Aru ka àkwà mma

Career mom vs breastfeeding

This year's World Breastfeeding Week focuses on working parents.

In recent times, women have transitioned from being successful housewives to being exceptional people in their chosen careers.

There are a lot of amazing CEOs who are also amazing wives and mothers.

However, there comes a time in the journey of motherhood when a woman would have to choose between her career and her child.

The first few months or even years of a child's life are highly dependent on the parents/caregivers, especially the mother.

As a mother, you are forced to choose between pursuing your career( so you can excel in your field and even make money) and breastfeeding your baby(so that your child can grow up healthy and sound and you can recover properly).

This period is stressful for the mother, child, and even the mother's employer or business.

This year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action(WABA) and other well-meaning organizations are saying to the mother, "YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN YOUR CAREER AND YOUR BABY".

A mother can breastfeed her child properly and also pursue her career at the same time.
This would happen if the following steps are taken.

1. She is offered sufficient paid maternity leave. This leave should cover at least 18 weeks, and at most 6 months after delivery to enable her to recover properly and pay adequate attention to the baby.

2. There are accessible childcare and early education facilities: It would be really helpful if every organization can make provision for a daycare facility.

In this way, the child is within easy reach of the mother, she can breastfeed at intervals and also work.

3. Mothers are allowed to bring their babies to work.

4. There is support for exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace: This support could come in the form of providing breastfeeding rooms or offering paid nursing breaks. This would help these mothers breastfeed their babies guilt-free.

5. Mothers embrace the act of expressing milk: It is much safer and healthier to give babies expressed breast milk than to give them formulas.

Expressing breast milk is simply squeezing out your breast milk and storing it in containers.
You can store it in the fridge or freezer.

It can be given to the baby by caregivers or guardians when the mother is not around.

6. Teleworking or Remote working is put in place for the mother: Provisions should be made for the mother to work from home or at a convenient place.

In this way, she spends time with her baby and also pursues her career.

Several other options can be considered and implemented to raise a new and healthy generation without killing the dreams, aspirations, and careers of the older generation.

All hands must be on deck to give the mother and baby the necessary time, resources, and services that they need to recover from childbirth and the delivery process and also establish breastfeeding.

A happy baby = A happy mother = A happy family = A happy society = A happy world.

Did you find this post helpful?
I know you did!

Please, tag someone you know who needs to see this.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK.

Welcome to August, my amazing reader.

This new month presents us with an opportunity to fight for and improve the health of a new generation.
It offers us a chance to celebrate and create awareness on the elixir of life that keeps our newborn babies.

1st - 7th August yearly is set aside to celebrate and also create awareness for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is super duper important for both the mother and child.

It is advised that mothers should breastfeed their babies until they are up to 2 years.
However, not all mothers can do this.

The theme for the World Breastfeeding Week 2023 is " Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents".

It is all about working mothers.
Mothers who know the importance of breastfeeding their babies but have a difficult time doing the needful due to their jobs.

This year, we would all discuss and proffer solutions to this issue.

We want to keep feeling the impact of these women in their chosen field but their babies need them as well.

This year, we seek to chart a way forward to a Win-Win situation for Mother+Child, and the World.

Yes, we can have a healthy, well-breastfed baby and a fulfilled mother making the headlines in her field.

Please, can you help me celebrate these strong women in the comment section?
I want them to know that we see them and we love them for all they do for us.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem( Aru ka àkwà mma)

I AM MARRIED TO MY TWIN!!

Good evening, Madam Cee

Please, do not disclose my identity. I need help from you and your followers.

I am so confused right now.
I don't know what to think or do at this moment.

I am gradually losing my identity in this marriage.
I am losing myself!!

It's either this man I call "my husband" is using me for some form of money rituals or I am married to my distant cousin or even my twin whom my mother abandoned after delivery.🤧🤧

I have been married to this man for over 20 years now.

Each time I look at my face, I see him.
When I look at his face, I see me!

Please, help me.

…………………………………………………

Madam Cee's reply:

Dear Madam,

I am so happy for you and your husband.
I need to invite you sometime to share with my followers and I how you and your husband have managed to stay this long in marriage in this era.

Well 😁, I need you to know that it's normal for a couple who have been together for a long time to look alike.

It also happens to some newly-wed couples too.

After being together for several years, the both of you may begin to share similar hobbies, interests, habits, facial expressions, and even accents.

Sometimes, these traits are picked up subconsciously.

You have also been exposed to the same weather, stayed in the same environment, and shared the same food😁.

The things love makes us do, don't you think?

This is one beautiful part of being in a wholesome relationship with a person you love.

Did you also know that opposites are not always attracted in humans?

Oh, yes!

Sometimes, we tend to choose partners who share similar features with us.

Have you heard of s*xual imprinting?
In simple terms, it is desiring a mate/partner who shares certain characteristics with our parents.
(This is positive s*xual imprinting).

Madam, take a deep breath, look that sweet husband of yours in the eye, and fall in love with him some more.

PS: Yes, he is using you for a ritual. The ritual is called, "Everlasting Love" 😏🥰.

Have I helped you out of your confusion?

Let's talk some more in the comment section.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem


*xualimprinting

WHY MUST I BREASTFEED?

Motherhood doesn't just end with the conception and delivery of a child.

The real work begins after delivery.

The proper growth and development of a child in those first years of his/her life are highly dependent on the decisions made by the parents, especially the mother.

The World Health Organization( WHO) advises that a baby should be breastfed exclusively for 6 months and continuously for 2 years or longer.

It is also advised that breastfeeding should start 1 hour after birth.

Why is breastfeeding so important?

The importance of breastmilk to both mother and baby is tremendous.

For any mother who wants the best for her child, breastfeeding is the way.

Breastmilk is made up of 87% water, 1% protein, 4% fats, 7% carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antibodies.

Let me tell you what all these would do for you and your baby.

1. The antibodies in breast milk help to protect the baby from illnesses and diseases such as; asthma, ear infections, pneumonia, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome.

2. Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition for the baby and also supports the baby's growth and development.

As the baby grows, the mother's breast milk will change to meet the baby's nutritional needs.

A practical example is the production of colostrum a few days after birth.

Colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid that is high in protein and low in sugar.
It helps the immature digestive system of the baby to develop.

3. Breastfeeding helps the baby attain and maintain a healthy weight.

This is because the baby eats only when hungry and stops as soon as he/she is filled.

Breastmilk doesn't contain much fat either.

4. Breastfeeding aids the development of the baby's brain and helps the baby grow up smarter and with lesser chances of poor behavioral cases.

What does breastfeeding do for the mother?

1. It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

2. It helps the uterus(womb) to contract and also reduces bleeding after delivery.

3. It aids mother-infant bonding.

4. It reduces the risk of post-partum depression.

5. It prevents menstruation and ovulation thereby providing a form of birth control.

6. It helps you save time, money, and energy.

Have you checked out the current price of baby formula in the market?

Breastfeeding is very important for both mother and child.

Please, do what's right for yourself and your wee one.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

HORMONES (PART 2)

Do you remember that hormones are messengers that tell the various parts of the body what to do when they should do it, and how they should do it?

Have you ever wondered why it seems like hormones always have a message to pass across in the body of a woman?
Especially those in charge of the female reproductive system.

The hormones that help the female reproductive system perform its task of reproduction, pregnancy, and childbirth include:

1. Follicle-stimulating Hormone(FSH):This hormone controls the menstrual cycle. It also stimulates the production and growth of eggs in the ovaries.
This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain.

2. Luteinizing Hormone(LH): This hormone also controls the menstrual cycle. It also triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovaries(ovulation).
It is produced by the pituitary gland.

NB: FSH and LH are found in both the male and female reproductive systems.
However, they perform different functions in the two systems.

3. Prolactin: This hormone is in charge of the development of the breast.
It also controls the production of milk.
It is also produced by the pituitary gland.

4. Oxytocin: It stimulates contractions during labor and childbirth.
Synthetic oxytocin is sometimes administered to a pregnant woman to induce labor.
Oxytocin also stimulates the breast tissue to aid in lactation after childbirth( breastfeeding).
It is also responsible for mother-infant bonding.

The two major female reproductive hormones are:

5. Estrogen: This hormone is mainly produced by the ovaries.
It is important for the normal s*xual and reproductive development of a woman.
It is sometimes responsible for the mood swings you experience.
There are three types of estrogen namely; Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol.

6. Progesterone: This hormone is also produced by the ovaries. It gets your uterus(womb) ready for pregnancy.
It also helps to regulate your menstrual cycle.

What happens when these hormones are no longer functioning?

You would experience several changes in your body.
These changes may include;

- Low s*x drive
- A decrease in muscle mass and strength
- An irregular menstrual cycle
- Menopause
- Infertility

These changes may be considered good when it happens at the right time.
The question is, " When is the right time?".

Please, visit your gynecologist if you experience any of these changes so that you can determine if it's the right time or not.

If you are experiencing any of these changes, you might also be considered for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

This is a treatment where synthetic estrogen and progesterone are administered to a woman.
It can also be given to women experiencing menopause to help them cope with the symptoms.

Well, now you know why your body acts the way it does sometimes.

I hope that you picked a lesson or two.

Always remember to keep your body happy so that it keeps you happy too.

PS: Have you ever heard of Early Menopause?

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

HORMONES ( PART 1)

Have you ever wondered how the various parts of the body perform their various functions with precision and uniformity?

How is the reproductive system able to do the right thing at the right time and in the right way?

This is made possible by the 'movers and shakers of the reproductive system.

Can you guess who they are?

HORMONES!

Hormones are chemical substances produced by ductless glands and carried by the blood to various parts of the body(such as the reproductive system) where they exert a response.

Simply put, hormones are messengers that tell the various parts of the body what to do when they should do it and how they should do it.

The male reproductive system is responsible for the production of s***m and semen, the release of s***m, the making of children, and the passing out of urine.

The hormones that help the male reproductive system perform its functions include:

1. Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH): This hormone is responsible for s***matogenesis(the process by which s***m is produced) and the development of seminiferous tubules.

2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone is responsible for the production of another hormone, testosterone.

NB: FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland(master gland). This gland is located at the base of the mid-brain.

3. Testosterone: This is the 'boss'.
This hormone is required for the development of male secondary s*x characteristics such as facial and chest hair, enlargement of the voice box, s*x drive, muscle mass, bone mass, etc.

This hormone is produced by the testicles. It is also produced in small amounts by the kidney.

Wonder no more.

Now, you know why these things happen.

Want to know what happens when these hormones are no longer there?

Do you want to know the hormones in charge of the female reproductive system?

Stay tuned for HORMONES ( PART 2).

Exercise:

1. Mention one ductless gland in the article.
2. Do men experience menopause?

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

LET IT FLOW…

Have you ever imagined how it would feel if you could freely bleed during your menstrual period?

Let me tell you all that I know about free bleeding and in turn, you tell me what you think about it in the comment section.
Deal?

Free bleeding is the act of menstruating in public without blocking or collecting the menstrual blood.

You do not need menstrual products such as sanitary towels/pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to absorb or collect your flow.

You just LET THE BLOOD FLOW.

Free bleeding became popular recently for several reasons.
Some of the reasons include:

1. Normalizing periods in society: Some cultures/societies view menstruation as an 'abomination' or a 'thing of shame.

Some women therefore freely bleed to protest against such mentalities.

2. Financial constraints: Some women cannot afford these menstrual products. Such women, therefore, handle their period flow the only way they know how.

3. Free bleeding reduces menstrual cramping.

4. It reduces toxic shock syndrome caused by menstrual products such as tampons.

5. Free bleeding makes a woman feel more comfortable during her period.

6. A protest against the high level of environmental pollution caused by menstrual products such as tampons, sanitary pads/towels, etc.

These are wonderful and understandable reasons.
Some of them are very thoughtful.

However, remember that blood is considered a biological hazard ( even your doctor does not touch your blood directly).

That is why it is advised that you change your sanitary towel every 8 hours.

It is therefore not right for you to expose yourself and others to such hazards or unhygienic situations.

Not everyone marvels at the sight of blood, please do not choose to deliberately traumatize them for a 'good cause'.

If you must freely bleed, please do any of the following:

1. Stay in a safe, private environment such as your room.

2. Buy period-proof underwear e.g period panties.

3. Go outside only when your blood flow is light.
This is to minimize the risk of you staining public spaces such as bus seats with your menstrual blood.

4. Pack extra underwear and clothing when going out.

5. Sit on a towel when outside and even inside your house.

Free bleeding might make you feel good, free, and powerful but please, ask yourself if it's worth the good health and sanity of yourself and others.

Let's fight for our rights in the best way that we can (with love!).

So, tell me what you think about free bleeding.
Is it something you would like to try out? Why?.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

NO MORE SURPRISES!

Close your eyes and go on this journey with me( Please, don't close your eyes. Keep them open. How else would you read?).

A beautiful you in a very pretty yellow dress.

This yellow dress is showing off your pretty shape and gives off 'hot boss lady' vibes.

The beautiful pair of black stilettos on your feet places you high above your fears and free from all concerns in the world.

With your head held high, shoulders up, chest out, you catwalk down the hall in all your majestic glory.

"Excuse me, ma'am", a deep, husky voice calls out from behind you.

You resist the urge to ignore him and play hard-to-get.

" Yes, how may I help you?", you ask as soon as you turn to him.

"The red dragon is spitting fire behind you", he whispers.

" Excuse me", you shout as the boss lady that you are.

"You are stained", he says. His voice a bit louder this time and walks away.

" All these girls sha", he says as he walks away.

The feelings of shame and embarrassment all come rushing in.

Eya!
Chai! Village people.

Now, snap out of it!
Imagine no more.

The shame and embarrassment that comes with discovering that you are stained with menstrual blood in a public place is something not worth describing.

I am sure that you have a story or two to tell about such events.

Well, I want to help you surprise that which has been surprising you.

The first step is preparing for the surprise.
You can do this by;

1. Calculating your menstrual cycle.

2. Always have your sanitary pad, tampon, or menstrual cup handy.

Let me help you with the first item on the list.

Knowledge of your menstrual cycle not only helps you to prepare for menstruation.
It can also increase your chance of getting pregnant.
Monitoring your menstrual cycle also helps you detect abnormalities in your body and seek a solution early.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28days.
( I.e your next period would come 28days after the last period).

A menstrual cycle can however last 21-30 days.

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases.
They include;

1. Follicular phase: This is when eggs are produced and prepared for fertilization.
This takes place from the first day of your period to the day before the next phase( ovulation).
This takes place between days 1-13 of an average menstrual cycle.

2. Ovulation: This is the point when a mature egg leaves the o***y. The egg stays in the fallopian tube for 24 hours.
This is the best time to get pregnant.
This process takes place within 12-14 days before your next period.
NB: S***m can last up to 5 days in the female reproductive system. That is why 4-5 days before ovulation is considered a FERTILE WINDOW.

3. Luteal: During this phase, your body gets ready for a possible pregnancy.
The cells in the o***y release the hormones, progesterone, and estrogen which are responsible for the pregnancy.
The lining of the uterus thickens.
Everything is put in place for your wee one.

4. Menstruation: ' No baby? Destroy!', your body says.
It is during this phase that your body may surprise you if you are not prepared.
The egg, blood, cells, and thickened uterine lining all leave the body.
This would last 3-7 days.

The whole process starts all over again on the first day of your period.

Please note that, when marking your menstrual calendar, day 1 is the day you started your period for that month.

To calculate your average menstrual cycle, add the total number of days that your menstrual cycle lasted within 3 months.
Divide the total by 3. The answer you get is the average number of days your menstrual cycle lasts.

It is an exciting yet tiring process.

I hope you are ready to surprise the surprise.

You can either get a calendar and mark your date(s) or get a period tracker app to help you out.

Assignment( Please drop your answer in the comments section).

What is the first period called?
What is the last period called?

Good luck on your journey.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem







# pregnancy

PS: The picture below is an example of a 28-days menstrual cycle.

Good day, my darlings.
Today, I want to hear from you all.

What comes to your mind when 'reproductive health' is mentioned?

RHESUS DISEASE : WHEN BLOOD KILLS

Dear reader,

Do you know your blood group?
If you answered yes, then WELL-DONE to you.

If you answered no, I have strong reasons why I should call you an unsuspecting vampire.

Have you ever wondered what the '+' and '-' in your blood type mean?
Do you know its implications?

Well, that's why I am here for you!

'+' and '-' in your blood type refers to the presence or absence of rhesus antigens in your blood.

Rhesus antigens(factor) are the proteins found on the surface of the red blood cells.

These rhesus antigens are classified into 49 blood group antigens. However, only 5 of them namely; D, C, c, E, and e are important.

Amongst these 5 important antigens, only Rh(D) affects us.
For instance, when a person has the blood type, B-, it means that the person's blood lacks Rh(D) antigen on the surface of the red blood cells.
For a person of the blood type, B+ it is the exact opposite.

These Rhesus antigens are hereditary.

Knowing your Rhesus(Rh) blood group is very important, especially with your fertility journey.

Most people in the world are Rh-positive. However, having a Rh-negative blood type is not an illness but it can affect pregnancy.

Rhesus disease, also known as Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn(HDFN) is a condition caused by the incompatibility of the blood of a mother and her baby(fetus).
This is a condition where the antibodies in the mother's blood destroy her baby's blood cells.

Rhesus disease is caused when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.

In the body of the Rh-negative mother, the blood of the baby carrying rhesus antigens is considered a foreign substance.

Her immune system, therefore, produces antibodies to destroy those foreign substances.
These antibodies, therefore, destroy not just the antigens but the red blood cells carrying them.

When the red blood cells are destroyed, iron is depleted, and oxygen cannot be carried around the body.

The baby is either born anemic or suffering from newborn jaundice( yellow coloring of the skin and whites of the eyes).
In severe cases, the baby dies.

Rhesus disease does not usually affect firstborn babies.
However, when left untreated, it affects later pregnancies. It causes all other pregnancies to result in either miscarriage or stillbirth.

How do I know my baby is suffering from Rhesus disease?

A fetus can be diagnosed with Rhesus disease using the Doppler ultrasound. This detects if the fetal blood is flowing faster than normal.

A Foetal blood sampling(FBS) test can also be used to check for anemia.

Can Rhesus disease be treated?

Yes, it can. However, treatment exists only for the baby as the mother is not affected by the disease.

The available treatments include:

- Phototherapy( light treatment)

- Blood transfusions

- Intravenous immunoglobulin: This is an injection containing a solution of antibodies. It prevents further destruction of the red blood cells.

All these treatments are administered immediately after delivery.

Can Rhesus disease be prevented?

Yes, it can.

One thing you should know is that you cannot change the mother's blood type.

However, the mother can be given an Anti-D immunoglobulin injection during pregnancy.
It introduces the Rh(D) antigen into her bloodstream. This process is known as sensitization.

This is to help her body to get used to the presence of the Rh(D) antigen. In this manner, her body does not destroy the antigen as it is no longer a foreign substance.

Knowing your blood group is the first step to protecting your unborn children.

Now, to my unsuspecting vampires, please go to the hospital and find out your blood group today.

You don't want to be the witch feeding on your unborn children, do you?

A word is enough for the wise.

Stay healthy.

Assignment:
Do you know where the word, 'Rhesus' comes from?

Send your answer in the comment section.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

(The body is better than the cloth)

YOU ARE WELCOME!

You are welcome to the world of Aru ka àkwà mma( The body is better than the cloth).

This is a place where we help you understand everything about your reproductive health.

We present to you verified information about your reproductive health, its issues, and its uniqueness.

Please feel free to ask your questions.
You would be given the right answers or directed to the right channel.

Like, comment and share any post that you find helpful.

Please, when sharing, don't forget to give credit to the author.

Thank you and WELCOME.

VA**NA VERSUS V***A: WHICH IS WHICH?

Most of the debates and misconceptions surrounding the female reproductive system are the result of a lack of understanding.

The female reproductive system is a network of several delicate tiny and large parts. These parts( also called ge****ls) all have different functions and are to be handled differently.

The parts of the female reproductive system are classified into two: internal and external.

The internal parts of the female reproductive system are:
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Fallopian tubes
- H***n
- Fimbriae
- Skene's glands
- Bartholin's glands
- Gräfenberg spot(G spot)
- Va**na

The external parts include:
- L***a( majora and minora)
- Cl****is
- Mons p***s
- Urethral opening( hole where p*e comes out from)
- Va**nal opening( hole where babies and menstrual blood come out from and p***s goes into)
- A**s( It has sensitive nerve endings so some people experience pleasure from a**l stimulation).

However, the most common misconceptions stem from the fact that most people, even some women confuse the 'Va**na' for the 'V***a'.

V***A

The term v***a refers to all the external parts of the female ge****ls i.e cl****is, l***a majora, l***a minora, urethral opening, mons p***s, and va**nal opening.

The v***a is what you see when you look down there.

It is the gatekeeper for the uterus and other internal parts.

Different fluids and substances (such as menstrual blood and semen) pass through it.
They may leave it dirty and also upset the pH balance of the v***a.

The v***a needs external help as it cannot clean itself.

However, use only warm water to wash it.

Stay away from soaps or other scented hygiene products such as do**hes, sprays, deodorants, talcum powder, etc.

VA**NA

The va**na is an elastic, muscular ca**l that connects the v***a to the uterus.

It has a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation.

It also has a mucous membrane that is capable of secreting and absorbing fluids at a higher rate than the skin.
This membrane contains several helpful bacteria(va**nal flora) that protect the va**na against infections.

The va**na expels unwelcome fluids and cells. This is known as discharge.

The va**na is therefore self-cleansing and does not need any help.

Do not wash or do**he your va**na. This can upset the va**na's delicate pH balance and open the door for unwelcome visitors such as infections.

Leave your va**na ALONE.

Here are some tips on maintaining those vital parts:

- Wear breathable underwear preferably 100% fibre such as cotton and white ones too.
Stay away from synthetic fibre such as nylon.

- Stay away from scented hygiene products( i.e products that contain fragrance/ perfume).

- Eat foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

- Double rinse your underwear after washing.

- Use mild soap for washing underwear.

- Don't scratch your v***a aggressively.

- Be careful what you put into your va**na.

- Make sure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

- Understand your anatomy and go for regular checkups.

Please keep your vital parts happy so they can keep you happy.

© Nwakaibie Francence Chinemerem

# Arukaàkwàmma( The body is better than the cloth)
# reproductivehealth