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How to Tell if Breast Milk is Bad for Your Baby
Breast milk nourishes your baby and provides antibodies that fight diseases so that your baby’s development is normal and healthy. However, if you do not eat right or do not store pumped breast milk properly, it can harm your baby. Read on to know under what circumstances breast milk can be bad for your baby.
Can a Mother's Breast Milk Be Bad for the Baby?
Mother’s milk is the best for the baby as it contains nutrients needed for the baby’s growth and development. However, in some situations, breast milk can be bad for the baby.
If you a mother who wonders, “what if baby drinks bad breast milk”, then go ahead and find the answers.
Signs That Indicate Mother's Breast Milk is Bad for The Baby
Here are 15 signs that can indicate that breast milk is bad for the baby:
1. Failure to Gain Weight
Breastfed babies should ideally gain between ½ kg to 1 kg every month for the first six months. If this isn’t happening, it is a certain sign that breast milk is not helping.
2. Changes in Bowel Movement
Once breast milk is started, your baby will produce at least 4-5 dirty diapers daily during his first six weeks.
3. Frequently Upset
If your baby frequently seems irritable, it could be that he isn’t getting necessary nutrients from breast milk.
4. Delay in Reaching Milestones
If your baby’s milestones like rolling over, crawling or sitting up are delayed, it could be a sign of deficiencies related to breast milk issues.
5. Fewer Diaper Changes
Six wet diapers a day average for newborn babies. If you feel this number has reduced, it could be a breast milk-related issue.
6. Dark-Coloured Urine
If urine colour is dark, it shows that your little one isn’t getting essential fluids that can be supplied through breast milk.
7. Always Sleepy
Newborns can sleep for up to 17-18 hours a day in slots of 3-4 hours each. If your baby seems sleepy and lethargic all the time, it is a sign of intolerance to mother’s milk.
8. Dissatisfied Feeling
A nursing session should leave a baby satisfied and calm. However, if she isn’t receiving enough quantity or if the right nutrients are missing, then your little one may cry for more.
9. Signs of Dehydration
Your baby may show signs of dehydration if he does not get enough fluids and there could be several reasons for this.
10. Increase in Gas
If your baby is drinking more of watery foremilk, then it could cause excess gas.
11. Short Feeding Sessions
Check if your feeding sessions are becoming progressively shorter. Ideally, your baby should be feeding at each breast for 10 minutes.
12. Body Swelling
If your little one is facing problems with breast milk, you will notice swelling around the face and stomach areas.
13. Odd-Coloured Stools
Your baby’s stools should be yellowish in colour and mushy in consistency after you start breastfeeding him. Bright green poop with a frothy texture means low-calorie intake from breast milk.
14. Growth Stoppage
Apart from the inability to gain weight, if your baby hasn’t grown in length, it could well indicate some issues with breast milk.
15. Allergic Reaction
Some breastfed babies can have allergic reactions to mother’s milk. The kind of food the mother eats could be one of the reasons for this. Signs of breast milk allergy include excessive gas, vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased irritability.
While all the above symptoms could indicate that your breast milk is not suiting your baby, it is possible that they indicate a different health problem. Babies are known to not gain weight, or have odd-coloured stools, or show any of the above symptoms for a number of other reasons. So please do not jump to conclusions and feel disheartened. Consult your baby's paediatrician at the earliest.
How to Know if Expressed Breast Milk is Spoilt
Most nursing mothers pump milk and store it for later use, especially if they are working. In such cases, ensure the milk has not become spoilt before feeding it to the baby. Here are pointers to understand bad breast milk symptoms:
1. Taste
Taste the milk first to know if it has gone bad.
Factors That Can Affect Taste of Breast Milk
What you eat affects the way your milk tastes. The flavour of your milk can change depending on the kind of food you eat, medicines you take, and the way you store it. The freezing and thawing of milk can cause the taste to alter.
How to Check Bad Taste
Taste your milk before feeding it to your baby. It could taste a lot different from cow’s milk, but if it tastes sour or rancid, it is best to throw it away as it has probably gone bad.
2. Appearance
Have a good look at the stored milk before you feed your baby. Its appearance can tell you whether it is good enough for your baby.
Factors That Can Affect the Appearance of Breast Milk
Storage techniques can have a major impact on the appearance of the milk. It separates into layers when it is kept in the refrigerator. However, this only changes its appearance and may still be good to feed the baby.
How to Check Bad Appearance
After the milk has been pumped from the breast, it separates naturally as the fat rises to the top while water content settles below. When you swirl it, it should mix and form a single mass. If it doesn’t mix or has chunks floating in it, discard it immediately.
3. Smell
Make sure you have checked the milk for any change in smell before feeding the baby. A soapy kind of smell may emanate, but it’s not harmful.
Factors That Can Affect the Smell of Breast Milk
Certain medications you may be taking can affect the way your milk smells. The presence of an enzyme called lipase can change the way breast milk smells.
How to Check Bad Smell
Make sure the smell isn’t rancid, which is when you will have to throw the milk away.
How Long Does Expressed Breast Milk Sit Out Before It Goes Bad?
New mothers often ask a common yet pertinent question, “Can breast milk spoil in the breast?” Here are a few pointers to know how long breast milk can sit out before turning bad:
Freshly pumped mother’s milk can be kept at room temperature (around 25°C) for 5 to 8 hours before it goes bad.
Breast milk that has been previously refrigerated can sit out at room temperature for a maximum of up to 4 hours.
Frozen breast milk that is thawed, but is yet to be warmed up can stay out for up to 4 hours.
Frozen breast milk that has been thawed and warmed cannot be kept at room temperature since it can go bad immediately.
Frozen breast milk that has been taken out of the freezer cannot be stored or defrosted at room temperature at all.
How to Prevent Expressed Breast Milk from Going Bad
Here are a few proven ways to ensure that expressed breast milk doesn’t go bad:
1. Use Right Storage Container
Use a clean bottle with the date marked and an airtight seal or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Avoid bottles with regular tops and plastic bags as they could leak or spill.
2. Follow Storage Guidelines
If you have used an insulated cooler bag to store breast milk, make sure it is used up within 24 hours. Refrigerated breast milk won’t go bad before five days.
3. Follow Freezing Guidelines
While freezing breast milk, there should be a space of at least an inch between the container top and the milk to allow expansion. Breast milk containers should be kept at the back of the refrigerator where it is the coolest.
4. Thawing Rules Should Be Followed
Avoid leaving breast milk out at room temperature to thaw. Also never refreeze thawed breast milk. Do not attempt to thaw breast milk in the microwave or gas stove.
5. Choose Quantity Rightly
Express milk according to need and there won’t be too many storage hassles.
Breast milk has an impact on the baby’s health if the mother’s diet has been compromised. When breast milk is expressed and stored, there can be side effects if storing guidelines aren’t followed properly.
Also Read: Causes of Change in Breast Milk Color Read more
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22 Weeks Pregnant with Twins or Multiples
You might begin to feel that being pregnant with twins at 22 weeks is now going to turn into a demanding task. Thankfully, your happy times, which form the golden phase of the entire pregnancy, are still ongoing and you can rest assured about it. Feeling the movement of your children, trying to pinpoint which baby kicked at what point of time and many other activities can keep your mood high and allow you to form the crucial bond with your little ones. No wonder your babies are on the rapid path of growth and their weight will begin to make it a tad difficult for you to hold yourself and walk around. This can be a good time to do as much as you comfortably can until it begins to reach a point of no return.
The Growth of the Babies at 22 Weeks
The weight of your children keeps on increasing through the entire duration of the pregnancy and this is one of those functions that happen on their own accord when supported with proper nutrition on the mother’s part.
Within the babies, if the previous week focused more on the core parts of survival and procuring energy, this week begins to shift its attention towards perceiving the environment and making head and tail of it. The senses receive a boost in their development, as the eyes start increasing their strength and the ability to discern different sounds begins to manifest in the ears as well. The womb does seem quieter when compared with the outside world, due to all the covering and protection it has. However, your babies can hear a lot of sounds that exist within your body, right from the heartbeats to the rushing flow of blood, your voice and humming sounds, and a few external sources as well. If you have already been talking to your children all this while, make sure you ramp it up because they would be able to develop an affinity for your voice in a much better manner this week.
Remember that moment every parent talks about when their little one reached out and grasped their finger tightly, never to let it go? You will experience the beauty of that moment, and from more than one baby, whose foundation begins from this week. The brain starts testing out the muscular strength and its capacities, causing babies to close their fists and grip anything they can lay their hands on. This could even be their umbilical cords or the surface of the uterus, all of which is natural.
Most babies still tend to look very gaunt around this time, because their skin is thin and even a little translucent. But over the coming months, the fat deposits on their body begin to increase and the skin stretches itself properly, turning your babies into cute puddles of love.
What is The Size of the Babies?
Continuing our long-held tradition of comparing babies with fruits as a reference to their size, the 22nd week would put them at par with a nice coconut. Most babies tend to be around 9-11 inches in length by this week and their weight hits the 400-gram mark quite easily. Twins and triplets will be comparatively smaller than these values, and as long as your doctor deems it fine, you’re all good.
Common Bodily Changes
The 22nd week of pregnancy with multiples inside your belly is filled with a bunch of random developments that can all be unique in their own way, with some being highly welcome.
You probably never imagined your navel to be any different once you grew up since it takes its final form pretty soon in the childhood. However, with the uterus sinking lower in the abdomen and yet continuing to grow to encompass the babies inside, this pressure can also affect your tummy structure, including your navel. Similar to what you might have seen on the Internet or amongst pregnant women at your support group, you might tend to have a pregnancy which results in pushing your belly button outward. Nicknamed an outie, it might seem extremely strange to you the first time you see it, but it gets normalised soon enough. All that adjustment of space that takes place inside your abdomen ends up leaving nearly nothing for the button, causing it to pop outside. For the ones who are worried about the appearance, don’t fret since your navel will return to its usual state after delivery.
Hormones always tend to cause a lot of havoc for pregnant women. But sometimes, they do have some good side-effects, such as the pregnancy glow, which is a result of the skin secreting its natural oils regularly and lending a smoothness and clarity like never before. Similarly, hair growth receives a boost as well. For women who love long and thick hair, you’d be in for a treat with the increased mass of hair on your head and the lovely structure it develops. On the flip side, this hair growth is not restricted to that area, and you might find body hair overgrowing, too. While some areas of hair growth might cause you to feel discomfort, you can either carry it on until you deliver, or opt for hair removal techniques that are safe during pregnancy.
Happy times put you in a good mood which can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Blame this on the hormones as well, or take it up to your own desires, as you start feeling the need to engage in some coitus with your partner. The sexual drive is usually at a good level in the second trimester, but the 22nd week can bring it to another peak, making the entire process quite pleasurable for you as well. Having sexual intercourse is completely safe, though you might have to resort to different positions to make it happen.
Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy at 22 Weeks
Most of the symptoms that you would experience this time around won’t be any different from what you’ve been experiencing all this while. Some might be stronger, while others might tone down from the earlier intensity.
With the bellybutton popping out and your pregnancy making itself more evident, your nice round tummy might be a sight that takes the attention of many people around. This would also bring the stretch marks present on it, which might be very clear in some women. For mothers pregnant with twins or triplets, these are an even stronger issue since the skin is stretched far beyond its usual nature, leading to numerous stretch marks occurring on the body. You can choose to own them and be proud of housing multiple babies in your body, or opt for using creams that can reduce their evident nature temporarily.
You might be pretty tired from changing your panties numerous times, even after making use of liners to keep the discharge in check. There sadly is no way to control the amount of release and it is best to not interfere with it as well. In any case, that should not be a problem while indulging in some sexual activity with your partner, and only if it is coupled with bleeding that is continuous, you should bring it to a doctor’s attention.
The popped out navel is just one of the results of an enlarged uterus. The pressure affects the circulation as well as the blood vessels, causing your hands and feet to have bouts of swelling at random times. These are usually gradual and fade away in some time, too. Similarly, there might be instances where you feel a bit dizzy and fail to take deep breaths or end up feeling exhausted, all due to the pressure on the lungs and the diaphragm. That’s fine as long as you take care to keep your balance.
Twin Pregnancy - Belly at 22 Weeks
The development of 22 weeks twins in pregnancy will make your belly a lot larger than it usually is at this stage. The discomfort around it will be present, along with chances of increased backache and trouble walking around normally.
Twin Pregnancy at 22 Weeks - Ultrasound
Any mid-pregnancy ultrasounds would be wrapped up by this week. While some mothers might enjoy seeing their babies move around, others might witness them lying still inside. Don’t worry since your babies tend to sleep a lot as well, and you can always hear their heartbeat going strong.
What to Eat
Focus on food items that have a lot of cellulose, calcium as well as different dairy products. Fibrous foods and fruits should always be included to prevent constipation as much as possible. Iron supplements along with vitamin complex capsules are a great way to support your diet.
Pregnancy Care Tips
Yet again, you don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary to take care of yourself in the 22nd week of the pregnancy.
Dos
Engage in light exercise that strengthen your back and help you keep your energy levels high.
Maintain cleanliness of hands by cutting your nails regularly.
Dont's
Keep away from spicy food items as they can directly impact your baby.
Avoid using a heating pad in areas that are close to the uterus.
What You Need To Shop For
With your development and the baby’s growth going hand-in-hand, go ahead and shop for:
Baby wipes as well as a good first aid kit
Bra pads or maternity bras to control the breast leakage
When you are 22 weeks pregnant with twins, foetal development seems to occur at lightning speed, leaving you overwhelmed at times. Know that it is an entirely natural process and you will develop the skills necessary to mother your children properly in good time.
Previous Week: Twin Pregnancy Week 21
Next Week: Twin Pregnancy Week 23 Read more
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Wearing a Belly Wrap After Pregnancy – Pros & Cons
A belly wrap is a common piece of garment worn by many new mothers. It looks like a belt/piece of fabric that is worn around the belly, or sometimes, in the entire torso region. The main purpose of a belly wrap is to support your abdomen during the sensitive period after delivery. Many women also wear a belly wrap to disguise their postpartum belly and feel more mobile and comfortable at this time.
You can choose to wear a postpartum belly wrap shortly after delivery. It is best to do this only after discussing with your doctor, especially if you have had a C-section or a complicated delivery.
Common Types of Post Pregnancy Belly Wraps
These are the three most popular types of belly wraps that you can pick from, based on your need, types of clothes you’re wearing, and most importantly, comfort.
1. Abdominal Wraps
This is the most common kind of belly wrap used by many moms. It is a stretchy fabric wrapped around the mid-section. Some wraps come with different arms that can be secured one at a time. There are other designs that are just one piece secured with hooks, based on fitting.
2. Pelvic Supports
This type of belly wrap usually wraps around the pelvis, and are mainly intended to support your hips. Some designs also have attachable groin support bands.
3. Compression Garments
This kind of wrap resembles shape wear. However, unlike shape wear, they are made of medical grade compression fabrics and suitable for new mothers. This will help support your trunk, core, and pelvic floor.
Benefits of Wearing a Postpartum Belly Wrap
1. It Supports Your Postpartum Stomach
Your stomach feels very stretched out after delivery. Your skin, especially the skin in your belly region, has expanded tremendously all this while and now faces a sudden, drastic change. This is what leads to the ‘sagging’ or loose skin we struggle with in the postpartum stage. Many moms find that tightly wrapping the area with a belly wrap helps support it and makes them feel more comfortable.
2. It Helps Shape Your Body
Goes without saying, your body undergoes IMMENSE change during pregnancy and delivery. Many of us struggle with loose skin and a hanging belly in the postpartum phase. Wearing a belly wrap can help you shape your body while also feeling more comfortable. It can give you a slimming look and support any loose skin. Some experts say that when you wear a belly wrap, your abs receive a gentle compression. This may help the uterus return to its normal size quicker. Plus, since you may feel more comfortable and mobile when your belly is supported, you’re also likely to get more physical activity.
One warning though: do not use belly wraps as a substitute to healthy eating or a shortcut to getting your pre-baby body back. Never wear a belly wrap too tightly just to shape your body. Wrapping too tightly can put pressure on your core, pelvic floor, and ribcage. If you feel uncomfortable or faint, you need to loosen it up immediately.
3. It Helps Relieve Postpartum Body Pain
The postpartum period is replete with body aches! Many women experience back pain, pelvic pain, pain in the joints, and pain/discomfort caused by diastasis recti (abdominal separation). A belly wrap, by supporting your abdominal region, can bring relief from these bodily pains. In fact, this is the core reason wraps are not a new-fangled concept; they were used as pain-relief by women even years ago!
4. It Helps Support The Pelvic Floor
During delivery, some mothers go through perineal tearing – or a tear in the area between your vagina and your anus. These tears are more common in first-time mothers and can take time to heal. They often lead to considerable pain in the pelvic region after childbirth. Wearing a belly wrap helps support your pelvic floor and bring you some relief from the tear.
5. It Has Special Benefits For C-Section Moms
Wearing a post pregnancy belly band can be particularly useful for women who have had a C-section. As per experts, it can accelerate the recovery process by allowing you greater mobility, increasing blood circulation and supporting the abdominal tissues. The gentle but firm pressure on the belly can also bring down the swelling, decrease the surgical pain, and relieve the pulling sensation that many C-section moms experience during movement, coughing or bending.
Cons of Wearing a Postpartum Belly Wrap
1. Your Baby May Miss The ‘Snuggly’ Feel
One of the loveliest experiences for a new mother is the feeling of her baby snuggling up to her chest. If you have a small baby, chances are you will spend a lot of time cuddling her and holding her to your tummy. When you wear a belly wrap, your baby may find your tummy too ‘stiff’ or tight. The baby might miss the snuggly feeling that a soft tummy provides. It is best to balance out the time you wear a belly wrap – wear it for a few hours, and then go without it when your baby wants some close-to-mamma time. Wear the wrap again at times when you are the most active and have physical activity to do; you will benefit from the support.
2. Be Careful of The C-section Scar
A belly wrap is intended to support the postpartum belly and make it easier to deal with body ache. As mentioned earlier, it has special benefits for moms who have had a C-section birth. However, in case you have severe pain in your C-section wound/scar, or it hasn’t healed yet, please discuss with your doctor before wearing a belly wrap. You should get the C-section scar evaluated first.
Note: If you have chosen a corset-style wrap or a compression garment, be careful that it doesn’t hurt your breast region, in case you’re suffering from sore nipples or mastitis.
3. It Might Affect Your Post-Pregnancy Fitness
It is possible to get so dependent on the belly wrap, and so used to the shapely feel it lends to the body, that you miss out on actual fitness! The belly wrap must not be used as an alternative to exercising and eating healthy – the only two ways to get back in shape after pregnancy. When you have the constant support of a wrap, it might be easier to overlook the excess weight and skip the exercise your body needs.
A belly wrap has been used by women much before our time, and it definitely extends the support and comfort that a new mother needs. If you find it useful too, please go ahead and try it, after consulting with your doctor.
It is just important to see this as something that helps you recover and heal after childbirth, and not something that ‘magically’ shrinks your postpartum belly! Read more
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Postpartum Insomnia - Causes and Remedies
Have you been wide awake at night even after a tiring and stressful day of babysitting? Are you tossing and turning in bed even if your newborn and your partner are peacefully asleep, and everything is just fine? Are you feeling cranky and helpless due to persistent sleepless nights and wondering if there is a way out of this frustrating problem? Yes, there is.
What is Postpartum Insomnia?
Postpartum Insomnia is a condition in which an exhausted new mom badly needs sleep but struggles to get any even though the environment is totally conducive to rest and sleep. It is known to occur in approximately 60% women eight weeks after delivery.
Is Postnatal Insomnia Normal?
Postnatal sleep problems are quite natural because of the overwhelming changes in your body, your hormones, your lifestyle and habits. The life-changing experience of having a new family member who needs 24x7 care, stresses out all new parents. It’s a natural phase of life and it gradually settles down. However, if sleep problems persist long after postpartum, you should consult a doctor.
What Causes Insomnia after Childbirth?
There are 4 major causes of postpartum insomnia:
1. Hormonal imbalance
Postnatal hormones fluctuations are one of the main causes of sleep problems. Low estrogen levels cause sleep disorders and often lead to depression.
2. Night sweat
Some hormones in your body try to eliminate fluids that have had a role to play during pregnancy. Profuse sweating at night is a part of this process. It can make you sticky, hot and sleepless.
3. Mood swings
Unpredictable emotions may be caused by postpartum anxiety, depression, stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. These can impact your sleep habits and cause insomnia.
4. Baby feeding
As a new mother, you have to feed the baby at odd hours. This can cause sleep disturbances. Sometimes you may take a long time to fall asleep after feeding the baby and at times sleep may not come at all!
Symptoms of Post Pregnancy Insomnia
A sleepless mother may display these symptoms:
Restlessness
Tossing, turning in bed
Too hot, too cold
Hot flashes and night sweats
Anxiousness about the sleeping child
Strange dreams
Sometimes hearing imaginary sounds like the baby crying, the bottle of feed falling on the floor etc.
Light sleeping
Waking up at slightest disturbances
Mood swings
Irritability
A sense of great misery and/or hostility
Extreme apprehension
Treatment for Insomnia after Giving Birth
You should seek treatment for this sleep problem early so that it doesn’t become chronic and to also prevent associated complications like depression, hypertension, weight problems etc. There are some tried and tested remedies that can help. However, consult your doctor before trying them.
1. Chamomile tea
This is a short-term treatment. A research on postpartum women recommended that consumption of chamomile tea for two weeks improved sleep quality and associated depression. However, the maximum duration of the effects of this tea is only four weeks.
2. Lavender tea
This is also a short-term therapy. The fragrance of lavender can apparently induce positive emotions in a mother for her baby. In a research conducted on postnatal women, they were given a cup of lavender tea every day for two weeks. After two weeks they seemed to display a stronger bond with their babies and lesser swings of depression and tiredness. The therapeutic effects of lavender were also only for four weeks.
3. Acupressure
In another research experiment, postpartum women received acupressure on a point in the ear (auricular point) called the Shen Men pressure point for two weeks, four times daily. The results displayed improvement in sleep quality of these women.
4. Massage Therapy and Yoga
A Taiwanese experiment subjected a group of postpartum women to 20-minutes of back massage every evening for five days. This apparently improved the sleep quality of these women. You can do a massage with aromatherapy oils and lotions but do check if they interfere with feeding before you begin. You can also do some yoga for relaxing effects.
5. Mineral Supplements
Magnesium and iron have a prominent role in averting neurological problems. So, taking supplements that contain these minerals can help induce sleep and alleviate depression.
6. Sleeping Aids
You could take some safe, gentle and non-addictive OTC sleep medicines like Nytol, Sominex or Simply Sleep. Take them for a short time. However, be aware that the main element in these medications is diphenhydramine, which can impact the flow of breast milk in some nursing mothers. There are natural products too like Serenity that can help. However, please consult your doctor before you take any of these.
7. Cognitive-behavioural Healing
A study suggested that cognitive-behavioural remedies could improve sleeping patterns and behavioural problems in women with postpartum insomnia and depression. For this, you should seek the help of a trained specialist.
Tips to Deal with Insomnia after Having a Baby
Postnatal insomnia cannot be dealt with quickly and easily. Here are a few tips that may help you manage the problem better
1. Get Sleep with your Baby
Try to catch up with sleep whenever your baby sleeps. Leave the household chores to a nanny or someone else in the family. What you need to do is just relax during the time your baby sleeps. So, if sleep does not come easy for you at odd hours just do something that will relax you instead.
2. Sleep Early
Sleep as early as possible. Do not surf the net, settle the room or talk to friends on phone etc. Try and induce sleep early with a hot sauna, reading a book, listening to calming music or drinking something soothing. You can also wear blackout masks to bring on sleep.
3. Seek Support
Share your workload with your partner and/or other family members like changing diapers, bathing, dressing the baby, preparing a bottle feed etc. Seek support even at night, for instance, if you are making a bottle feed. If your sleep problems are really very acute you could insist that your partner/a family member sleeps in at the nursery with the baby instead of you.
4. Track the Baby’s Sleep Habits
If you understand your baby’s sleep cycle you can plan your day better, be less anxious and get your own sleep. You can also consult a lactating specialist if your nursing schedule is interfering with your sleep cycle.
5. Stress Busters
Try to destress with some meditation, walks or listening to soothing music. Short, light exercises and deep breathing are also a great stress buster and sleep inducer, according to studies.
If your mind is cluttered with all the chores you need to complete next day just take a pen and paper, jot them down and forget about them for the night. You can also try to de-clutter your mind by simply counting yourself to sleep, backwards from 100 to 1. This is a very simple method to empty your mind of other thoughts and bring on sleep.
6. Control Caffeine Consumption
For a new mom, coffee may be a quick boost to mood swings. But at the end of the day, it will actually cause sleep problems. Try to restrict to just one cup of coffee latest by 2 pm.
7. Gadgets Off
Switch off electronic gadgets an hour before sleeping. Do not surf the net while nursing the baby. Laptops, cell phones, and TV can excite the brain and disrupt sleep. The light from these gadgets is said to reduce melatonin level that affects your sleep habits.
8. Soothing Bedroom Environment
Make your bedroom décor and setting soothing. Overall you can keep a soothing wall colour or dim lighting. You can make it totally dark by fixing thick drapes on the windows if the slightest light is hampering your sleep.
You should also fix the temperature of the room to 68 to 72-degree Fahrenheit that studies suggest is ideal for both you and your baby.
FAQs
Here are some common questions women have about postpartum insomnia.
1. Can Postpartum Depression Cause Insomnia?
Sleep and depression are closely associated problems. However, it is not known yet which causes which? Whatever it is, they are linked to each other. If you are unable to sleep at night and feel very tired all the time you may be suffering from postpartum depression. If the frequency of this is high and continues for a long time please consult your doctor. Also, note that postpartum insomnia can occur without any signs of depression as well.
2. What is the Difference Between Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia?
Sleep deprivation and insomnia are not the same. Sleep deprivation is when you cannot sleep because of an external disturbance like an ill pet or a baby, strenuous work hours, and noisy party next door etc.
Insomnia, on the other hand, is the inability to fall asleep even when everything is calm and conducive to sleep. This is usually caused by an underlying, internal problem associated with insomnia like physical or mental health problems, job or marital stress, or any other life stress.
Postpartum insomnia is quite common and can be managed with the right measures.
Also Read:
Postpartum Complications
Postpartum Preeclampsia
Postpartum Hemorrhoids
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My preganancy ups and down journey with my first baby
To begin with we were newly married and before we got the news about my pregnancy I was not well I had tumor in my ovary which we got to know just a month before I came to know about my pregnancy as per doctors I could never get pregnant after the removal of ovaries but this sudden news of pregnancy just shocked everyone this unplanned pregnancy was the best thing ever happend but the tumor was getting increased each passing day which needed to be operated as soon as possible I had my first checkup in my 6th week of pregnancy we found that there was no heartbeat of the baby doc said we must abort the child if the condition were same after 8 weeks on my 8th week test finally we heard our baby heartbeat which was the world's best feeling ever due to complications I was on bed rest and worst part was contionous vomitings due to which I didn't eat properly for 5 months I had to go for regular sonography test every month to have a watch on my baby growth and every month I fell more in love With the little angel growing inside me her first picture on the usg report made our heart melt in the 5th month I was said if everything doesn't goes well we must operate u but God was with us everytime we went for checkup we were given dates for the operation but all thanks to my doctor she never lost the hope and my pregnancy continued for 39 weeks my edd was 31july and pains started on 31st night and we went to hospital at 3:00am on 1st August as I was to operated for tumor I had to go for C-section which was decided on the very first day of my pregnancy on 1st August morning 6:47am my little angel was born I could hear her cry and Hear doctors saying she is such a cute girl who is looking all around the operation therate I was not given my because I was getting operated for next 1 hour I could not see my baby for 2days I just saw her pic after 2days I saw my little angel but the worst part is I could not breastfeed my baby due to heavy medications I feel very sorry for my baby as She in on formula feed but this doesn't mean I don't love my baby this what society thinks the breastfeed mother loves their baby but that's not true love is not defined on basis of bottle feed or breastfeed and today my angel is 4 months old Read more
Niharika Pandey has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
20 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
my baby is 7.5 months old and still not teething
What to do about it
Niharika Pandey
Pediatric Dentist
14 mins ago
A. Hi
its okay.
kids sometimes show a little delay in getting their first milk teeth.
maximum upto the age of 18 months kids can get their first milk teeth so wait
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
20 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert hello doctor ! I am 5 months pregnant I don't know I am feeling very emotional nowadays i always want my husband to sit with me if that didn't happened I am crying like a baby. so if cry that will effect my baby also?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
19 mins ago
A. Oh well as per if we go out traditional believes yes it does but it is not good for you to cry because your emotions lead to those emotions to your child i understand your concern because you’re going through hormonal change and which is normal because when you are in this stage you really want the closest person to be with you and that’s your husband talk to your husband about it still if he’s not understanding then take a consultation with your gynaecologist along with your husband she’s going to give counselling and understanding to your husband and I think the situation should change after that
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
17 mins ago
Q. Hello Doctor,
can vaccination be delayed for 2 months old baby ? if yes, how long can we delay ? please advise
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
17 mins ago
A. yes further you can contact with your doctor and you can get the the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details ighf required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concerned person with the geniune advice ...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
17 mins ago
Q. 31 weeks pregnant doctor suggested gestakind two times, refka tablets 1 time at night, iron capsule 2 times, and calcium tablet 1 time after lunch
is this okay? and how to take all this medicine??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 mins ago
A. okay follow as per the doctors advice. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 mins ago
Q. when can i start massage after c section delivery and which body part massage is not suggested
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
12 mins ago
A. Just on the tummy area where you have stitches rest you can start with it not a problem but just make sure tell your muscles to keep a very light hand and also keep it away from your stitch area rest you can go ahead with getting a massage done there is no problem
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 min ago
Q. Hi doctor,
Please recommend me the feeding bottle & breast pump for post delivery.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 min ago
A. Phillips is basically the best brand where you can use a breast pump also you can use also feeding bottles for the child prefer using more of steel bottles for the child easy to clean and maintain sterilisation and and hygiene into the bottles
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