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Castor Oil during Pregnancy for Labour Induction
In some cases, labour induction may become necessary, notably, if the pregnant woman has exceeded her full pregnancy term of 40 weeks and the contractions haven’t begun. One of the popular tricks often propagated for inducing labour is the use of castor oil.
But there is no complete and decisive research available which shows that the use of castor oil during pregnancy for labour induction is entirely safe. Most of what we know about the role of castor oil in labour induction is here say and subjective.
However, the known common side effect of castor oil which is nausea is not something a pregnant woman would desire during the time of her delivery. Besides, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before experimenting with any such method of labour induction to avoid possible pregnancy risks. The following article may help you make an informed decision regarding taking castor oil during pregnancy.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a bright, thick vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of castor beans or Ricinus communis. It primarily includes a fatty acid called Ricinoleic acid which is believed to be chiefly responsible for its medicinal properties. Despite the fact that conclusive scientific evidence in this regard is scanty, still for many years now, castor oil has been used for treating numerous disorders like constipation, certain skin issues, easing pain and soreness.
Nonetheless, castor oil has some non-medicinal uses like it is used as a preservative and flavouring agent. It is a common ingredient in skin care items and cosmetics like soaps, shampoos, and lipsticks. It is also used in the manufacturing of dyes, paints, plastics, and fibres.
Castor oil is commonly found in India. The consistency of castor oil is similar to that of the cooking oil and is nearly tasteless. But it is known to have some nasty side-effects like diarrhoea, nausea and even acute dehydration.
Is it Safe to Use Castor Oil during Pregnancy?
Medical research conducted on the subject of castor oil uses for pregnancy shows wide-ranging conclusions. The various studies which have been conducted to analyse the use of castor oil for labour induction do not reveal any noteworthy difference in the kind of birth, vaginal or caesarean or the duration of labour. Neither has any scientific studies found any conclusive evidence indicating enhanced complications during delivery. The primary concern was individuals displaying varying tolerance levels to the discomfort caused by the use of castor oil at the time of birth. In some cases, women experienced nausea while some experienced diarrhoea that lead to dehydration.
Thus, some may endorse castor oil benefits for pregnancy especially in cases where a pregnant woman has crossed the 40 weeks mark while others look at it with concern and forcefully caution against its use.
Besides, doctors have started using other reliable and effective methods of labour-induction which guarantee success. Moreover, if you have a difficult pregnancy, you may want to refrain from using castor oil and seek medical advice instead.
Castor Oil For Inducing Labour
The use of castor oil for inducing labour is based on the notion that castor oil has laxative properties and when consumed it stimulates the bowels and causes the uterus to contract. Furthermore, the ricinoleic acid which is the main constituent of castor oil attacks the prostaglandin receptors in the womb and intestines, causing them to contract. It is also believed that castor oil affects the fluid and electrolytes absorption in the gut leading to diarrhoea which in turn may induce contractions.
How much Castor Oil is Required for Labour Induction?
Some people suggest ingesting nearly half a cup of castor oil while many recommend taking not more than 1 or 2 tablespoons at a given time. It is always wise to start with less and gradually increases the dose if required. This is because overdose may lead to acute diarrhoea and likely dehydration.
How to Consume Castor Oil for Labour Induction?
Castor oil can be consumed in many ways. It depends on the individual’s preference. Some of the ways are mentioned below:
It can be taken mixed with some orange juice or any other juice of your choice to conceal its somewhat unpleasant taste.
You can drink it over in one go and follow it up with a flavoured drink of your liking to neutralise the taste.
Keep in mind to drink plenty of water after consuming castor oil as it is a laxative and may cause dehydration.
How fast does Castor Oil Work to Induce Labour?
Definite results on the use of castor oil for inducing labour are quite diverse. In some cases, expectant mothers reported experiencing its effects and getting into labour within a couple of hours of taking castor oil while in some cases no effects were reported. In such cases, induction may happen over a period of few days, if at all it does.
However, the side effects may start to manifest within a few hours of consuming castor oil and can last up to 1-6 hours. But more detailed research is required to ascertain its effects and results.
Precautions to take before taking Castor Oil to Induce Labour
Certain precautions that may be kept in mind before consuming castor oil to induce labour are:
Keep yourself suitably hydrated by drinking lots of water.
It is better to be near a toilet in case of loose motions.
Follow the principle “less is safe”. It is desirable to take 1 or 2 tablespoons of castor oil in 24 hours.
Avoid inducing too early. It is wise to wait until after 40 weeks because if your body is not prepared for labour, castor oil may not have the desired effect.
It is not advisable to use castor oil as a means to accelerate the labour as this can heighten the pain and discomfort.
You may also like to consider other natural methods with less unpleasant side-effects for inducing labour.
Prepare your hospital bag and keep it handy.
Seek medical consultation in case of any doubt.
Side-effects of Consuming Castor Oil for Inducing Labour
Doctors have mixed opinion on the possible side-effects of consuming castor oil for inducing labour. Some of the likely side-effects are listed below:
Some experts are of the view that, along with the mother, castor oil may cast its laxative effect on the unborn baby as well. And this can cause the baby to pass its first stool (meconium) during labour leading to possible complications. But there is no documented evidence to support this view.
Use of castor oil for inducing labour can result in diarrhoea and likely dehydration.
Ingesting castor oil may cause nausea. It may be with or without vomiting.
Some women can experience severe cramping.
There have been cases where women have experienced no side-effects.
Therefore, it is suggested that you should consult your doctor before consuming castor oil.
Why is it suggested that Castor Oil be avoided during Pregnancy?
Some medical practitioners strongly recommend avoiding the use of castor oil during pregnancy. This may be because of some of the following reasons:
Taking castor oil during pregnancy may lead to abortion.
Castor oil can result in painful contractions in some cases causing increased foetal distress.
It may increase the risk of meconium (baby’s first stool) being passed in the womb.
Owing to the laxative properties of castor oil, it can cause acute diarrhoea which may lead to unnecessary pregnancy complications.
In case you have a tough pregnancy, it is better to avoid the use of castor oil to prevent additional discomfort and problems.
Can Castor Oil be used as a Laxative during Pregnancy?
Experts are divided on this issue, and more extensive research needs to be done. Some experts believe that castor oil can be used as a laxative during pregnancy while some are of the view that the laxative properties of castor oil not only affects the mother but equally effects the baby also. Therefore, using castor oil when pregnant may heighten the probability of meconium or baby’s earliest faeces being passed in the womb. If the meconium is inhaled entirely or even partially by the baby, it can block the airways of the baby and cause serious complications.
Alternatives for Castor Oil for Labour Induction
Depending on how your pregnancy is progressing, castor oil during early pregnancy can be an option. Nevertheless, some of the following alternatives to castor oil can also be considered:
Use of Pitocin through an IV.
Rupturing the water bag artificially.
Stimulation of the nipples manually or with the help of breast pumps.
Prostaglandins.
Use of Foley balloon catheter mechanically.
You can use any one or a combination of the above options after discussing your condition with your doctor.
Preferably, if there are no medical compulsions, the sensible thing to do is to wait for labour to ensue naturally. But if you still wish to use castor oil for inducing labour, it is always wise to consult your doctor first. It is best not to worry unnecessarily and focus more on preparing yourself for the arrival of your bundle of joy.
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List of Essential Oils in Pregnancy
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20 Soothing Things to Say Instead of 'Stop Crying!' to Kids
Kids are little angels but they don't stay that way when they burst out in tears. As a parent, it's heart-breaking to see your kids crying, but just yelling 'Stop Crying!' or resorting to violent or loud words won't help. Let's take a look at why empathy works and things to say instead of stop crying to toddlers.
Why Does Empathy Work?
Crying is a way of expressing feelings. When you use empathy, your child understands and gets that you're hearing him or her out. Empathy works because it shows that you are a pillar of support and are available to talk to when your child signals for help.
Children are also at an age where sometimes they don't understand the reason behind their feelings. By sitting down with your child and leaving your ears open, you're signalling that you're there as a guardian and are paying attention. This is also why one should not ask a toddler to stop crying.
Positive Phrases to Say Instead of 'Stop Crying!' to Your Child
Before you begin calming your child down, remember to take a few deep breaths, slow down, relax, and prepare yourself to be mindful. Saying the wrong things to your child or trying to be empathetic when you're feeling angry is like adding fuel to the fire.
Now that you're ready and relaxed, here's a list of positive phrases you can say (remember to say these in a soft tone):
1. "Hey Champ, why the long face? Why don't you sit down and tell me what's wrong?"
This is a friendly way to show your empathy. It signals your kid that you're trying to cheer him up.
2. "Look at me in the eye. Mommy is there for you and I know it's hard, so talk to me."
Saying this to your child lets her know that you can relate to the emotions they're going through.
3. "Why don't we go out for a break and have some fun?"
If your child is frustrated or crying because he couldn't do something he tried, this is an excellent way to take a time-out.
4. "You are absolutely safe with Mommy and Daddy."
Kids sometimes cry when they're bullied or feel unsafe. This phrase lets them know you're there for them.
5. "It's okay to feel this way, baby."
If your child's done something wrong or hurt his friend, he/she may cry because of guilt. This phrase is a good way to help them process those emotions.
6. "Do you mind if I sit next to you. How is your day going?"
Did your kid have a bad day? This one's an icebreaker that gets them talking eventually.
7. "I know, I hated that stuff too! Tell me what's making you cry. I'm all ears."
Your child may cry because nobody's hearing them out. This is an excellent way to open your arms to them and let them speak their hearts out.
8. "Daddy can help if you'll tell Daddy why you are crying."
If your child refuses to talk even after trying some of the above phrases, you could give this one a go. It tells your kid that you're open to listening but cannot help unless they talk. Kids are receptive to positive emotions, and this is a good way of letting them know that you're there for them.
9. "Want to give it a go one more time?"
Maybe your child fell off the bicycle or failed to play a game the way they wanted. This statement tells them it is alright to fail a few times before they succeed.
10. "I know it doesn't feel fair."
Life isn't fair. You know it, but your child doesn't. This statement will help them cope with their first bad event.
11. "I'm disappointed/angry/frustrated too. Let's talk about it."
This says you can understand what they're going through and they'll be glad to know.
12. "There was this time when I was so angry. I cried because...."
Maybe you have a story because you cried due to getting bullied, getting a bad grade, or not seeing your friends show up at your party. If your child is facing a similarly tough time, narrate your story and tell them how you cried too. This statement opens up your kids and lets parents bond with them.
13. "Always remember, I love you."
No matter what the circumstances, reinforce with this that you're there for them all the way.
14. "Do you want me to help you?"
Often when a child fails to perform a task, it's likely they require some assistance. This phrase is a gentle way of saying there's nothing to be ashamed of and that asking for help is okay.
15. "Let's Work On This Together"
Children have a competitive spirit. Sometimes when they hit a roadblock, you have to pitch in. This statement tells you that you support what they're doing.
16. "You'll get cookies if you finish your..."
Sometimes a child throws a tantrum by crying when they want something badly. By saying this phrase or something similar, you let them know that their reward is available and not running away.
17. "I remember you wanted this toy for your birthday"
If you can't meet your child often due to a busy lifestyle, this is a good way to remind them that you care. Maybe they were crying because you forgot something and this is a good way of telling them that you remember.
18. "Relax, you'll figure it out."
If your child's a genius, he may stumble on a wall on his road to learning. Tell them it's okay and that they'll get it soon.
19. "Bad moments never last forever."
If your child had his heart broken by a friend in school or if someone made fun of his intellect, reassure that it's just a phase and that bad times don't last forever.
20. "I'd like you to play with me."
If your child has a tough time making friends, it's time you step in. Encourage him to be your playmate and dry those tears away for a fun time.
What to Avoid When Your Child is Crying?
Now that we've covered what to say, we'll let you in on a secret- what to avoid to say to a crying toddler. Words can hurt and make the situation worse when not picked carefully. Here's what not to do when your child is crying:
1. "You couldn't figure that out? You're an idiot!"
Not only does this lower their self-esteem but they'll grow resentment towards you when they grow up. Your child's human, after all.
2. "Just shut up. I can't take it."
Never yell at your child or tell them to zip it. It signals you don't care about their emotions and makes the situation worse.
3. "Get Out"
Never tell your child to get out or go away when they're crying. It makes them feel abandoned and in extreme cases, they may harm themselves or run away from home.
4. "Why?! Why?! Why?!"
Children crave support, and when you ask too many questions, it feels intrusive, not supportive. Never ask too many whys. You want to be there for them, not against them.
5. "Your friends wouldn't have cried."
Comparing your child's feelings with his classmates or peers is downright cruel. Don't say this ever, because it's what we call being toxic by belittling their feelings.
Good parents are like guardian angels for their kids. Always be willing to hear out what your little one has to say. That way, you foster a positive and open-minded relationship and not something your child hates remembering.
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How Should Parents Handle Their Naughty Kids?
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20 Parenting Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier
Being a parent can be tough, especially when your kids don’t listen to what you say and throw tantrums or make a mess. During such times, you get to your wit's end because you don’t know what to do. Luckily, we have a few hacks that will help you manage your parenting much more efficiently and handle your kids much more peacefully. Let’s look at a few below.
20 Best Parenting Hacks Ever
Here are 20 life hacks for parents which you can use with your kids. They will get you at least 10 minutes of personal time back in your everyday life which you would have otherwise spent hassled and running about.
1. The Dot Method to Label Clothing
If you have multiple children and keep getting confused about which clothes belong to whom, just use a simple method of marking their clothes with dots. One dot for the eldest child, two dots for the second one, three for the third and so on. Trust us, this will save you a lot of time during laundry and will help you know at a glance which clothing needs to be pulled out for which kid.
2. Use an Inflatable Pool As a Baby Playpen
A good one among parenting hacks for babies, if you are working and need to keep an eye on your baby so he doesn’t hurt himself or get into mischief, there is no need to pay a fortune to buy a playpen. Instead, just use an inflatable pool and put your baby inside while you bustle around.
3. Use a ‘Scary Monster Spray’
If your little one can’t sleep at night because he is scared of monsters coming to get him, just fill a spray bottle with water and put some monster stickers on the bottle. Spray it at night in front of your child and tell him that you are ‘scaring the monsters away’. This will help him sleep without fear.
4. Get a Baby Scooter or a Stroller
This will help you make your walks in the park along with your children a little more fun and will help you get to places with them faster. You can also get in exercise this way as you need to run to keep up with them.
5. Temporary Tattoos
To avoid your kid from getting lost in a crowded place, you can give him a temporary tattoo which can have his name and your phone number just in case he does. This is a safety contingency for your peace of mind. You can also have him wear a bracelet with his name and phone number if you are not a fan of pen ink on your child’s skin.
6. Turn Lotion Bottles Into Faucets
A great idea to help your children wash their hands is to use an old lotion bottle as a faucet extender. If your kids are too tiny and can’t reach the faucet, this is an excellent hack until they grow up a little and gain a little height.
7. Turn Chores Into a Fun Game
If you’re having a hard time getting your kids to help out in chores around the house, turning the chores into a fun game to play can help you out significantly. It will make them more encouraged to pitch in and get all the chores done in time. Additionally, it helps them learn the chore so that they can be accustomed to performing it in the future.
8. Use Sprinkles Liberally
If your kid refuses to eat vegetables like broccoli or other healthy foods, using coloured sprinkles on the food can help it look more attractive and appealing for your kid to eat. Just don’t overload the food with sprinkles, that’s all.
9. Use Vinegar for Small Burns
Kids are always getting into some accident or the other. If your child has undergone a minor burn at home or while playing, soak a paper towel in some vinegar and hold it against the burn till the skin cools down. This will ease any pain and avoid a blister forming. A great home-remedy hack.
10. Use a Rubber Band on Locks
Use a rubber band to keep your bathroom doors from getting locked when they swing shut. This will help keep your children from accidentally locking themselves in the bathrooms at home.
11. Limit Liquid Soap Using Rubber Bands
Another rubber band trick, this is a way to keep your kids from using liquid soap liberally and wasting it. Tie the rubber band around the pump nozzle which will dispel less liquid soap than normal.
12. Tighten a Loose Tank Top
If your kid is wearing a tank top which is falling off her shoulders and you have no way to keep it up, you can always use a bobby pin to clip the back straps together. This is a good hack till you get your child a new tank top, or stitch the loose one to make it tighter.
13. Use a Medicine Dropper Inside an Open Pacifier
When your child needs to take oral medicine, a way to make the process less scary is to insert the medicine dropper into an open pacifier and let your child intake the medicine from there. He can simply suck on the pacifier. No more crying when he sees the medicine dropper.
14. Re-purpose Your Kid’s Old Crib
A fun and sustainable way to recycle your child’s old crib is to turn it into a workstation with the help of a little woodwork. This will keep the crib from taking up space once your child becomes too big for it. It will also add a new piece of furniture to the house without spending much.
15. Recycle Old DVD Covers
You can turn an old DVD case into a colouring pencil box with the help of paper and a few pencils. Decorate it colourfully with the help of your kids. It makes for a great arts and crafts activity you can do with your kids.
16. Make a Kid’s Hammock
Use some fabric and a table to create a hammock for your kids. Since they won’t weigh much, you don’t have to be overly worried about the hammock falling, and your kids will love the idea. This will keep them occupied when you are busy.
17. A Changing Table Hack
It’s always a problem when you don’t find a changing table around when you need it. In fact, many public men’s bathrooms are not equipped with a changing table which may pose a problem for dads carrying their babies. You can make a changing table bag where a bag opens up into a table that lies flat on your lap, with the strap wrapping around your waist to prevent it from falling. The bag can also hold diapers and wipes. You can make it at home with online guidance, and it is a great way for parents to change their baby’s diapers anywhere.
18. Prevent Slippery Floors
Having slippery floors at home can be a hazard for your little one who will be running around here and there. A good one among parenting hacks for toddlers is to add a touch of 3D fabric paint to the soles of your baby’s socks, booties or onesies. This makes them slip-proof, and you can be relieved that your baby won't slip and fall anywhere in the house.
19. Popsicle Hack
Anyone, adult or child, who eats a drippy popsicle will not be able to avoid a mess. In fact, kids will not only smear it all over their face but also mess up their clothes. A great way to avoid this mess is to stick the popsicle through an upright cupcake holder. This will make sure that the drippy mess collects in the holder and not on your kid’s apparel.
20. Keep Your Stroller Tires Clean
As a parent, you might get really tired cleaning the dirt and grime off your baby’s stroller tires after a walk in the park. A great hack to avoid this hassle is to slip some shower caps on the tires before you store it away inside. This will prevent the dirt from getting on other things in your closet and will also solve the pesky problem of scrubbing every time.
Parenting is a roller coaster, and sometimes you might feel that you have no time to even catch your breath. Incorporating a few of these hacks in your daily life can help reduce stress significantly, and also help you have some fun with your kids. Many of these hacks involve spending time with your children doing some activity, so bonding can also happen as you get to spend quality time with your child. Children are always curious, so be sure that they will participate wholeheartedly in any fun activity. So use these hacks, have fun and enjoy parenthood.
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Chanda Kochhar's Letter To Her Daughter Echoes Every Mom's Thoughts
Remember the first time you held your child in your arms and felt her breath on your cheeks? It is a moment you will never forget. Your baby is your dream come true, and from that moment till eternity, you promise to always love and protect her. However, parenting is a challenging task which demands your complete time and attention. There are a hundred things you want to tell your child, but time, energy and circumstances often have other plans. This is probably why Chanda Kochhar, MD and CEO of ICICI Bank, decided to say it in writing. Her letter to daughter Aarti echoes what every mom wants her daughter to know, believe and imbibe in her life.
Chanda Kochhar grew up in Jaipur, as one of a college professor's three children. After her father's unexpected death, when the family was reeling under shock, Chanda strung together all her courage and moved the family to Mumbai. Here, she started working to fund her children's college education, and also obtained a Masters' degree in management studies.
She learnt from her mother, who confidently faced the brunt of daily life as a single parent, never letting it affect those who depended on her. Today, Chanda is the first woman MD and CEO of ICICI, one of India's top banks, and the youngest too. She has also made it to the Forbes '100 Most Powerful Women in the World' list four times in a row.
Like every working mom, Chanda too lives through everyday pressures and stress. There's the feeling of helplessness when you cannot take time out for the school annual function. There's the guilt of not doing enough, even when you are doing all you can. And there's also the fear that the stress will get to your children. But Chanda wants her daughter to know that come what may, there's something that will always help you bounce back: family, a belief in yourself, and the desire to shape your own destiny. She pours her heart into this beautiful letter to her daughter Aarti, an excerpt from Sudha Menon's book “Legacy: Letters from eminent parents to their daughters”.
Here's The Letter from A Loving Mom to Her Daughter.
Dear Aarti,
It makes me feel so proud today to see you standing in front of me as a confident young woman right on the threshold of an exciting journey through life. I am looking forward to seeing you grow and flourish in the years ahead.
This moment has also brought back memories of my own journey, and the life lessons I learnt along the way. When I think of those times, I realize that most of these lessons were actually learnt in my childhood, mostly through examples set by my parents. The values that they instilled in my formative years gave me the foundation on which I try to live my life even today.
Our parents treated all three of us - two sisters and a brother - equally. When it came to education, or our future plans, there was no discrimination between us based on our gender. Your grandparents always had the same message for the three of us - that it was important to focus on what gave us satisfaction and to work towards it with utmost dedication. That early initiation enabled us to develop into confident individuals capable of taking decisions independently. This also helped me when I started out on my own journey of self- discovery.
I was only a young girl of 13 when my father passed away from a sudden heart attack, leaving us unprepared to take on life without him. We had been protected from life's challenges so far. But without warning, all that changed overnight. And my mother, who had been a homemaker till then, faced the responsibility of raising three children all on her own. It was then that we realized how strong she was and how determined to do her duty in the best possible manner. Slowly, she discovered a flair for designing and textiles, found herself a job with a small firm, and quickly made herself indispensable to them. It must have been challenging for her to shoulder the responsibility of bringing up her family single- handed, but she never let us feel like it was a task for her. She worked hard till she saw all of us through college and we became independent. I never knew that my mother had such a wealth of self-assurance and belief within her.
As a parent with a full time job, one must not let work affect the way you relate to your family. Remember the time you were studying in the US and the announcement of my becoming MD and CEO of ICICI was splashed across all newspapers? I remember the mail you wrote to me a couple of days later. 'You never made us realize that you had such a demanding, successful and stressful career. At home, you were just our mother,' you wrote in your email. Live your life in the same way, my darling.
I also learnt from my mother that it is very important to have the ability to handle difficult situations and keep moving forward in life, no matter what. Even today I can remember the equanimity and calmness with which she handled the crisis on hand when my father passed away. You have to handle the challenges and emerge stronger from them, rather than allow them to bog you down. I remember how, in late 2008, we were faced with a situation where ICICI Bank's survival was in jeopardy in the face of a global economic meltdown. The situation was being analysed with a hawk's eye by major media platforms and debated widely in the public space… I got down to work, systematically communicating with all stakeholders - from the smallest depositor to the sophisticated investors, and from regulators to the government - the bank was sound and its exposure to these institutions involved a small portion of its assets.
I understood their concern because so many of them feared that their hard earned savings in our bank could be at risk. I also advised staff across the bank's various branches to lend a sympathetic ear to those depositors who turned up to withdraw their money, telling them to also offer the depositors a seat and a glass of water while they waited. And though, depositors were welcome to withdraw their money if they wanted to, our staff also took care to explain to them that it would not help them to take their money away, because there was no real crisis situation.
It was during this period that I took a couple of hours off one day to attend your brother's squash tournament. I did not know it then, but my very presence at the tournament went a long way in reinstalling customer confidence in the bank. A few mothers at the tournament came and asked me if I was Chanda Kochhar from ICICI Bank and when I replied in the affirmative they said that if I could still find time to attend a tournament in the midst of a crisis, it meant that the bank was in safe hands and they need not worry about their money!
It was also from my mother that I learnt the importance of adapting to circumstances and not being afraid of the unknown. While working hard for my career, I looked after my family, and have been there for my mother and in-laws when they needed me around. They reciprocated in kind with their unconditional love and support for my career. Remember that relationships are important and have to be nurtured and cherished. Also keep in mind that a relationship is a two way street, so be ready to give a relationship just as you would expect the other person to be giving to you.
My career would not have progressed the way it did were it not for your father who never once complained about the time I spent away from home. Your father and I nurtured our relationship despite the fact that we were both busy with our own careers, and I am confident you will do the same with your partner, when the time comes. If you had complained and whined about my extended absence from home, I would never have had the heart to make a career for myself. I am blessed with a great and supportive family and I really hope you too will be as fortunate when you set out on your own!
I remember the day your board exams were about to commence. I had taken leave from work so that I could take you to the examination hall myself. When you realized I was coming, you told me how you were used to going for your exams alone for so many years. It hurt me to hear you say that, but I also think in some ways, having a working mother made you much more independent from a very young age itself. You not only became independent, but also stepped into the nurturer's role for your younger brother and never let him miss my presence. I learnt to have trust and faith in you and you have now grown into a wonderful, independent woman. I now use the same principle at work to make our growing population of younger talent take on larger responsibilities.
I believe in fate but I also believe that hard work and diligence plays a very important role in our lives. In a larger sense, we all write our own destiny. Take destiny in your own hands, dream of what you want to achieve, and write it in your own way. As you go ahead in life, I want you to climb the path to success one step at a time. Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete.
As you go forward, you will sometimes have to take difficult decisions, decisions that others might scorn at. But you must have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Make sure you have that conviction to do what you know is right, and once you have it, don't let skeptics distract you from your path.
Aarti, there is no limit to what a determined mind can achieve, but in achieving your goal, don't compromise on the values of fair play and honesty. Don't cut corners or compromise to achieve your dreams. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of people around you. And remember, if you don't allow stress to overtake you, it will never become an issue in your life.
Remember that good times and bad times will be part of your life equally, and you have to learn to handle both with equanimity. Make the most of life's opportunities and learn from every opportunity, and challenge that life brings along.
Lovingly yours, Mumma
Wasn't that a heartwarming letter? It reaffirmed for us how, through good times and bad, if there's one thing that has our back, it's mom's unconditional love. There may be occasions when you are too stressed or drained out to give your children the time and energy you want to. But trust us, they understand, and love you no end. You are their role model for life. Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
13 hours 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
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
10 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
5 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
42 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
41 mins ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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