Innholdsfortegnelse for August - September 2019 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

In December last year , I went for a routine scan with my doctor and got the surprise of my life. My doctor told me that not only was I carrying more than one baby – I was carrying triplets! This has been the gr eatest adventur e of my life, and I’m loving every minute of it. The feeling of more than one kick in my tummy , all the rolls and jabs, make me look so forwar d to meeting these thr ee precious measure. souls Thank . I’ you m blessed , Your Pregnancy beyond magazine, for all the wonderful articles you publish.…

WIN A CARRIWELL ®  HAMPER VALUED AT R2 000 Carriwell’s Seamless Padded Nursing Bra is soft and comfortable and moulds to your changing body shape. The one-handed nursing clasps expose the entire breast while nursing, maximizing skin-to-skin contact. The thin moulded cups are removable, reduce fabric stretch in the cup area which increases support for fuller busted moms, and help conceal areola and accidental milk leakage. Send us a beautiful, good-quality photograph of you with your gorgeous bump or baby. Send your photo with both your names and date of birth, and where you’re from to: Your Pregnancy Snaps, letters@yourpregnancy.co.za…

1 DEVELOP YOUR OWN BIRTH PLAN Your birth plan should outline everything you want and need out of birth – and be sure to show this to your healthcare provider. Your birth plan should cover all aspects, from whether you want a medication-free birth, what type of birth you’d like, to the music you want playing when you give birth. Remember that not all births go according to plan – so be prepared to alter your plan. 2 ANTENATAL CLASSES AND CHECK-UPS The lessons learnt at these classes are invaluable, as you will learn everything you need to know about pregnancy, labour and childbirth. It also provides a space for you to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Most antenatal classes are “couples” classes, so that your birthing partner can…

Marina Petropulos recently launched a new edition of her Baby & Child Care Handbook, an internationally renowned “baby bible” that has sold over one million copies over the past 30 years. There are new additions to this version: everything you need to know about pregnancy, the prevention of food allergies, breastfeeding updates and a few bust myths. When you buy a copy, you also gain access to a website containing 120 talks by the world’s leading paediatric experts and professors, at no additional charge. Cost is R349 at all big book stores. One lucky Your Pregnancy reader wins a copy! SMS the code YP128Marina to 33404 with your full name, physical address, email address and contact number. Ts&Cs on page 97.…

YOU’VE PROBABLY been reading every baby book on which you can lay your hands and preparing list upon list of things to get and do before your little bundle arrives. You’ve got the cot, pram and car seat – and you’ve picked out the perfect paint colour for the baby’s room. But while you’re making space for Baby’s arrival in your life – and the many changes this will bring – it’s important that you also make space for that extra little person in your relationship. It’s best to talk about the big stuff before the birth of your baby, because once you’re in the thick of it, there might not be the time (or energy) to do so. “Expecting parents are often so caught up in the magic of…

BUGS & HUGS Q: How can I take care of my baby’s skin properly? There is so much conflicting information. I want to keep her clean and hygienic, of course, as I don’t want her to get sick, but I don’t want to strip her skin either. Her skin is already so dry. A: Prof. Gray answers: Your baby’s skin is different to yours in many ways that matter. The skin barrier is more permeable in infancy and matures over time. There are more differences; compared with adult skin, babies have a larger surface area relative to their body weight, which means a larger surface area for water loss. Their skin is also only 30 percent as thick as adult skin. They’re also born with a slightly higher skin pH…

IMAGINE THAT EVERY time you go to the loo, your urine burns like fire, and you struggle to squeeze out a few drops. You feel feverish, your lower back and sides ache, and your bladder feels like it’s bursting. Don’t actually need to imagine it? That isn’t surprising, as it’s estimated that up to 80 percent of women have had, or will have, at least one bladder infection in their lifetime. And having a baby on board increases the risk – and the discomfort. But why should this be? More importantly, what can you do about it? UTI 101 A UTI (urinary tract infection) is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract: the system comprising the kidneys, ureters (tubes leading from kidneys to bladder), bladder and the urethra (tubes leading…

PREGNANCY BRINGS ABOUT many changes in a woman’s body, one of the most memorable (for you… and your partner) being moodiness. Just as having your period changes your mood due to hormone fluctuations, so does being pregnant. Technically, your hormones affect the neurotransmitters in your brain. Those are the chemical messengers in your brain that tell your mind how to react to certain things. You may find that these changes are more noticeable at around six to eight weeks, and then come up again in your last trimester. Besides the chemical changes in your body, there are also psychological stressors that contribute to swinging moods. This is a big life change you are going through and preparing for. Whether your pregnancy was planned or not, dealing with the prospect of…

WE ALL KNOW that in order to have a healthy body, we need to eat the right kinds of food. This is never more true than when you’re pregnant, because you’re not only feeding yourself but your baby too. Diets often scare people away because of a few things: they’re hard to follow, the foods aren’t easy and quick to make – and the ingredients tend to be on the expensive side. The secret to healthy eating during pregnancy is that it is not a diet you should follow. Rather, there are certain guidelines to consider before putting something in your mouth. You don’t have to be a doctor to do it or a millionaire to follow it. It’s easier than you probably think it is. Once you understand the…

HE WANTED ME TO ABORT Q: My pregnancy was not planned, and at the time my relationship wasn’t in a very good place either. Now things are even worse. When I told my boyfriend, he wasn’t happy at all – he didn’t even try to fake it. He demanded I get an abortion. We had a big fight about it. I will not ever have an abortion. He is very unhappy, and I can’t make him see things my way. Now he is starting to accuse me of trying to trick him and even suggesting that the baby is not his. This is totally untrue. I feel scared and lonely, and I really need his support, also financially. How can I talk to him to at least get him to…

YOU ARE IN LABOUR. You know that each contraction brings you closer to meeting your baby, but the thing weighing most heavily on every labouring mother’s mind is: how much closer? There are numerous ways to figure out how much longer you have without succumbing to an internal examination, some less obvious than others, but if you focus on staying in tune with your body, you will see them. 1 SOUND The way you talk and the noises you make change with each stage of labour. In early labour, you will be able to speak, in a normal voice, during each contraction and chat and laugh in between them. As labour becomes established, you will no longer be able to talk as each surge comes and you will start…

• KEEP MOVING While it’s going to be some time before you can hit the gym, getting moving is always a good idea. Light housework, a stroll with the baby in a pram or (if you can find someone to mind your littlie for 20 minutes or so) a daily gentle walk around your neighbourhood will do you the world of good. • EAT WELL Healthy eating habits will help you produce milk if you’re breastfeeding, shed extra kilos, and keep your energy levels up and your mood relaxed. To help you maintain a healthy diet, Debbie advises starting your day with a wholesome breakfast, then eating small meals regularly through the day, every three to four hours. And stock your kitchen with only healthy food and snacks – if those sugary…

WHAT’S OFFERED? Employers are required by law to give you maternity leave, but they’re not obliged to pay you during that time. Some employers pay partial maternity leave salaries, some pay none – it all depends on your contract. If your employer pays no maternity leave or only a partial salary, you can claim from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), which offers working moms up to four months of paid maternity leave (one day for every six days you’ve worked and contributed to the UIF, to a maximum of 121 days. It’s tricky to say exactly how much you’ll be paid from UIF, as this varies according to your income, but you should receive between 38 and 58 percent of your total salary per month, to the maximum of R14…

TINA OTTE A mother, grandmother, midwife, childbirth educator and author, Tina has been involved in the pregnancy and birth field for more than 30 years “THE EXPERIENCE OF PREGNANCY IS BITTER SWEET. YOU’LL HAVE TIMES WHEN YOU REALLY ENJOY THE PROCESS... AND THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT DOESN’T FEEL AS IF YOU’RE MAKING A MIRACLE AT ALL AND WISH IT WOULD BE OVER QUICKLY!” Pregnancy is a natural changing point in your life. It brings with it many opportunities for you to review your health and lifestyle that will make a difference during the years to come. Now is the perfect time to really tune into your body and listen to what it’s telling you. We’ll give you much to think about as you approach labour and delivery and…

Clicks Made 4 Baby Dryprotect Diaper Range has a wetness indicator to ensure baby stays comfortable between changes. When the diaper is wet, the indicator changes colour to let you know your baby needs a change. Designed with leak protection and for day and night use, the range also features soft breathable material with a highly absorbent core, a comfortable stretchy waistband with Velcro strips and a soft back sheet. See clicks.co.za for more information. SEND YOUR LETTER AND CONTACT DETAILS TO LETTERS@YOURPREGNANCY.CO.ZA…

Your new favourite app Stuck on what to do, where to go, and finding things child friendly? Then download Child Friendly SA to your phone – a free app developed for busy parents. It provides easy access to more than 10 000 South African businesses that offer child-friendly services and products. Parties, movies, day trips, extra maths classes, emergency numbers, 24-hour pharmacies, free events, holiday programmes and many more – this super app puts the information in the palm of your hand. Special features include in-app call, email, sharing, routing and Uber integration. Listings are presented based on what’s closest to you, while you’re on the move. You’ll never be stuck again! BOOK REVIEW Breastfeeding 101 by Leah Hawker It’s described as the book that wasn’t intended as a manual…

Pregnavit M Fizzy is an effervescent for use before, during and after pregnancy. It’s a comprehensive formulation comprising all-important folic acid (helps prevent neural tube birth defects, which can develop within the first 28 days after conception) and other essential vitamins and minerals. One of these is amino acid chelated (AAC) iron, which helps with iron deficiency anaemia, which can happen, since pregnancy doubles the body’s iron requirements. A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy, but it’s not always easy to achieve. Pregnavit M Fizzy helps fill the nutritional gaps. Prenatal vitamins are also important if you’re trying to fall pregnant, so don’t hesitate – get yourself some Pregnavit M Fizzy right away. Available at all pharmacies nationwide.…

HE’S WORKED IN the SA Navy and on the mines in the Free State; he’s even dabbled in radio and broadcasting. He was the first South African male clinical tutor to teach midwifery in South Africa. And when renowned local midwife Sydney Grove walks into a room beaming with warmth and friendliness, it’s easy to see how he’s endeared himself to 25 000 moms and their babies for close to 40 years. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MALE MIDWIFE? When I was four years old, my mother caught me in the garden cutting open dead chameleons. Apparently, I was dissecting them because I was looking for their babies. Even though I didn’t want to become a doctor, I was always medically inclined, and I knew I would become something…

• Babies still have immature, developing skin and hair, so choose products that are clearly marked as suitable for the age of your child. • For babies, gentle products that don’t strip or aggravate their delicate skin are essential. • For toddlers you still want the gentleness but also a bit of extra cleaning oomph and germ protection, as they just get so much dirtier than they did as babies. • Some foam baths could hurt children with skin issues, such as eczema, so steer clear. If your daughter is prone to bladder infections, also rather avoid bubble baths. • In general, keep soap out of your little one’s eyes and mouth as far as you can and keep water out of their ears.…

Urine that is: • Cloudy • Bloody • Smelly • Contains pus • Burning or stinging Bladder that feels: • Heavy • Aching • Constantly full Fever Nausea and/or vomiting Aching lower back and abdomen Need to urinate frequently, but only a few drops come out BERRY BOOSTER Cranberries are renowned for their bladder benefits. Numerous studies confirm that cranberries inhibit bacteria from sticking to bladder walls, decreasing UTI risk and symptoms. Researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine, USA, discovered that cranberries change the bacteria’s shape so they can’t take hold. Go for unsweetened juice (sugar feeds bacteria), or take cranberry supplements. SUPPLEMENT-SAVVY Take vitamin C for a strong immune system and to combat bacteria – just stay under 1 500mg daily. Stock up on omega-3 fatty acids.…

Chantal Jordaan My hubby commented on my moods with my first two pregnancies. With the third, he’s learnt to keep quiet and see them through! Anneline Delport My hubby said the next time I’m pregnant, he’ll send me to my mom, and then come fetch me a day before the baby is due! According to him I was hectically moody. I’m sure if men had to endure pregnancy, they would cry throughout the whole process. Portia Ndlovo During my first trimester I didn’t even know I was pregnant, so my partner and I didn’t notice my moods. During my second trimester I was over the moon. But when the third trimester hit, wow! I was a bit of a nightmare. But my partner was supportive of me. Zamandlovu Kumbaca When…

We asked you to send through your own weird pregnancy cravings, and there were definitely a bunch of common things between you – most couldn’t get enough of lemons, tomatoes or olives, for instance, and many turned green at the thought of meat or caffeine. But here are a few of the not-so-normal cravings… “Fish paste, eaten with a dessert spoon and scooped out of the jar. I never had to worry it would go off, as I used to finish the jar in a sitting.” – Jean Reid “Chalk, chalk, chalk! I’m sure I ate triple the safe dosage of calcium carbonate tablets daily and could’ve eaten more.” – Joanne Louw “In the last two weeks of pregnancy I couldn’t get enough of smelling Dettol and petrol. I would…

BREAKFAST Oats and skim milk This is one of the healthiest things you can eat for breakfast. It is full of soluble fibre that absorbs water and slows down the digestion process – meaning you will be fuller for longer and that your blood sugar level will be kept in line. Skim milk, especially brands that are calcium enriched, are great for your baby’s developing bones. Throw in a few mixed seeds to add nutrition and extra crunch. Fruit and yoghurt We all know that fruit is good for you, so cut up some apples, bananas and throw in some grapes. Mix with yogurt, which has probiotics to help aid digestion and some seeds to lower your GI – and voilà, you have a naturally sweetened breakfast that doesn’t cost…

Keep your energy up and constant as you labour. Gone are the days of “nil by mouth” during labour: eat and drink a little and often to store up plenty of energy for the work ahead. Also try to eat a meal of slow-release carbs, like pasta or rice, before you go to the hospital or call your midwife. Here are some top power foods for labour... • Frozen grapes • Herbal tea with honey • Energy drinks/energy bars • Fruit juice, frozen or fresh • Mango slices • Scrambled eggs and toast • Peanut butter on toast • Soup – almost any kind of soup is a good choice, but most women will have chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice • Fruit smoothies – great when you don’t…

SASKIA BRUINDERS 32 WEEKS PREGNANT STYLIST SAYS... “Don’t be afraid to play with patterns! I love this jungle print, and it gives Saskia’s look a fun edge. Try styling up items that you already own insteads of buying an entirely new preggy wardrobe.” SASKIA SAYS... “I don’t usually wear make-up, so I loved how light and natural it was, and how it didn’t cover up my freckles. My skin felt light and bright and glowing. The bold lip was the perfect complement to my skin tone and the outfit. The stylist showed me that you don’t have to buy maternity clothes to style your bump. The team was so warm and welcoming and made me feel really beautiful and at ease. I felt like my old self.” Want a YP…

SOME FIVE YEARS ago, the dauntless Red, Red Rose was all set to take on the mighty, mighty Silver Fern in an epic clash of grit and will and valour. Barely a week before kick-off, it was announced to a disbelieving nation that the Red, Red Rose had been snipped in the bud. One of the tallest sunflowers, as it were, had been lopped off at the knees. Pansies everywhere wilted in the hush. Thunderclouds bunched on the horizon. Had the Red, Red Rose kicked the bucket? Why am I using gardening terms to describe the 2014 England against All Blacks rugby match? And why am I even talking about rugby? Well, because while men are, of course, constant gardeners when it comes to clashes on the field, when it…

WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE I remember the first weeks after finding out you were growing inside of me – the anxiety, the confusion, the reality of it all. I love you so much already, and so does your family. The peace and excitement you’ve brought us is out of this world. The little kicks you bless me with fill me with happiness. I dream about the day I get to meet you. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms and hear you cry! Love, your mommy. ROXZAAN GIGABA FOR YOU, MOM My mom is my best friend, sister, father and everything divine to me. I don’t have many memories of my childhood, but I do get some flashbacks. I remember how I used to lie on her…

Tell us what you’ve craving during your pregnancy… Tinyiko Stella Vukeya “Once I’m pregnant, I become a vegetarian.” Andriette Keyser Bergakker “I craved McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese. I craved that specific taste. I normally can’t stand McDonald’s, but this one went down well into my seventh month!” Tlhogi Khunou “I have hot sauce with everything. I even have a few drops of it straight from the bottle!” Phindile Nkuna “Banana mixed with atchar.”…

MAGALIESBURG VEGAN HIPPIE CONNECTION MARKET SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 9am to 3pm This popular market just keeps growing, and this time it’s in stunning Magaliesburg at the Rocks The Cradle weekend. It’s filled with delicious vegan meals, beauty products, home décor, live music and loads more to enjoy. Plus, you can warm up by the vegan marshmallow braai! No entry cost. KAMERS/MAKERS 2019 JOBURG SPRING 27 August 4pm to 8pm Moonlight Magic Opening Night | 28 August to 1 September: 9am to 5pm St John’s College, Houghton Estate SA’s favourite “up”-market is back for a spring celebration featuring over 130 of their finest “makers”. Expect handcrafted décor and fashion, fine food and wine. What better way to welcome spring? Visit kamers.co.za and kamersvol.com. WINELANDS CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Anura Vineyards, Stellenbosch Saturday 17…

IN THE BEGINNING you may be so dazed that you find it difficult to conceptualise what you are feeling – because becoming a parent is as much an experience of the mind as of the body. It is also the most exciting, challenging, rewarding yet complex development possible within a human being. A blood test done by a doctor for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) around six days after fertilisation can establish immediately if you are indeed pregnant. The earlier you know, the better, so that you can take care of yourself and your unborn baby as soon as possible during the critical first 12 weeks, when the developing foetus is most vulnerable. Have a written list of your questions with you when you have an appointment with your…

EVERYTHING CHANGES WHEN you become pregnant. You begin to look at the world through new eyes, because suddenly you are imagining your baby living in this world. This is a clear sign of your parental instincts kicking in. It is normal and healthy to want to protect your baby from the harshness of the world outside. You control your immediate home environment, so your urge to protect can be expressed here in the considered choices you make about what you bring into your home. Make choices that reflect and support a kinder, gentler, greener world – the kind of world you would like your little one to grow up in. We share some tips, each one a small step to a better world. FRESH AIR & SUNLIGHT 1. Don’t let…

❯ The sex is determined by the person who was dominant in the relationship at the time of conception. ❯ There are people who believe that if your first child’s hair grows into a little “V” shape in the back of the neck, your next child will be a girl. If it’s straight, you can start preparing for a boy. ❯ If you’re relaxed, you’ll have a girl; if you’re a worrier, you’ll have a boy. ❯ If you ask a pregnant woman to show you her hands, and she shows them palms facing up, it’s supposed to be a girl. If she turns her palms down, she’s having a boy.…

I’VE STOPPED – WHAT ABOUT HIM? Q: I stopped smoking a few months before I fell pregnant as I know how bad it can be for developing babies. But now that I’m pregnant I really want my husband to stop as I just know his smoking is also bad for us. However, he says he isn’t the one carrying the baby so he doesn’t want to stop. Should he rather start vaping with one of those e-cigarette things I see some people using? A: Dr Manyonga says: While many women quit smoking when they become pregnant, few people consider the effects that second-hand smoke can have on both mom and baby. Indirect contact with cigarette smoke can indeed have a detrimental impact on the health of newborn babies. As a…

Omega 3s Found in your pregnancy vitamins, oily fish and some nuts, these have been shown to help protect against post- and peri-natal depression. Just stay away from any fish that’s high in mercury. Cottage cheese This is a great source of calcium and also tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps make you feel good. Oats Besides being a healthy breakfast option, oatmeal also helps the production of serotonin – a chemical that puts you in a better mood. Folic acid Found in leafy green vegetables, it assists your body in making the “pleasure chemical” – dopamine. Vitamin D Any food or liquid (such as milk) fortified with vitamin D will also increase your levels of serotonin. Combine that with a short walk in the sun – and…

Women in different cultures clearly crave foods based on what’s regionally and culturally available, says Dr Omar Manejwala, an addiction expert. In a study of more than 200 pregnant women in Tanzania, the most common cravings appeared to be meat, mangoes, yogurt, oranges, plantain and cooldrinks. In the United States, meanwhile, the most common pregnancy cravings were dairy and sweet foods like chocolate, fruits and juices. Less commonly, pregnant women craved savoury or salty foods.…

SURELY SPROUTS ARE HEALTHY? Q: I love salads, and I intend to munch my way through my pregnancy like a bunny, as I believe that all those leafy greens are really healthy. But I’ve read that sprouts are a no-no during pregnancy. I just can’t understand why. Surely sprouts are packed with nutrition? A: Zelda answers: Sprouts are very healthy. Nutrients differ between seeds or beans that are sprouted, but in general they are high in folate, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and amino acids (protein) and various flavonoids like polyphenols as well as a number of enzymes and organic acids. All these have many health benefits, and research shows that sprouted grains, seeds or beans are even healthier than the unsprouted versions. However, the warm humid conditions needed to…

…GREAT, says Yolande de Beer from Potchefstroom “Before I went into theatre, he introduced himself and explained what he was going to do. I was a little scared for the spinal block, but he assured me it’s not so bad and explained what I should do to make it better. So, I was well informed before the fact. During the operation there was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. He joked around with my partner and was just great. The music was on, and he stood next to me the whole time, asking about how I was feeling. I felt a little drunk and queasy at one point, but he gave me something, and then I felt better.” … MY MOST IMPORTANT MEDICAL HELP, says Chane Smith from Reitz “My anaesthetist was…

EVERY NEW MOM is different, and recovery time after you’ve given birth depends on a whole range of factors – your age, fitness level, number of previous pregnancies and genes all play a part in how quickly or slowly you recover physically from a pregnancy. That said, it’s during the first six weeks after delivery that the most – and the most obvious – recovery takes place. Many post-partum symptoms ease up within a week, although some can take much longer, so the watchwords during this time are patience and kindness (to yourself). If you delivered vaginally, you could be as right as rain within a few weeks, but if you’re dealing with a perineal tear or a healing episiotomy, expect it to take longer. And if you had a…

Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia, is a condition developed by pregnant women, usually after the 20th week of pregnancy. Symptoms include swelling in the feet, legs and hands, a high level of protein in the urine, and high blood pressure causing dizziness and headaches. Women who have not suffered from high blood pressure before could still be predisposed to pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia can impair a mother’s kidney and liver functions, which could cause blood clots, seizures or fluid on the lungs, among other complications. Pre-eclampsia affects the blood flow to the placenta, which often leads to premature birth. In severe and undiagnosed conditions, pre-eclampsia develops into full-blown eclampsia, which can be fatal for both mother and baby. Sources: webmd.com and preeclampsia.org…

PIZZA OMELETTE 1T olive oil ½ onion, chopped ½ red bell pepper, chopped ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped small punnet button mushrooms, wiped and sliced 3 eggs 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated 1 Preheat oven to 200˚C. 2 Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and mushrooms and fry until golden. 3 Lightly whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour onto the pan and leave to cook until the sides are set. 4 Sprinkle cheese over and place in oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the egg is set. TIP Breakfast is the most important meal and sets you up to cope with your day. Eggs, especially organic cage-free eggs, are full…