notjustmommying

Image source: FreeFoodPhotos.com 6 months passed by and it looked like a thing of yesterday when we were all excited yet nervous about the delivery, anxiously waiting each day if it will happen today; and after the birth, as the 6 months mark approached it hit me that my baby was about to move a little further from me, beginning the solid food journey. The selfish mother in me was a little sad, seeing time fly out of my hands, it was just 6 months and I could already imagine him 6, 16 and 26 years old an independent young boy!! I consider myself blessed as my breastfeeding journey has been smooth ever since the first moment we were born (baby A and the mommy me) and baby was put on my breast. I have read and heard horrid breastfeeding stories and struggles of new moms. My heart goes out to all the mommies who have or are struggling with breast-feeding; and the only advice I have is to tell them to hang in there; you have come this far, it too shall pass. Just don't give...

The good news is that your baby is coming soon; and the sad news is that you are going to miss the baby bump forever… oops not if you get pregnant again; but just like no two babies are same, each pregnancy is different. My pregnancy has been a really beautiful phase of my life, and as the due date was nearing the anxiety was at its peak. How will I know if it (labour) has started; how does water breaking feel, will I be able to endure the pain and so many more questions kept lingering all through. Well whatever happens the best thing is to be prepared for all odds, just as they say “ hope for the best and prepare for the worst”. One of the things towards the end of your pregnant journey is preparing your bag for the hospital (just in case you don’t plan a home birth). Most of the doctors/hospitals will provide you with a list, mine did not and hence I thought I should write about it to help other new to-be mommies. In the list below have included and excluded things that...

W Pratiksha Picture source: internet It’s one of the best hospitals that I have seen so far with extremely professional staff and breastfeeding friendly doctors, who will educate you as a new mom, eliminating fears and doubts regarding feeding and new born care. I was sceptical when it came to choosing this hospital over many other super speciality hospitals in Gurgaon (Cradle, Fortis, cloud nine etc) as it was comparatively a new setup then (2016), however I went ahead with it and I’m happy that I chose it. I also happened to att end the 'one day prenatal workshop' which was pretty informative. Few most important highlights The hospital is breastfeeding friendly; my baby was put on my chest few minutes after being born (he latched on like a pro :) )   The neonatologist/ paediatricians/lactation consultant in the hospital kept reiterating the benefits of EBF (exclusive breast feeding) every time they came for visits   We were informed of...

Hello ppl!   As we were getting close to 1 year, we knew we had to thank many friends and relatives who had called on, brought gifts and showed much love for baby A. India is mostly about a lot of celebration and feasting. We wanted to have a big birthday function to celebrate  the 1 year mark and thank one and all. My planning had started months before the birthday. I wanted a simple, yet memorable and enthralling experience esp. for kids; also off late I have been thinking about our carbon footprints and how we can reduce waste, so my thoughts and ideas revolved around a sustainable and eco-friendly celebration.  When I thought of a grand celebration, I immediately got an image of grand waste being created by way of balloons, wrapping papers, plastic, flex, plastic bottles etc. and it left me thinking if I can make an attempt to minimise it to best possible  extent. So I was set for a "no balloon/flex/plastic de...

Just when you come to know that you are expecting a tiny being your life changes. Everything you do is well thought out, everything that gets into your body too is well checked for its benefits. Well I am sure I am not the only one like that because google and many pregnancy/parenting apps had just like me, more crazier mothers to be.  I started with prenatal yoga when I was 14weeks pregnant. These are the basic exercises for moms to be that they could keep doing till the day of their delivery.  The super 5 exercises which were my go to exercises that I stuck to throughout my pregnancy are given below. These are the exercises I would recommend to all. However it is advised to always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any of it.  1. Cat and camel stretch- this is the most natural pose for all animals ( on all fours) being in this position helps strengthen the core abdominal muscles. You need to...

My initial days of motherhood were only spent on feeding and changing nappies/diapers,burping the baby A and when i say "only" i do mean only.  I felt like an overtired cow who frequently got showered at with baby's pee ( luckily baby A didn't poop that often). It was this that asked me to look for more options other than traditional langots and modern disposable diapers which may leave your baby with rashes, earth more polluted and you with a hole in your pocket. I googled for more options in nappies, but didn't find much help, tried using cloth liners etc. But to no avail, only until i bumped on a post about cloth diapers and then there was no looking back. I discovered this wonderful world of cloth diapering and was amazed to see so many new age mommies addicted to the colourful lot of fluffs. But why would you really want to make diapering so complex, when there are so many good brands of modern disposable diapers available to keep your baby dr...

कुछ कुछ याद .. कुछ भूला सा ख्वाब लगता है धुंद मे लिपटे हुए शीशों पे जैसे.. अपनी उँगलियों से अनगिनत ख्याल फेरे हो मैंने.. और फिर एक पानी की बौछार मे समा के लगें हों वो बहने.. सब कुछ अधूरा सा दिखता है.. रेत के टीलों की उम्र सा नाज़ुक करवटों के बदलने से कहीं छूटा हुआ चादरों की सिलवटों पर बिखरा ख्वाब लगता है कुछ कुछ याद ..कुछ भूला सा ख्वाब लगता है .. याद करने को दे गए जैसे तुम बहुत कुछ्.. और कुछ भी नही... एक पल में साथ ले गए सब.. कुछ बातें, उन मुलाकातों से बनी ये यादे लेकिन अब सब कुछ अधूरा सा लगता है कुछ याद .. कुछ कुछ भूला सा ख्वाब लगता है