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HOW TO MAKE THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF MOTHERING A BREEZE?
Newborns are a lovely addition to the home. Loved by all, we wallow in their domicile glory. But not for long, for newborns signal sleepless nights, endless feeding sessions, epitome crying sessions and mountain loads of nappies. As mothers, we endure the brunt of the stressful situations, teetering on a flush of hormones, this can definitely be draining both physically and mentally. Do not try and be super mum, there is no competition and no one will belittle you for not doing it all. Get help, from family, friends and nannies. Say no to other commitments, your child should be your priority in the first few months, until a routine is established. Remember to make time for yourself, to rejuvenate and be ready for more hazardous duties. This is a wondrous time in your life, enjoy it thoroughly and get rid of that unnecessary stress.
WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP BREAST FEEDING?
According to the experts breast feeding your baby is the best way for him or her to a good start in life. It minimises the risk of infections, allergies and some experts even say that your child's intelligence is linked to how long you breast feed. Some mothers are experts at it from the get go. Others learn the hard way through chapped nipples from improper latching to around the clock feeders. Breast feeding should not be an ordeal, as mothers our naturel instinct is to suffer for the sake of our child. But don't feel dismayed if you find breast feeding a difficult task, there are a multitude of formulas which are equally quite good. Breast feed your child for as long as you physically are able to that could be from three months to six months to a year. With the guidance of your Pediatrician decide on a weaning plan that works for you and your baby.
RECENTLY MY DAUGHTER, WHO IS SIX, COMPLAINS OF STOMACH ACHES IN THE MORNING BEFORE SHE GOES TO SCHOOL. COUPLE OF TIMES, OUT OF CONCERN I HAVE KEPT HER AT HOME. BUT AFTER THE THIRD TIME I REALISED IT COULD BE SOMETHING MORE. WE CHECKED WITH THE PEDIATRICIAN AND SHE SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. IN-FACT AFTER AN HOUR OR TWO MY DAUGHTER IS FINE AND HAPPILY PLAYING. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SUGGEST PARENTING NANNY, THE PROBLEM TO BE?
Since the Pediatrician has ruled out any physical aliment, your daughter maybe have stomach pains due to psychological factors. The muscles of the stomach and intestines are richly supplied with nerves. A child's feelings and state of mind may initiate these nerves to contract, producing painful episodes of cramping. A frustrated, worried, or simply unhappy child may manifest these inner feelings with a complaint of stomach pain. intestinal muscles, producing pain. Occasionally, recurrent abdominal pain is due to indigestion from eating too much or too fast, from being forced to eat when the child is not hungry, allergies or intolerances to certain foods, particularly dairy products. Observing your child's diet may provide an answer. Most cases of recurrent abdominal pain are caused by stress, constipation or a problem such as lactose intolerance or food allergy.
Diets that include lots of foods with high-fructose corn syrup bother some children. Pain that occurs more often during the week than on weekends or holidays is likely to have a stress component.
However, weekends are not necessarily stress-free.
Children may still have to deal with sports, religious school or family issues.