Health Topics
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Healthy Living
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August 2010
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| Babymoon |
| Nutan Sehgal |
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Babymoon - a bit like honeymoon, is a growing trend amongst parents to-be, when just the two of them go out on a pre-baby vacation. |
Interestingly, this was not what babymoon meant when it was first coined by the British author and childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger. She had defined it as the exclusive few weeks spent by parents bonding with their newborn. Seizing this opportunity, the travel and hospitality industry changed the meaning by luring expectant mothers and their doting husbands with exclusive babymoon offers.
For Parents to-be
Planning for a baby is no easy task; make sure you and your partner both want this equally. Check off the following tips to help you plan better.
- Check with your doctor to see if the medication you are currently on is ok, while planning a baby.
- Birth control pills should be stopped at least three months before trying to get pregnant, so the chances of fetal malformations are reduced. During these three months other forms of contraception, like condoms or creams could be used.
- Make sure you check out the nearest hospitals and have access to immediate medical attention if need be.
- Stop smoking and drinking well in advance; the more gap period you have, the better for both you and your baby.
- Make sure you have the money. Having a baby spells out big expenses.
- Start exercising, so that you tone your muscles.
For Newly-minted Parents
It is very important that newly-minted parents learn everything they can about caring for a baby.
- Learn the technique of holding the baby correctly. Place the baby’s bottom in the crook of your arm and make the head lean on your shoulder. Put your other hand on the spine to support the back and neck.
- You must learn to distinguish why a child is crying: is it hunger, pain or is the diaper wet?
- You must remember that a baby cannot be forced to sleep just because you are sleepy. Understand your baby’s sleep patterns and catch up on your sleep then.
- Give the baby a sponge bath till the umbilical-cord stump falls off.
- Clip the baby’s nails carefully every few days following the curves of the finger.
- When buying a stroller, keep safety in mind. It should be of high quality and have strong straps and brakes.
- Make sure the baby’s feeding bottles are of good quality with silicone nipples with hands-free liquid flow facility. They should be wide-mouthed and have an efficient gas prevention mechanism.
Babies are the best gift God gives to the world, though they can be exhausting and very demanding. But once you’ve mastered the basic tips, you and your baby can share warm moments that no other relationship can give you .
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Did You Know
Eating fresh fruit and vegetables plays an important role in increasing chances of conception. Especially salads with spinach and avocado.
Spinach & Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 bunch of baby spinach
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, cubed
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Method
- Except for the spinach, avocado and onion whisk all the other in a bowl to blend.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate (Bring to room temperature before using).
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat.
- Serve, passing any remaining dressing separately.
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