motherhood tips

Essential motherhood tips – Preparing For Motherhood Need Not Be A Trying Time

motherhood tipsMotherhood is one of the most admired but challenging period of a woman’s life. Any newly married woman would wish to be a mother within a short period of time. Motherhood starts when a woman becomes pregnant, nurse the pregnancy, deliver a child and nurse such a child to be an adult. For many mothers, it is difficult to sail through this stage of life without proper insight to it. This is the reason many mothers are looking for motherhood tips and guides across the internet and other sources. If you are in search of a short but exhaustible motherhood tips, you may read on.

You need to take good care of yourself while you are pregnant. This is because whatever you will do to yourself, you may as well do it to your baby. It is advisable that you observe a well balanced diet as prescribed by your health care giver. In addition, you should also observe workout routine that will help you during the time delivery. You should maintain light exercises, including light jogs and walking at least three times a week for about 30 minutes each session during your pregnancy period.

The other powerful motherhood tip is taking doctor’s instructions and advice seriously. You should take all prescribed drugs and foods. Note that this will help you go through pregnancy phase comfortable. As a pregnant woman, you should be mentally comfortable, as well.

After giving birth, you need to protect your child. You should not forget taking care o yourself too in expense of your child. During this motherhood phase, you will need a lot of guidance from experienced mothers. All you need to do is to consult an experienced mother for further motherhood tips, guidance and advice. Do not forget to enjoy your motherhood.

Motherhood tips – Pros and cons of different parenting styles

motherhood tipsThere are a few parenting styles; however, the three dominant ones are authoritative, permissive and authoritarian parenting styles. Many parents will employ combination of these parenting styles. Authoritative mothers administer hard but fair discipline to their children. One advantage of mothers observing authoritative parenting style always displays equal love to their children. The only con of this parenting style is that it involves use of much disciplinary measures. Children from a family where their mother practice authoritative parenting style always demonstrate high academic achievement. Many of these children will describe their parents as loving, encouraging and caring.

Authoritarian mothers do not entertain two way communications with their children. This type of parenting style is harsh, strict and demanding. There are many rules and believes in their parenting principles. The disadvantages of children form families where their mothers administer authoritative parenting style tend to have low self esteem. In addition, such children will perform poorly in school. Such children will describe their mothers as punitive. The advantage of this type of parenting style is that children from such families are obedient with good manners. However, in most cases, these children are not unhappy most of the time.

On the other hand, permissive mothers have few rules. Such mothers will allow their children to do anything without much order. Permissive parenting style is in most cases related to single mothers, working mothers or simply a mother with no parenting skills. Mothers who observe permissive parenting style takes off hand from their children affairs. To some extreme situation, such mothers may end up not knowing their children where about. The disadvantage of this kind of parenting leadership style is that children get spoiled at tender ages. The only advantage of this parenting style is that mothers will tend to take a friend role to their children. This is not the best type of parenting style. Therefore, good mothers should try to avoid this style of parenting style.

A look at a few places to find parenting resources

Now that you have read exhaustible motherhood tips as well as a few parenting styles with their pros and cons, you can choose which parenting style will make you a better mother. There are quite a number of resources out there, including parenting groups, parenting classes, parenting television shows and parenting magazines among other resources that can help you cope with parenting challenges.

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top tips motherhood

Top Tips Motherhood – Read Our Best Motherhood Tips Ever Compilation

top tips motherhoodWhen a baby enters one’s life, it is always a joy like no other. When you hold your baby for the first time in your arms, you get a strong urge to protect, and an instinct to keep it away from any harm and always be there for them. However, a new parent can be overwhelmed by the newborn’s need for care. The only thought that should always in a parent’s mind is the fact that the baby depends completely on them and so it’s upon them to provide the best for the baby. A baby care guide can be source of relief as it gives tips on how to go about the task. In this article we are going to have a look at some of the essential top tips motherhood which ensure the proper baby care for your bundle of joy.

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Vital Care tips for the Newborn

Having a guide which tells you specifically the dos and donts of effective care for a newborn is very helpful, just like the advice you get from relatives, close family members and friends, as well as other baby care related materials.

Easy To Understand top tips motherhood:

Hygiene

top tips motherhoodhen it comes to matters of baby care, hygiene is very essential and should never be assumed at all cost. Just a little carelessness and the newborn will be down with infections. This is because their immune system is not highly developed. Before handling the baby, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed. Other things which you should also ensure are clean the baby’s bedding, clothes and other things it uses like toys. To reduce the chances of the baby scratching itself, always cut its nails, with a baby nail cutter. This also prevents dirt accumulation under the nails. Sterilizing the baby bottle is also necessary in ensuring effective baby care.

Holding your Baby

Since the baby’s neck is weak and not yet developed, it cannot support the head’s weight. Therefore remember to support the baby’s neck every time you pick it up. Making harsh or sudden movements while handling the baby such as playing with it is likely to hurt the baby because it is still delicate.

At night when the baby is sleeping, place it on its back. For the baby not to develop a flat spot you should alternate the side the baby sleeps on every night. However much the urge to hold the baby maybe, do not wake a sleeping baby as it requires a 16 hour sleep per day.

Comforting and Bonding

top tips motherhoodSince crying is a baby’s only way of passing on a message that something is wrong, a newborn baby is likely to cry a lot. A baby always needs your physical presence to be assured that you are indeed there for him or her. Both parents should therefore spend time holding the baby and talking to it. Babies respond perfectly to sound, and so  soothing tones and a soothing soft voice will not just comfort the baby but will also help in creating a bond.

Actually, bonding with your baby should start when the baby is still in the womb. Research has shown that sounds a baby heard while in the womb are able to soothe it. This may be the song you used to sing or listen to. The baby finds the sound familiar and thus is comforted by it. Every parent has a special way of comforting the baby either using holding positions or soothing sounds or even a combination of both.

Swaddling the baby is one of the comforting methods which works great as it reminds babies of the womb’s security. It is important then to learn how to swaddle the baby.

Baby Feeding

top tips motherhoodFor a newborn, breastfeeding is the most recommended means of feeding the baby rather than giving baby food formulas. This not only provides the needed nutrients to prevent diseases but also helps the baby and the mother to bond. No book should be used to determine how and when a bay is breastfed but it should rather be done every time the baby is hungry. A baby requires to be nursed about 8-10 times a day and you can always do this during breastfeeding. You should consult a doctor when you notice that the bay is losing interest in feeding. Regular weight gain is the only indication that a baby has been properly feeding. To prevent the newborn from getting colicky, you must alway ensure it burps. This is achieved by holding it against you shoulder, not forgetting to support the head and then pat it gently on the back till it burps.

If you follow all the above top tips motherhood, the job of caring for the newborn and giving it the best will be a little easier. So always remember these motherhood tips and you will certainly enjoy every bit of raising up your little ones.

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Single Motherhood Tips

Top 5 Essential Single Motherhood Tips After A Divorce

Single Motherhood TipsSingle motherhood tips should be provided to all women who need them, especially after a difficult divorce. Raising a child on your own is certainly not the easiest thing in the world but thousands of women manage to do this every day. There are many aspects to take into consideration but these following single motherhood hints should give you a better idea of what lies ahead.

Firstly, you must keep in mind the emotional issues that come after a divorce, for both you and the child; they typically occur to single moms. In most cases, the emotional scars last for years; the younger the child is, the greater impact a divorce has on him. But do not worry because it gets easier over time.

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Here are some single motherhood tips that you can take into account when you embark on this arduous journey:

They should help you handle the problematic situations which you encounter at the very start:
1. Take some time off

First you must recover emotionally after the divorce. It is okay and even recommended to leave your child with your mother or a friend, in order to tend to your personal needs. Take a trip, go to the spa, start a new hobby, read a good book… anything that helps with the pain of being a single mother. Take as much time as you need because your child shall require your undivided attention after this. If it becomes overwhelming, you can always consider getting specialized help, since it is very comforting talking to someone who has an objective perspective and who can provide single motherhood tips after a divorce.

Single Motherhood Tips

2. Try to minimize the suffering

In the next step of single motherhood tips, analyze everything that has happened to you and draw a line somewhere. Once you figure out what you are guilty of and what you can learn from the tough experience of a divorce, you will have a smoother ride on the road ahead. Perhaps this is the greatest life lesson you shall ever know as a single parent.

3. Spend as much time with your child as possible

After you find inner peace and get back to reality, involve the little one in all your activities, such as going to the market, preparing food, reading a book or watching a movie. Explain gently what is happening and, most importantly keep telling your child that he has no fault in the divorce. Children are highly sensitive to drama, since they are at great risk of carrying guilt throughout their teen years and even further than that, thus affecting their personality and lifestyle.Single Motherhood Tips

4. Be grateful for everything you have

Look around you and thank yourself, God or whatever you believe in, for the gifts that life has given you – health, a beautiful family, a steady income, your parents, and the unconditional love of your child. Take comfort in the fact that you are managing the best you can in the given circumstances as a single mom, and no one can ever take that away from you. You can never succeed in making things perfect; plus, this will slowly eat you up inside.

5. Do not avoid your child when he needs you

The life of a single parent is busy and exhausting. But, even after a hard day at work, come home with a big smile on your face. Pay attention when your child wants to show you a drawing he made, or give him a hand with homework if he asks you to. Moreover, organize gatherings with the small one, your friends and family, and go out as often as you can. Besides, the joy on your child’s face is priceless and the best medicine that helps you.

Single Motherhood Tips

To sum it up, the road is long and you must be able to take care of your child in any situation. But do not neglect yourself along the process. Remember that you are not alone because close people shall always be at your side, willing to help. More importantly, your child will be able to help you when you least expect it. As far as single motherhood tips go, we are sure you could write a book from the experiences which await you.

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Calming a baby

What is the Best Way to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby?

Ask any mother about the most difficult task in motherhood; all of them will give the same answer – calming a baby. With a fussy babywho cries and throws tantrums frequently, this becomes all the more difficult. Pacifying a baby keeps the mother on her nerves almost round the clock. Searching for some tips to calm a difficult baby? Here you go.

Calming a baby

What makes a baby fussy?

There are those babies who are ‘born calm’ – it appears as if nobody has to sooth them or pacify them, because they are naturally calm all the time. Their mothers are considered to be lucky. Unfortunately, not all babies are so. Many children cry at the smallest provocations. A slight change in the climate or a stranger’s presence will set them going. If you have a colicky baby, first remember that it is not always the child’s fault.Usually such kids are sensitive, and they usually find it difficult to adapt to changes. This leads them to behave in a difficult and fussy way. Understanding this simple secret is very important if you want to keep your baby happy. The best way to control the discomfort is to avoid the situation that causes discomfort.

How to Stop Thumbsucking (and Other Oral Habits): Practical Solutions for Home and Therapy

Soothing a ColickyBaby – The Best Way

Calming a baby

Babies make a fuss if they are uncomfortable. Hence, the best way to calm fussy baby is to find out what makes the kid uncomfortable, and change it.The baby can’t speak for itself; you, being his/her parent, have to find out what’s bothering him/her. Once you find out, make the child comfortable as soon as possible. The baby will naturally calm down.

Some common reasons that make a child uncomfortable are the following:

1. The baby is suffering from some common health issues 2. It is time to feed the baby 3.The baby wants to sleep, and he/she can’t 4. The climate is affecting the baby 6. The baby does not like the crowd and noise that he/she is in 7. The baby is not familiar with somebody in the room 8. Cloths, diaper etc are bothering the baby

Tips and Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby:

Once you know why your baby is uncomfortable, try to make it right. Here are some ways:

Calming a baby

1. Try to divert the baby’s attention by showing something attractive. 2. Give a toy to the baby 3. Take the baby and step out of the house. Some fresh air may change the mood of the baby. 4. Speak to the baby in a soothing voice. Even if the baby does not understand, the manner will calm the baby 5. Feed the baby if you feel he/she is hungry 6. If you feel that the baby is sleepy and can’t sleep properly, then try to pat the baby to sleep. 7. Sing to the baby, or put some calming music on. Best way to calm fussy baby is to be motherly and soothing toward the him/her. If you get frustrated, it will only increase the baby’s discomfort. Be pleasant, be your motherly self. If the baby remains bothered for a long time, then check with a doctor just to make sure that the baby is not suffering from any illness. Above all, try to understand your kid. Happy parenting!

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Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

What You Should Know About Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

A pacifier is a rubber or plastic nipple that a baby chews or sucks on and has the appearance of a teat and comes with a handle to avoid the danger choking on it. Thumb sucking usually involves placing the thumb in the mouth and rhythmically repeating sucking contact for a given duration of time. Both of these actions (pacifier and thumb sucking) enable babies to soothe and calm themselves. As the children get older they tend to out grow this habit naturally and by the age of five years most will have completely stopped it.

Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

When do Pacifiers and Thumbsucking become a problem?

1. If the child continues sucking very strongly on the thumb beyond the age of six years, then, it is time for intervention. This is the period during which the temporary teeth fall off and the permanent ones begin to grow. Thumb suckers who prolong this habit stand the risk of having improperly aligned teeth. If caught in time, the condition usually corrects itself. But the longer the thumb-sucking continues, the more likely that orthodontic treatment will be needed.

2. When you start noticing speech problems because the child starts to lisp. The tongue will normally be thrust out when talking and this interferes with pronunciation of the letters D, T, and S.

3. If the child asks for help on their own volition due to various factors. These might be bullying or teasing from their friends which makes them feel shamed and embarrassed.

Stop Thumb Sucking, Thumbusters, Pink

Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

How is the problem of Pacifiers and Thumbsucking treated?

1. Simple home remedies often work and they include putting gloves on the hands, adhesive tape or an unpleasant tasting food on the child’s favourite finger. If they try to insert their fingers into the mouth it serves as a gentle reminder that they are not supposed to be sucking them.

2. Verbally praise the children when they are not using the pacifiers or sucking on their fingers. Positive reinforcement will make the child more responsive. Develop a reward system and let them actively participate in it. Star charts and daily rewards are a great way of doing this.

3. Discuss with the child and let them know that when they are ready to stop you will help them. This gives them the confidence they need to reach out and confide in you if they encounter any hurdles.

4. Provide other methods of distracting them from wanting to use pacifiers. Put away items like toys or their favourite blankets that trigger the urge to start thumb or digit sucking. Introduce them to activities that will occupy their hands more.

Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

5. Dental appliance can be used as a last resort and an expert should be consulted before using it. It’s usually used on children who are eight years or older and it’s often followed by braces. It has wire loops up behind the front teeth that stop the thumb from being placed in the way they like.

6. Do not use negative methods that include spanking, yelling or punishment to stop the sucking. These will develop feelings of anxiety and hence trigger more thumb-sucking which will result in the development of a vicious cycle.

7. Wean the child slowly from the pacifiers because of the attachment they develop with it. Allow them to have it at nap time only. You could even poke a hole in it to make them think its broken.

Pacifiers and Thumbsucking

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Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

Should You Breastfeed or Bottle Feed?

One of the first and hardest decisions an expectant woman will have to make involves choosing whether they would breastfeed or bottle feed her newborn child. However hard it may be, the woman will definitely have to make her decision when it comes to feeding. Breastfeeding has long been the most preferred method of feeding by most major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Dietetic Association. However, formula feeding is at times known to have been through a lot of changes to make the milk equally nutritious as the breast milk.

 

Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

 

Comparing Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding

For you to be able to easily make your decision when it comes to feeding your newborn baby, it would be best if you will look into the pros and cons of each method so that you can be able to determine which of the two is the best one to use.

 

Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

 

The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

Let’s start by taking a look at breastfeeding. This method is greatly tried and tested for the newborn babies. Normally, in the first six months, it is advisable  that you feed the child on breast milk. There are a couple of reasons why breastfeeding has for long been preferred over bottle feeding.

First and foremost, breast milk is always available and totally free. Formula feeding comes with a cost and it can range from $54 to $198 depending on which brand of formula you choose. This makes breast milk a lot cheaper and more convenient because it does not need to much preparation.

Breast milk also contains a high level of perfectly balanced nutrients as compared to formula milk. With formula milk, the nutritional content often depends on the brand and the preparation. Breast milk contains the perfect mixture or combination of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats that your baby needs for a healthy growth. It can also be easily digestible for the little babies while conversely, some babies find it hard to tolerate some nutrients in bottled milk.

Breast  milk contains antibodies which are very vital in preventing your child from getting infections. It contains active infection fighting white blood cells and several natural chemicals which all increase the child’s resistance against infections. According to the American Medical Association, breast milk can also help to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or the SIDS in children. Breastfeeding can also help to protect your baby from allergies, eczema, diabetes and asthma attacks once they grow up.

Breast milk according to research also contains some fatty acids which are very essential for brain development. It can also help reduce the child’s likelihood of being obese later on.  For mothers, it can help them in their pursuit to quickly lose weight.

However, breast feeding also has its cons though not major ones. The main disadvantage of breastfeeding is that the mother must be available whenever the baby needs to be fed. This does not favor the busy women.

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Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

 

The Pros and Cons of Bottle Feeding

For those who intend to choose bottle feeding, do not get discouraged yet as it also has its own advantages over breast milk. Infant formulas have been made to designed to match the nutrient potential of breast milk. Besides, most babies are not likely to have any serious infections whether breast fed or bottle fed though of course those breast milk have more resistance. Formula also works for babies who are allergic to breast milk and for mothers with diseases like HIV-AIDS, it helps to guard your child from acquiring the said disease.

However, for bottle feeding to work for your baby, there are specific things that you need to know about it. Firstly, there is no need for you to heat the formula. Just serve it at room temperature which is just right for your baby. Also, once the baby has sipped from the formula, the rest should be discarded. Unused formula though can be kept for the next feeding session.

 

Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

 

Choosing The Best Feeding Method: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

Choosing the perfect formula for your baby can also be another challenge. To begin with, choose cow’s milk formula rather than soy formula. Also, make it a point to select a formula that is highly rich in iron as it is vital for your baby’s brain development.

Now that you already know about both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, the choice is left for you, as a mother , to decide. You have to ensure that you will choose the one that will perfectly suit you and your baby’s needs.

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