New mothers are often oblivious to the intricate details required to handle a newborn and are usually baffled when such responsibility is put upon them. This is nothing out of the ordinary, as the idea of the responsibility of handling a human life along with postpartum blues often make it difficult for new mothers to cope. A new mommy is full of questions as she is often uncertain about most things related to her newborn. During regular visits, along with the checkup, Dr. Olfa Koobar, the best neonatologist in Dubai, provides the mother assurance with some newborn care tips to cater to the daily problems faced by her (Filkins 2021). A newborn can bring a whirlwind of activity and excitement to your life pairing with plenty of stress and fatigue, too. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran, consider these tips to keep stress under control. Expert Advice from a Neonatologist in Dubai for Newborn Care Take Take Care of Yourself Keep a healthy relationship with your partner during this overwhelming time. A new baby, paired with the stress of work, introduces more pressure on everyone involved.  Make sure you maintain a healthy diet, exercise (preferably at night when the baby is asleep), and keep the line of communication open between you and your partner, by sharing and discussing the problems you are facing. Limit Visitation Your friends might come unannounced to admire the newborn. You need to tell them beforehand when you will be available and politely ask visitors to wash hands before grabbing and spending time with the newborn. Ask for Help The responsibility of a newborn is a lot to handle. Be open to asking for help from family and friends. Go out for a walk if you’re going stir-crazy with a fussy newborn. If you can trust someone, let them take the reins for a while and spend a day out with your partner to relax and rejuvenate.  Feeding the Baby Keep a schedule and feed the baby accordingly. Ask for medical help in case of problems encountered during breastfeeding. Keep your options open regarding using formula as most new mothers have difficulty breastfeeding after their first pregnancy (Staff 2020).  Don’t overthink You should not overthink or let your thoughts overwhelm you. Go with the flow. Remember this time of tip-toeing won’t last forever and you will get used to the hustle. Just keep your calm and breathe… Work in Shifts It is better for young couples to work in shifts in order to be able to handle a newborn on their own. It is a 24/7 task so it is better to divide the time so neither of the parents gets tired and exhausted (Swain 2005). Why Choose Dr. Olfa as Your Trusted Neonatologist in Dubai? Dr. Olfa, one of the best neonatologist in Dubai, knows that apart from regular checkups after a new baby is born, it is also necessary to understand the concerns of the mother and address them accordingly. She believes it is part of her Hippocratic oath to provide young mothers with the essential tips mentioned above to help them overcome the daily challenges they face and struggle with at the beginning of their journey with a new baby.

What are Birth Defects? Any physical, psychological, or chemical abnormality in your newborn baby’s body is considered a birth defect. This issue arises while the baby grows within the mother’s womb. The majority of birth abnormalities occur during the first three months of pregnancy. What Causes Birth Defects? There may be no known reason for the defect, or it may appear due to a complex mix of factors such as, Infection during pregnancy Genetics Chromosomal problems Lack of certain nutrients in the body Exposure to drugs or radiation When are Birth Defects diagnosed? Some defects could be detected during the antenatal period when doing regular fetal ultrasounds. At the time of birth, your baby may appear to have only one defect, such as a cleft lip, or they may be born with several, such as a cleft palate and lip with kidney, brain, and heart problems.  Not every birth defect will be visible to your pediatrician or neonatologist at the delivery time. Most birth abnormalities such as scoliosis and kidney condition may not show up until your baby is a few months old or aged a few years. How to reduce the risk of Birth Defects? You cannot avoid all birth abnormalities, as you may already be aware. But by controlling your health issues and establishing good habits before getting pregnant, you can raise the likelihood of having a healthy kid. The following tips can help lower the chances of birth abnormalities. 1- Be prepared beforehand Utilize approximately 400 mcg of folic acid or vitamin B9 through dietary supplements each day. You can avoid significant birth abnormalities of the spine and brain development by consuming adequate folic acid for at least a month before conception and throughout pregnancy. You should routinely see your gynecologist. Prenatal care is essential for you as soon as you suspect you are pregnant, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor as early as possible. You should maintain your prenatal care visits as it’s crucial to visit the doctor frequently throughout your pregnancy. 2- Avoid intoxicants When you are pregnant, stay away from alcohol at all costs. The umbilical cord allows alcohol in your blood to reach your unborn child while it is still growing. It may result in stillbirth, miscarriage, also several physical, psychological, and neurological problems that last a lifetime. Refrain from smoking. Preterm delivery, congenital birth abnormalities, and infant mortality are all risks of smoking during pregnancy.  Protect yourself against infections. While pregnant, a woman may get pathogens that may affect the unborn child and perhaps result in birth abnormalities. Avoiding overheating and properly treating fevers are advised during pregnancy. 3- Pick a healthy way of living. Try to eat healthy and organic food supplements that can fulfill your body’s nutrient requirements. Avoid birth-defect complications by maintaining your Body Mass Index value. Maintain your hygienic health condition. Follow a light exercise routine as your doctor instructs you. 4- Talk with your Gynecology and Consultant Neonatologist Consult your healthcare professional about medications. Avoid taking high-dose medicines unless your healthcare professional instructs you. Take complete guidance from your doctor about receiving vaccination shots against mild health conditions such as flu and diphtheria. Conclusion While being pregnant is a beautiful experience, it can sometimes be demanding. You will feel more at ease if you know you are doing everything to prepare for motherhood, maintain your well-being while pregnant, and give your child a healthy beginning in life. Contact Dr. Olfa, the best consultant neonatologist in Dubai.   Source Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Improving Birth Outcomes, Bale, J. R., Stoll, B. J., & Lucas, A. O. (Eds.). (2003). Reducing Birth Defects: Meeting the Challenge in the Developing World. National Academies Press (US).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222097/?report=reader

Dehydration is a common problem in infants and children. Unfortunately, if not corrected early, it can lead to serious health issues for your baby. Read on to understand more about dehydration. What is Dehydration? Most newborn pediatricians attest that dehydration is a common condition in infants and children that occurs when they lose more water than the amount of fluid being taken. The excessive loss of body fluid, such as water, results in a loss of blood volume. As a result, the heart receives low-volume blood, and less is pumped to the rest of the body. Therefore, various parts of the body receive low oxygen and nutrients, making the body unable to function normally. Visiting the right consultant neonatologist will help you understand more about dehydration. Cause of dehydration Dehydration may happen in your infant for many reasons. They include: Diarrhea Vomiting High blood sugar, called diabetes Fever resulting in excessive sweating Excessive blood loss due to trauma or an accident. Not drinking enough fluids, for example, when not breastfeeding adequately. Signs and symptoms of dehydration There are many ways you can tell your baby is dehydrated. You should watch for the following signs of dehydration in your infant. Dry skin, tongue, and mucous membranes Thirst They reduced urine output. You can tell your baby has reduced urine output if they wet fewer than six diapers daily. A crying infant with very little or no tears Sunken fontanelle – soft spot on your baby’s head. Rapid and deep breathing Cool and blotchy extremities – hand, hands, feet. Delayed skin pinch for more than 2 seconds. When your infant is severely dehydrated, they may have the following signs and symptoms Very fussy Wrinkled skin Urinate highly concentrated urine once or twice a day Cool and discolored extremities. Low blood pressure Severe dehydration can result in life-threatening conditions such as convulsions, brain damage, blood clot formation, and death. What should you do to help your infant get better? You can do many things at home to help your infant get better. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), all babies below six months should be exclusively breastfed on demand. So, ensure you feed your baby according to your doctor’s instructions. Avoid giving your baby sweetened fluids such as sugary sodas or juices, as they can result in diarrhea, dehydrate your baby. Consider contacting your consultant neonatologist if your baby has signs and symptoms of dehydration or when vomiting or diarrhea increases in amount or frequency. Book an appointment with Dr. Olfa, the best pediatrician in Dubai, and treat your child with expert care. Sources 1. Dehydration (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html 2. Signs of Dehydration in Infants & Children – HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/dehydration.aspx