“Daughters are meant to fly high as sky is the limit”.
Baby needs a tender care from
the first day of her / his birth. I know you must have a guiding force in your
life to help you with the baby upkeep. Though thought to pen down my journey of
motherhood with all of you. Ideology to write this article is to make the
expectant mothers know what to expect from the gynecologists; who are midwifes; diet to be followed pre & post-delivery.
I am a post graduate from a
reputed B school, and has been working for past 7 years. With a hectic work
schedule never thought of motherhood. Even in the initial phase of my pregnancy
was more concerned about my work but gradually understood that for a healthier
baby mother needs to be fit.
Unfortunately had been to a
very difficult path of motherhood, till date I get shaken up with reminiscence
of my pregnancy phase. The complication in my pregnancy was of less amniotic
fluid (fluid filled bag in the uterus which cushioned the baby from getting any
harm). It was a case of negligence on my doctor’s part, who never up-to-date us
about it, till it got noticed during one of the session of ultra sound. Due to
the less water level I could not feel my babies move; adequate amount of oxygen
was not reaching to the baby. To monitor baby’s heart beat & moves had to
visit the doctor twice a day; had to take oxygen for four hours a day till my
delivery. This complication led to a urine infections, with an inevitable level
and got operated in the beginning of my ninth month.
On the 26th October’12 morning got admitted for
delivery, as the time was approaching, got restless, tensed and worried. The
situation was not life threatening for me rather was of more concern for baby’s health, feeling of her being born healthier led me to be conscious
throughout my operation. This was my first step towards motherhood. On hearing
my baby’s first cry, got relaxed and checked with the doctor about baby’s well being. Fortunately she was healthier.
Post-delivery I became
weak, and the medication given comprised of only calcium & iron tablets. It
took me almost two years to revive.
Here are few points which I
feel are most important to be followed, while expecting a baby:
·
When you are overdue with your periods for a week, do a pregnancy
test at home.
· Good pregnancy kits are available in market now a days. Use any of
them, if the strip line turns light pink then the test is positive consult a
gynaec immediately.
·
Consult your relatives, friends & neighbours for a good
doctor.
·
Doctor should be of your area OR nearby area.
· Hospital should be well equipped for the emergency and should have
nursery. Check for Pediatrician available at the time of delivery.
·
Consult your doctor whenever you have a doubt
·
Inform your doctor if you are a thyroid patient – medication of
thyroid will not stop.
·
In case you have a B12 deficiency then be regular with your
gastroenterologist- B12 is must for baby’s brain development.
· On every visit check with your doc. about your weight; baby’s
growth; amniotic fluid level; Diet to be followed; in case you are not able to
take any prescribed medicine inform your doctor immediately.
·
Expecting mother to take a walk every day; need to be active;
· Maternity bag – For mother: maternity gown; feeding bra; sanitary
napkins; for baby – Coconut oil; wrap around; clothes (new / old as per
custom); blanket
· Start day by eating dry fruits; should take small meals at every
two-three hours; have two cups of Women Horlicks in a day; coconut water; curd;
Dal
·
Stop the intake of caffeine; cold drinks; junk foods
Post-delivery pros & cons: Mother
& Child
· In case of C- Section be cautious about the stiches. Check with
the doctor dos & don’ts to be followed till the stiches are removed.
· Everyday clean the operated section.
· Post removal of stich apply coconut oil to get rid of the scar.
· Post removal of stich start wearing tummy belt – Check with your
doctor.
· In case you need to travel by aeroplane- Baby should be of 14 days
at the time of travel
· While take off & landing feed the baby. Incase baby refuses
then place your finger in baby’s mouth.
· Must have a body massage.
· Increase the intake of food rich in proteins; calcium; iron.
Follow the medication prescribed; drink two cups of Mother’s Horlicks with a
teaspoon of flax seed in a day – good for health. In my case, was only given
iron and calcium which resulted in severe weakness, pain in vagina.
· Pain in the stich area is normal and could last for 1.5 years.
· Delay in periods is also normal and could be delay for more than a
year.
· Avoid the intake of food rich in ghee – I didn’t, due to which my
weight got increased, and it took me two years to cut down the gained weight.
· Have a check on the vaccination chart of the baby.
· Prefer to have a nearby Paediatrician and who is reachable on
holidays / off days.
· Initially babies get colic pain, cold & cough – It’s normal.
You can consult the Paediatrician but can use the home remedies also.
· Asafoetida(Hing) is ideal for acidic pain in babies – Heat a pinch of Asafoetida in a teaspoon of water and
apply around the naval area OR Carom(Ajwain) – Heat a pinch of carom in a
teaspoon of sudh ghee(preferably homemade).
· Heat a slice of garlic in a mustard oil and apply on the chest,
back, outside the nostril and pour a drop of it in the ears as well – ideal
home remedy for cold & cough.
· Baby should be given oil massage twice a day. Use any of these
oils -mustard, olive, jojoba, Dabur Lal Tail.
· You can use Diapers for babies. Try to change it every 3 – 4
hours; apply Abzorb powder to avoid rashes.
· No water for baby (for six months). Baby to be on mother’s feed
and in case it’s not sufficient then the formula milk can be given with consultation
to the doctor.
· Avoid imported baby food. Prefer home-made food only.
Pen Whizz