Search Results for: pregnancy

Staying Healthy Through Your Pregnancy

March 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on staying healthy through pregnancy.  You need a healthy body for your baby to develop well for nine months. Ideally, you can start planning for a healthy pregnancy before you get pregnant. Early preparation will allow your physician to show you how to avoid exposing your baby any form of toxins.

 

To achieve the best outcome without any prenatal or delivery complications, treat all chronic medical conditions properly before getting pregnant. You must also refrain from smoking, taking alcohol or illicit drugs, and excessive drinking of caffeinated drinks.

 

 

staying healthy through pregnancy 

 

Staying healthy through pregnancy:  

 

  1. Keep a Healthy Weight

Work on your weight before you get pregnant. During pregnancy, you will be eating to keep two people healthy. That means weight gain will occur during a normal pregnancy.

Tracking your weight gain during pregnancy helps you avoid putting on weight that you will struggle to lose. Check your body mass index to know if you are overweight, underweight, or normal. If you have a normal weight, you should limit your weight gain to between 25 to 35 pounds.

 

  1. Do More Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise improves your health. It also cuts down stress and weight gain while enhancing blood circulation.  If you want to improve your mood and sleep well at night, exercise for at least 20 minutes daily. You can walk, do Pilates, or yoga. 

Kegel exercises are also helpful while you are pregnant. They boost the strength of the lower muscles of the pelvis, and provide strong support for your uterus, bowels, and bladder. Kegel exercises may be done anywhere at any time of the day by simply squeezing your muscles to prevent the flow of urine like you do while you are in the toilet.

 

  1. Take Vitamin Supplements

Your baby’s brain and spine start developing from the first month of pregnancy. Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable vitamin supplement that contains essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and folic acid. You should take your prenatal vitamins early in the day, but if they nauseate you, you may take them at night. Consult your doctor if you have any issues or concerns.  

 

  1. Increase Your Knowledge

If this is your first pregnancy, you need to learn all you can about pregnancy and childbirth. But, if you are having a second or third child, going to prenatal classes is still a good idea. It will enable you to be well-prepared for a happy pregnancy and joyful delivery.

Attending prenatal classes gives you a chance to ask all the questions you may have about your body and baby. You can also bring up issues you’ve had during previous pregnancies with your doctor. Discuss your medical history and if possible, attend the classes with your partner.

 

  1. Modify Your House Chores

When you are pregnant, some house chores can become risky. For example, you may be exposed to toxins while cleaning the litter box or washing the bathroom with toxic cleaning agents. These toxins can be harmful to you and your baby.  Some of the house chores you need to avoid are:

  • Changing your cat’s litter
  •  Lifting heavy objects 
  •  Stripping lead based pain or using solvent-based paints 

 

You need to take special precautions if you have cats. Cats carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. So, put on gloves if you are working in a place where cats play and have someone clean the litter box for you.

 

 

staying healthy through pregnancy

 

 

 

Boost Your Diet With Fruit and Vegetables

Aim for at least five balanced meals with a rich supply of vegetables and fruit. Green vegetables contain folic acid. It is an essential vitamin for the development of your baby’s neural tube that covers the spine. You need folic acid to build new blood cells in your bone marrow.

Also, taking fruits like apples and bananas can boost your energy levels. Remember that you won’t be able to consume a lot of caffeine during pregnancy. So, eating taking natural fruits will give you the energy boost you used to get from caffeine.

 

By applying these health-boosting tips daily, you can reduce the risk of sickness, poor fetal development, and birth complications. However, these tips are simply for informational purposes. Always consult your physician before you do anything that can affect your health or that of your baby.

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5 Common Pregnancy Complications

October 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

pregnancy complications

 

Complications in pregnancy are quite common regardless of age or the stage of the pregnancy.  Some women have healthy and easy pregnancies while others have difficulties from the first trimester.

Here’s five of the most common complications.

  • High Blood Pressure

Also called hypertension.  This condition is common in most women who had issues with their blood pressure before pregnancy.  Narrow arteries increase your blood pressure increases. This can reduce the amount of blood and nutrients reaching the fetus.  If not treated, hypertension can lead to pre-term labor.

If high blood pressure only occurs during the second trimester, it is called gestational hypertension.  Usually, it will go away after childbirth.  Medication can control high blood pressure.  Monitor your high blood pressure regularly.  Relaxing more reduces stress, which makes your blood pressure spike.

  • Gestational Diabetes

Food is turned into glucose.  The pancreas releases a hormone, insulin, to help this process happen.  Hormonal changes could make the insulin either not enough or it is not well utilized by the body.  This could lead to glucose flooding the blood. Gestational diabetes can be controlled by following a specific meal plan.  It should go away after delivery.

  • Low amniotic fluid 

The fluid that protects your baby during your pregnancy should be enough to absorb any shock, and keep them safe for the nine months.  Oligohydramnios develops if their is not enough fluid.  This complication can occur if the mom to be is a GST Lawyer, stay at home mom or a secretary.  However, the solution to Oligohydramnios is to monitor things closely to ensure the baby continues to grow normally.  If the situation is dire and the mother is close to her due date, then labor can be induced.

  • Ectopic pregnancy

A fertilized egg should transplant inside the uterus, not attach on the wall or the fallopian tube.  Transplants outside the uterus are ectopic.  There is no way to transplant the egg inside the uterus after this happens.  So, the only solution is usually to end the pregnancy.  If left to develop, the growing embryo could rupture the fallopian tube and cause internal bleeding which could be fatal.

Miscarriage

This is certainly the most difficult complication as the mother-to-be loses a baby in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.  A majority of miscarriages happen before the 12th week.  Chromosomal abnormalities cause miscarriages.  These abnormalities prevent the baby from developing.  The first signs of a miscarriage are vaginal spotting or bleeding.  If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

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Key Ways To Help Boost Your Iron In Pregnancy

May 28, 2018 by 2 Comments

 

boost your iron in pregnancy

 

 

You just found out you’re pregnant.  You’re very excited to become a mother.  You can’t wait to spend time with your little bundle of joy, and take care of him or her throughout the years.  But aside from the excitement that you’re feeling, you’re also worried because there’s now a lot of responsibilities in your hands. Your child’s life depends on everything that you do.  So, you want to be careful and nurture your child in the best way possible.

Furthermore, you want to start off ensuring that your child will grow up healthy.  Iron plays a big role in your child’s development.  As a matter of fact, your body might not be able to provide the minerals and nutrients your unborn child needs without it.  However, there are ways to boost your iron in pregnancy.

Why You Need Iron During Pregnancy

Being a mother is a fulfilling yet challenging role.  It’s imperative that you give everything that your unborn child needs.  Iron is important in your pregnancy because:

 

  • It’s a requirement for making hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells.  Remember, you’re carrying another person in your body – the more hemoglobin, the better.
  • It’s also an essential component of myoglobin (the protein responsible for supplying oxygen to your muscles), collagen (the protein found in your bones and other connective tissues), and many other enzymes.
  • It helps maintain a healthy and strong immune system throughout the pregnancy.

 

How To Boost Iron During Pregnancy

Also, iron supplies several proteins in your body, which your child needs. To help boost your iron in pregnancy, take note of the tips below:

 

iron boost in pregnancy

 

  • Take an iron supplement during your pregnancy:  There are several iron supplements available in the market.  But, before deciding make sure you ask for your doctor’s approval.  If they have a recommendation on a particular iron supplement for you, follow it. Also, inquire how many times in a day you should use it.  Ask if there are dos and don’ts while you’re taking these supplements. Remember, your iron intake should help you during your pregnancy, not complicate it.
  • Eat your spinach:   Another way to boost your iron in pregnancy is to eat your spinach.  Spinach can be bought anywhere and is a very good source of iron. Raw spinach is great in salads. You can eat your spinach with sliced strawberries, grilled meat, pasta, and cheese!
  • Keep your caffeine intake down: All of your efforts to eat iron-enriched foods and supplements will be useless if you’re consuming too much caffeine. Caffeine actually dashes the effects of iron in your body. This means that if you drink cola after eating an iron-rich steak, your body will absorb less iron.
  • Add more vitamin C: Vitamin C is known to improve iron absorption in your body. So whenever you’re taking your iron supplements, finish it with a glass of orange juice. You can also add fresh strawberries to your oat bran cereal or add a side of pepper with a shrimp dish to get your daily dose of Vitamin C!

 

Preparation Is Key

When you’re an expecting parent, you want everything to be perfect. In addition to providing for your baby in the womb, you should also be preparing financially.  A pregnancy cover from your insurance policy can help.  Knowing that you have everything covered will help you have a stress-free and easy childbirth.

 

Jessica Wilson   iron boost in pregnacy

Jessica is a professional health expert who works for some major health industry giants. She currently writes for Membersown and is dedicated to helping people learn more about health related topics along the journey. When she’s not a health advocate, she enjoys some down time traveling or talking with family

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15 Homeopathic Treatments for Chronic Back Pain After Pregnancy

April 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

chronic back pain after pregnancy

 

Back pain to some degree affects approximately 80% of Americans at one point in their lifetime.  Unfortunately, if left untreated it can grow into chronic back pain.  Chronic back pain after pregnancy can affect both your professional life (days lost at work) and personal life (not being able to live the lifestyle you want).   Many women start getting back pain during pregnancy.  It normally stems from the extra weight they are carrying.  As a result, more women are looking for alternatives to deal with their chronic back pain after pregnancy.  Homeopathy and other natural methods are among the most popular.  Many pregnant women prefer not to put any unnecessary medication in their bodies.  Therefore, natural remedies become a part of their lifestyle.  

Seeking Alternatives

Homeopathic treatments are becoming popular as people look at alternatives for traditional drugs and procedures.  However, not all are equal when it comes to scientific backing.  As a result, be sure to utilize available industry resources like http://chiropractoratlanta.com/.  Furthermore, meet with your personal medical doctor.  They will know enough about your pain and body to help you pick the best option.   Doing research will help you better understand their suggestions as well.  To start, some herbs are more popular than others.  If you don’t know where to start when it comes to your back pain after pregnancy, here are a few suggestions: 

 

chronic back pain after pregnancy

1. Capsaicin –  Derived from chili peppers.  Capsaicin serves as an anti-inflammatory, which reduces inflammation, pain and pressure in the  lower back.

2. Ginger –  Similar to Capsaicin, ginger’s phytochemicals also have anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Feverfew – Feverfew has been used for pain relief for headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches.  Its lack of major side effects mean it may be worth using for back pain as well.  However, pregnant women should not take Feverfew.

4. Devil’s Claw – Some scientific evidence shows potential for this herb in managing arthritis and lower back pain.  More evidence is needed.  Pregnant women or those with gallstones or stomach/intestinal ulcers should not use this herb.

5. Turmeric – A staple of the Ayurvedic Diet, Turmeric’s active ingredient, Curcumin, is used to relieve heartburn and arthritis pain.  Furthermore, it reduces inflammation.  It is one of the most popular natural pain relief options you will find.  Additionally, there is scientific evidence supporting its use.

More classical homeopathy uses herbs on the exact location of the pain in your back.  There is no scientific evidence on this technique, and not much research backing it.  But, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it may help.

 

chronic back pain after pregnancy

 

6.  Rhus Toxicodendron –  This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back.  Aching and stiffness gets aggravated by cold, damp weather.  However, relief is found with warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.

7.  Aesculus –  This remedy is suited for pain in the very low back (the sacral or sacroiliac areas).  It feels worse when standing up from a sitting position or from stooping.  Aesculus is good for people with low back pain who also have a history with venous congestion and hemorrhoids.

8. Nux Vomica –  This remedy is good for muscle cramps or constricting pains in the back.  Pain is usually worse at night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Nux vomica may also be good for backaches that get worse when constipated. 

9. Cimicifuga Racemose –  Use this remedy for severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back, with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness.

10. Calcarea Carbonica –  This is another go-to remedy for muscle weakness and low back pain. The ideal candidate will have a tendency toward chilliness, or may easily feel tired from exertion. The person’s symptoms will tend to worsen from damp and cold weather.

11. Natrum Muriaticum –  This is good for back pain that improves from lying on something hard.  Also, pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area is a good for this remedy.

In conjunction with these, many doctors will recommend a set of lifestyle changes to properly complement your efforts.

12. Exercise –  The days of trying to rest off back pain are over, as more and more people are realizing that you need to exercise to strengthen the muscles that support your back. The key is to do exercises that target these areas, but aren’t overly intensive. Yoga and pilates are great programs that fit the bill, and many back pain exercises you find borrow from them.

13. Physical therapy –  If you are struggling to put together a proper routine, a physical therapist may do the trick, combine stretches with other treatments like heat and ice therapy.

14. Improve your sleep –  Pain is actually a leading cause of insomnia, but what you may not realize is that there is a vicious cycle at work here. Inadequate sleep can actually make your pain worse. See a doctor to find ways to help improve your sleep, and try to keep to a regular schedule to make it easier for your body to adjust.

15. Diet for a healthy back –  You won’t be able to necessarily eat your pain away, but many times, nutritional deficiencies can lead to back issues.  Back issues lead to pain.  Some of the nutrients you may want to look to are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K.  Foods like leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli) and cold-water fish (salmon, herring) are some of your best options.  

Note:  Again, please consult your medical doctor before utilizing any of the natural herbs/remedies mentioned in this post.  We hope that you will find relief for your chronic back pain after pregnancy.  

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Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth

January 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

In case you’re considering getting pregnant or you are pregnant –  you probably know some essentials about dealing with yourself and the child.  Giving birth can be a physical challenge.  Preparing for childbirth causes us to face our inhibitions.  Moving through the birthing process causes us to feel excitement, fear, anxiety, and finally a feeling of ecstasy as we give birth to our child.  Here are a few more parenting tips for a healthy pregnancy:

 

 

tips for a healthy pregnancy

 

 

  • Eat healthy  

Plan to eat a solid, balanced diet during your pregnancy.  Pick wholegrains as opposed to white sugar to ensure a sufficient amount of fiber.  Daily portions of protein is important too.  For example, fish, meat, eggs, nuts and some milk and dairy are important for a balanced diet.

  • Fluids

Be sure to drink water and other nutritious drinks.  Great sources of nutritious drinks include low sodium V8 juice, fresh squeezed orange juice or nonfat milk.

  • Exercise

Staying fit is an absolute necessity for most mothers to be.  So, one of our tips for a healthy pregnancy is exercise. Standard activity will offer you some assistance with controlling your weight.  Exercise also helps clear your head and help you sleep better. Furthermore, keeping your diet in check and doing these simple exercises at home will help with delivery.  Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are good exercises for most pregnant women.  However, check with your doctor before beginning any physical activity program.

Special prenatal exercises like squatting and Kegels help with childbirth and can possibly shorten the labor time. Yoga and a massage are great ways to relax and help ease contractions during labor.

  • No smoking, alcohol or caffeine

If you smoke, now is a great time for you to quit.  Also, do not allow yourself to be exposed to second hand smoke. Additionally, eliminating alcohol is advised as well.  An occasional glass of wine may be allowed.  Consult your doctor before consuming any alcoholic beverages or caffeine.  Both could possibly affect the birth weight, development hindrance and premature delivery.

  • Stay at home for as long as possible

Staying at home allows you to move freely and comfortably until your contractions are strong and coming every 3-5 minutes apart.

  • Think positive and Stay focused

Just thinking of your new baby will help give strength to bear the labor pains and the process of childbirth.

This tool is used for relieving labor pain and can be used through childbirth to reduce pain awareness by stimulating the production of endorphins.  Consult your doctor before using this machine.

  • Hydrotherapy

If you are considering an epidural for pain relief, you may try a birth pool instead. Soaking yourself in warm water increases oxytocin production, encouraging dilation.  Consult your doctor for options.

We hope that you enjoyed our tips for a healthy pregnancy.  Again, consult your physician before starting any exercise routines, concerns about your diet or labor desires.

 

 

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Body Changes After Pregnancy

March 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

body changes after pregnancy

First, being pregnant (and the bliss that comes after) is probably one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life. While not all pregnancies are the same.  Nor does every woman experience the same set of symptoms.  However, all of the mothers-to-be seem to have the same incredible glow and inexplicable beauty.

Most women are unaware of what they’ll be experiencing after giving birth. While everyone’s ready for sleepless nights, are they really ready for hair loss, tooth decay, melasma, spider veins, stretch marks, sagging breasts, and weight gain.  Furthermore, many experience postpartum depression.  Luckily, these days virtually everything is easily solved with a few preventive measures and treatments.

Here are some after pregnancy changes you may experience and a few tips on how you can survive them:

Hair Loss

It isn’t unusual for women to start losing large amounts of hair weeks after delivery. Normally, a person loses 100 hairs a day.  But pregnant women normally lose less because of raging hormones.  Once the pregnancy is over and your bundle of joy is delivered, your body has to compensate and lose extra hair.  Usually for the first six months after delivery.  The bad news is you will lose more hair than you expect. The great news is that your hair will soon return to its normal growth cycle.  Keep it shampooed and conditioned regularly.

Skin Discoloration

Melasma, or the so-called “mask of pregnancy” is that tan-colored area around your eyes, mouth, chin and nose. Patches may develop over time but shouldn’t be big. Beyond the cosmetic discoloration, melasma does not cause any other symptoms. Melasma usually disappears spontaneously over a period of several months after giving birth, so don’t worry.

Incontinence

When you are pregnant, it feels like you are urinating constantly. However when the baby is born, they are no longer pressing on your bladder.  As a result, it frees you from running to the bathroom every second. However, the pressure on the urethra during delivery can make urination difficult postpartum. Also, new moms may also suffer from incontinence or a urinary tract infection.  It can cause a burning sensation during urination.  See your doctor immediately.

Back Pain

Prepare to be extra patient as your stretched abdominal muscles will take time to regenerate and become strong again. Until the abdominal muscles tighten up again, you may feel discomfort.  Your back may also ache as a result of your back being strained. Back pain can also be caused by poor posture during pregnancy. Generally, the first six weeks after giving birth are when these problems normally clear up.  If not, you may want to see a chiropractor, masseuse or your doctor.

Stretch Marks

Additionally, the first thing to understand is that your body will change.  One of the changes is getting stretch marks.  They often appear sometime after the sixth or around the seventh month of pregnancy according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Furthermore, it is interesting to learn that genetics play a role in getting stretch marks.  If your mother has stretch marks, you’re more likely to have them too.  If you have a lighter complexion, you will tend to develop pinkish stretch marks.  Darker-skinned women tend to get stretch marks that are lighter than their skin tone.

While stretch marks can’t really be stopped from happening altogether, they can be reduced to a bare minimum. It’s advised to use a healthy organic stretch mark oil throughout your pregnancy.  However, avoid chemically processed stretch mark products.  No matter how promising the ads are, they can be harmful for the baby and you.

Dear new moms, frit not. Most of the changes happening to your body after pregnancy will disappear within a year of delivery.  You will be absolutely fine.  Take good care of yourself and the baby.  Everything will work out for the best!  We hope you enjoyed our after pregnancy changes and tips on how you can survive them.

 Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is Australian based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. She is very passionate about yoga, organic skincare and healthy food choices. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.

 You can find out more about her writing following her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google +

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Teen Pregnancy

February 8, 2012 by

teen pregancy

Would you put your teen daughter on birth control?  Are we naïve to think that our teen daughters won’t engage in sex?  Statistics state that 3 in 10 teen girls in the US will get pregnant at least once before age 20?  That’s about 745,000 teen pregnancies each year.  The average cost of raising a baby through the age of 18 is approximately $269,520.  Statistics show that the US has the highest birth rate followed by the United Kingdom. 

Sexually active teens prefer the condom.  They also engage in sex using the withdrawal method and the pill is their third choice of birth control.  In March 2011, a study showed that teenage sex had decreased.  There was no explanation as to why, but it was assumed that they were concerned with sexually transmitted diseases.  Wouldn’t it be nice to think our children will remain abstinent until they get married.  I live in the real world, and I know that chances of that happening are slim to none.  As a result, can we have a dialogue about birth control please. 

Students at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania can get the “morning-after” pill by sliding $25 into a vending machine.  They can purchase a condom from the same machine or a pregnancy test.  Some experts have concerns that making Plan B so readily available isn’t a good idea.  They are equating it to the abortion  pill.  Experts feel that teens should at least have to go to a pharmacy to obtain Plan B, so they can discuss the risk factors.  Now I’m not saying that discussing risk factors isn’t a good idea, but I would venture to say that it won’t be a priority for a teen who didn’t use protection.  As far as being educated on the risks, they will probably see Google as a better alternative than having to drive to a pharmacy to discuss Plan B over the counter.  Lets say they did drive to the pharmacy,  rregardless of what the pharmacist says, they will more than likely take the pill.    

When I read the article, I wondered what the difference was from a teen purchasing the morning after pill out of a vending machine versus them being able to go to a clinic and getting birth control for free.  I don’t want to make this a pro-abortion or pro-choice post.  I try hard to leave my political beliefs out of my posts.  However, twenty-one states allow minors to obtain birth control without parental consent.  Somebody must be coming into the clinics to get them or it wouldn’t be an issue.   

Personally, I preferred to take my daughter to obtain contraception rather than her going on her own, and I did.  Yes, I sure did.  Some may see me as condoning her having sex, but I saw it as a preventive measure.  In my mind, I thought it would be best if she had if and when she decided to become active.  Why, because I didn’t want her to become a teen mom and I wasn’t naive enough to think that she wouldn’t become active once she was out of my control.  As a single mother, I didn’t want to raise another child.  Most importantly, I didn’t want her to be a statistic.  I was a teen mother.  I became pregnant with my daughter at seventeen and gave birth at eighteen.  Although I had a supportive mom and dad, raising her was not easy.   I didn’t pawn her off on my parents, I took responsibility for her. 

I was thankful that I had a good job with potential to move up in the federal government and I did.  I had excellent benefits, and was lucky enough to be able to provide a good life for her.  I never lived off the taxpayer’s dollar, received food stamps or WIC.  She didn’t receive free meals at school and the taxpayer didn’t pay for her medical expense.  I married a year later, and my husband provided well for us.  Most teens are not in a position to be able to provide and they usually don’t marry and have their husbands provide for them.   The taxpayer usually ends up with the expense.  I am so grateful that I wasn’t a welfare statistic nor did I have to go through the trauma of giving my child up for adoption.   

I believe that we can preach to the choir, but will they truly hear the sermon.  We can try our best to be examples, but when hormones are jumping and our teens are influenced should we supply them with protection.  My daughter married after she completed her college degree, and she didn’t have children until after she was married.  I often wonder if that is because of me helping to protect her as a teen.     

For my readers who are currently raising a teenage daughter or will have a teenage daughter in the future, would you take your daughter to get birth control?  Do you think birth control should be dispensed from a vending machine? Do you have experience as a teen mother or as a single mom?  I would love to hear your views on this subject. 

    

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Newborn Help for New Parents

September 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on newborn help for new parents. So, congratulations, you got through pregnancy and now you have a new baby. Newborns are often difficult to care for. Especially, if you are a new parent. They require a lot of attention, and sometimes they’re hard to understand when they cry. If you’re a new mom who is struggling with caring for your newborn, this post is perfect for you! 

We’ll go over the basics of how to take care of your baby in their first few months.  Your will be relaxed as a parent, and they will grow up healthy and happy.

 

 

newborn help

 

Newborn Help for Parents

 

Newborn Help for New Parents and Keeping Baby Warm 

Keep your baby warm whether they are eating or sleeping. You can swaddle them in a blanket or put on some cozy pajamas so that he or she doesn’t get cold. 

 

Bathing Your Baby

Make sure your infant is clean by giving them a bath every day. Babies have very sensitive skin, so make sure you use plain water and a very mild soap made specifically for babies. The market has a variety of washcloths and wipes without any added chemicals or fragrances.

 

Sleep Is Important

Babies need a lot of sleep every day.  They grow rapidly; however, it may feel like your child is awake all the time! Focus on creating a comforting sleep environment for your baby.  Soft music can be soothing to a baby.  So, have a variety of lullabies on hand.  

Put your infant to sleep in their own bed not yours! If you do need to share your bed with your baby, make sure it’s safe for both of you.  

You should try to sleep when your baby is sleeping, this is the best way to ensure that you are feeling your best and ready to take care of your baby.

 

 

newborn help

 

 

 

Newborn Help for New Parents on Feeding 

Newborns need to eat every two to three hours. If they’re not hungry, it’s okay if you don’t feed them right away! Simply feed your baby when they’re hungry. 

A lot of times, newborns will cry, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong with them. There are times when they just want to be comforted.  If you have any questions about whether or not to feed your baby, consult your doctor or nurse.  You should also be on the lookout for signs that they may be hungry.  For example, trying to suck on your shoulder or breast or if it’s been hours since they have eaten.   

 

New Born Help on Diaper Changing

Change their diapers often to keep them healthy and happy. Newborns are often messy, especially in the first few months after birth, so it’s important to change their diapers often to keep them clean. 

Changing a baby’s diaper also helps prevents diaper rash or infections that can happen due to sitting in dirty diapers for long periods of time. 

Make sure you practice good hygiene when changing your baby’s diaper, wash your hands with soap before and after touching anything near the baby’s genitals.

 

Check Your Baby’s Weight

Keep an eye on your baby’s weight, height, and head circumference to make sure they grow up healthy. It is very important to make sure your baby is growing well. You should also know how tall they are and what their head looks like.  Regular doctor’s visits are a must.  

If you suspect that your baby was injured in some way at birth you can get a second opinion. If it is proven to be true you can hire a team of trusted birth injury attorneys to help you.

 

 

newborn help

 

 

Choose the Right Car Seat

Use a car seat that is age-appropriate for your child and the right size for your child. A car seat that is too big or too small can be uncomfortable, and it might not protect them well in case of an accident. 

But if you have any questions about what size your child needs, ask your doctor or nurse. They will know the answer!

Car seats are designed to keep your baby safe. The safest place for an infant is in the back seat on their back, in their rear-facing car seat. 

Ideally, infants should be rear-facing until they are two years old or weigh 20 pounds. Forward-facing car seats should be used after your baby turns two years old or reaches twenty pounds.

 

Enjoy the Journey

Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a woman. However, it can also be one of the most overwhelming. 

Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do especially when you are a new mom can help you to feel more at ease. In this way, you’ll be able to enjoy your bundle of joy a lot more.

 

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Protecting Kids From Bullying

February 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Protecting kids from bullying is the parenting advice being shared today. Bullying is far from being a new phenomenon! However, modern technologies allow it to take various forms and become even more widespread. As a parent, you need to empower yourself and your kids and learn how to help them to protect themselves from bullying! 

 

 

protecting kids from bullying

 

 

Several years ago, our nine-year-old daughter declared one Sunday evening that she is done with going to school! You can imagine our shock while we were asking her about reasons! She didn’t say anything; she kept insisting that school is not for her. We didn’t want to make a big fuss about it, thinking it is some children’s thing, and so we said “Okay, you don’t have to go to school tomorrow! But can we talk about it again?” “Not tomorrow”, she said, “I am never going to school again! I am done!”  It was alarming indeed, but we still didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable more than she already was, so we tucked her in and wished her a good night while reassuring her that she won’t go to school the next day.

We went back to the living room and said at the same time – “How did we miss it?!” Given that one of us is a psychologist, we thought there is no way we won’t notice if someone is messing with our kid. Nonetheless, it happened! The day after, we talked about bullying with Audrey, and explained that it has nothing to do with her discussing things we can do to protect her from bullying. We then realized that if we failed to recognize there is a problem, it must be even more challenging for other parents. Kids grow up so quickly, and for us, it is often hard to imagine that one moment our biggest worry is baby gear, and bullying in the next one. Hence, we decided to share our story but also some tips on how to prevent child bullying!

 

Protecting Kids from Bullying

 

Understand Bullying

When you understand bullying, it will be simpler to recognize it and know how to stop it.  The thing that can be confusing is that we know that kids often tease each other. But there is an enormous difference between playful and friendly teasing that usually involves two sides and bullying. By definition, bullying is a form of physical or psychological violence that has three characteristics. It is always deliberate, repeated, and involves power imbalance (bully is older, stronger, male, richer, white, etc.). It has a lot of manifestations.

  •       Physical – pushing, pocking, pulling hair, punching, kicking, beating, etc.
  •       Verbal – shouting, intimidating, insulting, name-calling, etc.
  •       Relational – excluding, spreading rumors, getting others to hurt someone, etc.
  •       Cyberbullying –sending harmful content on Facebook, WhatsApp, and so on.

 

Recognize Signs of Bullying

If your kids experience bullying at school it isn’t very likely that they will immediately come to you. They often think that bullying is part of growing up, or that they should have been stronger and fought for themselves. They also might convince themselves that they shouldn’t be crybabies and make a big deal out of it. That is why you need to learn to recognize the signs of bullying.

 

Talk With the Kid

It is paramount to praise your kid when she or he tells you that they have been victims of bullying. It hasn’t been easy for them to come forth, and it is necessary to tell them how brave they are and that you are proud of them. Also, explain to them that bullying has nothing to do with them and that it is the violent kid who is causing the bullying. It will mean a lot for their confidence, which can be pretty shaken by bullying. Research about bullying and self-esteem shows that kids experiencing bullying at school have a lack of confidence.

 

protecting kids from bullying

 

 

Contact the Teacher

Kids often don’t want you to do this because they are afraid of retribution. Talk with your kid and explain to her or him why this is important. Say that other kids in this situation are maybe not so brave but also need protection. Propose to talk with the teacher after school hours. If nothing of this works, you may have to do it without your child’s consent.

 

Final Word

Many people still today see bullying as an unfortunate byproduct of childhood! We don’t! We see it as a product of the violent, patriarchal society in which we live. The fact that something always existed doesn’t mean we need to tolerate it.  Bullies do this because they want to exercise their power over those who they perceive as less powerful. The worst thing we can do is to turn a blind eye, whether it is happening to our or other kids that we know! Only by reacting, we can stop this! Have you ever suspected or had a kid tell you he or she is a victim of bullying?

I hope this post will give you some insight on protecting your kids from bullying.  It’s real, and it happens everyday.  You may also like:  Signs of Bullying. 

 

 

Author’s bio: Laura Casey is a blogger, mother, and housewife who shares her vast experience in parenting, motherhood, and pregnancy. Her articles have already helped a lot of people who deal with parenting. She draws inspiration from raising kids, Motherhood itself and blogging. One of the most useful blogs in her list is https://top-mom.com/ . Check it out! 

 

Filed Under: Health, Safety Tagged With: , , ,

Skincare Tips for New Moms

August 30, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Skincare tips for new moms is the topic for today. Being a mom is the best feeling in this whole world.  But, we all know how that being a new mom is hard.  Getting used to being a mother, still running a household, managing a career and the list goes on can be challenging.  Furthermore, it can really get difficult to take care of yourself amidst all the responsibilities.

Post-pregnancy can snatch all your natural glow and leave you with shade exhaustion. You become so engrossed with your new baby that you forget  about yourself.

 

 

skincare for moms

 

 

 

 

Skincare Tips for New Moms:

 

  1. Cleanse

Whatever you do, never skip cleansing. Cleansing is an essential step of any skincare routine. It is one of the most important skincare tips for new moms.  Pregnancy can disrupt your hormones and bring back  struggles with acne and pimples.  So, keeping your skin clean and starting with a clean base is the best way to prevent these disasters.  Post-pregnancy can make your skin sensitive also. So, start off by washing your face with a gentle or mild cleanser and slowly building your tolerance up to using AHA’s (Alpha-hydroxy Acids) and BHAs ( Beta Hydroxy Acid) to combat your acne.

A good cleanser can cleanse your face and get rid of all the impurities in less than a minute. Therefore, cleanse twice a day to start your skincare routine.

 

  1. Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated and plump is the best way to get your glow back. No matter what your skin type is or whether you have acne or pimples, you should never skip a moisturizer.  Hydration does not always have to be external but also internal. Drink lots of water, eat fruits and vegetables which are high in water content. However, taking care of the needs of your baby and feeding them may not give you an adequate amount of time to drink water or eat as you should.

So, investing in a good quality moisturizer and applying it twice a day can prove to be very handy. While you might not have sufficient time to invest in a full-fledged skincare routine doing something very basic like using a moisturizer will help.  It will eliminate dullness and can get your glow back.

 

  1. Sunscreen

Post-pregnancy stress and struggles can make you develop fine lines and wrinkles.  Unfortunately, they are often known as the first signs of aging. And, exposing yourself to the sun for prolonged periods will only speed up the skin aging process. Therefore, using a sunscreen whether indoors or outdoors is an absolute must.  Sunscreen can protect your skin from the UV damage and can also keep your skin young, healthy, and glowing. It is also beneficial for preventing and reducing age spots and presentations.

Therefore, to all the new moms out there just sparing 10 seconds from your busy schedule and applying a thin layer of sunscreen can save your skin for years to come.

 

 

skincare tips for new moms

 

 

 

  1. Keep Your Makeup Routine Simple

Long hours of makeup might not be a good idea for all new moms.  While your baby might not allow you to have luxury time for yourself, you can still look presentable.  Investing in a multi-functional product like a Color Correcting (CC) Cream can do wonders. Not only will it hide and correct  imperfections on your face, but it will also provide that much-needed glow.

Just switch all your foundation, contour and blush for a CC cream, and you will be good to go. No one will ever know that you are in suffering from a lack of sleep because your skin will be  flawless.

  1. Stock Back on Retinoids

Retinoids are a great way to rejuvenate and replenish your skin. While you were on your pregnancy, you might have eliminated retinoids from your skincare routine.  However, it is a good idea to add it back into your routine now.  Retinoids eliminate dead skin build-up and replenished new skin.  Therefore, keeping your skin healthy and glowing.  It can also slow down the aging process and minimize the signs of aging.

Dermatologists say that retinoids boost the collagen production in the skin and increase cell turnover.  This makes your skin appear young and radiant. So, stock up on retinoids and use it three to four times a week to achieve that smooth texture and even tone.

 

  1. Take Care of Your Hair

It is normal for new moms to notice their hair shedding after pregnancy. It occurs due to hormonal imbalances and can last to about three to four months.  As a result, it is vital to take care of your hair during this time and prevent excessive hair loss.  Abstain from over-washing your hair and also from the use of heating tools and styling products. Using heat and chemicals on your hair will only damage your hair further and accelerate hair loss.  So, another one of our skincare tip for new moms is to invest in mild shampoo and conditioner and use a natural hair mask once a week if you have time to spare.

 

 

 

skincare tips for new moms

 

 

  1. Invest in a Good Eye Cream

The dark circles that you notice as a new mom is not just from the lack of sleep, but also hormonal issues. Hormonal imbalances can allow the blood vessels near your eyes to release more blood which cast that dark shadows around your eyes.  Invest in a good eye cream which contains antioxidants such as green tea or has brightening effects such as Vitamin C, B3 or Niacinamide.  They will not only combat your dark circles, but keep your eyes moisturized, hydrated, and plump.

  1. Stretch Marks

While stretch marks come as a bonus gift with your little ones, it can take a toll on your appearance.  However, the most important thing is to feel confident in your body and proudly own your stretch marks.  These marks can be a sign of growth and can appear on various parts of your body.  However, using Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter or Aloe Vera Gel on your marks regularly will help you achieve smooth skin.  These products will keep your skin nourished, hydrated, soft, and toned.

 

  1. Minimize Your Nail Routine

Taking care of your baby may interfere with your manicure sessions.  But, long nails can also be dangerous and harmful to the baby.  So, continue going to your sessions when you can.  However, keep your nails short and clean. And, invest in a good quality nail polish that won’t chip even after a day’s work.

 

Being a new mom can be difficult; however, you can still implement a few of our skincare tips for new moms.  Feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin is an essential thing.  You may also like:  Winter Beauty Detox.

 

 

 

About the Author

Mariyam is a beauty and lifestyle blogger at The Beautyholic. Obsessed with writing, she has been blogging for more than four years and still loving every bit of it. She is a natural beauty enthusiast and, in her pastime, she loves cuddling with her pets, watching movies, and reading online articles about spirituality and lifestyle.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Empowerment Tagged With: , ,