How to Treat Diarrhea in Infants

Baby Diarrhea Treatment

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a rise in the occurrence of bowel movements or a reduction in the shape of stools (more loose stools). While changes in bowel movements and stool looseness may differ independently of each other, there are often changes in both. Diarrhea may be classified as absolute or relative diarrhea.

Absolute diarrhea is characterized as more than five movements of the intestines a day or liquid stools. Relative diarrhea is an increase in the number of bowel movements per day or an increase in stool looseness compared to the regular intestinal habit. Diarrhea may be either acute or chronic, with various causes and treatments. Diarrhea risks include diarrhea, electrolyte (mineral) irregularities, and anal pain.

A variety of different textures, colors, and smells can be found in a baby\’s poopy diaper depending on what he eats (breast milk, formula, or solid food). The poop is usually much softer than the adult\’s, and sometimes it\’s not unusual for it to be even softer than usual. But if it unexpectedly gets much looser or more watery, which occurs more frequently and in significant quantities, it may be diarrhea.

Baby Diarrhea Causes

A lot of factors can cause this problem, including

  • infection with a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Babies will collect these germs by rubbing unclean food or water, or by touching germ surfaces, and placing their hands in their mouths. 
  • A food allergy or sensitivity to medicines
  • Drinking too much fruit juice
  • Poisoning

Effects of Baby Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes the body to start losing too much water and minerals called electrolytes. This can cause dehydration. Kids can get dehydrated very quickly within a day or two of having diarrhea, and it can be hazardous, particularly in infants. Call your doctor if you realize these indications of dehydration in your kids:

  • Peeing less often (fewer wet diapers)
  • Acting fussy or irritable
  • Dry mouth
  • No tears when he cries
  • Unusual drowsiness or sluggishness
  • Sunken soft spot on the top of the baby\’s head
  • Skin that isn\’t as elastic as usual (doesn\’t spring back when you gently pinch and release it)

Also, put a call across to your family doctor if your kid has diarrhea less than six months of age or has these indications:

  • Fever of 102 degrees or higher
  • Belly pain
  • Blood or pus in his poop, or poop that\’s black, white, or red
  • Sluggishness
  • Vomiting

Baby Diarrhea Treatments

Doctors typically do not prescribe over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications for infants. But your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic for a bacterial infection or an antiparasitic medication for a parasitic infection.

Babies with severe diarrhea who are dehydrated will need to go to the hospital and get fluids in their veins through the IV.

If your kid eats solid foods, the doctor may recommend changing to soft, starchy foods such as strained bananas, apple sauce, and rice cereal until diarrhea stops. Mothers who are breastfeeding may need to change their diet to prevent any food that might cause diarrhea in their children.

Babies having diarrhea should not be fed anything that can make it worse, which include:

  • Greasy foods
  • Foods that are high in fiber
  • Dairy products such as milk and cheese
  • Sweets such as cake, cookies, and soda

Diarrhea triggered by a viral or bacterial infection is very infectious. Clean your hands with warm water and soap every time you change your baby\’s diaper to avoid the spreading of the disease. Keep the diaper-change region clean and disinfected. Keep your kids at home from daycare until he has recovered.

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Top 6 Healthy Prеgnаnсу Fооdѕ

pregnancy Fооdѕ

Every рrеgnаnt wоmаn muѕt соnѕіdеr whаt thеу еаt or drіnk аѕ it’s hеr baby’s primary source of nоurіѕhmеnt. Yоu must bе ѕurе thаt уоu’rе taking healthy fооdѕ and drinks durіng уоur рrеgnаnсу реrіоd, to avoid risking your baby’s development.

What mаnу moms fаіl tо understand is thаt fіgurіng оut whаt tо еаt when you’re eating fоr twо саn bе соnfuѕіng. Our fіrѕt recommendation bеfоrе diving into these healthy fооdѕ іѕ tо саll уоur hеаlth care provider to ѕсhеdulе a hеаlth сhесk appointment.

Here’s a list to get уоu off tо a good start wіth healthy рrеgnаnсу fооdѕ;

1. Bаnаnаѕ:

Eating hеаlthу fооdѕ helps to ensure thаt thе bаbу gеtѕ the nutrіеntѕ it nееdѕ to grow in thе wоmb. Bаnаnаѕ аrе rісh in роtаѕѕіum аnd offer ԛuісk еnеrgу to fіght off pregnancy fаtіguе. Also, they boost hеmоglоbіn lеvеlѕ in thе bоdу, whісh increases red blооd сеllѕ in thе blood, and hеnсе boosts lеvеlѕ of hеmоglоbіn. Thеу are аn excellent source оf саrbоhуdrаtеѕ, vitamins C аnd B, fatty асіdѕ; so they аrе аll іmроrtаnt fоr hеаlthу bаbу development. As a rich ѕоurсе of аntіоxіdаntѕ, they hеlр іn fighting frее radical damage in thе bоdу.

2. Drіnk Mоrе Water:

Generally, water is nееdеd to fluѕh оut toxins, аіd dіgеѕtіоn. It еnѕurеs оur bоdіеѕ аbѕоrb thе еѕѕеntіаl nutrіеntѕ from thе food wе eat. Whеn уоu’rе pregnant, уоu nееd more wаtеr tо соре with the demands оf оur еvеr-сhаngіng bоdіеѕ. During pregnancy, whеn the bоdу dоеѕ nоt gеt еnоugh fluіd, іt becomes dеhуdrаtеd, which саn lеаd tо соnѕtіраtіоn, headaches, fаtіguе. Yоu nееd tо drіnk ѕіx tо eight mеdіum (200ml) glasses of fluid a day. Fluіd rеԛuіrеmеntѕ аrе аlѕо vegetable juice, hеrbаl tea, ѕоuр, rice drіnk, оr any оthеr nоn-аlсоhоlіс refreshment

3. Folate:

Folate is an еѕѕеntіаl B vіtаmіn that ѕuрроrtѕ thе placenta аnd hеlрѕ рrеvеnt nеurаl tubе dеfесtѕ in thе baby. Congenital dіѕаbіlіtіеѕ оссur within the fіrѕt 3-4 wееkѕ оf pregnancy. Sо it’s іmроrtаnt tо hаvе fоlаtе іn уоur ѕуѕtеm during thоѕе еаrlу ѕtаgеѕ whеn уоur bаbу’ѕ brаіn аnd spinal соrd аrе dеvеlоріng. Fоlаtе rеԛuіrеmеntѕ increase substantially іn рrеgnаnсу, ѕо women ѕhоuld аіm tо соnѕumе аt lеаѕt 600 mcg of fоlаtе frоm their rеgulаr dаіlу dіеt. Fоlаtе is fоund naturally in dаrk grееn vegetables аnd сіtruѕ fruіtѕ.

Read Also: Best Sleeping Position for Pregnant Women

4. Sweet Pоtаtоеѕ:

Arе ѕwееt роtаtоеѕ ѕаfе tо consume durіng рrеgnаnсу? Swееt роtаtоеѕ are соnѕіdеrеd ѕаfе fоr соnѕumрtіоn durіng рrеgnаnсу аѕ they аrе rісh in vіtаmіnѕ A and C, аnd fіbеr. Also, prеgnаnt women rеԛuіrе more роtаѕѕіum thаn оthеr wоmеn оf thе ѕаmе аgе. Swееt potato соntаіnѕ роtаѕѕіum, whісh helps to mаіntаіn fluіd bаlаnсе аnd nоrmаlіzе blооd рrеѕѕurе. Brеаѕtfееdіng moms ѕhоuld take mоrе роtаѕѕіum.

5. Broccoli:

Brоссоlіѕ аrе оnе оf the best hеаlthу fооdѕ fоr рrеgnаnt wоmеn. Nоw that уоu аrе рrеgnаnt, уоu’d be wondering how Brоссоlі саn hеlр. They are rісh in vіtаmіnѕ A, C, K, B6, folate, and dіѕеаѕе-fіghtіng аntіоxіdаntѕ thаt аrе nесеѕѕаrу for a hеаlthу pregnancy. Also, broccoli hеlрѕ еlіmіnаtе many of thе рrоblеmѕ рrеgnаnt wоmеn fасе, such as diabetes, оѕtеороrоѕіѕ, anemia, and so оn. It helps рrеvеnt constipation too.

6. Eggѕ:

Eggѕ аrе аn excellent аltеrnаtіvе protein ѕоurсе; thеу contain аll thе еѕѕеntіаl аmіnо acids уоur bоdу needs аnd especially сruсіаl for уоur baby’s development. Amіnо acids соntаіnеd іn рrоtеіn аrе the buіldіng blосkѕ of our bоdіеѕ’ сеllѕ; уоu must еаt protein-rich fооd to help your baby develop well.

What to know?

It іѕ essential durіng рrеgnаnсу to keep a сhесk on whаt уоu eat. Sіnсе саlоrіе аnd nutrіеnt needs аrе іnсrеаѕеd, уоu must сhооѕе nutrіеnt-dеnѕе, hеаlthу fооdѕ. So, make ѕurе you аrе gеttіng еnоugh еѕѕеntіаl nutrіеntѕ аnd vitamins tо hеlр уоur bаbу grоw.

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Benefits of Homemade Food for Babies & Toddlers

It is always faster and easier to give babies cereals and store-bought food, especially when you don\’t understand what your baby likes or you don\’t know what food is healthier to introduce your baby to after weaning him off breastmilk.

Introducing homemade food to your baby has several benefits for your child and you, the parent. Here are some of the benefits of homemade foods;

Nutritional value

Nutritional content in homemade food has a higher chance of containing more nutrients than baby food from the store shelf. Shelf-stable baby food is heated at very high temperatures to prevent food poisoning and infections from bacteria, fungi, and possibly viruses. This process of heating destroys proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for brain development and growth in children. Cooking your baby\’s food at home enables you to monitor the temperature. You are also responsible for all that goes into the food, and you determine how rich it is in nutritional value.

Prevention of allergies

You should know about the food allergies within the family. This knowledge enables you to stay away from certain things when preparing food for your baby. In case your child develops an allergy after eating a particular food, the allergen can easily be traced. But if your child reacts poorly to the baby food you bought from the shelf, the allergen wouldn\’t be easily traced because of all the numerous additives present.

Healthy and fresh meals

Who wouldn\’t love a freshly prepared food? Even infants and toddlers do. Making your child\’s food at home allows you to give him healthy meals. You could give your child a gluten-free diet from your kitchen, protein-packed snacks, vitamins rich meals, fruit puree, all of which is healthy, fresh, and he will love it. Healthy meals make your child\’s skin glow, limit how easily he can come down with an infection, and prevents fat deposits in the wrong places while at the same time helping the brain and physical development.

Related Article: Learn Early Nutrition and Meal Plan for Your Baby

Maintain taste of food the baby is used to

A child is used to the taste of the mother\’s food from the womb and the breastmilk. Introducing that baby to meals cooked at home wouldn\’t be strange. Many babies resist shelf stored baby food because of the sudden change from what they used to know. Some children eventually settle the baby food bought and some resist and would prefer being fed with meals made at home. Never make the mistake to force-feed an infant or toddler who rejects baby cereals and foods. Take time to find out what the child likes and prepare his food for him. Also, create a variety of taste for him. Don\’t stick with making one type of meal.

Homemade food has a better flavor.

I am almost certain you prefer the taste of freshly barbequed chicken or fish to canned sardines and portions of bacon. That is the same way a baby feels about his best homemade food and the baby food in cans and plastics. Food store on the shelf with a shelf life of two or more years says a lot about all the processing it has undergone to stay that long, and that is not the best call when talking about eating healthy.

Less consumption of chemical additives.

A child deserves to eat healthily. Eating healthy isn\’t only for adults. If you want your toddler to consume less of the chemical additives present in the world today, then you need to take time to be responsible for making your toddler\’s food. Store-bought baby foods have preservatives, nutrients that aren\’t from natural sources, but are synthesized. We all are aware of how all these additives and biochemicals have largely impacted the world. Lowering body immunity, triggering things that have caused many health challenges today. Consumption of some of these things as a baby can come back to haunt later in adulthood. 

A child\’s body might not be able to breakdown some of the biochemical and chemicals used in preparing and preserving baby food. Most of these molecules that aren\’t broken down are stored in the body, which could later cause damage. But feeding your child with homemade food reduces the chances of a child\’s exposure to these additives.

Read Also: Foods That Will Make Your Kids Grow Tall

Meal plan

Do you introduce a healthy meal plan for your child because you want the child to eat right? Then preparing the food by yourself at home makes your target achievable. Instead of cutting back on the serving of baby foods and cereals, you should give your child protein-rich home-cooked meals. That would keep him fuller for longer with the possibility of not being overweight in view. 

Factors that can prevent you from giving your child home-cooked meals especially if you are a working mother are

  1. Time: you might not have the time at your disposal to prepare meals for your child regularly, especially if you have a clingy or crying baby. A well-prepared meal plan is the best to guide you on what to cook, even on the busiest days. 
  2. Storing freshly made food in the freezer or refrigerator, which you might not like.
  3. Many times organic food and fresh fruits are not as cheap as you would prefer them to be so that you can save cost.
  4. Possible contamination from pathogens which could cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The benefits of homemade food for your baby outweighs all your fears. Put all the necessary hygienic conditions in place, put away your worries, and make out time to cook the meals, and you will raise a happy and healthy. 

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healthy meal plan for babies within 6-24 months of age

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Best Sleeping Position for Pregnant Women

pregnancy sleep position

If there is one thing every pregnant woman needs and looks forward to is a night of good sleep. But as the pregnancy advances, getting a good sleep becomes difficult, and finding a good sleep position can become a work. You begin to worry about what sleep position would be healthy for you and the fetus.

In the first trimester, it is ok for a pregnant woman to take whatever position is comfortable for her to sleep and enjoy her sleep even if it is on the stomach. At the early stage of pregnancy, the uterus is not significant to cause any problem when a pregnant woman lies on her stomach. The embryo or fetus is secured in the uterus or the amniotic fluid, which is well cushion inside the pelvis.

However, what could cause sleep disturbance at this stage are the hormonal changes, especially for a first-time mom, frequent hunger, and morning sickness. 

Best positions to sleep during pregnancy

Left side:

As a woman advances in her pregnancy, her sleeping position changes. She can\’t sleep on the stomach by the time she is four months because her growing pregnancy bump will not allow her to. It is advisable for pregnant women in the second trimester to take a sleeping position on their left side. This position maximizes the flow of blood to the uterus and the baby. Lying on your left side is also beneficial to your liver as it keeps your liver from bearing your whole body weight.

Right side:

Although the left side is the preferred or best sleeping position for pregnant women, the right side is ok for women who don\’t feel comfortable sleeping on the left side.

Semi-upright position:

If the sideways position is not comfortable or you are unable to sleep on your sides, you can sleep in an almost upright position using a recliner. But in the absence of a recliner, you can use pillows to place yourself into a semi-upright position.

Downward position:

Get around pregnancy pillow with space in the middle. If you feel like facing downward or lying on your belly, then you lie facing downward with your pregnancy bump in the hollow space. This space prevents your stomach from touching the bed and bearing the weight of your bump. You support your head with two pillows to balance your weight. 

Read Also: Top 6 Healthy Prеgnаnсу Fооdѕ

Positions to Avoid

Lying on your back:

Sleeping on your back is not safe for your baby from the second trimester. When a pregnant woman takes the lying on the back position, the weight of the uterus rests on the back, and this would put pressure on the vena cava and aorta; the main blood vessel that takes blood to the uterus and from the womb. The pressure can stop or restrict the blood supply to the baby, thereby increasing the risk of death or stillbirth. Lying on the back can cause the baby to be less active and affect the heartbeat rate.

There is no need to panic if you sleep on your side and wake up on your back. You waking up in the first place is your body\’s way of telling you to adjust your position.

Lying on your stomach:

Lying on your stomach from the second trimester isn\’t advised. Even though for many women, the pain that comes from trying it would not allow it some women who have small pregnancy bump might attempt it. When you lie on your tummy, your stomach will push down on your uterus. This can cause bloating, gas, or another stomach upset.

Tips to help you sleep on your side

  1. Get many pillows. Get between eight to ten pillows to support you.
  2. Place three pillows at your back to support you from rolling over to your back.
  3. As you get to your third trimester, sleeping on your side becomes more difficult. Your pillows will make it easier.
  4. Place a pillow in between your legs, one under your pregnancy pump to support the belly, two soft pillows below your head to help support the increasing weight on your side.
  5. In case you experience heartburn, raise your upper body with a few pillows.
  6. If your feet and legs are swollen, place pillows under your legs as you sleep.

Sleeping Aids

Pillows: 
  • Pillows for back and belly support can help to give you a peaceful night rest. Using pillows specifically designed for use in pregnancy will help in providing better comfort. There are several shapes of a pregnancy pillow, the c-shaped pillow, u-shaped pillow, and body-length pillow are available to purchase. 
  • A pillow between knees with both of them bent; this will support your lower back, tucking a pillow under your belly will support your stomach and back. Placing pillows behind you will help you maintain a side-lying position.
  • It can also help relieve heartburn when it is used to prop your head up.
Food and drink:
  • When you are pregnant, you should be careful about what you eat. Not only because of your baby but also because what you eat or drink can affect your sleep.
  • Milk: Try drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed. This will help you sleep well likely because of the presence of serotonin in milk and the fact that it can reduce acidity in your stomach, preventing gas.
  • Protein: Hunger could disturb the sleep of a pregnant woman, often waking up with nausea. An empty stomach welcomes the urge to vomit, and that\’s why it is good to eat something that would keep your stomach full through the night. You should snack on highly protein snacks because it will keep your blood sugar up through the night. Smoothies rich in protein is a good choice, cereals with milk, peanuts, sandwich with milk would also help.
  • Do not go to bed immediately after eating, that also has its problems.
Medications:
  • You should only take drugs approved by your doctors. Your doctor is likely to recommend antacids to help with indigestions and heartburns.
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Signs your Baby is Malnourished

Signs your baby is malnourished

Proper nutrition or balanced nutrition is essential for a child\’s proper mental and physical development. When your child becomes a picky eater or is not eating well, you might just want to let him be or allow him to feed on some sweet things he prefers, but this isn\’t a healthy choice for him because this could lead him to become malnourished. Malnutrition would lead to infections and reinfections, weight loss, and low volume of blood in the body.

What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a state of the body not getting adequate quantity or needed amount of essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids required for the body\’s function, survival, and to maintain healthy tissues and organs.

Because malnutrition is not a disease that comes with fever and cold, you might not realize it quickly. These are malnutrition symptoms you should look out for before it gets really bad.

Your baby is always complaining of stomach aches and not eating well because of it:

Frequent stomach ache in your toddler could mean several things, including an infection. But if your child is not eating because of it, it only means he isn\’t well-nourished. The stomach ache could also be a symptom of malnutrition. Talk to your doctor about that complaint that is already going for more than a week.

Underweight or losing weight:

There is an average weight required for children. If you notice your child is falling back on the chart or is suddenly losing weight, you should talk to your doctor for proper evaluation. Not eating properly or a balanced diet could cause it.

Your child is not eating well:

I have learned that this should be a concern if a child isn\’t feeding well. My son only ate little of the food he took to school, and sometimes he wouldn\’t touch the meat. At home, he would only want to take liquids. When he asked for food, and I served him, he only picked at it. Until we ended up being admitted to the hospital twice in a month and the doctors said his blood was below minimum, did I realize why he wasn\’t eating well? When you notice your child is having trouble eating, get him to see the doctors, some multivitamins might help him back on the food track.

Related Article: Common Diseases in Babies and Symptoms

Your child isn\’t growing taller:

Children experience growth spurt from time to time. Children are continually growing taller. If you notice your child is not outgrowing his or her clothes then, you should see a doctor for proper evaluation.

Not as active or agile:

Children are active and burn their calories differently. If your toddler who is usually engaged, playful and cheerful begins to withdraw, is less active, slow, and begins to sleep more than usual and you can\’t notice any visible illness, this becomes a source of concern. Take your child for proper evaluation. Many times it is an indication of malnutrition.

Edema:

Edema occurs in children with acute malnutrition. It is a condition where there is water retention in the tissues of a person and, in this context, in the tissues of a malnourished baby. When you notice this, you should take your baby to the hospital without delay. The doctor is most likely going to admit the baby for some days to monitor the progress of your baby and to make sure the baby is stable and safe.

Causes of Malnutrition

Children from 6 months to 59 months can experience malnourishment. There are various causes of malnutrition that affect children. We will discuss some below.

Related Article: Benefits of Homemade Food for Babies & Toddlers

Lack of breastfeeding:

Babies derive all their nutrients and protection from their mother\’s breastmilk within the first six months of life. Babies who are unable to breastfeed for any reason can become malnourished.

Digestive disorders:

Digestive disorders like Crohn\’s disease prevent the body from absorbing nutrients from food consumed leads to malnutrition. Frequent diarrhea and vomiting as a result of digestion problems can also lead to malnutrition.

Irregular feeding:

It is possible to have problems with your baby\’s feeding habits. Either they are not eating well, being a picky eater, or eating at odd times, which can lead to indigestion. When a child doesn\’t feed well, the likelihood of experiencing malnutrition is high.

A poor or unbalanced diet:

If you stick to one meal and you don\’t balance it with vegetables, fruit, and sources of protein, you will be increasing your child\’s chances of being malnourished.

Sickness:

Illness can cause a child to lose appetite and desire for food. Worm infestation can cause a child not to eat. As said earlier, not feeding well will lead to malnutrition. Chronic and long-term illness and treatment processes can affect the nutrition of a child.

Related Article: How to Treat Diarrhea in Infants

How to treat malnutrition in children

Discover the root cause of malnutrition before adequate treatment can commence. Take your child to see the doctor so that the proper treatment plan can be administered.

  • If there is an underlying sickness or disease, it is treated to enable the appetite of your child to return.
  • Ensure every of your child\’s meal has all the classes of food.
  • Take time to prepare your child\’s diet. If your child is a picky eater then take time to find out what he likes, make your child a variety of food.
  • Breastfeeding is an excellent place to start if your child is nursing. If they aren\’t feeding directly from the breast, then you should express your milk into a bottle for your child.
  • Monitor what you eat that could be putting your baby off breastfeeding
  • For children that have difficulty feeding, the hospital put in place measures to help the child feed properly.
  • The doctor can prescribe multivitamins to enhance your child\’s appetite and give him some nutrients
  • Include vegetables and fruits into your child\’s meal plan.
  • Deworm the child if the child is suffering from worm infestation. It is advisable to deworm a child every three to six months.
  • Help your child take lots of water.

Classes of food: Carbohydrate, protein, fats and lipids, vitamins, minerals and water

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How to Tell if You are Pregnant Without Testing

Am I pregnant? It is a question you find yourself asking, and for some reason, you aren\’t rushing to confirmatory tests. Either because you don\’t want to raise a false alarm or you don\’t want to be disappointed. Still, the most reliable confirmation is a pregnancy test. Some signs could heighten your suspicion of pregnancy, and some of them are listed below. Many of them have to do with you understanding your body before now.

Signs that you could be pregnant

Missing Your Period

This sign is for women who have a regular period. If you do not see your period a week or two after the date you are expecting your period should signal pregnancy but should be confirmed by a pregnancy test. Other factors could cause women to miss their menstrual periods, such as stress, hormonal imbalance, malnourishment, abuse of morning-after pills, some contraceptive pills, and the onset of gynecological disorders.

Pimples and Acne 

Pimples could breakout on your face because of the rising hormone levels. The pimples could be tiny and spread over the face or quite big and located at several points on the face and neck.

Spotting

This is when a woman experiences light bleeding between her menstrual cycles or when she is pregnant. Spotting could be a sign of the implantation of a fertilized egg. A woman might be surprised thinking her period has come earlier than expected, but if she looks closely, she would realize that the blood isn\’t as dark or heavy as her period. Bleeding from spotting is lighter, smaller in volume. The blood isn\’t enough to fill a tampon or soak a sanitary pad. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by spotting, a sign of successful implantation to the uterus.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Women experience lower abdominal pain that could be as painful as the menstrual period or even more painful. At first, it could seem like implantation pain but can continue for eight weeks or through the first trimester. If you are a first-time mom, you might be worried that something is wrong with you or the baby, but nothing is wrong with you. The pain could be coming from the expanding uterus or cyst that is formed to support until the placenta is formed.

Read Also: Pregnancy Symptoms for a Baby Girl or Baby

Sleepiness and Fatigue

Many women experience sleepiness and fatigue as early as two weeks into pregnancy. The rising pregnancy hormones are responsible for causing fatigue, drowsiness, and nausea. If you find yourself combining fatigue, sleepiness, and any other symptom, then you should take a confirmatory pregnancy test and start taking proper care of yourself and the growing baby. If the lethargy and fatigue you are experiencing are due to pregnancy, then you should know that by the second trimester, it will stop.

Vomiting and Nausea

Women experience morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting as early as three weeks into the pregnancy. If you are getting nausea from the smell of food perfumes or other kinds of smells, you have been comfortable with before, and you aren\’t on medications that have nausea as their side effect, then there is a high probability that you are pregnant. You should check with your doctor for a confirmatory test.

Sensitive Breast

Hormones cause the breast to become full and tender. There is an increased sensitivity of the breast to touch from the early stage of pregnancy.

Mood Swings

Mood swings in some women in pregnancy are caused by the hormonal changes occurring in the woman\’s body. These hormonal changes alter the chemical messengers sent to the brain. You might find yourself excessively grumpy, angry over the slightest things, easily crying and feeling overwhelmed. And because you are feeling fatigued, often you might think stress is affecting you. You might be on a family planning method and may not be suspecting pregnancy. When you feel this way, you should take a home pregnancy test or book an appointment with your doctor to rule out pregnancy because you might be pregnant.

Food Aversion and Cravings

You may find yourself craving a particular food more intensely, and at the same time, you find that you are being put off by a specific food that you usually eat; there is a high possibility of being pregnant. Pregnancy in some women comes with cravings.

Read Also: Healthiest Ways to Deliver a Baby

Frequent Urination

Hormone chorionic gonadotropin is produced and at the highest during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This hormone makes you frequently urinate because it causes more blood to enter your groin area, increasing the pressure on your bladder, and in turn, you visit the toilet more often.

Dizziness

Some women feel dizzy, and some faint, especially when they don\’t take time to eat well when they feel hungry. And since they don\’t realize the hunger spell is because they are pregnant, they are likely to ignore it—increased hormonal and blood levels in the body cause dizziness.

Hunger

When you\’re up in the morning feeling like you could devour a full pot of food, feeling ravenous and frequently hungry during the day even shortly after eating could be a signal that a baby is forming in your uterus. You seem to eat but never get full, especially when there is a craving.

Metallic Taste in the Mouth

When it seems, there is this metal taste you can\’t wash away no matter how hard you try. It sometimes puts you off eating. Many women experience this through the first trimester. It is one of the early signs of pregnancy.

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How to Nurture Your Baby During the First Twelve Months

\”I believe in love at first sight…because I\’m a mom. \”

Babies are a wonder to behold, especially if you are one who gave birth to them. Having a new baby is awesome, but being a new mother can be a little rocky. You always wanted to be a mother. You planned your pregnancy perfectly, got through all the hurdles, and the birth went as good as it gets.

Once the baby arrived, as time goes on, you find yourself uttering the phrases common to almost every new mother, such as: \”I\’m so tired… \”, \”If I could just catch up on sleep, I\’d feel better.\” \”My baby doesn\’t stick to a routine ― what am I doing wrong? \”, \”I\’m not enjoying this. \”Someone else would do a better job,\” etc.… 

This article is a form of parenting guide for new mothers and mothers in general on how to properly take care of your baby during the first 12 months, without wearing out.

Baby Sleeping Tips

As much as a mother loves her baby, it\’s pretty frustrating when you find every day as you are about to sleep, your baby keeps waking up. Here are a few tricks by sleep experts to help newborn babies (and their parents!) get some good night\’s rest. 

Dream-feed:

The dream-feed is the feeding given to the baby right before you (mom or dad) go to bed, and it helps prevent the baby from waking up just after you finally drift off to sleep. Generally if you can get a newborn to go 3-4 hour stretches during the night from birth to 6 weeks that is pretty good! From 6-12 weeks, it\’s great if you can get a 4-6 hour stretch. Some babies will go 8-9 hour stretches with the dream-feed.

Limit the length of naps during the day:

I know it\’s hard to wake a sleeping baby, but when a baby sleeps too long during the daytime, it can rob the baby of nighttime sleep. Breaking up sleep during the day will help your newborn baby sleep better at night. It also enables you to get more feedings during the day, which is very helpful. When your baby sleeps better, you will notice a more patient, more tolerant, more engaging baby after a good night\’s rest or quality nap.

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is not easy by any means, especially for new mothers. It can be painful, time-consuming, and draining on your body. According to a group of mums and lactation experts, here are some breastfeeding tips for new moms.

  • When breastfeeding your newborn, relax, and don\’t stress out. Your baby can sense if you are stressed out and may not latch properly. Just know that moms have been doing this forever, you are going to be okay and get the rhythm of breastfeeding eventually.
  • Breastfeeding moms must stay hydrated while breastfeeding the baby. Always have a large water bottle accessible near your favorite nursing chair. You are going to feel thirstier than usual.
  • If you notice your nipples getting sore, red, or pointy, it means that the baby is not latching correctly. Try to position the baby correctly and get the baby to latch properly. The baby should open her mouth very wide and take in a good deal of breast tissue with the nipple ending up way in the back of the baby\’s mouth, thus preventing any soreness or pain.

Common Cold in Children

Common colds in children, especially in newborns, are not dangerous, but they can rapidly escalate into alarming conditions such as pneumonia. There are over 120 types of viruses that can cause colds. Luckily, most of the colds a baby will get will help increase their immunity. Even so, their very first cold can be scary for parents. 

A runny nose may be your first symptom to show that your newborn has caught a cold. Their mucus from the baby\’s nose may start as thin and clear, but turn thicker and yellowish-green in color over several days. Other symptoms include coughing, especially at night, sneezing, and reduced appetite.

Some home remedies for your baby\’s cold include:

  • Give plenty of liquids, including breast milk to your baby.
  • A small amount of water may be offered to your baby if they\’re over six months old.
  • Ensure the baby doesn\’t sleep on their stomach, even if they have congestion.

Over time, the cold would naturally go away. The best thing you can do is make sure that you or another caring adult stays close to the baby to provide comfort. This will help your baby relax and get the rest they need.

Baby Solid Foods

Beginning your baby on solid food is exciting! Little spoons, pink-lipped mouths covered in baby food. However, before you rush to start feeding baby food to your little one, follow these tips to ensure a positive experience for both you and your baby. 

When should I introduce solid food to my baby?

Infants don\’t yet have the physical skills to swallow solid foods safely, and their digestive system isn\’t ready for solids until they\’re about six months old. Experts recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months before they try out solid foods. Here\’s a well prepared \”Healthy Meal Plan\” for babies aged 6-24 months. 

How can I tell when my baby\’s ready for solid food?

Your baby will give you clear signs when he\’s ready to move beyond a liquid diet. Cues to look for include:
– Head control: Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
– Sitting well when supported: Your baby needs to be able to sit upright in an infant feeding seat or highchair to swallow well.
– Curiosity about food: Your baby may begin eyeing or reaching for your food or may open his mouth if you offer him a spoonful.

How can I tell when my baby is full?

Your baby\’s appetite will vary from one feeding to the next, here are some signs that he or she is probably done with the food:

  • Leans back in his chair
  • Turns his head away from food
  • Starts playing with the spoon
  • Refuses to open up for the next bite (Sometimes a baby will keep his mouth closed because he hasn\’t yet finished with the first mouthful, so give him time to swallow.)

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8 Best Workouts and Exercises for Pregnant Women

Exercises for Pregnant Women

Exercises are a good way for a pregnant woman at whatever stage of pregnancy to keep fit and give birth to a healthy baby. Exercising during pregnancy helps you to avoid adding excess weight, eliminate and reduce backache, improve your overall health, and help make delivery easier. 

Because exercising is great for pregnant women doesn\’t mean all exercises are fine for pregnant women, or all pregnant women are fit to get involved. There are things to consider when deciding to start exercising.

When you shouldn\’t exercise if

  • You have been diagnosed with placenta Previa, which is placenta lying low to your cervix.
  • You have spotting or experienced vaginal bleeding. This could be signs of threatened abortion, and your doctor has to approve an exercise routine.
  • You have a weak cervix with a history of preterm labor or miscarriage
  • Exercising brings on regular contractions that last up to an hour.
  • Fatigue sets in after every exercise
  • You have a pregnancy-induced condition that could be life-threatening to you and the baby.

Exercises for Pregnant Women

Brisk or fast walking:

You need a firm bra or sports bra, good sneakers that has a good grip and sport wears. If you are not the regular exercise type, then you can start by walking briskly on smooth surfaces. Avoid steep planes, potholes, and ditches. This form of cardiovascular exercise and one of the best exercises for pregnant women.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of aerobics and muscle-strengthening exercise. It is safe for every stage of pregnancy. The pleasurable part about swimming is that the water supports your tummy, takes the pressure off your back and joint. To take caution, avoid jumping and diving into the poop as this could have an undesirable impact on your pump. Avoid slipping as much as possible.

Cycling

Whether you choose stationary cycling or your bike, you are safe even as a first-timer. Cycling is a safe aerobic exercise good for the heart rate and taking stress off the joints. As you advance in pregnancy and your bump starts to change your center of gravity, I will advise stationary cycling to minimize the risk of falling.

Running

One of the best workouts for pregnant women and a great aerobic. If you were running or jogging before you got pregnant, you could continue. Running has a low impact on the abdomen. You can also consider running on a treadmill if you don\’t want to work out outside as your pregnancy progresses.

Pelvic Tilts

  • A stomach strengthening workout for pregnant women. It helps reduce back pain. You can either take a kneeling position or rest against the wall for support.
  • Go down on your knees and hands on your workout mat or a cushioned place (to prevent falling or impact from falling)
  • Arching your back, tuck in your tummy from your belly button region
  • Release it after five seconds.
  • Repeat this process ten times
  • If you choose to rest on the wall, make your back flat against the wall
  • Tuck in your tummy and repeat the process

Related Article: Best Postpartum Wraps to Help Lose Your Belly Bumps

Pregnancy exercise for normal delivery

While exercises are fantastic to keep you healthy and fit throughout pregnancy, these are exercises you can engage in during pregnancy for normal delivery.

Pilates Exercises

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Pilates Exercises

This workout helps with balance and flexibility. Pilates workout strengthens the portion of the abdomen known as \”transverse abdominis\” that wraps around the abdomen. During childbirth, it compresses and helps the uterus push out your baby in the final phase of labor. You will need to practice this workout postpartum once your doctor clears you, this will help you get your abs in shape

  • Sit on a yoga block, physioball or a chair in your house
  • Inhale through your nose, filling up your belly with air and allowing the muscles of your stomach to relax
  • Exhale a slow and slow breath. You can involve your mouth when exhaling.
  • Repeat this workout several times.

Hip Raises

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Hip raises exercise

While your pregnancy bumps advances, the Hip Raises workout will help support it, strengthen your bum, and also help in labor.

  • Lie flat on your back with knees bent upwards. Don\’t stay in this position for long. 
  • Place your palms under your hips
  • Then gradually lift your hips till your feet is flat on the ground, and your torso is in line with your shoulders.
  • Hold this position for two seconds and lower slowly to the position you took at the beginning.

Pelvic Floor Exercise

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Kegel Exercises

Pelvic floor muscles, which are located in your pelvis and go all the way to your spine at the base, are essential in your second stage of labor. Pregnancy and childbirth can easily weaken your pelvic area; A Kegel exercise is recommended, to have a more natural virginal delivery and strengthen these muscles. You can do this anywhere and anytime.

Things to note when exercising during pregnancy

  1. Before you start exercising, warm-up, and rest after.
  2. Avoid getting so exhausted from exercising. Remember that pregnancy demands energy.
  3. Try as much as possible to carry out a workout at least thirty minutes daily actively.
  4. Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids
  5. Do not exercise immediately after eating or eat quickly after a workout.
  6. Avoid exercises that exert high air pressure.
  7. Avoid exercises that have a high risk of falling or at least carry out such activities with great caution. A fall to your abdomen is highly detrimental to the health of your baby.
  8. It is best to work with qualified or certified gym instructors who are familiar with working with pregnant women if you want to work out in a gym.
  9. Avoid heavy weightlifting.
  10. Put on comfortable and loose-fitting clothing when exercising
  11. Do not exercise in high humidity or overheated environment.

Exercises that have a risk of falling, such as horse riding, downhill skiing, ice hockey, gymnastics, and cycling, should only be done with caution. Falls carry a risk of damage to your baby.

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How to manage Kids Mental Health and Sexuality Curiosity

Parents, especially mothers, are bound to face a lot of challenges as they raise their children. A lot of kids have sexuality curiosity and mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as they grow up. You need to understand these issues, what to watch for, and know how to help.

This article will help you as a parent in managing your kid\’s mental health and sexual curiosity.

Sexuality curiosity in children

The sexuality curiosity of a child starts between the ages of 4-6 years. It usually includes an interest in sexuality, both their own and that of the opposite sex. He/She may ask where babies come from, and about sexual organs in reproduction. Your child may play with her genitals and show an interest in the genitals of other children as well.

Please note that these are signs of normal sexual curiosity, and punishment or chastisement are likely to foster attitudes of secrecy and shame. The below tips will help you manage the situation when faced with this kind of challenge:

Tips on managing your child sexual curiosity:

  • Create an atmosphere that encourages your child to ask questions.
  • Answers should be honest and straightforward
  • Emphasize that his /her genitals or private parts are not a toy, so should not be played with or fondled.
  • Let them know that no person, including close friends and relatives, may touch their private parts, (Exception are doctors and nurses, and their own parents during appropriate caregiving).
  • Take your child seriously and give direct answers.
  • Help your child learn what\’s socially appropriate.

Kids Mental Health:

Mental health disorders in children often start in early childhood and may develop during the teenage years. Watch out for delays or deferrals in developing age-appropriate thinking, social skills, and behaviors. There are warning signs that your child may have a mental health disorder such as frequent headaches, drastic changes in mood, personality or behavior, withdrawal from social interactions, talk about death or suicide, short temper, lack of interest, hopelessness, concentration difficulty, etc.

\”According to the Child Mind Institute, mental health disorders are the most common diseases of childhood. It is reported that out of an estimated 74.5 million children in the United States, an estimated 17.1 million have or have had a psychiatric disorder.\”

Tips to help your child\’s mental health:

  • Learn about the illness.
  • Consult and share information with their pediatrician to seek further guidance
  • Reach out to your child\’s teacher, close friends, or other caregivers to see if they\’ve noticed changes in your child\’s behavior.
  • Praise your child\’s strengths and abilities
  • Tell them the story of the day they were born.
  • Find ways to relax and have fun with your child.
  • Spend quality time with your child, have conversations and listen to what your child has to say

To help manage your child\’s sexual curiosity and mental health illness, you need to be alert and available. Your child might be scared about what the future will bring, but with encouragement and support, he will be able to overcome the conditions.

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Sleep Regression in Children: Signs, Causes, and Tips

Your child has been sleeping well since she was born, and you have been thankful that you did not have to go through the sleep problems you had with the older child. All of a sudden, your baby\’s sleep pattern then changes without warning. It is frustrating because it is crossing into the second week, and you are wondering if your baby is sick or not adequately fed. Sleep regression in children causes exhaustion because if your baby is not sleeping well, it means everyone else and most especially the mother is lacking sleep too.

What is sleep regression in children?

Sleep regression in a child is a period that usually lasts between three to six weeks in which the child experiences a setback in sleeping well, especially one who was sleeping well earlier. The child starts waking at short intervals at night, having short or no naps for no apparent or explainable reasons.

You might be looking for answers for why your infant or toddler is losing sleep. I can understand because this frequent waking up is exhausting. Though all children are not the same, sleep regression is common in children. It\’s just that every child doesn\’t suffer sleep regression at the same stage.

Sleep Regression Ages in Children

There are certain ages when children experience sleep regression.

4-months sleep regression: 

Sleep regression experienced at this age usually becomes permanent changes to their sleep patterns. Typically, at four months, your baby is sleeping longer at night or through the night, but when sleep regression sets in, she begins to have several short periods of sleep with fussiness and short naps.

Related Article: Newborn Sleep Schedule: Birth to 3 months

8-months sleep regression: 

Sleep regression at the age of 8 months is associated with the developmental milestones that occur with this age. Learning to crawl, stand, walk, building, and forming language skills are typical milestone babies of this age experience. Some are teething, and some are resting for a bit from teething. All these and all the brain and internal development going on are what would cause a sleep regression 

9-months sleep regression:

Mostly a continuation of eight months sleeps setbacks. Some children don\’t experience sleep regression until they are nine months. Your baby is okay if she hasn\’t experienced a sleep regression yet.

10-months sleep regression

Regression at ten months is a continuation of eight and nine months of sleep regression. Like most other regressions, it should pass away after six weeks, and they can return to their normal sleep and napping schedule.

11-months sleep regression:

Sleep regression at eleven months isn\’t so common but still occurs. Babies who experience sleep regression at this age skip their naps or experience short naps, generally between napping between ten to twenty minutes. I know nap time for a child is very important for a mother because that is when you get to do some things without worrying that your child is getting up to something again. But treat this phase like others because it will pass within a short period. Babies are not yet developmentally ready to give up their three naps a day at eleven months until they are almost two years.

15-months sleep regression:

Sleep regression at this stage is mostly due to developmental milestones and transitions. Your baby may be transitioning to one nap and learning to walk and speak multiple words could be interrupting her sleep. Although there is no three to six weeks duration at this stage of sleep regression, you should treat it as one. You will also start learning to schedule your child\’s sleep now to help her deal with the changes occurring to her sleep pattern.

18-months sleep regression

We expect babies to be sleeping through the night at this age. Some babies, for some reason, suffer sleep regression at eighteen months. For some, it could be because they are bringing out their molars at this time. 

Babies developing molars can be painful and uncomfortable and could be affecting their sleep. Some children decide that night time is when they want to wake, throw a tantrum, scream, and play, and you can\’t seem to settle them back to sleep.

2-years sleep regression

A 2-year-old, sleep regression can be attributed to several factors that could be disrupting his sleep. At two years, there are several transitions taking place in the life of your toddler. Potty training, a new sibling taking all the attention, moving her into her bed, separation anxiety, and possible nightmares could be causing your child\’s sleep regression. 

While you might notice that at two, your toddler stops napping altogether, and you are probably asking, \’when do toddlers stop napping?\” What is happening is likely a sleep regression. It might not be permanent. Most toddlers don\’t stop napping until they are between three to four years, but there two-year-old that give up napping completely. You should try helping your 2-year-old to nap again because a 2-year-old needs rest at least once a day and ten to twelve hours of sleep.

Tips for handling sleep regression

  1. Add more feeding. Your baby might sleep longer if she feeds better. But don\’t be too disappointed if you feed your baby more, and she wakes up thirty minutes later to feed, it will soon pass.
  2. Don\’t introduce your baby to a habit that isn\’t good for you both in the long run while trying to comfort your little one. For example, if you have weaned your child from the pacifier, don\’t let exhaustion and frustration make you return to it.
  3. You can introduce activities and games that will enable your toddler to exhaust all his energy; This can make him sleep longer.
  4. To prevent being too stressed, ask for help from persons you know would be willing to assist in taking care of your child while you rest.
  5. If you need to introduce an earlier bedtime in your baby\’s schedule, please try it. 
  6. For a toddler, sleep training her might be the way to help her begin to sleep better.
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