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7 Things New Moms Worry About Most and How to Handle Them
Being a mother can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its set of challenges. New mothers often feel that they are not taking care of their babies the right way even when they are doing just fine! If you are a new mother, within a matter of days of embracing motherhood, you must have realised (and accepted) that taking care of a baby is not as easy as parenting books make it sound. No ‘ten’ tips mentioned in a book can help you shush your baby when he cries incessantly. But that’s not the least of your worries; there are so many things about your baby that might be keeping you and other new moms like you (yes, even the bravest of moms!) awake at nights.
7 Common Baby-related Concerns of a New Mom
All new mothers worry about their babies, especially when it’s their first child. Let’s look at some of the most common worries that you have (or must have had) as a new mother, just like every mom out there!
1. Whether the Baby is Getting Enough Milk or Not
It is very common for a new mother to think that her baby is not getting enough milk (and nutrition), as he always seems hungry and feeds every two hours or so. In the initial days, you must have had a hard time figuring out the amount of milk your baby needed. If you also had your doubts regarding your baby’s nutrition, you may have considered starting or increasing formula feeds for your little one. Some moms even get worked up thinking that they are overfeeding their baby. Being a mom is no piece of cake!
How to Handle It
In the beginning, most mothers feel that they are not fulfilling their babies’ nutritional requirements, but soon they understand that babies need to be breastfed almost every two hours – and it’s normal. If you are a new mum, don’t worry about your baby not getting enough milk, because his cries and wails will tell you that it’s his meal time. Babies are clever; they know what they want and how to ask for it!
2. Baby’s Pooping Habits and Poop Colours
Who would have thought that such tiny human beings could poop so much? It’s both exasperating and surprising that someone so small would need over five nappy changes per day, right? Initially, a baby’s poop is on the darker side and after a few days, it starts appearing green. If a baby is being breastfed, his poop colour will be yellow. However, if he is given formula milk, he will most likely have brown stools. So many colours and so many reasons for them; no wonder new moms get anxious!
How to Handle It
The colour and consistency of baby poop change often, and there is nothing to worry. However, if the colour of the poop is red, white, or black, a doctor should be consulted at the earliest. In case, if your baby's stools are green and watery and he is pooping frequently, you might want to consult a paediatrician. Babies that are in diapers all day long, tend to be prone to diaper rash. As a mother, you must make sure that your baby doesn’t sit around in a soiled diaper. You should change his diapers often. Choose soft and comfy diapers like Huggies Ultra Soft Diapers which are truly feather-soft and will keep your baby comfortable. These diapers are specially made for newborns and come with a wetness indicator (when a diaper is full, the colour of the indicator changes). These diapers offer a snug fit and also prevent diaper rashes in babies.
3. Baby’s Constant Cries
Newborns cry a lot; it’s their only way of expressing discomfort for almost a year. But sometimes, a new mother doubts her skills as a mother when she isn’t able to decipher her baby’s wails. Newborns and infants cry all the time and for various reasons: sleep, hunger, soiled diapers, over-stimulation, under-stimulation, etc. Moms, trust your instincts; you’ve got this!
How to Handle It
In the beginning, it is difficult for a mother to interpret her baby’s cries, and you must have gone through this phase too. But soon enough you must have got the hang of it. However, if you are still trying to decipher your little one’s wails, here’s some help. When a baby is hungry, he may cry and squirm or stretch; he may also make sucking sounds or suck his fingers. When a baby is sleepy, his cries will be accompanied by rubbing of eyes. If you are a new mother, give yourself some time and learn to read your baby’s cues – you’ll do just fine!
4. Baby’s Sleeping Habits
Whether babies sleep too much or too less – moms tend to worry. Some babies sleep most of the time and that’s okay! If you also worry about your baby's sleeping habits, then stop worrying! You don’t need to consult a doctor as long as your baby is breastfeeding properly and is wetting his diapers often.
How to Handle It
Most babies sleep a lot. If your little one enjoys sleeping, let him. Don’t disturb him while he is asleep. Keep a count of your baby’s soiled diapers and keep a note of the colour of his poop. A good number of soiled nappies and mustard yellow poop indicate that the baby is doing just fine.
5. Whether the Baby Will Get Diaper Rash if Disposable Diapers Are Used
Most moms think twice before using diapers for their babies. Being new to parenting, you might be apprehensive about diapers because of what you may have heard about babies getting diaper rash. However, with proper care and hygiene, diapers are the most convenient way to keep your little one comfortable and mess-free.
How to Handle It
Diaper rashes are extremely common in babies but using diapers is not the problem. If you change your baby’s soiled diapers frequently and clean his bottom with warm water after each diaper change, the chances of your little one’s bottom getting a rash are minimal. As a mum, you must make sure that your baby gets some diaper-free time daily. If you are looking for a comfortable diaper, you can consider Huggies Wonder Pants for your baby. Huggies Wonder Pants have an air fresh cover that allows free flow of air in and out of a diaper, keeping your baby’s diaper area dry. Be careful to avoid diapers that are too tight or restrict air flow as this can not only cause discomfort but can also keep moisture sitting around near your baby’s delicate diaper area, causing rashes.
6. Whether the Baby's Head Might Be Hurt
A new mother often worries that she will hurt her baby’s soft head accidentally. Babies have soft spots on their head known as ‘fontanelle’. Fontanelle is soft but tough and most likely will not cause damage to a baby’s skull.
How to Handle It
As mentioned above, fontanelle may seem soft but it is tough. If you have recently embraced motherhood, don’t you stress about hurting your baby’s head while placing him down or passing him on to another caregiver. Trust us, you won’t harm him.
7. Baby Not Meeting Milestones on Time
When a baby is unable to meet his milestones on time, a mother may turn the whole world upside down trying to figure out the cause behind his developmental delays. Parents often compare their baby’s development with that of other babies. If your baby is not cooing or gurgling by the age of four months or if he hasn’t started crawling between the ages of 7 and 10 months, there’s no doubt you would have considered dialling your paediatrician!
How to Handle It
It is normal for a new mother to worry about her baby’s developmental delays. But worrying doesn’t help. If you notice any signs of developmental delays in your baby, encourage him to walk, talk, eat his food on his own, etc. With you helping him meet his milestones, he’ll be there in no time! Only consult your doctor if there are extreme delays or if you’d like to put any worries to rest.
When a mother takes her baby in her arms for the first time, she hears a voice inside her head saying, “It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but it will be worthwhile!” You must have heard this voice too. If you have just embraced motherhood, you must be having a hard time taking care of your little one. But soon enough you will learn to take care of him without doubting yourself. And all your worries will vanish when your baby will give you his precious toothless smile. Keep doing what you are doing, your baby trusts you and knows that you won’t let anything happen to him.
Also Read:
Baby Care Tips for New Moms
Tips for Washing Baby Clothes
Tips to Take Care of Premature Baby at Home Read more
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Neena
Guardian of a 3 yr 5 m old boy
22 mins ago
#kidno1
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8 Things You Lose As a Working Mom, and 8 Things You Gain
As a working mom, irrespective of how old your child becomes – you win some, you lose some. Here are 8 ups and downs about being a working parent in today's world.
Women are at par with men in almost every field in today's world. There isn't one profession where women have not made a mark – astronomy, medical science, civil services, law, economics, trade, business,
banking and finance, fine arts... women are everywhere. While this is indeed something worth celebrating, there is a big pay-off that women have had to pay in exchange of their career and professional growth – time away from kids.
Life and Struggles of a Working Mother
"That is my work, my sweat, and my time away from my kids! If that is not personal, I don't know what is!" - Erin Brockovich
Here are 8 aspects of a mother's life that get affected when she chooses to become a working mom. You win some, you lose some, but we know, and so do you – that you wouldn't have it any other way.
1. Time
They lose time with their kids – precious time that they are probably never going to get back.
They gain time for their career – time that allows them to focus on their job and ace it.
The biggest struggle for a working mother is that of striking a proper work-life balance that allows her to have enough time with her children, her family, and enough time for herself, without falling behind or lagging in her job or carer as compared to her colleagues.
2. Health
They lose good health for themselves – as work and family keeps pulling them in opposite directions, health almost always suffers.
They gain confidence and self-worth – which definitely does wonders for their self-respect, and in turn their mental health.
The tight-rope walk that most working moms try hard to do, often ends up with them compromising on their health – especially the food they eat. However, working at par other men and women, and knowing their self-worth surely serves as a healthy boost to their self-esteem and confidence. And a healthy mind is the first step to a happy life.
3. Nutrition
They lose their control of the kitchen – as most of them employ maids to cook for them.
They gain more time to spend with their children – as one of the biggest 'chores' of the house is taken care of by someone else.
Let's face it – one of the biggest duties or jobs of being a mother and a wife is to ensure your family gets nutritious and healthy food to eat. However, it is also one of the most time-consuming 'chores' around the house... which is why many working moms prefer hiring a maid to cook for them. This means the kitchen is going to be reorganised, you are never going to find things where you left them (or when you need them), and there is probably going to be too much oil in the sabzi! But all that freed up time definitely means more time to spend with the children – and one mammoth task off your shoulders!
4. The House
They lose control over how their house is maintained – as there may not be enough time to do things around the house and keep it as neat and clean as they would wish to.
They gain the ability to contribute towards stability of the house – by taking on part of the financial responsibility of the house.
A lot goes into keeping a house neat and tidy, clean, and in proper order. However, working moms may not be able to give as much of their time towards this seemingly trivial but equally important aspect of running a family. On the other hand, the fact that they are contributing toward financial stability of the same house must definitely bring peace to their minds – and a sense of achievement and pride too.
5. Sleep
They lose the liberty of the afternoon siesta – because you cannot possibly sleep in the middle of a meeting!
They gain the liberty to go to bed on time at night – because you cannot possibly stay awake beyond a certain hour after you have been on your toes the whole day.
The day of a stay-at-home mom gets a well-deserved and required 'pause' in the afternoon, where she may have an hour or two to rest a bit. Not for a working mom though! However, the upside of losing the beloved afternoon siesta is that you can go to bed early, with your children. There is no way you can stay awake beyond 10 or 11 after having been on your toes the whole day. You can retire early to bed, and get (or at least try to get) undisturbed 7 hour sleep before you get ready to take on the world again!
6. Friendships
They lose friends – because after giving time to their work, family, and themselves, there is hardly any time left to maintain friendships.
They gain friends – in the form of colleagues!
Friends are your family away from family. They are the first relationship that you forge outside of your family, and come to mean a lot to you through the different stages of life. However, as other things take on higher positions in your list of priorities, friendships take a back-seat. Many working moms will admit that they haven't seen their best friend from school or even college in a long time. But their work place sure offers a lot of potential for new friendships to be formed.
7. Upbringing
They lose their say in their child's upbringing – as they have to rely on other family members to look after their child, who may teach the child things that the mother doesn't necessarily agree with.
They gain the chance to instil great values in their children – by making an example of their own lives.
A mother may not necessarily want to give her child too many chocolates. She may not want for her child to watch so much TV. She may wish for her child to read more books. While a stay-at-home mom can personally look into all these minute aspects of bringing up her child, a working mom may not have the liberty to do so. However, by being independent, self-sufficient, and dedicated to her work, she can definitely set a fine example for her children – a role model for them to aspire to.
8. Special Moments
They lose being a witness to their child's achievements – because your child may just choose to walk or talk while you are attending a conference call in office!
They gain a lot of special moments at office – that come in the form of achievements, recognition, and awards.
The first time her baby walks, the first time the baby says 'mumma' are special moments for sure. Your child's first gold star on his homework, his first medal in the school race, are important milestones of the child that a working mom may have to forego. However, for every lost special moment, she is creating milestones and pitching flags in the outside world.
There is so much that women do for every single person in their life. It is certainly not an easy choice to make, and we raise our glasses to all the working moms out there – salute! You indeed run the world... after all, mum's the world! Read more
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Soy stuff paratha
Soybean, though a vegetarian source of protein, ranks equivalent to meat with respect to quality. Soybean is considered as a significant commercial pulse of the world. Paratha stuffed with spices and soya granules, or minced soy is rich in proteins. You can even pack it for kids with their favourite sauce or chutney.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
30 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups wheat flour
2 tsp (teaspoon) oil
1/2 tsp salt or as per taste
1 cup soy granules
1/2 cup capsicum (finely chopped)
2 to 3 tbsp(tablespoon) green coriander
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp Green chilly paste (optional)
1 pinch Asafoetida
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp Salt or as per taste
Method
Step 1
Take 1 cup water in a saucepan and place it on the flame.
Step 2
When water is hot enough, turn off the flame and put soy granules into it.
Step 3
Cover and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4
Mix well flour, oil and salt and with the help of water, knead a soft dough.
Step 5
Cover the dough with a wet cloth and keep it aside to set for about 20 minutes.
Step 6
Preheat a pan with 2 tsp oil.
Step 7
When oil is hot, add cumin seed.
Step 8
After cumin seeds begin to crack, add green chilly paste, ginger paste, asafoetida and capsicum.
Step 9
Saute for few minutes.
Step 10
Add soy granules and salt. Mix all ingredients well.
Step 11
Stir the stuffing for 2 minutes continuously and add green coriander.
Step 12
Turn off the flame and transfer the filling to a bowl.
Step 13
Knead the dough again until smooth.
Step 14
Preheat a tawa over the flame. Pull out a part of the kneaded dough.
Step 15
Roll out a round parantha with 4 to 5-inch diameter.
Step 16
Place 2 tsp stuffing in the centre and close the paratha from all sides.
Step 17
Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball between your palms.
Step 18
Roll out gently into parantha with 5 to 6-inch diameter. Dust with dry flour when needed so it does not stick to the surface or roll pin.
Step 19
On a hot tawa, spread some oil.
Step 20
Now place the parantha over the tawa and allow to roast from both sides till light brown spots appear.
Step 21
Take off the parantha from tawa.
Step 22
Serve it hot with curd, hummus dip, chutney or tomato sauce and relish eating it!!
Nutritional Information
Calories
265
Calories from Fat
117
Total Fat
13 20%
Saturated Fat
7 g 35%
Cholesterol
10 mg 3%
Sodium
160 mg 7%
Carbohydrates
28 g 9%
Dietary Fiber
6 g 24%
Sugars
1 g
Protein
9 g
Calcium
8%
Iron
15%
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Here's a Beautiful Way to Relax Your Senses During Pregnancy
There are two stages in your life when you will be stressed like never before: pregnancy and early motherhood. Worse, you cannot rely on a good night's sleep, a spontaneous outing, or a day at the spa to help you destress. Being a woman, you are expected to take care of not just your baby, but everyone else in your family. And you have no qualms about it – not only is it one of your strengths, it is also something you voluntarily love to do! However, in the midst of all this, you forget to take care of yourself, and eventually get burned out and frustrated.
Fret not; you don't have to accept the stress and worry as an unavoidable part of your life. For there's a quick fix right at your home: aromatherapy. What's more, it is one of the few stress relief techniques suitable for every mom in every stage of motherhood. That said, the benefits of aromatherapy for pregnant and new moms are the most far-reaching.
What is Aromatherapy?
Do you breathe in deeply when you smell a natural fragrance like jasmine or rose? Doesn't it soothe you and make you feel better instantly? Without knowing it, you are indulging in aromatherapy!
Contrary to popular belief, aromatherapy is not modern therapy. It is an ancient tradition seen in cultures around the world - even in our very own India. Vaidyas or ayurvedic physicians were known to treat royalty with aromatic oil massages. Even back then, they certainly knew the importance of being relaxed to have a healthy state of mind! Traditionally, fragrant essential oils such as lavender, rose and jasmine were used for dealing with the three doshas or forces of nature - the vata (space and air), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water) respectively. According to Ayurveda, every person has each of these three forces within them, and the various combinations determine your nature, well-being, and your skin type.
A woman with a primarily Vata constitution has qualities of space and air. This is the reason why Vata types are generally slim, move fast, think on their feet, and have dry skin. Lavender helps calm them down like nothing does, and also works wonders for dry skin by alleviating itching and providing sufficient moisture. A person with a primarily Pitta constitution has qualities of fire and water. Pitta types tend to be fiery, focused, easily stressed, and have sensitive skin. Rose helps cool down their agitation and stress and provides tender soothing care to their 'difficult to handle' skin. Lastly, a person with a primarily Kapha constitution has qualities of earth and water. So Kapha types are typically calm, dependable, and occasionally lazy and have oily skin that tends to breakout.
Aromatherapy for Moms and Moms-to-be
Of all the ways in which aromatherapy is used, for you we recommend a nice, soothing massage. There is nothing more effective than a massage to get your blood circulating better. However, as an expecting or new mommy, you hardly have the time or will to go out of the way to get a massage. Wouldn't it be nice if something that you use daily works just as well as a massage oil? Something which you can apply by yourself, without having to pay a bomb for it? Something that you could use without having to worry about it being safe for your baby? Well, the good folks at Himalaya were certainly reading your mind when they came up with this body butter with aroma benefits just for you!
Of all the ways in which aromatherapy is used, for you we recommend a nice, soothing massage. There is nothing more effective than a massage to get your blood circulating better.
Himalaya FOR MOMS' soothing body butter is ideal for a relaxing, grease-free massage. Available in lavender, rose and jasmine, there's something for every doshapersonality. Being thicker and smoother than a regular moisturizer, it is easy to massage onto skin. And the result is a relaxed, energized you with silky smooth and youthful skin. For best results, it is recommended to slightly warm the butter by rubbing your hands before application. While picking a maternity body butter, ensure that the formulation is natural, free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t have any side effects for you or your baby.
Now that you are armed with the knowledge of this ancient medicinal therapy, make sure you get the most out of it. While you can massage the body butter onto the skin on your own, why not get your spouse to do it for you? It’s great both for the skin as well as for your bonding with your husband. Beautiful skin, energy and relaxation - with these amazing benefits in one powerful therapy, what's not to love? Read more
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
8 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
8 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. 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
7 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy 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
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
2 hours ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
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