MSc
Kay Lakka is the founder of Londontherapy, a busy psychological practice in the center of London. She holds a BSc (hons) in psychology and MSc in the psychodynamics of human development and has numerous post graduate diplomas including advanced psychotherapy, guidance through dreams, and psychosexual relationship counseling. Also a doula and hypnobirthing teacher, Kay has a vast experience of 20 years and is a registered member of UKCP, BPS and COSRT. She has been a guest of the BBC and LBC and had her work featured in various magazines such as m magazine, Women's Health, Red magazine, Spirit and Destiny, Here's Health and Family Circle. In addition to her practice, Kay runs trauma-informed workshops to stop, treat, and prevent birth trauma.
MomJunction believes in providing the most accurate content to its readers. Hence we get our articles reviewed by highly skilled experts in the relevant fields. The articles are reviewed to ensure their authenticity, factual correctness, and relevance. The board members also add inputs drawn from their years of experience. Learn more about our expert panel.
As a new mother, you need to keep several things readily available and neatly organized. You may put together a new mom survival kit to keep your and your baby’s essentials in an easy-to-get and organized way. Managing all your tasks as a new mom can be challenging, and you may often end up rampaging your room in search of that diaper rash cream or baby lotion. A survival kit can save you that trouble by ensuring your baby’s diapers, creams, lotions, wipes, and towels are within your reach for immediate use. You can also make one for yourself and customize it according to the things you’ll need. Also, you could put one together for a new mom as a thoughtful baby shower gift. Continue reading this post as we tell you the important items you could include in it. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/baby-shower-messages-and-quotes_00207/" title="120 Baby Shower Messages And Wishes To Write In Your Card"] [mj-toc] What Is A New Mommy Survival...
Chewing gum is made with a gum base, sweetening, and flavoring agents. It has a broad fanbase and is loved by one and all. But is it safe to chew gum during your pregnancy? Pregnant women may wonder if the otherwise harmless chewing gum ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring agents, would harm their baby. Read this post to learn more about the safety of consuming chewing gums in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is Chewing Gum Safe During Pregnancy? When you are pregnant, it is important to take into consideration the safety angle of everything you eat and drink, and that includes chewing gums too. Most food items that you eat after checking the sugar-free label are full of artificial sweeteners. While you may consciously be cutting down your intake of sugar while you are pregnant, you may unknowingly fall into the trap of eating empty calories in the form of artificial sweeteners and experiencing weight gain. Before you consume...
Typical hair styling products and cosmetics such as hair sprays, hair setting gels are usually not recommended during pregnancy. This is because they may cause some harmful or untoward effects. However, that should not stop you from looking out for pregnancy hairstyles. Pretty and elegant hairstyles are possible without the use of chemical products and sophisticated tools such as curlers or heating tongs. We are here to help you find some simple hairstyles sure to give you a fresh, new look even during pregnancy. Plunge into this post as we present some easy yet beautiful hairstyles for pregnant women to make you feel like a star. Best Pregnancy Hairstyles You Can Try 1. Layered Bob: [caption id="attachment_370885" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Short hairstyles are easy-to-maintain, fuss-free, yet stylish. With the layered bob hairstyle, you look great while expecting. The layers add volume to your hairstyle. The uneven layers with choppy ends look amazing. To make this hairstyle for pregnant woman...
Pregnancy is a special time for women, and all that they can think about during this time are babies. This post on movies to watch during pregnancy will help you enjoy your journey and relate to similar situations. During pregnancy, you are advised to be at rest for as long as possible and do a minimum amount of work. But after a certain period, it starts to get monotonous, and reading pregnancy books or watching videos may not seem to help. So why not indulge in movies based on pregnancy. Watching the characters going through and feeling the same can make you feel better. So read on for a curated list of pregnancy movies, including maternity romances and comedies, that you can watch and get entertained. 1. What To Expect When You’re Expecting “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” is a romantic comedy with an all-star cast, which includes Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz. The plot revolves around a group...
A baby blanket is a popular gift for infants since it is useful and keeps them warm and comfy. However, with several sizes available in the market, how do you pick out the right size of a baby blanket. Blankets that are too big or small might be uncomfortable for babies. When covering your baby with a blanket, it is essential to keep some safety precautions in mind. For example, blankets are not suggested for babies under 12 months due to the significant risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) among babies belonging to this age group. Babies belonging to one to three months of age are the most vulnerable to suffocation (1). Read on to know when babies can sleep in a blanket, the best size and materials for a blanket, the types of baby blankets available in the market, and the basic blanket safety rules. [mj-toc] When Can Babies Sleep With A Blanket? To safely introduce a blanket,...
New mothers may experience bleeding for two to six weeks after delivery. Thus, you need the best postpartum pads to keep yourself comfortable and reduce leakage. These pads are absorbent, soft on the vaginal skin, and help control the bleeding effectively. They also foster faster healing and limit irritation, skin rash, and infections compared to regular period pads, menstrual cups, and tampons. Keep scrolling as we have listed various high-quality postpartum pads for you to choose from. The pads listed here offer protection for several hours and are soft and safe. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B0154QEQ4K,B00NJNJ2JK,B0BL5T4QF2,B071GTL52D,B012P5FW8C,B00KVG7HVS,B01N9Y0WB9,B0713WMZM9,B01N4Q4EZZ,B003ART1JG" titles="Poise Incontinence Pads,Stayfree Maxi Overnight Pads With Wings,Frida Mom Postpartum Maternity Catch-All Pads,Always Maxi Overnight Pads,Always Xtra Protection Daily Feminine Panty Liners,Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Pantiliners,Vakly Curity Maternity Pad,Rael Certified Organic Cotton Menstrual Regular Pads,U by Kotex Fitness Ultra Thin Pads,Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads" country="us" tracking_id="mjnew-alhltsfty-20"] [mj-toc] 13 Best Postpartum Pads [all_affilate_block2 awards="" amazon_url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0154QEQ4K/?tag=mjnew-alhltsfty-20" title="Poise Incontinence Pads" asin="B0154QEQ4K" amz_affilate="mjnew-alhltsfty-20"] [/all_affilate_block2] [multi_buy_now_btn asin="B0154QEQ4K" amz_affilate="mjnew-alhltsfty-20" walmart_affilate=""]...
There are a variety of homemade pregnancy tests available, each with differing degrees of accuracy. Several women consider the salt pregnancy test as a natural DIY method to determine whether they are pregnant. Medical specialists do not advocate it because it is not backed by scientific evidence, despite its popularity due to its ease of use. Read this post to know how the salt pregnancy test works and whether it is accurate. [mj-toc] How Is The Homemade Pregnancy Test With Salt Done? [caption id="attachment_891839" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] To take the test, you need one or two tablespoons of common table salt, a sample of the first morning urine, and a small cup (preferably a transparent one). Put salt into a cup. Collect a small amount of urine in a separate container. Pour the urine over the salt and wait for any changes. If the mixture turns milky or cheesy, it could indicate you are pregnant. How Is The Salt...
Pregnancy can be quite rough on your body, and you might wonder about what aftercare measures you need to look for. So, we have created a list of the best post-pregnancy girdles to help you out. These girdles help support your belly by keeping it tucked in, along with your buttocks and hips. They are comfortable and give your body a shapely look without compressing your internal organs. Available in various sizes and designs, you can choose one that suits your needs. So, read on to make an informed decision. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B07KSS8S1K,B07H8BW346,B074K3KZKG,B07KFH29G5,B0786J88XX,B00V9GZAUE,B07L4HGWMC,B003091OW6,B00KGHXTSW" titles="Best For C-Section Moms: MoolidaPostpartum Belly Wrap C-Section Recovery Belt,Best For Toned Waist Control: BRABIC Postpartum Girdle High Waist Control Panties For Women,Best For Reducing Belly Fat: Gepoetry Postpartum Support – Recovery Belly Wrap Girdle Support Band,Best For Postpartum Use: Gepoetry Postpartum Girdle C-Section Recovery Belt Back Support Belly Wrap,Best With Perfect Fit: Venuzor Waist Trainer Belt For Women,Best With Reinforced Seams: Diane & Geordi 2396 Postpartum Girdle...
During pregnancy, your body goes through various changes, including your feet. So, we have made a list of the best pregnancy footwear to help you choose the right one. As your body grows to accommodate your child, your feet may also get swollen and painful. Your old shoes may not fit you well, making walking uncomfortable. The padded and comfortable shoes in our list can accommodate your growing feet, offering proper support to prevent any stress or pain. Available in various designs, colors, and materials, you won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. So, explore the different products listed below to find a pair that suits your requirements. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B01FGOE8DY,B01HT9487U,B000X6LLUE,B01GSYU55Q,B071P9J51T,B0784VQHP2,B01AHPCT88,B07234L1KH,B071D4YQ5L,B00D9844SE" titles="Best Durable Flip-Flops: Clarks Women's Arla Glison Flip Flop,Best Breathable: Skechers Sport Women's Breathe Easy Fortune Fashion Sneaker,Best Comfortable: Clarks Unstructured Women's Un.Loop Slip-On Shoe,Best Slip-On: Under Armour Women's Ignite VIII Slide Sandal,Best Lightweight: Ariat Women's Cruiser Slip-on Shoe Casual,Best Supportive: Roxy Women’s Bayshore Slip-on Shoe Sneaker,Best Flexible: Skechers Bobs...
Bringing your child into the world is a beautiful experience, but there are challenges that accompany it. Postpartum discharge can cause a lot of discomfort, and you need the best maternity pads after birth to manage the inconvenience to a certain extent. Following the delivery, you have to manage the discharge produced by the body for weeks on end. A thick mix of blood, mucus, and tissue is discharged by the uterus as it slowly restores itself to its normal size after childbirth. Read on as we have listed a few high-quality maternity pads to help new moms manage postpartum discharge. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B0154QEQ4K,B07THDP4KZ,B005OICT84,B0787GLJB4,B004DGH596,B0029NYQ6A,B001E0WQ3O,B08NW7ZYZZ,B000QVDQ5Y,B003T8091U" titles="Best Unscented: Poise Incontinence Pads,Best With Ice Packs: FridaBaby Two-In-One Postpartum Absorbent Ice Maxi Pads,Best For Odor Control: Stayfree Maxi Pads For Women,Best 100% Natural: The Honey Pot Company Clean Cotton Postpartum Pads,Best For Sensitive Skin: Organyc Organic Cotton Feminine Pads,Best For Overnight Use: Always Maxi Extra Heavy With Wings Overnight Pads,Best Biodegradable: Natracare Maternity Pads,Best Breathable:...
We often take refuge in our favorite music to de-stress and relax. Good music seems to heal, soothe emotions and uplift our mood. But, have you ever thought about what impact listening to music during pregnancy can have on the growing baby? Scientists have been working to understand how music can affect a developing fetus but have yet to reach a definite conclusion. However, your favorite music can always lift your mood and brighten you up, and you never know your baby inside may be enjoying it too. This post will tell you more about the effects music may have on the baby growing in your womb. [mj-toc] Music And Your Pregnancy: Is There A Connect? While your baby is in your womb, there is a lot that is going on inside to support its overall growth and developmental process. All the experiences that your unborn baby will go through now will shape its future in the outside world. Studies...
You may experience several physical and psychological changes after pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, your previous priorities of maintaining a beauty regimen may take a back seat. However, you should not completely do away with self-care, which is why we are bringing you some effective after-delivery beauty tips to follow. The little one in your arms may have changed your whole world, and now taking a bath may seem like a luxury. Additionally, your hormones may take some time to return to normal, making you susceptible to postpartum depression. Together, all these factors may leave you looking dead tired or with skin and hair issues, robbing you of your natural glow. Read on as we suggest some simple beauty tips to make you fall in love with your reflection again. We believe you are a perfect mother, and if you spare a little time pampering yourself, you are sure to regain your strong, beautiful, and confident self. [mj-toc]Here Are...
Body scrubs are a great way to pamper yourself. But just like most other cosmetic products, you may wonder about the safety of body scrubs during pregnancy. With the stretching of the skin, the added stress, and popping out of pimples, it becomes especially important to take care of your skin while pregnant. Scrubs gently exfoliate the skin and remove the dead skin cells, leaving it glowing and smooth (1). You may use scrubs that are natural and chemical-free. However, you need to consider certain tips and measures while using them during pregnancy. Read on to know more about the use of scrubs in pregnancy, including its benefits and side effects. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/safe-get-facials-pregnancy_0075271/" title="Is It Safe To Get Facials During Pregnancy?"] [mj-toc] How Does A Body Scrub Work? [caption id="attachment_890831" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] A layer of dead cells covers the skin of the entire body. It leaves the skin looking dark, dull and lifeless. Body scrubs gently remove the...
Getting a hair and foot spa for pregnant women can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. It can also help relieve some pregnancy symptoms, such as back pains, inflammation, and pain in the feet, caused by variations in hormones. A good foot spa can relieve the stress on your feet and make your skin softer. Similarly, a hair spa can help you deal with dandruff and dryness. It may also boost the growth of new hair. However, before making an appointment for a hair and foot spa, consult your doctor. Moreover, you should also take some precautions to ensure you stay safe and healthy during this time. Read this post about hair and foot spa benefits and some do’s and don’ts. [mj-toc] Why Visit A Foot and Hair Spa During Pregnancy? When you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, occasional visits to the spa would help you through the transition phase of your second and third trimesters. This would...
Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes that may increase facial hair growth. Although facial bleach is not considered harmful for the growing baby, the process may involve certain chemicals. Any chemical applied to the skin may get absorbed. Further, the skin may also react differently during this time. Read on as we discuss the safety of using facial bleach in pregnant women and suggest some natural ways to help you remove your unwanted facial hair. [mj-toc] Face Bleach During Pregnancy Research findings generally consider facial bleaches to be safe and are not known to cause any potential harm to the small life developing inside you. To be on the safe side, it is always better to avoid any sorts of chemicals when you are pregnant. Anything you do at this stage can affect your baby. So, it is always better to be careful. If you want to bleach your facial hair, here is some info about it. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/safe-get-facials-pregnancy_0075271/" title="Is It Safe...
Childbirth is an incredible and life-changing experience, but it can also be challenging for a woman's body. In the [simple_tooltip text="postpartum" tooltip="The period after childbirth when a woman's body adjusts to the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy and delivery" ] period, a mother's body, including the vaginal area, needs to heal and recover. One way to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing is through using postpartum padsicles (1). Padsicles are chilled sanitary napkins or pads that provide a soothing and cooling sensation to the vaginal area. They are easy to make at home and are a great addition to your postpartum recovery kit. In this post, we tell you how to make a padsicle, use it, and store it. [mj-toc] What Is A Padsicle (Postpartum Healing Pads)? Postpartum padsicles are a simple yet effective tool for new mothers looking to alleviate discomfort and promote healing in the vaginal area following childbirth. They are easy to make, easy to use, and...
As a parent, you want to treasure every memory from your child’s development years. Hence, many parents save their child's baby teeth. They may also do this to turn them into a memorable gift for the child when they grow older or to play out the child’s belief in the tooth fairy. Aside from these reasons, another incentive for keeping your child’s fallen teeth is also that they are a great source of stem cells (1). Read this post to know why some parents save their children’s milk teeth, how to keep your children’s fallen baby teeth in good shape, what tooth preservation kits are, and how much it may cost to store baby teeth. [mj-toc] Why Do Parents Preserve Their Children’s Baby Teeth? Here are a few possible reasons parents preserve their children’s teeth. Tooth fairy visit [caption id="attachment_879639" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] As soon as a child’s milk tooth falls, it leads to excitement in children, as it’s...
Pregnancy is a beautiful and unforgettable time in a woman's life, but it can also be physically challenging. So, here’s our list of the best pregnancy pillows to help you relax and relieve stress and pain. As your body weight increases, you feel more strain on your legs, hip, back, feet, and more, making it difficult to move and sleep. Comfortable sleep is essential throughout pregnancy, and expecting moms require more support than a conventional body pillow can provide. As a result, a pregnancy pillow is a must-have. Pregnancy pillows provide optimal comfort to help you sleep on your sides safely. They support the head, neck, shoulder, back, belly, tailbone, hips, and knees to relieve discomfort and aches. Available in different shapes and sizes, choosing the right one may be challenging. So, read on to learn more about the products listed here to find one that suits your needs. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B07JR3T1G6,B0000635WI,B01KG84CLI,B06W56XFQ4,B01N3Y3848,B083936B4V,B01N5F3KPY,B07RW2NG4C,B083BTYSDP,B07YN1JBF4" titles="Best Extension Leg Pregnancy Pillow: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow,Best C-Shaped...
Taking a baby to the beach can be fun and give you a well-deserved break. In addition, such outings can help the baby discover and explore the world outside their home. However, it is important to exercise all the necessary precautions to make your visit to the beach an enjoyable and memorable experience. While an excursion to the beach offers the baby a chance to indulge in several new activities, it is essential to follow all the local water advisories to avoid mishaps or dangers. Local advisories provide information about the possible threats from the bacteria in the water and offer guidelines for general well-being when at the beach. This post will inform you about the general advisories, safety precautions, and other tips to follow while planning a visit to the beach with a baby. [mj-toc]At What Age Can You Take A Baby To The Beach? Experts recommend against beach visits for babies under the age of one (1). The...
When you bring your newborn home, you will need to consider many factors, including where your baby will sleep. Because the infant is still young, you may consider putting their crib in your room. However, as your baby grows older, you may wonder when to move baby into their own room and what other adjustments and changes you should make while taking this step. In this article, we discuss whether babies should sleep in a separate room from birth, when newborns should be allowed to sleep in their own room, and how to prepare them for the transition. [mj-toc]Can Babies Sleep In Their Own Room From Birth? Babies should preferably sleep in a crib placed in their parents’ room. This is known as room-sharing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies room-share for the first six months and preferably up to 12 months (1). Experts state room-sharing during the first year of the baby’s life could reduce the risk...
Bumbo seats are a popular type of baby seat that parents may consider for their little one. But when can babies start sitting in a Bumbo seat? You need to understand Bumbo seats first. Bumbo seat is a brand of seats known for their unique shape that may help a baby sit without any support. It has a carved-out and snug seat with an armrest, backrest, and a stopper at the front. Some variants feature a seatbelt to keep the baby secure. Read this post to know the uses and potential safety concerns associated with Bumbo seats for babies. [mj-toc]When Can A Baby Sit In A Bumbo Seat? [caption id="attachment_890313" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Most babies can usually sit without support by the age of six months (1). However, babies can get into a sitting position by themselves between the ages of eight and twelve months (2). Therefore, you may use a Bumbo seat for your baby only after they...
It is no secret that babies love to be cuddled and held. Everything is new for the baby, so being held close to the parent can give them a sense of comfort and security. But if a baby wants to be held all the time and gets fussy if not held, then it may be concerning for later years. Holding the baby in your arms is usually the only way to move them around until they are old enough to sit in a carrier or stroller. However, it can be inconvenient for you if they continue to demand to be held even when they grow into toddlers. If you are worried about why your baby wants to be held all the time, read on to know more about it. We share the advantages of holding the baby and also when it should be stopped. [mj-toc]Why Do Babies Want To Be Held All The Time? There could be several reasons why...