Innholdsfortegnelse for October - Nov 2024 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

My mom just called. She was listening to a great radio interview on skin-to-skin time with baby, with Cozette Laubser from BabyGym. Then she got worried that she never did skin-to-skin time with me, so she called, sounding slightly panicky. I had such a laugh. To give you context: My mom is 84 years old! Does one ever stop worrying and secondguessing yourself as a mom? Clearly the answer is ”no” – my mom is concerned that she did something wrong 52 years ago! I assured her that I'm really okay, a fine upstanding citizen, happy, well-balanced, not a criminal, and successful, in spite of the fact that I didn't get to enjoy skin-to-skin time with her. I also teasingly reminded her that I was her fifth baby, and probably…

For details on how to enter #CoverStarSearch 2025, turn to pages 8 & 9. We need six #CoverStarSearch winners for the 2025 issues of Your Pregnancy & Baby and Baba & Kleuter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for regular competition updates. TRANSPORTING CHILDREN SAFELY FOR OVER 40 YEARS Safeway has a range of quality children's products to suit your child, vehicle and lifestyle. Safeway offers a full range of affordable products such as child seats (for all ages and sizes), strollers and travel cots. safewaybabies.co.za TOUCH, NOURISH & LOVE YOUR CHILD'S SKIN WITH EPI-MAX® BABY & JUNIOR Epi-max® Baby & Junior is a gentle emollient range that is mild enough to be used as a moisturiser or soap substitute on normal and dry skin, and for dry skin…

1 As soon as you change your baby's nappy, they will do a poop in the new one. 2 As soon as you put your new top on, they will have a runny nose (all over your top of course), and you'll have to change. 3 As soon as you're brave enough to wear something white, they'll grab you with dirty hands when you least expect it. 4 As soon as you've finished mopping the floor, the cup of juice will spill all over it. 5 As soon as you put a new pair of socks on their feet, they'll walk in the juice they just spilt on the floor that you've just mopped! 6 As soon as you finally get that nap, and baby is asleep, someone is at…

To enter send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Sensitive breasts shouldn't stand in the way of the special moments of breastfeeding. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, which is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic materials that can cause irritation, Carriwell Washable Breast Pads provide the softness, breathability and absorbency that you deserve. R179,50 at Baby City, Babies R Us, Dis-Chem, Takealot, Loot, selected Clicks, Clicks Baby, Amazon, selected Checkers Hyper, Checkers Little Me, Woolworths, leading baby and maternity stores and pharmacies. winner Photographs: Supplied.…

MILLENNIALS Born 1981-1996 FAMILY Having their last babies now PARENTING STYLE Focus on safety, educational toys, organic products ADVISORS Often seek advice from trusted parenting blogs, family and friends and expert reviews SHOPPING STYLE Willing to invest more time and money in products that promise higher quality and developmental benefits. Appreciate loyalty programmes, discounts and seamless omnichannel experiences TREND Balance their values on sustainability and ethical practices with cost and convenience BRAND PREFERENCES Organic and non-toxic products, emphasising health benefits for their children. Look for practicality and convenience when shopping. Brand loyal and appreciate quality, consistency, and good customer service GENERATION Z Born 1997-2012 FAMILY Having their first babies now PARENTING STYLE Flexible, tech-savvy, eco-conscious ADVISORS Follow influencers and engage with user-generated content SHOPPING STYLE Convenience and efficiency matter. Often…

In 2023, more than 15 000 women in South Africa were victims of physical and sexual assault, and more than 960 women were killed in domestic-violence-related cases. Human Rights Watch has dubbed our country the “rape capital of the world”. The female homicide rate in South Africa is a shocking 24.6 per 100 000 population – nearly six times the global average. What these figures don't reveal is that children are often the silent sufferers, whether as direct victims or as witnesses to the violence inflicted on their mothers and other women caregivers. This trauma shapes their future. Here are several ways society can help: 1Safe spaces and secure shelters are crucial. These must offer physical safety, access to legal aid, counselling and medical care. Community support through donations, volunteerism…

INITIAL CONSULTATION AND SCAN R2 560 SPERM TEST R900 OVULATION INDUCTION MEDICATIONS R500 – R2 500 PER CYCLE INTRA-UTERINE INSEMINATION R4 000 – R8 000 PER CYCLE IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF) R70 000 FOR A SINGLE CYCLE, EXCLUDING MEDICATION (R10 000 – R20 000 PER CYCLE) INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) R5 000 – R10 000 DONOR EGGS R20 000 – R40 000 SPERM DONATION R5 000 – R10 000 SURROGACY R200 000 USEFUL CONTACT Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy sasreg.co.za Source: justmoney.co.za interview with Dr Lizle Oosthuizen, a specialist in reproductive medicine at Cape Fertility, and Dr Joanne Pottow, a board member of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy. Prices will vary depending on individual circumstances and provider rates.…

TEXAS-STYLE BEEF BURGER SERVES 6 PREP & COOK TIME 30 MINUTES INGREDIENTS ■ 1,5kg minced beef (not too lean) ■ 1 ½t ground cumin ■ 1 ½t smoked paprika ■ 1 ½T jalapeno chillies, finely chopped ■ 1 long red chilli, seeded, finely chopped ■ 1 ½T red onion, finely chopped ■ 1 egg yolk ■ ¼ cup (20g) panko breadcrumbs ■ 1T chopped flat leaf parsley ■ 1T chopped coriander ■ ½T honey ■ ½T soy sauce ■ 1T vegetable oil ■ 6 slices cheese ■ 6 burger buns, halved ■ lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, finely sliced red onion, ketchup to serve METHOD 1. Combine beef, cumin, paprika, jalapenos, chillies, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs and honey and soy sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt and mix well.…

Set aside the notion that mammograms are often regarded as an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. They are an essential tool in detecting early breast cancer. Consider the following when scheduling your annual mammogram: ■ Use a facility that either specialises in mammography or performs many mammograms each day. ■ Ask your mammography centre whether they offer full field digital mammography and whether they are trained in mammography interpretation and how many mammograms they do each day. ■ If you are satisfied that the facility you use provides high quality mammography, continue to go there on a regular basis so the results can be compared year to year. ■ If you change to a different facility, ask for your previous mammogram films to bring with you to the new facility so…

You're also normal. We discuss all the changes you can expect in the first trimester, and how, by being prepared, you can tackle them head-on. HOW YOU'LL FEEL Your first job as a mother-to-be is to become a mother-to-be. In other words, you have to add another role to the complex set of traits and characteristics that have so far added up to be you. That alone can take some time to process. Local psychologist Lisa Lazarus says: “Having a child is one of the biggest life changes. Your entire identity is about to alter, as you begin to take on the role of mother. No surprise that many women feel conflicted about this massive shift. “These ambivalent feelings are probably compounded if the pregnancy was a surprise and/or not…

OUR EXPERT Q Now that I'm pregnant, I'm very careful about what I put in my body. But surely that doesn't mean I can't take anything when I'm feeling ill, right? And what about supplements? And do the same rules apply when I'm breastfeeding? A THEMBEKA GULE ANSWERS: Pregnancy calls for an increased intake of essential nutrients that may be challenging to fulfil through diet alone. This necessitates starting with prenatal supplements as soon as you know that you are expecting or, better yet, even before pregnancy. Folic acid, iron, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin C are vital to a healthy pregnancy and can be taken as a single pregnancy supplement or in several different tablets, which can be continued while breastfeeding. In addition, do your best…

Before you were pregnant, you had no idea how a child “within” could consume you. For nine months, you and your baby are one – growing together and undergoing amazing changes. Your baby-to-be is your constant companion, not only in body, but also in thought. This attachment does not only start at birth, but long before. There is so much you can do in order to prepare your baby for meeting you face to face. BELLY LOVE PROGRAMME This programme stimulates the sense of hearing and the sense of touch in your unborn. This is something that you and your partner can do actively. Try to establish some time, at least three times a week, where you will actively focus on stimulating your child's sense of touch and hearing. Initially,…

YOUR BODY I picked up quite a lot of weight for my height while I was pregnant. I lost all my pregnancy weight relatively quickly after giving birth though, and I have breastfeeding to thank for that. I went from 66kg to 46kg! JADE MARIANO, PINETOWN If I thought I ate a lot while I was pregnant, then the amount of food I'm guzzling now that I'm breastfeeding is monstrous! I'm still losing my baby weight well, but I seem to have an insatiable hunger. I'm quite enjoying it actually! I suppose once I stop breastfeeding, my appetite will subside. LEIGH KIRK, SANDOWN I had a big belly before falling pregnant, but amazingly, after my c-section, my tummy was flat. I was so excited! However, I slowly gained the weight…

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

You know the feeling very well: your baby doesn't seem to be sick enough to justify a doctor's appointment, but she is awfully miserable! Relax, we have advice on when and how to selfmedicate, and when to call the doctor. BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS PAIN AND FEVER “With babies younger than 6 months, you have very few options in terms of medication. You can use paracetamol for pain and fever,” Cape Town based paediatrician Dr Deon Smith says. “It is especially useful to manage pain after vaccinations but only under the guidance of a medical professional.” You should never give paracetamol before a vaccine, and only give it afterwards if your baby reacted following the first vaccination. “Temperature is not a reliable marker in small babies,” warns Dr Smith. “They…

Swollen gums, drooling, restlessness and chewing on fingers or toys are all signs that indicate your baby may be teething. While some parents sail through the teething process with their babies, others experience frustration. There is no telling how long or uncomfortable the process will be for each baby, but the advice of trusted dentists and other parents will help ease you through this period as your baby's pearly whites appear. THE BASICS Dr Marike Lourens, a dentist from Intercare Glenfair in Pretoria, says that the appearance of the first tooth usually takes place at about 6 months old. In some babies, this may occur sooner and even later in others. “The lower incisors are first to erupt followed by the eruption of the 10 upper and 10 lower teeth…

CHILDPROOF CUPBOARD LATCHES are relatively inexpensive and can easily be installed to prevent your intrepid, crawling explorer from emptying or eating the contents of your lower cupboards. TOILET LATCHES Toilets can be fascinating for young children, and they can quickly become big fans of flushing anything they can get their hands on. You can easily prevent your car keys or other important items from meeting a watery end by installing a childproof toilet latch. It's also helpful to install slip-proof mats in your bathroom and ensure that your bath or basin taps are not within a crawling child's reach. PLUG SOCKET PROTECTORS are an important purchase, especially important if there are plug points in your home that you can't hide behind furniture. Available for purchase just about everywhere, plug socket…

INGREDIENTS ■ food colouring ■ ½ cup of water ■ 1 cup of cornflour METHOD 1. Add a few drops of food colouring to the water. 2. Use a large spoon to mix the cornflour and coloured water together in a large plastic bowl. Work slowly, and stir a lot. This is part of the fun. 3. It can take ten minutes for the oobleck to be properly mixed. Top tip Don't eat it. Discard in the bin, not the sink, as it might clog things up. Did you know? Oobleck is a great sensory experience. Stick your hand in the bowl to feel it, or try rolling a ball. It is known as a non-Newtonian fluid, as it doesn't behave as expected. Why? Because the cornflour and water don't…

1. Spend quality time with your toddler encouraging touch, massage and rhythmic movements. This helps mature the nervous system, a key component of learning to use the toilet. 2. Ask a doctor, nurse or occupational therapist about milestones and how you can help achieve them through stimulation. 3. Don't use baby equipment that can override milestone stimulation, like walking rings. 4. If your baby has frequent ear infections, have their ears checked for fluid build-up. 5. Massage the lower back when the toddler is beginning to show signs of bladder and bowel awareness.…

OUR EXPERT a helping hand! The School-Days platform enables you to raise education funds for your chosen beneficiaries, simply by spending at School-Days Partners. You'll still earn your normal retailer loyalty points too! You can choose to accumulate funds for your own family or donate them to a school or education cause – at no cost to you. You'll also benefit from exclusive member discounts and promotions. Visit schooldays.co.za to find out more. Q My child starts school next year. What can I do as a parent to make sure the first year is a success? I hated school, so I really want my child to be happy. A BRONWYN ANSWERS: There has long been a recognition that a strong parent-child relationship is key to the overall well-being of a…

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…

The key to successful breastfeeding is looking after yourself as well as your baby. You are the supplier, which means you need to be healthy and relaxed enough to make the milk that will nourish your baby. YOUR DIET Making sure you eat a healthy diet is especially important if you are breastfeeding. You must get all the nutrients needed to produce breastmilk and to maintain your energy levels. This includes eating meals that contain enough protein, calcium, iron and vitamins. HANDY HIGH-ENERGY SNACKS • Wholegrain sandwiches and Provita crackers • Milk drinks • Fruit • Yoghurt • Nuts and seeds • Avocado • Cheese and biscuits YOUR DAILY REQUIREMENTS WATER Many women get very thirsty during and after breastfeeding. Drink to your thirst. Expect to drink two and a…

MYTH Moms who breastfeed should steer clear of “gassy” foods such as cabbage, to avoid giving the baby tummy troubles. FACT True and false. There is a theory that gas forming vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli) can cause your baby to become gassy. However, there is no conclusive evidence to substantiate this. Eliminate these foods only if baby seems to be struggling with wind and then see if baby's gas improves. But try not to eliminate them unnecessarily as they are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. MYTH After several months the immunities in mom's milk will decline. FACT As long as nursing continues, immunity stays the same and even increases as baby approaches weaning. Studies reveal that breastfed children have fewer illnesses than formula-fed babies. MYTH Mom's milk starts to…

Louise van Rensburg, owner of specialist Cape Town consultancy HR Plus says, “By law, you're allowed to take two 30-minute breastfeeding breaks while at work, where you can either breastfeed your baby, or express your milk, each working day for the first six months of your child's life. And breastfeeding breaks are paid time.” You can combine your breastfeeding breaks into one hour, and take that time at the beginning or the end of your normal workday, or you might choose to express milk during your usual lunch break. Cleanliness, accessibility and security are key features; a toilet is not suitable. This is according to the Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child. However, some employers and employees are…

Our last two baby covers of 2024 feature two little girls – they are the last of six winners in the 2024 #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 2024 prize sponsors: Reuterina, Epi-Max, Safeway and Panado. Each of the six winners received prizes worth more than R5 500 from the sponsors. For the first two covers of 2025, we are looking for two boys by 31 December 2024. Newborn entries for any sex open early January 2025, 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 the back of the magazine for…

E-mail your letter to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. WIN AN essence HAMPER VALUED AT R2500! The I Love Flawless Skin foundation from essence cosmetics elevates your natural beauty to new heights. Crafted with a unique blend of lightweight yet high-coverage formula, it offers more than just a cover-up – it's a transformative experience. With its stunning matte finish, the I Love Flawless Skin foundation effortlessly enhances your complexion, leaving behind a flawless canvas. It's fully opaque, capable of seamlessly concealing blemishes with ease. But the benefits don't stop there. The essence I Love Flawless Skin foundation features a long-lasting formula that stays put from morning until night. Plus, with SPF 20 protection, your skin is shielded from the sun's harmful rays. R120,95 at Amazon, Clicks, DisChem, Edgars, Essential Health, MediRite, Mopani, Van Heerden…

My three-year-old son just asked me, “Can you take me to the Vampire State Building?” @JimGaffigan My 2-year-old son calls the sunroof in the car the sky window, and I think the whole world should adopt this – Dr Lizzi Helsby @Lizzimooneydoc My 4-year-old has been carrying a small notebook around all day. She opens it, writes small scribbles and quickly closes it back up. She's calling it her “secret diarrhea”, and maybe someday I'll correct her, but definitely not today. @momtransparent1 My 3-year-old calls it “this day” instead of “today”, and I shall never correct him. “Is it going to be sunny this day? What are we playing this day?” Thinking of adopting it myself. @LeeMadgwick My 4-year-old calls a box of tissues a “bless you box.” @aknott21 My…

WIN A VOUCHER VALUED AT R350 Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Each photo published receives a R350 Babies R Us Voucher.…

FIND OUT MORE AT… Heartlines, a social and behaviour change organisation that encourages living out positive values. Projects include producing films and multimedia resources that aim to spark conversations around values and equip people to live out these values. Heartlines further facilitates values-based training, workshops and motivational talks for companies, organisations and groups. Fathers Matter is a Heartlines initiative to promote the positive and active presence of fathers in children's lives. At the centre of the project are six anthology films set in various contexts around South Africa. Each short film is a compelling drama that explores the complexities of fatherhood in South Africa today, where most children grow up in homes without their biological fathers.…

BLESSED WITH LAUGHTER BY KELETSO YENDE The loss of her daughter at 39 weeks inspired Keletso Yende to write her first book, I Never Saw Her Eyes: Gaining from the Pain of Loss. Her new book is the follow-up and details her faith, fertility challenges and the emotional rollercoaster of a rainbow pregnancy. Keletso, affectionately known as Sister K, is a John Maxwell-certified coach, trainer, facilitator and speaker, and also a pastor at Grace Bible Church. In this captivating narrative, Keletso delicately captures the triumphs and tribulations, tears and laughter, ultimately illustrating the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the face of fertility struggles and adjustments that come with welcoming a precious new life into the world. So much more than a personal memoir, it's an invitation to witness…

INTIMIDATED BY YOUR BABY'S CAR SEAT? Babies R Us has your back! Attend one of the retailer's in-store car safety events for a hands-on, practical installation session. Getting it right is absolutely essential. You'll learn how to choose the right seat for your needs, and get expert advice on how to install it. Only 10 adults per session. Refreshments are provided, and there are prizes to be won too! Tickets cost R100 and include a R100 Babies R Us gift card. There's also an event-only promotion on Joie car seats on each of the days. To book tickets visit: babiesrus.co.za/baby-on-board. But hurry, the last one happens on 19 October. Book now!…

It's not even the end of the year holiday and yet everyone you know is on a beach having sundowners – except you, that is, because you've recently pushed a baby out of your nether bits, and now you've traded in your ex-life for settling down every evening to three hours of rocking, burping, feeding, swaddling and cuddling a screaming, colic-riddled infant instead. But that's not all. We're not quite there yet. Oh no, the true inner circle of the pit of despair comes after suicide hour has finally abated, when, with their last few calories of energy for the day, new parents flop onto their couches and reach for their smartphones (knowing full well they shouldn't), start scrolling and are confronted with the News Feed of Awesomeness. “Riley turned…

If you're trying for a baby, you've probably read and been given an overwhelming mountain of information about how to get pregnant. But not all of it is accurate. Myth #1 IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I DRINK AND SMOKE, AS LONG AS I GIVE UP WHEN I'M PREGNANT. BUSTED! Actually, this one couldn't be further from the truth. Both smoking and drinking alcohol are proven to be detrimental to your chances of falling pregnant. “In women, smoking can delay pregnancy by up to a year. Smoking reduces the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs. And, it increases the risk of tubal pregnancies and miscarriages,” says specialist gynaecologist Dr Chris Venter of Vitalab Centre for Assisted Conception in Johannesburg. Not only does it impact your fertility, “Smoking causes a fourfold…

HOW DIFFERENT WILL THEY LOOK & FEEL? Breast changes are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Many women will experience discomfort, tingling and tenderness only a few weeks after conception. As your pregnancy progresses, you might feel like you are working your way through the alphabet in bra cup sizes, but the frustration (and cost!) of buying new bras every few months is well worth it. Post-pregnancy sagging breasts and stretch marks are common but can be minimised with good support. Also try to wear a bra at night. The large majority of pregnant women are affected by stretch marks, with 25 percent of these being on the breasts. Massaging tissue oil or a suitable product into your breasts daily is a good strategy to combat this. Bio-Oil…

YOUR NEWBORN There are hundreds of books out there, with thousands of rules and rituals that promise to divulge the secret to the perfectly happy baby. But none of them worked with my first baby. Second time around, I decided to put my foot down early and not be bullied by what we affectionately referred to in our household as a helpless little tyrant. So I read even more books than I did in my first pregnancy, and two weeks before baby was due, I was confident – nothing would stop me from being Supermom this time. My bravado was sadly short-lived. Did you know? UP TO 25% OF ALL BABIES ARE DIAGNOSED WITH COLIC A CRYING SHAME After two weeks, Baby Max started to develop colic. What they don't…

OUR EXPERT Listen to this! For an in-depth look at paediatric sleep issues, as well as other sleep advice and bedtime stories for children, listen to the Power of Sleep with Restonic podcast channel. Q My baby was a great sleeper but suddenly, from about five months old, after we went on holiday, it takes us hours to get her settled. Clearly we've done something wrong? How can we fix this? Is sleep training the answer? A DR ALISON BENTLEY ANSWERS: During the first three months, babies establish a rhythm of feeding, wakefulness and sleep. Then, at around 3 to 4 months, babies’ circadian rhythms begin to mature. This is often when paediatric sleep problems arise. Parents may end up relying on “sleep crutches” to get their baby to fall…

A baby who's fussy with his food needn't be the cause of as much worry as you might fear. Toddlers regularly turn their noses up at food, and often the reason is not something that should overly concern you. It could be a genuine dislike for a food, the child may not be hungry, they may be teething or perhaps asserting their independence. To reassure you, it's extremely rare for toddlers to starve themselves. While it's depressing when a meal you've carefully prepared is refused, with patience and perseverance, and by adapting to your baby's needs and whims, these episodes can be kept to a minimum. The key is not to get stressed or angry, and turn mealtimes into a battle zone. Remember: occasionally refusing food is normal. “GRADUALLY EXPERIMENT…

Long before your kids were born, you probably made a long list of things you would never do to them. But when you're feeling tired and frustrated, it's so easy to let the old parenting clichés slip off your tongue. Truth is, idle threats and resorting to old-fashioned scare tactics get you nowhere. Instead, why not try to focus on bolstering your tot's self-esteem and rewarding good? Yes, it's a bit more work, but it'll leave both you and your child feeling happier. So skip the tough talk. 1. ‘WHY CAN'T YOU JUST BE MORE LIKE YOUR BROTHER?’ Comparisons like this only serve to exacerbate sibling rivalry. “A child being compared like this will develop an enormous resentment towards his sibling, and possibly unconsciously set out to be as different…

We emigrated to Canada about four years ago, when Marko was 4, and Janko was 2. And in the beginning of this year, we welcomed Baby Girl Lisa to the Wilken family! My husband, Herman, is a John Deere heavy-duty mechanic, currently working for a farmer as the farm's mechanic. I work in a bank as an estate advisor but am currently on maternity leave. You have maternity leave options here, and for myself, I took 12 months leave while the government still pays 75 percent of my salary. We live in Olds, Alberta, a nice town with all the necessary shops and a hospital, but it still has that small-town feel. There are about 10 different parks, including a water one. Canada Day is a big event that almost…

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 they get 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…

Whether you are a stay-athome mom or you are going to go back to work after your maternity leave, a breast pump can help you in many ways throughout this journey. From the start, you may need a pump to stimulate milk production if your baby is not feeding effectively. You may also find yourself expressing excess milk and storing it for later, so that dad can do a midnight feed and give you a longer sleep. At about six weeks into your breastfeeding journey, you and baby have more of an idea of how to do this intricate dance. Your milk supply has settled down and you have been given the go-ahead by your doctor to become more active. It's time to start regaining a bit of your life…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) promotes exclusive breastfeeding for all babies (including babies of HIV positive women) for the first six months of life. This is now possible thanks to early HIV intervention during pregnancy, and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication regardless of the mother's CD4 (white blood cell) count. HIV-exposed babies receive drugs post-delivery to further prevent MTCT (mother-to-child transmission). A pregnant woman owes it to herself, her partner and unborn baby to get tested for HIV early in her pregnancy. The advantage of early intervention if her test is positive is that the mother can learn how to maintain, and even improve, her state of health, while reducing the risk of HIV transmission to her unborn baby. ARTs are available, free of charge, to all pregnant women in…

TELL US ABOUT HER NAME. Lily is named after her great-grandmothers, both of whom shared the name Lily, one from her father's side and one from her mother's. Her middle name, Rose, was given by her grandmother, who sadly passed away just three days after Lily was born. This was a difficult time for our family, but Lily, or “Lily Blom” as I sometimes call her, has been a beacon of light through our sadness. WHO DOES SHE TAKE AFTER? With her vibrant smile and nature, Lily still reminds us of her grandma every day. To Mommy, Daddy, and her sister, Gia, Lily Rose is the most beautiful little flower, though her spirited nature sometimes brings a few thorns, as she is a busy, energetic and curious little girl. TELL…

After years of being together and losing our first little one early, and then hearing we might never fall pregnant again, the good news obviously came as a very unexpected surprise when I called her father at an airport in Mississippi USA, as he was getting ready to officially start his new journey to work abroad on a farm. “I'm pregnant,” I told him. On 6 May, in a maternity ward in Johannesburg, our lives were transformed in the most beautiful way with the arrival of our precious rainbow baby, Eleanor. From the moment she was born, she brought with her a light so bright, it felt as if a sunflower had bloomed in our hearts. Her presence is a constant reminder of hope and joy, illuminating our days with…

Khethiwe Mngadi (36) from Wiggins, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal has won Lovies nappies for a year, available at Shoprite & Checkers supermarkets nationwide. She entered the competition in YPB to help her brother with the expense of supporting two young children. This is what Khethiwe says about winning this prize: “I'd like to thank Lovies, Shoprite Checkers and YPB magazine for this wonderful win. When I saw the competition in January, I entered it on behalf of my brother and his girlfriend, as they were about to have their second child and their first was just 18 months old. I'm extremely happy that I won this prize for my niece and nephew as it greatly reduces the financial strain of buying nappies for my family. Now I know both my nephew…

To enter, send a good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN 1 OF 8 HAPPY EVENT HAMPERS WORTH R850 EACH! Clinical trials have showed that olive oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging properties, as it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that hydrate the skin by building its moisture barrier to prevent loss of moisture. Further benefits of olive oil (and why it has been Happy Event's key ingredient for more than 50 years) include the reduction of stretch marks and the maintenance of skin tightness. Massaging olive oil into the skin also improves blood circulation, further known to reduce stretch marks. All Happy Event products contain olive oil of the highest quality.…

Fast facts 10 The daily number of nappies you will need for your newborn. ± 300 The number of bones in a newborn that fuse together to form 206 bones as an adult. Keep up your energy and hydration levels with this recipe. MIX TOGETHER: ■ 50 ml Vitaforce Schlehen Blackthorn Berry Elixir ■ 1 sachet of hydration solution ■ 1 litre of apple or red grape juice ■ 2 litres of water Keep chilled in the fridge. Add 10 drops of Vitaforce Res-Q Remedy per glass Vitaforce Schlehen is a refreshing tonic for energising and revitalising when exhausted and under pressure. It also functions as a convalescence tonic for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Vitaforce Schlehen helps to stimulate lactation for nursing mothers. Available at pharmacies, R209,99 (200ml) and R374,99…

Takalani Sesame is proud to launch its Bond Through Play Campaign, aimed at providing fathers with content to encourage them to embrace play, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and adopt positive parenting practices. “Research shows that fathers who are involved from the beginning of their children's lives establish a pattern of lifelong engagement, which not only contributes to positive physical, socioemotional, cognitive and behavioural development during childhood, but enhances developmental outcomes later in life,” says Mari Payne, deputy managing director and senior director education and outreach, Sesame Workshop South Africa. Statistics show that fathers’ involvement is associated with increased emotional security in children. Children with engaged fathers are more likely to have greater self-esteem and reduced levels of depression and anxiety. Check out Takalani Sesame‘s Facebook page and YouTube channel for…

Natura Tissue Salts can help alleviate some common niggles associated with pregnancy. Tissue salts are biochemic remedies encompassing 12 essential minerals necessary for proper cell function and health. Tissue salts are gentle, non-toxic and have no known side effects, making them an excellent choice during pregnancy. Dissolve the tablets under your tongue for best results. Our favourites to use during pregnancy include: CALC FLUOR. It helps keep skin and connective tissues elastic and reduces the likelihood of haemorrhoids too. FERRUM PHOS. It supports your immune system and reduces inflammation, helping fight off infections like colds and flu. Read up on all your options at natura.co.za or email hello@natura.co.za.…

1. Schedule serendipity space. Set aside time where there is nothing to do and nowhere to go. This can help you take advantage of “in-themoment” activities. 2. Pause before saying yes. You don't have to say yes to everything. Don't feel guilty, just reply that you unfortunately cannot make it. Parenting author Christine Koh says that simply declining graciously instead of saying no and justifying why means you won't worry about whether your reason for declining is a good enough excuse. 3. Give each other transition time. Those few hours after work are intense. You come through the door, someone needs to make dinner, someone needs to bath the kids and put them to bed. Give each partner 15 minutes to unwind before the routine starts. 4. Don't divide the…

Many famous women such as Christina Applegate, Angelina Jolie and Kylie Minogue have been bringing the plight of women battling or preventing breast cancer to the fore in recent years. And with October being Breast Cancer Month, it's prime time to take a good look at your girls (and what they're up to). WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Big or small, perky or not, there are certain things that apply to all breasts, and women. While they are a big part of our identities, they are also often neglected, with many women shying away from self examination and even the obligatory annual mammogram (for those of us over 40). While in Western societies 6 percent of all breast cancers occur in women under 40 years of age, I've seen one…

PREGNANCY MONTH 4 You're making another human being, which can make you feel (and sometimes look) exhausted. You might want to rush to the salon or spa for your usual beauty pep-up, but beware – some treatments are contraindicated while pregnant. This means they're not safe, or they actually can't be tested for safety, since this will have to happen with pregnant women. We asked our local experts about what's safe and what's not… IS MICROBLADING SAFE? “Pregnancy is a contraindication to microblading or any form of permanent make-up,” says Manuela Gabriella Incendiario Lüdeke, owner of Flawless Cosmetics Studio in Woodmead, Gauteng. The treatment is safe, and numbing cream can be applied, which is 5 to 20 percent concentrated, but only goes locally into the area. However, some technicians will…

PREGNANCY MONTH 6 BACK AND PELVIC PAIN We often experience backache during pregnancy, because our centre of gravity shifts, says Sister Michelle van der Westhuizen, an antenatal consultant from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. “As the uterus grows, it gradually lifts out of the pelvic cavity and almost becomes a stomach organ. So the ligaments stretch quite remarkably, and this can cause discomfort.” ■ Sit and rest often. ■ Wear comfy shoes. ■ Wear a maternity support belt. ■ A chiropractor can sometimes help. ■ Place a warm beanbag on your sore ligaments. ■ Do stretch exercises and yoga. ■ Get a massage – from your partner or a pro. ■ Change position when it's painful, or try different pregnancy positions, such as being on all fours. Ask your partner…

1. SKIN TO SKIN Before your due date, negotiate with your caregiver about skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth – even before the checks that are routinely done on your baby. Ask if these checks can be done while baby is on your or your co-parent's chest. It's not necessary to weigh and measure baby immediately after birth, as this can be done within the hour. Any medications your baby has to receive can be administered while baby is with you. His heart rate, blood pressure, sugar levels and breathing will all normalise once he's in caring arms. Baby will be warm and feel loved in an environment he knows. 2. AVOID BRIGHT LIGHT Protect your baby's eyes from the bright lights of a labour ward or theatre. Place a blanket…

All too quickly, that cute little bundle you brought home grows into a bouncing baby, keen on exploring the world around him. With newfound mobility on their side, crawling babies enjoy the experience of being able to motor along to where they'd like to be or get closer to something they'd like to see. With that hair-raising thought on your mind, it's time to explore good ways to baby-proof your home. PUT IT AWAY Rather than spending money on baby-proofing products, put your precious items away. Store breakables in high places, and put precious trinkets into storage until your baby is older. Most importantly, make sure you keep all poisonous chemicals and detergents in high-placed cupboards. Almost all of us use the cupboards under the sink to keep our dishwashing…

OUR EXPERTS Q Should I be worried about my toddler? Of course I love him to bits, but he shows no signs of awareness towards anything or anyone else's feelings, to the extent that I've wondered if he is a sociopath. (I have a friend whose teenager is heading that way for sure, so I'm hyper alert about it.) He is selfish and will act out to get his way. How do I make sure to raise him to be a caring human who is kind to others, or are some people just wired not to? I guess what I'm asking is – can I fix him, or is this just a phase? A MADELEIN ANSWERS: Young children are naturally egocentric. This is a normal part of development: children first…

Q My 18-month-old has started taking her nappies off by herself. Does this mean I should start potty training her? A LOMÉ KOEKEMOER, psychologist and parenting coach, says: “Your daughter is showing one of the signs that indicate potty-training readiness, and this could indicate that she's ready for potty training. Though 18 months is quite early for potty training, in the 50s about 95 percent of children were potty trained by 18 months. Now the average age for the completion of it is anything from 18 to 36 months. There's no magic age at which children are ready to start potty training, and age is not as important as being ready for it is. Look out for other signs to help determine her readiness before starting a potty-training process with…

Nearly three in five SA homes don't have access to a single fiction or non-fiction book, and 65 percent of homes with children under age 10 do not possess a single picture book. Many learners leave Grade 1 without knowing all the letters of the alphabet. It is predicted that by 2026 approximately 69 percent of 10-year-olds will be unable to read for meaning. The people at Wimpy want to fix this with their flagship corporate social investment initiative. “Read with Wimpy” aims to build literacy skills at an early childhood development (ECD) level by making multicultural, multilingual reading materials and literacy aids more accessible at underprivileged ECD centres across the country. For the past three years, Wimpy, a family-orientated brand, has partnered with online children's bookstore Ethnikids. For their…

It's not a topic that anyone is really comfortable with, but the fact remains: lice happen. They're just one of those inconveniences that come with childhood territory, and if your child gets them, rest assured that you won't get a parenting demerit. A lice infestation is not a sign of uncleanliness or neglect, despite their icky factor. HOW YOUR CHILD GOT LICE Probably the only good thing about lice is they can't jump like fleas! They're not spread by pets, and they don't spread disease. They're yucky because if you leave them, lice will make a nest in the hair, so their family will quickly expand and feed from their host. Lice rapidly spread through a crèche or nursery school because children play closely together, they share hats and sleep…

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…

PREPARATIONS 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.…

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 them until they shows signs of being full. These…

SOLUTINS Breastfeeding is a natural practice, but many moms find a lot of challenges along the way. We're here to help. BREASTFEEDING MULTIPLES Breastfeeding more than one child may sound daunting, but it is entirely possible. It's a case of supply and demand. The more the baby suckles, the more milk you will produce. Moms do face special challenges, mainly that twins and triplets are often born early and start their lives in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In this case, a breast pump is a very good idea. Don't delay starting to express if the babies aren't with you. Don't wait until the next day, even if you've had a caesarean section. Stick to the same feeding timetable the babies would have – express every two to three…

HOW AND WHEN? 4 to 13 breastfeeding sessions in a day. 12-67 minutes is the average duration of a breastfeeding session. Night feeding is normal. The majority (64%) of infants nurse day and night. They spread their milk intake evenly throughout 24 hours. FEEDING PATTERNS Breast babies vary their feeding patterns. 30% Always take just one breast. 13% Always take both breasts. 67% The amount of milk removed from the breast with an average feed. 57% Mix it up! fast fact ONLY 36% OF INFANTS DON'T FEED AT NIGHT. THESE BABIES HAVE A LARGE FEED IN THE MORNING. HOW MUCH IS NORMAL? Babies feed to appetite and stop feeding when they have had enough or want to change to the other breast. From a single breast, the average volume an…

Having a traumatic birth experience and then being ill afterwards are challenging conditions for bonding and breastfeeding. However, giving your newborn preemie donated human milk is the best you can do if you cannot breastfeed yourself, since breast milk is seen as the first medication your baby receives. It provides all the nutrients a baby requires and protects against potential infections. Mother's own milk is always the first choice, but thankfully medicine has evolved, and now human milk banking can help when Mom needs a bit of attention herself. Let us first look at some facts about donated human milk. The composition of breast milk changes based on the age of the baby. Mothers can produce milk from as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, so you should have milk…