Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Mother & Baby India

Throughout your pregnancy you’ve been focusing on the delivery. But as soon as the baby is born, you realise that it is just the beginning. You know it’s going to be hard work, but getting your head around the reality of being responsible for a tiny human being 24 hours a day is no mean feat. Inspite of the challenges associated with mommyhood, it is one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll find yourself on. The joy on your little one’s face when she sees you as soon as she wakes up, is something you wouldn’t trade anything in this world for, and all the aches and pains are worth every inch of that smile. Being a first time mum can get overwhelming sometimes, too. It’s perfectly normal to feel…

Enough is always said about the mother and baby bond. Enough is always said about a mother’s nurturing and instinctive response to the child’s needs. Enough is always said about how mothers always tend to put their children first. What is not talked about enough is how critical the role of a father is, in this journey. What is not talked about enough is what dads need to most often do, to step up and be equal parents. What is not talked about enough is there are plenty and more fathers out there who display the strength and integrity of prioritising their families before all else! To talk about the often unspoken then, this issue of Mother and Baby is dedicated to dads, the heroes of the parenting community. From…

I did a lot of research during my pregnancy, simply because I just wanted to know as much as possible about what was going to happen. I have never subscribed to doctors’ orders and I wanted to figure out what would be best for me. Through my research, I discovered that water births can potentially ease the labour process. The water helps the mum relax and it gives the baby a less traumatic arrival into the world. The baby has basically been living in liquid for nine months, so allowing it to come out into the same environment even for a few seconds can be beneficial. Water birth babies are meant to be calmer when they are delivered. In water births, there is also no leeway for any sort of…

With only half an hour until your toddler’s bedtime, you’re frantically spooning food into his mouth. Technically, he’s already had his supper – this is just a hearty bedtime snack to ensure that he sleeps for as long as possible. Why? Because tomorrow morning, you are on duty. After spending the past few years squabbling with your partner about who gets more sleep, you’ve finally arrived at a sensible solution. At the weekend, you take it in turns to get up with your kids so each of you gets to enjoy a morning in bed. Only there’s a catch. One of your kids’ internal alarm clock is still random, so the trick is to make sure you’re the one staying in bed when he’s up with the lark. Yes, you’re…

Has your other half been a dream throughout your pregnancy? Maybe he’s read the birthing book cover to cover, watched the DVDs, helped you massage in olive oil ‘down there’ and can’t wait to measure how dilated you are and cut the cord? Well, that’s nice. But we’re not all lucky enough to have a wannabe obstetrician for a partner. And while he does want to be there for you, the realities of pregnancy and birth can be a bit of a shock to the average dad-to-be. From morning sickness to the moment of truth, men need to be kept in the know. So how can you turn your beloved from a hindrance into a help? First off, by teaching him that it’s all change from the second you see…

Today, expectant parents can choose from a range of options on the type of birth they would like to go for. When considering birth options, the factors to think about include the place of birth; a natural or medicated birth; vaginal delivery and Caesarean section (C-section) delivery. According to Dr Sandhya Puri, MD (Bom) DGO, obstetrician, gynaecologist and laparoscopist, “There are two basic types of birthing. One is the vaginal delivery and the other the Caesarean section. Then we have different positions that can be used for a vaginal birth. There is also the assisted vaginal delivery that is required if the mother is unable to push out the baby herself or if there is too tight a fit. In these cases, we sometimes have to use forceps or a…

0-6 Months ❱ Your partner and your newborn started bonding long before birth. Research shows babies can hear low-frequency voices well from inside the womb, so all those dad-to-bump chats have already made an impact! ❱ Touch is the first form of communication your little one will understand, so skin-to-skin contact between your baby and her dad during her first few days is vital. She already recognises your feel and smell, so now it’s your partner’s turn. Encourage him to bathe her – it’s a great way to develop his confidence, plus studies show that babies who are bathed regularly by their dads are more likely to make lasting friendships in later life. ❱ Expressing your breastmilk is a great way to get your partner to feed your baby and…

Bisphenol A, often known as BPA is a chemical found in hard plastics and the coatings of food and drink cans, which tend to behave in a similar way to estrogen and other hormones in the human body. BPA is used to make many products, including water bottles, baby bottles, dental fillings and sealants, dental devices, medical devices, eyeglass lenses, DVDs and CDs, household electronic and sports equipment. BPA can also be found in epoxy resins which is used as coatings inside food and drink cans. The harmful effects of BPA only came to light in 2008. How BPA can harm your child: ● Though animal studies on the dangers of BPA have mixed results, experts believe that BPA can mimic a particular hormone in the body and disrupt the…

Lead is a harmful carcinogenic substance found in old paint, dust, soil and water. Infants and children could suffer from lead poisoning from old, lead-based paint. If floors have dust from old painted walls, or paint chips, a baby could suck on lead-dusted hands or toys or breathe in lead dust. Some toddlers eat paint chips, soil, or chew on lead-painted window sills and stair rails. Excessive amounts of lead in the system of children could lead to: Lower IQ Behaviour problems Growth problems Anaemia Kidney damage Hearing loss…

Effath Yasmin is India’s leading International Board Certified lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapist, internationally certified lactation educator and the founder director of Nourish & Nurture Lactation Care & Parenting Education, an outreach clinic for mothers and families seeking professional clinical lactation management and parenting counselling. Yasmin sits on the board of directors and National Advisory Board of Birth India, an NGO striving for safe and supported birth in India and an active governing council member of the International Association of Tongue-Tie professionals (IATP).…

1 As a general rule, newborns need a diaper change every now and then, throughout the day and night. However, don’t wait for the diaper to be “full” or “heavy”. A heavy diaper can cause several problems for your baby, including wetness, leakage and disturbed sleep. Mamy Poko diaper pants prevent heaviness for as long as eight to 10 hours. 2 With girls, always wipe front to back and for boys, clean the whole genital area gently but thoroughly before putting the diaper on. Point your baby boy’s willy towards his feet so nothing can leak over the top of his diaper. 3 Put a lot of thought into selecting the right disposable diaper, on the basis of the baby’s weight, the right fit, and the type of diaper you…

Dear Team M&B I happened to come across your magazine at a friend’s place, and immediately bought myself a subscription! The May issue was indeed a visual treat, and the feature on baby photography has inspired me to get a professional photoshoot done with my two year old. Kudos on such amazing content, and here’s to many more! NIRALI SHAH, DELHI Dear Nirali, We’re happy to have inspired you! You li’l one isn’t going to remain so little for much longer so it’s important to freeze this time the best way you can. Happy clicking! - Swati Dear Team, I love reading M&B and often recommend it to my friends who have babies. The content is insightful and interesting. When I was pregnant, I often got my doubts solved from…

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1 WHEN YOU SHOW HIM THE TELL-TALE BLUE LINE, HOW DOES ‘DADDY’ REACT? a) He calculates your dates for you and subscribes to M&B to get you the best pregnancy info. b) He gives you a big hug and starts blubbing uncontrollably. c) He frowns at the very idea of a champagne celebration and chucks out all the Brie and pâté. 2 IS HE A STRAIGHT ‘A’ STUDENT AT YOUR ANTENATAL CLASSES? a) He can’t wait to strap on that false pregnancy belly. And the other women think he’s a marvel for his homeopathic haemorrhoid remedies. b) He bonds and jokes with the other dads-to-be, but slips out to the loo whenever they play those real-life birth films. c) He takes copious notes, asks pertinent questions—and then demands homework! 3…

Advantages ● For a normal, low-risk pregnancy, it is the safest birth option compared to elective C-section. ● Babies born thus have lower incidence of respiratory problems. ● Lower risk of blood loss and infections to the mother compared to C-section deliveries. ● Women recover very quickly and mothers are able to walk and care for the baby within hours after delivery. Risks ● Riskier than a C-section birth only if the baby is in breech position or if there is an emergency that requires the baby to be delivered quickly. ● If the attending doctor or midwife has not had experience with breech vaginal deliveries, it may be safer to perform a C-section. ● May be discharged on the same day or the day after the birth.…

As a new parent, you will have many apprehensions and concerns, but the most important is the safety of your little one. You may think that a little baby sleeping on the bed all the time cannot really be unsafe, but here are some things that you should be watchful of. Your wife just took a home pregnancy test and it’s positive. You probably have a whole array of emotions right now, starting with excitement, ranging to anxiety and worry. But now is the time to focus on your partner and her feelings. Besides dealing with all the reality that you are facing, she will also be going through many hormonal changes, which will need a lot of love and support over the next few months. This is your time…

As a mum you worry about everything: whether your baby is eating well, sleeping through, developing right, behaving correctly… You fret about every cough and sniff, every uneaten mouthful, every cry in the dark and every time your tot screams blue murder in the supermarket. Of course you do, it’s natural. And it’s all part and parcel of being a mum. So how come your other half remains blissfully carefree, enjoying newdadhood to the full without the teeniest hint of stress? Here’s what’s going on in that head of his… Mum’s way Your baby opens his eyes and blinks. Having heard the faint rustle of his tiny eyelashes, a nanosecond later you’re standing over his cot, ready for action. Your baby’s crying! Hungry? Wet? Lonely? Cold? Ill? Never fear my…

Eco-nutritionist Kavita Mukhi says keep your baby away from chemicals and toxins. “The food will taste better, keep you healthy and give you energy to achieve your dreams. Absorb sunshine, be active, be productive, be loving and be happy,” she advices. Here are her simple rules to get your baby (and you) started on the healthy path: ● Use organic saindhav namak (rock salt) and whole sea salt ● Use organic ghani oil (cold-pressed) of safflower (kardi), peanut, sesame, coconut, sunfl ower and mustard and organic ghee and milk ● Use organic whole unpolished brown and red rice ● Use organic wheat bread or better still Indian rotis and organic millets ● Use organic jaggery and unrefined sugar ● Use organic daals, spices, herbs, tea, coffee, honey, etc ● And,…

Recently, I heard a father say, “I felt like a pregnant father!” That is indeed a profound experience by a man. Often, dads are not included in the journey of the gestation, and most traditional societies keep them aloof at home and at the hospital. The new generations have brought with them a new understanding as well. And this often includes fathers as an integral part of the process of conception, pregnancy, labour, birth and breastfeeding, and child rearing. In my understanding, the father remains the single most important support, or what I call as the ‘breast mate,’ for the mother and baby. After all, the seed of life resides in a man. It is indeed proven by science that dads go through hormonal changes during childbirth, that allows deeper…

DR KIRAN COELHO A succesful gynaecologist and practicing obgyn for the last 30 years. DR DHERANDRA KUMAR Consultant clinical and child psychologist, he is founder and director of Psyindia, and engaged in direct work with children. DR ANITA MADAN A doctorate in education, she is currently the Curriculum Development head with EuroKids International Pvt Ltd where she promotes a developmentally appropriate curriculum. SONALI SHIVLANI Mumbai-based childbirth educator, certified by Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association, USA. DR GEETANJALI SHAH Popular Mumbai paediatrician, conducts holistic fitness workshops for pregnant women. ANIKA PURI Childbirth educator, prenatal and postnatal massage therapist, certified counsellor, reflexolgist and a holistic practitioner of women’s health and fertility in Delhi. NUTAN PANDIT Breastfeeding counsellor and natural birth therapist who’s been teaching in New Delhi since 1978. EFFATH YASMIN Founder…

A shared love for sports brought cricket commentator Jatin Sapru and former TV journalist-turned-sustainability consultant Lara Sinha together. While the two of them grew up in Delhi, Jatin’s work brought them to Mumbai four years ago. The duo were almost always on the move, and enjoyed their travels together, and independently for work. Starting a family didn’t quite come into the picture, but little did they know, 2018 had a different kind of adventure awaiting them! Having a baby was something Lara always remained conflicted about, and often questioned giving up the independence they so enjoyed as a couple. But after much thought, last year, she realised that it would be nice to have one child at least. It also helped that hubby Jatin was always clear about wanting children.…

If you’re still wondering whether to accompany your partner when she delivers your baby, here’s something that might help you to decide what’s best. The journal Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care recently published the findings of a Swedish research group which revealed that fathers are not mere onlookers even during Ceasarean birthings. The study found that paternal skin-to-skin contact can be as comforting and calming for the baby as maternal contact. The principal author, Kerstin Erlandsson, maintains that father and baby contact during the early hours after birth can facilitate in developing the baby’s feeding reflexes and trigger ‘pre-feeding behaviour’ including mouth movements and rooting. This behaviour is characteristic during the baby’s early contact with the mother. However, after a complicated birth, early contact with the mother may not be…

MOSTLY AS – THE SUPERDAD Yup, you’ve got a real superdad on your hands. He wants to share every part of your new role and you’re lucky to have him around, even though sometimes it might feel like you’re in competition with him to see who can be the best parent. MOSTLY BS – MR BIG SOFTY Poppa Bear is the cuddliest daddy any child could ask for. More of a playtime-and-lullabies man than a bibs-and-nappy chap, you may need to prompt him for practical help. But then, you know you’ll benefit from the hugs, too! MOSTLY CS – THE ORGANISER A bit of a policeman at heart, he likes things to be done ‘right’. He’ll do anything to help and protect his family, but make sure he realises that,…

“I am one of those rare mothers who went into labour on the due date that was given to me. All seemed well till the contractions were minutes apart. None of the preparation I had done for this moment was of any help. I just wanted it to be over with. The doctors offered to allow my mother in, but no sooner than she did, she fainted seeing the pain I was in. It was then that my husband came in and with his constant reassurances I managed to power through. Having him there was the best way to begin our journey as parents,” says a 28-year-old freelance writer who did not wish to be named. Doctors across the country are now opening up to the idea of having the…

Advantages ● Personal attention during labour and childbirth. She stays with the mother throughout. ● Usually builds up a personal trusting relationship which puts the mother at ease completely. ● More likely to support natural, non-medical types of childbirth if so wished by the patient. Disadvantages ● Not qualified to perform certain procedures or administer pain medication. ● Less equipped to deal with emergencies and high-risk pregnancies and births. ● In the event of an emergency, she needs to consult a doctor at a hospital.…

When in the womb, your baby is safe and secure. Once you welcome her into your world, chances are the environment around would not warrant the same. From dust mites to air pollutants, pesticide-injected foods to degraded toy quality, all could potentially form an unhygienic chain around your baby. Because these things are present everywhere and mock your baby’s life at every step, it’s hard to keep your baby away from their clutches. Moreover, your baby’s system isn’t all that strong and sound to fight off the harmful effects of pollutants and toxins acting as uninvited house guests. But being a little alert can make a lot of difference to your baby and her life. Even if you cannot remove all the pollutants and toxins from her vicinity, you can…

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has laid down some general guidelines to keep in mind when toy shopping: ● Toys made of fabric should be labelled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. ● Stuffed toys should be washable. ● Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint. ● Art materials should say non-toxic. ● Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they’ve been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials.…

● Comforting his baby by rocking and singing, and reading to the baby. ● Nappy changing, bathing, burping, baby wearing, and indulging in skin-to-skin contact. The hoarse voice dad has can be very soothing for babies when carried upright with the baby’s face placed close to dad’s voice. Fathers find deep satisfaction in being the ones who can calm the baby down, and get her to sleep. ● Supporting his partner by caring for her and providing companionship while she is nursing. ● Bonding with the baby while mum can get some rest and feel refreshed. ● Helping in household chores to provide partnership in home-keeping. ● Encouraging friends and family to appreciate the exclusive experience of a nursing baby and encourage others to see the benefits.…