Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES TO BURP YOUR BABY

Mama, if your baby gets fussy, squirmy or uncomfortable during or after feeding, they may need to burp.

Here are 3 simple positions you can try:

1. OVER YOUR SHOULDER
Hold baby upright against your chest, support the head and neck, then gently pat or rub their back.

2. SITTING ON YOUR LAP
Sit baby upright on your lap, support their chin and chest with one hand, and gently rub or pat their back with the other.

3. ACROSS YOUR LAP
Place baby tummy-down across your lap while supporting their head so it stays slightly higher than the chest. Gently rub or pat their back.

You don't need to hit baby's back hard. Gentle rubbing or patting is enough.

And mama, not every baby burps after every feed. If baby is comfortable, feeding well and not showing signs of discomfort, don't force it.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

IF YOUR BABY HAS BEEN QUIET FOR A WHILE, DO THIS

Mama, babies have periods of sleep, so you may notice times when your baby is less active.

But if your baby is moving less than usual, don't just assume they are sleeping.

Try this:

Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down somewhere quiet.

Drink some water, preferably cold, or have a light snack if you haven’t eaten recently.

Lie down comfortably and focus on your baby’s movements without distractions.

Give yourself some time to notice whether baby returns to their usual movement pattern.

But mama, please remember that a cold drink or snack is not a test to confirm that your baby is okay.

If your baby’s movements remain reduced, feel different from normal, or you cannot feel your baby moving, contact your maternity unit or healthcare provider promptly.

Don’t keep trying different things at home or wait until the next day if you are concerned.

Your baby’s movement is one of the important signs you can monitor during pregnancy. A significant change from your baby’s usual pattern deserves attention.

But please listen carefully, mama:

You should not keep trying different tricks at home if your baby's movements remain reduced or you cannot feel your baby moving as usual.

Contact your maternity unit or healthcare provider promptly for assessment.

And if you feel no movement at all, don't wait until the next day and don't rely on home remedies to make baby move.

Your baby's movement is one of the ways they communicate with you in the womb.

A change in your baby's usual movement pattern deserves attention.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

Pregnant mamas, safe delivery to you all. It shall end in praise. 🙏🏽

13/08/2026

For Our Expectant Mamas!

WHY IS YOUR EDD DIFFERENT? 10 REASONS YOUR DUE DATE MAY CHANGE

Have you ever wondered why your expected date of delivery (EDD) is different on your scan, pregnancy app, or from the date calculated from your last menstrual period?

Here are 10 common reasons:

1. Uncertain last menstrual period: You may not remember the exact first day of your last period.

2. Irregular menstrual cycles: If your cycles are longer or shorter than 28 days, the usual calculation may not be accurate.

3. Late ovulation: Ovulating later than expected can make the pregnancy appear younger than calculated from your period.

4. Early ovulation: Ovulating earlier can make the pregnancy appear slightly further along.

5. Different ultrasound timing: Ultrasound measurements can produce slightly different estimates, especially later in pregnancy.

6. Baby’s growth differences: Babies do not all grow at exactly the same rate.

7. Conception occurring later: The actual date of conception may differ from what was assumed based on the menstrual cycle.

8. Pregnancy dating method: Your provider may use your LMP or an early ultrasound to establish the EDD.

9. Measurement variation: Small differences in ultrasound measurements can shift the estimated date by a few days.

10. Incorrect initial dating: Sometimes the first estimated date is adjusted when more reliable information becomes available.

Remember: Your EDD is an estimate, not an exact appointment date for delivery. Only a small percentage of babies are born exactly on their due date.

Always discuss any major change in your EDD with your healthcare provider.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

BABY GENDER AND ULTRASOUND WAHALA

Mama, you did ultrasound and they told you “it’s a girl”, only for another scan to say “Mama, it’s a boy.” 😂

Yes o, ultrasound gender wahala can happen.

But let me tell you something, Mama. It is not only about the machine. The expertise and experience of the sonographer also matter.

Sometimes baby’s position makes it difficult to get a clear view. Baby may cross the legs, turn away, cover the area or simply refuse to cooperate.

The gestational age and quality of the ultrasound image can also affect what is seen.

And this is why an experienced sonographer knows when the view is clear enough to give an opinion and when to simply say:

“Mama, I cannot confirm this yet.”

So if your baby is hiding during the scan, please don’t pressure anyone to guess just because you want to know the gender.

And remember, Mama, ultrasound is not only about finding out if you are carrying a boy or girl. It is also used to assess your baby’s growth, development, position, placenta, fluid and other important things.

Sometimes the baby is ready to reveal. Sometimes baby says, “Mummy, wait first.” 😂

Did you get different gender results from your ultrasound scans?

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

BEFORE LIGHTENING VS AFTER LIGHTENING

Mama, have you noticed that your belly looks different or that baby feels lower than before?

This may be lightening, which happens when your baby moves lower into your pelvis as your body prepares for birth.

BEFORE LIGHTENING:
Baby is still sitting higher up.

AFTER LIGHTENING:
Baby drops lower into the pelvis.

SIGNS YOUR BABY MAY HAVE DROPPED

Your belly looks lower than before
You may breathe more easily
Less pressure around your chest and upper abdomen
Increased pressure in your pelvis
You may feel the need to urinate more often
More pelvic heaviness or discomfort
You may notice more pressure around your lower abdomen
Walking may feel different or more uncomfortable

But Mama, baby dropping does not automatically mean labor has started.

For some women, lightening happens days or even weeks before labor. For others, it may happen much closer to delivery.

Your body is getting ready, Mama.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

MAMA, AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START GIVING YOUR BABY PAP?

Let's gist.

How old was your baby when you introduced pap, and what made you decide it was time?

Drop your baby's age in the comments. Let's see the different experiences.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise, because it provides all the nutrients most babies need while helping to protect them from infections.

However, not every mama can exclusively breastfeed, and that's okay. Some mothers have medical conditions, low milk supply, need certain medications, have to return to work early, or face other challenges. What matters most is that your baby is fed safely and cared for with love. There should be no guilt or shame.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

THE SECRET TO PUSHING MORE EFFECTIVELY DURING LABOR

Mama, pushing isn’t about shouting at the top of your voice or pushing as hard as you can.

It’s about pushing at the right time and in the right way.

Here’s what you should know:

Don’t push too early.
If your cervix isn’t fully dilated, pushing can make labor longer and may cause your cervix to swell.

Push only during contractions.
Your contractions are your body’s way of helping your baby move down. Work with them, not against them.

Push down into your pelvis, not into your face.
Imagine you’re trying to pass a hard stool. That’s where your strength should go.

Take a deep breath, bear down, then rest between contractions.
Don’t waste all your energy pushing when there isn’t a contraction.

Listen to your midwife or doctor.
Sometimes they’ll ask you to push. Sometimes they’ll ask you to stop for a moment. They’re helping your baby come out safely and may reduce your risk of severe tearing.

One more thing, Mama…

Every labor is different.

Some women naturally feel an overwhelming urge to push, while others need a little guidance. Both are completely normal.

The goal isn’t to push the hardest.

The goal is to push effectively.

Did you have the urge to push on your own, or did your healthcare provider guide you through it? I’d love to hear your experience, mama.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

THE SCAN SAID "IT'S A BOY"... BUT YOU DELIVERED A GIRL?

Mama, yes, it happens.

Every now and then, a family prepares for a baby boy based on the ultrasound scan, only to welcome a baby girl on delivery day.

So, does that mean the ultrasound lied?

No.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby inside the womb. The sonographer can only identify your baby's gender based on what is visible during the scan.

Sometimes, your baby's position makes it difficult to get a clear view. Crossed legs, constant movement, the umbilical cord, or even a tiny hand between the legs can make gender identification challenging and occasionally lead to a wrong prediction.

The accuracy also depends on:
The stage of pregnancy.
The quality of the ultrasound machine.
The baby's position.
The experience of the sonographer.

While ultrasound is highly accurate for determining your baby's gender, it is not 100% guaranteed.

So, the ultrasound didn't "lie." It simply interpreted what was visible at that moment.

My advice?

If you're shopping before birth, consider buying a few unisex baby essentials until your little one arrives.

At the end of the day, the greatest joy isn't whether it's a boy or a girl.

The greatest blessing is welcoming a healthy baby into your arms.

Midwife Chiamaka

13/08/2026

For Our Expectant Mothers!

10 REASONS TO LIMIT PROCESSED FOODS DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is a special time to pay attention to what you eat. While you do not have to completely avoid every processed food, eating highly processed foods too often may not be the best choice for you or your baby.

Here are 10 reasons to limit them:

1. They may contain too much salt, which can contribute to excessive sodium intake and swelling.

2. They can be high in added sugar, increasing unnecessary calorie intake.

3. They may contain unhealthy fats, especially when eaten frequently.

4. They are often low in fibre, which can make pregnancy constipation worse.

5. They may provide fewer essential nutrients than fresh or minimally processed foods.

6. They can encourage excessive weight gain when eaten frequently and in large portions.

7. Some processed foods are highly calorie-dense, making it easy to eat more than you need.

8. They may contain many additives, although approved food additives are generally regulated as safe when used appropriately.

9. They can displace healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, eggs, fish and other nutritious choices.

10. A balanced diet supports a healthy pregnancy, so choosing more whole and minimally processed foods can help you get the nutrients your body needs.

You do not need a perfect diet during pregnancy. Focus on balance, variety and nutritious choices, and enjoy processed foods occasionally rather than making them the main part of your diet.

Midwife Chiamaka