Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 - January 2021 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

We had so much fun putting this Christmas edition together, towards the end of ayear that has been hard on all of us. Take it easy during the holidays. Prioritise all the good things in life: good food, laughter, play, fun and family time. This issue was designed to inspire you to do just that. Happiness is good for you! Please drive carefully if you are going away, and send us your holiday snaps, or tag us on instagram. We love to see you having a good time. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support during 2020. The magazine industry as awhole took a knock, but we are still here – as dedicated as ever. Our aim is for this magazine to be a necessity…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! The Carriwell Adjustable Support Belt is extremely comfortable and provides support and immediate relief for pregnancy-induced backache. The belt applies easily adjustable counter pressure to any discomfort in your lower back, improving your posture and bringing you pain relief. It gently lifts your tummy, relieving downward pressure while supporting your hips. The broad elastic and soft breathable microfibre fabric is designed to support your sensitive skin softly. This one-piece belt is easy to put on and will grow with you, and it is adjustable for your unique size and support needs. Available in black and white for the recommended retail price of R535. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

SMS YPB136NS THREE NIVEA SUN HAMPERS WORTH R2 289,92 EACH Win 1 of 3 NIVEA Sun hampers with sprays, lotions, roll-on’s and a Lou Harvey beach bag. Children’s skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. Their skin is one fifth of the thickness of adult skin and its protective layer is also much thinner. It’s key that children apply sun protection every day as part of their daily routine. NIVEA Sun Kids range is the world’s no. 1* and offers effective, immediate UVA and UVB protection. The products are easy to use, comfortable and light on the skin, they absorb quickly and are water resistant. The NIVEA Sun Kids Sensitive Protect & Play (paediatrically tested) SPF50+ Trigger Spray soothes children’s sensitive skin and protects it from sun-induced irritations. The kids’…

OVERSTIMULATION. A baby doesn’t need a toy waved constantly in her face, or flash cards introduced over breakfast. Stimulating your baby – all her senses – helps form neural pathways and connections within the brain, but don’t be tempted to offer constant stimulation, chatter and toys. Overstimulation can have the opposite of the desired effect – your baby will turn away, shut down or cry. Listen to your baby’s response and respect her right to quiet time when she feels like it. ENDLESS STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES. There are some wonderful parent and baby groups that are stimulating and friendly environments for you and your little one. By all means join up, but be wary of introducing too many formal activities – swimming, music and so on –too early in the toddler…

If you’re still convinced your sex life is going to be swallowed up by hectic parenting schedules, here are a few more ideas to ensure your health and happiness between the covers. ❤ STRESS INTIMACY, NOT SEX Dr Wilme Steenekamp, a medical doctor and clinical psychologist practising in the field of sexology, suggests sensual massages with aromatherapy oils as a good starting point. Acknowledgement is also very sexy, she asserts. “Give your partner lots of sincere verbal appreciation of who they are – and make positive comments about how much they mean to you,” she says. Dr Steenekamp stresses that it’s also important to give yourself time to adjust to being a mother. “Accept that you now have a new role in life, and that it will take a mind…

Q I just found out I’m pregnant, and it feels like the straw that is going to break my back. The pandemic hit me hard. My cousin died, I lost my job, had to move house and because I couldn’t get to the clinic, I ran out of birth control. We also had a burglary shortly after moving, and I lost some really sentimental items to me. Now my husband blames me for this unplanned pregnancy, that we really can’t afford. We’re fighting all the time. I was covered by medical aid while still working, but that came to an end, and I didn’t get around to getting new medical aid, so now even if I get medical aid, I won’t be covered for the pregnancy. I feel at my…

It’s an old wives’ tale that you shouldn’t lift your arms above your head to take down curtains, wash walls or hang up the washing while you’re pregnant because this will make the cord go around the baby’s neck. It’s also not necessary to assume that you’ll have a c-section if your doctor says that the cord is around your baby’s neck. It’s estimated aquarter of all babies are born this way, and often this is no problem. Doctors and midwives are trained to check the baby’s neck for a cord as soon as the head pops out. Unless there are anticipated or pregnancy-related problems, if the cord is around the baby’s neck, it’s not difficult to simply slip it over the baby’s head because it’s wet and slippery. If…

Your every conscious thought seems to be totally ruled by this tiny bundle who has entered your life. You may be feeling anxious about establishing a routine as soon as possible, but the reality is that days that fly by (and nights that don’t) in a blur of feeding, burping and nappies have become away of life. Your baby is obviously dependent on you for nutrition and nurturing, but he needs you to help him make sense of, and manage, his sensory environment in order for his own, unique rhythm to develop. It is out of this rhythm that aroutine will develop without any conscious effort on your part. In the early days, many babies have difficulty dealing with the world outside the womb and can easily become over stimulated,…

Of all the senses, the sense of touch is the most developed at birth, and babies need plenty of tactile stimulation in order to learn about the world around them. Touch may be one of the main inter-sensory integrators, and one of the “cementors” of development. Touching helps to grow a healthy baby and a healthy brain as well. Deep, slow stroking over her body is deeply relaxing and soothing, while light faster touching is more stimulating. Touch your baby with a variety of different textures –soft or furry gloves, stroking with a feather or using a soft new paintbrush to brush her skin. Stroking hands and feet and playing games like “This little piggy…” will encourage fun and laughter. Find out about enrolling for baby exercises and massage classes.…

If you are considering circumcision, ask your paediatrician for a referral to a reputable surgeon for a consultation to discuss the pros and cons prior to the procedure. Q I’m expecting a baby boy and would like to have him circumcised. I mentioned it in passing to a friend, who got all up in arms about it. Apparently I’d be breaking the law! I thought she was crazy but then I checked, and it is indeed against the law. When on earth did that one get passed? I thought that being circumcised comes with many health advantages, like hygiene and being less likely to contract HIV. Surely it is the parents’ decision? So, if I ask the paediatrician to do it in hospital, will she refuse? There must be a…

Q Our baby is a few months old, and things are uncomfortable at home. My partner seems to be jealous. He doesn’t do well with all the attention that the baby is getting. I am trying my best to spend time with him, but he is very needy right now. I am tired and want to look after myself as well. How should I handle this? A ILSE DE BEER ANSWERS: During our lifetime, we all go through periods of adjustment, but we can’t quite prepare for the adjustment required when a new baby arrives – even if we read every book and every article on the internet. The main complaint from moms is that they are tired, and their partners are not helping enough. On the other hand, partners…

Some time after turning 2, the toddler inside your baby begins to reveal itself. This means a major milestone could be approaching, and you’re sure to be having discussions with your partner and friends about whether the time for play school is ripe. All signs point to 2½ being a good age to start. At that age, children can use short sentences, understand simple requests and instructions, begin to enjoy playing with – rather than just beside – other children and, as Marina Petropulos writes in the Baby and Childcare Handbook, being with Mom is ”no longer a primary concern”. But do all these things add up to being ready? Not always, and you won’t have to look far to find a parent for whom the attempt at school was…

A COOL COMBO Following the on-going popularity of How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? by Refiloe Moahloli, the original story is now available as a colouring-in book for children to have even more fun. Sara’s first day of school is full of surprises, but the biggest one of all is that there is more than one way to say hello. So, during the holidays, she sets off on a journey around the country in a hot air balloon, to learn them all. This delightful story of rhyming verse, accompanied by charming illustrations, is a must for all young South African children. It’s a perfect stay-at-home activity book. R95, everywhere that good books are sold. THE WAIT IS OVER At last! Another book from iconic author-and-illustrator duo Sam McBratney and…

All children need to snack. Children’s tummies are not big enough to take on board enough energy and nutrients from three meals per day. Choosing the right nibbles to give your toddler throughout the day is very important, especially while on holiday or outdoors in the hot December sun. WHAT SNACKS SHOULD I AVOID GIVING MY TODDLER? It is particularly important to avoid sugary and fatty foods as snacks, as we refer to these foods as empty energy foods that have no real nutritional value. When your child eats or drinks sugar, the bacteria in his mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the teeth’s hard outer layer. Over time, this will cause tooth cavities. These sugary foods can also raise your toddler’s blood…

Toddlers can provide such joy and positivity in the simplest of ways. A hug around the leg or an unexpected smile is enough to make your heart melt. However, they also bring with them unexpected horror when they bite their siblings or pinch the child next to them at playgroup. Little thugs just aren’t cute, are they? While these behaviours are actually common in toddlers, there is aline between developmentally appropriate and bullying behaviour. WHAT’S GOING ON? Children begin using single words at approximately 15 months and should be able to say phrases such as “want down” or “bye, Mama” at approximately 24 months. Around this age, they simply do not have the capacity to verbally communicate their frustrations, such as, “Don’t take my blocks, I was playing with them!”…

Every morning, 2-year-old Jenna insists that her mom, Carol Watson, puts spreads on her toast in exactly the same way. Carol explains, “Jenna has a fit if the peanut butter is under the honey, instead of on top. She also insists on placing all her farm animals in an exact circle at bedtime and cries if they fall over.” Carol says she is concerned that her child is showing early signs of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – extreme, ritualistic behaviour that may cause severe disruption or stress to the person afflicted with it. And what about a child who insists on putting on his shoes before putting on his shirt – or a toddler who will eat her cereal only if it’s in her “bunny bowl” and bursts into tears…

■ After the deworming, always clean your child’s underwear and bedding in hot water to get rid of the parasite eggs that may have been left behind. You might even spot some worms on the bedding – they look like little cotton threads. ■ Always clean and wash your fruits and vegetables. Do not eat fruits or vegetables that have bad spots or worms, even the parts that look clean. ■ Wear shoes when playing outdoors, especially in the garden. ■ Children should also not be defecating in the garden; rather use a potty or toilet to do so. Teach children also not to put soil in their mouth. ■ Everyone in the family should be treated for worms as a precautionary measure. ■ Wash your hands often, and scrub…

“All in a day’s work,” we quip when we’re expected to deal with an unusual event at the office. And yes, Hlengiwe Cynthia Nkosi does work at 4-A-Kid, an online baby shop, so babies are her bread and butter. But she certainly didn’t expect to bring twins home with her when she set off for work on Friday, 25 September 2020, at just seven months pregnant. Hlengiwe takes orders and packs stock for 4-A-Kid (4akid.co.za) owner Ally Cohen, where she works from Ally’s home office with three other women. Hlengiwe, who hails from Dumbe in KwaZulu-Natal, has two older daughters, Asanda, who is 12, and seven-year-old Nokuthula, and lives in Malvern in Johannesburg with the children’s father, Teboho Pitso. She says: “On that day, I woke up and went to…

Over the years of running our cover competition, it has just become harder to go through thousands and thousands of gorgeous photographs and then only choose one winner. So we went back to the drawing board and decided that every child featured on our cover should be a winner! Your Pregnancy & Baby has six issues per year, and we alternate our covers by featuring a pregnant woman on every second cover, so that means that there are three covers free for a winning child. Our sister magazine, Baba & Kleuter, will have three issues in 2021, and we need three winners. So all in all six cover stars are needed: two boys, two newborns of any gender and two girls. Turn to page 16 and page 121 to get…

YOU COULD WIN A BIO-OIL HAMPER WORTH R900 Eight lucky readers stand a chance to win a Bio-Oil hamper. Bio-Oil’s range of specialist scar and stretch mark skincare oils give your skin exactly what it needs pre and post your pregnancy journey, so that it can stretch and recover beautifully. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil and NEW Skincare Oil (Natural) are light, non-greasy and absorb easily. From bump to baby, love your skin. Own it. To enter, send a hi-res image of your child with a parent, other carer or sibling to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Send a clear, good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

BUY A HOTEL!  The Candide Solitary Bee Hotel provides solitary bees with a safe and secure place to live and breed. Solitary bees, of which there are approximately 1 300 species in South Africa, live alone, although often in close proximity to each other. At least 50 percent of local species breed in dry wood, hollow reeds, branches and logs, and many are unable to make the holes that they use for breeding. So sometimes they need a little assistance. The Candide Solitary Bee Hotel gives these creatures just that. A rectangular piece of wood with a number of different-sized holes bored into it, it mimics natural breeding nests and attracts solitary bees. They use the holes as a safe breeding place and, once they have laid their eggs, they…

Set aside some quiet time to create this cute paper angel. Read all the instructions first, so you know what is coming. If you want to make more than one angel, photocopy the pages first, so you have more sets of the cut-outs with which to work. Apart from that, you need sharp scissors, glue and some enthusiasm. Crank up the Christmas carols and get to work! YOU WILL NEED: ❯❯ Small sharp-pointed scissors ❯❯ Stick of glue HALO Cut, fold and stick the halo together, and then attach it to the back of the angel’s head. Do this last. Tilt the halo so that it hovers over the angel’s head. TIP  Cut out the inside of the halo only after you’ve glued the two sides together; it’s half the…

WHAT NOT TO WEAR Choose your clothes with care. Synthetic, clingy fabrics will leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton and linen that allow your skin to breathe. Invest in a couple of cotton summer dresses or trendy kaftans, and you’ll feel as light and carefree as a spring breeze. Don’t try to squeeze your hot, swollen feet into tight, closed shoes. Buy some flip flops. DRINK UP The best way to keep your cool during summer is to drink fluids and stay hydrated. If you’re feeling thirsty, you’re probably a bit dehydrated already. Water’s the purest and best solution, but diluted fruit juices, milk and electrolyte-balancing sports drinks are just as effective. You need to strike a balance though, as an excessive, fast…

Intelligence is a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, or nature and nurture. Your baby is born with genes inherited from both parents, which to some extent set potential. Not every child has the potential to be an Olympic gymnast or a concert cellist or a Nobel scientist, no matter how many extra lessons you drive her to! Similarly, a child with great mathematical potential who grows up with no schooling and no support will not have the environmental opportunities to develop that talent. The environment in which your baby grows up – what she experiences, her toys and books, her diet, her siblings, an illness or accident, her school and many more contributing factors –will influence how she grows up intellectually, physically and emotionally. Genetic and environmental factors…

1 DEVELOP YOUR OWN BIRTH PLAN Your birth plan should outline everything you want and need out of birth. Be sure to show this to your healthcare provider. Your birth plan should cover all aspects, from the medication you want or don’t want and the type of birth you prefer to the music you’d like to hear when Baby appears. Remember though 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 your partner can feel…

Now you’re pregnant it’s more important than ever to eat a healthy diet and provide all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help your baby grow, and stay on top of your own health. There are specific times in your pregnancy when you need a good supply of certain food groups, and we’ve made it easy for you with our guide to what you should be eating in each trimester. FIRST TRIMESTER The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is one of the most crucial periods of your baby’s development. By the end of the first trimester all your baby’s internal organs have formed. YOUR VITAL FOOD: FOLIC ACID All women planning a pregnancy, or who are in the early stages of pregnancy, should increase their folic acid intake to 0.4-0.5mg…

Those first movements – known as “quickening” – are defined as the first time you feel your baby move. If you are expecting your first baby, you can expect to feel movement for the first time between 18 and 24 weeks gestation. If this is not your first baby, you can expect to feel your baby a bit sooner. This is usually so because you recognise the feeling and also because your uterus is more stretched out than it was the first time. Some moms can feel their babies move as early as 13 to 16 weeks from the start of their last period. Remember that each woman and each pregnancy is different, so you may not feel movement as early as another mom. There is a broad range of…

On average, the cord measures between 54 and 61cm (about the width of a microwave oven). Some extra-long cords have measured more than 100cm! A short cord measures less than 32cm (about the length of a long ruler). Cells that will become the umbilical cord develop within the first week of pregnancy. At six weeks, when the baby is the size of a capsule, the heart is already beating and pulsating blood through the thick but tiny umbilical cord connecting the baby to the placenta. After the birth, when the cord is exposed to the air, the Wharton’s jelly quickly deteriorates and contracts, helping to stop the blood flow and the bleeding. As soon as the cord stops pulsating, the doctor or midwife will clamp it with a plastic peg…

1 HELP IS ON THE WAY Don’t be afraid to ask guests for a little help, especially from members of the family. You can save money by asking someone to bake the cake and others to bring flowers and snacks. 2 WRAPPED UPInstead of wasting money on wrapping paper, why not wrap the gift in a receiving blanket, baby sheet, or cloth nappy? 3 TREAT HER LIKE A LADY While the gifts for baby are essential, why don’t a few of you chip in for a present for Mom? You can give her some sexy lingerie, body creams and a gift voucher for a facial or manicure for use after pregnancy. Another great gift is a voucher for a family photo shoot. 4 IT’S HER SPECIAL DAY While some moms…

During his first year, the time your baby spends awake alters drastically. Here’s a quick guide: BIRTH TO SIX WEEKS 40 to 60 minutes at a time SIX TO 12 WEEKS 60 to 80 minutes at a time THREE TO SIX MONTHS 90 minutes at a time SIX TO NINE MONTHS 120 minutes at a time NINE TO 12 MONTHS 150 minutes at a time You’ll notice your baby is overtired when he shows these signs: ■ Irritability ■ Looking away from you ■ Squirming with frantic movements ■ Arching his back and neck ■ Frowning ■ Hiccups and colour changes around the mouth ■ Gagging and spitting up ■ Crying When this happens you should: ■ Calm his environment and reduce stimulation (noise, light, etc). ■ Hold him firmly…

■ Do this at a time when your baby is lying quietly with her eyes open and her limbs relaxed. ■ Make sure that you have no chance of being distracted for at least 10 minutes. ■ Keep the movements you use slow and firm. ■ Use a good quality baby oil or organic oil when you massage. ■ Make sure the room is comfortably warm, remembering that newborns cannot maintain their body temperature as well as you can. ■ Place baby on a clean, soft surface. ■ Ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable during the massage. ■ Make sure you have your oils, a spare nappy and towel and anything else you may need before you start.…

WHEN WILL MY SON PASS URINE FOR THE FIRST TIME? More than 95 percent of all babies pass urine within the first 24 hours of birth, while some let go the minute they are born. If your baby is born in the hospital, the nurses will want to know if he passed urine. Speak to your doctor if things appear abnormal. Urine should flow and not come out in little droplets. Consult your doctor immediately if the tip of the penis swells up when he passes urine. IS IT NORMAL FOR BABIES TO HAVE AN ERECTION? Yes, this is normal. Even though his erection is not sexual in nature, babies can get an erection due to increased blood flow to his penis. Little boys also get an erection before they…

■ Your medicine chest and first aid kit should be locked away safely at all times. ■ Never ever give a baby or a child aspirin. It is very dangerous for them. ■ Check your supplies regularly, get rid of expired products and make a note to replace them. Don’t throw the expired meds in the bin – return them to the pharmacy so they can be disposed of properly. ■ If your baby has any strange reaction to medication, such as a rash, or if his condition worsens, see the doctor immediately. ■ Never give medication meant for older children or adults to babies. ■ Stick religiously to the recommended dosages, and measure accurately. Don’t guess. Medicines are often worked out according to weight, so if your baby is…

1 IS SHE HUNGRY? YES It might be time for a feed. Newborns usually sleep for about three or four hours between feeds, which gradually increases as they get older. By 6 or 8weeks of age many babies are sleeping for as many as eight uninterrupted hours. Sometimes, babies who are around 4 to 6 months of age, who usually sleep through the night, start to wake up often. This may be a sign that they are ready to be introduced to solid food. NO? Then see question 2 2 IS HER NAPPY WET OR SOILED? YES Time for a change! NO? Then see question 3 3 IS SHE TOO HOT OR COLD? The nursery temperature should be between 18˚ and 21˚Celsius for Baby to be comfortable. If you’re using…

The most reliable person’s advice to trust on this, is the teacher who is spending the day with your child. It can take anything from six weeks to a whole term to settle. Some children can even cry for an entire year. Teachers have seen so many children, and they know when there’s aproblem. You really just need to learn to trust the teacher, gauge her, gauge the system, and then make a decision. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to chat to the teacher’s assistant too. It’s also very important to let your child’s teacher know what’s going on at home. For example, are you going through adivorce, separation or any marital problems? Has there been a new baby or a death of a pet? The problem might only be…

DAY 30 GET TESTED Schedule an eye test and hearing test if your child has never had those done before. DAY 29 BUY THE UNIFORM Ideally you should get three sets: one for the wash, one for the cupboard, and one to wear. Clothes should fit comfortably and not be so big that they get in the way of your child’s play and movements. DAY 28 ORDER LABELS There are great options for many different types of labels, and stickers and stamps for marking everything from a shoe to a pencil – just do an internet search to see what’s available, and order now. DAY 27 SHARPEN SKILLS Children forget alot during the holidays. Do alittle informal test to check that your child still has these basic skills: ■ Can…

It’s not always easy to find the time and energy to be creative when your child says he’s hungry and you’re out of your comfort zone, on holiday. The temptation to give him a biscuit or something sweet that is easy and that you know is going to keep him quiet is often overwhelming. For these moments, it’s useful to always have something ready, like carrot sticks or some washed grapes. (Grapes should be chopped in half for the younger toddler to avoid the risk of choking.) Little bowls with lids, and sandwich bags are very useful. You can make a selection of healthy snacks and keep them in a cooler bag to consume at a moment’s notice when your toddler is hungry. Offering a variety of textures and tastes…

■ Be calm and firm, saying, “No biting,” or, “Biting hurts.” These are simple phrases that a toddler can easily understand. ■ If your toddler gets upset when he realises he has hurt his playmate, or at the tone of your voice, wait for him to be calm, and then offer alternatives to his behaviour, such as what he could say in a similar situation instead of hurting his friends or you. ■ Help your child express his feelings. Use appropriate words to convey back to him what he is feeling, so that he learns how to express himself appropriately. ■ Offer an alternative physical release for his frustration, like hitting a pillow instead of aperson or roaring like a lion instead of shouting. ■ Teach your toddler how to…

As children grow, they’re exposed to the world outside of themselves and are busy learning about how things work, says Sheryl Cohen, an educational psychologist. She explains: “ To make sense of this world, they tend to apply rigid rules about the outside world – which they then stick to religiously. If you always put on Joshua’s right shoe first, then he’ll expect you to do it that way always, and if you don’t, you might be faced with a temper tantrum. This is not because he’s developing obsessive compulsive disorder – it’s because he’s trying to establish rules for himself about how the world works. So many behaviours that seem inexplicable are just a reflection of the rigid cognitive structure that toddlers have. This is normal – even if…

You might not notice symptoms during the day, but be on the lookout for sleep disruption as a possible indicator of worms. Paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair explains: “The male and female worm spend all day in the colon feeding off faecal matter and procreating. Then, through clever built-in sensors, the female worm senses that your toddler has fallen asleep because his heart rate and body temperature have dropped. She then wiggles her pin thin body (which is about two to three centimetres long) down his colon and pushes her bum out of your toddler’s anus, where she lays hundreds of microscopic eggs while wriggling around.” This is why the itchy feeling in the bum area that is associated with a worm infection gets so much worse at night. The worm’s…

TIMES ARE TIGHT. SHOULD WE BE SAVING FOR SCHOOLING? ”If you do not save for school uniforms, school fees and all the dozens of extras, this money will have to come out of your monthly cash flow that, in turn, limits what you can put away for your own retirement,” says Neil Thompson, head of product and customer value proposition at African Bank. Keep this in mind too: In order to compete in the job market one day, your child will need some form of tertiary education, which is not cheap. Thousands of university students never complete their studies because of financial difficulties. “Family holidays are a lifeline to good mental and spiritual health.” Start saving for education as soon as you can. Neil says parents who are serious…

Q My older sister has just found out that her children were sexually molested by a previous boyfriend. It made me go cold as I would never ever have suspected such a thing. Is there anything I should be doing or saying to my two little ones – I have a son of three and a daughter of four –that can somehow stop this from happening? Fortunately, they were never alone in his company. I’ve heard that very shy children fall victim more often to this kind of thing, and mine are both shy. But I can’t exactly change their personalities, can I? A MADELEIN KOEN ANSWERS: Sexual abuse can affect any child regardless of personality, age, gender, physical appearance or sexuality. In fact, research has shown that most perpetrators…

1 The competition will be open for entries from 16 October 2020 to 31 August 2020. No late entries will be accepted. See pages 16 & 17 for closing dates for the categories: boy, newborn, girl. 2 By entering the competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. 3 Participants must be either the parent or legal guardian of the child. The magazines reserve the right to request proof of such relation. If it is proven that there is no relation between the child and the person who sent the photo, that person will indemnify the magazines against any claim from any third party should the child be chosen as a winner. 4 You are automatically entered into both competitions: Your Pregnancy & Baby and Baba &…

WIN A BABY CITY VOUCHER VALUED AT R380 Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com Each photo published receives a R380 Baby City Voucher Send a clear, good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

GINGER GAMMON SERVES 8 The gammon has to soak in water for four to six hours, so begin this dish the day before. INGREDIENTS HAM • 3to 3,5kg smoked, deboned gammon • 4cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into discs • 1onion, sliced • afew bay leaves • 6black peppercorns • 6whole cloves • 2to 3 litres of ginger ale GLAZE • 75ml (5T) preserved ginger in syrup, finely chopped • 20ml (4t) ginger syrup from the preserve METHOD GAMMON 1 Soak the gammon for 4 to 6 hours in cold water before you start cooking. 2 Drain the gammon and place in a large pot. Add the fresh ginger, onion, bay leaves, pepper and cloves. Cover with ginger ale and bring to a boil. 3 Lower the temperature and simmer according to weight: 25 minutes per…

Whether it’s swollen feet or seeing stars, reflux or retching, the tortures your pregnant body inflicts on itself are certainly inventive. Yet most medicines are on the “no” list during pregnancy – irony alert! So trick your body right back: many foods contain ingredients that can counteract common pregnancy niggles. Here’s our guide: 1 NAUSEA Only a very few lucky women seem to escape the horrid feeling of nausea, at least for around weeks six to 14 of pregnancy. The theory is that the rush of the hormone hCG and possibly oestrogen, a hypersensitivity to smell, and the physical changes in a sensitive tummy cause the sensation. But isn’t it weird how you can be starving even while nauseous? This is because, in pregnancy, nausea is often caused by…

I THINK I MIGHT HAVE PCOS Q I’ve been struggling to fall pregnant. I’m only 30, and we’ve been trying for a year. I read a symptom guide for polycystic ovary syndrome, and I think I might have it. Should I go to the gynae, or can my GP help? How is it diagnosed and treated? A DR PETER KOLL ANSWERS: PCOS is a complex syndrome. The diagnosis depends on multiple factors and not simply scans and blood tests. The treatment varies depending on the severity and also on your needs at this particular time in your life. Your general practitioner may be able to help you with the diagnosis and management, especially if they have an interest in women’s health and infertility. I would suggest that you discuss this…

Q My skin goes crazy when I’m pregnant. First it was acne, and now I’m dealing with pigmentation. Both of these will be temporary, I’ve heard. But now I’m so afraid that stretch marks will be next, as those don’t go away, right? My heritage is Mediterranean, so I’m olive toned –not sure if that makes any difference. I also worry that my bad skin is a sign that my pregnancy isn’t healthy, but I’m really eating well, and otherwise Ifeel great. On the positive side, my hair and nails are thicker and stronger than ever. Why this positive effect, and then my skin is so bad? Are they all related? A DR TARRYN JACOBS ANSWERS: During pregnancy, our bodies undergo a variety of changes in many systems, and our…

Q I had an emergency caesar with my first baby, and my second will be born soon by elective caesar. I was knocked out the first time round, so don’t really know what to expect this time. I’ve heard a bit about gentle c-sections, or sensitive c-sections. What does this entail? Are most gynaes open to it? A DR MARLIZE LERM ANSWERS: I can hear you are a bit anxious about another caesarean section after your first birth experience. There must have been true urgency in getting you into the operating room as quickly as possible, to deliver your baby. Emergency caesars are so called, because that little baby, or babies, need to be delivered as soon as possible. In alot of life-threatening situations, the anaesthetist (the doctor specialised in…

FOR BABY Long-sleeved bodyvests Short-sleeved bodyvests Front-buttoning babygros Vest and legging sets Bibs Towelling nappies Socks and booties Bath and bedroom thermometer Disposable nappies Scented nappy bags Baby wipes Baby nail clippers Cotton wool Baby brush and comb Unscented baby products Bottle sets Medicine dispenser Vaseline Baby powder Teething gel Colic drops Mag-phos powder FOR THE NURSERY Bedding sets Cot mattress and lift wedge Safety pillow Sheets Cellular and polar fleece blankets Swaddling blankets Receiving blankets Hooded baby towels Face cloths Sleeping bags Feeding cushion with removable cover Changing mat FOR MOM Feeding bras Breast pads Sanitary pads Disposable underwear Breast pump Nipple cream Baby bag Books and magazines BIG SPENDER Nappydisposablesystem Baby carrier Camp cot Baby monitor Car seat Stroller or pram…

Going on holiday is bound to cause some disruption to your child’s routine. Bear in mind though, that the new environment is simply a new set of bricks and mortar! Do your best to keep your little one’s daily routine as similar as possible to what it usually is at home, even if it means having to leave the beach early, or cut short a fun activity. You do need to enjoy your holiday though, so you can relax the boundaries a bit as long as your child’s temperament allows you to do so. Some little ones rely on a familiar environment to feel safe and secure, so if necessary, have plenty of extra hugs and kisses on hand!…

1 HE LOOKS A BIT FUNNY Far from the pictures of chubby babies you’re used to seeing on every magazine cover, website and pamphlet you’ve read throughout your pregnancy, your newborn’s looks may come as a surprise. He’ll be quite red and wrinkly and may even sport a fine covering of hair over his body called “lanugo”. (This will go away over time.) And if you had avaginal birth, his face may look a little squashed. He’ll smooth out soon enough though. 2 THAT FIRST POO IS HECTIC! For the first few days, your baby’s stools consist of meconium, a sticky greenish black substance that lined your baby’s intestines during pregnancy. To clean it up, wipe your baby’s bottom with a ball of cotton wool dipped in water, and coat…

1 QUICK MASH BANANA & PAPAYA MAKES ABOUT 125ml INGREDIENTS • 1thick slice of papaya, peeled • ½banana, peeled METHOD 1 Really? You don’t need a recipe for this! Just mash it up with a fork. 2 OLD FAVOURITE AVO & BANANA MAKES ABOUT 100ml INGREDIENTS • 1thick slice of ripe avocado • ½ripe banana METHOD 1 Fork mash the avo and banana until soft. Keep your baby’s chewing ability in mind when deciding how soft to go. 2 Your baby’s appetite will determine if this is one meal, or whether half can be kept for later. 3 When feeding your baby raw fruit like bananas, make sure you choose ripe fruit, not green fruit. Green fruit can cause tummy aches. 3 STONE FRUIT COMBO GEM SQUASH & PEACH MAKES ABOUT 250 –375ml INGREDIENTS…

Even though it is tough dropping your little one off at first, what they learn at play school is vital for their independence and development. You are bound to get a reaction from a toddler starting school for the first time, and there’ll definitely be some sort of emotional display that will manifest itself behaviourally, for instance crying, disengaging or acting tough. You might also have to deal with screaming matches. Check yourself: does the anxiety about school stem from you? Try your utmost to control your own anxiety and adjust your behaviour accordingly, so you can help your child to settle in and feel less anxious too. Children pick up on their parents’ emotions without them even realising it. Ask any teacher – mostly, once the doors close, the…

JUST BE YOURSELF Elephant Me is an empowering story of a little elephant called Num-Num, who discovers the importance of being himself and discovering his own special talent. This book is from the same team that created the international bestseller Giraffes Can’t Dance, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. R189 (paperback), Pan Macmillan. A HAPPY START TO SCHOOL A delightful rhyming picture book that is perfect for any little dragon (or child) getting ready to start nursery school. This story will go a long way to setting your nervous little one at ease about the big adventure to come. When A Dragon Goes to School by Caryl Hart, R180, Pan Macmillan. ESSENTIAL READING You simply can’t go wrong with a book by Julia Donaldson. The Hospital Dog just…

To prevent these snacks from spoiling or perishing in the hot sun can become a challenge. There are many health hazards with regards to keeping your fresh snacks cold. Here are some tips to prevent risks: KEEP CLEAN ■ Wash your hands and your toddler’s hands before preparing or eating the food. ■ Wash your hands and your toddler’s hands after using the toilet – keep some antiseptic wipes in your nappy bag. ■ Keep the area on which you prepare or serve the food clean. SEPARATE RAW AND COOKED FOODS ■ Use separate containers for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination. COOK THOROUGHLY ■ Ensure that the food is cooked through when you are planning to eat it cold or at a later stage. Don’t undercook the…

STRAWBERRY & MAPLE SYRUP PANCAKES TAKES 20 MINUTES TO MAKE AND SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 200g all-purpose gluten-free flour • 2eggs • 600ml coconut milk • 1T vegetable oil • 1cup strawberries • 4T maple syrup METHOD 1 Add the flour to a bowl, then gradually whisk in the eggs and milk until smooth. This can also be done in a food processor. 2 Heat a thin layer of oil in a non-stick pan until a drop of water skitters when dropped on the surface. Add 3T of the batter to the pan, swirling to coat the base of the pan. 3 Cook the pancake for 2 minutes, until firm and golden brown underneath, then use a non-stick spatula to flip it over. Cook for 1 minute more. 4 Slide the pancake onto a warm plate.…