Mother and Child; Good Health Lesson 15

MOTHER AND CHILD; GOOD HEALTH LESSON 15 

CARE DURING PREGNANCY; EAT ENOUGH OF THE RIGHT FOOD 
As mother-to-be, eat enough of the right food. The unborn baby depends on the food which the mother eats for growth. If the mother gets the right food, so does the baby. The mother-to-be must eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A healthy diet includes milk, cheese, meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit. Avoid too much sugar and sweet foods. Ensure you drink milk and water. Avoid alcohol, smoking, drugs. Ask your Doctor or Maternity Nurse for guidance as to your diet.

EXERCISE AND REST
Mothers who run a home are working. Keeping a house and caring for children is a full time job, including cleaning, cooking, making beds and looking after their family. Unless the Doctor advises otherwise, carry on as usual when you are pregnant. Your unborn baby will do well for the normal exercise you are getting. However, do not overdo it, and don't let yourself get too tired. The human body is doing a tremendous act of creation in forming a new baby; it needs help with gentle exercise and sufficient rest. Make sure you get at least an hour's rest during the day, or during your work time if you have a work outside the home. If you feel tired, lie down for a while and make sure you get a good night's sleep.

CARE OF THE BOWELS
Pregnant women should have a normal bowel movement every day. Sometimes you can experience constipation during pregnancy. Ensure you drink sufficient water (not too much, not too little). Eat enough vegetables and fruit. If the pregnant women still suffers with constipation despite enough fluids and a healthy diet, see your Doctor or Nurse. Never take purgatives or laxatives on your own.

CARE OF THE BREASTS AND CLEANLINESS
Your breasts are going to be very important once your baby is born. Take good care of your breasts during your pregnancy. They may grow quite large during the pregnancy, so make sure you wear a comfortable and well fitting bra to support them. You may need to buy new bras, or sew new bras if you are in a squatter camp or refugee camp without recourse to shops. Otherwise ask a Charity organization to organise some suitable bras for you during this all important time. 
Wash your whole body, including your breasts and genitals, with soap and water. Afterwards massge your nipples with a good oil or cream. You should not wear tight corsets or tight belts. Your clothes should be loose and comfortable, not too hot and not too cool.

ARE YOU A DOCTOR OR MATERNITY NURSE?
Do your have the wonderful talent of being a Doctor or Maternity Nurse? Why not consider offering some service pro deo to pregnant women in need in squatter or refugee camps? This can be done through 
a Charity Organization that can ensure your safety,

DO YOU WANT TO HELP A PREGNANT WOMAN IN NEED?
Why not send a box of items a pregnant woman needs to squatter camps or refugee camps?
Needs would include a mild fragrance free soap, hygiene articles, suitable underwear which can be extended with growth during pregnancy, suitable clothing which can be extended with growth during pregnancy, a towel, toiletries, massage oil or cream. Items for the baby can be included, such as baby-gros, nappies, baby toiletries, baby shawl, baby cot.

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Health Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional care