There are diseases that gradually reveal their harsh nature, among which pneumonia in babies is one. Breathing deterioration, an altered cry, or loss of energy may easily escape the parents’ notice during the first days of parenthood. However, these small signs point to a serious issue occasionally— pneumonia in babies that requires a quick response and understanding of the situation. Understanding the early signs of pneumonia in children allows you to protect infant health by ensuring immediate treatment.

Definition of Pneumonia in Babies

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that results in the inflamed air sacs, which subsequently lead to difficulty in breathing. Infant pneumonia is particularly dangerous as a baby’s lungs grow a lot in the first period of life. Pneumonia in neonatal babies may result from pathogens like viruses and bacteria, or hypothetically from fungi. The premise is that the immune system of babies is not fully developed, and hence they are less immune to infections than older children.

Indications of Pneumonia in Infants

The factors leading to pneumonia in infants depend on their age and environment.

The main offenders are:

• Respiratory viruses: RSV, influenza, and adenovirus

• Infectious agents like Group B streptococcus or Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Onsets of colds turning into chest infections in babies

• Inhalation, when milk or food goes through the lung route instead of the stomach

The health condition of newborns can be quite shaky, and therefore, they may catch infections at the time of delivery or very soon after; hence, the importance of newborn care should not be disregarded.

Baby Pneumonia Symptoms to Watch For

One of the biggest problems in recognising symptoms of pneumonia in young ones, mostly in babies, is that these symptoms usually look like those of a common cold. Nevertheless, certain warning signs require a call to a doctor immediately.

Major signs of baby pneumonia are:

• Rapid or difficult breathing

• Grunting or wheezing sounds

• Chest retractions (the skin pulling in between ribs)

• Fever or low body temperature

• Poor feeding or vomiting

• Extreme fussiness or lethargy

• Bluish tint around lips or nails

Parents and caregivers need to be on the lookout for lung infection symptoms in their kids, which are very likely to worsen rapidly.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

One of the best ways to prevent infections in infants is early detection. When pneumonia in children is diagnosed early, the chances of complications are considerably diminished, and recovery is quicker. To find pneumonia, the doctor performs a physical examination, monitors breathing pattern, checks the blood oxygen level and in some cases, prescribes X-rays.

Knowing how to detect pneumonia at an early stage is a great help in getting babies the proper treatment before the infection becomes severe. Parental awareness of baby health is essential in this matter. Even small noticeable changes in the breathing pattern or behavioural pattern in the baby may require a doctor’s visit.

Pneumonia Treatment for Babies

The pneumonia treatment for babies depends on a few aspects, as follows:

1. Viral Pneumonia

Generally, rest, hydration, and monitoring are sufficient for viral infections of the respiratory system. One can get them done at home. However, at times you may have to hospitalise your baby when advised by a healthcare provider.

2. Bacterial Pneumonia

The use of antibiotics is necessary. And, if the infection is severe, it is advisable to take your baby to a hospital for treatment.

3. Supportive Care

Such care might also include oxygen therapy, IV fluids, nebulisation, and fever control.

In cases of paediatric pneumonia, the hospital stay is most common in newborns, premature babies, and infants with chronic diseases.

Pneumonia Prevention in Babies

Not everything is preventable, but quite a few measures can lower the risk of baby respiratory infections and pneumonia:

• Ensure that children get immunised on time

• Protect your baby with clean hands

• Sick people should be kept away from healthy kids

• If you can, breastfeed your child, as it will help build his/her immunity

• Stay away from the pollution, smoking, and overcrowded areas

• Keep feeding bottles and pacifiers clean

• Observe the safe sleeping and feeding practice to avoid aspiration

By performing these preventive measures, the chances of newborns’ health care will be at its best, and severe infections will hardly occur.

Why Awareness Matters

Understanding baby health issues is a powerful tool for parents and caregivers as it enables them to detect symptoms early, take the child to the doctor without delay, and observe preventive measures. Pneumonia is a condition that can very and quickly get out of hand, but most infants recover fully if the diagnosis is made in time and the right therapy is applied. Identifying the early signs of complications is a huge step towards turning what can be a fatal situation into one that is manageable.

Final Thoughts

Even though pneumonia is one of the most common childhood diseases, its effect on infants can be quite serious. Keeping an eye on symptoms, monitoring risks and administering treatment at the right time takes the load off the children. Well-informed care and early diagnosis can make the families’ journey through this obstacle one they can be confident in, and it assures them of making stronger and healthier first steps for their tiny tots.

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Showering gifts for a pregnancy announcement on expecting parents is a tradition rooted in love. This custom holds different meanings in different cultures, but resonates with the same affection. The ebullience and exhilaration of pregnancy touch the expectant parents and their families. A surprise gift for expecting parents is a way of extending warm wishes to let them know they are not alone in the journey. This write-up is dedicated to those loving souls who are hunting for that exclusive gift for their favourite expecting couple.

Special Gifts for Expecting Parents

Pregnancy Pillow

A good quality pregnancy pillow can go a long way to make a would-be mother enjoy her naps without worrying about her sleeping posture. Considering comfort is a personal choice, it would be prudent to let the mother choose her pillow because the shape, size, fabric, and filling matter.

Yoga Ball

Pregnancy alters a woman’s daily routine. She no longer has the energy to multitask, go out frequently and hit the gym routinely. A giant yoga ball is one of the unique ones that come in handy to complete her daily stretching and exercising quota. The yoga ball can, like the expectant mother, multitask as a birthing ball and help with postpartum workouts too.

Foot Massager

First-time parents usually view their pregnancy journeys as venturing into an unknown territory. The pace of their lives changes. Performing daily chores while handling deadlines, doctor’s appointments, and work calls takes a toll on their life. An electric foot massager fits perfectly as a New mom and dad gift. This gadget snugly nestles either mom’s or dad’s feet so they can indulge in some comforting at-home foot rub.

Back and Neck Massager

Some Pregnancy gift ideas can never get outdated. A plug-in electric back and neck massager is one such thing. This cleverly designed gadget offers a spa-like experience to expectant mothers and even new parents whose backs and shoulders keep hurting as their tiny babies cling to them all day long.

Hospital-Bag Goodies

When debating the best of Parents Day 2025 gifts for would-be parents, a collection of hospital-bag goodies is a wonderful choice. The delivery day might be stressful for a couple. A selection of travel-sized toiletries, grip socks, flip-flops, organic cotton wipes and an assortment of healthy snacks can be a great addition to the mother’s hospital bag.

Matching Pajamas

Gifting matching pyjamas with witty quotes printed on them that come in cute sets of three for would-be parents and the much-awaited newborn can safely make it to the list of Cute gift ideas for pregnant couples.

Baby Monitor

Modern day baby monitors complement the busy schedule of new parents and are considered one of the most Thoughtful gifts for expecting mom and dad, because these feature-rich gadgets allow the parents to check on their babies even remotely. These baby monitors are capable of recording video feeds with night vision, have a movement and breathing detector, analyse the baby’s sleep quality, monitor the room temperature and humidity, and even let the parents know if their baby has rolled over.

Sleepsack Swaddle

Cotton sleepsack swaddles are undoubtedly the most Affordable Parents’ Day gifts for new parents. These are designed to snugly swaddle the baby’s arms while leaving the legs free, ensuring that the newborn enjoys undisturbed sleep.

Baby Handprint and Footprint Kit

New parents love to record each phase of their baby’s growth. A baby handprint and footprint kit is one of the amazing Keepsake gifts for expecting parents who can easily take imprints of their baby’s palm and foot and frame them to preserve the precious memories of the baby’s arrival. These come with letter stamps and slots for photos, as well.

Cord Blood Banking Registration

Parenting is a responsibility that can overwhelm young couples and teach them that gifts mean more than just cute tokens; they have the potential to quietly shield the family’s future health. Choosing to register with a reputed private cord blood bank, like Cordlife, can be the apt answer to What are the best Parents’ Day gifts for expecting parents? Choosing a private cord blood bank after dedicated research offers one the choice to collect and preserve the newborn’s umbilical cord blood, thus tapping into the regenerative powers of the stem cells to biologically ensure the family, and you can enrol it from here. This investment is one of the Unique Parents’ Day gifts for mom-to-be and dad-to-be, for it offers an unprecedented medical advantage.

Conclusion

Unlike Personalised gifts for expecting parents, like name-embossed jewelry or Gender-neutral gifts for expecting couples like a feeding bottle set, gifting a cord blood banking registration is a gesture that carries lasting medical value. This can safeguard the entire family against life-threatening diseases like blood disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic ailments and even certain cancers.

The post 10 Cute Parents’ Day Gift Ideas for Expecting Moms & Dads appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Holding your baby for the first time is unforgettable and pure magic. But alongside the joy often comes exhaustion, anxiety, and intense pressure. New mom stress isn’t just a phrase; it’s real, and it can seep into every corner of your life.

The days blend together. Nights stretch endlessly. Feedings feel constant. Even the stillness of a 3 AM moment can feel crushing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s not failure. It’s a normal part of your postpartum journey, and you’re not alone.

Motherhood is deeply beautiful, but those early weeks can be equally disorienting. There’s pressure to “bounce back,” yet your body and mind are recovering from something profound. Learning how to manage stress as a new mom starts with acknowledging that your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.

The Emotional Weight of Motherhood

You’re your baby’s entire world’s comfort, their constant. But even strong foundations need support.

First-time mom stress management goes beyond diaper changes and feeding routines. It involves navigating a huge emotional shift- grappling with a new identity while trying to meet the endless needs of a newborn. That inner shift is valid and very real.

You might also feel more alone than you expected. The support system you imagined may not materialise the way you hoped. That’s why emotional support after childbirth is so critical. Sometimes, talking with your partner, a counsellor, or even another mom who simply gets it can ease the emotional load more than you realise.

There’s no need to “hold it all together.” Truly-no one does.

Caring for Yourself Without Guilt

Moms-to-be often carry a silent weight, guilt for wanting time to themselves. However, knowing how to avoid mom guilt while practising self-care is essential for long-term health, for both you and your child. Being present doesn’t mean self-sacrifice. It means showing up as your best self when you can. Breaks aren’t indulgent; they’re essential. Whether it’s napping when your baby naps, taking five minutes alone or asking for help. These moments matter.

Caring for yourself as a new mom isn’t about putting yourself first. It’s about making sure you’re not always last.

Simple Self-Care Guide

Forget perfect routines or Instagram-worthy rituals. Postpartum self-care can be small, simple, and powerful. In the early postpartum stage, even a few intentional minutes can shift your energy.

Try these self-care ideas for new moms at home:

• Step outside for a few minutes. Breathe in fresh air.
• Stretch your body while your baby plays beside you.
• Stay hydrated. Keeping a water bottle nearby helps boost mood and energy.
• Say “no” when something drains you. Boundaries protect your mental space.
• Listen to music that reconnects you with yourself.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. These are survival tools that help you stay grounded in the chaos.

Balancing Baby Care and Self-Care

Balance doesn’t mean having it all under control. It means carving out space for your needs, even in unpredictability. Balancing baby care and self-care is about rhythm, not rigidity.

Start with rest. It might not come in full nights of sleep, but even ten minutes of quiet or a short nap helps. One of the most real new mothers’ sleep and rest tips- let others hold the baby so you can close your eyes without guilt.

Try adding a simple structure to your day. A daily walk, or quiet time in the afternoon, can give you and your baby a comforting rhythm without pressure.

Balance is not about doing it all. It’s about doing what you can. And some days, that’s simply getting through.

You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone

The image of the all-capable “supermom” is not only unrealistic, it’s harmful. Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s wisdom.

Lean into support. Say yes when someone offers to help. Let them bring food, wash dishes, or just listen. Every small act counts.

Join a mom group, physically or virtually. These spaces offer emotional support after childbirth, connection, and understanding. Sometimes, just hearing someone say, “You’re not alone,” is a form of healing in itself.

Stress relief for new mothers doesn’t always come from big solutions; it can come from a single, sincere question: “How are you doing today?”

The early stage of postpartum is raw-physically, mentally, and emotionally. In the midst of giving so much, remember that mental wellness for new moms isn’t a bonus; it’s a necessity.

So give yourself permission to rest. Be patient with your progress. You’re not selfish for taking care of yourself. You’re smart and strong.

Let go of perfection. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. And above all, remind yourself- your well-being is the foundation your child is growing.

The post New Mom Stress: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Baby appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most profound experiences. It shifts your focus, your schedule, and even how you feel the weather. You start to notice things you may have never paid attention to before, air creeping in through a window, how your baby’s breathing changes during sleep, or how they curl their tiny fingers around yours. These everyday moments become meaningful, and so does your growing awareness of your baby’s needs.

With this awareness comes a new kind of care-gentle, constant, and intuitive. As the seasons shift, so does your routine. You might find yourself adjusting the thermostat more often, double-checking the breeze coming through a cracked window, or wondering how many layers your baby needs. This is newborn care during seasonal changes about being perfect, but about being present and responsive.

How Babies React to Temperature

Babies aren’t just small versions of adults- their bodies work differently. They can’t regulate their temperature well, their skin is thinner, and their immune systems are still developing. Even small changes in weather, like a cool breeze or mild sunshine, affect them more than you might expect.

That’s why understanding how to protect your baby from weather changes is so important. Whether it’s summer heat or winter chill, you’re not protecting your baby from the world; you’re gently helping them adjust to it, safely and gradually.

How to Dress Your Baby for the Weather

Your baby can’t tell you they’re cold or too warm, but their body will give you signs: red cheeks, a fussy cry, or stiff little limbs. Over time, you’ll get better at noticing what these cues mean.

Cold Weather

Use layers. Start with a soft cotton base, add something warm like fleece or wool, and finish with a wind- or water-resistant layer. Don’t forget a hat. Babies lose heat through their heads quickly. This is an essential part of newborn protection from cold and heat.

Warm Weather

Go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton. Keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible and avoid synthetic materials. This is key when thinking about how to keep a baby cool in summer.

Transitional Seasons

Layers are key. Dress your baby in clothing that can easily be added or removed. If you need a light jacket, your baby probably needs an extra layer too. These are practical baby clothing tips for different seasons that go a long way in keeping your little one safe and comfortable.

Recognising Your Baby’s Temperature Cues

You’ll learn to recognise the subtle signs when your baby is too warm or too cold. Watch for:

• A warm or sweaty chest
• Cold or blotchy skin
• Unusual crying or fussiness

To check their temperature, feel their chest or the back of their neck. Checking hands and feet can be misleading. These observations are part of everyday baby health in changing weather awareness.

The goal isn’t to overthink everything but to be gently attentive. Trusting your instincts and learning from your baby’s cues is at the heart of good seasonal care.

Dealing with Extreme Weather Conditions

You don’t have to stay indoors all the time, but it helps to be prepared:

• In winter: Avoid long walks when it’s windy or freezing. Use stroller covers that keep warmth in but still allow airflow. In the car, avoid bulky jackets under the seatbelt-instead, dress your baby in warm layers and add a blanket over the straps. These tips can help you prevent newborns from catching a cold during the colder months.
• In summer: Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 AM and 3 PM. Offer extra feeds to keep your baby hydrated. Keep indoor temperatures between 68–72°F and ensure good airflow, but no direct drafts. These are essential baby room temperature control tips to maintain comfort during warmer seasons.

Remember, you’re not aiming for a perfect environment, a safe, comfortable one.

Protecting Against Seasonal Illness

As seasons change, cold and flu viruses become more common. Newborns are especially vulnerable, so staying ahead of illnesses matters.

• Wash your hands often, and anyone who interacts with your baby.
• Clean pacifiers, bottles, and toys regularly, especially after outings.
• Keep up with all paediatric appointments and vaccinations, for both you and your baby.
• Watch for signs like unusual tiredness, changes in appetite, or fussiness. When in doubt, contact your paediatrician.

These habits support seasonal illness prevention in babies, and they also contribute to immune support for newborns, especially during high-risk times of the year.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Space

Your baby’s sleep environment should adapt to the seasons:

• In winter: Keep the crib away from windows and heating vents. Use a sleep sack instead of blankets to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• In summer: Dress your baby in breathable pyjamas and ensure there’s proper airflow in the room, but never a fan or draft blowing directly on them.

Sleep is crucial for healing, growth, and immune development. A consistent, cosy space is one of the most effective seasonal safety tips for babies that you can implement daily.

Give Yourself Grace

You’ll forget things. You’ll get it wrong sometimes. That’s okay.

Navigating newborn care during seasonal changes isn’t about getting it all right the first time. It’s about paying attention, learning, and adapting. Every small misstep is just another step in the journey.

The One Thing That Never Changes: You

You don’t have to know everything. Just being observant, loving, and responsive is enough. Each time you adjust a layer, block a draft, or check the forecast, you’re doing something important. In a world that’s always shifting between heat waves and cold snaps, you are your baby’s constant.

The post How to Keep Your Newborn Safe During Changing Seasons appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

A new baby brings immense joy. But new parents often worry about their baby’s weight in the early days. Why do newborns lose weight after birth? This is a common concern among new parents. Understanding normal weight loss patterns helps ease anxiety in parents. This blog explores what typical newborn weight loss looks like, when to worry, and the factors that influence a baby’s weight in the early days.

Typical Newborn Weight Loss

Newborns usually lose a little weight in the initial days of life. This happens in the first few days after delivery. Infants typically lose 5-10% of their birth weight during the first week after arrival. This weight loss is due to a variety of factors, including dietary adjustments and dehydration. The baby also transitions to an unfamiliar setting outside the womb. Infants can safely lose up to 10% of their body weight without concern. Neonatal weight loss guidelines confirm this phenomenon.

Why Newborns Lose Weight after Birth

Newborns lose weight for various reasons after delivery in the immediate postpartum period. During pregnancy, babies retain excess fluid, which is naturally shed after birth through bowel and urine movements. Newborns may also lose weight if feeding is infrequent for extended periods. Ineffective feeding also contributes to weight loss. What causes the baby to lose weight after birth often relates to these factors.

Breastfeeding and infant weight are closely linked. Newborns take time to develop good latching techniques for feeding. Poor latch or low milk supply can result in insufficient milk intake. Formula feeding and infant weight also impact weight in different ways. Some babies may take time to adapt to formula milk, which can affect digestion and weight gain.  

Certain conditions impact feeding and weight gain in infants. Examples include infections or jaundice in the newborn.

How Much Weight Loss is Normal?

Weight loss of up to 10% of birth weight is usually fine and within normal limits. It is vital to monitor your baby’s weight regularly during the first week. Parents can ensure weight loss stays in range with careful observation. If a child loses over 10%, see a paediatrician for immediate guidance.

When to Worry About Infant Weight Loss

Some weight loss is normal. But certain situations need extra caution from parents and caregivers. A newborn losing weight after the first week is a concern for their health. A baby not gaining weight after birth is also concerning for developmental progress. Other signs to watch for include:

Lethargy and Decreased Responsiveness: Your child may be unusually tired for their age. They may respond less than usual to stimuli. Dehydration or other conditions require monitoring by a medical professional.

Inadequate Feeding: Insufficient weight gain may result from inadequate feeding in the early days for both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

Dehydration Signs: Watch for sunken eyes, dry lips and fewer wet diapers than expected.

When to Consult a Doctor

Consult a doctor if your child isn’t gaining weight as expected. Also, see a doctor if they lose over 10% of birth weight beyond the normal range. A paediatrician offers pediatric advice on baby weight to concerned parents. They support your baby’s growth with professional expertise. Regular visits are important for continued monitoring. Monitor your baby’s weight closely with a home scale or at clinic visits. This ensures their health and robustness as they grow.

Infant Weight Gain Goals

Monitor your child’s weight gain stages to track their development. This gives a clear picture of their development over time. Most babies regain birth weight by two weeks old after a normal initial loss. Infants typically gain 5-7 ounces weekly during the first few months of their lives. This happens during the first few months of infancy. Many babies double their birth weight by six months of age. Monitoring your baby’s weight on a postnatal baby growth chart is helpful for visual tracking. It ensures they meet baby weight gain milestones for healthy development. It also facilitates progress tracking with a clear visual representation.

Breastfeeding and Infant Weight

Breastfeeding is crucial for a baby’s weight gain and overall development, as breast milk is packed with vital nutrients and antibodies. Ensure frequent feeding at regular intervals. Proper latching is also important for effective milk transfer. Consult a lactation specialist if concerns arise regarding breastfeeding. Formula Feeding and Infant Weight

Parents who choose formula must follow preparation and feeding guidelines carefully. Ensure your child receives the appropriate formula for their specific needs. This depends on their weight and age at the time of feeding. Your paediatrician offers tailored guidance for formula selection and use. Consult them if you are concerned about formula feeding and infant weight gain or loss.

Conclusion

Infants typically lose weight shortly after birth as a natural process. A 10% drop is usually harmless under normal circumstances. Parents should monitor their baby’s weight and feeding patterns diligently. Do this throughout the first week of the baby’s life. Consult a physician if your child shows signs of distress or concern. These include dehydration or severe fatigue in the infant. Also, seek help for insufficient weight gain..

Understanding the reasons for baby weight loss after delivery is key for parental peace of mind. Remember, each baby is unique, and their growth patterns may vary. Early intervention significantly improves a child’s overall development for a brighter future.

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As new parents, it’s natural to feel concerned when you notice odd or shaky movements in your newborn – whether it is a quivering chin, trembling hands, jittery motion or jerky arms and leg gestures. These movements are commonly known as newborn shaking, tremors or shivering. While most of these movements Understanding these movements is essential. 

NewBorn Shivering as a Sign of Fever

When your baby has a fever, the shivering occurs when an increase in the body temperature as your newborn attempts to regulate heat. Your child may feel hot and dry at the slightest touch.  

Tips

When your little one is feverish, avoid underdressing or overdressing them.  

Fine Motor Skill Development

During the first 28 days of your neonate’s life, you may notice your newborn’s head is shaking slightly. As they grow older, the development of fine motor skills may include twitching of the wrists and fingers. These movements are a part of normal development for newborns and older babies.

Tips

To help develop fine motor skills, engage your child in activities involving precise hand movements, such as threading beads, and provide them with toys that enhance dexterity. 

The Startle (Moro) Reflex

Your newborn may suddenly startle in response to a loud noise, leading to involuntary movement or shivering while sleeping. This is known as reflex or Moro reflex and, is common in babies from birth to about – 6 months old. 

Tips

Swaddling or using sleep sacks can help reduce these reflex movements during naps.

Newborn Wakes Up

Babies may exhibit twitchy or shaky movements while falling asleep or waking up, what you might be witnessing is likely a benign condition called sleep myoclonus, also known as nocturnal myoclonus which involves involuntary muscle jerks.

Tips

Rest assured, sleep myoclonus is a common occurrence among infants and usually fades as they grow older. Understanding this can provide you with a sense of relief and allow you to feel more at ease during those early parenting days. However, if you notice that the shivering persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like excessive irritability or changes in feeding patterns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician for guidance. Your baby’s health and comfort are paramount! 

Diaper Changes

If your baby shakes during diaper changes, it may simply indicate their dislike for the process. Many infants express discomfort through their movements for sudden changes in temperature and sensation. 

Tips

To ease the experience, ensure the environment is warm and try to be swift and gentle. However, if the shaking continues or is coupled with other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your paediatrician.  

Hunger

When your baby flails their arms and legs, it may be a sign of hunger and If they start crying, you may notice shaking or stiffness as a late-stage hunger signal. It’s essential to respond immediately to offer a feeding to calm them down. 

Tips

Recognising these cues is vital for effectively meeting your baby’s needs, ensuring they feel secure and satisfied. This proactive approach not only strengthens your bond but, also lays a solid foundation for your parenting journey. 

As new parents, seeing your little one crying twitching or shivering can be nerve-racking. These movements are common among infants as they adjust to their bodies and environment. Understanding these behaviours can ease your worries and reassure you that these movements are usually normal.

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As new parents, it’s heartwarming to watch your little one sleeping. At the same time, you might feel worried when your baby whines, whistles or wheezes. 

During these moments, you might wonder whether your newborn’s breathing pattern is normal. It is important to remember that your baby’s lungs and nose are still in the developing stages. 

Babies predominantly breathe through their noses, not their mouths, and this is completely normal. Their breathing passageways are quite small, which can result in more noticeable breathing sounds. New parents need to understand this, as it’s a natural part of their development and should not be a cause for concern.  

What is the Normal Breathing Pattern of the Newborn Baby? 

A newborn baby’s normal breathing pattern is within 40 to 60 times per minute. This is faster than the older children as well as adults. In case the baby’s breathing pattern slows down to 30 to 40 times, while the baby sleeps. Such a pattern is known as periodic breathing, which is quite normal. 

Babies unquestionably rely on their diaphragm, the muscle beneath the lungs, for breathing. This is evident as their tummies rise and fall with every breath. Diaphragm-driven breathing ensures efficient air intake and is crucial since the chest muscles are still developing. 

Parents need to recognize that this natural pattern is not only normal but vital for their baby’s health. Understanding this will alleviate any concerns and allow you to appreciate the remarkable journey of your baby’s growth.  

Why Do Newborns Have Breathing Problems? 

There might be changes in breathing patterns or rates in your newborn baby due to respiratory distress. There might be other reasons for the signs of respiratory or breathing problems too. These signs include: 

Rapid Breathing

Rapid breathing means 60 breaths per minute. When a baby is overheated or upset, they may breathe fast. However, their breathing usually returns to normal once they’re cooled down or comforted. But, continuous fast breathing can be a sign of breathing problems. A condition in which the breathing stops longer than 20 seconds known as apnea which is a serious issue. Paying attention to these changes allows you to provide the care they need. Keeping your baby cool and cosy promotes steady breathing and contributes to their overall well-being.

Flaring Nostrils

In this case, whenever a baby breathes, their nostrils widen due to insufficient air intake. This is indeed a serious lung condition. In such a health condition, essential oxygen is prevented from reaching the blood and lungs.

Retracting

If you notice the signs of retraction while your newborn baby is breathing, that means the little one is finding breathing very difficult. This problem occurs in the areas between the ribs and the neck, while they are trying to breathe in.    

Grunting

In this condition, a baby is having trouble breathing. The baby grunts to build up the oxygen level in the lungs while inhaling. However, there may be sounds of moaning or sighing while exhaling. 

Blue Colour

If your baby is suffering from cyanosis (when the skin, lips and/or fingernails turn blue) there could be an oxygen deficiency in the body. This condition is specifically seen in babies with heart defects and respiratory issues.

What are the Signs of a Newborn Breathing Pattern?

The breathing pattern of a newborn is a serious concern for every new parent. The reasons laid out behind the newborn breathing pattern result in the following:

• Whistling noise while your baby is breathing 
• The baby will make a hoarse cry or “barking” cough 
• The little one will make a high-pitched sound 
• You will also notice fast-paced breathing in your little one 

Overall, the newborn breathing pattern is quite normal, but in case the baby breathes faster you can visit the healthcare to get him or her checked. Take care of them. Let them know you love them more than anything else in your life.

The post Understanding Newborn Babies’ Breathing Patterns: What’s Normal & What’s Not? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

By the sixth or seventh month of your baby’s life, you might find yourself shopping for new clothes because they have outgrown their current ones. Are you surprised? Don’t be! Your baby is growing beyond your imagination- an occurrence known as growth spurts.

What are Growth Spurts? 

Growth Spurts are the intense period of growth that occurs during your baby’s first year. It’s not just about physical size, but also about overall development. Your baby packs on the pounds and develops by inches. In their first year, infants typically gain around 10 inches (25 centimetres) in height and triple their birth weight. It’s indeed, a remarkable transformation!  

However, going deeper, most of these growth spurts predictably occur in the first six months. By the time your baby reaches nine months, you will observe that your newborn has successfully achieved the developmental milestones from one to six weeks and three to nine months.

What are the Symptoms of Growth Spurts in Your Baby?

As a first-time parent, recognising the signs of growth spurts will empower you to respond effectively to your baby’s needs. By understanding and anticipating these phases, you can provide the best support for your little one’s incredible journey for development. So, when your baby undergoes a series of growth spurts, here are the telltale signs: 

Hungrier Than Usual

When your little one enters the growth spurt phase, you’ll notice that he or she’s feeling hungrier than usual. You will notice that your baby is hungry when he or she is constantly crying or feeling irritated, restless, sticking the tongue out, sucking the lips or hands, latching onto the breasts at every opportunity, or dissatisfied even after having a full bottle of milk. 

Frequent Night Wakings

Those blissful 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep may become a distant dream. Growth spurts often disrupt sleep as your baby wakes up frequently due to hunger or tiredness. 

Feeling Cranky

As a new mom and dad, it may be challenging for you to deal with the crankiness or mood swings of your newborn baby during the growth spurts, but you need to understand that even the most cheerful baby undergoes this change. You may additionally observe your baby wanting to eat more frequently and waking up at night with demands for comfort feeding can display a level of fussiness that seems out of the ordinary.

Are There Ways to Deal With the Growth Spurts of Your Newborn?

Yes! There are. If you notice symptoms of growth spurts in your baby, here are some tips to support your baby:

• Ensure that you provide proper  nourishment to your baby
• If your baby is breastfed, increase the feedings during growth spurts to boost milk production. 
• For formula-fed babies offer slightly larger portions or feed more frequently to satisfy their increased appetite. This ensures your baby gets the nourishment essential for their growth! 
• Create a sleeping environment for your baby. 
• If you notice that your little one likes to sleep more during the day (maybe for 3 or four hours), you needn’t worry much. Allow your baby to nap during the day if they seem tired. 
• Create a sleep routine for your baby.
• Keep the lights dim while your baby is trying to sleep
• Soothe your baby.
• Rock, cuddle or hug your baby to comfort them. 

Newborn’s growth spurts are not a constant condition. As mentioned above both nutrition and genes impact them, but they don’t beyond the first year of your baby’s life. Before you know it, your baby will no longer be little. Cherish these moments, love them and celebrate their wonderful growth.

The post How To Identify A Newborn Growth Spurts? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Love and care for your child begins from the time you’re nurturing the little one inside you. Baby care in winter safety goes a notch up from the moment you hold your little one in your arms. They are newborns after all! As new parents, you will feel worried during the change of season. Due to their weak immunity, they are often prone to colds and flu during this period.

Infant health care especially during the winter may be a tricky task but it’s not completely impossible. 

There are several ways to take care of your baby during the winter season. All you need to do is get hold of these newborn care in winter: 

Babies’ Winter Wear

Infant care in winter begins by deciding what your little one is going to wear based on where he or she is.

Inside the House

It’s not just essential for you to keep the baby warm inside the house but outside too. Usually, just a layer is enough along with socks or cotton mittens. However, if you have the heater on and it is blasting inside the room, you may have to consider the room – temperature and make the baby wear a onesie or shirt. You can pair it up with a footed pajama. Check the room temperature before you make your baby wear a woollen warm shirt, tights and socks. 

Outside the House

You may not like to be inside your house with your baby all the time. You may want to take the baby out along with you and the rest of the family. Ensure that you won’t make them wear bulky coats when you’re outside. Also, try to avoid bulky garments if you’re travelling with your baby in a car. That will be suffocating for your baby. Instead, choose warm tops like a sweater or fleece shirt with hoodies or hats and thin – close-fitting layers for your baby’s bottom like tights or leggings. Don’t forget your baby’s socks whenever you’re going out with your little one. 

Baby Skin Care in Winter

Due to low humidity in the air during the cold season, it will be difficult for the baby’s skin to maintain hydration levels. Moreover, the barrier layer is responsible for sealing the moisture in the baby’s skin. This layer keeps the moisture of the baby’s skin locked. It takes at least 2 to 4 years for an infant’s skin barrier to develop properly. That layer, however, loses water during the winters making the baby’s skin flaky and dry. Here are a few tips with which you can keep the baby’s skin healthy and moist:  

Bathe Less

Bathing your little one quite often can strip the baby’s skin of natural oils. So, try to bathe your little one once every 2 to 3 days for 5 to 10 mins. 

Moisturise More

Gently pat your baby dry after giving him or her a bath and apply a moisturiser on your baby’s skin. The moisturising lotion should be free of irritating fragrances and parabens and must help in locking the moisture of the skin. 

Hydration is Essential For Your Baby’s Skin

Careful hydration is the key to maintaining your little one’s healthy skin just like adults. So, apart from this make him or her drink sufficient water, you can breastfeed the baby on demand.

Say “No” to Irritants

Dry and parched skin can be irritating. In addition to this, the impact of harsh detergents and soaps can leave the baby’s skin scratchy. Avoid such irritants and stick to baby friendly products.

Don’t Forget the Petroleum Jelly

A thin layer applied to dry or cracked areas, like your baby’s lips or cheeks, several times throughout the day can provide essential protection. 

These are a few simple steps to help shield your baby’s sensitive skin from the harsh winter elements, ensuring your little one stays comfortable and healthy. Keep these must-haves close to you during the colder months to maintain your baby’s soft and supple skin.

The post Baby’s First Winter: How To Protect Your Newborn In Cold Season appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Once you have a newborn in your house, you have many visitors (friends, relatives and caregivers) trying to take the baby in their arms and play with him/ her.  While they are busy with your little one, be careful about one thing, they shouldn’t shake the baby. 

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Shaking your little one may be a fun activity for your guests but you need to remind them that it may not impact your baby’s brain positively. This is something known as abusive head trauma or shaken baby syndrome. Although such a condition may be preventable however as new parents you need to educate yourself about the odds of shaken baby syndrome. 

What Can Cause Shaken Baby Syndrome?

The little one’s head is large and heavy compared to the other parts of the baby’s body. The baby’s brain is soft. There may be weakness in the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Your friends, relatives, or irritated caregivers may seriously harm the brain of your crying or fussy child if they handle the child recklessly or shake him forcefully. Since the baby’s brain is fragile shaking their heads back and forth makes the brain bang against the skull. Additionally, such an action makes the blood vessels inside the baby’s brain tear and cause haemorrhage further leading to swelling, bruising or even bleeding inside the brain. 

Can Swings Cause Shaken Baby Syndrome? 

No. it is a serious concern that does not arise from gentle bouncing, playful swinging, tossing your child in the air, or even jogging with them. Likewise, it is highly unlikely to occur from minor accidents like falling off chairs, downstairs, or being accidentally dropped from a caregiver’s arms. 

What are the Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome? 

There are not many cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome in India. As per research, only one isolated report from the Indian Subcontinent has been reported. As per the report, the symptoms of Shaken baby syndrome are as follows:

• The immediate signs of Shaken Baby syndrome include unconsciousness, shock and seizures.
• You will not notice your little one smiling or babbling 
• You will notice your baby extremely irritated 
• Vomiting, breathing problems, poor appetite and tiredness are common 
• The little one won’t be able to raise his or her head
• In this condition, your baby may not be able to focus or move the eyes 
• Sometimes there may be a combination of trauma, haematoma, brain damage (cerebral palsy), fractures, etc.  

Apart from these symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome if you notice your baby bleeding from the eyes or ears, feeling dizzy or fussy or crying inconsolably you need to make the doctor’s appointment. The healthcare practitioner will tell the various ways to treat it.

How to Treat Shaken Baby Syndrome?

A severely affected child may need emergency care with the help of oxygen and surgery. All this to stop the internal bleeding in the brain immediately. Along with this, the doctor may treat the burns, broken bones, etc. Ophthalmologists play a crucial role in the treatment of children affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) because retinal bleeding is a frequent complication in infants with this condition. Engaging these specialists is vital to properly assess and address any eye damage that may occur. Timely intervention is essential in managing the impacts of SBS and fostering the best possible recovery for your child. Ensuring that your little one receives comprehensive care from all necessary medical professionals can significantly improve outcomes and provide peace of mind during this challenging time. 

How to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome? 

It may not be possible to prevent it completely. As new parents, you need to be a little careful. 

• Tell your guests or caregivers not to shake your fussy or crying baby. Instead, try to understand the reason behind your infant’s crying 
• Ensure that you feed your baby slowly 
• Frequently make your baby burb 
• Try to sing or talk to your baby in a lower voice
• Gently rock the baby 
• Hold the little one against your skin and enjoy the benefits of skin-to-skin contact
• Taking the baby for a ride in a stroller or car can be a soothing experience for both the infant and the caregiver. The gentle motion often helps calm a fussy baby, providing a change of environment and fresh air.
• Try not to leave your baby alone with someone who has a history of violence or temper. 

Your newborn’s health is your highest priority. Take utmost care.

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Breastfeeding is one of the most essential aspects for moms and newborns. Breastfeeding starts at the “golden hour” of the baby’s birth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding newborns for at least 6 months to 1 year from birth. Breastmilk, also known as colostrum, undergoes several stages of transformation as your baby grows up. But, the colostrum that gets secreted during the initial hours of the baby’s birth, is known as “liquid gold” or “wonder food”.

Why is Colostrum Known as “Liquid Gold”?

Colostrum is the first breast milk you produce, and its composition has positive effects on your baby. It includes:

Boosts the Baby’s Immunity

Colostrum – the first breastmilk – has rich sources of immunoglobulins that help build the baby’s immune system that ultimately battles bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Simultaneously, it has lactoferrin, which damages cancer-forming cells in the baby’s body.

Establishes a Healthy Gut

Colostrum coats the baby’s intestines and promotes the growth of Lactobacillus Bifidus bacteria in the baby’s digestive tract. As a prebiotic, it helps the baby’s microbiome grow, further aiding the baby in passing their first stool and reducing the chances of jaundice in the newborn.

Gives Your Baby’s Brain a Boost

Breast milk boosts a baby’s brain when consumed in large quantities. After all, breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients – fats, minerals, and proteins to support the baby’s brain development.

Prevents Low Blood Sugar Levels in the Newborn

Immediately or within 24 hours of your baby’s birth, the little one may undergo a few blood tests. If there’s a tendency to low blood sugar levels (also known as neonatal hypoglycaemia) found in your baby after blood tests due to gestational diabetes or premature birth or not producing enough glucose, breastfeeding the baby, and skin-to-skin contact while feeding can be the solution.

Prevents Obesity in Babies

Since the baby inside you takes in the food you consume, you may give birth to an obese baby. Breastmilk has obestatin. Obestatin is a hormone that reduces food intake and weight gain in a baby. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life. That means breastfeeding your baby for at least 6 months lowers obesity risk by 25%.

Breastfeeding establishes an emotional connection with your baby immediately. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact enhances bonding between you and your newborn child. All you need to do is learn breastfeeding skills, and ensure that you feed your baby as per doctor’s recommendation.

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Many new moms breastfeed their newborn/s they must take them in their arms and rub their backs to make them burp. Once your baby burps it sounds like you’ve passed out with flying colours. 

But, sometimes, the cute little ones spit up after being fed. This happens when your baby has an indigestion problem. This is also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). 

Acid Reflux in Babies and Its Reasons

Since the babies’ digestive system is still immature, during breastfeeding or while giving solid food, their stomach quickly fills up with breastmilk, formula, or air. This is normal in babies. But, when the small stomach is unable to reach the capacity to accept the contents going in there, they flow back to the oesophagus. 

Some of the contents travel from the oesophagus to the throat and then to the mouth, making them spit up or vomit. Such a phenomenon is known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

However, the reasons behind acid reflux in babies are manifold – excess weight in babies can put pressure on the little one’s abdomen, certain spicy food, and drinks (carbonated drinks as well as coffee), and an immature lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – situated in between the oesophagus and stomach can contribute to acid reflux. Sometimes certain medicines also impact a lot. 

The Principal Signs of Acid Reflux in Babies  

As a new mummy, it may take some time for you to recognize the symptoms of acid reflux in babies, but the earlier the intervention, the faster will be the treatment. 

So, you will notice the infant will be faced with several challenges – 

• The baby may vomit frequently.
• There is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, a feeling of pain in the abdomen, and gaseousness.
• Breathing problems or wheezing are also seen in babies as a result of acid reflux.
• The little one will fail to gain weight since the baby is vomiting frequently.
• He or she will also cough persistently, especially during the night.
• The baby may be feeling uncomfortable –  you’ll notice the little one fussy, and crying. 
• He or she may find it difficult to eat the food. The baby will get choked or gagged while getting fed. The baby may also have a sour taste in their mouth. 
• The baby may reject the food given to them.

Most of the symptoms mentioned above are manageable, but some of the symptoms outgrow by the time they are 1 year old. This may turn out to be a permanent problem for your child and may require medical intervention. 

The Treatment Methods of Acid Reflux in Infants  

To further manage the symptoms, you can take the little one to the healthcare practitioner or paediatrician and give medicines to him or her by getting the child’s medical history checked and getting further gastric tests done. 

Alternatively, you can try out a few home or natural remedies. The natural remedies include: 

• You may hold the baby upright for half an hour after a feeding. This can prevent food from travelling upwards into the oesophagus.
• Feed your baby small amounts so that it is easy on the baby’s stomach.
• Make the little one burp quite often.
• Avoid jostling or bouncing your baby after mealtime.
• Making them wear tight diapers and clothes can add pressure to the baby’s stomach.
• Change the baby’s diet. Eliminate gas-producing food from the little one’s platter.
• Check the size of the nipple bottle while feeding. The nipple may be too small or too big. Ensure that excess air doesn’t get into your baby’s tummy. Due to excess air in the tummy, the baby tends to spit up.
• Also, ensure you thicken the baby’s milk so that it can slow down the baby’s milk intake.
• If your partner smokes, ensure that you keep the baby away from the tobacco smoke. The lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) may slow down. There are chances that your baby’s risk of developing GER is high.

However, if the acid reflux in your baby doesn’t go away on time, and it may seem that it is getting worse tell the paediatrician about it to get it treated with medicines. The aim is to reduce the symptoms.

The post Signs Your Baby May Have Acid Reflux: A Parents Guide appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

As soon as your baby reaches the half-year mark, you will see him or her sitting without assistance, following objects with their eyes, recognizing faces, teething, and saying “ma” and “da”.

You can now experiment with your little one’s taste buds – from savoury cheese to scrambled eggs. There’s a range of flavours, and your baby can start with solid food. Start eating solid food for your baby is the first step. The trick is to feed the taste buds of your baby.

You only need to know how and when to start solid food for a smooth transition.

When to Start Solid Food For Your Baby?

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), you need to breastmilk your little one between 4 and 6 months old exclusively. Simultaneously, you’d need to encourage your baby’s taste buds with solid foods for your baby’s healthy growth and nutrition.

However, you need to understand whether your little one is obese, has belly pain, or chokes while eating food.

To make your work easier, here’s how to start eating solid food for your baby.

By 4, 5, or 6 months old, he can hold his head up and sit up. Once you start feeding solid food pureed veggies, and meats, it will go down via the gravitational force. Chunky food can wait until 7 months old.

If you’re feeding the baby with a fork or spoon, they will follow the fork head and will slowly open their mouth to take a bite.

Use their curiosity. They will be interested in knowing what they eat. So, you can try your luck with finger foods like bananas, avocados or rice puffs. You can also try ground or mashed foods like chicken, turkey, etc.

• Feed the baby with solid food, when their tongue thrust reflex disappears. That means, the tongue moves forward from the month while both the mouth and tongue try to adjust to breast and bottle feeding. In the absence of this instinct, your baby does not instinctively push back the spoon of food.
  
• Introduce solid food when the little one mimics you during mealtime. During a meal, the child observes you eating just like you.  

How to Start Solid Food for Your 6-month-old?

Introducing solids to your 6-month-old is slow. Then the little one learns to eat alone. But, before that, here are the guidelines for starting a solid for your baby:

The Time is Right

Your baby’s most appropriate time to feed is the time that works for your family. But, if you’re breastfeeding, try giving solid food to the baby when the breastmilk supply is low. So, as an experiment, you can offer solid food to your baby in the morning during breakfast. Along with this, start with a meal a day and then move up to two.

Check Your Baby’s Mood

A 6-month-old may be fussy, or sleepy while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. So, keep an eye on the baby’s mood. Don’t give solid food when the child is cranky. Try to offer the same meal in the next hour. This could be a challenge, but fun at the same time.

Don’t Be Fast

Your 4 to 6-month-old won’t be able to eat fast. But, you can’t be surprised by how long your baby takes to finish one small spoonful. Have patience! Give yourself and the baby enough feeding time.

Say “no” to Silver Spoons

Instead, give them food with plastic, silicone, or corn-based models. Start counting feeds on the gentle gums. One feed comes from your hands, one from your baby’s or lands on the floor. This will boost the child’s independence. In all this, remember to put a bib.

Introduce a Few Things

Before introducing the spoon, take a dab of food and put it on the table, or the tray, and give your baby a chance to try it. Allow the baby to mash the food, rub, squish, and taste it.

Take It Easy

Your little one is accustomed to spoon-feeding. Along with spoon feeding, you will also have a variety of textures with it. So, take it slowly. Place a quarter teaspoon of food on the baby’s tongue tip. Once your little one finishes that, offer him the teaspoon. Eventually, your baby will get used to spoon-feeding.  

Count the Rejections

Your baby may reject many solid foods as a new solid foods eater. Even the taste of new food. It’s best to accept rejections and not force the child to accept them. Give it another try.

Learn to See When Your Baby is Done With the Food

While you feed your baby slowly, you need to take clues from his or her signs as to when he or she should be finished. The baby may turn their heads while you offer food to your baby. He or she may even clench his mouth when you give solid food to your baby. Forcing a cute, cuddly baby to eat can lead to future food fights which may not be very healthy for the baby. 

Needn’t Worry About the Portions of Food You’re Offering

Since you’re experimenting with solid food, there may be instances when most of the food you’re serving may fall on the floor or go unattended. You can experiment with your baby’s food. You can check by offering more or less food to your baby.  

Prepare mashed bananas, peaches, and pears. Go for veggies of different colours – sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and string beans with a strong flavour. You can also offer whole-grain rice, oats or barley. Minced meat, mashed eggs, cheese, pasta, etc. can also be on the list.

Starting solids for your 5 or 6-month-old is a challenge. You must overcome all the challenges and offer solid food to your baby. Just have a little patience!

The post When To Start Feeding Solid Foods To Your Baby? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

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The day your baby smiled their sweet, innocent, gummy smile. What a perfect moment for you! A smile like that made you fall head over heels. You’ll soon find yourself chasing your little cutie amid all the other developmental infant activities. After all, they are ready to take the big plunge – start walking.

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), most babies start walking by 1. But not all babies are the same.  Your baby may take longer to walk than your friend’s or neighbour’s. So, if between the 9 and 12 months of your baby’s life, you don’t see your baby walking, don’t worry or be scared.

How to Help Your Baby Walk?

You may have to work on your little one’s strengths and address their weaknesses. After all, learning to walk takes time. Although the most effective way to teach your baby to walk is on their own, there are plenty of things to do with your newborn before walking.

Here is a guide for expecting moms to include activities for their newborns before entering the walking zone.

De-clutter the Space Your Baby Will Take

Before anything else, you need to clear up the space your baby will take. Clean the floor, and remove all the showpieces from the top of the cupboard or glass cases in the house. Making your house babyproof will keep the baby safe from harm, and make them feel confident.

Make Them Do the Stool Activity

Bring them a baby-sized stool. Make them sit on it. Ensure that your little one’s feet touch the floor. You can also keep a walking toy at the foot of the stool, and tell your child to get down on their knees and pick it up. Making them sit on a stool emphasises the small legs and helps them build lower body strength.

Make the Baby Walk Along With the Furniture

You’ll notice your child feeling a little scared and wobbling while trying to stand before moving. Encourage them to stand by the side of the furniture – either a sofa, coffee table or TV stand. With furniture by their side, they will feel boosted before walking. Such a newborn activity is known as “cruising.” Your baby will slowly master the art of navigating by moving across the room with the help of the furniture around. You can hold their hand once or twice if they feel imbalanced. Or let them fall once or twice. They may start crying. But encourage them to stand on their feet by clapping your hands, and uttering words like “stand up” or “it’s ok.” If your little one reaches his or her teddy bear or toy car while cruising, more claps for the baby. He or she has done it!

Hold the Little Hands

Make your little one stand right in front of you. Support their upper arms by holding them. Now slowly pull one arm after another. You will notice how smoothly, gently, and naturally those small feet start taking their steps forward.

Choose “push” or “pull” Toys

You can also give your little one push or pull or walking toys to help him walk. With the help of “push” or “pull” toys your baby will confidently explore the world around him. Additionally, these toys offer fun activities to encourage them to squat and reach their aim.

Make the Little One Walk Barefoot

Allow your little one to walk barefoot. You’ll notice their feet may develop a strong grip, and can further improve their coordination and balance by strengthening the muscles. Additionally, they can feel hardwood or grass texture. While getting the feel of the surface their brain adjusts to the muscles and joints of the feet, and this process is known as proprioceptive feedback. Unfortunately, wearing shoes or learning to walk with shoes may slow down the messages the little one’s brain sends to the feet. 

Make Them Step Up the Stairs

Maybe walking on the same surface is boring for the little one. Make your child climb stairs with their hands, knees, and feet. In this way, all their body muscles function properly. It strengthens their trunk and leg muscles. Additionally, making them climb stairs keeps the body’s upper and lower functions separate.

Encourage Them to Move Up and Down

Your baby focuses on moving forward just like adults. While taking every step forward the small legs work toward supporting the body and keeping the entire body in balance. Additionally, moving their bodies up and down can get them into a squatting position. Including a few activities, for example, blowing bubbles above their head and making their baby reach for them, or moving the little one’s toys at various heights in their playroom, and making them get those toys from that height, sounds like the little one is slowly taking a squatting position.   

You can get a baby walker for your little one. But, keep the walker at a safe distance from the staircase to prevent the little one from falling or getting injured. Nevertheless, as a new mother, you have to keep in mind that using an infant baby walker can miss out on some important milestones like crawling and walking opportunities.

Otherwise, if your little one takes one step at a time, it gives you a chance to celebrate their accomplishments. As a new mom, some of you should know that your little one may or may not start walking early. If you see the little one entering the 18th month, and still not walking, consult your child’s paediatrician immediately.

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As you embrace the new and incredible journey of motherhood, facing the challenges of being a new mummy is natural. However, the joy of welcoming the arrival of the newborn knows no bounds. The excitement is just a little enhanced with “The Golden Hour.” The moment when you do not just hold the baby for the first time after nine months, you begin breastfeeding the little one for the very first time. And, not much to your surprise, the baby latches on to the breasts producing the nutrient-rich-yellow-coloured fluid called “Colostrum.”

But, is the production of “Colostrum” just a part of postpartum? No!

When Does the Production of “Colostrum” Start?

Your body changes in more than unexpected ways, during your pregnancy. Apart from the other physical changes such as swelling and weight gain; that you were facing, you must have surely noticed the breasts changing. Besides appearing tender and sore, they look engorged or big, due to the increasing number and size of the milk glands as well as the soaring pregnancy hormones.

You may be producing colostrum in very small amounts, on the 12^th and 18^th of your pregnancy, You may start leaking colostrum as you proceed into the second and third trimesters. The milk duct system is fully developed from the second trimester. By the time, it is time to hold the newborn in your arms, the breasts will be leaky.

Overall, colostrum production takes place from around the 16^th week of pregnancy to the first few days after the baby’s birth.

Is the Production of Colostrum Helpful During Pregnancy? 

Since the making of colostrum begins from the 16^th week of pregnancy and continues after childbirth, several benefits come along with it. The benefits include:

• Helping in successful breastfeeding after childbirth with an improved supply of milk.
  
• Helping in dealing with congenital health conditions during pregnancy such as diabetes and hypertension.
  
• Helping in dealing with feeding problems later

If you’re leaking just a little more than expected, or there is blood with colostrum or the milk is thick, consult your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of clogged milk ducts. 

Why are the Breasts Leaking in Pregnancy? 

Your sky-high hormones (estrogen, progesterone as well as prolactin) as prompted by the placenta during your pregnancy are responsible for the colostrum production –  from being very little to just a little more.

These hormones not only help in milk production but also keep milk production in check. If prolactin levels exceed estrogen and progesterone, colostrum may leak. You can feel the leakage inside the cups of your inners. But, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s quite natural. After all, the breasts are getting ready to feed your baby.

This aside, if you feel you’re not producing milk during pregnancy, that is also fine and quite normal. (Once you have your baby, they will latch on to your breasts and get the milk naturally).

If you’re not making milk during pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you’ll express milk. Expressing colostrum before the 37^th week of your pregnancy may be linked with preterm labour, bleeding during pregnancy, placental complications, etc.

How is the Production of Colostrum Helpful to You After Childbirth and to Your Newborn?

Once you give birth to your baby, the placenta detaches from the uterus, and the progesterone level drops considerably telling the breasts to produce the first milk or Colostrum. Such that, you should be able to breastfeed anytime within the first 24 hours of your childbirth.

How is the Colostrum Helpful to the New Mom?

Your body starts producing more creamy or white-coloured colostrum after you’ve given birth to your baby, and that will turn out to be helpful both for you and your little one. 

After 3 to 4 days of producing colostrum, the breasts will start to feel full with milk and be firmer. This is also a sign that your milk supply is increasing and going through a stage of transition – from colostrum to mature milk.

Moreover, after your pregnancy, as you proceed with the postpartum health changes, you will feel: 

• an increase in the supply of colostrum in the initial days.
• uterine contraction.
• weight loss.
• A relative decrease in postpartum bleeding (or lochia). 

How is the Colostrum Helpful to the Newborn?

Healthcare experts refer colostrum to be “liquid gold” mostly because of its thick, sticky, and concentrated nature and yellow or white colour. Alternatively, it provides all essential nutrients to your newborn and keeps the baby safe from infections. How? Here’s how: 

Builds Your Baby’s Immunity

Since newborns are most vulnerable to infections, colostrum provides ammunition to act as their defense against disease or infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Moreover, colostrum has white blood cells in it which produce antibodies that help the babies. Once the baby starts latching on to your breasts for the milk filled with antibodies, that can strengthen their immune system. The colostrum thus prepares your little one for a healthy life.

Improves Your Baby’s Gut Health

Since the colostrum has a low-fat content, the colostrum is easy on your baby’s tummy. It prevents their intestine from harmful infections, thus establishing a healthy gut. 

A Natural Laxative

It helps the baby clear their first poop also known as meconium and reduces the baby’s chances of suffering from newborn jaundice. 

Keeps the Whole Body of the Baby Regulated

Since the newborn sucks only a small amount of the breastmilk, they start breathing. As they start breathing, their lungs gradually function normally, the body temperature gets regulated, and start metabolising. In this way, your little one starts getting acclimatized to the world outside. 

Promotes Baby Growth

The colostrum is rich in all the healthy nutrients, proteins, and varied vitamins present in it. Latching on to your breasts and sucking the milk helps the baby start growing up smoothly, healthily, and fast. If you’ve given birth prematurely, colostrum also helps them to grow rapidly. 

Besides these, the first milk of the baby is perfect for the stomach as it helps in the digestion of the baby. It also stabilises the blood sugar of the newborn. 

That said, since your newborn’s stomach is small in size, learning to suck not more than 1 to 4 teaspoons of colostrum per day is the key. Sucking and swallowing the milk in small amounts is easy for the baby. 

However, with the increase in your milk supply, the newborn’s stomach size is also going to grow. So, this is the time when you start learning the breastfeeding tips.   

You also feed the baby as and when they desire it. 

In a year your baby will start walking. They will also be on the verge of talking. Make an invaluable contribution to those first 12 months. It will be for the rest of the baby’s life. 

In all this, don’t forget your doctor’s appointment and keep a check with the lactation specialist for any special reason.

The post Colostrum: The First Milk Produced During Pregnancy and After Understand the Importance  appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Congratulations on your embarking on an incredible journey of first-time parenthood! 

Navigating through the first few days and months of the journey of parenthood may be a little daunting for both of you, but it is rewarding at the same time. How?

Breastfeeding the little one, trying to soothe the hungry or crying baby and adjusting to the new life can be overwhelming for a new mummy, no doubt. But making deeper connections with your child is your reward.

In all this, the new dad is an unwavering support and the best companion.

He shares caregiving responsibilities with the new mummy. Him being there by his wife’s side all the time, she feels a lot better and much more relaxed. His involvement and devotion towards her and their newborn baby can make the new mom feel extremely happy and very proud of him.

To express her happiness and pride she’s sure to praise him endlessly.

Here are some moms showing praise and pride in their partners being fathers:

A Girl-loving Dad

Research has shown that the dynamic between fathers and daughters is the most vital and powerful one. Dads have a lot of impact on his daughter’s whole image – her eating habits, or self-esteem. The father and daughter’s relationship can further a sense of responsibility and respect for her.

Therefore, when a famous baby care company researched this, it was found out that, in a Reddy family in Hyderabad, Sowmya Reddy gave birth to her second daughter. The traditional-minded family members thought that the little girl was a burden to their family. But, Mr. Reddy opposed it and said: “Having one daughter is lucky but having two is the luckiest!” 

From that day till now, Soumya has felt extremely proud of getting the support of her partner then and happily called him “The Best Dad.”   

A Monk-dad

Such husband-turned-first-time dads have an empathetic approach both towards the new mom and newborn. He could have very well imagined how challenging pregnancy has been for her. Now, holding the newborn in his hands, he can re-imagine how difficult it is for her to be comfortable with herself yet again. Being aware of the changing lifestyle, and new set of responsibilities, the new dad practices healthy love. He ensures the new mother enjoys every minute of the new mummy’s journey, and he  gradually becomes the baby-proofing expert, chef for both the baby and the new mummy, as well as the main caregiver in the family

A well-known baby care company conducted research, showing that a beautiful boy was born to the Gupta family based out of South Delhi. Since the baby was prematurely born, he needed a little extra care. Apart from the other things, the healthcare practitioner advised the baby to sleep on the father’s stomach and cuddle them while sleeping. He did it to reap the benefits of bonding with the baby from this stage. To which Mrs. Gupta said, “I already knew that he is a good father because we have a daughter as our first child.”   

An Empathetic Partner and Newborn-soothing Dad

These dads can’t forget the night of their child’s birth. He doesn’t even forget that childbirth has left the new mummy exhausted. He understands what she has been through, is empathetic towards her pain, and is there for her whenever she needs him. It could be just giving a back massage after feeding the baby, but he’d ensure that she gets some rest and catches a few winks of sleep. With this, when he notices their child crying incessantly, and feeling cranky; he’d rock and sing to the baby and hold them close to make them quiet. That’s exactly what happened with Sreeja Sreedharan’s and Sunayana Srikanth from Bangalore, who deemed their partners  “The Best Dad” or “Super dad”

A Dad Who Loves Flaunting his “Dad status”

Maybe he could sit with the mother to hold the child while she’s breastfeeding. Changing the baby’s diapers, cleaning poop, and taking care of the crying child could also be part of the fatherhood journey. 

Dads are Role Models

Indeed! That’s how Riki Urban, a famous blogger and fiction writer thinks about dads. They are role models in their daughter’s or son’s life by working towards their physical and emotional skill set since their infancy stage. This would ultimately contribute to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

So, all the New Dads on the block, hope you nurture your DAD skill sets with the mummies and become a pro in just a few months or so.

If these stories of loving husbands and first-time DADs have touched your heart. Share some of your thoughts.

Also, like it has been mentioned before, don’t forget to accept the hardships of new parenting and enjoy the achievements.

Happy parenting to you!

The post The New Moms Share Extraordinary Things About the New Dads appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

The period after you’ve given birth to your little one is the most crucial one. The stage of postpartum starts with “The Golden Hour”- the much-awaited beauty of bonding and connection. But this phase of your life doesn’t end there.

Childbirth or postpartum comes with a lot of challenges. You’re entering the world of motherhood, after all.

Your body as well as your mind is going to take some time to adjust. At the same time, you’ll enjoy taking care of your baby.

If you want to find out what they are, here are the first 30 days’ guidelines divided week-wise for you.

The First Week of Postpartum

During your pregnancy, you thought that you’d get relief from all your pains after your baby is born. But that’s only half-truth. In the first week, after your childbirth, while you’re nuzzling, cuddling, pampering, and breastfeeding your newborn, your hormones are in constant flux. At this stage, your organs are trying to go back to the pre-pregnancy position. All you need to do is bear with the changes.

You’ll Lose Weight

It’s a no-brainer that you’ll still look pregnant, and heavy. During your pregnancy, it’s not just the weight of your baby that adds to your pregnancy weight. Pregnancy hormones, amniotic fluid, placenta, diet, and limited physical activity also play a big role. After pregnancy, you may lose 10 to 15 pounds, immediately. But that’s not all! Postpartum weight loss will take place slowly and most healthily. While the uterus takes its own time to go back to its usual size, you’ll continue to lose excess fluid over the next few weeks.

Tips to Manage Postpartum Weight Gain

Breastfeeding can surely help with your postpartum weight management, but a healthy diet along with regular physical activities is also a good way to shed your pounds.

Uterine Contractions

The uterus weighed around 2.5 pounds during pregnancy but shrinks back down to 2 ounces by 6 weeks. Thanks to your changing hormones, vaginal bleeding, and breastfeeding sessions. These contractions (also known as afterpains) are going to be intense for two or three days after the delivery and may resemble menstrual cramps.

Tips to Manage Uterine Contractions

You can surely get pain-relief medicines from your healthcare provider to reduce your afterbirth pains.

Practising some breathing techniques, walking gently, and putting hot and cold compressing near the pelvis can also be helpful.

Vaginal Bleeding or Lochia

After the birth of your baby (vaginal or c-section), you’ll experience postpartum – vaginal bleeding or lochia. There are chances that you’ll bleed through the first week of your postpartum. You can expect heavy bleeding at this stage. The blood should be bright red, as this is a combination of tissue, and mucus in it. Over time, the discharge may be watery or pinkish.

Tips to Manage Vaginal Bleeding or Lochia

Wear sanitary pads to deal with postpartum bleeding or lochia. If the bleeding is extensive, this could be a sign of postpartum haemorrhage. You might need hospitalisation or other medical help in this case. 

Vaginal Tear or Soreness

At the time of your delivery, if you experienced vaginal tear. That means the wound is still there. It hurts, we know. It may take a long time for extensive tears to heal.

Tips to Manage Vaginal Tear or Soreness

You may sit in a warm bath, and apply an ice pack to the area. You might even have to consult your healthcare provider as he or she might give you pain relief medicines, along with a numbing spray or cream to soothe the area.

Breast Changes

Within a few days after the delivery of your baby, your breasts will feel full, tender, and sore. Something, which is also known as breast engorgement. This is mainly due to the declining hormones, after the placental delivery.

Tips for Breast Changes

Frequent feeding can reduce breast engorgement. In between your feeds, put cold washcloths on the breasts. You may alternately, consult the healthcare practitioner for a lotion or cream to soothe the area. You can alternatively get help to massage the breasts to reduce your discomfort.

A Feeling of Tiredness

You’re after all recovering from the nine months long pregnancy and childbirth. This is a huge transformation in your life. It’s no surprise that you’ll feel tired and sleep-deprived.

Tips to Deal With Your Postpartum Tiredness

Try to sleep when your baby is sleeping. Have a balanced diet inclusive of lean meat, whole grain bread, and pasta as well as fruits and vegetables. You can always get some help from your partner and the rest of the family members. 

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Due to the dramatic change in the hormones in the first week, and with the increase in milk supply feeling hot or getting night sweats is normal. With the increase in your feeding sessions, you might sweat more.

Tips to Deal With Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Try to avoid foods that will trigger hot flashes. Coffee or caffeinated drinks, and spicy, as well as hot foods are some of them. Drink enough water. Take rest whenever you can.

Postpartum Oedema (Swelling)

Your pregnancy hormones, preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension have given rise to pregnancy swelling or oedema. Having said that, in pregnancy, 50% more blood and fluids are required for the placental as well as the growth of the baby. The condition persists till such time that you have given to your baby. It even stays a week after childbirth. However, this condition gets better in the next few weeks. 

Tips to Deal With Postpartum Swelling

Avoid standing for a very long time. While you’re sitting, remember not to keep your legs crossed, as the blood flow gets restricted. Wear comfy shoes (sneakers would be better), while you’re on your feet. You may wear loose-fitting clothes too. Stay hydrated.

Passing the First Bowel Movement After Childbirth

You might feel scared of passing the first stool right after childbirth. Holding waste inside can increase postpartum constipation and further worsen the risk of haemorrhoids (piles). Postpartum constipation, just like pregnancy constipation is a common medical condition.

Tips to Deal With Postpartum Constipation

You might need medicines as well as a stool softener.

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression

Your bodily changes after childbirth, declining postpartum hormones (oestrogen and progesterone levels), rising prolactin and oxytocin levels, and continuous breastfeeding have left you tired, moody as well as depressed. It’s normal for you to feel depressed or feel the “baby blues”. Now may feel very happy, but the next moment you might feel overwhelmed. You might even feel irritable or discouraged.

Tips to Deal With Postpartum Depression

Have a balanced diet, get enough rest, and accept help from your family as well as friends. Along with this being physically active and talking to some of your favourite people can make you feel sorted.

C-section Scars and Incisions

As a result of C-section scars and incisions, in the first week of your childbirth, your movement may be difficult. You might even have trouble going in and out of your bed. 

Tips to Deal With C-section Scars and Incisions

Just a little movement would avoid blood clots. While being in the hospital, you might be catheterised also for easy urination, and that needs to be removed.

The Second, Third, and Fourth Weeks of Postpartum 

By the time you step into the second and third week of postpartum, you will start feeling a lot better. As vaginal bleeding overall may be lighter during this phase of your life. Thanks to your declining hormones. Vaginal tears (including muscle and skin) may also feel slightly itchy. Since you’ve already lost your water weight immediately after you’ve given birth, continuous breastfeeding in these weeks and the following weeks can return the uterus and pelvis in position.

Based on your breastfeeding, however, nipple sores may be common now. The problem may lie with your little one’s improper latching style. The nipples may hurt if the baby has thrush, or maybe tongue-tied. You might alternately need a lactation specialist’s help to deal with your breastfeeding challenges. If you had undergone baby blues or postpartum depression in the first-week post-childbirth, the symptoms may now seem to be fading away.

The C-section scars may feel itchy and the incision can be gently removed. Also, move gently to check whether you have narcotic pain. You can expect the narcotic pain to reduce.

The Fourth Week of Postpartum 

Once you’ve reached the 4th-week mark of your postnatal stage, you’d feel like it was yesterday, that you had given birth. Remember, you are still in the stage of recovery, and trying to set a pattern for yourself. As it will take some time for you to get back to the new “normal.” You will still bleed, but it will be very light now. The c-section scar and pain will start healing and will be on the milder side.

You must have given birth vaginally, so it’s a very good time to include an exercise program in the postpartum regime. In case you’ve given birth via c-section, you’ll have to wait till you get an all-clear after you’ve been checked up by your healthcare practitioner. The doctor may advise you to include postpartum exercises in your regime. He or she will give you those activities that will boost your energy levels. Walking might help. Pushing the stroller might also create a difference. However, eat healthy, be physically active (try not to overdo it) limit visitors, and take power naps. 

The postpartum journey is unique and varies from one new mom to another. Changes in your body’s shape, the curves, and the stretchmarks are all the hallmarks or rewards of motherhood. This is nothing more than a celebration. Enjoy it to the core!

The post The First 30 Days After Childbirth: A New Mom’s Essential Guideline appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Hi! All the mummies-to-be out there! You must be super excited about the most beautiful phase of your life. Isn’t that so? This beautiful part of your life comes with its share of struggles. You’ll be undergoing cramps, pain, swelling, vomiting, etc.  While you must visit your healthcare practitioner on a daily or weekly basis to keep track of your pregnancy, you must also visit a physiotherapist to get some relief from the not-so-welcome signs and symptoms of your pregnancy.

However, here, a question should come to your mind – Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy or not? To answer that question, physiotherapy is a part of medical science that studies the movement of every human being, and is a solution to many physical pregnancy problems.

So, what are the benefits of physiotherapy during pregnancy?

Physiotherapy Helps in Dealing with the Changes in Your Pregnant Body

From the first trimester of your pregnancy to the last, you’ll be undergoing several unimaginable bodily changes. Thanks to your soaring hormones, you’ll notice these changes in yourself. Your physiotherapist can help in easing the changes and strengthening the core. 

Reducing Pain

Lower back pain and hip or pelvic pain are the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Moreover, as the baby develops and the centre of gravity shifts, you’re more likely to feel pain and strain in the upper and lower back parts of your body. That’s when physiotherapy comes into play. While getting physiotherapy done, your physiotherapist would use different types of prenatal massages to deal with your pain. He or she would also give some physical exercises to relax your muscles, joints, bones, and ligaments and keep them much more relaxed.  

Boosting the Strength of the Pelvic Floor Muscles

With the progression of your pregnancy, you’d adapt your body to give birth to your baby. The pressure of the developing baby goes down the pelvic floor and makes it heavy. The reason your centre of gravity shifts, and the kidney works more, is to make you visit the washroom more often. Getting physiotherapy done can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. 

Keeping You Ready for Labour

The pregnancy journey from the first trimester to the last is not all that hunky-dory. You’re, after all, nurturing another life inside you, and you’ll need a lot of strength to naturally induce labour and give birth to a baby. Your physiotherapist may advise you on finding a comfortable position while you’re in labour. In case you feel uncomfortable in a position you’re in, you might very well change your direction. That said, you can practice wide-ranging pelvic floor exercises to keep you ready for your labour, and meditation. 

Physiotherapy Can Help You Come Back to Normal Activities After the Delivery of Your Baby

Just like your physiotherapist assisted you during your pregnancy, your physiotherapist will guide you after you’ve delivered your baby. Well! You can visit the physiotherapist 6 to 8 weeks after the delivery of the baby. The pelvic floor hasn’t been able to regain strength after childbirth, and pain isn’t completely undeniable. So, during the physiotherapy sessions, the physiotherapist would help you understand everything that is happening with your pelvic floor and help you plan a few postnatal exercises to reduce the pain.  

So, if you’re one of those expecting a child, try to get the help of physiotherapy from the first trimester. Physiotherapy in the first trimester mostly focuses on your sitting and standing posture as well as some of your pre-existing musculoskeletal difficulties. By the time you hit the second trimester, with physiotherapy, you will improve your mobility and flexibility and strengthen the spine. 

However, the moment you enter the third trimester of your pregnancy, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques in physiotherapy can help.

The post Physiotherapy During Pregnancy and Benefits appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Are you going to become a dad for the first time?

Ahh! Look at that smile on your face! This is a unique and unparalleled happy experience for you.

But it is daunting for you, at the same time. Isn’t it so?

After all, your partner is pregnant. Just like it is new for you, everything about it is quite new for you. You’re sympathetic, but still clueless as to how to go about it.

So, with Father’s Day knocking at the door, here are a few exhilarating ideas curated for you to help with the things that you might need to do as a daddy-to-be before your baby’s arrival.

Take Mental Preparation

Your pregnant wife will experience several physical and emotional symptoms like morning sickness, swelling, mood swings, etc. Along with your wife’s emotional upheavals, you’ll also feel the emotional rollercoaster. You may not be pregnant, but that does not mean you can’t be a part of the process. So, read plenty of books, journals, and online newsletters on pregnancy. These papers will tell you many things about your pregnancy, and types of deliveries – vaginal and emergency c – section.  Join the antenatal classes along with your wife. Involve yourself in plenty of activities –  prenatal yoga, and meditation to combat your emotional ups and downs and to keep yourself calm. Along with this, think about picking a hobby like playing the guitar or cooking for your wife, just to keep yourself distracted.

Choose the Right Kind of Lifestyle

If you’ve been smoking and are on an unhealthy diet in your pre-fatherhood days, refrain from them right now! (Getting exposed to smoking and drinking while your wife is pregnant is evidenced to heighten your baby’s risk of birth defects.) Adding on to this, change your eating habits. Fuel your platter with a nutritious, rich and balanced diet. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

Look for Fellow Dads–to–be and New Dads

As you’re graduating from being to becoming a father, look for all those dads–to–be in your social circle, and keep a list of questions prepared so that you can share your doubts and challenges of embracing the journey of fatherhood.  Along with this, you can get help from online groups, and those groups where you will get doctors’ suggestions.

Share the Responsibilities

Go to the nearest baby store to get a few baby essentials before his or her arrival to help your wife design the nursery. The shortlist here happens to be a crib, changing table, baby tub, etc. Additionally, after a few years of your child’s birth, you’ll see your little one achieving milestones and becoming mobile quickly. Baby-proofing your home is an essential part when it comes to bringing your newborn into a clean and healthy environment. While you baby-proof your house, keep the bathrooms locked, the cribs safe, and the cupboards and medicines locked. Also, keep a close eye on your pets (Kids and pets can be wonderful). Let your newborn enter a healthy and safe environment.

Try Not to Say “no” to Romance

After all, you’re taking all this trouble for the little one whom your wife is bearing inside her womb. So, why not be a little romantic to her? Take her to a pregnancy-safe spa, where she’s going to get some prenatal massage from some of the trained experts. You could also take her out on a date night or two. Give a hug before you go to sleep  to produce “cuddle hormones.” 

Take Charge of Your Future Finances

Your expenses may tend to rise. Decide on how much to spend and what to spend it on. Make a list at the very beginning. It could be diapers, baby clothes, and bottles to feed your little one after birth.

Feel Sleep-deprived With Her

Pregnancy insomnia is common for your pregnant wife. Due to hormonal changes, as well as frequent bathroom visits, your pregnant wife might feel sleep-deprived. To support her, you might also have to wake up several times at night. In this way, you’ll feel sleep–deprived too.

Share the Idea of Cord Blood Banking With Her

As you proceed towards the pregnancy’s second and third trimesters along with your wife, you can very well discuss cord blood banking. The umbilical cord blood can be collected after childbirth, and stored for an indefinite period, to keep both your little one and your entire family safe from over 80 life–threatening diseases.

The journey of fatherhood may be full of challenges, but it is also a beautiful experience. Just try to practice fatherliness from the very beginning.

Happy Father’s Day to you!

The post Things To Do When You Become a First-Time – Dad: Surprising Tips and Advice appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Just a few months ago Smriti’s mother called you up to tell you that she’s pregnant. A few days ago, you received a card at your doorstep. OMG! It’s Smriti’s baby shower. With the baby shower comes friends as well as family members, lots of love, care, pampering and gifts.

Gifts…??!!! Yes! Now you must be wondering what gift to give to your best friend. Mmmm…!!! With so many things on your mind, you must be in a fix. Don’t worry! We have curated a list of baby shower gift ideas for you.

Gift Her Something Soothing to Hear

This sounds like one of the unique gifts for the mom–to–be. Music has an essential role to play during pregnancy. Listening to music can keep the pregnant mother pepped up. She can even have a positive influence on the baby (when the music reaches your baby in your womb, it will help in your baby’s positive brain development), while he or she is cuddled up inside the womb. Additionally, insomnia is common during your pregnancy. Some light music to your pregnant friend’s ears can lull her to sleep.

Give Her Baby–proofing Essentials

Every would-be-mummy would always think of keeping her baby safe once he or she’s home – sooner or later. After all, by 6 or 7 months of the baby’s life, he or she will be crawling and start exploring every corner of the house. Therefore, a basket full baby – proofing necessities like furniture mounts, cabinet locks, rugs, and many more would be an amazing baby shower gift ideas for your friend.

A Complete Diaper Bag

Once she becomes a new mom, the stylish and colourful options of a diaper bag will help her in every possible way. After all, within a few months of the baby’s arrival, he or she will be busy soiling your friend’s lap and the bed. Multiple pads in a pack will help her and her little one in the initial days.

Give Her a Baby Carrier

This is a must! If your friend and her partner love travelling, or both of them are working, gifting them with a baby carrier can prove to be a blessing. Both your friend and her partner can enjoy new parenthood with their baby on the page. 

Give Her Parenting Books

Just like pregnancy, parenting is also a very big challenge. Discuss with other new parents, about the concerns that they have, and select various interesting and fun parenting books. The books could be on how new parents can spend their time with their kids as well as some facts on being new parents.

Give Her a Rocking Chair

A rocking chair can be an easy and comfy baby shower’s best gift option for the new mommy. Sitting on the rocking chair with the little one and breastfeeding him or her or just cuddling him or she can strengthen the bond between the new mom and the child.

A Combo of Postpartum Skin Care Products

During pregnancy, the skin will undergo a lot of changes. There will be dark spots, blemishes, stretch marks, and more. Such skin problems last even after giving birth to the baby. Therefore, giving a combo of face wash, lip scrub, and balm can help the skin, after the delivery,  become soft, moisturised, and glowing.

Share the Knowledge of Cord Blood Banking

Before the delivery of the baby, there are many things that a pregnant mother needs to keep in mind – starting from planning the baby’s nursery to planning the baby’s name as well as clothes. Tell your friend that she and her partner can include cord blood banking in their birth plan. Tell her about the idea and the benefits of cord blood banking so that she gets ready to make the most informed decision about cord blood banking.

The post Plan Baby Shower Gift Ideas For Your Friend appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Being just a month’s pregnant has snatched away those peaceful moments of “zzz” from you, at night? But did you know that pregnancy insomnia is common during pregnancy?

You will notice changes in your sleep schedule or pattern from the early stages of your pregnancy. Although the second trimester can give you some sense of relief, by the time you enter the third trimester, it’s not just the soaring hormones, and the previous problems leading to pregnancy insomnia, it’s the difficulty in finding a comfortable sleeping position that can also be one of the biggest causes of sleepless nights. Adding on to this, your weight (obese), age, and family history of insomnia can be responsible for your insomnia during pregnancy.

How To Fight Insomnia During Pregnancy Naturally?

If you leave your insomnia untreated, it can be a reason for a lot of worry for you. There is a possibility of your becoming hypertensive and depressive. That said, treating sleeplessness may be a challenge but not entirely impossible. Going to the doctor and taking sleeping pills would be an easy option for you, but that may be harmful for the baby, you’re nurturing inside. So, just a few significant lifestyle changes can help you improve your sleep pattern naturally.

Limit Your Caffeine and Chocolate Intake

As per the guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), approximately 1 to 2 cups of coffee may not be harmful to you or your baby inside you. Having more than 2 cups of coffee may not just affect the foetal growth and heartbeat, but it will also lead to anaemia and sleep disruption. Along with the regular cups of coffee, say “No” to your chocolate cravings also. It has some amount of caffeine in it to disrupt your sleep. 

Eat Small, Light, and Early

Beware of not wolfing down your food, later in the evening. It may leave you awake for a large part of the night. Therefore, it is always better for you to eat in small amounts, and eat light as well as frequently. It is also good for you to eat early (much earlier than the routine time for you to sleep). Eating early or frequently can also keep your heartburn at bay.

Try Drinking Plenty of Water or Fluids During the Day

Drinking as much water or fluids as possible during the day will help you reduce your time of visiting the washroom at night repeatedly. This will automatically save your energy, and sleep time, slowly putting you to sleep. 

Start Exercising

Give yourself at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Brisk walking or taking prenatal yoga, as well as practising breathing techniques or relaxation methods, can improve your sleeping pattern.

Keep Your Room Dimmed and Listen to Some Soft Music

Consider darkening the room that you sleep in. Turn the lights off. Close the windows with curtains so that street lights cannot enter your room and listen to soft music. You will dose off slowly.

Make a Bedtime Routine

Apart from listening to some light music, reading something good and light, taking a warm bath, and getting a prenatal massage (just before going to bed) can help with your sleep pattern every day. Also, remember that you need to go to bed on time and go off to sleep at the right time.

Get Some Comfortable and Nicely Scented Pillows

Invest in a good pregnancy pillow, and just cosy up to a peaceful slumber. You can alternatively use a lavender-scented pillow to keep you relaxed. Moreover, lying flat on your back with this pillow can keep your heartburn at bay. Don’t forget to sleep on your left side with your knees bent comfortably. This will help reduce swelling in your feet and improve your blood circulation.

Say “no” to Negative Thoughts and Share Your Worries

Mid–pregnancy insomnia is linked with higher levels of anxiety. So, if you feel anxious, and your worry could be concerning anything – maybe the diminishing glow of your skin with the progression of your pregnancy, or your anxiety about your cute, cuddly baby growing inside you – such thoughts will not let you sleep. You can talk to your doctor about it. But at the same time, you can share your worries with the mummies-to-be in and around your neighbourhood. Also, exchanging a few good words can drive you away from negative thinking.

Ditch Your Screen Time While You’re in Bed

As you try to make yourself feel comfortable in your bed at bedtime, try not to spend time browsing through your mobile screen or tablet or e–reader. Prolonged exposure to your blue-screen time alters your hours of sleep. It is always better to switch off your screens at least an hour before you go to bed.

Give your body and mind enough rest before your baby arrives. And don’t forget to follow our blog page to get more information on pregnancy, postpartum, baby care, and the benefits of cord blood banking.

The post Pregnancy Insomnia: Get 9 Natural Home Remedies appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Remember those pre-motherhood working days in your life when you went out with your office colleagues or friends over a glass or two of wine or champagne? Now that you’ve embarked on your pregnancy journey you really must think twice or thrice before you even touched that glass of “sparkle”.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may not impact the baby in the womb positively. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy may lead to a problem called foetal alcohol syndrome.

You must now be wondering what foetal alcohol syndrome is and how to get it treated before your childbirth.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

If you drink alcohol during your pregnancy, the alcohol passes through your bloodstream (the placenta is an extremely essential organ for foetal development) to your child in your womb via the umbilical cord and cord blood. The baby while being cuddled inside won’t be able to absorb the alcohol like you, as his or her liver does not mature till the last stage of pregnancy. Since the developing baby inside you cannot break down the alcohol that you consume, the alcohol stays in your body for a long time and the precious little one is deprived of food and oxygen that he or she needs to grow, thus impacting the overall health of the child, after his or her birth. 

The Effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder

Approximately 1% to 5% of children suffer from this problem. But it lasts for a lifetime. The disorder may severely or mildly affect the child. It may also vary from one child to another. Going deeper, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are grouped together with various signs and symptoms ranging on a scale of least to most effects. Some of the conditions mentioned below are: 

Partial Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)

is when the facial features of a child change, but he or she does not have all the symptoms or characteristics of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Alcohol-related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)

The child will feel inattentive, and impulsive and shall have difficulty dealing with challenges.

Alcohol-related Birth Defects (ARBD)

Your child will have defects in the heart, eyes, ears, ears, etc., giving rise to birth defects in your baby. 

A Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)

Your child will have difficulty in doing his or her regular activities like bathing and having trouble thinking. Some children might even throw severe tantrums.

Ways To Treat Foetal Alcohol Syndrome During Pregnancy

Since alcohol can do damage from the first trimester, going to the doctor early can surely help from the first stage of pregnancy. Early detection is prevention. A biomarker could detect the use of alcohol during your pregnancy. That said, the doctor may always tell you to avoid consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The healthcare practitioner also knows that it is difficult to be devoid of something that you’re so habituated to, as there are no safe limits to consuming alcohol during pregnancy, but staying away from the golden colour and sparkling is the way to go. However, the only solution would be to quit alcohol.

For more information on pregnancy, postpartum and baby care and the benefits of cord blood banking to safeguard your health and your family’s healthy future, follow our blog page immediately.

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You as an adult know what to do, when you have a stuffy nose or nasal congestion. You can either blow your nose or use a nasal drop to open the blocks inside.

But for your infant or your baby, his or her jammed snot is yet another story. As they haven’t been able to master the art of blowing their noses. The little stuffy nose leaves the infant or the baby crying and cranky. He or she might even find it difficult to breathe or be fed. As new parents, you feel bad and worried seeing your little son or daughter suffer from blocked nasal passage. So, when you’ve found out that your little one has a stuffy nose, you’ve started looking out for some of the best natural ways to give your child relief from nose blockage.   

The Best and Natural Remedies for Nasal Congestion

While you can take the advice of your doctor, who will give you medical treatment options like a bulb syringe, nasal aspirator, and nasal spray, there are other natural remedies too that you can consider. The remedies include:

Keep Your Baby’s Head Elevated While Sleeping

Just like you, your little one might feel more congested, when he or she is lying down. So, when you keep your baby’s head up or in an upright position, he or she will be able to breathe in and out easily. You can alternately, keep a towel under his or her head. The added height allows the mucus to be drained out easily, while the child is sleeping. Otherwise, he or she won’t even be able to sleep properly.

Give Your Baby a Steam Bath

Steam would work wonders for your child. Allow the bathroom to be steamy before you and your little one enter. Or let the hot water flow. Mix hot and normal water and sit with your child in there for some time. The mucus in your baby’s nose will start thinning and slowly the congestion will be cleared.

Give a Cool Humidifier a Try

If you happen to stay in a dry place with your child, remember that dry air can make your little one feel nasally congested. While moisture can relieve it. So, try investing in a humidifier and observing your little one for at least two weeks. You will notice your child slowly getting cured within these two weeks.

Observe Your House’s Air Quality

If your house has poor air quality, you might want to think about using an air purifier daily. You might alternately, try to change the filters in your cooling system. Who knows, this might just turn out to be lucky both for you and your little one.

Give Breast Milk Drops

Breastfeeding is a great way to connect with your little one physically and emotionally. Did you know that breastmilk can work significantly as a treatment for nasal congestion in your child? Yes, it does. Pump it and keep it aside, and use a dropper to apply it directly to your baby’s nose. This will slowly make the mucus lose inside the little one’s nose.

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, keeping your little one hydrated is the key. Keeping your baby’s fluid intake intact can keep the mucus thin, further ensuring that his or her nose is clean.  

Learning how to clean your little one’s nose properly can make both of you feel more comfortable. But, even after trying out the home remedies if you notice that your little one is struggling with a stuffy nose, consult your child’s specialist.

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In the wake of Covid – 19 when healthcare practitioners worked 24/7 to fight against the deadly virus people also became aware to wash their hands frequently, maintain physical distance and were masked whenever they were out in the open to stop the spread of the Sars Cov2. In this way, not just the spread of Sars Cov2 controlled but also the spread of other aerosol-induced respiratory viral infections like cold and flu, chicken pox, and measles were significantly lesser. The respiratory infection just as mentioned is most common in early summer, spring, and late winter.

What Is Adenovirus Infection?

Since the fall of 2021, although the usage of masks has been reduced, several environmental particles have triggered allergic reactions and could make many of us prone to viral infections. In addition to the flu, there are other groups of viruses, like adenovirus infection that can typically cause respiratory illnesses, like the common cold, conjunctivitis, etc.

Who Is At Risk of Adenovirus Infection?

The adenovirus infection may be affecting people of all ages, particularly children – even from babies of 6 months old to children of 5 or 10 years old.

Why babies and children? The reason is though children have been vaccinated and immunized they were not immunized against Covid -19 or other respiratory illnesses like adenovirus thus making them susceptible to viral infections.

What Are The Symptoms of Adenovirus? 

The adenovirus infection is different from one child to another and the symptoms may be mild to few, which include:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Fever (The temperature may rise up to 104⁰F)
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Pink eye (Conjunctivitis)
• Ear infection
• Stomach pain and diarrhoea
• Daily activities may be reduced.

What Are the Treatment Methods For Adenovirus Infections?

Although most of the symptoms may last for about 5 to 7 days and sometimes even further, some symptoms like cough may last a little longer than expected. More often than not symptoms get reduced on their own once the babies’ and children’s immune system starts fighting against the viral infections. However, some children who might have weak immune systems become secondary targets to this virus and they are having a very severe course of infections sometimes with added bacterial infections to make conditions worse.

Since in most cases, this turns out to be a self-limiting disease, a range of symptoms is seen, and anti-virals and antibiotics might be used, but not warranted to be used at all. Only antipyretic medicines like paracetamol may be given which is the best way.

Some Do’s:

• Keeping the infected infants and babies inside the house. Asking the children not to go to school as they can infect their peers.
• Disinfecting the child’s toys and keeping them clean.
• Washing hands more often.

Nonetheless… Till now these infections cannot be treated with the baby’s precious stem cells, however, it is not that cord blood banking cannot be recommended and not knowing what the future holds in this era of science and technology invention/advancement.

Follow the page of Cordlife to know more about the benefits of umbilical cord blood banking.

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Stem cell therapy can save lives. Today, it is possible to treat over 80 diseases using umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy. However, one area where saving cord blood is proving to be exceptionally helpful is in the treatment of childhood cancers. Here’s all you need to know.

Unlike in adults, childhood cancer is caused by early DNA changes. The good news is that most, almost 80%, of childhood cancers are treatable. However, the diagnosis and treatment need to be on time. If the diagnosis and treatment are done on time, these kids can live a long cancer-free life.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in India, nearly 75,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. India is home to at least 20% of the global childhood cancer cases. With the increased popularity of stem cell therapy, it is now possible to treat many of these cancers effectively and efficiently, helping these children live long and cancer-free life.

Common Childhood Cancers and Their Symptoms

Most children diagnosed with cancer are found to be suffering from one of the five most common childhood cancers. These are:

Blood Cancer or Leukaemia

Almost 30% of cancer among children is leukaemia. It is a disorder of the bone marrow. When the bone marrow stops producing blood and produces unwanted white blood cells or lymphoblasts, it causes leukaemia. The two most common types of leukaemia among children are:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

The symptoms of leukaemia can appear in various forms. As a parent, if you notice any of the following, consult with your paediatrician immediately.

• Regular infections
• A change in the appearance of the skin is caused due to excess production of white blood cells. The appearance of the skin may turn pale or yellow
• Recurring fever
• Anaemia
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Profuse bleeding
• Low platelet count
• Bone pain
• Aches
• Swelling in the joints
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Squint

A bone marrow test can detect the presence of childhood malignancy.

Brain Tumour

Almost 25% of cancer in children is due to pediatric brain tumours. The symptoms depend on the location of the tumour. When the cerebrospinal fluid spreads through the body, it causes problems. The child can lose speech if the tumour is near the speech centre. Some common symptoms of paediatric brain tumours are:

• Headache
• Chronic nausea
• Slurred speech or loss of speech
• Vision problems
• Cross eye
• Paralysis

Lymphoma

Another common cancer among kids is lymphoma, or the cancer of lymph nodes and glands. If diagnosed early, lymphoma in children is treatable. The most common symptoms of lymphoma are:

• Swelling or lump in the neck. However, the swelling can appear in other parts of the body too
• Bulging mass in the stomach
• Intestinal pain
• Vomiting
• Swelling in the stomach
• Difficulty passing bowel

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is more prevalent among kids below the age of five years. The symptoms of neuroblastoma vary depending on the location of the tumour. However, some of the common symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore are:

• Presence of a hard mass in the stomach
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Bulging eyes

Wilm’s Tumour

Cancer of the kidneys is another common type of cancer among kids. It usually has no typical symptoms. Still, you may watch out for the following:

• Fever
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath

Retinoblastoma

This is cancer of the eye. It is curable in nine out of 10 patients. It usually affects children under the age of five. It can affect both eyes or only one retina. The most common symptom is an unusual white reflection on the pupil.

What Causes Childhood Cancer?

The causes of most childhood cancers are not known. About 5% of childhood cancers are caused by an inherited genetic mutation. Most childhood cancers develop as a result of a mutation in genes that causes uncontrolled cell growth and later on paediatric cancer.

Some studies have linked childhood cancer to exposure to parental smoking or radiation. However, the research needs more data to conclusively prove this. So far, childhood cancer is not related to environmental factors.

Childhood Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnostic protocol varies depending on symptoms and the type of cancer suspected. It also depends on the age of your child. However, most probably your doctor will conduct some of the following procedures to confirm childhood malignancy.

• Blood test
• Biopsy
• Bone Marrow Aspiration
• Lumbar Puncture
• Ultrasound
• CT Scan or CAT scan
• MRI
• PET or PT scan

How Does Cord Blood Help to Cure Childhood Cancers?

More than 40,000 cord blood transplants have been performed globally to treat blood disorders and leukaemia. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have proved to be effective in childhood leukaemia treatment. Umbilical cord blood stem cell is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that can transform themselves into any type of blood cell. That is why they are used in treating the most common types of cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma.

Chemotherapy is the most common cancer therapy. Chemotherapy destroys cancerous cells. However, the downside of chemotherapy is that it can cause significant damage to the body. Chemotherapy is especially hard on children. Chemotherapy makes it hard to produce new healthy cells and makes the child’s body vulnerable to infections.

This is where umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used to treat the most common type of cancer after chemotherapy. The HSCs found in umbilical cord blood stem cells can help to regenerate healthy blood cell production. This will help the body to restore immunity and promote recovery.

Conclusion

Research is going on to find new treatments for the most common form of cancer among children. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have proven to be an effective solution to treating most common childhood leukaemia. You get only one chance to extract and save your baby’s umbilical cord blood— at the time of birth. Umbilical cord blood collection and preservation is a painless process that causes no discomfort to the mother or the baby. So, what are you waiting for? Make the right decision and safeguard your child’s health and future.

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We know that your journey to becoming parents has not been easy. There have been several challenges that you might have accepted, while you have been waiting for your baby’s arrival. By the end of your pregnancy journey, when a sweet little munchkin is born to you, feel like you are blessed. Right?

Now that you are a new parent, you must be very happy with the little one in your arms. At the same time, taking care of your newborn baby is not that easy. After all, your newborn will need all-around care, whether it is feeding, soothing, or diapering. Since you are new to this journey, we know that you might need a little help. So, here are a few parenting tips for your newborn baby care.

Newborn Care After Delivery

We know that the birth of your baby is one of the most magical and beautiful moments of your life. This is the time when the newborn takes its first breath, and the healthcare providers are there to take care of your newly born little one after the delivery in this way:

• The healthcare expert will clamp and cut the umbilical cord to separate you from your newborn. The specialists will take measures to keep the cord stump clean and dry. They will also tell you how to take care of the cord stump at home.
• The healthcare providers will massage your baby or stroke your baby on the skin to stimulate the baby to cry.
• During your pregnancy, your baby swims in the amniotic fluid. Even after your baby’s birth he or she might be wet from the amniotic fluid. Due to the presence of amniotic fluid on the baby’s skin, he or she may also feel cold after delivery. So, the experts tend to cover the baby with a warm blanket to keep your baby warm as well as dry.
• Keeping your infant skin-to-skin on your chest may reduce the baby’s crying, help you breastfeed easily, and improve the bond between you and your little one.
• After your baby is born, the healthcare provider will carefully examine him or her. He or she will check the baby’s temperature, pulse rate, reflex, skin colour, respiration, and muscle tone. A score from 7 to 10 is believed to be normal.
• The healthcare provider will give your baby his or her first bath once his or her body temperature has returned to normal.
• At the time of delivery, the bacteria in the vagina may infect your little one’s eyes. Therefore, the healthcare provider may give an antibiotic eye drop to protect those cute little eyes from infection.
• The medical professionals also record the footprints of the newborn.

Newborn Care In The First Month

It has been just a month since your little one has arrived. At this time, you will notice your child is communicating by crying. We know that establishing a definite sleeping pattern will still take time. In this situation, you might not be able to figure out how to take care of your newborn. Check out how you will take care of your newborn in the first month.

• Feed your one-month-old quite often. Maybe at least 6 to 12 times a day. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends you must breastfeed your baby till he or she is 6 months old.
• Since your newborn has unpredictable sleep patterns, understand your baby’s sleep cues and let your little one sleep at his or her own convenience.
• Make sure you put your baby in a crib and keep the little one safe. Ensure that you keep the crib away from the window so that rain or dust cannot harm your little one.
• Your child would also require the first vaccine in his or her first month.
• Keep checking and changing the diaper frequently.

Essential Newborn Care In The Second Month

By two months, your baby will recognise voices, respond to light and sounds, and coo or gurgle. So, while taking care of your 3 months old, all you need to do is identify the growth phases of your little one. Here’s how:

• Identify the sleep cues and take care of your baby’s sleep pattern, as your 2-month-old little one would require nine to twelve hours of sleep. To make your little one follow a proper sleep pattern:
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
• Offer pacifiers during sleeping hours.
• Make your baby sleep in a dark room.
• By 2 months your little one’s eye coordination is going to improve enough to follow the moving object. You can encourage your baby’s vision development with colourful objects.
• Interact with your little one by using simple words or rhyming words and see your baby respond.
• But, be careful to not leave your little one unattended.

Essential Newborn Care In the Third Month

Your baby will develop a strong bond with you by this time. Your little one will smile and talk back at you in their own way.

• Check to see if your child is cranky and irritable when he is hungry or sleepy. You can either breastfeed or bottle-feed him or her or create a comfortable environment to help your 3-months-old sleep a little longer.
• Since your 3-month-old will start grabbing objects or putting things inside his mouth, try not to keep any sharp things near your little one.
• Try to understand why he or she’s crying or wailing. He or she may not always be hungry. Who knows he or she might just need a diaper change or may just need to be cuddled?
• Playtime can also be the time to care. Establish a time to play with your little one. You can alternately sing to your baby and in this way, you can build a bond between you and your little one.

Sometimes newborn care may take a toll on your patients. But you need to keep your patients and enjoy parenthood.

Well! If you want to know something more about pregnancy, post-partum, babycare, and the benefits of cord blood banking, follow our blog page.

Image Source: www.who.int

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You must have noticed that your little one is slowly growing up and has started weaning. You’re certainly breastfeeding your baby to fill him or her up with the initial nutritional requirements. But, when it comes to introducing solid food, feeding your little one with bananas could be your first choice. Bananas for babies are a flavourful and naturally sweet fruit that your little one is going to like.

Now you must be wondering can you give your baby bananas just because they are sweet? No! There are surely several benefits to making your babies eat bananas.

Why Are Bananas Healthy For Your Baby?

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Academy of Paediatrics from the age of 6 months old of your baby you can give mashed bananas along with their regular diet. As your little one starts growing up, you can either give sliced bananas to your little one or add the bananas to other foods. After all bananas are full of nutritional value and can benefit your little one in several ways.

Bananas Have All The Important Nutrients

They are high in carbohydrates, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B.

• The carbohydrates in bananas can fill your little one’s energy requirements.
• The folate content can help in your baby’s brain development.
• The potassium content in bananas looks after the overall growth of your baby’s body.

Bananas Help in Your Baby’s Digestion

Besides the other nutrients bananas are rich in fiber, and fiber is good for your baby’s digestive system later. The soft banana pulp can help in the bowel movement of your baby, thus relieving him or her from constipation or any colic problem.

Bananas Help in Promoting Your Baby’s Bone Health

Since bananas have a valuable amount of calcium and phosphorous, they can help in your baby’s bone development as and when your little one starts growing up.

Bananas Help in Boosting Your Baby’s Immunity

According to research, bananas have a protein known as lectin, which has vitamin C and bioactive compounds such as phenolics, carotenoids, biogenic amines, and phytosterols, that have antioxidants in them and can support your little one’s immune system.

Bananas Can Prevent Your Baby From Choking

Since you’ll be giving mashed bananas to your baby, they are not just easy for your baby to digest, but due to their softness, your baby can easily swallow them and save your little one from choking.

Since your baby is just being introduced to solids, it is always advisable to begin with a limited quantity and gradually increase as the baby shows an appetite for the fruit. Otherwise your little one might develop some sort of sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance toward bananas. Adding to this, you may avoid feeding bananas to your baby at night as it might worsen your little one’s cold and cough. Don’t forget to choose those bananas that are ripe and easy to peel off.

However, if you feel that there’s something about the bananas that your little one doesn’t like and he or she is feeling cranky and irritable, consult your child’s specialist right away.

For some more information on baby care and the benefits of cord blood banking, follow our blog page.

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During pregnancy, uterine, cervical, or placental complications, as well as infection with the amniotic fluid, are some of the causes behind your giving birth to baby earlier than your due date. That means, a preterm birth usually happens 3 weeks earlier (in the 37^th week of your pregnancy) than a full-term baby’s due date. However, based on how soon you may give birth to your baby, your premature neonate may be classified into:

• Late preterm: In which, your baby may be born between 34 and 36 weeks of your pregnancy.
• Moderately preterm: In which, your baby may be born between 32 and 34 weeks of your pregnancy.
• Very preterm: In which, your little one may be born in less than 32 weeks of your pregnancy.
• Extremely preterm: In which, your little one may be born at or before 25 weeks of your pregnancy.

What Are The Characteristics Of A Premature Baby?

Well, as far as characteristics of a preterm baby are concerned; your premature infant may have such symptoms:

• Your premature infant may seem fragile. She may have small and skinny chest, as well as bird-like legs and arms.
  
• His or her skin may look pale or blotchy. Since there are more chances of your preterm little one being sick with jaundice so he or she may develop yellowish skin.
  
• He or she may be covered with tiny hair, which is also known as lunago.
  
• Adding on to the above, since he or she may be born small in size, his or her nervous system may not be fully developed. Therefore, he or she may develop a few premature birth complications like breastfeeding problems, as well as respiratory distress.  As a result, he or she will need special care and monitoring in the intensive care unit of the hospital before you bring your infant home. 

How To Take Care Of Your Premature Baby At Home?

Due to the pre-birth complications, babies born prematurely need extra care and attention not just in the hospital, but also in the house. We are aware that you’re also quite new in this journey of motherhood. It is obvious that you mustn’t be experienced enough in nurturing your premature baby at home. Therefore, before you leave the hospital, gather all the information from your doctor about how you can confidently take care of your premature baby at home. Here’s a list of things you can do as far as premature infant care is required.

Your Preemie Needs To Be Fed Well

Since your premature infant needs to grow well and might even have to catch up to the growth of a full-term baby, you need to feed her well. Of course, breastfeeding is the ideal way to nourish him or her and help your infant to grow fast, however, sometimes, your little one might have a problem with latching, as mentioned above. That doesn’t mean you’d stop breastfeeding your premature infant. You can alternately formula feed your little one as per your doctor’s advice. 

Be Consistent With Your Little One’s Feeding Schedule

Most preemies need 8 to 10 feeds a day. However, you shouldn’t wait much in between feeding your little one. You shouldn’t even wait for your little one to get dehydrated. Ensure that you feed him or her at regular intervals. 

Keep A Track Of Your Baby’s Growth

Your premature little one may not grow in the same manner as a full-term baby. However, with proper nourishment, your preemie will be able to grow faster and healthier. Not just that! Your doctor might give you a different growth chart for your infant. As per your doctor’s advice, you can include some activities like sitting up and crawling, which will help him or her grow faster. As you see your little one growing up little by little, start keeping a track of your baby’s growth.

Practice Skin–to–skin Contact

This is indeed a very good exercise not just for your baby, but also for you. Practicing skin-to-skin by breastfeeding, or by making your infant take some rest under your shirt or blanket tends to reduce the stress or pain of your infant and promotes health and weight. Additionally, skin–to–skin contact helps in regulating your little one’s heart rate as well as breathing. 

Keep Track Of Your Baby’s Vision

Crossed eyes or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)are usually common eye problems in some preemies. Although this problem might disappear, as he or she slowly grows up, your healthcare provider might still ask you to keep a constant check on your little one’s eyes. The doctor might even suggest you take him or her to the eye doctor for a check-up. 

Constantly Keep A Check On Your Little One’s Listening Power

Just like the vision problem, your preemie may develop a hearing disorder. Make some noises around your little munchkin to check whether he or she turns his or her head in response to your sound. If, somehow, he or she doesn’t consult the doctor immediately.

Check On Your Preemie’s Immunity

Vaccinating your preemie earlier than necessary wouldn’t help much. As per your doctor’s advice, let your premature little one be at least 6 months old, just like a full-term baby, and give him or her all the necessary vaccines and flu shots.

Limit The Visitors To Your House

Since your preemie’s immunity might be lower, it would be advisable for you to not allow many guests to your house to see your baby who knows, one of them may have smoked, had a fever, or not had clean hands, causing certain issues with your baby’s health. 

Avoid Going Out

At least till such time that your baby is carefully vaccinated to stay safe from infection from outside. Even if you plan to visit the doctor, try to fix the schedule and visit the doctor in the first hour of the morning or wait in the waiting area outside the doctor’s cabin. The doctor’s chamber also might have several kids with infections, so that may not be safe for your child.

Take Care Of Your Little One’s Sleep

Your premature little one may spend a lot of time sleeping. Ensure that he or she is sleeping on a firm mattress without pillows. Also, ensure that your baby sleeps on his or her back.

With the above-mentioned ways out, you can certainly take care of premature at home and help your baby grow fast. However, you can constantly consult the doctor for anything that concerns you about your little one. Besides, if you need any other information regarding pregnancy, postpartum as well as baby care, and the benefits of cord blood banking, you can follow our blog page.

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Pitter patter rain drops or heavy showers are really a sense of relief from the sultry heat. All of us including you, as first-time mums and dads are extremely happy to welcome the rain. However, at the same time, this season turns out to be a real challenge for you. As with the arrival of the monsoon, you will have many uninvited guests like mosquitoes and infection-causing germs, which are certainly unhealthy for your newborn. In such cases, the first thing on your mind should be your newborn’s baby health and safety in monsoon. But how? Read on to find out.

Ways To Take Care Of Your Baby During The Rains Indoors

Since water-borne diseases increase in leaps and bounds, during this season, your newborn is susceptible to falling sick during this time. Therefore, you, as first-time parents should be extra careful about safeguarding your little one from the monsoon woes. It could be anything from pre-checking your indoors to keeping your child away from anyone who’s not well, in this rainy season. So, here are few tips of baby care in monsoon season for you as first-time parents:

Start By Keeping Your Indoors Clean

Give your careful eyes to every nook and corner of your house like the garden area, bathrooms, balconies, and kitchen for any sign of leakage, or damps, or puddles during this season. If so, take action to fix these parts of your house, to prevent you and your little one from mosquitoes and infection-causing germs. Use disinfectant floor cleaners to not just keep your floors clean, but also keep the corners of your household dust-free. Also, use a vacuum cleaner to dust off the furniture, and sofa, and brush off the carpet every day during this season. If required, get pest-control done before the rainy season hits.

Keep The Mosquitoes Away From Your Little One

Mosquito bites are extremely painful for your little one. You will also notice that due to mosquito bites your baby has developed small red swellings on some parts of his or her body. Therefore, when you put your little one to sleep during the afternoon or at night you may either choose a mosquito net or mosquito repellent made out of herbal products like peppermint and lemongrass oil.

Keep Your Hands Clean Always

Hands are the gateway, through which infection-causing germs find their way to enter you and your little one’s body. Try your best to keep your nails short and wash your hands before you touch or hold your child.

Keep Your Little One Clean and Dry

During this season, on one hand, the rains can bring down the temperature of the surrounding area, on the other hand, the humidity tends to rise as the trapped heat escapes. Such a weird weather combination makes your little one feel both hot and cold at the same time.  So take the following necessary steps to keep your little one clean and dry.

Keep Wipes Handy and Your Baby Go Nappy-free

Keeping a few wipes handy is generally necessary for your baby care in monsoon. Moreover, in this season, since humidity can make him or her sweat a lot and hold a lot of moisture like in the armpits, ears, genitals, etc., use the wipes on your little one repeatedly during the day, and keep those areas clean. Alternately, repeatedly check your baby’s nappy, and allow him or her to be nappy-free at times during this season so that your baby doesn’t develop nappy rashes. As wet diapers are the breading ground of diaper rashes and fungal infections.

Make Your Little One Wear Warm Cotton Clothes

Since this weather is a weird combination of hot and cold, make your newborn wear light cotton clothes. Cotton fabrics are a newborn monsoon essential that is also breathable and comfortable on your little one’s skin.

Use Suitable Oil For Your Little One’s Sensitive Skin

Many of you as new parents follow the ancient Indian tradition to massage your little one with mustard oil. However, these days different types of baby oils like extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil are available in the market to massage your baby.

Bathe Your Baby After An Oil Massage

Once you’re done massaging your newborn, you can plan to bathe your baby in lukewarm water, almost daily, even during this season. Keep a fresh towel handy after you’ve finished bathing your little one and pat your baby dry.

Prepare Fresh Food For Your Baby and Keep The Utensils Sterilised

If you’re giving formula food to your newborn, ensure that it prepares in boiled water to eradicate any chances of infection. If your little one is slightly grown-up and you have introduced him or her to solid food, give him or her freshly prepared food for each meal. Also, remember to keep all the utensils that your baby is using absolutely clean and sterilised. As during this season, it is common that mould can get in the bottle or the teats of sippy cups and food can get spoiled fast due to the humidity, which is unhealthy for your little one.

Keep Consulting The Doctor

Since your newborn has more chances of falling sick, he or she might be affected by the monsoon-induced illness, indicating an onset of viral infection like catching a cold, sneezing, fever, etc. Therefore, if you happen to notice your little one falling sick with a cough and cold, consult the doctor immediately.

Ways To Take Care Of Your Baby During The Rains Outdoors

At times, even during the season, both of you may feel like going out to get a breath of fresh air. So, take these measures in order to be careful of germs and infections harming your newborn infant:

Staying Away From Dirty Areas

These areas may include dense shrubs or overgrown grass or a lot of puddles. The chances of mosquitoes, and infection-causing insects can also be high in these areas, which can be harmful to your child.

Staying Away From Crowds

Maybe you’re in a playground or garden with your little one in the pram or stroller, try not to go to the part which is crowded with a lot of people. Who knows, in this season, one or two of them might carry infection-causing germs, have a fever, or cough with a cold?

Use Techniques To Keep Your Little One Safe From The Mosquitoes

Go to the park or garden with your little one by making him or her different types of clothes. In fact, make him or her wear a full-sleeved dress or full-sleeved shirt and pants. Along with the clothes needed for the baby, use the mosquito creams on your baby’s body to keep them away.

Carry Healthy Food and Water While You’re Out With Your Little One

Try not to give street food, and water or fruit juices from the roadside hawkers. They may be unhealthily stored and can easily make your baby sick.

Vaccinate Your Little One Before The Rainy Season Comes In

Your baby’s paediatrician might suggest you to give him or her a flu shot before the monsoon hits. These shots can prevent your baby from fever, cough, cold, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

We hope that both you and your little one can make the best use of the weather with these monsoon baby care tips for first-time parents, and be sure of your newborn’s health care. To find some more interesting first-time parenting advice on baby care and the benefits of cord blood banking follow our blog page.

The post How To Keep Your Baby Healthy During Monsoon Season appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

We know that holding a mewling little one in your arms, after passing through the nine-month-long and challenging pregnancy journey, hasn’t been easy. Your infant is your reward for your pains, compromises, and sacrifices. Now that you’re a new mom, with the mewling little one in your arms, we know that your little one’s health is of the highest priority. And, breast milk is your little one’s best source of nutrition. Moreover, we know that, for some of you, breastfeeding can be both fulfilling and challenging. However, you needn’t worry! We are here to help you out with the best breastfeeding tips and guidelines.

Importance Of Breastfeeding Your Baby

Although for some of you, breastfeeding is a personal choice, breastfeeding has endless benefits both for you and your newborn. Therefore, the breastfeeding benefits are: 

• Breastfeeding establishes an emotional connection with your baby immediately. It releases oxytocin and prolactin hormones, thus sharing your love and care for your baby.
  
• Breastfeeding helps you burn the extra calories you earned during your pregnancy.
  
• During your pregnancy, the uterus grows to accommodate your little one till such time that you deliver your baby. However, breastfeeding after the delivery of your baby triggers the release of oxytocin, which aids in uterine contraction. This further helps the uterus to go back to its pre-pregnancy size and minimises the amount of postpartum bleeding.
  
• As a new mom, you might develop postpartum depression right after the birth of your child. As a lactating mother, you might have fewer chances of feeling depressed.
  
• Breastfeeding can reduce your chances of having cancer and other similar kinds of diseases.
  
• Besides, your breast milk is highly nutritious for your little one. Your breast milk produces a thick and yellowish fluid known as colostrum. This helps in developing your mewling little one’s digestive tract.
  
• Your breast milk has essential antibodies in it, which can safeguard your little one from infection-causing viruses and bacteria, thus strengthening your baby’s immunity.
  
• Moreover, your little one gets protected against infection from the cold, gut, respiratory tract, Childhood Diabetes, etc.
  
• Breast milk makes your little one smart. Research has shown that your touch and eye contact, while you’re breastfeeding, might help in long-term brain development in your baby and enhance his or her learning abilities in future.

Check Out Different Breastfeeding Positions 

You must have read about a variety of breastfeeding positions, such as the side-lying down position, cradle holding, laid-back feeding position, etc. With several trials and errors, you need to find out which position suits you the best. Also, remember that positioning yourself properly while you’re feeding your little one is an absolute must to increase the flow of your milk and make your baby feel completely secure and comfortable in your arms.

Follow The Natural Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

Before you find out the natural ways to boost your breast milk supply, you must be aware of the common breastfeeding problems that might affect the milk supply. 

The Breastfeeding Issues 

• Incorrect breastfeeding position may disrupt the flow of your milk and can make your baby feel uneasy.
  
• As a lactating mom, you can experience sore nipples, engorged breasts, infections on your breasts, blocked milk ducts, etc., while you’re feeding your baby.
  
• Trying to switch formula feeding from breastfeeding can give rise to nipple confusion in your baby, thus adversely affecting your breast milk production.
  
•  The emotional and physical stress factors can also play a role in affecting your breast milk supply.
  
• Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your little one need to learn together, and both of you might take some time to learn the technique. So, in this scenario, your baby may not latch on to your breasts properly, thus affecting your milk supply greatly. 

Well! Every problem has a solution.  

If you have breastfeeding problems, there are also some natural ways to increase your breast milk supply. 

Diet To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

While you’re breastfeeding, you need anything in between 400 to 500 extra calories to increase your breast milk. If required, you can take the help of your healthcare provider while you’re planning your breastfeeding diet, as in the initial days of postpartum and breastfeeding, you may not feel like having something easy on your stomach. Therefore, you can have:

Foods That Are Rich In Protein

Experts from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 65g of protein every day as a breastfeeding tip. Therefore, you can also enjoy a handful of:

• nuts and nut products
• Yoghurt
• Whole grain cereals
• Legumes and beans 
• Fish (According to the CDC, just remember to not include those fish whose mercury levels are high)
• Lean meats and 
• Eggs

Foods That Are Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Since Omega-3 fatty acids are shown to support the infant’s vision and brain development, experts suggest you have flax and chia seeds in your postpartum platter.

Foods That Are High In Calcium

The breastfeeding tips on calcium are concerned, you need at least 1000 mg of calcium in your breastfeeding diet. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, seafood (shrimp), leafy greens, etc.

Foods That Are High In Vitamin D

As a breastfeeding tip for new mums, experts suggest you have at least 600 IU of Vitamin D per day. You can have milk or substitutes of milk and whole grain cereals fortified with vitamin D. 

Foods That Are High In Iron

Iron is your first line of defence when you’re breastfeeding, therefore, you need at least 9 mg of iron every day, which you can get from lean meat, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Whole Grain Cereals

Include whole grain cereals like oats, oatmeal, rice, wheat, and cereals are important sources of fibre, minerals, and Vitamin B, in your breastfeeding diet that might keep you full for a long period, aid digestion and milk production. 

Dark Green Leafy Veggies

Your breastfeeding diet will remain incomplete without the power-packed vegetables like Alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, etc. These veggies have calcium and phytoestrogen hormones in them, which are responsible for boosting milk supply.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are high in protein, fibre, calcium and Vitamin B complex, which act as a lactation booster. Soak them overnight, add them to your pasta or salads and garnish them with lemon juice.  

Fennel

You can have the bulb, stalk, and leaves of the fennel plant. You can also add them to the stews or soups. After all, fennel is high in Vitamin C, and that is a good lactation booster. 

Garlic

A healthy addition to most of your breastfeeding nutrition. A study shows that garlic-flavoured milk is quite nutritious for you. However, if your child might show some sensitivity to garlic while he or she is latching on to your breasts, then you may limit your garlic intake.

In addition to these breastfeeding tips, experts from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest you include at least 290 mcg of iodine and 550mg of choline daily in the form of dairy products, eggs, and iodised table salt. However, keep the consumption of caffeinated and aerated drinks in limits.

Do Some Low–Impact Exercises

Maybe a little brisk walking in fresh air or adding yoga asanas like Surya namaskar, Chakrasana (backbend) to your schedule might help. However, you must not reduce your weight rapidly, as the toxins in your body fat may move into your bloodstream and your breast, thus affecting it. 

Alternately, you can practice skin–to–skin contact, breastfeed quite often, feed from each breast, ensure that your little one latches properly and let your partner also help you while you’re breastfeeding. As you include your partner, let him change the diapers, clean the baby, and give you a massage in between and after your breastfeeding sessions. 

We hope that these breastfeeding tips and guidelines will be of good help to you. So, continue breastfeeding, and don’t forget to follow our blog to get some more information on pregnancy, postpartum, baby care and the benefits of cord blood banking.

The post Breastfeeding Tips: The Ultimate Guide For New Mums appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Your pregnancy is good news for you, your family, and everyone at your workplace. However, since you’re a working mum-to-be, you might have to take maternity leave from your organisation until you deliver your baby.

Initially, you may feel like it’s a long gap since your office, but all you need to realise is that it is just a matter of a few months. Once your baby is born, you can go back to work.

Returning to work after your maternity leave can be extremely difficult for you. There is a point when you even feel torn. You neither want to leave your baby nor do you want to leave your job.  Moreover, staying away from your little one is emotionally and physically challenging for you. 

Therefore, at the end of your maternity leave, know how to prepare yourself to get back to work by following these tips: 

Understand The Maternity Leave Policy and Benefits

You can apply for your maternity leave just a few weeks before you’re due. However, during maternity leave, as per most companies’ maternity leave policy is paid leave. Getting so many days of paid leave is indeed a maternity leave benefit. Sometimes you might even need an extension for your maternity leave. However, that will entirely depend upon your company’s policy and the advice of your healthcare provider.

Do Proper Childcare Research

Many childcare programs may keep you waiting for at least 12 months. Therefore, take some time out with your partner and try to explore the childcare options, much before the days of your maternity leave are over. Alternately, you can take the help of various types of childcare websites. On the websites, you can read everything about childcare. You can even compare prices and decide which childcare you want for your little one.

Keep The Nanny’s Phone Number On Your Phone’s Priority List

There might be a situation when you have an important meeting to attend or a deadline, and your baby has fallen ill. Be prepared for this moment before it takes place. Keep the phone number of the governess on your phonebook’s priority list. She would be able to inform you about your munchkin’s health from time to time.

Always Keep A Plan B Ready

There might also be situations in between your maternity leave when your nanny is ill and has taken leave. There is nothing wrong with asking for help from your friends, relatives, or another babysitter to take care of the baby. You can alternatively ask your partner to take paternity leave (As there are only 15 days of paternity leave allowed 15 days before the child’s birth).

Choose A Time To Pump Your Milk

According to the famous Act, the offices must provide a clean and empty place in your workplace where new mums, including you, can express their milk. Well! In this case, you might just want to contact your Human Resources (HR) Department and Co-workers early on. Tell them about your situation so that you get the facilities and time required for breast pumping when you join the back to the office after your leave. In this way, you don’t have to unnecessarily miss important meetings and deadlines.

Keep Your Essentials Ready

The essentials include breast pumps, nursing pads, and some healthy snacks. A proper breast pump will make breast pumping hassle-free. Nursing pads are essential for you during this time. After all, you wouldn’t like to show off a dress stained with milk. Snacks are equally important to make your transition from maternity leave to going back to work easy.

Check Your Wardrobe Properly Well In Advance

Take out your favourite trousers, skirts, and tops from your pre-pregnancy days. Put some well-fitted clothes in a noticeable place in your wardrobe so that you needn’t have to struggle in the mornings with your baby. If you feel it necessary, purchase new clothes. 

Give a Trial Run

We know that you’re not used to getting ready with your baby. For instance, packing your little one’s bag for the day-care, pumping your milk into your baby’s bottle, and dropping him or her off at the day-care. Give a trial run so that you can develop the routine with your little one.

Are Flexible Work Timings Suitable For You

We know that the thought of returning to the office after your maternity leave is taking a toll on your body and mind. In fact, with the little one in your arms and your office far from your house, going back to work full time after maternity leave and maintaining proper work hours would be difficult for you. Therefore, communicate with your senior. If possible, talk to your boss as early as possible during your pregnancy. You can also mention this query while you’re writing your maternity leave letter. Who knows, you might get the opportunity for part-time work or work from home when your baby is born?

Schedule a Date to Come Back To The Office After Your Maternity Leave

Plan to come back to work somewhere in the middle of the week. With this approach, you can comfortably get back to work and adjust to the new situation.

Make a Plan to Rest

Getting back to work after maternity leave and taking care of your child is a tough job. So, you must plan a time to take a little rest in between your work and later at night when your little one is asleep.

Going back to work after a maternity leave, leaving your babbling baby with the babysitter, can make you feel guilty at times. However, with the best to arrange for your baby, you needn’t feel guilty or worried at all.

Also, for any information related to pregnancy, postpartum, and the benefits of stem cell banking, follow our blog page.

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Baby sleep problems are common for those of you who’ve recently had a baby. You might feel handling your cuddly little one is challenging. It might be very difficult for you to make him or her feed or eat. You might find it quite a challenge to stop him or her from crying. Additionally, you might find it more difficult to put your baby to sleep. Yes! After all, sleeping is an important aspect of a baby’s life in his or her early years.  Studies have shown your baby’s relation between sleep and cognition. In fact, there is a positive association between your baby’s sleep and the development of memory, language, and overall cognitive development. 

Reasons For Your Baby’s Sleep Problems

To highlight some of the causes of lack of sleep in your baby, as parents, you should know that your newborn is trying to adjust to life outside the womb. Therefore, it might take up to 11 weeks for your little one to develop a proper 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. Moreover, if your little one is breastfeeding, he or she is expected to wake up after every 1 to 3 hours. Sometimes even more frequently. In fact, in the first 6 months of your baby’s life, your focus should be entirely on your little one’s sleep pattern. In fact, your baby’s sleep pattern is expected to change with time, till such time that your baby falls into a routine.

Therefore, till the time your little one enters into a proper sleep pattern, as parents, you need to identify the common sleep problems in your baby. Here are some common sleep problems in your baby with solutions.

Your Baby Has Developed a Feeding Association With His or Her Sleep

This is most common after the first few months of your baby’s life. Your little one tends to fall asleep only after you feed him or her.

Solutions For Having This Problem

If you can move your child’s feeding time far away from bedtime, your cuddly little will not tend to fall asleep during or after his or her last feed is over. Make this a habit for your little one so that your baby doesn’t sleep after feeding.

Your Baby Can Sleep Only If You Rock Him or Her

This happens because your little one has an association with movement in his or her mind. You’ll notice your cuddly little one feels that a gentle rock in your arm or the cradle, will help fall asleep quicker.

Solutions For This Sleeping Issue Especially at Night

Allow your little one to go to sleep with minimal or no rocking at all. You can alternately hold your baby in your arms without a single movement.

Your Baby Can Sleep Only in Your Warm Embrace

This is a common reason as to why your baby can’t sleep. Your little one will sleep if you hold him or her closely.

Solutions to Your Baby Sleep Problems

Teach him or her to sleep otherwise. Make the little one sleep without holding him or her close. You can also ask your partner and some of your other family members to hold him until he falls asleep.

Your Baby Can Sleep Only Next to You

You will notice this more after your little one grows up a little. Your little one would refuse to sleep anywhere else except sleeping beside you.

Solutions For Co-sleeping With the Baby

Co-sleeping with your baby is common. Therefore, it is best to make him or her practice how to sleep away from you, without letting your little one cry too much.

Your Baby Constantly Keeps Awake During the Night

You’ll notice your little one will go off to sleep immediately after you put him or her to sleep. But you also observe your baby will wake up a lot of times at night.

Solutions to Your Baby’s Sleeping Issues at Night

In this case, try to adjust his or her feed schedules, otherwise you have to put him or her to sleep using other sleep associations, like rocking or breastfeeding, which might not impact positively upon your baby’s sleep pattern.

Your Baby Wakes Up Earlier Than You

If you notice your little one takes the bed early, or late or sleeps a lot during the daytime, your little one will feel overtired. Consequently, he or she will wake earlier in the morning – maybe earlier than you.

Solutions to Why Your Baby is Not Sleeping Early in the Morning

Try to change your little one’s bedtimes and sleep schedule. In this way, your little one will not wake up early.

However, if you think you’re unable to understand why your baby is not sleeping during the day or at night, you can definitely use the above-mentioned solutions or visit the child specialist immediately.

You can also follow our blog page, to get some more information on baby care and cord blood banking.

The post Baby Sleep Problems: The Ultimate Guide For New Parents appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Do you remember as a would-be- daddy how well you connected with the baby inside your partner’s womb? Although we know that:

• going for the prenatal check-ups with your wife
• Joining  the antenatal classes together
• Designing the nursery together
• Making a birth plan hasn’t been easy for you. But, both of you as parents-to-be tried to meet all the challenges before your baby’s birth.

However, with the mewling little one in your arms, and with the father’s day just around the corner, you can follow these parenting tips for the development of your new-born.

Parenting Tips For Infants

At the end of your wife’s pregnancy journey, you must have secretly heard your wife praising you for being the most responsible and supportive partner ever. Hearing that, you surely feel like cloud 9, but your work is not over yet! As you graduate from being a responsible would-be-daddy to becoming the most responsible father you just have to be aware of a few things:

Feel Sleep-deprived

Newborn care after delivery is essential. So, when your partner as new mommy feels tired after feeding the little one many times, be cordial to her by:

• holding the baby,

• Cuddling her for some time and 

• Changing the soiled nappies even in the middle of the night. You might feel sleep-deprived with your wife, but your touch makes the baby feel absolutely safe and secure. In this way, a positive and trustworthy foundation is built between you and your little one.

Understand the Cues

Those delightful cooing and tiring crying are part of your newborn’s baby development. As first-time parents, it’s not just your wife, as a mother, who should be responsible for understanding your baby’s cues. Since raising a child is teamwork, as you graduate to become a doting and responsible father, it is your duty to understand your mewling little one’s behaviour and language. With time you’ll also be able to understand and respond to your baby’s needs. For instance, you can sing, talk, or walk your cuddly one while he or she’s crying in-between the feeding sessions. In this way, you happen to create a lot of one–on–one time with your little one and this stimulates your newborn’s brain development.

Parental Guidance in Child Development

As your child proceeds from the 6 months onwards, your child takes the first step, smiles for the first-time, and even tries to wave. He or she babbles or says “ma –ma” or “da – da”. Here is a few parental guidance during these development stages of your baby’s life:

Play, or Gently Clap in Front of Your Little One

Do all these things, as he or she starts achieving his or her milestones from birth to 12 months old – from crawling or moving his or her arms, fingers, and eyes. If you notice your little one is smiling in response, that means  he or she’s getting attention.

Expose Your Little One to Books

The first few years of your baby’s life are crucial for your little one’s cognitive milestones. In this case, you can pick some books and introduce them to your baby. There are board, musical, puppet books, etc. We know that it will be difficult for your child to understand the meaning of every word at such an early stage. However, with the right rhythm and change in the tonal quality (like sounds of water, lion or any other character), you can emphasise your speech and make him or her understand easily. Your baby will be more familiar with your voice. Also, reading to your little one will also help him or her understand and learn the language faster. 

Talk to Him or Her

Yes! Maybe by praising her. Or by simply talking to him or her for fun. Your little one’s listening and learning skills will improve. 

Spend a lot of time cuddling and pampering him or her. We know that the starting journey of fatherhood is tough, but the journey is a beautiful one. In parenting, fathers, like mothers, are pillars of emotional and physical support for a child. Studies have indeed shown that, an affectionate and supportive dad plays a big role in developing a child’s cognitive and social development. As your little girl grows up, she depends upon you, as her daddy for her sense of security. As your little boy grows up, he will grow up imitating his father. Additionally, it instils an overall sense of well-being in children. 

Happy Father’s Day!

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As new parents, we know that you feel elated to see your baby achieve milestones. Some of these achievements help your little one slowly become independent in the future. Your sweet little one might have started crawling, rolling, and enjoying his or her tummy time, but do you know when your sweet and cuddly baby will sit up? Sitting is indeed a very sweet milestone that your chubby baby might achieve in due time. However, as new parents, you first need to understand the signs determining when your baby starts sitting up to ensure that you help your baby sit up.

When Do Babies Sit Up?

To sit up unassisted, your baby must have a strong upper body and must be able to hold his or her head high.

What Are the Signs That Your Baby Is Ready To Sit Up?

• At around 2 months old, your little one should push forward while lying on the stomach.
• At around 4 months old, your little one should be able to hold his or her head steady without support.
• At around 6 months old, he or she would try to sit with a little help. At this time around your little prince or princess will start enjoying his or her tummy time. However, at this time when the upper part of his or her body gathers a little strength, you can help your baby to sit up with the help of a pillow.
• You might want to know when would your baby sit up from the lying down position. Well! By 7 months, your baby may sit up from a lying-down position by pushing up from the stomach.
• By 9 months, your baby would get into a sitting position without help.

As mentioned above, remember your baby will be able to sit if he or she has good control over his or her head. However, if your baby is going close to anywhere between 7 to 9 months, he or she would be able to sit up after being able to roll in both directions. In fact, at this stage, your baby may also scoot back and forth or may try to start sitting up and crawling. However, when you make your baby sit on the floor, you might observe him or her trying to tripod. This is when your little one is trying to sit with the support of one or both hands. This shows that he or she would soon be able to sit up, on his or her own.

How Can You Help Your Baby Sit Up?

While you help your baby to sit up, remember he or she needs control over the weight so that your little one can gain strength to move. Therefore, once you understand the signs of your baby’s sitting up, you can help him or her out.  Here are some ways that you can try out:

Add More Tummy Time

By 3 months, your baby is expected to get control of his or her head. So, begin your tummy time since then. Ensure that you make him or her lie on any surface – maybe the floor or the bed to increase the tummy time. More tummy time means making your baby’s neck, upper body muscles strong. You can make tummy time interesting and fun for your little one by shaking rattles.

Some Back Time

Just like tummy time, lying on the back becomes equally important. It will strengthen your baby’s ab muscles, chest, and trunk. So, make him or her lie on his her back more often.

Hold Your Baby To Sit Up

Make your cuddly little prince or princess practice a little before you make him or her sit. As the old saying goes, practice makes a man perfect. For instance, sit on the floor with your baby between your legs and support him or her, while he or she’s learning to sit up from the floor. Support him or her with some pillows or cushions while he or she’s trying to balance his or her sitting position on your lap. You can also prop him or her to the corner of a sofa. Alternately make your little one sit in the crib and place a toy right in front of him or her while he or she is trying to balance his or her sitting position. Ensure that while you’re making your little one practice sitting, hold his or her body.

Use Infant Chairs For Sitting Up

If your baby is between 4 and 5 months old, he or she would be able to sit on the chair with some help. An infant sitting up in a chair is perfect if your child has just started sitting with support and needs to strengthen his or her upper body.

Help Your Child Sit Up On His Own With Caution

While giving your little one training to sit, be a little careful and take these precautions:

1. You must not leave him or her unattended
2. If you have high infant sitting chairs, fasten safety belts. Also, try not to put the newborn sit-up seats on high surfaces or near water.
3. Don’t let your baby sit on swings or baby seats for too long. Allow your baby to move, and help him or her to learn new skills of sitting. This will help him or her to grow and develop.

However, if you feel that your baby is not sitting up before or at 11 months, you might have reason to worry and suspect that your child has a developmental delay – like tight muscles, or floppy movements. Follow your mommy instincts in this case and consult with your doctor immediately. However, remember that children develop differently. Some might master their gross motor and cognitive skills early; some might develop later on.

Also, to gain some more knowledge on baby care and cord blood banking, follow our blog page.

The post Interesting Ways To Help Your Little One To Sit Up appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Bathing your newborn baby is undoubtedly a bliss as this is a chance to bond with your baby. At the same time, you realise that your little one is delicate, and while bathing him or her that can make you feel a little worried. Fret not! With time, practice, and focus you will be able to learn how to give a bathe to your newborn baby perfectly. All you need to do is follow these simple baby bathing tips.

How To Bathe Your Newborn For The First Time?

Your baby is covered with vernix (a waxy substance on the skin), after-birth to protect your baby’s skin from germs and infections in the environment outside your womb. If you’ve given birth in the hospital, your healthcare practitioners will be there to clean up the vernix. However, as far as your baby’s first bath is concerned, WHO recommends giving your baby his or her first bath after 24 hours of his or her life. As your baby might catch a cold if you’re bathing him or her immediately after birth. Once you bring your baby home, with your child’s specialist’s suggestion, you can add bath time to your baby’s routine. You can also start by sponge bathing your baby.

How To Give Your Newborn a Sponge Bath?

Sponge bathing your newborn baby is the best and simplest way to clean your baby till such time that your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off within 10 to 14 days after your baby’s birth. Following these steps might make your work easy: 

• You need a warm room with a flat surface – maybe your bathroom, kitchen counter, changing table, or your bed.
  
• Take a soft blanket or towel or changing pad, spread it out on the flat surface.
  
• Bring your little one to the room, undress him or her, and make your little one lie down on the flat area. Always try to keep one of your hands on the baby for safety.
  
• Before you lower your baby into the bowl or sink ensure that you have running warm water in it. However, check the water temperature for your newborn’s bath with a thermometer. If in case, you do not have a thermometer, check it with your wrist or elbow. It should not be very hot.
  
• Now lower the baby in the sink, take a clean washcloth, soak it in the warm water, wring out the extra water, and start by wiping your cute and cuddly little one’s face and head. Give special attention to the underarms, ears and behind the ears, the neck, and the diaper area.
  
• Also ensure, while you’re sponge bathing your baby, use fragrance-free, mild baby soap, and shampoo.
  
• Now take your newborn baby’s bath towel and pat your baby dry gently. A hooded towel would be comfortable for your baby. Don’t forget to pat dry the diaper area.
  
• When you sponge bathe your newborn baby with the umbilical cord stump still attached, you might accidentally wet the cord stump. Not to worry! You can gently pat it dry.

How To Bathe Your Newborn Baby In a Bathtub?

Once your baby’s cord stump falls off (after 10 to 14 days), you’ll understand that your baby is perfectly ready for a bath in a bathtub. You might use a plastic tub or sink for it. You’ll need a baby soap, shampoo, a hooded baby towel, a soft flannel, cotton balls, a soft baby brush, and some warm water in the tub. Remember the water should not be more than 2 inches in the tub and the temperature also should not be more than 38⁰c.

• Gently lower your baby in the newborn’s bathtub after you’ve undressed him or her. Well! Putting him or her in the bathtub immediately after undressing your baby would make your baby catch a cold.
  
• Cradle your baby’s head with one of your hands and support the rest of your baby’s body with another while you’re lowering your baby in the bathtub.
  
• Your little one’s feet should go in the tub first. (Remember to keep your child away from the bathtub till such time that the water is at the right temperature).
  
• Ensure your baby’s neck and head are above the water level, and the back of his or her head is in the water.
  
• Splash some warm water on your little prince or princess’ head gently and take a hygienic and wet cloth to clean his or her face, head, hair, and the rest of your baby’s body.
  
• Shampoo your baby’s hair, at least twice a week.
  
• Now gently pick your baby up from the tub and pat him or her dry with a towel.
  
• Since babies don’t sweat like adults, keep in mind that you do not need to bathe your baby quite often. Here you might want to know when to give a bath to your baby? Well! 2 or 3 baths a week are enough for your newborn baby.

How To Be Careful While Bathing Your Newborn?

Once the area around the umbilical cord stump is healed, you can help your baby bathe inside the bathtub. Your baby should always be supervised at bath time. You should never leave your baby alone in the tub.

What To Do After Your Baby Has Finished Bathing?

Dress your baby by putting his or her nappy on first. If your baby has dry skin, apply a non-perfumed cream or ointment to moisturise your baby’s skin. Keep your baby in a safe place – maybe in a cot and empty the bathwater.

Knowing how to bathe your newborn baby is important for you as a new parent. Ensure he or she’s comfortable while taking a bath. Additionally, you can make your baby’s bath time enjoyable with baby toys or books.

To know more about baby care and cord blood banking, follow our blog page.

The post How To Bathe Your Newborn Baby In A Few Simple Steps appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

You might be making a list of the baby birthing plans during pregnancy and for your delivery every day, and might have struck that off thinking the list might be incorrect.

Your big day is not very far away. The list that you might have been creating, is the birth plan in pregnancy. We know that this is the right time to create a birth plan. (A birth plan is a record or a document in which an expectant mother lists her preferences for her baby, her labour and the after-delivery process). If nothing is striking you, we’re always there to help you out.

So Here Are Some Pregnancy Birth Plan Ideas You Might Cover

How To Choose A Birth Plan – Cesarean Section or Natural?

Whether you’re making a c-section birth plan or a natural birth plan, while making a delivery plan, you might either choose a hospital, or a birthing centre which is also known as a maternity home. Delivering your baby in a hospital or birthing centre (maternity home) is a common practice where:

• You’ll get screened properly before your delivery,
• You’ll get pain medicines readily available for you,
• The doctors might suggest you induction of labour (if required), and
• The newborn baby can be carefully monitored.

How To Make A Labour or Delivery Birth Plan?

Clearly write down how would you like your labour to look. Include everything in the list below:

Position During Labour

Amongst a variety of labour positions, mention whether you would like to walk around or try out different positions of labour – maybe standing, squatting, side-lying or doggy style in your birth plan.

Who Will Assist You at Birth

Most women tend to choose a doctor or an expert who has the training to handle pregnancies, labour and delivery. Moreover, you can have your medical history discussed with the experts.

Choose The Process of Your Labour

Doctors normally follow a common procedure for all pregnant women. So, if your doctor feels that your labour may not take place normally, the expert might recommend induction of labour.

Choose The Pain Management Methods

Discuss with your doctor and mention whether you need any medicines to reduce your labour pain. The medical expert can also suggest you go for a relaxation massage and breathing techniques before childbirth.

What Would Your After-delivery Birth Plan Include?

In your birth plan during your pregnancy, sit and decide with your doctor whether after the delivery of your baby, you want to:

• Go for cord blood banking as the cord blood is in rich haematopoietic (blood-forming)stem cells which are used to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases – like blood cancer and sickle cell anaemia).
• Carry out any cultural ritual right after you’ve given birth.
• Consult a lactation specialist to understand breastfeeding techniques.
• Keep your baby with you for all the time, or if it is fine for your little one to spend some time in the nursery.
• Understand whether your baby might be needing any medical procedures after the delivery.
• Keep your baby on your chest for a skin-to-skin experience. This not just helps in relaxing you and your baby, but also helps in regulating your baby’s heartbeat and helping in adapting your baby better to life outside your womb.

Once you’re done with the listing of your different types of childbirth plans, sit with your healthcare provider to review it as the plan might be impacted by his or her recommendation, the hospital or birthing centre’s rules and regulations, as well as in cases of emergency requirements.

The post How To Make A Birth Plan During Pregnancy: A Checklist For Parents-to-be appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Did you know that your infant had teeth, while she was still curled up in your womb? At about 5 weeks gestation, the first buds of primary teeth appear. At birth, your newborn will have a full set of 20 primary teeth hidden under his or her gummy smile.

By the time the 20 milk teeth appear, there are chances that he or she will show signs of mild irritability, fussiness, drooling, runny nose, diarrhoea, a low-level fever and an urge to chew something hard. We know that such times are really difficult for you as a new mom.

Take the help of your child’s dentist during such times and read this informative article to follow the child dental care tips.

Gently Massage Your Little One’s Gum

Your little one’s gum is delicate. Use either your fingers or a soft and wet cloth for massaging. Make sure you have clean fingers when you’re massaging the gums.

Use The Cool Teething Rings

Since your child is feeling the urge to chew on something, he or she might also feel cranky out of pain in the gum. Pressure from a relatively cool object might give your little one some relief. Ensure you do not sterilize the plastic rings unless you’ve been specified by the manufacturer.

Use Sugar-free Teething Biscuits

If your little one has already started on solid food, these biscuits will give some relief to your baby’s teeth.

Try To Keep The Drool Dry

Drooling is common in young children, especially while their teeth are coming in. It is usually nothing to worry about. However, excessive saliva can sometimes irritate a baby’s skin and cause drool rash. The saliva can be very irritating for your little one. Keep the drool dry by gently wiping it away with a soft cloth.

Use Toothbrushes Designed Especially For Babies Under 2 Years

As soon as you notice your baby’s first two pearly whites emerge, clean them with these toothbrushes.

• Use only water on the toothbrush to brush your baby’s teeth at the initial stages. At least, till such time that your baby is 18 months old or till the time the dentist advises some other option for the child.  
• You could also make brushing creative, interesting, and fun by singing songs or by allowing your sweet chubby baby to play with his or her favorite toys.
• Clean the brush with plain water, once you’ve cleaned your baby’s teeth and gums.
• Keep the toothbrush upright, and in the open air so that it dries up easily before using it for the next time. 
• Change the toothbrush after every 3 – 4 months once the bristles are worn out.

Keep Your Child In A Comfortable Position While Brushing The Teeth

While you’re cleaning your little one’s mouth, keep your baby in such a position so that your baby feels secured and you can see his or her mouth clearly. You can either sit on the floor or on your bed, and can keep your baby’s head on your lap. Keep your child’s chin cupped in your hands and his or her teeth in soft and circular motion, by lifting his or her lip up. Ensure that you spend more time on each tooth of your baby’s gum – be it in the front or back.

Be Careful With The Teething Gels When It Comes To Your Child’s Oral Health Care

Try to choose those gels which wouldn’t have 8.7% to 9.0% of choline salicylate in them, which basically is aspirin. Aspirin is not recommended in children under 16 years old. 

Early Tooth Decay Is Not Uncommon During The Time Of Your Baby’s Teeth Growth

It occurs when the germs attack your baby’s teeth and damages the surface. Tooth decay is basically, a diet-related problem, which can cause pain and infection in your baby and can even affect the overall development of the baby. You can treat the decay by:

• Visiting the dentist by your baby’s first birthday and spotting the early signs of decay.
• The method of feeding your baby is also very important. Once your baby is old enough to have solid food don’t give foods rich in high sugar. 
• Once the second tooth comes out, help your child floss. Oral hygiene for a child is incomplete without flossing.

Dental Formula Of Your Child

The exact time of your infant’s teeth growth might differ from that of another baby. While some babies start teething as early as 2 or 3 months, there are some babies who don’t cut their first tooth until they are 12 months or more. A full set of 20 milk teeth or primary teeth which remains hidden at the time of birth, appears within a few years of your baby’s life and the dental formula of a child goes like this: 

• First molars – between 6 and 7 years. 
• Central incisors – between 6 and 8 years. 
• Lateral incisors – between 7 and 8 years. 
• Canine teeth – between 9 and 13 years. 
• Premolars – between 9 and 13 years. 
• Second molars – between 11 and 13 years. 
• Third molars (wisdom teeth) – between the ages of 17 and 21 years, if at all.

Make Your Child Understand That Losing Teeth Is A Natural Process

By the time your little one is 6 years old, your child’s teeth may feel a little wobbly and tend to fall out to make way for permanent teeth. Your child might even lose the first tooth before or later than 6 years old. Although losing teeth might be painful for your child, you can make your child understand that losing baby teeth is a natural process. As a part of your child’s dental care, you can use cold packs or pain-relief medicine. It is also a good idea to reward your child to help him or her to take the idea of tooth loss easily. (However, if your child is under 6 years old rice-sized smear of toothpaste will be helpful for your child. But if your child is above 6 years old fluoride-based toothpaste will work best). 

Dental Hygiene is important for your child. Healthy milk teeth can help your child to eat, chew and speak normally. It can further help in your child’s growth and development. Keeping the above points in mind will help you in taking care of your child’s dental health. Also, don’t forget to take your child to the dentist to address any of his or her teeth problems. 

Visit the blog page of Cordlife India to learn more about pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and cord blood banking.

The post 10 Unique Ways To Keep Your Child’s Milk Teeth Healthy appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

From the very first day, when you brought your mewling little one into your house, you didn’t want to miss out on any one of those exciting milestones of your baby. Isn’t it?

We know how much you love watching those milestones come and go. After all, milestones indicate that your baby is growing up. However, there’s one particular milestone, which might require your fair attention and that is when you see your child lets go of his or her diapers and accepts potty training.

Toilet training for kids is indeed a difficult task for you as parents. Every child has a different way of learning and there is no best way to make him or her learn the techniques.

So, like many other new parents, to make your work easy, we have curated a few potty-training guidelines for your son or daughter and of course for you.

Read this engaging article to find out what they are:

Try Not To Be In A Hurry With Toilet Training

The habit of pooping in a potty seat should be slowly encouraged in your child. Explain to him or her that big kids only use toilets and potty seats when they want to pee or go potty. So, next time when he or she feels the urge, he or she will ask you to take you to the child potty seat, directly. 

Watch Out For The Signs In Your Little One

While some children show their signs of wanting to go to the potty when they are in-between 18 and 24 months old, some may not be ready even later than that. In that case, observe your child’s cues carefully and try to understand when to start potty training your baby. So, check whether your little one is able to:

• Walk and run steadily
• Urinate properly
• Feel the urge to poop
• Sit quietly and in one position for 2 to 5 minutes
• Pull up and down his or her pants
• Grunt (a physical or verbal sign) and show that he or she’s willing to have a bowel movement
• Use the potty or toilet seat without any hesitation
• Control his or her bowel movements and tell you about it before he or she does it
• Follow your instructions like “Sit down on the seat”

Show Potty Training Is Easy With Examples

Give examples of the kids of your neighbour, friends and relatives in front of your child and tell your little one how exciting, fun and easy potty training was for those children. You may also take your child to your neighbour’s or friend’s place and show him or her with an example that the kid is using the bathroom so many times in a day all by himself. (Closely watching someone of your child’s age helps a lot). Alternatively you can take your child with you next time you need to use the toilet and show him or her how to pee or how to do potty.

Let Your Child Play Potty Training With The Toys

As he or she’s learning the trick gradually, allow your child to play, pretend  and go through the process with his or her favourite toys. This will help you understand that he or she is learning the process.

Follow A Pattern In Potty Training

Once your child learns how to potty through the training gradually, let your child follow a pattern. Make your child use the potty seat or toilet once in the morning, after he or she wakes up and once in the afternoon and night, after he or she’s finished her lunch or dinner. You can also encourage him or her to use the potty seat before you’re going out somewhere. This lets your child know that going to potty is a routine thing and this way you are inculcating good toilet habits in your little one.

Let Your Child Spend Some Naked Times

Since your child is learning to say no to diapers, encourage your child to go naked while he or she’s doing potty. This is a very basic potty-training method, which is followed in most of the household.

A Fun Song While Your Child Is Doing Potty

If you feel that your little one is feeling nervous about using the potty or toilet, create a song or play a tune on your music system to encourage him or her. This will make him or her feel more relaxed. Alternately, both of you could create a fun song together while your little one’s using the potty.

Books Can Help

Visit your nearest bookstore with your child and purchase some fun books, where your child can see that a child character in the book is pooping or using the potty seat. This will add to the fun of potty training. Alternately, you can give him or her, her favourite book to pass the time while he or she’s on the toilet seat and help him or her go easy on potty-training. 

Accidents Are Inevitable

Once you start potty training your child, you cannot expect perfection or miracle immediately. Accidents are bound to happen. So, try not to be harsh on him or her and allow him or her to handle the failure gracefully.

Place The Potty In A Convenient Place

Placing the potty in the bathroom will help your little one to understand the connection of bathroom and potty. However, to avoid accidents, you might try to place it inside your bedroom (if you’re co-sleeping with your child) or inside your child’s room

Praise Him or Her

Yes! ?Clapping and using positive comments for each win will work pretty well for your toddler. After all! Small praises for your little one for his or her small achievements is a natural part of parenting.

However, if potty-training is taking a little time, don’t get discouraged or frustrated. Instead, be patient and keep these simple tips in mind to potty train your little one efficiently.

Don’t forget to visit the blog page of Cordlife India – a premium cord blood banking company to know about pregnancy, childbirth, baby care, parenting and of course cord blood banking.

The post Potty Training Tips: 11 Essential Guidelines For Child Development appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Since the coronavirus pandemic has made its appearance, around this world, life has suddenly taken a turn. Out of everything else, work and academics has started following a home-based-online pattern and working parents and children have seen a huge transition in their daily lives. In fact, the thin line between being working professionals and parents has suddenly disappeared.

Plus, balancing work meetings-deadlines as well as meeting the needs of the children, has become quite a challenge, thus almost leaving parents feel like pulled throughout the day.

However, sometimes, just a little perspective might help manage work from home and children in a much healthier way.  

Read on to find out how:

Establishing A Routine Helps

If you have older children, by now they have got habituated to the virtual classrooms. Therefore, while you commit a time for your children every morning and encourage them to follow a routine to complete their work on their own, you make a list of your absolute-musts and to-dos ready along with an estimated time-frame to complete them without any interruption. Establishing a routine, indeed, will help in assisting your child once you’re free from your work. However, if you have younger children at home, sometimes, you might just take longer than your estimated time-frame. As younger children might be needing individual attention from you.  

Creating Boundaries Can Be Intimidating

But it is equally important. After all, it’s overwhelming, if you would have to attend to your child, who’s might be crying for some snacks, while you’re trying to complete a spreadsheet or you might have to attend to a call or email from your boss, at the same time. So, allocate different times for both. If you have an older child, telling him or her not to disturb you, within that time-frame, unless it is urgent, is a good idea. On contrary, if your child is young, make your house more accessible for him or her, along with a nanny to be there to attend to him or her, all the time. In this way, you can also attend to your boss’ requests, calls, mails and meet your deadlines.  

Setting Up an Office Space is Necessary

In-between fulfilling your needs for your child, and other family members, you might be certainly needing a quite space to work. In that case, try to figure out what works out best for you, and use that much only. You might, for instance, choose a corner of your house, pull out a dining chair for a desk chair, and clear off a counter to dedicate a space for your monitor or laptop, printer and a few cups of pens. In this kind of set up you can just close the door behind you, and work, while your children are also busy with their grandparents, nannies, games or studies. However, if you are constantly moving, and interacting, you can set up same space in your living room too.

Take Short Breaks Between Work, If Possible

May be only for 35 to 40 minutes. The whole idea is to give your mind a point of relaxation and let your children know that you are free for them, for some time. In fact, if you have a play corner or study corner set up for them, with their favourite toys or books, and colourful mats, you may very well go and spend some time playing or reading  with your kids. This will also be a time, when you can prepare some wonderful snacks for your kids and for yourself and can have them together, while you interact with each other.

Divide Home Responsibilities Between You and Your Partner

Yes! Set specific goals for each corner of house and for the work that might be related to your kids. And have it discussed and sorted well in advance. Communicate these roles separately to your children so that, they know whom to approach for their requirement. This in a way will be an example of team work in front of your kids. Not only will they be happy, seeing their parents working together in the house, but they will also understand no work is gender-specific in the household.

Keep Your Expectations Real

While you’re working from home with your children in tow, not all days are going to be smooth. So, if you have made a few mistakes in your work, while attending to your child’s tantrums, remember, you’re not a superhuman. Neither are you a parent, who’s someone out of your favourite movie. So, no guilt trips.

At The End

Setting up a time-table and following it will surely make working from home and parenting easy, thus establishing a strong bond between both parents and children

The post Still, Working From Home? Know-How To Changes Gears From Work To Parent? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

In India’s second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children were affected by the virus. It has been a major cause for concern, and we are sure that, like most parents, you too may be wondering whether it’s a good idea to give your child a flu shot.

The answer is a resounding yes. As the third wave of COVID-19 threatens to hit India in the coming months, doctors highly recommend it. More so if your child is prone to colds and seasonal flu.

Do You Need to Worry About Your Child Getting the Flu?

While the flu does not severely affect adults, it can be fatal for infants and children with medical conditions like heart, kidney, or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, sickle cell anaemia, HIV, etc. Flu or common cold can also weaken a child’s immune system and cause respiratory problems.

Flu symptoms include congestion, sore throat, cough, chills, high fever, nausea, and vomiting. That’s right; these symptoms are very similar to that of COVID-19. Parents are bound to get them tested for COVID-19 at hospitals, and if the symptoms are severe, even admit their child to the hospital.

However, if the third wave hits India as predicted, hospitals will be filled with COVID-19 patients, making it difficult to get your child admitted. So, it is advisable to vaccinate your child against the flu and prevent such a situation from arising.

Does a Flu Shot Also Protect Your Child Against COVID-19 Infection?

As per studies conducted on children who’ve tested positive for COVID-19, it was observed that the flu shot reduced the risk of infection and respiratory illnesses significantly. In fact, it built their immunity against the coronavirus through ‘viral interference’—a phenomenon where a cell that is infected by the flu virus becomes more resistant to the coronavirus.

When should Your Child Get the Flu Shot?

Flu season usually begins in November and goes on till May. Children who are 6 months or older should get the flu shot before October, every year.

Is It Necessary to Give Your Child a Flu Shot Every Year?

Absolutely! You see, the strains of viruses keep mutating from time to time, and the vaccine formulations are upgraded to include the new strains.

If your child is younger than 9 years, they may need to get 2 shots every year, usually a month apart.

Where Can You Get Your Child Vaccinated?

The influenza shot is readily available in the market. Your child can get the flu shot at your trusted doctor’s dispensary, the nearest hospital, or even at home if administered by a healthcare professional.

Does the Flu Shot Have Any Side Effects?

Your child may experience slight fever, aches, and swelling or soreness where the shot was given. In rare instances, some children have experienced weakness, hives, dizziness, vomiting, faster heartbeat, and breathing difficulty. So, observe your child after the shot and get medical help if you notice any of these side effects. These side effects are nothing compared to the effects of the actual flu. So, don’t worry about it and give your child the flu shot every year. After all, prevention is better than cure.

The post Build Your Child’s Immunity With The Influenza Vaccine appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

As a would-be-mummy, since the time of conception, you share a special relationship with your baby snuggled inside your womb.

But, as a would-be-daddy, we know that you’re not a spectator merely. You are as emotionally involved with her happiness and pain, and, want to establish a beautiful bond with the unborn baby, just like her.  

Wondering how? Fret not! We are here to help you out with some ideas:  

Visualise Your Baby

Although as a would-be-mother, your wife can feel every ounce of her baby’s growth inside her womb, however, as a would-be-father you can visualise your baby either by seeing your wife’s growing tummy or feeling the kicks. Nonetheless, visiting the doctor with your partner time and again might also help. During the doctor visits, your wife will undergo ultrasound scans, thus making things real for you. The sound of your baby’s heartbeat, for the first time ever will be the happiest moment for you. Watching the baby swim in the amniotic sac, can make you feel equally emotional. And talking to your child at this point, to see his or her reaction can be fun and the start of a sweet bond. You can also keep a scanned image of your baby on your phone or wallet to feel close to your unborn. 

Talk to the Baby, Read Aloud or Play Some Music

In between 15 to 23 weeks of your wife’s pregnancy, your baby will start hearing. So, as a father-to-be, you can talk to the little person growing inside the mother’s womb. If you talk to your unborn regularly, he or she will slowly start becoming familiar with your voice. So, try to talk to your little one about your plans with him or her. Share your dreams. Share your life.  Additionally, try reading out, aloud or play your favourite track. Let the little person enjoy the book that you once read as a child.  Let the baby connect to the music that you love. Trust us, you won’t ever find a patient listener. And don’t be surprised if you see your growing baby kick as a reaction to some sounds – maybe your voice or the music that you recently played.  

Plan Your Baby’s Nursery

Be it the colour of your would-be-baby’s walls or the design of the crib, trying to anticipate what your little one will like and need, will inevitably help you bond with your baby before he or she enters into your world.

Continue to Make Your Wife Feel Important

She’s after all the mummy of your would-be-baby, the most special part of your life. She will obviously need your time, attention, warmth and love, at this moment, like there’s no tomorrow. Moreover, her feelings and emotions will have a direct impact on the baby. Therefore, giving her a massage down her shoulders or tummy is a good idea. Bring her a healthy snack or a glass of nutritious juice or give her the salon time, while she’s adjusting herself to the pregnancy hormones. She wouldn’t mind if you appreciated her looks and gave her a few hugs. You know, frequent hugs release “cuddle hormone” as the scientists put it. It will reduce her blood pressure and stress factors, thus making her feel very happy.

Besides, pregnancy is not a solitary affair. Your involvement in this journey will pave the way not only for a wonderful pregnancy but also to make parenting an adventure.

The post About To Be Daddy? Know How to Bond With Your Unborn Baby? – Fathers’ Day appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Untimely contractions are natural during pregnancy. The problem starts when the frequency of the contraction increases. Sometimes, you may feel an unnatural tightening of the uterus. This could be the handiwork of an irritable uterus. In this condition, you’ll notice that your contractions are stronger and more frequent than Braxton-Hicks contractions as well. However, they don’t cause any changes in the cervix.

Want to know more? Then keep reading as we detail out the causes and the cure.

What Is An Irritable Uterus?

Normally, contractions calm down after getting proper rest and hydration. In the case of an irritable uterus, the contractions show no signs of calming down. That said, this condition is relatively common and usually goes away on its own. However, in some rare cases, an irritable uterus can cause preterm labour, leading to an early delivery. Therefore, you should seek medical intervention.

This condition is caused by stress and severe dehydration. So, remember to drink a lot of fluids and learn to prioritize your emotional wellbeing.

Irritable Uterus Symptoms

If you think you are suffering from an irritable uterus, keep an eye out for these symptoms:

Back and Stomach Pain

As your muscles contract, you will experience back pain. Even your stomach will tighten up, causing pain and discomfort.

High-stress Level

It’s normal to feel a little stressed during pregnancy. After all, your body is undergoing a massive transformation. However, if your stress level is higher than usual, you might suffer from an irritable uterus.

Dehydration

If you have an irritable uterus, then you will always feel dehydrated. Even drinking a lot of fluids will not alleviate the condition.

Tight Belly

You will feel a sharp pain in your belly while walking or standing up. The pain may last up to an hour.

How To Treat Uterine Irritability

In most cases, it’s hard to find the exact cause behind uterine irritability. However, after studying the symptoms, there are a few steps you can take to make things better. Mostly, you must be ready to make some dietary and lifestyle changes.

Get Some Rest

An irregular sleeping habit can distress your uterus. Not only will you feel cranky and exhausted, but your stress levels will fly off the charts. So, make sure you get eight hours of sleep at night.

Have Frequent But Small Meals

Eat small meals throughout the day. Always put nutritious food on the plate and avoid processed food.

Avoid Stress

Don’t get into heated arguments or unpleasant conversations. If possible, stay away from your phone as well. Prioritize your mental health and take a break from stress-inducing activities.

Don’t Lift Heavy Objects

Lifting heavy objects can worsen your contractions. Therefore, you should not pick things that require a lot of strength.

Empty Your Bladder

Remember to empty your bladder before going to bed. Going to sleep with a full bladder can put pressure on your uterus.

Suffering from an irritable uterus is pretty common during pregnancy. You can counter this problem by following a healthy pregnancy routine. However, if you notice anything unusual, then consult your doctor.

The post Easy Ways To Soothe Your Irritable Uterus appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

As a mother, you share an intimate bond with your baby. Even when your baby is in the uterus, you can feel his or her heartbeat. Your partner, on the other hand, can only watch from the sidelines. While he may provide support, he may feel like a passive spectator. To make the process more inclusive for your partner, you can adopt some of the strategies explored in this article. Just because your partner is not experiencing the pregnancy physically doesn’t mean he cannot be as emotionally invested as you.

Here are some ways you can include him in the process:

Visit the Doctor Together

Visiting the doctor together is a great way to share the pregnancy experience. Your partner will know what to expect, which will make him just as excited as you. Your partner will get a clearer picture at the doctor visits while listening to the child’s heartbeat during the ultrasounds. This will also double as an opportunity for him to clear his doubts.

Take a Parenting Class Together

As new parents, you are part of a team. So, taking a class together is highly recommended. Choose a class you are both comfortable with and have fun. Remember, parenting is not just about serious stuff. Sharing a laugh or two can help both of you enjoy the experience a lot more. If your partner wants to assist you during labour, then a class that teaches birthing methods is a must.

Bond Over Baby Names

Another fun activity is choosing baby names. To take the fun factor up a notch, you can turn this into a game. Choose an alphabet and then list down all the names that start with that particular alphabet. Then compare your lists. After that, both of you can collaborate and shortlist the names you like the most.

Work on a Baby Plan Together

Depending on your preferences, chalk out a baby plan. This can include whether you prefer a home birth or a C-section. Planning out the details with your partner can be beneficial for both of you. It will give your partner a clearer understanding of what you want. That way, he can make life easier for you during labour.

Design the Baby Nursery

Nothing brings partners together more than working on a pet project. In this case, both of you can brainstorm and come up with interesting themes for the nursery. You can discuss which colors to choose or which superhero will adorn the walls. If done right, the nursery will be a blend of both your personalities. While it may sound inconsequential, but exercises such as these will help your partner feel included. Plus, painting walls becomes a lot less boring if you have a partner. 

Parenting is a team effort. At first, your partner may not fully comprehend the changes you are going through. Regardless of whether he understands or not, you need to involve him. The trick is to be patient and work on a strategy together as partners. The whole point behind doing activities together is that you learn more about your partner and your partner learns more about you. Besides, pregnancy need not be a solitary affair. By involving your partner, you are paving the way for a partnership that will make parenting an adventure. Go ahead, hi-five your partner and figure out a plan that will benefit both of you.

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Babies are born with their primary teeth hidden in the jaws. At around six months of age, the teeth begin to appear. Even though it takes time for the teeth to appear, you should not delay dental care. Dentists suggest that dental and gum care should begin as early as possible. Establishing good dental practices help in having good dental health throughout life. The baby also gets habituated to a dental cleaning routine if you start early on.

Are you wondering what’s the point since temporary baby teeth will fall out anyway? The reason is that cleaning the gums and teeth properly can help with the child’s nutrition and speech development. Clean temporary teeth give way to healthy permanent teeth. Decayed temporary teeth may interfere with the shape of the permanent teeth and they may come out crooked. Baby teeth also define the shape of your child’s face and make it easier for him to talk properly. Decayed temporary tooth damages the underlying permanent tooth. Moreover, a decayed tooth can cause pain and discomfort to the child.

Dental Care at Different Ages

Dental care depends on the age of the baby. Infants need specific care. Babies who are going through the teething phase need extra care. Once the tooth starts falling off they need a different kind of care. 

0-6 Months

This is the stage when no actual tooth is visible. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean the mouth. Try to clean the gums after each feed. This will prevent the bacteria to stick to the gums that may cause plaque and cause damage to the temporary teeth when they come out. Do not use a toothbrush at this stage. Just take a damp cloth or gauze pad over your finger and wipe the gum carefully. Be mindful to clean every corner of the mouth. If your baby doesn’t like cleaning the gums try to divert his attention by singing a song or letting him play with a toy. Once you establish a habit of cleaning, the baby will also get used to it.

6-12 Months

The first tooth usually appears at 6 months. This phase is known as teething. The gum opens up and allows the teeth to appear. The baby usually feels uncomfortable during this phase. Babies usually rub their gums with their hands at this stage. Just keep the hands clean. A child may cry more during teething. He may not feed properly, and may even show diarrhea or fever-like symptoms. Do not worry if that happens. Give him sliced frozen cucumber or carrots to suck. This will ease their discomfort. Keep cleaning the gums with a damp cloth or gauze. Once the tooth arrives make sure to clean the front and back end of the tooth properly.

12- 24 Months

By the time a baby turns 2-year-old, he should have 20 teeth. Teach your child to brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste. Put only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush. Keep the toothbrush clean and change it every month. Avoid sugary foods, pacifiers or letting the child fall asleep while feeding on a bottle to avoid tooth decay.

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If you’re worrying about whether your baby is growing normally, join the club! It’s a very common factor that’s a cause for concern for most new parents. If your baby falls under the average weight, you believe that they may be ill, and if they are over the average weight, you may begin to worry about obesity. However, it’s important to realise that babies, like adults, come in different shapes and sizes, and hence the weight can be drastically different. While the average weight for a full-term baby is around 3.3kg, some healthy babies have been born below or above that weight. If your baby is born between 2.5kgs and 3.7kg, there’s no cause for concern.

Several factors contribute to your newborn’s weight at birth:

• Your weight and diet both before and during pregnancy play an important role, which is why experienced mothers encourage new mommies to eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
  
• Your prenatal health, especially whether you have diabetes, drink or smoke.
  
• Your birth weight and that of your partner can both impact your newborn’s weight.
  
• A younger mom will tend to have smaller babies, especially if you’re a teen mom.
  
• Your baby’s gender also plays a role, as boys tend to be heavier.
  
• If you’re having twins or triplets, you can expect them to be smaller.

You need to watch out for weight gain and weight loss, as it’s an important indicator of overall health. Your baby’s doctor will monitor this at every visit. Soon after discharge, you will notice that your baby will weigh less than they did at birth. Don’t panic! It’s absolutely normal – your baby is simply the fluid from their body. After about 5 days, you will start to notice that they are putting on weight. Your baby should be back at its birth weight within two weeks.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Isn’t Gaining Weight As Expected?

If the low weight gain is consistent, it can be due to some issues, which can be corrected. Here’s how:

• Increase your baby’s feeds to about 8 to 10 times a day. Ensure that s/he is fed every three hours during the day and every four hours at night.
  
• The best part of your breastmilk is at the end, so make sure that your baby is draining at least one breast in every feed.
  
• If your baby has trouble latching on, it will stop them from gaining weight. Try pumping your breast milk or giving them formula instead. If required, you can also consult a lactation specialist.
  
• Using a pacifier could mean that your baby gets tired of sucking and hence doesn’t put too much effort during breastfeeding.
  
• It’s possible that you are not producing enough milk to satisfy your baby fully. You could try to increase feeding or pumping to ensure that you’re making enough. Changes to your diet can also affect how much milk you produce.

If, on the other hand, your baby is gaining weight too quickly, it could be due to a growth spurt. An exclusively breastfed baby is less likely to be overfed. However, if you’re supplementing the breastmilk with formula, adjust the amount to eat more than they should be.

When it comes to weight, remember that all babies grow at their rate. If your baby is slow to gain weight, don’t worry, as sudden growth spurts will help them catch up. However, if you notice that your baby isn’t back to their birth weight within 2 weeks, or if she’s had drastic weight loss after regaining his/her birth weight, you need to visit the pediatrician. Other than that, enjoy these days when you’re small and cuddly. Before you know it, they’ll be as big and tall as you are!

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During pregnancy, problems can arise if you and your baby are Rh incompatible. A test early on in your pregnancy will help determine your Rh factor, which is essentially an inherited protein found in red blood cells. If you don’t carry it, then you’re Rh-negative. While it doesn’t affect your day-to-day health, it becomes crucial when you’re pregnant. In this article, we’ll find out how it can affect your pregnancy and what treatment you may be advised.

What Can Happen If You and Your Baby Are Rh Incompatible?

If you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, then if your immune system is exposed to the Rh protein, it will treat it as a foreign object. This will happen if your baby’s blood cells enter your bloodstream, which is possible during labour and delivery. It’s less likely to occur during pregnancy as your baby’s blood doesn’t usually enter your bloodstream. However, during birth, the blood can mix. If this happens, your body will create antibodies and send them to the placenta to fight against these ‘foreign substances’ in your baby’s blood cells.

While Rh compatibility isn’t a problem if it’s your first pregnancy, it can be an issue if you carry another Rh-positive child later on in life. At this time, your antibodies will recognise the Rh protein as foreign and will pass into your baby’s bloodstream and attack the red blood cells. This can lead to swelling or even a rupture in your baby’s red blood cells, causing them to be destroyed. Once destroyed, bilirubin starts forming in their bloodstream, further leading to jaundice, lethargy or low muscle tone.

Can Rh Incompatibility Be Treated?

Treatment of Rh incompatibility is done to prevent the effects that are caused. Once born, your baby may be treated with a blood transfusion, hydrating fluids, electrolytes or even phototherapy, which aims at reducing the bilirubin in your baby’s blood. These treatments will be conducted depending on how severe the condition is and will be repeated till the Rh-negative antibodies and the bilirubin in your baby’s blood is removed.

If you’ve already developed the antibodies, you can expect your doctor to closely monitor your pregnancy to watch out for any complications that can develop. You may also receive an Rh immune globulins (Rhlg) injection during the first trimester to avoid incompatibility effects. If your baby is then born with Rh-positive blood, you should get a second injection a couple of days after delivery. While these injections have successfully reduced the need for blood transfusions, in some rare cases, blood transfusions can be administered during pregnancy of after delivery.

What Are the Complications Caused by Rh Incompatibility?

If left untreated, Rh incompatibility can lead to severe problems in your baby. These include brain damage, fluid build-up, difficulties with movement, speech or hearing, anemia, seizures or even heart failure. While these are serious conditions, with the right diagnosis, care and treatment, the effects of the condition can be minimised.

Are You at Risk of Rh Incompatibility?

If you are Rh-negative and your partner is Rh-positive, there are risks of incompatibility. As declared earlier, since it takes time for the antibodies to build up, firstborn children are often not affected. However, if the antibodies build up during an earlier miscarriage of abortion, your firstborn can be at risk. Remember, with early detection and the appropriate treatment, you can reduce this condition’s effects and deliver a healthy and happy baby.

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Your nine months’ long wait is finally over! Your little one has arrived, and when the nurse places the new-born in your arms, you realise that you have given birth to a beautiful little princess.

But, after a few weeks, your baby’s skin and eyes starts giving you jitters. Both seems to have turned a little yellow. You visit your paediatrician only to find out that your baby may be suffering from (breastmilk) jaundice.  

Well! Jaundice is a common health condition among new-born babies. While it is 60% common among full-term babies; 80% pre-term babies are in this condition after a few weeks of their birth¹.

However, neonatal jaundice, is mostly associated with breastfeeding or breastmilk, and stays longer than physiological jaundice².

What Causes Breastmilk Jaundice?

Although the exact reason behind breastmilk jaundice is not known, but it is a type of jaundice associated with breast-feeding, where certain substances in the breast milk (with an inadequate supply) do not have the ability to process the bilirubin, (a yellow pigment that passes through the baby’s liver and releases itself into the intestinal tract, is responsible for breaking down the red blood cells in the baby’s body), resulting in a significant rise in its level. In new-borns, however, the liver is not fully developed and it may not efficiently eliminate the bilirubin from the baby’s blood, or reduce its level. The bilirubin then settles in the skin, leaving the skin and the white of the eyes of the babies with a yellow tint³.

This is a rare condition and is found in 10% of the breastfed neonates, after the first week of their birth. This can last anywhere between 3 to 12 weeks⁴.

How Does The New-born Feel?

Breastmilk jaundice, not just makes the new-born appear yellow, but you may also find your little one to be cranky, terribly tired, less active and does not tend to gain much weight.    

How Is Breastmilk Jaundice Tested?

The breast-feeding or lactation specialist, who teaches you the breastfeeding techniques, may observe the feeding carefully, not just to ensure that the milk supply to baby is adequate but also to confirm that your baby is latching onto the breast well. The doctor further conducts a blood test of the baby to check if the bilirubin level is high enough to show the symptoms of breastmilk jaundice. 

How Is Breastmilk Jaundice Treated?

With careful monitoring and with the right kind of treatment, this condition in babies goes away on its own. (Basically, as soon as the babies get their desired amount of milk and their liver starts functioning properly). However, in severe cases, where the jaundice may persist beyond the sixth week of the baby’s birth, aggressive treatment is necessitated.

Generally, the specialists will advise you to breastfeed your little one more often. Maybe 8 to 12 times a day. And breastfeeding your baby so many times in a day, may improve the milk supply, which in turn may keep your baby hydrated and allow her to produce more bowel movements, thus reducing the bilirubin level.

However, if the condition happens to be serious, your baby may be hospitalised for a few days and phototherapy may be carried out to treat the condition. During the phototherapic treatment, your baby will be placed under the observation of a light for about one or two days. With the gradual changes in the light, the structure of bilirubin molecules will also get removed from your baby’s body.  

To Conclude

There’s no denying that being a new mother, breastfeeding your new-born is one of the cherished moments in your life.

But it doesn’t end there. It is also one of the most crucial steps as your baby gets her much-needed nutrients from your milk and establishes a deep connection with you, right away.

However, breastfeeding, like everything else comes with its own set of challenges. And breastmilk jaundice is just one of them. By now, as you are aware that breastmilk jaundice can pose a few challenges in your little one, try out the above-mentioned way outs to get control over the situation. Even after these way outs, if you think, you are unable to manage, consult the doctor immediately.

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Simple changes to how you care for your baby can help to keep their body moisturized for a lot longer. In infants, skin growth is significantly higher than in adults and is distinguished by a greater potential to restore itself as an obstacle.

Let’s take a look at some easy self-care tips that can provide extra care and essential nutrients for your baby’s skin.

1. Keep the Skin Moisturized

Cold air, windy weather and the use of heaters work against the natural moisture of the skin. Winter calls for extra hydration and needs moisturizing.

Natural and pure alternatives include baby oil or coconut oil. To help keep dry skin at bay, they can be massaged into your baby’s skin. Massages also help babies go to sleep and reinforce parent-child ties.

2. Protect Their Lips

Dry lips, especially if they drool a lot, are a common issue for babies. The top skin layer will begin to become irritated when their lips and the skin around their lips are continuously wet from drooling.

Use a soft lip balm made for your baby with natural ingredients.  You may add some breast milk if you’re breastfeeding a baby.

3. Avoid Overbathing

The skin of babies is susceptible to drying out, and dryness can be worsened by regular bathing. Bathing your baby once a day is acceptable but make sure the water is only warm, not too hot. Extended exposure to hot water will remove moisture from your baby’s skin.

Gentle sponge baths and wiping down with damp washcloths is the safest way to baby skincare in winter. After bathing, gently pat a smooth towel and avoid rubbing. Stop any perfume ingredients or other chemicals.

4. Wrap With Warm Clothes

Babies have not yet learned to control their body temperatures properly, so it is necessary to ensure that they do not get too hot or too cold. Heat rash results in discomfort of your child’s skin around the folds, and that causes sleepless nights and crankiness.

Babies can still get heat rash even in colder climates if they are too tightly swaddled. Dressing a child in layers will allow you, if necessary, to add or remove clothing.

5. Guard Against Diaper Rash

Diaper rash and other skin conditions can arise from the damp nappy of the infant. Winter is particularly troublesome since the infant is usually draped in more blankets.

If your baby develops a diaper rash, do not use talcum powder, as it can dry out the skin even more. To create a layer between the skin and the moisture that worsens the rash, use diaper cream with zinc or petroleum in it.

These tips will keep your little one’s delicate skin healthy, soft and hydrated all winter long. In addition to the right skincare, their body requires hydration from the inside. If your child is vulnerable to dry skin and eczema, breastfeed your baby more than usual. When in doubt, contact your physician if skin rashes persist as it may signify a more severe condition. 

We understand it may seem challenging to dedicate more time to your baby’s skin, but it is fairly easy once you establish a routine and know what to look for. In a flash, you see how their skin transforms.

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After your baby comes into the world, life is going to be far from relaxing. Pampering yourself is going to be far down on your to-do lists. That’s why it’s recommended that you pamper yourself before your little one arrives. Here’s a list of what you can do before your baby is due.

Babymoon

If this is your first baby, this time is going to be the last few weeks that you will be alone as a couple. Take a little vacation, called a ‘babymoon’ with your partner so you can reconnect before your baby comes. It can be a simple weekend getaway, or even a day trip to explore a new destination nearby.

Get a Manicure & Pedicure

You’re not going to think about how you look once your baby is here. Instead, you’ll spend your free time dressing your baby up in new clothes and accessories. So, before that time comes, head to the salon and treat yourself to a mani-pedi. However, when choosing a nail polish, make sure you opt for an organic one. If your salon doesn’t offer it, buy non-toxic nail polish in your favourite colour.

Yoga

Instead of giving in to the worry and anxiety of soon having a baby in your midst, relax and recharge with some prenatal yoga every morning. It will also help your baby move into position and will keep you in shape for your delivery. Remember, this is only recommended if your doctor approves of it.

A Night Out With The Girls

In the first few weeks of your baby’s life, you’re not going to be able to catch up with your girlfriends. Even later, when you do go out with the girls, your mind will be thinking about your baby back home, leaving little room for fun. Use this time before your baby arrives to spend a few nights out in the town with your girls.

Enjoy Some Entertainment

Once your baby is here, you will be spending a lot of time sitting and nursing your baby, but it’s recommended that you use this time to concentrate on nursing and bond with your baby. So, pick up a book you’ve always wanted to read, or a show or movie that’s been on your watchlist.

Sleep

Experienced mothers will always advise this. Remember that once your baby is here, you’ll be up at odd hours of the day and night to feed your little one. Even though it’s recommended to sleep when your baby sleeps, it’s not always at a convenient time. It’s best to get your beauty sleep now.

Spend Time With Your Mother

She’s got a lot of experience when it comes to raising a baby, more so if you have many siblings. Spend time with her and let her tell you stories of her pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding and parenting. Other than getting you prepared, it will strengthen the bond that the two of you share.

Mentally Prepare

Having a baby is exciting. However, it can also be nerve-wracking and scary. After all, you’re going to be responsible for a whole new life. Take this time during the last few weeks of your pregnancy to mentally prepare yourself for what’s coming. It will help you be relaxed and composed as you start the next chapter of your life.

While self-care during these last few weeks of pregnancy is important, remember that all you need to ensure is that you are happy, healthy, joyful, excited and ready to make new memories.

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Many parents believe that oral hygiene only becomes important once your little one gets his/her first tooth. However, it’s important to keep your baby’s mouth clean as bacteria does exist in their mouths too. Unfortunately, they have less saliva than adults, making it hard for their mouths to wash away any milk residue. In this article, we’ll explain how you can maintain your baby’s oral hygiene through different ages.

Newborns

Oral hygiene for newborns involves cleaning their tongue, gums and the inside of their cheeks. For this, you will need warm water and a clean washcloth or gauze.

First, make sure that your hands are clean. If not, any germs on your fingers will be directly transferred into your newborn’s body. Then lay your baby down across your lap and cradle their head in your hand. Wrap your forefinger with a layer of the cloth and dip it into the warm water. With your baby’s mouth open, you need to rub their tongue with your finger gently. Then use the same cloth-covered finger to wipe the inside of their cheeks. You also need to slowly massage your baby’s gums to maintain good oral hygiene.

Dealing With Thrush

The white coating on your baby’s tongue usually is milk, but not always. It could also be thrush. You will know it’s thrush if you can’t get rid of it by simply wiping it away. Your baby may also develop white spots on their tongue, gums and inside of their cheeks. You will need an antifungal medication to get rid of thrush, so visit your baby’s paediatrician for recommendations.

Till 6 Months

By now, your baby will have his/her first tooth, and maybe some more. You will need to use a soft, child-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Use the toothbrush to scrub your baby’s tongue and gums too. A finger brush can also be used to clean their tongue and gums till they are a little older.

Till they are about 3 years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste – equivalent to the size of a rice grain. After that, you can increase this to a pea-sized amount.

After 6 Years

Till about 6 years of age, you need to brush their teeth yourself. But it would help if you also started teaching them how to do it themselves. Once they show enough hand co-ordination, you’ll know they’re ready. You can do this by showing them how you brush your teeth or explaining each action as you brush their teeth and tongue.

Other Things To Keep In Mind

• You can keep your baby entertained while cleaning their tongue so that they are engaged.
• If your baby becomes irritable while you clean their tongue, wait until they are in a good mood.
• Your baby’s first visit to the dentist will need to happen when they get their first tooth (usually between 3 and 9 months).
• If you have concerns about nursing or bottle-feeding your baby beyond a certain age, consult your child’s dentist.

Remember that good oral hygiene starts at a very young age. Cleaning their teeth and gums contributes to their overall oral health, and helps maintain good habits even as they grow older.

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“When will my baby start talking?” – Is a common question often asked by many new parents.

Since the time of your baby’s birth, till the time she utters his first words, you will hear him cry, babble, coo and play with sounds. But you will longingly wait for that magical moment in your life when you will hear him say, “mama”, “dada” or maybe something else, for the very first time.

To be more specific, a baby’s speech development (within its first three years) primarily depends upon her brain development¹.

Although there is a wide of normal with regards to toddlers achieving their speech milestones. As parents there’s a lot that you can do to encourage your baby to become an early talker, during this brain developing stage.

How?

We have curated a list for you below:

• Watch Carefully: Your 1-year old little bundle of joy now understands a lot of words than he can truly express. And, according to Michelle Macias, MD, professor of paediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, “For 1-year olds, using gestures as non-verbal communication is an important skill you can encourage”². So, watch your baby, when maybe s/he reaches out to you with both his arms and wants to be picked up. Or maybe holds a toy in front of you to say he wants to play. Follow the actions, smile at him, make eye contact with him, respond to him and help him or her connect the words with actions.
• Listen Patiently: Through your baby’s cooing and babbling, it might just turn out that s/he is trying to imitate the sound s/he hears from you. Sometimes, the baby may try to bring a difference in the pitch and tone just to match what he hears. So, listen to him patiently and give him ample of time to talk to you. Only remember, using short, simple but correct words when you are talking in front of him or talking to him.
• Use the Right Words: It’s okay if your 1-year old little champ calls his bottle “ba-ba”. But, going by the words of Stuart Teplin, M.D, a developmental and behavioural paediatrician in Concord, North Carolina, “Parents need to stay one step ahead of their child’s stage”³. Therefore, when you as new parents hear him calling his bottle in his own babyish language, it is your duty to use the real word in front of him. This in a way will help learn a new word (in your language) and expand his vocabulary.
• Read Out Aloud: Did you know that, reading out aloud to your child as much as possible, can help in improving his learning capacity and develop his speech skills? So, open the baby book, talk about what you see in the pictures and sometimes expect him to answer some of your questions, in simple “yes” or “no”. A 2019 study, for example has shown that, reading out one book every day can help children get exposed to at least 1.4 million words⁴.
• Narrate: Your baby can’t talk; doesn’t mean you also have to remain silent. In fact, the more talkative and expressive you are, it is better, easier and earlier for the child to learn. So, talk about anything that comes to your mind first. Maybe you could tell him what you’ve done throughout the day. Or narrate to him as you wash, dress, feed or change him. Your baby may not understand everything at the beginning, but slowly he will be able to connect the actions to its relevant words. But, remember to stick to one language when you communicate not only with the baby, but even with others in the family. As the baby, in the initial years maybe confused if he hears multiple languages being spoken to at the same time.
• Name it: Your toddler may point out at an object, instead of directly asking for it. Follow where he is pointing at, interpret his actions and name the item. This way you are helping him learn the names this way. Isn’t it?
• Elaborate: For example, your child sees a dog and utters the word “dog”. Elaborate on the word “dog” by saying, “yes that’s a brown dog” or “The dog is barking” in response. In this way, your child’s sure to understand the elaborations of your responses and expands his or her vocabulary.
• Let him Identify: For example, you have two glasses of juices – orange and mango. Show the two glasses to your child and ask him to choose. Don’t encourage your child if he simply points out at one of the glasses. Ask him to identify and name the juice he wants to drink.
• Reduce screen time: Studies by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) encourages not more than 1 hour of screen time per day in kids in-between the age of 2 to 5. In fact, they suggest young children to spend even lesser time in front of the screen. Experts are of the opinion that, not staring at the screen and spending more time talking to people is the best way to promote language development in babies.

But What If Your Child Is Not Talking?

A speech delay necessarily does not necessarily indicate any other developmental delays in a baby. Remember all kids develop differently, some master their gross motor skills early, while others their communication skills. However, trust your mommy instincts and discuss your baby’s speech developmental concerns with the paediatrician during his next check-up.

The post How You Can Encourage Your Baby To Be An Early Talker? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Imagine you are in the process of delivering your little one and the room is filled with the scent of lavenders, your partner is holding your hand, your birthing coach is helping you relax, and your favorite music is playing in the background. It may seem impossible, but it is being opted for by many unconventional new-age moms as an alternative birthing method. They are said to be excellent for calming your nerves and having a quick and easy delivery.

Want to know your options when it comes to these unconventional birthing techniques? Here are 5 that you may want to consider.

Water Birth

Imagine soaking in a waist-deep bathtub of warm water or a jacuzzi. It’s a relaxing feeling indeed. That’s what hydrotherapy or water birth is all about. This birthing method reduces pain considerably and also, decreases the need for an epidural. Water births are safe and pose no harm to the baby as their lungs remain collapsed until they are out of the water.

Hypnobirthing

It starts even before labour starts. In hypnobirthing, hypnosis is used to prepare moms-to-be for delivery by allaying their fears and easing their pain. It allows expectant mothers to enter a Zen-like state by using various controlled breathing techniques. One minute your contractions are kicking in, and the next minute you’re holding your bundle of joy. It can be as simple as that.

Lamaze Birth

Lamaze classes have been extremely popular in western countries for over a decade. In these classes, pregnant women are taught a combination of relaxation methods, breathing techniques, massages, different birthing positions and effective communication skills. Lamaze is neither ‘for’ or ‘against’ the use of medicines to ease pain during labour. However, it instils confidence and encourages couples to make sound decisions while giving birth. Usually, Lamaze classes need to be planned ahead as they begin from the second trimester of pregnancy.

The Bradley Method

This technique is designed especially for moms who insist on an unmedicated delivery. In this method, couples are intensively coached in relaxation techniques for 12 weeks during pregnancy. It is also known as the husband-coached childbirth technique because the partner is actively involved in the delivery process and is responsible for supporting the mother. They also learn to listen to the mother’s needs and are able to identify and alleviate any stress. The Bradley method also emphasizes on the need for nutrition to lower the risk of complications during labour.  

Home Birth

Many expectant mothers would love the idea of giving birth in the comfort of their home. It’s not just cost-effective; it also lets you be in a familiar setting with your loved ones while delivering. However, it can be risky if you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or blood pressure, or are at risk of pre-term delivery. The pain management options available during home birth are also few. It is advisable to opt for a home birth only if your gynecologist approves of it.

No matter which method you choose – conventional or unconventional – remember, it’s just a moment of pain before a lifetime of happiness.

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The nurse came out of the labour-room and announced, “It’s a girl” – a champagne-opening moment for you. That’s right! Being a new dad especially to a girl child is like a reward of several unexpressed emotions. And when the nurse places the new-born little princess into your arms, you realise that you’ve started establishing a unique bond with her, without even having an umbilical cord connection with her.

It has been shown that dads respond differently to daughters than they do to sons and tend to be more attentive to their toddler girls’ needs than to their toddler sons’. That’s why it is popularly said that ‘the baby girl has her dad wrapped around her finger’.

It is a spontaneous change, but to be the best man in your daughter’s life, it would take time and effort to strengthen your bond with her while she is a still a mewling little baby.

Things you can do to strengthen your bond with her while she is a still a little baby, because it will make her know that you are always there for her.

• Respond to her cries quickly
• Show her your sensitive side by singing to her to sleep or being her favourite story teller.
• Don’t be afraid of wiping her private parts
• Do up the little one’s hair
• Run up the aisles
• Play with her
• Wrestle if you need

Fathering a daughter may make you more aware and more sympathetic to challenges faced by woman and the differences in the traditional gender ideology. This change may even bring about a change in your perception and your behaviour towards all women starting with your daughter and the mother of your child.

You Will Become A Patient Listener

With the baby girl in your arms, your oxytocin hormone levels are high. And this intense moment of skin-to-skin contact will make you spend more time interacting with her (in her language) and trying to understand her emotions deeply. However, this moment is not short-lived. As she grows up to become your young teenage daughter, instead of imposing your decisions upon her and scolding her for small mistakes, it is always better to hear her out, understand her and guide her. You have to learn to be a practiced and patient listener. If you listen to her carefully, respect her problems and talk things out, she will always feel comfortable to come back to you with her problems.

You Will Be Careful With Words

According to Emma Citron, clinical psychologist from Oxford University, “when a man becomes a father to a girl, he learns much more about what it means to be a woman”.^* Moreover, growing up girls look up to their fathers, as how men should behave in their relationships. Therefore, you should always be respectful and careful when you are talking about your wife, sister, or any other woman who may be close to you. If you are in a habit of speaking about them in a disrespectful or sexist manner, you know that your daughter is right there listening to you. Use language that encourages and empowers women. Let your daughter know that you think girls are just as smart, cool and capable as men are. And that you think she’s also good the way she is.

Daughters Will Look To You For Emotional Support

As girls grow up, it’s the mother, who often tend to engage into personal conversations with her daughter, showing interest in her interest and offering support and encouragement from time-to-time. In such a setting, dads often take a backseat. That’s because, realistically, there are few things about being a girl that fathers do not completely understand – like getting periods or changing sizes of bra or experiencing harassment. Create a relationship where she will not hesitate to discuss these intricate issues. Try to understand that your girl would expect positive feedback, emotional support and encouragement from you too. Let her know that you are proud of her (actions) and that you have taken her feelings quite seriously. What’s more important is that, when a father whole-heartedly supports her daughter, she will develop a strong self-esteem and a positive self-image.

Be Her Superhero

With your little girl in your arms, you will not have to think twice about the bedtime snuggles or big hugs. As she slowly translates into a young lady, it will not be unusual for you to feel a little ashamed about her changing body, and suddenly your tight hugs might turn into pats on her back or little peck on her cheeks. But all you need to remember is to hold on to your doting father tag by being her best playmate, praising her for her bravery, beauty, intelligence, creativity and sense of humour and spending quality time with her. Let her know you love her and you’ll always have her back till the last day of your life.

These little things would make her boast always about the ultimate superhero that her dad has been for her.

The post How To Be The Ultimate Superhero To Your Little Princess? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

You have recently overheard your wife praising you for being that perfect companion during her pregnancy. Of course, you’re elated! However, remember that your job is far from being over! As you are about to graduate from being a responsible husband to a doting father, we make you aware of these lifestyle changes that you could anticipate during the early phases of your fatherhood.

Be Prepared To Be Sleep-deprived

As an understanding husband and first-time dad, you are aware that breastfeeding the baby so many times in a day is going to make your wife feel so exhausted that she might just want to rest up and enjoy a peaceful slumber at night. But, with your baby waking up several times during the night she is struggling or feeling sleep-deprived. This is when you might  have to step in and make her feel that you are also prepared to be sleep-deprived along with her. After all, raising a child is a teamwork. So, when you notice that your baby is crying in the middle of the night,  wake up and take charge. Sing to him, walk him around, gently rock him, but try to sooth his tears. If your wife has pumped and stored her breastmilk in a feeding bottle, take it out, put it in a bowl of warm water and bottle-feed your baby without letting your wife feel a whisker. This is surely going to melt her heart, while you might just get a chance to connect with your baby without having that umbilical cord connection. We can offer you some more  tips on how you can help out in breastfeeding @: https://www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/also-role-play-breast-feeding-shout-new-daddies/

Future Saving For Your Little One

As a new dad you would have to realise that you have an addition to your family and you might have to think twice before splurging out on anything unnecessary. No, we are not asking you to be a miser. But be wiser. Maybe you could sit down with your wife, plan out your expenses, make a list of the “must-haves” and “good-to-haves”. Maybe some of the non-essential spending can take a backseat.

Shouldering the Household Chores

Now, with this cute little monkey in your hand, you might have to think about changing your priorities a little. You might just have to spend a little more time in the house looking at the tiny details, when it comes to shouldering the household chores along with her. Maybe you could sit down with your wife, plan out the list of shopping-essentials and get them for her whenever required. We know that you are not a chef, but you might take over the kitchen whenever you can. Moreover, keeping your house clean and tidy is a healthy necessity for both your baby and your wife. So, you may keep your precious bundle strapped to a carrier and tot him around, while vacuum-cleaning your entire house.

Give a “miss” to Late-night Parties

When you bring the new mom along with the new born home you might have to think about giving a “miss” to late-night parties. You, like your wife might undergo postpartum depression. The reason could be anything – hormonal changes, fatigue, stress, sleep-deprivation or mourning over the free and easy pre-baby lifestyle? Who knows, socialising with friends late in the night might worsen the situation and take a toll upon your health.

Avoid Smoking in Front of Your New Born

The moment you found out that your wife is pregnant, you started refraining yourself from smoking in front of her. Those days and months you only had your wife’s health at the top of your mind. Now that she has delivered the baby and you have brought both the new mom and the new born home, it might be crucial on your part to keep cigarette smoking at bay in order to keep the baby safe. This may also the time, that you may have to educate the rest of the family members to stay away from smoking in front of the baby.*3. Research shows that smoking around new-borns can cause several health problems including lifelong breathing and respiratory problems, poor mental and physical growth in the baby along with sudden infant death syndrome.

Continue to Make Your Wife Feel Important

We know that, you are taking all this trouble for your wife, who is now the new mom of your new-born. You might just continue to make her feel important, while you’d be still looking after the baby. May be Bring her a healthy snack or juice, while she is breastfeeding. Give her a massage down her shoulders once she is done. Give her the salon time, when you’d be caressing the little one. And may be you could  hug her whenever you can. *2. You know, frequent hugs releases “cuddle hormone” as the scientists put it. It will reduce the blood pressure and the stress-factors in the new mom and she will surely be very happy.

Fatherhood is a Beautiful Journey

Even though you may face many initial hiccups and in turn might have to make some significant modifications during the initial phase of fatherhood, but Believe it or not, fatherhood is a beautiful journey. The benefits of which you will reap for the rest of your life.

The post About to Graduate From a Husband to a Father? Anticipate These Lifestyle Changes appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

“When do I start reading to my child?” “Isn’t my baby too young to understand the words?”, “How will books affect their development?” These are just a few of the questions parents have when it comes to books. It’s never too early to introduce your baby to the written word. Even if they can’t grasp the meaning of words, it helps nurture their love for books from an early age. Experts believe that exposing your baby to books in the first year is vital to facilitate their intellectual and emotional growth.

To help you get started the right way, we have put together a list of FAQs from new moms:

Q1. When do I start reading to my baby?
A. You can start as early as the day they are born. Pick up books with bedtime stories and read it aloud while snuggling up next to your child. The rhythm and tone of your voice will help him/her recognize that different words have different meanings. It lays a strong foundation of speech and comprehension.

Q2. What is the ideal time to read a book to my baby?
A. The best times to read to your baby would be while nursing, bathing, before nap time and at the end of the day. You can even read to them while waiting at the doctor’s or in a shopping line. It keeps them from getting cranky or bored.

Q3. How can I keep my baby from getting distracted?
A. There are a few ways in which you can keep your child interested in the story. Try the following tips:

• Modulate your voice and give each character a specific tone.
• Make sounds like growling for lion, splash for water, tring tring for phone, etc.
• Ask them questions in between like, “What did the monkey say?” or “Why did the princess get sad?”, etc.
• Let your child flip the pages of the book.
• If you have a toddler, then you can encourage them to tell the story.
• Show them pictures of characters and animals in the book and ask them to identify them.

Q4. What type of book should I choose?
A. There are many types of books that are available in the market. You can choose one based on your baby’s age.

• Board Books – These are books with cardboard pages, colourful pictures and short phrases, making it easy and interesting for children older than 4 months.
• Vinyl Books – These are water-proof books with attractive pictures that are great for bath time storytelling. They are suitable for children over 6 months of age.
• Flip Flap Books – These are interactive books with pictures where the pages can be flipped. It’s an engaging way of teaching children above 12 months about animals and things.
• Touch & Feel Books – It’s a feel-good book for babies over 6 months. These books use different textures to teach children about different animals and things. For instance, it will have a patch of wool to teach them about sheep.
• Musical Books – These books are great for interactive storytelling. By simply pressing a button, you can make characters come alive. It keeps your baby interested and helps them associate sounds with different animals or things.
• Puppet Books – These books come with finger or hand puppets that make storytime fun and entertaining. Every page has a peekaboo hole where the puppet characters slide in. It keeps the toddler interested and encourages them to participate in the storytelling.

Q5. How often should I read to my baby?
A. Reading to your baby should be a daily affair. The more you read to them, the faster they pick up words. Try reading to them at least once every two days.

Q6. How do I get my baby to like a book?
A. Remember that for your baby, it’s the first book they ever read. To make it your baby’s favorite one, keep rereading it to them as often as possible. Soon they will start recognizing similar sounds, characters, and before you know it, they will be aping the sounds you make. If you are reading more than one book to your baby, then see how they react to each book. Which one makes them giggle or get excited. Once you know which book, they like better, the rest is easy.

Q7. What if I don’t finish reading the whole book?
A. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t finish a book. The key is to get your baby familiar with words and sounds and to help them connect it to the real world. So, even if you read just one page, it’s good enough.

Introducing your little one to the world of books early in life, has a sea of benefits.  Remember the more important thing is to have fun and bond with your baby through the stories.

Reference: www.momspresso.com/parenting/you-are-special/article/6-types-of-books-for-your-baby-and-tips-to-introduce-books-to-babies

www.zerotothree.org/resources/304-how-to-introduce-toddlers-and-babies-to-books

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Q. Can you elaborate on proper sitting and sleeping positions?

Ans: Can be done in an exercise class.

Q. I’m in the 25th week of my pregnancy. Is it OK to stick to 3 meals and 1 snack through the day. I don’t feel hungry enough to eat every 2 hours.

Ans: Can eat smaller meals and more snacks.

Q. Till which week is it safe to travel via air?

Ans: Week 32 is what is recommended by airlines. The rest depends on your pregnancy.

Q. kindly suggest diet restriction, inclusion for pregnancy cholestasis.

Ans: Only medication will help.

Q. I have twins pregnancy,what to do  more for healthy babies.

Ans: Ensure adequate protein intake.

Q. My weight is very very low. is there any chance of pregnancy problem?

Ans: If baby growth is on track then no.

Q. How to deal with leg cramps and knee pain during pregnancy?

Ans: Ensure you have enough water to help with leg cramps. Knee pain is due to growing weight so exercises will help.

Q. How will the movies/shows i watch now, will affect my baby’s brain.

Ans: It will have the same effect as what you feel.

Q. What is considered a healthy weight gain range during pregnancy?

Ans: 10-12kgs

Q. Is the sugar intake promotes itching? 

Ans: No

Q. I am in my 13th week. and my NT shows bilateral notching.. should i take less salt diet?

Ans: Its not related to salt.

Q. Do we need to have Omega Rich food nutrition ?? To help baby for brain development?

Ans: Yes

Q. I am lactose intolerant but I I try and include curd and paneer in my meals..I am also taking calcium supplements..is that sufficient?

Ans: Yes

Q. Getting tired on 35th week and feeling nausea & vomiting.

Ans: Its normal

Q. We planed to do Stem cell storage for our baby in cord life… may I know cord life service is good in India?

Ans: I would recommend that you do your own independent research before making a decision. Start with taking a presentation to understand more details.

Q. Should we play same song r story daily when baby is in womb?

Ans: If you sing it is better

Q. What kind of exercise can women do in their first trimester? Most people say exercising causes miscarriage.

Ans: Exercise does not cause miscarriage in a healthy pregnancy.

Q. Painful red swelling in legs in 22 weeks at night what can be done to avoid it?

Ans: Kindly check with the doctor as it could be a blood clot

Q. we are unable to proceed properly for target scan due to no movement of baby my pregnancy 18 week 5 day what should I do?

Ans: Please check with your doctor for alternatives.

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Before bringing your baby from the hospital, you must decide whether to use a cloth or disposable diapers. Every little baby will need the diaper for about 10 per day. Whenever the diaper is wet after urinating or mudded by pooping the diaper must be changed.

So before changing the diaper of your baby, you will need the following things.

1. A clean diaper
2. Diaper ointment if the baby is having a rash
3. Some warm water
4. Some clean wipes or washcloth or cotton

Process of Diapering the Baby

For changing the diaper first, you lay the baby on its back and at first remove the dirty diaper. Then use the warm water and cotton or washcloth to wipe the genital area. Make the area clean and dry so it does not cause any type of rashes. While wiping a girl always remember to wipe from front to back. This is done to avoid urinary tract infection. Then apply diaper ointment for preventing or healing of the diaper rash. You must then take a fresh diaper and then place it under baby. Bring the front part on your baby’s stomach and fasten the straps.

After the changing of the diaper, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

Now you must be thinking that what is a diaper rash. It is a normal rash which seems like red and bumpy. It stays maximum for 2 days and then goes away on its own. But you must be careful about preventing the diaper rash. Here are some steps that must be followed to reduce infection.

1. Check the diaper very often and change it whenever needed.
2. Clean the area of the diaper during every change.
3. Try to avoid using the scented wipes while cleaning the diaper area.
4. Always pat to make dry and remember not to scrub the bottom of the baby.
5. Do not use plastic pants as it can cause rashes to the baby.

The idea if using a diaper is to absorb the flushed-out fluids from the body. So that it does not stain the clothes of the baby. But be careful while diapering your baby. if your baby is a newborn child then avoid covering the area of the umbilical cord and then fasten the straps of the diaper. The reason behind is if your cove the area of umbilical cord then it will create difficulty in the drying of the remaining cord and may lead to infection.

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If you are in week 25 of your pregnancy then you are towards the end of the second trimester. This is the timewhen there will be lots of changes in you as well as your baby. Your baby will be continuously moving and growing to meet the outer world. You may develop heartburn, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and various other symptoms.

Development of baby

Your 25-week baby is gaining fat which will make your baby’s skin smoother in texture. If the hair of your baby is already grown then its color and texture will become visible. The reflexes of your baby are now developing. This time your baby must be playing inside your womb and they had already developed their ability to hear the mother’s voice as well as other noises. The blood capillaries of your baby start developing under the skin that will make your baby look pink. According to American association of pregnancy the baby inside your womb is 13 inches long and 0.7-0.8 kg in weight. This is the time when various tests of your baby are done to check your baby’s chromosomal conditions, genetic conditions, chromosome abnormalities, inherited disorders, etc.

Changes in your body

By week 25 you have already gained 7-8 kg of weight

Many women start feeling more tired around the end of their second trimester. Your belly is getting bigger, so it makes sense if you feel weighed down. Some of the symptoms of week 25 of pregnancy include:

• Restless leg syndrome occurs this time and it can make you feel like moving your legs to get relief from tingling sensation in legs. This symptom mainly occurs when you are sleeping whether it is a daytime or at night. RSL is caused by the iron deficiencies and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
• The changes in hormones restrict loss of hair throughout your pregnancy.
• Fluid retention, hormonal changes, sensitivity of nerve, changes in glucose levels can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Increase in the uterus is putting pressure on the pelvic region causing haemorrhoids which will disappear after delivery. The growing baby also put pressure in the digestive tract which may cause bloating and indigestion.

To do for this week

During this week ultrasound of your baby is done and you will be happiest ever to see the ultrasound image of your baby. This procedure is done by using high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images. However it must be done only after it is asked by your gynecologist and must be performed by trained professionals, such as radiologists, or obstetricians.

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Heartiest congratulations to all the to-be mom for being pregnant. Birth of your child is the most exciting phase of your life. At this time, you must be impatiently waiting to see your baby and also remain eager to welcome the baby. But at the time of birth, you will get an opportunity to protect the health of your baby as well as your family. This opportunity is known as cord blood banking which can be done only at the time of the birth.

The blood that is found in the umbilical cord is known as cord blood. Cord blood is the richest source of stem cells which is having the potential to treat different diseases. The stem cells can grow into any kind of specific cells of the body which further develops into different organs as well as tissues. It has been approved in clinical trials that some of the diseases such as autism, blood cancer, immune-related diseases, metabolic disorders, etc. can be treated by stem cells

Now you must be thinking about what are stem cells……

Before the birth of a baby, it is attached to the placenta of the mother by the help of the umbilical cord.  this cord is a tube-like structure which helps to pass the oxygen as well as the nutrients from the mother to the baby. Few years back this umbilical cord is cut and thrown as medical waste. But after the discovery of stem cells, the doctor suggests the parents store the stem cells of the baby that can be used in future treatments. The reason behind is that stem cells which are found in the cord blood can be transplanted into the patient suffering from diseases that are untreatable by traditional methods of therapy. The cord blood banking is the process where collection, isolation, and cryopreservation are done to bank a baby’s stem cells.

For storing your baby’s stem cell must contact with the companies that will provide you the facility of stem cell banking. Once you register with the cord blood bank, they will provide you with the kit box. At the time of the birth, Cord blood of your baby is collected by the gynecologist or the phlebotomist. this blood is then kept in the x-ray free kit box which is then transported to the lab for further processing. Once it reaches the lab stem cells are extracted from the cord blood and is kept in compartmentalized cryo-pouches in the storage compartment with liquid nitrogen at -196 degree Celsius.

Before banking your baby’s cord blood, you must know about the benefits of stem cells harvested from cord blood.

• They can be easily extracted from the umbilical cord blood. as the cord blood is collected after the birth of the baby so the process is painless and risk-free for both the mother and the baby.
• In the case of stem cells retrieved from cord blood registry, there is a less chance of getting an HLA matched stem cells for the patient. However, if you preserve your baby’s stem cells then it will be helpful for both your baby as well as your family members. the reason behind is that your baby’s stem cells will surely get a match with your family members. In addition, there are fewer chances of getting any kind of infection or complications after treatment.
• Stem cells collected from the umbilical cord blood have much more ability to get HLA match when compared to the stem cells collected from bone marrow. In addition to this, the stem cells from the umbilical cord are having fewer chances of causing graft versus host disease in the recipient.

It can be concluded that the stem cells have the power of regenerating the immunity of the body. So, you before approaching your estimated due date you must decide for preserving your baby’s stem cells. By banking your baby’s stem cells, you automatically provide health security for you and your family in treating different life-threatening diseases.

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At the time of pregnancy your body undergoes various changes. So, you must understand that during this period you have to take an extra care about yourself and your baby. You might be a regular blood donor but during pregnancy you must not opt for donating the blood. The reason behind is that at the time of pregnancy you will need all your blood for the growth and nutrition of the baby.

During pregnancy your body produces more than 50% of the production of blood at normal time. But your body will need this extra blood for maintaining the life of baby inside the mother’s womb. Despite of the restriction if you decide to donate your blood then it may lead to severe issues. In fact, the pregnant woman is advised that they must not donate blood till they are breastfeeding their baby. This is stated by American Red Cross Society.

Generally would be moms must wait for nine months of pregnancy and till the time they are breastfeeding. This is because the baby is completely dependent upon the nutrients which they get from breast milk and if the pregnant woman donates blood then the baby will lack in getting the important nutrients.

There are various issues that occurs due to blood donation of a pregnant lady. It may cause deformities in the child and vitamin deficiencies. The most specific problem that occurs due to blood donation is the chances of experiencing iron deficiency. This causes anemia to the mother. Anemia might further exaggerate various issues such as pre-mature delivery, low birth weight of baby and many more. Thus, the Red Cross Society restricts the pregnant women from donating blood.

On the other hand, the woman might have donated blood before she came to know about pregnancy. But as this is earlier stage and the body is still prepping itself for the pregnancy, a woman can donate blood. Thus, donation of blood before the confirmation of pregnancy will not develop any kind of issues during this early phase.

Sometimes doctors might ask the pregnant woman to store the blood during pregnancy. At this point some of the things are tested before donating the blood such as hemoglobin, blood pressure and temperature. This is because if the woman is anemic, she can experience excessive bleeding during the pregnancy or delivery. At this point a woman might require blood infusion and storing of her own blood will reduce the hassle of finding for the blood of same group.

Finally, on a concluding note it can be said that donating blood during pregnancy is not a safe practice and is strictly restricted by Red Cross Society. The reason behind is that it is harmful for both the pregnant mother and the baby.

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Nursing a newborn baby is a difficult task and you must be very careful while feeding your baby. Do not worry. We are here to help you with some of the tips for breastfeeding your li’l one.

Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth

Cuddle your baby over your chest. When you and your child are attached to the skin, the reflexes of the production of milk and the baby’s feeling are initiated. This implies that the child will begin looking for the breast and more milk are produced from breasts. In the first hour after conception, babies are often more interested in breastfeeding. Stay with your child skin to skin after a good breastfeed. This will assist keep the child hot and decrease stress, assisting both of you to heal from childhood.

Gap of Breastfeeding

Whenever Baby seems starving or cries, offer your breast milk. This could be every two hours, or even more frequently in the first few weeks. If a baby sleeps up to four hours and it  is under the age of 6 weeks, wake up the baby for feeding.

Timespan of Feeding

Many  mothers may wonder how much is needed for breastfeeding. Some children feed rapidly and take 10 or 15 minutes to complete. Others sleep in between  breastfeeding and need to be awakened, expanding the feeding time to 40 minutes. But breastfeeding is an issue for less than 10 minutes or more than 40 minutes; test for indications that Baby is truly receiving milk. Look for the sucking of milk or wet diapers.

Get Comfortable

As you are going to spend some amount of time holding the baby closer, you must be sitting in a supported position. It will help you to get comfortable and you can feed your baby for a longer period.

Let The Baby Find Their Position

While breastfeeding allows your baby to find the best position for them to get feed. You must pay attention to this position and this will help to give comfort as well as make it easier for the baby while feeding.

Leaking Milk is Normal

Don’t get conscious about the leaking of milk during the first few weeks as it is normal. It generally happens whenever the baby cries or when you think more about your baby.

Caring Of The Skin As the skin of your breasts is very delicate you must take care of your skin. During breastfeeding, your skin might become dry, cracked and you may feel irritation. So you must take proper precautions during this period.

Sufficient Milk

Do not worry about the production of the milk because it depends upon the need of the baby. The sucking of the little baby will stimulate the release of prolactin hormone. This helps in the further stimulation of milk production.

Although we had mentioned some tips about breastfeeding, you must remember that every baby is different. So you must consult with a lactation consultant and you will get proper help regarding your baby’s behavior of feeding the breastmilk.

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One thing you must think about when you’re expecting twins is that your parenting life will be entirely different from single-parenting. The best advice you’ll ever get is from multiple fellow parents who were there and did it. For managing both of the twins here are some tips to follow:

• Twins have same needs for development as single babies, but the parents of twins have a more complex psychological situation. The primary twin caregiver has to take care of two babies simultaneously, as each of the baby has the same needs, but are not the same person! Thus, each twin has the difficult tasks of having a sense of themselves not only as different from her mother but also as separate from the twin.
• Do not focus only on the nursery when you organize your home. Set up a changing station on each level if you have more than one floor; include diapers, wipes, and extra baby clothing. Thus, every time one of the babies spits up or needs to be changed, you can avoid running up and down the stairs.
• You may feel like you do little more than feed your babies when you are the mother of two babies. When the second baby is fed, burped, and changed, the first is often hungry— and the cycle begins again. This phase is really exhausting but it only lasts for a few months and then with time it becomes easy for the parents. First, you’re going to have to decide whether to feed your baby from breast or bottle. Breastfeeding is the better choice and you will be able to feed both the babies in the same time. However, be careful about the premature babies as they are not sucking properly full-term infants, at that time help from a lactation consultant is needed to get the babies to latch on properly.
• For the first few months, your newborns will be able to sleep side by side in the same crib, but if you keep them in your basin room, each baby will need their own. When babies start wriggling around, relocate them to different crèches, but leave them in the same room so they can see and hear one another.

While raising twin babies you might feel like you are being puzzled between two naughty elements. However, with each of the passing day, you will become accustomed with them. Also, they will reach such a position where the life of the parents in dealing with the twin babies will become easier.

At the end, I believe that by reading this blog parents of twin children will learn about some tips to manage twin babies and they can easily cope up with the situation.

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Healthcare needs of babies and children are different from others. So, finding a health care professional who can provide specialized care is important. A health care provider is essential for routine care as well as when diseases or injuries occur as a baby grows and develops. The primary care provider of your baby can be a pediatrician, family practice doctor, or pediatric nurse practitioner. The children’s medical specialty is called pediatrics.

Pediatrists are doctors of primary care specializing in the health of children, including physical, mental and social health. Doctors attend 4 years of medical school to be a pediatrician and spend 3 years as pediatric medical residents. They will see your child for annual physics and sick visits multiple times a year until age 2, and at least once a year thereafter. A pediatrician must pass an American Board of Pediatrics exam to be board certified. They also take the exam every 7 years to stay certified and show that they are on top of the latest health information for children.

Many pediatricians work with other pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners in a group practice, who are nurses with additional pediatric care training. Other health care team members may include office nurses, laboratory technicians, and employees who handle administrative details and billing. Pediatrists provide routine care, including immunizations, for children from newborn to adulthood. Pediatrists can also help parents with issues such as development and growth, feeding, and discipline. Almost all children are growing up with diseases or injuries, and pediatricians are also providing this care.

Since their focus is on children, they may be better at discussing sensitivity and understanding with children at their level and with parents about delicate, personal issues. Pediatrists in hospitals frequently “do rounds”, so that after your delivery doctor can see your baby and know their history from day one. But when they become an adult, usually by the time they are 21 years old, your child will need to switch to a new doctor.

Pediatrists are experienced in children’s physical, emotional, and social development as part of their extensive training. Children may be too young or shy to speak so that pediatricians understand the importance of carefully listening to your child and to you. Pediatrists answer your questions and help you understand and promote the healthy development of your child. Pediatrists also address issues that affect the family and home environment of a child.

Children often have different symptoms than the symptoms of adults. They may need prescriptions or treatments that are different from adults. So, pediatrician is important as they are trained especially with young children and newborns to recognize the importance of these differences.

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You probably never have much time for activities during the week. On vacation and on the weekend, of course, it looks different. It is very easy for you to find activities around the house or outside that you can enjoy with your toddler.

Hide and Seek

Hide-and-seek does not just mean that one of you is hiding. You can also hide something in the room. This is not just a game, but also a playful training for concentration. Search games fulfill an educational purpose. Make it particularly exciting by carefully considering where you are hiding something. But always choose a hiding place that is also accessible to your child.

Read to your Child

If you cannot leave the house, make yourself comfortable and read something to your child. You can also look at a picture book together, and you can tell what can be seen there. If your child can already speak enough, a conversation develops out of watching pictures. Surely your child will ask questions. That is important for mental development. Take every question seriously. If you cannot answer a question because you have never had that thought, find the answer. Involve your child. Show him where the encyclopedias are or how you search the Internet for answers. You can also go to the public library with him. Do not tell a child that it asked a stupid question. If you do not know something, answer “I do not know. Come on, we’ll find it out together.”

Your response is critical to your child’s emotional development and attitude towards learning later on.

Encourage their Curiosity

Children are curious by nature. This curiosity is the prerequisite for learning something. Talk a lot with your child. When you’re out on the road, point out interesting things. Ask your child what the traffic signs might mean when you are driving. You will hear very funny conjectures that can quickly become really cute anecdotes. Always encourage your child to let their imagination run wild and have a fun conversation.

Act Out in Front of the Mirror

The mirror is an entertainment that is part of the development of babies: the recognition of one’s own image in the mirror is indeed absolutely necessary for the formation of the notion of the self. Smile, pull out your tongue and make faces in front of the mirror, your child will laugh a lot, learn to recognize and socialize, and you’ll be able to watch his cute little face for as long as you want.

Finally, it is important to take part in activities that expand your child’s horizons. The foundations of intelligence are laid very early. The child must be taught to be curious and this can happen through activities given above. Virtually anything can become a fun-filled game from sweeping the driveway to a visit to the mall.

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All children are born with the basic need to establish a stable and secure relation with both the parents which is called “attachment.” It is the nature of the babies that they quickly form a bond of attachment with the person who is staying with them. It can therefore be said that relationships of the child and the quality of the bond plays an essential role in the life of a human being. If the first bond of attachment of a baby is usually established with his mother, the one he shares with his father is equally precious. It also happens that a bond of affection is formed with another “parental” figure, such as an aunt, a grandparent or even an educator. It is nevertheless the one that the child develops with his parents which remains the most important.

The benefits of a strong bond of attachment

The more secure the bond of attachment between a child and his parents, the better equipped he will be to deal with the difficulties of life. Not only will a child who feels loved and protected have the impression of being worthy of affection, but he will have a very positive perception of others. It will be easier for him to go to others and to explore. Since he knows he can count on his parents, the child develops better self-confidence and will have more ease to grow, physically, emotionally and intellectually.

In short, the quality of the bond of attachment is intimately linked to the quality of the child’s future relationships, since it facilitates the learning of social skills, such as empathy. Besides, a study has recently shown that boys who have developed a strong bond of attachment are 2.5 times less likely to have behavior problems in school, even if they have grown up in a disadvantaged environment.

Problems of the deficient parent-child bond

In return, the child whose attachment is inadequate has less confidence in him. He also has a much harder time working as part of a group, since he tends to shy away from people around him. Some children even develop a mistrust of adults. In the longer term children who fail to establish a proper attachment to a maternal or paternal figure are more likely to be aggressive, provocative or hyperactive. They would also have more language difficulties and problems at school.

Promote attachment and affection

The first years of life are significant to establish a relationship of attachment, and certain behaviors are able to favor it.

• Comforting baby when it cries – Before 18 months, if he’s crying for wanting to be cuddled, he needs to be reassured. So, by taking him, you are not “giving in,” you are instead showing him that he can count on you.
• Be constant – When he needs something, give him something to drink, eat, or just hug.
• React quickly – If you respond quickly to its crying, the baby will experience less stress. This will help him feel safe.
• Show tenderness – Caress, rock, talk gently to the baby.

Accept the child as he is: we all have strengths and weaknesses.

By accepting your baby as it is, without judgment, you are building your self-esteem. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, either because you have depression or a particularly difficult situation. If this is your case, do not hesitate to ask for help: your spouse, a relative or a loved one will be able to take care of the baby, while your situation stabilizes. The child primarily needs the mother, but above all, he needs a comforting presence of an adult. There is no shame in asking for help when bringing up a child.

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With the arrival of the baby, some fathers feel a bit clumsy. They are sometimes intimidated by the almost fusional relationship between their child and their spouse. If this is your case, how can you take your place as dad and bond with baby from birth?

Studies show that the father plays an extraordinary role in the life of his child. In fact, fathers often act differently from mothers with their children, and this difference is stimulating for a toddler. As a new dad, you’ll gain a quick connection with your baby. This will allow a strong relationship to develop between you and the infant from birth. You will be able to know your child and his particularities. He too will become familiar with you.

With experience, you will feel more comfortable and competent when you take care of your baby. Like all new parents, dads have things to learn. It is therefore usual to make mistakes on occasion. A little patience, humility, and humor will help you in the relationship with your baby and your spouse.

Father Must Spend Time With His Child

Most fathers act logically and practically – if the child is cold, they put a blanket on him and leave. They are not aware of the importance of their presence to the child. Reading the newspaper with the baby next to him in the cradle, rather than in another room, makes a huge difference. Changing the diaper, playing with them, and feeding contribute to the creation of the father-child bond in the first months.

It is essential for a child to spend quality time with his father. This is a necessary foundation for human life. Having a male role model is vital for understanding how to create good relationships with others and forge character. In society, we do not talk enough about the formation of character. There are books for learning algebra, but character formation is not a priority. The father is in an excellent position to do that.

Here Are Some Ways to Promote the Dad-child Relationship

• Learn about the basics to keep your baby safe. Your stress will decrease a lot when you know, for example how to hold the newborn baby or bathing the infant and feeding him.
• Take the time to discover your baby and observe it. What catches his attention, interests him, makes him react? When you know him better, establishing a relationship with him will be easier.
• Find activities you like to do with your baby, if possible, without your spouse. For example, take him out for a pram ride, massage or bathe your kid. This will allow you to develop a separate relationship with your child.

These privileged moments that fathers spend with their child in sports, artistic or leisure activities reinforce the bond of attachment, and it also creates tastes in children. If these moments with the father have been enjoyable, doing these same activities later will bring back good memories, and it is possible that it makes him want to recreate the same thing with his children. Generally, the father will invite the child into a universe he loves, where he is at his best. And if it involves taking a few risks and taking the child out of his comfort zone to overcome fears, that’s perfectly normal.

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From his birth to the moment when he can finally do without it, the comfort of your baby largely depends on the diapers you choose.

Disposable or Washable Diapers?

Difficult to remove, disposable diapers are still used by a vast majority of parents. However, the new washable cloth diapers different from the previously used clothes, are experiencing an increase in usage. So should you use washable cloth diapers or disposable diapers?

Disposable Diapers

Synthetic disposable diapers continue to dominate the market, despite the competition. The main advantage of these disposable diapers, compared to washable diapers, is undoubtedly their practicality. Disposable diapers have been the subject of much criticism. First, the health argument: the chemicals used to make the diaper and give it absorbency penetrate the skin of the baby and can be irritating. They can also interact with other chemicals in your baby’s environment.

The biological argument is also becoming more important. To produce the cellulose that forms the basis of disposable diapers, billions of hectares of wood are cut each year. And the damage to the planet continues after use. Imagine that between 0 and 2 ½ years, your child will produce about a ton of dirty diapers.

To cope with criticism, leading diaper manufacturers have developed greener disposable diapers. They contain a minimum of 70% of natural materials and display the total absence of lotion, perfume, alcohol, dye. They also guarantee the layer which is in contact with the skin is fully non-chemical.

Less irritating, a little more respectful of the environment (especially with cellulose from sustainable wood sectors), they still produce as much waste as conventional disposable diapers and are a bit more expensive.

Washable Cloth Diapers

Born from the trend of natural mothering, washable diapers have experienced a real boom. They are more expensive to buy because you have to get at least a dozen to start. But they are more environmentally friendly and allow you to save money in the long run, if you think about the thousands of disposable diapers you would have to buy.

They are often criticized for their lack of effectiveness. But that ignores new brands that compete with a lot of ingenuity to keep your baby dry.

The washable cloth diaper consists of several parts:

• The absorbent layer is the one you always wash. Most often made of organic cotton it can have several forms. You may find more practical the type similar to disposable diapers, which closes with snaps or are self-gripping. For greater absorption at night, you can add a liner.
• A paper wrapper which protects the baby’s bottom. You will throw it in the toilet with the stool.
• To ensure that everything fits in place protective panties are added.

If you opt for washable cloth diapers, prefer to do it from birth, because your baby might not appreciate the wet touch of the washable diaper if he is used to maximum absorption of a disposable. For washing add a disinfectant to prevent bacteria from developing at an age when your baby is susceptible to gastroenteritis.

It can be concluded that synthetic diapers are the best to be used for the baby. As they can be changed quickly and is also easier to travel with them. However, they are expensive considering your child will use about 6000. Cloth diapers are more messy and difficult to clean. It also means washing more laundry. It largely depends on a parent’s personal choice as to which one they should choose to use.

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Becoming a parent is the best job in the world. It is also one of the most challenging tasks as each parent wants to provide the best education for their child. As the newborn adapts to the outside world, his parents welcome a new person in their life, who could offer them the best moments and the best memories.

However, the so-called “newborn” period remains one of the most difficult for parents and infants. Here are 10 tips to help you while parenting your newborn in the best conditions:

Sleeping When the Baby Sleeps

Sleeping is essential for a newborn, this is also the case for the mother. To deprive oneself of sleep is not good for health. Therefore, when your baby is taking a nap, do the same!

Accept The Help of Others

You have to stop thinking that you are capable of doing everything. You have just given birth to a baby; your body needs to recover. If your parents, family members or friends decide to help you, do not refuse the offer. Between cleaning, cooking, laundry, and baby, there is no shame in accepting help.

Take Care of Yourself

Some moms forget themselves after the birth of their baby. It is true that the latter needs attention, but you too. So do not hesitate to take a bath, do a manicure, take the time to do meditation or any other activity that will be good for your mental health.

Take Care of the Couple

After the birth of your baby, do not neglect your relationship. Do some outings alone, have fun and do yourself good, it will make your relationship stronger.

Reduce Expectations

Do not expect everything to go perfectly. Slimming down a month after birth or having the time to prepare dishes is not possible. You will not be as well coiffed and made up as before, and that’s normal! Take advantage of this time to relax and take a break.

Keep Close to You

Rest is essential for a mother who has just given birth. Whether you’re breastfeeding or just watching TV, always keep your essentials close at hand: water, a book, remote control or snacks – everything you need to rest and relax.

Adopt a Routine

Since birth, your baby is undergoing many changes, but babies prefer what is routine. Adopt a routine that would suit everyone. Your baby will make you understand when he wants to change.

Defend Your Choices

Everyone will have an opinion about your preferences as parents. Your family will comment on how you feed your child, sleep, health, etc. Do not try to please others and do what you feel is best for your baby.

Carry Your Baby

Your newborn has just left a warm and comfortable cocoon to find your way into your world. It is, therefore, best to carry it in your arms or using a baby carrier, because, for this transition, it will particularly need tenderness and affection.

Smile, Have Fun and Take Pictures

Always remember that this period after birth lasts only one time, your baby will grow very fast. Take advantage of all these moments you spend with him and your spouse. Take lots of photos, playing card games, have fun and give him the maximum of affection that will be missing one day.

So, it can be said that parenting a little one for the first time in your life has a lot of stress. Do not ever hesitate to ask for help. You are not superwoman. Obviously, nobody likes to have a messy house, but you will have to choose your priorities because you will not be able to do everything. The baby will take you most of your time, and as mentioned above you should spend the rest of the day looking after yourself, your rest and your diet.

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Babies pass gas a multiple time on a daily basis and this is very common as well. It has been noted that babies pass gas 15-30 times in a day and this is no surprise because we keep feeding them the entire day. Gas may sometime cause discomforts for babies when its build-up in the stomach. In this article we will let you know how can you treat gas in your babies and prevent them from long stress.

How gas forms?

Before tackling the problem let us understand what causes it. Whenever baby’s intake protein, fats in the form of breast milk or some other formula that you feed them, gas occurs as a by-product of digestion. Since gases are buoyant in nature, they pass away by making some pressure through the digestive tract but when the amount of gas is comparatively large it gets trapped and while release it creates excess pressure which results into the pain in the abdominal region. Below we have mentioned certain reasons of gas build-up:

• While feeding excess air is swallowed.
• Excess crying can also cause excess air intake which may result in the gas build-up.
• Bacterial flow in the intestine can also cause gas build-up.
• If the mother is eating gas in causing foods like coffee, nuts, ghee and so o then breast milk can cause gas build-up in babies.
• Overfeeding

If your baby is crying sharply and frantically you can relate it to the gas problem. Baby’s don’t have a lot of mediums to communicate hence you have to become a good observer. If the baby is pulling legs and grunting its chest then these are some symptoms of the gas problem.

Home-remedies to tackle the gas problem –

You can follow certain home-remedies to treat the gas problem in infants;

1.Feeding position: Feeding position must be accurate if you want to prevent gas build-up in babies. While breastfeeding you must keep baby’s head at a certain angle that they are above stomach region. In this position, the milk will go down to the stomach and the air will come up. While bottle-feeding ensure that the angle is placed such that air does not accumulate near nipple area.

2.Feed and Burp rule: Take 5 minutes break while feeding babies and give them a gentle tap on the back, this will help them to settle the milk and they will burp which will cause the excess gas to bubble up.

3.Massage: Give your baby a tummy massage as this will prevent gas build-up. You can do this by laying them on their back and rubbing their tummy in a clockwise direction. This will enhance the gas movement through the intestine. Massage using the warm mustard oil can prove to be extra helpful in reducing the gas problem in babies.

4. Prevent crying: Excess crying is also one of the major reasons for gas build-up in babies. You need to prevent the baby from crying. If the baby is crying introduce some distractions in order to stop the crying as soon as possible.

5.Yogurt: Yogurt is helpful for intestinal flora and this also helps in reducing the gas build-up problem in babies.

6.Gripe water: A mixture of water, sodium bicarbonate, sugar and dill oil help to reduce the gas problem in babies within 5 minutes.

7. Prevent overfeeding: Overfeeding also causes gas build-up hence you should avoid that as well. While parenting, you should understand your baby’s requirement and feed them accordingly.

8.Simethicone: You can use this drug for relieving babies from gas problems. Though you must always consult with a pediatrician before giving this to your baby.

Prevention –

Gas prevention in babies is always better than cure. Avoid feeding them those foods which cause gas accumulation. The mother should also avoid eating foods that will result in discomforts in babies through breastfeeding.

 When to see a doctor?

If your baby is suffering from gas problem then you can try above-mentioned home remedies. In case if the above methods are not working and the baby is continuously crying for hours then you should consult a doctor. If the baby is developing some symptoms of fever or vomiting then also you can call a doctor. In case if the baby is not eating anything due to gas then it is better to consult a doctor at earliest.

Final words-

Your baby can’t speak and you have to become a good observer so that you can gauge the symptoms. The gas build-up is a very common problem and you need to follow certain home remedies to treat them.

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The arrival of newborn strains the most united couples. Stressing about the unknown situation and the difficulty of communicating are all obstacles to proper understanding. No one is prepared for such a crisis after the arrival of their child. Men may feel helpless in the face of this crisis and may have difficulty understanding the situation.

To help you achieve your best, here are some tips to help you be a better father.

1. Take time to have fun with children

Since you are a man, children will often expect you to be the sporting one of the family. However, no matter what you choose, the important thing will be to have fun together.

2. Manage your anger well to be a good father

Men do not always know how to manage their emotions. That’s why to maintain health and family happiness while keeping children safe, it’s essential to learn how to control anger. Instead, express your anger with words. Be gentle and calm at all times.

3. Set an example as a father

Children often see their father as a superhero! They admire them because they are strong, protective and have solutions to everything. So, since you serve as a role model for your children, it would be important to set a good example. Have a positive attitude, make kind gestures and be balanced as much as possible.

4. Take the example of one’s own father-son experience

Look at how your father has raised you and evaluate the things that have been good for you. Thus, you will be able to choose to follow certain traits of your father and to abolish others that you do not want to repeat with your children.

5. Being attentive is a good father!

Children need to talk with their father. There are things they will prefer to say to their mother and others to you. If you want to be close to your children, communication will be one of the keys to success in getting there.

6. Do not be afraid to be funny

Fathers sometimes like to keep their image of parental authority intact. That’s perfectly normal, but just because you laugh and joke with your children does not mean that you seem to have lost your authority. It’s enough to show your children that there is a time for everything, that it’s good to have fun.

7. Be affectionate

Men are also afraid to be affectionate with their children. They prefer to leave that to the mother. Know that it is still important to have a minimum of affection and tenderness for your children. They will feel loved and protected.

8. Do not put pressure on children

The children want to impress their father. They want their father to be proud of them! That’s why, if you put pressure or set the bar too high for them, they will feel anxious and afraid to do activities with you. How to be a good father? It’s simple, encourage your children, but not exert too much pressure!

9. Use positive reinforcement

Always encourage your children, regardless of their successes or failures. Be proud of them and demonstrate it. Show them that it is perfectly reasonable to fail occasionally, but the important thing is to get up afterward.

10. Teach children the crucial values of life

Show your children what it is to be strong, courageous and persevering. Show them how important it is to take care of the people we love.

Hence on a concluding note it can be stated that to become a father is not an easy task. It is a significant role and men do not understand the ways to manage this role well because they believe that women have better natural assets to be a good parent. You must have confidence in yourself and remember how important your role is to children.

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As with many diseases, a neurological disorder like Parkinson’s, is hopeful to achieve a better and satisfactory outcome with a stem cell transplant. Ever since, the inception of human embryonic stem cells had been revolutionized in the lab in 1988, it was supposedly thought to eliminate the ill-effects of the disorder.

Despite having super potential in tissue repair, along with relieving the world from the clutches of a wide range of disabilities, enabling replacement of defective cells through transplantation and restoring normal functions of the cells, scientists had failed to find any such clinical improvements for disease treatments and also clinical research. The controversial derivation process from early embryos called blastulas had sparked a lot of ethical concerns in many countries, and put the entire process of clinical research and trial on hold.

In the recent times, there has been an application of human embryonic stem cells in animal models, but results were quite disappointing. However, that was not enough to restrict the way of scientists from developing a novel way to help patients with Parkinson’s disease, as the new study has been able to prove promising for the neurologically retarded patients, coming from the stem cell research. Do not assume it as an embryonic stem cell research though.

Novel Method to Treat Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists at Kyoto University, Japan, have developed a novel technique using non-embryonic stem cells called as human induced pluripotent stem cells to treat the conditions of Parkinson’s disease in primates. The technique involved reengineering the stem cells into neurons and implanting them into the brains of monkeys. The monkeys in the trial were injected with the symptoms of the diseases to measure the efficacy of the newly tried methods on them. As per the reports published on August 30, 2017 in Nature, the monkeys showed a promising improvement with fewer symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and the method did not cause them any harm at all.

Based on a satisfactory result from the study of animal models, it is now devised to use the same technique on humans to treat their symptoms of the disease. At the same time, the team of researchers at Kyoto University is planning to develop neurons using induced pluripotent stem cells to be used for human in the clinical trials in the future.

Why Are Stem Cells Yielding Possibilities for Parkinson ’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease, causing deaths to a neurotransmitter called dopamine in some areas in the brain, and transforming them into dopaminergic neurons. While these neurotransmitters regulate the movements in humans, Parkinson’s disease patients with not enough dopamine lose their flexibility and elasticity of movements; eventually develop stiffness in their muscles. No current treatment is effective enough to address the underlying issues of the disease, except the symptoms.

Since, pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell types in the body; they have the potential for tissue reengineering. Hence, scientists used them to replace the dopaminergic neurotransmitters in patients with the disease. In addition to this, they were manipulated to reverse the action of dopaminergic and prevent their progress.

Result of the Latest Study

The team led by Takahashi manipulated iPS cells extracted from the healthy one and also Parkinson’s disease infected people to turn into dopaminergic neurons. The monkeys with implanted symptoms of the disease received the transplants.

The brain cells did not face any rejection and survived for two years, and also established a connection with the monkey’s brain. After a connection was established, the monkeys had an improvement in their movements. Generally, iPSC is known to evoke some side-effects in the form of tumors, but this study did not show anything like that.

At the same time, it is envisioned to tailor made iPSC to be used in the patients so that no more drugs are required to control the immune response.

Since, this result is promising, we can easily hope to avoid the ill-effects of Parkinson’s disease and receive a better cell based therapeutic so that we can eliminate the disease from the roots.

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Music- it is so harmonious to your ears when it really yields a feeling of joy to your heart. The music has the power and is an advanced skill believed to spread joy throughout a lifetime. Not only does it limit its goodness to mesmerize you, it is equally beneficial for your kids too. Multiple studies have already advocated for the encouragement of music among kids as they improve cognition, memory, expressiveness, and self-confidence. If you worry, you cannot encourage your baby for the music education; you may be surprised to know that even the fetus in the womb reacts to the sounds of music and move in the uterus. Is this enough convincing to inspire your babies for music learning? Let us see.

It is usual to see your baby tapping their feet to the tunes of radio commercials or heavy music being aired on the TV. But, do you think this is the right parameter to judge their liking for music?

Perhaps, this is not the correct standard to measure their attachment to the music, but music does have some interesting components, yielding good results for the development of babies.

A comprehensive study spanning over ten years by the UCLA professor Dr. James Cattarell, proved beneficial for children.

The study reported an improvement from a perspective of education, which monitored more than 2,000 students and concluded that students involved in music did better results in academic examinations than those without musical involvement.

Every child loves music and it is universal, no matter how old are they. Even a child as young as six months old can benefit from music with a regular exposure to it. Music has the ability to build their math concepts and not to mention- their fine motor skills.

So, how early should you start to encourage your child to learn music and what benefits do they provide for your baby?

Music provides you the best opportunity to bond with your baby. You can initiate the process of music learning as early as six months. With different types of musical instruments being introduced to them, they can explore their fingers and toes and learn the importance of their movements.

Enhance the Listening Skill

Being a parent, it is crucial that you listen to music and expand the preference of music. This will allow you to discover the preference of your kid too. There is no musical bias in children, and they love music only because they love it without any influences from the external media. If you want to instill a taste of music in your kids, it is important you listen to music with your kids. Play a CD or record collections.

Sing It

It is so cute and lovable when your little one sings. Regardless of it being without any perfect pitch and rhythm, they sound just super fine and melodious to your ears. They sing anytime they like. But, parents do not hold onto their musical skills all through their lives and feel uneasy to sing any song.  Keep it in mind that children just do not care how you sing; they just want your participation. So, join them and enjoy the fun singing with your baby. Singing together eases the bonding and makes every day activity enjoyable.

Make a Jig

It is interesting to dance to music. When you encourage your kid to dance to music, it helps them burn off calories and sharpen their brains. Get into action with your kid. Always remember that it is a better way to keep your baby physically fit all through the year.

The music is dynamic and meant to be fun only. So, unleash the best of music to your baby and let her enjoy its essence.

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If you’ve not had much time to delve into the subject of cord blood banking and if you can opt for it in case of a natural birth, then here’s your chance.

The blood that remains in your baby’s umbilical cord, post birth is known as the cord blood. Earlier, the umbilical cord was treated as a medical waste and was usually discarded. However, with regenerative medicine now on the rise, many parents and families are choosing to either store their babies cord blood unit privately, or donating the same to a public cord blood bank.

So what actually happens during the process?

The process of collection of the cord blood from the baby is quite simple. The blood from the baby’s umbilical cord blood is extracted through a needle from the umbilical vein on the part of the cord that is attached to the placenta. The blood is then collected into a special blood bag that is part of your collection kit and then sent to the laboratory for processing within a timeframe of 72 hours. The sample, at the laboratory is then tested and frozen.

The observation that comes to mind is that the entire process has to work like clock-work.

Hence, can one actually opt for this service if they choose to go for a natural birth is something that you may be wondering about? What if you get your labour pains start earlier than the date that you’ve provided to your private cord blood bank? What if you are unable to get in touch with your cord blood banking service provider during this time? There are a lot of ‘what ifs’!

So the question is if one can choose to opt for cord blood banking during a natural birth can be easily answered.

Most birth plans, can accommodate cord blood banking as a collection of the sample takes place post the baby’s birth. The collection process in itself is less than a five minute. So basically, in the turmoil and joy of delivering your bundle of joy into this world, you probably won’t even notice, when the clamping has been done and the sample has already been collected.

However, one must ensure that your healthcare provider has been informed beforehand that you wish to opt for cord blood banking. Also, in case of private cord blood banking, you must inform the private storage bank that you intend to opt for a natural birth and they may have to send out their trained phlebotomist to collect the sample when you get your labour pains, closer to your delivery date. Have the number of the Executive you’ve dealt with through the enrolment process saved on your partner and your mobile phones. Also, if the private cord blood bank has a Hotline or a Toll-free number, it is a good idea to have such numbers saved on your mobile phone too.

Remember to carry your collection kit to the birthing center so that if by any chance the baby arrives early and the phlebotomist is unable to reach it in time, your healthcare provider will be able to carry out the sample collection. Always keep in mind that storing your baby’s cord blood sample is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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There is a constant debate amongst parents that whether or not they should allow their babies to continue sucking their thumbs. There are both pros and cons of thumb sucking amongst children. Sucking of thumb is a very natural tendency for infants.

They suck their thumbs when they need comfort or even when they are bored. It is like the only action they know which engages them for a while. Normally the habit of thumb-sucking amongst children decreases after 6 months of age. However, some children carry on sucking their thumbs till they are a year old. Continuation of the habit beyond that age is a sign of worry.

Benefits of Thumb-Sucking

Thumb-sucking is kind an inborn reflex for infants. This is the way they learn to comfort themselves. This kind of sucking reflex guarantees successful breastfeeding.

Sucking of thumbs also help fussy babies to mellow down and fall asleep. The action itself helps the child to organize the bio-rhythms inside his/her body. Even after he/she is properly fed, some children will continue sucking their thumbs. But that does not necessarily mean that they are still hungry.

Babies continue sucking anything and everything that they find in their way. In a way, the thumb is the cleanest and the safest option possible.

Concerns about Thumb-Sucking

Till the age of 6 months babies do not normally develop teeth. That means that they cannot really chew. Therefore sucking is the only action they can perform. However, once they cross that age, the habit of sucking should decrease.

The continuation of sucking of thumb will disrupt the pattern of the teeth. It might also hinder the growth and development of teeth in your child. Toddlers who are still continuing to suck their teeth till the age of 1 year are at high risk of weakening the jaws.

If your baby does not get rid of the thumb sucking habit at an early age, then he/she will get addicted to it and will seek other oral gratification in the near future. Continuation of the thumb-sucking habit leads to addictive behavior amongst children when they grow-up.

So, it is important for the parents to wean the habit at the right time. The window between 6 months of age to 1 year is the ideal one.

How to Wean the Thumb-sucking Habit?

The idea is not to stress over it. You can wean the habit by distracting your child and engaging him/her with something else. There are many toys and puzzles with which you can do this.

The ideal window to wean the habit of thumb-sucking is from 3 months to 6 months. However, even if your child is not sucking his thumb during the day, at night before sleeping he/she might start doing it again. Do not fuss over it as it is a natural process which helps them soothe their nerves.

With proper monitoring and observation, the thumb-sucking habit can be weaned within a month or two.

Sources:

• https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/pacifiers-or-thumbsucking-which-is-worse
• https://wehavekids.com/parenting/The-Benefits-of-Thumb-Sucking-in-Infants
• https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/ask-heidi/thumb-sucking-baby.aspx

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You may be immune if you’ve had chicken pox before, especially if you’ve been vaccinated. The prevention rate is as high as 80-85% for ones who’ve received the vaccination. Hence, whilst the chances are low, but there are few women who do get chicken pox during their pregnancy. The approximate range would be about 1 to 5 cases per 10,000 pregnancies in the United States.

So, if you have been unfortunately diagnosed with chicken pox during your pregnancy, then there is a slight chance that the little life growing inside of you may also be affected.

The chicken pox causes a extremely infectious, blister-like rash which also causes severe itchiness. The first complication that you may come across if you have contracted chicken pox during pregnancy is pneumonia. How your baby is affected by this disease completely depends on the period of pregnancy that you are currently in.

Congenital varicella syndrome, which is a rare group of serious birth defects, could be a possible result if you have developed chicken pox during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The risk of your baby getting the Congenital varicella syndrome is far greater, if the same has occurred specifically between 8 and 20 weeks of the pregnancy. Scarring of the skin, the underdevelopment of the arms and legs, inflammation of the eyes, and restricted brain development are some of the effects if the baby contracts the Congenital varicella syndrome.

Neonatal varicella is another possible life-threatening infection that the baby may be at risk, if the mother-to-be has contracted chicken pox a few days prior to delivery upto 48 hours postpartum.

In case you have never been vaccinated for chicken pox and you end up having it during the pregnancy, you must get in touch with your gynecologist or obstetrician immediately. An immune globulin product injection may be recommended during these circumstances as this particular injection has antibodies that provides protection and fights against the chicken pox virus. If the injection is pushed within the first ten days of the virus exposure, it greatly aids in reducing the seriousness of the condition. As the congenital varicella syndrome is such a rare condition, it still has not been properly established if this route of treatment in any manner helps to protect the baby in the womb from being affected by this condition too.

The alternate method of treatment that your gynecologist or obstetrician may opt for is to prescribe oral antiviral drugs. With timely intake of the prescribed oral medication, it largely helps to mitigate the seriousness of the condition and reduces the risk of complications too. If you have the condition at the time of your due date, the healthcare provider may immediately inject an immune globulin product to your baby post delivery. This will help thwart or decrease the severity of the condition to a great extent. In the scenario that your baby is born with the chicken pox virus, the healthcare provider will put your baby on antiviral drugs immediately.

So, in case you’ve not been vaccinated, how can you help reduce the chances of contracting this highly contagious disease during your pregnancy?

There are two things that you must ensure in a situation like this. If you know of anyone who is suffering from chicken pox or has been through the disease in the last three weeks, do not have any contact with such a person. Additionally, if you know of anyone suffering from shingles, avoid contact with them as well.

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When a new member arrives in your family it does take some time to bond with that individual. The same holds true for your baby. A favourable bonding always happens over a span of time. And little ones take their own sweet time to express themselves. So if you are finding it tough to bond with your baby, here are few guidelines that will enable you to bond better and deeper with your baby. So here goes!

Drop All Expectations

This is essential. The online videos we see online and stories we hear from our friend circle, often raises our expectation that we are going to bond with our little ones very soon and very fast. Sometimes this is not the situation. Babies bond in their own time. There are moments when they are very expressive and on other times, they are rather shy. So allow ample time for them to gradually open up and feel comfortable in your presence. This might take few months. So don’t compare and be slightly patient.

Opt In For Close and Skin-to-skin Moments

When you hold your little one close to you, it automatically creates a cosy and close feel. The feeling of their skin being close and next to you creates a loving and affectionate feeling. So as soon as you get home post delivery you can initiate moments of skin-to-skin closeness with your little one. Daily 30 minutes of the same in a calm and relaxed manner will simply work wonders in your relationship. This is something that you can’t do on a busy room filled with your family members. But once you have the room and space all to yourself, you can go ahead with this. You will love the way you bond with your baby.

Sing to Your Little One

The best way to bond with your little one is to try out different activities. This will enable you to know the pulse of your baby. It need not be a nursery rhyme. It can be anything that is musical. And you surely don’t have to be like an ace singer, but just being able to get your baby’s interest will be enough. Remember, that when you love your singing, chances are your little one will love it too.

Listen To Your Little One’s Heart Beat

Babies like anything soft and sweet. In the beginning days you will have to spend a lot of time letting them know you are keen to discover more about them. So when you are all free and playing with your little one you can simply listen to the baby’s heart beat. This is going to be a unique experience. The silent throbbing of your little one’s heart that you hear will make you feel all the joy. The feeling is inexplicable. And gradually even your little one will realize the love and emotion involved with this act. That’s when he/she will gradually start to bond with you.

Do Interesting Creative and Fun Things

Baby’s bond when you spend ample time with them doing things that is fun and interesting. For instance, you could simply turn on the music and start dancing. You might find that your baby bursts down into laughter for this. That aside, you could bring a colour book and allow your little one to go all abstract with colours and have a good time. Sometimes giving your toddler a little baby message also makes the little one feel happy.

There are several ways in which you can bond with your little one. Other than the one’s discussed here you can simply create your own. However, these steps are a good place to start as well.

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Women nonetheless have a chunk to bear and experience when it’s about becoming a parent! Everyone knows that those 9 months aren’t easy. But the joy that emanates when a baby is born is blissful. And if truth be told, other than the would-be mother, even the expecting father undergoes a world of change within. The very feeling that a man has a little one to take care of, is what is exciting and nervous at the same time. Men are providers and love to provide well for their family. And this also means taking their wives to stores to get them maternity products before and after the child birth. Or as the internet would have it, some men like me would love to do the maternity shopping themselves, all one.

I was ecstatic when I heard my wife was pregnant! After the initial apprehension, I got consumed with the joy of having our baby. And taking care of my wife seemed to be the obvious thing that I loved doing. And during this phase I took keen interest in maternity shopping. My objective was to make my wife happy and make her life a tad bit easy amidst all the bodily and mental fluctuations, that is a part of pregnancy.

Did I get it right at the first go? Not at all! Understanding maternity shopping is no rocket science. But to implement it is where the challenge lies. Not because there’s dearth of products online or offline. But because the stores allow you endless option that makes it tough to make choices. And also you exactly need to know what your wife requires. So as I browsed online I was overwhelmed with all the maternity products and wears. I decided to start with the maternity wears.  That seemed to be the safest bet!

However, gone are the days when women used to wear loose fitting dress as their maternity wears! Fashion has walked into the maternity clothing section as well. There are far more interesting options available than you can think of.  For instance, there are T-shirts, maxi and midi dresses for pregnant women. That aside, there are oversized T-shirts and shift dresses designed for this purpose. And if you thought that women who aren’t pregnant can make the most of shape wears, unlike the ones who are pregnant – you need to check this out! Today, you can opt in for the over the bump clothing that comprises of leggings and tank tops as well.

There are bodycon dresses available for pregnant woman available in stripes and animal prints as well. Usually prints play a part in not making the baby bump obvious. Also there’s an added bonus. It elevates the mood of the pregnant woman which at times fluctuates owing to the hormonal changes. Furthermore, other kinds of maternity shopping include selecting the apt innerwear, sleep wear and even daily accessories. The online world provides choices galore for you to explore and grab the best deals that are showcased online!

However, whilst doing the maternity shopping for your wife, I have a suggestion to share. It’s always better to let your wife select the maternity clothing or accessories she wants! It’s always a great idea to surprise her. But when pregnant all a woman wants are things going her way, as she has to deal a lot already. Keeping in mind the delicate mood swings, it’s always smart to have her select the maternity gown that suits her taste and size, than you selecting one which might not cater to her preference or size. Also the maternity shopping doesn’t stop once the baby is born. In fact, it assumes a new dimension post that. So just be by your wife’s side and take part in the maternity shopping.

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It is normal when babies hiccup in the mother’s womb. It may, at times, alarm the pregnant mums, but there’s nothing really to worry about. So, as a mum-to-be, you may be wondering how your little one can hiccup when he or she is inside of you. You surely know that they are not breathing yet! But that’s where you are wrong. Breathing has nothing to do with your baby’s hiccup. If there are unexpected tightening of the diaphragm possibly as a result of itchiness or stimulation of the muscle, the baby may have a hiccup.

Once the baby is born and if you are worried about the constant hiccups then, Lynnette Mazur, a professor of paediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston says,

It’s a nuisance to parents, but not so much to the baby. Unless the hiccups interfere with daily activities like sleeping or eating, there’s no need to see a healthcare provider.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a probable cause of frequent hiccups if your baby is suffering from it. If the baby has a tendency to spit up or coughs and has a cranky disposition, then, Mazur advises that you should definitely mention that to your pediatrician. Additionally, if you observe that your baby’s hiccups are out of control, and are occurring pretty regularly, especially post-age one, then you should again consult the paediatrician as it may be an indication of a more serious medical disorder.

Karen Fratantoni, MD, MPH, a pediatrician at Children’s National Health System observes that,

Generally, if it seems the baby or newborn hiccups are related to overfeeding, belly distention or reflux. You can help alleviate hiccups by feeding baby smaller amounts more often, and remember to burp baby frequently.

Whilst in most cases, baby hiccups are harmless; here are some tips that you can follow to get rid of them.

• If the baby is being breastfed, try and burp the baby when you are in the process of switching from one breast to the other. You may be aware of the fact that babies have tendency to consume their surrounding air. Have the baby latch higher to the breast, ensuring that your baby’s lips are tightly sealed around the areola of your breast, not just the nipple.
• “Completing the feeding while he is relaxed can actually end the hiccupping,”[3] is what Forgenie recommends. Stop and burp the baby halfway, if you are bottle-feeding the baby. The bottle should be positioned in such a manner so that it isn’t any air near the bottle teat. The air can form at the bottom of the bottle instead.

There are also other theories by which you can help stop your baby’s hiccups. However, Mazur thinks. There’s really not much you can do, and they’ll go away soon.

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The word babycare is most often than not attached with mothers in general than dads. This probably could be because a man is looked more upon as the earning member of a family. Mostly mothers are looked upon being physically close to their babies post delivery. Therefore, it is often assumed that babycare is a woman’s job! However, it’s the 21^st century now and things changed the moment we set our eyes on to it. At this present day and age, it is all about equality, when men and women share babycare. Wondering how? Here are some smart easy ways to get your partner to pitch in.

A Helping Hand to Start of

It is actually tough and impossible to get your partner to do all the babycare activities. First, it’s impractical. Second, it’s not a smart solution to shift the babycare chunk to one person. However, getting him gradually introduced to the work that needs to be done is a good idea. So start by asking for small help at a time. For instance, if your baby needs to be fed in certain intervals, ask your partner to remind you of the same. Then, when you set out to prepare the food, he can help you get the food done.

Give Him Responsibility of the Medical Check-ups

Visiting the doctor’s chamber is something that will happen at least once a month. So allow your partner to take charge of it. Request him to co-ordinate with the doctor for the appointment and keep the date marked in the calendar. Setting a reminder on the mobile too is helpful. Allow him to drive you to the medical center and accompany you through the visit. This will spark up the hero instinct in him. And you too will feel loved and taken care of!

Fix Up the Personal Care

Both during and after pregnancy, women are susceptible to mood changes and bodily fluctuations. To get back to the normal and healthy flow of hormones, it is essential for women to up their daily personal care. And it indicates aspects like yoga, exercises during and after pregnancy and also massages that relaxes the body and eases the mind. So allow your partner to fix a personal yoga instructor for you and check from time to time, if he/she is doing the job well. In addition to that, sometimes you can always ask for a back and shoulder massage which is help you relax out totally.

Talk Your Heart Out and Discuss It All

When you listen to what a woman has to say, it’s a greater and better help in her daily chores! Post delivery, a woman has a lot to take care of. The same applies during the pregnancy. So sometimes when you share your day with your partner, you feel lighter and sorted. For instance, if you feel that with your office work and the regular maternity/babycare you are stressed and burdened, go ahead and speak out your heart with your partner. You can even mention what kind of support you want from him. This will help you streamlining your work and expectations as well.

Share the Bath Time, Diaper and Playtime Duty

When your baby is born, things like changing diapers, clothes, bathing the baby, taking the little one out for a stroll and also playing with the kid – are all essential activities. The best way to get your partner involved is to split the duties and ask him to take part. This will help him bond with the baby even better.

The time before and after pregnancy is never easy! Baby care needs attention to details and careful planning. You can always ask your partner to help out and arrive at a balance and harmony in your baby care routine.

The post How to Get Your Partner to Share The Baby Care? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Toddlers are filled with an array of emotions that in no way appear civilized to the adult world. Many will advise a worried parent that their toddlers are just a mini-version of a future teenager. Thus, making a worried parent more worried in case they have a rambunctious toddler on hand. This makes many parents wonder ‘can I predict my child’s temperament’. The personality of your toddler is determined with their temperament traits. Each child is genetically programmed with an in-built temperament which can alter as per their environment and how they perceive themselves, the people, as well as the environment around them.

What is Temperament?

Temperament is the in-born traits in children that help them approach the world. They help a child develop a distinct personality and also help them learn about the world around them. These traits appear as soon as the child is born. They are never ‘good’ traits or ‘bad’ traits. The way the parents receive these traits makes the child appear good or bad. It is important for the parents to understand the temperament of the child to help them stop blaming themselves for their child’s behavior.

Not all children are the same. You will find some babies are fussier, some need a lot of cuddle, and few have poor sleeping patterns. Parents need to understand their child and anticipate how their child will respond in different situations. This will help them help their child avoid sticky situations.

Is It Possible to Predict My Child’s Temperament?

Based on the traits exhibited by children, researchers have found three categories for children to determine their temperament types.

Easy/ Flexible

Children who are easy going, happy, mostly wakeup from the right side of the bed, are placed under this category. They can easily tolerate new people and situations around them and are generally active. However, even though it may not be easy to anger them, they are no pushovers. As they are easygoing, many parents tend to neglect them as they do not demand more attention from them. They are forced to spend hours in front of a screen and thus become lonely and neglected.

Slow to Warm Up / Shy

Shy kids make up 15% of the population. They are clingy and frown often. They are over-sensitive to everything around them. A tiny label on their clothes may bother them or a change in climate may make them fussy. They take their time to take part in a game. These kids have a gentle soul and parents should shield them from harsh words and ridicule. Do not rush them into things and allow them to take their time to try out something new. Never reject them as it makes the child fearful and bitter all their life.

The Feisty/ Wild Child

If you have a strong-willed active child, then you are up to new challenges in life. These children have a roller-coaster personality and tend to keep their parents on their toes. Such toddlers and kids are more active, impulsive, defiant, intense, rigid, and sensitive. They have an outgoing personality that cannot be constrained at times. As a parent you need to take your kid out more to play, to help them burn their energies and keep their moods balanced. However, make sure the child is given a lot of stability and handled with lots of patience.

All children are unique and cannot be defined by a single personality type. It is not necessary a shy child will grow up to be shy. They may be late bloomers and turn out to be the most happening teen in school. Celebrate your child with love and enjoy their uniqueness. Cuddle them as much as you can when the time is right. You will definitely miss that part of their personality as they grow up.

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Is it safe to get intimate during pregnancy? Do too many sexual involvements trigger labour? Does it affect the growth of the baby? There are many concerns involved with sex during pregnancy.

However, besides these common concerns to say no to sex, perhaps you may have other reasons to not find that old loving zing in your relationship when you are pregnant.

Your libido seems to experience a roller coaster ride during this time. Sometimes, you are too tired, nauseated, and are feeling irritated even by his simple touches. Maybe, on other days, the feelings can be different.

As per sex experts, many women can have the best sex experiences during their pregnancy for various reasons. The pregnancy makes your nipples plump; your genitals become too engorged with blood flow, it eases your vaginal opening with a high volume of natural lubrication. All these just add to your desire, and are likely to encourage getting off with your partner.

On the other hand, your man seems to be high on his libido, finding you too steamier, which is a huge turn on for him too. However, as both of you cannot connect properly to be intimate at an emotional seam, your intimate life is getting interrupted.

This is a usual experience which every couple goes through during those days of pregnancy. Instead of staying away from sex through intercourse in part or entirely during pregnancy, you should try to be intimate with your partner while you are pregnant. Thinking this way just helps you stay connected and close to your partner, which is indeed important during your pregnancy.

It is crucial for you to understand that you can apply other techniques to feel the essence of intimacy, rather than exerting intercourse to feel an orgasm. If you cannot bond through intercourse, use techniques like caressing and stroking. This would help you build a strong connect with your partner through intimacy.

Get to know important ways to stay together emotionally and physically.

Listen To Your Sexual Needs

The big milestone of motherhood is going to approach you soon. But, being pregnant does not mean you cannot explore your sexual needs. Get yourself a sanction to enjoy it to prove that you are still a sexual person.

Clear Confusions With Communication

Your man is highly tempted, but his concerns may hinder him from taking the step forward in the assumption that his step may hurt you or his baby. It is worth solving these weird feelings and move on ahead together.

First Trimester

The high risk pregnancy may be a hurdle to get off with your partner. But, if there is no such concern, indulge yourself in a steamier act without apprehending about your birth control. It is safe for you and your baby too.

Second Trimester

During this phase, your estrogen gets a boost, making you want for more. With no protruding belly and possible concern of miscarriage intensifying, you are free to explore your sexual needs.

Third Trimester

This time, you cannot think sex in your mind. Your oversize belly makes you feel uncomfortable to try different positions this time around. Maybe, you can experience labour for overdoing your act. However, in most cases this cannot happen unless your cervix is ready.

Remember that pregnancy sex makes you look sensitized and your body parts engorged with blood. This is enough to arouse your guy’s sexual feelings. So, go for it if you are expecting a normal pregnancy.

Don’t miss to savour the essence of intimacy with your partner with a little precaution and carefulness.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/women/features/intimacy-and-pregnancy#1
https://www.parenting.com/pregnancy/health-symptoms/sex-during-pregnancy-trimester-trimester
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/sex-relationship/what-pregnancy-sex-is-really-like/

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It is heartbreaking to see the tears rolling down the cheeks of your baby when leaving her at preschool or to your babysitter. The scene repeats every day, and it wrecks heavily upon your emotional well- being as well as your baby’s.

The aching of separation for both deepens with each passing day, leaving you nuts with no solutions being handy to get out of the situation. You are not alone to experience the ordeal months after months once your baby is going through her development stage. Every mom and dad in the alley walks past this situation and becomes apprehensive. The situation is nothing but separation anxiety, which is a growing concern for every parent.

So, why does this stage in the baby’s life arrive, and leave your life in jeopardy?

Separation Anxiety and its Relevance

It is normal though; its effects ruin your normal life and interfere with your baby’s daily activities. Just because of the impact of separation anxiety, your baby seems to be clingier, loves to be around you always, even if you have important chores to do. Everything appears to be normal until you disappear from her sight, and the loud screams and yelling keep nagging everyone around, and even those in your neighborhood. This is what raises the insecurity and fear of loneliness in their subconscious minds.

When you leave out of your baby’s sight, she is more likely to believe that you have gone out, without leaving any signs of returning back. The adverse thinking develops in her as she is unable to develop the concept of time. This makes her sobbing, distressed and turns her into a spider monkey that clings to your legs firmly.

Maybe, this is worrying for you, but in another perspective, it is a healthy sign of great bonding and attachment. With times and through the expression of separation anxiety, your baby becomes more attached to you and close ones, who stay with her.

This is entirely different from the early stage of her birth. At an early age, the sense of object permanence does not grow into her, and defers her from identifying, and observing things around her. That’s the reason why she is passed between adults quite easily, while the same becomes difficult once she is in her infancy. By this time, your baby is well aware of the facts and concepts of object permanence. Hence, because of the object permanence, she can realize that you exist even though not present in her sight.

How to Deal With Your Baby’s Separation Anxiety

The signs and symptoms of separation anxiety vary from phase to phase of a baby’s life. So, the techniques and tricks to handle the issue of separation anxiety should be different also.

Infant/Baby

As soon as your baby turns six months, introduce her to the caregiver. This is good to make her accustomed to new people.

Never make your departure emotional. Develop a good body language that sends a soothing vibe to her, and does not allow her to experience loneliness.

Toddler

Keeping your baby busy with loads of responsibilities is a good trick to help her get over the separation anxiety. Forget not to remind your baby about your departure and also the arrival to make her used to your daily routine. Follow this through.

Make sure to leave when your baby has a full stomach and is going for a nap. This is important as tired and hungry babies are more likely to cry in your absence.

Never sneak out when your baby is inattentive. Tell her about when you are leaving. If you don’t tell her, she will think that you can disappear anytime.

So, is there any way to prevent separation anxiety? The answer is, no! But what one can do is to identify the signs and see to it that measures are taken at the appropriate times to minimize stress on both the child and the parents.

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Although it is surprising, it is a proven fact that parents encourage the habit of crying in infants by attending to them when they “cry”. Being the most intelligent species on earth, human babies take no time to understand that they are being attended to when they cry out for any reason. Parents try to answer every call, and their attempts would be always positive to satisfy the baby with a “Yes”. However, it is essentially not possible for all parents under the sky to satisfy the baby every time. No matter how resourceful the parents are, there are certain phases where they have to restrict their children with a “no” for the best interest of their child.

It may be easier for a toddler to understand a restriction from the parents but how does an infant understand a ‘no’ in the initial days. Like every other milestone, the time to understand a refusal from the parents is also unique for every infant. It should be somewhere in between six months to eighteen months. Infants discover it all by themselves or the parents have to teach it to their wards slowly. When the baby does something unacceptable, it is necessary to channelize the kid’s energy to some other element for diversion. If required, quietly tell her ‘no’. Handover something different to them and they are sure to forget the old one in the excitement of the new toy or thing. Or keep them away from the element to avoid them getting in touch with the same thing.

Undoubtedly, there are many incidents where the parents may have to restrict a child and if you feel that the ‘no’ is being used more than often, you can try being creative by using different words to explain the kids why it is a no-no. If the kid wants to enter a dark room, it is essential to explain to them that they may fall, or hit something, due to dark environment of the room. It is not suggested by child psychologists to threaten kids by saying that there is a devil in the dark room to avoid them from going in there.  Rather, it is important to make them understand that the room is still the same even in the darkness; however, darkness creates the opportunity for anyone to unknowingly hurt themselves. Saying ‘no’ with a stern voice when they attempt to go the wrong route may help alerting the child. To communicate better, use words such as hot, cold, spicy, etc. in a stern voice to make them understand the impending cause of danger.

Approaching hot irons or ovens, getting into cold water tubs, attempting to eat peppers or chilies, fingering electrical sockets, swallowing poisonous repellents, playing with fragile items, etc. are all a cause of concern and are strictly on the range of a ‘no’. It is on the parent’s part to keep the home as child safe as possible rather than having to say a ‘no’ constantly. The lesser the ‘no’s’ the better the positivity in the child and higher the spirits are. Although ‘no’ is a negative word, try to inculcate this concept in the child’s mind with more positivity.

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Stem cells have been the reason for so many successful clinical trials for decades. It has not only been proven effective for more than 80 diseases and disorders, but it has also been responsible for various miraculous stories. Lucy Hinchion has such an inspiring story. She is the youngest child in medical history, who has received her own umbilical cord blood to stop or delay the occurrence of Type 1 diabetes. And she was just 20 months old, when the procedure was conducted on her.

How Does Type 1 Diabetes Occur in Children?

The occurrence of Type 1 diabetes begins with autoantibodies. These are proteins that are made by the immune system of our body. If the protein is present in anyone blood, it suggests that the beta cells in the pancreas that help produce insulin, are affected. The entire process might lead to an autoimmune attack. Some of these autoantibodies can be traced during the blood months while some are found years before the diabetes occurs.

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells but at the same time it’s the most difficult to collect. It can only be collected after child birth from the umbilical cord of the new born. For this reason, parents need to contact a private cord blood bank to store the umbilical cord blood immediately after birth. Even a one day’s delay cannot be considered.

The procedure is entire safe both for the mother and the child. Once the cord blood is collected, it needs to go through a clinical process to isolate the stem cells from the immune cells. These stem cells are unique in nature. They have the potential to repair and replace damaged tissues and organs. And once stored, these stem cells can be utilized in any transplant of any family member.

Lucy’s mother, Sonya Hinchion also hoped that once they store Lucy’s umbilical cord blood, they would be able to safe Lucy’s elder sister, Ava’s life, who was suffering from Type 1 diabetes since four years of age. However, little did she know that Lucy would require those stem cells more than anyone else. After testing, Sonya found out that Lucy was positive for two antibodies and that posed her at high risk of developing the condition more than anyone. Sonya recalled, “After testing positive for two antibodies herself, Lucy became at high risk of developing the condition.”

Regarding the transplant, Sonya confirmed that it was a pretty simple and straightforward procedure. She said, “You’re putting all your eggs in one basket but without doing this trial and without putting yourself out there, we’re never going to learn. The other risk is, she develops diabetes and you’ll kick yourself for not trying.” Professor Maria Craig, the head of the CORD study, follows Lucy every 3 to 6 months and would keep up the follow up session for the next 3 years.

Over 100 Australian children, who have a history of Type 1 diabetes in their family, are being screened by the Cord Reinfusion in Diabetes (CORD) study currently. According to a report, “More than 100 Australian children with a family history of Type 1 diabetes are currently being screened in the Cord Reinfusion in Diabetes (CORD) study, conducted through the hospital’s Kids Research Institute and funded by cord blood bank Cell Care Australia.”

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When our doctor said that the 2^nd trimester had started, I was a little perplexed and at the same time was wondering what to expect from this phase. If the 1^st trimester brought along morning sickness, extreme mood swings and immense fatigue, what would the 2^nd trimester accompany with! When I shared my concern with our doctor, she said that the 2^nd trimester was going to be the easiest phase of our pregnancy and my wife would start feeling energetic like the old times. I was relieved, to say the least.

Initial weeks were easy, to be precise. But after a few weeks, my wife started developing a strange problem of acidity. And it was common for almost every night. When I found out that it had become a regular affair, I called the doctor. She ensured that all these issues with gas, heartburn, acidity, constipation were nothing but the symptoms of 2^nd trimester. As the baby grows, it puts some pressure on the mother’s digestive tract, which causes all the discomfort. Our doctor also suggested my wife to drink a lot of water to keep her digestive system as normal as possible. By that time, I pretty much understood that it was not going to be as smooth as I was expecting.

Just as I thought, as our baby started growing, it brought along a lot of health problems for its mother. Backache and breeding gums were the major ones to mention here. It’s very common that pregnant women gain some weight during the 2^nd trimester, which results into putting pressure on the back. As the father, I did everything from arranging comfortable sitting and sleeping setup to rubbing and messaging the sore points to comfort my wife. Whenever she needed anything, I made sure to make it available right in front of her, so she did not have to bend her back. Trust me. All of these worked amazingly well to offer her comfort.

My wife was also suffering from bleeding gums during this period. When I consulted my doctor, she said that it’s very common among pregnant women, as it’s caused by the hormone changes. Again, hormones! However, our doctor also alarmed us not to ignore it, as it’s proved that pregnant women with periodontal diseases are more prone to deliver a low birth weight baby and often go into premature labor. So, I decided to take her for dental checkup regularly. After a few sittings, the dental problems were almost gone.

As my wife started putting on some weight and of course due to the baby bump, it was time for maternity shopping. I accompanied her. While we were returning from the shopping center, I noticed something. My wife was sitting still in the car. When I asked her, she said that she was feeling something in her belly. Something that was moving. Our doctor already advised us that we would be able to feel our baby soon. It was the best moment ever. It was our baby that was moving and kicking in my wife belly. Yes, 2^nd trimester truly is a fantastic stage, just as our doctor told us.

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The common topics women share at a kitty party or post a gym session mostly are related contraception, pregnancy, labour stories, feeding patterns etc. Being a senior mother of 3 child births, I am usually the center point for many questions related to these topics. One such a question in the post gym session was, “Is it OK to exercise while breastfeeding?” If we have a rational thought process with a reality check, we have more than half of the answers in front of us. If we have to understand about the merits and demerits of exercising, let us think rationally!!

For this, we need to think how nature has incorporated a woman’s life post childbirth? After a brief initial rest if you deliver normally, doctors make you walk around. Once you are home, you have the additional responsibility at home towards the newborn child and the possibility is higher that you move around. The extra activity may be implicitly termed as an exercise but may be a little unsystematic one. This makes us understand the basics that women can exercise post childbirth or while breastfeeding to that matter.

In fact, the exercise adds to your health and works positively for breast feeding women. You may be surprised to know that even rigorous workouts keep the volumes of milk produced in your body unaffected. There is a social stigma that the baby will reject your milk if you exercise while breastfeeding and it is absolutely incorrect. You can even breastfeed the baby shortly after an exercise session. However, this may be different in a cesarean section case as they are not permitted to exercise immediately post childbirth and the duration is little longer.

There is an article in 1992 after a study that mother’s milk is found to have lactic acid in higher proportions immediately after an exercise and babies turn repellent as the milk is not as tasty as it used to be. These studies based on the 1992 findings are now highly in debate as the current researchers are skeptical with them for multiple reasons. As the babies were fed milk using a dropper although they are not habituated to drink milk this way, the studies are not being considered.

Let us keep the findings apart as the debate is still on. As long as the baby seems satisfied with your milk, you can absolutely go ahead and nurse them after an exercise session. However, you may feel more comfortable to nurse before you exercise as you have a sense of relieving after you feed and exercising with milk on may be little heavy. But if you can carry a workout session before feeding a baby as long as your baby is happy with the milk, go ahead and have a supportive bra to get into the exercise routine.

If you gave birth through a cesarean section, your healthcare provider would be able to recommend the right workout regime for you as it may not be correct for you to get into the normal routine. Be wary while making a decision and it is your health which is important than staying fit.

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I have found many teenage girls being choosy and sulky over food and I include myself in this category. But once they start learning how to cook, the mother’s wacky old recipe tastes interesting if the young lady cooks it herself. Some women start eating all the veggies and fruits which they once hated as soon as they get pregnant. This gives rise to an interesting fact that if young ladies can cook their own food in a healthy way and start consuming it, they can be in a healthy state even before they get pregnant. I don’t know how far the idea holds true but being healthy by the time you get pregnant is very essential to have a baby as per experts in the healthcare domain.

It is just not that consuming healthy food is sufficient to conceive but you need to follow a series of steps to get healthy before you give birth to a healthy baby as it is evident that 1 in every 33 babies born in the USA have some sort of birth defect which can be fatal at times in the first year of the child birth. As it is apparent that healthy mothers have healthy babies, the women have lesser chances of having miscellaneous issues in their pregnancy such as miscarriages, premature labor, GD (Gestational Diabetes). The babies also are not vulnerable to premature birth, still birth or low birth weight.

PCH (Pre-conception Health)

Let us first understand about preconception health as by the virtue of nature, womanhood is deployed with patience and they are ready to transform themselves for the new role with all the necessary sacrifices. PCH emphasizes on screening for diseases before pregnancy and encourages medical care for women in their child bearing age of 18 to 44 years. This feat improves their health and caters to the elements that might influence their pregnancies in future.

Increase Folic Acid in Diet

Studies revealed that women need to take B vitamin throughout the pregnancy and at least once a month before pregnancy as this vitamin helps preventing massive birth defects related to the spine and brain of the babies. Dark green leafy veggies are external sources of folic acid. Fortified whole grains and cereals and citrus fruits are also good sources to this prenatal vitamin.

Balance Your BMI

Obese women tend to have an increased risk for pregnancy complications such as type 2 Diabetes, heart problems and few types of cancers. Similarly, underweight people are also prone to serious issues in pregnancy. It is important to maintain the BMI (body mass index) before you are planning for a pregnancy. Regular exercising and consuming healthy food can get your BMI in place.

Quit Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs

Alcohol, smoke and drug abuse may turn your pregnancy disastrous. It is recommended to quit these habits much before conception as they apparently cause birth defects in the child and often cause intra-uterine deaths as well. Seek assistance to quit these habits to have a healthy baby.

Oral Health is Important Too

People may wonder to know the relation between pregnancy and oral health. However, your oral health condition speaks volumes about your overall health as the inconsistency in your hormones in pregnancy causes bleeding and swelling gums. So, it is important to keep monitoring the oral health before and during pregnancy.

This caring is supposed to continue even after the delivery as you need to feed the baby and staying healthy is the key to having healthy and ample breast milk. As maintaining healthy habits stretches for a long time from pre-pregnancy to post-delivery, staying healthy should become a habit for life time. It is just not important to stay healthy for your baby but it is essential to stay healthier for yourself!!

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If we had to choose between the natural and the artificial, undisputed, we lean towards the natural product unless the artificial one has undeniable properties. Nature has equipped womankind with ready made milk when they give birth to their child. Probably, this was nothing but the only option early humans. Since there was no rearing of cattle or no scope to feed the infant with formula milk, the breast milk was nothing but necessary and so was it rewarded to women. But with the generations passing by, humans became more civilized and discovered and invented many things to make their lives comfortable. Alternative sources of milk thus became extensively popular and a source of debate while attracting criticism.

There had been extensive distribution of literature on the benefits of breastfeeding for ages and it is an apparent fact that all the women want to feed their child with this exclusive food source meant only for their offspring. However, due to work commitments, health reasons or time clashes, many of them are unable to feed their younger ones.
It has been considered for years that mothers and babies enter into a special bond while the baby is being fed. However, mothers who feed their infants with formula milk can build a stronger bond too with their care giving and affection. Keeping the debate aside, many pediatric academics globally suggest feeding the baby for at least 6 months with breast milk exclusively and for one year with top foods.

Let us understand the benefits of both breast milk and bottle milk to let women choose the option that they are comfortable with.

Benefits for the baby:

• As we all know that breast milk provides the necessary nutrients to the baby as it is customized according to the baby’s age and requirement.
• The natural milk protects the baby from infections and they are less likely to be hospitalized. The mother’s milk builds immunity system for the lifetime by strengthening the immune system.
• Mothers pass antibodies to the baby while feeding which help building up a protective wall against many diseases.
• It is easy to digest and lessens the chance for the baby to fall sick due to indigestion issues. Colic, constipation and diarrhea are less likely when compared to formula fed babies.

Benefits for mothers:

• Nursing is much easier when compared to feeding with formula milk. Sterilizing bottles is a pain. Preparation time is saved as mother’s milk is ready made.
• Women who breastfeed have lesser chances of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancers.
• The women who breastfeed have faster recovery post delivery and their uterus goes back to normalcy within six weeks thereby helping the mother to lose the baby weight as they lose many calories while feeding.
• Breastfeeding can be used as a natural contraception method under some stipulated guidelines which is popularly known as Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).

Adverse elements of breastfeeding:

• Sore nipples initially trouble many women who start off breastfeeding.
• While breastfeeding, it is hard to understand whether the baby had enough milk or not as it cannot be measured unlike the formula feed.
• Breastfed babies require more frequent nursing episodes than the formula fed babies and hence this can be considered as a time consuming task and may be a hindrance to working mothers.
• Bottle feeding is more convenient when you are in public places.
• Nursing mothers need to take care of their diet as good nutrition helps them in producing healthier milk. They should avoid smoking drinking and substance intake.

With the established factors, it is upto the mothers to decide on the effective method of feeding that is in the best interest of their child after considering the entire circumstances surrounding them. Since both the methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, any method chosen should be trusted as the best source for the child.

Sources:
https://www.livescience.com/51260-breast-vs-bottle.html
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/breast-feeding-as-birth-control-topic-overview

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A man’s role during his partner’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth is crucial to the health and happiness of both mother and baby. His role is underlined even more when deciding to bank the baby’s stem cells.

Pregnancy is an exhilarating time for an expectant mother, even as her body undergoes dramatic changes and she encounters new challenges regularly. The changes are sometimes difficult for first time mothers, because they do not know what is ‘normal’ during the pregnancy and what requires a doctor’s immediate assistance. Hence, pregnancy can be frightening and joyful all at once.

The myriad of emotions a woman goes through are compounded if she has to work through the pregnancy alone, without much assistance from her partner. However, it must be stated that a man certainly cannot comprehend the bodily changes his partner goes through, and hence, he may not be immediately empathetic towards the same. He may understand that his partner feels afraid, nauseous, heavy and moody all the time. But a careful study of what a woman’s body goes through (and why) and how she needs assistance to alleviate the many symptoms of pregnancy can help her sail through one of the most testing times in her life.

As we celebrate Father’s day, here are some tips for all would-be fathers to ease their transition into fatherhood.

Understanding the Changes

Start by researching how the foetus develops in the mother’s body week after week. You will be astounded to learn that the unborn baby grows every single week and his progress can be charted through a sonogram or ultrasound. From a pinhead size to larger than a melon, the baby – and his mother – progress through the various growth stages together.

In the early weeks, the woman can feel tired all the time, as well as suffer frequent bouts of nausea. Certain smells and tastes can make her vomit, so know what these are and help her avoid them at all costs. Most women feel their energy returning in the second trimester, after which they are able to cook, clean, go grocery shopping, attend office and do all the things they have always done. However, it is nice to ease the strain on her by taking on these chores – lifting heavy bags will ease her back, doing the cooking will keep her away from smells that nauseate her, and going shopping, handling the laundry, and letting her sleep for longer periods of time will keep her healthy for longer.

If necessary, you can take her out for walks or help her in her exercises. Your involvement will keep her motivated and she will feel supported as well. The same applies to her doctor’s visits – accompany her whenever you can so that you can get first-hand information on her pregnancy and the baby’s vitals. Plus, you can ask any questions you have that will help both mother and child get through the pregnancy better. Learn her medication chart and replenish her meds when needed so that she does not need to make frequent pharmacy runs.

Banking the Baby’s Stem Cells

This is an area that requires the father’s involvement because the woman cannot decide to do this alone. The parents must decide together if they wish to opt for their baby’s stem cells preservation. The father must conduct due research on the subject, even visit a few private cord blood banks if necessary. The decision to preserve the baby’s stem cells must be taken after due consideration of many factors – is there an incurable genetic condition in the family, and which can be treated with stem cells in the future? Or does the couple wish to bank the cord blood cells for the baby’s sibling or a close relative? Or does the couple simply wish for their child to have a healthy life, free of many types of serious cancers, haematological (blood-related) and immune-deficiency disorders? Umbilical cord blood cells show great promise in treating as many as 80 serious disorders, and the list of stem cell treatable diseases is ever growing, so both parents need to choose the right cord blood bank and authorise their attending physician to collect the cord blood immediately after the baby’s birth.

When choosing a cord blood bank, research their various plans and study each bank’s agreement carefully. If possible, visiting their cryogenic storage facilities would be a good idea. The blood bank stores the unit of cord blood stem cells for a period of 21 years against an annual fee. If at a future date, there is a diagnosis within immediate family members which is treatable using stem cells, the parents can retrieve the cord blood unit with written authorisation from their doctor.

Helping After the Birth

The birth process is gruelling enough, but the mother’s body takes days to slowly return to normal. The uterus contracts slowly and may cause some amount of mild cramping and discomfort. Some women also undergo postpartum depression, which might make them morose and tearful all the time. It is advisable that the male partner takes on the baby’s responsibilities as early as possible.

Getting the baby adjusted to her new life, spending long periods of time with her so that she is happy to be picked up and comforted and attending to her during the night if she cries will all help the woman rest and recoup after the pregnancy. Other duties include preparing nutritious meals for the woman so that her body recovers well and she is able to generate sufficient milk for the infant. She might also need assistance in other chores around the house – taking care of the house while she attends to the baby is very helpful. While she may not appreciate the man treating her like an invalid, it is enough to know that he is at hand to help her when she needs him.

The post Fatherhood 101: Taking a New Mother through Testing Times appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

From time immemorial, expectant mothers have been plied with diet advice on all sides. ‘Eat a lot of ghee’, one says, while another tells you to cut down on fats and sugar. Someone else comes up with a diet chart with large portions – ‘After all, you are eating for two people now!’ – while still somebody else advises eating everything and then exercising rigorously.

So whom should you believe? The answer is simple: believe what your doctor tells you. Based on your age, your lifestyle and your overall health, your doctor will draw up the ideal diet chart for you comprising all the essential food groups. Following the doctor’s advice to the letter will ensure that your unborn baby receives the nutrition it needs to grow well as it comes to term. It will also ensure that your baby will be healthy and with minimal physiological problems.

In many ways, you really are what you eat. Bearing in mind that your baby receives all its nutrition from you, you must ensure that your diet is healthy and nutritious at all times. Some women crave high-sugar, high-salt, oily treats during their pregnancy. While giving in to a craving is permissible occasionally, a high-fat diet can actually cause more harm to your baby’s growth. Science reveals that a high-fat diet in an expectant mother can interfere in the formation of the stem cell system in the foetus – in turn, this compromises the baby’s immune and blood systems for life.

This finding was borne out by a study conducted by physicians at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, which found that ‘over nutrition’ and obesity in the mother could impact the foetal liver and its formation – thus impacting the quality of stem cells produced therein.

Researchers have been able to prove a diminishing in size and function of the foetal liver owing to a high-fat diet in the pre-natal stage. Another study on the subjects explains that the liver is the primary hematopoietic organ in the foetus, and it is from the foetal liver than hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) originate. Thus, a high fat diet and obesity in the mother can have a direct effect on the HSC pool.

It is best to stick to a diet rich in vitamins, calcium, protein, fibre and minerals in the pre-natal stage. A nutritionist or your consulting doctor can help you draw up a daily diet plan that benefits both you and the baby. Interspersing a healthy diet with lots of water and fresh fruit juices also helps flush out the system and alleviates the build-up of toxins in the body.

Apart from a healthy diet, expectant mothers must also keep a check on their weight with light exercise allowed by the doctor. It does not do to allow one’s weight to grow unabated during pregnancy through wrong diet and lack of exercise – bear in mind that every action on the mother’s part has a direct effect on the baby’s health.

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For any parent, their most precious creation is their child. All the money one makes, all the possessions one acquires, all the houses one can afford to purchase…everything pales in comparison to the sight of one’s lovely child.

As an expectant parent, you have probably done everything you could to welcome your baby into your world. The nursery is decorated, there are scores of soft toys and clothes in his wardrobe, and you’ve found the most perfect bassinet for your baby. Now all that remains is the actual birth so you can take your precious bundle of joy home.

But wait – did you arrange for your baby’s cord blood to be banked?

Why Save Cord Blood?

Banking your baby’s cord blood is the single most important task you can undertake for your child’s future happiness. This is because your baby’s cord blood is a valuable repository of precious stem cells that have proven their mettle in the treatment of 80 serious diseases. These diseases have not been cured by other conventional methods thus far, and they include several forms of cancer and other auto-immune deficiency disorders. Cord blood contains Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) – these HSCs have the ability to regenerate into different blood cells such as White Blood Cells (WBCs), Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and platelets. Hence, they automatically become the primary resource for treating such acute blood disorders like leukaemia, or immune deficiencies.

In the unfortunate event that your child develops a serious disease at a later stage in life, his banked cord blood can actually save his life. Cord blood storage is done under special conditions in dedicated cord blood banks and the blood unit may be retained for a period of 21 years for a yearly payment. Parents can withdraw the blood unit at any time during this period for use in their child’s treatment on the permission of their doctor.

The biggest gift you can bestow on your child is a long life free of disease. To this end, cord blood storage helps maximise his chances of dodging future health uncertainty – cord blood cells have been known to be efficacious in the treatment of such diseases as Sickle Cell Disease, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and even ALL.

Besides, banked cord blood may also be used in treating your child’s sibling or a close relative with a matching blood type. It need not be used for your child alone. However, it is an excellent back-up resource that can assuage your fears about your child’s future, especially if there is a history of genetically-acquired ailments in the family.

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Did you know that if you feed your child, an excess of sugar rich food, it will result in hyperactive behaviour? This is what a report published in Parents suggests[1]. Children are extremely picky in their eating habits and may often compensate eating essential vegetables with not so healthy snacks. While it is okay to give in to their desires on a few occasions, doing so regularly will only deprive them of essential vitamins, nutrients and proteins, which can hamper development and health. In order to ensure that your child has a proper balanced meal, here are funny and interesting ways to feed unwilling children.

Make Meal Time Fun

Kids generally love to substitute broccoli and spinach for mac and cheese. To ensure that your child eats the former instead of the later, relate healthy food to fun things that your child loves. If he is a fan of a particular superhero, tell him that Batman had vegetables every day in order to become strong enough to fight the bad guys. Children generally put such heroes on a pedestal and are influenced by what their idols do. You can even let your child play with their favourite action figure while you feed them with a few essential bites of veggies.

Reward Good Behaviour

Children have a tendency to complete a particular task if there is an incentive to do so. You can buy your child his/her favourite toy if they manage to eat a specific vegetable for an entire week. Rewards must not only be restricted to veggies, some kids may cringe from dairy products, which are a vital source of nutrients. Set a goal for your child, which on completion will result in a new toy. For example, by having ten glasses of milk in a week, you can reward your child with something he/she desires. You can even make desserts a reward, which your child can look forward to on completing his/her meal.

Give Them Options

It may be difficult for you to get your child to eat if you only give him veggies on a plate. Instead mix it up with veggies, meats and whole grains. It is a fact that children are more likely to develop life-long good eating habits if they are allowed to select their own diet from a variety of nutritious foods, says a report published by College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences[2]. So, rather than forcing a vegetable on him/her, give them the option to choose between two alternatives.

[1] http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/feeding/healthy-eating/facts-about-feeding-kids/

[2] http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_e/E134.pdf

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Contracting dengue during your pregnancy can put both you and your unborn child at risk. The only treatment course to follow is to alleviate the symptoms.

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and it spreads through mosquito bites. It can have potentially fatal consequences if such a mosquito bites a human, especially if the symptoms of the disease are not treated on time. Dengue has now become a common disease in India but it also occurs in many other countries worldwide. The WHO estimates that 50 to 100 million persons are infected with dengue all over the world every year. Of these, about 20% can succumb to the disease[1].

The disease manifests itself through such symptoms as high fever, chills, pain while blinking or moving the eyes, mild to severe gum bleeding, nausea and loss of taste and joint pains, to name the most common. It may take up to three days to settle in completely after the victim receives the mosquito bite.

Dengue has the potential to assume severity when pregnant women are infected by it. “The immune system in most pregnant women is already vulnerable, so being infected by the disease during pregnancy can result in serious complications,” says obstetrician Dr. Apurva Junnarkar. She adds, “However, not every pregnant woman develops the severest form of dengue. A lot of care is needed to ensure that the disease does not cause complications for the unborn child.”

Many doctors do not advise the usual course of treatment for pregnant women suffering from dengue, but hospitalisation is recommended. “A course of paracetamol is fine because it does not harm the baby and makes the mother more comfortable,” says Dr. Junnarkar. “The best that can be done is to drink lots of fluids to keep the body cooled and hydrated. If the symptoms are severe with very high fever, an IV fluid line might be used.”

There is the possibility of a pregnant woman transmitting the virus to her child at the time of giving birth. The symptoms in babies include skin rashes, too hot or too cold body temperature, listlessness and oversleep. While dengue must be endured once contracted, it is advisable to prevent its occurrence altogether by throwing out stagnant water from the house and wearing mosquito-repellent creams on exposed skin.

[1] WHO statistics for dengue, 2014-2015

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A new study confirms what many mothers may know instinctively: Picking up and carrying a baby usually calms the child down and relaxes them, making the move a good one for both moms and infants, says an article published in The Huffington Post in April 2013. Being a mother, you must have done this numerous times and experienced how easily your baby calms down, but it might become difficult to pick your baby if you have another wailing toddler looking at you with eyes full of hope.

Being a Mom to Two

Managing an infant and a toddler under the age of 24 months can be a difficult task and more so if you are doing so alone most of times because your partner is at work. You might even feel like a wreck but here are some tips that can make you feel less like a referee and more like a mom.

Set a Routine and Stick to It

A routine might take some getting used to for your children but you will find that it makes life predictable for both you and your little ones. Within a few days, you will find that you are able to take out time for yourself and plan what to do with this time, since your days are more organized now.

Declutter and Simplify the Home

You might have saved a lot of your first baby’s belongings that might come in handy for the second baby. A good question at this point is whether you will all these things. Donate anything that you don’t see yourself using and organize the rest in your cupboards or in plastic bins. When you declutter your home, finding things becomes easier and you free up space.

Buy a Baby Carrier

Buy a comfortable baby carrier that holds the baby firmly and doesn’t lose its comfort even after long use. Never leave the house without the baby carrier. This will simplify tasks and make things more doable.

Don’t Shy Away From Asking For Help

Ask your partner to help out around the home. A helping hand, even if it is just on the weekends, could simplify life and ease your chores. You could also ask your in-laws to help out. There is a lot to be said for children spending time with their grandparents. After all, it benefits both parties, and frees up some time for you too.

The transition to becoming parent of two can be overwhelming. However, once you get things organized, it could be a great joy. Moreover, as your children kids grow and bond, it will become easier for you. Why not teach your older one to be caretaker and protector for the younger one?

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For a lot of childless couples, IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) treatment comes as a beacon of hope. Their quest for a biological child is often rewarded by this treatment, which prepares for an embryonic transfer to the prepared uterus. It may be a necessary course of action for women with fertility problems, and for men with low sperm count or motility.

Most couples are confused about consulting their doctors if they fail to conceive after a certain period of trying for a pregnancy. Normally, women are advised to take medical advice if they have been trying to conceive for a year and if they are under 35 years of age. The window of time for women over 35 years of age is six months.

It is believed that IVF works better for younger women. It is not the only course of action in case of non-conception, and it is better to seek a doctor’s help to check for potential fertility issues at the first hint of trouble.
Sometimes, some women are unable to conceive because of fibroids or low egg production in the ovaries. “It is understood that if you and your partner are healthy and the woman does not suffer any menstrual problems, you should be able to conceive a baby after trying for a few weeks or months. Sexual intercourse during the woman’s fertile checklist after the menses also increases the chances of conception. But if this does not happen after about six months of trying, the couple must get checked for fertility,” advises Dr. Apurva Junnarkar, obstetrician.

It is important for the male partner to find out about infertility or low sperm motility issues prior to opting for IVF treatment, says Dr. Rahul Shingare, gynaecologist. “I have many patients who complain that their husbands refuse to get tested for sperm count and motility. The treatment cannot be successful if the semen is not analysed for these parameters,” he explains.

Sticking to the prescribed medication (for both men and women) prior to undergoing IVF is vital. But more important is keeping a positive outlook despite initial failures. “Many couples fail in the first round of IVF. That is not to say that they made a mistake, it is just how the treatment works. It may not result in a pregnancy after the first round, so the couple must emotionally prepare themselves to try again after a while,” says Dr. Junnarkar.

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Acupuncture has been therapeutically used in China for thousands of years and is slowly gaining prominence in other countries, including those in America, Europe and Asia. Not just for adults, it is widely believed that acupuncture for children is a healthy practice that results in a better night’s sleep for your child and improved overall health. This practice is effective in preventing postoperative induced nausea in children, according to a report published by the National Institute of Health[1]. Here are several other advantages of using acupuncture on your child’s feet.

• This Chinese practice is a source of good sleep and healthy digestion among young kids.
• A daily routine can contribute to the overall wellness of your child.
• The procedure can improve the quality of sleep by restoring any energy imbalances.
• It can be used to eliminate problems of gas, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating.
• It stimulates the flow of blood not just in the feet but in the entire body.

The Practice of Reflexology

Along with acupuncture for the feet, practising reflexology is also a practice that can be administered regularly. This practice involves rubbing your child’s feet and hands when he/she gets uncomfortable or cranky. This effective and safe method is based on the principle that reflex points found on the hands and   feet correspond to specific organs, bones, body systems and muscles, says in Natural Transition. This practice can be administered right from birth all the way into puberty. As your child gets older and starts walking, this practice, along with periodic acupuncture, can help check the development of your child’s feet. Problems that are commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes, such as toe deformities, warts, athlete’s foot, infections, corns, flat feet, in-grown toe nails, etc, can be avoided by simply practising reflexology and acupuncture.

Tips for Relaxed Acupuncture and Reflexology

Keep these tips in mind while practising either technique:

• Do not apply too much pressure. Use the same amount of force you would when giving someone a massage. In case of acupuncture, ensure that the needles do not harm your child.
• If your child is sick, the reflex points in the feet will feel quite sensitive to the touch.
• Generally, this practice is enjoyable for kids and they willingly get it done. However, if your child withdraws his foot obsessively, it is a clear indication that either he/she is unwell or you aren’t doing it right.

Either session must not be more than 5 to 10 minutes long, depending on what your child is comfortable with.

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Are you close to your delivery date? The 40 weeks of pregnancy is your opportunity to plan and prepare. When your baby arrives, you are going to be the centre of his/her universe and the nursery his/her safe haven. It is essential therefore that you spend some time preparing your child’s nursery and wardrobe in order to make the environment more comfortable and safe for him/her. Before buying a crib, keep in mind that the safety standards change frequently, which makes it essential to avoid getting a crib that is more than a few years old. The slats must be less than 23/8 inches apart, says a report published by Babble. Here are other essentials that you need to take care of while preparing your baby’s nursery and wardrobe.

For The Nursery

Once you have the perfect crib, you must consider other elements.

• The mattress of the crib must fit snugly, with less than two fingers of width between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. Get rid of any plastic covering and opt for a firm mattress that holds its shape and remains flat. This is what a post on Johnson’s Baby suggested.
  
  
• The environment of the space or room where you are planning to create the nursery must have subdued lighting, little traffic, and no hazards to your baby’s health. Remember that your child will spend most of the time lying on his back, hence bright light may be an inconvenience.
  
  
• Diaper supplies are another thing you must carefully evaluate. You can opt for disposable or non-disposable products that have a water proof feature. Rather than buying in bulk and stocking the diaper beforehand, make it part of your monthly budget, since kids can grow into the next size before you know it.
• It is a good idea to invest in a baby monitor, so you can know when your baby needs assistance instantly. Make sure to pick a product that does not interfere with cell phone frequencies.

For The Wardrobe

Rather than buying too many clothes before the baby arrives, keep a few necessities in hand and buying more after knowing the gender and size of your baby is the best way to go.

• Opt for practical and comfortable clothes. Yes, the baggy jeans and t-shirts makes your child look cute, but they are not at all comfortable for him.
• Check with your hospital and get anything specific they ask you to.
• Get close to 6 to 8 sleep suits for optimum comfort.
• 4 wrap over vests and 6 to 8 bodysuits.
• 2 soft cotton hats and a single sun hat for the outdoors.
• 2 to 3 cardigans, a jacket or pram-suit.
• 3 to 4 pair of socks, and the same number of day wear outfits.

The post Preparing Your Baby’s Nursery and Wardrobe appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

We examine the possibility of babies deriving beneficial stem cells from their mothers during the breast feeding process.

As the country wakes up to the benefits of stem cell therapy and its applications in treating serious illnesses, a new research in Australia introduced a new frontier in stem cell therapy last year. As per a study presented at the National Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium in London in late October 2014, female mice were found to pass on stem cells to their babies via the breast feeding route.

Researchers concluded that if this phenomenon took place in mice, it could also take place in humans[1]. Doctors in the field of stem cell research have long been studying the applications of stem cells in human breast milk, and whether they can develop into tissues to form the brain, kidneys and liver, the study report added. It must be noted that human breast milk contains stem cells, though these are not very large in number.

The study also quoted doctors as explaining that stem cells passed on into the bloodstream of baby mice from their mothers’ milk. This has huge implications for stem cell therapy in humans. Said researcher Foteini Hassiotou of the University of Western Australia about this dimension in stem cell therapy[2], “In experiments with mice imbibing stem cells from breast milk, it was found that the stem cells not just amalgamated into the blood stream, but also became functional cells in specific organs of the body.” This means that the cells acquired the characteristics of the tissue they graduated to – neurons in the brain and insulin-making cells in the pancreas, for example.

Doctors insist that this is a wonderful new chapter in stem cell therapy and banking. “A lot of doctors in India have been following up on the findings of this study,” says Dr Ratnakar Kotian, a gynaecologist who is conducting private research in stem cell treatments in Pune. “It is one more reason for doctors to insist on mothers breast feeding their children. If the implication that breast milk can actually provide stem cells that can acquire a functional role in the body is indeed true, it opens up new vistas in stem cell research and therapy.”

He adds that this facet of stem cells in breast milk also has implications in medical treatment: it is a non-invasive source of useful stem cells that are patient-specific. Quotes Alecia Jane Twigger in her research paper on stem cells in breast milk[3], “Apart from the nutritional benefits, breast feeding may extend benefits of immunological protection to the baby. There is a vast implication of breast milk stem cells helping in the development of the infant’s brain and major organs. They can be used in CRTs for people with compromised central nervous systems as well.”

[1] ‘Stem cells in breast milk capable of forming tissues in infants: study’, www.firstpost.com, November 4, 2014

[2] ‘Breast milk stem cells may be incorporated into baby’, The New Scientist, November 3, 2014

[3] Jane Twigger, Alecia, ‘From breast milk to brains: The potential of stem cells in human milk’, April 16, 2013, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Perth

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