more
Suggested for you
Marbled Banana Bread
Does your preschooler run away from banana? Then, here is a delicious bread made of banana, swirled through chocolate - all in a single plate and ssshhh ... Your kid wouldn’t even realize the presence of banana in it! So why wait? Save those ripe bananas this season and try this pleasing and tempting bread. Add a spoonful of peanut butter and you'll have a perfect breakfast for your kid.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
15 People
10-15 Minutes
68-80 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 egg
1/3 cup plain yogurt
Cooking spray
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.
Step 2
Grease the loaf pan (9” x 5”) with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3
Microwave the chocolate chips in a medium bowl on high for about a minute or until it melts completely. Keep it aside to cool.
Step 4
Blend all purpose flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and stir it with a whisk.
Step 5
Add sugar and butter to a large container. Blend it with a hand mixer until it forms a smooth paste. Add banana, egg and yoghurt to the mixture and blend it for about 3 - 4 minutes.
Step 6
Add flour to this mixture and blend it until the flour gets moistened.
Step 7
Add one cup of this blended batter to melted chocolate and stir well until completely blended.
Step 8
Layer the plain batter and chocolate batter alternately on the loaf pan.
Step 9
Swirl the two batters using a fork and slightly smoothen the surface.
Step 10
Bake it in oven at 350 degree F for 60 min or until a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean.
Nutritional Information
Calories
197 Kcal
Proteins
3.1 g
Fat
5.3 g
Carbohydrates
35.2 g
Cholesterol
21 mg
Sodium
175 mg
Potassium
141 mg
Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. 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.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
Check out this new Memory
Bhavya
Mom of a 10 m old girl
2 mins ago
10 month bday celebration 🥂🎉🧿
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bhavya
Mom of a 10 m old girl
3 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Jishanth
Guardian of a 6 yr 6 m old boy
7 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
dibya agarwal
Mom of a 3 yr 1 m old boy and 3 yr 1 m old boy
11 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive