YOGA IN PREGNANCY Yoga with its dictum of moderation and with its vision of a complete integrated human being has plenty to offer to a mother-to-be and a young mother.

The Baby is Here:

JOY AND anxiety take turns as the baby settles down in his new home. You might feel overwhelmed by the little bundle of joy who sometimes cries away leaving you guessing.

The Crying Game:

Every baby has a distinct pattern for all activities. This includes crying as well. There are various reasons for which a baby might cry away. Hunger, sleepiness, discomfort or pains like colic are the ones that could be first eliminated.

This phase of crying uncontrollably usually lasts up to around three months of age when the baby's nervous system as well as the digestive system are undergoing several adjustments.

Hunger is always first on the list. If it has been two hours since the last feed or less than two hours after a small feed the baby should be fed or comforted if he does not need a feed. He may only want to be carried or talked to.  

Crying is the baby's way of expression - respect it.

It might keep you guessing sometimes. Illnesses like cold and intestinal infections during die early months are generally accompanied by tears.   However, if the baby appears different in appearance and colour, immediately consult the doctor.

Some babies are unusually tense and restless during the early weeks.  Their bodies don't relax well and they start at the slightest noise or with any quick change of position.  Such babies may even hate a tub bath for a couple of months and may also have colic.

When a baby tends to cry at a fixed time of the day every day then it is usually due to a colic pain.

Here the baby's abdomen tends to get distended with gas. This makes them stiffen and they pull up their legs, scream piercingly and pass their gas. They generally are pacified when carried. Keeping the feet of the baby warm and gently moving your warm hand on the abdomen clockwise helps. Try to keep the abdomen covered.

The following actions can easily avoid major crying bouts:

• Change of nappies at the right moment.
• Extra care with nappy pins.
• Burping the baby after a feed to avoid discomfort.
• Not allowing the baby to be over stimulated by visitors since this can fatigue the baby.
• Rocking a fatigued baby gently in the arms relaxes him, however do not make this a habit.

When the baby is crying, do not dash and run to the baby. Try and talk if you are nearby. If far, make a sound to let the baby know that you are close by. The mother should be associated with her special voice and jingle of bangles, anklets or key chain.

Fretful babies-need to be comforted during severe crying bouts.

Wrapping them snugly in a piece of cloth comforts some babies. Music could prove comforting as well.