As I sit here writing this blog, my daughter is 5 months old, and my son is 2 years old. My son has never been the best sleeper, and my daughter is still waking for night feedings. I’ve read countless articles, watched YouTube videos, and even hired a sleep coach to help guide me on how to get my kids to sleep better. Being a mom is the biggest blessing, yet we all feel the pain of sleep deprivation through the years.
This may make you wonder, why do newborns have frequent wakings? First let’s start with the term “fourth trimester” that was coined in 2002 by pediatrician Harvey Karp, MD. This term refers to the first 12 weeks following the birth of a newborn. Human babies are born relatively premature compared to other animals. Due to this, they need more time to develop outside the womb, requiring more support from parents during this period.
Babies are not born with a fully developed circadian rhythm, which helps us separate our sleep cycles between day and night. This impacts their ability to sleep throughout the night, leading to a pattern of sleeping and waking around the clock. The fourth trimester is a time of rapid growth, continuing into later years. This growth is sustained by their sleep and feeding patterns. That’s why parents are advised to feed their newborns every 2-3 hours, even at night, and follow their babies’ sleep cues.
In addition, babies are born with underdeveloped nervous systems, and their frequent waking plays a key role in regulating their breathing and heart rate. This is especially important in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as waking periods can help avoid long stretches of deep sleep where breathing irregularities could potentially occur.
While this time is incredibly challenging, understanding that your baby’s wakings are crucial for their growth and safety can be reassuring. Your baby’s need for frequent wakings isn’t just a hurdle—it’s an essential part of their development and protection.
In today’s competitive job market, companies that support working parents not only attract great employees but also keep them around longer, increase productivity, and create a stronger company culture. As more people, especially parents, look for a better balance between work and home life, creating a family-friendly workplace has become an important business strategy. Here are some simple ways for employers to support working parents:
Offering Paid Parental Leave Providing paid parental leave allows employees to take the time they need to care for their newborns without the added stress of financial insecurity. This not only aids in employee retention but also ensures that parents can return to work feeling refreshed and focused.
Creating Flexible Work Environments Flexibility is key. Offering remote work options, flexible hours, and part-time opportunities can make it easier for parents to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This flexibility leads to higher employee satisfaction and productivity.
Providing Child Care Assistance Childcare can be one of the largest barriers for working parents, particularly for mothers. Companies can help by offering on-site childcare, subsidizing childcare costs, or partnering with local daycare providers to ensure employees have reliable and affordable care options.
Fostering a Supportive Company Culture A company culture that values work-life balance and supports parents can have a profound impact on employee morale and engagement. Encouraging managers to lead by example and promoting open communication about family needs can create a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to thrive both at work and at home.
Creating a family-friendly workplace benefits both parents and the company. When companies give parents the support and flexibility they need, they see higher employee satisfaction and retention. By following these simple steps, companies can build a workplace that values work-life balance, improves morale, and attracts top talent. A family-friendly workplace is good for employees and good for business.
I didn’t want to go back. There, I said it—after four boys. And no, it’s not because I didn’t love my job. I loved my job. I spent all my twenties and the early part of my thirties chasing my dream, and guess what? I caught it. But I didn’t want to go back because I’d become a mother.
And before you start getting judgey, trust me—I was judgey too. Before motherhood, I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand it. I couldn’t comprehend it. Scratch that—I didn’t even see it. I didn’t acknowledge the seismic shift my body, mind, and life had endured for over a year. (Side note, that scientific term is materscence, a birth of a mother and patrescence, a birth of a father.)
My thirties became a juggling act: growing my family, working, and chasing that utterly ridiculous concept of “work-life balance.” Spoiler alert: there is no balance. There are only choices. You make decisions in each moment to create some semblance of normalcy— decisions made in the moment to keep things from falling apart. Sometimes you nail it. Sometimes you’re handing your three-year-old your Lean Cuisine after a 30-hour hospital shift because that’s all you’ve got left in the tank. And sure, you’ll spiral down the rabbit hole of what ifs when you’re exhausted and vulnerable. But at the end of the day, you choose the best path you can at that moment.
There are two constants in life and society— breeding and capitalism. And why should capitalism support breeding? Because, at its most basic level, breeding supports capitalism (you know—future workers). If you want a deeper dive into how these two intertwine, check out The Doctor and Her Black Bag, an evidence-based book that explores the economics of maternal mortality.
Bottom line? Supporting working parents isn’t just a moral obligation anymore. It’s a smart business move. Supporting working parents isn’t just a warm, fuzzy idea anymore—it’s a strategic advantage. It drives growth, sustains industries, and creates a future workforce. Companies that figure this out aren’t just doing the “right thing”—they’re setting themselves up for long-term success.
A joint study between Great Place To Work and Maven has found that there are significant benefits in creating a supportive environment for working parents, demonstrating its positive impact on both employees and companies.
Key Findings from the Study:
Significant Business Gains- According to the study, companies that provide strong support for working parents experience notable financial gains. Businesses that excel in supporting working parents see 4.4 times greater profitability and 2.1 times greater revenue growth compared to those that don’t. These results demonstrate that a commitment to family-friendly policies isn’t just good for employees—it’s also good for business.
Improved Employee Engagement and Loyalty- Employees at workplaces that prioritize family support report higher levels of engagement. The study found that employees in these environments are 5.6 times more likely to feel valued and 4.5 times more likely to recommend their company to others. This translates to higher retention rates and a more engaged workforce that is eager to contribute to the company’s success.
Retention of Top Talent- One of the most significant challenges businesses face today is talent retention. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when it comes to parents in the workforce. Research from the study shows that companies with robust parental benefits are better able to retain key employees, particularly women. Without this support, 43% of women leave the workforce within the first year of having a child, which can result in expensive turnover costs. Offering parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and childcare support can help retain these valuable employees.
The Power of Flexibility- Flexibility in work arrangements is one of the most effective ways to support working parents. The study found that companies offering flexible hours or remote work options saw higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction. Parents who are able to manage their work schedules around family commitments are more focused, less stressed, and able to contribute more effectively to the business.
The findings from Great Place to Work’s largest-ever study on working parents are clear: businesses that invest in supporting their employees’ family lives are reaping the rewards in terms of higher revenue, profitability, and talent retention. By embracing family-friendly policies and offering flexible work options, companies can build a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce—ultimately driving long-term success.
As the workforce continues to evolve, it’s time for more companies to recognize the powerful business case for supporting working parents. The future of work is not just about driving profits; it’s about building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone, including working parents, has the support they need to succeed.
Breast health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and staying on top of it is crucial, no matter what life stage you’re in. Today, we’re going to dive into the importance of regular breast self-checks, especially for those in early pregnancy stages or nursing. With some easy-to-remember tips, we’ll help you streamline your self-check routine to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
The Power of Routine: Self-Checks and Early Detection
Regular self-examinations are a powerful tool in detecting any changes or irregularities in your breast tissue. These monthly checks can play a critical role in the early detection of potential issues, including breast cancer. The earlier an issue is caught, the better the chances are of addressing it effectively.
Why Monthly Self-Checks Matter
Even if you’re newly pregnant or nursing, maintaining a monthly self-exam routine is important. Despite the bodily changes that occur during these times, sticking to a routine ensures that you catch anything amiss as soon as possible.
Here’s an easy way to remember your schedule: use a memorable date to anchor your self-check routine. For instance, if your birthday falls on the 13th of any month, make it your regular reminder to check your breasts. This simple method means you’ll always know when it’s time to check in with your body.
Tools for Self-Checks: Ultrasounds and MRIs
One common concern is whether certain diagnostic tools are safe during various stages of pregnancy and nursing. The reassuring news is that both ultrasounds and MRIs are perfectly safe during the fourth trimester and while you’re nursing.
These imaging techniques offer deeper insights into your breast health, giving both you and your healthcare provider the information needed to spot potential issues. Be proactive and discuss these options with your doctor to enhance your regular self-checks.
Special Considerations for Nursing Moms
Breastfeeding is not only a natural part of motherhood but also provides some protective benefits against breast cancer. However, that doesn’t mean you can skip the check-ups. In fact, it’s a great reason to be even more vigilant. Always keep an eye out for any lumps, changes, or irregularities while you’re nursing.
Share Your Story
“Check your boobs, guys. Thanks.” Sharing and discussing our health journeys can empower others to take action. Communicate with friends, family, or even online communities about your experiences and encourage them to prioritize their breast health as part of their self-care routine.
Discussing these experiences can also help dispel myths and reduce the stigma or silence that sometimes surrounds breast health. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other.
Helpful Resources and Statistics
Research continually shows the benefit of regular breast checks. For those interested in digging deeper into the statistics and studies around breastfeeding and breast cancer, be sure to seek out reliable resources online.
One useful resource is The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which provides a wealth of information on breast health, statistics, and recent studies: Visit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Stay Informed and Stay Healthy
Ensuring your breast health doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these self-checks into your routine, leveraging safe diagnostic tools, and engaging with your community, you can feel more in control of your health journey. Remember, caring for your body is a year-round commitment, and it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.
Begin today by marking your calendar for your next self-check date, and make it a point to talk with your healthcare provider about any persistent questions or concerns you might have. Your health is worth it!
Have you ever experienced the sudden discomfort of a painful, hard breast while breastfeeding and wondered if it’s a clogged duct or something more serious like mastitis? You’re not alone. Here’s advice on differentiating and treating these common breastfeeding issues.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Starting with a Personal Story: An anxious mother contacted Dr. Patel at 2 AM with a sharp pain and a firm, hard feeling in her breast. Initially, she thought it might be a blocked duct, as frequently diagnosed by “Dr. Google.”
Common Indicators of Clogged Ducts and Mastitis
Clogged Ducts: Typically feel like a hard spot in the breast.
Mastitis: Can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes fever.
While a blocked duct can indeed cause pain and a firm feeling in the breast, recent insights reveal that these symptoms may be due to inflammation around the duct.
Dispelling Myths with New Research
In a surprising turn, “Dr. Google” wasn’t entirely wrong! With new research, it has become clear that traditional treatments may not always be effective.
Old vs. New Protocols
Traditional Advice
Heat and Massage: Previously recommended to relieve a clogged duct.
Modern Understanding
“We were over-treating mastitis… it was actually inflammation causing milk to not come.”
Cool Down: Use cooling packs between feeds to target inflammation.
Nurse on Demand: Continue breastfeeding as usual to keep milk flowing.
Effective Relief and Prevention Strategies
Target Inflammation:
Ibuprofen: Helps alleviate inflammation and discomfort.
Cool Compresses: Apply between feeding sessions.
Gentle Breast Care:
Light Massage: Avoid forceful massaging which can exacerbate the issue. Opt for a feather-light touch.
Supportive Bra: Ensure it is not too tight.
Boost Nutrition and Supplements:
Probiotics: Supports overall health.
Sunflower Lecithin: Acts as a fat emulsifier, potentially thinning the milk and easing flow.
Real-Life Application: A Case Study
After following the revised mastitis protocol, the concerned mother in the story began to see improvements. Her symptoms subsided, and her milk started flowing again. This practical approach brought much-needed relief.
Important Note: Incorrect or aggressive massaging can worsen the situation. Always aim for gentle techniques.
Final Thoughts and Resources
If you’re still unsure or need guidance, contact a lactation specialist. Also consider joining communities or forums for breastfeeding support. Sharing experiences and solutions can be incredibly beneficial.
“Dr. Google is right for once… if you need any help or just a resource, come join us.”
Resources to Explore:
Videos on Gentle Breast Massage: Learn the appropriate technique.
Support Groups: Connect with others facing similar challenges.
In conclusion, understanding the modern approach to treating mastitis and clogged ducts can lead to more effective relief. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
