Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2022 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

At least... Those two little words are so loved by me and my fellow South Africans. We live in a rather dramatic and unpredictable country, full of contrasts. Most of us have developed a strong habit of always looking on the bright side or finding the humour in a situation. Much as we all hate loadshedding, for instance, the memes and jokes bring some light relief. (You saw what I did there, right?) But lately I’ve been having such a run of bad luck and heartbreak that all the predictable “at least-ing” that followed felt like gaslighting. Here are some examples: someone drove into my learner driver daughter right outside our gate, on one of her very first trips. Excess payment comes to over R9 000. At least no-one was…

We asked on Facebook “What is your child’s favourite snack and what does he/she refuse to eat? PATRICIA-ANNE VAN DER MERWE My 3-year-old loves lychees, but they are seasonal, and so it is a fight every time we go to buy fruit on a Sunday, because she keeps looking for them! LESEDI OSADI BOSHIELO My 3-year-old loves mopane worms but refuses to eat chicken feet. So funny! CASSANDRA CAVE My daughter’s favourite snack is cucumber, lettuce and ham. She refuses to eat egg yolk. PRUDENCE DINEO RANTHO My child eats everything! SHARON DENTON My 4-year-old loves smoothies but refuses to eat individual fruit. SOMMAYA MACKENZIE My 9-month-old loves potatoes: mashed, fried, roasted… but she hates baby cereal. CHRISTINE MPONDE My 2-year-old loves grapes and refuses to eat bread. I think…

YOUR YOUNGEST HAS THREE NAMES! HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT? Her first name is Bohlale. It means wisdom. I came up with the name because I believed that my pregnancy was ”Bohlale bja modimo,” which means God’s wisdom, not mine. I found out about my pregnancy at two weeks. I’d gone to the doctor due to hot flashes, but was told that I wasn’t pregnant. Deep down I knew though that my little gal was growing inside me. At five weeks I bought the pregnancy test, and boooom! Pregnant! Wow! The joy and happiness! So Bohlale was the first name that I gave her. Then her daddy said ”Reatlehile wa Papa,” so that became her second name, and then her brother said ”Lesedi wa Lethabo,” so that became her third…

The birth of a baby alters a marriage forever. During those first few months, your newborn will take up an awful lot of space for such a small being. Your relationship may take a little strain, and the responsibilities of parenthood may cause you to put your marriage on hold. However it’s precisely during this period of transition, while couples are redefining themselves as individuals and forging a new way of relating to one another, that it is critical to nurture the marriage. A newborn baby doesn’t just change your marriage; it changes your life immediately and forever. Before he arrived, your personal freedom was limitless, but now it is dramatically reduced, and this is the first important factor in inter-parent stress. It plays out in the most popular question…

1 TREAT BOYS AND GIRLS UNIQUELY, NOT EQUALLY If your son loves soccer, it might be a “him thing” – not necessarily a “boy thing”. Try to see his interests as an expression of his identity rather than a social stereotype. 2 STAY CONNECTED (EMOTIONALLY) WITH BOTH SEXES Make a space to talk about and support your children’s feelings. How? Give feelings a name. Say things like, “Sometimes when we’re angry, we might actually be feeling sad or upset. Is this how you’re feeling?” We tend to want to police our children’s feelings. But we can’t. Some feelings are positive, some negative – and we need to make space for all their feelings. 3 DEFINE ROLES IN OUR FAMILIES BASED ON PERSONAL NEEDS If Dad’s in charge of cooking and…

SEEDING YOUR CEREAL With all the layering that you’ve done since autumn, it’s normal for your skin to become dry and flaky. Try adding sunflower seeds to your cereal, or grab a handful as a snack during the day. These seeds are rich in essential fats and a great source of vitamin E, iron, magnesium and minerals. KEEP UP THE CITRUS Citrus fruits are found in abundance during this time of the year. Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system going, as well as keeping your gums healthy. Satsumas, clementines, naartjies and oranges are easy to peel and make the perfect snack along with those seeds! NAP TIME IS ESSENTIAL Most of us work a full day, but taking some time for a power nap is more beneficial than…

Taking your baby’s temperature is easier said than done, especially if he’s crying inconsolably or is very irritable. It may also pose an added challenge if you are unsure of how it is done – but it really isn’t as difficult as you may think. In order to determine the best method of measuring your baby’s temperature, consider his age and temperament. It’s also a good idea to acquaint yourself with the different types of thermometers available before you buy one. Johannesburg-based paediatrician Dr Melanie Dance says parents should seek the advice of a medical professional to understand how to use a thermometer and read it accurately. She recommends glass mercury thermometers as being the safest type. “Alternatively, a digital thermometer for under the arm is an option, but these…

Many people just love to chat – to friends, colleagues, children, pets, shop assistants, bank tellers and partners. For these people, isolation and lockdown was very lonely. If you’re one of them, you might be surprised at how difficult and exhausting it is to suddenly have to interact so much again with others now that life is returning to normal. For others, in particular those who were previously on the verge of social anxiety, the pandemic was a major setback. Initially, it might have felt like a relief to interact less with others, but the flip side is that the return to social events can feel overwhelming now, and have a real impact on mental health and well-being. No matter which camp – chatty or quiet – you see yourself…

You and your partner are bringing a baby into the world. Thank goodness that it doesn’t happen overnight and that you have nine months or so to prepare and absorb what is happening. Before baby is here, it may seem like it’s only mom doing all the hard bits. But your involvement is key, not just for her sake, but for your relationship and for your own preparation in becoming a dad. This is what you can expect: MONTH 1 WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PARTNER? “BE SYMPATHETIC, SUPPORTIVE AND DON’T MAKE INSENSITIVE COMMENTS. YOUR PARTNER PROBABLY WON’T SAY NO TO A CUP OF TEA AND A CALMING BACK MASSAGE.” Her hormone levels skyrocket just after fertilisation. In the weeks that follow, she’ll probably feel the need to urinate frequently, and…

Here are some simple tips to let your intimacy flow. ■ Invest in sexy yet comfortable maternity underwear (yes, it does exist) and even a few slinky nightgowns. If you feel a little sexier, you may want sex a little more. ■ Look after yourself. You may be putting on weight and waddling around, but a manicure, pedicure and wax go a long way in helping you feel better about yourself and upping that self-confidence. ■ Make one night a week a special night. Light the candles, put on the music and get out the strawberries. It may sound clichéd, but try it, it works! ■ After your first trimester, ask your partner to give you a back rub with some baby oil, or to massage your aching feet. Simple…

RULE #1 DON’T EAT FOR TWO It can be tempting to use your pregnancy as an excuse to eat all those foods you’ve deprived yourself of for so long. However, before you tuck into the caramel cheesecake, consider that you don’t need that many extra kilojoules when you’re pregnant than when you’re not. In fact, the additional kilojoules you need are equivalent to a peanut butter sandwich, a banana and a glass of milk. Assuming you are at a healthy weight to start, you shouldn’t gain more than 12 to 16 kilograms during your pregnancy. Excessive weight gain can predispose you to conditions such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine), as well as leave you with more weight to lose after the baby is born.…

Q Nobody ever told me that pregnancy can give you skin tags! I’d never even heard of them before, and now I have them in abundance. I find them quite disgusting. How can I get rid of them and avoid getting more? I have them in my armpit, at the back of my knee and – worst of all – there’s one on my privates! Do they indicate some kind of condition? Is it safe to have them removed, or will they go away by themselves after the pregnancy? A DR KHOZA ANSWERS: Congratulations on your pregnancy! Skin changes that occur in pregnancy can sometimes come as a shock to a previously flawless skin. Benign growths in the skin such as skin tags/ dermatosis papulosa nigra are one of those…

Breech position means that your baby is lying with his bum first (or down) or feet first (or down) in your uterus, instead of in the usual head first (cephalic) position. The position of the breech can vary, depending on the flexion of the limbs. COMPLETE BREECH In this breech position, your baby has his feet tucked in besides his buttocks, his knees and arms close to his body. This and frank breech are the most common types of breech presentation. FRANK BREECH Your baby sits bottom down, but with legs extended. The thighs are flexed on the abdomen, and the lower legs are extended upwards (the legs are straight and not bent at the knee). These babies are almost impossible to turn. FOOTLING BREECH In this presentation your baby…

Positioning in labour will also have great impact on the amount of oxygen going through to your uterus and your baby. If you lie on your back, your heavy uterus and abdominal organs compress the major blood vessels that supply the uterus. As the uterus needs a lot of oxygen during labour, anything that diminishes or compromises the oxygen flow will make the uterus very sensitive. Maintaining upright positions during labour will help you physiologically as well as psychologically.…

Q I’m 13 weeks pregnant, and my anxiety is skyrocketing because of my asthma. I haven’t had an episode during my pregnancy, but I’m worried that as my lungs begin to take strain, I might have an attack. Is it safe to use an inhaler during pregnancy? Obviously I also do what I can to avoid allergens, but does my pregnancy make me more susceptible to allergies? I do feel like my nose is permanently stuffy. A PROF GRAY ANSWERS: Pregnancy is a time of much physical and physiological change, and therefore the control of “chronic” conditions such as asthma may change. Asthma control, in fact, stays the same in about a third of pregnancies, gets better in a third and can worsen in a third. The bottom line is,…

If you would like to donate to help mothers in need or volunteer your time and skills, visit the website of Nkosi’s Haven at nkosishaven.org. WHAT IS EDWARDS SYNDROME ? Trisomy 18, also called Edwards syndrome, is a chromosomal abnormality. Usually, when an egg and sperm join and form an embryo, their chromosomes combine. Each baby gets 23 chromosomes from the mother’s egg and 23 chromosomes from the father’s sperm, so 46 in total. However, sometimes the mother’s egg or the father’s sperm contains the wrong number of chromosomes. As the egg and sperm combine, this mistake is passed on to the baby. A ”trisomy” means that the baby has an extra chromosome in some or all of the body’s cells. In the case of trisomy 18, the…

All babies cry, especially around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Some cry more than others, and when the condition is excessive, we call it colic. To be more specific, colic can be defined as “crying that lasts for at least three hours a day, for three days a week, for at least three weeks.” Colicky babies are otherwise healthy. Typically, colic starts within the first 4 weeks and ends around 16 weeks. “Recent studies have shown that even though symptoms of colic typically end by 16 weeks, the repercussions on family life last a lot longer,” says Dr Samantha Westbury, a Johannesburg-based chiropractor. WHO DOES IT AFFECT? “Figures taken from worldwide examples of population studies show the incidence of colic is broadly similar across different societies. These figures report…

My prem baby is in the NICU. I’m not able to produce any breast milk, as I was also hospitalised for a week after the emergency birth, and I’m just not well enough to try and pump. My baby is getting donated breast milk, and I’m happy with that as I’ve always heard that breast is best. But now I’m told that the milk is fortified. Why is this necessary if breast milk is so perfect? What could they possibly add? PROF LUBBE ANSWERS: Having a traumatic birth experience and then being ill afterwards are certainly challenging conditions for bonding and breastfeeding. However, giving your newborn preemie donated human milk is the best you can do if you cannot breastfeed yourself, since breast milk is seen as the first medication…

Mustela products are formulated for use right from day one, and on babies newly discharged from neonatal care. Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion moisturises, hydrates and strengthens baby’s skin, leaving it soft, supple and delicately scented. R209,95 for 300ml. Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is ideal for your baby’s daily hygiene. Use it to cleanse your baby’s skin and hair thoroughly yet delicately. It respects delicate skins and scalp with its soap-free formula and compensates for the harsh, drying effects of hard water with emollient agents. This leaves the skin soothed and hydrated. The ultra-gentle formula does not sting the eyes. R199,95 for 500ml and R229,95 for 750ml. Buy online from cosmetiquesdefrance.co.za and ebeautyclub.co.za.…

1 Just after birth your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping and only have short bursts of being in a quiet alert state. As he grows older, he will be able to stay awake for longer periods of time and therefore have more quiet alert time. 2 Regular naps during the day help your baby to learn how to self-regulate and remain calm. 3 Provide your baby with quiet 4 time in a quiet space. Teach your baby to self-soothe by finding his own comfort object, be it a taglet, a dummy or a comforting blanket, from the age of 3 months. Remember that your baby is unique – not every baby responds to stimulation in the same way. Learn your baby’s unique body rhythm, so that you…

1 Eight or more ear infections in a year. 2 Two or more serious sinus infections within a year. 3 Two or more months on antibiotics with Iittle effect. 4 Two or more pneumonia bouts within a year. 5 Failure to gain weight or grow normally. 6 Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses. 7 Persistent thrush in mouth or elsewhere on skin after age 1. 8 Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections. 9 Two or more deep-seated infections such as sepsis, meningitis or cellulitis. 10 A family history of primary immune deficiency.…

Vitamin C is at its height when fruit is slightly under-ripe. Foods deteriorate, even in the freezer or the tin, so don’t leave them indefinitely. Check the labels on cans and avoid those with added sugar and salt. Buy small quantities of fresh fruit and veg, eat them and buy again. Or buy in bulk, prepare and freeze. When it comes to fruit and veg, serve a variety of colours, as all have their own nutritional advantages. Dark green leafy vegetables, deep orange veg and colourful fruits are tops! Always water down pure fruit juice by at least 50 percent. Your diet affects your breast milk. Your doctor might recommend that you continue taking a prenatal vitamin supplement while you are breastfeeding. Introduce your toddler to oily fish early. If…

■ Give your baby loads of attention and skin-to-skin contact – keep him close between feeds. ■ Try nursing when he is sleepy. You may be more successful in getting him to nurse if he is drifting off to sleep. ■ Minimise distractions. Nurse in a quiet place. ■ Try different nursing positions and nurse while in motion – rock, bounce or sway. ■ Try getting your milk to let down before you nurse, so he doesn’t have to wait. ■ Offer the breast frequently. Don’t wait until he’s really hungry. This seems logical (“If he’s hungry enough, he’ll nurse”), but it can often backfire. A frantically hungry baby is less likely to want the breast.…

When it comes to parenting, every phase brings with it a new level of cluelessness you never thought possible in your adult life. The subject of potty training is no exception. Who knew you’d be studying potties with the ardour of a science professor or analysing the benefits of toilet training methods as acceptable dinner conversation? We’ve compiled all the latest information on the most common potty training methods to help you embrace this phase with confidence. The patience and endurance part is, of course, up to you! Gentle, no-pressure approach, with little or no fuss or stress DR SPOCK’S METHOD In the 1940s, Dr Benjamin Spock recommended training without force and delaying toilet training until your child shows signs of readiness. In his method, he advised not starting before…

Q We’ve decided to call it quits. Our marriage was never happy, and I made the classic mistake of trying to fix it with a baby. Don’t get me wrong – I adore our son and being a mother, but it just made our relationship issues worse. In short, once a cheater always a cheater. So we are getting divorced. My question is, how do we break the news to our nearly 4-year-old? I really don’t know how much he can understand and how much he picks up. I don’t want him to be a “damaged” kid from a “broken” home, so what do I need to do to protect him emotionally? We will be sharing custody. A MADELEIN ANSWERS: One of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have is…

Fortunately there is so much you can do in the preschool years to improve your child’s ability to concentrate. Typically, a child who struggles to focus will struggle to finish a task and won’t absorb information very well. The ability to concentrate well is therefore one of the keys to success at school. We’ve got some tips for you ... TIP 1 HANG ON A LITTLE! Make a point of teaching your child how to wait a little. This is a very important skill for future success. A child who has learnt how to wait, is better equipped to tackle a difficult task. Such a child will work with less frustration, keep trying for longer and won’t give up as easily if the task becomes a little boring. The fruit…

Your ultimate job as a parent is to get your child ready to leave the nest one day. For that he needs to learn many things before he can launch. Which skills should you be teaching and nurturing? HYGIENE MATTERS Being clean, neat and tidy feels good, but it is also essential to staying healthy. Help your child learn or unlearn some habits before big school. HANDWASHING Teach her how to wash properly with soap and water and dry properly too. She should understand that this needs to be done before and after eating, after visiting the toilet, playing with pets, handling money or after returning home. If she wants to touch a baby or food, clean hands are also essential. NAIL BITING & NOSE PICKING It doesn’t just look…

Gummy Vites Sugar-Free is the first sugar free gummy multivitamin and mineral supplement for children in South Africa. Gummy Vites Sugar-Free Gummy Bears contain key vitamins and minerals that children need: • For normal growth and development. • For the maintenance of good health. • To strengthen their immunity. • For energy to work and play without tiring easily. Gummy Vites Sugar-Free Gummy Bears are given once a day. They contain no sugar or artificial sweeteners; will have no harmful impact on cardiovascular health, weight and teeth and won’t influence the ability to pay attention. Suitable for children with diabetes. At leading pharmacies for a recommended price of R249,95 for a pack of 60.…

Of course you want to keep your child from harm, but it is important to allow him to take some risks. Naomi van Wyk, clinical psychologist and author of the book Safe and Sure says children learn about their own boundaries and skills by taking risks and exploring. “Children who never get the chance to explore grow up with the idea that the world is dangerous and that many things are outside of their skillset. This can leave them anxious and paralysed, and they won’t want to try things as they already know they can’t,” she explains. On the other hand, a child who is permitted to explore will learn about his own limits and develop self knowledge and confidence. This makes him safer than a child who is uncertain.…

Without the element of creativity our world would be a little dull and we would probably not have such technological wonders as television, cell phones or motor cars. Probably the best thing about creativity is that in an effort to come up with original ideas, your child will learn to think without limits. Thinking creatively stimulates a child’s imagination and equips him with problem-solving skills so that he can find new and innovative ways of dealing with whatever he faces. Creativity also plays a pivotal role in academic achievement at school. Research indicates a creative child with an average IQ is a better achiever than a child with a high IQ and no creativity. Creativity involves more than simply enjoying traditional artistic pursuits like art or music. It improves one’s…

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR ‘FREE’ TOYS: ■ Make socks with bells on to delight your little one as he jingles while he kicks and runs. ■ Use different sizes plastic containers from the kitchen as stacking cups. ■ Use macaroni and penne pasta for threading. ■ Make houses and tunnels out of a few boxes and cartons. Blankets come in handy too for fort building. ■ A sealed container with some rice makes an excellent musical instrument, together with pots and pans and a wooden spoon. A whole percussion section! HERE AS SOME IDEAS FOR THINGS TO BUY AND WHY: ■ Books. Read as much as possible and make it interesting by using different voices. Nothing fires up the imagination like books and stories. ■ Art supplies. Scrap paper,…

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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 has 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…

“Positive parenting” is the latest phrase on the parenting front, an approach that demands a shift away from previous parenting attitudes. There are three interrelated core beliefs: 1. A FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE Apparently even the worst behaved child is good 90 percent of the time. Positive parenting is about acknowledging, praising and enjoying the 90 percent that your child behaves positively. When you focus on your child’s good behaviour, she feels able to please you, which boosts her self-esteem and encourages her to behave well. You’ll start to feel more effective, and your enjoyment of parenting will rise, which feeds the cycle of positive emotions. “APPARENTLY EVEN THE WORST BEHAVED CHILD IS GOOD 90% OF THE TIME. POSITIVE PARENTING IS ABOUT ACKNOWLEDGING, PRAISING AND ENJOYING THE 90% THAT YOUR…

Yes, it has been scientifically proven that stress can affect fertility, says specialist gynaecologist Dr Chris Venter of the Vitalab Centre for Assisted Conception in Johannesburg. There’s good scientific evidence that stress affects both the egg and the quality of the egg, and the production and quality of sperm, he explains. TYPES OF STRESS There are three types of stress to consider regarding fertility, Dr Venter says: emotional stress, physical stress and environmental stress. “Stress in the woman and the man is exactly the same,” he says. There’s new data that shows that the physical stress of working a high number of hours per day or working shifts, which changes your sleeping pattern, can affect your ovulation cycle. It also decreases the chances of successful implantation – and there’s also…

Skin taking strain this winter? Then you might want to invest in Bioderma’s latest cream for sensitive and sensitised skin: the Sensibio Defensive range. While most creams only focus on soothing symptoms, this range reinforces the skin’s ability to protect itself. Your skin becomes instantly soothed, protected, and more resistant to daily aggressions. The sensitivity is reduced long-term, and if you have sensitive skin, it helps improve your quality of life. Sensibio Defensive increases the skin’s antioxidant activity, strengthens its barrier function and neutralises nerve hyperreactivity. Sensibio Defensive was formulated with all types of sensitive skin in mind and is available in two textures: Sensibio Defensive (light and refreshing) and Sensibio Defensive Rich (thicker and nourishing). Price not yet available.…

If you have little ones, you know you often need to soothe pains and fever, but if you are away from home, you may not have what you need on hand. Panado® 5ml Sachets contain the well-known and trusted¹ Panado® Paediatric Syrup in peppermint flavour, in a convenient sachet that you can carry in your bag when you are out and about.² If you have Panado® Sachets on hand, you will be ready for your little one’s pain and fever any time, anywhere. Grab a pack, and always keep a few on hand for convenient relief on the go. Always administer using a medicine measure or syringe. Panado® Paediatric Syrup 5ml Sachets are for single use only. Discard remaining contents of sachet after administration of the correct dosage. The price…

• Think about what you want and whether it is fair. • Discuss your needs and feelings clearly, openly and honestly. • Stay calm while talking about how you feel. • Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages. • Negotiate and be willing to compromise. • Stick to the facts, and avoid manipulative or judgemental language. • Be aware of your body language, tone and facial expressions. • Learn to say “No” in a polite and assertive way. • Be open to new ways of thinking about yourself, others and situations. • Give compliments to people and accept any you are given. • Be open to fair criticism, and don’t be afraid to criticise fairly yourself.…

BLADDER WOES Q I’ve been plagued by regular bladder infections my whole life, and now that I’m pregnant it seems even worse. What am I doing wrong? And what can I safely take during pregnancy for prevention and cure? I’m scared these infections are harming my baby. I’ve even read they can lead to early labour. A DR KOLL ANSWERS: Bladder infections are quite common in pregnancy and can cause problems such as premature labour. For this reason, they need to be managed appropriately. There are many causes for recurrent bladder infections, and each case needs to be evaluated systematically and individually. There is no “one size fits all” quick fix. The starting point is with your healthcare provider, who will do the initial examination and tests. The vast majority…

1 DO EXACTLY AS SHE ASKS ■ “He took all my crazy requests seriously. I didn’t feel like I had to stress or fight for anything.” MAVOUREEN STREET ■ “For me, the point of a home birth is for the mother to feel that she has as much control over her birthing environment as possible. He took my birthing list and followed it to a T. I wanted my special music played, my crystals placed just so, lavender burnt, only base oils used for massage, cold watermelon on the ready. And that’s exactly what I got, no questions asked.” ERNESTINE DEANE 2 BE HER SPOKESPERSON ■ “I was crowded by nurses asking me questions about stuff that I couldn’t think about. My husband dealt with them, sent them…

If you had a lovely birth experience with your firstborn, you’re hoping it will be the same this time. If your first time giving birth was difficult, you may be worried. Here’s how second-time births are different – and not: If you had a straightforward vaginal delivery last time, then the news is good. “Second deliveries are generally shorter and easier if a previous vaginal delivery was successful,” says Joburg obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bronwyn Moore. You have proven that a baby’s head can fit through your birth passage (there’s no cephalopelvic disproportion, in medical speak). “But complications can arise in any labour,” Dr Moore cautions. “I have had a patient with three previous uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, whose baby suddenly went into severe foetal distress at 6cm, and I had…

Visualise your baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day, especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below. BREECH TILT Begin at 32 to 35 weeks’ gestation, and do this exercise three times daily for 10 to 15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a couch or chair about 30cm high. Lie down, bend your knees, but keep your feet flat on the board. Relax, breathe deeply, and avoid tensing. You may also use pillows on a flat surface to raise your hips above your shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby’s head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a cephalic…

Preemie Baby World sells pure cotton clothing for premature babies weighing 1.5kg to 2.5kg. These booties go for R100.E-mail: preemiebabyworldsa@gmail.com; preemiebabyworld.co.za is accessible but still under development, so follow so long on Facebook and Instagram: @preemiebabyworld The brand’s other clothing is also well priced, for example leggings for R100 and babygrows for R160. The support group Preemie Connect, run by the same preemie mom Tasmin Bota, goes from strength to strength. Facebook and Instagram: @Preemie Connect e-mail: preemieconnectsa@gmail.com Whatsapp: 064 508 5445…

AWAKE STATES DROWSY Your baby will most probably be in this state just after or before sleeping. In this state, your baby’s eyes will be heavy and may appear dull. He may also have trouble focusing his eyes on anything. His body movements will be smooth and as he wakes up he will become more responsive. QUIET ALERT After the drowsy state, once your baby has woken up properly, he will be responsive and content. His eyes will be bright, and he will have an attentive expression on his face. He will also be open to stimulation in this state, so this is the best time for you to interact with him so that he can learn about himself and the world around him. If he becomes too stimulated, he…

A study by the Medical Research Council in Britain revealed that children now eat nearly twice as much sugar, have a lower fibre intake, and consume fewer vitamins and minerals than children of the 1950s. In the UK alone, approximately 4.5 million prescriptions for antibiotics are written for children in a year, and one in two children has allergies. According to the Cancer Research Campaign, cancer rates in the under-20s rose by 27 percent between 1971 and 1993 in the Western world. Obviously, diet is not the sole culprit for the rise in ill health of our children. Environmental pollution plays a significant role as our air becomes more congested with chemicals and other pollutants. Before we proudly point to our clear, blue African sky, it’s worth knowing that the…

Just because you can buy a medicine over the counter does not make it without danger. Read on before you begin medicating your baby. Babies can have serious adverse reactions to medications, so it’s important to be careful of the dangers that lurk unknown in your medicine cabinet. Always be aware of what medicine you’re using with your baby, what it consists of and what the side effects may be. We’ve identified the eight most dangerous ways of self-medicating your baby. Ask your doctor what the active ingredients are of every medication that he’s taking. This will help you to avoid giving him double dosages of one ingredient. ASPIRIN Never give your baby any medication that contains aspirin without obtaining your doctor’s advice first. Aspirin is believed to make infants…

The thought of paint normally triggers two responses in us as parents – mess and kids having hours of colourful creative fun. While it is essential to invest in an apron for your child to wear and to find a plastic easy-wipe surface to work on, painting is a must. HERE’S WHY IT DEVELOPS: • THE VISUAL AND TACTILE SENSES Messy play educates the sense of touch, which underlies most of the activities your child does. When she dresses, her skin needs to learn to tolerate different textures. When she eats, she needs to be able to register that she has dirt around her mouth or that her fingers are dirty, and she needs to be able to tolerate this dirt for a period without severe discomfort. Touching the…

Q Our son is 4 years old, and he loves playing with his sister’s dolls. I see absolutely no problem with this. My brothers often joined me when I was little playing dolly games. My husband, on the other hand, seems to think that it is inappropriate. He can’t really express why, but I can see that it makes him very uncomfortable. My husband doesn’t have sisters. Sometimes he takes the dolls away and tells our son to rather go and kick a ball outside. I really disagree with his approach. How can I convince my husband that he should leave him be? A DR BOTHMA ANSWERS: Many behaviours associated with sex, either female or male, are passed on by culture, family and society. A great deal of sex-orientated attitudes…

THE MORE YOU READ, THE MORE THINGS YOU WILL KNOW My husband rarely read books when he was a boy – climbing trees or playing cricket on the lawn was much more fun for him. My experience was different. My mom took us to the library every week, and each visit was a pleasant adventure. I already started reading my newly found books on our way home! After we got married, my husband also became fond of reading. We even packed away our television set! Reading is a hobby that we can enjoy together. When we found out we are expecting twin girls, we were overjoyed. We cannot wait to read to them. We already started reading Peter Rabbit books to them in the womb. To quote Dr Seuss: “The…

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…

Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Carriwell’s Lace Feeding Bra has been designed for moms who like an easy-to-open cross-over style bra which enables baby to nuzzle up to mom’s breast very easily. Available at Baby City, Baby Boom, selected Checkers Hyper stores, Dis-Chem, Babies ‘R’ Us at Toys ‘R’ Us, Takealot, Loot, Clicks, Woolworths, and leading baby and maternity stores and selected pharmacies for a recommended retail price of R260.…

Mommy & Me! Daddy & Me! Matching Biggie & Smalls tracksuit set with custom surname and date of birth. Hoodies, from R295, joggers, from R275 luckylittle.co.za. Customised garments. Choose your fabric and print colours. Siblings Family Pooch & Me!…

Chicken soup is known for its healing and health properties. So, make yourself a pot! INGREDIENTS • Bones and carcass of your last roast chicken dinner, for stock • 2 cups water • 3 medium onions, thinly sliced • 2 celery stalks, sliced crosswise • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 medium carrots, chopped • 1 baby marrow, diced • 1 boneless chicken breast, cooked and diced METHOD 1. Bring chicken carcass, water, and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a large deep pot. Skim foam. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, for up to 2 hours, then strain the mixture for clear chicken stock, or just remove bones if you prefer a textured soup. 2. Add carrots and marrow. Simmer, partially covered, for 40 minutes. 3. Stir in chicken breast cubes. Skim…

A NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE DEPENDS ON HOW YOU TAKE THE TEMPERATURE: ■ Rectal: 36.6° C to 38° C ■ Armpit: 34.7° C to 37.3° C ■ Ear: 35.8° C to 38° C ■ Mouth: 35.5° C to 37.5° C When your baby is running a fever, Dr Dance advises you not to panic and explains that a fever is a defence mechanism of the body, as it fights off infections. “It’s not the fever that makes your baby look ill, it’s the disease causing the fever. This is not usually dangerous, except if your baby is one month and younger, or if he’s running a fever with a temperature of 38.5°C or more.” Dr Dance warns that when a fever is accompanied with unexplained bruising to the skin, it could…

Up to three-quarters of us experience some degree of social anxiety, ranging from mild shyness to debilitating social phobia. In more severe cases, social anxiety can hold a person back from pursuing opportunities and relationships, as well as potentially affecting academic and career progress, says Mark de la Rey, a clinical psychologist practising at the psychiatric clinic Akeso in Kenilworth, Cape Town. “A big part of the anxiety is around communicating one’s inner thoughts to others. “Social anxiety becomes more concerning if you have great difficulty making your voice heard. “If you find anxiety is preventing you from participating fully in some area of your life, this may suggest a social anxiety disorder,” Mark explains. “In the more severe cases, where you can’t even conceive of expressing yourself – for…

TELL HIM! If your man has been hoping for positive baby news, you can go wild with abandon, as you know he’ll be delighted. If you’re not sure of his reaction to perhaps unexpected baby news, tread more carefully. Whatever you do, make sure you tell him in private (unless you’re absolutely sure he’d love a public gimmick) – men usually prefer to do their happy crying in private. Casually do the laundry and make him pack his shirts away. What’s this? A shirt he doesn’t recognise? Why yes, it is, and it has a rather surprising message on it too. Other ideas: write “We’re having a baby!” in permanent marker on the bottom of his coffee cup and bring him his morning cuppa. Who doesn’t love a fortune cookie…

The two associations to look to for registered doulas are Mama Bamba and WOMBS (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support). “Start off with a few basic questions, such as: where she was trained, how long she’s been a doula for, if she attends home, private/public hospital births and what her rates are,” advises WOMBS chairperson Gayle Friedman. “Then make sure she’s a good personality fit. Make sure you know what you’d like in a doula. For example, some women want someone of the same religion. Then always meet to see if she’s a good fit. Have Dad come to the meeting, as some fathers can feel put out by a doula and may be reassured to know they aren’t being replaced as birth partners.”…

The good news is that you are less likely to tear or to need an episiotomy during your second delivery, because your skin has already stretched once. However, the skin on the perineum does become harder and less stretchy as you age, so if you are an older mom, you may be more at risk. “From about week 34, do perineal massage with massage oil and warm water,” advises obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bronwyn Moore. With a slow, controlled delivery of the baby’s head, you can try avoid tearing, and it may be true that giving birth in water can help prevent tears. “Tearing is less likely in subsequent vaginal deliveries than in the first,” says Dr Moore, and if it does happen, remember that you do heal after either…

Altered breathing techniques, or patterned breathing, has been taught in childbirth classes for many years. The current trend is now moving away from rigid breathing techniques to more relaxed, natural breathing, following the movements of the body and lungs, and encouraging more breathing awareness. Learning how your body breathes, and working with it during labour to relax you, will go a long way in helping you deal with the stress and discomfort that labour brings. HOW DOES BREATHING HELP MY LABOUR? The pain receptors in the uterus respond to two things. Stretching of the uterine muscle – which has to happen in order for the cervix to open up – and more importantly, a diminished supply of oxygen. This occurs when you hold your breath or restrict your breathing when…

■ WILL MY BABY DROWN? Not a chance. Your baby is still connected to the placenta via the umbilical cord, and this provides the oxygen they need. The baby will only take their first breath as they are lifted out of the water. It is only then that their tiny body will begin to use their lungs to breathe. ■ HOW RISKY IS IT? Water births pose minimal risks as long as you’re well looked after by a qualified and experienced medical professional throughout the birth. The birthing pool must be sterilised and safe, and you should have a backup plan in case of any emergencies. ■ DO I HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY NAKED? No. You can wear a bikini top or sports bra when you’re in the water if…

”I gave birth to Melchizedek in August 2020 at Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. After the c-section, he was whisked off to ICU immediately. He didn’t look completely normal. His head seemed an abnormal size, his fists were clenched, his body seemed skinny, and he was lazy and didn’t cry much,” says Caroline Ntwanano, who told us her story during a photo shoot in the south of Joburg, where she lives with her new baby, Gemariah Mabuza, who was just 44 days old at the time. ”The doctors told me that Melchizedek had trisomy 18, and that he would definitely pass away.” Trisomy 18, also called Edwards syndrome, is a chromosomal condition associated with abnormalities in many parts of the body. Babies with trisomy 18 often grow slowly in the womb,…

Because it is believed that parents’ attitudes have a big effect on babies with colic, it’s important to get help and reassurance for yourself. Colic is not caused by a disease or by something that you have done to your baby and is guaranteed to stop at a certain point. Often changing how you respond to your baby can have a positive effect. However, it’s also very important to look after yourself. “Colic often causes serious longterm emotional consequences,” says Dr Barry Lester, head of the Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, founder of The Infant Behavior, Cry and Sleep Clinic, at Brown Medical School, and author of Why Is My Baby Crying. He sees how colic affects couples every day. “It breaks down how the entire…

Your touch tells her everything. It tells her that she’s loved and safe and that the world is a warm, secure place. Massage is a conscious, attentive form of touch that is especially beneficial for very young babies. Above all, massage is an act of love that must be done with the full cooperation of your baby, at a time when she is receptive. BENEFITS FOR BABY The positive benefits of infant massage have been well researched. Documented benefits include, among others: • It helps stimulate the body’s circulatory, immune, muscular and nervous systems. • It improves digestion and weight gain. • It encourages a quiet alert state when learning takes place. • It helps baby sleep better. • It improves communication and deepens bonding. BENEFITS FOR PARENTS • It…

Wooliesbabes quality clothing from Woolworths allows Baby to move freely and prioritises their well-being and safety. Cottons are responsibly sourced, and only the softest fabrics are used. Hazardous chemicals are never used, and there is full transparency about the factories from which garments are sourced. Every garment undergoes rigorous testing, including metal detection. Essentials range from R50 to R3 799, so there’s something for every pocket this winter.…

Q: I can’t bond with my baby Illness, depression, delayed breastfeeding or having a special needs newborn can all hamper early bonding between parent and baby. If you were unable to hold your baby immediately or soon after birth, rest assured that bonding will happen naturally in time. Nurses and midwives, as well as your partner and caring friends or relatives, will offer support and love to you at this time. Ask for information about kangaroo care, using expressed breast milk if necessary, and ask how to touch and talk to your baby if he is in the neo-natal nursery or high care.…

Zinplex Junior Syrup with added vitamin D3 is an immune booster with zinc, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin D3. Zinc is an essential mineral that supports the immune function in children and may reduce upper respiratory infections, colds, flu, diarrhoea and skin-related conditions. Selenium and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that help maintain overall health. Vitamin D3 helps strengthen bones and teeth as well as the immune system. It may reduce the instances of viral infections. It has a berry flavour and is sugar-free. Use the NAPPI code for payment out of your savings plan from your medical aid. Suitable for children from 3 months or as prescribed. Available in all leading pharmacies for approximately R63.…

The original Silicone Breast Pump from Haakaa is available in sizes of 100ml or 150ml with either a flower stopper or silicone breast pump cap. The pumps are made from 100% food grade silicone and are very compact, so are perfect for long-distance trips, planes, car rides, family braais, for use at the office or anywhere you would like to discreetly express silently and quickly. No cords, batteries or assembly required. Simply suction to your breast and let the pump do the work for you as it draws your milk using suction. The pumps are 100% eco-friendly and safe for mum, baby and the environment. Prices range from R299 to R500. More information at www.heykiwi.co.za.…

HOW GOOD IS A GOOD LAUGH? Your baby’s first smile should appear around 6 weeks, and this first gummy grin will develop into belly laughs, peek-a-boo games and silly toddler jokes as time goes on. Physically, laughing is good for your baby. It exercises her lungs, oxygenates her blood and stabilises her blood pressure. A well-rounded sense of humour also helps your child handle any adversities life may throw at her, as it encourages spontaneity and an optimistic view, teaches her not to take herself too seriously and improves self-esteem. And last, but certainly not least, a sense of humour is what makes life fun! 1 KEEP IT PHYSICAL Up to the age of 6 months, your baby really enjoys smiling games, which introduce the concept of turn-taking in communication,…

Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, reports that children don’t have the skills to begin toilet training until after age 2, but start showing signs of readiness between 18 and 24 months, though some will only show signs of readiness at 30 months or older. Pediatrics recommends that you: • start toilet training when your child is between 22 and 30 months. • start intensive training after 27 months, as this can help your child to achieve daytime dryness sooner.…

Lentil soup INGREDIENTS • 1 T olive oil • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced • 2 ribs celery, diced • 1 onion, chopped • ¼t salt • 1 cup red lentils • 4 cups water or vegetable stock • 1 bay leaf • 2T lemon juice (from ½ lemon) • olive oil, plain yoghurt and grated lemon zest to serve METHOD 1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery and onion. Stir in the salt, then cover and let the vegetables sweat for about 5 minutes. 2. Add the lentils, water or stock and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, cover and let simmer until the lentils begin to fall apart – about 20 minutes. 3. Turn off the heat, stir in…

Children usually start Grade 1 in the year they turn seven, but the journey towards this big milestone starts much earlier. To ensure that your child is ready for the pressures of big school life, it is useful to know what the required level of biological maturity and learning readiness entails. Experts agree that the child must be looked at as a whole to determine if she is ready for school. In other words, everything must be taken into account: social, cultural, personal, mental, physical and creative factors. In this article we take a closer look at what your child needs to master and in the rest of the booklet we show you how to achieve this in a fun, natural way. 1 PHYSICAL OR BIOLOGICAL MATURITY Her physical skills…

Gummy Vites Omega-3 softgel capsules are indicated as a supplement to support memory and concentration in children and infants from one year of age. DHA, an ingredient of Gummy Vites Omega-3 softgel capsules, is proven to play an important role in brain development. In addition to fish oil (250mg of which 87,5mg is DHA and 15mg is EPA) to help support cognitive health and brain function, the capsules also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. At leading pharmacies for a recommended price of R239,95 for 60.…

Children need building foods to grow and burning foods to give them energy. Most of us know roughly that this relates to protein and carbohydrates and we have a good idea of the foods that contain these. But did you know that your child also needs protective foods that supply the body with the ingredients that support a strong immune system, so that they don’t get ill? We’re going to give you a little bit of science, and then show you how you can achieve easy food goals that support your child’s needs by focusing on practical common sense guidelines in your home life. Here goes ... Our bodies are under constant attack from disease-causing organisms, known as pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Mostly we don’t know that…