Tips To Handle An Underweight Baby

Author: Dr. Nishant Bansal MBBS, Fellowship in Neonatology (IAP), DCH, DNB

Consultant – Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida

When it comes to the weight of a newborn, every mother wants her baby to be healthy, unlike underweight children that are a point of concern for them.

Quick fact: Low birth weight contributes to 60 to 80 percent of neonatal deaths worldwide.

Low birth weight: Usually, low birth weight is primarily due to the premature delivery in which the weight of the baby is likely to be less than 2.5 kg, so it becomes significant to handle such cases with profound supervision. The neonatal intensive care unit is the place where care and protection is given to low birth weight or preterm babies. Motherhood Hospital has one of the best infant baby care hospitals specializing in rendering the best service for the baby that satisfies the caring notion of parents.

Underweight baby vs Normal baby 

When a child is born underweight, that makes every mother worrisome. But how do you differentiate between a normal baby and an underweight baby? There are some differences that must be highlighted to understand the concept where the steps for treatment will follow.

An underweight baby usually weighs less than 2.5 kg unlike a normal baby that weighs in between 2.5 kg and 3.5 kg, and is physically smaller than a normal one.

While some underweight babies can be healthy, some are exposed to serious health problems that require treatment. Premature delivery is one of the common causes attributed to low birth weight of the baby as most of the normal babies are born at a right time, unlike a premature birth. A baby is considered premature when it is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy while as a normal baby is born between 37 weeks to 41 weeks.

Treatment for underweight babies 

Here are some treatments that underweight babies might receive –

The underweight baby may be born with complications and the doctor might try to treat the child by feeding it through a tube. They might also use an IV or an intravenous line to feed the child to give the necessary nutrition. It is significant for the concerned mother to visit the best maternity hospitals that have a specialized neonatal intensive care unit.

Tips to handle an underweight baby

If the underweight baby does not need any special care from the doctors, you, as a mother can follow the following tips to give the best nourishment to your underweight baby.

  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is the best nourishment for any baby. If your baby is underweight, focus on making a schedule. You must breastfeed your baby quite often, following a strict routine to ensure feeding from time to time. It is ideal if you can breastfeed your precious little one after every two to three hours. Do not feed your little one anything other than breast milk as it contains much needed nutrition that promotes the growth as well as immunity to the baby.
  • Massage your baby: Massage is good for all newborns. Underweight babies can also benefit from regular massages. Oil massages can help your baby gain weight at a consistent and steady pace. For the first few months, you can consider massaging your baby yourself for better results.
  • Skin-to-skin contact: Skin-to-skin contact with your baby or ‘kangaroo care’ is proven to help your baby . Kangaroo care or skin-to-skin contact with your baby has multiple benefits such as maintaining the baby’s warmth, and regulating the baby’s heartbeat and breathing rates as well. Skin-to-skin contact also helps the baby get healthy sleep and the right nutrition from breast milk.
  • Seek support and help: If your baby is still underweight after trying all the tips to handle its low weight, it might be more serious. It is best if you seek the right help from the right doctors to receive the best underweight treatment for your precious little one.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Neonatal specialists in sector48, Noida. Our Neonatology Department has expert neonatologists, paediatricians, paediatric surgeons, and nurses that are trained in new-born care.

Do take an appointment with the top Neonatal hospital in Chennai, Alwarpet. Meet our doctors, who will do the necessary investigations, identify the problem, and suggest the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Nishtant Bansal, please book your appointment here.

Postpartum Essentials For New Moms

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Author: Dr. Vijayalakshmi MBBS, DGO

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar

Postpartum Symptoms in New Moms

Perhaps one of the most charming moments for a woman is to become a mother. However, those moments can gradually wane weeks on, punctuated thereafter by moments of physical and emotional challenges. The body naturally experiences a lot of changes after giving birth and while the focus has turned to caring for the baby, most forget that postpartum care for the mother is by far the most important aspect to take note of.

Every birth is unique, and therefore tough to determine the exact postpartum life of the mom. Understanding the ways a mother’s body may change, and taking appropriate steps during this postpartum period is a priority that will help you ease your life.

Postpartum Period

What to expect:

Some of the common postpartum changes can be:

  1. Constipation
  2. Hormonal changes
  3. Haemorrhoids
  4. Discomfort from C-section incision
  5. Fatigue
  6. Abdominal pain
  7. Difficulty urinating
  8. Soreness of the breasts and nipples
  9. Perineum
  10. Vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Postpartum care tips to follow:

The various ways in which pregnancy and childbirth affect the body may seem very intimidating, especially for new mothers. It can actually be tough to adjust to these changes; but postpartum health care tips help immensely in healing and taking care of the body, after giving birth.

1. Heal your body

The body experiences a lot during childbirth be it a vaginal delivery or C-section. It’s not as if you will get rid of postpartum challenges within a few days. It takes time and sometimes even months for the body to recover completely after pregnancy and childbirth. Let’s look at some of the steps that one can follow to gradually heal:

  • Vaginal soreness: Sit on a pillow or padded ring, use ice packs and keep your perineum away from irritation by spraying the area with warm water while urinating.
  • C-section scar: Consult your doctor about the care you need for C-section scar and clean it gently before applying an antibiotic ointment.
  • Pelvic floor changes: Perform regular Kegel exercises to provide your vagina and perineum with enough recovery after stretching during delivery.
  • Tender breasts: Frequent breastfeeding helps relieve engorged breasts and you can also try ice packs, warm compresses and gentle massaging in case of aches.

2. Give priority to rest

The extreme physical toll of labour and then having sleepless nights with the new-born can exhaust the new mom. Do not forget to give priority to your sleep to avoid postpartum fatigue. Make it a point to take a quick snooze whenever the baby is asleep.

3. Ask for help

At times new moms may feel shy and hesitant to ask for help from others. Do not forget that you definitely need postpartum care, and life for a new mother can be much easier and recovery faster, once you have assistance from friends and family.

4. Keep moving

Regular exercise and physical activity have shown great results in recovery from postpartum symptoms. Exercise is a great tool to boost energy levels, relieve stress and strengthen muscles after childbirth, however, it is best to consult your doctor before getting on a regime. Usually, most of the doctors will ask you to avoid rigorous activity and focus on gentle exercise such as walking in the garden and so forth.

5. Healthy diet

Eating well and healthy is always beneficial in postpartum care. It will help you fight constipation and fatigue while assisting you to shed the extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist specialists in Lullanagar, Pune.We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecology hospital in Indiranagar at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Vijayalakshmi, please book your appointment here

Dos and Don’ts Of Postpartum

Postpartum Recovery

Author: Dr. Padma Srivastava MBBS, MD(OBG)

Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar

Post pregnancy care

So, you’ve finally delivered your bouncing bundle of joy. Your family is ecstatic, you are relieved, and things are relaxed. Soon, you want to get back to your normal routine – work, chores, regular activities etc. But wait, let it take time. Take it easy. Your recovery postpartum cannot happen in a few days. In fact a full recovery from delivery can take months. While you will begin to feel normal in about 6-8 weeks, it does take a longer time to heal completely.

Usually the postpartum period is referred to as the six week period post-delivery. This is a delicate time for you, the mother, the baby, and the members of the family. Slowly adjust to the fact that you are a mother. There is a certain rhythm that needs to fall into place. Discover it. Firm it up. Adjust it in such a way that it works for you and your baby. Here is what you need to do postpartum.

Get plenty of rest. Sleep as much as you can. Take your time as you cope with the fatigue and tiredness.

Take the help of people around you. If you have relatives or professional help do ask them to do things for you. You need all the help you can get.

Food is extremely important. Maintain a healthy diet consisting of proteins and carbs. Eat in time and follow the same time each day. Ensure you are consuming fibre-rich foods (whole grains, vegetables and fruits). Use stool softeners to ensure a regular bowel movement and avoid straining. This is not good for your perineal tears or C-section scar if you have one.

As your recovery progresses, do begin to walk/ exercise after talking to your doctor. Don’t overdo it. Definitely do not ignore it.

Here are a few things you are advised not to do in this period.

Do not insert anything into the vagina – Based on the kind of delivery you have had, you will be surprised at the kind of changes in your vagina. This includes the stress, stretching and the bleeding. You may feel you are back to normal, opt to resume sex or using tampons. Do wait till your doctor approves these activities. The important thing is the risk of infection.

Postpartum Recovery

Your uterus would still be healing post-delivery and if you had vaginal stress, that region would be healing too. It is advised not to use any internal devices such as menstrual cups or tampons considering that there could be an infection on these wounds. Usually bleeding post birth lasts up to 6 weeks. So use pads during this period and remember to change them frequently and wash your hands to prevent infections. As for resuming sex, doctors may recommend waiting for up to 6 weeks after delivery.

Do not overexert yourself – Of course you want to do the best for your baby. Feedings, diaper changes, cleaning all resulting in very little sleep. Take rest and recharge yourself. If you stress yourself too much, you might bleed, cause muscle strain and suffer from anxiety. Take it easy. Do only what you can. Walk gently and do not exercise heavily. Stop exercising if you feel pain. Rest to the maximum.

If there is pain, speak to your doctor – Women could have some pain after delivery but the duration could vary. The usual pain includes:

  • Cramping as a result of the uterus shrinking to its previous (pre delivery) size
  • Pain between the vagina and anus
  • Pain in the region of the incision and sutures
  • Pain or stiffness in the neck, back, and joints
  • Pain due to swelling of breasts

It is advisable to see the doctor if you have: 

  • A headache that cannot be addressed with medication or one that affects your vision
  • Pain and fever over 100.4°F
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Pain in a specific region of the breast with reddishness or fever
  • Smelly discharge
  • Pain along with swelling in the legs
  • Difficulty in breathing

Do speak with the doctor who may examine and recommend OTC pain relievers or other medications.

Do not ignore if you are feeling depressed – If you are feeling sad or anxious or stressed in the first fourteen days postpartum, speak to your doctor. Remember you are not alone. Several women go through these symptoms and you must be checked for postpartum depression. Symptoms could include crying, anger, feeling withdrawn, not willing to interact with others or feeling positive.

Don’t fail to use birth control – Remember you could get pregnant after 6-8 weeks post-delivery. Do speak to your doctor about birth control and the options available to you and use them as you resume having sex. Options include: Intrauterine Device (IUD), birth control implant, birth control injection, sterilization or progestin-only birth control.

Stop smoking and drug usage – If you or your partner is a smoker, get immediate support to quit. Smoking damages your health and secondhand smoke is a key risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Smoking could also cause asthma or other respiratory problems in babies.

With usage of drugs too, you risk your or your baby’s life Stop using opioids, cocaine, cannabis or other commonly used recreational drugs and practice a clean and healthy lifestyle.

Remember, the first few months post-delivery, is a period of learning for you and your family. Take it easy and adjust slowly, as your new life falls into a routine. Enjoy the experience without stressing yourself too much and just be mindful and aware.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a dedicated team of experts and super specialists with years of experience in addressing a variety of issues related to women and children. If you have an issue you wish to discuss, do take an appointment with one of our experts at a centre near you. You are assured of an accurate investigation, effective diagnosis and treatment ensuring you lead an active life.

Book your Appointment with Dr. Padma Srivastava for all Gynaecological issues.

When should I seek medical help for my newborn?

Dr. Sunil Puraswani  - Best Pediatrician near me

Author: Dr. Sunil Puraswani  MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), Fellowship in Neonatology

Consultant – Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Indore

Dr. Sunil Puraswani  - Best Pediatrician near me


Parenthood is an exciting phase but along with it comes several challenges as well. Providing neonatal care is not an easy task since newborns don’t come with any instruction manual. With so many self-proclaimed newborn caring experts present around, you may often find yourself in a situation where you may not what’s the best. And times like being clueless about the right action for your baby’s health is something you want to avoid. 

It’s fine if you are worried after seeing certain symptoms in your newborn which may be harmless. On the other hand, it’s also risky to avoid these symptoms and not look for the best neonatal services in Bangalore since it may lead to serious health conditions. Your thumb role should be “When in doubt, consult your doctor”. Also, avoid going to hospitals for every small matter since it may put an effect on your savings while also exposing your newborn to various infections with frequent health care visits.

Best Pediatrician Motherhood Hospitals, Indore


Symptoms and signs of sickness in your newborn

Practically it is not possible to call your doctor every single moment during the small issues but the following symptoms and signs are something which you shouldn’t avoid:

1. Your baby is avoiding required feed

The first sign of a sick baby is avoiding the required dose of feed. Since babies have small stomachs, they need to be fed at small and frequent intervals along with having very little energy reserves. If your newborn is not showing interest in feeding then you need to get in touch with your doctor.

2. Your baby’s skin is too warm or cold

A small baby’s body is capable of catching a cold or fever very quickly. In case your baby’s skin is too cold or too warm then start with checking their temperature. A temperature of 100.4 F or higher is the sign of fever while 97.7 F or lower is too low for your baby. Contact the child doctor or best fetal medicine specialist for further advice.

3. Your baby is dehydrated

If you want to check whether your baby is dehydrated then you can look for lack of tears when the baby cries, reduced number of wet diapers (normal frequency is 6-8 diapers a day), sunken soft spot on the baby’s head, dry mouth and sunken eyes. Dehydration can be a dangerous situation for your baby and should be addressed immediately with the best neonatal intensive care unit.

4. Disturbed bowel movements

Take note of the number of wet and messy diapers your child makes, too few or too many is the sign of disturbed bowel movements. In case of signs like hard or scanty stools, loose or watery stools or a baby struggling during bowel movements, get in touch with your child’s paediatrician.

5. Change in behaviour

In case you see your baby being too lethargic, floppy, sleepy or crying inconsolably, it is a sign for you to get in touch with your child’s doctor.

6. Rashes on the skin

Contact your child specialist if you see your child’s skin developing rashes, mottled or pale on the body with a temperature that’s higher or lower than normal. Apart from this, your baby’s doctor needs to be contacted in case of developing jaundice that doesn’t go away or spreads throughout the body parts.

7. Difficulty in breathing

Rapid breathing, grunting, stuffy nose, flaring nostrils, coughing, retraction of the ribs or bluish skin colour are the signs to contact your paediatrician immediately.

8. Eye or ear discharge

Sticky discharge from one or both eyes or ear drainage needs immediate attention from your paediatrician.

9. Appearance of blood

Blood appearing in the baby’s spit-up, poop, nose discharge or navel should be immediately addressed by the doctor. Apart from this, pain or bleeding from the penis is also a concerning situation.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we deliver exceptional healthcare services to women and children with highest standard of care and competence.

Book your Appointment with Dr. Sunil Puraswami for all the paediatrics related issues.

Importance Of Diapers In Baby Care Routine

 

For any mother, the toothless baby smiles would mean the world to her. One of the important keys to your child’s happiness is clean and dry diapers. It might sound like a trivial matter but for your baby to have a pleasant day with less irritability, diapers play a major role. This is not only related to your child’s happiness but also very crucial for upkeeping the health of your child along with hygiene factors. Along with food, diapers also form a major component of a baby’s well-being. 

By now, you must be aware that your baby requires frequent diaper changes, especially in the early stages. Approximately, 6-10 diapers are required to be changed daily. This will reduce over a period when the child reaches the toddler stage and learns a bit of toilet training. You can avoid any discomfort your baby might have to undergo by frequently checking the diapers.  It is important to check the diapers after you feed your little one. 

Do you know that if you don’t change the diapers when required, your baby has the risk of developing diaper rash, infections, and other health issues? Let us look at some important aspects of diapers and their importance in baby health and happiness. 

Though there are many brands available in the market, check out the ones that have greater absorption capacity and which are cottony soft on your baby’s skin.

Browse through the brands that will give great comfort and proven history of fewer rashes. You must be wondering how you would know which brand is good for your baby? For this query, you can always check with your doctor and some friendly advice from other mothers in your peer group could be helpful.  

Going by this approach, you can avoid the woes of using a  not-so-friendly diaper product. Look for diapers that the baby is comfortable wearing as well as equally less-cumbersome for you to pull down the same without causing much irritation to the baby. 

You must be aware of diapers that can be worn like underwear with a band. Purchasing such diapers could help serve the purpose of a hassle-free experience for your child and you. 

Here are some points to remember for your baby’s diaper  change routine: 

  • Always keep some warm water, cotton, and baby wipes handy before you start changing the diapers. 
  • Have some recommended lotions or creams that could prevent a rash on the baby’s skin. 
  • Always use separate wipes for different parts of the urinary area to avoid any spread of infections. 
  • Remember to wipe from the front to the back and ensure to clean the entire area gently. 
  • After wiping, don’t forget to pat dry your baby. 

Hope that the details related to the diaper change routine and its importance have been useful to you. For more information on diapers and everything connected, talk to our experts. 

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR YOUR SICK BABY?

 

It is often a difficult choice for mothers to make Ÿ?? whether to care for the sick baby at home or to seek medical help. When is the right time for a parent to make this important call?  Sometimes, what seems like a minor ailment can turn into a  major health complication, when left untreated without any proper medical attention. You need not fret for every little thing.  Nevertheless, whenever you are in doubt, do not hesitate to take medical guidance as the right professional help can safeguard your precious little one from serious illnesses and severe infections. 

In this feature, let us understand the various aspects of seeking medical attention at the right time when your baby falls sick. 

High temperature: One of the most important red flags of  0 warning would be fever with a temperature higher than 102 F.  It is always better not to delay, especially when you observe that the temperature doesn’t drop even after a day.  

Diarrhoea and vomiting: Look out for severe loose motions and vomiting, sometimes with the presence of blood. Irrespective of using quick home remedies, this condition requires immediate medical attention. 

Breathing issues: If you observe rapid and heavy breathing in your baby, this could often be connected with lungs and chest congestion. Please do not take this easily as the regular flow of oxygen is very important for your baby’s well-being.

Urinary issues: If your baby has difficulty urinating or passing stool, this could be because of a urinary infection. This can be quite uncomfortable and painful for the baby causing much agony to the parents as well. Timely medical intervention can help resolve the problem. 

Vaccinations: As discussed in our earlier article on the importance of immunization, please follow the vaccination schedule for various diseases such as flu, hepatitis, polio, etc. This will help you prevent a whole lot of diseases and improve your baby’s immunity to counter any infections in the future. 

Eye problems: If you observe discharge in your baby’s eyes which could be caused due to irritants such as baby products or some allergic substances, then please consult the doctor immediately. Some of the signs to catch are swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes, etc. In such cases, please don’t be tempted to line your kid’s eyes with kohl or kajal. Keep them natural as such beauty enhancers can irritate your baby’s eyes. 

Other health-related issues: In cases of persistent sore throat,  severe headache, or pain in the stomach area which are commonly occurring symptoms along with fever, please seek medical advice. 

Dullness and inactivity: If you observe that your child is not at his/her playful self and exhibits dull and inactive behaviour persistently, then please speak to your doctor. Though the child might not experience overwhelming health issues, sometimes this can be linked to his/her overall well-being and any medical conditions in disguise. 

We understand that caring for a sick baby can take an emotional toll on the parent. However, with the right kind of medical attention, you can help your baby regain health and happiness.  Please understand that these symptoms or signs may not appear very scary but a little delay on your side can cause a  major impact. Our message would be: Don’t worry too much but at the same time, don’t take your baby’s health lightly. 

For more information on this topic, talk to our experts. 

Understanding Your Baby Crying

 

Most of you would agree that apart from sleeping and feeding, crying is the most common behaviour seen in newborn babies. No matter what part of the day or night, mothers have the in-built alarm that rings, when the child cries. When the infant reaches the stage of 6-8 weeks, crying is at its summit. Do not worry, as this phase is temporary and this too shall pass! Most important is understanding the messages your child conveys through his/her crying. Have you been having a difficult time understanding the meaning behind your little oneŸ??s crying?

Do you know that infants cry for approximately three hours a day? Have you observed that most of this crying and sulking happens during late afternoons and sometimes evenings as well? However, this doesnŸ??t apply to all babies alike, as there could be exceptions. Some babies are unusually calm and it is always good to seek medical help in these cases too. 

Babies communicate through their crying and when you respond on time consistently, they feel reassured and safe. This sense of safety helps in promoting the overall development of the child. Some babies cry incessantly and with no apparent reason which can be described as colic. We have in detail explained about colic in another feature of the Ÿ??Happy KidsŸ?  series. Please feel free to reach out to us if you want to have an e-copy of the same. 

Babies cry primarily for reasons such as, when they feel hungry,  irritated, lonely, etc. It is good when you feed your baby on time and when you feed your baby immediately after he/she cries,  the baby will also feel a sense of reassurance and safety. In some cases, the crying decreases as the needs are taken care of. Here  are some quick tips and precautions: 

  • Sometimes the baby might need a nappy change or just a  cuddle or a gentle hug. Holding the baby will help to comfort the baby soon.  
  • You can also try singing a soft tune to your baby.  
  • Gently rhythmically pat your baby and this works like magic for most babies.  
  • A little bit of movement can help divert the attention of your baby when he/she starts crying. Take your baby for a little walk and see the change.  
  • On this note, please donŸ??t carry your baby to noisy public places such as cinema theatres, auditoriums, etc. The huge sounds can cause distress for your baby and also hurt their gentle ears.  

While it is important to calm your baby down and comfort with cuddles and cooing, it is equally crucial for you to take care of your well-being. The constant crying and sometimes your inability to soothe your baby into calmness might be a stressful experience for you. In case you are unable to take the strain,  please talk to your spouse and family members and seek help in taking care of the child. In case you want to speak to someone for professional advice, do consult your doctor if needed. 

The key is to quickly respond to the babyŸ??s cries and you will see a difference for yourself. Babies need attention and every parent/caretaker is required to give that care always. For more information on baby crying and related topics, talk to  our experts.

Breastfeeding And Its Countless Benefits

 

Breastfeeding And Its Countless Benefits

Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. Trust that you cherish every moment with your little bundle of joy. Every mother goes through a phase of self-doubt and wants to offer the best care possible. One of the primary aspects of caregiving is breastfeeding.

Despite the divided opinion, do you know that breast milk is undeniably the perfect nourishment that you can give to your child? The medical community globally recommends breastfeeding for the first six months that can be continued with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, food grains, etc.

It is a personal decision. However, we would like to help you with information related to the benefits of breastfeeding. Ultimately, it is your choice!

Some quick facts on breast milk:

1. Do you know that breast milk-fed babies have a faster recovery rate from sickness or infections when compared to formula-fed babies? 

2. Are you aware that breastfeeding reduces the crying spells in young ones and also helps them through the vaccination phase? 

3. Do you know that breastfeeding helps in comforting and soothing the baby when in pain or discomfort? 

4. Are you aware that a new-born baby would require 8-12 feeding sessions in a day? 

5. Do you know that Ÿ??colostrum,Ÿ? the yellowish, thick milk  produced in the first few days is very beneficial for your baby? It is potent with antibodies. 

6. Are you aware the breast milk is easily digestible for your  baby?  

With the perfect combination of vitamins, protein, and fat, breast milk is essential for your baby’s good health and growth.

Here are some benefits: 

Ÿ?? You will be glad to know that breastfeeding can prevent diseases such as allergies, respiratory tract infections, diabetes, etc. ItŸ??s in your hands to minimize the risks.

Ÿ?? For better immunity and a higher IQ, breastfeeding is an easy  solution. This will help your baby will grow into a healthy and  smart child. 

Ÿ?? Due to the beneficial gut bacteria consumed through breastfeeding, your child can maintain a healthy weight and  have a reduced risk of childhood obesity. 

In addition to the innumerable benefits ensured to your child, breastfeeding will help you in these ways: 

Ÿ?? Do you wish to drop off the extra pounds gained during  pregnancy? Breastfeeding will help you get back to your pre pregnancy weight by burning of fat and calories. 

Ÿ?? Minimize the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in the future. By caring for your child, you are also caring for yourself. 

Ÿ?? Research says that mothers who breastfeed their babies are at a lower risk of depression. Breastfeeding helps in your mental and emotional well-being.  

Being diagnosed with infertility itself may distress you. You should give yourself at least 3-6 months and start preparing your body for IVF. You may have lesser time than 3-6 months. It’s best to start preparing yourself physically and emotionally for an experience lasting for months.

In a nutshell, breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to your baby and you. It is a healthy, effortless, and cost-effective way of child  care. It is a precious and most personal gift that you can give to  your child. A joyful and hassle-free motherhood experience is on  your way. Have you made the choice yet? For more information on the countless advantages of  breastfeeding, talk to our experts.

Understanding Colic

 

Every mother loves to see the smiles of her child but not the painful crying. It would be quite stressful for mothers, especially new mothers to see her baby crying. Every parent would have been through such a situation. Are you concerned with your little one’s crying? One of the causes is colic and every parent needs to understand more about this condition. 

Colic is prolonged and intense crying or irritability in a healthy infant. Do you know that about 1 in 5 babies have colic? This kind of episode can start from three weeks of age and gradually subside when the baby is 3-4 months. How can you detect that your baby is suffering from colic? Check out for signs when your baby cries uninterruptedly even after a cuddling session with the mother. 

Some important aspects of colic that you need to know are: 

  • Painful crying with screeching, screaming quality 
  • Crying without a definite reason even after a feed and diaper change 
  • Continued irritability even after the crying episode has ended 
  • Discolouration of the face and stiffened legs & arms  
  • Crying episodes happen around the same time every day
  • Interrupted and erratic sleep schedules 

Food allergies, issues in the digestive system, etc. are some of the possible causes. Though it does not cause severe medical issues to the child, it is a stressful time for the parents. Don’t fret about this situation as this is a regular aspect of the baby’s early growth phase and won’t last forever. To help alleviate pain, you can try some of these easy home interventions: 

  • Lay your baby on his/her tummy, or give a nice, gentle rub on the tummy 
  • Wrap around a soft blanket around your baby and hold  him/her close to you 
  • Lay your baby on your lap and give a gentle massage on the  back 
  • To calm your baby down, a pacifier is a good go-to solution
  • Give a nice, warm bath to your baby

While you are taking care of your baby with colic, ensure to take care of yourself. Plan out the colic care schedule with your spouse so that you can have a few hours to unwind and vice versa. While music can soothe your child while having a colic spell, it can work wonders on you and help you overcome anxiety. Wear your headphones and listen to some pleasant music while you are tending your baby. Sometimes, a little sharing can be helpful. Speak to a friend or a counsellor if you need a listening ear. This can help you beat the blues. 

We hope that you understand colic in a better manner. Though it might not be a major matter of concern; it is always good to know about colic and if there’s anything more than the usual,  medical help is always available. Understand the symptoms of colic in terms of the frequency of episodes, patterns, etc. 

In case your baby experiences more discomfort and cries  intensely more than the regular norm, talk to our experts. 

New-Born Baby Care Essentials – 10 Essential Things To Know!

 

Motherhood is a continuous learning experience. Are you ready to journey through some essentials to learn more about your little one? Here are 10 things to know about your new-born baby: 

1. Baby feed: Your baby may often feel hungry. Make sure to feed your baby every 2-3 hours. Please don’t be tempted to feed your baby with solids to keep the stomach full. Strictly, no solids,  please. 

2. Holding with care: Holding a newborn baby can be a frightful experience. However, holding your baby for 2 hours in a day can be soothing. Holding your baby can promote breastfeeding,  improves confidence in the baby, and also strengthens the bond between the baby and the parent. Hold your bundle of happiness close to your heart. You will see the difference! 

3. Baby products: Use products free from fragrances and chemicals. As your baby might be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances or chemicals, it is always the best way forward to use gentle and safe products, namely soaps, powders, lotions, etc. 

4. Massages: Give gentle massages as it will help your baby relax. Massages help to promote development in muscles and keep tummy problems at bay. Massaging will also help your confusion as you would not know the real cause of your baby’s crying Ÿ?? whether it is hunger, pain, discomfort, etc. Gradually,  you will become better at this. Understand and respond! 

8. Diaper changes: Do you know that your baby might require frequent diaper changes? Prepare mentally for this routine. On average, you might require to change the diaper approximately 6-10 times a day. This will help to avoid any discomfort your baby might undergo due to frequent discharge of urine or stool. Check your baby’s diapers after every feeding session. 

9. Tummy time: Ensure that your baby spends more time on his/her tummy during his/her waking time as this will promote strength in the back muscles. However, please take care that your baby doesn’t sleep on the tummy. 

10. Umbilical cord: Don’t be in a hurry to clip off the remnant of the umbilical cord. If you apply even little force or do anything to remove the umbilical cord unnaturally, this can lead to infections. Just keep it dry. It will fall off on its own. 

For more information on new-born care essentials, talk  to our experts.