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How to Deal With Dry Cough in Infants
Coughing in babies is very common. Irritants often enter the lungs while breathing, and in some cases, it may lead to a dry cough. Coughing is an effective means by which these irritants get thrown out of the lungs – it may result in a heckling sound and it can be uncomfortable for babies. A dry cough may irritate the baby’s lungs and throat.
What Is a Dry Cough?
A dry cough is a cough without any phlegm, mucus, or sputum. While your baby coughs, you will notice a loud, empty noise. A dry cough is usually associated with an upper respiratory tract infection (nose and throat) which may cause medical conditions like cold or influenza. A dry cough under such conditions may worsen once the child stays in a warm room. In some cases, a dry cough may be associated with a lower respiratory tract infection that may cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
What Causes a Dry Cough in Babies?
If your baby is suffering from a dry cough, it can be very uncomfortable and painful. There are many reasons that lead to a dry cough in babies. Mentioned below are some of them:
1. Common Cold
A common cold may cause dry cough in babies. Although a dry cough is not the first symptom of a common cold, it appears during the last stages of the cold. A common cold is a viral infection that may cause a tickling feeling in your baby’s throat. Your baby may have mild and wet cough bouts at the initial stage of the cold, but as the cold progresses, the cough bouts will become drier. Home remedial measures work best to soothe your child’s cold and cough.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD affects babies as well. GERD occurs when the contents of your baby’s stomach make their way back up through the oesophagus. This may lead to vomiting, a burning sensation, or spitting up. The acid may irritate your baby’s throat, resulting in a dry cough. There are many over-the-counter medicines available to cure this condition. However, it is suggested to consult your doctor before administering any medicine to your baby.
3. Environmental Irritants
Sometimes your baby may react to environmental irritants that can lead to a dry cough. This condition is more evident in sensitive babies who react easily to strong chemical odours, cigarette smoke, or overly dry and hot air. Keep your child away from such environmental agents. To combat a dry cough resulting from hot weather conditions, you can use a humidifier in your baby’s room.
4. Influenza
The symptoms of flu or influenza can appear to be the same, but in young children and babies, these symptoms can be severe. Influenza begins with a dry cough, similar to the common cold. As influenza progresses, you will notice phlegm along with the cough.
5. A Whooping Cough
Whooping cough or pertussis may affect your baby. Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract of infants. If your baby is suffering from this condition, you will notice stronger, forceful and persistent bouts of coughing. Your baby will also make a strange noise while coughing. Cough in this condition is extremely dry and may lead to choking threats in infants. Under severe bouts of whooping cough, you may notice tears or a bluish tint in your baby’s eyes, along with a protruding tongue.
Treatment for Dry Cough in Babies
The causative agents of a dry cough are many, and its treatment varies according to the symptoms. It is very important to follow the correct course of treatment for your baby’s dry cough. It is suggested that you visit a paediatrician for the same – they will examine your baby thoroughly and decide the best-suited treatment. Following are some of the treatment options that may help in treating your baby:
1. Treatment for Dry Cough Due to Common Cold
Opting for home remedies is the best way to cure a dry cough resulting from common cold. Home remedial measures are not only easily available but are also safe for young children and babies. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before giving anything to your baby.
2. Treatment for Dry Cough Due to GERD
If the cause of your baby’s dry cough is diagnosed as GERD, your doctor will examine your baby thoroughly to know the exact cause of the same. Once your doctor knows the cause, they will prescribe some medicines to treat it. Though there are many over-the-counter medicines available for the treatment of GERD, it is sensible to go for the one suggested by the doctor.
3. Treatment for Dry Cough Due to Environmental Irritants
The most effective way to ward off a dry cough due to environmental irritants is to expose your baby a little less to the outdoors. Remember to use an artificial humidifier to keep the air moist for your baby during winters. Ensure that you clean the humidifier regularly as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Refrain from using sprays, deodorants or room fresheners that may leave a residue in the air and cause irritation to your baby. Dress up your baby in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes as bouts of cough may make him sweat. Comfortable clothes will allow air circulation and also keep your baby’s temperature in check.
4. Treatment for Dry Cough Due to Influenza
If your baby develops a dry cough due to influenza, antibiotics won’t solve the problem. Your doctor may suggest adequate rest and a healthy diet for your child. It is very important for your child to stay hydrated and consume ample fluids to battle the infection. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you continue doing the same. In case you have started giving your baby food other than breast milk, you can also give him warm, homemade soup or fresh fruit juices.
5. Treatment for Dry Cough Due to Whooping Cough
Once your doctor establishes that pertussis is the cause of a dry cough, they will prescribe a course of antibiotics to your baby. In case your baby is less than 1 year old, hospitalisation may be suggested to overcome any complication. Choking is a common complication that babies experience during a bout of whooping cough; therefore, proper medical supervision proves helpful under such circumstances. Your baby will be kept in a separate ward or in isolation as whooping cough is extremely contagious. Under conditions where your baby is unable to breathe, your doctor may administer corticosteroid medication. This medicine will reduce the risk of choking. The doctor may also make use of an oxygen mask to help your baby breathe better. Your baby’s symptoms, age, and condition will help your doctor decide the best-suited treatment.
Home Remedies for Dry Cough in Infants
The first thing that may pop into your head as soon as you see your baby suffering from any ailment is to go for some age-old effective home remedy. Here, we shall be discussing some easy and effective home remedies that will help your child battle a dry cough. It is recommended that you take a heads up from your doctor before administering any home remedy. Your doctor will help you understand what ingredients may work best for your baby.
Following are some home remedies you can try for your baby:
From Birth to 6 Months
If your baby is under six months, you can make use of the following home remedies to ward off a dry cough:
1. Mother’s Milk
For a baby under six months of age, mothers milk is the best home remedy to treat a dry cough. Keep feeding breast milk to your baby as and when required. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and provides antibodies to the baby to fight infections.
2. Garlic and Carom Seeds
Take a few garlic cloves and 2-3 spoons of carom seeds, and roast them in a pan. Put these roasted spices in a muslin cloth and make a pouch. Place this pouch on your baby’s pillow or crib. The anti-bacterial properties of garlic and carom seeds are effective in fighting cold and congestion.
3. Herbal Rub
You can make a herbal rub with mustard oil, carom seeds, and garlic. The warming properties of mustard oil and anti-bacterial properties of garlic and carom prove beneficial in combating congestion. Heat ¼ cup of mustard oil in a pan, and add in two garlic cloves and half a teaspoon of carom seeds. Take it off the heat after it turns brown. Apply this warm oil on your baby’s chest and feet.
4. Basil (Tulsi) and Coconut Oil
This is an effective remedy to treat a dry cough in babies. Take ¼ cup of coconut oil and warm it. Add crushed basil leaves to it. Apply this warm oil on your baby’s chest, back, throat, and feet.
5. Nasal Saline Drops
Saline drops are very effective in clearing the baby’s nose. Put a few drops in each nostril by tilting your baby’s head backwards. You can make saline drops at home too. Take 8 to 10 tablespoons of warm, filtered water and add ½ tablespoon salt in it.
From 6-10 Months
If your baby is six months or older, the following home remedies may work for him:
1. Cumin Water
To make cumin water, all you need is 1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and a glass of water. Put both the ingredients in a pan and bring them to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, cover the pan with a lid and let it boil for a few minutes. Let the decoction cool down a bit. Strain it and feed it to your baby several times a day. This remedy is very effective in treating dry cough in young children and babies.
2. Turmeric Paste
Make turmeric paste by adding few drops of water in some dry turmeric. Apply this paste on your baby’s torso, feet, and forehead to provide relief from a cough and cold.
3. Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is good for treating cough and cold in babies. Take fresh carrot juice and add some warm water to it. Feed your baby carrot juice to provide relief.
4. Mustard Oil Massage
Take mustard oil and heat it in a pan. Add some nigella sativa (kalonji) seeds to it. Massage your baby’s chest, back and feet with this oil, and also put some under your baby’s nose to provide comfort.
5. Vapour Rub
You may apply vapour rub on the baby’s feet to provide relief from a cough.
From 10-12 Months
If your baby is 10 to 12 months of age, any of following can be used as an effective dry cough remedy:
1. Infused Coconut Oil
Take 1 betel stem, 3to 4 basil (tulsi) leaves and 1 pearl onion; warm all these ingredients in half a cup of coconut oil. Add a pinch of camphor after turning off the heat. Apply this infused oil on your baby’s chest, back and throat.
2. Coconut and Camphor Oil
Heat coconut oil and add a pinch of camphor after taking it off the heat. Use it to massage your baby to cure cough and cold.
3. Increase Fluid Intake
Help your baby drink more fluids, as adequate hydration stops the thickening of mucus. Choosing warmer beverages such as soups helps in relieving sore throat and loosening of the mucus.
4. Black Pepper, Cumin, and Jaggery
Take one cup water and add a pinch of cumin seeds, half a spoon black pepper and 1-2 spoons of jaggery. Boil all these ingredients together for about 10 minutes. Give 1-2 teaspoons of this concoction to your baby not more than once a day.
5. Ladies Finger Soup
This soup aids in fighting cold and cough symptoms. Take some fresh ladies fingers (okra) and chop them. Boil them in water for about 10 minutes, and strain. Give the liquid to your baby as soup.
These home remedies will surely work. However, if you notice that your baby’s symptoms still persist, seek medical help.
Tips to Keep Your Child Comfortable
The following tips may comfort your baby during dry cough bouts:
Help your baby sleep better by creating a calm and quiet environment.
You may try to rock and pat your baby during coughing bouts to ease the pain and discomfort.
Don’t leave your baby alone for long, as severe bouts of dry coughs may lead to choking.
Do not give cough and cold medication to kids under the age of 4 unless specified by your doctor.
With proper care and medical attention, you can help your baby recover from a dry cough. You may also get in touch with your baby’s doctor and know about various ways of dealing with this condition in the best possible way.
Also Read: Cough in Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Read more
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Yoga during the First Trimester of Pregnancy
When you find out that you are pregnant, obviously you are overjoyed. But, as your pregnancy progresses, you realise that pregnancy is not as simple as it sounds in your head. The first trimester of pregnancy is particularly more painful, as you experience morning sickness, nausea, fatigue, all for the first time. The first trimester is crucial since tissues and organs develop by sapping your energy and building up the foetus from within. You'll be aware of new life forming inside your womb which might make you anxious, that is why it is important to relax and rejuvenate. This is where yoga comes in; yoga helps you with your pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more about yoga in the first month of pregnancy and the tips best suited for pregnant ladies.
Is it Safe to Do Yoga in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
Yes, yoga can be safely practised during the first trimester of pregnancy but only under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor who is aware that you're pregnant and in your first trimester. There are certain asanas and poses which may inhibit the flow of blood to the uterus and cause sprains or muscle spasms, which is why it is important to consult your yoga teacher and doctor before you participate in any intense yoga classes.
Benefits of Doing Yoga during the First Trimester
Here are the benefits of doing yoga during the first trimester of pregnancy:
Eliminates Unhealthy Habits
It's pretty much imperative that you have to let go of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle during the first trimester of your pregnancy for the sake and wellbeing of your developing baby. Yoga helps you let go of toxic emotions and cope better with letting go of unhealthy habits like overeating/anorexia, smoking, alcoholism, and insomnia.
Provides Relief from Pain
Yoga provides relief from the pain that comes with pregnancy. You'll be able to cope better with the pain during the three trimesters and by practising breathing techniques, you'll learn how to stay relaxed and stress-free which is equally important for you and your baby.
Mind-Body Connection
If you've struggled with mindfulness and wanted to learn how to connect with your loved ones, you'll be happy to know that Yoga will help you with that. You'll be mindfully aware of the life growing inside you and learn how to let go and live in the moment. You will be emotionally strong and develop a resilient spirit naturally too.
Physical Activity
It's important to start doing a physical activity that's not too hard on your joints and belly during pregnancy. Yoga is perfect as it ensures you get a blend of relaxation plus physical exercise. It's a win-win scenario for expecting moms!
Improved Sleep
Insomnia is an issue every pregnant woman faces during her first trimester due to fatigue. Yoga regulates sleep patterns and assists in hormonal imbalances, thus improving your sleep quality and waking you up rejuvenated.
Yoga Routine for the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Some things to incorporate in your yoga routine during the first trimester are as follows:
Avoid strenuous yoga exercises in the first trimester of pregnancy and do not stretch beyond your natural range of motion.
Listen to your body and be aware of pains and signals.
Rest whenever you want.
Do not practice in hot weather and practice in a cool and breezy environment.
Yoga Poses/Asanas You Can Try in the First Trimester
Some of the safe yoga postures to practice in the first trimester of pregnancy are:
1. Bhujangasana
Bhujangasana is geared towards beginner yoga aspirants and mimics the way a cobra resembles when it raises its hood. Don't push yourself too much and don't hold for more than 30 seconds on an empty stomach in the early morning.
How to Do:
Lie on your stomach with your forehead facing the floor.
Keep your feet together or at hip-width distance and press their tops against the floor.
Keep your elbows close to the body and place them underneath your shoulders.
Retract your shoulder blades to the back and draw your pubic bone towards the floor for stability.
Gently inhale and lift your head and chest off the floor. Relax your shoulders and don't exert your full bodyweight downwards.
Exhale and slowly lower yourself back to the ground.
Do 2-3 rounds of inhaling followed by exhaling down to the floor.
Hold for 2-3 full breaths when doing this pose and come back to floor position.
Benefits
This pose releases tension in your lower back, improves your mood, and increases overall flexibility.
2. Baddha Konasana
Baddha Konasana is commonly known as the butterfly pose and resembles a butterfly flapping its wings. It is best practised on an empty stomach and is a Vinyasa Yoga pose for beginners.
How to Do
Sit straight (or as comfortably straight as possible) and stretch your legs outside.
Inhale gently and bend your knees as your heels are pulled towards your pelvis.
Lightly press the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to drop gently to the sides.
Lift the heels towards your pelvis as close as possible and hold your feet using your first finger and your thumb.
The outer edges of the feet must be planted on the floor and your torso should lengthen across the sternum.
Hold the pose for five minutes and lift your knees, extend, relax and go back to your original position.
Benefits
This pose helps in reducing fatigue, stimulating your adrenal glands, treating menstrual problems, and improving overall blood circulation in the body.
3. Bitalasana
Bitalasana is known as the 'Cow Pose' and here's how you do it. This pose is usually practised with cat pose and is a beginner level asana.
How to Do
Get on all fours in a tabletop position and place your knees under your hips.
The wrist should be in line with shoulders and your head must be in between your hands.
Gently inhale and lift up your buttocks towards the ceiling, thus opening the chest.
Sink your abdomen towards the ground and lift your head up.
Hold for a few seconds, exhale and return to the tabletop position.
Repeat this sequence five to six times and stop.
Benefits
This pose brings stress-relief, massages the internal organs, and improves blood circulation. It also tones your back and relieves back pain too.
4. Marjariasana
Marjariasana is known as the 'Cat Pose' because of the way it resembles a cat stretching its back. It's an Ashtanga Yoga asana that is geared towards beginners and is held for no longer than 15 seconds on an empty stomach.
How to Do
Get on all fours on the floor and keep your wrists under your shoulders and your knees below your hips.
Place your hands on the mat facing forward and keep your shin and knees at a hip-width distance.
Inhale while bringing your belly towards close to the mat.
Lift up the chin and chest and stare at the ceiling.
Widen your shoulder blades and bring them away from the ears.
Move into the Cat Pose and exhale, while bringing your belly towards your spine.
Round your back with it facing towards the ceiling. Inhale and return to cow pose.
Exhale and return to the Cat Pose.
Repeat a total of 5 to 20 minutes and rest.
Benefits
Purifies your blood, rejuvenates the mind, promotes proper blood circulation and works as an effective stress-buster for pregnant women.
5. Viparita Karani
Literally translates to 'Legs Up The Wall Pose,' this one's rejuvenating for your mind and body. Do this exercise under the guidance of someone. When you are pregnant, always perform this yoga by resting your foot against a wall.
How to Do
Lie down on the floor, tuck the chin slightly into the chest and gently pull your shoulder blades towards each other while lifting your hips up.
Support your hips on your hands, open up the chest and gently bring the legs a little towards the direction of your head.
Close your eyes and breathe, while holding this position for five minutes.
Release and roll over to a side.
Breathe again before sitting up.
Benefits
Treats headaches, relieves menstrual cramps, and lessens lower-back pain.
6. Tadasana
Tadasana is a towering pose that resembles that of the mountains. It's a standing yoga pose for Hatha Yoga beginners and doesn't require to be practised on an empty stomach.
How to Do
Keep your hands alongside your body and stand erect with your legs a bit apart.
Lift your ankles by strengthening the inner arches and visualize white light passing through them.
Turn your upper thighs inward, flex the tailbone towards the floor and thrust the pelvis forward.
Look up, breathe in and stretch the shoulders, arms, and chest. Raise your heels with bodyweight on toes, hold for a few seconds, exhale, and release.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of this pose are improved posture, steady breathing, mindful awareness, prevention of flat feet, and improved strength plus mobility in the feet, legs, and hips.
7. Virabhadrasana
Known as the Warrior II Pose, it is inspired by a mythical warrior called Virabhadra. It's suitable for beginners and is practised on an empty stomach.
How to Do
Stand in the mountain pose and bring your feet forward opposing each other about 3.5 to 4 feet apart.
Arms raised and parallel to the floor, face them towards opposite ends, with shoulder blades wide and palms down.
Turn your right foot slightly more right and your left food approximately 90 degrees.
Hold for 30 seconds, inhale and come up. Repeat on the other side.
Benefits
The Warrior II Pose energizes the body, promotes balance and stability, improves respiration, builds stamina and focus and finally, enhances blood circulation.
Yoga Poses to Avoid during the First Trimester
The following are the yoga poses which should be avoided during the first trimester-
1. Sun Salutations with Jump-backs
Reason: Due to the physical demands of the body and energy required by the growing fetus, you should take rest and not attempt anything that will drain you out.
2. Locust Pose
Reason: Puts pressure on your belly which is bad for the baby and pregnancy.
3. Boat Pose
Reason: Strains the abdominal muscles and stresses the belly.
4. Plough Pose
Reason: Puts too much stress on your core which is bad for your baby.
Yoga Tips to Keep in Mind during the First Trimester
Keep these tips in mind when practising yoga asanas during your first trimester:
If you're new to yoga, start with simple poses which build your flexibility. Use props for times you feel tired.
Don't practice backbends, plank pose, or anything that twists or puts pressure on the uterus or belly.
Relax at the end of a class and make sure to breathe throughout the asanas.
Modify these poses based on comfort level and physical health and practice under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Keep these tips in mind and practice safely in a quiet and stress-free environment. The key thing is to stay relaxed and enjoy yourself. If you ever feel any discomfort, feel free to stop midway and rest.
Also Read: Pregnancy Exercises for Normal Delivery Read more
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Tips to Tame Jet Lag with Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Jet lag can be hard to deal with but handling jet lag in kids may be harder. Most parents can have a tough time coping with jet-lagged kids after the flight is over. The situation may further compound as parents are likely to be tired themselves. But this problem shouldn’t deter active parents from giving up on their travel passions as it can be easily managed by bearing a few things in mind. A little careful planning and foresight can help you to make your travel adventures enjoyable for both yourself and your kids.
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag or Time Zone Change Syndrome is the feeling of extreme tiredness and at times confusion or irritability experienced by a person following a long flight through more than a few time zones. It possibly occurs due to interruption of circadian tempos in the body owing to time changes. The body’s circadian rhythms or internal clock control sleep-wake patterns and other physical functions of the body, which can get affected when a person travels several time zones.
Moreover, many people feel the jet lag to be worse when flying some time zones east than flying a similar figure of time zones to the west. For example, if someone was to travel from Asia to Europe, chances are they may find the outward journey easier than the incoming one. Similarly, if you are going to the US from the UK, the outgoing trip may seem more relaxed than when you travel back to the UK.
While calculating the difference of time zones, one may consider the change in time rather than the change of day. The body’s internal clock tends to get influenced by time changes instead of date changes. The severity of the jet lag symptoms usually depends on the age and the number of time zones one covers. The greater number of time zones you cross, the more serious the symptoms will probably be. Older people normally feel more jet-lagged as their body clock generally takes extra time to get into sync. Children commonly experience milder symptoms and recover sooner.
Signs of Jet Lag in a Child
Some of the jet lag in babies symptoms can be:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Anxiety
Confusion and disorientation
Dehydration
Headaches
Irritability
Indigestion
Nausea
Daytime sleepiness
Dizziness
Malaise
How Long Can Jet Lag Last in Children?
Children tend to recover faster from jet lag. However, the recovery can differ from one child to the other as all kids are different. Besides, the recovery is also subject to the number of times zones a child has crossed while travelling. Usually, a child may get adjusted to a new time zone typically at the measure of about one or two time zones each day. For example, if a kid has travelled through six time zones, his body may take naturally three to four days to adjust to the time variation.
In any case, the effects of a jet lag are mostly temporary and don’t last long. Complications arising due to jet lag are very rare. Nevertheless, in case you feel that the jet lag symptoms of your kid are not reducing or disappearing even after a week, consult a doctor.
How to Overcome Jet Lag with Infants and Kids?
Jet lag can be tough on kids because they may not be able to fathom the reasons for their sudden tiredness or wakefulness, as their body fights to cope with a new time schedule in a changed zone. Assign a couple of days’ time to deal with your kid’s jet lag upon arrival at your destination.
1. Handling Jet Lag with Babies
Some handy tips to handle jet lag with babies can be as follows:
Try and prepare yourself mentally so that you are better equipped to deal with difficult situations, like your baby waking at odd hours or frequently.
Enlist the help of your partner to tackle this challenge. You can take turns handling the baby while the other gets some much-needed rest and sleep.
Letting your baby naturally adjust to the changed time zone may prove more helpful rather than trying to control or set a routine for him and expect him to follow it.
A jet-lagged baby staying awake all night can be a possibility. His internal body clock may be equating the time with his wakeful hours back home. Make sure to keep the lights dim and offer him a feed if you feel so. Hopefully, your baby may fall asleep in due time.
It may be beneficial to continue to follow your baby’s night-time schedule. If your baby’s night-time routine includes a warm bath, a bottle and sleeping in his diapers, do follow it in the new time zone as it may be his cue that it's night and time to sleep.
Decide on a suitable flight keeping in mind the likely time-adjustment challenges you will be facing upon landing in a new time zone. Most people prefer taking a late afternoon flight which allows them to rest during the flight. Also, they find it easier to settle their kid when its nighttime.
Take your baby out to expose him to morning sunshine which may assist in resetting his day/night clock timings.
2. Jet Lag Cure for Toddlers and Older Children
Certain toddler jet lag solutions can include:
Keep the first few days of your trip easy-paced and slow-going to give enough time to your kid to adjust to the new changed time zone.
Flights with layovers may be a better bet as it can give your toddler an opportunity to take a break from flying and rest at the airport.
Consider taking a flight which lands close to your toddler’s bedtime. This way, your toddler, who may be tired because of not getting proper sleep on the plane, is likely to prefer retiring to bed.
You can try preparing your child in advance for the changed timings by adjusting his sleep time while still at home, closer to his new sleep time of the country you shall be visiting. Try explaining to older kids about time zones and how they can induce jet lag. Knowing what to expect may ease their confusion and enable them to deal with jet lag symptoms in a better manner.
It may be a good idea to avoid flight meals for your kids. Instead, have them board the flight with full bellies so that your toddler can sleep during the flight while others are eating.
In case sleep eludes your toddler on a flight, be sure to carry small toys, books, or other gadgets to keep him engaged.
Exhaustion can lead to your toddler vomiting. Therefore, create and provide as many sleep opportunities as you can to your toddler to combat his possible tiredness and irritability. Restrict his sugar intake and encourage him to indulge in active playtime so that he is physically tired when it's bedtime.
Be patient with your child. Forget and abandon all your rules for a while. Try and remember that kids are very flexible and don’t take much time to adapt to newer things. Initiate your kid to time zones by planning smaller trips across the country. Gradually you can upgrade to international ones.
Jet lag is usually temporary and likely to pass in a few days. Be supportive and gentle towards your kid. Some thoughtful planning and advance preparation can help diminish the impact of jet lag and make flying trips with kids memorable.
Also Read: Essential Tips for Travelling With Kids Read more
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How to Reduce Labour Pains - 10 Most Effective Ways
While it can certainly be said that labour is one of the more painful experiences in a person’s life, not every woman experiences labour in the same way. Some women experience intense pain that resembles diarrheal cramps, others feel a severe pressure and still others experience menstrual like cramps.
How to Ease Labour Pains?
More than the actual contractions, it is the frequency and periodicity of the contractions that make it one of the hardest part of labour. The closer you get to labour, the less time you have to rest between the painful waves. Here are ways on how to manage labour pain:
1. Consider a Doula:
A doula is someone who is a professional in assisting women in labour. The main aim of a doula is to provide emotional and physical support to a woman without being involved in the medical aspect, which will lie in the hands of your doctor and his team. Your partner may not be capable of providing you with the comfort and help you need at this time. As a doula is trained in birth support, she will be able to guide you through all your labour pain relief techniques as well as provide you with emotional support.
2. Warm or Cool Compress:
Placing a cool pack on the painful parts or a hot compress on the abdomen, groin or lower back during labour can help bring some relief to the body.
3. Get a Massage:
A gentle touch can be very soothing and bring a lot of comfort. Indulge in a relaxing massage and you will find that the pain will not be as bad.
4. Water Therapy:
A warm bath is very helpful, especially if you sit on a stool and direct the warm water directly onto your lower back or abdomen with the shower head or a mug. Make sure the pressure of the shower head is not so forceful.
During labour, try opting for a birth pool as it can be especially soothing and the water will help you cope with the contractions. If your partner or doula pours warm water on your shoulders it will help you relax even further.
5. Rhythmic Breathing:
For this one, you are going to need the help of your partner or someone you are comfortable being with at this time. During contractions, breathe in a slow and rhythmic manner. Try moaning as you exhale to help release the tension. If you lose the rhythm, the person accompanying you should help you to get it back with some rhythmic hand or head movements and by making eye contact.
6. Move Your Body:
Walking, stretching, swaying and squatting comprise as good tips for labour pain. Do whatever you can to keep your body moving. Some positions may be more comfortable for you than others. A birthing ball is a great way to help encourage the baby down the pelvic canal by using gravity and rotation.
7. Have No Fear:
Your circulatory, nervous and hormonal systems all work together to help you cope with labour pain. If you begin to show fear, your entire system will get thrown out of whack and will then cause your body to begin to produce more stress hormones that counteract the hormones that are helpful in relieving the labour pains and help to enhance labour. There are physiological reactions caused by fear that reduce the flow of blood to the uterus, thereby causing the muscles within to tire out faster. This results in more pain.
8. Learn About Labour:
“Knowledge is power” and the more you learn about what to expect during labour, the better prepared you will be. You can always seek the advice of your doctor, doula or friends and members of your family who have been through childbirth.
9. Pain Medication:
The epidural was once taken as a shot that would numb your lower half completely. But now, most hospitals use the drip technique that is controlled by the patient. The setting is usually kept on low, but the patient is allowed to press a button that usually releases more if needed.
10. Comfortable Environment:
During birth, your environment can play a huge part in if you are able to relax and be more comfortable during labour. It is best to have the lights turned down and your favourite calming music playing. Bringing objects from home that make your room smell and feel more familiar will instantly help you become more relaxed.
The miracle of birth is not easy, but it is worth it. At the end of the most painful event in your life, will be the most precious thing in it. While some women do opt to not use any medication during labour and go the more natural route, not every woman can handle the pain. Many who try avoiding pain medications change their minds at the last minute. Be sure to do your research well and make all your preferences clear to your doctor in advance. Also, incorporate the tips given above to help you deal with most of your pain in the natural way.
Also Read: List of Labour Complications Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small 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
3 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
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2 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
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1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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