Lillian Gaitho’s insights into the use of technology while on maternity leave

PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS COVER EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE TODAY – EVEN THE LIFE OF A NEW MOTHERBy Lillian Gaitho

(Posted 13th April 2016)

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Lillian’s recent return to these lanes was widely welcomed, showing how popular a guest writer she has become and how she was missed when taking her maternity leave.

Her latest contribution is probably largely influenced by the latter, so read on to find out what recommendations she has for, in particular female readers today:

Technology Everywhere: Top 6 Apps for New Mothers

A US-based study put the period a new mom needs to get back in the swing of things at the workplace at an average of 3.8 months. Now, however we’d all want to make this our all-time savior, we all agree that you’ll be testing patience and boundaries if you haven’t picked your boardroom game face by the second week of resuming! Whether you are a new mom, been at it for months or just zooming into the future perspective of balancing the nursery and the boardroom; getting a little help from techie world is certainly welcome. Here is a list of mommy-friendly apps that will help you adjust to your new routine as well as maintain a fulfilling relationship with your little one.

Red Cross First Aid App

Accidents happen, and as the old wisdom of the Swahili goes, ajali haina kinga. This saying which loosely intimates to ‘accidents not being preventable’, only serves as a reminder to why we need to take some extra caution. This free app provides simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through common scenarios that could get fatal. The app ability to upload all content makes it a favorite since you do not need internet connection to access the information.

Lactmed

Popping a painkiller or chewing a laxative suddenly becomes a big deal once the HCG strip goes positive. In my case, the med-jargon I have accumulated through my overzealous attempts to understand the pharmacokinetics of every last supplement and prescription I’ve taken through my two pregnancies could award me a mini-honorary in pharmacology. LactMed is aptly developed to clear grey areas on common drug interactions for lactating mothers while suggesting alternative drugs where applicable.

Total Baby App.

Total Baby is certainly a darling to nursing mothers. The app’s upside is that unlike many of its competitors; it can support multiple children all with uninterrupted access to the available fourteen timing and tracking functions. So, you won’t have to check calendars on the last jab or who between your little guys takes a longer nurse or how many soiled diapers you are using in a week. The app is universal, meaning that it replicates on different platforms. Its major downside being that it only runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. One great excuse to finally get that iPhone!

For that much needed break: Jovago.com

If you are like me, and feeling your babymoon trip has been pushed to the backbench for too long, then it’s time to look up Jovago.com. The app, now available on Android allows you to book a hotel stay at the most affordable rate online; complete with a Best Price Guarantee which compels them to match the lowest price of the hotel in question.

We are all guilty as charged when it comes to bargain hunting; it’s even furthered by the thought that you now have a special budget for diapers and formula! Be on the lookout for any upcoming holiday or long weekends to bag all discounts possible.

MagicSleep

Another magic app. This one is so effective that it comes with a clear directive to not use while driving or undertaking any other heavy tasks lest you risk snoozing off! The app aids sleep by recreating the most primal memories known to a human; sounds heard inside the womb. This is certainly a do not try this at the office kind of app!

LoseIt! Something for Mommy!

Away from the diapers, sleepless nights and a deal to close; every new mom certainly worries about their new bod. Not because we are not thankful (carrying a human for nine … ten waking months is no child play), not because the world will judge us (which will certainly happen) and not even because we have a dream to make it to the cover of InStyle (who wouldn’t); rather, because we all have set goals on how WE want to look and feel. LoseIt! Helps you set a daily calorie budget and keeps you motivated through connecting you to a community of e-pals running the same marathon as you. What’s more, the app even comes with easy-to-follow exercise regimens. Remember to include any special information such as that you are breastfeeding exclusively or otherwise as you enter your personal data for best advice.