Post-partum depression or Discrimination?

Today I was shocked to see a heart-breaking news on Mumbai Mirror that a mother (Deepika Parmar from Dahisar) threw her 1-1/2-month-old baby girl (one of her twins) out of the bathroom window of the hospital. The baby girl did not survive as a rat nibbled half of her head and by the time the security staff found her out, they could not save her even though they rushed her to the ICU.
The mother seemed undisturbed by the entire event and her picture on the newspaper shows a lost expression on her face. I actually didn’t know how to react to this news.
If I think from the mother's side, the mother might have been under post-partum depression and was under lot of stress that she lost her mind and threw one of the babies out.
However, she raised an alarm that the child went missing and when the hospital people checked the CCTV footage, they found out that she herself was culprit who committed this act early morning.
But, I also doubt why she threw the girl baby out. The other twin, who was a boy, is still alive. Both the children were underweight and suffered from breathing problems. Moreover, if she had the mental state to make up a lie, was this action as a result of her hatred to girl child? Did she do it on purpose - kill the girl child and raise a false alarm? Then, she represents that part of the Indian society which discriminates the girl child - Shameful disgrace to womanhood!
I myself have been through the shaky phase of post-partum depression, but it did not last for long, and I came out of it as a stronger human being. From my experience, I remember that when you deliver a baby, the whole ideal indian family comes around choking your head with useless advice and superstitions and you are expected to deal with the trauma of childbirth and postpartum depression singlehandedly. You will be cooking yourself in a deep well of boiling emotions, trying to be the perfect mom you see in advertisements. I dont know how many of the people out there even know that instead of cuddling the baby and shooting void advice to the mentally frail mother, who would even bother to give a pat on her back or offer her help in child care. Sad sad state!

Golden words

I remember some pieces of advice that I have been given at times. Thought of sharing them:

• When you need help, take it - never feel embarrassed to ask for help.
• Never stop doing what you are good at.
• Eat more veggies, less rice.
• Don't allow your child to run around while she is having her meals. Make her to sit at one place and concentrate on the food.
• Take life slow. Avoid doing too many things at a time and stressing yourself.

The surprise element

I have been thoroughly enjoying my stint in parenting even though it can be tiring at times. My little darling continues to surprise me every time. It can be a properly pronounced word or an action mimicking others. She loves to see Bollywood dances and tries to sing the songs while moving her little feet and hands. The tiring part of raising her is the mess she creates around with her toys but since I am not a cleanliness freak, I allow her to enjoy her playtime and arrange the house when she sleeps. Surprise can sometimes transform to shocks when she spills the oil can and i walk over it unknowingly. Childproofing seems to be a never-ending process at times.

A wonderful homemade scrub

Grind Quaker white oats coarsely. Add wheat germ powder and then milk powder; mix these ingredients together and store in an air tight jar. Voila!! - here you have an excellent facial and body scrub when mixed with water or milk and honey. I used it as a scrub for Sarah too, which worked well for her skin - didnt dry it up like soap.

Product review: Scholl Rough Skin remover and Scholl Foot and Nail Cream

These two wonder products have turned out to be the best foot care products I have tried thus far. You can find Scholl products in India at Bata Showrooms. The rough skin remover is actually a scrub with pumice stone articles - very ideal for removing the dry skin from the hard areas of the feet. It is more effective when the foot is already soaked in warm water.

After scrubbing the dry-skin areas, wash the feet and then follow with a small amount of the foot and nail cream. This is a thick moisturiser which keeps the feet moisturised and supple throughout the day. I did not like the strong smell but the results are great and better than any other regular body moisturiser, which most of us usually tend to use for the parched dry feet.

Uses: Best products which I have come across - can be included in your daily foot care regimen

Hmm..: Just the strong smell of the cream

Will you buy this again? Yes Yes!

Product review: Green Leaf Pure Aloe vera Skin gel

I usually prefer the use of natural gel from the plant directly. However, since it is not available every time, this gel has turned out to be very handy for a quick fix. I usually use this product for tired skin or when the facial skin is affected by pollution and break outs. This product improves the skin texture and rejuvenates the skin when left overnight on the skin. It is a very light gel and also very cooling for tired eyes.

Uses: For Skin repair

Hmm..: I cannot find any

Will you buy it again: Yes, I have been a regular user of this gel from 2004. No side effects. I usually do not use it as a day cream but as a balm that soothes facial skin.

Product Review: Body Shop Sweet Lemon Whip Body Lotion

I love lemony fragrance and recently happened to get a bottle of Body Shop Sweet Lemon Whip Body Lotion. The lotion is good for humid weather but for a very dry climate like that in Bangalore, a thicker and creamier lotion is a must. I loved the lemon fresh fragrance but it is not very strong.

Use: a light moisturiser that works well in humid climate - non-sticky.

Hmm: not suitable for winters

Will I buy it again: No because I would rather try some other thicker version from Body shop.