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Breathing Problems

Preterm babies generally have an immature respiratory system and immature lungs due to which they develop breathing issues.

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) causes irregular breathing
• If your baby has rapid shallow breathing, it might be transient tachypnea
• Sometimes, your baby’s lungs will not be able to withstand the constant pressure from the ventilator, which results into bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Such premature respiratory problems might lead to pneumonia which is a lung infection
• Absence of breathing is termed apnea and when there is a reduction observed in your baby’s heart, it is bradycardia

Infections

Preterm babies can catch almost any infection and in any part of their body. This happens because a premature baby has a less developed immune system.

Heart Problems

Preemies are prone to a cardiac disorder, patent ductus arteriosus because of an open blood vessel which happens as a part of fetal development. They are given medicines that reduce the production of prostaglandin E, so that ductus arteriosus, the blood vessel can be closed.

Neurological Problems

Some preterm babies may have bleeding in the brain because of immature blood vessels. Cerebral palsy is a major and long-term consequence of this. Cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that affects muscle coordination, movement, and balance. It’s caused by an infection, poor blood flow, or a brain injury during pregnancy or after birth. Problems that may occur later in the stage of premature children’s lives are mental retardation, thinking & learning difficulties, language delays etc

Gastrointestinal and digestive system

Premature babies are born with an immature digestive system. This makes it difficult for them to absorb the nutrients required for their improvement at this critical stage. Also when the intestine has poor blood flow, bowels can develop infection called as necrotizing enterocolitis.

Anemia

Usually preemies are born with lower levels of red blood cells. If they are not higher than 15 grams in new born babies, they can contract anemia.

Visual disorder

The blood vessels generally grow abnormally in the eye for premature babies which disrupts normal blood vessel growth. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potential blinding eye disorder in preemies.

Why you should read to your baby bump

Studies have revealed that around 24 weeks’ of gestation, your baby is able to perceive sounds from the outside. Of course, this isn’t carved in stone, so don’t be disheartened if your little one takes a couple of weeks more to respond. Your baby will be able to distinguish your voice over that of others very soon!

Reading to the baby in utero has several proven benefits, both for the mother-to-be and the baby. For you, it’s a great way to destress at the end of a long day, which itself is reason enough to read. For the baby, you’re providing a platform to enhance his/ her memory. It may also aid in language development over the long term.

Personalised content – yay or nay?

When it comes to reading to your baby bump, you’re often left wondering as to what to read. It can be quite confusing, honestly, but let’s get you familiar with a few options. Look around you: is that a magazine you spot? Flip through it for light articles that you can read out loud. Remember, at the stage, the baby is listening keenly to your voice and is not able to comprehend the content as much.

A baby book is, of course, a great idea if you have access to one. With simple rhythmic words, this is the perfect choice. Parents today also have the option of customising books for their children. This personalisation can be in terms of content, or even something as simple as incorporating your child’s name as the titular character. When it comes to a baby in the womb, however, you may not have a name yet. Let’s then look at the personalised content. While this is not essential, it helps set up a scene of comforting familiarity for the baby, given that you are likely to read the same book to the baby once he/ she is born. Personalise the book, if possible, to include other family members – a sibling, or grandparents – or even a pet. A story can be created to revolve around each of these characters. Your baby will enjoy this personalised story for a long time to come!

Tips for reading to your baby bump

• Reading regularly to your baby bump allows you time to sit back and relax. Think about it as a date with your little one!
• Select a book with rhythmic words, and if possible, personalised content.
• Watch out for those little nudges and kicks as the baby starts to respond to your voice! Enjoy this connection that begins in utero and lasts a lifetime.
• Most importantly, have fun as you begin to bond with your baby!

This is what makes paternity leave so important

With a new baby, things are overwhelming for the mother from the word go, and that’s reason enough for the new father to also pitch in. From getting the paperwork sorted at the hospital or nursing home, to ensuring that the home is ready to welcome you and your little one, your spouse needs to help at every step of the way.

When the baby is born, he is primarily dependent on you, and you are the source of nutrition and comfort for the little one. The bonding, therefore, is natural and only too expected. New dads, however, may not have an instant connect with the newborn and vice versa. They have to get used to each other! For the baby, there is nothing like being held close and the little one can draw comfort and reassurance when the father holds him .

Research shows that the father needs to bond with the new baby as much as the mother does, and this is where taking time off is required. It’s not just you who has to bond with your newborn as his mother, but your spouse also needs to acclimatise to his role as a new father! Bonding with the baby is therefore as important for him, as it is for you. Get your spouse involved in duties concerning the newborn, be it diaper changes or even getting the baby to sleep. Paternity leave will give your spouse and the baby a chance to bond right from the initial stage, and forge a connection that will last a lifetime.

Making the most of paternity leave

The ideal time to avail the paternity leave would be just before the birth. This ensures that you and your spouse have time to get done with your preparations for the baby’s arrival. Paternity leave would also be helpful when you and your spouse are settling in with the new baby, in the first week or two following the birth.

Subsequently, your spouse being on paternity leave will allow you flexibility and some much-needed me time, because taking care of a baby is not an easy task! Not only does availing paternity leave make your spouse a great support, but also equips them to handle the baby in your absence. Use this time to bond with your spouse so that you are also geared to work as a team, sharing childcare responsibilities.

Paternity leave in India

While somewhat in a nascent stage, more organisations are now extending paternity leave to new fathers as well. Do have your spouse check with their employer as to the specifics of their company’s paternity leave policy well in advance, so that you both are able to plan well. While leave policies (and duration of leave) may differ from organisation to organisation, the fact remains that it is now acknowledged that fathers play an equally important role in bringing up a child.

Options for pain relief in labour

Labour progresses in stages, and expectant mothers use various methods to cope with the pain as it occurs. The most important thing is trying to relax to ride over the pain.

The amount of pain that a mother feels during labour and delivery is not the same for everyone. It depends on the size and position of the baby as well as the contractions the mother is experiencing.

Let’s take a look at the two methods of pain relief that you can consider during birth, viz:

1. Pain-relieving medications, and
2. Natural pain-relief methods

Pain-relieving medications

Before you opt for pain relief medication, do speak at length with your doctor. It is, in fact, a good idea to have a birth plan in place, detailing at which stage during the birthing process you would like medication. Of course, be prepared to adapt to any last-minute changes that come up.

Pain-relieving medications can further be of two types:

• An anaesthetic that can stop the pain completely, or
• An analgesic that relieves pain without complete loss of feeling or movement

An analgesic is usually given in the early stages of labour so that while the pain eases, you don’t go to sleep. For instance, an epidural block is a regional analgesic that causes loss of movement in the lower body. Here too, you’re awake but cannot feel the pain.

In some cases, an expectant mother may require a local or general anaesthesia, depending on how the labour is progressing and the baby is faring.

Natural pain-relief methods

You can also choose to go through childbirth using natural methods to relieve pain. These include:

• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
• Find the right kind of music to relax you through labour
• Explore aromatherapy and try to sample essential oils, diffusers and or incense sticks
• Keeping certain nutritious snacks around to help reduce weakness when in labour
• Choose the right kind of massage treatment from a range of techniques to suit you when in labour
• Control pain and release endorphins through Reflexology which basically refers to massaging the nerve ending of your feet.

You’re almost there!

It is important to trust your doctor and work in tandem with them, irrespective of whether you opt for pain medication or otherwise. Your medical team will always put your health – and that of your baby – first, so rest assured that you are in the right hands. Make childbirth a memorable experience by focussing on yourself and the tiny little person who will soon wrap you around his or her little finger!

What to Eat to Increase Chances of Conception?

Paying attention to what you eat is vital when you’re planning a baby. If your nutrient count is low, then it could cause health issues during pregnancy and may also impact the growth of your baby. Ensuring you eat the right foods in right quantity can help you improve your chance of getting pregnant. Make sure to include these food groups in your diet:

1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants and fibre

The whole grain variant of bread is rich in antioxidants like folate and zinc that can increase fertility in women. Potatoes, rice, and other starchy foods are rich in fibre and also provide you with calcium, iron, and B vitamins. This not only helps your fertility, but also provides your body with nourishment, preparing it for pregnancy.

2. Include fruits and vegetables in your daily meal plan

Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of your diet. Green leafy vegetables and fruits are rich in Vitamin C, iron, folate, and other minerals and vitamins that help you conceive and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. Have at least five portions of these daily. Make sure you have a variety of them to get your dose of nutrients.

3. Maintain a healthy consumption of dairy products

Add dairy products to your daily diet. It is your natural source of calcium, which also reduces the risk of ovulatory infertility. Ideally, you should consume at least two-three servings of milk or other full-fat dairy products like cheese, yogurt, etc. per day.

Homemade yogurt can be instrumental in promoting your fertility rate. Choose low-fat versions and avoid those made with unpasteurised milk.

4. Include good fats in your diet

Unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts, avocados, and oily fish help reduce cholesterol levels and provide you with essential fatty acids. Consume these in moderate quantities, and it will help you with conception. In addition to these two portions of meat, eggs, and beans per day to improve pregnancy chances.

5. Hydrate yourself with fluids

You need to hydrate yourself by drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids like water and milk daily. Drinking adequate water will ensure that your cervical fluid, which helps the sperm to reach an egg, flows steadily. It also helps to improve your egg health. However, to avoid risks during conception, it is recommended that you limit your daily caffeine intake to 200mg per day.

In addition to these dietary recommendations, you could also include folic acid and vitamin D supplements in your diet to increase your chances of conception. And, you can always consult your doctor to know more.

Baby clothes

While shopping for baby clothes, you should keep in mind the weather and the comfort of your child. You should have at least the below-mentioned clothes ready for your baby.

• Onesies or full shirts
• One-piece pajamas
• A couple of sweaters or jackets – Putting on front buttoned jackets for your baby will make your life easy
• Socks or booties – you can skip shoes until the baby starts walking
• Caps
• No-scratch mittens
• Winter suits and blanket for winter babies

Nursery and Bedding

You may want to add colors and invest a lot of time to decorate your baby room. But the only thing you should keep in mind is baby safety.

• Crib – It is ideal to have your baby sleep in his own bed. Many infants die in their sleep out of suffocation when sharing the bed with parents
• Mattress – Tightly fitted mattress for the crib
• Washable crib mattress pads
• Separate baby blankets for summer and winter both
• Dim lights for your baby to sleep peacefully at night
• Toy Basket

Diapers

Changing baby diapers is one of the scariest for new parents. But trust us, you will get a hang of it soon. You will need the below things ready for your newborn.

• Diaper bag
• Diaper cream and baby wipes – Get doctor recommended cream to avoid rashes
• Soft wash clothes
• You should have cloth diapers and disposable diapers ready

Bath

Bathing your baby can be fun if he starts enjoying the water. You will need a few things ready for a baby bath. You should never leave the baby in the bath alone – not even for a second. So, keep your stuff ready beforehand.

• Baby bathtub
• Baby soap and shampoo
• Baby hairbrush
• Soft baby towels for hair and body
• Use a different detergent which is specially designed to wash baby clothes

Feeding

Your baby is going to ask for feeding anytime around the clock. You need to stock your supplies and be available for him whenever he needs you.

• Nursing clothes if you are breastfeeding
• Cloths for baby burps
• Multiple bottles and nipples so that you can feed your baby with only sterilized ones
• Feeding cloths and extra ones if your baby spits or vomits
• Breast pump in case you would have to store breast milk

Other Stuff

We sometimes miss the little things. Here’s a list for you to remember those ones.

• Baby nail clippers, baby thermometer, and first aid kit
• Baby hairbrush and oil
• Convertible car seat
• Stroller
• Baby swing
• High chair for feeding comfortably
• Keep your home baby safe. All your furniture corners should be checked.

Diet

The most important change that you need to bring in your life is what food you eat. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Intake of dairy products is advisable for your body to have calcium intake. Avoid raw and uncooked eggs or meat and most of the fried snacks that contain a high amount of trans fats. Starting to eat healthily will make you feel healthy and avoid complications. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine intake during pregnancy.

Work-Life Balance

Work is absolutely important, and you cannot avoid it just because you are pregnant. But balancing your work and personal life would help a great deal during pregnancy. Start from reducing stress and anxiety levels completely. Emotional health is as important as physical health. Spend time exercising at least 30 minutes a day which could be in the form of yoga or a walk. Don’t compromise on your sleep.

Home Remedies to avoid Discomfort

Eat as soon as you wake up and always stay hydrated, it will avoid the most common problem – morning sickness. Practice prenatal yoga to avoid all kinds of backaches and yoga will also keep your mind fresh. Avoid cold by having a hot cup of ginger tea or a hot bowl of soup. You can also stock up some peppermint to avoid nausea. Drink a lot of water, but drink in between meals and not during meals.

So, next time you talk to your baby, experiment. Understand which nursery rhyme or song triggers your baby to move. This exercise can be done by both the parents as well as other family members. In this way, bond with your baby even before it is born!

1. Verbal sounds

You could wish him as soon as you wake up, wish him goodnight during bedtime, ask him how he is feeling inside or tell him that you can’t wait to hold him in your arms or anything else that you find relevant. By doing this, you are familiarising your baby with your language and voice; therefore, he will immediately understand and recognise you when he sees you. Also, listening to your voice in the womb will help your baby to relax and lower their heart rate. Research has also shown that, this helps to create a foundation for your baby’s language development!

2. Relaxing massages

You and your partner can give your belly relaxing massages from time to time, to assure your baby that you are there for him. Your baby starts responding to touch during your second trimester. So, he knows when you or your partner touch him. He loves to react by kicking or moving around your belly.

3. Music

Singing to your baby is a wonderful way to communicate with your baby. You or your partner can sing soothing and relaxing songs to your baby (Classical songs are better than fast-paced songs that have loud beats). Alternatively, you can also play soft music for your baby to listen. He can listen to all external sounds, notes, and rhythms right from the second trimester onwards. Babies feel relaxed and secured within your womb when they listen to relaxing music.

So, next time you talk to your baby, experiment. Understand which nursery rhyme or song triggers your baby to move. This exercise can be done by both the parents as well as other family members. In this way, bond with your baby even before it is born!

Must-haves for Moms:

The things that a mother will require can be divided into 2 categories:

A. Labour bag

– Firstly, keep a copy of your birth plan , pregnancy-related medical files and health insurance documents (if any).

– You will also need to pack comfortable clothing and footwear like a loose dressing gown, slippers and socks.

– You may also need to carry your own pillow to ensure that you are comfortable.

– Magazines, books or something that will help you feel relaxed.

B. Post-delivery bag

– While most hospitals provide you with their gowns, you may want to carry an extra pair or two, in case you need them. While the hospital is equipped with necessities, In case any toiletries are needed, you may want to carry them. Most of the hospitals provide their gown only. It can be written including this. Also include the last line.

– You will require nursing bras and breast pads to make breastfeeding your baby an easy task.

– It’s normal to experience heavy bleeding after giving birth. Don’t forget to carry plenty of maternity pads, as they are softer than normal sanitary napkins. You may also need extra underwears.

Other essentials:

– Pack some snacks for yourself and your birth partner (generally your husband).

– Keeping a camera will help you to capture the first precious moments with your baby.

– Don’t leave your home without a phone and a charger, in case you need to call your loved ones to share the news.

– Carrying extra clothes can never go wrong.

– Don’t forget to keep some cash in hand along with a debit/credit card.

If you want, carry all these things in 2 separate bags. Every hospital has different rules and policies. So, check with your hospital about things that you are allowed to bring there. We wish you a happy and safe delivery.

Having a supportive partner

This is the final stage of your pregnancy, and here’s how your spouse can help you by being by your side. Most hospitals and nursing homes in India do allow the father to be presentduring the birth. Do check ahead whether your spouse will be allowed, and if yes, it’s a great time to start planning his role in the entire birthing process.

While you go through labour and delivery,to have your spouse be there for you both emotionally and physically is very essential. However, your spouse’s role begins before the birthing process itself, and this final stage is an extension of the same.

Helping at the birth

There are several ways your spouse can help you through the process of labour and delivery. Keep in mind that labour can be prolonged, and things may not always go according to plan. This makes it even more important to have your spouse with you so that you can take birthing decisions together, be it with regards to anything that is crucial.

During labour and birth, the father-to-be can help with:

• Coordinating with your gynaecologist as to when you would be arriving at the hospital, once your contractions begin, in case of a normal birth.
• Staying by your side throughout the hospital admission process, or even at home. Here, it is important for your spouse to encourage you as you go along.
• In preparation for labour, you may have been to antenatal classes or considered methods to cope with labour. Getting your spouse to help you breathe through the contractions and coach you through labour is a great way to stay connected emotionally through the process.

Tips for the father-to-be

Of course, while your spouse is there to support you, remember that he too needs to take a break during the process, especially if the labour is prolonged. He could use this time to connect with your family members and keep them updated on your progress.

At the end

Enjoy your first meeting with your precious little bundle, together with your spouse. Once you have seen your newborn baby, every bit of the labour and birthing process would have been worth it!