Innholdsfortegnelse for February - March 2022 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

Dezemba is long forgotten, Januworry is over, and now we’re in the month of love! Well, for some of us. I’m not a superstitious person in the least, or a believer in astrology, but I have a very wonky relationship with February. For my entire adult life so far, bad things have happened to me during this month. Really bad. I’m talking about major illness and surgery, burglary, plane crashes and death in the family – that level of bad. Also small stuff, like breaking a favourite mug and a burst geyser. I try not to overthink it as the years pass, but it has become a bit of a compulsion to keep a mental list and wonder where all the bad juju of the last 35 years is coming…

A FULL HOUSE & FULL HEART I’ve always wanted a large family with four kids and a dog. Well, after 10 years of marriage, my wish came true, as we welcomed our fourth child into this world in September 2021. It initially took some persuasion, as my husband only wanted two children, and we kind of decided to meet each other halfway with three. But little Sias is truly at home when he’s in his daddy’s arms, and it melts my heart to see them together. My daughter, now 8, is a natural with Sias, and the two brothers (6 and 5) ensure plenty of entertainment (and nervous moments) as they adore the new addition. We are tired most of the time, but there is no lack of laughter and…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! The Carriwell Maternity Support Band is uniquely designed to reduce the risk of muscle strain. It helps to relieve existing discomfort or pain by gently lifting weight off the pelvis and supporting your lower back by special fabric construction that relieves pressure in the area. The fine, seamless fabric allows you to wear it discreetly under tight-fitting clothes. As your tummy grows, the maternity support band is designed to gently increase support. It is extra stretchy over your bump with gentle but firm support below and to the sides and the lower back. R199,95 at Baby City, Babies R Us, Woolworths, selected Clicks and Dis-Chem. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

ENJOY EVERYDAY 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. REUTERINA CAN HELP – CLINICALLY VALIDATED The Reuterina® range has been clinically validated in more than 200 clinical trials and has a role to play in the prevention and treatment of a variety of disorders associated with an imbalance of gut flora. Visit reuterina.co.za for more information on the products. TINY LOVE TOYS ARE SIMPLY MAGICAL Dejon Distributors have been at the forefront of introducing new and innovative products to South Africa for more than 26 years. Doona, Tiny Love and others are more…

DARE TO SHARE? Do you want to show us? Send an email to sharing@yobmagazine.com and we could feature your baby shower or party on these pages.…

“OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR SPERM HEALTH, AND THEREFORE HE SHOULD SUPPLEMENT WITH THESE.” “Is your diet really as healthy as you think it is?” asks Nicqui Grant, a registered dietician with a special interest in fertility based in Gauteng. Chances are that if you eat a lot of take-aways, ready-made meals (which are loaded with additives, salt and sugar) or processed foods, your diet could do with a major overhaul. “If the food you’re eating has a long list of ingredients on the label, you shouldn’t be eating it,” Nicqui cautions. “Try eating things that just have a label – pumpkin, for example,” she recommends. Go back to basics eating unprocessed whole foods, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and be aware of portion sizes. “If you’re…

There is a lot you can do to alleviate backache as well as prevent it. When your back hurts, it affects many other parts of your body. Anxiety and stress frequently manifest in our backs. Coping with life becomes difficult, never mind dealing with the pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a natural tendency to sway back onto your heels. Your growing baby puts pressure on the abdominal muscles. If these are weak and give way, it will cause an exaggerated curve in the lumbar area. Pain across your shoulders is common, because of the forward pull of your breasts and the poking forward of your chin. Your rib cage is under pressure from your slouching shoulders and chest, so breathing becomes more difficult. A weakened pelvic floor and short, tight…

Humans begin developing from the very second of conception – which can be hard to believe when you’re in the early stages of pregnancy and can’t feel even a flutter of movement. But thanks to technology, we can now track the growing baby’s in-the-womb milestones. 1. HEARTBEAT The foetal heart begins pumping blood around the developing body as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. You won’t be able to hear this fast, rhythmic sound, however, until around 10 weeks – usually via a Doppler ultrasound in your doctor’s rooms. A baby’s heart rate is an astounding 120 to 160 beats per minute; the resting heart rate of a grown-up is 60 to 100 beats per minute. 2. ‘BREATHING’ Although you breathe for your unborn baby throughout the pregnancy, with…

BLEMISHES & PIGMENTATION Pregnancy can cause blemishes because the hormonal changes make your sweat glands and sebaceous – or oil producing–glands work overtime. Sometimes skin becomes very dry in pregnancy and needs an extra-rich moisturiser, but often in the middle months skin and hair really do bloom. Occasionally women develop brownish markings on the face, or a brown line (linea nigra) down the middle of the abdomen from about the third month. These are due to pregnancy hormones and usually fade after the baby is born. Exposure to sun can make the marks worse. Similarly, freckles can become temporarily darker. If such changes in pigmentation bother you, particularly any blemishes on the face, try covering them with a good foundation cream. ITCHY SKIN Your breasts and abdomen may get itchy…

Q I’m 23 years old, and I’m almost 15 weeks pregnant. My problem is that I haven’t felt anything or seen any change in my body yet. When can I start to see changes or feel something? A TINA SAYS: If your blood tests have shown positive for pregnancy, and your scan has confirmed the conceptus, then I would not be concerned. Many women feel changes quite soon in their pregnancy (some even before the pregnancy is confirmed), but many others don’t feel or see changes until after the first trimester. I am sure that you will begin to see a swelling of your abdomen and a tightness in your waistband very soon, and after week 20, it is usual for you to feel flutterings in your womb, as your…

Your vagina is a strong muscular tube that has the ability to enlarge and stretch in size to accommodate an erect penis and for a baby to pass through during birth. It’s directed backwards and upwards into the pelvis. The walls of the vagina are made up of folds of skin (called rugae) that give it extra surface area when smoothed or pressed out, allowing the vagina to expand to many times its normal capacity. The vagina has a plentiful blood supply, and this is why healing after any birth trauma is rapid. The vagina is surrounded by a group of muscles known as the pelvic-floor muscles, and these are affected by both pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, the vagina starts to ready itself for birth, due to the influence…

1. Get adequate nutrition – healthy skin stretches more easily. 2. Do pelvic-floor (Kegel) exercises during pregnancy. 3. Discuss your preferences with your caregiver. 4. Massage the perineum during pregnancy from 35 weeks. 5. Push slowly and with control during birth. This allows more time for your tissue to stretch. 6. Hold warm, wet compresses to the perineum during labour – wet skin stretches more easily and soothes burning. 7. Gently stretch the perineum manually during delivery – your doctor or midwife should help here. 8. Relax your throat and pelvis during the pushing phase – and get support.…

Q At our mom and baby group a mom mentioned her baby has flat head syndrome. What is this, and how do I prevent my baby getting it? A BURGIE IRELAND ANSWERS: The “flat head syndrome” your friend is referring to is probably acquired or positional plagiocephaly. Babies who are left to lie on their backs most of the time for the first six months of their life may develop a flat-appearing part of their skull. It can also happen in busy crèches where babies may be left to lie in their cots or in baby chairs or car seats all day without changing their position. Babies’ skulls are supposed to be soft and pliable. This is to make birthing easier and to accommodate the rapidly growing brain. When there…

It’s a big yes to having your baby sleep with a dummy. A dummy typically pushes the tongue down and holds it there, preventing it from slipping back and blocking the airway. This plays a big role in lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to a study published in Maternal and Child Health in 2012. This study shows that dummies reduce the risk of SIDS for every category of maternal and infant factor examined (for breastfed babies as well as formula-fed babies, for example). It was also found that a dummy reduces the risk of SIDS if your baby sleeps on his tummy, has soft and fluffy bedding, and shares his bed. Dummies used during sleep could reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as…

Q Will I be allowed skin-to-skin in a government hospital? The Minister of Health and his advisers’ committee, the National Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Committee, has made kangaroo care mandatory in all government hospitals, so directly after birth, babies are placed skin-to-skin on your chest in the labour ward. “Our challenge still remains to educate mothers to do it in the ‘fourth trimester’, the post-natal period, and in private hospitals where babies are often separated from their mothers and taken to a nursery,” says Vanessa Booysen of the Department of Health’s Newborn Care Project. Q Can another carer also do skin-to-skin? Absolutely, particularly if you have had a caesarean and need to remain in theatre after the birth. “Early morning skin-to-skin with Dad in bed while you make coffee is…

OVEN CLEANER • 1 cup baking soda • ¼ cup washing soda • water Combine baking and washing soda, adding enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to oven surfaces and leave to work overnight. In the morning, wipe and rinse clean. WINDOW CLEANER • 3T vinegar • ½t liquid soap • 750ml water To clean windows, add three tablespoons of vinegar to the water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Once dry, the vinegar odour will disappear. You can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. ALL-PURPOSE DISINFECTANT • 2-3T liquid soap • 3 drops tea-tree oil • 750ml water Combine the ingredients and pour into a spray bottle for an all-purpose disinfectant. TOILET CLEANER • 1 cup borax • ¼ cup vinegar Pour one…

Nanobébé Breast Milk Storage Bags & Organizer help you streamline your pumping routine, preventing spillage and spoilage, preserving nutrients at they cool and thaw twice as fast, reducing bacterial growth and preserving precious breast milk nutrients. The double-zipper bags are durable, leak-proof and made from extra-thick plastic. The stackable organiser helps you save space and easily track pumping order. Non-toxic, BPA and phthalate free. 25 pre-sterilized breastmilk storage bags, R279, Baby City, selected Dis-Chem stores and at nanobebe.co.za…

Q My 4-month-old baby has a terrible nappy rash. I have tried every remedy I can think of – baby bum cream, maizena, olive oil, rooibos tea – but nothing works. I’ve even tried letting him run around without his nappy on. The rash clears up every now and then, but then returns, and is even worse than before. What causes a nappy rash of this scale, and why is it so resistant to treatment? Please tell me if there is anything more I can do. A THE PAED SAYS: Nappy rashes are caused by a few things: • Irritation from urine or stool on the skin; or wet wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance. • An infection like candida albicans. This is a fungal infection that causes thrush. •…

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

Loss is an opportunity for you to introduce your child to religious or cultural beliefs and rituals. Take care to express the loss in age-appropriate terms that reflect your belief system. Saying goodbye through ritual becomes especially important from the age of 5, as your child begins to understand the permanency of loss. From the solemn burial of a pet mouse in the garden, the throwing of a dummy into the bin on a birthday morning, to the simple lighting of a candle in memory of a loved one, ritual plays a vital role in your child’s life. Ritual allows him to express his emotions in concrete ways. It gives him a framework through which he can start to gain a level of acceptance, and a forum through which to…

REUTERINA CAN HELP – CLINICALLY VALIDATED The Reuterina® range has been clinically validated in over 200 clinical trials and has a role to play in the prevention and treatment of a variety of disorders, associated with an imbalance of gut flora. Visit reuterina.co.za for more information on the products. REUTERINA PRIZE FOR COVER STARS 2022 Each of the six #coverstarsearch winners receives a Reuterina prize to the value of R1 000 and will appear on the cover of either Your Pregnancy & Baby magazine or Baba & Kleuter magazine. ENJOY EVERY DAY LOW PRICES WITH BABY CITY Baby City offers a wide range of quality branded items all under one roof. With every day low prices, it is no wonder Baby City is South Africa’s leading baby hyper. Visit babycity.co.za…

Sharing is caring - my bump buddy Being pregnant for the first time, almost closing in on 40 years old, has been an overwhelming experience! However, I have been extremely lucky to have one of my lifelong friends, Taryn, to share this journey with. With most of our families and friends having long passed by this stage, it would have been scary to go through this alone. Having someone with whom to compare the day-today experiences, discover new things, face challenges and enjoy laughs has been a blessing. My advice to other moms2be would be to try and find a ”bump buddy”. It makes the journey all the more memorable! TRINISHA NAICKER STANGER, KWAZULU-NATAL MY BROKEN HEART WAS HEALED I had endometriosis and polycystic ovaries when I was about 26…

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…

Keep little eyes SHARP It is rather obvious to state that if you can’t see well, you can’t learn well. And yet, few parents have their children’s eyes thoroughly tested before school. Here’s what the experts say… From age 6 you should have your child’s eyes tested every 24 months, by a qualified optometrist. If you pick up any concerns earlier than this, you should also act immediately. Tell-tale signs that your child may have vision problems include: • Straining their eyes, tilting their head or closing one eye to read, watch TV or see more clearly. • Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to guide their eyes. • Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close. • Avoiding activities that require…

Make the goal of your photographs to show love and connection, says photographer Charlene Louw from Alberton, Johannesburg. When the love you capture is real, the photo will pull at your heart strings. There is an “Ah!” moment that means you can see the love, or feel the cuteness. You can achieve this, even with your cellphone, Charlene says. Tips for taking the perfect snaps 1 TURN IT INTO A GAME One way to ensure your little ones are enjoying themselves is to turn the shoot into a game. This can be done in several ways, especially for babies and toddlers. Charlene’s top tip is to simply tell them they can't catch you and run off, then photograph them as they pursue you or vice versa. The aim is…

When James held his daughter for the first time, he knew he wanted to give his little girl the world. Suddenly, work took on a whole new meaning. He needed that promotion now that he had to provide financially for his larger family. The burden was intense, and he took to working long hours away from home. The pressure, combined with the sleepless nights of parenting, eventually broke him. He became irritable and anxious, and his libido declined until it was non-existent. Was he suffering from male PND? It’s more than likely. A study in The Journal of the American Medical Association shows 10 percent of men suffer from prenatal and post-partum depression. And, that number climbs in the three- to six-month postpartum period. Depression, the study found, has a…

Check your posture. Bad posture affects your back, breathing and circulation, can cause joint pain, rib discomfort, sore feet and fatigue. Exercise. By exercising and strengthening the back muscles, they retain their tone and elasticity so that they fully support the spine. Environment. Check your home/ work to see that work surfaces, wash basins and cupboards are correctly placed and comfortable for you. Body awareness. Be aware of anything that may aggravate your back pain. For example, do you hold the telephone in the crook of your neck? Do you drive with the window open or the air conditioner blowing on one side of your body? Do you slouch when you sit? When lifting heavier objects (avoid this during pregnancy) or your toddler, be sure to bend your knees and…

Q Can I dye my hair? A First up, very little dye is absorbed through the skin, and the chances of this being absorbed by your foetus are even more minuscule. Research indicates the chemicals found in both semipermanent and permanent dyes aren’t highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy. You have the option to ask your hairstylist to keep the dye off your scalp if you’re worried. Sister Henny de Beer, clinical midwife specialist, warns that the results you’re looking for may not be up to scratch, however. “Due to hormonal changes, the pigmentation of your hair might change,” she says. She recommends wearing a mask at the salon to prevent inhaling chemicals. “Organic hair colours are recommended, and Brazilian hair straightening is definitely not,” she says.…

When you’re pregnant, your body depletes many of your nutrients to give to the baby, so it’s important that you follow a well-balanced, healthy diet during this time. If you can, take a specially formulated pregnancy multivitamin as recommended by your doctor or clinic sister. No food is more important than any other, but the following nutrients punch above their weight and should form part of a healthy pregnancy diet. FOLIC ACID Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the proper development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord very early in pregnancy. It also helps make red blood cells. Take a folic-acid supplement from before you are even pregnant. If you are already pregnant, don’t worry; bread and cereal are fortified with folic acid in South Africa. Other…

While you may be ready to switch off for an omnibus of eight hours’ sleep, your body and the baby inside it may have other ideas. Try these tips to ease the tossing and turning. #SnoozeSnag YOU LIE AWAKE WORRYING “In the last trimester, as we prepare for the birth of our baby, dreams become vivid, and 75 percent of women experience insomnia,” says Heather Wood, clinic sister at Thula Baby Centre and co-author of Pregnancy Sense. SLEEP SOLUTIONS It’s helpful to have a bedtime routine, brush your teeth and get ready for bed a good hour before you plan to go to sleep, as we often delay going to bed on time because we are too tired to prepare to get there. “Helpful tools for falling asleep are cuddles,…

You’ve heard about pre-eclampsia, but did you know there’s a life-threatening condition that’s a severe complication of pre-eclampsia? Fortunately, HELLP syndrome is extremely rare. While pre-eclampsia will affect 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women, less than 1 percent of all pregnancies are complicated by HELLP syndrome. HOW IS HELLP DIFFERENT? Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific blood-pressure complication. “Pre-eclampsia itself can lead to complications like lung failure, kidney failure, stroke, fits and HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome is when liver failure leads to the destruction of red blood cells and leaky blood vessel walls leading to a low platelet count,” explains Dr Jana Rossouw, a gynaecologist and obstetrician based in Cape Town. Without early treatment, this condition can lead to disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC), a clotting disorder that leads to excessive bleeding,…

YOUR KEGEL EXERCISES, as they strengthen your perineal muscles. This makes your muscles able to stretch better and allows you to have more control over your pushing. PERINEAL MASSAGE is exactly what it sounds like – massaging the area between the vagina and anus. Perineal massage increases blood flow and the elasticity of skin and muscles. Use a good lubricant, and start slowly. The massage should feel a little uncomfortable to start but should never be done to a point of extreme pain. Don’t do it, though, if you have an active bladder or vaginal infection. When it comes to helping yourself in labour, there are many things you can do to reduce the chances of tearing: • Try and keep your jaw loose when pushing. A clenched jaw means…

We know this instinctively, and science confirms it: foetal growth and development are influenced by your health. A healthy human has several hundred beneficial bacterial species living in the digestive tract. This is referred to as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome works hard to maintain the lining of the gut, to digest food, to get rid of toxins, to act as a barrier against bad bacteria and to support the nervous system and immune system. Practically, what does this mean? Simply put: by ensuring a healthy microbial balance in the gut, you can boost the number of good bacteria present in other mucous membranes, such as the vagina. Why would that matter, you might wonder… Well, when a baby is born, the microbiome isn’t automatically up and running. It…

Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are regarded as premature, and those born before 28 weeks are said to be extremely pre-term. Between 15 and 25 percent (in private and public healthcare, respectively) of South African babies arrive early, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The reasons for this are largely unknown and difficult to predict, says Johannesburg gynaecologist Dr Monica Nkabinde. WHAT CAUSES PRE-TERM BIRTH? The likelihood of giving birth prematurely increases when you’re expecting multiples, and foetal abnormalities might also be a cause. Medical conditions during pregnancy that may result in premature birth include pre-eclampsia (very high blood pressure), premature rupture of the membranes, bleeding of the placenta or injury to the abdomen, such as in a car accident. Other risk factors for premature birth…

The perfect hospital bag made locally from recycled plastic bottles. This gorgeous bag will fit absolutely everything you need for you and your baby’s hospital stay, R300, livingeco.co.za. Cherubs toilet training wipes are as gentle to the earth as they are to the skin. Also available in a value pack (3 x 56s), R32,99. Available from most leading retailers. Sustainable swimwear and accessories providing UV-protective, functional and stylish necessities when heading for the sun. Made from high-tech Econyl nylon, which is created from nylon leftovers and recovered fishing nets that would have turned into waste in landfills and oceans. Hooded towels, R540 each, available in rustic clay or peanut. Swimsuits, R790 each, available in rustic clay or peanut. Available at kind.co.za. A chicken-themed educational toy for toddlers made of sustainable…

“MANY CULTURES ALLOW BABIES AND TODDLERS TO SLEEP IN BED WITH THEIR PARENTS WELL INTO CHILDHOOD.” There was a polarised discussion around the dinner table that night. The three couples had known each other for years, and becoming parents at around the same time was a fun journey. But this evening, the dinner talk was heated. Mike and Jenny, fans of attachment parenting, believed it was harmful for babies to sleep anywhere but in their parents’ bed. Little Jo, now a busy toddler, had been in their bed from day one. On the other hand, Stephen was furious at Nicky for letting their toddler, Amy, sleep in their bed each night. He got no sleep at all and had resorted to camping on Amy’s narrow single bed each night. Their…

You’ve heard it said before: children are like sponges, taking in everything they hear, see, touch and smell. You can maximise this learning by pointing out and explaining different concepts to your child while you both go about your daily activities. Francois de Bruyn, a psychotherapist with a special interest in developmental learning, says that, “Toddlers learn by storing past sensory experiences such as taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing. These stimuli are then integrated with the emotions prevalent at that moment. This melding of ‘thinking and feeling’ helps your toddler navigate tasks that she will retain in her memory and draw on throughout her life. Attitudes towards lifelong learning start early on, especially when parents identify and afford their children regular opportunities to learn.” Making early learning fun cultivates…

PRETTY BUBBLES • 1 cup water • 2T glycerine • 4T dishwashing liquid Mix it all together very slowly and gently so that it doesn’t foam. GIANT BUBBLES • 6 cups water • ½ cup corn starch • ½ cup dishwashing liquid • 1T baking powder • 1T glycerine Pour the water into a shallow bowl. Add the corn starch and allow to dissolve. Gently stir in the other ingredients. Guard against making it foam. Let the mix rest for an hour, and then very gently stir it again. Don’t worry if a bit of corn starch stays stuck on the bottom of the bowl. This mix is great for blowing really huge bubbles. TIPS 1 You can buy glycerine at chemists or big supermarkets, usually in the baby aisle. 2 Add a drop or two of food…

“Rooibos tea is an incredibly healthy addition to any child’s diet,” explains Joburg-based specialist dietitian Mbali Mapholi. “It doesn’t replace other sources of nutrition like healthy foods or milk but rather provides children with healthy hydration that is caffeine-free and packed with benefits.” Mbali shares some ideas. #HEALTHY&YUMMYIDEA 6 ADD IT TO OATS Oats, whether prepared as overnight oats or served hot in the morning, can be cooked with rooibos tea to enhance the flavour and health benefits. They are quick to make, delicious to eat and extremely filling. #HEALTHY&YUMMYIDEA 9 JELLY TEA FOR DESSERT Children love desserts, but parents and caregivers often worry about them being unhealthy. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Simply make jelly with Tea4Kidz+ Peach & Apricot infused rooibos instead of water, and…

Q My husband is a gamer. He spends every free minute playing, and sometimes even spends most of the night playing. It is bordering on addiction and is causing problems in our family. Our little boy is 5 now and is keen to play with his dad, but the game is too advanced. My husband won’t game with him, as the younger games are “too boring”, and he has no patience with it. I feel like they could bond over this, but the opposite is happening, as it is just a wedge between him and us. We fight about it a lot, too. What can I do? A MADELEIN SAYS: Playing video games with children can serve as a good bonding opportunity, improve a sense of family, model skills in…

As a parent, you can fix most things for your child. A bottle or snack for a hungry tummy, a plaster for a hurt knee. But some things just can’t be made right again, and you’re faced with one of parenting’s biggest challenges. Sometimes it’s impossible to protect your child from the anxiety and sadness that arises through loss, and watching him experience the pain of dealing with these emotions can be very hard. What can help is to know that it’s important for your child to experience loss to prepare for the possibility of other major losses later on in life. Cathy Rogers, a Cape Town-based psychotherapist with a special interest in working with parents and their children under 5 years of age, explains further, “the losses that children…

WINNER 1 The winner (a boy) is on the cover of this issue of Your Pregnancy & Baby. WINNER 2 The winner (a boy) will appear on the cover of Baba & Kleuter February-May 2022. WINNER 3 A newborn will be featured on Your Pregnancy & Baby June & July 2022 cover. WINNER 4 A newborn will be featured on Baba & Kleuter June-September 2022 cover. WINNER 5 The winner (a girl) will be featured on Your Pregnancy & Baby October & November 2022 cover. WINNER 6 The winner (a girl) will be featured on Baba & Kleuter October-January 2023 cover.…

We asked: “How old were you when you had your first baby? Was that a good age to become a mother? In hindsight, do you think you should have been older or younger? Why?” ASINA TEBATSO (29) from Hammanskraal, Gauteng, had her firstborn in 2010, when she was 18. “I wish I was financially stable, even though my dad and my mom were there. It would’ve been nice to get things when I needed them. Other than that, best you believe that I regret nothing. We are growing up together.” NOXOLO JIMEROW (27) from Leslie, Mpumalanga: “I was 17, and I don’t think it was a good move, because I was straight out of school and wasn’t financially stable.” SAMANTHA LEE DAVIDSON from Marais Steyn Park, Gauteng: “I was 33…

CRANBERRY ROSEMARY MOCKTAIL (Love potion) INGREDIENTS • 1 cup rooibos tea • ¼ cup sugar • 1 cup cranberry juice • 1 cup tonic water (or soda water) • ½ cup ice • 4 sprigs rosemary METHOD 1. Make tea with boiling water and stir in the sugar. Mix the sweet rooibos tea, cranberry juice and tonic water (or soda water). Add two sprigs of rosemary and chill for at least an hour (to infuse the rosemary). 2. Divide ice between two glasses. Pour the mocktail over the ice, add a sprig of rosemary to each glass and serve. GAZPACHO (Cold tomato soup) INGREDIENTS • ½ cucumber, halved and seeded, then cut into tiny cubes • 1 red pepper, finely chopped • 2 rosa tomatoes, chopped • ½ red onion,…

When we’re pregnant, we’re so focused on the health of the little life growing inside us, we can forget to tend to the host, who after all needs to be well enough to grow a healthy baby. But staying well is important for baby and for ourselves, not just to catch anything that may be going wrong before it gets serious, but also for our longevity and overall feeling of well-being. So how to stay on top of your health? Take a look in the mirror. THE BODY KNOWS More than performing the multitude of processes that keeps you in one piece throughout the day, your body also gives you clear warning signs when things are starting to go wrong. All you need to do is look for the clues…

Playing the waiting game to see if this is your month can be stressful, and every twinge sends your mind racing. Am I? Aren’t I? While a blood test at around six weeks (counting from the day you started your last period) is the most reliable way to confirm a pregnancy, some women who are very conscious of their bodies report feelings that point to pregnancy very early. Here’s what to look out for if you’re hoping for a BFP (= big fat positive)! 1. YOUR PERIOD IS LATE... This may seem like an obvious sign, but many women find themselves a couple of days late, do a home pregnancy test and are confused and worried to see it come out negative. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when…

Q I just found out I have to have a c-section, and I’m quite heartbroken, as I was set on natural birth. I’ve been reading so much about relaxation techniques and affirmations, but now I feel like the power has been taken away from me, as none of the things I’ve been focusing on apply to a major operation. Please advise if there is anything I can do to still make this birth feel right for me? A KIM ANSWERS: I’m sorry to hear about the change of plan for your birth, but please don’t be disheartened. Caesarean sections have their place, and if it is medically the safest option for you and your baby, then that is a good decision, and the good news is that you can still…

Your skin also needs some nourishment. Spray some Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse with neroli and sweet bergamot into the palms of your hands, then place your hands flat on top of your head. Breathe in and out deeply several times through your nose. Use your fingertips to smooth your hair all the way to the tips, then rub your scalp vigorously. Continue with circular movements on the nape of your neck and back of your head. Trace zigzags with your nails, starting from the top of your head and working down to the nape of your neck. Finish by kneading the opposite trapezius muscle with each entire hand. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse 100ml, R595, orleanscosmetics.co.za and Woolworths.…

Q I’m pregnant, and I don’t know if I should get the Covid vaccination. I keep coming across so much conflicting information. Many gynaes give it a loud yes, but are there any rules about when to get it or not – like which trimester – and are there any conditions that preclude a pregnant women from getting it? A DR KOLL ANSWERS: When you’re pregnant, you’re at increased risk of developing severe illness if you get Covid. This risk is especially high if you also have a high-risk co-morbidity such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. For this reason, vaccination should be a priority in pregnancy. Vaccination is advised in all women contemplating pregnancy or trying to fall pregnant. If you’re undergoing IVF treatment, you should get vaccinated.…

H HAEMOLYSIS: This refers to the breakdown of red blood cells. When you’re suffering from haemolysis, your red blood cells break down too soon, which may result in low red blood cell levels and can lead to anaemia, which is when the blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. EL ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES: this is an indication that your liver isn’t working properly. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak high amounts of certain chemicals, including enzymes, into your blood. LP LOW PLATELETS: platelets help with blood clotting. When your platelets are low, you’re at risk of excessive bleeding.…

MomConnect is a free government SMS-based service that provides information to pregnant women‚ new parents and nurses about pregnancy‚ childbirth and the first year of life of a baby. The service also encourages mothers to book antenatal consultations as early as possible in their pregnancies. To register with MomConnect, you’ll need your ID number, date of birth and due date and language preference (English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana or Afrikaans). Clinic staff can help you register, or dial *134*550#. Also find Preemie Connect on Facebook and other social media. Another good source of information is littlesteps.co.za…

Safety 1st Healthcare Kit (R294,99 at Baby City) contains the essential items you’ll want to have on hand for baby while on the go. Keep baby’s healthcare items together and organised in the zippered case. It also easily reverses from a standard pouch to a pencil-case style. With its three-in-one thermometer, toothbrush and more, you’ll be ready no matter where the road takes you. Besides the thermometer (with case) and soft-grip toothbrush ideal for toddlers, the kit also boasts a newborn nasal aspirator, five alcohol wipes, medicine dropper and emergency information wall card. Every new baby needs a new cot mattress. This one from Sealy, from R2 999, comes with with a free mattress protector. To see where to buy, visit sealy.co.za/store-locator.…

There’s nothing like the arrival of your new baby to get you thinking about the future, which includes the future of our planet. With growing global awareness of environmental issues, many of us are looking for ways to lessen our carbon footprint. But with the arrival of your new baby, time becomes even more precious, sleep is often elusive, and finances are slightly more stretched. While you may be interested in going green, achieving this goal for your home shouldn’t be something that takes up valuable time and money. Becoming eco-conscious should be uncomplicated, practical and easy to fit into your busy life. And it is. If you follow these simple steps, your family will be living greener, healthier, more economical lives in no time. 4 USEFUL TIPS • Get…

You’ll never forget the day your baby was born, or when they took their first step, and when they said “Mama” for the first time. These are some of your most treasured memories. While they felt ground-breaking to you, your baby will have no recollection of these memories at all in their future life. Ask an adult what their first memory is, and they will often tell you about something that happened when they were around 3 years old. This is the average age of remembering things from childhood, simply because recall of memories after the age of 3 years is improved by the development of the pre-frontal cortex, explains Cape Town based clinical psychologist and child neuro-psychologist Joalida Smit. “The memories may exist in the brain, but they can’t…

Q Since the arrival of my new baby, my toddler’s feeling left out. Now he insists on climbing into our bed every night. What can I do to persuade him to stay in his room? A IN THIS CASE, SPEND AT least 15 minutes on your own with your toddler each evening before bed. Turn off the TV, phone and any other distractions, and try to get someone to help care for your baby, so that you can focus entirely on your toddler. Choose a quiet space with a few special toys, then sit on the floor with your toddler, and play with him. It really connects you with your toddler and helps him feel more secure at night. Q My toddler is unsettled at night and calls out for…

NUK all stages teether (blue, pink or green), R169,99, and NUK cooling teething ring set (pink or blue), R199,99, Dis-Chem, Baby City and takealot.com. The Safety 1st Medicine Set contains three medicine-dispensing options for your growing child: a medicine dropper with spill guard, a medicine syringe, and a medicine spoon. All items allow for ease of use during measuring and dispensing and will have you covered from infant through to toddler. R94,99, Baby City and everyshop.co.za. ProbiFlora Probiotic Infant Drops 5ml, R170, Baby City, Dis-Chem and leading pharmacies.…

1 Use leaves and other elements found in nature to point out different shapes to your toddler. Circles can be found in flowers, and the clouds have many different shapes. 2 Point out different colours to your toddler when you’re outside. 3 Teach her to count by counting the number of trees you walk past or asking her to pick a certain number of flowers to take home and put in a vase. 4 Get her to listen to different sounds: the sounds of birds singing, the crunch of twigs under your feet as you walk, and the different sounds water makes as it splashes, trickles and flows. 5 Talk to your toddler about how a plant starts its life as a seed, and that it needs rain and sunshine…

One question that plays a lot on the minds of parents of young children is: How can I get my child to eat healthily? Nutrition is vital to the healthy development of your young child. Her bones, muscles and brain absorb nutrients at an amazing rate to keep up with the growth and development that’s taking place. Yet it’s not always easy to get her to eat. So what can you do to ensure your child gets the nutrients she needs to ensure her optimum health? “GIVING YOUR CHILD A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST WILL HELP HER TO COPE MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY WITH TASKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY” MAKE TIME FOR BREAKFAST A nutritious breakfast is vital for a healthy start to the day. Giving your child a nutritious breakfast will help her…

TIPPIE NOW ALSO SPEAKS isiXHOSA AND isiZULU! Tippie the language-teaching elephant now speaks isiZulu and isiXhosa as well! This proudly South African series teaches children from levels R4 to read and focuses on literacy development. Children with learning disabilities can also greatly benefit from this book series. Since these two new additions were developed by home-language isiXhosa and isiZulu speakers and not merely translated from the English or Afrikaans versions, you can rest assured that your children will learn to properly read and write in context. A great book for home-, second- and even third-language-speaking children. Learn to Read with Tippie the Elephant by Nolutando Mngxekeza, Reinette Lombard and José Palmer, R390 for box set, Penguin Random House. IT’S THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART THAT MATTERS Buffalo has always felt…

Your baby develops a cognitive awareness of loss from about the age of 7 to 8 months. This is manifested in the very normal stage of development called separation anxiety. Ruth Ancer, a clinical psychologist in private practice, explains, “at this stage babies begin to start forming strong emotional attachments to their parents and caregivers. They’re also starting to understand the concept of object permanence. When Mom leaves the room, her baby wonders with concern when she’ll return. This results in separation anxiety, which is usually expressed through crying.” Ruth suggests that games such as peek-a-boo can help your baby by gently introducing the idea that people can disappear and then be there again. The coming and going of loved ones and familiar environments, and the fluctuation of comfortable and…

My husband, Johan, and I have both been in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for more than 10 years. We share an amazing life here with our daughter, Mia, our English bulldog, Lola, and our cat, Milo. We live in a compound that is approximately 35 minutes drive from the city of Abu Dhabi. I moved to the UAE after finishing my studies at the University of Potchefstroom. I worked as a flight attendant for Etihad Airways for two years. After that, I got the opportunity to work for Presidential Flight, the Abu Dhabi royal family’s official carrier. It was an amazing experience. I travelled the world while working on-board a multimillion-dollar jet with bedrooms, a spa, gym facilities and movie theatres. No one was ever allowed to know where…