Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2021 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

IBTIESHAAM VAN DER POEL, 33, from Delft, Cape Town, says that the first thing she did was take another two pregnancy tests! MBALI NKABINDE, 33, from Witbank, Mpumalanga: “I got on my knees and cried, thanking God. I was so happy because I had been struggling to fall pregnant for seven years. I still thank God for blessing me.” LEBO NO-YANGABUSI KATAMETSI, 33, from Arcadia, Pretoria: “I literally jumped for joy. I phoned hubby to rush home, and I took a video of his reaction when he saw the test.” CHARNÉ WARD, 44, from Pretoria: “I immediately went to Woolies and bought a yellow babygrow and then I cried all the way home. Two weeks later I found out it was twins, and off to Woolies I went again!” NTHATI…

HOW OLD IS JECOLIAH NOW? HOW DID YOU PICK HER NAME? Jecoliah is 10 weeks old. We’re first-time parents, and it has been exhausting but also extremely rewarding. Jonty, her dad, and I have been together for seven years now. We always wanted a biblical name for our child but didn’t spend much time thinking about girl names as the male gene is so dominant in both our families! We loved the name Shekhinah, which means ”the glory of God”. My husband, however, won the battle and was allowed to continue the tradition of names starting with J. Jonty’s mom had a name picked for a girl over 30 years ago that she didn’t get to use. Luckily for her, her first grandchild is a little girl. The name Jecoliah…

#DEFEATMENINGITIS Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The disease can take a loved one’s life in fewer than 24 hours. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by a bacterium that can lead to more serious manifestations, including meningitis and septic shock. Although uncommon in South Africa, IMD is a devastating illness that largely affects young children. If left untreated, severe long-term consequences can include deafness and brain damage leading to severe cognitive and functional problems, and in the case of septic shock, can include limb amputations. “When someone has IMD, the most important thing is to act fast,” warns Dr Nasiha Soofie, medical head at Sanofi Pasteur Vaccines. “Any delay in diagnosis and treatment claims lives and leaves many others with serious lifelong…

Working mothers have several options when it comes to the care of their children, from family care to fulltime crèches. All have benefits and drawbacks. Cristine Scolari, a Joburg-based clinical psychologist who specialises in children and adolescents, weighs in on the benefits and drawbacks of family care. PROS ■ For a mother, leaving her little one with someone she can trust gives her peace of mind. ■ Baby may be exposed to a rich cultural and language heritage that may not always be possible in other contexts, such as daycare. ■ Other family members who live with the grandparents may also help with childcare, and baby may form close bonds with them too. ■ Babies who have strong attachments with caregivers do better, according to some theories – so having…

WE ASKED MEN AND WOMEN TO TELL US HOW THEY VIEW THE FATHER’S ROLE IN THEIR FAMILY. HERE ARE THE RESULTS: ■ When asked whether they felt their husbands and partners were good fathers, 100 percent of the women said yes. The women gave an average rating of how they saw their partner’s involvement with the child as 4.5 out of 5 and, interestingly enough, the men rated themselves lower than this. ❯❯ 100 percent of the fathers also felt they were good fathers. WHEN ASKED HOW THEY FEEL THEIR PARTNERS HAVE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING FATHERS, THE WOMEN’S TOP 3 COMMENTS WERE: ■ He’s more serious ■ He’s more responsible ■ He’s more focused on, or worried about, the future. ❯❯ 54 percent of the dads agreed with these statements.…

The rapid growth of a baby is so fascinating. What has been going on at cellular level is even more amazing. 1 MONTH During the first month, your baby’s cardiovascular system is up and running at 21 days. The heart is beating, and blood is pumped around Baby’s body. The central nervous system has started wiring what will be the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube has zipped itself shut by the end of the fourth week. The folds of the face become distinct, and there are spots where the eyes and the ears are beginning to form. 2 MONTHS During the second month, the limbs branch out, and tiny paddles have formed where the hands and feet will grow. Bone has started to be laid down. The ears…

If you have severe indigestion, or if changes to your diet and lifestyle don’t work, your doctor or midwife may suggest using medication to help ease your symptoms. Several indigestion medicines are safe to use during pregnancy. However, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking anything that they have not recommended. Antacids containing calcium or magnesium are safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, the extra calcium in antacids is good for you and Baby. Calcium is nature’s own antacid. It will neutralise excess stomach acid and help the digestive tract to function more efficiently. Beware that an excess of calcium can cause constipation. The types of medicines that may be prescribed for indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy are: ANTACIDS Antacids are a type of medicine that can…

DON’T GO IN TOO SOON Make sure you are in active labour (contractions are stronger and closer together) before you move to a hospital or birth centre. Moving to the hospital too soon can make even an average length labour seem long and slow because most women find the hospital to be boring in early labour. STAY POSITIVE Make sure your team knows to reassure, praise and encourage you every step of the way. DON’T GET HUNG UP ON TIME As hard as it is, don’t clock watch. If you watch the clock, even a normal length labour seems long. GET ACTIVELY INVOLVED Sometimes you simply need to move. Moving will help your baby move down with gravity, applying more pressure to the cervix. It can also help your baby…

Sweating it out in the gym is off the cards for a while. Be realistic about your fitness goals. The weight didn’t pile on overnight, and it won’t melt away overnight either, so take things easy. A c-section is a big operation, and you shouldn’t stress your body unnecessarily afterwards. Allow yourself enough time to heal. What you can do immediately afterwards: your Kegel exercises, while sitting or lying down. Avoid crunches, situps and rotational exercises completely. After about eight to 10 weeks, you can begin a formal exercise regime, with your doctor’s okay. Base it on your fitness before the birth. If you’ve been doing your Kegels, your recovery time will be shorter, and you can get more active sooner. Be very aware of your posture and move deliberately…

Q My husband learnt at 48 that he has lived his whole life so far with a hole in his heart. Google tells us that up to a quarter of adults have this – we were astounded. My understanding is that it is genetic, but now this makes me worry about our baby and our future babies, as congenital heart issues are so common, right? And we clearly have it in the family. Will our baby’s heart be examined properly at birth? How do we know if the hole will close by itself? A PROFESSOR NTSINJANA ANSWERS: Yes, it is not uncommon for one to find out as an adult that they have a hole in the heart. In actual fact, congenital heart defect (CHD) may be diagnosed at any…

What will your baby do, and how best can you care for her in the 10 days following birth? And, just as important – what is happening to you right now, and how can you nurture yourself during this somewhat daunting time? DAY 1 BABY After birth, your baby will receive an Apgar score to test her state of health and vital signs, and then snuggle up to you for some bonding time and possibly a first attempt at breastfeeding. (The Apgar test is given to newborns soon after birth to check a baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, and other signs to see if extra medical care or emergency care is needed. The test is usually given twice: once at 1 minute after birth and again at 5 minutes after…

If your baby has developed a sleep habit that’s dependent on you and is older than 6 months, you will need to teach her new and healthy sleep associations. To do this, start with a healthy bedtime routine to help her shift down a state. Then offer a new sleep association, such as a blanky or dummy, instead of the breast or being rocked to sleep. In summary, it is realistic to expect your baby to fall asleep independently. Up to 4 months of age, many babies require a little help to fall asleep, but from 4 to 6 months onwards, you need to encourage sleep associations that can be used independently.…

Q I’m a granny writing to you because I’m concerned about my grandson, who is now 5 months old. I’ve told my daughter about my concern, but she is not taking it seriously, so I’m hoping that an expert can confirm that I’m not just being an old fuddy-duddy. I’ve noticed that my grandson spends most of his waking hours, as well as many of his sleeping hours, strapped into his car seat. This is not only when driving, but at home too. He gets fed his bottle and meals while strapped in, so the car seat is doing double duty as a highchair! I worry that this cannot be good for his development. He still isn’t rolling, and by now I would have expected it. He also has a…

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So your little one wants to wear her Elsa dress to playschool, again. You feel as if you’ve fought (and lost) an epic battle – and it’s not even 8am. The best way to not have these daily battles is to avoid them wherever possible, says educational psychologist Anel Annandale from Cape Town. “Consider whether there’s really a valid reason she shouldn’t wear that outfit, and if there isn’t, then don’t fight it.” Anel’s rule of thumb for a toddler’s dress code is that, as long as it’s appropriate for the weather and your child’s important parts are covered, anything goes. “Toddlers don’t have the insight to understand they will freeze halfway through the day if they’re wearing a summer dress, so this is where you need to guide them…

...RIDE A BIKE Alistair, dad to Daniel (3), insists that the key to teaching his son to ride a bike was to teach him how to balance, scooter-style, first. “First we taught Daniel to ride a J D Bug balance bike – it does not have pedals or support wheels. He learnt how to balance first and to stop himself from falling over. We then put him on a normal bike with fairy wheels, and he is learning to pedal without the fear of falling.” Other tips for bike riding include: ■ The bicycle should be small enough so that both feet are on the ground when sitting on the bike. ■ Don’t add pedals until he has learnt to balance – this lets him feel safe and gives him…

Q We have dyslexia in the family. My older brother is dyslexic, and I remember the struggle throughout his whole school career. He hated school in a way I’ve never experienced since. I’m sharing this history as I think it might be affecting my judgement. My youngest started Grade R this year, and I suspect that he might be dyslexic too. We are working hard at his letter recognition, but he struggles, and it clearly frustrates him. He swaps letters no matter how many times we go over it. With most things in life, I guess early intervention is better. But how do I know for sure that he has it? Isn’t it a little early to diagnose it? Who can I see about this? I’m also mindful of creating…

AIM FOR: ■ HEALTH On a very basic level, happiness and psychological wellbeing need a healthy body to foster a healthy mind. Aim for balance in your child’s life. Try not to arrange too many activities, and ensure he gets enough sleep, since a tired child isn’t a happy child. Maintain other healthy habits such as a healthy diet and minimising sugar to guard against mood swings caused by sugar lows. Exercise is vital, as it promotes health and works off negative emotions. ■ FUN It’s so easy to forget to have fun. As mentioned earlier, feel-good happiness derives more from positive experiences than material things. Researchers from the University of Colorado and Cornell University in the USA have shown that happy experiences become part of who we are and…

It stands for in vitro fertilisation. Basically, an egg is fertilised, with sperm, but instead of inside the woman’s body, the process takes place outside, or ”in glass”, as those in the industry say. The fertilised egg then undergoes a process of embryo culture for two to six days, and it is then implanted back into the woman’s uterus. The cost for IVF varies, but can start anywhere from R40 000 per treatment cycle if there are no complications. The Bodensteins IVF journey cost approximately R75 000.…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! The Carriwell Maternity Support Belt (R275) dramatically reduces or completely eliminates lower back pain by gently lifting the abdomen and encouraging a more correct posture. It is easy to put on and fully adjustable. The broad soft belt gently lifts your tummy, relieving downward pressure. It applies counter pressure to any area of discomfort in the back. Available at Baby City, Babies R Us at Toys R Us, Dis-Chem, takealot.com, loot.co.za and leading baby and maternity stores.…

ENJOY EVERY DAY LOW PRICES WITH BABY CITY Baby City offers a wide range of quality branded items all under one roof. With everyday low prices, it is no wonder Baby City is South Africa’s leading baby hyper. Visit babycity.co.za to see the enormous range of products. TOUCH, NOURISH & LOVE YOUR CHILD’S SKIN WITH EPI-MAX BABY &  JUNIOR A gentle all-purpose emollient moisturiser for babies and children that is mild enough to be used as a moisturiser or a soap substitute on normal and dry skin, and for eczema and psoriasis. Epi-max Baby Bum Barrier Cream protects, conditions and restores sensitive skin areas, and can be used to repel wetness that could cause nappy rash. The range can be used from birth and is identifiable by the lilac packaging.…

Louis Pasteur is probably turning in his grave. Pasteur was the Frenchman who did breakthrough work in the 1800s in terms of vaccinating against deadly contagious diseases. It has become the law in his country of birth for parents to have their children inoculated. It is “unacceptable” that children are “still dying from measles” in the birth country of the earliest pioneers of vaccinations, said prime minister Édouard Philippe at the time. What brought on this comment, you might wonder? A new French revolution is brewing, fuelled by the so-called “anti-vaxxers”. Not just in France though… Across the developed world, vaccination rates are dropping because of suspicions and insinuations about vaccines. And governments are responding with legislation and official vaccination programmes. Like in Italy, where children who are not inoculated…

You may be over the moon about the pea-sized person growing inside of you, until the first bout of nausea hits. Here are the facts, tips and tricks to understand and survive this rather unwelcome pregnancy symptom. WHEN DOES IT START AND STOP? Nausea, together with tender breasts, is often the first sign that there is something in utero and generally starts at around week six of pregnancy. It is hardly a predictable symptom and (unlike the name suggests), can hit at any time of day or night. You might vomit in the morning but feel fine for the rest of the day. Or you might be constantly queasy but never throw up. Then there are a handful of unlucky moms who will throw up for nine months, nonstop. In…

Understanding why this common pregnancy ailment happens may make it easier for you to tolerate it. Don’t worry, there are ways to manage the “fire” that you may be feeling. Heartburn can happen at any time, but is usually more severe in the second or third trimester. “Milk is very soothing to a raw lower oesophagus that has been burnt by the acid reflux, but because of its protein content it in fact increases acid production, so the short-term relief is exacerbated later.” Progesterone, the hormone that relaxes smooth muscles in pregnancy, has an effect on the stomach and stomach valve that keeps acid out of the oesophagus. In addition, the growing uterus starts to enter the abdominal cavity and crowds the stomach, forcing acid into the oesophagus through the…

Q I’m 34 and my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for more than nine years. We are finally 10 weeks pregnant and we were happy until I started bleeding. I had no pain but experienced big clots. My lower back is not in pain but it feels as if I am not sitting properly (like something is sitting in my lower spine). The clots only come out when I feel uncomfortable in my lower back. When I was five weeks pregnant, I had an ultrasound, and my gynaecologist told me that there was a dark spot next to the baby. Now there is no heartbeat, and my breasts are not tender. I am worried that I will have a miscarriage. A TINA ANSWERS: While spotting in…

While we all hope for a swift, controlled labour (as nature intended), many things will influence what happens on the day. The position and condition of your baby on the day, your own physical ability (fitness), the kind of attention and support you get, and the amount of medical intervention that may happen can hugely influence your labour. Lack of confidence and fear are also big culprits in putting on the brakes during labour. It is unfair for caregivers to expect all of us to labour in the same way. Hormones control the start and maintenance of labour, and it’s the disturbance of the balance of these hormones that can cause labour to slow or stall. Just like we all take different times to reach an orgasm, we take different…

Recovery will take some time. Good thing, though, is that you have a darling newborn who can serve as the motivation and reward for feeling better again. Let’s have a look at what you can expect in the hours, days and weeks after the caesarian and see how you can support your healing. GOOD START Joburg midwife Janine Nash says that optimal nutrition and health aren’t only important during pregnancy. They also help you recover better afterwards. “Try and be as healthy as you can when you go into theatre. Try not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight. Overweight women struggle more after a c-section, as sometimes the wound lies in a fold of skin, so the chance of infection is greater, as air doesn’t get to…

“I experienced intense pain for about an hour afterwards. When I stood up later that evening, it really felt as if my insides were going to slip out of me. The painkillers helped a lot. I felt much better in general once the catheter had been removed. My second caesar hurt less, and standing up was easier and that weird sensation wasn’t there at all. I started driving after 10 days! The second scar also looked better than the first, as they cut out all the old scar tissue of the first c-section.” HELEEN SWART, JOHANNESBURG “In hospital I took all the painkillers exactly as told, and the pain really wasn’t bad. But my first night at home was quite uncomfortable. I think I overdid things, as my first child…

Woolworths has relaunched its baby wipes as a new and improved version of the previous range. In addition, it has also included a new line of wipes, made from bamboo plant fibres. The wipes are enriched with nourishing oils and components, leaving delicate baby skin feeling extra soft, moisturised and protected, and are the ideal combination of thickness, softness and absorbency for all kinds of clean-ups. Even the lid has been improved to seal better! The products are all housed in sustainable, fully recyclable packaging. They are also vegan, endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty and are free from alcohol, parabens and harsh chemicals. From R21,99 to R105,99 depending on size and type.…

Winter: ‘Tis the season for stuffy noses. It’s not that viruses and germs become infused with special superpowers when it’s cold. Studies suggest that the bugs can live longer in wetter conditions or at certain temperatures, or that the closed doors and indoor lifestyle of winter means that the germs and critters are more concentrated and better able to target their victims. No matter the reason, it’s best to avoid the real schoolyard bully by staying out of his way in the first place, Covid-19 included of course. HOW DO YOU GET IT? Merely being cold or wet will not make your child sick – that’s another old wives’ tale. A person actually needs to inhale or ingest the bacteria or virus to get sick – and these could be…

Clinical research shows that the definition of fever changes with a child’s age.** What is a normal temperature in a 4-year-old can be a fever in a newborn. To help interpret temperature more easily, Braun has developed age-adjustable fever guidance that takes the guesswork out of temperature interpretation and brings reassurance when it comes to understanding the temperature. Patented Age Precision Technology is found in Braun’s IRT6520 ThermoScan 7. This infrared ear thermometer from the no.1 thermometer brand recommended by doctors* also features patented pre-warmed tip and ExacTemp to help ensure professional accuracy of the measurement.…

❯❯ PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Through play, your child develops control of her body. She learns eye-hand coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and how to balance. ❯❯ EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Play teaches your child to express herself. She learns that not knowing where a favourite toy is makes her feel sad, or that finding her “blankie” hidden under her bed makes her feel happy. ❯❯ SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Your child learns, from cause and effect in interactions with other children, how to express herself in a socially acceptable manner. She will learn very quickly that there are consequences, like screaming, hitting and biting, when she grabs a toy from a playmate. On the playground, children learn to share, to compromise and to be aware of friends’ feelings. ❯❯ INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT Play is essential…

CHICKEN & MUSHROOM POT PIE INGREDIENTS • 4T butter • 2T olive oil • 1 leek, finely chopped • 250g mushrooms, sliced • 1 carrot, peeled & grated • 400g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces • 2T flour • 250ml (1 cup) milk • 125ml (½ cup) cream • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • small bunch fresh parsley, chopped • ½ packet (150g) puff pastry METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Melt half the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Fry the leeks and mushrooms until lightly browned, then add the carrot and fry for a few minutes. Spoon it out and keep aside. Add the rest of the butter to the same saucepan and fry the chicken until cooked. 2. Put the vegetables back into the saucepan. Remove the pan from heat…

The key to teaching your child a new skill is encouragement. Even if he does not succeed, praise him, and urge him to try again. Give him lots of opportunities to practise, and be flexible – if learning to wash his hands means a messy bathroom for a few days, or if getting dressed on his own means he spends a week in the same pair of trousers and mismatched top, go with the flow. The more he practises, the better he’ll be, and the more likely he will develop the self-confidence to master new and different skills. “Give your child lots of opportunities to succeed at something, for example let him help you unpack the groceries, undo his own nappy, drink from a ‘big’ cup,” suggests Joburg clinical psychologist…

If you’re running out of space to store your child’s art, here’s a great solution. Email or WhatsApp photos of each piece of art to Kidskuns Custom Art Books and have them converted into an A4 or A5 book. The books keep memories safe and make great gifts for grandparents. Have a look at instagram.com/ kidskunsartbooks. It costs R300 for an A4 of 20 pictures, and R280 for an A5 of 20 pictures. The books can be customised to include more images though, for an adjusted price. Delivery costs R100 through Aramex.…

COLOURS, NUMBERS, OPPOSITES & ANIMALS Every child needs at least one Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit book in the house, or better still, a little library of them. We recommend this one: Peter Rabbit Tales: Little Library has been illustrated for a new generation and the chunky board books and early concepts make it the perfect collection for the youngest fans. R145, Penguin. FOR LAZY AFTERNOONS This book is a great vocabulary builder and also encourages little eyes to slow down and pick out details. Perfect for lying on the carpet and pouring over the illustrations on a slow winter afternoon. What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry is one of the books on Exclusive Books’ list of 70 books to read before you grow up. You can…

MY EXTENDED BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY If anyone told me four years ago that I would be part of the ”extended breastfeeding” moms’ group (when you breastfeed your child after they have turned 1 years old), I would have rolled my eyes and said a definite no – but here I am. The thought of breastfeeding terrified me. Throughout my pregnancy, I kept that option at the very back of my mind. I just felt I didn’t have it in me to go that route. I was plagued with mental images of saggy breasts with stretch marks all over them. But behold, when I had laid eyes on the most beautiful baby girl in my arms, nobody had to ask the question, nobody had to give me a cue. I nursed my…

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HAVE A BITE Chewing on sticks of celery can help to ease the symptoms of morning sickness, according to a recent study among pregnant women. Definitely one to try if ginger isn’t working for you. EVER WONDERED... Why we say that pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, when only 5 percent of babies are born on their estimated due date? The due date is often miscalculated because each one of us has a different ovulation cycle. OTHER SIGNS YOU KNOW YOU’RE PREGNANT WHEN… ❯❯ TV adverts make you cry. ❯❯ You haven’t seen your feet for months, but you know they’re there as they hurt all the time. ❯❯ You watch all the film credits in your search for a special baby name.…

For Thelma Nkenene, packing her bags in Langa, Cape Town, in preparation for journeying to the Eastern Cape isn’t just a matter of looking forward to a well-earned rest at the end of a year of hard work. The three weeks she spends each December in her home village near Makhanda is the only time this 33-year-old mother of three gets to see two of her children. Thelma, like many South African women, works full time to support her family, sending money to her mother every month to feed, clothe and educate her older children. Her 18-month-old baby is currently cared for by a day mother while Thelma works in the housekeeping department of a big city hotel – but he too will go home to his granny in a…

DO ■ Avoid any smells that trigger your nausea. ■ Surround yourself with fragrances that make you feel better – lemon, cinnamon, ginger and mint may offer some relief, so sniff on these. ■ Avoid stuffy places. An open window with fresh air can do wonders. ■ Keep your stress under control. Emotional stress can cause gastrointestinal upset. ■ Remind yourself that this will pass. The reward at the end of the nine months will be worth it. DON’T ■ Panic if you are losing a bit of weight during the first trimester. Before 12 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s nutritional needs are minimal. You are likely to make up for it once the morning sickness passes. ■ Watch TV if the motion picture makes you feel sick. ■ Don’t…

EAT SMALLER PORTIONS Often, nausea goes hand in hand with heartburn – for all the reasons above. If you’re suffering from morning sickness, eating just a little at a time is probably no problem for you. But if your appetite is healthy (as it often is), be cautious of eating so much that you feel full. Instead of three large meals a day, try five or six smaller ones. Also, don’t skip meals. Chew your food well. You can also try adding pawpaw to your diet because it is high in digestive enzymes. EAT SLOWLY Bolting down your food can also lead to heartburn and indigestion. Try to relax and enjoy your meals, which will also help you avoid overeating. SIP, DON’T GULP YOUR LIQUIDS Rather than drinking a big…

“The main reason we advise seeking care is to investigate and hopefully exclude gestational diabetes as the cause of your altered vision.” Q Ever since falling pregnant, it feels as if my eyesight is worsening really quickly. I have blurry vision even when I wear my glasses. I’m only due to see the optometrist next year, so my current glasses really should still be fine, but I feel like my eyesight has deteriorated. Is it the pregnancy? A WESLEY LANGUAGE ANSWERS: Thanks for raising this important question around the visual health of all moms during and after pregnancy. Firstly it is very important to note that any sudden change in vision that is obviously noticeable to you at any stage in your pregnancy should be reported to your optometrist, opthalmologist,…

CAN YOU SLOW YOUR LABOUR DOWN, AND WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO? No one knows ahead of time when labour will start, how it will start, how it will feel and how long it will take. You may want to slow or stop labour if you are starting labour before 37 weeks, as this would be regarded as preterm labour. If this is the case for you, then stopping labour is the goal, so that your baby won’t be compromised and will allow the medical team time to administer hormones and medications to mature your baby’s lungs and allow them more time to grow. Most often you will be given drugs to stop your labour, but there are some natural things you can try. This is important if your labour…

■ You may not drive for six weeks. If you feel you can, and you have to, talk to your insurer, as you might not be covered in case of an accident. ■ You may not exercise until you’re given the green light by your gynaecologist at your six-week check-up. ■ You may not have sex until the gynae has said so. ■ You may not swim while you are still bleeding. Water could enter your uterus, as your cervix is still very open. ■ Ask your doctor when you’re allowed to bath. This depends on which method was used to close the wound: stiches, staples or glue.…

When planning for the safe arrival of your baby, and what to pack in your hospital bag, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is your newborn’s first poo, and how it’ll serve as an indicator of your child’s wellbeing in the months to come. Which is why some moms and dads get a bit of a shock when they change that first nappy, only to discover something that looks nothing at all like poo as they know it. WHAT TO EXPECT? “Your newborn’s first poo should ideally be passed within the first 24 hours after you give birth and will be blackish or dark green in colour,” explains Cindy Homewood, clinic sister and co-owner of the Bowwood Baby Clinic in Cape Town. This is what’s known as meconium and…

HERE’S WHAT TO DO 1 Place a bowl of cooled, boiled water, baby soap or aqueous cream, a face cloth and ear buds next to your baby’s changing table. 2 Undress your baby and place her on her changing mat. If the room temperature is cool, wrap her in a towel to keep her warm. 3 Soak the cotton wool in the water, and wipe her eyes gently, from the inner corner outwards. 4 Gently wipe your baby’s face with the wet face cloth or the cotton wool. Remember to wipe inside the folds of skin on her neck by lifting her chin up and wiping gently. Dry her face thoroughly. 5 Wipe behind you baby’s ears, as milk tends to pool in this area, and any milk that’s not…

■ A HEALTHY SLEEP ASSOCIATION IS NOT DEPENDENT ON YOU. For instance, breastfeeding to sleep is not a healthy sleep association, because your baby cannot use it if you are not there. Likewise, rocking to sleep or stroking your hair are examples of sleep associations that your baby cannot use independently. ■ GOOD SLEEP SOOTHERS HAVE SENSORY CALMING QUALITIES. Sucking and stroking are two sensory calming strategies your baby can use independently. Some babies hum to sleep or tap their legs or may wedge themselves against the corner of the cot or get into another specific position. All of these are strategies babies can use independently. ■ SUCKING Babies can use a dummy or their thumb to self-soothe. Either can be used independently so are considered healthy sleep strategies. ■…

❯❯ Crawl around on your hands and knees to get a child’s perspective on the home environment. This will help you to identify dangers. ❯❯ Children under 5 years of age are particularly vulnerable to injury in the home and need constant supervision and care. The parent or caregiver needs to be aware of a child’s different developmental stages to know what injuries could possibly befall the child at a particular age. ❯❯ At 6 months of age, or even earlier, your baby is able to roll around, resulting in falls. For that reason, don’t leave your child unattended on changing tables, beds, sofas or chairs. If she is crawling, you’ll need safety gates at stairways and doors leading outside. ❯❯ Never leave a baby alone at bathtime. A small…

Every parent wants to help their baby develop into a talented little person and help them reach their full potential in life! While your baby has been born with a pre-determined set of genetics, her brain is very immature at birth which means that she is open to every growth opportunity that comes her way. The experiences you offer your baby determine how her genes are expressed, so now is the time to make sure her early experiences are optimised for healthy brain development. Here’s how it works: After birth, your baby’s brain undergoes a process of wiring and rewiring. Her brain will recognise what her most frequent experiences are, then choose what to keep and what to delete. For instance, the more eye contact and interaction your baby receives,…

Antibiotic medicines are of no use at all if you have a viral illness. Antibiotics, as the name suggests, are medicines that kill certain bacteria. The only way to determine for sure whether your illness is viral or bacterial is via a laboratory test (of blood or stools). It’s possible to contract a secondary bacterial infection if you are struggling to get better from an existing cold or flu virus, or if you get a bacterial infection from somebody else who has a bacterial infection, “or if you are immune-compromised, such as if you are HIV-positive, or have cancer or diabetes,” according to Dr Delecia Wood-Thompson, an emergency medicine registrar at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Even if you do have a bacterial infection, your body might still fight it off…

BREAST MILK TO THE RESCUE Breast milk contains amazing immune-boosting properties, as well as leucocytes that fight germs and inhibit bacterial growth. Your antibodies are also passed through breast milk, giving your baby disease-specific immunity. A drop or two of breast milk in the nose can even help ease congestion by loosening the mucus in the nasal passages. BREATHING EASY Try Karvol’s Decongestant Capsules and Chest Rub from 3 months of age. Simply put a few drops on a tissue, on your baby’s bedding or in the humidifier, and let your baby inhale the vapours. And for babies from six months, you can use the chest rub too. SUCK IT OUT Sometimes that bunged up nose needs a little extra help getting clean – there are many handy mucus-sucking devices…

TALK HIM THROUGH IT Start by telling your toddler what you’re doing as you dress him. “Talk through the sequence in order – ‘first we put the underpants on, then the pants’ – and tell him why it’s important to do it in that order,” advises Cape Town based educational psychologist Anel Annandale. “Then start talking about what goes with what (socks and shoes, tops and bottoms) and what clothes we wear in summer and what clothes we wear in winter, and why we need to wear appropriate clothes for the weather.” START WITH EASY CLOTHES Professional organiser Saskia Wild, who’s based in Cape Town, suggests building your toddler’s confidence by starting with clothes that have elastic waists instead of buttons, Velcro instead of zips. Also go for loose-fitting clothes,…

Q I think my child has eczema. His skin is itchy, dry, rough, flakey, inflamed and irritated. What should I do to bring relief? Can it be cured? Do you have any other tips for me – he is often very uncomfortable, and I believe it interferes with his sleep as well. A DR COMBRINK ANSWERS: Eczema is a very common skin condition, affecting up to 20 percent of children in the world. Causes of eczema include genetics – children are more likely to suffer from eczema if they have parents or siblings who suffer from it. Children’s skin is more sensitive to environmental factors like wool or synthetic fabrics, soap, excessive heat etc. Food allergies and allergies to external sources – like household pets, dust mites and pollen –…

Q I am in desperate need of some quick and easy lunchbox ideas that are healthy for my Grade R twins and my domestic’s child who goes to school with them. I can only shop on Sundays, and by Friday I just don’t know what to pack anymore. They get bored with the same thing all the time, as I’ve spoilt them with little luxuries so far this year. I need ideas that won’t break the bank. I never know how much to put in the lunchbox. A ANEL ANSWERS: A lunchbox can account for a good part of a child’s daily nutritional intake. Therefore, it is worth sending a balanced box with most, if not all, food groups covered. Include a source of protein such as sliced cold meat…

Harry and Sheila Collen both loved children and desperately wanted one of their own. Harry was the typical rough diamond. His handshake was like a vice. I couldn’t imagine anyone but Sheila taming him. She understood him. She allowed him to be the head of the family. However, we knew she was the neck that turned the head. The years passed, but Sheila never fell pregnant. We did laboratory investigations, blood tests, X-rays, specialists’ examinations and consulted with the best fertility experts. After trying and trying and taking all the scientific evidence into consideration, I told them they would never have children of their own. They were devastated. I suggested adoption, but it was difficult. The adoption process was controlled by the Department of Social Welfare. There were many rules…