Your glorious moment has come and gone. Now you have to face the harsh realities of coping with your baby and the extra flabs you've accummulated during pregnancy. For new mothers, this may be more than what they may have bargained for, and it can be very distressing especially when they catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror. Getting back into pre-pregnancy shape is perhaps as high on their priority list, if not higher, as taking care of the baby. Experienced mothers know that returning to their pre-pregnancy shape or weight is a tedious, though not impossible task. It takes time and effort, plus a lot of determination and self discipline. Regaining your figure is a problem even for women who don't gain a lot of weight. No one comes out of the delivery room looking slimmer than when they went in, except for a few very lucky ones. Part of the reason for that protruding abdomen after birth is the still-enlarged uterus. Another reason is the leftover fluids and the stretched-out abdominal... Read More →
Shaping Up After Birth
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Post Pregnancy Exercise Routine, Postpartum Exercises, Regaining Figure, Shaping Up
Dealing with Stretchmarks
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Post Pregnancy Changes, Postpartum Care, Shaping Up, Stretchmarks
During pregnancy the skin undergoes changes due to hormones as well as the growing baby inside the tummy. As the skin stretches, it leaves pinky strips which gradually whiten with time. But pregnancy is not the only reason for stretchmarks. Factors like teenage growth spurts, intensive weight lifting and body building, or rapid weight changes can also bring about stretchmarks. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is composed of superimposed layers. The epidermis, the outer protective tissue, is in a state of constant renewal, cells divide and migrate, differ and die. The dead skin falls off, leaving the fresher under-layer. When the connective tissues break down, stretchmarks begin to appear. Stretchmarks result from an impairing of the connective tissue fibres in the dermis. They can occur anywhere that rapid or excessive growth of either fat or muscle exceeds the elastic properties of the skin. They are likely to appear on the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. The marks may first... Read More →
Important Baby Stuff To Have On Hand
Pacifier Check age on them. It's best to use the same brand of nipple as the bottle you buy. Just get a few in the beginning. Baby or Diaper Bag get one that is washable with lots of compartments. There is a vinyl changing pad that should come with it but if you're using a regular bag instead of a specified diaper bag, you will need to get one. Diapers Ointment Almost all babies get a diaper rash at one stage or another. Baby Powder The best kinds of baby powder suitable for baby are the cornstarch kind. Nail Clippers/Scissors Manicure set, clipping baby's tiny nails. Thermometer A rectal one is the most inexpensive and all you really need. They also have the ear-thermometers which are pretty handy when taking the temperature of a cranky baby. Dimmer Lights For middle of the night changes. Baby Monitor A wonderful device when you can't be in the same room as your baby. Useful for at least 12 months but you will probably use it for longer. Baby Hangers These tiny hangers are important. get... Read More →
Bottle & Breast Feeding Necessities for Baby
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Baby Formula, Breastfeeding, Necessities for Baby
These are some of the essentials to consider in order to bottle or breastfeed a baby: Breast Pump You absolutely need this if you plan to breastfeed and go back to work. The only way you can avoid getting one is if you plan to be with the baby all the time until he is weaned. You only need one but research which one you want. manual (the least expensive) does not work for everyone. Check with your friends to get first hand testimonials before you make your purchase. Bottles Bottles are necessary if you don't plan to breastfeed, going to supplement breastfeeding or you want to store your milk. Minimum 6 if breastfeeding, you can start with 4 oz. bottles in the beginning. Formula Breastfeeding is proven to be the best for baby. Substitute with formula if you really must. also, if formula gets too expensive, consider breastfeeding. Read More →
Essential Buys for Baby
Getting all the things you need for baby isn't easy but here is a list of things which you will require: Cradle/Bassinet You will probably want baby close in the first few weeks or months. A cradle, bassinet of some sort or there are even playpens that convert to a crib bed which can be a wise option especially since you can use it later when baby gets older. Sheets/Linens You will need extra sheets, lap pads and waterproof accessories. Baby bedding runs between $100-$300 new for a complete set and like many things, you get what you pay for. One set which includes: Comforter, bumper pad, skirt, diaper stacker. Mattress It doesn't normally come with the crib, so you'll need to shop for one that is suitable for the cot of your choice. Dresser, Drawers and Storage Before you know it, you will need compartments and drawers to stash all that new baby stuff in. Stroller Go window shopping for strollers and compare prices and make your decision. You want one which is fully adjustable, lightweight... Read More →
Nutrition for a Breastfeeding Mum
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Breastfeeding, Necessities for Baby, Nutrition, Postpartum Care
Under normal circumstances, breastfeeding offers significant advantages over bottle-feeding for both infant and mother. For a baby, breastmilk gives protection from infections and allergies and may lead to fewer illnesses in the first year of life. For a mother, breastfeeding often helps to strengthen the mother-baby bond. Other physical benefits for the mother include helping to speed the shrinking of the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. A well balanced diet during nursing need not be vastly different from that suggested during pregnancy. An extra glass of milk, some citrus fruits, and some additional carbohydrates (cereal or bread) can provide the extra calories and nutrients needed. calcium and vitamin C are particularly important to the growing infant. Extra fluids may help to stimulate milk production. Water, juice, milk and soups are good sources of liquids. While it is not necessary to drink milk to produce milk, milk is a convenient and good source of calcium, protein and... Read More →
What is a Sensible Meal Plan For Pregnancy
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Carbohydrates, Diet during Pregnancy, Lactose Intolerant, Nutrition, Pregnancy Meal Plan, Proteins, Vitamins
For many women, a balanced diet during pregnancy will consist of the three main daily meals. Meals should contain nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, grain products, fresh meats and milk and milk products. Proteins Protein-rich foods have the added advantage of containing iron and B vitamins. Two or three servings of protein foods a day will meet the requirement. Good choices are lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and tofu. Other sources like hot dogs, sausage, spare ribs, and especially bacon are poorer choices as they generally contain a high percentage of fat. Vitamins Three to five daily servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit are necessary to supply vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. Recommended fruits include citrus (oranges, grapefruits) as well as apples, bananas, guavas, mangoes and dried fruit. Vegetables may be dark green - such as broccoli, spinach or a variety of others including carrots, cabbage, or baked white or sweet potato. Pure fruit juice is... Read More →
Potential Accidents You Can Prevent
Filed under: Babycare Tags: Accident Prevention, Burns, Drowning, Poisoning, Safety Measures for Children, Suffocation and Strangulation, Young Children Safety
These are some of the potential accidents you can prevent: Choking Infants put anything and everything into their mouth. Parents should keep all small objects or items that have tiny detachable parts out of a baby's reach as they can pose a choking hazard. Safety Measures Buy toys that are appropriate for your child's age. Check the labels if you're unsure. Encourage your older kids to keep their toys (that can be potentially dangerous) away from their baby brother or sister. Check toys frequently for loose or broken parts that could cause choking. Make sure that baby's toys like rattles and teethers are large enough so that they cannot become lodged in an infants throat. Regularly check floors for small objects like coins, paper clips, hair pins, etc. If your child is under four, do not give him hard candies, popcorn, nuts, raisins or grapes. Drowning A baby can drown in just one inch of water in a matter of seconds. Safety Measures Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the... Read More →
Home Safety for Kids
Filed under: Babycare Tags: Safety Measures for Children, Safety Precautions for Children, Young Children Safety
Accidents do happen and more often than not, in the home. As prevention is better than cure, parents can take precautions to make their home safer for their children. In The Living Room Make sure the floor is not wet, especially tiled or polished floors, which can be very slippery for toddlers. If you have carpets at home, check them regularly for holes or loose edges that might trip your child. If your child can reach the door handle, fix a bolt further up the door to keep it from your child's reach. If you're living in a home with stairs, fix stairgates at the top and bottom of the staircase. The rails of the stairgate should not be more than 10cm apart. If the gap is too wide, the child could get his head stuck or get through the gap and fall down the stairs. Also make sure the gate is not high enough for the child to climd over. If you have a balcony, fix it with railings to prevent your child from climbing over. Avoid glass-topped tables and furniture that have sharp corners. Do not... Read More →
Caring for Baby's Oral Hygiene
A child's first set of teeth is formed in the womb, from the fifth month of pregnancy until full term. Some babies are born with a few teeth. Others start to get them from about six months. By the time they are 2 and a half years old, most children already have a complete set of primary teeth. From the day he gets his first tooth, what your child eats is of great importance. Eating the right food is only half the battle. A great deal depends on brushing and dental care. 0-6 Months A newborn has at least 20 invisible teeth developing in his jaws. between birth and six months, 10-12 permanent teeth will develop. In some cases, a child may be born with a tooth and its very loose. 6-24 Months The lower central incisors will erupt first followed by the lower lateral incisors. By 12 months, four lower and upper incisors will develop and within the next year, the rest of the primary or 'milk' teeth will erupt. 2-3 Years All of your baby's milk teeth will have formed and up to 28 permanent teeth... Read More →
Caring for Paediatric Sinusitis
Filed under: Babycare Tags: Paediatric Sinusitis, Safety Precautions for Children, sinus infection, Young Children Safety
Your child has been having a 'blocked' nose with a yellow nasal discharge for more than a week. She is also experiencing a persistent cough and sore throat. Although the symptoms point to a bad case of the flu, what puzzles you is that it is prolonged and doesn't show signs of clearing up. Parents who have been in this situation will know that their child has a sinus infection. Paediatric Sinusitis Sinusitis arises when the mucous membranes which line the sinus cavities are inflammed. This swelling causes the mucous glands in the sinuses to secrete excess fluid and obstruct the tiny holes which allow for drainage. Acute sinusitis is most commonly the result of a bacterial infection where the buildup of fluid in the sinuses are less 'classical'. They seldom complain of headache, facial pain or toothache. In most children, purulent nasal and eye discharge may be the only signs of sinus disease. Those with chronic sinusitis usually have nasal congestion, persistent cough and sore throat. Halitosis... Read More →
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Filed under: Babycare Tags: Carbohydrates, Minerals, Proteins, Vitamin Deficiencies, Vitamins
Vitamin A Vitamin deficiencies like the lack of vitamin A in infancy and early birth can cause severe, probably irreversible brain growth retardation. What is noteworthy is that the body's supply of vitamin A is destroyed during infections. But it's misleading to think that an oversupply of vitamin A will produce a larger brain or over-intelligence. In certain cases, oversupply of certain vitamins or minerals are actually harmful for the body. B Vitamins The role of B vitamins has also been highlighted in animal studies pertaining to brain development. Research reveals that deficiency of almost any B vitamins can cause some brain abnormalities. Vitamin C It was found in studies on vitamin C that children with normal or above normal levels of vitamin C also have higher IQs than children with below normal levels. Vitamin E - The Indirect Link There is some evidence to suggest that an undersupply of vitamin E does place a child at risk of suffering from brain damage. However the association... Read More →
Nutrition for Baby
Filed under: Babycare Tags: Balanced Diet for Children, Brain Foods, Children's Development, Maternal Health, Nutrition
Feeding children the right foods is a big topic these days. The benefits of the right foods in aiding children's development is something most parents are aware of. It's not unusual to find several parenting books making rather big claims about it. Most authorities nevertheless maintain that the most sensible thing to do is to feed children a balanced diet which consists of foods from all five of the basic groups. Critics have pointed out that the so-called balanced diet could however lack certain essential vitamins and minerals required for health. The argument is substantiated by studies that point to the fact that many birth defects, behavioural problems and childhood intellectual handicaps can be caused by a deficient maternal diet before birth or poor eating habits in kids after birth. The Influence on a Child's Development A good diet can influence intellectual and physical development. but there are other factors to bear in mind. These include heridity and certain environmental factors.... Read More →
Dressing-Up Baby
Just like adult fashion, babies' outfits do come with names, such as the playsuit, and the onesie, which some of us would have no idea of. And the changing tide of babies' wear requires discerning parents to pay attention to details like fabric and buttons. Below is a compilation of some baby outfit lingo and facts on babywear to aid you when you go shopping. Envelope Shoulder Onesie For the uninitiated, this is an essential bodysuit that snaps conveniently in the diaper zone. Snaps also prevent it from riding up like a T-shirt. Overlapping shoulder slits (called envelopes) add s-t-r-e-t-c-h for a quick and gentle ride over delicate heads. Parents rave about the classic component of every newborn's wardrobe. Playsuit A onesie with legs and more snaps, down to the ankles. Look for a playsuit that opens up completely so new moms can dress baby gently. Two-Sided Receiving Blanket A cute and practical leak barrier for all occasions, not just for receiving guests. Never-miss softness for calming... Read More →
Keeping Baby Clean and Dry
The fact that a baby will have his diapers changed about 5000 times before he is toilet-trained, means that a good start with the right materials is important. Here's what you need to keep baby clean and dry. Cloth Diapers Traditional cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and easier on your pocket. These are what you'll need if you use cloth diapers: 24 squares of cloth diapers (they come in standard size of 30cm x 30cm). 2 large plastic pails with lids for collecting soiled diapers. 3 to 4 pairs of waterproof pants to prevent your baby's clothes and bedding from getting stained. Diaper liner (disposable or washable). This prevents moisture from seeping back onto the baby's skin. Diaper pins / safety clamps. If you use pins, choose stainless steel ones with safety locks. An alternative to pins are safety clamps that hook onto the diaper's three flaps to hold the diaper together. Although there are specially shaped cloth diapers (they look neater and are easier to put on) available... Read More →
Nutrients and Fetal Development
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Diet during Pregnancy, Fetus Development, Folic Acid, Nutrition, Nutrition During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Meal Plan
Developing fetuses get almost all of their nutrition directly from their mothers. As such a pregnant woman needs to be aware of which foods will provide proper and healthy nutrition for her precious growing baby. Elements Of Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy Good foods contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals and come from the following food groups: fruits, vegetables, grain products, milk and milk products, meat or other protein foods. Fatty or overly sugared foods or drinks, such as pastries, doughnuts and soda, contribute little in the way of proper nutrition but only add extra calories. Protein Requirements During Pregnancy One of the most important nutrients for pregnant women is protein, which provides the growth element for body tissues, including for the growing baby, the placenta, the increase in the mother's blood volume and the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, a total of 2 to 3 servings a day is recommended (one serving of protein is 100 gm.). Lean meats, eggs... Read More →
How Much Weight is Right?
Filed under: Pregnancy & Delivery Tags: Diet during Pregnancy, Postpartum Care, Pregnancy Meal Plan, Regaining Figure, Shaping Up
The first and foremost rule of sensible nutrition is: Don't diet during pregnancy. Medical studies have shown that women need to have an extra 300 calories per day over their pre-pregnancy needs - and they should gain weight during pregnancy. Suggested Weight Gain During Pregnancy For a typical woman of average weight-for-height ratio before pregnancy, the suggested weight gain is around 11 to 16 kg (about 20 to 35 lbs). An underweight woman should aim for 13 to 18 kg weight gain. For an overweight woman, the suggested range is 7 to 11 kg. As a precaution, all women should discuss appropriate weight gain and a proper nutritional schedule with their doctors. Weight Loss After Birth In the first 3 months of pregnancy, most woman gain only about 1 to 2 kg of weight. After that, the average weight gain is nearly half a kilogram (kg) per week. When the child is born, most women lose 5 to 6 kg immediately after delivery. The extra weight that was put on can generally be lost within a year, with... Read More →
