Author

Pranjul Kapur Tandon

stretch marks 3

Most women get stretch marks as they gain weight during pregnancy. As the baby grows inside you, the skin stretches to its limit and causes tiny tears in the layers of the skin. These tears have a white and glossy appearance to them and are known as stretch marks.  These scars are formed mainly on the belly but can also affect the legs, abdomen, breasts, hips and other areas prone to weight gain during pregnancy. Stretch marks once formed, don’t disappear from the body. While they are medically completely harmless, many women are embarrassed about the scars on their body.

 
 
 

stretch marks 3

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Nutraceutical companies and beauty product manufacturers are very active in promoting various products in form of lotions, creams, moisturizers, oils, body butter et all to prevent the stretch marks. But do they really work? Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence to show that these products work as advertised. It’s a lesser known fact that stretch marks are hereditary in nature and genetics plays an important role in deciding whether you will get them or not.

 
 
 

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While this is something you just can’t control, certain remedies may help improve the appearance or occurrence of stretch marks.

  • Try and gain weight gradually. A sudden increase in weight during pregnancy can definitely lead to more stretch marks at various parts of the body. However, a steady weight gain may reduce your chances of getting stretch marks.
  • Gain only the recommended amount of weight. Being over the weight limit will lead to more stretch marks.
  • Do low impact exercises regularly during pregnancy. Exercising helps prevent excess weight and improves elasticity of skin along with the blood circulation in body. Stretching and prenatal yoga are excellent pregnancy exercises.

 
 
 

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Image Credit : expertrain

 
 
 

  • Nourish your body. Make sure you have at least 8-9 litres of water a day as it keeps the skin hydrated. Consume foods rich in vitamin A (like carrots, mangoes), vitamin C (like oranges, tomatoes), vitamin E (like avocados, nuts, broccoli), antioxidants (like strawberries, blueberries) and omega 3 (like fish oil, flax seed). These nutrients are great for nourishing the skin and repairing skin tissues.
  • Keep the skin moisturized. It is good to make sure the skin is not dry because well moisturized skin stretches better as you gain weight. However, moisturizers alone can’t prevent the occurrence of stretch marks.

 
 
 

stretch marks

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  • After the baby is born and your body has recovered, you can always consult a dermatologist to understand various medical therapies available to help fade the stretch marks.
  • Give it time. In many cases, stretch marks become faded (however, they don’t disappear) and are barely noticeable after a few years of them being formed.

 
 
 

Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of. They are marks which assert your power of giving birth to a new life. You earn them while going through a beautiful journey of motherhood. Since you can’t always prevent them, stressing about them and stretching your budget to afford the various anti stretch mark products available is not a great idea. In today’s world of photo-shopped perfection, it is important not to get influenced and lower down one’s self image. Like most things in life, stretch marks too fade away with time.

 
 
 

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The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

 
 
 

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pregnancy rainbow diet 5

Rainbow Diet for Pregnancy:  Rainbow diet is a must in pregnancy! No, I am not introducing you to the latest fad diet. By rainbow diet, I mean a diet where you consume as many different colors of fruits and vegetables as possible. According to American Pregnancy Association, you should have at least 2-4 servings of fruits and 4 or more servings of vegetables daily. While all fruits and vegetables are nature’s gift to us in terms of nutrition and taste, each of them has unique health benefits.

pregnancy rainbow diet 5

Image Credit : diet-for-life

Appearances can be deceptive when it comes to humans but with fruits and vegetables, their colors give us a fair idea about their nutritional benefits. For example, all apples aren’t the same. A green apple has more vitamins and fiber whereas a red apple has higher sugar and an antioxidant called anthocyanin. Let’s look at the different nutritional hints that nature gives us by giving each of its produce a different color shade:

Green color:

Avocado, broccoli, peas, asparagus, kiwifruit, green apples, spinach, beans etc are all examples of green colored fruits and vegetables. Their color makes them rich in iron, vitamin K, C, E, folate. Folate helps develop baby’s brain and spinal cord. Iron builds placenta and supports oxygenated blood to growing babies. The vitamins promote healthy growth of baby’s skin, eyes, bones etc.

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Image Credit : lifewithgreens

 Blue/Purple color:

Eggplant, blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, black olives etc have this unique blue/purple color. What makes them special? They are a treasure trove of antioxidants which in turn increases the pregnant woman’s immunity levels and prevent infections.

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Image Credit : justjuice

Red color:

Beets, strawberry, red apples, pomegranates, cherries, watermelons, tomatoes etc all have bright and beautiful red color. While they all individually are powerhouses of many vitamins, in general, red fruits and vegetables contain some phytochemicals which help control high blood pressure and diabetes which can cause complications in pregnancy. Their properties also promote good health by fighting against many diseases.

pregnancy rainbow diet

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Orange/Yellow color

 Mangoes, pumpkins, carrots, oranges, sweet corn, peaches, lemons etc are all orange or yellow colored. Their color is an indication that they are rich in Folate which is a super nutrient in pregnancy. It prevents neural tube defects in unborn infants while promoting brain and spinal cord growth. They are also a great source of vitamin A which is great for both mother’s and developing baby’s heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, bones etc.

pregnancy rainbow diet 4

Image Credit : stileedintorni

White/Light brown color:

Bananas, dates, cauliflowers, garlic, mushrooms, onions, ginger, potatoes etc all have white or light brown tinge to them. They are a superb source of fiber which helps solve constipation, a common pregnancy complaint. While being very rich in antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, they also help protect the mother’s heart from high cholesterol.

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Image Credit : bellmarahealth

Ironically, fruits and vegetables can easily be called nature’s fast food as most of them taste delicious when eaten raw. So every mom-to-be should make sure that her diet includes a little of each color to maximize the nutritional benefits. When pregnant, go, eat the rainbow!

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.
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pregnant woman superstition 1

What to Do When You Are Pregnant?  : Pregnancy is like a magnet attracting many age-old superstitions and myths. One of the common superstitions is to keep the news a secret till your belly starts obviously showing. But does making early pregnancy announcements really attract bad luck?

pregnant woman superstition 1

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Unfortunately, first trimester miscarriages are not uncommon and sometimes unexplained. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the miscarriage risk for a healthy young woman may run up to 25 percent in the first trimester. The first confirmation of a healthy pregnancy is listening to the child’s heartbeat. The baby’s heart starts beating by the time you are around 6 weeks pregnant but it is not easy to detect. Hence, the real pregnancy confirmation comes only when your doctor is able to easily detect and medically assess a healthy fetal heart rate which is around 12 weeks into your pregnancy. Once the doctor confirms a healthy heart rate, the chances of miscarriage are less than 10 percent in most cases.

Given the high education levels prevalent today, women are fully aware of their body cycles and over-the-counter urine pregnancy tests are available at low cost in almost all pharmacies. This makes it possible for a woman to confirm that she is pregnant within a few days of conceiving.

pregnant woman superstition 2

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At this point of time when you are very early into your pregnancy, sharing the good news with your partner, immediate family and closest friends is a good idea as along with joy, it also brings in a lot of emotional and physical support in your life. Depending on the nature of your work, you may also consider breaking this news to your work colleagues if you spend the majority of your day in office around them. It would help them understand and co-operate with your upcoming medical appointments, health needs and physical restrictions.

Announcing your pregnancy to your outer circle of friends, relatives and professional associates can always wait till you complete your first trimester (which is the 12 weeks mark) and the doctor confirms to you a high likelihood of successful pregnancy. This would help prevent a lot unnecessary speculation, personal comments and unwanted advice in case things don’t go well in your early pregnancy leading to a miscarriage. Dealing with a heartbreak is always easier in your personal space with your absolute close family and friends.

pregnant woman superstition 3

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So while announcing to the world that you are pregnant does not cast an evil eye on your belly or does not bring you bad luck, it is certainly advisable to break this news once you and your medical caregiver are both reasonably confident about expecting a healthy pregnancy and newborn.

pregnant woman superstition

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Disclaimer:

The information given in this article or any associated Internet links is not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any decisions regarding your body, child or your health.

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

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pregnancy sleeping positions

Pregnancy Sleeping Tips

by Pranjul Kapur Tandon

Pregnancy Sleeping Tips: As pregnancy progresses, many mothers begin feeling restless at nights. There is obviously the discomfort associated with pregnancy and weight gain like leg cramps, back pain, breathlessness, nausea etc. Along with that comes the additional worry of choosing the safest yet the most comfortable sleeping position which is beneficial both for the mom and her unborn child.

Sleeping on stomach is obviously very uncomfortable as the belly grows. Although if you are used to sleeping on your tummy, you may continue to do that till the time you can easily do it. Rolling on your tummy for sleeping will not result in squashing your unborn child and is completely safe. However, obviously, its not practically possible with a protruding belly during later stages.

Sleeping on the sides is great during pregnancy. Sleeping on the left side is particularly beneficial as this position increases the blood supply in the body, aids digestion and increases the nutrients supply via the placenta to the baby. This is great for both Mom and the unborn child. Sleeping on the right side is safe for the mom-to-be. It may not have added benefits during pregnancy but if the woman is comfortable, it won’t do any harm either.

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Experts say sleeping on the back during second and third trimester for extended periods of time can be detrimental for health. The growing uterus and the growing baby puts pressure on the main vein that carries blood from the lower part of body to the heart. If the main vein is suppressed due to prolonged periods of sleeping on the back, the woman’s blood circulation can get adversely affected leading to problems for both mother and her fetus. However, rolling on the back in the middle of deep sleep or resting for short time in that position is unlikely to cause any harm. Pregnant women should try and form a habit of sleeping on the sides instead of their backs.\

Many a times would-be-father becomes extra cautious towards their pregnant partner’s well being and wake up their partner in the middle of deep sleep to correct her posture into the ideal left facing sideways position. This is completely unnecessary as a few hours of sleep in any comfortable position is safe for the mom-to-be. However, if they practice sleeping on their sides from early pregnancy, they will most likely form a habit of doing so which would be great as the pregnancy progresses.

pregnancy sleeping positions 2

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For sleeping well, a great idea is to use pillows for support under your body and in between the legs. Placing a pillow in between the legs or under the belly or against the back is great for comfort. You can also purchase different shapes of pillows like a wedge pillow or full body pillow.A wedge shaped pillow is great for resting if experiencing acid reflux or indigestion. A full body pillow can be used in multiple ways to have support from head to toe. Extra pillows can also ensure that the mother sleeps peacefully without worrying about rolling over her back or belly or any other uncomfortable position. Investing in a good pillow can be useful for the Mom during the post partum recovery period and while breastfeeding the baby.

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Good sleep in absolutely crucial for a healthy mind and body but pregnancy, followed by childbirth, also makes it the most desired activity. Make sure you get enough of it!

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.
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Is GheeButter Your Pregnancy Friend 3

In many cultures, particularly in some Asian societies, high fat consumption in form of ghee and butter-laden foods is considered healthy during pregnancy. Is it good to have  Ghee During Pregnancy? This belief stems from the fact that mother-to-be needs extra calories for the developing baby and her changing body. While some swear by the nourishing properties of ghee, others also believe that consuming extra ghee may help lubricate the insides of the vagina, making it easier for the baby to slip out during vaginal delivery. Is there any truth in these theories and is butter/ghee the magic ingredient in healthy pregnancy diet? Of course not!

Is GheeButter Your Pregnancy Friend 3

While moderate amounts of unsaturated fat is needed in pregnancy for the development of placenta and baby’s eyes and brains, Ghee/Butter is high in saturated fat which in turns increases the cholesterol level in body. This is not suitable for a healthy heart and may adversely affect the maternal health if consumed regularly or in excess. The other important point to note is that the body processes ghee in the digestion system and the nutrients are finally absorbed by the blood. The smooth texture of ghee/butter never reach the reproductive organs and thus, they not capable of lubricating the insides of the body and don’t make the baby’s delivery passage smoother.

Is GheeButter Your Pregnancy Friend

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During the first trimester of pregnancy, the mother-to-be needs NO extra calories. As her pregnancy progresses she needs 300-450 extra calories each day (assuming she started with a healthy pre-conception weight and has a single fetus). These extra calories must not be consumed only in the form of high fat foods. A healthy and well balanced diet is a must for healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Consuming one or two extra potions of any of the food products like lean meats, fish, low fat dairy products, nuts, poultry, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are a great way of consuming the extra calories while benefitting the health of both mother and baby.

Is GheeButter Your Pregnancy Friend 1

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Foods cooked using ghee/butter definitely appeal to the taste buds of many pregnant women and they can enjoy them as a “treat” once in a while. For regular use, moms-to-be should prefer using healthier cooking fats like olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, sesame and soya bean oil etc. Not consuming excess fat will not only result in a healthier pregnancy, it will also keep a lot of post delivery health complications at bay. After all, pregnancy is not a license to unhealthy binging.

Is GheeButter Your Pregnancy Friend 2

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The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

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The Pregnancy math 1

How Long Is Pregnancy ?

by Pranjul Kapur Tandon

Most humans associate the length of pregnancy with the magic digit of 9. Pregnancy is universally regarded as being 9 months long and is divided into first, second and third trimester. But is the pregnancy math that simple? Are babies born exactly when the 9 calendar months are crossed?How Long Is Pregnancy ?

The Pregnancy math 1

Image Credit :thestagesofpregnancy

Pregnancy is always calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period even though the baby has not been conceived at that time. The reason behind this is that you can never be sure about the actual date of conception (it can happen anytime within 5 days of having intercourse during a woman’s fertile cycle) whereas most women accurately remember the first date of their menstrual cycle.Hence, medically, the first date of last menstruation cycle is considered the start date of your pregnancy.

The Pregnancy math

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Doctors regard 280 days or 40 weeks since the start of last menstrual cycle as the average human gestation period. As a general rule, doctors calculate your due date to be 40 weeks post the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Any baby born between 38 weeks to 42 weeks is considered a full term baby and is ready to survive outside of womb.For example, if a pregnant lady got her cycle on 1st January, your medical due date would be 7thOctober. However, you will be ready to welcome your baby anytime between 16th September to 21st October. Thus, we see Due date just gives us an approximate idea of the baby’s arrival and most women don’t necessarily give birth exactly on their due date.

If a woman doesn’t have regular menstrual cycle or does not remember the dates of her cycle correctly, it will be hard to point her due date according to the 40 weeks rule. The doctors in that case estimate the possible birth date according to baby’s growth in the womb. The medical advancement these days makes it possible for the doctors to get a very good idea of the fetus’s exact weight and size using the latest scanning and imaging techniques.

The Pregnancy math 3

Image Credit :motherandbaby

Pregnancy is also divided into trimesters. The first trimester is from the first day of menstruation till the end of week 12 (approximately the first three months). Second trimester is from the start of week 13 till end of week 27 (approximately the middle three months). The third trimester is from start of week 28 till birth (approximately the last three months).

The Pregnancy math 2

Image Credit :child-development-guide

Your body and the baby inside do not follow the man-made calendar and have their own impeccable timing. A healthy body beautifully nurtures the fetus till it is fully developed to survive in the outer world. This is the reason why a baby born at the start of 38th week can be as healthy and well developed as an infant born after 41 weeks and 6 days. This is also the reason why birth is regarded as a miracle of nature!

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

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pregnancy and child birth the good news 4

You are Pregnant !

by Pranjul Kapur Tandon

You have finally seen the two pink lines on that stick. The absent period, the unexpected fatigue, the slightly tender breasts…. they all make sense now ! Yes, you are carrying a tiny precious life inside you. :)

pregnancy and child birth the good news 4

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Pregnancy is an amazing journey in a woman’s life which comes with equal proportions of responsibilities and joys. One very big responsibility of any woman planning to conceive is to identify a good gynecologist and get a thorough heath check up done before embarking on the journey of motherhood. Your doctor may check you physically and may assess your body’s immunizations through some blood tests. He will assess your diet to put you on some nutrition supplements. One very important but less know vitamin called Folic Acid/Vitamin B9 plays a crucial role during conception and early pregnancy.

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Adequate intake of Folic acid before conception and during pregnancy will do wonders in developing your baby’s brain and spine during the early stages of pregnancy. It may also protect the baby from a dreaded birth defect called Spina Bifida, affecting the development of neural tubes. Hence, as soon as you make up your mind about expanding your family or discover that you are about to bring in a new life into this world, you must consult your doctor and make sure your body gets adequate amount of Folic acid.

pregnancy and child birth the good news

Image Credit :pregnancyandbaby

Additionally, your healthcare provider may confirm your pregnancy through blood tests measuring the hormone levels in your body. The doctor will guide you about the baby’s due date by calculating your last period and this will be a good time for you to discuss various pregnancy do’s and don’ts with him/her. You must also be sure about not taking any medicine or vitamins without prescription during the entire pregnancy and lactation period.

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We often view our visits to the doctor with a lot of hesitation and fear. But with pregnancy, we need to see our healthcare provider in a different light. You should be extremely comfortable discussing all your doubts with him/her. Also, the doctor should preferably be available to you on phone/via email as it may not always be practical to have all the medical discussions and address many pregnancy complaints face to face. If your preferred doctor appears to be very busy, it will be a good idea to also get in touch with a certified childbirth educator, trained doula or a midwife who can support you throughout pregnancy & post delivery by answering many of your health related queries. They are trained to provide expecting mothers with evidence based knowledge about pregnancy, child birth, lactation and new born care. However, it’s important to know that they may/may not be qualified to provide a medical opinion and in most cases, will not be able to write you a prescription.

Thus, by fulfilling some responsibilities, you can definitely enjoy what is known as the most beautiful and fulfilling experience of a woman’s life – motherhood ! :)

Feel free , to ask  any questions that you might have!

Disclaimer:

The information given in this article or any associated Internet links is not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any decisions regarding your body, child or your health.

The author is a CPPA  certified childbirth educator.

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Pregnant Shoeaholics 8

I have to admit here, most women are shoeaholics! We all love dressing our feet. Tall heels are a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. They immediately spice up your dressing. Even if you wear heels regularly in your everyday life and are extremely confident about walking safely in them, most doctors will advice you against wearing heels during pregnancy.

 
 
 

Pregnant Shoeaholics 8

Image Credit : twitter shoeaholics

 
 
 

While stilettos and high heels are definitely a no no, wedge and low heels aren’t much preferred either, especially post the initial few weeks. Here is why:

# As you pick up weight and your body changes its shape; you may not be able to maintain a steady balance walking around in any kind of heels. Remember, an injury caused in pregnancy may affect your unborn too.

# Heels place more pressure on your back. Pregnancy hormones already cause lower back and pelvic area ligaments to get relaxed and loose in order to prepare you for childbirth causing back discomfort in many women. Additionally, the change in body weight and posture puts increased pressure on back. The pressure due to high heels further aggravates this discomfort.

 
 
 

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# As pregnancy progresses, many women encounter swollen ankles and feet due to fluid retention in lower part of the body. Your regular shoes will feel tight in this condition and wearing high heels will aggravate the swelling and may cause a lot of pain.

# Leg cramps are a common complaint with most pregnant women. Wearing high heels further puts your calf in contracted position which makes the situation worse.

 
 
 

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Image Credit : mirror uk

 
 
 

# Pregnancy comes with a risk of developing varicose veins. A high heel causes limited movement while walking which in turn reduces the blood flow in legs. This may aggravate the condition of varicose veins.

Should you end your love affair with heels immediately on getting pregnant?

High heels may not be such a bad idea during very early phase of pregnancy. This is because the body doesn’t change a lot in terms of hormones, shape or weight during the first few weeks after conception. So if you are confident about walking in those lovely stilettos or that matching wedge heels, you may continue showing them off for just few more weeks (with caution, of course). Remember to not wear them for a very long time and take frequent sitting breaks when wearing them.

 
 
 

What makes shoes comfortable?

Comfortable shoes must have broad toe space and narrow heel. The sole and heel material should ideally have cushioning to provide the soft feeling and shock absorption. Any heel greater than 2 inches cannot be considered comfortable and puts a lot of pressure on feet. Along with that, the heel area must be sturdy, well fitting and must give the feet extra support.

 
 
 

Some key points for the mom-to-be when going shoe shopping:

  • Always pick up shoes with roomy toe area. Your shoe size may increase a bit due to swelling when pregnant.
  • Pick up flats for everyday wear.

 
 
 

Pregnant Shoeaholics 1

Image Credit :shoespie

 
 
 

  • If you must, pick up heels that are low and sturdy.
  • Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and take off. You don’t want to be bending too much to wear your casual, everyday use shoes.

 
 
 

Pregnant Shoeaholics 2

Image Credit : shoes.about

 
 
 

  • Shoes having good ankle and feet support are great for reducing stress on the body while walking.
  • Make sure the soles are non slippery and have a good grip.

Although pregnancy comes with a little restrictions and more caution, dragging your partner to buy the new “pregnancy” shoes will definitely uplift your mood.

 
 
 

Pregnant Shoeaholics 7

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The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

 

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baby slings 6

Nature designed a new life to grow in the safety and security of the mother’s womb. A baby nestled inside the womb can hear voices from outside, sense the mother’s emotions and of course, can hear her every heartbeat. But the environment rapidly changes for the infant the moment he/she is born. In recent times, right after birth, the baby is whisked away from the mother for numerous medical check ups and to meet the anxious relatives. Many health care centers house newborns in nursery during the mother’s stay there. Finally, the baby comes home to a beautifully decorated cot and a fancy stroller. It’s very common to let babies play in their cot bed while the mother is busy or to take them out for a nice long walk in a colorful stroller. But is this what the infant desires?

 
 
 

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Research proves and your grandmother will reconfirm the fact that infants and toddlers are happiest when a womb like environment is created for them in the outside world. This means that they need to be in the physical security of a familiar surface and most importantly, near a parent, smelling the familiar body scents, listening to the parent laugh, talk, breathe and hearing their heartbeats. What is the easiest way to achieve that? It is to hold the baby near you at all times. And the simplest way to do that is to wear your baby in a sling.

 

 
 
 

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Many commercial manufacturers design various kinds of baby carriers/slings, available widely in the market. While most of them are great to use, some innovative mothers use their tailoring skills to make one at home using soft yet strong fabrics. Since centuries, wearing children in a sling up to the age of 2 has been a very common practice. Let’s look at the numerous advantages of carrying your newborn wrapped in the warmth of your body:

  • The parent goes hands-free! You can work in the kitchen or take your dog for a walk while your baby stays nestled close to you.
  • You get to burn more calories. With your hands completely free, you will be multitasking while “weightlifting” your baby

 
 
 

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  • The infant feels physically secure. Babies are not used to having a lot of space available to them to kick around (remember the size of your womb?) A sling secures them close to their parent/loved one in a constrained, warm yet familiar space. This relaxes the infant.

 

  • The child feels emotionally secure. The baby gets the security in form of the familiar scents, sounds and faces. He/she feels taken care of and hence, cry less.

 
 
 

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  • You get to take better care of the baby. The proximity to the infant facilitates quicker response from the parents when the child shows the first symptoms of being hungry or uncomfortable. It is also easier to breastfeed a baby in sling.
  • It facilitates physical development of the infant. Studies show that newborns, especially premature ones, gain weight faster when touched and held regularly by the parent. The baby also gets to develop physical responses to the parent’s movements of walking, reaching, bending, standing etc.

 
 
 

Certain Precautions while sling wearing the baby:

 
 
 

  • Make sure the sling/carrier is strong and safe.
  • Babies legs should not be straight and dangling from the sling. It can lead to hip dysplasia.
  • A newborn’s head should be adequately supported

 
 
 

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Image Credit : wallaboo

 
 
 

  • The child’s back should be supported.
  • The baby’s should be able to breathe comfortably.
  • The infant’s chin should not rest firmly against the chest as it can affect the oxygen supply to the baby.
  • Don’t do very strenuous and risky movements while wearing the child in a sling.

 
 
 

baby slings 1

Image Credit : sakurabloombabyslings

 
 
 

With the plethora of advantages, it comes as no surprise the sling worn babies are HAPPY BABIES! And happy baby equals a very happy home :) .

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

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pregnancy innerwear 4

One of the obvious anatomical changes a woman goes through during pregnancy is an increase in breast size. In fact, feeling fuller and more sensitive breasts is often the first tell-tale sign which indicates that you maybe expecting a new life. These symptoms often occur before you take any pregnancy tests which means your body knows its job of preparing milk to nourish the baby after birth. The breasts get larger in pregnancy due to hormonal shifts and weight gain. The breasts keep growing all throughout the pregnancy and it is common for the cup size to increase up to two-three sizes during the 9 months.

 
 
 

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It is very important to invest in comfortable, proper fitting and supporting bras during the early stages of pregnancy as increase in breast size is inevitable. There exist two kinds of maternity inner wear in the market today by the names of:

 
 
 

Maternity Bras

Nursing Bras

 
 
 

Let’s have a look at each one of them.

 
 
 

Maternity Bra: They are usually made of stretchy fabric, adjustable and wide straps and additional hooks in the back to accommodate the growing chest size.

 
 
 

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Image Credit : cakematernity

 
 
 

Nursing Bra: They are designed for breastfeeding. They provide good support by having wide adjustable straps with additional hooks in the back. However, their main feature is the additional clasps on top of the cups which makes access to breasts easier while breastfeeding. They are often made up of quick drying materials like cotton in case of any milk leakage incidents.

 
 
 

pregnancy innerwear

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When to buy maternity and nursing bra?

It’s a good idea to invest in a maternity bra as soon as the regular bra feels tight to the mother-to-be. Usually, by the end of first trimester, the mom-to-be gains enough weight in the breasts to not comfortably fit in her earlier undergarment.

Maternity bras are great for providing support for your growing body but they may not facilitate breastfeeding with as much ease as a nursing bra. Therefore, many women like to invest in good quality, highly adjustable nursing bras which they wear all throughout the pregnancy and the lactation phase.

Advantages of wearing a well fitting bra during pregnancy:

  • It prevents the growing breasts from sagging and may reduce the occurrence of stretch marks in the chest area by providing proper support.
  • It helps soothe breast tenderness and pain.
  • It may help comfort back pain which is a common pregnancy complaint.

 

 

Few key points to remember when going shopping for pregnancy bras:

  • The material should be highly breathable and quick drying. Cotton is the ideal choice! Although many other comfortable yet durable cotton blended materials are being introduced by maternity wear designers, always check if they suit your skin before buying a new fabric.
  • Do not wear underwire bras during pregnancy or lactation. They are not very supportive for the growing breast tissues and the underwire acts like an obstruction. Certain studies show that underwire bras affect the milk ducts in rib area, thus reducing the milk flow to the the lactating breasts.
  • When investing in a nursing bra, make sure that the clasp of the cup can be easily opened with one hand to facilitate easy breastfeeding while holding your infant.
  • Get yourself measured by a bra fitting expert available in many popular stores. Get yourself measured every time you purchase bra during pregnancy and lactation as sizes may fluctuate.
  • If investing in a maternity/nursing bra early into your pregnancy, choose ones with multiple adjustable hooks as an average woman grows up to 3 cup sizes and gains around 900 grams of breast weight by the end of her pregnancy.
  • The shoulder straps should be extremely comfortable and wide.

 
 
 

The right pregnancy bra – this is one support that you need and must get all through out your pregnancy and feeding phase.

 
 
 

The author is a CAPPA  certified childbirth educator.

 
 
 

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