Credits – @TreadMillReviewGuru
First Pregnancy Trimester
Credits – @TreadMillReviewGuru
Pregnancy checklist.
A baby is growing inside you, your body is changing, your hormones are jumping, and you are up for a great ride. There are plenty of things you can do to make this journey as safe and pleasurable as possible. Prepare for what’s about to come and prepare well. This pregnancy checklist will help you make your pregnancy fun, systematic and memorable:
Tips for the first trimester:
Take your prenatal vitamin and insurance for baby’s health:
As soon as you are overwhelmed by the news of pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid. This reduces the risk of neural-tube defects. Do a good research options for securing your upcoming baby’s health. One such move towards good health of your baby would be preserving his umbilical cord blood stem cells. Click here to read more about cord blood basics, benefits and umbilical cord blood stem cell banking facilities in India. Get all these questions answered well in advance.
Choose your Ob/Gynec:
It is time to look for an ob-gyn. If you don’t have one already, look for factors like proximity from your house, insurance coverage and which practice will best suit your perfect birth experience. Once you have chosen, book an appointment.
Schedule a check-up and take the tests:
In addition to your physical check-up, around the 10th week you will have an ultrasound to check the baby’s heartbeat. Verify the due date with your ob/gyn.
During week 11 and 14, pregnancy screenings are given for pregnancy related plasma protein, HCG and blood tests that determine the risk of Down syndrome and trisomy. No matter what, you must take these tests between weeks 11-15.
Tips for the second trimester:
Enrol in a childbirth education class:
This is your 12-15th week of pregnancy, you must enrol in a childbirth education class. The class goes on for 6 to 12 weeks and ideally you would want to finish by your 37th week, in case you go into labour early. This class should cover the labour and birth process, also breathing and comfort measures.
Discuss your maternity leave and Set up the baby’s room:
If you are a working professional you will have to inform your Supervisor or Boss about your pregnancy on time. Discuss your maternity leave and all prospects of how work will be handled when you are gone. Once this is done, focus on setting up your baby’s room. Setting up your little one’s room along with planning the furniture can take quite some time. It is better to start now and occupy yourself with the best thing ever.
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Take a peek at your baby:
Around week 20, you will have an ultrasound. This is the time you check the growth of the baby and make sure all organs are developing properly. This is probably the time when you find out the sex of your little one.
The birth plan discussion and a babymoon:
Start discussing a birth plan with your partner and family members. Decide whom you want beside you during the birth of the baby. If you wish to go for a babymoon and are craving it, now is the best time to do it. Don’t push it, go for it.
Take the glucose screening:
During week 26-28, take the glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes.
Tips for the third trimester:
Start shopping and have a baby shower:
Start shopping for things you will need in the hospital like nursing bras, night gowns, baby clothes, diapers and wipes. Have your baby shower ideally two weeks before your due date so that you can shop for the things that didn’t come as gifts.
Choose a baby nurse and get help for the kitchen:
Interview and choose a nurse for your baby. Choose the best one as this person will be with your baby in their earliest days of life. Ensure to talk to your family and partner to get assistance with cooking and household chores, so that you can focus on the baby completely.
Choose a paediatrician and pack your hospital bag:
It is the perfect time to go scouting for the best paediatrician for your child. Do a good research and choose the best doctor, a one that your child will adore and like visiting. At the same time, start packing your hospital bag with all the essentials you and the baby will need. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=595
Read up about breastfeeding:
If you intend to breastfeed which is best for the baby, get yourself completely prepared. Read up in depth about breastfeeding and also involve your partner in this learning. Do have a conversation with your doctor regarding the same as they will be able to give you the best tips.
Live this journey of your baby growing inside you with immense joy and positivity. While you enjoy the ride and keep yourself happy, don’t miss out on one time opportunity for preserving your baby’s cord blood stem cells, ensure that you take a presentation from reputed stem cell banks in India. Enjoy your pregnancy, relax and keep this pregnancy checklist with you through the 9 months, it’s sure to stand by you like a long lost friend!
5 ways to deal with your child’s tantrums and how to ensure their safety
You’re standing in line at the store, almost about to pay the bill and ready to check out. For the fifth time in a row, your child asks for a piece of candy or a food pack. You’ve repeatedly said no, when suddenly, the tantrum starts! All parents have dealt with a similar situation.
For any parent, temper tantrums are one of the most stressful and frustrating things they will have to deal with, especially once your child hits the terrible twos. While every parent tries to avoid tantrums, there will be times when little ones simply cross all limits. Most of the times when this happens there isn’t much you can do as parents!
Here are five ways of handling these outbursts:
- Hold your ground
Keep repeating the same words or the instruction you want him to follow. Keep calm and have a poker face! Don’t lose control even if you have to repeat the same thing a number of times. For example- If your child wants to eat ice-cream every day, you repeat the same thing. “You can’t eat ice-cream everyday”. This way the child will understand that you mean what you say. Also, your child may or may not calm down right away, but he or she will remember that throwing a tantrum doesn’t lead to satisfactory results.
- Don’t lose your temper
As an adult, if you lose control over your child and start yelling, the child will see this type of behavior and start believing that something like this is acceptable at your house and follow the pattern. It is not always easy to stay calm and explain to your child, but that’s the best way a child will understand. Breathe, take some time off and cool yourself down before you go and talk to him. Raising your hand on your child is a big no as they may become more rebellious or might be scared of you.
- Try to understand his needs
This point focuses on toddlers who haven’t learned to speak or can’t express what they want. Your child’s tantrums aren’t always because he wants something; it could be for other reasons. He could be hurt or he might have some pain or digestion problem. Some kids are teething or need a diaper change, that’s when they yell and cry. It’s very common for children to be cranky when they are sleepy or hungry. Sometimes you need to fulfill their demands and their tantrums may subside.
- Give them a distraction
When you are out for a social gathering or a dinner, this is the best way to stop your child’s tantrums and also save yourself from some embarrassment. Keep a bag with toys, munchies or something that your child is fond off so they get distracted. If you catch it in time, it can even prevent a major breakdown. Since children aren’t very good multi-taskers they are bound to get distracted with something more amusing. To know more ways to distract your baby – http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=761
- Give an explanation, rather than just saying no!
Most parents just say “no” or “It’s not for you” or “because I said so” instead of giving a valid explanation for their comment. This lands up frustrating the child more than anything because he is confused and clueless. You don’t have to give an explanation, but just brief them why is it that they can’t get what they asked for. They will be able to make more sense in such times.
Ensure safety of your children is also an important point when he or she is busy throwing tantrums. Most of the children land up hurting themselves intentionally or unintentionally.
Here are few ways to ensure the safety of your child.
- Wait for the anger to cool down
The worst thing a parent can do is to instigate the child more when he is angry. Instead, wait for the child’s anger to cool down and then go and talk to him/ her. Sometimes when you instigate the child, they end up hurting themselves more because you don’t give them what they want.
2.Make him sit in a safe spot
Let the child be alone for a while, till his anger cools down. Leave them for some time in his bedroom or another safe place in the house where you feel comfortable leaving him or her alone for a little while is best. The spot should be free of distractions such as a computer, TV or handheld video game.
3.Avoid Triggers
Most of the reasons for a child’s tantrums are predictable and parents at a point are aware of it, such as homework or bedtime. They are usually things that parents make them do against their will. In such cases give them a hint beforehand or just find an alternative on how to get them to do it. This will avoid the tantrum and also keep your child safe before things get out of hand.
Cord Blood Stem Cells a perfect cure for Leukemia
Cord Blood Banking allows you to preserve your newborn baby’s cord blood and use the stem cells found in it in future if a need arises. These stem cells can be used in the treatment of more than 80 diseased conditions. More conditions continue to be researched due to ever increasing stem cell preservation benefits.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells, which involves multiplication of malignant White Blood Cells (WBCs). These abnormal cells do not function in the same way as normal WBCs, they continue to grow, divide and accumulate very quickly eventually crowding out the normal blood cells leading to difficulty in fighting infections, controlling bleeding, and transporting oxygen.
Symptoms
Tiredness, easy bruising, and susceptibility to infections are the major symptoms. Acute leukemia requires fast and aggressive treatment.
Prevalence of Leukemia in India
In low- and middle-income countries more than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year have limited access to curative treatment, and only about 25% survive. An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015. According to a report from National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), in India cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age.
Table 1: Childhood Cancer Incidence in India (AAR: Age-adjusted rates of incidence) (Data source: NCRP report)
Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant – Cure for Leukemia
Normal blood cells develop from stem cells that have the potential to regenerate and form many cell types. Cord blood for transplants is collected from the umbilical cord after a newborn baby is delivered. The stem cells from this cord blood are extracted in a Cell Processing Centre and preserved in -196ᵒ C liquid nitrogen tanks for future use.
Stem cell transplants which use the patient’s own stem cells are called “autologous transplants”. One can even use donor stem cells, they may come from either a related or unrelated matched donor, and this is called an “allogeneic transplant”. Most transplant physicians would not want to use a baby’s own cord blood to treat his or her leukemia. This is because donor stem cells might better fight the leukemia than the child’s own stem cells. Considering the high prevalence of leukemia, cord blood stem cell preservation benefits and curative uses of cord blood stem cells, it is evident that cord blood stem cell banking is important. Babycell understands that every family should stand a chance to treat their children, to help such patients Babycell has a Sibling Program. In case you have a child diagnosed with a
blood disorder your next baby’s cord blood stem cells can be used to cure your child under this Babycell collects, processes and stores your upcoming child’s cord blood stem cells free of cost for 5 years. Due to stem cell preservation benefits and development in technology it can definitely create a healthier, disease free society. Expecting parents must ensure that they opt for cord blood stem cell banking of their upcoming baby as this is one time opportunity. Babycell achieved its ISO certification in the first year itself; by the second year of operations they received GMP, GLP and GCP certifications. Babycell also provides value added services like new born screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing, Father’s wellness program and more.
Fast facts about childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation
- Cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age in India
- More than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, Out of which there are 50,000 new childhood cancer cases in India Of these, 30-40% are leukemia and lymphomas, 20% are brain tumours and 1% retinoblastomas (eye cancer)
- Only about 25% survive as they have limited access to curative treatment
- An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015
- Prevalence of childhood cancer has doubled in last one decade. In 2006 childhood cancers were 2.5% of the total number of cancer cases and today, they add up to 5.5%. Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai alone treats 2,000 new pediatric cancer cases annually.
Current Treatment for childhood cancer
- Current treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. These are expensive and a temporary solution with a chance of disease relapse.
- Often a combination of Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation offers a 100% cure for childhood cancers.
Stem Cell Transplantation
- A stem cell transplant can take a few days or months to complete. The process begins with treatment of high doses of chemotherapy, this treatment goes on for a week or two. Once it is successfully done, patient is allowed to rest for a few days
- Patient then receives the stem cells through an IV catheter. This process is like receiving a blood transfusion. It takes 1 to 5 hours to receive all the stem cells.
- After receiving the stem cells, patient is set for a recovery phase. During this time the stem cells received to start making new blood cells.
Till date 1 million stem cell transplants are done worldwide, more than 50% have been performed in children
Reference
- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Childhood-cancers-double-in-a-decade/articleshow/18411692.cms
- http://www.cankidsindia.org/incidence-of-childhood-cancer.html
- http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplant
Pregnancy Fashion Tips
Pregnancy style can be a challenge. What does one do when they have to attend an evening party? What do you wear to a baby shower?
When it comes to dressing during pregnancy, comfort and style is the key. But what feels right in the 9th week may feel downright wrong by week 14 and what perfectly flatters your curves during the second trimester may become rather improper by the end of your pregnancy. Check out these simple hacks to up your pregnancy style quotient according to the trimester you are in:
1st Trimester
- Umbrella Tops
Style and simplicity are the key to a perfect 1st trimester outfit. To make this look more flattering, you can keep your top fitted on the shoulder. You can even show off some skin if you’re comfortable by wearing a halter Umbrella top.
2. Belted long tee with leggings
A belted long tee is casual and will perfectly help you flaunt your baby bump! This is the best way to dress casually during your 2nd trimester. Wear a tee with a belt right above the bump and pair it up with leggings. Comfortable yet stylish!
3. Over-sized Tops
An oversized top can never go wrong. Just put on this oversized tops with jeans or jeggings and you are good to go. If you want to hide about your pregnancy news in the first trimester this is one of the best option! They are even beneficial to hide your pooch post child delivery, too!
2nd Trimester
- Capes and Ponchos
You will love them now, you will love them post-pregnancy too. It’s one of best comfort clothing during your pregnancy. You can wear a poncho top or a cape style dress. You can also add some accessories to highlight the dress.
- Asymmetrical Dress
Asymmetrical dress are in fashion now a days and yes, you can make the full and the best use of them. Since, dresses are the most comfortable, this asymmetrical is just the right choice for your 2nd Trimester. It won’t make you feel conscious and also give you that daily casual look. You can also pair it up with accessories for special occasions.
- Maxi Skirt With Knotted Crop Top
A maxi skirt is the safest option as you can pair it up with anything and everything. It covers your lower body if you are scared to flaunt your baby bump. If paired with a nice crop top it can give you a casual look and if paired with a nice chiffon top which is tucked in it can give you a nice formal look too. Add a chunky neckpiece and you are good to go!
3rd Trimester
- Maxi dress
3rd trimester means showing off your baby bump and your curves. A Maxi dress is perfect for it.
It covers your spider veins and swollen ankles. A maxi dress is the perfect outfit or any and every occasion. Pair it up with the right accessories and there you are ready to fault your bump!
- Jeggings
Maternity jeggings are nearly as soft and stretchy as leggings. They are perfect for your 3rd trimester and also gives an enough breathing space for your bump! Pair it with a smart top depending on the occasion.
- Asymmetrical hemlines
One of the easiest picks is a casual asymmetrical hemline t-shirt that is higher on the front and longer on the sides. It won’t be tight on your bump but is stylish and comfortable and totally in trend! Pair them with leggings or jeggings and you have a comfortable yet trendy outfit.
Try on these different trends and see what works for you and your bump. Pick the outfits that you are most comfortable with, whether you want to flaunt the bump or be more reserved!
Baby Bathing Tutorial and Tips
We are certain that your new – born is the reason behind your smiley face and you are all readied to take day and night care of your baby. In this hustle don’t forget to miss out on your baby’s bathing essentials.
Here’s a rundown of required items, products, and techniques.
- Bathing Supplies: First step in bathing your baby is to gather all the essential baby bathing supplies. So before you begin, make a concise list, which includes soft towel and clothes, mild shampoo and soap, moisturiser, powder and a clean diaper.
- Water: If the baby is not 4 weeks old then you don’t need to give bath in a tub. You can simply give a sponge bath. For babies more than 4 weeks: fill the water in small wide bucket with about 3inch of mild warm water.
- Baby Grip: Hold your baby gently with a proper grip. Never leave your baby in the water alone, it can panic him and there are chances that water might enter into his ear and eyes. You can gradually place the baby in the tub, supporting her/his head, neck and back.
- Use mild soap and shampoo: Too much use of soap and water can dry your babies’ skin. Focus while applying the soap and shampoo since it can easily contact with your baby’s eye. This can create burning and itching sensation of his eyes. Start washing her/her head/ face area and then move to other parts of the body. Routine wash is suggested to wash private parts of your baby.
- Post bath: Wrap your baby in a soft towel to pat him/her dry. Later, you can apply baby lotion and powder. Your baby is now decked up for the day.
End the bathing process by giving a warm hug.
Things to remember while bathing your baby:
Caution! Caution! Caution!
- Never attempt to leave your baby alone in the water or under running water. The water can really get deep and the baby might drown.
- Before you put your baby in the water do check the temperature of the water. Too hot water can give burns to your baby, luke warm water is always preferable.
- Never try giving your baby a really cold water bath. Because babies tend to get cold & hypothermia quickly.
Benefits of Soothing Music during Pregnancy!
Music is a solution to many problems. We celebrate our world by playing music. Music is a heart to heart language as it expresses a number of emotions without saying a single word. Have you ever thought that the baby in your womb can respond to soothing music? Sounds interesting right!
Playing music is an amazing way to connect with your unborn child. Wouldn’t you like to connect with your baby? We know the answer is obviously yes!
What kind of music you should listen to:
Remember that your unborn baby is still developing and playing loud music can disturb him/her. You can always go for classic, folk and instrumental music. As per researchers, soothing music will release tension and will relax you and your baby.
It is advised by the doctors that listening to music at high volume and keeping the headphones over your belly can be harmful for your baby.
Here are a few interesting effects of soothing music:
Brings Positivity: Music is the door to positivity. Sometimes pregnancy can get stressful and in such conditions, it affects your and baby’s health. To reduce the stress levels, moms can go for an easy way to calm herself by listening to music.
Lullaby after Birth: Researchers say that babies do remember the music you played before child delivery and it will act as a lullaby after birth. So it will be easy for you to soothe your baby after birth.
Sharp Intelligence Level: During the developing stage, the minds of the babies who listen to music react to sounds better and can lead to heightened intelligence.
Babycell’s soothing music CDs
Listen to Babycell’s soothing music soundtrack while you’re pregnant. We aim to give you a relaxing atmosphere with these soothing music genre. The CD contains a variety of soothing music like Carnatic India music, relaxing and calming music for childbirth, piano music for labour, relaxing harp music, English nursery rhymes, numbers songs, ABC songs and many more.
Breastfeeding Awareness Month
We all know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, but have people really understood the importance of breastfeeding a baby? Women today consider breastfeeding as unimportant and are starting to opt for the artificial option of bottle feeding instead.
Here are a few benefits of Breastfeeding your baby, which every mother should know –
1] Healthier Baby –
Mothers should breastfeed their baby as it leads to lesser chances of him/her getting pneumonia, cold and viruses. Certainly, it has been proven that breastfeeding your baby may reduce his/her chances of getting chronic conditions like type I diabetes, celiac disease and chronic disease. Breastfed babies also develop stronger bones in the future.
2] Decreased rate of Cancers –
It has been scientifically proven that women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and it also helps mothers from shedding their post pregnancy weight quickly along with avoiding postpartum depression.
3] Baby Mother Bonding –
Breastfeeding your baby helps develop a stronger bond between the mother and the baby. The baby gets more familiar with his mother and it helps the baby in developing various tastes from the beginning. Apart from that, it’s also empowering for a mother to see her baby grow and thrive on her breastmilk.
4] Expert Advice – Experts in the medical industry have recommended and emphasized to every new mother the importance of breastfeeding her baby for atleast the first 6 months. Dr. Madhavi Latha, Lactation Specialist, suggests that new mothers who have a full-time job and don’t have enough time to breastfeed their baby should consider a breastfeeding pump to pump and store their milk, refrigerate it and then which can be consumed within 8 days.
Apart from that, Dr. Raghuram Malliah, says that pain is a part and parcel of motherhood. Mothers should know the trick of handling their baby with care while breastfeeding. Taking a day’s break can negatively impact the milk flow, instead of this they can restore the milk and feed later because mother’s milk digests sooner.
Dr. Shobha Venkat even suggests that mothers, in order to keep themselves hydrated, should drink enough water before breastfeeding the baby.
The bond between a mother and baby is sacred and cannot be destroyed easily. Make sure all you mothers secure this bond forever.
How to engage your little one with in-house activities during the monsoons!
After the scorching summers, the rains are a much-needed relief. Monsoons are fun! The refreshing smell in the air with the cool breeze, frogs croaking in the garden and butterflies are dancing in the lawn. While this is certainly something to cheer about, there is one problem! Babies and toddlers have to stay indoors. They can’t step out to play their usual evening games with their friends as parents are scared that they will catch infection during this time.
But let’s admit it. This season brings out the child inside anyone! Making paper boats and having competitions, warm cups of a chocolate milkshake or buying new colorful raincoats.
So make this season fun for your child as well. Here are different ways you can make your child’s most boring season, into something more joyful!
1] Art and craft:
Unleash your child’s creativity this monsoon. Let them explore their creative side. Get them innovative stationery like textured paper, colour pencils, crayons, etc. Teach them how to make items out of waste and old papers. It is also fun to try your hands on something imaginative. They will feel happy and encouraged. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=401
2] Movie Time:
It’s also fun to watch some animated movies with some homemade popcorn and other snacks. Then why not enjoy the same with your child. Stack up few DVDs and snuggle up with your young one on the couch while watching fun baby movies like Baby’s Day Out or Heyy Baby. It will keep them occupied for a good amount of time and they will enjoy it too.
3] Cook together:
Some of our little one’s always enjoy pretending like they are the world’s best chefs. So, make their role play a real thing for them! It could be a family activity which you plan to do together and also at the same time teaching the young one something new. Teach them easy recipes like sandwich, salad or biscuit snackers which do not involve cooking with fire!
4] Card or Board Games:
Rains are the best time to get the cards and the board games outside. Instead of the child playing games alone on the tablets or the computer, the whole family can join in and play together! You can teach them games you played as a kid with your friends and family.
5] Story Time:
One of the best feelings in this pleasant climate is to sip hot coffee and read a book. So why not let your kids enjoy the same feeling? Indulge in some storytelling for your young one. You can get them animated and pictorial books to make it more interesting and fun for the child.
6] Water play at home:
Most parents don’t want to risk taking their child outside during the rains, but you can create the same environment for them inside the house, in a safer way. Set up an alternate water play at home. Collect some water in a tub or a bucket. They can make small paper boats and play inside the tub. This will keep them away from infection and make it enjoyable too!
Don’t let this season stop kids from having fun! Make it educational yet fun for them and something they will remember for a long time!