Innholdsfortegnelse for April - May 2022 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

I arrived at Woolies the other day at the same time as a mom with her son in tow. He was probably nearly 3. The little guy was newly verbal and was exercising his limited vocabulary expertly to steer the day’s events. Mom picked a trolley. He answered with “No, that one.” Mom said to sit here, he answered “No, there.” In the shop her every “this” became a “No, that,” and every item placed in the trolley was repositioned by the little guy with a firm, “No, here.” Mom handled it all with great patience, but I doubt she managed to get her grocery shop done to satisfaction. After passing her in the one aisle, I commented that I’d forgotten how busy that stage of toddlerhood could be. “Yes,”…

WINNER 1 The winner (a boy) was on the cover of a previous issue of Your Pregnancy & Baby. WINNER 2 The winner (a boy) is 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.…

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE HEALTHCARE WORKERS There are negative stories of expecting mothers experiencing hardships in hospitals and encountering nonprofessional helpers. However, in these tough Covid times, I would like to shine a light and appreciate our hero healthcare workers who go above and beyond their call of duty. I am expecting our second one in April 2022 and, like my previous pregnancy, I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy). It was something I had never heard of before, and the journey was tough then and still is today. The condition makes it extremely hard to keep any form of food or liquid down, and I had to depend on drips quite often. With the first pregnancy, I was going through a journey that…

Send a clear, good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com 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…

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa has the highest reported prevalence rates of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the world, with our country’s overall rate being at least 6 percent, compared to the global average of 1.5 percent. In some communities in South Africa, rates are as high as 28 percent. FAS is the most common preventable form of mental disability in the world. It occurs in children of mothers who drink alcohol during their pregnancies. There is no cure. Great news from a community spanning 30 farms east of Colesberg in the Great Karoo is that since 2013 no babies with FAS have been born in the area. How? Thanks to a research and education programme run by Mamas Alliance and the Hantam Community Education Trust.…

Books make the best gifts, but a personalised book makes an even better gift! The two local moms behind MyStories love the idea of combining the power of a story with the power of a name, so they put their writing and design skills to work. You’ll see your child’s face light up, firstly because of the great story and then because – magically – they are featured in the story! This creates a strong sense of love, inclusion, representation and belonging and of course also encourages a love for books and reading. To find out more, send an email to info@mystories.co.za. The books are available in English and Afrikaans. They are A4 size and range from 24 to 32 pages with original stories and full colour original illustrations. Soft…

CHICKEN & BUTTERNUT CURRY WITH SAMBALS INGREDIENTS • 2T olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 tablespoon ginger root, grated • 1 tablespoon curry powder • 1 cup butternut, peeled, seeds removed and cut into small cubes • 1 tin chopped tomatoes • ½ cup plain yoghurt • ¾ cup cream • 1 rotisserie chicken, bones removed and meat shredded • ½t salt • ¼t ground pepper • ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves • 1 cup brown rice, cooked METHOD Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and brown for about seven minutes. Add garlic and ginger and stir for another minute or two. Sprinkle in the curry powder and cook, stirring for one minute. Add the butternut…

Write up a card and have it laminated for posterity, with the following details: • Family’s medical aid details • GP’s name and numbers • Paediatrician’s name and numbers • Number of the nearest hospital • Number for the fire department • Keep a booklet on first aid and CPR handy. • Keep all medicine safely locked away. • At the beginning of winter, go through the medicine chest and check expiry dates. Dispose of old medicine safely by taking it back to the pharmacy.…

You sigh as you contemplate the day ahead. In your battle against stress, you have made some big changes in your life. You have prioritised your health, are following a balanced eating plan, have organised your time better and even joined the gym. You are doing everything right, yet why do you still feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? Unfortunately there is a catch-22 here, as exercise, healthy eating and finding balance are difficult to do when you are feeling stressed and anxious. To make these changes in your life without joy makes them just another burden. They become the “right” things to do, chores hanging over your head – they become “Should Do’s” rather than “Want To’s”. The good news is that the solution is right…

There’s not much you can do to take away the miseries of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This ailment can leave your partner feeling tired, listless and miserable, and your understanding and compassion will go a long way in helping her cope. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO • Offer to do the cooking if smells and odours trigger her nausea. Make sure that she’s keeping up with her fluids and following a balanced diet. • Get her to rest and breathe. Remind her that her body is performing a miracle and that this particular niggle of pregnancy is actually a positive one, in that it usually means the pregnancy is healthy.…

• WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN! This could be as simple as placing a white board in your kitchen (if you write lists, you’re likely to lose them), set reminders on your phone or get some extra assistance from technology. You can download apps such as Due, which can be programmed to send you reminders via email, your phone or by sounding an alarm. • GET A MEMORY WINGMAN Your partner and friend keep offering to help out, right? Send them a list of your appointments, and ask them to remind you when you have something important on. • REMEMBER TO EAT AND DRINK Foods high in DHA and omega 3 (salmon and eggs, for example) are great for memory. Dehydration can lead to low concentration. • USE IT OR LOSE IT Keep that memory muscle…

For most women, pregnancy doesn’t match the soft-focus, loved-up photos of couples you see in adverts and movies. Yup, at times being the life support for a rapidly growing baby can make us feel like we’ve got supercharged PMS. Blame that cauldron of hormones that have taken up residence in our body! Some of us are more sensitive to rising levels of progesterone or oestrogen, making us feel more emotional (note to dads: expect us to weep when we sees that cute baby video on YouTube) or stressed. These hormones can affect neurotransmitter levels, which are the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, and are most likely to cause those roller-coaster emotions at six to 10 weeks, and then again in the third trimester as our body prepares for…

Boitumelo is the proud mom of little Moagi (2 years old), and also a certified doula and postpartum depression and anxiety advocate. Boitumelo was a victim of disrespect and abuse in the maternity care unit she was transferred to after giving birth alone in her flat in Johannesburg in June 2019. She shares her story of healing in the hope of saving others from a similar nightmarish experience. “I remember lying next to an almost lifeless baby, surrounded by a pool of blood, in a dim room and chewing on my brain because I needed a plan – a plan to get the baby I had just birthed to a safe place so I could carry on with my life,” Boitumelo says. She was a third year law student at…

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a tricky one of which we all need to be aware. RSV attacks at least three babies out of four in their first year of life. Premature babies in particular are at high risk. RSV now occurs throughout the year and not only in the colder months as before, warns University of Pretoria paediatric pulmonologist Prof. Robin Green. Globally, it is on the rise, says Cape Town paediatrician Dr Iqbal Karbanee, who adds that as little ones return to daycare and play school this year, the risk of exposure is increased. For parents , the tricky bit is that the early symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Typically, you will see a runny or blocked nose, low fever, and a light…

Woolworths has launched its first Ecocertapproved, organic Wooliesbabes baby care range that is vegan too and approved by Beauty without Cruelty. The products are available in lightly fragranced and fragrance-free options. Including body wash, moisturiser, barrier cream and bath oil, the range is dermatologically tested, paediatrician-approved and made according to a no-tears formulation. It contains no dyes and sulphates and is formulated with ethically sourced ingredients. Prices not available at time of print, but check online at woolworths.co.za later in the month.…

• Mellow, laid-back babies tend to burn fewer calories and therefore gain weight quicker. • Active babies with persistent, motor-driven personalities who always seem to be revved up usually burn more calories and tend to be leaner. • The frequency of breastfeeding influences growth. • Babies who are breastfed on cue and offered unrestricted feedings tend to grow faster. • Infants who co-sleep enjoy the luxury of unrestricted night nursing and tend to grow faster. • Infants who are the product of strict “baby training” (parenting programmes in which babies are fed on a schedule and forced to sleep through the night using variations of the “cry-it-out” method) can show delayed growth. Babies who are breastfed according to a parent-imposed and restrictive feeding schedule are not only likely to get…

Your baby can be weaned onto a sipper cup from about 6 months of age or when she starts on solids. You may feel comfortable introducing her to a cup once she is able to sit up and hold it on her own. You might even want to wait until she shows signs of interest in a cup or has the eye-hand coordination needed to move objects from her hand to her mouth. Whichever you prefer, remember that this is going to be a completely new experience for your baby, and it will take some time and patience to get it right. Some babies enjoy a sipper as early as 5 or 6 months, and others aren’t interested until after their first birthday. Most babies seem ready around 7 to…

Play helps your child make sense of every aspect of his development. ❯❯ PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Through play, your child develops control of his body. He learns eye-hand coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and how to balance. ❯❯ EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Play teaches your child to express himself. He learns that not knowing where a favourite toy is makes him feel sad, or that finding his “blankie” hidden under his bed makes him feel happy. ❯❯ SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Your child learns, from cause and effect in interactions with other children, how to express himself in a socially acceptable manner. He will learn very quickly that there are consequences – like screaming, hitting and biting – when he grabs a toy from a playmate. In the playground, children learn to share, to…

It’s an age-old problem – we want our tots to tuck into their veggies, but many of them bolt at the sight of a steaming broccoli floret or heap of spinach. So what is the best way to develop a happy, healthy attitude towards these superfoods and why do children resist? “Babies and toddlers tend to have a more sensitive sense of smell and taste than older children and adults, and some veggies have quite a strong flavour and odour, so this can be off-putting,” explains Johannesburg dietitian Sue Scharf. “As a rule of thumb, mildly flavoured foods are preferred, so the more bland the vegetable, the better. Fruits are often preferred for this reason too,” she continues. If you’re not a veggie-lover, then you might be passing this on…

You’ve heard that old joke about babies not coming with a manual. Well, our free supplement with this issue aims to address that. Read it cover to cover before Baby comes, or dip into it as the need arises with a newborn in the house. Most important of all though, get to know your own unique baby by simply spending time together nesting and bonding. Thank you to our sponsor, Reuterina, for supporting us in providing our readers with solid, useful information to help them thrive as new parents.…

Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com KEEP FOCUSED In times of discouragement… or in my case, losing my mother while pregnant, focus on the life growing inside of you. They need you now more than ever. Keep your head up, Mama, you’re doing an amazing job! Johanri du Toit (24) at 36 weeks of pregnancy with her late mom Annemarie du Toit (57). YOU LOVE THEM ALL THE SAME Shanawaaz Leeman from Cape Town tells us, “I never planned on having more than one child, as I could not imagine how I could possibly love another the same way. I was truly amazed at how I loved my second, third and fourth equally!” MY UNICORN BUNDLE! Thank you, Baby City, for featuring the picture of my…

SIYETHABA ZIBULA (25) from Appelsbosch, Ozwatini, KwaZulu-Natal, says this: “Zozikode. Her father named her. It’s his family clan name. It means “Izintombi Zozikode” – girls at the distant fireplace. Zozikode is now 3 months old”. ROSINA MOREROA (22) lives in Polokwane, Limpopo. Her child’s second name is Amogelang, which means acceptance. Rosina says she fell pregnant at a young age and her parents were so disappointed, but they ended up accepting. “My daughter’s full name is Isla Gem Deck,” says LINDI DECK (35) from Parklands, Cape Town, Western Cape. “Her second name is after my late mom’s initials: G.E.M. She never got to meet her, but I wanted her to have a little part of her nana.”…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Carriwell’s Light Maternity Support Panty is the most comfortable maternity support panty you will ever wear! It is designed to provide light support under the tummy and for the lower back. The extra-stretchy fabric in the leg openings and tummy area gently expands as needed, ensuring comfort. The panties are made from super-soft breathable microfibre that won’t irritate the skin. The seamless design means the panty stays in place and doesn’t roll or ride up, so you can wear it under any outfit. R280 at Baby City, Woolworths and Clicks. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

1 IRREGULAR OR ABSENT PERIODS Various factors can cause abnormal menstrual cycles: stress, lifestyle, endometriosis, birth control pill, PCOS (a hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder), obesity and amenorrhea. 2 ANOVULATION, a menstrual cycle without ovulation. It happens when an egg is not released from your ovary into the fallopian tubes during your period. Hormones are to blame. The result is of course no possibility of getting pregnant. 3 INCREASED TESTOSTERONE (ANDROGEN) LEVELS We also produce small amounts of testosterone in our ovaries and adrenal glands. Imbalances can cause irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair on the face and body, thinning of hair and obesity. 4 INSULIN RESISTANCE Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas makes to allow cells to absorb and use blood sugar. However, when cells cannot absorb blood sugar,…

KEEN TO SHARE? Show us your party! Send an email to sharing@ypbmagazine.com and we could feature your baby shower or party on our #celebrating pages.…

✚ COMMUNICATE You may find some difficulty communicating because family members bring with them varying styles of communication, different jargon, and dissimilar body language. With time you’ll blend communication styles, and communication will become easier ✚ KEEP EXPECTATIONS REALISTIC ✚ BE FLEXIBLE Be prepared to change plans. Accommodating more people will inevitably lead to some unpredictability ✚ BE PATIENT Step-parents must move slowly, planting the seeds of love and helping them to grow through respect, caring and appropriate affection. It doesn’t always happen immediately.…

You can’t do it all alone. That’s the reality of having children – not just single parenting. But there’s certainly no denying that the old African adage “It takes a village to raise a child” applies especially to single moms. There are three legs to the endlessly complex job of being a single mother: the emotional aspects, the hands-on realities of the everyday needs of your child, and the money side. BE EMOTIONALLY PREPARED Getting ready for single parenthood begins the second your pregnancy is confirmed. “Whether the pregnancy is planned or unplanned, the journey ahead can seem daunting,” says Pretoria-based clinical psychologist and lecturer Thandazile Mtetwa. “But when the child is unplanned, the pressure may be even harder emotionally. You need to allow yourself to bond with your child…

1 TRIMESTER ST NAP WHEN YOU NEED TO Exhaustion during the first trimester is common, so don’t feel guilty about taking a nap, says Michelle Walton, owner of Joburg-based Birthrite, which offers doula services and therapeutic reflexology for pregnancy, labour and post-partum. “Rest is one of your greatest allies now.” DON’T OVERHEAT “This is the main aim for exercise in the first trimester,” says Dr Etti Barsky, a GP and sports physician with a special interest in pregnancy. “Always exercise in a well-ventilated area, wear clothes that don’t make you too sweaty, and drink water throughout your workout.” GET A MATERNITY BRA If your breasts are already heavier and beginning to feel tender, it’s time to go shopping. “Maternity bras allow for enlargement of your breasts, so you…

1. UTERUS The uterus (or womb) is your reproductive organ that lies between the bladder and the rectum, about the size and shape of an upside-down pear. It’s connected to the Fallopian tubes (the “transport lines” for eggs that are released from the ovaries), and the cervix and vagina, and acts as your baby’s home while it’s growing inside your body. 2. CERVIX The cervix is a narrow passageway shaped like a cylinder and about 5cm long, which connects the vagina with the uterus. In a non-pregnant woman, it allows menstrual blood to flow out of the body, or sperm to pass into the uterus for fertilisation. During delivery, it will widen (dilate) to allow your baby to pass from the uterus to the outside world. 3. EMBRYO After a…

Everyone warns you about how little sleep you will get once your baby is born, but sleep struggles typically start during pregnancy. The 3 in 1 Preggy/Maternity Roll is designed to ease some of your discomfort and help lull you off to sleep. The shape contours your body, providing back and tummy support. Use it for maximum support and relaxation while you sleep, watch TV or read. Once Baby is born, it becomes a feeding pillow or a comfy pillow for your baby to nest in. Fastening the clips secures the position of the pillow for a safer feeding experience and a tranquil pod for your little one. The 3 in 1 Preggy/Maternity Roll is made locally out of soft durable material. R599 from 4Akid.co.za…

The hard work of growing and bringing a new human being into the world is over. Now the work of reclaiming your body can begin. But it certainly isn’t a case of simply putting on your takkies and hitting the gym. It took nine months to change your shape so you could become a mom. Give yourself at least that length of time before even considering jumping back into your skinny jeans. TAKE IT SLOW Hoedspruit trainer Debbie Ross (founder of Fitmommy and Fitswim) says that you continue to ”experience changes after baby’s arrival for some time, as the body returns to its original state on a hormonal and physical level. Breastfeeding influences this to a high degree.” The physical changes include, in the first four to six weeks, bleeding…

Boitumelo says that given the state of many maternity care units in South Africa, it is very important to consider having a doula as a part of your birthing experience. Studies have shown that having a doula during birth has many benefits. Here are a few: ❯❯ Reduced birth complications ❯❯ Positive birth outcome for baby and mother ❯❯ Lower anxiety levels for mother ❯❯ Shorter and easier labour ❯❯ Reduced chances of medical interventions (c-section) or administration of epidural ❯❯ Increased chances of future pregnancy Follow Doula Boitumelo on Instagram at the_mamaclub or Twitter @TMamaclub, or sign up to follow her blog at themamaclubgroup.wordpress.com or send her an email at themamaclubgroup@gmail.com. Also visit wombs.org.za for more information on doulas in South Africa.…

Prem babies can receive an injection against RSV, says Prof. Welma Lubbe from the North-West University. It is not a vaccine, but contains virus-fighting antibodies that protect your baby. The criteria regarded as placing babies in the high-risk category include: • Pre-term babies born at or before 35 weeks who are 6 months or younger when the RSV season starts. • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia that required medical care during the last six months in babies who younger than 24 months when the RSV season starts. • Babies born with certain types of heart disease who are 24 months or younger when the RSV season starts. • Premature babies born younger than 35 weeks gestation age are especially at high risk for severe RSV disease, since they were born before their lungs…

Just as soon as you get used to your baby’s feeding schedule, she hits a growth spurt – and everything changes! Typically occurring between 1 and 3 weeks of age, your baby will want to feed more frequently and may seem hungry even though she’s just fed. Don’t worry that you’re not feeding your baby enough – a growth spurt is a healthy sign of her development. Your baby’s most important job right now is to grow bigger, and that’s exactly what a growth spurt shows. During this time, you may notice that your baby’s sleep schedule changes as she wakes up more often to feed. She may also be a bit niggly. This may be an exhausting time for you as well, especially if you’re breastfeeding, so be sure…

1. MAKE EYE CONTACT Take advantage of those brief moments when your newborn’s eyes are open, and look right into them. Babies recognise faces early on, and yours is the most important one of all. By doing this, you get into the habit of looking your child in the eyes when you communicate with her. Looking into your baby’s eyes conveys the message that you’re sincere and she’s important to you. 2. PREEMPT YOUR ACTIONS When you announce, “I’m going to turn on the light now” before flipping the switch, you’re teaching her about cause and effect. 3. MAKE CONVERSATION While you’ll probably feel silly conversing with a young baby who just isn’t going to talk back, by leaving short pauses where your baby would speak, she’ll catch on to…

• TAKE YOUR TIME This is a completely new experience for your baby and she’ll need to get used to the idea of drinking from a cup instead of a bottle. • DON’T FORCE THE ISSUE If your baby isn’t interested, drop it and try again a week or two later. • MAKE IT FUN by inventing a game or a song about drinking from a cup. You could also take your child along when you buy her first sipper cup and, if she’s old enough, encourage her to pick one that she likes. • START OUTDOORS This makes it easy to clean up any spills and messes, of which there will be plenty, when your baby first starts drinking out of a cup. Kate also recommends first introducing a…

Dietitian Sue Scharf gives these vegetables top marks for their great nutritional value. Include them in your child’s diet as often as possible. In the colour groups yellow/orange, dark green, white, brown and pink/red/purple, these are the best : ● Carrots contain carotene (vitamin A). The darker the colour of any orange or yellow vegetable, the higher its carotene content. ● Broccoli bursts with carotene, calcium and vitamin C. ● Sweet potato is a slow-release carbohydrate food, contains protein and vitamin C and gives loads of energy. ● Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. ● Dried beans/lentils are pulses, but these protein-rich foods are slow-release (low GI) carbohydrates full of fibre and have a valuable place in your child’s diet.…

THE DAYDREAMER This is the slow-to-react child because he has difficulty recognising that sensations are being received. According to Winnie Dunn’s sensory profile, he is known as the “Poor Registration” child. BEHAVIOURS YOU MAY SEE • He doesn’t react when called. • He doesn’t notice dirt on his body. • His movements tend to be slow. • It takes repeated requests before he responds with action. T YPICAL CHAR ACTERISTICS • He often appears bored and laid-back. • His emotions are difficult to read. • He appears lethargic on a regular basis. Low energy levels result from insufficient neural activation. • He appears to live in a world of his own and is slow to respond to requests as he overlooks sensory cues from his environment. THE WALLFLOWER His threshold…

We can’t protect our children from change, even if it is hard for them. Educational psychologist Sheryl Cohen points out that avoidance is not a healthy way of coping with difficult feelings, but that there are ways that we can contain our children’s anxiety and help them cope well with transitions. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS 1 Create as much familiarity, control and predictability for your child as possible. For instance, try to keep her evening routine the same as at home, even if you are on holiday. If you are going out for the afternoon, bring the baby food and a spoon that she is used to. 2 Introducing your child slowly to a new situation can be helpful. For instance, playschools often start with shorter days, or fewer school…

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…

Our winning letter receives a Nanobébé gift hamper worth R2 800! Developed with the help of paediatricians, lactation consultants and biomedical engineers, the Nanobébé Breast Milk Container prioritises the preservation of breast milk nutrients. The Nanobébé line of health-focused essentials is a game changer for modern parents and their lifestyle, as Nanobébé knows the value in those precious little moments. Nanobébé is dedicated to finding real solutions to truly make a difference in your parenthood journey.…

YOU COULD WIN A BIO-OIL HAMPER WORTH R900 For the last 35 years, Bio-Oil has led the way in specialist skincare. Harnessing the power of oil to create a range of skincare products that give skin what it needs to be healthy, Bio-Oil is giving away 35-year limited-edition gift packs and pregnancy hampers worth R900 each to eight lucky Your Pregnancy & Baby readers. To enter, send a hi-res image of your child with a parent, other carer or sibling to sharing@ypbmagazine.com.…

Doll play seems to have gone out of fashion a little, and we simply don’t know why. Apart from being great fun, it has a whole range of benefits, according to the neuroscientists at Cardiff University who recently completed a two year study commissioned by Barbie. Researchers found that playing with dolls activated parts of the brain that allow children to develop empathy and social processing skills. They have also investigated the importance of what children say while they play and found children use increased language about others’ thoughts and emotions when playing alone with dolls. Speaking about others’ internal states allows children to practise social skills they can utilise when interacting with people in the real world and can potentially be beneficial to children’s overall emotional development. “When children…

Let’s start with the vulnerable people in the home. Did you know that pregnant women are more vulnerable to illnesses because of the immunological changes the body has to allow during pregnancy in order to grow a healthy baby? These changes cause your immune response to be suppressed, mainly so that your body does not attack the foetus, mistaking it for an “alien invader”. So says Dr Marlena du Toit, a Cape Town-based gynaecologist. “A woman’s respiratory function also changes during pregnancy, especially during the last weeks of the pregnancy,” she adds. “Therefore, a pregnant woman can have severe complications after an upper airway infection occurs.” This goes for Covid too, and that’s why it is recommended that you get your vaccinations when you’re pregnant, if you haven’t done so…

1 BUDGET You don’t have to precisely document every cup of coffee or chocolate bar you buy, but you should at least have a good idea of how much you spend each month and on what. If you don’t stick to a budget, you’ll constantly be asking yourself where the money went. 2 SAVE Having an emergency fund is especially vital if you’re a single parent. Establish a separate savings account, and add to it every month, no matter how little. Until you’ve built up enough money for it to be truly usable, go easy on the treats such as eating out or buying clothes you don’t need – rather channel that money into your savings. 3 PLAN AHEAD Estimate how much you’ll need to save for education and transport…

Do yourself a favour and invest in a really great bra to carry you through pregnancy and beyond. We recommend Body Kind Sports Bra, developed by local fitness expert Lisa Raleigh. It is fully adjustable so can grow and shrink with you through every stage of your pregnancy and afterwards. It also works really well during breastfeeding and offers high-impact support when you start exercising again, as it can be adjusted across the straps and around your chest. Go to lisaraleigh.com/collections/sports-bras to view all the gorgeous colours and to watch a video to figure out your ideal size. R999, shipping calculated when you order.…

When you’re carrying the weight of a baby, and everything that comes with that, just getting yourself ready in the morning and out the door can be a chore. And just when you don’t need any more delays, you find yourself searching for your keys. Several tears, rants and enough drama to win you an Oscar later, and your laughing partner finds them next to the milk in the fridge. Where you left them. Awesome! And not to mention the fact that you clean forgot you had a lunch date with your mom the day before and forgot your own wedding anniversary this month. Feel like you’re losing your marbles? IS BABY BRAIN A MYTH? Fortunately, because you’re sporting a bump, many people will laugh off your fuzziness as “baby…

Perhaps it was your doctor, perhaps it was your midwife, or your clinic sister. Your mom’s been hinting, or your medical aid is offering you incentives. Chances are, round about now in your pregnancy, somebody has mentioned antenatal classes. And, being modern, switched-on, fabulous and clever, did you think, “Do I look like I’m from the past? Do I not have BabyCentre, Dr Google and at least five pregnancy apps? Why should I interact with the warm bodies of other human beings in some community hall on a Tuesday night when I can do all my research online?” HERE’S WHY YOU’LL MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDS Pregnancy can be isolating if you’re the first, or only, one in a group of friends or your family to go through it. Online…

NUK Pelvic Floor Trainer is a small exercise device that lets you strengthen your pelvic-floor muscles as part of your daily routine. It is discreet and not complicated to use at all. Physical activity makes the ball inside the product reverberate and stimulate the muscles. The silky smooth surface and the tampon-like shape makes it easy to insert and comfortable to use. You remove it with an elastic retrieval string. The device is made of body-friendly TPE, is no problem to clean and is made in Germany. Check online at nuk.co.za or at specialist baby shops. R686,99.…

Q I am 31 years old, and 10 weeks into my pregnancy I lost my baby. I feel so lost and blame myself for not taking care of the baby. My husband and I were looking forward to having this child. We didn’t have a name yet as we didn’t know the sex. I feel as if a part of me has been taken away from me and I can never get it back. My husband was so excited about the pregnancy as it would have been his first child. He is so hurt, and I don’t know how to comfort him. He says it is too early, and he has nothing to say – but I know he is hurting as much as I am. What can I do…

Q My newborn is 6 weeks old. She had the most beautiful smooth skin, but since a week ago she developed small white pimples on her face. It’s quite bad. Are these spots painful and itchy? What can I do to help her? A DR LINDE ANSWERS: We are all too aware of the classic description of a baby’s skin as the epitome of how beautiful skin should look like. They are “new,” supposedly unblemished, and it surprises and upsets a lot of new parents when their baby, who was so perfect at birth, now suddenly erupts in an unsightly rash – on their face! Luckily, of the various types of rashes that newborns develop soon, or weeks, after birth, almost none are harmful, painful, or uncomfortable to the baby,…

Older babies can sometimes become distracted and interrupt their own nursing sessions, leading to frustration for you and Baby. This is where a breastfeeding necklace comes in, as your helper to keep Baby’s hands busy. And they are so pretty too, like these ones from MamaMade, designed by local mom Nicole Watkins de Villiers. The necklaces are made from food grade silicone beads that are BPA-free and non-toxic. There are four colour combos in the range, with two more coming soon. R195 (courier fee not included). For orders, follow @mama_made_sa on Instagram and send a DM or buy online from Little Bright Fox Mom & Baby Studio at littlebrightfox.co.za…

From the day your baby is born, he starts exploring his physical, social and emotional world through his senses. He instinctively knows how to play, and with a bit of imagination, lots of repetition and some freedom, he learns exactly how his body and his world operate. Play is so important to his development that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has stated it as the “right” of every child. Play develops children holistically, shaping all aspects of their being. Like food, love, care and hope, play is an essential building block for children to lead healthy, happy lives. Play has been described as a child’s “job”. Your job as a parent is to provide a secure environment for your child to play in. TYPES OF PLAY At…

It’s rather nice to have your baby sleeping in a cot – the bars protect her from falling onto the floor and wandering around during the night. But eventually, all babies grow up and have to move to a proper bed. THE BIG MOVE When is the right time to invest in a proper bed for your little one, in anticipation of her transition from the cot? There are three main factors to consider when weighing up the cot versus bed debate. 1. IS SHE TOO BIG FOR HER COT? This is the case if she cannot lie straight. However, many parents say that their baby hits the side of the cot, and this is why she wakes up – but that’s an unlikely reason. Your baby was probably awake…