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However, don’t let this overwhelm you! The good news is that some new mothers get passed these baby blues after a week or 2 post-delivery.

Unrealistic Expectations

The idea that a mother falls in love with her baby the second she lays eyes on him/her is very common. Also, a mother is expected to fall in love with her baby at first sight. But not all women feel that way, because every mother is different and may respond to motherhood differently.

While advice on how to be during and after pregnancy can be helpful, but sometimes the advice can overwhelm a first-time mom. Expectant mothers are often told that they will feel an all-consuming emotion and a love so great for their child that they’ll forget the world. As a result, the mother-to-be feels she has to reach these unrealistic expectations.

Lack of Motherly Emotions

During labor, a woman’s body releases endorphins to deal with the intense pain of childbirth. Once it’s over, the level of the soothing chemicals drops, taking away the excitement and euphoria of becoming a mother.

While it is a common scenario among many new moms, it may not be the case for every mother. Some women may instantly fall in love with their babies even after the endorphins wear off.

There is no right or wrong way of bonding with your child. You may bond with your little bundle of joy the minute you hold them, or you may take a while to form a connection with them. Just as your body takes a while to get back to its normal state, your emotions can also take a while to become how they are supposed to be.

3 Ways To Bond With Your Baby

As we talked about previously, new moms can start developing an intense feeling of love for their babies at different intervals. Whether you felt love at first at sight of seeing your baby or later on, we have listed 3 ways that can help you strengthen your baby bond:

1. Skin to skin contact

After breastfeeding, let your baby stay close to you. This will make him/her feel safe and loved. It will also help you develop more feelings of care and affection.

2. Make eye contact

Looking at your newborn and maintaining at least 1 second eye contact, can increase communication later on.

3. Develop a special routine

For instance, singing a special song during diaper change. Choose a special habit that you always share with your baby.

To Wrap Up

Remember, the next time you ask yourself why don’t I love my child, think that this doesn’t make you a bad mom. On the contrary, it’s a natural phase you’re passing through. Once you adapt to this new change, your bonding with your baby will get better.

Don’t Miss Out!

Taking care of yourself after birth is important for your physical and mental well being. Read our blog for more tips!

For more information about our Mother and Baby Program, call us now on 800 626 945

The post Why Do You Feel You Don’t Love Your Child? appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

Why Does Your Baby Vomit After Formula Feeding?

1. Overfeeding

Formula feeding through a baby bottle allows milk to flow quickly. When this happens, your baby will drink milk fast and his/her small stomach would be full.

Your baby will have no other option than to vomit the milk as a way to calm the stomach.

So, it’s important for your baby to have small feedings and have time to burp properly. More details on this below.

2. Not Burping Properly

When your baby is feeding, they can also swallow air during the process. When there is too much air in your baby’s stomach, this can cause vomiting.

So, make sure you allow your baby to burp after feeding.

What are other causes of baby vomiting after formula feeding?

3. Constipation

If your baby is not pooping for more than 3 – 4 days, it might be that he/she is constipated.

Since your baby is formula feeding, it’s advisable that he/she poops at least once a day to reduce constipation.

So, vomiting after formula feeding in addition to a bloated stomach or doing an effort to poop might be a sign of constipation.

How To Reduce Your Baby From Vomiting After Formula Feeding

• When your baby turns his/her head away from the milk bottle, it’s a way for telling you that he/she is full. So, don’t continue the feeding. 

• Use a small baby bottle that is enough for a few ounces of milk, and stop feeding when the bottle is empty. Also, empty milk bottles can increase air swallowing.

• Make sure your baby is drinking slowly and allow time for burping after feeding.

• Some ingredients in baby formula might make your baby’s stomach uncomfortable. So, check with your pediatrician if you can change to another baby formula. 

To Wrap Up

It’s normal for babies to vomit after their formula feeding. This can be due to different reasons including overfeeding, not burping properly, constipation or other reasons.

Remember! You can always check with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s health.

We hope that these tips can help your baby be comfortable while feeding.

Don’t Miss Out!

Get more tips about breastmilk vs formula milk here.

Start your recovery journey with our Mother and Baby program! Call us now on 800 626 945 

The post My baby is vomiting after formula feeding! What to do next? appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

3 Tips To Successfully Return To Work After Childbirth

Managing the duties of both professional and personal life can be tough, especially for a first-time mother. For a new mom, going back to work after maternity leave typically brings a mix of emotions.

From the happiness (and nervousness) to be around professionals after a while to the sadness of leaving the baby behind, a woman experiences a whirlwind of emotions when going back to work after giving birth. Here are 3 ways to help you balance work and mommy life:

1. Gather The Necessary Supplies

As the date of your return to work comes closer, take a trip to the market and stock up the necessary mother-child-care supplies that you will need.

For instance, these supplies can include a breast pump, a bag to carry the breast pump, nursing pads, and some healthy snacks.

You may think you don’t need healthy snacks at work, but you do. Many moms tend to miss meals after going back to work. As a result, they tend to choose high caloric and sugary snacks to compensate for hunger.

This might not be a healthy choice, especially for a lactating mother. Therefore, have healthy and nutritious snacks with you all the time.

2. Make Arrangements For Your Return To Office

Contact the HR department ahead of time and ask them about lactation rooms. If your company doesn’t have one, ask the administration to arrange a private place for you to pump milk during office hours.

Also, contact your supervisor before your return and ask him/her about any changes at work you need to know. As a result, this will help you finish any deadlines or pending tasks without the stress. 

3. Choose A Day In Midweek To Return

Going back to work on a Monday may seem like the obvious choice, but it may not be the best for you.

If you resume work at the start of the week, you will have to go through five days before you get your first break. That can be exhausting and hard for you and the baby.

Therefore, join the office on a Wednesday or Thursday. Doing so will allow you to have a break in just 1 or 2 days after returning to work, making the transition gradual.

To Wrap Up

In order to have a successful return to work after childbirth, you need to make sure that you plan ahead of time.

Don’t rush things, and don’t take on all the pending projects on day 1. Once you start getting into the groove of your new normal, you can ask for more work if needed.

So, try these tips to help you return to work with less stress. And above all, help you be the supermom that you are!

Don’t Miss Out!

Try these super fun at home toddler activities that your child will thank you for!

For more information about our Mother and Baby Program, call us now on 800 626 945

The post 3 Ways For A Successful Return To Work After Childbirth appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

Signs Of Constipation To Look For

Consult with the pediatrician if :

• your baby is not passing stools for more than 5 – 10 days
• he/she is being uncomfortable when passing stools
• the stools tend to be hard vs soft
• he/she strains or pushes while passing stools
• he/she might experience pain while passing stools
• he/she feels bloated

Helpful Ways To Relieve Your Baby’s Constipation

Water or Fruit Juice With Feedings

If your baby is younger than 1 year old, consult with the pediatrician if it’s recommended to start fruit juices.

• If your baby is older than 4 months, you can add a small amount of water into their feedings.
• 100% fruit juices contain sorbitol- a sweetener that acts as a laxative.
• Prune juices, apple, or pear juice are good examples of fruit juices to include in the feedings.
• Start with 2 to 4 ounces of fruit juice and then keep monitoring to see if your child needs more or less.

High Fiber Solid Food

• If your baby is starting solid food then you can try to include high-fiber solid foods. Fiber can help in loosening up your baby’s stool and help in his/her bowel movements.
• You can include pureed peas, pureed prunes, and whole wheat cereal.

Warm Bath

• A warm bath can relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and soothe any discomfort related to constipation.

Massage

• You can massage your baby’s stomach with your fingertips in a clockwise motion. This will help relax the stomach’s muscles.
• Bend their knees to their chest or in a bicycle motion

To Wrap Up

If your baby finds it difficult to poop and feels uncomfortable, then it might be a sign of constipation. Although constipation is common among children, it depends on your baby’s age and whether he/she is being breastfed or formula-fed.

Consult with your baby’s pediatrician if it’s suitable to add 100 percent fruit juices into the feeding along with high-fiber foods. Also, check if you can change the milk formula brand in case your baby is sensitive to it.

Don’t Miss Out!

Our expert nurses will offer dedicated guidance and support to you at any stage of your child’s development. Call us now on 800 626 945 to learn more about how our Mother & Baby Program is the right fit for you.

The post What To Do If Your Baby Is Constipated? appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

Related: CDC Preventive Steps To Protect Yourself From COVID-19 During Pregnancy

Extreme Stress and Pregnancy: Serious Side Effects

Some studies have found that extreme stress during pregnancy can have serious side effects. From increasing cortisol ( stress hormone) to preterm delivery, it’s very important to try to reduce your stress to have a safe pregnancy.

Focus On A Healthy Lifestyle: Low Impact Exercise and Good Sleep Routine

Have you ever wondered why you always feel tired during your pregnancy?

Well, this is because of your hormonal changes that your body is experiencing. Such as, increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone might cause fatigue levels to rise up.

Also, stress and anxiety might make you feel tired and have no energy.

So, focusing on healthy habits can boost your energy levels and get you going throughout the day. Here are some helpful tips:

1.   Do Low Impact Exercise

Remember to consult with your doctor if you are able to perform these exercises.

• Try to do exercise activities that get your blood circulation moving without leaving you exhausted. Exercise can build muscle strength to prepare you for delivery, improves post-natal recovery, and helps you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
• So, try to do :

1. prenatal yoga that builds strength and calms your mind
2. prenatal pilates for extra flexibility
3. prenatal aerobics to tone your muscles

Related: How To Do Safe Yoga While Pregnant?

2.   Take Power Naps

• Try to take short naps during the day if you feel tired or sleepy.
• Also, waking up and sleeping at the same time daily can regulate your sleeping routine.

3.   Eat Small Meals, Limit Caffeine, And Stay Hydrated

Consult with your doctor or dietitian on a suitable eating plan for you and your baby.

During pregnancy, you’re eating for 2! This means choosing well balanced and healthy meals. By doing that, you’re on the right track for having the optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy, as well as, a healthy development for your baby.

• So, remember to eat well-balanced small meals throughout the day. This will not only give you energy but also maintains steady blood sugar levels to avoid hunger spikes.
• Also, try to focus on these important nutrients to be included in your meals:

1. folic acid
2. calcium
3. iron

• So, include in your eating plan some green leafy veggies, citrus fruits, beans, fish (watch out for mercury levels), lean meat, lean chicken, and dairy products.

4.    Being Mindful Is Key

Last but not least, keep calm. It’s easy for us to say that, but meditation and clearing your thoughts is key.

• Focus on the things you can control and ask for help when needed.
• Also, practice prenatal yoga and breathing techniques that will help you relax and calm your mind.
• Remember to reduce screen time before bed time and read a book instead.

When you focus on positive moments other than those that are adding to your stress, you’ll feel ready to face any challenges ahead.

To Wrap Up

Feeling stressed during pregnancy is normal as you go through all the physical, emotional and hormonal changes. So, in order to have a smooth pregnancy it’s important to focus on having a healthy lifestyle.

This includes: having healthy balanced meals, doing low impact exercises, staying hydrated and having a good sleeping routine. Also, meditation and prenatal yoga exercises can help relax your mind and focus positive moments.

Hope these tips will help you have a smooth and safe pregnancy!

Don’t Miss Out!

 What are some tips that every new mom should know? Read our blog to find out.

Our expert nurses will offer dedicated guidance and support to you and your newborn for a smooth recovery. Call us now on 800 626 945 to learn more about how our Mother & Baby Program is the right fit for you.

The post 4 Ways To Reduce Stress During Your Pregnancy appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

4 Things You Need To Know About Your 4 Month Baby’s Development

1. Movement and Mobility

• When placed on his/her tummy in a sitting position, your baby is able to raise up the arms. Also, can hold his/her head steady and unsupported.
• Might be able to stand up while using your support.
• Starts copying some movements and facial expressions
• Can follow moving things with his/her eyes from side to side

2. Sleeping Patterns

• Your baby can sleep for 14 – 16 hours per day.
• Might wake up for 1 or 2 feedings.
• Also, they tend to nap for 3 – 5 hours per day.

Related: How to encourage baby talk? Read more here

3. Feeding

Consult with your baby’s pediatrician on the suitable feeding frequency for your baby.

• One way your baby tends to explore the world around himself/herself is through tasting. So, make sure you remove any small things lying around that your baby might choke on.
• Your baby is still getting the nutrition he/she needs from breastmilk for optimal development and growth. The breast milk feedings may range from 5 – 6 feedings per day.
• If your baby is drinking formula milk, then he/she might need 5 feedings per day ( 6 -8 ounces of formula per bottle).

Related: What is the difference between breastmilk and formula milk? Read our blog to know more

• Should your baby vomit after formula feeding, then it might be the case of overfeeding or constipation. Read more on that in our blog
• At this stage, your baby is still eating liquid foods. So, it’s recommended to start on solid foods at 6 months.

Related: Check our 6-month healthy baby food ideas every mom should know here

• However, if you would like your child to get introduced to them then a tablespoon per day is more than enough. He/she can try small portions of fruits, veggies, or even baby cereal.

4. Communication

• At this stage, your baby starts copying sounds he/she hears.
• Starts to babble by saying words like “ ga-ga-ga” or “ba-ba-ba”.

To Wrap Up

At 4 months old, your baby likes to express himself/herself with smiles, laughs, and maybe some babble talk. They are constantly exploring the world around them, and everything they say or do is a sign of their continuous development.

You can expect your baby’s motor skills to develop as he/she likes to reach out to things using their hands. They can also keep their head and chest steady without any support. Also, make sure you consult with your baby’s pediatrician on the best feeding frequency for optimal growth.

Enjoy those sweet moments with your baby!

Don’t Miss Out!

Our expert nurses will offer dedicated guidance and support to you at any stage of your child’s development. Call us now on 800 626 945 to learn more about how our Mother & Baby Program is the right fit for you.

The post 4 Month Baby Development: 4 Things You Need To Know appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

Pro Tip! Consult with your pediatrician on the best eating schedule for your baby to match his/her health needs and development.

Your 1 Month Baby’s Development

Week 1

• It’s very important to strengthen your bond with your baby. Check out these 5 ways to bond with your baby. Whether skin-to-skin feedings, or having your baby become familiar with your voice, it’s important for him/her to feel loved and cared for.
• Your baby will need to sleep for 14 -17 hours and wake up every 2 – 4 hours to eat.
• 2 natural reflexes are visible: the sucking and rooting reflexes (when his/her cheek is touched, they will turn their head to that direction to locate the breast and drink milk).
• It’s natural for your baby to lose their baby weight in the first few days. However, breastfeed babies can gain back their weight during their second week.

Week 2

• During this week, your baby is observing everything around him/her and even making small sounds.
• They drink breast-milk from 16 -32 ounces per day for a healthy growth development.

 Get the tips on how to boost your milk supply

• Their feeding times can be every 2 – 3 hours, and might gain back their baby weight.

Week 3

• Your baby will have more control over his muscle movements than before.
• His brain is developing and so his/her focus.

 Get the tips on understanding your baby’s cries

• They will wake up every 2 – 4 hours to eat.

Week 4

• Now, your 4 weeks old baby can respond back to loud noises by crying our quieting down. Whether smiling or crying, this his/her way of communicating with you! The more you talk to your baby, the sweeter bond you’ll have.
• Encourage your baby for a tummy time play. This is helpful to build their muscle strength. Also, when they are on their tummies you may notice they will lift their heads and turn then side to side.
• Your baby needs around 6 – 12 weeks to settle into a sleeping pattern. Also, breastfed babies need to eat every 2 – 3 hours. While formula fed babies every 3 – 4 hours.

To Wrap Up

During the first month, your baby is getting used to the new changes happening around him/her. As well as new developments that are helping him/her for a healthy growth.

Our week by week guide will help you know your baby’s important development changes, so that you can take care of his/her health needs.

Remember to consult with your pediatrician to monitor your baby’s healthy development.

Don’t Miss Out!

Start your recovery journey and dedicated care for your newborn with our Mother and Baby Program! Call us now on 800 626 945

The post Everything you need to know about your 1 month baby’s development appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

Babies grow fast, and understanding month-by-month development is crucial to ensure that your baby isn’t too far behind their targets. Owing to the importance of the 5-month mark for your baby, we’ve listed down 5 of the most important things that you need to know about the development of your 5-month old.

1.    Gain Weight Fast

As your baby turns 5 months old, you’ll see that they gain weight pretty fast. At this point, their weight increases to almost double of what it was at the time of their birth. They may even be ready to accept some semi-solids in their diet.

2.    Motor Skills and Baby Development

By the time your baby turns 5 months old, they’ll be able to sit independently for longer. You may still have to provide them the pillows’ support, but you’ll notice that they can now sit without support for at least a few seconds. Some babies of this age may even roll on their tummies on their own. Your baby starts rocking and working their legs in an attempt to start crawling. You’ll also see that your baby learns to grip things at this age. They can now pull things and hold them firmly, even their feeding bottles. This is all because at 5 months, your baby’s motor skills are getting stronger and a lot more efficient.

3.    Improved Sleep Routine and Habits

Your baby may have started to sleep through the night by this time. However, if your baby still keeps waking up in the middle of the night, you can rest assured that you can set sleep routines and alter their habits at this age. You can establish a proper bedtime routine and bring them into a more regular sleep rhythm. You can start by giving your baby a warm, soothing bath, rock them gently for a while till you see their eyes have started to droop. Put them in their crib when they’re sleepy, not when they’re already asleep. This will teach them to fall asleep on their own. Your baby’s brain and sleep cycles are now developing, and you can take advantage of it.

4.    Improved Vision

Your baby’s vision is also improving at 5 months. Although they still don’t have a perfect vision, their focus has improved drastically by now. Your baby can now perceive colors better and can actually tell two colors apart.

5.    Start Babbling and Baby Development

The age of 5 months is full of surprises for the parents. You’ll be thrilled to know that at 5 months, your baby is already trying to communicate with you. They start babbling. Hold your breath before reading the next line – your baby may even start calling out names like ba-ba and ma-ma. How heartwarming is that?

If your baby is approaching the 5-month mark, you now know the baby development that goes about. You should, therefore, brace yourself for a serious dose of excitement and surprises!

The post 5 Month Baby Development: 5 Things You Need to Know appeared first on Baby at Home by Manzil Healthcare Services.

It is a well-known fact that breast milk is vital for a baby’s health. Giving a newborn child breast milk significantly aids growth and provides the baby with a chock-full supply of essential nutrients. The right diet for breastfeeding mothers is important to keep their breast milk nutritious. A newborn baby needs plentiful fat, protein, and carbs to thrive, and breast milk ensures that a child gets all that. But unlike formula milk, the composition of breast milk varies from feeding to feeding. During the first few minutes of a feeding session, the milk a child sucks has 2-3 times less fat per ounce than the last minutes. This changing nutrient concentration of breast milk satiates a baby in two stages.

In the first stage, the milk is quite wishy-washy, so it quenches the baby’s thirst at first. After that, breast milk becomes thicker and calorie-denser, filling the baby’s tummy. Because of this two-part process, breastfeeding moms are always advised to completely empty one breast before moving on to the other to feed their child.

Babies who are breastfed during the first six months of their lives are much healthier and sharper than children who receive formula milk. Therefore, a mother should always try to breastfeed her child. That said, producing copious milk is not easy; in fact, it can be quite hard on a mother’s body, which is why breastfeeding moms must follow a healthy, nutrient-dense diet.

If you want to stimulate your milk production, here is a list of foods to eat when breastfeeding.

Fish And Seafood

Salmon, sardines, seaweed, and shellfish are excellent food choices for nursing moms. They are rich in essential oils and healthy fats that provide a mother’s body with ample nourishment.

Avocados

Avocados are loaded with healthy compounds needed to maintain the body’s energy. Moreover, a breastfeeding mom’s diet has to increase her calorie intake by at least 500 calories, and avocados are great for that purpose. Getting a free pass to have extra calories doesn’t mean you can eat unhealthy foods because that would be harmful to your child. In order to stay healthy and produce wholesome milk for your child, you need to eat good calories that are sufficiently present in avocados. Hence, you should include the creamy green goodness in your diet.

Nuts, Beans, And Legumes

Nursing moms need to maintain their energy levels throughout the day to produce milk and feed their children. For that purpose, eating nutrient-dense foods such as nuts, beans, and legumes is crucial.

Seeds

Chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds are exceptional food choices if you want to pump your body on healthy fats. Try to include handfuls of grains in your diet on a daily basis.

Meat And Poultry

Having well-done meat is critical for breastfeeding moms as it provides ample protein needed for muscle growth.

Fruits And Vegetables

berries, tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, kale, garlic, and broccoli are rich in vitamins and fiber; therefore, you must regularly include them in your meals.

Remember, the food you eat during nursing months provides sustenance to your child. That means if you slack off and don’t follow a healthy nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be putting your baby at risk. So, be sure to take care of your health by consuming wholesome foods. We offer assistance to moms at any stage of their child’s development. Check out our services here.

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