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Midwife Chiamaka, Lagos (2026)

16/04/2026

YOUR BABY IS 2.9KG AT 37 WEEKS… SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED?

A mama asked me:

“Midwife Chiamaka please advise me on what to eat so that baby will reduce. At 37 weeks baby is 2.9kg and I want normal delivery. I don’t want CS.”

Let’s talk about it.

First, 2.9kg at 37 weeks is a normal baby weight.

There is no safe food, tea, or special diet that will make your baby shrink inside the womb. And honestly, we do not want baby to reduce. Babies are supposed to grow.

Scan weights are also estimates. They can be off by 200 to 500 grams. That means your baby might even weigh less or slightly more than what was reported.

What really determines if you will have a vg birth is not just baby’s weight. It depends on:

Your pelvis
Baby’s position
Strength of your contractions
Proper monitoring during labour

Many women deliver 3kg to 3.5kg babies normally without CS, and even some babies weighing 4kg are born naturally.

Instead of trying to reduce baby’s weight, focus on:

Balanced meals
Reducing excess sugar
Staying active if your doctor says it is safe
Keeping all antenatal appointments

Mama, do not let fear push you into unhealthy decisions. A 2.9kg baby is not too big. Your body was designed for this.

Speak positively. Prepare your mind. Trust the process.

You can have that normal delivery.

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

BACK PAIN AND PELVIC PRESSURE IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER: WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING

As your baby grows heavier and your body prepares for birth, it’s normal to feel back aches or pelvic pressure that can make walking or turning in bed tricky. Your joints are loosening, your posture is shifting, and your body is simply getting ready for labour.

Here’s how to ease the pain:

Rest often and avoid standing too long

Sleep with a firm pillow between your legs

Use a warm (not hot) compress on your lower back

Do gentle prenatal stretches or pelvic tilts

Wear a support belt to take pressure off your back

Skip heavy lifting or sudden twists

Stay hydrated and listen to your body

If the pain becomes sharp, constant, or comes with bleeding or strange discharge, call your healthcare provider right away.

Your body is working hard, mama. Move gently, rest deeply, and trust the process.

15/04/2026

WHEN DO NEWBORNS OPEN THEIR EYES??

Mama, some babies don’t waste time at all 😄

Most newborns can open their eyes immediately after birth or within the first few hours. But they may not keep them open for long because they’re usually very sleepy and still adjusting to light after being in the womb.

In the first few days, babies open their eyes briefly, especially when they’re calm and alert. Their vision is still developing, so they see best at a short distance… about 20–30 cm, just enough to see mama’s face during feeds 🥹

But some babies? Ah! They come out ready to look around like “what’s going on here?” 😂

My baby opened her eyes immediately ooo
When my mom came and was asking to see her grandbaby, she couldn’t believe she was the one with her eyes wide open before her 🤣🤣

Every baby is different, mama.
Some will peek slowly over hours or days, others will open wide from day one.

Both are completely normal

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

PREGNANCY BRAIN: WHY YOU KEEP FORGETTING THINGS

Mama, have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went there or struggled to remember something you normally never forget? You are not alone. This is called pregnancy brain or brain fog, and it is something many mamas experience.

During pregnancy, your body is working so hard to grow your baby, and your hormones, sleep changes, and stress can all affect your memory and focus. That means forgetting small things, losing track of tasks, or feeling mentally slow is completely normal.

Some things you might notice include:
Forgetting names, appointments, or what you were about to say

Feeling distracted or mentally tired

Struggling with tasks that used to be simple

What can help:
Write things down, lists and reminders are lifesavers

Rest whenever you can, even short naps help your brain recharge

Eat regularly, keeping your blood sugar steady helps your focus

Ask for help, do not try to do everything alone

Mama, pregnancy brain is temporary and completely normal. Be gentle with yourself, laugh off the little forgetful moments, and remember that your body and mind are doing something incredible.

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

DO NEWBORN BABIES START SEEING IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH?

Many mamas wonder if their newborn can see them right away. The answer is yes, but their vision is not yet clear. Babies are born with the ability to see, but their eyesight develops gradually over the first year of life.

At birth, a newborn can only see objects that are very close, usually within 20 to 30 centimeters, about the distance between your face and theirs during feeding. This is why your baby can gaze at you while breastfeeding or being held, even though the rest of the room may look blurry.

Here’s what you should know:

At birth: Babies see shapes, light, and movement, but mostly in black, white, and shades of grey.

By 1 month: They start to focus better and may begin to follow moving objects with their eyes.

By 2–3 months: Babies can recognize familiar faces and start smiling back when they see you.

By 4 months: They see in color and can track moving objects more smoothly.

By 6–12 months: Vision sharpens, depth perception improves, and they begin to see almost like adults.

So mama, your baby may not see you clearly right after birth, but they can sense your face, your voice, and your touch. With time, their eyesight improves and they will soon be staring at you with full recognition.

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

BLOCKED NOSTRILS IN INFANTS AND HOW TO USE A MUCUS EXTRACTOR

Mama, have you ever noticed your baby sounding congested, snoring lightly, or struggling a bit while feeding? It can be scary, especially for first-time moms. Let me break it down for you in a simple way

WHY DO BABIES HAVE BLOCKED NOSTRILS?
Newborns have very tiny nasal passages, so even a small amount of mucus can make them sound blocked.

Common causes include:
Normal mucus after birth
Cold or mild infection
Dry air
Breastmilk or spit-up entering the nose
Exposure to dust or smoke

Because babies mostly breathe through their nose, even slight blockage can make them uncomfortable.

SIGNS YOUR BABY HAS A BLOCKED NOSE
Noisy breathing or snorting sounds
Difficulty feeding (keeps stopping to breathe)
Restlessness or poor sleep
Mild cough

HOW TO SAFELY USE A MUCUS EXTRACTOR (NASAL ASPIRATOR)

This is a very helpful item every mama should have.

Step 1: Soften the mucus first
Put 1–2 drops of nasal saline into each nostril. This helps loosen thick mucus.

Step 2: Position your baby
Lay your baby on their back with the head slightly tilted (you can support the head gently).

Step 3: Use the extractor

If it’s a bulb syringe: gently squeeze the bulb first, place the tip at the entrance of the nostril (don’t push it deep), then slowly release to suction mucus

If it’s a tube-type extractor: place the tip at the nostril and gently suck through the mouthpiece (don’t worry, it has a filter)

Step 4: Clean and repeat if needed
Do the other nostril, then clean the device properly after use.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS
Do not insert deeply into the nose
Do not overuse (2–3 times a day is enough)
Be gentle to avoid irritation
Always clean the extractor after each use

WHEN TO WORRY
Baby is struggling to breathe
Refusing feeds completely
Fever
Thick green or yellow mucus that persists
Chest is pulling in while breathing

In such cases, please see a healthcare provider.

Blocked nostrils are very common in babies and usually not serious. With the right care and gentle suction, your baby will feel much better and feed comfortably again.

You’re doing well, mama. One step at a time

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

COMMON SIGNS YOU MAY BE IN LABOR

As your due date gets closer, your body begins to send signals that your baby is preparing to come. These signs can be subtle or very obvious. Here is what to look out for.

1. Regular, Stronger Contractions
True labor contractions follow a pattern. They become stronger, last longer and come closer together. They do not stop when you lie down, rest or change position.

2. Lower Back Ache and Pelvic Pressure
A deep, constant pressure or ache in the lower back and pelvis. It may feel like strong menstrual cramps that keep coming and going.

3. Bloody Show
A pink, red or brownish mucus discharge. This is the mucus plug coming off as your cervix starts to open. It is a common early sign.

4. Water Breaking
Clear fluid leaking from the vg. It can be a small trickle or a sudden gush. Once your water breaks, you should go to the hospital even if contractions are absent, mild or not yet regular.

5. Loose Stools or an Emptying Feeling
Your body sometimes clears itself out before labor begins. This is normal and often happens a few hours before regular contractions start.

6. Sudden Burst of Energy
Some women feel unusually active or restless, often called the nesting instinct. This can happen shortly before labor starts.

7. Baby Dropping
Your baby settles lower into your pelvis. Breathing may feel easier, but the pressure down below increases. This can happen days or hours before labor.

8. Cervical Changes Noticed During a Check
If your healthcare provider examines you and finds your cervix softening, thinning or opening, it shows your body is preparing for labor.

Every body is different. Some women experience all these signs, while others notice only one or two. If anything feels unusual or stronger than your normal pregnancy symptoms, it is safer to get checked.

Midwife Chiamaka

15/04/2026

THIRD TRIMESTER FRUITS: What’s Safe, What to Skip, and What Prepares You for Labor

You’ve made it to the home stretch! The third trimester is all about growth, energy, and getting your body ready for delivery. What you eat now can help you stay strong, manage swelling, and even support an easier labor. Let’s talk fruits, your sweetest allies this season.

Fruits You Should Definitely Enjoy

1. Bananas: Great for energy and preventing those annoying leg cramps.

2. Oranges: Rich in vitamin C, keeps your placenta healthy and supports your baby’s lungs.

3. Watermelon: Super hydrating and helps with swelling.

4. Apples: Keeps digestion smooth and blood sugar steady.

5. Avocados: Loaded with healthy fats that boost your baby’s brain development.

6. Dates (from 36 weeks): Naturally sweet and proven to help soften the cervix. Six small or three large a day is perfect.

7. Pineapple (from 38 weeks): Fresh slices may help with cervical ripening. Take in moderation.

8. Kiwi: Helps digestion and immunity.

9. Mango: Packed with iron and vitamin A to support healthy blood.

10. Blueberries: Full of antioxidants for your baby’s brain and immunity.

Fruits to Limit or Avoid

Unripe Papaya: Can trigger contractions. Skip it completely.

Overripe or fermented fruits: May cause stomach upset or early contractions.

Too many Grapes (especially red or black): Can cause body heat and indigestion. Enjoy in small amounts only.

Fruits That Support Labor Preparation

Dates: Start at 36 weeks for smoother labor.

Pineapple (fresh only): From 38 weeks, in moderation.

Ripe Papaya: Safe only near term (38–39 weeks) and if your tummy tolerates it.

Red Raspberry or Raspberry Leaf Tea: Known to tone the uterus but always check with your midwife first.

Remember, your body knows what it needs. Eat a variety, stay hydrated, and let your plate work for your pregnancy.

Midwife Chiamaka

14/04/2026

GOODNIGHT MAMAS 🌙

Mama, as you rest tonight, remember how strong and amazing you are. Every kick, every flutter, every little change in your body is part of this incredible journey. You are growing a life inside you, and that is nothing short of miraculous.

Remember:
Try to sleep on your side, preferably the left side, to improve blood flow to your baby.
Keep your room cool and comfortable.
Use pillows to support your belly, back, and legs.
Avoid heavy meals and caffeine right before bed.
Take a few deep breaths or try gentle stretching to relax.

Rest well, sleep deeply, and let your body recharge. Tomorrow is another day to nurture yourself and your baby. Your journey may have challenges, but it is filled with strength, love, and hope.

Goodnight, mama. You are doing beautifully.

Midwife Chiamaka

14/04/2026

HOW MANY DIAPERS SHOULD YOUR BABY USE IN A DAY

Mamas, if you ever find yourself counting diapers and wondering, “Is this enough?” you are not alone. Diapers tell us a lot about how well a baby is feeding.

Here is what is generally normal:

Day 1 of life
At least 1 wet diaper

Day 2
At least 2 wet diapers

Day 3
At least 3 wet diapers

Day 4 to Day 5
At least 4 to 5 wet diapers

From Day 6 onward
About 6 to 8 wet diapers every day

This applies to both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

P**p is different. Some babies p**p after every feed, while others may go once a day or even skip a day, especially breastfed babies. This can still be normal.

When to worry
Fewer wet diapers than expected
Very dark urine or strong-smelling urine
Baby seems unusually sleepy or not feeding well

Wet diapers are one of the simplest signs that your baby is getting enough milk. When in doubt, always speak with your healthcare provider.

Mamas, trust yourself. You are doing better than you think.

Midwife Chiamaka

Midwife Chiamaka

16/04/2026

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