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.
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!
