A new mom often faces challenges such as postpartum healing, sleep deprivation, the never-ending chore of changing nappies, breastfeeding and more. Despite bringing joy to a family, the new mother can have a stressful time. Bereft of the time for herself, she craves it more than ever. She decides between quality time with the baby and her own needs.
As the baby sleeps or breastfeeds, the new mom resorts to what researchers do not agree with- using a mobile phone.
The effect of radiation on babies is an ongoing topic of debate and research. The radio frequencies emitted by mobile phones affect a baby’s development, mental and physical. Multiple studies have established the vulnerability of the baby to these harmful radiations.
An absorbent brain tissue, a thin skull and a small-sized body make children more prone to absorbing low-frequency radiation. Underdeveloped immunity and internal organs make them more susceptible to radiation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC warns against excessive use of mobile phones. The possible reasons are- brain tumors, glioma and acoustic neuroma.
These radiations damage the nerve sheath, causing its degeneration and leaving an unprotected brain. It can result in attention disorders and brain injuries.
Other health risks
Notifications with their ringtones disturb the sleep patterns in a baby.
Most studies on the skin have been on animals. There is a relationship between skin irritation and radiation from mobile phones.
Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj popular as 'bacchon ki doctor' has words of advice for all new moms. She agrees smartphones are important but not more than your baby's safety. Let us listen to her.
Let us know what experts have to say- “ALARA, As low as Reasonably Achievable”. It is what the World Health Organization advocates. Speaking and cuddling them enhances their experience while you have quality time with the baby.
Keep the phone at a safe distance from your ear and baby, at least 15 centimeters.
When not in use, switch it off and keep it away from your body.
Always use a Bluetooth headset.
Never use a mobile phone while breastfeeding. When pregnant, avoid keeping it on the abdomen.
Switch off your mobile phone at night. Never place it under your pillow.
Zero screen time is advisable for children who are less than one year of age.
Restricting mobile phones may seem inappropriate, yet safety concerns and quality time with the baby are the driving forces.
The preoccupation with smartphones is Distracted parenting. Well! I am not willing to go with that label. What about you, New Mom?
References
Keykhosravi, A., M. Neamatshahi, R. Mahmoodi, and E. Navipour. “Radiation Effects of Mobile Phones and Tablets on the Skin: A Systematic Review.” Advances in Medicine 2018 (April 12, 2018): 9242718. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9242718.
Gongala, Sagari. “6 Harmful Effects Of Mobile Phones On Kids.” MomJunction, May 6, 2015. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/harmful-effects-of-mobile-phones-on-kids_00352662/.
Moon, Jin-Hwa. “Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Children.” Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 63, no. 11 (May 26, 2020): 422–28. https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2019.01494.
Magazine, InnoHEALTH. “Effects of Mobile Phones on Children’s Health.” InnoHEALTH Magazine (blog), July 12, 2019. https://innohealthmagazine.com/2019/well-being/effects-mobile-phones/.