10 Things To Pack When Travelling With A Baby

Travelling has always been exciting for me but travelling 

with a baby needs preparation. I am glad I spoke to a few 

moms who shared their experience of travelling with 

infants. That helped me make my own packing list which 

I keep referring to every time I travel.

My very first experience was travelling internationally 

with my four-month-old. I was apprehensive about a lot 

of things but thankfully everything went as planned.

I hope this checklist helps you plan your next travel with 

your baby.

1.        Diaper Bag

Even if you are not carrying a diaper bag it's advisable to 

pack a separate small bag which you can stuff inside your 

carry-on luggage. Pack it with diapers, wipes, 

changing pads, diaper rash  cream and odour-sealing 

disposable plastic bags.

2.        Milk and Snacks

a.      Whether you are nursing your baby or not it's good 

to carry formula milk with you.

b.      Extra bottles or use-and-throw bottles.

c.       Breast pump if you are using one. Manual pumps are 

lightweight and easy to carry.

d.      A flask of hot water or just a bottle of water is good 

to carry.

e.      Snacks, both for you and your baby to munch on.

(Airlines will allow you to carry milk and water for your 

baby but only after they check all the liquid containers.)

3.        Feeding Set

Carry a set of lightweight bowl, plate and spoon which 

again can be a use-and-throw set. Also, pack a few 

washable bibs for your infant's feeding sessions.

4.        Clothes

You can make various zip lock packs of your baby's clothes 

and socks so that you don't waste time in searching for the 

right pair  of clothes when in a hurry. Later you can also use 

the same zip lock bag to pack the soiled clothes. Don't forget 

to pack an extra  pair for yourself too!

5.        Blankets

Blanket does wonders! They make your baby feel at home 

and help them in taking naps. If your baby doesn't want to 

sleep in the bassinet you can use the tiny blankets to tuck on 

his sides or one under his head to make him comfortable in 

your lap and you both can take a good nap. Instead of 

carrying one large blanket carry a few small blankets so that 

if one gets wet or dirty you can always use the extra blankets. 

6.        Baby cream

Pack the travel size bottles of baby lotion, hand sanitizer 

and a body lotion for you.

7.        Medicine

Keep a pain-reliever, one for fever and a cream for minor 

injuries for infants with you. You can also pack a travel size 

first-aid kit and some medicines for yourself.

8.        Toys

Pack your baby's favorite toy but make sure it's a soft 

one and doesn't make noise. So that even if your baby 

suddenly throws it away, other passengers don't get hurt.

9.        Sling

The best part of carrying your baby in a sling is it's 

hands-free. Your baby can also continue to sleep while 

you are in transit.

10.    Tissues and Plastic Bags

You'll need a lot of them so keep the travel size wet/dry 

tissues and plastic bags handy.

The packing checklist will differ depending on the age of 

your baby and the length/mode of your journey. 

Accordingly, you can edit and personalize the checklist 

and save it for yourself.

I made this when my baby was just four months old but 

I still refer to it today for travelling with my toddler. I too 

have edited it as per his needs. I don't carry bibs and 

pumps with me anymore but I have added books to my 

list for him.

Also in my recent travel, my baby surprised me when he 

showed interest in dragging the carry-on bag himself. 

It was an amusing sight for the fellow passengers and 

now I know that before our next travel I'll have to gift 

him a bag that he can carry all by his own!

Points To Ponder When Pregnant

Relax

Relax. Yes, that is the keyword. A relaxed mind and body help in conceiving. 

Sometimes couples don't realise they are under stress and their failed attempts to 

conceive only fuels their stress. Most of the times it's not a biological problem, 

what you need is a vacation and you never know you might just return with a good news! 

That is what honeymoons are supposed to be but if it's too early to plan a baby you can 

always go for a second honeymoon. 

Health Checkup

It is advisable to get a health check-up done before you conceive. You should be to the 

best of your health when you are pregnant. Doctors may also advise starting taking 

Folic Acid and Prenatal Multivitamins months before you start expecting. This will

 help in preventing the risk of birth defects related to the brain and spine. 

Eat

For a foodie like me, pregnancy was the happiest phase of my life. More because I ate 

without bothering about gaining weight. The only thing you need to keep in mind is 

to eat right, avoid junk and eat at intervals. My doctor advised to chew ginger to 

curb nausea and it worked. Most of the Indian spices have medicinal qualities and

 it's fine to have them if you can digest, though my favourite throughout my pregnancy 

was boiled rice and potato!

Drink 

Water intake definitely has to be increased during pregnancy. One trick to having 

water all the time is to keep a bottle of water at different corners of the house so

 that you can grab one when you are too lazy to walk to the kitchen! Also include

 milk, homemade fruit juice and coconut water in your diet. Avoid alcohol,

 aerated drinks and caffeinated beverages. Savouring a cup of tea/coffee a day is fine!

Exercise 

I was at my laziest self when I was pregnant. I was either eating or sleeping! 

The exercise was nowhere in my plans but thanks to my hubby who forced me to

 join a prenatal yoga class and I loved it. Yoga surely helped me deal with my body ache. 

It strengthened my body and prepared me for the upcoming marathon called labour! 

I felt energised and fresh after an hour of yoga every day. Other forms of exercise 

that my doctor encouraged me to do were walking, slow cycling and swimming. 

Even if you don't know how to swim, just spending some time in the water will help 

you relax a lot. 

Sleep

Getting a sound sleep at night will be difficult but try to take naps during the 

day so that you are not stressed out. Meditation and deep breathing also help in

 getting a better sleep. As the baby grows in the womb and starts kicking and dancing, 

trying to sleep will become an unforgettable adventure!

Homework

It's always a good idea to read and do a homework for anything that is new to you. 

The body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy but if you already know 

about it you'll not be scared. I had registered online to a few parenting sites and received

 weekly emails on the development of the baby. Also, if you are familiar with the medical 

terms related to pregnancy and childbirth you will get a clear picture of what the

 doctor is trying to say. You can also refer books, watch childbirth videos and discuss

 with other moms and listen to their experiences. 

Photos

Yes! When you are done pondering on all the above points, get up and get ready for 

some clicks. Don't bother about how different you look and how much weight you have 

gained. Dress well, grab your partner and smile for the camera! The natural mommy

 glow, the couple's inner happiness and the cute baby bump will all make the picture 

worth clicking.  A few more things that you should do before your delivery is to buy 

some nursing clothes, make space in your room for the baby, go for a babymoon, 

finalise baby's name and definitely sleep as much as you can because once the little 

one arrives you'll be blessed with never-ending sleepless nights!

Keep yourself happy and enjoy your pregnancy!

The Difficult Phase Post Delivery

When I opened my eyes I saw my hubby and my in-laws standing at a corner of the room and discussing a meal, my newborn was sleeping quietly in the crib and I found myself lying almost motionless.

I tried to get up but could not and then my hubby noticed me. They all came smiling towards me and checked whether I was feeling better. Well, with the IV, catheter and the compression wraps attached to my body, I didn't feel any good but I managed to smile.

The hospital bed was amazing and it helped me sit straight with just the push of a button. When my body moved I realised a strange emptiness in my abdomen and it felt like all the organs inside were colliding with each other. Though it now sounds like a horror movie, that is exactly how I felt.

The nurse came to check my temperature and also asked me to point out one of the five smileys based on my pain and discomfort. I was amused to see the five smileys ranging from the happiest to the saddest and pointed out the sad one. She gave a few oral pain killers and showed me a button which I can press whenever I needed her.

I felt like sleeping again but the thought of moving my abdomen scared me. Soon my lunch arrived and I was so glad as I really wanted to eat something. Surprisingly the hospital food was good but before I could finish my lunch my baby woke up crying. Probably it was his lunch time too!

I had to call the nurse to help me with my baby. She taught me the football hold position for nursing which doesn't apply any pressure in the abdomen. She placed a number of pillows around me to make me comfortable and soon my baby was asleep again.

She helped in lowering the bed so that I could sleep and as I tried to move my body I realised it would take a long time to recover completely.

The narcotic painkillers made me sleep like dead but it was difficult when I had to wake up so many times to nurse my baby. I forced myself every time thinking that next day things might get better but I was wrong.

Next morning my catheter was removed and I was asked to walk to the bathroom. Just the thought of getting out of the bed freaked me out. I grasped the nurse tightly and took tiny steps. It was in the bathroom I realised I was bleeding so heavily and the sight made me upset.

Things worsened when I started feeling immense pain while nursing my baby. The nurse helped me with cold gel and cream that were temporarily soothing but I was terrified every time I prepared myself for nursing. I ended the day pointing out the saddest smiley.

The only source of joy was watching my baby and his little movements! He would open his big twinkling eyes to look at me. Watching his dimples when he smiled was pure bliss!

Next day came with another shock when my doctor suggested me to start walking. That was the last thing I wanted to do but the doctor insisted saying it would help in bowel movement and normal digestion. I could hardly take a few steps and found it very difficult to walk without support.

Later in the day, I was asked to take a shower. I was apprehensive about water touching the incision and so was reluctant about it. However, they helped me take a quick shower with soap and water and surprisingly it didn't hurt my wound.

I felt much better later that day and spent the rest of the time walking, sleeping and getting used to nursing my baby. The nurse gave a detailed demonstration to my hubby on how to change diapers and how to bathe a baby and he seemed to enjoy the new learnings! It was such a delight to watch my little one take a bath for the first time.

Next day I was discharged from the hospital. I had to ask for a wheelchair because I was still not able to walk without support. I also placed pillows around me to sit comfortably in the car. The ride back home was not easy and every bump reminded me of the incision.

The good part about returning home was being surrounded by family members and the bad part, well, there were many. I missed the hospital bed the most. There were no hand rails to support me to get up and soon it became a nightmare. It was difficult to even turn to my side and every time I applied pressure I feared that the stitches will come out.

You don't realize but you become more active the moment you leave the hospital. At home I started taking calls and messages, walking around to have meals together, walking to the bathroom, sitting on the couch and all these activities left me exhausted completely. That left me bleeding heavily again. I also had my bowel movement and it was no fun. Next day onwards I was advised to take stool softeners along with the painkillers.

I found myself nursing my baby every two hours and was almost awake the entire night. That worsened things further and I had to visit a lactation consultant. She suggested using a pump so that the milk supply doesn't stop and that was much relief to me.

The following week was tiring and depressing. Nursing a baby is no picnic especially when all you want to do is take rest and recover fast. My baby cried all night and also kept his daddy and granny awake.

I found it very difficult to handle and sometimes cried when nobody watched. I didn't feel like taking painkillers anymore and wanted to run away from everyone. I wanted my normal life back.

My doctor explained Postpartum Depression to me and encouraged me to stay strong. I stayed calm as I was aware that it's a temporary phase and everything will be fine soon. That is exactly how it turned out to be.

Within a month I was all smiles! No more medicines, no more nursing blues, I got my physical strength back and also my confidence. It was then that I started enjoying my motherhood.

The difficult phase post delivery would have killed me if there was no family support. New moms need lots of love, care and encouragement. Holding your newborn in your arms will bring back all the happiness to your life.

If you are also going through a similar phase, just stay calm, it will soon be over and you will find a stronger, happier and a new You!

My Childbirth Story

My due date was a week away and so was my wedding anniversary. We were excited to welcome our baby on our special day; but babies have their own plans!

The last minute shopping left me tired and by the time I reached home I was already having a backache. I couldn't sleep properly that night but thought I'll be fine if I take some rest.

When I woke up I didn't feel any better. As the day progressed I realized that the pain was not continuous but rhythmic. That panicked me badly but I decided to monitor it for some more time.    

I tried to take a nap after lunch but I could not. The pain increased and so did my anxiety. I finally called up the hospital and gave them a detailed description. They asked me to wait at home till the contractions get closer but if I am really anxious I can come for a check-up. I definitely chose the latter option and in an hour’s time we were all in the hospital.

At the reception they asked me if I needed a wheelchair to which I said no but I kept wondering how come am able to walk when others are requiring assistance. They guided me to the check-up room to monitor the contractions and heart rate.

The hospital bed was comfortable and I felt better. Though my anxiety was over yet I could see the anxious faces of my hubby and his mom sitting quietly by my side! While we were all waiting patiently in the cosy room we suddenly heard a scream in the adjacent delivery room. We looked at each other as she continued to scream and I started wondering again, how is it that I am not screaming, is this a false labour?

After a while the nurse checked the details and said that my mucus plug has dislodged and I have entered into early labour. I panicked again. She asked me to go back home and take good rest as this was too early to get admitted. She also asked to keep monitoring my contractions and return when they are 10 minutes apart and gave a medicine that would help me sleep better.

That night after dinner I took the medicine and with numerous thoughts in my mind and discomfort in the abdomen I didn’t realize when did I fall asleep.

Next morning I had my last routine check-up before my due date and I wanted to go for it to ensure everything is fine. The doctor examined and said the dilation was of 3 cms and I’ll have to wait till it becomes 10 cms to be able to deliver. It was going to be a long process and the doctor insisted in keeping my mind diverted. She explained in simple terms, if there are more happy hormones in the body the pain hormones will not trouble much. So keep yourself happy, watch funny videos, think of happy memories and remember, “Labour is tough but women are tougher.”

That did instill some confidence in me and I returned home happily watching the beautiful snowfall on the way. By now the pain had intensified, it was not just backache but my entire abdomen was affected. I kept religiously monitoring every contraction in my mobile app.

I was unusually silent and didn’t feel like watching any video or thinking of happy times! My hubby constantly helped me with hot gel pack to ease my backache and while doing so we both noticed fear in each other’s face. He did try to divert my mind by starting a silly discussion on which funny videos shall we carry with us to the hospital and his list also included our wedding video!

The medicine helped me take a nap but when I was awake I realized the contractions were getting stronger. It felt like needle piercing all over my abdomen and I could not talk or walk during contractions. I suddenly lost all confidence, it was difficult to bear the pain and I started crying. The contractions were still not close enough to go to the hospital but the pain was severe and so we decided to leave for the hospital before it’s too late.

I could not even stand properly and somehow reached the parking. When we reached the hospital I asked for a wheelchair and then I realized why at the reception they were offering me one last evening!

I was directly taken to one of the delivery rooms.  By now the pain was unbearable and I started groaning in agony. The nurse was very sweet and tried her best to make me comfortable. She tried making me sit in different postures, helped me get out of the bed for a walk, made me lie down in the best possible manner but all in vain. Truly speaking, nothing works!

After a while the doctor came for check-up and said my dilation was still 3cms. That was devastating to hear; I have been in labor for almost two days now and still there's no progress. My doctor gently placed her hand on my forehead and said, "It takes time don't worry. We'll try something else to make you comfortable."

I was then asked to try the bathtub for sometime. Yes, the warm water was definitely soothing but only till the next bout of contraction. When the pain triggers it doesn't really matter whether you are in land, water or air! It is unbearable.

My hubby and his mom were silent like never before. I couldn't see them clearly and by now I couldn't even breathe properly. I felt like I might die the next moment and so I somehow said him to ask for an epidural.

The nurse said she would take at least half-an-hour to make all the arrangements and for that I was brought back to the bed. I was thirsty but I couldn't even drink water as the contractions came gushing one after the other.

I was examined again and by then the anaesthetist was ready with the epidural. I was glad to know that the dilation was now 5cms.  I was completely drained out and required help to sit for the procedure. Moments later I started feeling better. The pain was gone, my legs were numb and I was breathing again.

I was exhausted and wanted to sleep and even my family got some time to relax. I had no clue what time of the day it was but the room was dark and cozy and I slept.

Soon I woke up to a sudden chaos in the room. I saw the nurse, doctor, anaesthetist, a few more medical staff and my family all standing surrounding me. I thought may be its now time to deliver the baby but the doctor said something else.

There was a sudden drop in my baby's heart rate and the dilation was at 7cms. For a normal delivery we had to wait longer but with this heart rate it was not possible and so the doctor suggested a cesarian delivery.

I was scared, upset and anxious all at the same time and prayed for my baby to be safe. I was soon taken to the operation theatre where only my hubby was allowed. By now I was impatient, I wanted my baby to come to this world soon. While they carried on the operation I started feeling cold. I could barely keep my eyes open and started shivering. They covered me with a warm blanket and immediately after that I heard the magical first cry!

My baby was born. The ecstasy of that moment is beyond words. I couldn't hold back my tears when I saw my hubby walk towards me carrying our bundle of joy in his arm.

Like every child is unique so is every child birth story. The memories of it will remain fresh forever. 

बाबा

बाबा

बाबा के लिए लिखने जाऊँ तो शब्द कम पर जाते है
बचपन लौट आता है मेरा, आँख भर आते है

छोटे छोटे हाथो ने कि है ना जाने कितनी शरारते
डाँट कभी भी पड़ी नहीं, बाबा सदा मुस्कुराते

शांत स्वभाव ठंडा दिमाग़ सहनशीलता के देवता
कितनी भी कठिन परिस्थिति हो चेहरे पे कभी नहीं दिखता

गणित हो या संगीत हो सब मे रुचि उन्होंने दिखाया
चाई बनाने का सही तारिक भी बाबा ने ही मुझको सिखाया

डगमगाती साइकल के पीछे भागते हुए उन्होंने मेरा डर भगाया
अपने निराले तरीक़े से हर पल मेरा आत्मविश्वास बढ़ाया

समय के पाबंद है वो समय की क़दर करते है
धूप या बारिश में भी हर काम समय पे करते है

शाम को पूजा करके शंख मैं बजाती थी
फिर देर तक हार्मोनीयम पे संगीत का रियाज़ करती थी

बाबा को मेरा गाना पसंद था वो मेरे साथ गुनगुनाते थे
कभी कभी ख़ुश होने पे वो गाना भी संग गा लेते थे

रिज़ल्ट अच्छा हो या बुरा बाबा मिठाई ज़रूर लाते थे
माँ के डाँट से बचाते थे और माँ को भी माना लेते थे

ना जाने क्यूँ मैं निकल पड़ी पूरा करने सपनो को
रो पड़ती हूँ अकेले में याद करने अपनो को

जीवन के हर निर्णय को ख़ुद लेने का हौसला दिया
पढ़ाई हो या शादी हो मेरे हर ज़िद को पूरा किया

विदाई के वक़्त सबसे पहले बाबा ही रो पड़े
उनको देख के मेरे आँखों से आँसू ख़ुद ही निकल पड़े

आज भी रोती हूँ मैं छुपके जब भी बाबा की याद आती है
क्यूँ मैं इतनी दूर हूँ उनसे सोच के ख़ामोशी छा जाती है

काश मैं कभी बड़ी ना होती ना जाती उनसे दूर
काश जीवन की कोई रीत ना होती ना होती मैं मजबूर

Let's Go Back

Let's Go Back

Let's go back to the days so free,
When our world meant just you and me,
Those were the days without worry and stress,
Time spent in peace and quietness

Let's go back to the morning dew,
To the beginning when everything was new,
Laughing together would made my day,
In silence you heard what I strived to say

Let's go back to the picturesque evenings,
A coffee, a corner and talks never-ending,
Watching the moon in the starry nights,
When nothing was wrong, just perfect and right

Let's go back to the clear blue sky,
When we gave wings to our thoughts and they flew high,
Let's go back to that musical rain,
Let's just fall in love again

Will You Be My Valentine

"Will You Be My Valentine"


What's love? To me it's you,
I feel loved in everything you do

The joy you get in treating me like a princess, 
And how you strive in bringing all the happiness 

I wonder if you are real or there's an angel in you,
Is this a dream world I live in or is it all true

The day we met was a day so sweet,
And we knew, life together is going to be a treat

I am quite to some and chirpy to the rest,
But you are the one who knows me the best

You tease me, you love me and shoo the blues away,
Everything you do is unique in its own way

There's craziness in your ardor and sometimes you are so sane,
I keep falling in love with you over and over again

For all the years and lives to come I want you to be mine,
So I ask you with all my love, will you be my valentine?