Round stones are often seen as symbols in various cultures and traditions around the world. These stones hold deep significance and meaning, signifying qualities such as wholeness, unity, balance, and eternity. In many ancient cultures, round stones were used as amulets or talismans for protection and good fortune. They were believed to have inherent powers and were often carried or worn as jewelry. The symbolic meaning of the stone varied depending on the culture, but it generally represented a connection to the natural world and its cyclical nature. In certain spiritual practices, round stones are used as tools for meditation and healing.
Breast development is the most publicly visible bodily sign of female puberty. Breasts tend to emerge at a time when young women are in the throes of grappling with identity and social expectations. Combining this with society’s often overt response to the visible development of breasts, the personal and social converge to increase pressure on young women as they navigate the ways in which these breasts (or lack thereof) impact their sense of self and their place in the world. 1 Worries can be quite overwhelming. Are their breasts big enough or too big? Have they emerged too early or too late? When and should they be enclosed in a bra? How does one adjust to this new body when doing physical tasks or activities? The answers are not merely personal but part of the social discourses informing the young woman’s responses, whether she knows it or not, and whether she decides to conform, rebel, or negotiate.
9 There also exists the constant monitoring as to whether too much or not enough breast is visible in various social situations, including dress codes at workplaces and schools. Les femmes, de même que les chirurgiens qui travaillent dans le domaine de la reconstruction mammaire, devraient connaître l histoire culturelle qui façonne la compréhension des seins.
In certain spiritual practices, round stones are used as tools for meditation and healing. The smooth, rounded shape of the stone is believed to have a soothing and calming effect, helping to bring balance and harmony to the body and mind. These stones are often called "worry stones" or "palm stones" because they are held in the palm of the hand and rubbed or caressed to reduce stress and anxiety.
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Breast engorgement means your breasts are painfully overfull of milk. This usually occurs when a mother makes more milk than her baby uses. Your breasts may become firm and swollen, which can make it hard for your baby to breastfeed.
What causes it?
Engorgement may happen:
- When your milk first comes in, during the first few days after birth.
- When you have a regular breastfeeding routine but can't nurse or pump as much as usual.
- If you suddenly stop breastfeeding.
- When your baby suddenly starts breastfeeding less than usual. This may happen when your baby is starting or increasing solid foods or when your baby is ill and has a poor appetite.
Your breasts start making milk about 2 to 5 days after your baby is born. (Before that, they make colostrum , which contains important nutrients that your baby needs right after birth.) It's normal for your breasts to feel heavy, warm, and swollen when your milk "comes in." This early breast fullness is from the milk you make and extra blood and fluids in your breasts. Your body uses the extra fluids to make more breast milk for your baby.
This normal breast fullness will probably go away in a few days as you breastfeed and your body adjusts to your baby's needs. Your breasts may become painfully engorged if you aren't breastfeeding your baby often or if the feedings don't empty your breasts.
Your breasts will be engorged for several days if you don't or can't breastfeed after your baby is born. This will gradually go away if your breasts are not stimulated to make milk. At present, there is no approved medicine to "dry up" your milk supply and prevent engorgement.
If you have any concerns or questions, you can work with a lactation consultant . This is someone who helps mothers learn to breastfeed.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of engorged breasts include:
- Swollen, firm, and painful breasts. If the breasts are severely engorged, they are very swollen, hard, shiny, warm, and slightly lumpy to the touch.
- Flattened nipples. The dark area around the nipple, the areola , may be very firm. This makes it hard for your baby to latch on.
- A slight fever of around 38 C (100.4 F).
- Slightly swollen and tender lymph nodes in your armpits.
What if breast engorgement gets worse?
If engorgement is severe, your breasts get very swollen and painful. Severe engorgement can make it hard for your baby to latch on to the breast properly. As a result:
- Your baby may not get enough milk.
- Your breasts may not empty completely.
- Your nipples may become sore and cracked. This may cause you to breastfeed less, and that makes the engorgement worse.
Severe engorgement can lead to blocked milk ducts and breast infection, which is called mastitis . Mastitis needs to be treated with antibiotics.
How can you care for yourself?
If engorgement is making it hard to breastfeed, you can try the following things. They can relieve your symptoms and keep your milk flowing.
- Soften your breasts before feedings. You can apply a warm compress for a couple of minutes before you breastfeed. Or you can use your hands or use a pump to let out (express) a small amount of milk from both breasts.
- Try to breastfeed more often. Pump your breasts if your baby won't breastfeed. Take care to empty your breasts each time.
- Take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to reduce pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is safe for breastfeeding moms when taken as directed. But it's a good idea to check with your doctor before you take any kind of medicine while breastfeeding.
- If your breasts still feel uncomfortable after nursing, try a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can use a frozen wet towel, a cold pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Apply it to your breasts for 15 minutes at a time every hour as needed. To prevent damage to your skin, place a thin cloth between your breast and the cold pack.
If you are not breastfeeding, use one or more of these steps to relieve discomfort:
- Do not pump or remove a lot of milk from your breasts. If your breasts are very painful, it's okay to remove just a little bit to make you more comfortable.
- Apply a cold pack to your breasts for 15 minutes at a time every hour as needed. To prevent damage to your skin, place a thin cloth between your breast and the cold pack.
- Take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) in addition to using non-medicine treatments. Be safe with ibuprofen. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Wear a bra that fits well and provides good support.
How can you prevent breast engorgement?
You may be able to prevent engorgement if you keep milk moving out of your breasts and take care not to let your breasts become overfilled.
- Breastfeed whenever you notice signs that your baby is hungry, such as eagerly sucking on fingers or rooting. During the first few days and weeks, your baby will breastfeed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period.
- Make sure that your baby is latching on and feeding well. If your breasts are hard and overfilled, let out (express) enough to soften your nipples before putting your baby to the breast.
- Empty your breasts with each feeding. Empty one breast completely before you switch to the other side. You can tell that it's time to switch sides when both of the following things happen:
- Your baby's sucking slows down a lot or stops.
- You can no longer hear your baby swallowing.
In some Native American cultures, round stones are seen as sacred symbols of the earth and are used in rituals and ceremonies. They represent the connection between humans and the natural world, reminding us of our interdependence and the need to live in harmony with the earth and its resources. In Chinese culture, round stones, particularly jade stones, are highly valued and symbolize wisdom, prosperity, and longevity. They are believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. Round stones also hold significance in the context of art and design. Their smooth shape and symmetrical form make them visually pleasing and appealing. They are often used as decorative elements in gardens, as stepping stones, or as part of stone sculptures. Overall, round stones symbolize unity, balance, eternity, and a connection to the natural world. Their significance and meaning vary across different cultures and traditions, but their inherent qualities of wholeness and harmony make them universally recognized symbols..
Reviews for "The Mythology and Symbolism Behind Rune Stones' Ancient Symbols"
1. Jane - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Rund stones symboks". I found the story to be confusing and the characters were poorly developed. The writing style also didn't engage me, and I struggled to stay interested throughout the book. Overall, it felt like a wasted read and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars
I can't believe "Rund stones symboks" has positive reviews. I found the plot to be predictable and cliché, with no surprises or twists. The dialogue was weak and unrealistic, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The pacing was also off, and the book dragged on unnecessarily. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this book.
3. Emily - 3 out of 5 stars
"Rund stones symboks" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing style was repetitive and lacked depth, and the dialogue felt forced. The pacing was inconsistent, making it hard to stay engaged throughout the book. While there were some moments that held my interest, overall, I found it to be a mediocre read.
The Symbolic Power of Rune Stones in Ancient Cultures