Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2020 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

Isolation, social distancing and lockdown… words that were not part of our everyday vocabulary at the beginning of the year, but now they’re nearly all we can talk about. I’m missing people. Just look at me and Elaine, our lifestyle editor, in this picture. This was taken just before lockdown was announced. We’re touching, leaning in. That week, it wasn’t strange for colleagues to touch. Hugs, whether for comfort or celebration, were anormal part of our working life. Caring is after all at the heart of what we do at this magazine. We take thousands of decisions – big and small – to put these pages together, always with the aim of getting things ‘just so’ to delight and inform you, our reader, who is going through this exciting and…

SHOUT OUT! ATOPY SCHOOL The skincare brand La Roche-Posay is doing something novel. In partnership with dermatologists Dr Nomphelo Gantsho and Professor Rannakoe ”Ranks” Lehloenya of the Dermatology Treatment and Phototherapy Clinic based in Century City, Cape Town, the brand is hosting the Atopy School for parents and children dealing with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, a chronic condition that can lead to much despair. The big idea is to improve the quality of life for sufferers through better access to proper information during structured class-style sessions with the experts and their medical teams. During these highly interactive workshops or therapy classes, you can speak freely about your or your child’s condition, concerns and daily challenges. It’s an excellent platform to share knowledge and experiences, and to learn how best to…

WIN A CARRIWELL HAMPER WORTH R2 200! If you’re looking for a soft, ultra comfortable bra, the Carriwell Seamless Maternity Comfort Bra is it. This is the ideal bra for expectant and nursing moms with sensitive breasts. This simple bra can be worn both day and night due to the extreme softness and flexibility of the fabric. The super-soft cotton is kind to your breasts and your baby’s skin. The light cotton is highly breathable, perfect for the warmer months of the year. The cotton bra is so flexible that you will be comfortable both day and night. It is available in white and retails for R175. Send a good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Remember to include your name, age, where you are from and how far your pregnancy…

Lamb & apricot stew • 1onion, chopped • 4medium carrots, cut into 1cm chunks • 1½ kg stewing lamb • ½cup dried apricots, halved • ½cup pitted green olives (optional) • 1clove garlic • 1tbsp cake flour • 1tsp paprika • 1tsp ground cumin • ½tsp ground cinnamon • ½tsp ground ginger • Salt and black pepper to taste Mix the onion, carrots, lamb, apricots, olives, garlic, flour and spices together in your slow cooker, and add half a cup of water. Cover and cook the lamb and vegetables on low for seven to eight hours. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or couscous. TIP Children love the sweetness the apricots give the dish. You can leave the olives out if your child doesn’t like them, but don’t assume they won’t. Many kids love olives, and they’re a good source of fibre and…

Vaccines have been one of the biggest success stories of modern medicine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least 10 million deaths were prevented between 2010 and 2015 thanks to vaccinations delivered around the world. Many millions more lives were protected from the suffering and disability associated with diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, whooping cough, measles and polio. In short, there is worldwide medical consensus that vaccines are safe and necessary. Currently, all eyes are on the world’s scientists as the race is on to develop a vaccine that can give protection against the coronavirus. Strangely, in modern times, vaccination rates have been dropping across the developed world. In France, the country that experiences the strongest vaccination resistance but is also the birthplace of vaccines, there have been…

Q I don’t see the point of vaccination, as nobody gets these diseases anymore, because we live healthier lives. A Deadly diseases that were common long ago, are indeed now very rare in developed countries. The only disease that is officially eradicated, though, is smallpox. In a world where borders are crossed with great frequency, a highly infectious disease is only a plane ride away. In Namibia, which was polio-free from 1996, there was another sudden outbreak in 2006. The growing number of people who choose not to inoculate their children is leading to a weakening of our “herd” immunity. If enough people in a community get the necessary inoculations, it stops that disease from spreading. It protects others who battle with compromised immunity, as it lowers their chance of…

Caryn Reddy from Blairgowrie in Johannesburg is 20 weeks pregnant. “I was nervous about having a makeover, as I’d never done anything like this before, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was a lovely morning of relaxation and pampering, and I was happy with the end result. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, making me feel extremely comfortable and at ease.” Charné says: ”Boast with your belly! Caryn is petite with a perfectly shaped soccerball tummy. A figure-hugging dress is the best way to show it off. Stay comfy in glitzy flat shoes, and add a pop of colour for interest, like we did with the bag.” Liezl says: “Caryn has gorgeous glowing skin, so Ijust added a bit of concealer where needed. I accentuated her eye shape with a…

THE ‘ONEDERFUL’ THING ABOUT MONTH ONE 1 It’s done! You’re pregnant. You are now housing another human-being-in-the-making within the depths of your body. That is pretty cool in itself. By the time you realise that you are pregnant, month one is usually over. TWO TREMENDOUS THINGS ABOUT MONTH TWO 1 Yay! No more periods! 2 And no more having to worry about contraception. Your baby is growing fast, from half the length of a grain of rice to almost two centimetres. THREE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT IN MONTH THREE 1 You can see your baby starting to take shape on the scan. 2 Holding onto the fact that you are ”with child”, and it’s still a secret… 3 Then finally sharing the news with everyone and enjoying the excitement with…

We asked you what your partners said about your mood swings... XOLISWA NKOMO, SOWETO, GAUTENG My partner could not understand why Icried so easily. I got very emotional, very quickly. MARION SALMON, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE My hubby complained in the first two pregnancies. By the third one, he has learnt to avoid the moods. JENNA RAMSAY, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG My hubby said the next time we’re pregnant, he’ll send me to my mom, and then just come fetch me a day before the baby is due! JANI ALLEM, KLERKSDORP, NORTH WEST I had such a short temper with both of my pregnancies. I used to think of all the things we needed to do to fix up the nursery and wanted to do them now! My poor husband did not…

Your thyroid gland works harder during pregnancy, supplying a variety of hormones to increase the absorption of nutrients from your diet, increase your metabolism (this helps to keep you warm) and improve your appetite to guarantee a daily supply of protein, minerals and vitamins. On the downside, your immunity is lowered. Pregnancy also imposes an extra workload on the heart and lungs. If you get the flu, you could take longer to recover or even get some of the associated complications such as pneumonia. This could affect your health and compromise your pregnancy –you could go into premature labour. An increased appetite doesn’t mean that you have to eat for two! It simply means that you need to look carefully at your diet and make sure that you’re eating a…

Researchers from the University of Oxford in the UK have found that while there are more health complications associated with delivering vaginally after a caesarean birth, the risk is generally very low. Overall, only 1,8 percent of women attempting a vaginal birth and just 0,8 percent of those who underwent another c-section experienced a serious maternal complication, while about 8percent of those who gave birth vaginally and 6,4 percent of those delivering via a repeat c-section had an ”adverse infant health outcome”, such as the need for resuscitation. WHO CAN HAVE A V-BAC? ”Almost anyone who’s having a healthy pregnancy can consider having a v-bac under the right circumstances,” says Sister Heather Pieterse of Midwives Exclusive in Pretoria. Cape Town obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Philip Zinn says that a v-bac…

BLEEDING WHAT’S NORMAL? New moms often feel they are leaking from every orifice – breastmilk, blood and tears. And it’s true. Natural and caesar moms both experience postpartum bleeding – called lochia – when the body expels placental tissue and mucus. This bleeding is usually heavier for NVD moms than caesar moms and can include blood clots, so don’t worry if you see them. The bleeding usually lasts three to six weeks, reducing in heaviness and colour over time. Use pads and avoid tampons –rather go back to them after your six-week check-up. WHAT’S NOT NORMAL? “See your doctor if you feel itching, burning, smell a foul smell or have a fever,” says gynaecologist & obstetrician Dr Bronwyn Moore. And if it’s really gushing and you feel lightheaded, get yourself…

Here are some more safety guidelines for bedtime: ■ Don’t leave soft toys, pillows, loose blankets, bottles or any loose objects with your baby in her bed. These can interfere with your baby’s breathing. ■ Babies should sleep on a firm surface and not on something like a waterbed or a puffy duvet. ■ Make sure your baby can’t get stuck or entangled, like in the dividers or the cot linen. If she sleeps with you in the bed, make sure she can’t roll out of bed and fall off. Consider a wedge or a railing.…

Q My 7-month-old is constipated. She only has anappy once a day, and her poo is hard. What can I do to help? A DR JACO STRAUSS ANSWERS: It is one of the questions I get asked the most frequently in my practice. I also think it is a difficult question to answer if we do not look at the definition of constipation, as there are lots of misconceptions. The failure to appreciate the normal developmental pattern may lead to the unwise use of enemas and laxatives. The baby’s body often needs time to figure out how to relax the pelvic floor to have a bowel movement. Infants and children may develop the ability to ignore the sensation or feeling of rectal fullness and may retain stools. This can lead…

Children have their own language through which they communicate with you heart to heart: their behaviour. It’s important to notice this language, so that you can lead your children to grow and solve problems. You should see your child’s behaviour in the context of your relationship, says Hettie Redelinghuys, an educational psychologist and mom of two based in Bloemfontein. If your little one for example fetches his pyjamas himself to prepare for bath after dinner, it’s positive (complementary) behaviour, as it shows he’s learnt there’s a routine in your home. On the other hand, difficult (compensating) behaviour will show in spots in your relationship where your child through his behaviour tries to bring about ashift, so that your relationship can be more balanced. Your child’s behaviour wants to tell a…

I’M A ROBOT This easy box toy will give way to hours of imaginary fun. Use your robot voices while you make it! WHAT YOU NEED BUILD IT LIKE THIS 1 Cut a window in the box for your child to see through while he holds the box at the bottom. Measure this carefully beforehand by putting him in the box. 2 Cut two holes in the sides for the pool pipe to go in. 3 Stick the top of the box down firmly with masking tape. 4 Cover the box in tinfoil. 5 Stick a piece of silver paper across the bottom of the box, so that only your child’s lower legs…

Preggy Dental Care is a new toothpaste for pregnant women who might be struggling with the dental side-effects of pregnancy. Oral health is directly related to good overall health for moms-to-be and the unborn baby. Take extra care of your teeth and gums during this time. For sale online at zendierproducts.com or at Pick n Pay for R79,99. Keedo is making children’s masks. Keedmasks, as they are called, come in washable three-pack sets. Single layer protection costs R149 and double layer R179. And they’re cute! Another design offers triple-layer protection and additional filters, for R79. Each design comes in two sizes. Remember that the under-twos are not supposed to wear masks. Solenco air purifiers and dehumidifiers can help keep your family safe from allergens, viruses and bacteria. We keep one…

75% of Saffers don’t have a valid will, according to Alex Simeonides, CEO of Capital Legacy. Getting your house in order isn’t as difficult as you might think. You don’t even need a lawyer. Electronic testament templates are available, but for more complex estates (for instance if you have investments overseas, or a blended family) things are a little trickier. If you make amistake, the will might not be valid, and your family could be left with a huge financial headache to sort out. A kind of legal default kicks in in the absence of a valid will, and possibly none of your wishes will be carried out. One phone call to a consultant is all it takes to avoid this. Google Capital Legacy for more.…

Firstly, thank you for this wonderful magazine, which helped me throughout the years. Here is my story. You know when you find out you are pregnant, all emotions come rushing down. You feel happy, sad, anxious, you worry and doubt yourself, but in my case it was love at first sight. We should be grateful and feel blessed that we have healthy babies who we have to love, guide and nourish to become who they wish to become in order to better their society. Little did I know about premature babies, until halfway through my pregnancy. My gynaecologist said: “There are complications, and we have to do a c-section.” Early birth or full term – let’s embrace those moments and cherish them. Being pregnant in this day and age is…

WIN A BABY CITY VOUCHER VALUED AT R380 Send us a clear good-quality photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com Each photo published receives a R380 Baby City Voucher Send a clear good-quality photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Remember to include your child’s name, surname, age and where you are from. We love to hear from you.…

There are huge changes in a man’s life that are governed by biology. It doesn’t matter how rich, good-looking or genetically gifted you are, every man is affected. So, for example, a significant one is puberty, where voices and testicles drop, and body hair starts growing in earnest. But the biggest one we’re investigating in this story: the start of dad jokes. Instead of outwardly physical changes, once men become fathers, they’re genetically hardwired to share lame puns and corny one-liners. The bad news? No man is exempt from this verbal cheesiness. The good news: it’s not all cause for eye-rolls and family embarrassment. Here’s why dad jokes can be a good thing for everyone (not just dads). KEEP YOUR HOUSE AS CLEAN AS DAD’S JOKES The most effective approach…

MYTH Cycling will affect your sperm count. BUSTED This is simply not true. “Cycling doesn’t affect your testicular function or your sperm count. It’s a common misconception,” says Dr Chris Venter, fertility specialist at Vitalab. MYTH Male fertility doesn’t decline – it doesn’t matter what age the dad is. BUSTED Actually, although a man’s fertility doesn’t decline as drastically as a woman’s, studies have shown that fertility begins to decline after 40 in men, when the concentration of the sperm in ejaculate drops, and the motility starts to decrease. Although a man often stays fertile into his 70s, an older father will take longer to conceive. There’s also an increased risk of DNA fragmentation. MYTH Your weight doesn’t have any effect on sperm production. BUSTED Obesity has a major influence…

TEBATSO ASINA MATSHUKUDU (27) HAMMANSKRAAL, GAUTENG With everyone being so cautious about Covid-19, my last appointment at the clinic before my baby was born was lonesome and hard. This was just before lockdown, and I had to take public transport, as my husband was not allowed to come with me to the appointment. Instead of him bonding with our little one during the check-up, I had to take videos of our baby, so that he could see how little Warona had grown. He found it hard to send me by myself and to miss the check-up. When I realised that I was in labour and that it was time for my baby boy to be born, Iwent directly to the clinic. When I arrived, I was told for the first…

Vaccinations are designed to mimic natural infections without actually causing them. Your immune system thinks it is being attacked and builds anti-bodies. If you are exposed to the natural disease later on, your body recognises it and mobilises the body’s “troops”, who spring into action right away, preventing you from getting ill. That’s how it works in your body. How it works for a community? If enough people become immune to a disease – this is known as herd immunity – the spread of the disease is stopped. This means vulnerable members of society are better protected when we all vaccinate. So inoculation is not merely a personal choice; it is also something you do for the greater good of society.…

A STUNNING GIFT HAMPER FROM PIGEON TO THE VALUE OF R1 170! Get off to a good start with Pigeon’s Breastfeeding Kit. Express with the Pigeon Manual Breast Pump 2-Phase, which is easy to use, as the milk goes directly into the Pigeon Breastmilk Storage Bottle. It can then be stored in either the fridge or freezer – ready for your partner to take a feed. Pigeon Breast Pads keep you dry and comfortable, while Pigeon Nipple Cream will prevent sore, cracked nipples. Available from baby stores, Dis-Chem, selected pharmacies and retail outlets. Visit sp-africa.com for more.…

Q How will Cannabis (CBD) affect my fertility? Will it make me more or less fertile? A DR CARMEN JAMES ANSWERS: In the current climate of legalisation of cannabis in South Africa and around the world, use is expected to increase. The majority of users are within the reproductive age group, and it is therefore important to consider the impact of cannabis on fertility. Cannabis exerts its effect on the body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a diffuse, complex system throughout the body that modulates and communicates with other body systems, including the nervous system, immune system and the endocrine system. The ECS plays an important role in keeping the body in balance (homeostasis). As such, this system is integral to important processes such as managing the stress…

OMEGA 3’s Found in your pregnancy vitamins, oily fish and some nuts, these have been shown to help protect against post- and perinatal depression. Just stay away from any fish that is high in mercury. FOLIC ACID Found in leafy green vegetables, it assists your body in making the ”pleasure chemical” dopamine. OATS Besides being a healthy breakfast option, oatmeal also helps the production of serotonin – a chemical that helps to put you in a better mood. COTTAGE CHEESE This is a great source of calcium and also tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps make you feel good. 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…

If you’ve found yourself putting the car keys in the fridge, or forgetting your handbag in the shops, or even forgetting something you’ve just been told, you are likely the unwitting victim of the phenomena widely known as ”pregnancy brain”. Also called ”mommy brain”, ”baby brain” and ”momnesia”, forgetfulness, mental fogginess and difficulty concentrating is something many moms-to-be experience. IT COULD BE MAKING YOU A SMARTER MOM It’s not all doom and gloom in the baby brain stakes. Some researchers believe that while your brain does indeed change during pregnancy, it’s all for good reason – your ability to care for your baby is enhanced. A study published in the scientific monthly Nature Neuroscience suggests that the reduction in grey matter in your brain is simply helping that most important…

There is no cure or vaccine for the coronavirus, so do your best to avoid it. As we know by now, this virus spreads if you inhale droplets expelled by someone who’s infected, or if you come into contact with these droplets that have landed on objects and surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Studies done by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (SASOG) show that pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to COVID-19 than the general population. At this moment, it does not appear that there is an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss regarding COVID-19. Experts believe that the foetus is unlikely to be exposed during pregnancy, and therefore it is currently considered improbable that there will be…

Babies born by c-section have different gut bacteria to those born vaginally – and this is often touted as a significant plus to vaginal versus surgical birth. But, according to the largest study yet undertaken into the effects of birth mode on the microbiome, the differences largely disappear by the time the babies are 6 to 9 months old. A previous study has suggested that babies born by c-section are more likely to collect hospital-acquired bacteria when they are born, while those born vaginally collect microbes from their mother. ”The hypothesis is that the moment of birth might be a sort of thermostatic moment for the immune system … that sets the immune system for future life,” says Nigel Field at University College London, where this study was run. The…

“For the first few weeks after birth, Dad can easily still feel a little left out if baby is being breastfed. This doesn’t mean he can’t help in the process,” says Dr Lené Janse van Rensburg, a clinical psychologist and play therapist. “In this case, from six weeks, Mom can express milk straight after her first morning feed (which would be when her milk supply is the highest), and then again one-and-a-half hours after the last evening feed. This milk can be put together in a bottle in the fridge, and she can go straight to sleep. Then, at 9:30/10pm when the baby wakes up for a feed, Dad can warm up the expressed milk, scoop Baby up in his arms and give them a dream feed. That way, Mom…

“For the first month of my baby’s life I rented a cot like the ones they use in hospitals. It was on wheels, so I could push my baby around to let her sleep where it suited me without having to pick her up and disturb her. The cot also served as a bath when you take the mattress out. Ask if the hospital has contact details of where to rent one. It was very useful.” HELEEN KOTZE, VRYHEID “If you’re worried about whether your baby is too warm or too cold, feel in the back of his neck, and not his little hands and feet. Your baby shouldn’t be sweating. A good guide is to dress your baby in one more layer than you dress yourself.” YOLANDI OPPERMAN, GAUTENG…

■ With all this focus on your baby’s sleep, it’s easy to forget that there’s another important sleep issue – your own sleep needs. Exhaustion is the biggest challenge for new parents. To care for a small baby is demanding, and for moms, the physical and emotional changes are enormous. The biggest favour you can pay yourself is to get enough sleep. ■ Go to bed yourself the moment you’ve put your little one down for the night. Do this even if it is only 7pm, or if you don’t feel tired. Your partner will understand that you need to catch up on lost sleep during the first couple of weeks rather than spending time with them. ■ Take a nap (or two or three!) during the day when your…

Swollen gums, drooling, restlessness and chewing fingers or toys are all signs that indicate your baby may be teething. While some parents sail through the teething process with their babies, others experience frustration. There is no telling how long or uncomfortable the process will be for each baby, but the advice of trusted dentists and other parents will help ease you through this period as your baby’s pearly whites appear. THE BASICS OF TEETHING Dentist Marike de Beer says that the first tooth usually appears at around six months old. In some babies, this may occur sooner and even later in others. “The lower incisors are first to erupt, followed by the 10 upper and 10 lower teeth until about the age of two. In rare cases, a baby might…

Q My toddler of 2 years doesn’t like textured foods like oats, mealie meal and red meat. He tends to vomit when he swallows. What should I do? How can I help him? A NATALIEN VAN DALEN ANSWERS: Having a child who is afussy eater can be very frustrating. Aside from making mealtimes difficult, it is also anutritional concern. But before understanding how to help your child, it is important to have a general understanding of food aversions, or dislikes. Food aversions are complex in nature, with a variety of causes, but are generally due to sensory problems or oral motor issues. Eating is an experience rich in sensory inputs obtained through smell, visual appearance, taste, temperature and texture. We have five basic senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch.…

Pretoria couple Annandé, an attorney, and Gavin van der Merwe, a civil engineer, have two small children: Annabelle, 3 years old, and baby Kenneth, who is 10 months old. Annabelle was born in a hospital –and Kenneth was born, well, outside a hospital. Here’s how that happened… Like many first-time mothers, Annandé relied on her gynaecologist during her first pregnancy for advice and information. She felt she’d like to experience the female rite of passage of a natural vaginal delivery. This instinct was not something she believes her (male) gynaecologist could understand. “When I told my doctor I’d been researching natural delivery options such as hypnobirthing, he asked me why I didn’t want to enjoy my delivery. He said it was extremely painful and that I should consider an epidural.…

This month we’ve bagged the Netcare & Your Pregnancy & Baby Emergency & Safety Guide with our magazine. We’ve been producing this free booklet in conjunction with Netcare for over a decade. Please read it through thoroughly and take the advice to heart. It has literally saved the life of a reader’s child before, because they knew what to do when their baby choked, so we really urge you to make use of the information and to keep the guide handy for future use.…

‘YOU’RE PREGNANT’ As with any gynaecologist appointment, I walked in, got undressed and put on the gown while I waited to be examined. I’ve always dreaded this examination, but little did I know that this time would be different. After five minutes of the doctor doing his thing, he looked up and told me how he couldn’t carry on with the examination. Shocked and scared I asked why and probably sounded like I was about to burst into tears. “You’re pregnant.” I asked him a few times if he was sure and then burst into tears. The poor doctor didn’t know what to say. I had planned to have a child. He just came way earlier than expected, but nonetheless I was happier than ever. Scared and overwhelmed but happy.…

I am 12 weeks pregnant and have hyperemesis gravidarum. I am doing better on new medication, but I’m trying to be positive. Each ultrasound is so amazing! I can’t wait to see my little lime again. Riëtte le Roux (28) Kroonstad, Free State My glowing face at 35 weeks. Kamogelo Kamorata Martins (22), Rustenburg, North West I love my glowing skin at 35 weeks. Mikateko Mashaba (27), Lillydale, Hazyview, Mpumalanga At five months my boobs are bigger. I’ve always liked bigger boobs. Inkosazane UBanenhlanhla Abathembu (28) Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal…

WIN A CLICKS MADE 4BABY HAMPER VALUED AT R850 Clicks – South Africa’s leading health, beauty, home and wellness retailer – is your one-stop destination for all baby and parenting essentials. From pregnancy to birth and beyond, Clicks stocks a wide selection of quality baby clothing, healthcare, accessories, creams and foods at great prices to make parents and baby feel good. To find out more shop in-store or online at clicks.co.za or visit clicks.co.za/babyclub and BabyClub by Clicks on Facebook. Send a clear good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

The round-up of our so-bad-they’regood jokes for you to share, aimed mostly at younger kids. Find more of these on Twitter and Instagram@dadsaysjokes. 1 “What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.” 2 “I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.” 3 “What do you call a deer with no eyes? No idea.” 4 “Guess what time the man went to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.” 5 “Why did the crab never share? Because he’s shellfish.” 6 “What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.” 7 “What do you call someone with no body and just a nose? Nobody knows.” 8 “How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten-tickles.” 9 “Which flower talks the most? The tulip, ’cause it has two lips.” 10…

Sperm are tiny. A million of them could fit on the head of a pin. On average, they need to swim about 18cm far to fertilise the egg. To put that into perspective: for a sperm to reach the egg requires the same amount of stamina a human would need to swim across the Atlantic Ocean (roughly 6 000km). What’s more, sperm is under constant attack from processes that promote oxidative stress in the body. This can damage the sperm in many ways, from the head membrane to the DNA to the tail. Three things that can help, according to Lamelle Laboratories: A healthier lifestyle, as described in the article, as well as avoiding excessive heat in the groin area, and also having sex more often. How often? At least…

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine, but scientists across the world are working day and night to develop one. When a global roll-out will be possible, is anyone’s guess. Interestingly enough, the emphasis on upper respiratory diseases has led to an enormous increase in the number of South Africans getting their flu shot this year. At the end of March, Clicks reported that it had administered over four times more vaccinations than the same period last year. With vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the immuno-compromised, pregnant women and children being prioritised, the demand comes as we all make an effort to boost our immunity and protect ourselves against flu. If you haven’t had your shot yet, call 0860 254 257 to make an appointment. Annual vaccination is recommended by the…

1 Numerous studies have shown that women who exercise during their pregnancies gained less weight and had shorter labours, with fewer complications and obstetric interventions. Let this motivate you! In any case, no matter what labour you have, exercise will give you strength, endurance and stamina to see it through. Even if your labour ends in surgery, having a fit and strong body will give you a boost of confidence and help you recover quicker. 2 Pregnancy takes its toll on your body. As you change in shape and size, exercising the postural muscles as well as the muscles of the legs and arms will help alleviate many of the common niggles of pregnancy. 3 Exercise will put you in touch with your body. It will help you become comfortable…

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 becoming a parent, worrying about whether you will be agood parent or not, financial strains and dealing with your body as…

PILES These are swollen veins in the anus that can itch or hurt. RELIEF Dip a facecloth in ice cold water, wring it out and press it against the affected area. Otherwise wrap a small pack of frozen veg in a dish cloth and lie down with that resting on the sore bits. Don’t be embarrassed to tell your doctor and get a script for if things get worse. SWOLLEN ANKLES In the last trimester you might start to retain water, and this makes the ankles swell. RELIEF Feet in the air, higher than your heart. Rotate your ankles to get the moisture moving. If the swelling occurs very suddenly and your face and hands also swell up, it could be pre-eclampsia, and you need to see the doctor immediately.…

According to Professor Lut Geerts, obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, these are the good reasons for having an induction: • Your baby is small for his age (or has stopped growing at the expected rate) with abnormal Doppler scan finding. • You have pre-eclampsia. • You are having twins. • You have had aprevious stillbirth. • You are diabetic. • It is two weeks after your due date. • Your waters have broken, but you aren’t having any contractions. For all these reasons, the duration of your pregnancy can be very different. Prof. Geerts’ wrong reasons for having an induction: • You are tired and uncomfortable. • You just can’t wait anymore. • You had aprevious induction. • You like being in control of…

Khadija Osman’s first birth experience was very much less than ideal – she went to the hospital very early in the labour, where she was put on a drip, and dozed on and off for the next eight hours or so. When the doctor came, he broke her waters and gave her meds to speed up the labour, and 12 hours later she had an emergency c-section when she was told her baby was in distress. ”Basically, I had a typical first-mother emergency-c-section experience,” she says now. ”I heard later that it was common – how moms got bullied into their first c-section.” So when she got pregnant a second time, she wanted to explore the possibility of a vaginal birth. The 28-year-old educational technology trainer from Centurion in Pretoria…

Q I’ve suffered bouts of depression since my teens. With my first pregnancy (five years ago), everything went smoothly, and even though I was worried about postnatal depression, it didn’t occur. However, with my current pregnancy, I can feel the darkness approaching. I struggled with secondary infertility, I lost my job recently due to Covid-19, and I’m feeling very anxious about the upcoming c-section, as I’m scared of going to hospital and the possibility that my husband and child won’t be allowed to visit me. I’m taking good care of myself, eating well and trying to sleep and exercise, but it isn’t proving to be enough to get me away from the edge. Do Ihave to wait until I am depressed to go on medication, or can I take medication…

A family’s rhythm changes with a new baby in the house, and one of the big challenges are to find a routine with which everyone’s comfortable. Should baby feed on demand, or is a fixed schedule better? Should you follow a set routine that better fits into your daily programme, or should you allow yourself to be guided by your baby’s body language and take amore informal approach? There is no single right or wrong answer – even the expert opinions differ. The secret is in finding a new life pattern that fits your unique needs and personalities. But what are your options? PARENTS IN CHARGE A parent-centred routine means the caregivers call the shots in terms of routine for their little one, says Sister Inamarie Greyson of the Mother…

The purpose of the first dental visit is to learn about your child’s oral health and unique needs before any problems occur. Your child may fuss during the dental visit, which is normal. If possible, don’t bring other children along to the first appointment, and bring another adult with so that you can talk to the dentist comfortably while they keep an eye on your baby. Bring an extra nappy and snack along for your baby, as well as a favourite toy to help your child understand the dental office is a safe place. To make the visit easier, ask the dental office to email you all documentation needed upfront. During the visit the dentist will: - Review your child’s history. - Talk about your baby’s overall oral health including…

As soon as you get used to what they like, your toddler surprises you and starts refusing foods she previously enjoyed. When your toddler sticks to only a few favourites and starts to reject most other foods, it can leave you exhausted and confused. But even though these fussy toddler eating patterns are a normal part of growing up, an understanding of why it happens helps you figure out how to deal with it. WHY IT HAPPENS When your toddler starts to fuss over her food, there are a couple of reasons behind it. Firstly, the life of a toddler is designed to be very active and busy. They’re off exploring the world and everything in it. Eating is usually the last thing they want to do. “A toddler’s growth…

LEAVE IT TO THE KIDS! There’s a new president in town! Lerato must take charge when President Bulloo and his entire cabinet fall ill. Of course, our Mizz President gets busy immediately cleaning roads and handing out books as she rises to the occasion. Mizz President by Mapule Mohulatsi is a fun exploration of what so many children wish for… to just be in charge for a while instead of the adults. Beautifully illustrated by Mary-an Hampton. R160, Ethnikids NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE This book made us cry for real! Not Quite Snow White is Ashley Franklin’s debut book, and we sincerely hope she has a long career as children’s author ahead of her. Tameika is a girl who loves acting, singing and dancing – and it shows! When her…

1 Lockdown living has taught us all that staying in saves money. When you forgo family dinners in restaurants or outings to the mall or movies, you save a lot, not to mention what you save on avoiding takeaway coffee. Keep it up. For a treat though, takeaway meals always end up cheaper than sit-down meals. 2 When it comes to birthdays and special occasions, get creative and make gifts as a family project. This forces you to acknowledge what makes your children special, as you create gifts that speak to each one. 3 Homemade baby food will go down a treat and save you a pretty penny. Buy vegetables in bulk, and dust off the blender. Freeze portions to save you time. Cheaper and healthier too! 4 Cancel all…

We asked obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bronwyn Moore for advice for what she says doctors call “BBAs” – born before arrivals. She starts by stating that, like in all medical emergencies, the Van der Merwes followed the protocol of 1. calling for help and 2. making sure subsequent actions are safe. “If you are not a first-time mom, know that subsequent labours tend to be shorter, and make plans to go into your facility earlier,” Dr Moore advises. “The same applies if you have a history of quick labour. Once your waters break, things often happen quickly, so even if you’re not having strong contractions yet, anticipate that things will ramp up once this happens. “Secondly, if it feels like things are progressing too fast at home, don’t drive. Rather…