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Vaccines for New Parents - How to Keep up With Your Own Shots After You Have a Baby
Baby clothes, nappies, crib, formula milk - these are the essentials listed on every newborn parent’s list. But what about vaccines? They might have been forgotten in the anticipation and the joy of the newborn baby. Vaccines form an integral part of the hygiene routine that every parent, grandparent and caregiver should take before they tend to the baby. It is essential for new parents to get vaccinated to maintain a certain immunity level around the newborn baby as he is too young to get started on his vaccination doses. It would be wise to talk to your doctor and get a list of vaccinations that you and your partner would need. Most of these vaccinations are available with any doctor at their clinics and can be administered by registered nurses. Check with the clinics in advance to know if they stock the vaccines that you would like to take.
Why Do New Parents Need to Be Vaccinated?
A newborn baby is too young to be vaccinated against certain diseases. As a mother, you are the first line of defence for your unborn baby, so your immunity plays a vital role in safeguarding his health. The vaccines that you take during your pregnancy and postpartum play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of your baby. All the primary caregivers should get themselves vaccinated with the annual influenza shots at least two weeks in advance before they are ready to spend time with the baby. Flu vaccine and pertussis are the most common vaccinations that are suggested for new parents. Pregnant women should take the flu shot as early in their pregnancy as possible to avoid any complications later. The antibodies that the flu vaccine generates in your body get circulated in your newborn baby's body as well, thus giving him protection in his early life. This is very effective as there is no flu vaccine available for newborn babies before they hit 6 months.
Is Getting Vaccinated While Breastfeeding Safe?
It is suggested by many doctors to keep your immunisations up-to-date as pregnant women and women who have just delivered a baby are at a higher risk of health complications. This is because the immune system, heart and all the other organs undergo a lot of change to accommodate and support a pregnancy. It is absolutely safe to get yourself vaccinated while you are breastfeeding your baby. Majority of the live viruses found in vaccines do not get transferred to human milk. Thus, you can breastfeed your baby and get vaccinated simultaneously without any problems. In fact, there is enough evidence that points out that babies who are breastfed have a better response to immunisations than babies who are formula-fed.
Vaccine Shots for Parents of a Newborn
Let us look at what vaccines new parents should get to keep them and their baby healthy.
1. TDAP
Protects Against
Whooping cough and tetanus.
Why You Need It
Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is caused by bacterial infections. Diphtheria is an infection that affects the respiratory part of our body, while pertussis is known as whooping cough. The protection that you receive against these viruses through vaccination at one time fades away over time. The bacteria that causes the symptoms of lockjaw is a toxin that can cause acute muscle spasm. Newborn babies are incredibly vulnerable to these illnesses within their first six weeks as they are too young to be vaccinated. Therefore, TDAP vaccines for new parents are very important as they are the primary caregivers of the baby. The Td booster dose is supposed to be repeated after every 10 years, while the TDAP is taken only once. Also, most babies catch whooping cough mostly from someone at home. Pertussis vaccine for new parents is, therefore, necessary to provide short term immunity to the infant after his birth.
Skip If
You should consider skipping this vaccine if you are less than 20 weeks into your pregnancy. TDAP or Td can be taken when your pregnancy is in an advanced stage, or even after your baby is born.
If you have epilepsy or you are known to have Guillain-Barr syndrome. Avoid this vaccine if you suffer from any nervous disorder.
2. Hepatitis B
Protects Against
This vaccine protects you and your child against the deadly Hepatitis B disease.
Why You Need It
It is interesting to note that most people infected with Hepatitis B may not know that they suffer from it. Hepatitis B virus is life-threatening and can cause cancer and liver diseases among infants at their birth. An infected mother of a newborn baby can risk passing on the infection to the infant.
Skip If
You should avoid getting yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis B if you are extremely allergic to yeast.
3. MMR vaccine
Protects Against
As the name suggests, this vaccine will protect you against mumps, measles and rubella viruses.
Why You Need It
Measles are a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly among those who are not vaccinated against it. Babies are at a higher risk of getting measles as they cannot be vaccinated. All these three viruses can cause congenital disabilities among babies.
Skip If
Avoid the vaccine if you are pregnant as the vaccine does carry live virus, though in a weakened form.
You are planning to conceive.
Those who are born before 1957 have already been exposed to the virus and can avoid the vaccination. A blood test can confirm your immunity.
Avoid this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.
If you have cancer or suffer from HIV/AIDS.
You can avoid this vaccine if you have already taken 2 shots of MMR. It can also be skipped if you have taken one dose each of MMR and measles vaccine.
4. Influenza
Protects Against
Protects you and your child against flu.
Why You Need It
A number of people die every year from flu. Infants are particularly vulnerable to this dangerous virus as they can only be vaccinated against it once they are six months old.
Skip If
Avoid your flu shot if you suffer from egg allergies.
If you are pregnant, you should avoid this vaccine as it contains the live virus in a weakened form.
Those who suffer from Guillain-Barr syndrome should avoid the flu vaccine.
5. Varicella Vaccine
Protects Against
This vaccine protects you and your infant against chicken pox.
Why You Need It
Chicken pox can cause several complications like pneumonia and severe infections of the bone, blood, brain and skin. Anyone who has never had chickenpox can get infected with this virus. This is highly contagious and can pass on to your baby from you.
Skip If
Avoid the vaccine if you are pregnant as the vaccine carries live virus, though in a weakened form.
You are planning to conceive.
Skip this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.
If your immune system is compromised due to cancer, or if you have HIV/AIDS.
6. PPSV or Pneumococcal Polysaccharide
Protects Against
It is effective against pneumonia.
Why You Need It
The pneumococcus bacteria are known to cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other blood infections. Infants, due to their low immunity are highly vulnerable to this bacterial infection.
Skip If
You can skip this vaccine if you are less than 64 years old and maintain good health.
FAQs
We will address all your queries in this section.
1. Do You Need to Ask for Vaccines in Advance?
Yes, you should ideally ask for vaccines in advance as different doctors would stock different vaccines.
2. Where Can the New Moms and Dads Get the Vaccines They Need?
Usually, your primary caregiver, OB/GYN or even your family doctor can administer the shots with the help of registered nurses. But the availability of the shots depends on the doctor’s office. Nowadays, flu vaccine is available at almost every clinic. For other vaccines like the TDAP or MMR shots, talk to your primary caregiver or your family physician. Since they track your health closely, they would also know if you need the vaccine or you have already taken it.
3. Does Insurance Cover Vaccine Shots?
Yes. Most of the vaccines are covered under insurance if they are in line with the guidelines set by the government and prescribed by your doctor.
Maintain a vaccination schedule and get yourself vaccinated as per your doctor’s recommendations. Provide your baby with the cocoon of immunity that would help him stay healthy and keep you stress-free.
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Insomnia After Childbirth
Postpartum Anaemia
Depression After Baby Delivery Read more
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This Mother's Day, Gift Your Mom a Sari Based on Her Personality!
Moms – where would we be without them? They love us and care for us right from the start. They encourage, help, scold, teach, and laugh with us and turn us into responsible, happy adults. While we believe that we should celebrate these wonderful women everyday, having one special day is certainly a good way to begin!
Every mom has a personality – she could be a strict one, carefree one, emotional one, or cool one - what she wears may reflect that as well! We believe that clothes speak a lot about one’s personality – why not get your mom a gift that reflects who she is?
Mother’s Day Sari Gift Ideas Based on Personality Types
A lot of Indian moms wear saris, and gifting your mom one that suits her personality is a super creative and cute gift idea! You could give her a small letter along with the gift, explaining why you got her that sari in particular. We’re sure she’ll find it amusing and adorable!
Here’s a list of mom personality types. Find the type your mom is closest to, to figure out which sari you can gift her.
1. Perfectionist mom
When we think of a perfectionist mom we think of strict bedtimes, spick-and-span bedrooms, no skipping meals, and no dirty clothes lying around. The joy of being raised by a perfectionist mom is in knowing that you’ve grown into a person who respects others’ space, cleans up after themselves, and understands the value of time. For a mom like this, why not go for a classic? A gorgeous silk piece such as a Kanchipuram or Banarasi silk will make for a great present as it drapes beautifully and gives the wearer an elegant look. Make sure you get her one in her favourite colour!
[caption id="attachment_244039" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/sailesh_singhania/[/caption]
2. Happy-go-lucky mom
Your mom is likely to be the ‘happy-go-lucky’ type if you remember her making light out of the most serious situations just to see you smile. Happy-go-lucky moms are carefree and relaxed, but they still made sure you got what you needed and fulfilled all your responsibilities. There’s a chance you’re similar to her as a grown-up – what a time to commemorate that! The best sari type for this type of mom is light and airy as a tribute to her personality. Go for a nice Georgette number in a set of contrasting colours she likes for this one. She’ll love the thought behind it!
[caption id="attachment_244042" align="alignnone" width="819"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/madhuridixitnene/[/caption]
3. Emotional mom
Now, we all know moms are super emotional when it comes to their babies. But some of us in particular have mums who just couldn’t let us go without one extra laddoo in hand, gave us 50 more rupees than we asked for, and fiercely protected us from any harm that came from people, both inside and outside the family. Emotional moms raise emotional kids; that’s most likely why you’re so protective of your little one as well! Celebrate Mother’s Day this year by gifting your mom a sari that best defines your relationship with her – comfortable and safe. A beautiful cotton sari is the best way to go. The material is comfortable and light, easy to drape and carry off as well! Don’t hesitate to go for different patterns and colours.
[caption id="attachment_244045" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/balanvidya/[/caption]
4. Sassy mom
Love, but with a heavy dose of sarcasm! Sassy moms are the best kind of moms – they’ll teach you the values of life whilst poking fun at you! All moms have a little bit of sass in them; that’s why we love them so much. To really celebrate yours and your mom’s fun-filled relationship on this joyous occasion, go for a velvet sari – it stands out of the crowd, it looks regal, and it’s something not everyone can pull off – much like your mum’s sense of humour! Even a simple design or border will do – after all, the beauty of velvet lies in the colour and plush texture.
[caption id="attachment_244047" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialraveenatandon/[/caption]
5. Experimental mom
If you grew up with a mom who would always make you different foods every now and then, encouraged you to think outside the box and always came up with different solutions to different problems, she was most likely experimental by nature! The best part about growing with an experimental mom is that as a grown-up, you’ve imbibed the same qualities as her – your way of problem-solving is probably also unique! To celebrate the unpredictable nature of your beloved mother, go for funky, unique sari patterns and designs. Feel free to choose any fabric; focus on the design instead! From ruffled pallus to newspaper prints, gift your mom a sari that is as eclectic as your relationship with her.
[caption id="attachment_244059" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/anushkasharma/[/caption]
So, this was it – the 5 types of mothers there are, and the perfect sari that goes with each personality type. Mother’s Day is all about celebrating your unique relationship with your mom, so don’t forget to shower her with some extra love on the day. Reminisce about your childhood, joke, laugh, and most importantly, let her know how much her unconditional love has built you.
Also Read:
Mother’s Day Games and Activities Ideas
Lovely Mother’s Day Wishes & Quotes To Make Your Mom Feel Special
Heart-Warming Ways of Honoring Your Mom on Mother's Day Read more
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Make Christmas Extra Special by Watching These 20 Films with Your Partner
There are those who like to cook a big feast and call everyone over and play the perfect host. Then there are those who like to spend the entire month hand-picking gifts for every single person they know. Some want nothing more than getting the decorations in order. Christmas offers everyone a chance to be themselves and nurture their inner hidden talents.
And then there are those people who look forward to the Christmas break just so they can sit at home and chill with their partner!
20 Movies to Celebrate Christmas with Your Partner
If you are one such couple, who wants nothing more than to spend Christmas ‘eve in your pyjamas, watching movies, and snuggling up, get ready for a feast! Here’s a carefully curated list of some of the best Christmas movies you can enjoy watching with your partner this year.
The Classics
First, we start off with a bunch of classics, available to all viewers. Some of these are brand new, some fairly old, but they are all delightful to watch!
1. The Holiday
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDi5zH18vxU&w=903&h=508]
Two women, 6000 miles apart but in the same place in life, decide to switch houses for the Christmas break, in their bid to run away from their lives. But nothing can help you escape what fate has in store for you... even if that means falling for someone who lives halfway across the globe! This movie not only exudes a warm, magical vibe but also makes you believe that love can happen when you least expect it!
2. Love Actually
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8M-wa9SEuw&w=903&h=508]
This film celebrates love in all its weird forms and quirky glory. With one of the finest ensemble casts to ever come together and some festive and beautiful music, this movie is the perfect one to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside! Trust us, this movie will guarantee extra cuddles and kisses with not just your partner but your kids(and pets) too!
3. Last Holiday
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO0NSRPcPFs&w=903&h=508]
What do you do if you have only three weeks to live? Do all the things you never thought you could, should, or would do. But the real question this film asks is – why should you be dying to finally do all the things you’ve always wanted to do? For that classic lingering, “I should live in the moment” feeling, watch this one with your husband! Who knows, he might finally decide to book tickets to that holiday you’ve been aching to go for!
4. A Bad Mom’s Christmas
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJdNdMOblaM&w=903&h=508]
This one is for all you tired mommies out there, who’ve been slogging all month long getting everything in order – get your husband to sit down and watch this with you. And if he still doesn’t appreciate you... well, at least you watched a good funny movie together!
5. The Family Stone
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fl9jRAK30M&w=903&h=508]
When the most 'prim and proper girl' finds herself meeting her boyfriend’s messed up, funny and crazy family, she is ready to cry! But when her sister comes along to give her company, things escalate quickly! Anyone who’s ever been in love will enjoy this movie. It is a warm and feel-good take on how love takes us by surprise and changes our lives in the most unexpected of ways.
6. The Best Man Holiday
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iNiJivOOQ&w=1027&h=436]
The very trailer of this film opens with a sexy racy Robin Thicke number. So, you can imagine what the movie is going to be like! This is the story of 4 couples – who are all mutual friends – reuniting to spend Christmas together. Reunions, however, have a special knack of ripping band-aids off of old wounds. Married life often preoccupies us too much with responsibilities and duties, so watch this movie to reminisce old times (and finally make that reunion with your friends happen!).
7. Home Alone
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDaVHmw7r4&w=903&h=508]
This movie needs absolutely no introduction. While it is not the typical movie you would want to watch with your partner, it definitely a great one if you want to have a hearty laugh! If there is one thing this movie taught all parents, it is to never underestimate a child! So go on and revisit your childhood together and have a laugh at the antics of a naughty child on Christmas and thank the heavens that your little angel has never been left home alone!
8. While You Were Sleeping
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjcLQ4r8jIU&w=677&h=508]
It seems you can’t even save somebody’s life these days unless you want to somehow get roped into his family because everyone thinks you are his girlfriend! How then is a girl supposed to react when she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the guy’s brother? This movie will resonate strongly with most women, as along with being a love story, it is also the story of one girl trying to fit in with a strange family.
9. Just Friends
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIBBVzy5UoQ&w=903&h=508]
This is every school kid’s fairytale come true, and we mean EVERY school kid. Each one of us has an Achilles heel when it comes to school – an issue we don’t like to talk about. We all dream of some day being able to set things right. What if you actually got the chance to do it?
10. The Grinch
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf6D-i8YpHg&w=903&h=508]
The Grinch is the party-pooper of Christmas – they guy we all love to hate and hate to love! Watch this movie to celebrate the Grinch for all the times you might have been party poopers!
11. The Polar Express
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZzIyKIigbM&w=903&h=508]
Who hasn’t ever dreamt of boarding the Polar Express and getting to the North Pole to celebrate Christmas with Santa and all his elves and reindeers? This movie will evoke a sense of wonder in you again. We recommended snuggling close with a blanket and some hot coffee or cocoa. Turn on the air conditioner if your city isn’t cold enough! It’s about to be a magical night!
12. Four Christmases
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v0Rbf5xI9o&w=903&h=508]
This one tells the tale of an unlikely couple that just ’Wants. To. Escape. Christmas!’ Not all of us love festivals and families and big gatherings, and neither do these two! But Christmas is exactly about that – getting over old ways and feelings and starting something brand new.
13. Ben is Back
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI9NdYktzfE&w=903&h=508]
Family is family, and whether we like each other or not, we share an unbreakable Karmic bond with each other. This may not be your typical feel-good, happy-happy Christmas movie, but it sure as hell is one that will make you want to hold your loved ones tighter and closer.
Netflix Movies
For those of you who prefer to watch movies on the internet instead of on the TV, here are some exclusive Christmas movies that are available on Netflix.
1. The Christmas Chronicles
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaeDa_Uempk&w=903&h=508]
They say growing up truly means preserving the child within you. This movie will give you hope, and teach you to believe in your dreams... for they do come true.
2. Angela’s Christmas
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnrkwZBnbLs&w=903&h=508]
This one will feel like a punch in your guts. But sometimes, the best thing that will put warmth in your heart, and love in your soul is a good cry for someone.
3. The Princess Switch
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WBhj57fHeI&w=903&h=508]
We’ve all wondered at some point in our life, what the royal people’s life is like. Do they get bored like we do? Do they have bad hair days? We know we’d kill to get a chance to live their life, even if only for a day. Would they do the same? Watch as an ordinary girl gets to live the life we all secretly dreamed we could. Hint...it involves romance with a prince!
5. The Holiday Calendar
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km7gv28_uX0&w=903&h=508]
This movie tells the story of a woman who inherits a very antique and special advent calendar from her grandmother – a calendar that grants wishes! What would you wish for, if you knew every wish of yours, for the next 24 days, would come true?
6. Merry Kissmas
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkA-5vK6EG4&w=903&h=508]
The mind is fickle, and one’s idea of love keeps evolving through the years. But we can’t possibly keep changing partners every couple of years. True love is true love and has no expiration date. But if it expires at all, was it true love in the first place?
7. Christmas Wedding Planner
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS9x40rE5Cs&w=903&h=508]
Marriage is a big decision. You could go wrong, and turns out, you could even get tricked. But when a well-meaning wedding-planner and a spy come together to set things right, one thing is for sure – there will be a wedding!
Winter may be a cold season. But Christmas is one festival that can thaw even the coldest of hearts! So put these movies on, make a big batch of popcorn, and enjoy some quality time with your near and dear ones this Christmas.
Also Read:
Simple Ideas for Decorating Your Home for Christmas
How to Save Money for Christmas & New Year Parties
Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Everyone in 2018 Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 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..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 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
11 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
9 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
2 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
8 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
3 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
2 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
33 mins ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
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