Can I afford a baby?

As you prepare for the birth of baby, there are many things you need to plan ahead - maternity leave, post-pregnancy care, baby health care. Here’s a checklist.When the biological clock is ticking and you are quite convinced this is the right time for baby-making, take stock of your income, expenditure, investments and lifestyle too. Here’s a checklist to ensure you are on the right track – financially!

Dealing with Infertility

Having trouble conceiving? Find out everything you need to know about fertility problems, including testing for fertility, common causes of infertility in men and women, fertility treatments,advice on coping with infertilityInfertility Among Womenovercoming depression and more. Infertility can be an extremely painful experience – especially for women. It’s an experience they never expected to go through, and many are often left feeling inadequate as women. As motherhood is primarily a female instinct, the inability to bear a child affects the woman’s identity itself.

While infertility can be difficult for men too, it’s often more so for women. And women tend to feel more stressed about infertility.They worry more about it – and it’s usually never far from their thoughts.

Natural and Alternative Birthing Methods

Bringing a baby into this world is one of the most natural and instinctive acts that a woman’s body is programmed to do. Though childbirth is the most fantastic adventure a mother can have, with all the pressures of the modern world, it’s a challenge for women to develop confidence, trust their intuition and allow their maternal instincts to take over.

All About Labour-giving birth

As you prepare for child birth and delivery, know all about giving birth, the signs and symptoms of labour, tips to manage labour pain, alternative and natural birthing methods, what to expect during a c-section surgery,and a quick guide to cervical dilation and epidurals.

Bathing your baby

Bath times with baby can be fun, though most new mothers are terrified at the thought of bathing a soapy, squirming infant. Most newborns do not like to be bathed and may howl from start to finish. But as they grow, most babies start looking forward to splashing in the water.

Remember not to bathe your baby right after a feed, or when she is too tired or hungry. And, make sure the room is warm before you begin.

Is Baby Powder Safe?

Baby powder is a great way to keep your baby smelling sweet and fresh. But it’s better to avoid that extra dab on baby’s soft, gentle skin. Sometimes, the chemicals in the powder, no matter how mild, may just not agree with your baby’s delicate skin and result in irritation and allergic reactions.

So the next time around when you reach out for baby powder, do steer clear of those with a strong fragrance (the aroma is nothing but extra fragrance which could cause irritation to your baby’s vulnerable skin). It is also important to avoid powders that contain talc. Inhaling the small particles in the talc could be harmful for your baby.

Adoption- The best decision ever

Adoption in India has always been a sensitive issue. Childless couples who want to adopt have a tough time convincing their families. In fact, my friend, Puja – who could not conceive due to various reasons – had to face the wrath of her parents when she broke the news about her (and her partner’s) decision to adopt. Totally contentious to the idea, they even refused to speak to her and cut connections for a couple of years. Nevertheless, the pig-headedness in her didn’t deter Puja. She went ahead and adopted a baby girl.

But not all of them can be as bold as Puja. She was also fortunate that her husband was like-minded and stood by her in every step of the way. So that was one huge consolation.