Baby Essentials

May 25th, 2011 Posted in Babies
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As new parents prepare for the coming of their baby to their homes, they will have to provide for the needed baby essentials. However, parents will really have to think about the things that they will have to buy. There are so many baby items that are out in the market but parents have to be keen and wise in choosing. Some of these baby products may not actually be needed. Some baby items may not also be comfortable for their babies. Parents may ask some friends or neighbors about their experiences in using some of the baby essentials that they have bought.

Parents who are planning to buy or to be ready with baby essentials have to think of the basic things that their babies would need. They may trim down their lists and stick to the things that are really needed. As their baby grows, they may decide later if they will have to buy more or not. There are a few necessities that parents will really have to provide for their newborn babies. They will have to prepare for the place where their babies would sleep. Though it is good to have the nursery prepared, newborns do not really care about it. What they need is a small place where they could comfortably sleep.

In fact most babies co-sleep with their mothers for the first few months of their lives. They may also sleep in bassinets in the parents’ room. Cribs are expensive and parents have to think whether they really need one for their babies right away. One of the baby essentials that parents really have to think about is what to feed them. Mothers may decide either to breastfeed or to bottle feed their newborns. There are so many items offered but basically they are for the convenience of the mothers and not for their babies. Mothers will know if they can breastfeed their babies until they have delivered them. They may have to wait for this time before making some purchases for breast pumps or feeding bottles.

Baby clothes are one of the baby essentials that parents can’t resist. However, parents may need to purchase those that are comfortable for their babies like pajamas with feet, warm baby blankets, enough baby clothes and diapers. Mothers would need to change their babies several times a day. They may have a few expensive ones for special occasions as babies will soon outgrow their wardrobe in a very short time. Above all these baby essentials, babies need lots of love and care from their parents. Babies will grow well and develop without too much problems if all of their physical, psychological, social and emotional needs are met.

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Advantages of Baby Massage

May 20th, 2011 Posted in Babies
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There are some advantages of giving a baby massage to infants. Parents may give their little bundles of joy something that would really benefit them in the long run. A baby massage is also one of the best bonding moments between parents and their babies. This is also one way to ease the stress of being a parent at the same time ease the stress of the babies as they too have to adjust to their new world. Parents will soon realize that giving their babies some massage will not only bring relief but some other benefits too.

A baby massage relieves infants from any discomfort that they may be feeling especially those form gas, colic or constipation. It helps in relieving spasms especially in the colon as it helps in releasing gas. A baby massage also stimulates digestion and this may also increase the release of endorphin that eases the pain that they feel. There have been studies that indicate that neonatal massage gain weight faster. However, a baby massage may depend on the weight and the baby’s age. There are some hospitals that give baby massage in their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pregnant women may check with their doctors if they would like this kind of service to be provided for their babies when they are born.

There are medical evidences that indicate benefits derived from baby massage. It helps in the developing the nervous system. A baby massage also strengthens the immune system of infants. Babies become more alert and aware of their environment as well. It also helps in decreasing stress just like any other form of massage. This also facilitates the release of the nurturing hormone called Oxytocin. These are some of the advantages of giving baby massage to infants from the medical point of view.

A baby massage also helps infants to develop healthy self-esteem. Aside from the development of their bonds with their parents, babies feel loved and cared for. This in turn will help the babies to develop their social and psychological well-being. Parents may give a baby massage to their infants especially when they are awake. However, parents must not give some massage if there are some unknown rashes on the skin of their babies. Parents are also advised not to give a baby massage if they are angry or in a bad mood. This may not be a good time since no special bonding may be attained. Parents may also indulge in massage from time to time so that they would also feel what they are giving to their babies when they get relaxed and be free from stress.

 

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Benefits of Water Birth

May 16th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
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Pregnant women may have the option to have water birth. They will have to undergo the delivery of their babies in tub or pool of warm water. There are some women who also choose to spend their labor at the water but would get out of it before delivery. But there are also other women who opt to deliver in the water as well. Water birth mimics the environment of the unborn inside the womb. The stress and the shock felt by babies as they come out are lessened because of the warm water. Mothers would not also feel so stressed if they deliver their babies this way.

There are other benefits of water birth as well aside from it being soothing, relaxing and comforting as well. Women who are on labor may feel to have more energy especially towards the final stages. Their weight on water is supported by the buoyant force thus they may be able to move freely on different positions. They may also benefit more because buoyancy helps in the uterine contractions and promotes more efficient circulation of the blood. Better blood circulation will deliver more oxygen that the baby needs. It also helps in lessening the pain that is felt by the mother in labor.

Women who also undergo water birth may feel relaxed. Their bodies may be able to produce more endorphins to relieve them of their pains. Their anxieties are reduced and their blood pressures are regulated as well. Women who choose to go for water birth may experience lesser tears of their perineum because it becomes more elastic when submerged in water. They are also able to concentrate more on their labor with lesser stress and anxiety. Mothers in labor may also have some sense of privacy if they are in the water.

Pregnant women who would like to choose water birth for their babies will have to consult with their doctors. There might be some instances or medical conditions that would make this procedure not possible. Water birth may be a wonderful experience for both mothers and babies but their health and their safety should be considered first. It is also important for pregnant women to check if the hospitals where they would deliver their babies have facilities for water birth. They will also select caregivers who have the proper training and experiences in helping pregnant women deliver through water birth. Pregnant women may undergo water birth if there are no health issues or other problems.

 

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