Do’s and Don’ts for parents to be
The news of pregnancy is the best news a couple wants to hear. Having a baby is undoubtedly an exhilarating feeling that encourages moms-to-be to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and healthy body weight.
Pregnancy is the time of your life when you need all the care you can get. From body massages, bed tea, all those snacks to untimely naps, try to rest when possible before your bundle of joy arrives. On the other hand, it is equally important to improve your eating and physical activity habits. Not only during the pregnancy period, but these habits should also be a part of your life even after your baby is born. For further assistance through online consultation or if you require any supplements or medicines during this period, you can always avail services of emeds Pharmacy
Having a healthy lifestyle and eating habits helps your baby to grow well and get a healthy head start to their life.
This article focuses on the tips both moms and dads to be can look up to. We have not only compiled valuable information for your pregnancy but also for the time you start breastfeeding as well!.
By making these minor changes now, you can easily adopt a new lifestyle.
Soon-to-be Dad, Here’s How You Can Take Care Of Your Wife
- Dads, you have to let your wives know it is OKAY if they throw up, do not look neat or are not appropriately dressed. Giver her the space she wants when she’s sick or not comfortable wearing the stylish clothes she used to wear.
- You’re an adult and can cook your own meal. Stop requesting your wife to cook you food when she’s expecting. Certain food smells can make her nauseated; give it up for the time being.
- The best way to help her is to understand and accompany her to all the appointments with the gynaecologist. It is equally vital for you to know what is going on with her and what to expect in the upcoming time.
- Request her to sit down and rest whenever you see her overworking. Ask her to put her feet up to avoid restlessness and swelling
- You cannot take her pain away, but you can be there in the OT standing next to her for moral support.
Soon-to-be-Moms, Be Careful About The Following Things
Do Not Let Anyone Tell You To EAT FOR TWO!
“Eat as much you want, and you should eat for two”, heard this phrase frequently? Do not fall for that because the baby inside you is not a full-grown human and does not require as much food as a grown person. It is true that a woman’s nutritional requirements do increase but do not tell yourself to double them up because there isn’t anything like that!
Avoid Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Being a caffeine lover and staying away from it is a challenging thing to do. Understandably, you never started your day without it, but now, it is different. According to healthcare professionals, caffeine travels into your baby through the placenta and causes an increased heart rate. Your baby will not be able to tolerate that strong caffeine you are consuming.
While Visiting A New Mother, You Should Be Careful About The Following Things
- New moms who’ve recently given birth are exhausted to meet anyone. If you are planning to visit, let them tell you when you can see them and when you do, make sure you’re not taking along a group of people.
- At that time, mothers do not like surprise visits even from the closest of their family members, don’t just plan a surprise visit at all.
- Whenever you visit a new mommy, bring them gifts. Even if you have gifted them something on the baby shower, get something for the mom too.
Here Are Some Of The Gift Ideas That Can Help You Choose!
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- Bath salts
- Baby butter/lotions
- Nursing pads
- Spill-proof coffee/tea mug so she can enjoy her coffee while holding the baby
- Flowers, it is always a plus
- Chocolates, cookies or fruits
Care For The Breastfeeding Mothers
Mommies who start breastfeeding their babies often forget that they also need to care for themselves along with the baby. The best thing you can do for your baby is to focus on your wellbeing too.
Have healthy foods, get juices to drink and refresh yourself so the baby can get good healthy nutrition from you.
What nutrients do mothers need?
To know what nutrients are required for your health at this time and what sources you can get them from:
- Calcium
Calcium is responsible for building your baby’s strong bones and teeth. Moreover, it also plays an integral part in developing the baby’s nervous system, circulatory system and healthy functions. - Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the nutrients responsible for giving support, growth, and energy to the baby even after birth and during breastfeeding. - Fibre
Fibre helps in easing constipation that women commonly experience after delivery. Fibre can be found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. - Folic acid
Folic acid helps the healthy development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord. It’s also needed to make red blood cells and white blood cells. - Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, also known as unsaturated fats, help in the growth and development of the newborn baby. Healthy fats are specifically crucial in the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. - Protein
To develop baby’s baby’s muscles, bones, and other tissues, specifically in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, women should look out for ingredients that will provide them with sufficient proteins. Even after delivering the baby, while breastfeeding, protein can be beneficial for the baby’s development.
Care For Breastfeeding Moms
1. Get The New Mommy All The Help She Needs
Ask if your expecting partner is planning to breastfeed the baby and if she needs to see a lactation consultant.
2. Bring Her The Things That Might Come In Handy
The new nursing mommies are exhausted due to workload. Help her by asking if she needs anything, be it anything, a glass of water, adjusting their pillow, passing them the TV remote or just be there to accompany her.
3. Deal With Her Hunger Cues
Mommies don’t like to be reminded all the time if their baby is hungry. They know when the baby is actually hungry. Grandparents, aunts, or anyone carrying the baby hands them directly to the mom when the baby starts crying. You need to understand the signs when the baby is actually hungry otherwise, try to comfort the baby on your own.
4. Do Not Leave Her Alone Unless She Asks You To
Silently escaping the room when she is nursing is not something she will appreciate. Nursing women start to feel lonely when everyone starts leaving while she’s nursing. Just ask her if she is comfortable in nursing with people around or if she needs some privacy. If she tells you she’s okay having you around, stay and chat with her.
5. Be Of Some Help At The Night Time
At night, the child is not only crying because they’re hungry or the diaper’s dirty. There’s more to be done in those hours, there are burpings, rocking and more. Don’t assume she will handle it all alone, you need to be awake and attentive when the baby is upset. Maybe just hold the baby and walk for some time while she rests
6. Give Her The Break She Deserves
Mothers need a break too. Take the baby away from the mom’s hand and let her have the time she wants. Don’t interrupt her while she’s having a bath, nap or getting the pedicure done.
Challenging time is not just during pregnancy but the one that starts right after delivering the baby. Both the parents need to be patient and cooperative. That bundle of joy might bring restless nights along but, it is worth the wait!