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How To Treat Postpartum Hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids are not strange for most new moms. Thankfully, not all moms experience it. However, women who had vaginal deliveries face a greater risk of postpartum hemorrhoids.

This article provides reliable information on what you need to know about postpartum hemorrhoids; the symptoms, causes, and possible home remedies.

Table of contents

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are veins that have become swollen and filled with blood (varicose veins) inside your rectum or in the skin surrounding your anus. If this occurs after delivery, it is called postpartum hemorrhoids. However, some women may even have to deal with hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Although hemorrhoids can be quite painful and irritating, they can easily be treated with some reliable home remedies.

postpartum-hemorrhoids-woman

Symptoms of Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Most times, hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Some other symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • Bleeding during bowel movement
  • Swelling
  • Pain in the anal area
  • Sensitive lumps near the anus

Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?

Yes, some hemorrhoids go away on their own.

Depending on the location, size, and severity of the hemorrhoids, the duration ranges from three days to two weeks.

Just before we talk about treatment, let us consider the causes of hemorrhoids after childbirth.

What Causes Postpartum Hemorrhoids?

Veins have valves that help to direct the flow of blood back to the heart. These veins can become weakened, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. When they weaken, the blood doesn’t flow back effectively, so they swell with blood leading to hemorrhoids.

In the postpartum period, moms (especially those that had vaginal delivery) usually experience hemorrhoids as a result of stress on the perineum during delivery.

Constipation is quite common after childbirth. This can be due to hormonal changes, or fear of stooling due to pain. Hemorrhoids can become worse with constipation and straining as these also put pressure on the veins around the anus.

In some women, together with changes in hormonal levels, pain medication, dehydration, and some other factors, may result in hemorrhoids.

Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

There are some home remedies you can try out to get rid of your hemorrhoids. These include:

1. Apply ice to the area.

Apply an ice pack for about 10 to 20 minutes three to four times a day. This would provide relief to the pain you’re feeling. However, it is important to wrap the ice pack in a cloth before placing it on your skin. Alternatively, you could apply a perineal cold pack.

2. Keep the area clean.

Ensure you keep the area clean by cleaning gently but thoroughly. This helps to prevent further irritation to the area which can delay the healing process. A perineal wash bottle comes in very handy here!

3. Avoid straining.

When you strain during a bowel movement, you put more pressure on your rectum and this can aggravate your pain. Be mindful not to strain or push during a bowel movement.

Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Allow gravity do the work for you.

4. Don’t Hold For Too Long

Use the toilet when you have the urge to. Don’t “hold” your poo fearing that it will cause more pain. The longer you wait to use the toilet, the harder your stool gets, and the more painful it becomes when you eventually want to use the toilet.

This can worsen your hemorrhoids.

5. Fiber Works

Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. Fiber-rich foods soften your stool and also add bulk to it, which prevents constipation. Fruits and vegetables help to promote bowel movement. Proper bowel movement is very important in the treatment of hemorrhoids

6. Stay hydrated

Drinking a lot of water helps you stay hydrated and also prevents constipation. In addition, water would keep your skin fresh and healthy all the time.

7. Use Mild Stuff

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Use fragrance-free and dye-free hygiene products including menstrual pads, toilet paper, etc. to avoid irritation to your skin. You can even use moistened wipes which are gentler on your skin than dry toilet paper.

8. Avoid or treat constipation.

You can use prescribed stool softeners which help to moisten and soften your stool so that it can easily pass through. Topical supplements or medication are also helpful. Seek your doctor’s counsel before using any new over-the-counter drugs.

9. Exercise Often

Regular postpartum exercise strengthens your perineum. Try to move around more, even if it’s just a walk over a short distance. Exercise also helps to prevent constipation.

However, you should consult your doctor to know which exercise is best for you considering that you’ve just given birth.

10. Don’t Sit For Too Long

Sitting for long increases the pressure on the veins in your anus. You can try and lie down as much as you can. When you have to sit, make sure every part of your back touches the backrest of your seat.

11. Try a sitz bath.

You can try a sitz bath 3 to 4 times a day to find relief from the pain you’re feeling. If you don’t have a sitz bath, you can soak in the bathtub as an alternative.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve tried the home remedies listed above, you should notice some improvement in your hemorrhoids. However, if the symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.

Furthermore, you should see your doctor if the hemorrhoids become excessively painful, or if you feel a hard lump around your anus. In addition, it’s not a good sign if the hemorrhoids come with serious bleeding 

If you’re currently experiencing any of these, please consult your doctor ASAP.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are not unusual for new moms, especially if you had a vaginal delivery. Thankfully, most hemorrhoids go on their own a few days or weeks after delivery, but some may stay around for some months.

The home remedies in this article will help you clear off the hemorrhoids, but if they still don’t clear, then you need to see your doctor.

Everything would work out fine, Mama.

REFERENCES

Varut Lohsiriwat (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology 18(17): 2009–2017. Accessed on 7th July, 2012 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/

Arthur Staroselsky, Alejandro A. Nava-Ocampo, Sabina Vohra, and Gideon Koren (2008). Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician. 54(2): 189–190. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2278306/#__ffn_sectitle

Varut Lohsiriwat (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology 18(17): 2009–2017. Accessed on 7th July, 2012 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/

Arthur Staroselsky, Alejandro A. Nava-Ocampo, Sabina Vohra, and Gideon Koren (2008). Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician. 54(2): 189–190. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2278306/#__ffn_sectitle

Laurent Abramowitz, Iradj Sobhani, Jean Louis Benifla, Albert Vuagnat, Emile Daraï, Michel Mignon, Patrick Madelenat (2002). Anal Fissure and Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids Before and After Delivery. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 45(5):650-5. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11367240_Anal_Fissure_and_Thrombosed_External_Hemorrhoids_Before_and_After_Delivery

Why You May Have Itchy Skin After Childbirth

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It’s the end of your nine-month journey and you think all the discomfort and weird changes are over. However, an itchy feeling pops up and you’re wondering what it’s all about.

Don’t Fret: There’s a way out!

This article would answer every question you have about itchy skin after delivery; the causes, duration, and possible home therapies.

Keep reading to find out more.

What causes Postpartum itchy skin?

The fact is: Nobody really knows.

Although it’s really difficult to identify the main cause of postpartum itching, here are some of the possible causes:

1. Allergies

Your body may just be reacting to some of the new changes, that’s all! Sometimes, the hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy may cause your body to be more sensitive than usual.

When this happens, your skin may become sensitive to common allergens like:

  • Dust
  • Dyes
  • Latex
  • Animal Fur
  • Pollens
postpartum-itch-unhappy-family

2. Stress

Proper rest is really important in the first few weeks after delivery. Stress weakens your immune system, making your skin susceptible to various irritations and infections.

3. Dietary modifications

Of course, motherhood (and breastfeeding) comes with its fair share of dietary changes. In some cases, these changes can lead to allergic reactions that make your skin feel very itchy.

4. Infections

If any of the following infections are left untreated, it can cause your skin to become really itchy:

  • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • common cold virus
  • strep throat,
  • influenza virus
  • hepatitis virus

Furthermore, these infections lower your immunity, exposing your skin to a higher risk of allergies and irritation.

postpartum-itch-woman

In addition, the other causes of itchy postpartum skin include:

  • Postpartum Depression
  • Exposure to exteme weather conditions
  • Blood transfusions
  • Hormonal Fluctuations
  • Side Effects of Certain medications
  • Underlying medical conditions like Thyroid Dysfunction

How Long Does Itching After Childbirth Last?

Your itchy skin won’t stay forever. However, the duration varies based on the underlying cause.

postpartum-itch-woman-hand

For most moms, the itching stops a few days after childbirth. On the other hand, some women experience the feeling for as long as 6 weeks after delivery. Furthermore, the faster your body is able to clear out the allergens, the shorter the duration of postpartum itching.

How to Relieve Postpartum Itching

If you’re not sure of what is making your skin itch, you can consider visiting your doctor or healthcare provider. They will help you determine if your itch is a result of any underlying medical condition or minor allergic reactions.

However, you can also try out these home remedies to get some needed relief:

1. Stay hydrated

Water works.

how-to-relieve-postpartum-itching-drink-water

In the first few days after childbirth, drink a lot of water. In addition to keeping your skin hydrated, water improves the quantity and quality of your breastmilk.

Furthermore, hydration is really important because dehydration can make your skin very dry and itchy.

2. Use Cool/Cold Water

Hot water dries out the skin.

Frequent hot water baths can dry out your skin and cause irritation or itchy sensations. As you adjust to life after pregnancy, remember to tone down the temperature of your bath water as often as you can.

3. Read The Label

As a mom, you need to pay extra attention to the details when shopping for skincare products.

From sunscreen to creams, and powder; check every ingredient and make sure what you pick is actually safe for your skin.

Furthermore, it helps to read the label and search for any possible allergens that can cause a skin reaction after use.

4. Reduce The Chemicals

It also helps to limit your exposure to strong chemicals as much as possible. While doing your laundry, use mild detergents that are skin-friendly.

Sometimes, the dyes, perfumes, and chemicals in your detergent can stay in your clothes even after rinsing. If you eventually wear these clothes, they may cause your skin to become very itchy and uncomfortable.

5. Try a Cold Compress

As it does with many other postpartum conditions like edema or swelling, a cold compress works.

This would provide relief from itching, swelling, and inflammation. You can try it three to four times a day.

6. Topical Applications

In addition to the other remedies on this list, you can also apply a cream or lotion on the surface where you’re feeling the itch.

how-to-relieve-postpartum-itching-topical-lotion-application

However, it is very important to read the label of any product you choose to avoid any possible skin reaction

7. Change your Razors Regularly

Razor blades dull over time.

When this happens, it may cause nicks and razor burns on your skin. Therefore, it is really important to change your razors as often as you can. In fact, we recommend doing this bi-weekly.

In addition, you should consider getting razors with moisture. These razors give you a smoother shave that leaves your skin fresh, clean, and without the nasty itchy feeling.

8. Reduce Stress

Yes, there is a lot of work to do now that baby is here.

However, you’re important too. Please, remember to relax, rest, and ease off the stress. As important as it is for you to take care of your baby, so it is for you to take care of yourself too.

When To See A Doctor About Postpartum Itch

The first few days after childbirth is very important.

As a result of this, you need to inform your doctor about any symptom you have as soon as you notice it. Immediately you observe the itchy feeling after childbirth, try out the home remedies mentioned in this article and place a call to your doctor.

Although postpartum itching may not be a serious issue, it is always best to take every step necessary to stay healthy.

References

Ellen Cathrine Pritzier and Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen (2012). Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy developing postpartum: 2 case reports. Dermatology Reports. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212670/#!po=2.63158

Kim E.H. (2017). Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Occurring Postpartum Treated with Intramuscular Injection of Autologous Whole Blood. Case Report Dermatology. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://doi.org/10.1159/000473874

Marc Tunzi, and Gary R. Gray (2007). Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. American Family of Physician. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from 75(2):211-218 https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0115/p211.html

The 10 Best Potty Training Chairs of 2021

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Potty training is not always the most exciting period for both parents and children. No doubt, we understand the emotional and physical changes that come with this period and how important a successful potty training journey is in your child’s development. Let’s not even mention toddler diarrhea. The good news is: With the right gear, like a potty training chair, the process can be made relatively easier.

Table of contents:

What’s A Potty Training Chair?

As you begin the potty training journey, actual toilets may seem really scary for your little one. Thankfully, a good potty training chair would temporarily substitute for the actual toilet and ease this fear.

A potty training chair is a small type of potty which is designed to resemble a bowl or miniature toilet. Unlike potty training seats which are placed on the full-sized toilet, the chairs are freestanding and can easily be placed on the floor in your bathroom.

Potty training seats are really important because it allows your little one feel confident and safe during potty training sessions. This would surely make the entire process of teaching and learning easy for all parties involved.

As you potty train your child, or prepare for the baby on the way, you should plan to get the perfect potty training chair to meet your baby’s needs.

Does My Child Need A Potty Training Chair?

Of course.

In the early stages of potty training, most children cannot balance themselves effectively on a full-size toilet seat. It is important to remember that your little one is simply a tiny human, and you have to protect him/her from falling into the toilet bowl.

A child sitting on a potty

Furthermore, a good potty training chair would help your baby feel secure, comfortable, and in-control while potty training. In addition, this chair would make it really easy for your little one to potty even in your absence as he/she doesn’t have to deal with climbing any heights.

Is It Better Than A Potty Training Seat?

The fact is: It all depends on the timeline.

Red potty, teddy bear and diapers

Of course, it is best to start with a potty training chair because of the portability and variability. With a good potty chair, your baby can potty with no assistance especially in cases of toddler diarrhea which sometimes happen. Nevertheless, as he/she matures, it would become necessary to transit to full-size toilets, and that’s where you need a potty training seat.

To find out more about the best potty training seat options, click here.

How to Select the Best Potty Training Chair

Just like many other decisions in parenthood, picking the best potty training chair for your baby can be difficult. To guide you, the Central Product Classification (CPC) suggests that parents look out for the following important features before buying a potty training chair:

  • Stability
  • Design
  • Protection

Stability

Irrespective of the choice you make eventually, stability is all-important. We assure you, the last thing you want is for your toddler to tip his/her potty over during a poo session. As you shop, look for a heavier potty or test the stability by placing one hand on a side and pressing down, to make sure it does not budge.

Design

Babies love attractive stuff.

Comparative studies have shown that if you purchase a toy that looks like a toy, or features some popular cartoon characters, your child would be more inclined to use it.

Protection

According to the CPC, the best potty training chairs come with protective splash guards which ensure one-way traffic during potty sessions. For boys, this is even much more important as they learn how to pee while standing.

As usual, we’re here to help you every step of the way. To make the selection process easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best potty training chairs of 2021. As a means of reassurance, every product on this list meets the minimum requirements recommended by the Central Product Classification (CPC).

Our Potty Chair List:

1. Summer Infant Step By Step

The first item on our list is one that is guaranteed to provide your little one with the most realistic toilet experience possible. With the Summer Infant Step by Step Potty, you’d get a potty chair, lid, and toilet paper rack. In fact, there’s even a place to store disposable, or flushable, wipes!

Potty with tissue on the side

Another important feature of the Summer Infant Step by Step Potty is its versatility. This product can be used in 3 different ways: as a regular potty chair, a potty seat, and a stepping stool for full-size toilets. Furthermore, the toilet paper rack helps your little one learn how to wipe properly as early as possible. The Summer Infant Step by Step Potty is well padded, providing your child with some much-needed comfort and stability. In addition to this, it features a lid that makes it easy to close and store whenever it is not in use.

2. Jool Child Potty Training Chair

If you’d like to minimize contact with anything that is not your baby during potty training sessions, the Jool Child Potty Training Chair is just for you. Thankfully, this potty chair is designed in a unique way that reduces direct contact to what is absolutely necessary.

Blue potty

Unlike other potty chairs, the Jool Child Potty Training Chair lets you pull the inner seat from behind without having to touch the top seat first. Furthermore, whenever it is not in use, the built-in lip can be placed on the potty opening to avoid unwanted touching by your little one.

In addition to all these awesome features, the Jool Chair also features a backrest that allows your child to rest his/her back while pottying. However, it is important to note that this potty chair option does not feature an in-built splash guard.

3. Baby Bjorn Chair

Tall child?

No problems!

The Baby Bjorn Potty Chair is really stable on the floor because it was built from double material designed to keep heavy babies as safe as possible during potty training. In addition, this product is slightly taller than other potty chair options, so tall children don’t have to bend uncomfortably.

White baby bjorn potty

Furthermore, your child would definitely love the high backrest designed to make him/her feel as comfortable and in-control as possible. As a plus, this product is BPA-free, therefore, you do not have to worry about the presence of toxic materials.

4. First Years Baby Shark Potty Chair

Of course, your baby loves baby shark!

baby shark potty

With this potty chair, your little Baby Shark fan would definitely enjoy potty training sessions. In fact, the First Years Baby Shark Potty Chair is designed to encourage your little one through the entire process. To achieve this, it features a button for ‘cheering’ after a successful potty session.

In addition, it is really versatile as the seat can be removed and placed on the adult toilet as a potty seat whenever your little one is ready to make the switch up. Furthermore, this chair comes with the Baby Shark Chart that allows you track progress and offer potty training rewards along the way.

For children who aren’t big on Baby Shark, this chair also comes in other popular themes like Toy Story, Mickey Mouse, and Paw Patrol.

5. Fisher-Price Puppy Potty Training Seat with Book

Do you like interactive baby products?

If your answer is yes, this is the right option for you. With the Fisher-Price Puppy Potty Training Chair, your little one gets an electronic storybook called Puppy’s Potty Time which features encouraging phrases, songs, and sounds.

Interestingly, it does not end there; even the potty makes its own sounds. Whenever your child ‘flushes the toilet’, a variety of sounds and phrases would cheer him/her on. As a plus, this high-tech potty chair also features a sensor that alerts you whenever your little one has pood/peed in it. This can serve as an effective potty training reward for most children.

6. Summer Infant My Size Potty Chair

No doubt, this is the best adult-size toilet replica chair on the market. This aesthetically pleasing product from Summer Infant is the best choice for a hands-on learning experience. In fact, the Summer Infant My Size Potty Chair has every toilet feature you can imagine, except a flush.

White infant my size potty

However, it makes up for this with a make-believe flush handle that even makes a flushing sound whenever your little one presses it. In addition, this product has a lid that your child can operate all by him/herself as the need arises.

To wrap it all up, Summer Infant My Size Potty Chair features a clip-on splash guard that makes the entire product more hygienic than others.

7. First Years Training Wheels Racer Potty System

Is your child a race car fan?

You’re at the right stop! With the First Years Wheels Racer Potty System, you can be rest assured that his/her attention would be captured from day one. Hopefully, it would also encourage him/her to sit on it more often.

Red Training wheels potty

In addition to the captivating design, this potty system gives you the best of both worlds. This is because it can be used as a potty chair and a potty seat. To keep everything where it belongs, this product also features an effective splash guard.

8. Regalo 2-in-1 My Little Potty Chair

If you’re concerned about teaching your child everything about hygienic toilet use, this is the potty chair to buy. In fact, this product goes heavy on flushing because of its unique musical ‘water’ sounds. After a potty session, your child can push the flush button to create a realistic flushing experience.

Although many parents agree that it makes potty training so much fun for their toddlers, it is important to note that you’d need at least three batteries at all times.

In addition to the unique flush feature, this potty chair also features an in-built storage compartment that can hold wipes or books. Finally, it has a really good splash guard.

9. The First Years Disney Potty Chair

Before we continue, it is important to note that this chair is specially designed for little princesses.

In addition, it is a 3-in-1 product that features a regular potty, removable inner bowl, and toilet trainers. To encourage your child, this chair is designed to look like an adult toilet with its own make-believe flush handle. Regarding stability, the Disney Potty Chair is made with durable plastic that is strong enough to hold an average toddler’s weight.

10. Fisher-Price Sea Me Flush Potty Training Chair

Finally, the last item on our list is one that rewards your child’s potty training progress. The Fisher-Price Sea Me Flush Potty Chair provides musical features that deliver exciting potty sounds, music, and lights after each successful go.

Furthermore, it has a removable ring that assists your baby’s transition to the adult toilet at the right time. For proper hygiene, it features a removable one-piece bowl and a built-in splash guard.

A Final Note From Edie and Amy

In conclusion, we understand that activities like potty training can make parenting feel overwhelming. Thankfully, selecting and purchasing the right gear would keep you prepared for every task ahead. To make the process easier, the list above is guaranteed to supply you with all the info you need on this journey.

With this list, we’re confident you’d make the right choice for your little one.

References
  • Vermandel, A., Joost, W., Stefan, D., & Jean-Jacques, W. (2008). Toilet Training of Healthy Young Toddlers: A Randomized Trial Between a Daytime Wetting Alarm and Timed Potty Training. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 29(3), 191-163. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e31816c433a
  • Amazon.com

10 Potty Training Rewards For Your Baby

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We understand that potty training is a really messy job. However, it also serves as a big step for babies and their parents. In most cases, successful potty training involves patience, perseverance, and determination. Irrespective of when this journey starts (or ends) for you and your little one, we’re here to hold your hand and guide you through the process.

In this article, we’ve compiled 10 potty training rewards for your baby that are guaranteed to make the process easy for everyone involved.

What Is Potty Training?

In plain terms, potty training means helping your child poo or pee in a controlled and hygienic manner. Potty training can also be called toilet training. At the end of a successful potty training period, your child should be able to:

  • Anticipate the need to pee/poo
  • Communicate this need effectively
  • Successfully expel stool/urine into the toilet

This is a really important milestone in child development because it signifies a major level of independence and self-awareness. For the parents, this may also mean the end of diaper expenses and nappy changes.

When Does Potty Training Start?

Although many children begin to exhibit signs of being ready for potty training between the 18th and 24th months of life, the actual time or age varies from child to child. In fact, some kids may not be ready for potty training until they are about 3 years old.

Generally, potty training depends on various environmental, emotional, physiologic, and psychological factors which affect child development. Before potty training can begin, your baby should be able to:

  • Walk to and sit on a toilet with minimal assistance
  • Pull up and down his or her pants without help
  • Verbally communicate basic needs
  • Retain stool or urine for at least two hours at a stretch
  • Show a basic interest in toilet training or independent behavior

It is also important to note that the ease, duration, or success of potty training should not be equated with your child’s intelligence levels. Many factors, which are sometimes unrelated, come into play in this process and patience is essential. To make this journey easier for everyone involved, most parents introduce potty training rewards.

What Is A Potty Training Reward?

A potty training reward is a sort of prize or reward given to a child after going to pee/poo in a potty or toilet with the ultimate aim of encouraging or motivating the behavior.

Furthermore, it is important to note that potty training rewards aren’t bribes and they are only given immediately after task completion (delays may stop your child from making the connection).

Want to know the best part?

A potty training reward doesn’t have to be expensive, specific or elaborate. It is just something to boost your child’s confidence and encourage proper toilet hygiene.

Potty Training Rewards for Your Baby

In this article, you’re going to get tips that would make the potty training journey easier for you and your little one. To achieve this, we’ve compiled 10 potty training rewards that are guaranteed to get the job done.

And these training rewards actually work.

Here we go:

1. Verbal Praise/Encouragement

Kids respond to the easiest things. The first item on our list of potty training rewards is verbal praise. A simple ‘well done’ or ‘that’s my baby!’ would do the trick in most cases. In addition, you can add a big smile or tap dance to spice things up a little.

2. Story Time or Books

Introducing storybooks or storytelling sessions is another effective way to reward your little one during potty training. If your baby understands that a full day with dry diapers and effective potty use may result in a fun bedtime story from you, it may boost encourage the action.

3. A Potty Doll

A potty doll is guaranteed to make potty training fun for your child. It is a unique doll designed for one purpose: to drink water and wet itself.

Interesting, right?

With a potty doll, you can encourage your child to teach his/her doll how to use a potty. By extension, your baby would also learn responsibility.

4. High Fives

After a successful potty training session, remember to give your child a big high five (after hand washing, of course). You can even squeal a little, clap, turn around or dance a bit.

5. Use a Potty Reward Chart

With this, your baby gets to apply a hands-on approach to his/her potty training. With a potty training reward chart, your child can tick off/stamp every successful day of potty training. At the end of a small streak of wins (like a week or two), you can take him/her out for a day at the park or for some ice cream as long as you make sure they understand why they’re getting the treat.

6. Food Coloring

This one works for color-sensitive children. If your baby isn’t interested in going close to or using a white toilet bowl, you can use food coloring which turns the toilet water into his/her favorite color.

If a baby who’s fascinated by the color purple sees purple-colored toilet water, you can definitely predict the expected result.

7. Create a Potty Training Sticker Chart

Here’s the deal: Babies love stickers.

You can post a sticker chart on your bathroom door and let your child place a new sticker after every ‘good go’. With this potty training reward, you can even track your child’s progress and celebrate small wins on this journey.

8. Customize the Potty

As potty training progresses, allow your child decorate the seat. In addition to this, place fun and colorful wallpapers on your bathroom walls to make the poo process fun for your little one.

Potty training rewards
Customize your baby’s potty

9. Treasure Hunt

You can spice things up while potty training by placing a treasure chest at the top of the toilet seat. After a successful potty session, your child may be allowed to open the chest and claim all the exciting goodies in it (which may be a new story book or painting pad).

treasure hunt for potty training
Treasure chest as a potty training reward

10. Celebrate Each Day

Another efficient potty training reward is to celebrate each day. For every day your baby stays dry, celebrate the win. These celebrations can be as simple as an extra slice of pizza for dinner or a longer-than-usual bedtime story, however, ensure he/she knows what the reward is for.

A Final Note from Edie & Amy

Although most parents may be quick to consider food as a potty training reward, this may be very risky. We do not recommend food as a reward option because it may:

  • Create a sense in your baby that food must be earned.
  • Affect the self-motivation to complete basic tasks.
  • Develop an unhealthy emotional attachment to food.
  • Shift your baby’s focus from potty training to simply ‘earning food’.

Finally, always remember that each child learns and develops on his/her own timeline. If your baby is taking longer than his friends or siblings to potty train, there’s no cause for alarm. All you need is to be patient, caring, and always supportive.

We hope this helps you and your little one as you take the all-important potty training journey.

12 Healthy & Essential Smoothie Recipes for Pregnant Women

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Yes, smoothies are healthy for pregnant women. It is a great way to get extra nourishment, besides relieving the symptoms of nausea and morning sickness.

The need for a healthy diet during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized. You need it to stay healthy and to ensure that your baby is healthy too.

Having a collection of different smoothie recipes is good so that you can easily prepare one and also helps to relieve the stress of what to eat during pregnancy. The process for making smoothies is very easy. You need a good blender, a glass cup, and a few necessary ingredients.

This article provides you with 12 healthy and essential smoothies you can make during pregnancy and few tips on preparation.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes For You

1. Date Smoothie

This smoothie is very important during pregnancy because it contains dates which helps to prepare the body for labor. The necessary ingredients are frozen fruit mix (berry and cherry), frozen banana, almond milk, and date fruits.

Procedure:

Blend these fruits together until it is smooth enough. You can make it thinner by adding more almond milk.

2. Peanut Butter Prune Smoothie

This smoothie contains ripe bananas and prunes which elevates its fiber content. The rich fiber content in this smoothie makes it a source of great relief during constipation. The needed ingredients are frozen ripe bananas, dried plums, coconut milk and peanut butter powder.

Peanut butter prune smoothie recipe

Procedure:

Put all these ingredients in the blender at once and run it at a high speed to blend it all at once. This is best served when it is still cold.

3. White Nut Smoothie

The white nut contains variety of nuts which ensures a good supply of omega-3 acids. Avocado also provides you with the fats for building up your energy. Ingredients needed are grounded walnuts and flax seeds, avocados, frozen bananas, almond milk and butter.

Procedure:

Add the fruits first, then the nuts. Finally, add the milk in the desired quantity into the blender. Blend all together until the mixture gets thick and creamy.

4. Energizer Smoothie

This particular smoothie provides you with quick energy. It also contains rich flavors that can keep you going all day. The required ingredients are avocado, apple, frozen spinach and mixed berries, vanilla yoghurt, coconut milk, and orange juice.

Procedure:

Put these ingredients together in the blender and blend until the required consistency is met. You are ready to re-energize your body.

5. Fuzzy Cocktail Smoothie

The rich variety used for this smoothie are very rich in vitamins and minerals as well as omega-3 fatty acid. Ingredients used include vanilla flavored yoghurt, grounded flax seeds, frozen banana, spinach and peaches, coconut milk and orange juice.

Procedure:

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend. You can choose to chop down the fruits to ease blending. Blend until your desired consistency is reached. Add the coconut milk and orange juice to your taste.

6. Peanut Butter Smoothie

This smoothie supplies you with adequate protein. It also satisfies the craving for chocolate for women who crave for chocolate during pregnancy. The ingredients needed for peanut butter smoothie include tofu, soy milk, frozen banana, peanut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Procedure:

Add the solid ingredients first, then add the soy milk into a blender. Run the blender for some minutes and check the thickness. You can use the soy milk to adjust the thickness of the smoothies. The more the soy milk, the thinner the shake.

7. Margarita with a Twist

This smoothie has a great taste and aroma and can help to relieve the feeling of morning sickness. The ingredients needed for this smoothie include frozen strawberries, mangoes, and bananas, peeled lime and orange, broccoli, coconut water, and coconut milk.

Procedure:

Put only the coconut water and milk into the blender and blend. Next, add oranges, lime and broccoli with it. Blend these items together until they are smooth and fine. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend until the desired texture is attained.

8. Iron Powered Shake

Iron and vitamin C are very essential for a pregnant woman and this smoothie contains them both, in rich proportions. It also contains other necessary nutrients, the required ingredients are honey, diced beetroot, pitted dates, frozen spinach, orange juice and water.

Procedure:

Add the fruits and other solids into the blender, top it with honey, juice and water. Blend all until it reaches a smooth consistency.

9. Berry Smoothie

This smoothie is rich in antioxidants, helps to boost heart health, and is also rich in fibre. The necessary ingredients are frozen bananas and mangoes, blackberries, dates, coconut or almond milk.

Berry Smoothies in a glass cup

Put all ingredients in the blender and top with the almond or coconut milk. Blend until a smooth consistency is reached.

10. Green Healthy Smoothie

The ingredients needed to make this smoothie are frozen bananas, mangoes, and pineapples; coconut water, any green vegetable such as broccoli or spinach. The beauty of this smoothie is that you don’t need to stick to the same ingredients, you can mix and match with other alternatives as desired.

Procedure:

Add all the ingredients into the blender one after the other and blend until you achieve the desired consistency. Your smoothie is ready to go!

11. Smoothie for Nausea Treatment

This smoothie with its rich ingredients will help to relieve morning sickness. The ingredients used are frozen mangoes, lemon juice, grated ginger, apples, and water.

Procedure:

Put all the fruits in the blender and blend thoroughly. Then add ginger and water and bled it more. You’re ready to kick out nausea with this great taste.

12. High Protein Tropical Smoothie

This smoothie is usually thicker than the other smoothies. This is because it contains a great deal of fibers. The necessary ingredients are grounded flax seeds. Chickpeas, silvered almonds, peeled kiwi, frozen tropical fruit mix, frozen broccoli, and cold water.

Procedure:

Grind the almonds and the flax seeds together using a coffee grinder. Ensure they are as fine as powder. Then blend with all the ingredients until it is smooth. Your smoothie is up for consumption!

Simple Preparation Tips:

  1. Ensure that your choice of fruit does not contain a high content of sugar. Go for fruits that have low sugar content. The best fruits for making pregnancy smoothie include blueberries, raspberries, avocado, blackberries, peaches, etc.
  2. Be sure to include protein and healthy fats with your smoothie diet so that it will help to balance the sugar and also reduce blood sugar spikes. Good options for protein include almonds, walnuts, yoghurt among others.
  3. Your smoothie should contain green veggies such as spinach or broccoli; nuts and seeds; and date fruit.

Conclusion

Staying healthy is very important during pregnancy, hence, you should do everything within your reach to stay healthy.

References
  • Maeda, Emiko (2013). “The Effects of Green Smoothie Consumption on Blood Pressure and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial”.  Dissertations and Theses.  Paper 974. Accessed on 5th February, 2021 from https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.974

What Foods Cause Reflux In Pregnancy?

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Heartburn isn’t abnormal during pregnancy. In fact, more than 50% of pregnant women in the US experience this at one stage or another during pregnancy.

As the womb enlarges in pregnancy, it presses on the stomach and pushes it upwards, causing the stomach contents to move up to the esophagus. When this happens, reflux occurs.

Interestingly, some healthy foods can also trigger this reflux during pregnancy. What are these meals? Can they be avoided? Is there a way forward?

This article answers these questions and any others you may have about reflux in pregnancy; the causes, treatment, and preventive measures.

Foods that cause reflux in pregnant women

Fatty foods

Fat-filled meals are known to cause acid reflux during pregnancy. These meals take longer to digest, making them more likely to be pushed back up through the esophagus.

As a result of this, choose baked foods over fried foods and also go for leaner cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products.

Highly seasoned or spicy foods

Spicy meals or overly-seasoned foods can also increase the risk of heartburn during pregnancy. As an expectant mom, we advise that you minimize spice and seasoning consumption.

Citrus Foods

Fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and tomatoes can cause acid reflux after meals.

To reduce this effect, take low acid orange juice. Also, don’t eat your tomatoes plain as in a salad. Instead, you can eat tomatoes on a turkey sandwich.

Coffee and Soda

Beverages containing caffeine are known to trigger heartburn.

edema

To prevent acid reflux, limit your coffee and soda intake. And yes, caffeine is not so good during pregnancy, so limit your caffeine intake drastically (the recommended caffeine intake during pregnancy is 200 mg per day).

Chocolate

Chocolates can also cause acid reflux during pregnancy. The way out is to reduce the quantity of chocolate consumed to not more than two squares of chocolate bar per day and ensure you are not eating it on an empty stomach.

Alcohol

First, you should totally avoid alcohol during pregnancy. In addition to placing your baby at risk of serious medical conditions, alcohol also causes reflux.

When Does Heartburn Start & End During Pregnancy?

Heartburn starts in the first trimester for most women, beginning around the second month of pregnancy. But for some other women, it starts in the second or third trimester.

Sadly, heartburn comes to stay during pregnancy. It does not end until your pregnancy ends. But you can be sure that once you deliver your baby, the heartburn will clear off.

How To Manage Heartburn During Pregnancy?

There are many ways to treat heartburn during pregnancy. And they include:

Take milk

Milk is basic, therefore, it can help to neutralize the acid content in the digestive tract. You may choose to warm your milk or add some honey for more soothing relief.

Papaya

Fresh, dried, or frozen papaya also helps to relieve heartburn. It is also a rich source of vitamins A and C.

Chewing sugarless gum

Chewing gum increases the rate of digestion and also increases saliva production. This helps to neutralize the excess acid in the esophagus. Some women also have issues with mint-flavored gums or other flavors. Be sure to stay away from whatever will cause the reflux to be exacerbated. Sugarless gum is the best option, or you can try out gummy bears.

Eat almonds

Adding a few almonds to your diet is a good way to relieve heartburn, especially after a meal. Almonds help to neutralize the juices in the stomach which may relieve heartburn.

Is Heartburn Preventable During Pregnancy?

Even though heartburn is very common in pregnancy, you can prevent it by taking the following measures:

Avoid foods that trigger heartburn.

Watch out for any meals that trigger heartburn for you and avoid them completely.

Skip late-night meals

Ensure that your last big meal is taken at least two hours before bedtime. This will help your food to digest before you lie down.

Avoid eating and drinking at the same time

Too much fluid and food will cause your stomach to distend more and this will aggravate the heartburn. It is advisable to take fluids between meals to reduce heartburn.

Watch your weight

Extra pounds of weight can increase pressure on your digestive tract, worsening heartburn. It is recommended that your weight gain during pregnancy should only be about 25-35 pounds extra.

Eat slowly

Don’t rush your food. The more you chew, the less time and work your stomach spends on digestion. When you eat too fast, the chances of swallowing air increase and they can form gas pockets in your stomach. Here’s the trick, take small bites, and you’ll chew more slowly.

Wear loose clothes

Wearing tight clothes around your waist can further tighten your stomach, increasing pressure and causing heartburn.

Sit upright

Ensure you sit upright while eating and maintain that posture for some hours after you’re done. Lying down, stooping, and slumping bring the gastric juices back up. If you need to bend for any reason, do it at your knees, and not your waist. Also, try and sleep with your head elevated. This way, the power of gravity helps to keep the gastric juices where they belong.

We’re always here to help, Mama!

References

Juan C Vazquez (2015).  Heartburn in pregnancy. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Accessed on 5th February, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562453/#__ffn_sectitle

Richter. J. E. (2005). The management of heartburn in pregnancy. Wiley Online Library, Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Accessed on 5th February, 2021 from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02654.x

Five (5) Side Effects Of Guinea Corn For Children

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Making the right food decisions for her child is something every mother worries about. Guinea corn is widely known for its numerous health benefits. Nevertheless, before you incorporate guinea corn into your child’s diet, there are some side effects you may want to look out for.

what are the side effects of guinea corn?

First, What’s Guinea Corn?

Guinea corn (also known as sorghum) is a cereal. It is grown and eaten mostly in West Africa, especially Nigeria. Guinea corn is a good complement for baby food because it’s rich in nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

As a result of this, it is a very popular cereal. Nevertheless, despite its great health benefits, guinea corn can also be a source of potential harm, especially to babies.

Side Effect
stethoscope

This article provides you with all the key information you need about guinea corn.

Read on to learn five side effects of guinea corn in children and some tips on feeding your child with guinea corn.

The Side Effects:

1. Gluten Intolerance

Guinea corn contains a form of an insoluble protein called gluten. It’s possible that your child may be allergic to gluten or some of the other constituents of guinea corn.

Baby experience diarrhoea

As a result, you should watch out for any of the following symptoms when introducing guinea corn into your baby’s diet:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Belching
  • Fat in stool

These are the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance in children. Therefore, if you notice this at any point, withdraw guinea corn and book an appointment with the doctor.

2. Gastrointestinal Intolerance

The high fiber content of guinea corn can make some kids experience tummy issues after eating it. A common symptom of this condition is excessive farting.

However, this reaction to guinea corn is rare.

3. Diseases Of The Digestive System

High fiber products and meals (such as guinea corn), are not recommended for children who are prone to or who are suffering from diseases affecting their digestive systems.

Furthermore, cereals high in fiber are not suitable for the immature digestive system of your child. Therefore, be careful to observe any reaction by your child when you feed him or her guinea corn.

4. Diarrhea Or Constipation

A sudden introduction of guinea corn to your baby’s diet may lead to diarrhea or constipation. This occurs when the child’s digestive system doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the change.

Therefore, we recommend a slow but consistent introduction during weaning. This typically involves having a spoon full of the food type over three days before increasing quantities or adding other types of food.

5. Reduced Weight Gain

Guinea corn is a good source of complex carbohydrates which helps a person stay fuller for longer. Although this effect is good for those who want to lose weight, it is not ideal for your baby because he or she needs to gain weight.

bay weight

To help you deal with this side effect, here are some simple Nigerian meals that are guaranteed to help your baby gain weight fast.

Tips on Feeding Your Baby With Guinea Corn

baby cereal
  1. Guinea corn meals should be fortified before giving to children. Since the digestive system is still immature, it’s safer to avoid cereals with large fiber content.
  2. Be Slow But Steady: Don’t make guinea corn meal the main dish in your child’s diet. 1 or 2 servings are enough for a day. In fact you can add have the guinea guinea corn fermented as in pap to make it easier for your child.

Finally,

As long as you keep an eye out for these symptoms, everything would work out just fine.

References

IS GUINEA CORN GOOD FOR MY BABY?

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For the first few months of life, most new mothers don’t have to worry about what to feed their babies. Nature has made provision for an always available, highly nutritious meal for newborns in the form of breast milk.

Breastfeeding and Losing Baby Weight

In fact, we advise all new mums to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. However, after that, the question of which solid food supplies your baby with the best nutrients may spring up.

As usual, we’re here to help out.

Firstly, What’s Guinea Corn?

Guinea corn, also known as Sorghum has been a common choice for African mothers for a very long time. It is also becoming increasingly popular in all parts of the world. This popularity isn’t strange because guinea corn is a highly nutritious cereal. It is not only highly beneficial for adults, but it is also especially good for babies.

Guinea Corn

If you are a new mother searching for the best weaning foods, you have come to the right place.

Nutritional Content Of Guinea Corn

Guinea corn is a highly nutritious grain and a natural energy inducer. It is rich in protein, cellulose, and other micronutrients such as:

  • magnesium
  • iron
  • vitamin-B
  • copper
  • calcium
  • potassium

Guinea corn is the real superfood you need to fulfill all your babys’ nutritional requirements for healthy growth.

Health Benefits Of Guinea Corn:

1. Weight Booster

African mothers take pride in their newborns growing and putting on healthy weight. Guinea corn is a superfood with high-calorie content to support weight gain. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many Nigerian mums choose to feed their babies guinea corn once they stop breastfeeding.

Furthermore, it’s necessary for a child to be at a healthy weight for proper growth and development to occur. Babies who are underweight usually have problems with physical and mental development.

If your baby is having issues putting on weight, guinea corn will be very helpful. This superfood is not only packed with nutrients but is also high in calories that will help your baby gain weight easily.

2. Aids Digestion

The process of transitioning from consuming breast milk to eating solid foods is a gradual one. Your baby’s digestive system may take some time to adjust to the new diet and you may have to deal with some bowel inconsistencies. However, guinea corn can be easily digested by your baby’s system. In fact, it will even help improve your baby’s digestive system and get rid of common bowel problems.

3. Anti-carcinogenic Properties

Medical studies show that guinea corn can prevent cancer. This amazing grain is rich in phenolic compounds which prevent the growth of cancer cells in the colon and breast.

Still doubting this amazing grain?

Just hold on.

How to Use Guinea Corn As Baby Food

Guinea corn can be processed and eaten in different ways. Some of them include:

  • Brown Pap

This is one of the most common baby foods used to wean babies in Nigeria. It is like our very own English version of custard. This highly nutritious meal is made from a combination of corn, millet, and guinea corn. It provides your baby with the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins necessary for growth.

How to make tom brown for babies

In addition, pap can even be fortified with milk, fruit purees, soya beans, groundnuts, or even crayfish, you have a balanced diet!

  • Kunu Geida

This is also another local baby food. Kunu Geida is made from guinea corn and dried nuts. It is also highly nutritious and contains sufficient amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates needed for your child’s growth. Feeding your child Kunu geida regularly will help him grow faster and gain weight.

In addition to this, you can also process Guinea corn into flour for baking bread, pancakes, and porridge.

In Conclusion

We advise that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for at least the first 6 months of life before you consider introducing solid foods.

Guinea corn is one of the best foods you could introduce to your child first.

Finally, It is easily digestible and highly nutritious. You should try it!

REFERENCES
  • 2) Nago, Mathurin Coffi; Hounhouigan, Joseph D.; Akissoe, Noël; Zanou, Elisabeth; Mestres, Christian (June 1998). “Characterization of the Beninese traditional ogi, a fermented maize slurry: physicochemical and microbiological aspects”. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 33 (3): 307–315. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2621.1998.00169.x.
  • Chukwu, Ogbonnaya & Abubakar, I.. (2011). Determination of Some Physicochemical Properties of Guinea Corn (Sorghum vulgare). Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Science. 2. 62-66.
  • Eifediyi, Kevin. (2015). Studies on the growth and yield response of guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) to organomineral fertilizer application in Ilorin North Central Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Applied Science. Volume 33.
  • Shutterstock

Symptoms Of Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

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Do you know that three in four women will have a yeast infection at least once in their lives? In fact, susceptibility to this infection increases during pregnancy.

For most expectant mums, this period is marked by gladness and preparation. However, the increased risk and susceptibility to certain infections can make this wait quite delicate.

How will you know if you have a yeast infection?

In this article, you’d find the symptoms of yeast infections during pregnancy, possible causes and how to prevent it.

First, What Is A Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infections are also known as candidiasis. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, (or moniliasis), is a yeast infection that affects the vagina and vulva.

These infections are caused by a kind of yeast known as Candida albicans. However, other types of yeast, including Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, can also cause yeast infections.

Yeast infections are common in pregnant women due to increased estrogen levels. This increase causes an imbalance between the yeast and bacteria population in the vagina.

Most times, this imbalance results in an overgrowth of yeast. Although they are usually unpleasant, yeast infections don’t harm your baby.

What Causes a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy?

Yeast infection during pregnancy results from a number of factors. Some of them include:

  • Vaginal pH Variations: During pregnancy, the hormone levels change the pH (acidity/alkalinity) balance in the vagina. As a result of this, the vagina environment becomes more favourable for yeast growth.
  • Underlying health problems which aren’t properly managed e.g. diabetes, HIV.
  • Medications such as antibiotics may upset the yeast composition of the vagina, leading to a yeast infection.
  • Yeast infection can also be transferred to you from your sexual partner during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

When you have a yeast infection during pregnancy, you may notice any of these:

  • Itchy Vagina: When you have to scratch your vagina consistently, watch it, it may be a yeast infection.
  • Pain or soreness in the vagina or vulva.
  • Burning Sensation: A burning sensation in your genital (especially when you urinate), may be because of a yeast infection.
  • Vaginal Discharge. The presence of a yeast infection may cause you to have a thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge.
  • Rash on the vagina and the skin around it. This rash may extend to the thigh sometimes.
  • Swelling or redness in the area outside your vagina.
vaginal discharge

How to Prevent A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

  • Keep your vaginal area dry by wearing a cotton underwear and a pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
  • Avoid tight pants and underwear.
  • Always clean your vagina after each visit to the toilet. Remember to wipe from front to back to prevent passage of infection into the vagina.
  • Don’t wear a wet swimsuit for long. This helps to keep the genital area dry.
  • Avoid scented sanitary pads, tissue paper, bubble bath, and feminine hygiene sprays.
  • Avoid douching. Douching can upset your vagina and even cause your water to break in late pregnancy.
  • If you have diabetes, watch your sugar level and keep it under control.
Side Effect

Conclusion

Yeast infections can make pregnancy really stressful. Nevertheless, you don’t need to worry, because it doesn’t harm you or your baby. Although, it can be transferred to your baby at birth.

Avoid self-medication during pregnancy. See your doctor and use only prescribed drugs. Read our article on flu rash

REFRENECES

WEANING: CARING FOR YOUR BREASTS AND YOUR BABY

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Weaning in every child always comes with its own unique changes and challenges
Source: Shutterstock

Baby Fola was already 6months old. Her parents loved and adored her so she never lacked anything. Her mother, Sade, was able to take some time off work so she could breastfeed her little one exclusively. Sadly, Sade’s break had come to an end and she had to go back to work. She had to start giving Fola solid food, but was uncertain about how to go about weaning.

Source: Shutterstock

Was Fola even old enough to be weaned? Sade didn’t know where to begin.

What Is Weaning?

Weaning is the introduction of solid food into a baby’s diet, while gradually stopping breastfeeding.

When Does It Start?

The WHO recommends children be fed breast milk till the age of 2 years. Milk should form a major part of your child’s diet within the first year of life. It has several benefits for mum and baby such as reducing the risk of breast cancer and obesity.

At first, breast milk is all your baby needs. However, after 6 months, your baby requires more nutrients that breast milk cannot provide. At this point, you need to introduce solid food. Keep on breastfeeding even after you introduce solid food.

This gives your baby time to adjust to the new diet.

Reasons For Weaning

Reasons for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from :

  • having to go back to work,
  • reaching your breastfeeding target,
  • You are tired and just wanting your body back (personal),
  • having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or
  • unfortunately if a mum looses her baby.

How To Start

Weaning can be either natural or planned.

Natural weaning is also called “child-led weaning”. In this case, your child determines the time and pace of weaning. It starts when your baby gradually begins to accept different types of food, while still breastfeeding. It’s best to start gradually, with one ingredient meals. We’ll discuss this in another article.

This continues till breastfeeding completely stops. This method of weaning might take some time, till your baby is about 2 years or more.

Feeding Baby
Source: Shutterstock

On the other hand, planned weaning or “mother-led weaning” is based on the mother. She chooses when to start the process. However, you should still wean gradually.

Begin by alternating solid food and breast milk. Introduce one food at a time. As your baby begins to adjust, you could then add a variety of meals.

How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Ready For Solids?

This usually coincides when your baby is around) months old but it varies from child to child. The signs of readiness to look out for include the following:

  • They can sit up without support.
  • They start showing interest in the food they see being eaten by others around them
  • They loose the extrusion reflex; the tendency to push food out using the tongue instead of rolling it in and to the back of the mouth

Next Steps

  • Gradually drop take off one feeding or pumping session every 2-3 days replacing this for baby with your desired semi solid meal. This tricks your baby and your body. For kids who are “aware” ie. over 1 year old you can substitute these sessions with healthy alternatives such as yoghurt or fresh fruit smoothies.
  • Increase the time in between each feeding or pumping session eg. If you pumped or fed every 2 hours, increase the interval to 4 hours.
  • Shorten the duration of each session. If your feeding or pumping sessions usually last 20-30 minutes, cut it down to 10 or 15.
  • Gradually your baby should loose interest. This doesn’t mean your milk supply will dry up immediately. This will come with time.

Drastic measures…

You can stop Breastmilk production more abruptly using specific medication( diuretics or prolactin inhibitors). A doctor can prescribe this for you

How Can Weaning Affect You?

When you stop breastfeeding, your body experiences some physical and emotional changes. Some of these include;

  • Mood swings
  • Return of your periods
  • Decrease in breast size

Additionally, your breast will continue producing milk for some time. Weaning gradually allows your breast milk supply to reduce little by little.

This is necessary to prevent your breast ducts ( which transport milk) from getting blocked and causing an infection.

How Can You Care For Your Breasts When Weaning Starts?

Your breastmilk supply obeys the laws of demand and supply after your baby turns 1 month old. The best way to reduce and finally stop your milk supply is to drain as little of your milk as possible. However, your breasts may become engorged with milk, your ducts may clog up and get blocked, causing discomfort and pain.


Reasons for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from having to go back to work, reaching your breastfeeding target, being tired (personal), having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or unfortunately if a mum looses her baby. for wanting a breastmilk production to stop could vary from having to go back to work, reaching your breastfeeding target, being tired (personal), having a baby or mother with a medical condition that is incompatible with feeding breastmilk or unfortunately if a mum looses her baby.
Weaning gradually can prevent complications from engorged breasts

If this happens to you, you could try;

  • Using warmth to help loosen up the clogged duct. This is done by taking warm showers, use hot compresses or a hot water bottle to massage your breasts. Please wrap in a towel before applying to your skin to prevent burns.
  • Hand-expression or pumping to temporarily drain milk in the affected breast. This will help clear your ducts. You can do this with a silicone breast pump.
  • Wearing a looser bra. Bras that are too tight especially those with underwires can lead to clogged ducts. We stock some comfort ones from Biamo designs.
Order An Anaborhi Silicone Pump
Order A Biamo Designs Nursing Bra

If left untreated, a blocked duct could cause an infection called mastitis. This may need treatment with antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the fever, pain and inflammation.

Learn about mastitis

Once the blocked duct or mastitis is treated, you can resume not draining your milk. With time, your breast will decrease its milk supply till it eventually stops.

Do you….

Whether you are breastfeeding directly or pumping exclusively, the decision as to how and when to begin to WEAN your baby off breastmilk is yours.
Tricking your body to stop producing milk is another matter altogether. If this process isn’t handled well it could lead to undernourishment in your baby or complications from breast engorgement for example.

We’ve written on 10 Nigerian meal ideas you can try for weaning. Meals like pap and Tom Brown are mixed with soya bean powder are great once your baby gets the hang of your starter one ingredient purees.

It would be a big change for both of you physically and emotionally. So do what you think is best, in your own time. Seek support from family and friends when needed.

You’ve  got this mama!

References
  • Arpana M. Naik 2015, Pregnancy and Parenting, Healthy Women, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.healthywomen.org/content/ask-expert/1286/clogged-milk-duct>.
  • Caring For Kids 2018, Weaning Your Child From Breastfeeding, Caring For Kids, Caring For Your Kids, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/weaning_breastfeeding>.
  • First 1000 Days 2020, What Is Weaning & How To Get Started, First 1000 Days, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.first1000days.ie/what-is-weaning-how-to-get-started/>.
  • Jessica Madden 2020, Engorgement, Mastitis + Thrush: What They Are and How To Treat Them, Motherly, Viewed on June 22, 2020, < https://www.mother.ly/life/engorgement-mastitis-thrush>.
  • Medela 2019, Weaning; When and How To Stop Breastfeeding, Medela, Viewed on June 22, 2020, <https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/weaning>.