Baby Sleep Mistakes - Things To Avoid - Gynecologist in Noida

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you?
All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get

your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation.

As you lie awake at night, you can’t help but wonder if there’s any truth in what the people say. Are you getting it all wrong? Are you making big mistakes that are affecting your baby’s sleeping patterns? The simple answer is ‘yes’, you’re probably making at least a couple of the following sleep mistakes, because y

Enter, The 5 Baby Sleep Mistakes
 Here are 5 baby sleep mistakes you could be making: Baby Sleep Mistakes

#1: Comparing Your Baby To Other Babies 
It is almost impossible not to… especially when you’re sitting beside a fresh-faced mother of three who is telling you about how her newborn baby slept through the night again last night. But you should avoid comparing your baby to other babies or you’ll drive yourself mad. All babies are different, and you have enough to worry about without also obsessing over the fact that your baby hasn’t rolled over in the same month as other babies. Another problem with baby comparisons is that you are basing the comparison on information from the mothers, and not scientifically collected, unbiased, factual information. Of course mothers are going to gloatingly talk up their babies! That’s new motherhood. Fact is, sleeping through for a baby is a grand average of five hours. So while most babies will be somewhere around this average, there will be some babies who sleep more and less than this, because that’s what happens to calculate an average figure.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations 
One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more.

It may help you to know the following:

• at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. 
• young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. 
• at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. 
• sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. 
• almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age.
• it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. 
• by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #3: Listening To Outdated Advice 
No offense to your mother-in-law or that old woman you met crossing the street the other day, but times have changed. It is no longer acceptable to dip your baby’s dummy in brandy in the hope of getting a decent night’s sleep, thank goodness! We now know that controlled crying doesn’t teach babies to self soothe, and instead simply teaches them that no-one will respond to their cries. One study found that the babies still had high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) even though they had stopped crying. For this reason, many modern parents are choosing not to follow controlled crying, much to the horror of the grandparents. Though previous generations may have believed babies could be ‘spoilt’ for attention, we now know this is not the case. Responding immediately to your baby’s cries doesn’t spoil your baby, instead it encourages him to trust his communication skills and teaches him how to manage his emotions.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #4: Not Trusting Your Instincts 
There are plenty of baby experts out there with conflicting advice on how to help your baby sleep through the night, but the only person who really understands your baby is you. You are the expert when it comes to your baby. You are the one who feeds him, changes his nappies and soothes him when he cries. Start listening to your gut and trust your instincts. You know what you’re doing, you have this covered, all you need to do is trust that and you’ll see. If you’d like to know which parenting authors and educators are worth following, check out BellyBelly’s list here.

Baby Sleep Mistakes #5: Ignoring Your Baby’s Cues
 Everyone has an opinion over how and when you should put your baby to sleep, and what you should do if he cries. These range from caring to downright cold. One thing that very rarely gets mentioned is your baby’s cues. Your baby may not be much in the way of a chatterbox, but he is trying to tell you things. He is using facial expressions, movements and even noises to try and tell you when he’s ready for bed. Missing these cues could leave you with an overtired baby (aka demon baby who will not sleep), so it’s worth looking out for and responding to these cues early. Look out for yawning, becoming quiet, losing interest in people and toys, a knotted brow, frowning and rubbing his eyes. If you notice any of these cues, your baby might be trying to tell you he’s ready for a sleep. Read more about how to interpret your baby’s cues here. 

Baby Sleep Mistakes #2: Having Unrealistic Expectations One of the major problems when it comes to sleep stress is that parents simply don’t know what is normal. All we know about normal is that it’s a setting on the clothes dryer. If you have a baby who doesn’t sleep for very long, you can quite easily end up terrified that you will never ever sleep again. When in reality, your baby’s sleeping behaviour is age-appropriate. Yet, unrealistic expectations can put you on a freeway to low self esteem, anxiety, depression and more. It may help you to know the following: at one week old, your baby will spend around 16 hours asleep during a 24-hour period. Only eight of these will be at night and they won’t be consecutive. young babies go through growth spurts and will rely on frequent feeds (also known as ‘cluster feeding’). The more they feed, the more signals they send your breasts to make more milk to satisfy his hunger. Cluster feeds are a normal part of your baby’s development. Many new mothers panic about milk supply at this point and some may end up using formula. Make sure you speak to an IBCLC (International Board Lactation Consultant) or breastfeeding association for support and advice before you panic or accidentally wean your baby. at one month old, your baby still has a tiny tummy, and will still need to wake to feed at least every four or five hours during the night. Some mothers believe formula or other additives in a bottle will make their baby sleep longer. Find out the truth here. sleeping through the night is defined as five consecutive hours. almost half of all babies still wake during the night by three months of age. it is normal for babies to continue waking in the night at six months. by their first birthday, most children sleep through the night (remember, this does not mean for 12 hours long), but not all. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

Sleep. You used to take it for granted, didn’t you? All those late nights and lie-ins… you thought life would be like that forever. And then you had a baby. Tiredness is the new norm, as you spend your days battling against extreme brain fog. It’s been so long since you had as many as four hours of glorious uninterrupted sleep. You fantasise about a hotel room with a do not disturb sign on the door where you can catch up on all those missed hours between the sheets — of sleep, obviously, because you don’t have the energy for anything else. Your morning cup of coffee doesn’t even scratch the surface of how tired you feel. As you sip the last cold drop, you’re still struggling to keep your eyes open. As if that wasn’t bad enough, all the entire world seems to want to talk about is how much sleep you’re not getting. Every person you pass during the day offers unwanted advice about how to get your newborn baby to sleep through the night. Some even offer critiques of your parenting style, to help you understand exactly where you’re going wrong (thanks, strangers!). As irritating as this is, you can’t help but admire the bravery of the people willing to say these things to a person suffering from extreme sleep deprivation. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/5-baby-sleep-mistakes/

Pregnancy Brain – Fact or Fiction? - Gynecologist in Noida

It’s not just your imagination, pregnancy brain exists. Whether it’s walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, taking twice as long to complete an email than usual, or stumbling over how to spell your son’s name, you simply just don’t feel like yourself.

A number of studies have been completed by both psychologists and neuroscientists to try to get to the bottom of pregnancy brain. Unfortunately, no clear picture has been established as to WHY women feel so foggy, only that they do. Some hypotheses include hormones, sleep deprivation, and the fact that pregnant minds and body are doing double or triple duty as the baby grows. Some studies have shown that the changes and symptoms women have correlate to the sex of the baby and last for the duration that the mother breastfeeds. There’s a lot of fascinating research on-going, but the bottom line is that you need to survive until you can think like normal again!

The good news is that the feeling and realities of pregnancy brain are temporary. Most women feel mostly back to normal once their babies are on some sort of schedule. Coincidence? I think not! Maybe there is something to that sleep deprivation theory….

There are a few great ways to survive through your “momnesia” that will help you cut down on the time you have to search for your cell phone or keys. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Have a routine. This will help you know what and where to be.
2. Write everything down! Google Calendar, Evernote, and other apps are great for this. Or just a plain old pen and paper.
3. Have a place for everything. Keys on the hook, purse in the closet, etc. Less time looking if everything is in the right place!
4. Eat good food. You’re going to feel worse if your brain has junk fuel.
5. Give yourself a break! Making a baby is hard work. Give yourself a Mulligan and take a nap. You earned it!

Keeping fit throughout pregnancy - Gynaecologist in Noida

What keeps your heart healthy, your spirits high and your weight in-check? Exercise. Now with a baby on the way, physical activity is more important than ever. Here's what you need to know before you hit the gym:

Why it matters

As long as you have a healthy pregnancy and get your doctor's permission, a regular and gentle exercise routine can help ease a host of uncomfortable symptoms. When you get moving, you can expect the following:

• A good night's sleep
• A boost to your self esteem
• Slower weight gain
• Smoother labor
• An easier recovery post birth
• Help with pregnancy aches and pains

What to do

Pregnancy isn't the time to take up a rigorous exercise routine. If you were very active before becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor or midwife about continuing your workouts. However, if you're new to the gym, start slow. Consider taking a prenatal fitness class where you can rest assured that each of the exercises is safe for you and baby. Walking, prenatal yoga and Pilates and swimming are all generally safe for moms to be. Picking up a fitness DVD may be a good option for expectant moms on a budget. Focus on building an exercise routine gradually, starting at 10 minutes and working gently up to 30. If you can't exercise lightly every day, aim for a few days each week.

When to slow down

While it's widely accepted that exercise is beneficial to mom and baby, there are situations when it's wise to slow down. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop your exercise program and get in touch with your doctor:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Contractions
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Pain

When exercising during pregnancy, it's important to remember you should never push yourself. Don't overheat your body, keep well hydrated and stop immediately at the first sign of discomfort.

What are the most common reasons for infertility in women?

If your doctor suspects a problem with you, she will look at certain common problem areas:
Is there any hostility to the sperm in the vagina or the cervix?
Is there any obstruction to the passage of sperm in the vagina or the cervix?
Is the uterus in the right position?

Your doctor will also check whether your reproductive organs are functioning well. She will look for any blockages in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes carry the sperm to the egg, and also carry the fertilised embryo to the uterus for successful implantation.

A blockage in the fallopian tubes can cause irreversible infertility. In our country, genital tuberculosis causes permanent blockage of the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can also block the fallopian tubes and can cause adhesions between the pelvic organs.

Another common cause of infertility in women is problems linked to ovulation. Such problems mean that either a woman does not ovulate or she may have dysfunctional ovulation. Many women do not ovulate due to polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovaries syndrome is becoming more common, particularly in young girls. In the case of irregular ovulation, getting pregnant can take longer but it usually does happen eventually. Many causes of infertility are treatable today or at least something can be done to improve your chances of conceiving. So if you suspect a problem, do consult a fertility specialist.

5 tips to make traveling easier during pregnancy

As your bump grows bigger and bigger, chances are your dreams of foreign adventures or sojourns to other parts of the country will diminish considerably. It's not that a vacation isn't needed – in fact, at many points during pregnancy, it may feel much-deserved – the fact is, most mothers-to-be have bigger things on their minds than a trip, like getting ready for baby.

But during pregnancy, some trips are non-negotiable, like a planned stay at a relative's house. This can be a pleasant experience for some, but other women struggle to feel comfortable while traveling. With these five tips, going from place to place during pregnancy can be easier than ever before.

1. Talk to a healthcare provider
Before you take any kind of extended trip, reach out to your doctor to ensure that it's OK for you to do so. This may be just a quick check-up, but it can be important for you and your partner to gain peace of mind before you embark on an adventure together.

2. Prepare for the unexpected
Even the best-laid plans can become a mess due to unexpected hiccups or delays, but when you're pregnant, this can take on a whole new dimension. When you're pregnant, you may be fighting the urge all day long not to put your feet up or sprawl out on your favorite sofa to relax after a tense day, but while you're traveling, you may not feel this is so easy to do.
While you may not be within the comfort of your own domain, by planning for potential issues – including health troubles, discomfort or sudden feelings of tiredness – you may be able to feel calm.

3. Plan for comfort
Whether you travel by bus, plane or car, comfort is key during pregnancy for making sure you get to your destination without delay. If you're traveling in a vehicle, you may want to pack along a neck pillow, ear plugs and a blanket so that you can relax throughout the ride, while having bottled water, snacks and spare bags in case you get motion sickness can help you feel at ease during the journey.

4. Pack your healthcare documents
You never know what kind of potential hazards you could encounter while you're away from home, which is why it's so essential that you do your best to manage your health while you can. One of the best ways to reduce the potential for pregnancy complications is to bring all of your relevant healthcare documents with you, as this can make you prepared to manage any potential challenges.

5. Know your limits
When it comes to traveling during pregnancy, women should be especially careful during their third trimesters, as this can be a dangerous period for being on an airplane.
Although this can be different for each airline provider, most recommend that women who are in the final weeks of their pregnancies avoid this mode of travel, as it could lead to potential health risks. Additionally, most healthcare providers urge women not to travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy unless in the event of an emergency.

- Inputs from Dr Priyamvada Senior Infertility Specialist,Genesis IVF

6 Baby Games to Boost Your Child's Brain Power

Newborn to 3 Months

PLAY A GAME: Where's Mommy?
Newborns have an innate fascination with voices, but they're not able to locate the source of a sound. To help your little one fine-tune this sense and also learn that his family provides laughter and smiles, place him in the middle of a bed or in an infant seat or hold him in your arms; get close to his face and talk or sing to him. Walk back and forth in front of him as you continue to talk and sing.

Developmental skills: Listening; visual and social development

3 to 6 Months

PLAY A GAME: Airplane Baby
Help comfort your cranky baby—or simply have fun together—with this classic game. To start, hold him under his chest and belly, tummy down. (Be sure to support his neck if he doesn't yet have head control.) Swing him gently back and forth.

Developmental skills: Upper-body strength; tactile stimulation; trust.

6 to 9 Months

PLAY A GAME: Knee Rides
Once your baby has good head control, prop her up on your knees and gently bounce her as you babble or sing. Babbling supports her early efforts to communicate with sounds other than crying. When she says, "aahh," say, "aahh" in return; when she says, "goo," nod and say, "goo" back. Then try stretching out the words and adding to them ("ooh" becomes "ooooh-wah!").

Developmental skills: Listening; language and social development.

9 to 12 Months

PLAY A GAME: Peekaboo!
Peekaboo is a classic favorite with babies: First Mommy's there, then Mommy's gone, and then she's back again. Sometime around 6 or 7 months, babies start to understand that objects continue to exist even if they can't see them. Use your hands or hold a blanket or towel infront of your face, whisk it away and call, "Peekaboo!"

Developmental skills: Object permanence; social development.

12 to 18 Months

PLAY A GAME: Bubbles for Baby
Watching bubbles float through the air helps your baby practice her visual skills. Trying to swat at them is excellent practice for budding eye-hand coordination. Aiming large bubbles at a blanket or carpet gives older babies a chance to catch them. Bubbles billowing outside are especially enchanting.

Developmental skills: Cause-and-effect; eye-hand coordination; visual development.

18 to 24 Months

PLAY A GAME: I'm Gonna Get You!
Babies love to be chased and surprised. Start crawling or running after your baby, saying, "I'm gonna get you!" Then gently grab him and say, "Igot you!" Lift him up in the air, kiss his neck and tickle his ribs, but keep it gentle. A good game of chase will keep him on his toes as a toddler and evolve into classic big-kids games such as hide-and-seek and tag.

Developmental skills: Gross-motor skills; social development; balance; trust.