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All you need to know about Gestational Diabetes

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A medical condition affecting about a hundred thousand women yearly, gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition that does not receive the attention it deserves. In this article, we would walk through what gestational diabetes is, risk factors for GDM, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, complications and how to prevent it.

What is GDM?

First, a quick background. Insulin is a hormone produces by the body in the pancreas. It helps regulate energy levels by helping convert blood sugar into energy. GDM occurs when hormones produced in pregnancy (e.g. progesterone, human placenta lactogen, cortisol) affect the normal functioning of insulin, leading to increased level of blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) in pregnant women.

GDM is usually only seen during pregnancy and usually clears up after the baby is born. It usually arises between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

What are the risk factors for developing GDM?

All women are at risk of developing GDM. However, some factors may put you at increased risk. These include:

  • Being of Black, Asian or Middle eastern background.
  • Having a Body Mass Index of >30 [This can be calculated by Weight(kg)/Height2(m2)]
  • Having a previous baby with a birth weight greater than 4 kg
  • A family relative diagnosed with diabetes
  • A previous pregnancy with GDM.
Being black and overweight are risk factors for GDM.
Source: web.musc.edu

What are the symptoms of GDM?

Most women with GDM would not present with any symptoms. However, some women may have:

  • Sugar in urine. This would be diagnosed by a test done by the nuses at the clini.
  • Frequent urination but in large quantities.
  • Increased thirst
  • Tiredness
  • A dry mouth
Being black and overweight puts you at risk of gestational diabetes
Being black and overweight puts you at risk of gestational diabetes

How is it diagnosed?

During your routine antenatal visits, the doctor would assess your risk of having GDM. He would ask you questions about your medical background run a couple of tests around 24 weeks to ascertain your blood sugar levels.The oral glucose tolerance test. The routine urine test during your antenatal visit is also a way of screening for GDM.

What are the possible complications?

While most women with GDM have normal pregnancies, some women may have some of the following complications.

  • Accumulation of excess amounts of the fluid (amniotic fluid) around the baby. This is a potential cause of premature labour.
  • GDM can lead to heart abnormalities in the baby.
  • There is a risk of infertility,pregnancy loss or still birth
  • Premature labour (these are contractions coming in before you are 36-37 weeks)
  • Large babies: The Birth Weight of the baby may be greater than 4 kg
  • Large babies run the risk of injuries during birth
  • If not properly managed, GDM can evolve into Type II Diabetes.
  • It can also reoccur in future pregnancies.

Is there any way to treat it?

The main ways include monitoring and control of your blood sugar level and eating a special diet as prescribed by a dietician. You also need to loose weight if you are obese. Medication may be offerred if these fail to control your blood sugar.

Diabetes can be managed with exercise and healthy eating
Diabetes can be managed with exercise and healthy eating

Can GDM be prevented?

If you are planning on getting pregnant and you have any of the risk factors above, it is also very important to watch your weight and plan your pregnancies with your doctor.

References

American Diabetes Association; 24/06/2020; https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetes

Thomas R. Moore; 24/06/2020; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/127547-overview

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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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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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How Will My Antenatal Visit Go?

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Antenatal care is the attention nothers receive during pregnancy . It ensures you and your baby are in the best state of health. Over the period of pregnancy, the doctor follows up on you and your baby’s health to ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.

Attending your antenatal appointments are quite important. Any potential risks to the baby can be identified and prevented, or reduced.

Antenatal clinics serve as good avenues to learn more about the baby’s growth per trimester. This is a chance for the doctors and midwives to educate you on any important changes in lifestyle you may need to make. Some hospitals have classes just before the clinics begin. Others have these on special days. Here, you will get information that will prepare you for childbirth, care of your baby such as bathing , diapering , breastfeeding.

What happens during the antenatal clinic?

Your doctor would obtain a account of your medical history and lifestyle from you so as to determine any risks you may have

The antenatal care you get throughout your pregnancy depends on:

  • your health and any risks you or your baby may have
  • the stage of pregnancy you are at, and
  • any problems you may be experiencing

The doctors would ask some questions like:

  • when you had your last period, tell you when the baby is due, what trimester you are in and what this means for you and your baby
  • finding out about your medical history, general health and how any previous pregnancies were
  • the ethnic origins of you and your partner to find out whether your baby may be at risk of certain genetic inherited conditions
  • what medication you may be taking
  • ensuring you’ve had a recent pap smear(to assess risk of cervical cancer)
  • making sure your mental health is OK, and supporting you if you have depression or anxiety
  • checking your blood pressure and weight and testing your urine
  • providing advice on a healthy diet
  • feeling and measuring your tummy to find out how may babies you are carrying
  • estimate baby’s position and size, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat
  • advise you on care for your baby after pregnancy

How many antenatal visits will I have?

The frequency of your antenatal visits are determined by the doctor’s assessments. Pregnancies with possible complications would come with more antenatal visits and vice versa.

In most hospitals in Nigeria, you are scheduled to have one visit per month till the pregnancy is about 22 weeks. Then one visit every two weeks till about 32 weeks and once a week till birth.

What assessments would I undergo?

Ultrasound scans are done to monitor baby's growth and ensure all is well with the mothers womb and placenta
Image : shutterstock

You would have ultrasound pregnancy tests done between 8 to 14 weeks to check for any abnormalities in baby’s organs. These are repeated based on need . Also, you would have blood tests to check for your blood group and genotype, HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis and other infections that can affect your pregnancy or be passed on to your baby. Every visit, your doctor would also examine your pregnancy to check the baby’s heartbeats and movements.

Antenatal visits can seem very stressful and time-consuming. However, it is still in the best interest for you and your baby. To get the best out of your visit, be sure to write down before hand questions or concerns you have. Always ask questions and make notes of the reponses you are given.

These visits are more or less an opportunity to profile the risk level of your pregnancy and identify early and deal with any potential health issues that can threaten your well being or that of your baby. They have been proven to improve the chances of survival and thriving for mum and baby all over the world.
Antenatal care has been shownto improve pregnancy outcomes

Good luck!

References

NHS; 30/6/2020; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/antenatal-midwife-care-pregnant/

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/antenatal-care

Signs Of Pregnancy

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For women who are actively trying to get pregnant, one question on their minds is “How do I know I am pregnant?”. While a pregnancy test is the only surefire way of knowing you are pregnant, there may be some early signs pointingto the possibility of a pregnancy.

However, it is equally important to note:

  • The presence of these symptoms does not mean that there is a pregnancy, and
  • The absence of these symptoms does not mean that there is no pregnancy.

What are the signs of pregnancy?

Implantation bleeding/spotting: After fertilisation, the fertilized egg moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Implantation of the baby in the womb may cause slight bleeding (or commonly called spotting) and this occurs 10 to 12 days after fertilisation. Although this is commonly confused with menstrual bleeding, it is actually seen a few days after ovulation and before normal menstrual flow. It is also far smaller than the normal flow of blood.

Cramps: Due to the rapid change in hormone levels, some women may also notice cramps. These cramps are also mistaken for menstrual cramps but are usually not as intense. 

Vaginal discharge: Some women may also have thick milky white/clear discharge. You might also see changes in the cervical mucus as the pregnancy matures.

Tenderness of the breasts: Progesterone, “the pregnancy hormone”, rapidly rises after implantation. Thia hormone causes the bosy to start getting read fpr the baby. A major part is production of breast milk via an increase/maturation in breast lobules/size.

Nausea a.k.a morning sickness: According to Nollywood movies, this is the most distinct sign of pregnancy. While it is not so dramatic, early morning sickness is a pretty distinct sign of pregnancy. However, this mostly occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and by the time it is significant enough, you would have had a positive pregnancy test.

The pregnancy strip remains the gold standard. Source:netdoctor.co.uk

Finally….

In all, the surest way to know you are pregnant is through an urine or blood pregnancy test. As stated earlier, these are not sure-fire pointers to pregnancy. In combination, however, they paint a pretty good picture of your pregnancy status.

References

Mayo Clinic; 16/06/20; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853

Healthline; 16/06/20; www.healthline.com%2Fhealth%2Fpregnancy%2Fearly-symptoms-timeline&usg=AOvVaw3Ru4HcE1SzzUhkyyX_07wz

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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>.

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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.

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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.
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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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10 Nigerian Foods That Increase Breast Milk Supply

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  • Breastfeeding Nigerian woman
Breastmilk production is influenced by hormones as well as demand and supply. So feeding baby on demand or power pumping works.

In Nigeria, traditional postpartum care has always been one of our age long customs; this celebrated activity is commonly called omugwo in Igbo, ojojo omo in Yoruba and wanka’n jegoin Hausa.

During this highly anticipated period, new mothers(especially first-timers) are usually encouraged to rest as they ease into their new roles as mothers. An important aspect of this role is child nourishment, new mothers are usually put through indigenous methods to improve milk production.

One method our African mothers rely largely on is regular suckling by the infant; the more a baby suckles at it’s mother’s breast, the more milk is produced. It would interest you to know that this is not just a superstition, it is a fact backed by science. Therefore, the best way to improve breast milk production is to keep on nursing your baby on demand. For mothers pumping exclusively a technique called power pumping is used. This is 3-4 intermittent pumping sessions for 10 minutes with breaks in between.

However, for some mothers, this is strategy is often insufficient as they struggle daily to produce enough milk for their babies.

If you’re one of these mothers who cannot bear to hear the sound of your lovely baby’s cries of hunger, here are 10 Nigerian food that are known to increase breast milk production:

1. Fura de nunu ( Milk and Millet Gruel)

This is a common beverage originating from the Fulani people of West Africa. With Fura de nunu, you have a rich, delicious blend of fermented cow’s milk (nunu) and millet dough (fura); this drink is not only exceptionally refreshing on a hot afternoon, it is also heavily packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial to breastfeeding mothers.

Hausa Millet
Hausa Millet porridge for breastfeeding mums

It would interest you to know that Nunu is an excellent source of protein, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Fura is also known to contain essential amino acids, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and micronutrients. If taken regularly, this is a sure way to increase the production of very rich breast milk for your little one.

2. Kunu (A Northern Nigerian Gruel)

Another staple beverage that is quite popular in most parts of Nigeria, especially the north, is Kunu. Commonly made from millet, rice, sorghum, tiger nuts, guinea corn, maize, or a mixture of some or all of these, this locally made drink is just the right thing for you!

Kunu is packed with lots of nutrients like lactic acid, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. This drink would definitely leave you feeling nourished. In addition, you get more breast milk to nourish your baby.

3. Pap

Popularly known as Akamu, Ogi, Eko or its fancier name, African Corn Porridge, this is a fermented pudding cereal made from millet, maize or sorghum. It is a ready-to-eat food packed with numerous essential nutrients like carbohydrate, B vitamins, folic acid, vitamins A and C, potassium, zinc and others.

Pap is highly nutritious and helps in breast milk production

Considering its highly nutritious content, it is no wonder why so many of our mothers swear by this meal to help increase breast milk production. Please note that Pap is best taken with milk and sugar to give you a satisfying experience.

4. Moringa

This nutrient packed plant is a great source of vitamins and minerals, nursing mothers would get more out of these than most other vegetables. It is a multi-purpose herbal plant, that is, all parts of this plant can be used as it contains varying amounts of essential amino acids, anitoxidants, carotenoids and many other nutrients.

Moringa
Moringa leaves improve breast milk supply

Research has proven that infusing this plant into your meals is an effective means of improving your mother’s milk production. Moringa leaves can be added to soups, salads, or simply taken in juice form.

5. Carrots

Eating carrots is a great way to boost lactation as they contain vitamin A and potassium, both of which help to improve the quality and quantity of breast milk. 

Eating carrots are a great way to increase your supply as well as loose weight

As a plus, they’re a great way to lose that stubborn baby fat. They can be snacked on, juiced or eaten raw in the form of salads. Carrots are available everywhere and may just be the boost your mammary glands need.

6. Kaun (Pot-ash/ Keun / Akanwu)

This lake- salt is an ancient Nigerian food additive used in traditional cooking that has been known to add flavour and improve the taste of a dish.

However, most women do not know that kaun is also helpful when nursing babies. Its high mineral content can serve a great stimulant for lactation.

7.Watermelon

Sweet and juicy watermelons are another great addition to this list of lactogenic foods. This fruit is rich in fiber, fructose and a variety of minerals and vitamins. Additionally, its remarkably high water content would keep you hydrated, get your milk flowing and keep your baby full.

Watermelons can be sliced, juiced or combined with other fruits to make a delicious smoothie. Watermelons can also be grilled!

8. Ofada Rice

Known globally as brown rice, locally grown Ofada Rice is an effective addition to your diet as a nursing mother because it contains a variety nutrients like minerals, vitamin B and E. It also contains hormonal stimulants that help to improve lactation and increase breast milk production.

Ofada (Brown Rice) is an effective addition to your meal to increase breast milk production

If you’re also planning to lose that persistent baby fat, you should definitely switch white rice for a well prepared bowl of ofada rice and sauce.

9.Garlic

Garlic has been known to help improve the immune system but do you know that it can also help improve breast milk production? Commonly used as a seasoning or spice in traditional cooking, garlic has a rich supply of enzymes, vitamins and minerals that help improve milk production.

But remember to go easy on this one, it’s notorious for causing body odours, especially when taken in large quantities.

Garlic is a natural breast milk booster

10.Water

Breast milk is essentially made up of water, so staying hydrated is compulsory to have a steady supply of milk. And what better way to stay hydrated than to drink lots of water? 

Drink up to 2.5l of water daily to boost your milk supply especially after breastfeeding

A minimum of 8 glasses per day is the target! Remember, the goal is not only to increase the quantity of breast milk you produce, but also to improve its quality. In doing this, an overall healthy diet is key, not only to help nourish your newborn, but also to nourish you.



Learn more about foods that increase your breastmilk supply

Getting The Best Out of Your Breastfeeding Journey: The Bras You Need.

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A good nursing bra…….

Pregnant mums will often tell you how tight the band of their regular bras get as pregnancy progresses and their chest expands.

Demo of the Biamo designs nursing bra and pumping bra accessory

It’s like being in bondage to be honest. Add heart burn to the mix and these make you feel like going without a bra. If you are going to have to wear a nursing bra 24 hours a day for 6months just to make breastfeeding your infant seamless and hold nursing pads in place you are better of with a comfortable one. A nursing bra should be soft yet supportive making you forget you are wearing a bra at all.

  • First wear your most supportive regular bra
  • Using the side calibrated in inches and ensuring it’s parallel to the floor, take a tape measure and measure the diameter around the area just under the fold of your bust.
  • Whatever figure you get , round off to about the nearest even number. This is your band size. So it if you get 33” use 34” ; if you get 29” , use size 32” and so on
  • While still wearing the bra, using the same tape measure get the diameter of your chest at the fullest part of your bust.
  • Find the difference between this measurement and your band size ie. if you got a measurement of 36 and your band size is 34 , the difference (36-34) is 2 . This is a B cup so your measurement would be 34B
Measure Your Band and Cup Size
To Get a Good Bra Fit

You’ll want to look for a bra with no underwires, a smooth silhouette, extra rows of hooks and eyes at the back to accommodate changes in your chest size during pregnancy and breast feeding.

A good pumping bra……..

If you intend to build a stash of milk for storage you don’t have to hold on to your breast pump against your chest throughout your pumping session. You are bound to get tired and shift your hands loosing some of that suction pressure. Get a pumping bra that’s soft, but firm and stretchy enough for you to hold your breast shields firmly in place.

With The Biamo Designs Pumping Bra Accessory You Don’t Have to Hold Your Pump in Place As You Express Breastmilk

Some bras have a figure of 8 opening instead of a slit. This means you can feed your baby through there and don’t need to go through the ceremony of taking off your pumping bra if your little one wakes up and needs to be breastfed while you pump from the other breast.

Biamo designs nursing and pumping bras can be purchased from our online store. If you are on a budget ,you could convert an old sports bra to a pumping bra. Check out a demonstration we did on how to make one.

If you are on a budget , making a handsfree bra is easy

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