FAQ - Mother's e-Guide

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You may have personal questions different from others answered below; kindly use the contact form to submit your enquiries. A timely response will be provided (privately); medical experts are readily available to answer questions on your health and well-being. You can share your medical or health experiences as well, hence the form can be used for this via comments.

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What is latching and how do I make my Baby latch correctly?

Latching means when a baby is appropriately attached the breast to suck the mother’s milk. The baby can be helped to latch correctly by simply holding your baby close to you, while the head is supported for the right tilt. Be instinctive to the baby's feeding cues. Learn more…

What should I expect with my first visit to the Doctor and if registered for antenatal programme in a particular hospital, how will the scheduled classes not be affected in case a total change of location occurs?

Certainly, if confirmed that pregnancy has occured, doctor will enquire about past experiences like health deficiency and abortion (if any). This will then lead to further test such as temperature, examining the breast and also pelvic examination. No first antenatal visit is complete without labouratory test e.g. running a test on the urine (midstream of specimen) to detect hidden infection of the urinary tract (if any) which can lead to pre-eclampsia. If sugar is detected in the urine, doctor will enquire if the pregnant mother is diabetic. Further test may also include: blood test for detection of Hepatitis B/ HIV AIDS; early detection will help to safeguard the baby. At subsequent visits, early labouratory investigation and ultra sound technologies can also help to detect fetal abnormalities such as irregularly formed babies and down syndrome for quick intervention. Play the video below to learn more on routine medical test for antenatal, postnatal and neonatal.

In a situation where there is a change of location and the expectant mother has already registered for antenatal class in a specific health institution e.g Federal hospital, her medical records will be provided for her which she will have to produce in her new location irrespective of the new health institution e.g. State hospital, that she intends to patronise. This will help in the continuation of her antenatal activities and medical care in a well structured manner.

Which month is the most crucial during pregnancy?

The first trimester; because baby formation in terms of organs, tissues etc. is going on at that particular period yet it does not demean the relevance of the other remaining two trimesters.

What are the signs of labour

* Lightening: the act of the baby changing position; head drops down into the pelvis i.e. cephalic presentation.

* A Change in Energy Level

* Vaginal Discharge: thick or pinkish in colour; it is the mucus plug that sealed the cervix while pregnant.

* Amniotic Sac breaks

* Uterine Contraction

The Doctor or Medical experts should be contacted in case of any strange signs

Is it safe to continue breastfeeding while suffering from one ailment or another such as COVID-19?

First consideration is the nature of the ailment which will then help to determine if it is safe or not. Medical solutions are available in health institutions to help resolve issues. COVID-19 is a virus that is capable of spreading at high rate but does not disturb women from breastfeeding (WHO, 2020). In this regard, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that:

Respiratory hygiene should be adopted during breastfeeding and wearing a face mask is necessary (if available);
Holding the newborn skin-to-skin;
Washing of hands before and after touching the baby;
Routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces touched by the affected mother.

** Respiratory hygiene means covering of mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing. Tissue used should be disposed immediately.

** And if too unwell to breastfeed directly due to Corona virus infection or other ailments, the mother should be supported to safely provide breast milk for the baby in a way possible, available and comfortable to her. Available options that could be sought in the opinion of WHO, 2020 include: expressing milk, donour human milk and Relactation.

** Infant formula Milk is a nutritional strategy that should be used under the discretion of the medical professionals.

My breast is always full (with milk); I hope there is no problem?

It is normal for the breast to start producing milk after delivery but the engorgement of the breasts due to the accumulation of milk is another issue tagged mastitis; it leads to bacterial infection of the milk ducts and results in infective mastitis known as either lactation mastitis or puerperal mastitis.

** Engorgement means breast tissues become red and swollen in response to infection or injury.

Periductal mastitis occurs in non-breastfeeding women due to the inflammation of the breast, caused by bacteria entering the breasts through a sore or cracked nipple.

Heard so much about "lightening", any importance?

Lightening signals that labour will start in due course. It often occurs abruptly, in which the expectant mother wakes up one morning relieved of the pressure and discomfort (she has previously experienced) because the baby’s head drops’ into the pelvic cavity. As a result, the upper part of the uterus drops, relieving the pressure under the ribs - making breathing easier. Lightening is important because once it can be identified, it will help in preparing for labour activities.

Unfortunately, lightening - the descent of the baby’s head into the pelvic cavity is often associated with pressure on the pelvis, and an increased vaginal discharge. Also, the painless uterine contractions which have been felt for some weeks become more frequent – a condition known as: Braxton Hicks contractions.

Most first time pregnant women (Primigravidae) will feel lightening by the end of the 36^th week.

I want to know my date of delivery?

Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) can be derived either through scan or using a simple calculation. Some online platforms are also available and reliable for accurate result.

Could you simplify the "terms"?

'Term' is the duration meant for nurturing and carrying a viable fetus in the womb.

Any pregnancy that lasts for about 270 days, approximately 39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days is regarded as FULL term.

EARLY term is 37 weeks - 38 weeks and 6 days.

41 weeks 0 days - 41 weeks six days is considered LATE term while POST term covers 42 weeks and beyond.

PRE-term is a pregnany that lasts considerably for 37 weeks.

** Extreme Pre-term babies are born 23 weeks through 28 weeks; they are referred to as 'Pre-mature'.

I long to know the sex of my baby?

It is normal; the sex of the baby can be distinguished through scan most especially at the fifth month of pregnancy.

I do not understand the term "Quickening"?

‘Quickening’ is believed to be the first faint (fluttering) movements of the fetus felt by the pregnant mother; about 18 to 20 weeks in first pregnancies and two weeks earlier in subsequent pregnancies.

Wearing tight fitted clothes such as Jean at pregnancy is not encouraged, why?

Tight clothes and Jeans are closely netted and hard fabric materials which may prevent the fresh air needed by the body. A jean trouser can also make the developing fetus fill uncomfortable since it will be tight; worn to reach the tummy. In lieu of this, any tight wears of hard materials are discouraged and free gowns of breathable fabrics encouraged. Explore further…

I desire a good sleep, what pattern and position should I adopt?

You should make use of position that will aid easy flow of blood all through the body. Lying on the back is not advisable while sleeping on either side preferably left (if possible) is excellently good. Explore further for reasons

Is there any best position for the baby in the uterus and which position should raise alarm?

There are three key positions for the developing baby in the womb:

Cephalic presentation: baby in the head down position commonest especially towards delivery – at the 40th week (full term).

Transverse/ Shoulder presentation: baby in the crossway position.

Breech presentation: head is in the upper part of the uterus while the buttock will be in the lower part.

At the early stage of pregnancy, the foetus has ample spaces for free movement in the amniotic sac, hence can be seen in any presentation – at this stage, no position is the best or the worst. In addition, towards the period of delivery and before the progress of labour, (between two examinations) babies can change position at any time from a particular position to cephalic presentation in readiness for birth; hence there should be no course for raising alarm. However, any discomfort should be reported; it would be duly attended to – part of the essence of antenatal care.

Despite the importance of exercise, does it have any effect on the position of the baby, most especially when baby is in a delicate position - "breech"?

No! Exercise is meant to make you fit, to enhance muscular coordination. Breech birth has occured successfully with no complications hence that should help reduce the fear - "delicate".

Pregnancy and sexual intercourse, is it safe and what do I need to consider?

Sex while pregnant is harmless. According to some medical experts, apart from being a form of exercise that is also recommended at pregnancy, it has equally been found to prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth. Sex may also help to ripen the cervix i.e. effacement (to open up) which makes delivery easier. Meanwhile, the medical professionals equally cautioned that sex should be stopped at the last weeks of pregnancy; as semen contains chemical compositions that can stimulate undue contractions.

For the sake of clarity, medical issue such as recurrent miscarriage worth considering. A situation like this will warrant that a pregnant woman stays away from sex. Aside that it is safe to indulge in sexual activities at pregnancy while sexual postions must be duly considered because some sex positions can endanger the foetus-baby.

I woke up to realize I slept on my back despite the warning that it is unadvisable; I hope my baby is not badly affected?

No, harbour no fear.

For you to wake up in the first place suggests that your active body system is likely reacting, signaling for a change in position.

Which breastfeeding positions should I adopt?

Comfort is the main thing so it depends! Baby’s age and size, your breast size and shape, the type of birth you had and how you are recovering, and many other things will actually influence the position you will find pleasing for you and your baby. Try the nursing positions to determine your preferred choice; but it is advisable to adopt more than one breastfeeding position.

I long to know when the fontanelles will close?

Fontanelles do not close at the same time. The closure is a gradual process: Posterior closes between six weeks and three months while the Anterior starts to close by the sixth month and closes completely between the eighteenth month and two years of the baby. However, fontanel can close earlier or later and still be normal as growth rate differs in babies. Hence the specified closure timelines are the standard average time rate and should serve solely the purpose of a guide. Nursing mothers should not hesitate to consult the doctor in case of any strange signs.

How often should I bath my new born baby?

2 or 3 times a week until after incision from circumcision has healed up and after the umbilical cord stump has separated from the navel. After this development, period/ time for bathing the new born baby can then change as deemed fit most especially in line with the advice of the medical adviser: Doctors, Midwives, Nurses etc.

Often times, bathing a newborn by a first time mother could be really challenging... yet, this is an activity that must be performed. The video below - a visual aid with real life example unknots the technicalities involved; as an experienced mother baths a new born baby. Watch and keep learning.