Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 - January 2024 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

We aren’t going away for Christmas, but man, am I looking forward to the holidays! The pool is already sparkling, the lilo is floating, we have new deck chairs, the lawn has been fertilised (come on, rain!), the tree is about to go up, I’ve got my gift lists sorted, and as soon as this issue goes to print, I’m going to reward myself with some online shopping. It’s scary how much Google knows about my life, as they’ve been pushing ads for kaftans my way for months now. Initially I was a bit annoyed: kaftans - really!? But then I had to admit that some of them are seriously gorgeous, so I’ve decided to give in and buy the brightest printed kaftan I can find. At my age, nobody…

This saying rings so true once you become a parent. Perhaps even during pregnancy. Our baby arrived in June 2023, and as prepared as we felt, we still needed guidance and help. The day he was born, we came to the realisation that we have very little knowledge and needed all the help that we could get. The challenges kept coming and, as soon as we thought we had things figured out, well… life threw us curve balls. This is when you need a village, a support system. We had just started figuring things out and enjoying the small moments when it was time for our small boy to start school. As a new mother, I needed my own mom, but unfortunately she lives overseas. However, the support that we…

To enter, send a good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Cardwell’s Premium Maternity & Hospital Panty has been made with seamless technology, so it has the stretch and memory to be comfortable during both pregnancy and post birth. The super soft yarn is gentle against the skin while still retaining the ability to hold a hospital pad in place. This light panty can be used in the final months of your pregnancy without putting any pressure on your belly. Available at Dis-Chem Baby City, Babies R Us @ Toys R Us, Takealot, Loot, Woolworths and leading baby and maternity stores for R99,75.…

It’s not enough to just own a car seat. It is vital that it is the right size for your child, and that it is installed correctly. Arrive Alive says that research shows correctly installed safety seats can cut the likelihood of post-accident hospitalisation for children by a remarkable 69 percent. Due to their smaller size, children are at particular risk to being ejected from motor vehicles during an accident if not properly restrained. Car seats come with features such as latch systems and clear indicators to ensure correct installation. It is important that the seat-belt straps are free from twists or knots. It is very important to know how to thread the car seat’s belt correctly and make sure it fits snugly. The friendly people at Dis-Chem Baby City…

36% ended in abortion, according to the State of World Population 2022 report. Contraception clearly needs a rethink, says Dr Chido Siame, clinical care lead at Kena Health. “While the availability of free contraception at public health clinics is a notable achievement, the high pregnancy rate and persistent unmet needs for contraception show that there is still work to be done,” she says. Multiple factors impact the use of contraception: the attitude of men, long waiting periods, erratic supply of contraceptives at public health clinics, substandard or biased counselling, stigma attached to contraception in some communities (because it is presumed to indicate promiscuity), how easy various contraceptive methods are to use and side effects. Also, many women are still illinformed about the their reproductive system and how it works, as…

Dietitian Mbali Mapholi shares her list of top mood-boosting foods to enjoy every day. 1. Green tea for serenity, chamomile tea for sleep, black tea for mental clarity. Tetley has great options. 2. Blueberries shield your brain cells from oxidative stress and boost memory and feelings of positivity. 3. Dark chocolate enhances blood flow to the brain, making you sharper. 4. Fatty fish such as pilchards, salmon, trout and sardines nurture brain cell membranes, and help create neurotransmitters that regulate mood. 5. Leafy green vegetables help your body to produce neurotransmitters, the brain’s messengers of happiness and pleasure. 6. Nuts and seeds are essential for brain health and mood stability, and thanks to magnesium they also promote relaxation and arm you to manage stress.…

PUT THIS ON YOUR GIFT LIST Vickie de Beer is a busy mom, just like you. In her latest cookbook, Clever Cooking, she shows us how to work smart in the kitchen, planning and preparing nutritious meals that save time and money, and quite often cut the carbs too! This is the food her family eats at home, and it includes soups, stews, oven bakes and one-pan dishes, but what really sets the book apart is the sauces and flavour starters that can be prepared in bulk ahead of time. The tips for freezing, defrosting and batch cooking, and the sample seven-day meal plan are truly handy as well. Support our local talent and get your copy today or put it on your Christmas wish list - you’ll also be…

Most spotting is simply that - spots of blood that can range in colour from light pink to dark brown, and it won’t affect you or your pregnancy. THE EARLY DAYS OF PREGNANCY The first trimester is a time of hormonal upheaval. The ovaries, which are used to producing oestrogen and progesterone with every menstrual cycle, must now hibernate and allow the placenta to do its work. The womb has an occupant (your baby), and that’s why you don’t experience a period or vaginal bleeding. The womb also grows bigger. It normally leans slightly forward over the bladder, but by the end of the 12th week, it stands upright like a light bulb, so that it can grow into the abdomen where there is more space. “DESPITE WHAT THEY SAY…

PREGNANCY MONTH 3 WHAT’S HAPPENING TO MY PEARLY WHITES? Due to pregnancy hormones, the mucous membranes of the mouth (gums) become swollen and sensitive, and they sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth. It is normal for food to become trapped mote easily, and because of this, you may be at more risk of developing gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that may weaken the support of the teeth. TEETH TIPS ■ Dental plaque (bacteria, saliva and remains of food) may become more of a problem in pregnancy, so you may need to brush and floss more frequently. Try and brush your teeth after every meal for at least five minutes. ■ Use a brush with a softer bristle than normal, brush more gently, and use toothpaste that contains fluoride.…

Swollen veins that pop up near the anus and are often itchy or painful or both… These are haemorrhoids, or piles, and they can affect anyone at any time, but the increased pressure of pregnancy does tend to encourage their occurrence. Internal haemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, while external ones develop under the skin around the anus. “Occasionally, straining during a bowel movement can push an internal haemorrhoid through the anal opening and cause what’s known as protruding or prolapsed haemorrhoids, which can cause pain and irritation,” says Johannesburgbased GP and social entrepreneur Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe. Fortunately, piles are usually fairly easy to deal with. It’s important to keep the anal area clean by bathing or showering daily, and gently patting rather than rubbing the area dry. For pain…

good buy Comfort is key during the hot summer months. Carriwell Adjustable Maternity & Nursing Bra is the most comfortable nursing bra you will ever wear! It is a soft and comfortable bra that moulds to your changing body shape. The easy onehanded nursing clasps expose the entire breast while nursing, maximising skin-toskin contact between you and your baby. There are no irritating seams or stiff underwire, and it comes with a complementary bra extender adding to adjustability. The wide underband substitutes underwire. Also available in a new Deluxe version. R499,99, Baby City, Babies R Us at Toys R Us, Dis-Chem, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Woolworths, Clicks, Checkers Little Me, and leading baby and maternity stores. Because of the physiological changes and all the extra work your body has to do during…

Your baby’s finally here, and you’re excited, but you’re also exhausted, uncomfortable and on an emotional roller-coaster. No matter how you birthed your baby, the physical changes of the post-partum period are immediately visible, unlike the gradual changes of pregnancy. WHAT TO EXPECT ■ TENDER BREASTS Your breasts may feel full and tender for several days when your milk comes in, and your nipples may be sensitive at first. You will have colostrum in your breasts until the mature milk comes in within three to six days after delivery. If you have any breastfeeding problems, talk to your midwife or a lactation specialist. She can advise you on how to deal with any breastfeeding problems. Relieve clogged milk ducts with breast massage, frequent feeding, feeding after a warm shower, and…

YOUR BABY Grunting, groaning, snuffling and shaking: sometimes a newborn can sound like a beaten-up old car. So why are their actions so odd? STRANGE BEHAVIOUR #1 THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE All babies, and in particular newborns, jerk, twitch and shake - one minute they’ll be still, the next they’ll be a little twitchy. This is because their neurological systems aren’t fully developed, and they’re not good at regulating their movements. It’s all normal and cute, but if your newborn has jerks that last longer than a few beats, and the jerks are on one side of their body, call your doctor to check all is okay. STRANGE BEHAVIOUR #2 THE FREE FALLING Just when you thought your baby was calm and asleep, along comes a rather extreme movement called…

Most parents experience sleep deprivation at some time in the first few years of their baby’s life. You will appreciate how irritable, foggy and even tearful you feel as you muddle through a haze of exhaustion. Just as adults experience the negative effects of broken sleep, so does your baby. Sleep is absolutely vital for your baby’s mind and health. Not only are memories and experiences processed during sleep but - possibly more importantly - brain connections that are not used by your baby are pruned and shaved during sleep, allowing more brain capacity for learning. When your baby is sleep deprived, he will be more prone to over-stimulation, crying and irritable behaviour. Knowing that sleep is so vital for you and your baby is a strong reason to improve…

good buy Me4kidz Medibuddy Animal First Aid Kit is a compact, kids first aid kit perfect for all those little cuts and scrapes. This first aid kit contains 50 items. The plasters are latexfree, and all cases are USA-made recycled, lead-free plastic. The Medibuddy has won multiple awards and is a top seller. Great for backpacks, gym lockers, purses, glove boxes, baby bags and more. R122,90 at Babies R Us online or medhealthsup.com. Ask any parent: there’s nothing more stressful than having to look after a sick child. Most of us would take on the sickness themselves for our baby, in a heartbeat. No parent wants to see their baby suffer, and when the symptoms are serious (and scary), it’s worrying, mostly for the child, but also for you. Sometimes…

Q My 2-and-a-half-year-old son only eats breakfast! He has no interest in food, although he does love fruit. He doesn’t drink excessive amounts of fluids. What can I do? A TAMMY WOLHÜTER SAYS: Ensure that the serving size of breakfast does not exceed half a cup of cereal. Although you don’t serve more fluids than recommended, serving liquids or snacks too close to mealtimes (within 90 minutes) may take away an appetite for a meal. Offer fresh fruit to snack on but not fruit juice, as this may take away an appetite for food as well. Keep a food diary to record the times and volumes of the food and liquids that you give to your child, which will give you a clear picture on his dietary intake. Once you…

Since your child’s birth, you’ve been building the essential foundational skills for her school readiness, and now this significant milestone is just a few months away. You don’t need to cram six years of work into the next two months, but doing a bit of “finishing work” can help build confidence and ensure a smooth transition to big school. This doesn’t mean you should intensely drill your child - that could put her off school permanently. Instead, you can playfully reinforce the existing skills that her Grade 0 teacher has been working on all year. MATHEMATICS ■ Ensure your child can count effortlessly and understand numbers up to at least 10 (preferably beyond) and can count backwards from 10. Don’t drill your child, but use every counting opportunity: count while…

1 magneticmunchkin.co.za Cute and convenient. No more fumbling and fiddling with buttons, zips and press studs, while trying one-handed to keep your baby from waking up completely, or rolling off the change table, made possible with a range of baby clothes with clever magnetic fasteners. 2 infantz.co.za Budgeting brilliance. We all know how (scary) expensive it can be setting up for a new baby, which is why Infantz has an easy and affordable 9 month payment plan so you can get everything you need for your baby plus it’s delivered freight free. Bonus! 3 abbyriver.co.za Designed for exploring. Instead of having to restock your child’s wardrobe with eyery growth spurt or adventure, this clothing collection is thoughtfully designed to be durable, allowing for lots of movement and no awkward, tight fits as your…

1 kikkiandfranki.co.za Welcome home! Shop by theme, or product. This proudly South African range of vinyl and laser cut wooden wall art will turn any space into a babyhaven. All bespoke, personal and beautiful. 2 moonchildsa.co.za Looking for scandi-styie children’s furniture at South African prices? Here you go.. .When they say: ’create a space your child loves to be in’, what they really mean is: ’create a space you’ll all loyp to be in!’ From floor bookshelves to rockers, play arches, high chairs and more. 3 littlewhitehouse.co.za If you dream of creating a droolworthy nursery or children’s room, then Little Whitehouse is a great place to start. Mix and match sophisticated beds, storage, bedding, rugs and lighting. You will want to curl up and sleep on every webpage! 4 Kartlief.eo.za Zoosh it up. Transform…

1 faithful-to-nature.co.za They got it all. Faithful to Nature stocks everything you need to keep your family organic and natural - from supplements and food to décor and jewellery. With a special Baby & Kids section and fast, reliable delivery. Yes, please. 2 ikids.co.za Go old school. There is a reason why wooden toys have stood the test of time - functional, fun, durable and safe. Check out iKids’s beautiful and varied collection of wooden toys for children of all ages (you might have to drag Dad away from his wooden block tower masterpiece)! 3 brunolifestyle.co.za Cuddly, cute and 100% cotton. Snuggle up with handmade woollen blankies, leather booties, handstitched or knitted toys, beanies and natural soaps. All natural. All safe. 4 ecobaby.co.zo Eco-Warriors, truth-Warriors, naturalWarriors and family-Warriors Because they believe that we need…

1 Cinnamonsue.co.za Splurge on something special. Searching for that extra special and spoiling gift for a new arrival or family member? Shop from this range of imported, luxury baby gifts, all with a touch of “oo la la”. 2 laatlamgifts.co.za Local products, beautifully packed, ready to gift. Go quick, easy and so cute with an already packaged new mom and baby box (filled with luxurious spoils for mom and a customisable onesie), or add a personal touch by putting your own box together with personalised onesies plus lotions and potions to give an exhausted mom a pick me up. 3 karoofarmbox.co.za Baa Baa Black Sheep! All things Karoo for you in this handmade-to-order baby heirloom box with 100% mohair blankie, wool slippers, leather dummy clip, Japie the Skapie woollen sheep and Poplap…

For the first two covers of 2024, we need two little boys. But you need to move fast, as entries for this category close on 31 December 2023. One winner will appear on our next cover and the other on the cover of our sister magazine, Baba & Kleuter. Newborn entries for any gender open 1 January 2024, followed by the category for girls up to 48 months later in the year. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Reuterina, Epi-Max, Panado and Safeway Babies. Each of the six winners receive prizes worth more than R5 500 from the sponsors. Turn to pages 8 & 9 to see what you can win and to the back of this magazine for the full terms and conditions. Use #CoverStarSearch on social media,…

When I think back to the time before our daughter was born, one of the many things we stressed about was bathtime. You hear and read stories about all kinds of things that could go wrong and, as new parents, we didn’t want anything to happen to our little princess. So, the day eventually arrived where we had to bath our newborn baby for the first time at home all on our own. We were stressed out just by the thought of doing it unsupervised. We heated up the bathroom, checked the water temperature over and over again, undressed and swaddled her before putting her into the water, and yet she still wouldn’t stop crying. She didn’t like this at all. It was terrible, but she survived - and so…

To enter, send a good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN 1 OF 8 MONKEY STRUDEL HAMPERS WORTH R500 EACH! Monkey Strudel is known for their unique swaddle sets, beanies, turbans, knotted gowns and more. All items are exquisitely handcrafted using only the best quality fabrics. Instagram: @monkey_strudel…

Little Steps Big Wins is a one-month fill-in daily gratitude journal for children aged 7 to 12. The journal is a joint project for Durban-based trio Kim Naidoo, Matthew Jones and Anjil Naidoo from Change For Good Kids. The journal uses the Japanese principle of Kaizen, which prizes continuous improvement that hinges on four concrete phases: plan, do, check and act. The book is tailored to appeal to young children, with daily tasks, journal prompts, and a space to practise daily gratitude, with easy-to-relate illustrations and fun games. “We emphasise the concept of small incremental changes to create better habits. We believe by taking small, consistent steps, we can create lasting positive change in children’s lives. By encouraging your child to write about what they are grateful for, you are…

Q Since I fell pregnant, my skin has become so oily. You would think that would help with stretch marks, but no, those are also appearing. Together with this, I also seem to be reacting to whatever I put on my skin, so it’s a lose-lose situation. What is going on? A DR FERNANDES ANSWERS: During the extraordinary process of creating and nurturing a new life, a woman’s body and skin may experience various effects df the endocrinological, immunological, metabolic and vascular changes. Hormones play a particularly significant role in these transformations, which are known to impact the skin’s appearance and health. Stretch marks are another common concern for many pregnant women. These marks are known to appear when the skin stretches rapidly, causing collagen and elastin damage. While it…

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 am currently 26 weeks pregnant, and lately I have been suffering from severe headaches. Is there anything I can do or take to avoid or get rid of them? A TINA SAYS: Severe headaches in pregnancy can be a real nuisance, as there is very little medication that you can take when they are really bad. Although hormones play a role in headaches, they are not the only factors responsible. Other causes may be food related, while most are stress related. Is there anything at work that is bothering you? If you are…

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 Ask A Doctor on the #Keready WhatsApp line 24/7 for any healthrelated questions: 060 019 0000. Keready hosts regular TikTok Live sessions on @kereadysa including various women’s health topics such as endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections and breast cancer. “ UNLIKE THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL, LARCs DON’T REQUIRE DAILY COMPLIANCE AND ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD AVAILABLE, WITH A 99% SUCCESS RATE OF PREVENTING UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES. ” Q want to turn a new leaf. I got pregnant just after my matric exams last year. My sister helped me to get an abortion. I was made to…

Lauren* was ecstatic when her baby girl latched to breastfeed in the labour ward’s recovery room. Her dreams to have a vaginal birth and breastfeed had come true. By her second day, however, Lauren had very sore nipples, but the nursing staff assured her that this was normal for first-time breastfeeding mothers, and she was sent home with her baby. By her fourth day, Lauren’s breasts were hard and painful, her nipples were burning, and her baby was struggling to latch and falling asleep at the breast. Lauren called her antenatal teacher, who is also a registered lactation consultant. By the time her midwife came, Lauren’s breasts were shiny and engorged, her nipples were flattened and cracked. Her baby was showing signs of jaundice; she was lethargic and dehydrated. It…

Email your question for our experts to <email-cont rect="87,59,591,35">SHARING@YPBMAGAZINE.COM</email-cont> 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 Q My 2-week-old baby sleeps all day but is awake for most of the night. Is this normal? How can I get him to sleep at night and be more awake during the day? A MEG FAURE ANSWERS: This is a very common problem for newborns. We call this day-night reversal. In the dark world of the womb, little differentiates day from night, with the exception of how much you are moving. And since movement is lulling, babies may in fact sleep more during the day and be more wakeful when you go to bed.…

AT HOME Staying water safe at home doesn’t just mean keeping an eye on your children when they’re in the swimming pool. Water safety should extend to the bathroom, kitchen and every room in your house that has a water source like a tap. Teach your children from an early age that it’s not safe to leave a tap running (and it’s wasteful!) and to abide by strict water safety rules. Here are our top tips for staying water safe at home: 1. Never leave your child alone in the bath. Small children can drown or experience difficulties in even a shallow bath, so don’t rely on a bath seat to keep them safe while you take a quick phone call in another room. You need to stay with your…

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS This fantastic advent calendar features 24 stories in individual pockets. Too cute! Many of the mini 32-page books have a seasonal theme - what a great way to build the excitement. Mr. Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar, Jonathan Ball, R457, takealot.com. YOU’LL BE SO POPULAR … if you buy the PAW Patrol Gift Collection for your little fan. It features two storybooks, an activity book, a height chart, a door hanger and a craft. All the favourite Adventure Bay pups are featured, and the set will keep your little one busy for days. Jonathan Ball, R325, takealot.com GO ON, GET THE DOG! Tim’s birthday is around the corner, and he knows exactly what he wants… a dog! Unfortunately, his parents have other ideas. They think dogs…

YOUR TODDLER We all love a bit of retail therapy, but when you’re trying to do some serious shopping while simultaneously battling wayward prams, wobbly trolleys and wriggling tots, the experience can start to lose its appeal. Throw embarrassing tantrums (not just yours) into the mix, and it’s a wonder that parents and their children ever buy anything from a shop at all. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Follow our strategies to avoiding troublesome flashpoints, and a shopping expedition can be a fun experience for the whole family (even for your tot). SHOPPING SHOCKER YOUR TODDLER THROWS AN ÜBER TANTRUM IN THE TINNED FOODS AISLE Stay cool and calm, and don’t be drawn into your child’s strong emotions. “Remember we’ve all been there,” says Dr Maggie Redshaw,…

#sharing Send a short letter and photograph to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A HAMPER FROM SNUGGLETIME WORTH R2500! Snuggletime’s new range of cleaning products and mosquito repellents is guaranteed to be safe for babies, pets and the whole family! All products are made with 100 percent natural ingredients and can be used with complete peace of mind. The range includes everything from laundry liquid and bottle, teat and dummy cleaners to kitchen and bathroom cleaners and mosquitoand insect-repellent body cream and spray. No chemicals are used, fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly, asthma and allergy sensitive. Now available at Baby City. WE’RE ONLINE! Social media Follow us on social media for regular updates.…

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™…

SA just got its first paediatric and special needs dental care unit. The aim is to reduce anxiety for young patients, especially those with special healthcare needs. The unit incorporates advanced technology and uses minimally invasive techniques and preventative dentistry, and the environment is focused on making the dental visit more pleasant for the child patient. The project is the outcome of a collaboration between Rotary Club participants and the Tygerberg Oral Health Centre, which is a joint platform between the University of the Western Cape and the Western Cape provincial government. Under this initiative, the first paediatric dentists will receive specialised training each year, while hundreds of children will benefit from disease prevention and interventions.…

From 15 to 24 December, Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, will be at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng, for Peppa Pig’s Singalong Surprise. This action-packed live show will have young fans clapping, dancing and singing along to all their favourite songs! With Peppa’s talent day approaching at school – will the audience be able to help Peppa and George find their special talent? This interactive experience is guaranteed to be full of fun, laughter – and lots of jumping up and down in muddy puddles for parents and children alike. For those wanting the ultimate Peppa experience, a limited number of meet and greet vouchers will be available, allowing your little one the chance to meet Peppa after the show! Early-bird tickets for Peppa Pig’s Singalong Surprise…

Newborn screening aims to identify specific disorders in newborns that, if left undetected, could impact their long-term health. The process involves the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of certain genetic, endocrine and metabolic disorders, ultimately reducing the risk of severe health issues, disability and even death. Newborn screening is unique in that it targets genetic, endocrine and metabolic diseases that may not show symptoms at birth but could cause harm later in life if left untreated. A simple blood test is performed on newborns by collecting a few drops of blood from the baby’s heel, which is then sent for analysis at the North-West University Centre for Human Metabolomics. In South Africa, the comprehensive newborn screening test covers 24 disorders, selected based on treatment availability and prevalence. The process is…

R2 989 is the average monthly income of a domestic worker in South Africa. 85 000 domestic workers lost their jobs in 2022. Source: SweepSouth Parental leave in SA is going to look different in future. The High Court has just agreed with the argument that maternity leave should not be limited to those who have given birth. Instead, it should apply to all new parents, regardless of sex or birthing status, providing them with the same rights to access time off when a new baby has joined the family. Practically, this means that two parents (of any sex) can split four months of leave between them, however they see fit, when they have a new baby. This landmark decision in the case Van Wyk v the Minister of Employment…

CREAMY PAPRIKA CHICKEN MAKES 8 PORTIONS INGREDIENTS ■ 8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs ■ salt to taste ■ 2T butter ■ 3T olive oil ■ ½ cup (125 ml) white wine or chicken stock (see Tip) ■ 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped ■ 1 red pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped ■ 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped ■ 120 g sundried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped ■ 1T sweet paprika ■ 1 cup (250ml) cream ■ basil or other herbs for garnish METHOD 1. Cut each chicken thigh in half and season with salt. Heat the butter and 2T olive oil in a heavy-based casserole pan over medium heat, and brown the chicken on all sides. (Do this in batches if necessary.) Remove with a slotted…

There’s nothing quite as exciting as being on holiday, far away from the stresses of normal life. However, getting there with all the kids and necessary paraphernalia in tow can be a nightmare! With a bit of planning and some clever thinking, smooth sailing is not impossible. We searched high and low for travel tips that are guaranteed to save-your sanity on the trip. TIME TO PACK 1. PLAN IN ADVANCE Visualise how your trip will unfold, and try to pack clothes for your baby that she’ll need (and that fit). 2. USE A LIST Write down everything you think you’ll need on the holiday, including the items you think are quite obvious like toothbrushes, underwear and nappies, and tick the list off as you pack. 3. BE READY FOR…

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’ve always wanted to have a baby, but the future dad is not making an appearance. I’m 35 now and would like to have my eggs frozen, as my plan is to have a baby at 39. Very Type A of me, I know, but that is when it will work out for me career-wise and financially, although I am mindful of the fact that my fertility won’t be great then. So this is my plan to protect myself from future disappointment. I’m on the Pill to keep my endometriosis in check does this…

PREGNANCY MONTH 2 My father-in-law (spoiler - he is big in early childhood development, so his words carry extra weight, as does the fact that he delivered all four of his own children) once gave me some very kind and wise advice - your newborn is not there to mess with your head, he warned. No matter how exasperatingly illogical that tiny human is being, it’s the only way they know how to communicate their basic biological needs. They are trying to tell you something. “I’m hungry,” “I’m tired,” “Look at me!” This is the primary rule of parenting - RULE NUMBER 1! It puts everything else into perspective and allows you the space of mind to see a scream as a cry for help in an admittedly melodramatic new…

To understand gestational diabetes, we first need to understand what insulin is, and how it helps to control your blood glucose (sugar) levels. Normally, glucose in the blood causes the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin, which helps to get the glucose inside cells, where it can be used for energy. The amount, timing and effect of the insulin secretion are all geared to produce a smooth response, gradually clearing glucose from the blood. Carbohydrate-rich foods - such as potatoes, white pasta, white bread, pastries and cake - have the potential to cause spikes in glucose. Carbohydrates are broken down as sugars in the stomach, and then transported through the blood. Glucose isn’t bad in itself - in fact, you need this sugar to produce energy. However, because a pregnant…

JUST BEFORE THE BIRTH YOUR TO-DO LIST ■ Finalise your birth plan, which lets your doctor or midwife know how you’d ideally like to manage your labour and birth. It covers topics such as pain management and possible emergency intervention (such as a c-section). Bear in mind, however, that a birth plan isn’t written in stone. “A birth plan is never rigid and can change, as labour is extremely dynamic,” says Johannesburg-based gynaecologist Dr Kiran Kalian. ■ If you’ll be giving birth at home, do the final things to make sure the environment is warm, suitably lit (with dim lights if you prefer), quiet, private and supported. Your midwife will do a home visit to help you with the setup as well as give you a list of what to…

BIRTHMARKS There are two types of birthmarks in babies - pigmented ones, which include moles, and vascular birthmarks, which are caused by blood vessels. Pigmented marks are usually permanent. Vascular birthmarks, such as port-wine stains and stork bites, usually disappear sometime during early childhood. Some may require medical treatment, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist. HEAT RASH You may notice a fine red pimply rash appearing when your baby is out in the sun too long or too warmly dressed. The rash shows up on the neck, face and body. When your baby sweats from being too hot, his pores clog and cause the rash to develop. To cool him down, give him a lukewarm bath and don’t overdress him. MILIA Small white bumps over a baby’s face -…

Let’s face it, it sounds harsh: the surgical removal of the foreskin of a baby boy’s penis. But, according to historians, ritual circumcision has been practised in West Africa and the Middle East for more than 4 000 years, and it’s virtually universal in Judaism and Islam, having started with Abraham, who lived around 2 000BCE. So why the fuss? WHY CIRCUMCISE AT ALL? “Although we acknowledge that culture is important, it’s essential to consider the medical benefits of some procedures, such as circumcisions in infancy,” says Dr Josephine OtchereDarko, deputy programme head of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Tshwane. In particular, she mentions one that’s especially relevant in South Africa, where HIV/AIDS is a very serious health concern. According to the latest data available from Statistics…

What exactly is constipation? Dorland’s Medical Dictionary defines constipation as “infrequent or difficult evacuation of faeces”; What is infrequent in a newborn? In a young baby (up to 6 months), “normal” frequency can vary considerably - anywhere from several times a day to as little as once a week. It is for this reason that infantile constipation is defined primarily as the passing of hard - rather than infrequent - stools. 1. GASTROINTESTINAL FLORA A newborn baby’s gut is sterile. Until birth, the only substance that has passed through baby’s gut has been amniotic fluid. In the process of a vaginal delivery, the bacteria that begin the colonisation of gut flora are passed from you to your baby. In the first feeds, they are swallowed and the prebiotics (the food…

YOUR PRESCHOOLER “ IMAGINARY FRIENDS CAN BE A SOURCE OF COMFORT AND REASSURANCE. ” For almost two years, Anneke Esterhuizen from Krugersdorp’s home was filled with the playing and laughter of her little daughter, Mia (then 5), and her series of imaginary friends. Mia’s friends alternated between two little girls and at other times, two tiny bears. “At first, we found these little playmates highly entertaining, but I have to say they soon tired me out because it meant so much extra work,” says Anneke. “I had to strap them into the car, pack food for them - I even had to remember what each one liked and disliked! I often told her that I think their moms miss them terribly, and maybe they should go home for a while.”…

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1 hannahgrace.co.za Ready, steady… it’s a birth-day! You’ve packed the baby bag, spent hours choosing cute baby onesies and mix ’n match outfits, but what about you? Hannah Grace’s range of maternity wear includes an ingenious 7-day-combo, and a Ready for Hospital set, with nightie, pjs, gown and sleepshirt - they also have an all-pink, Barbie inspired range! 2 momsy.co.za Feel fabulous. Tired of maternity clothes that make you look and feel like a bus? Momsy’s got you (stylishly) covered with locally-made, maternity and breastfeeding wear designed to make you feel confident and worthy. 3 maternitymommy.co.za Under wraps. Postpartum belly binding helps you recover from the inside out and is effective for the first 12 weeks after birth, regardless of how you gave birth - but that’s not all, check out their maternity…

1 happyparenting.co.za With a little help from a friend… because it takes a village to raise a child, and sometimes even to teach one to sleep. Get advice from a parenting expert on sleep, routines, discipline, all based on the core principle of love. 2 phlostudio.co.za Fun & fashionable fabrics. Check out Phlo Studio for trendy 100% cotton baby and children’s bedding range, muslins and changing mat covers. 3 lifeforcelifestyle.co.za Heirloom quality. Specialising in crafted beds, cots and daybeds fit for you and your sleeping prince or princess! Featuring quirky details and lots of personality, but also built to last by combining traditional joinery and modern tooling technology - we especially loved the neutral palette so that you can give in to your own decorative flare. 4 thehappybrand.co.za Proper Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs = happiness, so says…

1 littlewildflower.co.za Wild and wonderful. Little Wildflower’s collection of beautiful, personalised and handmade gifts is great for special occasions: baby showers, pregnancy announcements, birth or just a little bit of a spoil. 2 tiger-lily.co.za Who says baby essentials need to be ordinary? This range of toys, bedding, beaded mobiles and silicon eating sets are practical, yes, but also stunningly stylish - mostly made in Cape Town, with options to customise some products. 3 flynnjaxon.co.za Celebrating neutral colours and unisex styles with this beautiful range of baby and children’s clothes - all designed, sourced and created in South Africa. 4 arkplaymats.co.za Ditch the primary colours for a play mat that looks interior designed, so beautiful, you won’t want to pack it away when guests come over. Creating a practical play space that can be wiped…