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Importance & Benefits of Early Childhood Education
It is well known that brain development of young ones is greatly affected by early education. Children learn best when they are not pushed too hard and when they are given space for creativity. As a result of this, many parents take preschool seriously and resort to spending more time with their children in order to teach them the things they feel they need to learn. This has been found to be very helpful for a child’s higher education.
What Exactly is Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is basically for children between the ages of three and five. It is more commonly referred to as preschool, pre-kindergarten, daycare, nursery school or simply early education. Despite the different names, they all have the same purpose - to prepare children for elementary school. Giving your children special attention before elementary school helps in giving them a head start for their future.
What is the Purpose of Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is similar to a training program given to young children. During class, children will gain the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development needed in order to help them have a brighter future. If done right, early childhood education can help in developing a lifelong love of learning in children.
13 Benefits of Early Childhood Education
The young mind is like a sponge. It has the potential to absorb a great deal of information, making it important for children to have guidance while learning. There are many aspects related to early childhood education, here we have listed out the many benefits:
1. Socialization
Humans are very social beings and the main concept of socialisation takes root in early childhood. In a safe environment away from family, children meet other people of their age, sowing the seeds of 'socialization' and 'friendship' in young minds. This helps to develop self-confidence in your children by eliminating their shy nature.
2. Cooperation
During this phase, children learn to share, cooperate, take turns and so on. These are all part of a secure social life. This is especially beneficial for an only child, who is not familiar with having to share things. In the safe environment provided, the child will learn to cooperate with guidance from professionals.
3. Holistic Development
As a human being, it is important to have a strong foundation in every aspect of the personality such as emotional, social, mental and physical. Teachers who handle young children are well trained to identify the weaker aspects of a child and to encourage them to improve through practical sessions. Interaction amongst peers is extremely important in this context.
4. Enthusiasm for Lifelong Learning
Children will develop a hunger for learning if they are taught through fun and exciting activities. This eagerness and enthusiasm for learning will remain with them their entire lives!
5. Value of Education
The new environment provided in preschool gives children an entirely different perspective on the requirement of education. Grasping knowledge and applying them to their lives demonstrates the value of education.
6. Respect
The environment in preschool helps children learn to become civil towards one another and they start to understand that the concept of respect is not just limited to people and belongings, but also to their environment.
7. Teamwork
A person's teamwork capability is based on their respect for others opinions, listening skills and mentality towards equality. All these qualities should be taught at a young age. Many preschool activities are focused on teamwork and help children improve their attitude towards working as a team.
8. Resilience
Our society is ever changing and it is important to develop resilience as early as possible. The challenging scenarios provided by the professional guides help children to learn through their own experience. The bruises and bumps from their challenges lay the foundation for the better coping strategies for their future challenges.
9. Concentration
The involvement in preschool tasks and activities demands higher levels of concentration from a child. The repetitive occurrence of the activities helps them to improve their concentration skills.
10. Patience
In the life of an adult, patience is often tested and children should be trained to handle such situations for the future. Experiences such as sharing the attention of the teacher, waiting for their turn etc. will help children develop patience.
11. Confidence and Self Esteem
A sense of wellbeing is important for a person to explore their talents. The positive interactions with peers and teachers encourage a positive view of themselves. This is an important impact of early childhood education.
12. Brain Development
Professionally crafted activities in preschool enhance the development of the brain. Various activities involving analysing and logical reasoning help them to develop their skills.
13. Exposure to Diversity
There is so much diversity in the modern world and children need to be taught to appreciate and accept the differences in society.
Each new word, experience and person can mould a young child into the person they will grow up to be. This is because it is possible to have a greater impression on a person during their early childhood days. Most parents understand this and give early childhood education the importance it is due.
Recent studies reveal the importance of early childhood education as it can influence the mental, emotional and physical development of a child. Hence for increasing the quality of the education of your child, ensure early childhood education. So always make sure that they start off early so it doesn’t become a problem in the future.
Also Read: Top 15 School Admission Questions and Answers for Parents Read more
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How to Pump & Store Breast Milk
With mothers becoming increasingly conscious about taking care of their children in every possible way, but without compromising on their career, one essential in every new mother’s bag is a breast pump. This is also very beneficial for mothers who are suffering from any lactation issues, or simply want to also include their partner and family members in the process of feeding the baby. Easily available in many different types, breast pumps not only help feed the baby when the mother is not around but have multiple other benefits too. Read on for an overview of this clever device.
Video: How To Pump and Store Breast Milk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWYp2Bw40Fc
What is a Breast Pump?
A breast pump is a machine which mimics the sucking action of a baby to help express breast milk. It consists of a breast phalange or shield which fits over the nipple, a pump which is operated either manually, or by electricity, and a bottle where the expressed milk collects.
When Can You Start Using a Breast Pump?
You can choose to start using a milk suction pump as soon as your baby is born in case there are medical issues which are coming in the way of nursing. Premature babies who find it difficult to latch on, multiples, or children with special needs may also necessitate early pumping. However, if nursing is progressing well, doctors recommended waiting from one to three weeks before introducing the bottle to avoid nipple confusion.
What is a Breast Pump Used for?
Used for expressing breast milk, a breast pump is not only essential for mothers who want to return to work or take a break from breastfeeding, but also helps maintain or even increase milk supply.
Why Breast Pump is Used: Pumping stimulates the production of milk and is an effective solution for mothers experiencing lactation issues. A breast pump alleviates discomfort caused by engorged breasts too.
How to Use a Breast Pump?
Getting started with your breast pump is as easy as one-two-three! Simply place the breast shield over your nipple, and pump to start expressing. If you are using an electric or a battery operated pump, this simply involves switching it on, but if you are using a manual pump, you will need to pump it manually.
Tips to Pump Breast Milk
Here are a few tips which will help in preparing to pump breast milk:
Relax: Finding a quiet spot to relax helps encourage let-down
Massage: A quick breast massage, leaning over to let gravity do its part, or a warm compress help you start off
Invest in a hands-free pumping bra: This bra holds the pump in place leaving you free to read a book, text or even work on your computer. Some mothers even make their own hands-free bras by cutting holes in an old sports bra or attaching rubber bands to a nursing bra
Start at the lowest setting: When using an electric pump, do make sure you start at the lowest setting and increase it gradually as you get comfortable
When to Express Breast Milk by Hand and How Do You Do It?
If you prefer to nurse your baby, and only occasionally feel the need to express milk, pumping breast milk by hand may be the right option for you. Here is how to do it:
Wash your hands: Babies are sensitive, and it is important to maintain hygiene at all times
Massage: A gentle breast massage or a warm towel help stimulate let-down, making it easier to express milk. You could even lean forward to let gravity help
Getting the right position: Using your thumb and index finger, form a C about an inch behind your areola
Express: Press your fingers towards your chest wall and use a gently rolling motion to express milk
Storing: Collect the expressed milk in a clean bottle for storing
How Much to Pump Breast Milk?
How much you pump mainly depends on how much your little one consumes. It is not always necessary to pump in excess, so don’t get unduly worried if you are unable to pump in large quantities.
There no set rule about how often you should pump breast milk. Pumping breast milk primarily depends on how old your baby is. Over a period of time, the amount of milk you can pump gradually increases
How much you wish to pump also depends on how your breasts feel after you have pumped.
How much you need to pump will also depend on how big your milk-making glands are. Remember that the size of your glands is different from the size of your breasts
A good pump can pump both breasts in about 20 to 30 minutes if you let down fast
With continuous practice, you will be able to pump more milk, as your breasts get adjusted to the pump and give you quality milk
Keep a significant time difference in between two pumping sessions to ensure that you get similar quantities of milk.
It is more important to know how much milk your baby gets in the 24-hour time period and not per feeding
There is no single rule about how much breast milk to pump. So, pump your breast milk at your own convenience and according to your baby’s needs. Nobody knows your body better than you do.
How to Store Breast Milk?
Storing breast milk can be quite tricky as the fat content of the milk is continuously undergoing change. The first thing you should be careful about is dating your milk. This allows you to know when you pumped the milk and use the oldest one first.
You can store breast milk in a plastic or glass container which is air tight, to keep it fresh for a longer period of time
Usually, the pump comes with a storage container with a measurement scale, allowing you to store milk according to your baby’s consumption
The milk can be stored in the freezer for a certain duration depending on the temperature, although it is better to make sure the baby consumes the milk in the earlier periods, since with time, its nutritional value diminishes
Where to Store Breast Milk after Pumping?
Pumping milk from breasts becomes a relief when you know that there is stored milk in your freezer. You do not have to keep undergoing the process every time. This milk can be kept fresh form two weeks to twelve months. However, keep the following pointers in mind when you are storing it.
How to Freeze and Thaw Breast Milk?
Time is a major constraint in freezing and thawing breast milk. If the thawed milk is not consumed within 24 hours of refrigerating or after 1 hour at room temperature, it will spoil. A disadvantage about thawed milk is that it cannot be frozen again. The following should help you keep your milk fresh and in good quality.
1. Freezing Breast Milk
While freezing, remember to keep it in containers according to the portion suitable for your baby. If 50 ml is consumed per intake, store it accordingly. This helps you to make sure that you do not waste milk.
Do not freeze it in containers from which you cannot dispose it easily. This not only increases the hassle but also allows impurities to seep in.
2. Thawing Breast Milk
Always remember that the milk needs to be thawed and not boiled. Hold the container which has the milk in it under warm water until it reaches a suitable temperature.
You can also let it defrost in the main compartment overnight and use it at room temperature the next day.
Do not use the microwave for defrosting or warming as it kills the nutrients in the milk. Hot spots may also develop, decreasing the quality of the milk.
3. How Long can Breast Milk be Stored?
If you are storing the milk in the freezer section of your refrigerator, it will stay fresh for a maximum of two weeks. The sooner you can use this milk, the better it is.
Some refrigerators have a separate compartment as a freezer. As this is opened less frequently, and at 0⁰ F, it keeps the milk fresh for three to six months.
Deep freezers, comparatively, keep the milk fresh the longest. It can be preserved for a maximum of twelve months.
However, if you like the milk to be fresh and consumed within a day, the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the best way to store breastmilk is at room temperature for six to eight hours
What are the Different Types of Breast Pumps?
There are several types of breast pumps that cater to the needs of all the mothers depending on their requirement with multiple modulation. However, these dominantly fall under three major types. Using the pumps depends on your comfort level and practice. Start at a lower suction rate and gradually increase the setting to match the amount you can pump.
1. Manual Milk Feeding Pump
Using breast shield to cover your breast, you can express milk from the breast, squeezing the lever which creates a suction.
2. Electric Pump
This breast pump uses electricity to operate, allowing the mother to continuously use the pump and even adjust the degree of suction
3. How Do You Choose a Breast Pump
For smooth and problem-free pumping, you need a pump that is of good quality and works well over time. A manual pump or an electric pump that does not work very well over time can hinder the expression of milk. A high-quality electric double pump might give you better results
What are the Reasons You are Facing Difficulty Pumping Breast Milk?
Pumping breast milk takes a little bit of patience and a little bit of time. Adjusting your schedule to accommodate it might create issues some time as you might not always be able to find time to pump when you lactate. However, once you get the hang of the lactation time periods, you can conveniently pump milk keeping the following factors in mind which might also create difficulty while pumping.
1. A Fussy Baby
It is important for you to be relaxed for let-down to take place. If your baby is fussing, you may not be able to pump effectively
2. If Your Little One has Just Finished Feeding
This is not the best time to prepare a new batch. Give your body some time. Relax a little and eventually start pumping. Remember, there is no rush. Your baby and your breasts understand when to accommodate each other
3. Not Knowing the Rate of How Fast or How Slow to Pump Is
If you try to pump at a faster rate, chances are that you will not be able to pump any milk at all. At the same time, pumping at a slower rate won’t create enough suction
4. Inappropriate Size of the Breast Shields
The right-sized shield is important for successful pumping. Using an inappropriate size might cause your nipples swell up when you start the pump. In this case, the quantity of milk expressed might not be a lot and you may also end up with pain in the breast region
5. Scant Lactation
Keep your body hydrated at all times. Frequently breastfeeding and pumping can help resolve the issue by preventing the milk from drying up and increasing the flow of breast milk
6. Stress
During the pumping process, it is very important for you to be relaxed. If you and your body aren’t relaxed, you will not get sufficient results at the end of it. If you still have difficulties, gently massage your breasts and use warm compresses on them before pumping. Be comfortable, close your eyes, and go to your happy place while pumping
Pumping breast milk is rapidly catching up among new-age mums as it lets you fulfil your baby’s needs while also bringing you convenience. Attaching a machine to your breasts might be scary as it is a relatively new idea, but with the convenient methods that are coming up, mums around the globe are readily accepting this. When in doubt, talk to other women who use various breastfeeding methods and seek help. Sometimes, talking to others who are on the same journey might give your deeper insights into catering to the needs of your baby.
Also remember that when it comes to the wellbeing of your baby, multiple factors may come into play. What to expect in the process of child-rearing becomes the priority of every parent. Fathers too play an active role in it. Breast pumps help ensure that feeding is not only a mother’s job but the father can pitch in to help too. Read more
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Things to Take Care of Before Hitting the Maternity Ward
Your nine months will be up soon and it seems like there are a million and one tasks to complete. Here's a list of things to do before the baby arrives to make it a lot easier for you to manage post-delivery.
Your baby’s due in a couple of months or even weeks, and you’ve been wondering whether to prepare for the little one’s arrival sooner instead of later. Rather than leave to-dos to the last minute, why not busy yourself now? You’ll thank your lucky stars for your foresight.
A Checklist of Things to Do Before Baby Arrives
1. Decorate The Nursery
Set up your baby’s nursery at the earliest. Once he or she arrives, you’re not going to have the time or the energy to do it. Open all those cute baby shower gifts and set them up where they need to be. Install necessities like the crib, the baby monitor, and a night light. Make sure you experiment with creative nursery furnishing and lightings; after all, your baby is very, very special!
2. Create Your Baby’s Arrival Announcement
As part of the checklist before your baby is born, choose your birth announcement and save it as a draft along with your contacts. All you’ll need to do later is hit send when your baby arrives. If you’re going to be sending more elaborate announcements such as a note or a card, choose the goodies to send with it. Make a list of the people you want to announce it to along with their addresses.
3. Put Together a Hospital Bag
Tick another thing off your pre-baby checklist when you pack your hospital bag and the baby’s diaper bag. Include things that you’ll require immediately like a warm robe, socks, hairbrush and toiletries. For the baby, pack a blanket, sheets, diapers, mittens, caps, and warm clothes.
4. Prepare a List of Freeze-Friendly Foods to Make
If you don’t have anyone to help at home once your baby comes, it’s a good idea to have a list of foods that can be frozen quickly. A day before D-day, whip them up and pop them in the freezer so you can have easy-to-warm meals when you get home. Between feeding the baby and catching up on your sleep, you definitely won’t have time to step into the kitchen to cook, at least for a while.
5. Make Appointments Early on
Speak to friends and relatives with small children to help you choose your paediatrician, photographer and baby sitter, if needed. Pick someone who comes recommended and who you feel comfortable with. Book appointments with them before the baby arrives so you don’t have to worry about these details later.
6. Rest as Much as Possible
Get as much rest as you can. Once your baby arrives, you’ll have to face many sleepless nights. Relaxation should be your agenda in the last few days before delivery. Pamper yourself by going to the salon. Get a haircut, a wax, a manicure and a pedicure.
With your little bundle of joy due to arrive any time, it’s best to get things done before delivery. You’ll be very busy and stressed out in the first few months, even the first year. Taking care of a few to-do’s early on will help you breathe easier. Read more
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The Long-Awaited Red Lines - How They Changed Our World
After my wedding, I have patiently waited to see those two red lines on a pregnancy kit. It would break my heart each time the test came back negative. I wondered when I would be blessed with the joys of motherhood. After many disappointments and a couple of babymoons to Singapore and a two-month cruise to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, my husband decided to take me once again on-board but this time on a world cruise. It was a vacation I was looking forward to. I was over the moon as I was travelling to almost 26 different countries. As I packed my bags and prepared for my journey, I said to myself, "This is it, this time I'm not stressing out about baby plans. I am just going to lay back and enjoy what life has to offer and make the best of this vacation."
I embarked on the ship 'Arcadia' in February in Sydney, Australia, and sailed towards Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Since I had previously sailed on this ship before, I was well-versed with the surroundings and with most of the crew who worked onboard. It was like being at home away from home; a friendly environment. I met my husband's colleagues and spent some amazing time with them. Every new port was an adventure, everything had been planned out by my husband, the ports that I would be on tours and which ports we would go on a crazy adventure of our own.
My vacation had no limits. From spending an amazing day up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife at the Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia to a tea plantation tour in Sri Lanka, a day-long shopping spree in Hong Kong, a cable car ride to the Lantau Island to see the biggest outdoor Buddha statue, a crazy bus ride to the Petronas Twin Towers, followed by a tiring climb up the stairs to the Batu caves in Malaysia, an epic banana boat ride in the cool waters of Langkawi, an evening walk by the Garden by the Bay, the Cloud Dome and the Merlion in Singapore, a relaxing city tour of Vietnam, and a first-hand experience of China's busy streets (Shanghai), it was one wonderful trip. When we docked in Goa, I ended up inviting half of the ship's people over to my place for lunch; phew! That was a day to remember. I was living the dream until life brought in a sudden twist.
One fine day I woke up feeling sick and nauseated. Even though I spent the entire morning and afternoon in bed, I still felt exhausted. The food onboard which I relished now was nauseating. I remember pushing my husband away, as the smell of his perfumes repelled me. Only a cool glass of lemonade and a quick sniff of menthol balm would calm my temperament. I had no idea what in the world was happening to me. Each time I complained about my health and mood swings, my husband would sport a naughty smile, which annoyed me furthermore. Somewhere down the line, he knew what was wrong with me or rather, what was right with me. I feel like a fool for not being able to pick up these little signs or hints that my body was giving me. I guess I was too engrossed in my dream vacation.
When our ship reached Dubai, my husband and I decided to do a test just to rule out the possibilities of a pregnancy. I said to myself, “It’s going to be a negative result again as always.” We spent a good day shopping in Dubai, met my sister and her family. On our way back to the ship we picked up the kit. We had planned to do the test the next morning. My husband just couldn't sleep that night.
At the break of dawn, he woke me up and pleaded me to do the test. I could see the excitement building up in his eyes. But all I could do was yawn and return a drowsy look back at him. I somehow managed to drag myself out of bed and did the test. We waited for 5 minutes as per the pack instructions and casually glanced at the stick. My eyes could not believe what I saw. Two red lines on the stick had appeared. Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks while I silently gazed at the kit. Outside the bathroom, the scenario was different. My impatient husband was pacing up and down the room biting his nails off. He kept asking me for the results. I wiped my tears and slid the stick to him under the bathroom door. All I could hear was him jumping and screaming, “I knew it, I knew it. I was right all this time.” He was on cloud nine. As I opened the door he hugged me. It was a moment we will never forget.
Those two red lines brought immense joy into our life. Those two red lines changed our world. It was Easter Day and we couldn't have asked for anything more on such an auspicious day. Our little bunny was on her way.
My vacation full of adventure continued, from the salty waters of the Dead Sea to the cobbled streets of Spain and Italy. By the end of the world cruise, I was two months into my pregnancy without any medical care. I strongly believe that things happen when God wants them to happen. Overstressing and worrying about it is not the solution to problems. Everything is planned and given to us at the right time. All we need to do is patiently wait to unwrap our gift.
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.
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
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. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 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..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour 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
56 mins 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
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