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 muscles and skin, which may sag for a lifetime unless a concerted effort is made.

Easing Into Exercise

As a general rule, it is best to wait six weeks before returning to a strenous exercise routine. But if you gave birth vaginally with no complications, you can start a simple regimen such as daily walking a few days after giving birth. Six weeks after an uncomplicated birth, you can begin more vigorous exercises such as swimming, jogging or even weightlifting.

For women who have had a Caesarean section, they will need more time to rest before working up to a normal routine within three months. They also have to be extra cautious about resuming abdominal exercises and should consult their doctor before starting any exercise regime.

The following ground rules for postpartum exercises are targeted at healthy women who have had uncomplicated vaginal deliveries:

• Start each exercise with a warm-up.
• Keep your exercise session brief and frequent rather than one long session recovery time.
• Take short rests between exercises (the muscle build-up occurs then, not while you are in motion).
• Don’t exercise more than recommended, even if you feel you can.
• Quit before you feel tired. If you overdo it, you may develop a dislike for exercise or be unable to exercise again.
• Do not do knee-chest exercises, full sit-ups or double leg lifts during the six-week postpartum period.

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 appear as pink, purple or red stripes on the skin. As they age they become lighter, until they finally whiten.

The Lines of Pregnancy

About 50% of the pregnant women have reddish, slightly depressed skin markings, called striae gravidarum (the “lines of pregnancy”). These are present on the skin of the abdomen and sometimes on the breast and thighs by the third trimester. After delivery these markings gradually change to silvery colored lines which shrink down as the contracting abdominal and breast skin firm up. These are “permanent” scar or stretchmarks of the pregnancy. Their cause is unknown. There is no way to either prevent or eliminate them completely, and creams and ointments sold for this purpose cannot alleviate the problem altogether but mainly function by lightening the marks.

In many women (primarily those with dark hair and complexion), the skin of the midline of the abdomen becomes pigmented from the pubic bone to close to the tip of the breast bone. The dark line curves around the unbilicus. Neither the cause nor the significance of this line is known, and it rapidly disappears after delivery.

Other Skin Marks

It is quite common in pregnancy for brown patches to appear on the face and neck. They are known as chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy”. They usually disappear after giving birth.

In Caucasians in particular, tiny red spots commonly appear on the face, the neck, the upper chest and arms. On inspection with a magnifying lens, each red dot is seen to consist of several tiny blood vessels branching from a central feeder. If pressure is gently applied to the center with, for example, the point of a pencil, the entire network is deprived of its blood supply and blanches. These are “spider hemangiomas”, as they are sometimes called, and are believed to be related to increased estrogen levels during pregnancy.

Why some women have these spots and others do not, is not understood, and their significance is not known. They usually disappear sfter birth. Another transient skin change is redness of the palms. Like “spiders”, this redness is believed to be related to the estrogen levels. Its significance is unknown and the phenomenon disappears after delivery.

The deep layer of the skin which is less supple cracks when overstretched resulting in blue-red stretch-marks that fade into silvery streaks with time but they will remind the woman of her first pregnancy.

These marks develop over the breasts, abdomen, derriere and thighs of over 75% of women and no amount of oil will make an obvious difference. the only preventive measure is perhaps, to watch one’s diet as stretch-marks tend to appear in over-weight women.

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 as many as you need to hang baby’s clothes.

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.

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 as well as easy to fold.

Car Seat

You must have one right away. You can either get an infant car seat which can be used as a carrier or even as part of your stroller.

Baby Seats

Stroller and car seats can include carriers in their multi versions. There are so many options in this category. You need to look around and consider your lifestyle to make the right decision for you and baby.

Baby Sling/Carrier

This is one of those things you will have or not interested in at all. It comes in handy from 0-10 months depending on baby’s weight.

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 liquid. Drink 8 to 12 cups of liquid each day. Choose pure juices, water, and four cups of milk. Choose additional servings from the 4 food groups to help meet increased calorie needs. Avoid alcoholic beverages completely.

Milk and Dairy Products

• Eat four to six servings per day
• Examples of milk and dairy products include: one cup milk, 1/2 cup ice cream, one ounce cheese, one cup yoghurt, or one and a half cup cottage cheese.

Meat and Protein Foods

• Eat two to four servings (seven ounces) per day.
• Examples of meat and protein foods include: one egg, one ounce cheese, 1/2 cup dried beans, beef, chicken, pork, fish or turkey.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Choose four to six servings per day including one source of Vitamin C.
• These include: broccoli, orange juice, tomatoes or greens.

Breads and Cereals

• Eat six to eight servings per day.
• Breads and Cereals include: Cornflakes, Wholemeal bread, oatmeal.

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 a wiser alternative over carbonated fruit drinks which contain added sugar and provide little in the way of nutritional value.

Carbohydrates

Among the grain products, whole grain and whole-wheat are best. 6 to 11 daily servings are recommended. Any of the following counts as a serving:

• one slice of whole grain bread,
• 3/4 cup ready to eat enriched cereal,
• 1/2 cup oatmeal,
• 1/2 cup enriched or brown rice, or
• 1/2 cup spaghetti or other noodles.

Calcium

Four servings a day of milk and milk products are suggested. These may include:

• one cup of milk,
• yoghurt or cottage cheese,
• two one-inch cubes of cheese,
• one cup pudding or custard,
• 1-1/2 cups soup made with milk, or
• one cup ice milk or ice cream.

Lactose Intolerant Women

For women who can’t digest the sugar in milk or are lactose intolerant, modified milk products are available in the dairy section of most major supermarkets. These include yoghurt-milk in cultured form and low-lactose substitutes. A woman who feels she is not getting enough milk products should talk with her health care provider about other sources of calcium.

Varying Your Diet

Adjustments in diet may be required to deal with some of the common discomforts of pregnancy. If you experience nausea (usually during the first trimester), smaller and more frequent meals may help, along with crackers as snacks and liquids in between – rather than with – meals. Frequent small meals also help to prevent heartburn. Do also avoid greasy or heavily spiced foods and caffeine. For constipation problems, which may occur at any time during pregnancy, but is more common during the latter part, helpful remedies include increased fluid intake, high fiber foods such as whole grains, and naturally laxative foods such as dried fruits (especially prunes and figs), and other fruits and juices, particularly prune juice.

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 bath while you answer the phone or the door.
• If you live in a house with a private swimming pool, install a four sided fence around it so your baby or toddler will not risk falling into the pool.

Poisoning

In an annual report by the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System, over 415,000 kids one year and below were exposed to poison in 1993.

Safety Measures

• Keep all potentially harmful products out of reach of your child. These may include medicines, pesticides or household detergents. never refer to ‘medicine’ as ‘candy’ to your child.
• Keep perfumes, cosmetics and mouthwash on high shelves.
• If you keep plants at home, make sure they are not poisonous or pose a potential threat to your child.

Burns

Babies and children have thinner skin than adults and are therefore more susceptible to burns at lower temperatures within a shorter period of time. Hot tap water, heated beverages and foods are potential causes of burns in young children.

Safety Measures

• Always test the water temperature before putting your baby in the bathtub.
• Do not warm the milk bottle in the microwave oven. Heat it with warm water instead.
• Do not hold your child and a cup of hot beverage at the same time.
• Keep hot foods and water away from the table edge.
• Never carry your child when you are cooking. He could reach out and touch the hot pan or worse, get scalded by heated oil.
• Do not let your child come near you when you are ironing. He may accidentally pull at the iron cord when you are not looking and get scalded.
• Always keep matches and lighters safe in a high cabinet. It may be a little inconvenient for you but at least it will give you peace of mind.

Suffocation and Strangulation

Young children, especially babies fall easy prey to these hazards, most often than not, due to the parent’s negligence.

Safety Measures

• Make sure the baby’s cot mattress is firm and fits the cot perfectly.
• Check that the gap between the cot railings are not wide enough for the baby to get his head stuck.
• Do not put pillows or thick comforters in the baby’s cot.
• Keep all plastic bags away from your child.
• Never tie a pacifier or anything around your child’s neck.

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 leave breakable objects, lighted cigarettes or lighters on low tables or within reach of your child.
• Curtain ties and blinds cords should be wound up and kept out of reach as a child could be accidently strangled by a dangled cord.
• Keep railing wires out of sight and reach of your child so that he won’t trip over, pull, or worse, chew at the wires.
• Cover unused plu sockets with safety socket covers to prevent your child from experimenting with them.

In The Kitchen

The kitchen, with its various cooking activities and household utensils, makes it a potentially dangerous place for kids. Heres how you could minimise the risks to your child:

• Turn pan handles or boiling kettles away from the cooker’s edge, so that your child will not reach it and get herself burnt. Teach your child what ‘hot’ means so that she understands a warning.
• Keep all knives, cutlery, heavy pots and pans, medicines, cleaning solutions, matches or stove lighters safe in the drawers and cupboards, away from your child’s sight and reach.
• Never allow your child to touch the microwave oven.
• Keep chairs and stools away from work tops to prevent your child from climbing onto them.
• Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use.
• Avoid using a tablecloth, even if it looks nice on the table. A walking toddler may pull at the tablecloth, thus bringing everything on the table down on himself.
• Keep your kitchen floor clean and dry, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent your child from slipping.
• Make sure your kitchen windows are fixed with drills to prevent your child from climbing over.

In The Bedroom

• Do not use cribs or Moses baskets once your baby is about 3 months old as they are not stable enough and may tip over if your baby moves too vigorously.
• Your baby’s cot should be deep enough – at least 50cm from the mattress to the top of the rail to prevent him from climbing out.
• The gap between the cot bars should be between 2.5cm and 6cm wide to avoid your baby getting his head stuck between the bars.
• Do not use a pillow for a baby under 12 months as it could suffocate him. Put a pillow under the mattress instead if you need to raise his head.
• Use a thin sheet or cellular blankets until your baby is at least 12 months old. A quilt may be too thick and your baby may risk pulling it over his face and getting suffocated.
• Always put baby to sleep on his back or side, never on his front, to reduce the risk of cot death.
• Once your child is old enough to climd out of his cot, transfer him to a bed.
• Teach your child to tidy up his toys on the floor each time after he has played to prevent him from tripping over.
• Make sure the bedroom windows are also fixed with grills.

In The Bathroom

• Remember to turn off the heater each time after you have used it. This prevents your child from turning on the water and getting scalded.
• Use non-slip mats on the floor of the bathroom.
• Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the bathroom. babies or children getting drowned in the bathtub or a pail of water is not uncommon.
• Keep all toilet cleaners and bleach on a high shelf or cupboard, away from your child’s reach.
• Other potential hazards such as mouthwash, make-up lotions, razors and aftershave should also be kept safely locked in a cabinet.
• Keep the toilet bowl lid down after each use.
• Do not mix toilet cleaners with bleach as the mixture can give off toxic fumes.

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 are developing within the jaws. Fever may develop while your child is teething. Don’t worry if your child is a late teether. As long as your doctor is satisfied with his condition, lateness is not something out of the ordinary.

Teething

There are several remedies to relieve your baby’s discomfort while he’s teething:

• Something to Chew. Some teethers are filled with water while others are filled with gel-like liquid. These types can be kept in the fridge to cool. Chewing on icy objects will provide baby relief from sore gums. but let the teethers stand a while after retrieving it from the fridge as extremely cold teethers have been known to burn baby’s lips. With teethers, watch out also for any sharp edges and make sure that the liquid filling is non-toxic and the teether is unbreakable. Alternatively, you could give him a carrot stick with the thin end sliced off.
• Something to Rub Against. Rubbing your fingers firmly on the gums will bring relief though your baby may not appreciate the intrusion at first.
• Something Cold To Drink. Give your baby some icy cold water to drink. This will also help in increasing baby’s fluid intake that he might have lost through drooling.
• Something Cold To Eat. Chilled yoghurt for example may be more appealing than warm food.
• Medication. If nothing else works, Paracetamol may be the answer but check with your doctor for the right dosage. There are also products containing benzocaine, a local anaesthetic, which when rubbed on the gums helps relieve irritation.

Brushing Baby’s Teeth

Start brushing your baby’s teeth the day the first one appears. There are gum brushes available to help you clean baby’s gums. Alternatively, you can apply a bit of children’s toothpaste on your finger and rub it on your baby’s gums. You could also use moist lint, a clean face cloth or a cotton-tipped swab.

You can also buy a small baby sized toothbrush with multi-tufted nylon nylon bristles. Never buy a hard brush as it can damage enamel and gums. Clean with a gentle scrubbing action and don’t forget to include the gums where particles of food collect.

Introducing Your Child To The Dentist

At the age of 2, you can introduce your child to a dentist. It’s imperative that you find one who takes the preventive approach and the time to teach your child proper oral hygiene and the importance of such practices. Visit the dentist every six months unless he has problems in between so that any problems can be detected before they develop into serious ones.