What to do when newborn baby has swollen breasts?

A swollen breast is a common condition observed in babies, both male and female. Commonly seen that one or both the breast are swollen, firm and lumpy after a week of birth. Although this condition may seem abnormal, the swollen breasts usually shrink within a few weeks or months of life. The new parents will be worried at the sight of swollen breasts.

Causes of a swollen breast in a newborn baby

Mother’s hormones

Swelling of breast happens because of the hormones the baby receives from the mother during pregnancy. While the baby is in the womb, the baby is exposed to variations of hormones that a mother produces during pregnancy. These hormones are passed along to the baby and remain within the baby after birth.  These changes are triggered by hormones that travel throughout her bloodstream, through the placenta and to the baby via the umbilical cord.

After delivery when there is no more exposure to the hormones, the breast tissue will begin to shrink and become flat. This may take days and weeks. A milky substance called “witches milk” may leak from the nipples but will cease after a few days or weeks.

Breast feeding

Breast feeding also contribute to the baby’s breasts swelling due to the continuation of the mother’s hormones passing to the baby. While breast feeding may also contribute to prolonged breast enlargement and baby milk production, temporary or permanent weaning is not recommended.

Also read: 8 Top Tips to Keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

Breast buds

Swollen breasts in babies can contribute due to breast buds or lumps under the nipples. These lumps are mature breast tissue that can even secrete milk. Breast buds can occur in both male and female babies and will diminish over the first few months of life.

Infection

If the breast or nipple looks red, tender or has a colored discharge other than a milky substance and the baby has a fever, a pediatrician should examine the baby for infection. Be alert and observe any redness and pain for the baby.

Parents are advised not to squeeze or massage the swollen breasts, for this will only cause irritation and may lead to an infection. Swollen breasts in newborn babies is not a problem and will become less noticeable as your baby changes and grows.

Also read: Can I Continue to Breastfeed my Baby when I’m Back from Work?

Cultural differences

In India, the new mom is advised to squeeze or press the nipple during massage to remove the milk that is accumulated. General understanding by daimas is that if the milk is not removed, it will lead to larger breast and chest which can be a bother to your personality as you grow up and are in your teens. Usually observed in stout boys.

Elders in the family also insists to continue removing the milk for a week’s time. It will be done gently to ensure baby does not have pain.

However Pediatricians insist that the baby’s breast are not pressed, leave them alone and allow nature take its course in shrinking them.

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8 Top Tips to Keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

A newborn baby brings lots of happiness and stress too with its arrival. As they say that the parents are going thru’ a new set of responsibilities, sleepless nights, coping up with extra members in the family, guests and new crew of support services.

Newborns have to be cared for and most importantly closely monitored for any slight changes. A lot of healthy hygiene practices have to be followed at home and should be implemented by all family members including supporting team. There are plenty of do’s and don’ts that have to be strictly adhered to ensure newborn baby is clean and healthy.

The basic needs for a Newborn baby are:

Bathing a baby

Babies can be given a bath daily unless the baby is sick or had an immunization schedule. In winters when the external weather is extremely cold you can opt for a wipe with a towel dipped in luke warm water. You can wash the baby’s hair daily though it is not mandatory. Weekly twice you can apply a mild shampoo for the hair and use a mild soap. However, you need to monitor that the water does not enter the newborn baby’s nose, mouth, eyes and ears.

After bathing the baby dry the baby completely with a dry towel. Make sure you clean dry the hidden area under creases- especially armpit and groin. This will keep away infection or peeling of skin

Read: New Moms Newborn Basic Baby Care Tips

Care for the cord

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut close to the body in a painless procedure, leaving a 2 to 3 cm short umbilical stump. Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will dry up and eventually fall off within 10 to 21 days. There will be a fresh wound and it will take a few days to heal.

Read: Umbilical cord care: Basics for a New mom

You need to take good care of the umbilical cord area. This area is delicate and will need a little extra attention until the cord stump naturally falls off. Apply medication as prescribed by your baby’s pediatrician.

Taking care of eyes, nose, ears

There is no specific need to clean the eyes, ears and nose, however you need to wipe them with a wet towel externally. Avoid putting Kaajal in the eyes. You can apply kaajal on eyebrows. If you observe some dirt like substance in the ear or nose, gently clean with a ear bud without going much deeper.

Keeping private areas clean

During baby massage the common practice is to squeeze the breasts of the newborn baby to remove a milky substance otherwise the boys will have huge breast when they grow up. At times the foreskin on the penis of the baby is pushed back as a part of cleaning. These actions can result in serious infections and should be avoided unless handled by experienced hands.

Read: Taking Care of a premature baby

Trimming nail

Preferably trim baby’s nails when the baby is asleep. Nails grow quickly and if uncut can cause scratches for the baby. The nails of a baby may be trimmed with a clipper or baby scissors. Do not bite off the nails as it is not a hygienic practice.

Read: How to trim baby’s nails

Cutting hair

Baby’s hair grow fast and few babies have thick hair and it will start falling into the eyes and cause irritation. In certain communities, it is a practice to shave the head, soon after birth or after the baby is one year old. If cutting the hair is delayed you can use baby clips and secure hair.

Shaving the hair is also practiced in Indian communities, religious and scientific reason for removing the birth hair. Apply sandal wood paste mixed in homemade turmeric paste for cooling the scalp, this is followed commonly.

Read: Shaving a baby’s head makes the hair grow thicker and stronger

The same holds true for ear piercing. It is safe to wait till the baby has received its triple injections to tonsure the head or pierce the baby’s ears. This helps prevent tetanus.

Read: Vaccines for your baby – Immunization schedule

Keeping clothes clean

The newborn baby’s clothes need to be segregated and washed daily in water containing an antibacterial solution like dettol and some mild detergent, either by hand or in the washing machine. They should be sufficiently dried in a machine or in the sun to kill all germs. Once dry, the clothes should be folded and kept inside the cupboard, free from contamination. Change the clothes when damp after a feed or after baby passes stool or urinates.

Read: The importance of Setting a Baby’s routine

Handling the baby

There will be lots of friends and relatives visiting hospital and home after the baby is born. Make sure that anybody who handles the baby washes his/her hands with a good antibacterial soap or hand wash. Make sure civil footwear is left outside the baby’s room to minimize contamination.

Read: How to Handle the New Born Baby?

Clean and sterilize feeding bottles and other accessories

Feeding bottles should be sterilized in boiling water early in the morning and should be left in the vessel with water and a lid. You should have a good set of bottles to avoid any shortcuts and bypasses during cleaning. After baby’s feed empty the bottle, wash and keep aside. All the bottles and nipples needs to be sterilized again prior to use.

Read: How to Clean and Sterilize Bottle Feeding Equipment &

Dispensing and Preparing Formula for baby

Baby toys are major causes of infection. You need to wipe them with soap and water and ensure they are away from floor. Keep away toys that have sharp edges or are damaged, they could be dangerous.

Read: Choking prevention and First Aid for Babies

A common advice

It is a known fact that newborn babies are delicate and prone to infections quickly even with slight weather changes therefore you need to monitor the flow of relatives and friends visiting the hospital and home. Ensure baby’s room is airy and well lit.

Read: Use an Air Conditioner(AC) or Air cooler for a newborn baby?

The mother should also take care of overall health and the food intake to ensure being healthy and also making sure of the baby’s well being. Take medicines on time and recover fast. Follow hygiene practices to keep breast clean by washing with soap and water frequently prior to breast feeding.

Best wishes!! Happy motherhood !!

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How to keep your Baby Healthy during Weather changes?

It is a common observation that baby falls sick when weather change occurs. Even adults at home are down with viral fever, colds and fever due to infections. Follow these simple steps to keep your baby healthy and prevent baby from getting sick.

Breast feed and Immunize:

Your baby’s immune system will be strong with breast feeding and following the immunization calendar  promptly. Do ensure to breastfeed your baby for the first six months and also ensure the vaccinations schedules are adhered to.

Dress for the weather:

Dress your baby as the weather demands. In summer preferable choose light colors and light wear. In winters dress the baby in layers such that you can add or remove clothing as the weather change occurs and the sun is up. Ensure your baby is dressed comfortably.

Bathe your baby safely:

Maintain less gap for the baby after a massage to avoid catching a cold. The solution is to avoid exposing your baby to sudden temperature changes. Ensure there is no contact with cool or chilled air during massage or bathing process. Select baby’s bath time when the baby is least likely to feel cold. Dress up the baby and then only put on the fan. Follow precautions while putting on the AC or air cooler.

Provide a Balanced diet:

Maintain a balanced diet when your baby moves to solids. A good diet provides vitamins and minerals she needs to help fight infections. If the child is a fussy eater, make sure she gets enough vitamins and minerals.

Follow hygiene:

Babies are very sensitive and catch infections quickly from people passing by too. Therefore ensure you maintain a hygienic environment and avoid sneezing, coughing with the baby around. Wash hands with disinfectant prior to handling the baby.

Cleaning Baby accessories:

Ensure toys are not left on the floor. If washable clean them. Ensure the rooms and surroundings are not dusty. If your baby goes to a Day care center inform and create awareness to maintain hygiene while feeding and handling the baby. Restrict movement of street wear inside the rooms. Seek support from other parents to practice hygiene.

Inspite  of all your best efforts your little one may fall sick once in a while. Your precautionary measures will keep the baby free from repeated illnesses. Getting sick is a way to challenge baby’s immune system. Do not delay visit to the doctor upon observing symptoms of sickness, cold, diarrhea, vomiting etc.

Hope you have a better understanding to keep your baby healthy during weather changes. Irrespective of the season, do not be worried over small illnesses observed. Take good care and avoid baby falling severely sick as it will take time to recover from any illness however minor it may sound.

Do not break down. Be alert when the baby has fever and give medications timely. The baby will be back with bouncing energy to make you happy.

What to Feed when my Baby has Watery Motions – Diarrhea

Diarrhea in children is a stress for the mother and the child. Baby will suffer and will be restless crying due to tummy pains and repeated watery stools and the mother becomes tired with frequent nappy changes, having to cuddle the baby and unable to focus on anything else.

The stools will smell foul and at times have a different color. Babies even tend to vomit all that he had. He will be hungry but will refuse all feed given to the baby.

Diarrhea can also result from milk intolerance, food allergy, exposed to unhygienic conditions at home, during travel. Keep water containers closed. Preferably give boiled and cooled water (room temperature) to the baby, plenty of fluids to balance the health of the child.

Watch out if baby has blood in the stools. Baby may suffer from ear pain and high fever too due to viral / bacterial infection.

Diarrhea in children can lead to dangerous medical conditions. You need to consult your Pediatrician who will recommend a temporary change in diet to alleviate your child’s loose stools and shorten the time his diarrhea lasts. The ABC diet limits your child to high-fiber foods that add bulk to his stool.

What is ABC Diet for Diarrhea

The ABC diet consists of high –fiber foods that makes less mushy stools. The diet consists of apple sauce, mashed bananas , steamed carrots , boiled potatoes and rice cereal. You need to follow this diet for a few days till babies stools have resumed normalcy. ABC diet is recommended for babies less than a year old suffering with diarrhea.

Can baby be fed with milk

Avoid dairy products. If the baby is less than a year old, continue Breast feeding. Breast feeding quickly brings down the infection in baby’s stomach, the recovery rate is quicker.

What is BRAT Diet for Diarrhea

Alternative diet for toddlers and older children is BRAT diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. Digestion happens well when they are fed with this diet. This change is only for a few days till system becomes normal.  BRAT diet is recommended when the child has stomach upsets and diarrhea.

How to avoid dehydration

Severe diarrhea conditions lasting for more number of times and longer duration, it can be a major health concern as the baby is losing plenty of liquids. The input quantity is not matching the output and baby becomes weak and dull. It could be fatal too, therefore you need to act promptly to reduce the viral / bacterial infection by consulting a doctor.

Symptoms of dehydration include lack of urine for 6 hours, sunken eyes, no tears and dry, sticky mouth.

Do not give over the counter medications as the infection could vary and wrong diagnosis can be even dangerous. Consult a pediatrician. Your baby needs to be in safe hands.

Pediatricians may also recommended ORS packets (Oral Rehydration Salts ) to balance the dehydration condition. Baby will recover quickly and become active. You can resume normal diet. Keep observing for any change in baby’s health.

There will be small challenges in the journey of motherhood. Face the challenges boldly. Seek help of elders and experts in your neighborhood. Interact and you will feel much lighter.

Traditional practice

In India , a practice called nazar utharna is followed by elders in the family, also known as “drishti theeyadam”, “kannu matuva” in South India. This is done when baby is active and suddenly become dull especially after the baby had a long day out , after a party or get together , looking cute and bubbly wearing colorful bright clothes.

The symptoms seen are: baby becomes sick, vomits, do not have appetite to take regular feeds. The elders in the family takes immediate action saying Baby ko nazar lag gaya hai.

A pinch of salt is held tightly between fingers and is taken above the baby from head to toe 3 times in anti-clock wise direction and then thrown off in running water. It is believed that the evil eye or nazar will be cast away. The other option is taking a dry chilli over the baby and disposing it on fire. If there is a bad smell with cracking sound, it will indicate baby had problem of evil eye and is cast off.

Nowadays everyone are into gas stove or induction top,  so the second option is totally off. Every Indian woman may have experienced this practice being done for a child in their lives . It is a psychological way to assure mother that all is well. The mother takes extra precaution by putting a black dot of kaajal  / eyetex under the feet of the baby to prevent such happenings .

 

Valuable tips on how to develop your baby’s brain

You are all anxious to bring home a new born baby. The parents have a huge responsibility to bring up the child , you need to role model a behavior that as the years go by the child imbibes from the surroundings.

Motherhood is a special time in your life, it is a time filled with worries , surprises and adjustments. You can carry this phase of your life with grace and make memorable moments for you and your family.

Studies reveal that a baby brought up with affection and nurturing will grow to be a healthy individual in future. The brain develops fully and the baby will trust the surroundings, will be positive and will care for the family. The child will stick to the values in tough times too.

The baby brought up in negative environment, in the midst of parents tiffs are very narrow minded. They are selfish, less caring and grow up into individuals with lot of health complications.

As a mother you can care for your child with affection and love and make the most of the responsibility bestowed upon you.

The following tips will be helpful to develop your baby’s brain for a new born baby upto 3 months of age:

• You need to assure your baby with the warmth of your skin. Skin contact makes your baby feel your presence and nearness and feels comfortable.
• Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact.
• You need to communicate with your baby during all the activities you are doing in a day. Keep talking to your baby in a soft voice and lovingly while you are feeding, bathing or dressing the baby.
• While the baby is sleepy put him to sleep by singing a lullaby. The lyrics need not be perfect , never mind if the tune is off melody. The baby will recognize your voice in the midst of several people speaking.
• Keep calling out the baby’s name such that he identifies his name and responds with a smile.
• Place colorful toys around his crib and vision. Ensure the toys make different sounds too. Select toys that will stimulate the baby’s brain and development.
• During the communications mimic the cries of birds, the noise of animals such that the baby differentiates sounds.
• Place bright pictures of black and white images in the areas of eye contact such that the images keep him occupied.
• Understand the cries of your baby, you can differentiate the cries of hunger, pain, irritation, sleep, baby unwell. When the mother responds to babies cry, baby is assured of the love and feels emotionally secure.
• Massage your baby prior to bath schedules. Hold your baby during feedings and provide the baby the warmth and comfort required. Breast feeding is the closest bonding between mother and baby.

• Play different music tunes and you will be surprised to see how the baby is enjoying the tunes.
• Take the baby for a short stroll outside when the weather is appropriate. You can make the baby feel closer to nature and value the importance of environment too.

How you mother your baby can make a huge difference. The tips are small steps in the progress of your baby’s brain. Your child’s future is in your hands. You can create the right surroundings for your little baby. Enjoy your baby’s growth…

How to Handle the New Born Baby?

Tender Care for your New Born Baby

The baby’s parents are very anxious to receive the baby. After nine months of pregnancy, the mother and father are looking forward to that first look of the baby. They will be selecting names for their little child…a girl or a boy. The mother feels all the movements and is longing for the baby, inspite of the daily changes she goes through. When the baby is born, the parents have to take care of the tender baby. The baby was in the womb all these days , carrying the baby safely is the priority.

Gentle Care is Very Essential for New Born

You need to bring in awareness for yourself and later inform all near and dear ones. You need to handle baby with care. The do’s after feeding, bathing practices, changing diapers, breastfeeding hygiene and schedule, bottle feeding cleaning aspects, dressing a baby, needs to be followed with utmost care. You do not want the baby to suffer due to negligence. The information can be taken from your elders, relatives and friends who have years of experience in baby care and know how to face difficult situations also.

Do not touch your baby too frequently

You should be very careful, and try to avoid touch your baby by anyone. Insist to wash hands before carrying your baby. It is advisable because new born baby can get infection quickly as resistance power is low. Sometimes people hold the cheeks of babies in the midst of the work. Avoid holding the baby frequently. Do not use the same bed. Keep footwear outside the room to avoid infection.

Support baby’s head while Carrying Baby

While carrying baby, you should keep your hand below baby’s head to support your baby’s head and neck, which is called cradling. You should always give support to baby’s head and neck while carrying or lie baby down. You should keep one hand under his head while carrying baby. It will take at least 4 to 5 months for the  head to stabilize.

Don’t raise your baby or play as a Toy

Don’t play with your new born baby like throwing in air, or raising the baby above shoulder levels. This is very dangerous as it affects gravity and if you are unable to hold the baby back it could be fatal. This may cause severe injuries too. At times the milk taken will be vomited by the baby due to the jerking action. Discourage anyone doing this with any baby no matter how important or elderly the individual is.

Breast Feeding – Very Essential

Breast milk is the best for new born baby; therefore always insist to feed your baby when she needs to have it. Breast feeding within one hour of birth will be very beneficial for health of baby. Follow hygiene practices .Maintain a gap of 2 to 3 hours if the baby is bottle feed such that baby is hungry for the next feed, if not the baby will only crave for mother’s warmth and attention. Mother’s milk contain more nutrition and very light in digest.

Right Way of bathing New Born Baby

Take guidance from your doctor for proper care of the umbilical cord. It falls off automatically after a few days, but you need to care the umbilical cord of baby unless it will not fall off. You can bathe your baby with warm water and a good gentle soap. Keep all items handy prior to bathing the baby. Wrap the baby in towel soon after bathing to protect from cold. Wipe the soft portion on the head gently. Baby can be fed and will soon have a nice nap. You can sponge baby based on the external weather conditions.

Change Diaper at regular Intervals

Changing the diaper when baby has passed poo or pee is essential. The dampness and the excreta will lead to small rashes. Avoid baby rash. Do not keep single diaper for more than three to four hours. Apply rash cream to protect your baby from any rashes due to diaper. Use good quality wipes for your baby. In case of cotton diaper cloths, ensure soft material. Powder the area too. You need to soak them in antiseptic liquid. Keep a good stock of diapers, wipes as baby will not stop crying when she makes wet. Application of petroleum jelly is good to avoid rashes.

Choose Comfortable Dress for Infant

You should choose comfortable clothes for your baby that is easy to wear or remove. Preferably use cotton material. Sometimes the neck will be small and therefore  it will not enter over the head easily. There should not be any hooks, buttons or bulging knot on the back or front. This will irritate and pain the baby also.You need to be careful while selecting clothes.

Sleeping Time

Sleep time is very important for the baby, growth and development happens during sleep. Ensure to lower music and unnecessary sounds, a peaceful atmosphere will ensure no disturbance and baby will have sound sleep. The sleep patterns also change as baby is growing. Baby born in the day time tends to sleep mostly in the day and slowly the cycle will turn to sleeping for longer duration in the night. Baby will be active and happy with sufficient feed and good sleep . You will become familiar with baby’s moods and patterns.

Communicate with educative toys

Provide good toys which make sound and check if the baby’s eyes and ears are responding. Please ensure the material of make meets standards and they are safe to play with. You can keep the baby engaged with good music, songs and hanging toys on the cradle. This will enable child to identify things in the surroundings. Communicate with baby regularly and build relation.

Remember, new born baby is very delicate, you should gently handle the baby and provide surrounding for a healthy growth. You need to practice good hygiene for yourself and the baby to keep away from infections. Baby senses all things around and get active with sounds, colors. Your tender care and affection will keep your baby healthy and happy.

Why breast is best …Benefits for baby and mom

In the early days with a new baby, a new mother will often feel a bit daunted by the idea of breast feeding, and may struggle with the decision over when to use the bottle and when to use the breast. As the saying goes, “breast is best”. This is true in that there are more natural nutrients in breast milk than will ever be found in bottled formula, and it enables the baby to grow up in better health than would otherwise be possible. There is, it goes without saying, some drawback to this. But there are drawbacks to everything, and it is how you address them that is really important.

A baby will require feeding at regular intervals, and for a mother who is breast feeding this can present a few interesting challenges. For one, there is always the concern of whether the baby will need to be fed while you are out for one reason or another. Breast feeding in public is still frowned upon by many, and in some places you will be asked to leave if you do it. This limits where you can go and what you can do, and although you can express breast milk to be served from a bottle, this affects the temperature.

Additionally, some mothers feel that breast feeding causes unreasonable pain in the nipples. Expressing milk is a partial answer to this, but achieving the right temperature is only part of the problem there. Some people feel that feeding directly from the breast is the only way to establish the closeness that a mother and baby should have – anything less and you will have to deal with people asking you why you are not doing it, and regardless of your reasons they will keep doing so.

Breast feeding – Benefits

The mother has to be keen on hygiene practices and these days you get clothes that encourage breastfeeding. You can tailor few dresses to support feeding when you are out of home. This will not be embarrassing too. The kurta or tops can have zibs on both sides of the chest. A pattern to overlap the area can be well thought of.

Benefits for Baby

• Breast milk is natural and readily available. Breast milk is custom made, the perfect nutrition, and therefore the best food for your baby.  Your baby can easily digest and absorb the nutrients because of its chemical makeup.
• The antibodies found in breast milk help to fight many infections, including: respiratory, urinary tract, ear, and blood infections. Breast milk improves your child’s immune system.
• Breast milk helps to prevent food allergies and sensitivities.
• Breastfed babies are almost never constipated. They rarely have diarrhea or gas.
• Breastfeeding encourages better, jaw, tooth and palate development because nursing requires more effort than sucking on a bottle. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to get cavities later in childhood.
• Breast milk helps to prevent jaundice.
• Breastfeeding appears to increase a child’s IQ.
• Ensure you give the breast milk from the initial stage itself. It is very healthy and should not be wasted. The initial milk produced is often referred to as colostrum, which coats the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to protect the newborn until its own immune system is functioning properly, and creates a mild laxative effect, expelling meconium and helping to prevent the build-up of bilirubin (a contributory factor in jaundice).

Benefits for Mom

• Breastfeeding helps to return your uterus to its normal size and it uses up fat stores.
• Breastfeeding burns calories and helps mom to lose weight and get back into shape.
• Breastfeeding is convenient. There is no mixing, measuring, and cleaning. There is no advanced planning or packing.
• Breastfeeding is economical since there are no bottles, nipples, or formula to buy. And half-emptied bottles or opened cans of formula are never wasted.
• There is less odor in baby’s spit up and bowel movements.
• When mom breastfeeds, she experiences a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.
• Breastfeeding protects iron stores because it suppresses ovulation and menstruation. But do not depend upon this factor for birth control.

Have a great bond together…