Innholdsfortegnelse for October - November 2023 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

Work hard at school, go to university, get married, buy a house, have 2,5 children, get a puppy, decorate with a Live-Laugh-Love poster and live happily ever after, all while making small talk about the weather with friends and neighbours living identical lives. Why is the pull of this cookie-cutter picture so strong, when life teaches us that it hardly ever works out that way? Yes, it is a comforting picture, but just look around you: How many people do you really know who live that life? Kismet is always dishing out challenges, smashing our illusion of being in control. On the dark side of the path there is illness, divorce, fertility issues, death, crime, financial woes (also Eskom), and on the light side love, support, good fortune, health, success,…

COVER STAR SEARCH IT LOOKS LIKE SHE HAD A LOT OF FUN AT THE SHOOT. Yes! Amani loves music, so the background music that was playing in the studio made things go very smoothly. And she definitely loves attention. She can easily get distracted, but having a patient photographer helped her ease into it. It was a great morning. WE LOVE HER NAME. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Amani means “peace” in Swahili, and in Arabic it means “wishes”. SHE SOUNDS LIKE QUITE A CHARACTER! Amani recently started to walk, and she’s definitely making the most of it. She is forever up and down and trying to touch absolutely everything she sees. She has quite the demanding personality and doesn’t like to stay in one place for long. She is our…

WE’RE ONLINE! Social media Follow us on social media for regular updates. My name is Konica, and I’m currently 28 weeks pregnant with my second baby. We’re having a boy. Unfortunately, at 27 weeks, I started having contractions and ended up in hospital. Not only was I trying to stop my baby from being born too early, but I also found out that I have abnormalities and a liver infection and gallstones. Being in hospital for more than a week was hard. I missed my family so much. At least your magazine gave me hope and so much advice. Luckily Baby Mason is out of danger for now, and I can go home. You’ll see him on the #GROWING photo page soon!…

Send a clear good-quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A DIS-CHEM BABY CITY VOUCHER VALUED AT R380 Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Each photo published receives a R380 Dis-Chem Baby City Voucher. Dis-chem babycity™…

The pandemic sucked, right? Well yes, but in this case in a positive way… New research shows that breastfeeding rates in the UK increased during the pandemic – a time when more of us were at home, with partners, and able to work flexibly. Our sisters in the UK were a whopping to exclusively breastfeed for six months during Covid than they were before the pandemic or now, post-pandemic. 40% more likely We really don’t even need to read the research to know why. If you have the time and space to be home with your baby, breastfeeding is just so much easier. Now we just need SA to wake up and increase maternity leave from the measly three months where it’s at now, né?…

GOOD ROUTINE The popular Parent Sense App now has a responsive routine feature. You simply key in your baby’s feeds and sleeps. Using this data, the app dynamically adjusts the flexible 24hour routine to provide customised feeding and sleeping times so that you don’t have to work out the timings, and you’ll always know what’s coming up next for your baby. This way, you get answers to two things that always bug parents. Is my baby feeding enough? Is my baby sleeping enough? Tracking the data and following the suggested routine will help you build confidence and tune into Baby’s unique rhythms and patterns. Basically, the app helps you take the guesswork out of your baby’s schedule. PICTURE PERFECT No more time for makeup now that you’re a mom? EasyGlow…

BOBA TEA AKA BUBBLE TEA, AN ASIAN STAPLE THAT’S TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM. INGREDIENTS ■ 4 rooibos teabags ■ ¼ cup tapioca pearls ■ ½ cup milk ■ 3T sugar METHOD 1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the teabags, and steep until the water cools completely. 2. Remove the teabags and stir in the sugar. 3. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. 4. Transfer the tea into a clear jug. You want to see the pretty colour, after all. 5. Divide the cooked tapioca pearls between 2 tall glasses. 6. Add a few ice cubes to each glass. Fill up with tea, leaving space for a ¼ cup of milk. 7. Stir and taste the bubble milk tea. Add…

YOUR RELATIONSHIP For many new moms, beds are less for sex and more for plonking into when you’re sleep deprived, or lying on, exhausted, while winding, feeding or settling your baby. Between recovery from childbirth, adjustment to a new child, lack of sleep, tonnes more chores and insecurity about your new post-preggy body, sex with your partner often falls away. JUST NOT IN THE MOOD Nadine, 29, (not her real name) had a healthy sex life before and during her pregnancy, but when her baby was born, Nadine’s sex life waned. “It was as if a wall came up between my husband and I. Our baby slept in our bed for the first six months, but even aside from the ‘geographical’ challenge, I was just not interested, too tired, and…

HANDS ON HIPS Stand in front of the mirror with your hands on your hips, and take a good look at your breasts. Note the size and shape. Look for changes in the skin and texture. Look at your nipples and areola. HANDS ABOVE THE HEAD Do your breasts move in the same way when you lift your arms? Look at the size and shape again, and if your breasts are symmetrical. Are there any pits or bumps on the areola or nipples? Have a look at your armpits too to see if there is any swelling at the lymph glands. NIPPLE CHECK Pinch your nipple gently and pull it forward. Does it pull back into the breast? Is there a discharge? Repeat on the other side. Did you know?…

Attorney Jacques Jansen says: ■ Apply for maintenance in the area where you live. Fill out Form A at the maintenance officer at the court. ■ You will need to provide proof of your monthly income and expenses, such as receipts for groceries, electricity and rent. ■ The maintenance officer will then issue a notice that will warn the respondent (the person obligated to pay maintenance) to appear at the court on a specific date to discuss the matter initially. ■ If the respondent agrees to the amount, the magistrate will make an order after examining the relevant documents, without the parties appearing in court. ■ However, if the person disputes the amount, you will later appear in court where evidence will be presented, and the court will make a…

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening option that allows you as expecting parents to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing foetus. It’s also sometimes referred to as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing. NIPT tests the DNA of the foetus, which is present in your blood, to count the number of chromosomes present to determine the risk for a chromosome abnormality in the baby. Chromosome disorders have an impact on the growth and development of the foetus and may result in birth defects, developmental and intellectual delay, and a shorter life span. WHAT DOES NIPT INVOLVE? During pregnancy, a small amount of the baby’s DNA circulates in your bloodstream. NIPT analyses this foetal cell-free DNA to detect specific genetic conditions, most notably common chromosomal disorders like Down…

■ HAIR MASSAGE: A great way to take care of your hair during pregnancy and to relax at the same time, is by indulging in a good hair massage. Oil your hair three to four times a week. Using natural oils is a great way to add some nourishment to your hair. ■ SHAMPOO AND CONDITION: Make sure you use a good shampoo at least twice a week. Use a mild, or better still, a herbal shampoo. Apply conditioner every time you wash your hair. As you progress in your pregnancy, washing your hair becomes a bit tricky. Ask your partner to help you. ■ COLOURING: It’s best to avoid colouring your hair while pregnant. Although there is no scientific data to prove that colouring your hair can harm your…

Scientific researchers widely believe that foetuses begin to hear sound around 18 weeks of pregnancy. Even between three to six weeks (when the embryo is smaller than a pea), cells begin forming the tissues of the brain, face, eyes, ears and nose – and the complex, twisting maze of inner ear tubes are forming too. By week nine, small indents will appear on the sides of the your baby’s neck. These early “ears” will eventually shift upwards and become the curled appendages we humans use to hear. By 24 to 26 weeks, Baby is sensitive to sound – especially to your voice. This is when the inner ear connects with neurons in the brain responsible for processing sounds, and the tiny bones of the middle ear form to sense the…

Women are taking more control over their options for birthing their babies, and home birth is one of these,” says midwife Sister Heather Pieterse, whose Pretoriabased practice Midwives Exclusive has been assisting with home births for almost 20 years. She gives us an overview of what you need for a successful home birth. FINDING THE IDEAL MIDWIFE “Word of mouth from a friend or family member, or a healthcare professional, is a great start,” Sr Pieterse says. She adds that while it’s fine to use the internet and/ or social media, you should bear in mind that it’s not the best or safest way to find a midwife. “Listen to your gut too,” she notes. Don’t be afraid to shop around and interview a few midwives before making your choice.…

GOOD BUY The Carriwell Post Birth Belly Binder provides abdominal support and comfort after your c-section. It helps improve posture and supports your lower back but also tightens the tummy, thereby reducing the risk of stretch marks. You’ll look slimmer and feel more confident, immediately! The belly binder naturally encourages your stomach to return to its original shape. When you’re nursing your baby, it also helps improve your sitting posture. The belly binder is made from certified organic cotton and offers flexibility so that you can adjust the belt over time to help you tighten and firm loose skin. It also gradually helps you reduce stretch marks – you can simply adjust the belt to assist the tightening and firming of loose skin. R630, Dis-Chem Baby City, Babies R Us,…

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 Q I’m six months pregnant, and I’ve been told I have diastasis recti. I don’t understand how this could have happened, as I was fit before my pregnancy and always trained my stomach too, as I want it to be flat again. Obviously, I’m not doing any exercises at the moment anymore, but when can I start again after my baby is born? And how? The whole thing makes me feel rather nervous. A ANNÉKE ANSWERS: You can’t with certainty determine if someone has diastasis recti, as during pregnancy we can only check for what…

10% OFF ALL ORDERS. USE CODE: MAG23. WEAR IT WITH WEAR IT WITH MATERNITY CAPSULE WARDROBE A maternity capsule wardrobe keeps things simple. Mixiing and mattching bump basics will make for endless outfit options and effortless dressing. WHAT TO WEAR WHILE YOU RECOVER Miladys denims come in many different flattering styles and a variety of washes. They are available in sizes 32 through 50, making them the Number One fit for women of all ages, stages and body shapes. There’s nothing like a pair of denims that fit you perfectly. Miladys WonderFit jeans are designed to give the perfect fit to hold, lift, smooth and stretch. WEAR IT WITH SUMMER PHOTOSHOOT Monami Maternity hire out dresses for maternity and newborn photoshoots as well as baby showers. For R500, you can…

Not only do the digestive system and immune system benefit from a good balance of these bacteria, your skin can also benefit. Every surface of your body is covered in microscopic creatures, mostly bacteria. These organisms create their own micro-ecosystem called the microbiome and it helps you stay healthy, as your skin is your first line of defence against outside attack. Probiotics also feed the skin microbiome, helping them thrive and multiply further, and ultimately outcompete the not so good bacteria. They encourage the health and growth of your body’s natural micro-ecosystem. Turn the page for a closer look at more conditions that can benefit from some probiotic know-how.…

It is hard to know what is normal when it comes to your baby’s stools, and many of us worry about constipation when the nappy has been empty for a while and Baby seems to be straining. However, the best indication of constipation is not frequency but rather stools that are dry and hard, even if they are passed frequently. It is important to keep your baby well hydrated, as this is the best way to prevent constipation. On the other side of the poo spectrum, parents worry about diarrhoea. Typically though, breastfed babies have very wet poo. Some babies can produce 10 dirty nappies a day, and others just one per week – all normal. Be on the lookout though for slime in the stool, or an explosive poo…

Feeding’s almost second nature, you can change a nappy under 15 seconds (and without upsetting baby too much), and you’re just about used to your baby’s sleeping patterns and have worked out a way to sleep around them. But then suddenly your baby’s six weeks old and you find yourself wondering, “Who took my baby and replaced him with this little wailing and eternally hungry monster?” GOOD BUY Introducing the new ARA Imphepho soaps. The unique formula of the ARA Imphepho soap has been developed for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, is used for healing and cleansing, and contains high-quality Imphepho oil, which is extra moisturising and gentle on the skin. The 100g Luxury Family Bar retails for R16,99 while the 75g Gentle Baby Bar retails for R13,99. Available at…

Fast fact Babies who eat purée for too long may struggle to pronounce words properly. The puréed, smooth baby food your baby has been learning to eat won’t interest him for long. Besides mushy food being boring, it’s also important developmentally that he learns to eat more textured, lumpier foods. Rough food means he has to chew and – even though he doesn’t have any teeth yet – get those muscles ready for “real” food. All those chewing movements strengthen his tongue and mouth muscles so that he can not only stick his tongue out at his dad but also soon start saying beautiful little words. He might already be showing more interest in Mom’s food than his own, and if he is trying out more textures, he’ll soon be…

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious illness quite common in toddlers. It is caused by the interovirus, which lives in the digestive system. This disease is characterised by fever and a rash, most frequently seen on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and inside the mouth, hence its name. Children aged 1 to 4 are most at risk, and most often outbreaks happen in autumn and summer. However, HFMD should not be confused with foot (hoof) and mouth disease that affects cattle, sheep, and pigs. SYMPTOMS The most common symptoms of HFMD are mild fever and a general feeling of illness followed by a characteristic rash one or two days later. Small red spots that quickly develop into small blisters appear on the…

With the “terrible twos” looming, your toddler is probably starting to assert herself in all sorts of ways and brushing her teeth – or not! Some fights are not worth fighting, especially with a toddler, but tooth brushing is just not one of them – even baby teeth are susceptible to cavities, and their care can have a long-term impact on your child’s development. GOOD BUY A DENTAL HOME The foundations for healthy teeth and gums are laid during pregnancy through diet and nutrition but also through your own dental hygiene, says Dr Michael Gray, a Johannesburg-based dentist. “The bacterial content in Mom’s mouth is transmitted into the child’s with each kiss and cuddle,” he says. So your child’s dental health starts with the parents – if you have healthy…

TIP #1 Limit the amount of time your toddler is on any kind of screen to no more than an hour a day. TIP #2 Sit and do screen time with your tot. Let him ask you questions if there is something he doesn’t understand and ask him questions to gain a sense of what he does understand. Join in on the fun with your tot when there are sing-alongs, dancing or clapping instead of just sitting still and watching the screen. TIP #3 Create screen-free zones in your home where the family usually spends most of its time. Screens distract from families spending quality time together by interacting with and talking to one another. TIP #4 There should be no screen time when your toddler has a playdate. The…

YOUR PRESCHOOLER Siblings fight for lots of reasons. Sometimes they are acting out any tension they’re experiencing at home, or they are worried that a little brother or sister is replacing them, or they feel like they’re not getting enough of your attention. Sometimes siblings are simply mimicking your own poor conflict resolution skills. But even fighting for no apparent reason can drive parents up the wall. The first step is working out why they are fighting, and why it bothers you so much. SHARING IS CARING Whether your children like it or not, they have to share a lot of things with each other every day: parents, home life and often a room, meals and a routine. So, a large part of their relationship is about learning to be…

NEW SCHOOL JITTERS UNDER CONTROL Starting school can often be a fraught, nervewracking time for you and your children, but this is not a problem a few unicorns can’t solve. Welcome to Unicorn School. Have a Magical First Day! tells the story of Rocky and how his first day does not go according to plan. Together, author Rose Cobden and illustrator Loretta Schauer explore the highs, the lows and the magic that comes with a first day at school. R210, Penguin. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER… NOT If your child is anything like mine, then they start planning their next birthday party almost as soon as the guests leave the current one! Clare Helen Welsh’s Never Ever, Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party will keep you (and your child) going until…

■ GENETICS Up to 80 percent of parents did the same thing, so there is a 50 percent chance their child will follow suit. ■ CAFFEINE Food and drinks that contain caffeine (coffee and tea) can make the problem worse. ■ CONSTIPATION A third of all children who wet their beds struggle with constipation. ■ BLADDER INFECTIONS These could be the cause. ■ SLEEP APNOEA This is a rare cause of nocturnal enuresis. ■ ATTENTION DEFICIT Bed-wetting is more common in children with ADD and those who are hyperactive. ■ STRESS The birth of a younger sibling, a hospital stay, problems at home, bullies at school, moving house or sexual abuse can cause a child who never wet their beds to start doing so.…

During labour and birth, your body uses a powerful mix of hormones to birth your baby and also prepare the way for breastfeeding. As your placenta separates from the uterus, your body releases a mix of prolactin (to stimulate milk production) and oxytocin (to allow the milk to flow), so that you are ready to feed as soon as you and baby would like to. Babies are born competent, capable, ready and eager to breastfeed. As long as there are no medical complications, your baby is ready for his first feed almost immediately after birth and most will latch onto the breast within the first hour of life. In fact, the best start for breastfeeding is when a baby is kept skin to skin with you immediately after birth, for…

AT BIRTH MILK Your breasts are stimulated to make colostrum in small amounts. BABY Will probably be awake and alert in the first hour after birth. This is a good time for that first breastfeed. MOM You’ll be emotional and exhilarated. FIRST 12 - 24 HOURS MILK Your baby will drink about one teaspoon of colostrum at each feeding – exactly what your baby needs in the right amounts. BABY It is normal for baby to sleep deeply – labour and birth are hard work for him too. Some babies like to nuzzle and may be too sleepy to latch properly at first. Feedings may be short and disorganised. As your baby wakes up, most will have a strong instinct to suck and feed every one to two hours. Many…

Our last two baby covers of 2023 feature two little girls – they are the last of six winners in the 2023 #CoverStarSearch competition. Earlier in the year, we featured two little boys, followed by two newborns and now the girls. A huge thank you to our 2023 prize sponsors: Reuterina, Epi-Max, Cuddlers, Tiny Love and Dis-Chem Baby City. Each of the six winners received prizes worth more than R5 000 from the sponsors. For the first two covers of 2024, we are looking for two boys by 31 December 2023. Newborn entries for any gender open early January 2024, followed by the category for girls up to 48 months later in the year. Turn to pages 8 & 9 to see what you can win. Turn to page 6…

#Sharing Send a short letter and photograph to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A HAMPER FROM SNOOKUMS WORTH R2025! Proudly South African brand Snookums’ baby accessory range has been in existence for more than 45 years. Carefully developed over many years, the Snookums range is constantly infused with innovative new baby products to ensure that it stays at the forefront of world trends. The Snookums Double Electric Breast Pump is perfect for busy moms who need an easy, convenient and discreet way to express. Snookums products are available at Baby City, Babies R Us, Game, takealot.com, homechoice.co.za, Chelino Baby and loot.co.za. The prize includes a Snookums Double Electric Breast Pump and two Snookums Breast Milk Storage Bag Boxes (25 per box).…

WIN A GIFT CARD! Send a high-resolution photo of you and your bump, and you could win a Dis-Chem Baby City gift card worth R580. Email your entry to sharing@ypbmagazine.com with the subject ”Baby City”. Include your ID number, contact details and nearest Dis-Chem Baby City store. Dis-Chem babycity™ OUR FIRST - AND IT'S A GIRL ”We are so excited to meet Joanna. This is our first, and we don’t want to miss out on this journey called parenthood!”…

Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Carriwell’s Post-Birth Reshape Pants (R340) are designed for comfortable post-natal tummy control and back support, giving you the confidence you deserve after your baby’s arrival. The clever seamless design is invisible under clothes, and the unique stretch properties of the fabric and additional support around your core area gently flatten your tummy and firm your bum and thighs, making you look and feel slim and attractive. Available at Dis-Chem Baby City, Babies R Us at Toys R Us, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Woolworths and leading baby and maternity stores. WINNER…

When it comes to hair day in most homes, fathers typically get the day off to hang out and watch sports, right? Not anymore. A few dads have decided it’s time to break that stereotype and show up for their girls – and learn how to style up. At the helm of this is Mahlatse Mashua, dad to three girls and Heartlines Fathers Matter Ambassador. One morning when Mahlatse’s wife was away, his 9-year-old daughter asked him to do her hair, and he realised he didn’t have a clue what to do. And just like that, the initiative “Papa Do My Hair” was born. Mahlatse and a few friends set up a salon for the day at his home in Vredehoek, Cape Town. They got in a professional stylist to…

An unspoken reality “A really big part of why I feel the need to share my surrogacy story is because I am Coloured, and my husband is Black, and both Yuleen and Larry are Indian. I have seen that especially in the Black and Indian communities, how alternative methods of having children are frowned upon. This makes it very difficult for people when faced with issues of infertility, and I wanted to help open some minds as to what options are available. CARE TO SHARE? We’d love to hear from you. Send your story to sharing@ypbmagazine.com HOW IT STARTED: FROM NEIGHBOURS TO FRIENDS “I met Yuleen in 2010, on the day my born-and-bred Londoner husband, Obi Ejime (44) and I moved into the same Johannesburg apartment complex as Yuleen and…

CALLING ALL CREATIVE PARENTS Show us your party! Send an email to sharing@ypbmagazine.com and we could feature your baby shower or party on these pages.…

“I had a very traumatic birth with an extremely long labour. So I’ve been completely put off sex for life. It’s like doing the dishes or cleaning the toilet – it’s a chore I could live without!” “I just don’t enjoy it; I don’t know why.” “My mojo went flying out the window with my second pregnancy, and after my third pregnancy ended in a D&C at 12 weeks. I am in all honesty too scared to have sex, because I am scared that it might happen again.” “I’d say I loved it more before baby. During pregnancy, it was awesome. Now I think we are more cautious (don’t want to fall preggies straight away). I think I can live without sex, but making love to my husband is still…

People normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell, 46 in total. Each chromosome is made of a sequence of DNA, which contains our genes. These give instructions to our body to make what they need to work. Genetic disorders, particularly chromosome disorders, occur when there’s a change in the total number of chromosomes of the foetus, or changes to the chromosomes themselves. SOME TYPES OF CHROMOSOME DISORDERS RELEVANT TO NIPT ARE ■ TRISOMY 21 (DOWN SYNDROME): Most cases of Down syndrome result from each cell in the body having three (instead of the usual two) copies of chromosome 21. Down syndrome is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. This is the most common chromosomal condition, occurring about 1.5 times…

■ No matter what your skin colour, wear a good sunscreen every day to prevent dark marks, freckles and moles from getting any darker, and to protect your skin. Our sun is vicious and tough on skin, especially during pregnancy. ■ Apply tissue oil all over your body when you get out of the shower to help prevent stretch marks. ■ If your skin changes from oily to dry, or vice versa, make sure you change your daily skincare routine accordingly. ■ Treat blemishes with a good blemish cream, and don’t pick! This will only leave you with scars.…

“My husband worked with a man named Jack, and I thought, what a great name! We decided to try out referring to the bump as Jack as our first test run of a name, and it just stuck. His middle name is Peter, which is my brother’s name and my father’s middle name. I wanted something from my family.” – Abigail “Apart from how beautifully it rolls off the tongue, the meaning of my son’s name, Owami, is sentimental – it means ‘mine’. My daughter’s name, Amara, means eternal beauty and unfading grace. Her name reminds me of the continuous love and beauty of my family.” – Portia “My partner and I both have Middle Eastern blood in us, so we wanted something that reflected that. We did some research,…

■ What qualifications do you have? ■ Are you registered with the South African Nursing Council? ■ Do you have a practice number? (If you’re claiming from a medical aid.) ■ How many births a month do you do? ■ Do you have someone to assist you, should you be busy with another birth when I go into labour? ■ Are you available around the time of my birth? ■ What do you do if there’s a complication or an emergency? ■ What emergency equipment do you bring to a birth? (It should include oxygen, suction and medication to stop bleeding.) ■ What do you expect from me?…

Statistics aside, there are lifesaving pros and dangerous cons to this birthing method. We explore some of the most common reasons for both emergency and scheduled c-sections. EMERGENCY TYPICALLY PERFORMED AFTER LABOUR HAS STARTED ■ Baby is not coping well. ■ Baby’s heartbeat goes above or below the normal limits. ■ Contractions aren’t opening the mouth of the womb (the cervix) wide enough for baby to move into the birth canal. ■ The umbilical cord has been blocked, and blood is no longer reaching the baby, or if the cord is wrapped around Baby’s neck. ■ Baby is coming out bum, feet or shoulder first – or with a hand and the head together. ■ You’re bleeding excessively or have high blood pressure that is leading to convulsions. ■ You…

There are very few women who can genuinely jump straight back into their skinny jeans a few weeks after their baby is born. Even if you kept fit during the pregnancy, you probably gained some unwanted weight or lost a bit of muscle definition. Eating well and exercising regularly will give you your body back, but you have to be realistic. Give yourself a manageable time frame. It took you nine months to grow that baby; allow at least that much time to return to your pre-pregnancy shape. Remember, though, that your body will have changed in some unexpected ways, and you may never be exactly the same as you were pre-baby! Although you should be eating healthily from day one, don’t start working out until your doctor gives you…

For your body and your little one’s body to work optimally, a healthy digestive system is essential. More than 500 different kinds of bacteria are hard at work in the digestive track. Exactly how many and what their characteristics are differs from place to place. Every person on earth has a unique gut microbiota profile that is shaped early in life. However, this profile, or biome, isn’t fixed; all kinds of factors – diet or illness to name just two of many – make an impact on this profile. Dr Anton Janse van Rensburg from Johannesburg says that, unfortunately, many aspects of our modern lives aren’t conducive to a healthy biome. “Because of antiobiotic use, smoking, stress, antiinflammatories, antacids for the stomach and the absence of fermented food in our…

After birth, the process of colonising your baby’s gut with good bacteria continues through breastfeeding when millions of microbes are sent into the baby’s gut every day, with every gulp. Breast milk bacteria play several roles in the baby’s intestines. They reduce the incidence and severity of infections; improve the intestinal barrier function by increasing the amount of mucous that acts as a shield; train the immune system to recognise good bacteria from bad; produce anti-inflammatory substances that keeps the gut alive and thriving; burn energy, which determines how much fat the baby stores; and break down sugars and proteins. The bacterial makeup of your breast milk is in turn affected by the type of birth you had, as mentioned before, as well as your diet and well-being, your environment…

Counted from conception, the first 1 000 days is a critical window of early childhood growth and development. Foetal growth and development are influenced by Mom’s health. Simply put: a healthy microbial balance in your gut during pregnancy can boost the number of good bacteria present in other mucous membranes, such as your vagina. You might wonder why that matters. Well, during childbirth, the baby is exposed to these good bacteria, which immediately start to colonise the gastrointestinal tract. (Assuming, of course, that your own biome is healthy.) There is also evidence that microbes in the vagina interact with the developing foetus long before birth, affecting prenatal growth and the duration of the pregnancy. Babies born by c-section don’t get the same exposure to your bacteria, and the necessary colonisation…

1. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY You are probably feeling the effects of six weeks of sleep deprivation in a big ay now, and it’s really easy to feel that you’re doing something wrong when your baby starts acting up like this. Don’t feel your baby doesn’t like you! Remember that crying is your baby’s only way of communicating with you, and when he cries, he’snot criticising your parenting skills. 2. TAKE A DEEP BREATH Because you and your baby share a strong connection, he’ll pick up on your feelings when you’re stressed or emotional. Don’t let this make you feel more frazzled. Take a moment, breathe in deeply and release the breath slowly. 3. GET SUPPORT Ask your partner, mom or friends to take care of baby for half an…

It’s no surprise that bananas are a favourite with parents and babies. They are chock full of B vitamins, as well as vitamin C, potassium, manganese and magnesium (good to calm down an active toddler). Bananas stimulate the stomach lining to thicken and help remove unhealthy bacteria from the intestines. This bent fruit is also a good source of prebiotics. 5 QUICK FACTS ABOUT BANANAS ■ The banana peel contains the finest natural lubricant known to humankind. You can use the inside of a banana peel to polish patent leather shoes. ■ The earliest dessert recipe ever written was a banana recipe – a mushy mixture of bananas, almonds and honey. ■ There are in excess of 500 banana varieties in the world. They come in all shapes and sizes,…

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1 SING A SONG Most children love a silly song, so don’t be shy to make one up about brushing teeth! Use the tune of your toddler’s favourite song or nursery rhyme, and get creative. Toddlers love silly words and actions – the funnier the better. Sing the same song every tooth-brushing time, as toddlers also thrive on routine and predictability. It can also help to calm her if a tantrum is about to erupt. 2 MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL Toddlers love to look at themselves, so have your child face the bathroom mirror, toothbrush in hand. Not only will she be distracted by her own reflection, she will also be able to see what is going on. 3 TAKE TURNS Let your toddler have a turn to brush your teeth first.…

There seems to be an unwritten rule that your toddler must be free of bottles and dummies by the age of 2! Rest assured, most toddlers naturally lose interest in their bottles at some stage in their third year of life, so you don’t need to rush the process. However, by the age of 3, if your toddler is still attached to her bottle (during the day or night or both!), this is a good time to take control of the situation and wean her completely off his bottle. BUT WHAT ABOUT HER MILK FEEDS? Your toddler needs no more than around 400ml of milk per day, including food such as yoghurt, cheese and custard. Unless she’s ill, your toddler doesn’t need any nutrition during the night, regardless of how…

ALL RECIPES SERVE 4-6 MONDAY HERBY CHICKEN STRIPS INGREDIENTS ■ 3 to 5 fresh lemons ■ 5T honey ■ 4 skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips ■ 1T olive oil ■ A handful of fresh rosemary or thyme, roughly chopped METHOD 1. Juice the lemons well and mix with the honey to make a marinade. Baste the chicken strips with this mixture (saving a bit), and then sprinkle with the fresh herbs. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Fry the chicken strips once the oil is hot. Seal the chicken strips on one side before turning them over to seal the other side. 3. Once the strips have been sealed, add the leftover honey and lemon mixture, a little bit at a time. Remove the chicken strips…

1. REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Don’t expect too much from a first playdate. Your little one may be talking about a friend for weeks, but when you finally arrange a playdate, she may refuse to share her toys or worse. Before long, both children are standing crying in front of you, with your child demanding that the friend goes home immediately! It may be an uncomfortable situation, but it’s also completely normal for a first playdate to start on a shaky note – and humour goes a long way. If you and the other parent can smile, wink at each other over the children’s heads, and agree to try again, the friendship can blossom later. Don’t take it too personally! 2. BE MORE INVOLVED Initially, your involvement can help break the ice…

Bed-wetting can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for both children and parents. But you're not alone in this journey. Bed-wetting, or enuresis, is a common issue that affects many more children than we realise. “Up to 25 percent of children at the age of 4, and an estimated 10 percent of children between 4 and 15 experience bed-wetting,” says well-known South African medical doctor Michael Mol. We’ve gathered some expert advice from doctors, urologists and psychologists to help you understand the causes of bed-wetting. We also give some practical strategies to help you and your child get over this temporary hurdle. Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right support and approach, your child can stay dry and regain confidence. Did you know? Bed-wetting is so common, there's…

MILK FACTS Human milk has been specially designed to meet all your baby’s nutritional needs at any specific age. It is a living fluid and its composition adapts as your baby’s needs change (milk will even become more diluted in hot weather to help quench your baby’s thirst). Breastmilk contains vital ingredients. Colostrum is the protein-rich first milk, which is produced in the first days after birth. Colostrum changes, as your baby grows, into mature milk. Even though the composition of breastmilk changes, it always consists of the same basic nutrients. BASIC NUTRIENTS FOUND IN BREASTMILK PROTEIN Protein is needed for growth. Human babies’ bodies grow slowly and they feed often, so there is only a small portion of protein in breastmilk (one percent). CARBOHYDRATE Nearly all of the carbohydrate…

The first few weeks can be a real roller coaster ride as you get to know your baby and he gets to know you. It can take up to six weeks for you and baby to get the hang of breastfeeding and for breastfeeding to become established. The best way to do this is to let your baby lead the way – called baby-led or demand feeding. A mother and her baby are a finely tuned team, and as feedings increase, mom’s body responds to the clues that her baby is giving by producing exactly the right amount of milk. Using a dummy or delaying feedings at this time will slow the production of milk and may cause problems for you both. Most babies need and naturally request eight to…

MILK QUANTITY At birth, your newborn’s stomach is the size of a small marble and can comfortably digest about 5ml (a teaspoon) per feed. In the first week, his stomach will grow to about the size of a golf ball and be able to hold about 50 to 60ml. By day 10 it is the size of a large chicken egg and can hold 60 to 80ml. If you are following a baby-led feeding pattern, then the amount of milk produced by your breasts will exactly match the small amount that your baby’s tiny tummy can hold. FOLLOW BABY'S CUES In time you will learn to recognise the signs that your baby is full. Your baby will get enough milk if you feed him until he shows signs of being…

1 The competition opening date was 22 September 2023. No late entries will be accepted. See pages 8 & 9 for closing dates for the different categories. 2 By entering the competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. 3 Participants must be either the parent or legal guardian of the child. The magazines reserve the right to request proof of such relation. If it is proven that there is no relation between the child and the person who sent the photo, that person will indemnify the magazines against any claim from any third party should the child be chosen as a winner. 4 You are automatically entered into both competitions: Your Pregnancy & Baby and Baba & Kleuter. 5 Only email entries will be accepted. Entries per…

PREGNANCY #2 WAS NEARLY A 'NO' Here is my beautiful little boy, Kaylem. He was born during the 2020 pandemic, and we had a rough time in hospital. I had postpartum depression and had to quit my job due to me not being able to cope! Things finally started getting better by his first birthday, and Neil and I decided to try for another baby. Sadly, we got the news that I have polycystic ovary syndrome and that it would make conceiving difficult. I am also pre-diabetic. We were crushed. We also suffered a miscarriage around the time Kaylem turned 2. We continued trying, and finally got the wonderful news. I am now 6 weeks pregnant. All our tears and heartbreak with infertility have turned into a new light. Our…

A few parenting truths that made us giggle. ANONYMOUS: “My friend got a gift of 96 nappies at her baby shower, and her husband really said, ‘Oh awesome, that’s 96 days’ worth of nappies’.” @IHIDEFROMMYKIDS “I’m at my most productive in that window between when I’ve dropped my child with a stomach ache at school and the phone call to pick her back up again.” @THEMOMESSENCE “I have one child who freaks out if his tortilla chips get anywhere near his chocolate pudding, and one child who uses his pudding as a chip dip.” @CLHUBES “When my older child was a baby and never slept, people would always say, ‘It means he’s smart. The smart ones don’t sleep.’ But I can tell they were just lying to make me feel…

Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN 1 OF 8 NÛBY RAPIDCOOL FLASKS WORTH R1 000! The Nûby RapidCool brings down boiling water to the perfect feeding temperature in just 2 minutes. It’s the new fast and innovative way to prepare a formula feed to World Health Organization guidelines. Simply add boiling water and formula, shake, and then wait for the lid light to turn green. No expensive filters, no bacterial build-up, no fuss. Just a perfect feed, every time!…

Our fur babies are also family. Spot their pain, so you can get help for them by consulting your vet. Pets in pain typically: ■ Display abnormal behaviour such as hiding away, refusing to play or becoming aggressive towards family members, or other pets in the home. ■ Are lethargic and move less. ■ Constantly lick a specific area. ■ Cats might stop grooming, or overgroom themselves. ■ Show changes in eating habits and behaviour and body language.…

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Some women wave a positive pregnancy test just weeks after they’ve stopped taking the Pill, while others struggle for years to conceive and resort to infertility treatments. Because every woman’s body, lifestyle and genetic makeup is different, it’s impossible to predict how long it will take to recover your fertility after using hormonal contraceptives. Let’s unpack this phenomenon. Hormonal contraceptives, we’re told, are safe and effective. Women who conceive while taking the Pill may have been taking other medicine at the time, like antibiotics, may have forgotten to take the Pill, had gastritis with vomiting or may have had a time lapse when longdistance flying. Top Tips Not all contraceptives are the same. It’s important to choose the right contraceptive for your body and needs in the first place. Hormonal…

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 Q I’m nearly three months pregnant, and I want my baby to be super healthy. I’ve heard of foods that are dangerous to eat, and I’m so scared I ate something harmful before I even found out I was pregnant, like sushi. What should I avoid? A SARAH ANSWERS: A balanced diet is important for pregnant moms and the development of healthy babies. When you are pregnant, you are at greater risk for food-borne illnesses, and the effects are unfortunately more serious. Luckily, there are many ways you can keep yourself and your new baby…

PREGNANCY MONTH 3 Pregnancy affects almost every part of your body, including your skin. While most of these changes aren’t uncomfortable, they can be annoying. BLEMISHES Pregnancy can cause blemishes because the hormonal changes make your sweat glands and sebaceous, or oil-producing glands, work overtime. Occasionally, women develop brownish markings on the face, or a brown line down the middle of the abdomen from about the third month. These are due to pregnancy hormones and usually fade after the baby is born. Exposure to sun can make the marks worse. Similarly, freckles can become temporarily darker. If such changes in pigmentation bother you, particularly any blemishes on the face, try covering them with a good foundation cream. STRETCH MARKS Stretch marks that occur during pregnancy are a natural result of…

Many parents hum lullabies or talk to their emerging bump as soon as they begin feeling movement in the womb – for good reason. Baby can detect sounds, voices and tunes beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy (between weeks 16 and 18). This gentle auditory exposure – transmitted through amniotic fluid that makes noises seem as if they’re muffled “underwater” – will help them adjust to the environment they’ll encounter at birth. "AN INFANT CAN RECOGNISE A LULLABY HEARD IN THE WOMB FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER BIRTH." BUILDING BLOCKS OF LANGUAGE AND LEARNING Dr Partanen’s findings are backed by other speech and language therapists, including Dr Nicola Lathey, who is the co-author of a child speech development guide called Small Talk. “The more we communicate with our babies, the…

GESTATIONAL DIABETES Excessive and rapid weight gain, thirst and blurred vision could be a sign of gestational diabetes, a non-life-threatening condition that nevertheless should be managed by a doctor and can lead to high birth weight babies. OEDEMA While swelling is a common pregnancy symptom, if it’s appearing only on one side, gynae Dr Moodley says you should exclude deep vein thrombosis by consulting your healthcare practitioner. HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM “Severe vomiting, especially after every meal or drink, can lead to dehydration, which requires hospitalisation,” Dr Moodley says. “Seek medical advice, as excessive vomiting can also sometimes be a sign of other pathology, particularly a gastro-intestinal condition, or even be a sign of pre-eclampsia.”…

Celebrities seem to try to outdo one another with the names they come up with! We wonder how these poor kids fare on the playground. ■ Amber Rose and ex Alexander Edwards’s son is called Slash Electric. ■ Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott have Aire (son) and Stormie (girl). ■ Penn Jillette’s children are Moxie CrimeFighter (daughter) and Zolten (son). ■ Busy Philipps and Marc Silverstein’s daughters are Cricket and Birdie. ■ Elon Musk and Grimes named their son ‘X Æ A-12,’ (pronounced X-Ash-A-12) and daughter Exa Dark Sideræl.…

Delivering in water has become more popular in recent years, with many women wanting a more relaxed, tranquil method of giving birth. Water births are widely regarded as being more soothing and less stressful than other methods of natural birth – and research into water births shows that women who choose water births are less likely to choose other methods of pain relief. Water births can take place at home using a rented birthing pool or one supplied by a midwife. But is water a natural pain reliever? Yes and no. “Although a water birth can’t relieve pain directly, when you get into the bath, it relaxes and soothes you and breaks that spiral of tension and fear. A lot of women find that it’s enough to take the edge…

PREGNANCY MONTH 9 DAY 20 DECIDE ABOUT BREASTFEEDING You’ve just settled into a good routine with your baby, and you know that breast is best. Now you need to get your head around the fact that you are going back to work and that can impact your breastfeeding. Consider your options now and begin to introduce your baby slowly to the bottle. If you don’t have a breast pump already, now is the time to buy one. A pump will allow you to express milk and begin to build up a good supply at home for your carer to give to your baby while you are at work. Start thinking about your pumping routine at work too. When are you going to fit it in? Are you going to pump…

■ Prepare and freeze a few healthy meals before the baby arrives. If you have a fussy baby who doesn’t give you a minute to yourself, cooking will be out of the question, and the temptation to order pizza will be high. ■ Cook enough for at least two meals. Brown rice and lentils can be made and used over a few meals by adding a simple variety of vegetables and proteins such as chicken, fish, egg or beef. ■ Use leftovers, such as chicken for dinner with vegetables, and chicken salad for lunch the next day. ■ When you go shopping, don’t buy sweets, biscuits or chips. It may sound obvious, but if they’re not in the kitchen cupboard, you won’t be able to eat them. ■ Keep healthy…

By now you’re probably keen to know where and how you can get these good bugs and their food source into your system. SOURCES OF PREBIOTICS ✓ Bananas, berries and other fruit ✓ Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas) ✓ Spinach and other greens ✓ Tomato ✓ Onions ✓ Leeks ✓ Asparagus ✓ Oats ✓ Barley ✓ Wheat ✓ Other whole grains SOURCES OF PROBIOTICS ✓ Yoghurt, if specifically stated on the label that it contains living cultures. ✓ Some formula or follow-on milks, or baby cereals, if it states that it has been added on the label. ✓ It is sometimes added to juice, energy bars or breakfast cereals – check the label. ✓ Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and amasi. ✓ Probiotics are also found in supplements in various…

If your baby is otherwise healthy but cries inconsolably for three hours or more a day, three times a week, for three weeks, you’re most likely dealing with colic. It can start as early as four weeks, and usually starts to fade at about 16 weeks. Mostly, the crying starts in the late afternoon or early evening and can carry on for hours. Your baby might pull her legs up to her tummy and squirm and get red in the face. The causes of colic are a bit of a mystery. You aren’t alone though – 20 percent of visits to the paediatrician in the first four months are due to colic. Things like allergies, digestive issues, lactose intolerance, hormones, temperament, an immature immune system, the environment and overstimulation or…

OUR EXPERT Q My brand-new baby is such a strange little thing. She jerks and gets a fright sometimes, and at other times when I hold her, it looks like she wants to start walking already – at 2 weeks! ANICOLE ANSWERS: Your baby is a “strange” and ever-changing little being. The jerky movements you are seeing are part of early infant reflexes and are absolutely normal. A reflex is an involuntary movement or action the body takes in response to their own body or the environment. They control all of those things that our body needs to be regulated that we don’t even realise we are receiving information for, such as heart rate and breathing. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development and then are integrated naturally.…

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 Q I’ve noticed that some people share all kinds of pictures of their babies almost every day, and others – some celebrities in particular – are very careful not to show their children’s faces. What is behind this caution? I’ma great sharer on social media, but my husband isn’tat all, so how can we both be happy with all my baby sharing? I find it a positive thing and nice for family and friends to stay up to date, but am I oversharing? A CAREY ANSWERS: It may be hard to imagine now, but there was a time before social media. Before smartphones,…

1. IT'S EASY TO SPOT If you notice inflamed and irritated red skin in your baby’s nappy area, you’re looking at contact nappy rash. Sometimes, in severe cases, the skin may even peel off or blister. 2. IT'S CAUSED BY THE CONTENTS OF YOUR BABY'S NAPPY Your baby’s skin is about half the thickness of yours, so it’s super sensitive. When the skin of her bottom comes into contact with urine or stools, it can get aggravated, particularly if she’s left in a dirty nappy for a bit too long. This is because stools contain digesting enzymes that can break down Baby’s skin. The same happens with ammonia, a component of urine. 3. SOMETIMES IT'S ON MORE AREAS THAN JUST HER BUM Nappies sometimes leak – we’ve all been victims…

Even if your child is younger than 3 years, you can use the same strategies discussed to wean her off night-time bottles. Whether your toddler is still very attached to her bottle for comfort and security, or if she wakes in the middle of the night insisting on a bottle of milk or juice, follow these simple steps: 1 Acknowledge her feelings: “I know that you want your bottle now.” 2 Then mirror the feeling: By saying, “I would like to give it to you.” 3 Then give a reason explaining why you can’t: “The milkman has gone home.” 4 Offer a choice: “Would you like some water from your special cup?” 5 Remind her about an alternative calming object: “Here is your teddy – this will make you feel…

LEAD BY EXAMPLE Show empathy instead of judging or scolding. Try saying, “I hear two upset children” instead of “Who’s fighting again?” Let each child share their side without interruptions. Then, guide them towards resolving the conflict themselves. You don’t have to play referee every time they argue, but it’s essential to provide a positive model for peaceful resolution. UPSKILL THEM Children learn by observing and experiencing. Help them learn basic conflict management skills, like taking turns and asking politely instead of grabbing, and finding compromises through negotiation. SET FIRM BOUNDARIES Lay down the ground rules such as no hitting, grabbing or yelling. While your children are in your home, it is your right to lay down rules – and insist that they stick to them. You have the right…

As a parent, your role is to provide understanding, support and practical strategies to help your child manage bed-wetting. Here are some tips from experts: BE POSITIVE Avoid blaming and shaming your child. Remember, bed-wetting is not their fault. Be patient and understanding, reassuring them that many children face this challenge. You can’t automatically assume that the cause of bed-wetting is psychological; you need to rule out any physiological causes first, says educational psychologist from Somerset West Janneke Vermaak. “The golden rule is not to shout or get angry with your child,” she says. “Be patient – many children outgrow the problem – and sensitive. A wet bed weighs heavily on a child’s self-confidence.” WHAT GOES IN, MUST COME OUT Limit your child’s fluid intake for an hour or two…

Pregnancy is a time of wonder and amazement at what your body can do. In 40 short weeks you are growing a complete human being. Breastfeeding is equally amazing. Your body can feed and nourish a baby! Once you’re up and running, breastfeeding is the most natural and effortless thing in the world. It is also deeply satisfying and an experience and skill that I wish for every new mother and baby to master. What we often fail to realise though is that there’s so much about motherhood you can only really learn through experience. Breastfeeding is one of those things. Until you’ve actually done it, you can’t know for sure what it feels like, or if you and your baby will manage. For many, it’s not initially as natural…

How can you prepare for breastfeeding? Your pregnancy hormones are doing everything your body (and breasts) need to do to get you ready to produce the perfect milk for your child. Successful breastfeeding starts with the belief that you can do it. So, find out as much as you can about breastfeeding as this will help build your confidence that you can do it! PREPARE FOR BREASTFEEDING • Take a breastfeeding class. • Ask your healthcare provider to give you a list of lactation consultants in your area. • Talk to your healthcare provider about any health issues you may have, such as previous breast surgery or any injury. If you are on medication for a chronic condition, check that it is safe to take this medication while breastfeeding. •…