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Showing posts from April, 2025

When Beauty Becomes a Problem : The Burden of Breast Health Crisis in Nigeria

  Breast Cancer in Africa: Why Are So Many Women Affected? Working in the surgical outpatient department of the hospital, I noticed something that deeply troubled me —  the overwhelming number of women seeking help for breast-related issues . Day after day, women would come in for post-surgical dressing after mastectomies, for check-ups after breast surgery, or to report strange lumps and abnormal discharges. It wasn't just a few cases here and there —  it was a heavy, constant flow . And it wasn’t only older women. I encountered young women in their twenties, teenagers, and even a  27-year-old woman  who had to undergo surgery due to a condition called  gigantomastia  — a rare medical condition that causes abnormal and excessive breast growth. It was heartbreaking to see that at such a young age, she had to go through something so life-changing. Breast issues seem to have become an everyday burden for African women . The breast — an organ tied so clos...

6 Major Ways to Bond with Your Newborn Baby

  Bonding with your newborn is an essential part of parenting. While certain factors—such as postpartum depression, financial or relationship stress, or situations where the baby is in the NICU or born with a medical condition—can affect bonding, it remains a vital aspect of your baby’s overall development. Bonding not only helps caregivers connect with their babies and better understand their needs, but it also supports the baby’s physical, mental, and emotional growth. It encourages the release of hormones like oxytocin, which plays a key role in nurturing feelings and brain development. Here are six practical and effective ways to bond with your newborn: 1. Skin-to-Skin Contact Also known as Kangaroo Care, skin-to-skin contact involves placing your baby upright against your bare chest. This method provides warmth, comfort, and security. It helps your baby learn your breathing patterns, scent, and skin texture, promoting emotional and physical connection. Research shows that skin...