I have to confess that I had no plans to write articles on care about pregnancy before or after delivery. But I saw Vidya Balan's brilliant performance in Kahaani and one thing that struck me throughout the movie is that she is not being careful with her pregnancy. So, on a whim, I went and got some new issues of Practical Parenting & Pregnancy magazine that had medical and nursing experts discuss proper care about pregnancy and voila, here's my post on some essential tips to care about pregnancy after delivery.
Care About Pregnancy: How to cope with colic
Most moms find it difficult and distressing when babies are constantly crying due to colic. Doctors say that the best way is to walk up and down while holding your baby upright and keep singing to the baby as that will have a soothing effect.
Care about Pregnancy: Do 'voice' bonding with your baby
Some moms have also stated that pregnant moms should sing to babies while they are expecting and the same song should be sung while the baby is having colic or crying in distress. The babies relate to the mother's voice and singing easily and it has a soothing effect.
I have a personal experience to share. My younger sister Sangeetha (who is a doctor) used to constantly 'speak' to Adi while I was expecting him. She told me that babies are very sensitive to sounds while in the womb and that there are medical studies confirming they can recognize the sounds after they are born. Just like she said, when Adi was born, he would stop crying whenever he heard her voice and seemed to look at her with recognition. Even now when my sister speaks to him, he listens carefully. I think it has everything to do with the bonding they had via 'voice connection' while I was expecting him.
Care about Pregnancy: How to clean the umbilical cord
When cleaning the baby's umbilical cord, do it when required by gently wiping the area with cotton wool that is dipped in cool, boiled water. To help prevent infection, you . should keep the baby's cord out of the nappy so that it stays dry. Check for new nappies that have an umbilical cord cut out shape as these are in the market and are perfectly suited for new born babies. This way, you won't have to fold down the nappy. Also, it enables air to circulate around the umbilical cord area which promotes healing.
In some old families in Kochi, there is a belief that a child's umbilical cord should be safely kept and buried under the soil of the ancestral home. The belief is that the child will come back to that home and be emotionally attached to it. It's got no so called scientific basis but many old families do believe in it spanning several generations.
Care about Pregnancy: Use a good handcream
This is something I neglected to do and so do many moms out there. In fact, it is a great gift to give pregnant moms along with the baby care kit for a new born. I think it is important to use a good hand cream after pregnancy because you spend so much time doing lots of nappy changing, cleaning, looking after the baby and yourself with your hands. Use good hand cream as often as you can to keep your hands moisturized and soft. If your hands are rough or too dry, your baby too will feel 'scraped' when you touch him/her.
I'd love to hear your tips on how to care about pregnancy before or after delivery. Are there any interesting beliefs, tips or experiences you have seen, heard or experienced? Do write it in here.
Care About Pregnancy: How to cope with colic
Most moms find it difficult and distressing when babies are constantly crying due to colic. Doctors say that the best way is to walk up and down while holding your baby upright and keep singing to the baby as that will have a soothing effect.
Care about Pregnancy: Do 'voice' bonding with your baby
Some moms have also stated that pregnant moms should sing to babies while they are expecting and the same song should be sung while the baby is having colic or crying in distress. The babies relate to the mother's voice and singing easily and it has a soothing effect.
I have a personal experience to share. My younger sister Sangeetha (who is a doctor) used to constantly 'speak' to Adi while I was expecting him. She told me that babies are very sensitive to sounds while in the womb and that there are medical studies confirming they can recognize the sounds after they are born. Just like she said, when Adi was born, he would stop crying whenever he heard her voice and seemed to look at her with recognition. Even now when my sister speaks to him, he listens carefully. I think it has everything to do with the bonding they had via 'voice connection' while I was expecting him.
Care about Pregnancy: How to clean the umbilical cord
When cleaning the baby's umbilical cord, do it when required by gently wiping the area with cotton wool that is dipped in cool, boiled water. To help prevent infection, you . should keep the baby's cord out of the nappy so that it stays dry. Check for new nappies that have an umbilical cord cut out shape as these are in the market and are perfectly suited for new born babies. This way, you won't have to fold down the nappy. Also, it enables air to circulate around the umbilical cord area which promotes healing.
In some old families in Kochi, there is a belief that a child's umbilical cord should be safely kept and buried under the soil of the ancestral home. The belief is that the child will come back to that home and be emotionally attached to it. It's got no so called scientific basis but many old families do believe in it spanning several generations.
Care about Pregnancy: Use a good handcream
This is something I neglected to do and so do many moms out there. In fact, it is a great gift to give pregnant moms along with the baby care kit for a new born. I think it is important to use a good hand cream after pregnancy because you spend so much time doing lots of nappy changing, cleaning, looking after the baby and yourself with your hands. Use good hand cream as often as you can to keep your hands moisturized and soft. If your hands are rough or too dry, your baby too will feel 'scraped' when you touch him/her.
I'd love to hear your tips on how to care about pregnancy before or after delivery. Are there any interesting beliefs, tips or experiences you have seen, heard or experienced? Do write it in here.
Comments
Just a quick question..could I link this up to the website my cousin and I are doing its www.indianmomsconnect.com (I would like to use this post as well as the previous one if you dont mind!)