Is it safe for a pregnant Mom to have a pet?

Parents – by Vincent Jim – September 27, 2024

Do Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms? Understanding Couvade Syndrome.

Do men also experience nausea, back pain, anxiety, and appetite changes similar to pregnancy symptoms? The answer is yes—some men do experience these symptoms during their partner's pregnancy. But why do men have these reactions when they are not pregnant themselves? What specific symptoms can occur, and how can this situation be improved? This blog will address these questions. Pregnancy Experience in Men In recent years, the condition where men experience symptoms similar to pregnancy is known as Couvade Syndrome. The term "couvade" is derived from the French verb ‘couver’, meaning "to hatch" or "to incubate." It describes a range of symptoms in a non-pregnant partner that mirror those experienced during pregnancy. These symptoms can include weight gain, body aches, and nausea. Why Does Couvade Syndrome Occur? Research suggests that Couvade Syndrome may occur due to a heightened form of empathy. Men who experience this condition often have a deep emotional connection with their pregnant partner. Being closely involved in the pregnancy and sharing daily life can lead to a sympathetic response, causing them to experience pregnancy-like symptoms. Additionally, there are some researches show that this reaction might be a form of psychological "loading" . For first-time fathers, unfamiliar with the challenges of parenthood, they might feel anxious and overwhelmed by the process. This psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms such as nausea.   What Are the Specific Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome? Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome can include: - Abdominal pain - Anxiety - Appetite changes - Back pain - Bloating - Brain fog - Constipation - Diarrhea - Depression - Fatigue - Leg cramps - Insomnia - Nausea and vomiting - Toothache - Weight gain   Couvade Syndrome Treatment? There is generally no specific treatment for Couvade Syndrome, but the symptoms often diminish during the second trimester of the partner’s pregnancy, peak around third trimester, and then disappear after childbirth. However, there are steps that may help manage the condition: - Communicate: Discussing symptoms and feelings with your partner or a trusted friend can provide support and relief. - Seek Medical Advice: If symptoms are severe and significantly impact daily life, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.   References: Scientificamerican, (June 28, 2004), Why do some men experience pregnancy symptoms such as vomiting and nausea when their wives are pregnant? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-men-experienc/ Clevelandclinic, (May 8, 2024), Couvade Syndrome: When Partners Develop Pregnancy Symptoms https://health.clevelandclinic.org/couvade-syndrome-sympathetic-pregnancy

Parents – by Vincent Jim – September 24, 2024

Storing Breast Milk: Tips You’ll Want to Know

Clean Hands First: Always wash your hands before you start expressing or handling breast milk. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping things sanitary. Pick the Right Containers: Go for breast milk-specific storage bags or food-grade containers with lids. Regular plastic bags or household bottles aren’t the best choice for storing breast milk. Watch the Amount: Store about 2-4 ounces in each container. This way, you can avoid wasting any milk when you thaw it. Label Everything: Write the date on each bag so you know exactly how long it’s been stored. This helps you use the milk within its safe time frame. Leave Some Space: Make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container. Breast milk expands when frozen, and this little extra room helps prevent spills. Avoid the Fridge Door: The temperature on the inside of the fridge door is less consistent because of all the opening and closing. Store your milk in the main part of the fridge or freezer for a more stable temperature.   How Long Can You Store Breast Milk? At Room Temperature: No more than four hours. In the Fridge: Up to 6-8 days. In the Freezer: 6-12 months is ideal. After Thawing: Use thawed milk within 24 hours in the fridge, or 2 hours at room temperature.   Thawing Tips Skip the Microwave: Microwaves can heat unevenly and might burn your baby. They can also destroy some of the nutrients in breast milk. Thawing Options: If you need the milk right away, you can thaw it in warm water while it’s still in the bag. For a slower thaw, just put it in the fridge overnight. One Last Thing If your freezer has a hiccup and the milk starts to thaw but still has ice crystals, don’t worry! You can put it back in the freezer. And if you’re ever in doubt about the milk’s freshness, give it a sniff. Bad milk has a pretty unmistakable smell.   References: CDC, (November 27, 2023), Breast Milk Storage and Preparation https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breast-milk-preparation-and-storage/handling-breastmilk.html Amanda Krupa, (July 30, 2021), Breast Milk Storage Guidelines https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/storing-breast-milk/ Dina DiMaggio, (March 20, 2024), Tips for Freezing & Refrigerating Breast Milk https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Storing-and-Preparing-Expressed-Breast-Milk.aspx Karen Miles, ( March 12, 2024), Tips and guidelines for safe breast milk storage https://www.babycenter.com/baby/breastfeeding/tips-and-guidelines-for-safe-breast-milk-storage_20000311Kate Kelly, (August 14, 2023), How Long Does Breast Milk Last? A Guide To Freezing, Heating And Storing https://www.forbes.com/health/womens-health/how-long-breast-milk-lasts/  

Parents – by Vincent Jim – August 21, 2024

Not Producing Enough Milk? How to know and what to do

How Can You Tell If You Have Enough Milk?  When your newborn baby loses more than 7% of his or her weight in the first three days, it may indicate that your baby is not getting an adequate supply of milk from you. This is when you need to consider whether insufficient milk is the cause. When your baby is not getting enough nutrition, it is natural for their weight to not keep up with the expected gain. It is also important to note that delayed breast milk production can occur shortly after birth. One study reports that 44% of new mothers in the US experience this delayed breast milk production. What Are the Causes of Insufficient Milk? Feeling Anxious Some mothers may experience elevated levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, after pregnancy due to lack of sleep and difficulty in adapting to the baby's routine right away, which can affect breast milk production.   Eating or Drinking Too Little Some mothers may try to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy figure by starting a weight loss program, which can result in consuming too few calories and not drinking enough water, leading to insufficient breast milk production. Replenishing a bottle of water after each breastfeeding session and eating smaller meals supplemented with more fruits can help ensure you get the necessary calories for milk production. Sickness Unusual tiredness or infections such as the flu can affect milk production. If you feel any discomfort, please consult your doctor or seek medical attention promptly.   Some Ways to Help Increase Milk Production: Increase the Frequency of Breast Pumping Ensure that the remaining milk is completely extracted after each feeding. You can increase the frequency of breast pumping to 12 times every 24 hours (approximately once every 2 hours) to signal your body that it needs to produce more milk. A strong demand can help ensure an adequate supply.   Eat Foods That Assist Milk Production For example, oatmeal or hops beer, which contain yeast, may help increase milk supply. Don’t Completely Give Up Formula Milk Some mothers may not be able to provide enough breast milk due to conditions such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or breast surgery. Using formula is a valid alternative to ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need. Breastfeeding isn't the only way for your baby to receive adequate nutrition. References:Shivani Patel, (May 16, 2022), 4 factors that can decrease breast milk supply – and how to replenish it https://utswmed.org/medblog/decrease-breast-milk-supply/ Nationwidechildrens, (Febrarury 1, 2024) Low Milk Production https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/health-library/low-milk-production Medela, Reasons for low milk supply https://www.medela.com/en/breastfeeding-pumping/lactation-professionals/lactation-articles/breastfeeding/reasons-for-low-milk-supply lllc.ca, Low Milk Production? How to know, and what to do about it https://www.lllc.ca/low-milk-production  Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

Parents – by Vincent Jim – July 30, 2024

Preparing for Parenthood: Five Essential Questions Answered Before Your Baby's Arrival

As the due date approaches, it's natural for parents to become more anxious. Especially for first-time parents, everything feels uncertain. Any confidence and excitement can be overshadowed by sudden concerns. Any fears or unease are normal reactions we must acknowledge. However, there are still some things we can prepare in advance. Here are five questions you can address before giving birth, which can also provide you and your partner with reassurance and peace of mind：   Q1: What are the two most important things to do on the first day after the baby is born? 1, Monitor the Baby's Health: Check the baby for any signs of discomfort or potential issues, as newborns can't communicate their needs verbally. 2, Monitor Bowel Movements: Ensure the baby has a bowel movement within the first 24 hours. This helps confirm that the baby's digestive system is functioning normally after birth.   Q2: Does a newborn need to drink water? No, newborns do not need additional water beyond breast milk or formula. Breast milk provides all the necessary fluids for a baby's hydration and development during the first six months.   Q3: Does a newborn need a pillow to sleep? No, newborns should not use pillows. Their heads and bodies are naturally aligned after birth, and pillows can pose a suffocation risk. Pillows are typically introduced around six months of age when a baby's neck muscles are stronger and they can change position on their own. The Maydolly smart cradle's mattress uses breathable air-fibre material, which provides a more comfortable sleeping experience for your baby and also reduces the risk of SIDS compared to using a pillow. More details can check on the product page.   Q4: Should the baby's umbilical cord be disinfected before it naturally falls off? It's generally recommended to keep the umbilical stump clean and dry until it falls off naturally. Some regions advise using a sterile cotton swab with alcohol or iodine to gently clean the base of the stump to prevent infection. Besides, avoiding full immersion in water during baths can also aid in healing.   Q5: How soon after birth should the baby be breastfed? Ideally, breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth. This early contact with the mother allows the baby to receive beneficial bacteria and build their immune system, protecting them from infections. Besides, the nutrient-rich first milk that helps build the baby's immune system and provides essential antibodies for protection against infections.   References: pregnancybirthbaby.(2022).When can babies drink water? https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/when-can-babies-drink-water NHS.(27,October,2021).Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/baby-and-toddler-safety/ Palazzi DL, et al.(16, October, 2023). Care of the umbilicus and management of umbilical disorders. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/care-of-the-umbilicus-and-management-of-umbilical-disorders Leah Selim.(31,July,2018).Breastfeeding from the first hour of birth: What works and what hurts https://www.unicef.org/stories/breastfeeding-first-hour-birth-what-works-and-what-hurts Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.