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12 Tips for First-Time Moms
Being a first-time mom has its own set of challenges as you get introduced to a lot of new things, ranging from breastfeeding to soothing a crying baby. Though with patience and right information, you can make it a fulfilling experience.
“You have already accomplished one challenging task of giving birth to your baby with ease, and now the second—the daunting task of raising your little one is unnerving you. You must have thought that once your baby comes out - all will be fine, but as you embark on the journey of motherhood, you realise that you have no idea about taking care of that delicate, trusting creature who is lying peacefully in his brand new crib. His tiny hands and beautiful face have already enchanted you and all you can think of is how do you prevent him from any unforeseen harm?”
If you can relate to this, then you must be embracing motherhood for the first time thinking these thoughts play only in your head, though that’s not true. These are generally the thoughts dominating the minds of almost all first-time moms. But, there is no need to worry. Every mother feels nervous about managing a fragile newborn. However, with time and patience, you will learn to take the best care of him. Each passing day will help you to understand the signs of hunger, drowsiness, reasons for crying etc. And you will soon be a pro.
Most Common Worries of New Moms
As your little one depends on you for everything, your responsibility increases. Your one wrong action can hurt your child and this thought makes you all the more nervous. Here are some common fears experienced by all new moms. It is alright to worry, just remember to not allow it to overpower you.
What’s Wrong with My Baby?
As you settle into your parenting routine, you will notice that your baby cries frequently. In the initial months, you will be unable to fathom why your baby is crying. Whenever he cries, you will wonder if something is wrong with him. You will be constantly worried about his eating and sleeping habits. These thoughts will rule your head and you will live in this perpetual fear of not being good enough for your child. But, do not stress yourself. Talk to your parents or any experienced moms. Learn from their experiences and devise new ways to soothe your child.
Am I Breastfeeding Right?
As a first-time mom, you will be asking this question to yourself a lot. Breastfeeding is a new experience and almost all women face problem in breastfeeding in the first few days of childbirth. Sometimes babies don’t latch properly, if they do, then they won’t suck- and that's alright. Many new moms also get worried if their babies reject the breastmilk. They start thinking of alternatives to breastmilk. If you also have such doubts in your mind, then do not think twice before reaching out to a doctor. Ask her about breastfeeding positions and how frequently should a baby be breastfed. Get your doubts answered and you will feel a lot better.
Taking Care of The Baby
Clipping your baby’s nails, bathing him, looking after him when he is sick, satisfying his needs - all this can make you feel nervous. Taking care of a newborn is not hard, it is just an overwhelming experience and it is something you will learn as the time passes. You must be strictly adhering to a lot of ‘Dos and Don'ts’ from a parenting book while taking care of your little one, but sometimes all you need to do is follow your maternal instincts. Trust your parenting skills and you will cater to all the needs of your baby confidently.
Baby Poop
A baby’s pooping schedule also becomes a cause of concern for new moms. A baby’s pooping cycle is not constant. In the first few days, a baby can poop frequently or he may not poop for days. An irregular pooping routine of your little one can disturb you. An infant’s poop colour can also change which is even more frightening for a new mom. But there is no need to panic, you can always consult a doctor for the same.
Baby Spitting
If your baby spits up some milk after you breastfeed him do not panic as it is normal for a baby to spit up milk after being breastfed. What you can do is, pat his back and make him burp after breastfeeding him. However, if your baby is spitting milk and not gaining enough weight or not growing properly, you should seek a doctor, as it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
12 Tips to Help First Time Moms
Being a mom is not an easy task. As a new mom, you will experience many challenges and you will be tired. But here are some baby care tips for new moms to make your journey easier.
1. Prepare a Checklist
Make a checklist of all the items that you will require for baby care and nursing. Ensure you stock enough before he arrives home. Do include things that would be essential for you while nursing him, like nursing pillows, nursing bras, etc.
2. Get Breastfeeding Right
In the first few months of birth, make sure you breastfeed your baby. Breastmilk is nutritious and will help in boosting the immune system of your baby. Feed him at regular intervals, i.e. for at least 8 to 12 times a day. Do not bottle feed him before three months, unless there is no other option.
3. Handle with Care
A newborn’s body is delicate and needs to be handled with utmost care. When you hold him in your arms, hold and support the head first with one hand as it is the heaviest part of the body, rest it in the cove of your elbow and then use your other arm to scoop up his bottom. You will need to switch hands at regular intervals. Make sure that one hand is always supporting the baby's head, even when you hold him upright overlooking the shoulder. You may also seek advice from your doctor in this regard.
4. Trim Nails Regularly
Trim your nails regularly. The skin of your baby is very delicate and he might get hurt if you have long nails. In addition, you must trim his nails as well, at regular intervals, as he might scratch his own face. However, do it cautiously and while the baby is sleeping.
5. Bond with Your Baby
Try to bond with your baby in the first few days as it is believed that initial bonding is everlasting. Develop an emotional connection with your baby. There are three ways to bond with your little one: skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and responding to a baby’s needs. Skin-to-skin contact involves cradling your baby in your arms and gently stroking his back and tummy. Breastfeeding also encourages skin-to-skin contact. While breastfeeding, make sure your baby’s eyes are open so that he will look in your eyes. As your baby looks into your eyes, he gets familiar with you and this helps you two bond. It is also important that you take care of your child’s emotional needs to strengthen the bond.
6. Soothe Your Crying Baby
Crying is the only way of communicating for newborns, be it for when they are hungry or are facing any discomfort. With some observation, you will be able to understand what your baby is trying to convey. A baby may cry because:
He is hungry.
He has soiled his diaper.
He needs to be swaddled.
He is bored and wants to be entertained.
He wants to suck on something.
He is tired and wants to sleep.
He is feeling hot or cold.
He just wants to cry.
7. Choose Baby Products Wisely
Your baby’s skin is sensitive and prone to rashes and irritation. It is recommended that you use baby skin care products only while giving him a bath or changing his nappies. Baby care products you use should be free of strong artificial fragrances, harsh cleansing agents, and any other unnecessary additives that could irritate the baby’s skin or trigger allergies. Ask your doctor about the best hypoallergenic brands to avoid skin rashes or other related problems.
8. Go for Comfortable Clothes
When selecting clothes for your baby, ensure that they are soft, stretchable, and easy to wear. Stock some extra regular wear and get some plus size clothes as your baby will grow faster than you may even realize.
9. Baby Cleaning Basics
Your baby is expected to pee or poop at least 8 to 10 times a day depending on the number of times he is fed. Ensure he does not wear a soiled diaper for long. Change it immediately as soon as you sense a dirty diaper. A soiled diaper may not only make him feel uneasy but may also lead to infections. Use soft baby wipes to clean him and diaper rash cream before you put on a diaper on him.
10. Set a Schedule for Your Baby
Make a schedule for your baby. See to it that he feeds, sleeps, and poops at regular intervals. Do not let him doze off at odd timings as this will mean that you go sleepless at night.
11. Seek Help
Initially, taking care of your baby will be difficult for you. You will not be familiar with many things Raising a child is not easy but don’t worry as you will learn with time. However, there is no harm in seeking help when you need it. Take advice from experienced people, like your mother or grandmother. They can guide you if you face any problem in breastfeeding or suggest home remedies if your baby is sick. You can even hire a full-time help to take care of your baby in the initial months.
12. Look for The Signs of Over Stimulation
Babies’ cries are generally mistaken for signs of hunger or lack of sleep. However, not always this is true. Babies may even cry when over stimulated. Playtime is essential for a baby, but too many activities can result in overstimulation. If your baby is overstimulated, it will be difficult for you to settle him down; he will be overtired and may cry. If your baby is overwhelmed, take him to a quiet place and talk to him in a soothing voice.
Remember, planning a schedule is important, it will help both you and the baby in the long run. There are numerous things that you need to take care of when you bring your newborn home. No matter it’s your first time, it’s an experience of a lifetime that you will remember and cherish always. Read more
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How to Choose a Hospital for Giving Birth?
It can be quite worrisome for most mothers when it is time to choose which hospital is best for delivery. There are many things that will need to be considered for when the time comes. Here we have put together all the information you will need to consider when picking a hospital so that you can have a safe and stress-free delivery.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Hospital for Labour and Delivery?
While you may completely trust the doctor you have seen throughout your pregnancy; if you simply depend on her and the hospital she is affiliated with, you may be in for a huge disappointment at the time of delivery. This is because your doctor will have many patients to attend to and may not be available to see you through delivery and you may end up in the hands of someone you have never met before. What is worse, the hospital may not provide you with everything you want during this vital time, and the environment that you are in is just as important as the doctor herself.
Even if your doctor is available to see to your delivery, you must remember that during the time of labour and recovery, you will be in the hands of the hospital staff and you must also feel comfortable and content in knowing that they will do a good job.
Things to Consider While Selecting the Maternity Hospital for Delivery
One of the main things to look into while picking a hospital is how efficient the staff is, the environment and facilities provided at the hospital, and the expertise of the doctors that are in-house as well as the ones affiliated with the hospital.
While it is never too early to be prepared for your delivery day, most women will wait until the pregnancy is confirmed before they start to look for their doctor and hospital. Although it is all right to change your doctor midway, it is better to find the one you want to deliver your child along with the right hospital and staff from the beginning of your pregnancy.
Here are some things that you should consider while selecting your hospital:
1. The reputation of the Hospital
Here is how to check the reputation of a hospital:
Visit their online website where information regarding what facilities are available and which doctors are affiliated or work in-house at the hospital.
Perform a general internet search where you will most likely come across medical websites or journals that will provide a ranking of the hospital.
Look at reviews from other patients and clients of the hospital.
2. Feedback and Reviews from Other Mothers
This will be very helpful in helping you to make up your mind about a hospital.
Talk to the women in your life who have had children, be they family, friends or colleagues. As for them which hospital they delivered at and what their experiences were. Find out if they were satisfied or unsatisfied with their stay and the services provided by the staff.
If you are already interested in a particular hospital and want to know more, you can always seek more information online by specifically searching for reviews from other women who have given birth there.
Community forums are also another very helpful way to find out about the experiences of other mothers in the same city as you and what they have to say.
3. Consulting Own Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
If you have a doctor that you are very comfortable with and do not want to change, you can always consult your doctor for their opinion.
Make a list of the hospitals your doctor is affiliated with.
Tell her your needs and ask her which one of the hospitals will be able to best meet them.
Ask her opinion on which of the hospitals has the best staff for labour and recovery care.
4. Hospital Tour
After narrowing the list of hospitals, it will benefit you to visit it.
When you visit, take a look at how busy and big the maternity ward is. Look at the size of the rooms and if everything looks clean and sanitary.
Find out what amenities and equipment will be available.
Ask about the availability of the nurses and doctors.
Take a tour around the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
5. Quality of Doctors and Medical Staff
What makes a hospital one of the finest is how good its medical staff is.
If you have any family or friends who have delivered at the hospital, ensure to ask them how they found the staff to be.
Check for mentions or information about the doctor online.
Observe how the neonatal staff handles the babies and interact with as many of the staff as possible to gauge how comfortable you feel with them.
6. Budget
One of the most important aspects of a hospital stay is being able to afford all your needs.
Take a look at your insurance plan and see if it involves maternity as well. Some insurance plans will have a limit to the amount they cover, and others may be affiliated with only certain hospitals.
Get a list of the hospitals that your insurance company is affiliated with and pick one from this list.
Hospitals give detailed price lists during the tour, but the prices may vary depending on different factors like if you want a shared room or a private one.
Medications and extras will not be included as this will differ for each individual.
7. Distance from Home
The distance you will need to travel to get to the hospital should not be overlooked.
Pick a hospital that is close to home, especially in the case of a high-risk pregnancy.
Ensure that you have a route planned out.
Find the route with the least amount of traffic and the best roads to save time and discomfort while traveling during this critical time.
8. Accommodation
Stay is often quite a huge aspect in picking a hospital.
Look into if you would like to share a room or if you want to have a private room.
Find out if your husband or caregiver will be provided with a place to stay while you are at the hospital.
Ensure that the rooms and the lavatory are clean and sanitary.
9. Technologies and Birthing Techniques According to Birth Plan
One of the most important aspect when looking at how to pick a hospital for birth is finding out what they offer you with regards to the technology and birthing techniques and if it will fit in with your birth plan.
High-Risk Pregnancy Facility: If you fall into this category, you will require a team of experts and the right facilities such as access to emergency blood if needed.
Natural Birth Option Facilities: Look for a hospital that does not have such a proactive unit culture as their goals may not be to prioritize vaginal births. They should be able to provide you with epidurals if you want it and respect your decision if you don’t.
C-Section Delivery Facility: If your pregnancy requires a C-Section, then the proper medical equipment and team should be available to handle the case with delicacy.
Lactation Consultants: First-time mothers will do well to have a lactation expert or consultant available to help if there are any questions or problems.
Epidural and Anaesthesia Facilities: Having access to a proper epidural during vaginal births and an anesthetist available in case of a C-Section is very important.
NICU: In the case of any problems for your baby such as premature births, a good Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is very important.
Cord Blood Donations: If you want to store your umbilical cord, ensure the hospital has a cord blood bank.
Emergency Facilities/ICU: Should anything go wrong, having a team and the right equipment to handle and an emergency situation is important. The hospital should have an ICU where proper care for delicate situations will be given.
With so many things to think about and look into, it is best that you keep yourself ahead of the game and not leave things to chance. Yours and your baby’s safety is what is most important.
Also Read: How Long You Will Have to Stay in Hospital after Delivery? Read more
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माझ्या फॅमिलीचा पहिला वॅलेंटाईन्स डे !!! प्रेम हे आपण कोणावरही करू शकतो
रोजच्या प्रमाणे आजही सूर्य उगवला . स्वछ किरणं माझ्या खिडकीतुन आत आले जणू मला शोधतच. गम्मत वाटली आणि छान वाटलं. नेहमीची सकाळ पण रोज छान वाटते . मन अगदी प्रसन्न करून जाते . मी अगदि पलंगावरून खाली उतरणार इतक्यात माझ्या हाताला काहीतरी लागलं . मी दचकले काय असेल पण चादर सरकवली आणि काय पाहिलं??? एक अतिशय गोड असं ग्रीटिंग कार्ड होतं. आणि त्यावर लिहिलंहोतं कि हैप्पी वॅलेंटाईन्स डे मॉम .
हे माझ्या साठी नवीन होतं . म्हणजे तसं पाहावं तर हा दिवस प्रेमी युगुलांचा मग माझी निवड कशी केली? आणि तेही माझ्या छकुलीने ? असे अनेक प्रश्न घेऊन ते कार्ड मी हातात घेतल आणि खोलीच्या बाहेर येणार इतक्यात माझं लक्ष्य गेलं आमच्या ड्रेसिंग टेबलवर. एक अतिशय सुंदर आणि ताज्या फुलांचा गुच्छ जणू माझीच वाट पाहत होता. मी जवळ गेले आणि त्या फुलांना जवळ घेतले . वाह काय सुगंध होता. अगदी कोणालाही मोहित करेल असा.
त्यातही एक छोटं कार्ड होतं . आणि त्यात लिहिलं होते, हैप्पी वॅलेंटाईन्स डे , माझी लाडकी बायको. माझं मन लाजून अगदी पाणी पाणी झालं . आज नक्की काय झालाय माझ्या घरच्यांना .
मी खोलीच्या बाहेर आले आणि माझा नवरा आणि माझी मुलगी जोरात ओरडले , हैप्पी वॅलेंटाईन्स डे .आणि एक छान सा चॉकोलेट केक माझ्या हातात ठेवला. आज तर माझा दिवस जणु वेगळाच होता. दोघांनी मला सोफ्यावर बसायला सांगितले. आणि अगदी घट्ट मिठी मारली. मी हि त्यांना जवळ घेतले आणि विचारले कि आज सूर्य पश्चिमेला तर नाही ना उगवला . ते हसून बोलले हो.
मग मी विचारला आता तरी सांगा अस अचानक हे काय? माझी पिल्लू जी फक्त सहा वर्षांची आहे ती अगदी समजूतदारपणाने मला बोलली, मॉम आज प्रेम वक्त करण्याचा दिवस आहे. आणि आमची वॅलेंटाईन तर तूच आहेस ना... मी आश्चर्य चकित होऊन विचारले कि कस काय? तर ती म्हणाली कि बघ ना प्रेम हे आपण कोणावरही करू शकतो मग ते मित्र मैत्रीण असतील नवरा बायको कि माझी आई आणि मी. प्रेम फक्त असायला हवं. आणि तू रोज आमच्या साठी जे करतेस ते तर प्रेमापेक्षा हि खूप आहे. आमही तितकं नाही करू शकणार आग मॉम. म्हणून हे छोटेशे गिफ्ट..
माझ्या डोळ्यात पाणी आले. मी माझ्या नवऱ्याकडे पाहिले . त्यानं स्मित हास्य केलं आणि बोलला, हो मलाही खूप आश्चर्य वाटलं जेव्हा आपली पिल्लू काल हे सगळे माझ्या कडे बोलली . मी ही अचंबित झालो कि मुल किती लवकर मोठी होतात. आणि हिचे विचार खरंच किती सुंदर आहेत. आपली घडण बरोबर होतेय.
तस पाहावं तर खूप मोठा खर्च नव्हता केला ह्या दोघानी पण माझ्या प्रेमाची आणि मेहनतीची जाणिव ठेवली, बस अजून काय हवं मला. आणि आजच्या वर्षांपासून आमच्या कडे दर वर्षी वॅलेंटाईन्स सादर होऊ लागला!!! Read more
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How to Manage the Second Month of Pregnancy Like a Pro!
Becoming a mother in a woman's life is a pleasure that cannot be compared to any other happiness. Every woman has to go through a delicate period of pregnancy to achieve this happiness. Most women start experiencing a baby in the womb from the second month of pregnancy, so it is essential to know what changes can happen in your body during this period and what precautions you should take. Today, we will tell you a few things that you should take special care of during your pregnancy. We will be discussing the symptoms of the second month of your pregnancy, changes in the body, food, and precautions. So, let us understand these facts in detail -
Symptoms of the second month of pregnancy
In the second month of pregnancy, your stomach does not start to appear, but many changes are happening inside you. Your baby, who grows up as a tiny blastocyst, starts growing up and can now be called a fetus. Hormones change in the body in the second month of pregnancy, leading to various changes in mood and the body.
However, some symptoms of this month are similar to the first month, but some new symptoms also appear. Some of those symptoms have been mentioned below-
• During the second month, breast size increases due to the rise in estrogen and progesterone hormones. In addition, the area around the nipple may also become tighter.
• Changes in your mood are justified due to fluctuations of hormones. In such a situation, your nature can become irritable. You may be happy for a moment and sometimes sad to think about taking care of your child. You can also act stubborn and inconsiderate, but it is very common, and you should not increase mental stress by thinking about such things.
• It is also common for you to have morning sickness, in which you will feel nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
• During this time, you have to face the problem of frequent urination. This H.C.G. is a result of the secretion of the hormone, it is called the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, and sadly this condition persists throughout the pregnancy. Therefore, any pregnant woman needs to stay hydrated, i.e., continuous water intake.
• During this month of pregnancy, you have a strong desire to consume different foods, and nutritional deficiency can promote this kind of willpower. As long as these desires of eating are not harmful, you can fulfill them. But it is prudent to choose the most healthy food option. You may also crave junk food but before you consume it, keep in mind that it should not harm your health because, after all, you have a baby inside your body who you have to take care of.
Physical changes in the second month:
This month you will not look pregnant, but you will start feeling pregnant, and you’ll start realizing the changes that are occurring within your body along with the constant mood changes. Your uterus starts making room for your baby to grow, and as your uterus expands, it starts putting pressure on your bladder, causing you to feel more urine. By the end of this month, your waist may be slightly widened, and there may be mild swelling in the feet, which is quite normal. Drying of the skin due to lack of water can also become a problem, so always keep a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water. During this time, you are likely to have heartburn and breathlessness.
What to eat?
• Iron-rich food
Iron is essential for the body. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to complaints of anemia, i.e., loss of blood and low level of hemoglobin that will be harmful to your baby and for you. To avoid this, you can eat iron-rich food like apples, spinach, and green leafy vegetables. Iron-rich food is not enough during pregnancy, so doctors can also give you iron pills that will not make your body iron deficient.
• Calcium-rich food
Calcium requirement increases in the second month of pregnancy because the baby's bones begin to harden during this time. For this, you should consume plenty of dairy products like milk, curd, cheese, etc. To give proper nutrients to your baby’s bone formation.
• Protein-rich food
During this time, it is essential to take balanced amounts of protein. So do not forget to eat things like various pulses, milk, and eggs. It will be highly beneficial for the child and mother and provide you with energy and proper nutrients.
• Folic acid
Folic acid is a type of vitamin-B, which is necessary to take in the early stage of pregnancy. This will help form other body parts of the baby and will be beneficial for you too. It is necessary for the spinal and brain development of the infant. For this, you can eat spinach, green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, chicken, meat, and whole grains.
What not to eat:
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco should be avoided altogether.
• During this time, you should not consume raw eggs because you are prone to Salmonella infection, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• non-pasteurized milk should not be had during pregnancy; it contains a listeria bacterium, which increases the risk of miscarriage and premature labor.
• Eating soft cheese should be avoided during this month. During this time, avoid eating red meat as it contains bacteria called Listeria, which obstructs the baby's growth.
After reading this article, I hope you have got answers to your questions. Enjoy your pregnancy by following the measures mentioned above with proper care of your baby.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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A Story About How Daddy Tried to Handle His Toddler Without Help!
"What yaar! Again khichdi! I am tired of eating khichdi every day." Akash looked at his plate with disgust.
Seema was busy feeding Guddu. As she directed the spoon towards him, the naughty toddler pushed it away thereby spilling the food on the floor. That was the last straw. She screamed at Akash, "See what he has done. I have been trying to feed him for one hour. It's so frustrating."
She saw him listening to her with indifference. "Look at yourself! Sitting there like a king and complaining about the food. Why don't you take my place for a day and see how it feels?" Seema raged at him.
Akash looked at her angry face and replied, " If it's a challenge then I'll gladly accept it." He thought for a moment and added " Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. You spend the day as you wish. I will take care of Guddu. Consider it as my Valentine's day gift!" He smiled haughtily at her and said, "You are lucky to have got a loving and caring husband like me."
Seema was an intelligent woman and she recognised an opportunity when she saw one. Her anger evaporated and she agreed immediately. "Thank you, my dear husband. I am indeed very lucky!"
"Ab pata chalega Bacchu!' she laughed silently.
The next morning, Seema asked Akash, "Are you sure? Will you be able to manage him? You have never done this before." The mother in Seema was suddenly apprehensive about the whole idea.
Akash pressed her shoulder lightly. "Jaanu, trust me. I am his father. Who can take care of him better than me? Maybe it's my first time but I can guarantee you that this is just first of the innumerable breaks that you will get in the future."
"OK. Then let me show you where his things are kept."
"No need. I will find out. You are acting as if it's a treasure hunt!"
"Fine. But I have cooked Guddu's lunch and kept it beside the microwave. Just heat it before serving. Ok, I guess I'll leave now. Have a great day both of you."
Seema smiled gratefully at Akash, kissed her munchkin and left the house.
'Since it's Valentine's Day, I'll buy something for myself. It's been ages since I shopped in peace. Oh, I can't wait to start my day!' Seema sang to herself.
The shopping mall was crowded but that only added to Seema's excitement. She felt free and happy after a long time. As she entered the women's apparel section, her phone rang. It was Akash.
"Hi Akash. Wh..."
"Why didn't you tell me that Guddu is not wearing a diaper?" Akash screamed through the phone.
"Well, he gets diaper rashes easily. I use the diaper only when he goes to sleep. But what happened?"
"What happened? He pooped on my pants. That's what happened! Initially, I didn't realise. But the stickiness and the nauseating odour confirmed it."
"Well, your pant can be washed. And I wanted to tell you about it before leaving but you chose not to listen!"
"Guduuu! Stop it! Seema, he is throwing his toys outside the window! Haven't you taught him any manners? Is this the way you are raising my son?"
"How can you blame me, Akash? Well if you don't like my style of parenting, then do it your way. He is all yours. All the best!" Seema angrily put back the phone in her bag.
Seema took a bite of her favourite pizza and closed her eyes in pleasure. Yumm!
The pleasure, however, didn't last long as she quickly opened her eyes to the loud ringing of her phone.
"Yes, Akash ? " She asked warily.
"Just tell me where you have kept the garam masala. I won't disturb you again."
"Why do you need the masala?" Seema was instantly suspicious.
"The lunch you prepared is totally tasteless and my son refuses to touch it. I'll add some garam masala to spice it up and.."
"Are you mad, Akash? He is only 15 months old. Don't you dare give him any spices. Just add a dollop of ghee, sing, tell him stories and he'll surely eat."
Seema's head started aching now. So much for her break! She forcibly calmed herself down and went back to her half finished pizza.
Seema put on her sunglasses as she came out of the shopping mall with her purchases. Spending the rest of the day at her mom's place seemed like a good idea. She stood waiting for an auto and to her utter dismay, the wretched phone started ringing again.
"Now what?" asked Seema irritatingly.
"Your son has pooped thrice on my pants. Now I don't even have a pant to wear. I am wearing one of my formal pants. I didn't even get a chance to take a shower. The little devil refuses to go to sleep and I am dying of hunger!" Akash was literally shouting now.
"Well, you'll have to prepare your own lunch, daddy," Seema replied sweetly.
"But how can I when..??"
Seema didn't let him finish. "Well, you'll have to manage in the same way I manage every day. Bye Akash! And please don't call me again."
Seema was in a foul mood by now. She felt like throwing away her mobile. As she got onto the auto she thought, 'God knows what both of them are up to! I'd better get back.'
Half an hour later, she stood in front of her house door ringing the bell. No one answered and she used her spare key to unlock the door.
As she entered the house, she felt faint at the sight that greeted her. The house was in a state of complete disarray. Toys and clothes were strewn all over the place. A half finished plate of rice and curry lay on the table with smears of it painting the nearby fridge and wall. A stinky smell of poop mixed with that of curry filled the air. Holding her nose with one hand she walked towards the bedroom. Halfway she stumbled upon her son's soiled pant and a half broken toy car.
Two hours later, Seema lay down exhausted on the sofa.
Just then the door opened. A disgruntled Akash entered with a super excited Guddu.
Seema took Guddu in her arms and lashed out at Akash, " Where have you been? And what have you done to the house? It took me two hours to clean it!"
Akash looked bone-tired and shouted, "Have you any idea what I have been through? I thought of going to a restaurant to have lunch. But the little guy wanted a ride in the car. So after aimlessly driving on an empty stomach, I finally pulled outside a cafeteria to grab a quick sandwich. However, he (pointing at his son) refused to sit in one place and wanted to roam around. So instead of eating in peace, I had to run after him."
"As if this was not enough, he saw a little girl with a balloon. A tug of war ensued for that balloon and I just couldn't manage him. Finally, I left my half-eaten sandwich and went to pay the bill with the screaming monster in tow. And do you know what he did next? He broke the Ganesha idol that was kept on the counter. God! Why do people keep such delicate items in front of kids? So you see, I had to pay a hefty sum for the broken piece as well. And...."
Akash suddenly went silent and turned his head to avoid Seema's probing eyes.
Seema folded her hands across her chest and said in a stern voice " What are you hiding Akash? Out with it!"
"Don't look at me like that. You know I get scared." Akash muttered.
"Akash?" Seema insisted.
"OK fine. I'll tell you." Taking a deep breath, he said slowly "A young woman was standing in front of us at the bill counter. The monster pinched her from behind and she thought that I did it. Can you imagine it? She looked at me as if I was the most despicable creature on Earth!"
Seema stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter. It irritated Akash all the more and he glared at her.
Finally, she wiped away her tears of mirth and went to her subdued husband who was sitting silently in a corner. She hugged him and pulled at his cheeks mischievously. "Now do you understand what I go through every day?" She asked him gently.
"Yes, I do. I have learned that raising a kid is the toughest job on Earth and you are an awesome mother. But from now on you can count on my help." The sincerity in Akash's voice tugged at her heart.
Seema smiled and whispered in his ears " Happy Valentine's Day my dear!"
Akash grumbled "Happy? It's been a dreadful Valentine's Day for me!"
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Ten Tips to Raise a Bilingual Child
We are living in what is referred to as a ‘global village’ these days, indicating how much more reachable everything has become. As our world gets smaller, being able to speak more than one language is definitely an advantage. Here are some tips to help you overcome common obstacles to bilingualism and raise a bilingual child without too much effort.
As the cultural boundaries have disappeared or merged, there has been an increase in mixed marriages, which inevitably leads to mixed parenting! While this is certainly something to be celebrated and encouraged, it creates a few questions in the minds of new parents – which language do we use when raising our child?
The thing is, you don’t really have to choose a single language to raise a child. Children have been growing up in bilingual and even multilingual households for ages, and it has only benefitted them in the long run. However, there are people who claim that two languages can confuse a child, delay speech development and lead to mastery over neither. While these are far from the truth, there are a few things to consider before deciding to raise a bilingual child.
The first question has to be why you want your child to be bilingual. The answer to this decides the extent to which you want to pursue bilingualism – understanding, speaking, reading or writing as well. You need to discuss this with your partner so that your goals are clear and you are on the same page. Make sure that you’re not doing this to due to the family or societal pressure.
If you’ve decided to go bilingual, congratulations!! We’re all set to help you with our handbook of tips.
Ten Tips to Raise a Bilingual Child
1. Show the same respect
First of all, ensure that you’re not unknowingly giving any undue ‘superiority’ to either language. Teach your child that every language has its place in the world and is important in its own way.
2. Have a plan
Even if two languages are spoken equally often in your home, just assuming that your child will pick it up won’t work. You need to be organized with clear goals; a half-hearted effort won’t reap results.
3. Dont wait
Your child is never too young or too old to learn a new language. The earlier you start, the better. Even infants can distinguish between different tongues, so you have a budding learner from the start!
4. Make time
You’ve made a plan, but you also need to make time to implement that plan. Ensure that you prioritize it and arrange time slots during the day and weekends accordingly.
5. Get company
Everything is so much better when there’s someone to share it with! Arrange play dates with children who are already speaking the second language that you want to introduce to your child. Or else, send them to classes that use this second language as the main medium.
6. Make it fun
You don’t want your child to think that learning a new language is a chore. Convert your regular games into new versions including the new language. Get funny books to read together; the funnier they are, the more likely they’ll be remembered!
7. Celebrate it
The native language of a place is closely linked to its culture, so be sure to celebrate all the native festivals, staying true to their traditional ways. Celebrations always last longer in our memories and will help kids accommodate the new language more easily.
8. Use media
Media is a strong tool to help raise a bilingual child. Cartoons, TV shows and movies, all help. Although you can’t expect a child to learn a new language solely by watching TV, it’ll help to reinforce whatever he’s learning otherwise.
9. Stay consistent
Like we mentioned earlier, having a solid plan and making time for it is very essential, as is sticking to the plan. Don’t get disheartened halfway through or get lazy and give up; you’ll just undo all the efforts you and your child took.
10. Be patient
However well intentional your efforts are, you can’t expect your child to cooperate 100% every time! Be prepared for dull periods and take it easy when either of you are in a bad mood. But be sure to bounce back soon and take it from there; remember the plan!
Knowing more than one language makes a person more confident, apart from increasing his employment and educational opportunities. Learning a language from a different part of the world also develops more tolerance and understanding, which is what today’s society lacks. So go ahead and raise your bilingual child without stress; you’ll both be proud of yourselves! Read more
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. I'm currently 37 weeks 4 days my baby weight is 2.4kg whether it is normal?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
12 hours ago
A. Hello mam that is fine , and this varies as it depends o various factors as well too , so avoid stress, take rest and and also healthy diet as well
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. what could be the baby weight when we are in 37 week 4 days? what could be average weight before labour?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. there is lot of individual variation it can be around 3 kgs ok. 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. hlo plzz tell me gripe water de sakte hai baby ko Mera baby 15 months ka hogya hai ???
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours ago
A. nahi.
its not nessesary to feed it.
ur baby is 15 month okd, give all family food in roughly mashed form, include seasonal fruits n veggies.
t..c
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Am 25 weeks pregnant with Twins, and cervix of 25mm. got cerclage done at 21 weeks. please suggest precautions so that I can smoothly continue ue my pregnancy and avoid premises.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
12 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please have coconut water on daily basis and also have more green leaves vegetables fruits and dairy products in diet and also home made food. Also go on regular check ups. Also be happy and stress free .
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. what does this mean
"There is a funneling of internal os with effective cervical length (measures ~2.8 cm on TVS) "
in 29 weeks 5 days pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. small cervical length ok. 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby approximately weighs only 2.4 kgs in my womb what are all the foods that can increase baby weight?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
51 mins ago
A. normal traditional foods if you are having deficiency of hemoglobin can take iron supplements calcium etc. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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