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Umbilical Cord Care: What Every Mom Should Know

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Shade was very concerned about the wound on her newborn’s belly button. This umbilical cord stump just wasn’t healing as fast as it should.

Her friend, Fola, wrongly advised her to pull the stump and clean it with alcohol to speed up healing. A few days later, Fola took this advice, and it backfired terribly!

Her baby started bleeding profusely from the stump site and a hospital visit became crucial.

What’s an umbilical cord stump?

The umbilical cord is the connection between the placenta and the baby. The cord transports nutrients and oxygen through from you to you baby.

At birth, your baby’s umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to your baby’s body. It is a painless procedure that leaves an umbilical stump attached to his/her belly button.

A baby’s umbilical cord stump typically falls off within seven days to two weeks after birth. When this happens there may be some raw skin exposed. This is okay. In the meantime, treat your newborn’s umbilical cord stump with great care.

Keep the umbilical cord stump very clean and dry. Wipe with cotton wool and clean water after each diaper change. Fold your newborn's diaper away from the stump. This exposes the stump to air and prevents contact with urine.
Wipe baby’s cord with a clean cotton wool after each diaper change expose it to air

Umbilical Cord Stump: The Do’s & Don’ts

What You Can Do?

Taking care of yor baby's umbilical cord stump is easy
Source GIPHY
  • Keep the umbilical cord stump very clean and dry. Wipe with cotton wool and clean water after each diaper change. Fold your newborn’s diaper away from the stump. This exposes the stump to air and prevents contact with urine.
  • Secondly, the same way you care for a circumcision, give your baby sponge baths. This is when you apply water to the body using a small wash cloth without actual immersion in water. Although, there is no harm in getting the stump wet, sponge baths make it easier to keep the stump dry.
  • Finally, during warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and loose T-shirt to allow air circulation.

What You Shouldn’t Do?

Don’t put cow dung, latern soot, local herbs potentially unsterile mix on the umbilical cord stump. This can introduce germs and lead to an infection
Source GIPHY
  1. Avoid dressing your baby in tight or full undershirts. This creates a lot of discomfort that slows down the healing process
  2. Furthermore, do not attempt to pull off or cut the umbilical cord stump, even if it seems to be hanging by a thread. Doing this will increase bleeding in the newborn.
  3. We are currently asked not to use alcohol (methylated spirit etc) to clean the umbilical stump. Studies show that this kills bacteria which keeps the cord dry and help it separate. Instead, expose the stump to air which dries out the base.
  4. Don’t put cow dung, latern soot, local herbs potentially unsterile mix on the stump. This can spread germs and lead to an infection.

Signs of Infection of the Umbilical Cord

During the healing process, it is normal to see a little blood near the stump. The tip of the cord stump might bleed a little when it falls off.

However, the obvious signs of infection include:

  • Redness or swelling at the base of the stump (where it meets connects to the baby’s tummy)
  • Continuous bleeding
  • Discharge of yellowish fluid or white pus
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Your baby flinching or crying out when the stump is touched (a sign of pain)

As parents our babies depend on us to keep the umbilical stump clean to prevent infections which could potentially land baby back in the hospital .

Further more, attempts to speed up the drying process such as pulling the stump or applying anything that hasn’t been prescribed by your doctor are dangerous and should be avoided. These tips should be provided during your antenatal visit. However, if you missed the class, this article tells youall you needto know.

References
  • Marble, K. (2018). Caring for your newborn’s umbilical cord stump. Accessed on 23rd June, 2020 from https://www.babycenter.com/0_caring-for-your-newborns-umbilical-cord-stump_127.bc
  • American Pregnancy Association. (2020). Umbilical Cord Care. Accessed on 23rd June 2020 from https://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/umbilical-cord/
  • Mayo Clinic. Umbilical cord care: Do’s and don’ts for parents. Accessed on 23rd June 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/umbilical-cord/art-20048250

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JAUNDICE

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Yemi could notice the yellow discoloration of the eyelid of her first baby 72 hours after his birth. But this didn’t make much sense to her since this was her first child and she felt it was normal.

The discoloration continued slowly up to the point where her baby could not suck as much as he used to and his cries were becoming uncontrollable. She had no choice than to seek help from her doctor.

And on getting to her doctor, she realized how careless she had being as a mother. Her baby had jaundice!

It's best to look out for jaundice in baby's skin and eyes under natural light
It’s best to look out for jaundice under natural light

What Is Jaundice?

When your newborn’s skin and eyes look yellow, it’s possible he may have jaundice. It may seem alarming to you as a mother, but it is a common problem in newborns, and it’s usually harmless. Sometimes it goes away on its own, or your doctor may suggest light therapy or other treatments to take it out.

Jaundice happens when too much of a byproduct of the red blood cell released during their normal breakdown process, builds up in the blood. About 60% of babies get it.

Symptoms of Jaundice?

The first sign of jaundice is the yellowing of a baby’s skin and eyes. The yellowing may begin within 2 to 4 days after birth and may start in the face before spreading down across the body of the baby.

If a finger lightly pressed on a baby’s skin, and it causes that area of skin to become yellow, it’s likely a sign of jaundice.

What Causes Jaundice?

Some of the body’s red blood cells break down every day and produce bilirubin a by product of the blood. It’s the liver’s job to remove it out of the body. When your baby is still in your womb, your liver clears out his bilirubin for him or her.

After birth, your newborn’s liver takes over. At times, baby’s liver is unable to break down bilirubin as quickly as his body makes it, and it starts to build up. As a result of its yellowish color, bilirubin turns your baby’s skin and eyes yellow.

Other Causes….

An underlying disorder or disease may cause infant jaundice. In these cases, jaundice appears much earlier or much later than the more common form of infant jaundice. Diseases or conditions that can cause jaundice include:

  • Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Infection in your baby’s blood (sepsis)
  • Other viral or bacterial infections
  • Amismatch between the mother’s blood and the baby’s blood
  • Liver issues
  • An abnormality of your baby’s red blood cells that causes them to break down rapidly

What are the risk factors for Jaundice?

The major risk factors for jaundice, particularly severe jaundice that can cause complications, include:

  • Premature birth

 A baby born before due date for delivery may not be able to process the byproduct of the red blood cell (bilirubin’s) as quickly as full-term babies do.

Premature babies also may feed less due to fewer bowel movements, resulting in less bilirubin eliminated through stool.

  • Significant bruising during birth

Babies who become bruised during delivery may have higher levels of bilirubin from the breakdown of more red blood cells.

  • Blood type

In cases where the mother’s blood type differs from her child’s, he/she may have receive antibodies or proteins through the placenta that cause abnormally rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

  • Breast-feeding

Breast-fed babies, particularly those who have difficulty nursing or getting enough fluuids and nutrition from breast-feeding, are at higher risk developing jaundice.

Dehydration and low energy intake may contribute to the onset of jaundice, therefore, your baby must get enough to eat and stay well hydrated.

Complications of Jaundice?

High levels of the by product of blood (bilirubin) that cause severe jaundice can result in serious complications if not treated.

1. Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy

The byproduct of blood (Bilirubin) is toxic to cells of the brain. If a baby has severe jaundice, there is a risk of bilirubin passing into the brain, a condition called acute bilirubin encephalopathy.

Prompt treatment may prevent significant lasting damage by this condition. Signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in a baby with jaundice include:

  • Difficulty waking
  • High-pitched crying
  • Poor sucking or feeding
  • Fever

2. Kernicterus

Kernicterus is the syndrome that occurs if excess bilirubin causes permanent damage to the brain.

In most cases, Kernicterus causes:

  • Uncontrolled movements
  • Constant upward gaze
  • Loss of hearing
  • Improper development of tooth enamel

How can newborn jaundice be treated?

The bye product of breakdown of red blood cells stains theskin and other tissues yellow.
Jaundice can be treated using phototherapy

Mild jaundice will usually resolve on its own as a baby’s liver begins to grow. Frequent feeding (between 8 to 12 times a day) will help babies pass bilirubin through their bodies.

More severe jaundice may require other treatments. A common and highly effective method called, Photo-therapy, uses light to break down bilirubin in your baby’s body.

In conclusion, Jaundice occurs normally in babies with symptoms of yellow discoloration of the eyelid and body part.

It could last for some couple of days or weeks. Some resolve on their own while other cases require sunlight or photography.

References
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Infant Jaundice. Accessed on 23rd June, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/symptoms-causes/syc-20373865
  • Santos, M. (2017). Understanding Newborn Jaundice. Accessed on 23rd June, 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/health/newborn-jaundice#symptoms
  • Brennad, M. (2019). Does Your Baby Have Jaundice? Accessed on 23rd June, 2020 from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/digestive-diseases-jaundice

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Preeclampsia

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Melinda was a beautiful, 37 year-old woman who was pregnant with her second baby. After divorcing her first partner, she decided to try IVF with her new partner as she was getting older. Unfortunately, she died in childbirth as a complication of a medical condition called preeclampsia.

So what is preeclampsia, you may ask?

Preeclampsia is a condition seen in pregnant women and it shows the following characteristics:

  • High blood pressure
  • Presence of proteins in the urine
  • Swelling of the legs and hand due to accumulation of fluid in the body.
High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of pre eclampsia
High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of pre eclampsia

Preeclampsia is usually seen at after the 20th week of pregnancy, although it can occur before that.

Some women may also complain of other symptoms like severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, a dramatic weight gain due to increase in body fluid, belly pain and dizziness.

Signs of pre-eclampsia

What are the causes of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia develops only as a complication of pregnancy. Some stdies attribute it to issues with the way the placenta implants to the mother’s womb.There has been no certified reason. However, risk factors include:

Age. If you are quite young (less than 18 years) or older than 35, you have a higher chance of getting it.

Obesity. The risk of preeclampsia is higher if you’re overweight or obese.

Multiple pregnancy. Women carrying more than one baby (twins or more) are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

Interval between pregnancies. If you have less than two years’ interval between your children, or there are are more than 10 years between them, you might be at higher risk.

History of certain conditions. Women with a previous history of diabetes, chronic hypertension are also at higher risk.

New paternity. Like Melinda, each pregnancy with a new partner increases the risk.

First pregnancy. The risk is highest during your first pregnancy.

Race. Black women have been shown to be at higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

History of preeclampsia. If anyone in your family has had pre-eclempsia, there is a chance it might occur again.

Complications

Some complications of preeclampsia include:

  • Fetal growth restriction. Preeclampsia may affect the arteries carrying blood to the placenta. This would lead to a reduction in nutrients reaching the baby and thus, stunted growth of the baby.
  • Preterm birth. Severe preeclampsia is a medical emergency and can lead to preterm. Prematurity can lead to breathing and other problems for your baby.
  • Eclampsia. In severe cases, the woman might progress to eclampsia, which is characterised by seizures
  • Organ damage. Preeclampsia may result in damage to organs like the kidneys, liver, lung, heart, or eyes. It can also cause a stroke or other brain injury. The extent of the damage depends on how severe the preeclampsia.

The earlier it occurs in pregnancy, the greater the risks for mother and child.

Prevention

There is no clear-cut way that has been proven to treat this condition. However, some studies have reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of preeclampsia. Before you become pregnant, it is quite important to be in your best state of health. Also, using your Body Mass Index (BMI), try to attain your optimal weight  and make sure other conditions, such as diabetes, are well-managed. Last but not the least, please visit your antenatal clinic as regularly as possible. Learn what happens on a typical day at the clinic here

References

Kee-Hak Lim; 15/06/2020; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1476919-overview

WebMD; 15/06/2020; https://www.webmd.com/baby/preeclampsia-eclampsia#1

Losing Baby Weight; Strategies That Are Guaranteed To Work

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Nkem stared long and hard at herself in the mirror; and she didn’t like what she saw.

It had been two weeks since she delivered her baby. She expected that by now, she’d have shed most of the weight gained during pregnancy.

Getting on a scale can be scarey
Getting on a scale can be scarey

After all, she had seen celebrities do it.

Sadly, her current body was far from its pre-pregnancy state. She now had fat in her tummy, arranged in rolls that weren’t there before. Her clothes still did not fit and putting on jeans has become a deep struggle.

Baby Fat
Source: Shutterstock

Although she loved her baby and enjoyed the entire pregnancy process, Nkem was not pleased with the weight gain and had hoped to shed it as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, this was proving very difficult.         

Just like Nkem, many women struggle with shedding excess weight after child birth. Most give up along the way, thinking it is an impossible feat.

If you’re in these shoes, you don’t need to worry.

Losing baby weight is achievable and we are here to help you with the right way to go about it.          

 What Is Baby Weight?  

Weight gain during pregnancy is normal.

Your body stores extra fat in preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding. Storing too much causes excess weight gain, called “baby weight”.

Here’s How To Lose Baby Weight;

 A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way.

Regular Diet and Exercise is essential for healthy living
Source: Shutterstock

The extent of weight loss achievable varies from woman to woman. The amount of weight gained during pregnancy also plays a role.

However, regardless of your body type, we have compiled some tips to help you lose the extra pounds, especially around your tummy!

  • Calorie Counting

Counting calories is a great way to lose weight. Experts recommend that your calorie budget should be designed so that you lose no more than 1 pound ( approximately 1/2kg) per week.

This can be achieved by subtracting 500 calories from your daily calorie requirement, creating a weekly deficit of 3,500 calories. This equates to 1pound.

As a nursing mother, you do not need to subtract from your daily requirement. Producing breast milk requires about 450-500 extra calories. Therefore, taking the same number calories as you did before getting pregnant would still help you lose weight.

  • Food Logging

A food log is a diary where you record down everything you eat. It is an efficient way to keep track of calories. You can do this with a physical diary where you write down everything you eat.

Calorie counting apps can also be used to keep track of your calorie intake. Some of these apps give you the caloric content of foods.

This helps you know the right portions to eat for your budget.

Planning is essential on your weight loss journey
Planning is crucial!
Source: Canva

A Healthy Diet Is Key

A healthy diet does not translate to boring food, neither does it mean eating fruits and vegetables only.

Your aim is a well-balanced diet that provides the right nutrients in the right quantity, at the same time, helping you lose general body weight and tummy fat.

Some modifications you could make to your diet include;

  1. Cutting back on carbs (White bread, pasta and chips)
  2. Including more protein (Lean beef, Seafood, Eggs and Beans)
  3. Eating more vegetables (Tomatoes, Bitter leaves, Water leaves, Cabbage, Cucumbers and Carrots)
  4. Consuming only healthy fats (Olive, Coconut and Avocado oils)
  5. Eating high-fibre foods (Oats, Abacha ( african salad), Avocados and Whole-wheat bread)
  6. Taking more fruits (Apples, Berries and Oranges)
  • Avoid Junk Food

Junk food is not your friend when trying to lose to baby weight, especially around your tummy.

It does very little for your body.

Sugary drinks, alcohol and foods containing refined sugars are high in calories and low in nutrients. In addition, processed, fried and salty foods like chips, cookies and baked goods do not help you.

Junk food contains high level carbohydrates and calories
Avoid food with high level calories
source: Shutterstock

Try replacing them with fresh, whole foods and watch your the inches disappear from your waist!

Other means include;

  • Get More Sleep

Lack of sleep may affect your weight loss negatively. The recommended amount is 8hours a day. Although it may prove difficult with your newborn, try to get as much sleep as you can.

  • Exercise

Exercise is a great way to burn extra calories. Go easy if you are a new mum, you can even try taking a walk with your baby. Yoga is also a good way to help you relax; some poses like the camel pose could help reduce tummy fat.

Pelvic exercises like kegel exercises are also encouraged. You could also include cardio exercises e.g jogging, running, and cycling as time passes.

  • Ask For Help

Your partner, family and friends are there for you. They could help prepare healthy meals or take care of your baby. This allows you rest, catch up on some lost sleep and exercise.

Also, if you need professional help, your doctor, family nurse, or a psychologist could offer support.

What You Should Avoid

  • Starvation

Depriving yourself of food is going to harm you and your baby. Food is not your enemy, your body needs it to stay alive.

Losing excess baby weight is necessary, but starvation is not the way to go about it. Sticking to a healthy diet and exercise plan is a better approach guaranteed to get you desired results.

  • Crash Dieting

The best weight loss plans are the long-term ones. While crash dieting may give you fast results, these are only temporary.

You would most likely end up gaining all the weight you lost, or even more! Same thing goes for skipping meals.

Comparison Is Wrong

Do not compare yourself to other mothers.

Everybody’s weight loss journey is different, some may take longer than others. Therefore, you should focus on yourself and your baby. You would lose the weight in due time.

Losing Baby Weight And Breast Feeding

Producing breast milk uses up calories. When these calories are gotten from the fat stored in your body, you lose baby weight faster. Additionally, regular suckling by your baby leads to the production of oxytocin. 

This hormone causes uterine contraction and helps it shrink back to its pre-pregnancy state. This would in turn reduce your tummy size.

It is crucial that you do not lose too much weight too fast. This would not be good for you and your baby. The quantity and quality of your breast milk could suffer. Aim to lose weight gradually. This would give you enough energy and keep your milk supply high.

In Summary

Achieving a healthy weight after pregnancy is important, but it should be done the right way. Being realistic would help you avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Furthermore, keep in mind that despite what many women’s magazines and celebrity stories portray, weight loss after childbirth is not automatic. It would take time, and you may not go back to your pre-baby weight straight away.

Although the amount of weight you lose after giving birth may vary, it is important that you return to a healthy weight range.

The best way to achieve this is through a healthy diet and exercise.

References
  • Anisha Nair 2018, Yoga after Delivery-Getting Back into Shape After Childbirth, Firstcry Parenting, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/yoga-after-delivery-getting-back-into-shape-after-childbirth>.
  • Donna Murray 2020, Breastfeeding and Losing Too Much Weight, Verywell Family, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.verywellfamily.com/breastfeeding-and-losing-too-much-weight-431877>.
  • Elise Mandl 2017, 16 Effective Tips to Lose Baby Weight After Pregnancy, Healthline, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/weight-loss-after-pregnancy>.
  • Kris Gunnars 2019, 50 Foods That Are Super Healthy, Healthline, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/50-super-healthy-foods>.
  • Maria Masters 2019, Losing The Baby Weight: The Truth About Shedding Pounds After Birth, What To Expect, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/losing-baby-weight>.
  • Nicci Micco 2020, Lose That Baby Fat, Parents, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.parents.com/parenting/moms/healthy-mom/lose-that-baby-fat/>.
  • Sarah G. Miller 2016, The Best Ways to Lose Weight After Pregnancy, Live Science, Viewed on June 16, 2020, <https://www.livescience.com/53768-how-to-lose-weight-after-pregnancy.html>.
  • Shutterstock Images
How do I loose weight after childbirth?

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10 Reasons Why You May Experience Periods While Pregnant

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Most women celebrate the news of a positive pregnancy test for many reasons, one of which is a much needed break from monthly menstrual periods. During a menstrual period, the uterus sheds off the extra lining it has built up in case of pregnancy.

Source: Shutterstock

Although a woman may experience uterine bleeding during pregnancy, it is not due to a period. It is not possible to have a true menstrual period during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes which prevent you from menstruating.

In addition, it is also impossible for your womb to shed its entire lining while maintaining a pregnancy. However, it is possible to have menstrual-like bleeding for a variety of reasons during pregnancy.

Some of these reasons include;

  • Implantation or Decidual Bleeding

Women who complain about having periods during pregnancy are simply experiencing Decidual Bleeding, in which a small part of the uterine lining might shed for the first few months of pregnancy.

Period–like bleeding in early pregnancy can also be caused by a phenomenon called implantation bleeding, which is spotting that can occur in the first month of pregnancy. It usually occurs around the time of the first ‘missed’ menstrual period.

  • Changes in the cervix

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause alterations in the cervix, making it softer and more prone to bleeding. In addition, a harmless overgrowth of tissue may form in the cervix.

In both cases, spotting or light bleeding may be occur after sexual intercourse or a pelvic examination.

  • Vaginal Infection

A vaginal infection may cause spontaneous vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. The bleeding may be accompanied by an abnormal vaginal discharge

Vaginal Infections May Sometimes Occur During Pregnancy
Source: Shutterstock
  • Sexual intercourse

Most women continue to have sexual relations while pregnant, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

In some cases, certain women may experience light spotting or bleeding due to increased sensitivity of the vaginal and cervical tissues.

  • Molar pregnancy

Molar pregnancy is an abnormality of fertilization which causes an abnormal tissue to grow within the uterus.

This is not a typical pregnancy, but the growth within the uterus leads to the typical symptoms of early pregnancy.

A molar pregnancy cannot result in a normal fetus or delivery, however, vaginal spotting or bleeding can be a symptom of molar pregnancy.

hyperemesis gravidarum is associated with molar pregnancies occurs in
Source: Shutterstock

Other Causes Are;

  • Ectopic pregnancy

Mild vaginal bleeding and increasing tummy pain may indicate the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. This condition arises when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy may be located in the uterine tube. As the pregnancy grows and the tube stretches, the tummy pain becomes increasingly severe. Sometimes these pregnancies rupture the uterine tube, leading to significant blood loss.

Some bleeding after childbirth is expected
Source: Shutterstock
  • Subchorionic hemorrhage

In this condition, blood accumulates between the uterus and the gestational sac. Normally, the body frequently reabsorbs these blood clots, however, dark blood or small clots may be discharged from the vagina.

  • Cervical examination

A doctor may inspect the cervix to check for any abnormalities. This procedure can result in some minor bleeding during pregnancy.

  • Uterine rupture

This is a medical emergency that occurs when the uterus tears during labor. This condition is likely to occur in women with history of a cesarean delivery or surgery on the uterus

  • Placental abruption

In this instance, the placenta starts to separate from the uterus (womb) before the baby is delivered. It is also a serious medical emergency

What’s The Next Step?

If you experience any form of bleeding during pregnancy, it is advisable to note the color, amount and consistency. This info is important when you speak with the doctor during antenatal clinics.

Bleeding during pregnancy does not mean that you are experiencing a menstrual period. In addition, heavy bleeding may indicate a health issue that requires medical attention. Whenever bleeding during pregnancy is observed, it should always be reported to a doctor in order to rule out miscarriage and other complications. 

References
  • Nall, R. (2018). Can you have a period while pregnant? Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322598
  • Danielsson, R. (2020). Potential Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy. Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.verywellfamily.com/is-it-possible-to-have-a-period-during-pregnancy-2371251
  • Blocker, W. (2019). Bleeding During Pregnancy (First, Second, and Third Trimester). Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy_bleeding_during_the_first_trimester/article.htm#what_should_you_know_about_bleeding_during_pregnancy

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Potty Training; How To Know When Your Baby Is Ready

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Time is ticking. Your child is growing so fast and becoming a “big” boy or girl.

There are a lot of things you would miss, but changing soiled diapers would not be top on your list. You honestly can not wait for your toddler to be able to properly use the toilet.

As excited as you might be for your child to master this skill, rushing would do you no good. You need to wait for the right time, and also know the right ways to “potty train” your child.

What Is Potty Training?

Potty training is teaching your child how to use the toilet when he/she wants to poo or pee. It is sometimes called toilet training.

Source: Shutterstock

What Is The Normal Age For Potty Training?

Potty training can start when a child is about 18months old. However, your child may start later and not fully master this skill till age 3 or 4.

Signs Your Child Is Ready

Some signs your child is ready for potty training include;

  • Indicating with words or gestures (e.g crossing legs or holding the genitals) when he/she wants to pee or poo.
  • being able to sit on and stand up from a toilet or potty
  • having a desire to please
  • imitating adults or siblings
  • having longer periods of a dry diaper
  • disliking wearing a diaper
  • understanding simple instructions

How to Start Potty Training

Your toddler will do what you do. Allow your child watch you use the bathroom. He/She may begin to notice that mommy and daddy use the toilet differently.

This is the time to teach how to use the toilet as a boy or a girl. It is also an opportunity to explain how boys and girls are built differently.

Here are some tips on starting;

  1. Choose the right time to begin. If you are moving houses, going through a divorce or having another child, introducing a potty might be a big change for your child.
  2. Buy a child-size potty. You can personalize it with your child’s name or stickers so your child feels like it is his/her own.
  3. Select a place to put the potty. Some toddlers are afraid of falling into the toilet. Some get scared of hearing the toilet flush. So select a place your child would be comfortable in.
  4. Have more than one potty available if possible. Put these at different locations that your child can easily access when needed.
  5. Let your child practice by sitting on the potty dry. Do this for about a week. You could try using a schedule, setting particular times when your child uses the potty.
  6. If your child has a favourite toy or teddy, include that in your practice sessions. Use the teddy to show your child what you want him/her to do.
  7. Teach your child proper hygiene. Emphasise the need to wipe, wash hands, and flush the toilet after usage.This should be done from day one.
  8. Talk with your child regularly. Explain why and how to use the potty. Ask about how he/she feels about it all. Use potty time as a period for bonding.
  9. Reward your child’s efforts. This will serve as motivation to do better.
Source: Shutterstock

Extra Tips for Boys:

  • Look for a potty without a urine guard or with a removable one for your son. It could scrape his penis when sitting down on it, causing him discomfort.
  • Initally, let your child sit to pee and poo. When he is comfortable with that, he can try standing up.
  • Have a male role model if possible. Let your son follow his Dad or Uncle to the toilet and watch them pee standing up. This would make him more open to trying it.
  • Add some elements of fun. Try putting some O-shaped cereal in the potty that he can use to practice his aim.
  • The learning process is going to be messy. Expect to clean up a lot of “stray” pee and poo.

Extra Tips For Girls;

  • Teach her to wipe the right way; from front to back. This will prevent her from getting infections.
  • Let your daughter watch you pee. This would help her see that sitting on the toilet is normal.

Learning to use the toilet is a major achievement. Getting past the stage of changing diapers would no doubt be a relief. Family and friends would be of great help.

Also, ask your doctor for advice. Be patient. It might take some time, but your child would get it eventually.

References
  • Darienne Hosley Stewart 2018, Tips For Potty Training Boys, Baby Center, Viewed on June  25, <https://www.babycenter.com/0_tips-for-potty-training-boys_11652.bc>.
  • Jude Hough 2019, 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Potty Training, How To Potty Train, Viewed on June  25, < https://www.howtopottytrain.com/advice/5-biggest-mistakes-parents-make-when-potty-training/>.
  • Mink Kapferer 2019, How To Potty Train A Girl, Made For Mums, Viewed on June  25, <https://www.madeformums.com/toddler-and-preschool/how-to-potty-train-a-girl/>.
  • Stephanie Wood 2020, 6 Potty Training Methods, Parenting, Viewed on June  25, <https://www.parenting.com/toddler/potty-training/potty-training-methods/>.
Milestones Age 2-5 years

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Circumcision In Baby Boys: How To Care For Them.

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Amaka’s baby boy was circumcised at the hospital a few days after he was born.

During her stay at the hospital she had watched the nurses bathe him and change his diaper. This, she was still trying to get the hang of.

She was full of questions;

  • What was the piece of plastic that was used for the procedure?
  • When would it come off ?
  • He had been a bit fussy after the circumcision but calmed down after he had been fed. She was worried about having to go home alone with him. Without the nurses who had painstaking shown her how to carefully change him during her stay.
  • What if she got it wrong?
  • How would I handle things if it started hurting him at night?
  • What if poo got on the circumcision point?
  • How would she know it was healing well ?
Circumcision should ONLY be done in males.
Source: Shutterstock

How can Amaka look after her circumcised baby?

What Is Circumcision?

This is a surgery to remove the fore skin (outer skin) covering the tip of the penis.  

The penis before and after circumcision
The penis before and after circumcision
Source: Shutterstock

Why Is It Done?

For some, male circumcision is mainly for religious or cultural reasons. It may also be done to relieve the tip of the penis if the foreskin becomes painful, swollen and inflammed later in life ( a condition called phimosis).

On the other hand, circumcision provides health benefits such as; decreased risk of urinary tract infection during the first year of life, and decreased risk of penile cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) later in life.

When Is Circumcision Done?

Circumcision occurs usually before or after the mother and baby are discharged from the hospital. If the baby is healthy, it is usually done 2 days after birth.

When Should It Be Avoided?

Circumcision should be delayed when the baby;

  • Is born very early (preterm babies)
  • Has problems with his blood (problems with controlling bleeding)
  • Possesses a family record of bleeding problems
  • Is born with certain abnormalities of the penis (sometimes the foreskin is used to correct these issues during surgery )

What  to expect after circumcision

Your infant to be in some discomfort after the procedure. His penis is sore, swollen and bruised; this would make him fussy! A yellow scab may form over the wound.

Get ready for lots of crying, feeding and sleeping problems.  

Your baby will be understandably fussy afterthe procedure.
Source: Shutterstock

 No need to be anxious though. These usually resolve within a day or two.

Caring For A Circumcised Penis

Proper after-care is important for your baby to properly heal. Here are some tips to help you out;

  • Keep the site clean and dry to prevent infection. Clean with water daily when there is soiling.
  • Use soapy water if the baby stools.
  • Change his diapers regularly.
  • Always apply antibiotic ointments as prescribed by your doctor or petroleum jelly to avoid discomfort
Some doctors prescribe petroleum jelly applied to the circumcision site.
Source: Shutterstock
  • If there is bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply firm but gentle pressure on the tip of the penis for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
  • Ensure he wears underwear that holds the penis in place.
  • Pain medication like baby paracetamol will relieve the pain (please follow your doctor’s prescription)

Usually, the doctor applies a bandage or plastic ring around the site during the procedure.

  • Replace bandages (with petroleum jelly) during each diaper changes for the first 2 days.
  • Do not bother about the stitches; they would dissolve on their own.
  • Ask your doctor when to remove the dressing
  • If it is a plastic ring, it will fall off on its own in 5 to 14 days. 

Whenever the bandage or ring is comes off, remember to keep applying petroleum jelly.  

How Long Does It Take for a Circumcision Site to Heal?

Every baby heals differently. It takes about 7-10days to heal on an average. Although, some boys may take up to a month to heal completely.

Do You Have To Call The Doctor?

Circumcisions are usually problem free. Nevertheless, these are some warning signs that you should not ignore;

  • Your baby doesn’t pee within 12 hours after circumcision
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the tip of the penis
  • The plastic ring remains in place two weeks after the circumcision
  • Persistent bleeding or blood on the diaper
  • The redness and swelling does not go away after 3 to 5 days
  • Your baby has a temperature of 38C or higher.
  • Serious pain.
  • The head of the penis becoming blue or black in color.
  • The plastic ring used slips downward unto the shaft of the penis

These are likely signs of infection. Call your health care professional immediately if you notice any.

Finally, how do I keep an uncirumcised penis clean though? Clean it as you would clean your finger……..just clean only what you can see, no prodding required

Finally, knowing what to expect empowers you as a parent to nurse your child through the changes that circumcision presents.

References
  • Caring For Kids 2015, Circumcision of baby boys: Information for parents, Caring For Kids, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/circumcision>.
  • Dan Brennan 2019, Your Baby Boy’s Circumcision: What to Expect, WebMD, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/circumcision-what-expect>.
  • Larissa Hirsch 2016, Surgeries and Procedures: Circumcision, Kids Health, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/procedure-circumcision.html>.
  • Maria Masters 2018, Newborn Circumcision Care, What To Expect, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/circumcision-care>.
  • Mayo Clinic Staff 2020, Circumcision (Male), Mayo Clinic, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/circumcision/about/pac-20393550>.

Tim Newman 2020, Benefits and risks of circumcision, Medical News Today, Viewed on June 20, 2020, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302234>.

7 Signs Your Newborn Is Hungry

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Why Your Baby Sleeps The Way They Do

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Congratulations, your baby is hale and hearty.

However, you constantly worry about his sleeping pattern; He’s barely awake for three hours in a day and sleeps actively for about 18 hours.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many women face this same dilemma at one point or another.  

Let us walk you through what you need to know; we are here for you.

Source: Shutterstock

Babies under the age of one are naturally lighter sleepers compared with adults. They spend most of their sleeping time in active sleep instead of quiet sleep.

When sleeping actively, newborns breathe shallowly and move their arms and legs uncontrollably sometimes. In addition to eye movement under the eyelids.

Nevertheless, it is easy to wake a child from active sleep.  As your baby grows, the total amount of sleep gradually decreases, but the length of nighttime sleep increases.

What Are The Common Sleep Patterns In Babies?

1. Birth to 3 Months

  • Newborns sleep on and off through the hours of both day and night.
  • The total sleep varies between babies; it ranges between 9 to 18 hours daily.
  • They tend to sleep in short stretches because they need to be fed and changed regularly.
All you need to know about newborn male circumcision
Source: Shutterstock

In Addition,

A newborn has not learnt to sleep normally when it is dark. They usually start to learn this rhythm of sleep when they are about 6 weeks old.

You can help your baby to learn to sleep more at night by exposing them to light and playing with them during the day, and providing a dim and quiet environment to aid sleep at night.

2. Three to Six Months

  • At this age, your baby may have 3 separate daytime naps of up to 2 hours each.
  • Most babies will have 14-15 hours of sleep in total a day, with some sleeping up to 8 hours in the night.
  • The amount of active sleep starts to decline and they begin to enter quiet sleep at the beginning of their sleep cycles.
  • At this stage, babies still wake up at least once at night.
Source: Shutterstock

3. Six to Twelve months

  • From about 6 months old, your baby’s sleep patterns will become more like yours.
  • At this age, babies may sleep an average of about 13 hours in total a day. They tend to sleep the longest period at night, averaging about 11 hours.
  • Your baby will start dropping in their number of daytime naps to about 2. Their naps are usually about 1 to 2 hours on the average.
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash a developing child
Source: Unsplash
  • In general, babies may wake up less frequently during the night because they don’t need to be fed as often as before.
  • Most babies will wake once during the night and need settling back to sleep. Some will still wake up more often sometimes.
  • At this age, babies may begin to worry about being away from their parent or carer. This increases the time taken for babies to fall asleep and may temporarily increase night wakings.
  • Regular daytime and bedtime routines will help your baby fall and stay asleep as normal as possible

4. After Twelve Months

From 12 months, babies sleep patterns are more similar yours.

As they approach their first birthday; babies tend to sleep longer, wake up less, nap once or twice during the day and sleep more in the night.

normal growth pattern Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash
Source: Unsplash

By the time they turn one year old, babies are likely to sleep for 8 to 12 hours at night, waking only once or twice in that time.

Signs of Sleep Readiness in Babies

You can help your baby sleep by recognizing signs that they are tired and ready to call it in .

Your child may show signs of being ready for sleep with the following:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Yawning
  • Looking away
  • Fussing

In conclusion, babies in their first few months have different sleep pattern to yours. Understanding their pattern can help you plan your personal routine for the day and plan for their welfare appropriately (meal times , play times etc) .

References
  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Infant Sleep; “What are the sleep needs of an infant?” Accessed on 25th June, 2020 from https://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/document.php?id=36578
  • Teng, A., et al. (2012). “Infant and toddler sleep in Australia and New Zealand”. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health,  2012;48:268-73
  • Pregnancybirth&baby.org (2018). Sleep patterns for babies. Healthdirect. Accessed on 25th June, 2020 from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/sleep-patterns-for-babies

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Postpartum Bleeding; 5 Things You Should Know

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It has been nine long months! Your beautiful body has been through a lot of changes during this emotional period, all to climax at delivery. Noone could have warned you enough about intense labour pains you felt or prepared your emotions adequately for that cesarean section (C-section). Unlike what is portrayed in the movies, your body doesn’t automatically bounce back to normal after delivery. After all that hardwork, it would need some time to recover.

Recovery may take weeks to months after childbirth. You may experience some symptoms as your body attempts to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

One of these symptoms is Postpartum Bleeding, which is bleeding from the vagina after delivery.

If you’re a new mother experiencing this, or a new father wondering why your partner still bleeds and cramps even after your baby is here, this article is for you!

We’ve compiled a list of five things you need to know about postpartum bleeding.

Whether you had a vaginal or C-section delivery, some bleeding is expected after chilbirth
Some bleeding is expected after childbirth
Source : shutterstock

What Is Postpartum Bleeding?

Vaginal birth and C-section moms experience some level of postpartum bleeding. The blood seen after childbirth is called lochia.

Lochia is actually not just blood, it also contains mucus, white blood cells and pieces of the womb’s lining, all mixed together in a bloody discharge. It looks very similar to your normal menstrual flow. Unlike period flow which typically lasts for 3-5 days, lochia may extend for up to six weeks after delivery.

What To Expect

In the first few days and weeks after delivery, your flow would look very similar to period blood; bright red but slightly heavier. It is also possible for you see pieces of tissue or what look like clots along with the blood.

As the days progress, the blood is expected to turn pink or brown in color. Also, the volume of discharge and size of the clots would begin to decrease. By the second week, the discharge will likely change to a white or yellow color. At this point, the bleeding may become inconsistent and your flow irregular.

After about three to six weeks, the bleeding is expected to stop.

If you delivered your baby through a caesarean section (C-section), your flow would be likely less than what occurs in a vaginal delivery. Regardless, you would probably still see some blood.

There Will Be Some Cramping !

Another thing to expect during your recovery period is postpartum cramping, also known as Afterpains. This usually accompanies postpartum bleeding and eases as the bleeding decreases. Postpartum cramping occurs because your uterus is trying to contract and shrink back to its normal size; thus causing lower abdominal pain that often feels like menstrual cramps.

These pains are most intense during the first two to three days after giving birth; when post partum bleeding is the heaviest, even though it might take about six weeks for your urerus to return back to its pre-pregnancy state.

Source: Canva

For mothers who are breastfeeding, these pains would likely be more intense. When your baby suckles, a hormone called oxytocin is released.

Oxytocin causes your womb to contract. This intensifies the cramps. The cramping is more intense for first-time moms because your uterus has more muscle tone than a woman who has given birth more than once.

How Can You Manage The Bleeding?

At first, regular pads and tampons may not suffice as your flow would probably be heavier than your normal monthly menstrual period. Therefore, you may need to wear a hospital maternity pad to contain the bleeding.

Mums initially need thicker than usual highly absorbent pads after childbirth
Regular pads don’t often do the trick.
Source: Canva

As the weeks pass and your bleeding slows, you can transition to a regular menstrual pad.

Once the bleeding is light enough, or you are only seeing slight discharge, you can switch to a panty liner.

Experts recommend that tampons and menstrual cups should be avoided during this period so that your vagina can properly heal. Also, take caution to change your pads regularly to prevent infection.

For mothers who experience afterpains, applying a warm heating pad or hot water bottle could bring some much needed relief. Pain relievers like an Ibuprofen or Paracetamol could also be taken with approval of a doctor.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

While it is completely normal to expect bleeding after delivery, care should be taken not to confuse postpartum bleeding with postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), which could be deadly.

Here are some warning signs that you need to contact your doctor immediately;

  • If your maternity pads constantly get soaked within an hour
  • You notice bright red bleeding that doesn’t lessen after a few days
  • Foul smelling discharge
  • A fever of 38°C or higher
  • Dizziness or faint feelings
  • Irregular and racing heartbeats
  • Large and numerous blood clots (about the size of a tomato)
Large blood clots on your menstrual pad is a bad sign
If you see blood clots the size of a tomato on your pad, contact your doctor immediately
Image: sutterstock

Regardless of how much information you may gather beforehand, having a baby is a major transition phase in your life. You may never be fully prepared for the changes your body and mind would undergo throughout the whole process.

This is entirely normal and you would need sufficient time to adjust. However, if you feel uncomfortable about anything, physically, emotionally or mentally, please reach out to your doctor or another health professional for advice.

We are here to help you.

References
  • Nic Hopkirk 2020, Lochia: Everything You Need to Know About Bleeding After Birth, Goodtoknow, Viewed on 28 May, 2020, <https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/pregnancy/lochia-everything-you-need-to-know-about-bleeding-after-birth-432111>
  • Rebel Wylie 2019, Postpartum Period: What You Need To Know About Bleeding After Birth, BountyParents, Viewed on 28 May, 2020, <https://www.bountyparents.com.au/expert-advice/postpartum-bleeding-period-after-birth/>.
  • Stephanie Watson 2018, Is Postpartum Bleeding Normal, Parenthood, Viewed on 28 May, 2020, <https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/is-postpartum-bleeding-normal>

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Breastfeeding Challenges – Flat or Inverted Nipples

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“We were told about the inverted nipples during antenatal. In fact a nurse came to help me drag the nipple out. It was sooo painful .

I cried eeh! I cried my eyes out when the nurse was pulling my nipple, her fingers gave me bruises. I endured the pain for the sake of my baby. My husband had to tell her to stop oo. They said during pregnancy, last trimester after each bath we should use blue seal vaseline to needle the nipple, like drawing it out, that it will prevent it. I couldn’t breastfeed my baby. That night I contacted you, my baby was crying and my friend told me about nipple shields.

A nipple shield is versatile, facilitating breastfeeding for mothers with inverted nipples, sores, overactive letdown or babies with tongue-tie.

That’s why I started asking you about nipple shields. The latch assist was my life saver. That day I breastfed my baby, I was so happy. “

This is Mrs E’s story.

An inverted nipple (also know as a retracted or invaginated nipple) is described as one where the nipple is turned inward so that it looks like a dimple on the breast.

Some people are born with their nipples like that and this is just considered as being “different” as opposed to abnormal. Nipple inversion can, however, also occur later in life as a result of disease (eg. breast cancer) or injury. The challenge with flat or inverted nipples for breastfeeding mums is that getting the baby to latch on ( grasp the nipple and the area around it with the mouth in order to draw out breast milk ) is more difficult and sometimes impossible. To check for the presence and severity of inversion a simple “pinch test can be done.

Pinch Test:

Hold your index and thumb in a C shape about an inch behind the nipple around the areola.

Gently close off the c while pushing back towards your chest.

A Grade 1 inverted nipple will protrude and and retract over time

Grade 2 will retract immediately after you release the pressure.

Grade 3 will remain retracted.

The grade of inversion determines types of solutions that will be effective.

So some mums just need to stimulate their nipples with touch or cold temperatures to temporarily reverse nipple inversion.

Latch assists are used specifically for painlessly reversing flatness or inversion in nipples

Some mums can use a breast pump, some mums need a latch assist or nipple shield or breast shells. In extreme cases surgery may be required.

Using a syringe is old school, painfull and quite traumatising .

Dear new mum, you are resourceful, you are stronger than you realise. Life may not always turn out exactly as you planned but there are solutions to most challenges.

During antenatal visits / pregnancy is the best time to start preparing for your breastfeeding journey.

Don’t wait till baby arrives.

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