Watch out for those Baby Movements!!

After so many months of waiting for the baby bump to show - finally I can feel the weight and see the curve!! Somehow it brings me closer to experiencing 'motherhood'. Back then, in the first and the second month - you are still trying to convince yourself, without any solid, first-hand experience - that there is someone inside of you - someone who will command more love from you than anyone else, ever! But, it is the third trimester that brings you up close with those feelings - each time the baby kicks, turns, moves - you feel it. You are convinced life exists! And more so, because the child responds to you also - Each time you try to talk, she tries to listen! Each time you touch, she kicks you back! Each time you want to feel the love, she loves you back! And together, you two conspire to create this beautiful world of yours, in the years to come - as a unit, as a family. Of course, the father is a part of it - but there is some exclusive exchange of love between the mother and child - the one that will last forever and ever!!

And as much are these movements signs of 'love' - they are 'messages of assurance' that things are fine inside! And you have to carefully watch out for them. As a mother, it is your responsibility to keep a track of all these movements inside. If for a few hours, you don't feel anything - it is time to act! Don't ever assume that the baby is peacefully sleeping - let's not disturb! 

With the slightest of doubt, first do your basic check and then immediately consult the doctor if no more response. 

What is a basic check? 

Eat something and then lie down on the left side. Ideally, within two hours the baby should move at least a ten times minimum. If it is less than that - hit the alarm in your head and immediately inform your doctor. 

The doctor may ask you to do a few tests depending on your situation. There are mainly three kinds of advance tests:

1. Non Stress Test: This is a test to measure the cardiac activity of the foetus. 

2. Contraction Stress Test: This is basically to check if the foetus is coping with the contractions peacefully or no. 

3. Biophysical Profile: This is an ultrasound test which has many parameters to check - from the breathing activity to the gross body movements to muscle movements and so on. 

If you act in time, you can help the doctor evaluate the situation faster and curtail any damage (if at all any exists!)..  

(I am keeping this information to the basic and not dwelling much into detail! We, as mere patients and mothers - shouldn't over think or analyse - leave that to the doctors! This piece is just for basic information!)

Don't worry all this is normal in the third trimester!

Just when you were smoothly sailing in your pregnancy through your second trimester; suddenly one day the boat rocked a bit and then instantly things got a little difficult!! A long list of physical complaints has filled your head! And you wonder whether all this is normal or are these some signs. Your mind is anyways panicking all the time with various fears, apprehensions and anxieties - about the delivery, post-delivery care, child care and a lot more. And then your body adding to your trouble!! 

But let me assure you that half the things that you are going through are signs that everything is pretty good with you and the baby. And almost all the women who have been pregnant have gone through it. This is not going to relieve you of your complaints.. But 'reassurance that everything is fine' is a good mental medicine and cures half the issues in the world. 

1. Lower Abdomen Aches, Cramps, Occasional spells of sharp, shooting pain!

Your baby is growing and so the weight of the uterus is increasing, which is causing the lower abdomen skin and muscles to stretch as also bear the weight - leading to all those aches.

2. Fatigue: There are sudden bursts of fatigue, instantly followed by boosts of energy. Even eating a meal can get you tired. And just two minutes of lying down will instantly make you feel better. Eat well and eat frequently. Never let the body feel it is going to be food deprived! That way it will try to not react like that so often!

3. Heartburn: Whether you have had spicy stuff or just plain Khichdi - anything and everything is leading to acidity and heartburn? Then don't blame the cook or your cooking style. It is just that the growing size of the uterus is pushing everything upwards - leading to this constant feeling of heart burn. Sip a cup of cold milk - will help you feel better. Also, don't lie down immediately after your meal - take some time - probably a few rounds of the house - to let you food go down a little and settle!

4. Frequent Urination: Back are those days when you will constantly feel the need to pee. Cant blame the bladder! There is so much weight on it already. Even a little bit of liquid accumulates and it can hurt! So much so that at times you might sneeze and there will be a leak down there. Don't be embarrassed and don't be surprised - it is the most common thing to happen! Wear a panty liner while stepping out (if that makes you feel more secure! )

5. Back Aches: There are a lot of factors leading to back aches - Your heavy uterus, pregnancy hormones and your sleeping position. Avoid sleeping on the back - not only will it give you a back ache but also reduce the blood flow in and out of the uterus. This is the final round of enjoying some soothing massages from your partner - go for it!

6. Leaky Breasts: It is just your body's way of telling you that all the organs are gearing up and are almost ready to welcome the baby! 

7. Varicose Veins: Your legs are going through over loading and your blood vessels are pumping extra blood - there are certainly going to be varicose veins. If they have appeared only now, they will be gone after the pregnancy don't you worry! 

8. Swelling: Legs, Hands, Feet, Ankles, Fingers and even the face on most mornings - Do they swell? It is because of water retention. Can't help much! Don't give up on drinking water inspite of the frequent urination is all you can do! 

9. Stretch Marks: Ever since you got pregnant, the one thing that you had been dreading all through - the stretch marks! Now is the time when suddenly your tummy is going to multiply manifold and those marks are going to appear because of the stretching of the skin. Keep it moisturised all the time is all you can do - and then brace them - they are mere reminders of such a miracle you pulled through. Don't shy away from them! That won't help!

10. Contractions in the Uterus: These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. You will feel sudden cramps in the Uterus - at times they will be unbearably strong. It is the body's way for preparing you for the real cramps. Don't worry - it is just a sign that should reassure you that things are going fine - every organ is gearing up to put up the best show when the time is right for the baby to come out.  

11. Dreams: I saw one where a crocodile attacked me in a classroom and I fooled it by pretending to be dead! Can it get funnier than that - How on Earth can you fool a crocodile, whose mouth is already around your leg that you are dead and it leaves you and heads ahead? So dreams it is! Weird as this or even better or worse! I don't fathom the reason for the connection - but everyone invariably haves them. Very vivid and equally crazy dreams. Probably hang in a dreamcatcher on your bed - who knows that might just help!! 

12. Waddling: You will grow in size at the maximum speed now and your body weight balance will lose it's centre proportion. You will indeed waddle! So watch your step - take baby steps if need be - you can certainly not afford to fall! 

Be Careful! You are entering Phase #3!

Third Trimester is probably going to be the most difficult of the three. It multiplies the chances of developing pregnancy related complications and you won’t even realise what the hell happened. They say one has to be really careful in the first trimester, to reduce the risk of miscarriages. But the third trimester holds equal if not more amount of threat there. You think you have come a long way with the pregnancy and now things are just going to be smooth… But you may be in for a surprise!! So ensure you never take this trimester even one bit lightly. Give it the due importance and take as much care as possible. 

RISK OF INFECTIONS!! 

This is a high risk period. You will be most susceptible to infections and you really need to be careful about it. 

No un-purified water! 

No un-pasteurised milk! 

No inadequately cooked meat! 

No raw veggies or fruits outside (wash them at home, under your own supervision and then only eat!)!! 

And certainly no road side food indulgences!!! 

Ensure your toilet seats are disinfected every once in a while. You can hardly see down there - so take no symptom lightly, incase of even mild irritation - take quick action!!

This is no time to catch any infection or cold or fever or anything!! So be alert!!

TRAVEL!!

This is a crucial time - travel only if you really have to! All baby moon plans should have been executed in the second trimester! Plus, not many travelling options will remain available for you. But if you really need to travel - the option of road journeys is completely ruled out!! Flights - last till 30-32 weeks! Trains - probably the safest. But remember - only if you really need to take that journey!!

To note: carry your medical file along without fail. Move around every one or two hours on your journey - you need to stretch around!! And once you reach your destination, first thing you do is go and meet a local doctor!

FETAL MOVEMENTS!

This is no time to hate those kicks or complain about them. This is the time to celebrate them… They are a sign that everything inside is normal. You will really need to monitor them. One long patch and you feel you haven’t felt anything - it is time to observe more carefully and act wisely. Eat something and lie on your left for two hours and count the movements. If they happen to be less than 10 times - it is time to call the doctor! 

PRENATAL SUPPLEMENTS!!

If you think you have already had enough of those and now are tired of popping these pills all the time.. Push yourself for some more time. They are important. More important now than ever. Say for eg. Calcium - Your baby will be transforming from cartilage to bones and will need a lot more calcium, which will all come from you. So either you take your supplement, our give off your reserves and become deficient yourself! It is a choice for you to make!!

SLEEPING POSITION!!

This is not so much of a worry - your body will automatically adopt the position that is right for you. But this point makes it to this list - because if you fail to listen to your body signs, you will suffer! And lets avoid that!! 

Avoid sleeping on the back - most probably half the people you know would have told you that already! The reason being - the extra weight of you uterus will come on your spine. And that will reduce the blood flow in and out of the uterus. Also, it will add to your already existing back ache!! 

Sleep on the sides! Left side is considered to be the best. It is believed that the uterus has the tendency to rotate right during pregnancy, and sleeping on left, brings it to the centre - aiding the blood flow in and out of the uterus with more ease!!

WATCH YOUR STEP!

You will invariably waddle! Your body weight distribution has been changed a bit and the centre of gravity is failing to hold on. But you will have to be careful and watch your step! Walk slowly and walk firmly! The one thing my doctor said - You can work till whenever you want! But you simply can’t fall!!! So tripping and falling - these are not options in life anymore.. 

The 'Bond' your child should be introduced to.. before any other!!

Yesterday, I paid a visit to my friend at the Library cum Bookstore where she currently works. Yes! Libraries still exist in this day and era of online sales, e books, pirated xeroxes at the signals and short-lived stories of those new age writers. And the one I visited, Trilogy - is specially a curated one, where the owners actually take a lot of effort and pride in showcasing only what's worth it. They have a special kids' section and that had instantly became an inspiration for me to start another Label on this blog which would be dedicated to the bookstores or libraries you and your kid should visit. But that is for later.  Right now is about celebrating someone - someone who has touched all our lives, for the longest time, and still continues to do so. 

From the bookstore, I had picked up the latest Ruskin Bond Book - My Favourite Nature Stories. And in one night, I devoured almost half the stories. There is something about his writing... It just transports you instantly to his world - the world that is invariably in the heart of Nature. And in today's times, when we all live in the concrete jungle, coming up close to the real Mother Nature and breathing in that space feels so refreshing. I felt at peace reading that book. And instantly I knew that my child should and would read Ruskin Bond as early as possible. While Enid Blyton will aspire and impress, Ruskin Bond will soothe and caress!! 

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RUSKIN BOND.. The Bond I'd like my child to be introduced to before any other... 

When I told my husband what I was writing about tonight, he quickly defended saying, "Let it be James Bond na.." We both laughed at it but deep down we both knew which Bond it should be! The same one, that had touched the both of us as kids, and will certainly continue to do so for generations to follow. His words, his worlds, his stories - they are timeless and can never be out of fashion or interest... And no other writer has understood or fed the child's mind better than him. He knows his young readers way too well - he knows where their heart lies.. He knows where their minds wander.. He knows how to feed their imagination and he knows how to love them... 

So much hue and cry about Saif and Kareena finding out the gender of their baby to be born.. Why not..?

Ever since, Mr. Saif Ali Khan confirmed the news of Kareena's pregnancy - the media has been going crazy covering them every single day. To the extent that finally Kareena Kapoor had to come out and say, "I am pregnant, it is not a national casualty!"

But amidst all those articles and pictures of Kareena's baby bump; the one that caught my attention was the article where they claimed that the couple had found out the gender of their baby in UK and it is boy. 

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One article like that and it was soon followed by a lot of others and a lot of trolling on Twitter against them finding out the gender of their offspring. 

I ask why - what's wrong even if they did find out the gender?

I, myself, was very curious in the beginning and really wanted to know whether it was a baby girl or a baby boy. Not because I am the kind who only wants a son and would indulge in female foeticide - but simply because it will help me prepare better. Everyday, I would wish to talk to the baby and be confused about how to address him or her. 

My own brother, a radiologist, refused to tell me. Ever since the rules got stricter in India; he had vowed to never reveal it to anyone - no one at all. I had really tried to coax him into telling me. But he just didn't. He felt it was wrong and unnecessary! 

Though I do understand where his thinking was coming from - but I want to understand why not. These rules came into being because a certain section of the Indian society were taking undue advantage of the developing technology and planning murders of their daughters. And that is absolutely unacceptable and good that the Government had taken such strict actions to control at least as much damage as we can. But does that really account for the change in their thinking? I don't think so! They have still found their ways. If not the city doctors, they are willing to travel to other smaller cities or towns, bribe smaller clinics and pay a fortune to find out the gender of the baby in the womb. There are always loop holes that these kind of people find and exploit. And what ultimately happens is that the innocent others - suffer! People like me, who in good faith, just out of curiosity and love, want to know the gender of their child and they are denied. And then power couples become victims of such shaming just because they were in UK and there, they could have found out the gender. 

But then I also feel - there is a different joy to unwrapping the gift and discovering what is inside only at the time of delivery! That experience of unadulterated love and joy will make up for all the suspense I guess!!! 

Event Alert: The Mommy Network Pop Up

The Mommy Network, as the name very well suggests, is a group created to connect, share and access information and resources within Mommies of Mumbai.

They are hosting this Pop Up in the month of September, where on display will be some very unique products for you and your little ones.



Event: The Mommy Network POP UP
Dates: 7th - 8th September 2016
Timing: 11 am to 7 pm
Venue: AntiSocial, Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Khar West, Mumbai. 


The promise is to put a show of organic, natural products and high design elements across apparel, accessories, toys and food...

To get more information: check their regular updates on the Facebook Event Page.

Once closer to the events.. Will put up more pictures.. Till then.. Save the Date!!

Things to keep ready by the 8th Month!!! It's time - anytime - now!!

When we browse through the internet, we find a lot of blogs and Pinterest pictures that prepare us for our pregnancy and motherhood. But most of them are international writers. And that leads to cultural differences that we have to face while being in India and wanting to follow them. Indian culture and its impact on our day to day lives cannot be denied. And, we may claim ourselves to be however modern, we always succumb to a lot of those myths and superstitions.. 

The biggest example in our case is - we usually do not buy anything related to the baby before the baby is born. It is supposed to bring bad omen. Now with so many elaborate lists out there on the internet about buying the cradle and the clothes and the diapers and so on - nothing is going to be of any help - because half the things no one is going to let you buy. 

So what do you do instead?

=> Make two lists!! One for yourself and one for your partner (the one about things that he is supposed to do the day you give birth). 

Mother’s List: Things to keep ready in the Eighth Month [Won’t bring any bad luck - don’t worry!!

• Keep your Hospital Bag Ready by now! (This is the third post that mentions of a Hospital Bag!! Trust me it IS THAT IMPORTANT!!)
• Call for the clothes your relatives plan to give you. (As strange as it may sound - some people believe that your new born shouldn’t be wearing new clothes when just born. Rather wear the ones that their cousins wore when they were born. Ask around - your sisters or sister-in-laws with kids would have probably preserved them for such occasions. And you will be surprised that they have been eagerly waiting to hand them over to you.)
• Stock up on some mild detergent that you plan to use for the kid’s clothes and use it to pre-wash all those clothes and keep ready. (Pre-washing the clothes is important - they haven’t been used in a long long time. And you wouldn’t know what would cause the baby even mild irritation.)
• Buy three-four Hand sanitisers and stock them strategically in the house already. (One in your hospital bag, one in the hall, one in the bedroom where the baby is going to settle with you - these are subtle ways in which you can tell the guests who are going to come to see the baby to use it on their hands before they touch the baby)
• Make the buying list for the Father that he is going to shop for once the baby is born. (This might even need some orientation class - You see men and their disabilities to understand basic stuff at times. For e.g.. Pampers are diapers and can be available in the medical store - but mittens and booties are socks for the hands and legs and are only available in the stores that sell new-born babies’ clothes and other things)
• Clear the shelves in the wardrobe where you are going to put all the baby stuff (Let me give you a hint - there will be a lot of your clothes that are not going to fit you at least for a few months. Sort them out and make some space for the baby clothes and other things to be needed in the first few months. Later you could do whatever - buy a new cupboard for the baby or one of those cotton, hanging ones - with alphabets on them!!)
• Keep the boxes/trays labelled and ready. (You may not be able to stock up on clothes and diapers, but you can certainly set up the boxes or trays in which you are going to store them. 
• Make your list of websites where you had seen interesting clothes or things and who deliver in one or two working days. (Keep your online buying list ready and place the order from the hospital and before you reach home - all your essentials are already waiting for you! That way you won’t have to trust anyone else for their taste for the things you want to buy!)
• Buy things for yourself- sanitary pads, nipple pads, nursing bras, cotton rolls, wet tissues, toilet napkins, extra dustbin bags, extra dustbin even - keep it in your bedroom, anti fungal cream, soothing cream, anti bacterial talcum powder (You may not be able to buy the diapers, but no one will stop you from stocking up on sanitary pads!!)
• Buy all the mats and bed spreads (Technically these are pieces of cloths that are going to be spread on the bed or in the cradle while the baby is sleeping. They may or may not be fancy - but you are going to need loads of them)
• Keep all your documents’ file handy, including your kundalis (As much as you are going to need the regular KYC to make the birth certificate of your child; most probably you are going to need your kundalis as well - you could be one of those who belong to a family that is not so much into astrology - then this is not for you. But for others, do not overlook this - the VidhataPurush is going to write down the baby’s future you know ;-)!)

Father’s List: Things the Father needs to do or buy while his child and baby are still in the Hospital:

• Basic Purchases: Diapers (Mothers, please chose your brand beforehand); clothes for the baby - a dozen each - cotton nappies, front open tops, mittens, booties, a baby suit, baby cap; Baby products (Consult your doctor and chose your brand before hand) - Powder, Oil, Cream, Rashes Cream, Nail cutter) 
• Pick up the Cradle and place it in the room: Either you are inheriting a cradle from someone or buying a new one. In either case, father needs to keep it ready in the room (the position for which should be discussed and locked before hand). If you are buying, then please don't leave that decision solely to him - on one of your visits to the market during your pregnancy, chose the one you like and clearly instruct him to only pick that one up. 
• And Bask as the Proud Father!! Suddenly while I was tying I thought - Father's list is just two things.. Isn't it too short!?! And then I realised - Let him do this much at least!! Haha.. 

11 things you do not want to repent about after your Bumpy Miracle is delivered!!

As they very often say - "In life and on some trip; few things always remain undone. And you shouldn't bother much about them." This line sounds very philosophical when talking about life or some trip you made as a tourist and missed out on one or two prime spots of that place. But when it is pregnancy and baby birth that you are talking about - the same philosophy becomes an impractical carelessness. And repenting becomes the most unavoidable thing to do. So save yourself from that horror while you are still pregnant. Make a note of the important things that need to be done well in advance and equip yourself to welcome the baby, rather than wait for it to surprise you in ways you may not like at that point. 

1. Didn’t click some nice pictures

It is as bad a feeling as when you see other’s wedding albums looking better than yours and you wondering why didn’t we do this in our pre-wedding photography! This is specially if you are the kind who likes these kinda stuff. But even if you are the content kind, you will probably wonder you may not be pregnant again and you should have clicked at least one cute picture with your husband while the baby was still a cute looking bump. 

2. Didn’t read up enough

It is very important that you know well in advance what the baby is going to expect of you. And what you should expect of the baby. When to panic and when not to. Suddenly one day, you don’t want to feel unprepared. Rather read up in advance and consult your doctor at the right time. 

3. Didn’t catch up on enough sleep

Not that this is really going to matter - it is not a battery that you can charge in advance. It is your sleep after all. But having said that, at least you will not regret having stressed about sleep at both times - through the pregnancy and after that both. When I say catch up on sleep, I also mean do not over-work yourself - be relaxed and rested when welcoming the baby to the world. 

4. Didn’t have a list of names ready

If you believe in horoscopes and are going to name your child according to the moon-sign or sun-sign he or she is born in - then keep a name for a girl or a boy shortlisted from every letter possible. You can mark your favourite and pray that the baby comes out at the right time to attract that name. If you are not the kind who believes in such things - then life is simpler for you. Shortlist your favourite names for a boy and a girl well in advance so that once the baby is out no need to stress and look for names in a frenzy. You have enough time to do as much research as you want. 

5. Didn’t stock up enough

This is a wide range of things that I am talking about - from sanitary pads to diapers to groceries in the house to hand towels to clothesline clips to anything and everything. Make your list in detail while you still have the time and plan how and when you want to buy them. With mobile Apps like Grofers and BigBasket, you do not have to stress so much - but still who wants the last minute pressure when there is lot more to deal with - like the stitches down there to the bleeding to the breast feeding and best of all - the fragile, little newborn in your arms!!

6. Didn’t work out - I would have been fitter today

Few realisations are rather too painful. Like this one! Do keep your body active through the pregnancy - do not let the lethargy sink in and put you in a slumber in the name of pregnancy. Later, when pulled out of this comfort zone with the arrival of the baby - everything is going to seem ten times more strenuous and difficult - rather keep your body active and fit through the nine months to welcome any kind of a chaos thereafter with a smile on your face. 

7. Didn’t pamper myself enough

Soon you won’t exist anymore and life will only revolve around the little one. No time for eyebrows or waxing!!! And manicure and pedicure will seem like words from a different lifetime. So pamper yourself with as many hair spas and visits to the salon as you want to now; later it is all going to happen in a hurry! The anticipation that the baby will cry anytime - will never let you fully enjoy any of those services..

8. Didn’t look for a nanny/cook/maid in advance

Working woman? Going to leave the baby at home while going to work? And still don’t have a nanny in place to help your mother or mother-in-law and your getting back to work date is like a week away? You are in a bad mess. A friend of mine has been looking for a half decent nanny since the last six months. And still hasn’t succeeded. Not that you will be able to judge anything about her without the baby in front of her. But the sooner you start, the sooner will you reach your destination! Spread the word and keep. At least a cook can be got on board in advance if not the nanny. Your mother or mother-in-law or whoever is going to be with the baby is going to be anyways skilled in taking care of the baby - get them the other aid in place instead!

9. Didn’t pack my hospital bag in time

I have warned you again and again on this one… Never overlook it. At the hospital, your life would have turned around and the hospital bag will be your only comfort zone. Do not ever take this lightly. Be ready in time. That bag could be lying there ready for months - doesn’t matter. But it won’t being there will make you so helpless you cannot even imagine!

10. Didn’t listen to my mom

You may think she is old school and half your philosophies don’t match hers now. But still, do listen to her. There will be lots that she will tell you that would come to your rescue when in doubt. Remember, after all she brought you up and you are so proud of yourself - so she couldn’t have been that wrong after all!!

Now this one is not for everyone: But trust me it is the most important one!!! 

11. Didn't give up on Alcohol or Smoking or any other Substance Abuse

I even dread writing about what you will see that will make you repent about this one. It is your baby and the harm that you would have already caused to him or her, without it being their fault at all! Give up on all those things for a few months of your life - trust me, you will not repent having done that much of a sacrifice for your little one!! If you want to refresh your memory - here is the post that will tell you of the hazards of smoking during pregnancy. 

Yoga during Pregnancy

This is the one post I have been procrastinating to write for the longest time. The reason being my husband! The minute he would read it, he would taunt me on how much I practise what I preach!!! Guilty as charged!! Exercising has never been my thing. I have always run away from it. The closest I have often got to exercising is daily walks and my on and off bouts of dancing or aerobics or Zumba.  

But let me tell you'll - exercising during pregnancy is a must. For once, I am really pushing myself to get out of my slumber and actually follow a routine. Though I am not the most dedicated person, I have been managing at least a two-three days a week. And for my previous records it is pretty decent.

Not only will it keep your mind and body active; it will also save you from a lot of body aches and cramps. Plus the little bit of exertion on the body might aid your good night's sleep. 

When I say exercises, I do not really mean weight training or heavy cardio - I would say - let's stick to our good old Yoga. It has a lot more on offer - in terms of options and poses; as also it is much safer. As we all know Yoga is more about the right breathing and posture - so there is no unnecessary strain on the body or the baby, and hardly any side effects (unless you are doing the asanas not meant to be done during pregnancy).

Here is a basic illustration of the asanas that are considered safe during pregnancy. Once again, it is very important that you check with your gynaecologist before you indulge yourself into any of these. And remember to always cool down the body at the end of each session with the ever so famous 'Shav-asana'

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Note of Caution: If you have never done any Yoga in your life before, please do not experiment on your own at this point. Best to have a Yoga teacher guide you through it. 

If you do not feel upto doing any of this, you could just do some basic meditation in the form of watching your breathing while sitting in this position (as shown in the picture below); it will do a lot of good!! It will keep your mind at peace more than anything else. 

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Babble Wrap: A perfect gifting solution!!!

When it is your most special moment in life - you want everything around it to be equally special. Nothing compares to the joy of becoming a mother - we have heard it way too often. Some of us - the luckier ones - have felt it first hand. But what I am going to talk about now - is about making the special even more special!! 

Babble Wrap is this unique concept - started by Kavita Gupta, very recently, at the beginning of this month - for all us lucky mothers-to-be to indulge in some customised goodies to welcome our little ones. Why only mothers-to-be, its for all those who are surrounded by someone who is expecting or has just delivered - this will make for the most unique gift they would have ever received!! 

Kavita, personally puts together this miracle what she likes to call a 'Babble Box' - an ensemble of these customised products - specially curated and designed to welcome the baby in vogue. She has a wide product range to pick and chose from - Baby age blocks, milestone stickers, Cushy blankets, Animal hooded towels, organic dohars , quilts, baby letter monogrammed cushions, baby statistics frames, luggage tag and passport covers, rompers, frocks/dresses in super fun prints and lots of other personalized baby essentials. Either go by her gut or tell her what you want - either ways be assured that the final show is going to be a super hit!!!

I’d say - rather than writing any more about it - let me give you a peekaboo into the world of BabbleWrap.. 

These are the Babble Boxes and their contents in various colour combinations..

There are also these other customised items like cushions and hangers.. 

And then, if its your friend you love more than their child - this is a classic opportunity to gift them instead. Babble Wrap has something for everyone.. !!

Parents' Special!!!

And trust me - this is just a teaser - there is a lot more she has - go out there and explore for yourself!!

Don't worry - you don't have to go looking for them anywhere. All these things come right to your doorstep!! Just order them online on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Babblewrap

Want a more personalised experience?

Order from Kavita Gupta directly via Whatsapp! Her mobile number is +91-7021719560. You can message her and she will promptly respond - send you product pictures for you to place an instant order simply over your phone!! And the next thing you know is that Babble Box has reached your doorstep!!

Cheers and happy shopping!!

July 2016 Calendar: Photoshoot Trends: Hospital Room

After all those beautiful pictures that you clicked through your pregnancy - now is the time to gear up for some even better pictures at the Hospital.

People have certainly learnt the art of cherishing memories in the most amazing ways - Hospital Room Photoshoots is one such example!! This moment is never going to come back to you - what better than capturing it in pictures!! Your face may be bloated, the baby may still be all red and would hardly even open the eyes -- but it will still be the most important time of your life. And if you capture it in pictures now - you will pat yourself all your life. So when packing your hospital bag - do not forget your camera - it will come really handy to you!!!

Some people even hire photographers and call for fancy lights and do an elaborate photoshoot. Always pays off!!

But if you are more keep to keep the moment rather private - Chuck the idea of hiring a photographer, here are some amazing references for DIY photoshoots - bribe some friend or some cousin and load them with your camera - because the baby is never going to cease to look adorable - regardless of whoever is behind the lens to call click!! 

Treat yourself with some endearing pictures, at the very beginning of this amazing journey of a lifetime!!!

www.2chicksphotography.com

www.pattykphotography.com

 

www.laurashort.com

   

Imagesource: www.coliejamesphotography.com

Nipple Discharge during pregnancy!

There are these little miracles that happen on daily basis during your pregnancy. And most often they are nothing to worry about. But because we are at times so unaware, we tend to worry. 

One such common miracle is a liquid (whitish or yellowish or semi transparent) that starts discharging from your nipples in the second or the third trimester. One wonders whether it is a sign for something! Am I going to get into labour anytime soon? Or is there some hyper-sensitivity in the breasts? Should I be worried? 

As a thumb rule - Always consult your doctor whenever you have such questions - rather than agonising over it in solitude. 

For this particular case, let me tell you - this is very normal and happens to almost every other woman. That liquid is called colostrum. It is what the child feeds on for the initial few days before the proper milk production starts. It is rich in proteins, Vitamin A and sodium chloride; and also contains immunoglobulins - necessary antibodies that a mother passes on to the child in the initial days after child birth. Hence, your case is just a sign that everything is normal and the body is gearing to welcome the child gradually. 

When this discharge is seen happening from both the nipples and more so on stimulation rather than general overflowing - it is nothing much to worry about. But just in case you see any colour changes (mostly red) or uncontrollable discharge - immediately report to your doctor. 

How many Indian men are willing to give their wives a massage?

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Yes you read that right - How many INDIAN men are willing to give their wives a massage when she is pregnant or otherwise??

Why I stress on 'Indian' is because we are particularly a very patriarchal Nation. To that extent that women themselves are strong believers of some of these highly chauvinistic or patriarch ideas. Say on one end, we have these women fighting for their rights - be it in education or in marriage or for voting or for safety or generally in life; and on the other end - there are these mother-in-laws burning their daughter-in-laws alive because she couldn't produce a male heir or didn't get enough dowry or for any other redundant reason like this. Forget bigger issues like this or issues that are happening in the lower strata of the society due to lack of education or poverty or issues that are particular-culture related; even on daily basis, within families that are well educated and well to do - there are a lot of similar partialities that happen. Sons are always preferred to daughters! Daughter are always preferred to daughter-in-laws! Fair is always more beautiful than dark! Husbands are always the breadwinners and wives are always preferred in the kitchen! Even if both partners are working, cooking and cleaning are always assumed to be the wife's tasks! 

Of course, we have come a long way and there are a lot of men, especially in the metros who do not shy away from sharing the domestic responsibilities. But the numbers are hardly significant. And they too are making individual choices, it doesn't mount as a general change in the outlook of the society as a whole. The society still looks down upon the man who will do the dishes for his wife. 

Before I started writing my own memoir in the form of this blog, I had done a lot of reading on pregnancy online; and also referred to a lot of books. They all, in their different ways, always stressed on the partner's involvement in a woman's pregnancy. They all propagated that it was his duty to keep her happy in those days or do those little things for her that help her relax - like give her an impromptu massage or make a special meal for her someday. Touchwood, my husband was quite proactive in this matter - and often did all those special things and a lot more to keep me going. 

But I wonder - how many men out there are willing to do it?

Just the other day, we were at a friend's place for dinner. Their little one is hardly six months old - but trust me, he is the happiest and the chubbiest and the cutest kid I have seen in a long long time. I often try to decode the reason for it. And the only logical explanation that comes to my mind - is the positive vibe that he receives from both his parents. Not only is my friend, a hands-on mother but so is her husband a hands-on father. He has voluntarily taken up duties - like giving the baby a burp after his feeding or keeping the milk bottles sterilised and ready are his tasks. And he merrily does them - never ever thinking or suggesting that he is doing his wife a favour by helping her. But rather accepts that it always should have been this way. How much is she suppose to manage on her own? What harm if the father contributes in more ways than just paying the bills? 

Contrary to this case, was the story of one of my cousins. When she was in her last trimester, she would get these unbearable cramps in the night. But she would have to somehow manage to bear the pain without making a sound - as she was not allowed to disturb her husband's sleep. When she told me this, I couldn't believe it! It wasn't like she was living in some village, she was very much in Mumbai and financially also independent. Weird as it may sound, but she was forced to cook elaborate meals after coming back from work - inspite of her protesting that she has this strong aversion to the smell of 'tadka' and it makes her really sick. He would still insist and even fight over it - accusing her that she is making all up so that she can laze around. 

I also know of a husband, who, even after thirty years of marriage, believes that it is not his duty to pay for his wife's medical bills. Rather her brothers should take care of it! He has money to buy her fancy clothes and show her beauty off to the world; but no money to pay for her medical bills - leaving her body to rot from inside, while she puts up a fake smile for the world. 

It boils my blood when I hear stories like this. How can people be like this? Isn't she your wife? Isn't she the mother of your children? So what if she doesn't fetch in money; she has taken care of your family, your children, your house for so many years - doesn't she deserve even that much appreciation from you?

At every stage in the pregnancy or later in parenting - there are many roles for the father to play. But how many men are really willing to be there? 

In a culture where a wife is made to touch her husband's feet out of respect - how is the same husband, of such an elevated status between the two, ever going to massage her feet in return?? 

This is no post to promote feminism... It is just a call for some support! Some understanding!! 

The Coolest 'Masi' and 'Foi' doesn't want to be the coolest 'Mom'...

All these years I have been the favourite 'Masi' and 'Foi' to all my children - three nieces and one nephew! Because I have been the only one to spoil them silly with whatever they want in terms of gift,or whatever they want to do - play, sketch, crafts, dance or simply do lot of 'Masti' with them - the kind they like. Especially my sister's eldest daughter! She was the first next-gen kid or could I say 'toy' for our family when she was born. We all showered her with extra attention and love. Luckily, twelve years later, she hasn't grown up to be a spoilt child. But I am already petrified for my little one! 

Each time I would meet her when she was a toddler, I would pull down her pants to irritate her. She would smile and then coyly pull it up again. The minute she would pull it up, I would pull it down. And this would go on and on till it no longer was fun for her and she would cry out to her mom. Then I would stop and hug her; and she would hug me back with as much love. 

As she grew older, she got cuter and cuter. Her soft cheeks, always bejewelled with her innocent smile made her the prettiest kid I had ever seen in my life. And each time I would meet her, a strong rush of emotions - of only unadulterated love - would rush to my arms and I would grab her in and hug her really tightly. She would enjoy it like anything!! She would kiss me back - as hard as she could - applying as much spit on my cheeks as she could to irritate me in return. I would pretend to get irritated and would rub it out instantly. But in my hearts, I would love it!!

A few years later, a pair of twins - one boy and one girl, were born to my brother. And again similar stories started rolling. I would call them funny names - 'Hajmola' and 'Vicks ki goli' because of the similarity of the shapes between their faces and those respective food items. I would always load them with tons of chocolates and gifts. As they grew older and began to understand these things - they would call me especially to give me the list of fancy things they wanted me to gift them the next time I visited them. And I would merrily oblige. And when I would reach there - they would just be waiting in anticipation. And on opening those gifts - those smiles on their face!! They would just make my trip!! 

I would teach them nonsense lines - and they would all recite them with me. I would teach them art and craft and they would try all those things on their walls - only to add to their parent's troubles. I would do fancy hairstyles for them and then for their mothers to maintain them after I was gone - was quite a task! 

Luckily I never did those things that I felt absolutely detested - like giving them my phone to play games or teach them some bad words or embarrassing lines or anything that was not meant right for kids that age. Because their parents blindly trusted me. These four kids have often been left with me, with the trust that they are in safe hands - that I will feed them on time, love them selflessly and teach them only good things and that too never compromising on the 'fun' quotient!! 

But lately, I have been thinking or rather worrying a lot on this matter. Though worrying has become my second character somehow. What if people teach my child things that I just don't want them to know - how will I cope with that. I have been this really 'cool' aunt to my nieces and nephew; but I am worried I am not going to be this 'cool' mom. Rather a very protective one, with very different ideas of how she wants to bring her child up that the world will not always follow - and then if somewhere, something that I want to protect my child from is exposed to him or her - I am going to be this one little 'Durga'! 

God Bless my child! And God save him or her from me!! ;-)!! 

Fear and Food Stains!!!

I had come across this picture very early in my pregnancy and was waiting to relate to it completely.. And as I am nearing my delivery, having finally reached the third trimester - I am beginning to love it more and more...

So far I had not been craving so much for food... But lately it has started... Nowadays there are only two things on my mind - What should I eat next?? And how will I deliver the baby? So I guess they rightly pointed out in the picture above that the last trimester is truly about fear and food stains... You really feel hungry all the time and want to always eat something new, something interesting, something more delicious than the last time, something more good looking, something more YUMMY!!!

And then there is this constant fear hanging on your head - how will I deliver the baby? Will it be a natural delivery or will it be C-section? Will the labour hurt a lot? What if they have to do forceps delivery? Will I allow them that? Shouldn't I rather go for C section than the forceps one? What if when the baby comes out, it tears me down there and they have to take stitches? Will those stitches hurt? What if they get septic later? How will I pee if I will have stitches there? Oh forget pee, how will I shit? And then what if I have constipation? What if the C-section stitches go septic? Or worse, what if I bleed a lot during delivery? What if there is some complication during the blood transfusion (if needed)? 

Arrrrreeeeeeee...... Hold on!!! 

Often I have to shout back to my brain to stop thinking unnecessarily... How is all this over analysing ever going to help? It is just going to add to my misery!! But where is the misery? It doesn't exist in the first place... This is a beautiful journey that I have started and it will end also with a 'happy ending' only..  How much ever complicated the delivery may be - the joy that it is going to give me at the end of it - when I will hold my little one - it is beyond any comparison!!!

So why agonise over anything at this point... 

Enjoy your food and say bye to your fears... 

What is the ideal time to pack your Hospital Bag?!?

How time flies... 

All us friends - who were once these reckless girls are now married ladies!! Few already mothers and few mothers-to-be and the rest planning for it in the near future. When did it all change so randomly? Now I plan my career and my child together - giving each their due importance.. Earlier I would claim I will tick my checklist of things to achieve and only then plan my child. But now I am merrily following the Fate's plan! How easily I adapted to this new situation - I am myself surprised...

But then I met my friend the other day and she convinced me that I was not the only one. She was such a diva till a few months back... Having styled half the stars of Bollywood, she herself was quite a thunder.. And then I met her now - adorning her new role - Being the perfect mother, styling just her kid and overlooking herself to devote herself selflessly to the little one, all of just six months, who she understood needed her more than anyone else and she was willing to go all out to be there for him... It was such a delight to see her cooing to her son in between our conversation at regular intervals. I was convinced that maternal instincts and calls are really powerful - they can transform the hardest of nuts. 

In a span of half an hour, while her baby was still happy with the cafe environment, before turning cranky; she gave me quick tips on what I should do now while I was pregnant and what I should be prepared for once I deliver. (These days these are the only conversations I am having it seems... But I am loving it!!! ) Of all the things she said - the one that stayed with me rather too strongly was her insistence on keeping the Hospital Bag packed and ready well in advance. She delivered a month before the designated due date given to her time and again, in all her sonography reports.. And it was no emergency c-section delivery because something went wrong - It was a natural delivery with proper labour pain and easy welcome to the baby into the world!! 

One month before the due date - can you imagine?? 

She was indeed right in insisting on keeping the hospital bag ready in advance - because someone like me would always procrastinate about such things and think 'there is still a month to go... I will do it...' And then one day would have to rush to the hospital only half equipped!! Hence, I decided to be different this time.. I decided I will keep the Hospital bag ready in the seventh month only. So I have started working on it and by the end of this week will have it ready. Who knows what happens when? And this is no time to say, 'Bring on the adventure - we will face it!!' -  being caught off guard is going to multiply the trouble for you only... So once you enter the seventh month.. Get going... 

Just in case you are wondering what all should I put in the Hospital Bag - let me refresh your memory and get you the link of my Hospital Bag Checklist Post!!! You can get it printed also and add your own personal comments if you like... 

Happy Packing!!