Staying hydrated during pregnancy is a must.

If you cant take enough water, you need a substitute, coconut water, fruit juice, soups etc

If you can’t take or drink anything at all, then you need to report to the hospital

You may need some treatment or Iv infusions to stay healthy

At least you need about 2.5 litres of water daily..

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OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM (CONJUNCTIVITIS OF THE NEWBORN)

One reason mothers should treat Reproductive / sexually-transmitted infections before getting pregnant is to prevent infections to the baby’s eye during childbirth

If a mum is pregnant and realizes she has an infection she should report for early diagnosis and treatment

The definition of Ophthalmia Neonatorum (conjunctivitis of the newborn) is an eye infection that occurs within the first 30 days of life. It is caught during birth by contact with the mother’s birth canal that is infected with a sexually-transmitted disease. The infection may be bacterial, chlamydial or viral)

Signs and symptoms include :

🔴Redness of the baby’s eye

🔴Swollen eyelids

🔴Watering of the eye or discharge

Report early for treatment to prevent possible complications.

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DOES THE SIZE OF MY BREAST DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF BREASTMILK IT WILL PRODUCE?

Midwife Sally, my breast is small and can’t produce enough breastmilk for my baby.

The simple answer is that the amount of breastmilk produced produced by a lactating mum is not dependent on the size of the breast.

All things being equal, the more you allow baby to suck, the more breastmilk will be produced. The size of the breast does not matter

Feeding baby on demand helps more breastmilk to be produced. Lactating mums can do exclusive breastfeeding regardless of the size of their breast

Lactating mums should take more fluids, beverages and soups to stay healthy.

Initiation of breastfeeding should also be started within the first hour of the baby’s life .

If you still have challenges with breastfeeding kindly see a lactational consult, midwife or your pediatrician

Never worry about your breast size. It’s enough to feed your baby!

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STAGES OF LABOR – A MUST KNOW

“I was having contractions and having the urge to push but the midwife insisted I wasn’t fully dilated and so I should hold on as she continued to give me a sacral massage”

There are three stages you go through when it comes to labor. You may be having pains and contractions but then your cervix may not be fully dilated.

1. The first stage of labor

In this stage the cervix which is the opening of the uterus opens from 1cm to 10cm. The opening of the cervix is as a result of adequate contractions. Pushing through an undiluted cervix can tear.. It may take about 6 to 18 hours or less depending on the mums parity and several factors

2. The second stage of labor

The cervix is fully dilated and baby can pass through the birth canal without any tear or damage to the cervix

3. The third stage of labor

During the third stage of labor the placenta which was the main connection to the mother is also delivered. Report if after the birth of your placenta you are experiencing severe bleeding

To have a smooth delivery. You need to be prepared for it. Cooperate with your midwife and doctor as well.

Join a birth class so you are adequately prepared

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DONT SUFFER IN SILENCE, SEEK HELP. (EPISIOTOMY)

Mum 1

Gm. I’m still wondering if ante-natal and post natal counselling is given.
I had an episiotomy before an svd. It’s been abt 5yrs now but I still haven’t got over it. It has had a toll on my ‘initimate’ life.
Guess expectant mothers can be counselled regarding such likely procedures during delivery, healing process and how to overcome the likely psychological effect.

#mum 2
I had a serious vaginal tear which wasn’t sutured properly cos de tear wasn’t straight n de workload of de midwife at dat night was many so she was in a hurry. It took me more than 6wks fr the wound to heal and ma problem now is de wound left a scar n anytime i Ve sex there is always a sharp  small tear on de scar which is very painful

During Child birth many women especially first time mums are given a cut within the perineum to expedite birth for various reasons. It is important to  educate yourself about episiotomy before your labor sets in. Especially self care and pain management after the procedure.
Though it is helpful in some cases some women have been left with complications that affect their quality of life especially their sex life. There is no need to hide this and suffer in silence.

Talk to a gynecologist or a surgeon if you are having problems with its healing process or having a toll on your life.

Always include this in your birth as to whether you want the procedure to be done or not. It is not and should not be a routine. Ask your midwife how you can prepare your perineum to prevent tears and episiotomy.

Hope my colleague Midwives will do this procedure only when it is very necessary and not routinely. Let’s educate our clients well during antenatal and after the procedure to minimize its complications

Thanks. Until our voices are heard there will be no change. Share with a friend or midwife we need some more education on this. Thanks

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AFTERPAINS- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

🔴Have you ever wondered why you had that lower abdominal pains after birth? Even becoming worse during breastfeeding?  It feels like a painful menstruation. This is why..

🔴The uterus for the past 9 months have expanded to accommodate your growing fetus.

🔴After birth it contracts to get back into its normal shape and size. By 6 weeks after birth it should go Back to its pre pregnancy state.

🔴The contraction/pain you feel helps the uterus to become smaller  and as well go back to its pre pregnancy state. Yes it’s painful especially if it’s a subsequent birth.

🔴As you breastfeed the uterus contracts since the hormone #oxytocin is also produced. It is responsible for the contractions that cause the lower abdominal pains.

🔴This pain can be managed by taking some prescribed analgesics and also sleeping on the abdomen. If you had a Caesarian section assume a comfortable position.

🔴Have enough rest, passive exercise and adequate hydration is also helpful.

🔴If lower abdominal pain is very severe with profuse bleeding. Speak to a doctor /midwife

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CONSTIPATION IN BREASTFEEDING BABIES

My two-month-old baby is exclusively breastfeeding. For a week now my baby hasn’t passed stools. I am worried. Could it be that my baby has constipated?

It’s interesting to know that babies who are breastfeeding rarely constipate

What usually happens is that they are able to use most of the nutrients that breast milk contains.

Breast milk contains more than 90 percent of water. It’s therefore not needed to add any water.

Baby’s have their own pattern when it comes to passing stools. Normal baby’s can pass seven to ten stools a day. It’s normal for some babies to go to the toilet daily or even after each feed.

Some babies pass stools weekly or every three days. Some weekly. In some cases every two weeks.

What is needed is to study your baby and also know their pattern. If your baby’s stool pattern changes, that is when you should be concerned about it.

Example if your baby passes stool once in a week and it changes to become five times a day or more, you should be more concerned.

Do not give breastfeeding babies gripe water, cod liver oil whilst you are exclusively breastfeeding. They may end up causing more harm than good.

Continue to breastfeed your baby to help aid in bowel movement. Remember the more breast milk you give the better.

Report if there is a change in the normal stool pattern of your baby.

Remember breast milk is the baby’s perfect meal and has no equal substitute. If you have problems breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor about it.

It also contains all the required nutrients in the right proportion and readily available. It contains antibodies that prevent them from diseases as well. Don’t deny your baby this golden opportunity.

Mums should also watch what she eats as this may also affect the stool pattern of your baby. Foods eaten should be nutritious. If the mother is on any medication, verify with your doctor to know if it affects breastfeeding in any way.

If the baby does not pass stool for more than two weeks. Please consult your midwife or doctor.

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EXCESSIVE WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

She was pregnant and putting on so much weight. Every one around noticed it but thought it was just due to the pregnancy. No one asked her about it but wondered in their minds what was really going on

She ended up having eclampsia, a condition that occur as a result of high blood pressure. Her blood pressure went up too. Excessive weight gain is also one thing that can occur but if not properly monitored it will go unnoticed.

During pregnancy, your weight gain is very important. You should gain weight but it should not be excessive

Throughout your pregnancy you should gain approximately 10 to 12.5 kg during pregnancy.

Anytime your weight gain is becoming excessive, your midwife or doctor would do further investigations just to make sure it’s a healthy weight gain

Other factors like your nutrition, medical conditions, twin gestation will also be ruled out

Ask your midwife or doctor if your weight gain is within normal.

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SICKLE CELL DISEASE – BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder usually passed down from parent to child. People with sickle cell disease have abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body.

In an adult red blood cells can live up to 120 days before they wear off or die, but in a sickle cell patients it takes about 10 to 20 days. It takes a shorter time. This is the cause of the anemia in sickle cell. There is also jaundice due to the excessive breakdown of the red blood cells. The cells that are sickle shaped can stick to each other occlude vessels and cause crises, pain and also reduce blood flow to certain organs. Symptoms depend on the organ affected.

Before pregnancy/marriage… Go for #genetic counseling you and your spouse. It’s best if both of you do not carry the gene. If both couples carry a trait the likelihood of having offspring with sickle cell is high. People can either be carriers, sickle cell or Non carriers. Your doctor will explain more what it means to be AA-no trait , AS&AC – trait/ carrier’s , SS&SC-sickle cell disease., among others. Based on his/her findings he will counsel couple so they can make an informed decision.

Women with sickle cell disease can get pregnant but should make sure they are fit. They should they go for preconception care where the doctor confirms they are fit. If there is a deficiency it is corrected first and all infections treated as well. It’s advisable for them to take a form of contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

During pregnancy you will need close monitoring. Take prescribed medications, rest exercise. Enough fluids and avoid stress. Foods rich in iron, vitamins and protein in recommended. Report to the hospital immediately you feel sick. Prompt treatment is essential. Regular antenatal visits is beneficial.

Delivery should be in a #hospital with specialized care and monitoring. Plan your delivery together with your midwife and as well cooperate with her.

After #birth continue to take your prescribed medication and rest. Let people help you. More fluids, go for follow up clinics

They need support from relatives and spouses to stay healthy. It is not a communicable disease and can be managed with close monitoring and dedicated medical staffs. In case there is crises send client to the nearest facility as soon as possible.

Midwives in the periphery compound should refer clients to hospitals for specialized antenatal care. They should as well be handed over to community health workers for home visits and other support they may need.

If you already in the marriage/relationship you can still go for counseling if both couples are carriers or one has sickle cell. Children with sickle cell have specialized clinics in most hospitals and can be managed effectively. Thanks. Kindly #SHARE

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BE CAREFUL OF “HOME DOCTORS”

Sometimes as an expectant or new mum you are caught up with lots of voices and advice from different sources.

Give this! Do this, do that! It can be really frustrating

I have seen women have complications due to pressure from people around them

Babies have equally suffered due to wrong information!

The point you should always remember is that everyone is different

What works for you may not work for others

Ask your doctor or midwife before following advice or instruction from your “home doctors”.

Things can go wrong if you just follow any advice without verifying from your doctor!

Get the right information from health care professionals and a support group that is monitored

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