This is page is targeted at women, (mums to be ,girls,ladies,babes,experienced mothers,single mums,wives) whatever your current status or position.
It's about sharing life experiences and helpful tips on health,pregnancy,conception,childbirth and general women issues.
The ultimate goal is to impact, educate and inspire.
Join the community on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @sweetmummymia

[/b]How to transition your baby to bottle feed without issues[b]

Breast feeding is great, but oftentimes,you need to augment with the bottle for different reasons, such as if you are not producing enough milk or you don't want to breast feed at all.
For a career woman especially, it is important to introduce your baby early to the bottle ,if you wait too long ,he/she can reject it, constantly vomit or spit up, or you struggling to find the right formula he/she will accept.
However if you have taken the decision to bottle feed,the following tips will help.

1. Choose the right formula, your baby's doctor or hospital can recommend a good one,also listen or read reviews by other mothers to make a selection. Don't be carried away by the adverts or marketing strategy by brands who want to sell. You are the mother, so choose what is right for your baby, look up the ingredients and be sure your baby doesn't have a negative reaction to any of the composition.

2. Use chemical free, bio degradable bottle and nipples. Choose the right teat to go with the bottle. Feeding may prove difficult if the teat is too large that it over drips or spills, too small,that liquid hardly comes through. Test to see the teat is right, fluid should come out easily,not too slow or fast, not blocked or easily allows air to enter,so the baby doesn't have to struggle latching on or sucking on it. If not, it can be a turn off.
Let out air from the teat and bottle so as to avoid baby taking in gas.

3. Keep all bottle feeding equipment clean and hygienic, sterilize feeding equipment before and after every feeding by washing the items in warm salty water, wash with soap at least once a day preferably after feeding.

4. To feed, let the formula be warm ,do not microwave either the bottle or the formula, you can put the bottle in hot water so the formula can be warm.

5. Read and follow instructions on the formula as regards, storage, usage,preparation time and general rules.
Ideally, prepared formula should be refrigerated or use within the hour once feeding start. It is not ideal to freeze formula. Don't mix formulas of different brands, or mix leftovers with a newly prepared formula.

6. Replace bottles and nipples as necessary, say every three months. You can use disposable nipples if you are traveling or pressed for time . Get a feeding bag that can contain the feeding gear, typically bottles, formula can, nipples ,ice pack and measuring spoons.
7. To ensure your baby feeds properly and quickly takes to the bottle, avoid distractions during feeding. Let each feeding time be moment of fun and bonding. Turn your baby's head away from your breast,so he/she can concentrate on the bottle, for new horns, secure and support his/her head with your hands. If you are giving formula not off the shelf, such as home made food like pap, you can introduce ground crayfish,groundnut paste to add some taste to the food. However, this can be given to babies more than 3/6 months old.
You can rock,croon,sing,read to your baby if its makes feeding easier and more enjoyable. Some babies love concentrating on images, figures or a screen while feeding, you can hold an image book inches away from the baby's face while he/she is feeding to help distract from surrounding noises or sounds, this also helps to develop the baby's imagination and learning skills


8. Prepare the formula to the right consistency, not too watery ,not too thick ,just enough milk and water to make it as close to the consistency of the breast milk. This will ensure your baby is getting the right nutrients in a consistent manner, doesn't purge or have indigestion.
9. Don't force feed or rush the baby, allow it to feed on it's own at its own pace, rushing a baby can make it to swallow air,gag ,choke or be uncomfortable and can completely turn it off. A baby can time from minutes to an hour,depending on individual.
10. Be in tune with your baby's needs ,While for some, keeping to scheduled or specific times for feeding works, others feed when the hunger instincts kicks in, some babies take the bottle and are full, others still feel the urge to cap it up with the breast. Do whatever whatever works for your baby. Don't be rigid . Just go with the flow and trust your maternal instincts.
©Christina Ty Adegbaju
@sweetmummymia (Instagram,Facebook and YouTube)

[/b]5 ways to overcome anxiety, depression, Panic attacks during pregnancy and after child birth[b]

1. Recognise it: Be aware, know depression, anxiety,panic attacks is real and you are not the only one suffering from it especially if this is your first pregnancy or you are with a new born. It can come in form of postpartum depression (PPD), or post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD),mental health deterioration or emotional imbalance. Be aware of the symptoms and what triggers it, negative thinking, undue stress, family pressures, financial instability, emotional trauma, past problems resurfacing, lack of support from friends, spouse, family members or partner, extreme poverty, difficult pregnancy,health challenges, self esteem issues, adapting to changes during pregnancy and after child birth,seeing to baby's needs,
Signs you are having depression or panic attacks include: Thoughts of harming the baby, blocking out your baby 's cries, leaving a baby to cry for long periods without attending to his/her needs , fear of suffocating the baby, need to constantly check if your baby is breathing or alright, panic over little things (like a baby spitting up, crying or fussing), feeling of inadequacy, not believing yourself capable of caring or supporting the baby, over nesting, obsessional thoughts or intense compulsive behavior, the need for everything to be perfect leaving no room for unintentional mistakes,extreme anxiety, starvation, nervousness, bingeing on foods and drinks, smoking, drinking or harming oneself.
Know the signs, where and how to get help and react accordingly.
2. Appreciate yourself: Affirm positive words to yourself always. Tell yourself "I am /going to be a great mom" "I will provide my child with support, balance she/he needs to grow and become a perfect ,complete person with good family values, great ambitions and be the envy of others". Words such as these encourages you and your child to overcome immediate challenges, surmount obstacles and improve mother-child bonding.
Believe in yourself, that you can do it, be a great mom, carry your pregnancy successfully to full term,cope with any situation and have faith to be able to rise up to any situation.
Reward yourself accordingly when you reach and cross any milestone, conception, each trimester of the pregnancy, child birth and delivery, each quarter of your child's first year. It is not an easy task conceiving, carrying a baby in the womb for 9months, going through the labor process, raising the child, as your child almost takes over your life and body, you have to cater to his/her whims, the many sleepiness nights, days you become tired,worn out and useless, stressful periods adjusting to the new changes, feeding and diaper changing times. All these confirms you are a strong woman, because there are so many women who don't get to have this experience. To be happy whenever you feel almost sad, Think of your child in future years to come and the many joys,elation you will feel, you will be glad you made all the sacrifices.

3 Surround yourself with positive vibes only:
Stay away from any bad or negative energy such as an abusive partner, negative critics who are quick to judge or condemn your actions without being or knowing enough about your circumstances, those who aren't ready to help or support you, bad or noisy environment, unhygienic areas,
Do whatever makes you happy, sing,dance, pray,read books or Bible, watch movies, play games,visit friends or family,take walks with your spouse, dog or neighbour, go on outings,picnics,events or get together,learn new skills, destress,visit spas or salons to get a massage,change your hairstyle or have your nails done. Write out plans for your child ,eat healthy, exercise, meditate, talk to your baby,monitor your health,vital signs and be in good form. Do whatever makes you happy. Strive to always being a happy mood, your baby can easily detect what mood you are in. A happy mother makes for a happy,healthy baby.

4. Seek help/solution: You are not the first nor will you be the last to have depressive thoughts or panic attack. Many past sufferers overcame the problem and better off just because they recognise they have a problem and sought help. There are support groups ran by churches ,women, baby clinics,community health centers that help in therapy, psychological analysis, discussions, consulting and giving medical solutions to those who have trauma, depression or panic attacks.
Having friends or family over to visit,go on outings or attend programs together can help in overcoming loneliness, boost one's morale and uplift one's spirit.
Don't be afraid to reach out,talk to someone or ask for help when you need it.

5. Don't give in or give up
Overcome the problem, don't allow it overcome you. Understand you are not the only one going through this phase,many have gone ahead you, passed through this phase and came out strong,others are coming after you and will experience same, be their voice of reason, be there to support,encourage and be their backbone. Your testimony will give them hope and build their trust to never give in to the present challenges, they are just momentary and temporary, they will, as a matter of fact,soon pass away. Few years from now,you will have reason to look back and celebrate yourself for not giving up.
©Christina Ty Adegbaju

@sweetmummymia

@Typearlslifestyle



Follow our social media pages and media channels for more tips, support and advice.

Find us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Good job you are doing here. Well done. I can relate to it.

Nice write up.

Baby gloves or mittens can be worn on individual fingers or as a whole on the hand for protection and safety reasons which are outlined below:

1. To conserve heat and prevent cold.
2. To prevent the little one's from scratching her face and inflicting injuries on herself or on mom. You may find it difficult in cutting a new born's nails if you are afraid they might bleed, mittens help you overcome such fear ,you can keep them on till the nails are long enough to cut, or to allow baby grow more (few weeks)
3. To reduce your babies from pulling on their hair. Some babies tend to do this a lot, tugging on their hair when they need attention or in their sleep. They can self inflict pain on themselves unknowingly, a good reason to keep the mittens on.
4. To avoid exposure to unfavourable weather elements, snow,wind, heat,sun rays and keep the hands protected.
5. To stop your baby from gouging his eyes or putting his fingers deep into his throat which can cause injuries ,vomiting or spread infections.

How long should the gloves or mittens be on for babies
1. For new borns, almost all day except during bath time. Those few moments allows the fingers to breathe in air.
2. For babies older than a month, it becomes optional depending on what the mittens is being used to protect or prevent.
It helps to keep your babies' nails paper thin and short by trimming, clipping the nails regularly ,every week to prevent them harming themselves.
3. Once you Train your baby (3-6 months old)to stop pulling on his hair or scratching his face, you can stop wearing the gloves indoors except when going out.
Wearing mittens on your baby's hands keep them soft,clean and toasty warm.
4. Remember to look out for signs your baby has been hurting himself, like scratches on the face and put the mittens on ,if you have left off wearing them already.
5. Stay hygienic, use clean,dry mittens only, change daily. Also wash gloves as appropriate

Join my social media @sweetmummymia (YouTube,Instagram and Facebook, WhatsApp) for support, advice and personal stories

[/b]Perfect age to start a child on becoming bilingual or multilingual[b]

The best ages to teach your child new languages are 0-5,5-7,7-10, these ages are when their speech patterns, vocal sounds are formed. They add to their grammar and vocabulary by watching, listening and reading.
If you intend to make your child bilingual or multilingual,Simple methods of introducing the new languages to your child include, consistently communicating to your child in the language you want him to learn, playing games, reading books or watching educational TV together. A school is another good place to learn. A language class, interacting with speakers of the language by forming friendships or study groups is another way of learning.

Full article on blog : typearlsblog

The following tips will help you in choosing a good diaper.

1. Read the labels and packaging before buying a diaper, know what is made of,if it contains banned or harmful substances

2. Don't be carried away by brand names which can be costly, even the less known names can be effective too and helps if you are on a Budget.

3. At first,buy small quantities and Try them out , stick to the brand that works for your baby. The disadvantage of going with the crowd is that what works for one might not work for another.


Popular brand names

The list below consists of most favored diapers by moms according to a survey I carried out on various mothers in different countries but mostly in Nigeria.

Huggies

Pampers

Molfix

Virony

Angel

New beginnings

Mother's choice

Everbrant

Baby hugg

Bambo

Dry love

Kiddies

Toujours

Enliven

Asda

Milton



P:s This is not an advert for any brand. Choose your diapers according to your discretion .The information is just a guide.



©Christina Ty Adegbaju

@Sweetmummymia

[/b]Is black vaginal discharge normal?[b]

Black or grey blood discharging from the vagina is normal if it occurs during the menstrual period, in pregnancy , onset of menopause, after child birth or miscarriage.
It becomes a call for concern when it is accompanied by foul smell,vaginal itching, infection, extreme irritation, genital swelling, pain during urination, fever, continuous non -stop discharge .

©Christina Ty
Join my social media channels @Sweetmummymia (Facebook, YouTube, twitter,Instagram)

Second to labour pains,there is nothing as painful as Bartholin's cyst or abscess.
Know the symptoms and treatment.

1. There is a swelling outside of the vagina filled with pus,or hair follicles. Extreme pain itching, redness,soreness of the area and general irritation.
2. Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria.
3. Sitz baths (warm water, salt and little dettol) can help reduce the swelling and keep the area clean.
4. Pain killers can help dull the pain.
5. Marsupialization (surgical drainage of the pus) gives total relief and helps reduce occurrence of the cysts
6. Gland removal is a better option if cyst keep reoccurring.

P:s Surgery doesn't mean the cysts won't reoccur. Sex should be avoided during treatment. (even the pain won't allow it).
Bartholin's cyst should not be confused with vaginal swelling during pregnancy.

Why use a breast pump?
Breast pumps are useful for the following reasons:
1. To collect and store precious breast milk for latter use such as while you are away, travelling, working or not readily available.

2. To relieve engorged and sore breasts.

3. To prolong the breastfeeding relationship between mother and child as long as possible.

Tips to observe when using the breast pumps

-Pump as often as you can
- clean all pumps regularly with warm soapy water and salt

-eat and drink well to aid quick and constant milk flow
- rub breasts/nipples with lanolin or oil to relieve sore nipples or blisters
- maintain clean hygiene to prevent transferring infections to your baby. Wash hands before and after using the pump.
- electric pumps works faster than manual pumps but are more expensive..