BEING YOUNG AND POSITIVE

Whether you have only recently found out you have HIV, or you have grown up knowing you have HIV, being a young person living with HIV brings its own challenges.

Your teenage years are a time of great change – your body develops and changes during puberty as you become an adult, and these changes often go hand in hand with lots of emotions. You may also be finishing school, taking exams, and thinking about your future. This is also a time when many people have some of their first relationships. It can be an intense and exciting time, but it can also be difficult.

Taking responsibility for your health

If you were born with HIV and were diagnosed at a young age, you may have been going to a doctor or clinic that specialises in child health for a long time. Even if you were diagnosed more recently, perhaps in your early teens, it’s likely that one of your parents, or a guardian, has gone with you to the clinic and helped you remember to take your treatment.

As you get older, you may want to take more responsibility for your own health care and treatment. There may be things you want to discuss with a healthcare professional without your parents being present. Eventually, your health care will be transferred to an adult clinic, and this can feel like a big change.

Your parents, and your clinic staff, will still want to know how you are doing, and whether you are taking your treatment, but more of the responsibility will be on you. Think about what you can do to remind yourself to take your treatment, and to manage your appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people find support from family and friends helpful, as well as practical things like setting an alarm, or keeping drugs in a pill box with the days of the week on it.

Telling your friends

Making decisions about whether to tell your friends about HIV is different for everyone. Some people are very open about having HIV – perhaps all your friends and family already know, and it doesn’t feel like a big issue for you.

For other people, fear or experience of rejection, bullying, or gossip makes telling people about HIV feel like a really difficult decision. Remember, it’s your choice, and you don’t have to tell people if you don’t want to.

Often, young people living with HIV find it helpful to get to know other people in the same situation. There are support groups and activities for young people living with HIV, and this can be a good opportunity to share your feelings and talk about how other people cope. You may decide that you don’t want to tell anyone else for now, and that’s fine.

If there is someone, or a group of friends, who you want to share your HIV-positive diagnosis with, then it’s a good idea to think about how you might tell them. Think about how they might react, and the kind of questions they might have, so you can be prepared with the information you want to give them. Think about when and where would be a good time to tell them, so you won’t be interrupted or rushed.

Having relationships

Some people with HIV worry that they can never have a relationship, or have sex, or that they will never be loved because they have HIV. None of these things are true - people living with HIV fall in love, have sex, have relationships, marry, have children… all the things that people who don’t have HIV do too. It’s also completely possible to do all of these things without passing HIV on to someone else.

When you start a new relationship, it can be really exciting and fun, and it can be intense, as you find out about each other.

Having a relationship with someone who doesn’t have HIV (sometimes called a mixed-status relationship) might raise some particular questions for you – when should you tell them that you have HIV? How will they react? How can you have sex without passing on HIV?

Deciding how and what to tell them will probably involve a lot of the same considerations as telling a friend. Think about how they might react and the questions they might have. It’s up to you to decide how much to tell them and when. You may feel like you want to avoid having a difficult conversation, but bear in mind that if you wait for a long time they may be upset that you didn’t tell them sooner.

Having sex

If you’re going to have sex, remember that using male condoms or female condoms correctly is a really effective way of preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Many clinics can provide you with free condoms and other contraception, as well as confidential information and advice.

If you are taking HIV treatment and it’s keeping the level of HIV in your body (viral load) very low, that also reduces the risk of HIV being passed on. For women, there are also additional ways of preventing pregnancy, including the contraceptive pill, implant or injection. It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re taking HIV treatment and contraception together, as some HIV drugs interact with them and make the contraception less effective.

It’s a good idea to talk to your partner about these things before you have sex, if you can, so that you can share the responsibility for having safer sex. If your partner knows about HIV, it can make it easier to talk about using condoms.

Having HIV shouldn’t stop you from having great sex – you have just as much right to a fulfilling and healthy sex life as anyone else – but don’t feel that you have to have sex just because your partner wants to.6 It’s up to you to decide when you feel ready for sex and they should respect that

OVULATION

While sperms can survive upto 5 days inside tge woman’s system, the Egg (OVUM) has a much shorter lifespan, staying viable for only a day after its production. This underlines the importance of doing perfect timing when trying for a baby. The body normally gives some signs to inform the woman when she’s ovulating and there are other tips to help you with doing the perfect timing. Here are a few;

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU'RE OVULATING

Listen to your body temperature
about a 1/5 of all women’s bodies usually send them a ‘memo’ during this time. As the egg moves from the ovary into the uterus, the movement is assisted by muscle contractions. These contractions can be felt as a series of cramps in the lower abdomen, usually felt more on 1 side either left or right.

Examine your vaginal fluid
 when approaching Ovulation date, the discharge usually undergoes changes in quantity and consistency. Typically, it will increase in quantity, and become thicker, stickier due to increased mucus content.
Buy your kit
these work by measuring the levels of the luteinizing hormone (L.H) that rises higher as you’re about to ovulate. All you need to do is pee on the stick and it will do the rest, much like the pregnancy prediction stick

Track Your Cycle
keep a calendar of your menstrual cycle over a few months; 3-5 months. Normal cycles last 28 days, and the Big-O occurs exactly midway; On the 14th day after the beginning of the previous periods. In order to get pregnant, have unprotected sex from Day 12, through to day 16 to increase your chances of success. For irregular periods, you can also just time midway of the cycle, and combine with the other ways of checking to improve your chances

Eat Right  
some foods have been known to improve fertility both in terms of improving egg quality and creating a condusive uterine environment for the foetus to develop.
••Switch protein sources: Replace some of the animal protein; beef, pork or chicken you eat with vegetable protein sources, such as cooked dried beans and nuts.
••Switch to whole milk instead of the low-fat milk (these are usually clearly indicated on the milk packets).
••Folic acid found in leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and dried beans and peas.

Daddy's Part
most of the above apply for the mummy, but even with a super-egg, the daddy also needs to bring good quality of sperms to make this pregnancy a success.
••avoid briefs, go for boxers. Boxers allow the testicles to hang further from the body, keeping them at optimum temperature for sperm production and storage
•• Tomatoes, Lentils, pomegranates and pumpkin seeds are among the foods known to be good antioxidants that improve blood circulation and also ensure good sperm quality and mobility. And lastly on that note, stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water to increase the ejaculate and help with the sperm count.
•• Keep off Diet drinks and caggeine. These have been linked to low sperm counts.

WHAT IS PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PREP)

What is PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a course of HIV drugs taken daily by HIV negative people most at risk of HIV to reduce their risk of HIV infection.

Truvada is currently the only drug approved for use as PrEP. Truvada is a single pill that is a combination of two anti-HIV drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine.

How does PrEP prevent HIV?

If you have exposed yourself to HIV, for example by having protect sex with someone who is living with HIV, taking PrEP correctly can stop the virus from establishing itself in your body.

How effective is PrEP?

If used consistently, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from unprotected sex by over 90%. If you inject drugs, PrEP can reduce your risk of HIV by more than 70%.

However, because it’s not 100% effective, it should always be used with condoms , safer sex practices, clean injection equipment, and other HIV prevention methods.

If I take PrEP ,can I stop using condom ?

No, you shouldn’t stop using condoms. While it significantly reduces your risk of HIV infection, PrEP isn’t fully protective and should be combined with other methods like condoms to reduce your risk even further.

PrEP also doesn’t give you any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . That’s why it’s doubly important to use condoms as they are highly effective at preventing HIV and some STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia .

Who can take PrEP?

PrEP it isn’t recommended for everyone. It’s for people who are HIV-negative and at a high risk of HIV infection.

PrEP may be an option for you if:

you’re in an ongoing relationship with a partner living with HIVyou’re sexually active with more than one person, even if they recently tested negative for HIVyou’re a heterosexual who doesn't use condoms with partners whose HIV status is unknown and are at high risk of HIV infection (for example, they inject drugs or have bisexual male partners)you’ve shared injecting equipment or have been in a treatment programme for injecting drug useyou’re in a heterosexual relationship where one partner has HIV and the other doesn’t, to protect the uninfected partner during conception and pregnancy.

Where is PrEP available ?

Currently, PrEP is available in the USA, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, France, Israel and Peru – and many other countries are close to offering the service.

International guidelines now recommend that PrEP should be made widely available, so even if it's not available to you right now, it may be an option in the future.

How can I take PrEP and for How long?

If PrEP is available in your country, talk to your healthcare professional to find out if it’s the right HIV prevention option for you.

PrEP needs to be taken every day for it to work. Also, you must take an HIV test  before starting PrEP to be sure that you don’t already have HIV.

Every three months while you’re taking it, you’ll have to visit your healthcare professional for regular check-ups.

Does PrEP have any side effects?

In some people PrEP can cause minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue and dizziness, but these eventually disappear over time.

If you’re taking PrEP and experience any side effects that are severe or don’t go away, tell your healthcare professional.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN TESTING???

It is really common to feel a little worried about going for an HIV  test. But making the decision to test is the best thing you can do for your health. The process is quick, painless, confidential and almost always free.

The health care worker-there to help you

Before you test, your healthcare worker will talk to you about your sexual health, why you've decided to get treatment , and any risks you may have taken.

Remember, the healthcare professional is not there to judge you. There is most likely nothing you can say that they haven’t heard from someone else. Be honest with them, and ask as many questions as you want – that is what they are there for.

You should never feel pressured to test. The results will be completely confidential and you should only go through with it if you want to.

If the doctors feel you are at a high risk of HIV, they may give you post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This is a course of emergency HIV treatment  that will reduce your chance of being infected with HIV. Speak to your healthcare worker for more information about this.  

The HIV Test

There are a variety of different HIV tests. The healthcare worker should explain which test you will be given and how you will get your results of . Normally, testing involves taking a small sample of blood from either your finger or your arm, or a sample of oral fluid. If you are taking a rapid test, you will be given your results within 20 minutes. Other types of tests will be sent to a laboratory and you may have to wait for the result. It can take between a day and two weeks for the final result.

How HIV test works

Third Generation HIV test
(ELISA test)

When you become infected with HIV, your body will start to produce specific antibodies (proteins that attach to the virus to try and destroy it). An HIV antibody test looks for these antibodies in your blood, saliva or urine. If these antibodies are found, it means you are infected with HIV. This test is only accurate after three months, because this is how long it takes your body to produce enough antibodies for it to show up in a test.

Fourth generation HIV test (ELISA combined Antigen /Antibody)

Fourth generation tests look for HIV antibodies, but also for something called p24 antigens. The p24 antigens are part of HIV itself, so you have a lot of these in your blood in the first few weeks after infection. This is why you are most infectious to others in this period too. Fourth generation tests can detect HIV from 11 days to 1 month after you have been infected.

Rapid HIV test

Results for your HIV test can now be given at the healthcare centre, without the need for samples to be sent to a laboratory. There is a variety of different rapid tests and most test for HIV antibodies. While these tests are reliable, laboratory testing may be better in some situations, as rapid tests have a slightly higher chance of giving a 'false positive' result (shows you have HIV when you don't).

Here is a breakdown of the most common tests:

HIV test

What do they test for?

What is window period?

How long for the results?

Reliability

Third generation antibody tests

HIV antibodies

3 months

 Between 1 to 7 days

High

Fourth generation antibody/antigen tests

HIV antibodies and p24 viral proteins (antigens)

11 days – 1 month

Between a few days and a few weeks

High

Rapid tests

HIV antibodies

3 months

Within 20 minutes

Satisfactory for uncomplicated infection

Self testing

HIV self-testing is only available in the USA and the UK. These rapid tests give a result in 15 – 20 minutes.

If you decide to test for HIV in your home, make sure that the testing kit you are using is made specifically for self-testing and that it has a ‘CE’ mark on it (UK), or it is FDA-approved (USA) We don't have this in Kenya . That way, you’ll know that the tests are regulated and work properly. It is also very important that you follow the instructions on your HIV testing kit. If you have any questions about self-testing, speak to a healthcare professional.

ULCERS

The sole cause of ulcers has not been found yet. But according to the latest studies about them, an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum.

Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori).

 

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:

*Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and many others available by prescription;

*Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output

*Excessive drinking of alcohol

* Smoking or chewing tobacco

*Serious illness

*. Radiation treatment to the area

Symptoms do not always show up, but when they do, they may include:

*A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night
* Bloating
* Heartburn
* Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, symptoms can include:
*Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
* Vomiting blood
* Weight loss
*Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

**How Serious Is an Ulcer?

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn’t ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:

*.Bleeding

*.Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)

*.Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine

People at risk of developing ulcers include those who
*.Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium
*.Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
*.Have a family history of ulcers
*.Have another illness such as liver, kidney, or lung disease
*.Drink alcohol regularly
*.Are age 50 or older

Ulcer Medications

Ulcer medications will depend on the cause and extent of damage done.

*.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Proton pump medications reduce acid levels and allow the ulcer to heal.

*. Antibiotics. If you have H. pylori infection, then antibioticsare also used. There are multiple combinations of antibiotics that are taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI. Bismuthis also part of some treatment regimens.

*. Upper endoscopy. Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

*.Surgery. Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach, or if there is serious bleeding that can’t be controlled with an endoscope.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:
*.Don’t smoke.
*.Avoid alcohol.
*.Don’t overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.
*.If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health careprovider.

IT'S OKAY TO LOSE YOUR WAY

Lately, I've been questioning the decisions I made that give my life direction. I look at myself, one year post-undergrad, and I'm nowhere near my dream career. In some ways I feel like I've failed. In other ways I just feel plain lost.

I've thought about completely exiting my current field, the psych realm. I've thought about continuing my education in grad school. I've even thought about just taking a break completely. But would making those changes really make me happy? I didn't have a concrete answer for that.

But then I asked myself, why am I so worried about it right now? Is it because I feel like a child in an adult world AKA my twenties? Or is it because I see the people around me excelling and I'm stagnant? Do I really feel that inferior?

Taking a step back from all of these hard questions, I realized these thoughts probably aren't so unusual to be thinking. Most of us in our twenties are muddling through the same issues and concerns.

Did I pick the right major?

Am I going to be happy in this field for 40 more years?

Am I going to make enough money?

Will I come home feeling like I put in my best effort to change someone's life, or will I feel like I just pass paperwork all day?

Haven't we all had a moment when we asked ourselves at least one of these questions? We most definitely have. But I've discovered that it's normal to feel lost sometimes. Isn't it just a part of figuring this stuff out?

If we were content all the time, life would be too easy. The challenges are what make this thing fun, right? I think we were meant to question our decisions to ensure that yes we did pick the right choice, or maybe the wrong one. In time, you will be able to answer all the questions that may seem so difficult now, but there's no use losing sleep over it today.

In twenty years you may decide you don't feel fulfilled in your current career. When that moment comes, I think that's when you can accurately make a decision to go a different way. There is no use worrying about it now because in reality, you don't know until you're there.

If you're feeling lost, don't worry. I promise you will find your way. Whether it's in a week, twelve months, or five years, you will figure it out. All you can do it go with what makes you happy right now. Turn your passion into your career. Like to write? Write. Like to workout? Become a personal trainer. Like tech? Work at an IT place. It's as simple as that. Do what makes you happy because that's the best you can do for you at this very moment.

You will find your way again.

Of Dreams And The Suspense

Have you ever been woken up in the middle of some lovely dream? Say you had gone for months without eating chapatti and chicken stew! Luckily, somewhere in your dreams you get invited for lunch at a friends party. Set up on the table is your favorite meal, just as you wished it was. You wash your hands and with all your mastered appetite and eager stomach that is now rumbling as if in a celebratory mood, you grab a chicken drumstick and hungrily lift it to your mouth. As you open your foul smelling mouth to take a bite the worst happens… someone slaps you across the cheek sending you back into the real world.

You feel your right cheek and touch something soft that move toward your mouth and another part to your temple. You jerk up thinking it’s a snake.  You reach for a matchbox on a rickety stool that sits next to your bed. Accidentally, you knock off your old tin lamp. You catch the matchbox and strike a matchstick and discover it was a pair of ugly geckos that had ruined your sumptuous meal. The stupid geckos on a rendezvous on the roof of your grass-thatched hut, decided that it’s better for them to fall off and continue their love making on your cheek at the expense of your dreams. 

You pick up your tin lamp that has now spilt almost all the kerosene. The matchstick burns your finger tips as it dies out and you drop it to the floor cursing under your breath.

Back inside your old dusty blanket that you must have inherited from your late grandfather, you appeal to Jehovah God to allow you back to the dream, back to the chicken you were about to devour. You cover yourself from head to toe because you do not want any interruption.

Fortunately, God answers your prayers and you drift back to sleep, then back to your dreamworld…

You are part of a tumultuous crowd waiting to receive Nelson Mandela. Mandiba himself. He’s supposed to be dead, you wonder! But the fact that the whole town is waiting for his arrival,  he never really died, you console yourself. It was all a lie, a conspiracy, a dream. After some waiting his motorcade finally arrives. One funny thing with dreams is that it’s never clear, you can be in this place and then another at the same time. So you are in a hall and then you are standing along the street. Mandiba singles you out from the crowd. He calls you by name and you are excited. You walk towards him wielding that boyish grin. You shake hands and he requests you to address the crowd. You are the centre of attraction and you can read envy in the people’s eyes.

You start talking and then you find out you are in a get together with friends. Talking about your past moments and reliving memories. You fight to shift back to Mandiba but it’s fruitless. You decide it was just a dream in a dream and you quit trying.

One minute you are driving home (back to the village) in this sleek state of the art Lamborghini with butterfly doors (doors that open like wings) and you just can’t wait to get home and show it off, then when you are approaching your home you are riding on an old bicycle.

Another instance, you meet this hot lady or dude and things are just going as you want them to. You decide to exchange contacts and when she/he starts saying the digits something wakes you up, and you remain grumpy the whole day! What a loss!

Dreams are sweet and fascinating. Dreams are silly and annoying because of the suspense. Most of the times, when I retire to bed each night I think of things I wish to dream of, once in a while it happens but mostly it plays tricks on me. Leaves with raw appetite. Hungry for more. But it never gives me the MORE.

Why Smoking Shisha Could Be Leading You To An Early Grave

Shisha is the flavoured tobacco smoked using hookah water pipes. It is also known by other names such as: Narghile, Hubble Bubble, Goza, among others.

A hookah consists of a base, pipe, bowl and hose or a mouthpiece.

Tobacco is placed in the bowl, which is at the top of the pipe structure. An aluminium foil covers the bowl and small charcoal pieces are then placed on the foil, which is punctured using a pin to gently heat the tobacco.

When smoked using the hose; smooth, sweet-smelling vapour is filtered through the base containing water. It also comes in floral flavours such as coconut, vanilla and rose.

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal Cancer Epidemiology & Prevention, smoking shisha could make nicotine urine levels spike by more than 70 million times; also resulting in the increase of cancer-causing agents.

Quitshisha.com incorporated findings from the study with other research results and schemed the following shisha health hazards:

Causes cancer

Due to the mode of Shisha smoking—including frequency of puffing, depth of inhalation, and length of the smoking session—Shisha smokers may absorb higher concentrations of the toxins found in cigarette smoke, thus increasing the hazard to the body.

Shisha, tobacco and smoke contain numerous toxic substances known to cause lung, bladder, and oral cancers.

A typical one-hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette.

Pregnancy complications

Shisha smoking among pregnant mothers is hazardous to the baby as well.

It could face underweight problems and breathing difficulty. Babies born to women who smoked one or more water pipes a day during pregnancy have lower birth weights than babies born to non-smokers and are at an increased risk for respiratory diseases, says Quitshisha.com.

Heart problems

Shisha content contains numerous toxic substances known to cause clogged arteries and heart disease.

Spread of infections

Shisha pipes used in hookah bars and cafes may not be cleaned properly, risking the spread of infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases include: tuberculosis (which can infect the lungs or other parts of the body), aspergillus (a fungus that can cause serious lung infections), and helicobacter (which can cause stomach ulcers).

They may be spread by sharing the pipe or through the way the tobacco is prepared.

Second hand smoke

Using Shisha smoke poses a serious potential health hazard to smokers and others exposed to the smoke emitted.

The second hand smoke from Shisha poses a serious risk for non-smokers, particularly because it contains smoke not only from the tobacco but also from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.

The use of smoking Shisha as a past time hobby, a bonding session or a social event for some is entirely one’s choice.

The listed effects of smoking shisha are just but a few; however, one thing is for sure, the moment you are having a shisha session you could be slowly buying yourself a quicker ticket to the grave.

WHEN TO GET TESTED FOR HIV???

You can test for HIV at any time. If you think you have put yourself at risk, then speak with a healthcare professional immediately. Even if you think that you have not put yourself at risk, testing regularly for HIV is still an important part of good sexual health.

I’m at risk, when should I test?

If you have had unprotected sex, shared injecting equipments  or think that infected blood has got into your body, then you should talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will be able to talk to you about your situation and risk, and decide on the best course of action.

Most modern HIV tests are now able to detect HIV from around 11 days after infection. Depending on the type of test  you are offered and when your risk was, your doctor may ask you to come back for further tests and a follow-up before a true result can be given. 

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, it is in this early stage of infection that you are most infectious to others. Be sure to be extra careful during this period – always use condoms and never share injecting equipment.

I don't think I'm at risk when should I get tested?

Testing at least once a year for HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STIs)  is good sexual health practice for everyone who is sexually active. By doing this regularly, you can help keep your mind at rest, and any surprises that do arise, can be dealt with quickly.

I'm pregnant when should I get test?

Testing for HIV during your pregnancy is very important and is now done routinely as part of antenatal care in most countries. Your doctor will tell you everything you need to know about HIV testing alongside the other blood tests they do in pregnancy and you will usually be tested at your first appointment.

If you find out you are positive, you will be given treatment  to prevent the onward transmission of HIV to your unborn child, and you will be expected to continue to have a healthy pregnancy. The earlier you start treatment, the greater chance your child will be born HIV-negative. Check out our section on pregnancy,childbirth and breastfeeding  for more information.

A word about window period

The window period refers to the time it takes for HIV to show up in a specific HIV test. The length of the window period will depend on the type of test you take. If you feel like you may be at risk of HIV, do not wait, speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The most important thing is to test.

What is Mandatory HIV testing?

Some countries require you to get an HIV test in order to enter the country.  For further information about countries that have travel restriction please see Global Data base on HIV travel

In addition, some insurance companies and employers such as the armed forces may require you to test for HIV.  You should always seek advice from a health care professional first if you are unsure.

Otieno does not support mandatory testing for HIV. HIV testing should be given with full consent and proper support to yourself, unless in the case of blood donor screening and organ donation.

My Conversation With Trees!!!!

That title sounds kind of creepy, right? Maybe be not. The thing is, most Sunday evenings – when I’m free that is, I sit in the middle of the homestead and just watch trees. Constant and graceful swayings, as a result of the slight blowing wind. Leaves constantly tapping on each other with no hard feelings. Something tells me they must be grooving to some jazzy instrumentals – hopefully by Kenny G.

“Do you love Kenny G’s music?”Cyprus tree enquiries from the other.

“Why not. Add to it some Louise Armstrong, and my day is total bliss.” answers a eucalyptus tree.

The fact that they are different species doesn’t stop them from having fun. Also what buoys them is the fact that I’m watching them. As their conversation continues, I feel my calm reaching its peak. It’s like I’m a part of this comradeship ( a very perfect blend trust me). I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not, since this camaraderie has some telepathic code making it difficult to be pretentious. The communication is like an energy buider, not the kind of communication you have with fellow mortals.

My senses finally awaken to some jazzy rhythm in the air, it’s neither Kenny G nor is it Louis Armstrong. But the kind of music unknown to mortals. I can’t help but let it just engulf my soul.

I get a phone call that distracts me and I sadly lose touch with my ‘friends’. I can’t for how long I was in contact with my woody pals but it must have been a long time. I hadn’t realised dask had fallen and only visible was the silhouettes of my friends. So sad. I get up and walk to my hut hoping for the next re-union.

SHARPEN YOUR AXE MY FRIEND

Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant and he got it. The pay was really good and so was the work condition.
For those reasons, the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he supposed to work.
The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees. “Congratulations,” the boss said. “Go on that way!” Very motivated by the boss words, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he could only bring 15 trees. The third day he tried even harder, but he could only bring 10 trees.
Day after day he was bringing less and less trees. “I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on. “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” the boss asked.
“Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees…”
Reflection:
Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don’t take time to sharpen the “axe”. In today’s world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever, but less happy than ever. Why is that?
Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay “sharp”?
There’s nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But we should not get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like our personal life, taking time to get close to our Creator, giving more time for our family, taking time to read etc.
We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don’t take the time to sharpen the “axe”, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.

DON'T GIVE UP YET!!!!

Giving up. Does this ring a bell somewhere in the corners of your mind? It surely does, right? Anyone who has been on a journey to achieve any set goal or just a random task, has, in one way or the other, found themselves battling with this state of mind. I call it a state of mind because it’s not factual or a universal reaction to  any challenge. We deliberately put ourselves in this state.

Why deliberate? Because we have other options but we tend to go with surrender. It’s easy, less demanding and quick. We always want to get the shortest way out of a challenge, but most often than not we give up too soon. We raise the white flag when victory is just a step ahead. If only we could hang on just a little longer, achievement could be small a hustle. Throwing in the towel would surely seize to exist in our minds and we wouldn’t have to always settle for less. Our perception of challenges as obstacles contributes a great deal to our not wanting to try or push on just a little longer and further. Causing us to premature quitters.

I do believe that if we, for once, look at challenges or problems as a rejuvenation
stage or point then nothing would block our way to success . When we get to this stage, we ought to pause just fair enough to acquire the right energy to see us through the challenge without it sucking the strength left in us. We could also use this moment to gauge our determination towards a given. Are we the type to set out for a journey and turn back when we are only a mile away? Do we have self motivation? The kind of motivation that would see us brave any storm that hurls itself on maliciously on our way to success .

If we are setting out on a journey to achieve any given goal, I recommend we burn down bridges behind us to ensure we never can retreat. When the mind is tuned to believe in no reverse gear, it will, somewhat magically, make success the only option and achieve it, effortlessly. Keep walking…

I HAD TO WALK NAKED !!!

I’ve been hearing complaints about the current generation dressing skimpily, ladies that is, and some call it walking ‘naked’! It’s fashion. It’s a trend. An in-thing they call it. Personally, there’s nothing so worrying about all this – in my perspective! Why? I grew up when civilization (according to the western culture) was just about getting to my village or our small world then. The only clothes or dresses akin to us then was a piece of beaten or softened goat or cowskin cut in a triangular shape with all the tips having a rope extension. The ropes aided in fastening it around the waist after placing the cloth like an inverted triangle below the waist at the front. The hanging rope then passed between the legs, through the butt-crack and fastened at the waist on the  one around the waist. It only helped to cover our manhood. Does the description sound a bell? Looks like the ‘thong’ aka ‘G-string’, dah? Yes, we wore thongs back then.

Enough of all the noise!

Now, all this took place one evening around 1946. 

I was sixteen years, strong, healthy and masculine.  The boy of the home. My dad’s favourite son. Reason? I knew how to look after cattle and ensured they ate to their fill and well watered. For this reason I was never sent to school (education had already been introduced by the white missionaries in the village). That is where weaklings were taken, those who added no much value to the home. They were sent to school as punishment.

One fine afternoon, bright and calm by all extensions, I decided to take the cattle for watering at a nearby stream.

At the stream after the cattle had drunk water, they set out grazing along the banks. Since it was fairly hot, I took the opportunity to bathe. I gave my ‘thong’ a fair wash and left it to dry up on a rock. Water caressed my skin and gave my body some bit of  relief I badly needed. Finished, I sat on another rock as I let water drip out of my body as I watched the cattle graze.

After a while, I decided it was time to walk the cattle back home. I turned to the rock where I had spread my ‘thong’ to dry but to my shock, it wasn’t there. Where could it have disappeared to? I kept checking and turning dry leaves as I moved closer to the herd. It’s then that I noticed a cow chewing but not dropping it’s head down to pick up grass. Something like a string hanging from the side of her mouth. . On close inspection, it was my ‘expensive ‘thong’.

How was I going to walk home ‘naked’? Walk with my manhood swinging like a pendulum! I just looked at the cow not knowing what to do to her. I sat back on the rock and thought of what to do. At this instant I heard some monkey chattering. l looked at the direction of the sound, and something caught my eye, a banana plant. Scanning the leaves, an idea struck me. I went and plucked a leaf and tied it around my waist. My problem was solved, at least for nom till I can make it home and retrieve another ‘thong’. I directed the cattle back home but all the way I felt naked, not used to the breeze hitting me from below. My balls felt like they were freezing. Lucky for me, back then you could walk for miles before meeting another walker.

Don’t be asking yourself how old I am! This story was narrated to me by friend of mine who is 85yrs now. 

How I wish I was born then. But never getting old and wrinkled.

COOKING FAT FOR MANDAAZI

Hello villagers! I bet the word maandazi sounds alien to some of you. You my fellow villagers are of different races, but I believe you are familiar with English, otherwise this sentence wouldn’t have made sense to you. For the sake of fairness and to avoid straining our lush camaraderie, allow me to explain what it means. Maandazi is a Swahili word for doughnuts or bread kind of – sweet bread. Forgive me, but I don’t know how to explain it better than that, it’s just maandazi. Are we good? As for cooking fat,  I believe you do have an idea. Let me just break it down for you, cooking fat is a semi solid cooking oil or thick paste if that makes it easier to comprehend. It’s common back here in my village, and it cheaper too. Most folks are able to enjoy a fried meal courtesy of the cooking fat. From as little as Kshs. 5 you are guaranteed a fried stew for lunch or supper. It has attracted a number of pseudo names with the most popular beingnyakatuda (which I  can’t explain to be honest) and Mor Achodha.  The latter meaning scooped fat.

Now that you know, let me save you the megillah and get to my story…

A few days ago something happened in my the village that got everyone laughing. But I didn’t laugh at what happened, I laughed rather at what the villagers were laughing at. Is there any difference in what I just said?  I don’t even know what I’m saying. OK, the whole village was left nursing painful ribs after what seemed like a scene out of some Hollywood comedy movie, became the centre of attention one sunny afternoon. The scene was at a neighbouring homestead, and the main characters were two co-wives; Nyar Alego and Nyar Asembo ,both widows. The cause of conflict was a maandazi and cooking fat. How you ask?

And it occurred that…

Nyar Alego the eldest wife had been bedridden for what seemed like two months. She had grown lethargic and senile. She was somewhere around 78 years. Nyar Asembo on the other side was still strong. Since they both didn’t have their children staying with them, as they were either married or living in the city, she had to assist Nyar Alego.

On this eventful day, Nyar Asembo was going to the market to buy groceries, and what to prepare for lunch that day. She passed by Nyar Alego and inquired if there’s anything she felt like eating. ‘Maandazi’ she had said. On her way back from the market, Nyar Asembo had remembered to bring her co-wife the maandazishe had requested.  She had everything she had bought packed in a polythene bag. On reaching home she passed by Nyar Alego’s house to deliver the maandazi. Being in hurry she dipped her hand inside the bag and felt for whatever was wrapped in a piece of paper and handed it out to Nyar Alego in the bed where she lay half asleep then walked out of the house to her own kitchen to prepare lunch for both of them.

Water for Ugali( thick paste of maize, sorghum or millet flour) was set on the three-stoned fireplace to boil as she prepared onions and tomatoes she was to use in frying eggs that had been left unhatched by one of her chickens early that morning. She sang as women do while preparing a meal or doing a chore. I don’t know if it’s only my observation! At least, I have noticed my mother and sisters doing so, but I have never understood the logic behind it. If you haven’t, then take time today and pay attention to any lady or woman, most of them prefer Gospel music.  Done with the onion chopping and tomatoes, she beats the eggs and takes to preparing her ugali. When it’s ready she sets it on a plate beside the fireplace and puts another sufuria on the stones for the eggs. She reaches for theold polythene  bag she had brought from the market and takes out a wrapped piece of old Newspaper. On unwrapping she discovers it’s maandazi,  and not  cooking fat she had bought at the market. She scampers out to Nyar Alego’s house on realization that she must have given her the cooking fat.

‘Nyar Alego kara ne aweyoni mana nyakatuda kar mandas!’ (Nyar Alego I must have left you with cooking fat instead of maandazi) She had said apologetically.

‘Kara ema omiyo ne oyom kabisa!’ (So that is why it was so soft ) Nyar Alego responded  innocently.

‘Ichamo mora!'(You have eaten my cooking fat ) she exclaimed in shock. It couldn’t be true, Nyar Alego couldn’t possibly have eaten it, she was bluffing. She inched closer to where she lay and beside her noticed the fat stained piece of paper. A wave of fury overcame her and she almost threw herself on her with rage. She looked at the grotesque figure lying on that bed  and she got madder. She wanted to tear her apart. Storming out of the house, she threw away the maandazi.

A strong smell of something metallic burning hit her nostrils and she remembered the sufuria at the fireplace. Dashing inside, she found the cooking pot glowing hot red. The sight of this only added to her already rampaging rage, she pushed it off the fire, burning her fingers in the process. Now it was a mix of anger and pain. What a terrible combination. This gave her flaring temper a new boost and she came out of the house spitting insults to the helpless Nyar Alego, who was still in her house. It is this that attracted onlookers drawn, from within the neighbouring homes and those who had been passing through the village. 

One woman walked close to her to inquire what had transpired, a small crowed followed her and it became a small political  rally.  She was like an opposition leader delivering a  harangue to the rulling President, all attention was on her and she had her loyal supporters with her, she was the vox populi. When she narrated the earlier occurrence, her supporters laughed and others jeered. They started  filling out of the compoured leaving her behind, dampening her spirits. She lashed out at them, driving them out her homestead, they were ungrateful and disloyal to her, their leader. How could they dismiss her like that?

It was now her against the villagers. Words were exchanged, jibes flew laced  with mockery. The village came alive. They had something to talk about until another could come back- a comic relief. They  found a momentary break from problems bedeviling their lives and enjoyed some good laugh, though only for a brief period…the maandazi and cooking fat moment. A Luo would say : A mandas andnyakatuda moment! 

TESTING FOR HIV

Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus.

Testing for HIV is quick, easy, painless, confidential and almost always free. If you test regularly for HIV, and after every time you put yourself at risk, you can help keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy. It is always better to know.

In this section, we go through everything you need to know about HIV testing.

WHY GET TESTED FOR HIV?

You should get tested if you’ve:

had sex without a condomshared needles when injecting drugsput yourself at risk of HIV in any other way or are worried you might have.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. A lot of people feel nervous about it, but the reasons to test far outweigh the reasons not to test. We look at the main reasons why you should get tested.

It’s quick and easy

Getting an HIV test is quick, easy and almost always free. It's also the only way to know for sure whether or not you have been infected andinvolves a quick saliva or blood test.

It’s better to know

It's normal to feel worried about HIV. But why let yourself fear the unknown? Testing early for HIV can help put your mind at ease and reduce the anxiety of not knowing.

Whether your result is negative, or positive, it's always better to know so that you can move on with your life, or start treatment if necessary. And remember, your result may not be what you expect.

It can help you live a long and healthy life

If you do have HIV, being diagnosed at an early stage means that you have a better chance of living a long and healthy life. HIV attacks your immune system. If you're diagnosed early, you have a greater chance of protecting your immune system before it gets too weak and you get ill. 

With the right treatment and care, people living with HIV can expect to live as long as the average person, so it’s important to take control of your health by getting a test.

It means you can access treatment

Being diagnosed early also means you can get treatment earlier and help protect your current and future sexual partners. HIV treatment, called antiretroviral drugs, help to lower the levels of HIV in your body, meaning HIV cannot attack your immune system. Testing for HIV means that you can access treatment earlier – this will help you live a long and healthy life.

It supports healthy sexual relationships

Testing for HIV regularly means that you can look after the sexual health of you and your partner. If you're positive, you can prevent HIV from being transmitted to your partner by using condoms and by being on treatment.

Our next topic will be: when to get tested??

Health Risks Of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Women and girls living with FGM have experienced a harmful practice. Experience of FGM increases the short and long term health risks to women and girls and is unacceptable from a human rights and health perspective. While in general there is an increased risk of adverse health outcomes with increased severity of FGM, WHO is opposed to all forms of FGM and is emphatically against the practice being carried out by health care providers (medicalization).

Short-term health risks of FGM

Severe pain: cutting the nerve ends and sensitive genital tissue causes extreme pain. Proper anaesthesia is rarely used and, when used, is not always effective. The healing period is also painful. Type III FGM is a more extensive procedure of longer duration, hence the intensity and duration of pain may be more severe. The healing period is also prolonged and intensified accordingly.

Excessive bleeding: (haemorrhage) can result if the clitoral artery or other blood vessel is cut during the procedure.

Shock: can be caused by pain, infection and/or haemorrhage.

Genital tissue swelling: due to inflammatory response or local infection.

Infections: may spread after the use of contaminated instruments (e.g. use of same instruments in multiple genital mutilation operations), and during the healing period.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): the direct association between FGM and HIV remains unconfirmed, although the cutting of genital tissues with the same surgical instrument without sterilization could increase the risk for transmission of HIV between girls who undergo female genital mutilation together.

Urination problems: these may include urinary retention and pain passing urine. This may be due to tissue swelling, pain or injury to the urethra.

Impaired wound healing: can lead to pain, infections and abnormal scarring

Death: can be caused by infections, including tetanus and haemorrhage that can lead to shock.

Psychological consequences: the pain, shock and the use of physical force by those performing the procedure are mentioned as reasons why many women describe FGM as a traumatic event.

Long-term health risks from Types I, II and III (occurring at any time during life)

Pain: due to tissue damage and scarring that may result in trapped or unprotected nerve endings.

Infections:

Chronic genital infections: with consequent chronic pain, and vaginal discharge and itching. Cysts, abscesses and genital ulcers may also appear.Chronic reproductive tract infections: May cause chronic back and pelvic pain.Urinary tract infections: If not treated, such infections can ascend to the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal failure, septicaemia and death. An increased risk for repeated urinary tract infections is well documented in both girls and adult women.

Painful urination: due to obstruction of the urethra and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Menstrual problems: result from the obstruction of the vaginal opening. This may lead to painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular menses and difficulty in passing menstrual blood, particularly among women with FGM type III.

Keloids: there have been reports of excessive scar tissue formation at the site of the cutting.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): given that the transmission of HIV is facilitated through trauma of the vaginal epithelium which allows the direct introduction of the virus, it is reasonable to presume that the risk of HIV transmission may be increased due to increased risk for bleeding during intercourse, as a result of FGM.

Female sexual health: removal of, or damage to highly sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, may affect sexual sensitivity and lead to sexual problems, such as decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia). Scar formation, pain and traumatic memories associated with the procedure can also lead to such problems.

Obstetric complications: FGM is associated with an increased risk of Caesarean section, post-partum haemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labour, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labour, and extended maternal hospital stay. The risks increase with the severity of FGM.

Obstetric fistula: a direct association between FGM and obstetric fistula has not been established. However, given the causal relationship between prolonged and obstructed labour and fistula, and the fact that FGM is also associated with prolonged and obstructed labour it is reasonable to presume that both conditions could be linked in women living with FGM.

Perinatal risks: obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death.

Psychological consequences: some studies have shown an increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression. The cultural significance of FGM might not protect against psychological complications.

PREMATURE EJACULATION ;THE CURE

Premature Ejaculation; The Cure

Premature Ejaculation refers to a situation where the man hits orgasm way before his partner. Usually happening within one minute of penetration. It is so common, happening to 1 out of 3 men at least at some point in their life. If it happens once in a while, it’s no cause of concern. Premature Ejaculation can cause frustration, Anxiety and shame between the partners due to lack of secual satisfaction for both of them. So, what really causes this problem?

Stress ; both Emotional and mental strain can cause premature ejaculation as it makes it hard for the man to focus during sex.

Erectile Dusfunction : this condition makes it hard for a man to maintain hardness for a long time. They end up rushing to ejaculate so as not to lose the hardness before.

Conception Issues : for a couple which has been trying to conceive for a while, sex stops being for pleasure and becomes primarily meant for conception. As a result, the man focuses on ‘cumming’, unknown to many, this can actually make it even harder 2 conceive

Infections of Inflamations either in the prostrate or urethra can also cause this.

Relationship Issues can also cause problems of either ejaculating too fast or erectile dysfunction. If the problem was non-existent till you started having issues, then the issues are the most likely culprit

Anxiety : especially about sexual performance can also be a contributing factor for premature ejaculation

TREATMENT

Oral Medication : some medicines are known to help delay ejaculation significantly, although they really were’nt meant for this purpose. Anti-depresants and Analgesics are among these drugs. Their side effects happen to include delayed ejaculation.

Counselling
Whether the cause was mental strain or relationship issues, a counsellor can help resolve this causative afent and help you put your sex-life back on track.

Topical Anaesthetics these are creams and sprays which cause a mild numbness on the penis, reducing the man’s excitement to managable levels, hence prolonging the sex-duration.

Behavioral Techniques such as masturbating a short while before having sex can help prolong the duration that the intercouse lasts.

The Pause-Squeeze Method: the idea behind this is reducing the an’s excitement levels by sqeezing the ‘head’ of the penis. When having sex and the man is about to ejaculate, pause, and let your partner squeeze the point where the head joins the shaft. Maintain the squeeze for several seconds until the urge to ‘cumm’ passes. Then you can proceed and repeat the exercise until You’ve had enough

Seeking Medical Help:

Although it can be embarrassing to discuss this with someone else, just remember that premature ejaculation is a very common condition which can be treated just like any other health condition. (Chances are, even your doctor has had to deal with it on a personal level at one stage of his life).

Pic Accredit : GettyImages and Jasiaya Respectively 

SWOLEN FEET

Swollen Feet

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling—a.k.a peripheral edema—is an accumulation of fluid in these parts of the body.
______>>The build up of fluid is not usually painful, unless it is due to injury.

CAUSES OF THE SWELLING INCLUDE

*.being overweight

*.standing for prolonged periods of time

*.being confined for long periods of time (especially during car rides or flights)

*.taking estrogen or testosterone

*an infection in the leg area

*.venous insufficiency (when the veins are not adequately pumping blood)

______>>TREATMENT
There are several measures you can try at home if your feet, legs, and ankles regularly swell up.

These can help relieve swelling when it occurs and possibly help to prevent it.

**You should try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your heart.______* You may want to place a pillow under your legs to make it more comfortable.

______>>You can also:

*.stay active and focus on exercising the legs

*.try to reduce your salt intake

*maintain a healthy body weight

*choose clothing that fits loosely around your thigh area

______>>SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION

While swelling in the lower extremities can simply be the result of standing for too long, it can also be a sign of something more serious.

It is a serious health issue if the swelling comes accompanied by the following symptoms

*.pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest area

*.dizziness

*.confusion

*.feelings of faintness

*.trouble breathing or shortness of breath

these may be signs of serious health issues such as an Infection, problems with internal organs (heart, liver, kidney) or venous insufficiency (veins fail to pump enough blood.) so you may need medical attention.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding - the first days
Your baby and you are learning about each other and about breastfeeding.Your baby needs to finish at the first breast before being offered the second.Around 8–12 feeds in 24 hours is normal for a new baby.

On this page:Where to get help  Your baby will need at least 8–12 feeds in 24 hours  How to tell when your baby is attached properly to the breast  Signs that your baby is getting enough milk  What to expect in the first days  Establishing natural breastfeeding patterns  If you need help  If your baby remains unsettled  Where to get help  Things to remember 

Learning how to breastfeed is a new skill. Breastfeeding is best started soon after your baby is born. If your baby feeds well straight after birth, they may then sleep for a good stretch. 

Your baby may seem unsettled on day two or three while your colostrum changes to mature milk. Increased breastfeeding is often all that is needed. Letting your baby feed as much as they want in the first few days will help to establish good breastfeeding patterns and prevent breast engorgement.

Your baby will need at least 8–12 feeds in 24 hours

Although frequent feeds may be time consuming, this is normal. The benefits include:The baby receives colostrum, which helps prevent infectionsFull milk production is stimulatedThe risk of breast engorgement is reduced.

How to tell when your baby is attached properly to the breast

Your baby is attached properly if:Their mouth covers the nipple and a large amount of the areola, more on the lower side than the upperTheir chin is touching the breastTheir nose is clear of, or just touching, the breastTheir upper and lower lips are opened out or ‘flanged’ over the breast.Your baby should take a few quick sucks, and maybe a pause, before sucking strongly and rhythmically. You should not feel nipple pain if your baby is attached properly.

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include:
Sucking action – this should be slow and rhythmical after the initial fast sucking burst. The bottom jaw should be moving up and down with a deep action.
Breast sensations – you may feel a drawing sensation in the breast after the baby has been sucking for a few minutes. Your breasts will feel less full and tight after a feed.
Body language – your baby becomes still and peaceful. They may gently touch a hand against your breast or open and relax their fists.
Wet nappies and bowel motions – these will also indicate how much a baby is getting.

What to expect in the first days

You can expect on:
Day 1 – your baby will receive about half a teaspoon of colostrum at each feed, the poo will be sticky and green-black in colour and there will be one wet nappy.
Day 2 – your baby will receive about one teaspoon of colostrum each feed, have soft green-black poo and two wet nappies.
Day 3 – milk volume is increasing. Poo changes to a greenish-brown colour and there will be three wet nappies.
Day 4 – poo becomes more mustard in colour. There will be four wet nappies.
Day 5 – milk increases to 500–800 ml per day. Poo will be mustard-yellow, soft or liquid and occurs three to four times. There will be five wet nappies.
From day 6 on – you can expect at least five heavy wet disposable nappies or around six to eight pale wet cloth nappies with frequent bowel motions. As your baby gets older, there may be fewer poos.

Establishing natural breastfeeding patterns

To establish natural breastfeeding patterns:Let your baby feed as often as they like, day and night.Offer both breasts at each feed. Whether your baby takes the second breast will depend on baby’s appetite. If the second breast isn’t taken for long, offer that breast first next feed.Allow your baby to finish the first breast before offering the second.

If you need help

In addition to midwives, some hospitals employ lactation consultants who can help you with any breastfeeding problems. You can also contact a privately employed lactation consultant. The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers a free and confidential seven-day-a-week counselling service for breastfeeding mothers.

If your baby remains unsettled

Babies can remain unsettled after your milk comes in if:They aren’t getting enough milk – for example, if they are not properly attached to the breast.You detach them from the breast before they finish – for example, when their sucking slows down. This can deprive them of the later, high-fat milk and leave them unsatisfied. Babies should detach themselves.They haven’t established a good sucking technique – this can take several days to develop. In the meantime, milk may need to be expressed and given to the baby by cup or teaspoon.They are not being given enough feeds– check that your baby is being offered 8–12 feeds per day.Babies may also become unsettled because they are lonely, bored or need attention or comfort. The use of a baby sling may help in this case.

Things to remember

Your baby and you are learning about each other and about breastfeeding.Your baby needs to finish at the first breast before being offered the second.Around 8–12 feeds in 24 hours is normal for a new baby.