Innholdsfortegnelse for August - September 2021 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

I always thought of myself as an introvert, but the pandemic has shown me that my need to see and be seen by others, and to socialise with friends, is far greater than I knew. It really bothers me that no-one can see my smile, and I’ve started making weird scrunchy eyes to compensate or exaggerated thumbs-up gestures to show my friendliness. And no, seeing and being seen on social media doesn’t tick the same box for me at all. It feels more fake than friendly at the moment. Before the third wave, I attended a small 40th birthday breakfast, and what a blast I had! The week before, I also had breakfast with a friend to meet her new baby. I was early, and the elderly couple at the…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! The Carriwell Seamless Padded Nursing Bra has light, thin, removable, moulded cups that shape and support your breasts. The soft cups make this seamless ultra-fine microfibre nursing bra incredibly comfortable. The moulded cups reduce fabric stretch in the bra’s cup area, which increases support if you’re fuller-busted. The soft cups also conceal darker nursing nipples or areola and help prevent excess milk leakage. R499,95 at Baby City, Babies R Us, selected Dis-Chem stores, takealot.com, loot.co.za and leading maternity stores. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

A bee-themed party suits this little honey just perfectly, as she loves spending time outdoors. For her party in her grandparents’ sunny backyard, the sun came out, and she got to share a wonderful day with family and friends!…

PregOmega Plus is a three-in-one prenatal supplement for use before, during and after pregnancy and during lactation. The pack contains multivitamin and mineral tablets, omega 3 fish oil capsules, and calcium and vitamin D3 and magnesium combination tablets. Approximately R225 to R280 at Clicks, Dis-Chem and leading pharmacies. Pregnavit M can be used before, during and after pregnancy, which is a period of increased metabolic demand. Proper nutrition prior to and throughout pregnancy is important to optimise your health – and Baby’s. Pregnavit M is available in packs of 30 or 90 from approximately R112 to R276 at Clicks, Dis-Chem and other leading pharmacies.…

YOU ’ VEGOT … BLOCKED MILK DUCTS Plugged ducts are described as clogging of milk. Some women are more predisposed to this than others, and it tends to recur in the same place at various times, especially when you are tired, stressed and rushed. It may appear as a small white spot on the nipple surface. This is called a “bleb” or a milk blister, where the skin cells have grown over the nipple pore. Applying warm olive oil on a piece of cotton wool, kept in place with a breast pad, will help soften the skin. Exfoliate the area with a dry face cloth. Prevention is better than cure. Regular breast care helps with early detection. Massaging your breast with arnica oil soothes discomfort. You may note a…

You met Mr Right. You fell in love, adjusted to his quirks and found your relationship groove. But once you have a baby, things move on, and you both learn (on the job) to care for her. Stress levels soar, energy levels dip, grudges form (why does he never hear that 2am cry?) and tempers flare. Your first year as parents presents the biggest threat a relationship will ever face, according to research. But there are positives, too. “Your love for your baby is an extension of your love for each other,” says Christine Northam, a counsellor who lives in the UK. “If you adapt, the experience can deepen your relationship.” Practical stuff WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE Remember those days when the fridge was empty except for a mouldy jar of…

If life were fair, pregnancy would be that one time in your life when you could eat as many bars of chocolate as you want without worrying about weight gain. But life just isn’t fair, and the last remaining area of weight nonchalance is under attack. New studies are showing that being obese and pregnant can be very risky indeed – both for you and Baby. Even though doctors allow a (stingyish) 12kg increase over the span of pregnancy, they throw another spanner in the works: this guideline is for women with a healthy BMI only. The plus size among us need to gain less weight (about 6kg) in order to safeguard our own health and that of our baby – and that’s no lightweight matter. How much did you…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. MY BUMP IS SO SMALL! Q I’m nearly in my third trimester, and my bump is just so tiny! It kind of breaks my heart because I feel like maybe my baby is not comfortable enough to play and grow like babies inside other mothers who have bigger bumps. Should I really be worried? Does my son have all the space he needs? A TINA SAYS: Your baby grows according to the space he has around him. He knows no other world than the world of being tucked up and snug, and while it may seem uncomfortable…

EMOTIONAL CHANGES Dr Priya Israel, specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist from Pietermaritzburg, says emotional changes in the third trimester of pregnancy vary according to each person. How you are feeling depends largely on your social, financial and personal circumstances. Your emotions will be influenced by the people surrounding you such as your partner, parents and friends. “For some women, the third trimester will be a happy period, as you near the end of your pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of your much anticipated baby. However, in the case of unplanned pregnancies, you may experience feelings of sadness and worry over not being emotionally or financially prepared for motherhood,” Dr Israel says. Carol Leary, mother to newborn Alex, says that with her baby’s birth day approaching, she felt anxious and insecure.…

It doesn’t only happen on TV. Although giving birth unassisted is highly unlikely, it does occur. Most labours last between eight to 24 hours – more than enough time to get you to a hospital or get an ambulance or midwife to you. However, there are those few women who do defy the statistics and whose labours are extremely quick – mainly for second or subsequent deliveries, so here is a step-by-step guide to help you cope if you really are going to deliver on your own. IS THIS REALLY IT? First you need to establish if you are in true labour. If you are further than 35 weeks and have experienced any of the following, the chances are that this is really it: • loss of mucous plug •…

CORD CARE After birth, the cord is cut and clamped. You can leave the plastic clamp on until the whole stump falls off. This can take seven to 14 days. Be patient, and don’t tug at it to get it off earlier. Dry care is recommended these days. This simply means that you keep the cord clean and exposed to air, so covered loosely by clothes. Use nappies that have a cut-out for the cord stump, or fold the top of the nappy down. Be assured that there is very little risk of infection. Signs of infection are when the stump turns red and there is a yellow discharge, or when the skin around the cord is red and raw. The stump should not smell either. GENITAL CARE Your baby’s…

4 MONTHS Shorter naps, hunger from a growth spurt or the fact that your baby is learning to roll over could all be factors that cause frequent night waking. AROUND 9 MONTHS This phase of night-time fussiness can be blamed on all that moving your baby is doing in the form of crawling and rolling, plus he’s soaking up words and language. Those neural pathways in his brain are growing at a rapid pace in response. All babies are different, but these are the ages at which your baby’s sleep could throw you a curve ball. 11 MONTHS At this stage, many babies show signs of dropping a second nap, but it is more likely a phase of sleep regression. So stick with two day naps, and he’ll sleep better…

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Cruising through my pregnancy Being pregnant for the first time has been nothing but amazing, starting from the fact that I didn’t suffer from morning sickness, and I ate everything I’ve always eaten before. I didn’t even have to change what groceries I bought! I did not suffer from any cravings, and I am not more hungry than usual. Basically, I am still exactly the same me as before conception (only with swollen feet and hands), and of course there is somebody that I cannot wait to meet who is in my womb. Feeling my baby move and kick has been the highlight of my pregnancy! Every time he moves, it feels like the first time for me and my partner. We get overwhelmed with joy, stare at my tummy…

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A safe, affordable sleeping environment for babies up to 6 months old is the big idea behind the Thula Baba Basket initiative. But the sturdy box offers even more than that. It is environmentally friendly and comes fitted with a safe, breathable wedged hypoallergenic mattress. It comes packed with essentials such as a hooded towel, burp cloth, wash cloth, receiving blanket, babygros, a hoody and bib, washables, and nappies. Once the baby has outgrown it as a safe haven for sleep, it can be used as a keepsake box. Visit thula-baba.co.za to buy or donate.…

STUFFED MUSHROOMS SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 4t olive oil • 5 portabellini mushrooms (with stems) • 2T balsamic vinegar • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 small onion, chopped • 500g (about 3 cups) spinach, cooked • 1 red pepper, chopped • 2t Italian herbs • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs • ½ cup broth (vegetable) • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Pour 2t of olive oil into a non-stick skillet, and set heat on medium-high. Place mushrooms into pan and cook on one side for 3 minutes, flip over and cook on the other side for 3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Pour balsamic vinegar over the mushrooms and reduce down to half. Remove the mushrooms from the…

THE CR ADLE OR MADONNA HOLD This is most commonly used once you no longer need to guide him to the breast. Support your baby’s head in the crook of your elbow. This arm supports his back with his bottom in your hand. THE FOOTBALL HOLD This is great for moms with large breasts and a good position for twins to feed comfortably. Your baby’s body is tucked underneath your arm on the same side that you are feeding. THE CROSS CR ADLE HOLD This is the most common and is really helpful when mastering the latch. Hold your baby along the opposite arm to the breast you are feeding from. Face him “tummy-to-mummy”. Support the base of his neck with your fingers, using your palm to support his shoulder…

WHY ARE MY NIPPLES CRACKED AND BLEEDING? Sore, cracked and bleeding nipples are most commonly due to an incorrect latch. Pay careful attention to positioning your baby comfortably close up against you, and be sure that your baby is opening his mouth very wide and taking a large portion of breast tissue into his mouth. It is not meant to hurt. Other reasons for soreness may be that your baby’s inability to suck correctly is due to a tongue tie (short frenulum) or even birth injury (due to an assisted birth, such as a forceps or vacuum extraction), which may have caused discomfort or stiffness, making it difficult for your baby to suckle effectively. Contact a breastfeeding support group or a lactation consultant who can observe and assess the situation…

Couples have single children for either controllable or non-controllable reasons, says Dr Steenekamp. Parents voluntarily choose to have only one child generally because of finance, doubt about a relationship handling the strain of another child or deciding to “draw the line” at one child, despite external and internal pressure to have another. For health reasons, many families are physically unable to conceive again, or prefer not to take the risk. Apart from general fertility problems, the mother may have a repetitive condition during pregnancy that could cause death, serious postnatal depression – which often recurs with additional pregnancies – or complications during the first birth, which causes irreparable damage to the mother’s reproductive system.…

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women during their childbearing years. It happens when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. It can implant and grow anywhere in the abdominal cavity – usually in the pelvic area and lower abdomen, but rarely also in other places such as the lungs or navel. This tissue sometimes grows in patches known as implants, in thicker nodules, or it can form cysts in the ovaries known as endometriomas. The endometriosis irritates surrounding tissue and may cause web-like scar tissue called adhesions. However, what makes this condition challenging is that the symptoms can vary significantly from woman to woman. Symptoms include heavy menstrual pain, pain during or after sex and severe back pain. “In general, it takes about eight…

Without dieting in order to lose weight while you’re pregnant, there are ways you can amend your eating habits to become healthier. Healthcare professionals know that eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and low in salt and fat, helps reduce blood pressure and excess weight. To control your cholesterol and protect your heart, eat high-fibre foods, which have been proved to reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Try to snack on fruit and vegetables throughout the day without counting kilojoules – have as many as you like. Use small amounts of olive oil in your cooking, and eat oily fish and nuts to get the omega-3 fatty acids you need to reduce cholesterol and hypertension, but remember that due to mercury concerns, the…

If you’re not already on one, start taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as you see that second line. Make sure that it contains 400mg of folic acid, as this helps to prevent birth defects and is vital for your growing baby. Since the date of conception is rarely known, but the date of your last period often is, this is the best way to calculate your due date. So add nine months and one week to your last recorded period, and you’ll have your estimated due date. Remember, your due date is just this, an estimation of when your baby will be born, and only 5 percent of babies arrive on their due date. Find a doctor and/or a midwife that you trust. If the gynaecologist whom you’ve always…

• TRIMESTER 1 (CONCEPTION TO 12 WEEKS) The first trimester is often physically exhausting for you, as you may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue and sensitive breasts – all of which may lead to decreased sexual desire. But this doesn’t have to mean the end of intimacy. “As sex is often an important expression of your intimate relationship, this time can be difficult for you and your partner to feel connected to each other,” says counselling psychologist Claire Hart. She says that feelings can be achieved through new expressions of intimacy, such as caressing, massages and touch. • TRIMESTER 2 (12 TO 32 WEEKS) This is usually an exciting time in the pregnancy, with the baby making its presence felt. Although sexual intimacy is often rekindled, the feeling that you’re having…

For another kind of pain that is very common during pregnancy: Anusol Ointment for Internal & External Piles. It comes with a screw-on applicator (a nozzle with a hygienic cap) to effectively treat internal piles. The ointment is available over-the-counter to relieve the pain and discomfort of both internal and external piles. It reduces swelling, soothes itching and eases the passage of stools. It soothes the surrounding skin too. The ointment can be applied directly to the affected area as often as needed. R83,99, Clicks, Dis-Chem and takealot.com.…

“REPLACING LOST FLUIDS IS IMPORTANT, AS IT HELPS KEEP YOUR ELECTROLYTE BALANCE IN CHECK.” DO 1. WARM UP AND COOL DOWN A proper warm-up is essential in any training routine. Not only does it help prepare the body for all the stressors associated with training, but it also helps prevent injury. Muscles that are warmed up help improve the effectiveness of your training session. 2. DRINK ENOUGH WATER Keeping hydrated ensures that you keep your body temperature stable. It also reduces the onset of cramp and keeps the body’s cooling system running adequately. Replacing lost fluids is important, as it helps keep your electrolyte balance in check. Research suggests that drinking enough water helps fight pregnancy fatigue and also helps aid circulation, which in turn prevents swollen feet. 3. KEGEL…

How are you feeling about giving birth? Excited? Apprehensive? Terrified? Some moms will love chilling your bones with tales of long labours and getting lost in the depths of mind-numbing agony, while others will insist they got through theirs with no more than a puff of gas and air and a few gentle pushes. It’s all a bit… well, confusing. Scary even. But you don’t need to feel like that. “Giving birth is a huge unknown, so it’s completely natural to be fearful,” says midwife and childbirth educator Tina Otte. But the key to dealing with that fear is to be informed about what might happen. If you’re prepared, you’ll feel calmer and more relaxed, which helps oxytocin (the hormone that makes your uterus contract) to flow, making your labour…

The very first thing to remember is that in the case of an emergency caesarean, your gynaecologist will have a good reason for doing the procedure. Rest assured that your medical team want what is best for you and your baby, and accept that this might veer off of the plan you had in mind. If you already have the date for your c-section booked and confirmed, it is still a good idea to prepare for what is coming. We walk you through it… DAY BEFORE Make sure your hospital bag and your baby’s bags are packed and ready to go. Remember to pack many changes of comfortable clothes, pyjamas, slippers, sanitary pads, linen savers, feeding bras, breast pads and snacks. For baby, remember to pack newborn nappies and about…

The newborn stage is an overwhelming one, and you may feel pressure to “do stuff” with your new little bundle from day one. This seems like an impossible task when you are adjusting to your baby – whether it is your first or fifth. The first few weeks of your baby’s life is a time of bonding and nurturing, with all other stimulation being of secondary importance. This is the time to just be with your baby. There is no spoiling a newborn, and there is no such thing as holding her for too long, cuddling too much at night instead of forcing her to sleep on her own or being too involved in her days. Spend time chatting to your baby, being together and enjoying each other’s company during…

THE RIGHT SUPPORT Join and follow The South African Multiple Birth Association (SAMBA), a support group for parents of multiple-birth children. It's a non-profit-making organisation, founded in 1975. NAPPIES Start shopping fairly early on in your pregnancy. If in doubt, chat to other mothers about their brand of preference. Be on the lookout for advertised specials, and try to buy in bulk. You’ll go through a lot of nappies, but remember that cheapest is not always best. There’s no such thing as too many nappies, and it might be a good idea to ask your friends and relatives to buy you a few gift packs. CLOTHING Don’t bother with fancy outfits for newborns and prems. Most of the time, they’re going to be swaddled in blankets anyway. The most useful…

Did you know that babies are born with all their teeth? They are just hidden in the gums, so you can’t see them. “Teeth erupt into the mouth on average in the sixth month of childhood. Sometimes the teeth appear earlier and sometimes a little later. In my experience, the later the teeth erupt the better,” explains specialist prosthodontist Dr Gerald Kaplan from Johannesburg. By the age of 4, the permanent tooth buds are located below the baby teeth and are starting to form. As they erupt, they remove the roots of the baby teeth. SOLID HABITS START EARLY Even though baby teeth will not last forever, they are not unimportant. On the contrary. “These first teeth are necessary for a child to chew and speak. Baby teeth also save…

• Do replace your child’s toothbrush every two to three months. • Do use a pea size amount of child-friendly toothpaste to avoid the child consuming too much fluoride. • Do make it fun. Pull faces and make sounds to add to the excitement. Use games, apps and songs to motivate tots to brush longer. • Do lead by example and make it a family affair. Kids love to imitate. • Do reward good dental habits. Use a star chart and reward a sticker for every time when your child brushes well. • Do teach them to drink water as their preferred drink. • Do educate your child about the importance of oral hygiene. Explain how “plaque bugs” can cause rotten teeth and stinky breath. • Don’t let children lie…

Another common sleep regression period Petro encounters in her practice is around 18 months. “When a baby goes from babyhood to toddlerhood, the big developmental jump nearly always causes them to start testing the boundaries. They become toddlers in full force, and if you don’t stick to your guns and sleep routines, these little ones will regress massively,” she warns. And just because your toddler is resisting bedtime, this does not mean you need to make bedtime later, Petro emphasises. Perhaps the best thing to remember about sleep regressions is that they’re temporary, usually lasting about two to three weeks. Your toddler or baby may be a bit more snuggly, needy or sleep-resistant during this time, but follow your gut. Don’t change the rules, and they will bounce back quickly.…

Choose a piece of wood or plank of about 40 x 60 cm in size. The bigger it is, the more elements you can add, but keep in mind the length of your baby’s arm. Don’t use any parts that are smaller than a R5 coin. Observe your baby all the time during play. Knobs and buttons and anything that can be pressed, pushed or turned, or anything that makes a noise will be popular. Take a closer look at some of the photographs for ideas and then scavenge in your garage at home. You probably won’t have to buy anything! KEYS. Why do babies love them so much? At least for this project you can make sure the keys are clean and sterilised before you attach them to the…

1 Simple form boards or jigsaw puzzles give the experience of different shapes fitting together. 2 Matching socks or other objects can teach your child the notion of one-to-one correspondence. 3 Sorting is central to maths. Sort and match as you tidy toys away, return cups to saucers, pack spoons and safe cutlery in the correct places, and help sort out the washing. Your clothes, baby’s clothes, dad’s clothes, or shirts and trousers. 4 Learning to cook can provide an early introduction to both maths and science, as your child will begin to understand weights and measurements, the effects of beating ingredients, mixing solids and liquids and heating mixtures.…

“TODDLERS THRIVE ON MESSY PLAY. THE DIRTIER YOUR CHILD IS, THE MORE LEARNING HE HAS HAD THAT DAY.” 1 BE SUN & SHADE SAVVY The best way to avoid heat stress or heatstroke in babies and toddlers, according to Dr Peter Vincent, medical adviser to Netcare travel clinics, is to keep little bodies and especially heads covered when exposed to the sun. Dr Irshad Mohummed Essack, a dermatologist, adds that it’s best to keep out of direct sunlight and move indoors or into shade between 10am and 2pm. “Or follow the shadow rule,” he says. When your shadow is shorter than you, it is time to seek shade. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your child is fully protected in the shade. It does provide some relief, but Dr Essack…

“DIFFERENCES ABOUT CERTAIN PARENTING ISSUES ARE PART AND PARCEL OF OUR DAILY EXISTENCE, AND IT’S QUITE COMMON FOR PARENTS TO DISAGREE ABOUT RAISING CHILDREN.” One day long, long ago, when your sprogs were but a twinkle in your and your partner’s eye, you had all kinds of illusions about raising children. You were convinced that you’d agree about most of the burning issues with which parents are often faced... But now that the kids are there, you’re not so sure anymore. Because you have one idea, and your partner seems to have another. And you’re at odds about almost every conceivable parenting issue. They believe in a hiding while you think it’s barbaric. You believe in a very strict routine while they think you’re limiting the kids with your clockwatching.…

Once your child is potty trained during the day, you might be getting impatient about the ever-present nighttime nappy. As with potty training, finally achieving dry nights requires patience and can take much longer than anticipated. A toddler’s body does not really “tell” him that it is time to wake up for a wee yet. He will eventually learn to control his bladder and bowel, as this is part of normal childhood development, explains Dr Iqbal Karbanee, Cape Town based paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ. The key to a successful transition is giving your child enough time to reach this milestone comfortably, he adds. “There is great variation in the age at which a child drops the nighttime nappy. “A significant number of 5-year-olds are still not dry through the…

Q I grew up in a house where my father’s fortunes changed from year to year. One year we’d be rich, and the next poor. This has left me with psychological issues about money; that it is somehow magical and uncontrollable, and I also suffer from a huge need to feel financially secure, which on paper I am, but in my heart I don’t feel. How can I break the cycle and raise my own children to have a healthy attitude towards money, as I don’t even know what that looks like. I’m not looking for finance tips… more the emotional stuff. A MADELEIN ANSWERS: Our beliefs around money – both conscious and unconscious – are mostly formed by what we learn, experience and observe as we grow up. Children…

“I’ve had diabetes for about 13 years, and I see my diabetic educator every three months to ensure that I have it under control. In November last year, Chadd and I were delighted when our doctor agreed we could start trying to conceive. We thought that falling pregnant would be a complicated part of our story, but it happened on our first try!” Lauren says. Lauren admits that revealing the good news to Chadd wasn’t like the YouTube videos you see. “It was the 7th of February. I woke up in the middle of the night, took a home pregnancy test, and seeing it was positive, I woke Chadd up and told him.” A week later the gynae confirmed the news – Lauren was four weeks pregnant. “This was such…

A couple of years ago, we sold everything, left our comfy Pretoria lives and uprooted our family to move to Angola. At the time, my husband, Duncan, was working for an NGO that had offices in Benguela, and when the opportunity arose for us to relocate, we jumped at the idea of an African adventure… a simple, feet-in-the-mud, beachy sunsets, interesting food, new languages kind of adventure. Duncan had spent a few years doing the Pretoria-Joburg commute, and after our eldest, Luke, was born, we realised how little time we actually spent together as a family. We felt a change coming. When we moved to Benguela, I was 20 weeks pregnant, and Luke was 2 years old, a toddler. Moving to a malaria area while pregnant presented a few challenges,…

WINNER 1 The winner was on the cover of Your Pregnancy & Baby February & March 2021. WINNER 2 He was on the cover of Baba & Kleuter February-May 2021. WINNER 3 The winner was on the cover of Your Pregnancy & Baby June & July 2021. WINNER 4 A newborn is featured on Baba & Kleuter June-September cover, on shelf since 21 May 20201. WINNER 5 She will be featured on Your Pregnancy & Baby October & November cover, on shelf 17 September 2021. WINNER 6 She will be featured on Baba & Kleuter October-January cover, on shelf 24 September.…

OLWETUVUYO KAMTHUNZI (38) from Mnandi, Pretoria, has a boy (2) and a girl (6 months). She tells us that she had “tasteless pizza without a fork from the hospital…and I was so hungry.” PHINDILE ELAINE CHAUKE (28) from Atteridgeville, Pretoria had “chicken, chips and coleslaw from the hospital.” ESRA KHAN (28) from the East Rand in Johannesburg, says: “I ate ice; I wasn’t allowed to eat anything after my c-section. The next day in the hospital I had breakfast and I ate it all as I was starving.” SHARON DENTON (33) from Cape Town says she ate sushi! LORÉAL DU PLESSIS (26) from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape had tea and bread in the hospital. SHERILEE HAWKINS, all the way from Suffolk, England answers: “Cold toast. Courtesy of the hospital,…

During lockdown, women’s responsibilities in the home increased over and above existing work commitments. Some of these included home schooling, increased meal planning and execution, and looking after other relatives in need of care. Ina van der Watt, managing director of Universal Corporate Wellness, says “the issue of unpaid labour is not a new one. It has simply been brought further to light by the advent of Covid-19 and the many career sacrifices women have had to make as a result of the pandemic. Women also carry the weight of the mental load.” She likens it to project management, as it involves anticipating and planning for the needs of the household, scheduling, creating lists as well as reminding other family members of their tasks. “This is the work that cannot…

Breastfeeding is known as the gold standard to feed a baby, but it is about so much more than nutrition. It represents the common language of mothering; it is about intimacy and a relationship with your baby. Breast milk is perfectly designed, with all the nutrients your baby requires for growth and physical development (especially his brain), and nourishes both body and soul. The best thing about breastfeeding is that your body naturally produces milk from before birth, and the process is continued as your baby is born to breastfeed. You just need to be available to your baby. Most babies know exactly what they need to do, so be guided by your baby, and have confidence in your body’s ability to nourish your baby. This doesn’t mean that you…

One of the most important ways of getting ready to breastfeed is by getting to know your equipment. You can do this by regularly massaging your breasts before and after the birth of your baby. Massage your breasts gently with tissue oil once a day in the shower or bath, under warm water. The tissue oil decreases friction over the skin surface. Be sure to massage on the breast tissue, from your chest wall through to the nipple. Think about your breast as if they were the face of a clock, and your nipple the centre of it, then massage from each number, through towards the centre. This familiarises you with your breasts and encourages the recognition and early detection of any potential problems. Don’t massage the areola or nipple…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. NURSING after a c-section “YOU’LL BE QUITE SURPRISED AND TOUCHED BY HOW WELL YOUR BABY WILL BREASTFEED, AS THIS IS NATURAL FOR YOUR BABY AFTER BIRTH, IF ALL IS WELL.” Q I’m having a scheduled c-section in a few months’ time, simply because my first was also a c-section and I’m not a good candidate for a v-bac. The first one was an emergency, and my baby and I were separated for a few days. I didn’t even attempt breastfeeding as I was really ill. This time I really want to nurse my baby, but I’ve read…

Q How do I know if what I am feeling is postnatal depression (PND) or motherhood blues? A Postnatal depression is quite different from the motherhood blues. You may have strong feelings of inadequacy with sudden bouts of anger and are unable to bond with your baby. You may not be able to sleep or eat, and you may have negative feelings about your baby. Some women even feel anxious, worried, are unable to laugh or feel joy, are unable to cope, are unusually tearful or even suicidal. There is debate over the cause of severe postnatal depression. Some experts believe that it is triggered by rapid changes in hormone levels, while others feel it is a combination of adverse social and psychological factors (some of which may have no…

There are several ways to help your baby towards well-balanced, happy and socially satisfying development, says Dr Steenekamp. ■ Get informed. Read about one-child families and brush up on your communication skills. ■ Socialise with other parents. Although it’s fairly obvious and usually comes naturally when we have children, make an effort to foster strong bonds with couples who have children – and visit them often! ■ Encourage sociability. Allow your child to mix frequently with children his age. Remember that nursery school is not the only setting for social development, so make sure there are lots of alternatives, such as regular play dates and fun outings, as well as extra-murals. Friendships cultivate communication skills, prevent loneliness, build self-esteem, prevent self-centredness and teach sharing – all vital life skills. ■…

Giving birth is one of the most intensely physical things you will ever do. Preparing for the long haul of labour or the impact of a caesarean birth and major abdominal surgery is very important. Having strength and stamina, especially in your abs, back and arms, will take you through labour as well as recovery. Do this program three times a week, repeating each move five to ten times, depending on your fitness. Warm up with a brisk 20 minute walk. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime. THE SWORD ■ Stand with your feet wider than your hips, knees bent, feet turned out comfortably and hands on hips. ■ Bend your knees and sweep your right hand toward your left knee as you look down…

Q Please help! Almost the second I found out I was pregnant my skin started acting up. I got a dark line down my tummy, my nipples turned nearly black (okay, I’m exaggerating a bit), and now I have marks on my face too. My bump isn’t even showing yet, but I’m worried about stretch marks too now, as those are surely to come. How can I best take care of my skin during this time? A DR KHOZA ANSWERS: Congratulations on your pregnancy and what promises to be a precious time in your life. Almost all of us experience some form of physiological change to our skin during pregnancy; it would be very unusual not to. Skin changes during pregnancy can crop up any time, sometimes as early as…

There is growing scientific evidence that specific micronutrients are required during different periods of pregnancy for optimal growth and development of Baby. So often we hear that vitamins are important, and there is a general assumption that since they are natural, they are all safe. This blanket safety assumption is dangerous – and especially so during pregnancy. What of the lesser-known micronutrients in pregnancy? What is important to know about these vitamins? VITAMIN A This fat-soluble vitamin is stored in the liver, and is important for the development of the heart, lungs, eyes, kidneys, bones, and the circulatory, respiratory and central nervous systems in the developing foetus. It is also important for fat metabolism in the foetus and fighting off infections. Vitamin A is naturally found in two forms: preformed…

• COMMUNICATE. “As in any relationship, communication is vital,” says counselling psychologist Shenila Maharaj. Speak to your partner about the physical and emotional changes you’re experiencing. Talk about your concerns and anxieties. He or she may share these same concerns, and you can offer each other support. • BE IN IT TOGETHER. “Pregnancy tends to bring out all of the differences between you and your partner and can lead to both of you feeling that you’re not in tune with each other,” explains counselling psychologist Claire Hart. Concentrating on what you share or have in common is more important. Dealing with major changes and renegotiating your relationship during and after pregnancy requires awareness and participation from both of you. • RESEARCH. The phrase ‘‘knowledge is power’’ is very useful for…

HEAT Take a relaxing warm (not hot) bath or invigorating shower. Also massage with warm oils or a hot stone. MASSAGE Lubricants and tactile contact makes for the magic of a massage. DISTRACTION Reading, listening to music, talking to a friend, enjoying a craft, baking or even washing the dishes helps you to think about something other than the pain.…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. HUSBAND stitch?! Q What on earth is a “husband stitch”? I just heard about it and was a little horrified, but ultimately I trust my gynae, and surely this wouldn’t be done without my consent? Should I bring it up at my next checkup? I’m due to give birth to my first baby in two months. I think maybe it is the name more than anything else that is putting me off. A DR KOLL ANSWERS: I am also not quite certain what exactly a “husband stitch” is. It was certainly never part of my training.…

There are a few tried-and-tested ways of not letting your fears get the better of you. Here’s how to stay calm in pregnancy – and labour. IMAGINE A CALMING PL ACE Close your eyes and take deep, steady breaths. Imagine that you are in beautiful surroundings – either a place you’ve visited or a place you conjure up from your imagination. Focus on bringing all the elements of the scene to life: from the colours you see to the sounds you hear. Try to ”stay in the scene” for at least five minutes. Practise this for a few minutes every day. THINK OF THE BEST- CASE SCENARIO Athletes use this technique: Imagine yourself performing to the best of your ability during the birth. The theory is that if your mind…

You can start your beloved Kegel exercises immediately after the birth. You can tilt your pelvis while lying in bed and do the Kegels seated or standing as well. These aren’t exhausting exercises by any means, but they make a huge difference in your recovery and help you firm up again. DO 10 REPETITIONS TWICE A DAY: • Lie on your back with bent knees. • Contract your pelvic floor while exhaling. • Gently draw the navel inwards and upwards. • Hold for about 10 seconds without holding your breath. Talk to your doctor after eight to 10 weeks to get the green light to exercise again. Walking, swimming and cycling can help your body get fit and strong and muscle tone to develop, which assists in improved mood and…

For nine serene months you’ve been imagining the joy of bringing your newborn twins, triplets or quads home. And then the big day arrives and without all those nurses to help, no one would blame you for feeling overwhelmed. This is completely normal; remember that many parents before you have walked this path, and you have the benefit of all their experience. Follow these tried and tested multiples parenting tips to see you calmly through the first few months at home. ADVICE FOR THE ‘EARLY DAZE’ ■ TAKE SHORT CUTS and do what suits you to make your lives easier, even if this means relaxing your standards a bit. Fiona Roberts, a mom of twins, says she turned her lounge into nursery space. She says, “At one point we had…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. Preemies are in my family Q I need some urgent advice on how to prevent a premature birth. Early labour seems to run in my family, even in my community, it feels like. Apparently I came early, says my mom, and all my sisters also gave birth early, but the babies were all fine after a stay in the NICU. Two years ago, my baby was stillborn at 22 weeks, and I live in absolute fear, keeping my eye on that viability deadline. Is there anything at all that I can do to keep my baby…

FLOSS? FOR BABY OR NOT? Only when teeth are touching each other – usually at around 10 years. PLAQUE INDICATOR TABLETS? Can be useful to show a child whether or not he did a good job. Usually only used after 6 years. MOUTHWASH? For kids aged 6 years and older. DISLODGED TOOTH? It can be saved through prompt action. Take the tooth and your child to the dentist without delay. HOW MANY TEETH DO CHILDREN HAVE? Once the second molars appear around 18 to 30 months, your child has the 20 teeth that make up a full set of milk teeth.…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. I CAN’T STAND BABY PLAY! Q I have a terrible confession to make. I love my baby dearly, but I just don’t enjoy playing baby games. At all. And because I don’t enjoy them, I force myself to play even more of them to get over the guilt. There is so much emphasis on play being so important for a baby’s development. Why doesn’t it come naturally to me? Does anyone really like 10 rounds of peekaboo for 10 days in a row? Why don’t babies get tired of the repetition? None of my mom friends have…

WHIP IT UP Make an enriched vanilla milkshake by beating the following ingredients together: 500ml of whatever milk your baby drinks, 1 raw pasteurised egg, 5ml vanilla extract, pinch of sugar. TIP Don’t let your tot see you add the egg, as the yuck factor might put them off. WOW, MAMA! Make your own fresh pasta with two eggs and a cup of flour. Roll the dough out very thinly, and cut into strips. HUMPTY DUMPTY Decorate a boiled egg by drawing a face, crown and striped shorts and suspenders on it. Show your child how to chop the head off with a knife before eating it with toast fingers. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR This is the stuff that memories are made of. My mom did this with me! OLD…

Broccoli bites INGREDIENTS • 1½ cup steamed broccoli • 1 small apple, peeled, cored and grated • 1 egg • ½ cup oats (blended to a powder in a blender or spice grinder) • ½ cup cheddar, grated • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying) METHOD 1. Mix all the ingredients (except olive oil) together until pasty. 2. Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and fry spoonfuls of the mixture about 1 minute each side or until golden. Smooth sundae INGREDIENTS • ½ cup banana and mango puree • ½ cup Greek yoghurt • 1 banana, sliced • 1 teaspoon soft brown sugar (optional) METHOD 1. Layer puree, yoghurt and banana in pretty glasses or bowls. 2. End with a sprinkling of sugar and leave in…

YOU WILL NEED • A wooden block • A drill • Poster paint • Pencils INSTRUCTIONS 1. Prepare your wooden block beforehand (read the tip), so that it is ready. 2. Drill 2-3cm holes in the block. Don’t drill too wide or ”cleanly”, because you might struggle to get the pencils out of the holes. 3. Let your child paint a face, character or pattern on the block. As soon as the paint dries, she can display the pretty pencil holder in her homework corner. TIP The block can be solid or made of wooden planks. Cut evenly sized blocks from the plank, and glue them together with wood glue.…

SO MANY SA ANIMALS! From aardvark to zebra, this is one of the funniest alphabet books around! We love how many South African animals are included. Oi Aardvark is the latest in the hilarious series by the creators of Oi Frog, and it includes a special fold-out surprise. R189, Macmillan Children’s Books. (On shelf in August.) EARLY CONCEPTS A cute, bright and quirky preschool story from picture book creator Carly Gledhill, with die-cut holes and shaped pages to delight the most curious little ones. Follow Frog as he goes over and under, around and through. These are all very important concepts for children to learn. And be on the lookout for the surprise gatefold ending! Frog Goes on Holiday, R140, Macmillan Children’s Books. IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE In this bright…

Carpet pile and fibres trap dust and germs, effectively eliminating them from circulating in the air, and they can easily be removed by daily vacuuming. “You need to make sure that if you do have carpets, you have a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter (5ugm). You don’t want to suck everything up and then throw it out of the other end of the vacuum cleaner,” says paed Dr Paul Sinclair. “That could bring on an asthma attack.” Some carpets – such as the new fibre carpets that are on the market – are definitely better than others. Also, ones that offer anti-bacterial protection and the natural antiseptic properties of silver are definitely the way to go if your child suffers from allergies.…

SMS YPB140SF THREE SUPREME FERTILITY DIETARY & LIFESTYLE RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATIONS WORTH R1 995 EACH Epigenetic changes can affect the quality of both egg and sperm and result in miscarriages, birth defects, low sperm count and infertility. Stand a chance to win a R1 995 dietary and lifestyle risk assessment and consultation in preparation of your healthy baby, as well as a Supreme Wellness Fertility pack valued at R1 000. A healthcare practitioner will assess your diet, lifestyle, medication and supplements and identify potential risks to address before you start your family. The pack includes Supreme Wellness Folate which contains active folate and myo-inositol, a 5-in-1 multivitamin and an advanced amino acid and antioxidant pack to help support male and female reproductive health. Recommended for anyone planning a family,…