Innholdsfortegnelse for April - May 2023 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

This issue of YPB just blows me away, starting with our gorgeous cover mom, Dudu. Pregnancy just suits some people so well, so, Dudu, if you're reading this, we're so glad you did it again! Congratulations on the birth of your little girl last year! It isn't only our cover that's beautiful though. Our brilliant art director also refreshed our design, and every layout feels like a visual treat. Magazines are magic! The next bit of beauty that struck me, was on our photo pages. Linger a little over the maternity shoot pictures that our readers sent in for #glowing, where the pregnancy glow is out in full force. On the #loving and #growing pages, the beauty that shines through has to do with relationships. You can see the love…

Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Each photo published receives a R380 Dis-Chem Baby City Voucher.…

Developed by a team of nutritionists and dieticians, the Clicks Supplement Recommender identifies health, lifestyle and behavioural factors associated with nutrition and health outcomes to generate a supplement recommendation specifically for you. The assessment takes five minutes and looks at stress levels, exercise, sleep patterns and more to identify which vitamins and supplements your body might be lacking. A personalised product bundle is then suggested. Another click and your vitamin and supplement recommendations can be delivered to your door; with online orders over R600 delivered at no cost. Or you can pick it up when you go to Clicks again. For more information: wellness.clicks.co.za…

This global trend is here to stay. Are you on board? Apart from the well-known health reasons for eating more fruit and vegetables, there are some good social justice reasons too for moving in this direction, even if you aren't totally vegetarian or vegan. 1 Plant agriculture is much lighter on the environment, causing way less harmful emissions in the global environment but also on the people living in the vicinity of the farms. 2 Animal agriculture drives deforestation, which is bad for the planet. We need forests. 3 Intensive livestock farming is a breeding ground for illness and antibiotic resistance. 4 No animals are hurt and killed, a job that takes a heavy toll on the people paid (often poorly) to do the work in slaughterhouses and meat-packing factories.…

Kinderkinetics is a specialised paediatric profession that aims to promote and optimise the neuro-motoric development of children (0-13 years) through scientific-based physical activity. Kinderkinetici accomplish this by stimulating, promoting and rectifying age-specific neuro-motor and physical abilities. Kinderkinetici are trained at various universities on a post-graduate level. Kinderkinetics is not a franchise but a registered profession that is built on scientific principles, regulated by the South African Professional Institute for Kinderkinetics. Visit kinderkinetics.co.za.…

Looking for a great free South African parenting community? Babyyumyum.co.za is the platform for parents like you who want nothing but the best for their children. Join this community of supportive parents and experts to receive news, tips and advice from a panel of medical experts, as well as other like-minded parents. A whole range of topics is covered, from health and nutrition to pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Check them out online and on social media to make the most of every stage of your parenting journey. Now also available in isiZulu.…

Personal style is often intrinsically linked to your identity and who you present to the world. But in between all the nappy changes, sleep deprivation and doctor's appointments, you may lose your signature “look”. We spoke to three moms who have managed to pick themselves up and dust themselves off after being side-swiped by motherhood. They told us how they redefined their personal styles, offering some advice for newbies – and strongly supporting the idea of me-time. LESEGO NDEVU (33) FROM DURBAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Lesego is the mother of two: Anesu (7 years old) and Amahle (2 years old). She found being pregnant trying and an exercise in patience: “I didn't like the way my body exploded; my shoes didn't fit, my clothes didn't fit. But I kept telling myself…

Keeping charts, temperatures and peeing on sticks may ensure you are having sex on the most effective days, but also try to remember to keep it romantic. Even though you know that this is the best day or days, wear the lacy lingerie, make his favourite meal, woo him a little and have fun! And bear in mind that there is no truth to the old wives’ tale that having sex every day over ovulation will lessen the amount of sperm – on the contrary, have as much sex as you want on those days to make sure that at least one of the millions of swimmers hit their target.…

Jenna* is Greek Orthodox and her husband, Mark* is Jewish. They have been happily married for six years, but lately Mark has been hinting that it may be a good idea for Jenna to convert to Judaism. “Mark always knew that I didn't want to change my faith, and he was okay with that. Our parents are supportive of our relationship, so it's not as if anyone's frowning upon us. But suddenly it feels as if he's changed the goalposts. Why should I change my faith? Why doesn't he change his religion?” Relationships between people of different faiths are becoming common in our society. They are not without their difficulties. Once the dynamic of any relationship shifts into a more serious gear, this is one of many expectations that may…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERTS TINA OTTE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR DR PETER ROLL GYNAECOLOGIST & OBSTETRICIAN SUCH A STRAIN! Q I'm 30 years old and 17 weeks pregnant with our first child. I've never experienced such terrible constipation in my whole life. So far I've only had one morning of morning sickness, but thinking about it now, I would gladly trade the constipation for morning sickness. At least it's over and done for the day. The constant discomfort of fuller than usual bowels is quite draining. I paid a quick visit to the local chemist, and she gave me a wonder…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT TINA OTTE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR HARD NO! Q My sister-in-law is five months pregnant but she hasn't given up smoking. Every time we confront her about it, she says she doesn't smoke that much. What could happen to her baby health-wise, if she doesn't quit? My brother was born two months early, probably due to smoking. We fear the same will happen to the baby or worse. How do we handle this situation? A TINA SAYS: It goes without saying – pregnant women should not smoke! When you smoke – so does your unborn baby. Research has…

PREGNANCY MONTH 6 Q What do we call a vaginal discharge? A A vaginal discharge is any fluid or mucus that is passed vaginally. This may be normal or abnormal. Generally, vaginal discharge is made up of cervical secretions, cells, sweat and glandular secretions. Q A physiological discharge is something different, right? A A physiological discharge is normal and occurs in all of us. The amount, type, consistency and colour differ from time to time and from person to person. It's dependant on hormones and therefore changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. A good example is the way your discharge changes around the time of ovulation. The discharge then becomes clear and stretchy. We can use mucus to help identify the fertile period. Q Are these secretions of any…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT DR KAJAL LUTCH PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON FROM DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL THEY LOOK SORE Q I had the incredibly bad luck to get dreadful stretch marks on my stomach and under my breasts. I took good care of my skin during the whole pregnancy and didn't even gain excessive weight either. But still, the marks are really bad. They have faded a bit over the six months since my baby was born but are still angry and red, some white, radiating up from my pubic bone to my belly button. And they even have a different…

The issue of how to discipline and what works most effectively is a big worry for many parents, so we've made it simple for you using four basic approaches: avoid the bad behaviour with proactive strategies, reward good behaviour, ignore minor infringements and divert your toddler's attention. AVOID When it comes to toddler tantrums and bad behaviour, first prize is avoiding them altogether. Of course you can't always do that, but you can minimise the possibility of a meltdown with these! simple strategies: ■ COVER THE BASICS A well-fed, well-rested child is less likely to get out of control than a hungry, tired one. Structure and a predictable routine are the first steps to avoiding discipline problems. ■ BE CONSISTENT If you are calm and clear about boundaries, your toddler…

MUESLI & YOGHURT Not just a breakfast food, you can give your tot muesli as a quick snack as well. Stick to wholegrain muesli, says dietitian Tammy Wolhuter, as it contains vitamin E, some B vitamins and valuable fibre. The yoghurt provides protein, calcium and probiotics. EXCITING EGGS A favourite of young children the world over, eggs make a super nutritious snack. Sandton dietitian Tammy Wolhuter says, “They're a great source of protein, as well as iron, vitamin A, vitamins B2, B6 and B12, vitamin D, folic acid and zinc.” This adds up to a super nutrient boost. Scramble or boil them and serve with wholewheat toast fingers. The wholewheat bread is a source of slow-releasing carbohydrate and contains fibre for added benefits. ANTS ON A LOG Made by simply…

#Crafting YOU WILL NEED ■ A4 sheets of orange, shades of green, white and pink paper ■ Scissors ■ Glue stick ■ Stapler ■ Black pen ■ Selection of small Easter sweets or gifts to fill your surprise pockets. METHOD 1. Cut the orange and white paper in half to make A5 size paper sheets Using the black pen, draw small squiggles on one orange sheet to resemble that of a carrot's texture. 2. Roll the A5 white and orange sheets of paper into two tubes and glue them closed to look like empty toilet rolls. 3. Cut rabbit feet and ears from the extra white paper. Use the pink paper to cut paw prints and ears (a bit smaller than the white). Glue the paw prints on the white…

Send a short letter and photograph to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com BABY #2 WAS A BREEZE Sixteen years ago was my first experience giving birth. It is the most horrid story. Until a few weeks ago, I was never able to relay the story, let alone have another child. Fast forward to 4 November 2022, when my life changed. On 3 November 2022, my waters broke. I sent my mom pictures to confirm if it was indeed time. I checked myself into the maternity ward at about 8.30pm. I was told, nothing is happening down there, but my gynae instructed the nursing staff to admit me. A night in hospital with no pain and no action. At 5.30am the next day, they then put me on a drip to induce the…

What did you promise yourself you'd do differently as a mom this year? Tanya Kannigan says she'd have more patience. Melissa Paulse says “Take it all in, and take it one day at a time. Time is so precious. We need to treasure every single moment. Stop buying unnecessary toys, because they just play with household stuff!” Yes! Zuzile Mgaga confirms Melissa's statement and adds, “That's too true… Mine plays with everything besides his toys.” Lyndall Smith tells us she would save more money for her kids. Nonhlanhla Khan says “I would give them the best.” Marya Selabe reminds us all: “Stop stressing. Put them first. I'm not saying I didn't put them first, it's just that I was so stressed the whole time!” Pelonomi Keopilwe wants to save money…

Introducing the new ARA soap enriched with Imphepho. The unique formula of the ARA soap has been developed for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The soap is used for healing and cleansing and contains high-quality Imphepho oil, which is extra moisturising. ARA soap has been clinically tested and is dermatologist approved and available in a 75g Gentle Baby Bar and a 100g Luxury Family Bar. The 100g Luxury Family Bar retails for R19,99, while the 75g Gentle Baby Bar retails for R15,99. ARA is available in selected PEP stores and online from houseofcosmetics.co.za. *Your hamper will include ARA soaps and essence cosmetics products. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

Erectile dysfunction is more common than you might think. A third of men over 40 experience it, but not many like to talk about it. Here's the thing though… Itcanbeasignofamore serious medical condition, including heart disease. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. This reduces the blood flow to the heart and affects the functioning of blood vessels, and this normally affects the blood vessels of the penis first. So encourage – nay, force – your man to see the doctor if his erections haven't been forthcoming of late. This way you rule out something serious and also get it sorted before it causes mental health or relationship issues. There are many medical options to address the problem. Read more at mysexualhealth.co.za…

Never a boring day in Africa, hey? If you're feeling the stress of life as we know it right now, your child is probably feeling it too and possibly acting out. We need to be extra mindful of how we handle the emotions we project onto our children while dealing with a storm on the inside. Children's mental health specialist Natasha Freemantle has some tips for when it all feels too much: ■ IN MOMENTS OF EXTREME STRESS, WALK AWAY, take a deep breath, and remind yourself they are only children and often their behaviour is age appropriate. Return and set boundaries in a calm manner. ■ PRACTISE GRATITUDE. It removes some of the water from your cup so that there is more room for other new stressors. Gratitude has…

“Since intestinal worms spread so quickly, everyone in the home, including the pets, should take a course of deworming medication at the same time to prevent reinfection,” says pharmacist Joy Steenkamp of Medipost Pharmacy in Pretoria, Gauteng. “Anyone can become affected by intestinal parasites. Don't wait for the signs of infection. Look after your family with preventative deworming as part of your annual health and hygiene routine. Thankfully, there are treatment options available without a prescription. It is important to pay attention to the package insert warnings, as this medication is not for pregnant women or children under 1 year old,” she says. Most intestinal worm infections can be treated with a single dose or a three-day twice-daily course of mebendazole, available from pharmacies including shop.medipost.co.za. Sold under various brand…

# nourishing UKRANIAN OLIVYE INGREDIENTS METHOD 1. Peel and boil the potatoes and carrots until tender. Allow to cool and cube. 2. Cook the peas and drain. 3. Add the ham. Finely chop the pickles. 4. Lightly mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, taking care not to mash or crush. 5. Adjust the salt, pepper and mayonnaise to taste. MEXICAN HUEVOS RANCHEROS INGREDIENTS METHOD 1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and fry for another minute. 2. Stir in the beans, cumin, chilli, origanum and 100 ml water. Adjust…

“I'm going to have a baby!” you tell people. Exciting, daunting, overwhelming… These are all normal ways for a mom-to-be to feel. But when there's no “we” in the equation, you may also feel isolated and out of touch with your coupled-up preggie friends. “The pressure of having all the responsibility fall on you can be massive and there may be an element of perceived stigma for being a single mom,” says Sally Baker, a social worker in private practice. Guilt, regret, anger against the child's father, financial worries, concerns about what you will tell your child one day – these are all sentiments you may feel at different intensities throughout your pregnancy. Your friends and family may shrug these off as wasted emotions, but Sally says they are all…

This happy time of your life can be plagued by a number of niggles and I discomforts. There are big changes happening to your body, and they can leave you with some less-than-desired aches and pains. While this has been true for pregnant women since time immemorial, life in today's world, with its medical and scientific advances, means you have some options to help you feel better. “SOME OVERTHE-COUNTER MEDICATION MAY SEEM HARMLESS, BUT CAN ACTUALLY HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON MOM AND BABY. EVEN CERTAIN VITAMINS AND HERBAL REMEDIES CAN BE HARMFUL” You can't use just any medicine you find on the pharmacy shelf, though. “Women are often encouraged to use as little medication as possible during pregnancy. Most medications have not been tested for safety in pregnant women,…

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERTS DR MARISE SUBRAYAN GYNAECOLOGIST & OBSTETRICIAN AT NETCARE ST AUGUSTINE'S HOSPITAL DR SUNKARAN PILLAY GYNAECOLOGIST & OBSTETRICIAN AT NETCARE PARKLANDS HOSPITAL STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT Q I just found out I'm pregnant, and I'm over the moon but also totally overwhelmed. I've never even been to a gynaecologist in my life before, and there are no babies in our family so far. I'm a pretty healthy person, but suddenly I feel like I should step it up. What should I do? Or not do? I want to get this right! A DR…

Many women imagine themselves lying on a bed and labouring in a passive way, being treated like a patient. But birth is not passive! It demands you to stand up and pay attention. Your reward is most likely to be a shorter, less painful and more satisfying experience with fewer interventions. ACTIVE LABOUR An active labour means you're actively involved in what's happening to your body during labour and delivery. It involves freedom of movement as you use your body in any way that makes labour more tolerable. Positioning and movement play a big part in active labour. Many studies have shown that when you're upright and mobile, the following is true: ■ the strength of the uterine contractions is greater ■ the contractions are more regular and frequent ■…

WHAT IS PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after you've experienced a traumatic event. This could be a car accident, hijacking, near-death experience or, in this case, a traumatic birth. Somatic psychologist Susanne Babbel says, “PTSD is very different from postnatal depression (PND). The former occurs as a result of trauma (or perceived trauma) during delivery, while the latter happens because of hormonal changes in a woman's body as a natural result of giving birth. Nevertheless, these two conditions are linked together in some cases, and can certainly exacerbate one another. It's important to distinguish between the two so that you can seek the most effective means of treatment.” WHAT COULD MAKE BIRTH (AND BEYOND) TRAUMATIC? If you went through distress while giving…

SHIFT 1 The more time you spend fretting, the more anxious you'll become, so recognise that worrying does absolutely nothing to help you. Remind yourself that you're in control, and invest time in positive thoughts. Write down at least three reasons you have to feel positive so that when you find yourself starting to become negative, you can focus quickly on a powerful reason to feel positive. SHIFT 2 Your child is still a baby, but already you're a powerful role model. She's never too young to start learning, and if you're negative, your baby will grow up thinking that the world is full of problems. If you remain positive, she will grow up believing that there's always a solution. Commit to feeling good when you're with your baby. SHIFT…

You have to learn to take extra special care of small fingers, toes, ears and noses, as dirt and germs collect here and may make your tiny baby sick if not cleaned properly. CORD CARE The stump of cord that once attached your baby to you will drop off and, in its place, your baby's belly button will form. The cord starts off as a cream colour, drying and shrivelling like a piece of biltong. It usually falls off between seven to 10 days post-birth. Until it falls off on its own, it's best to keep this area as dry as possible. Dry care is the way to go these days. The nurses in the hospital will explain what to do. No surgical spirits or special cleaning is necessary. In…

Parenting is a wonderful thing. Your instinct is to protect and cherish, which means putting your baby's needs first. Nothing is as important as this little person's comfort and well-being. Before you have your own baby, it's difficult to imagine what nappy changing will be like. Rest assured: all you'll care about is that your baby is clean and comfortable. Also, prepare to feel deeply satisfied when you realise you can and do provide for your vulnerable little baby's needs. Even the most terrible nappy experience will quickly fade and become a story from the trenches to chuckle over later. Here's some advice to help you survive and flourish during this part of your parenting journey… ESSENTIAL TIPS ■ Hospitals don't provide nappies, so take along enough nappies when you…

SLIDING ALL THE WAY HOME Let those small fingers do the walking when your toddler helps adorable animals find their way home. The Let's Go Home book series is a new sliding counter series by Carolina Buzio. In Let's Go Home, Baby Rabbit, you will meet rabbit, fox, bear and owl who are lost in the woods. Get to know the jungle gang – tiger, parrot, elephant and crocodile – in Let's Go Home, Baby Tiger. These pretty illustrated books have intriguing moving parts and four tracks each to give that all important hand-eye coordination a boost. R205 each, Jonathan Ball. SEEN THROUGH THEIR EYES Anything from these two best-selling and award-winning creators is always fantastic and belongs in any home library. This one is a magical, lyrical celebration of…

Experts agree: Art develops the whole child, physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively as well as aesthetically. But do keep in mind that it is the process of creation that matters, not the end result or final product. PHYSICALLY The skills learnt doing all kinds of different art forms develops your child on both a fine and gross-motor-skill level – she has to hold the tools (paintbrush, string, pens, scissors) and also reach across to get the paint or paper that is in the middle of the table, for example. Art also exposes your child to different textures, teaches her about spatial awareness and about how she fits into the space around her – this is called her proprioception. SOCIALLY Many social skills are learnt during art lessons. These include sharing and…

When I was young, I always wanted kids. I wanted to be a mom and was inspired by other moms, my own mom and, of course, all the other moms in my family. When I discovered I was pregnant, I felt so blessed. It's opened my eyes – babies are innocent little angels. (Yes, I know, everyone has their fair share of screaming, yelling babies, hut they are angels nonetheless!) I've learnt to adapt, bond and get to know my child better every single day. I love being a mom and want to see my daughter grow and nurture her to the best of her ability. I guess it's everyone's dream to see their child grow up and succeed. I want to see her become everything she dreams and hopes…

• Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com The Carriwell Padded Maternity & Nursing Bra (R530) is seamless, soft and comfortable, and is made from ultra-fine microfibre with removable pads that mould to your shape. The easy onehanded clasps expose the entire breast while nursing, maximising skin-to-skin contact between you and Baby. The light, removable, moulded pads help shape and support your breasts. The pads reduce fabric stretch, increasing support for fuller busts. They also conceal the nipples, areola and breast pads, as well as any leaked milk. WINNER…

#Crib notes Nicole Sherwin, founder of local skincare brand Eco Diva Natural, shared her recipe for a vegan turmeric latte, and it has us glowing from the inside out! INGREDIENTS ■ 2 cups oat milk or milk alternative ■ 1t freshly grated turmeric or turmeric powder ■ ½t ground cinnamon ■ ½t freshly grated ginger or ginger powder ■ ½t agave or maple syrup METHOD Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat, but don't bring it to a boil. Remove from the heat, and stir in the rest of the ingredients. You can also use a milk frother to get a foamy texture or blend the hot milk with the rest of the ingredients in a blender for that luxurious latte experience. More health tips at ecodiva.co.za.…

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in high-income countries among children under the age of 15. Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing, which may be due to growing awareness. Almost 400 000 children are diagnosed annually, and South Africa accounts for almost 1 500 of this global number. Many children with cancer in low-and-middle-income countries are either not diagnosed in time or referred too late for curative care. Awareness is key. Familiarise yourself with the St Siluan early warning signs: choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs…

Clinix Health Group has just launched a great package that allows you to pay over six months prior to delivery. This puts first-class medical care for the birth of your child within your reach! The special maternity package includes one day normal delivery care and two days post-delivery care, a free mother and baby pack, a beautiful framed photograph of your baby and free birth certificate registration. Call one of the hospitals in the group to find out more and discuss your needs. Botshelong Empilweni Private Hospital, Vosloorus: 011 861 6200 Tshepo-Themba Private Hospital, Dobsonville: 011 989 0300 Dr SK Matseke Memorial Hospital, Diepkloof: 011 933 5000 Naledi Nkanyezi Private Hospital, Sebokeng: 016 420 3000 Victoria Itokolle Private Hospital, Mahikeng: 018 397 7300 Visit clinix.com for more information Did you…

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Timing baby-making sex for the three or four days you ovulate will increase your chances of falling pregnant significantly – in fact you can only fall pregnant on those days, so sex on any other day is just good fun! Here are six ways to work out when you are ovulating, so that you can bring out the lacy lingerie to maximum effect. COUNT THE DAYS For most women, ovulation takes place in the middle of their menstrual cycle. Take note though, menstrual cycles can vary from 28 days to 35 days, so the key is working out your particular cycle. There are many free apps you can use to track when you get your period for a few months so that you can see your pattern. Your cycle is…

You've probably heard that omega-3 fatty acids provide your unborn baby with energy and promote brain development. They also help provide a healthy supply of blood, nutrition and oxygen to your baby. They are even connected to better sleep patterns once your baby is born… But did you know how important these fatty acids are to you during your pregnancy? Apart from keeping your brain nimble, they can also help prevent many pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and postnatal depression. Registered dietician Zelda Ackerman from Family 1st Nutrition explains that omega-3 and omega-6 acids are poly-unsaturated fats that form an important part of cell walls. “They serve a variety of functions such as the regulation of blood pressure and blood coagulation and the development and functioning of the brain and…

TAKE A LOAD OFF YOUR LEGS Your legs are going to be supporting a lot more weight as your pregnancy progresses, and you may find small spider veins or even varicose veins appearing. Cramps can also be a worry – occurring mostly in the calf area. Rest your legs frequently to reduce pressure on your veins and don't cross your legs while sitting. Gentle exercise will increase circulation. Walk around the block. Poor circulation, dehydration and a magnesium and calcium deficiency cause cramps. Consume milk products, green leafy vegetables, whole-grains, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, soya, and dried apricots. Avoid refined forms of salt (buy natural sea or rock salt from health shops), and drink plenty of water. Stretch before going to bed by flexing your foot. EAT WELL TO AVOID…

WARNING SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND POSSIBLE PROBLEMS VAGINAL BLEEDING Vaginal bleeding is not normal in pregnancy. It could be a life-threatening condition or perhaps of a less serious nature. It's important that you check with your caregiver, especially if you are feeling pain and rigidity in the abdomen as well. Early on (before 26 weeks), bleeding could indicate an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) or a miscarriage. Miscarriage could occur as a result of an infection, uterine abnormality, rhesus incompatibility or a medical condition. If bleeding occurs after six months, a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia (a placenta that lies over the cervix) could be the problem. Placental abruption is a serious condition, where the placenta detaches from the uterus, and may threaten your and Baby's life. It may…

Many women experience mixed feelings, being happy and excited as well as terrified of the implications of bringing a new life into the world. Fears are common, but the vast majority will not come true. The best way of dealing with fears and concerns is to talk about them and in this way put them into perspective. WHO CAN YOU TALK TO? You are not alone! It's important to acknowledge how you are feeling. This event is going to change your life in many ways. Nothing dissolves fear better than the gaining and sharing of knowledge, so don't let your imagination run away with you. Sort out fact from fiction. Read about your options and discuss them with your partner. Childbirth preparation classes are a wonderful forum for you to…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT PROF. LISANNE DU PLESSIS BREASTFEEDING CONSULTANT MASTITIS: SHOULD I BREASTFEED? Q My baby is two weeks old, and I urns diagnosed with mastitis. It hurts a lot, but I am using medication that my doctor prescribed. Will I still be able to breastfeed, or should I stop? A LISANNE DU PLESSIS ANSWERS: Mastitis is usually the result of a blocked milk duct. The milk trapped behind the blockage can be forced into the surrounding breast tissue, and this can cause the tissue to become inflamed. It is this inflammation that is called mastitis or sometimes…

When it comes to babies and weight gain, each child is different. So how do you know if your baby is healthy? The answer is simple really. Regular clinic visits for weigh-ins and check-ups. On your first visit to the well baby clinic, you will be given a “Road to Health” card or a standard growth chart, which records your baby's weight, height, health, development and vaccinations for his first five years. You need to keep this card in a safe place and take it with you to all clinic and doctor visits. TIP: Photocopy your baby's health chart and keep copies in a safe place. One day when you apply to a daycare, crèche or even when your child starts school, a copy of his “Road to Health” card…

Environmental allergies are on the rise. What are the dangers, and what can you do to protect your child? A runny nose, a wheezy chest, rashes, itchy eyes – these are just some of the symptoms of allergies. Even a mild allergy can be unpleasant; a severe allergy can be life-threatening. Allergies are on the rise. UK stats tell us that one in five pre-schoolers has eczema, and one in seven asthma. The incidence of these two and other allergy-related conditions is increasing, says allergy specialist Dr Adrian Morris of The Allergy Clinic in Cape Town: “We believe that it's because children don't get exposed to as many germs as they used to, because they have fewer siblings and cleaner homes. The immune system has nothing to focus on, so…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT DR WAYNE JONES PAEDIATRICIAN AT NETCARE GREENACRES HOSPITAL Momentum FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR Q How can I support my child from a health and wellness perspective to get the most out of their school year? The first quarter is nearly over, and we're all exhausted by our new routine. I have one in Grade R and one in Grade 1 this year. I feel like we started off with a bang, and then lost momentum after five weeks or so, but there are still more than 12 years to get through! A DR JONES ANSWERS:…

As parents we all know that fast food restaurants may not offer the healthiest options, yet we find ourselves offering fast food to our children from time to time. How can we make the most of their fast food meal? The good news is that many restaurants – fast food and sit-down – are adding healthier menu options. It is now possible to eat a fairly nutritious meal on the go. Here's how. THE FAST FOOD REPORT CARD Fast foods are typically high in saturated fat, calories and sodium. Eating too much fat, especially saturated fat and trans fatty acids, can raise blood cholesterol and put your child at risk for heart conditions, diabetes and some types of cancer. Excess calories can lead to weight gain, and if continued, can…