Advice from the experts
Kaboutjie

Teaching table manners

Teaching table manners is something vital in my home. I’m not a mom that has loads of rules and I am quite flexible with a lot of things, but one thing that was enforced by my mother in my childhood was sitting down at the table as a family for every meal. We used to beg her all the time to sit in front of the tv with our plates on our lap. The odd times she did allow this is was a great treat! Looking back I realise that at the time I thought it was a stupid rule: to always sit as a family at the table for supper. There were times when we all sat at the table stony faced and angry because of a family tiff (either between siblings or with my mom), nobody speaking and death looks being passed around. Strange how things turned around when I first became a mom! I now look back at this simple rule and remember the wonderful family meals we had, especially when we got older and everyone was off on their own daily missions but at the end of the day we all came together for that one meal, to connect. I thank my mom for having the wisdom to do something so simple for us as a family. When my daughter was born I told my husband that it is very important to me that we get a table and sit for dinner together which he thought was strange. He was not very impressed either when I told him that part of this family dinner rule is that the tv is turned off as we have an open plan house! Not only does it bring the family together, it is also a very good opportunity to teach my children basic manners. It is also the start of teaching my children the importance of helping around the house and doing their bit. Here are the basic rules we follow: Wash hands before coming to the table. My 3 year old is responsible for setting the table. No toys at the table. No phones, iPads, laptops, books at the table. No throwing or grabbing of food. No banging utensils. No spitting food out. Stay seated at the table for the entire meal. No yelling or loud noises at the table. Asking to be excused from the table. Using the words “please” and “thank you”. Saying thank you for the meal. My 3 year old and I clear the table at the end of every meal. If you are religious it is a great opportunity to say grace together with your family before your meal. What do you do for family meal times?

March 29, 2018
Impaq

10 Tips for home education success

By Danielle Barfoot, written for Impaq (Formally known as Impak Onderwysdiens) The scheduled academic year for mainstreamers may already be in full swing, but the great thing about teaching your child yourself is that you can start – or switch to – home education at any time. Whether this is the first time you are home educating your child, or whether you’ve been doing it for years, here are some practical tips to ensure a successful and less stressful academic year. Start with a lesson plan: If the prospect of planning an entire year’s worth of lessons seem overwhelming, turn to the materials supplied by your curriculum provider. It should include an easy to follow lesson plan and proposed weekly time allocations for each subject. Create the right environment: Home education can take place virtually anywhere, and each set-up looks different – you don’t need to invest lots of money or dedicate an entire room to the endeavour. However, do make sure that there is an inspiring space that is free of distractions and conducive to learning. Keep track: You must keep a solid record of everything your child is learning, including assessments. Check with the DBE for their exact record-keeping requirements. Set realistic expectations: You probably have an idea of how things should go, but it’s easy to expect too much. As with life, not everything always goes to plan, so be sure set realistic expectations for yourself and your child. Be consistent…: The gravity of your responsibility for the educational success of your child should encourage you to set a plan and keep to it. On some days it may be difficult to say no to outside distractions, but staying focused will pay off in the long run. …but flexible: That said, not all families thrive on having a detailed list of what to do and when to do it. The beauty of home education is that, when life happens – your child gets sick, exciting opportunities arise and unexpected adventures call – you can plan your child’s education around it. Take a break: Another benefit of home education is that you don’t need to wait for scheduled public or school holidays. If you start to notice that your child’s enthusiasm is lacking and you’re losing your temper in the process, it may be time to take a break. A trip to the park, a nature walk, or a family vacation are great ways to relax and destress. They could, of course, also serve as exciting learning opportunities. Make learning fun: Learning doesn’t just happen from books, so be sure to include hands-on experiences in your home education plan. Excursions and experiments are a great way to bring concepts to life and give your child a new understanding and appreciation of a particular topic or subject. The world is your classroom: Almost everything we do involves some skills – thinking, reading, problem-solving, etc. Once you view every situation as educational, whether you are baking something, setting the table, or going grocery shopping, you will be amazed at what your child can learn. Remember the end goal: When things don’t go according to plan – you will experience frustration or exasperation – keep perspective. Success goes beyond the details of what is taught when educating your child; it is the relationship you have with your child at the end of the journey. Make no mistake, home education can be hard. There is no one size fits all programme and it will take trial and error to get the right balance. So, as you follow this journey, don’t let anyone tell you how to educate your child. And if things don’t feel right, then make changes. Don’t worry if your solution is different to somebody else’s – no-one knows your child better than you, so trust in yourself and keep these tips in mind. Things will work out!

March 29, 2018
Kaboutjie

Pregnancy the second time round

Pregnancy the 2nd time around is so much easier, it is amazing how different it can be! My first pregnancy was tough, the first trimester was easy except for the tiredness and of course going off my prescription meds for bipolar which was rocky to say the least! The second trimester the heartburnand pelvic pain kicked in and the third trimester was absolute hell, I was the grumpiest, fattest, sore, most unglamorous pregnant woman ever. Pregnancy glow? Not me! If you want to hear about my 3rd trimester struggles and birth click here. This pregnancy has been completely different. One of the first signs of pregnancy I had was morning sickness which I never had at all last time. What I want to know is who named it “morning sickness” for starters? It must’ve been a man! There was nothing morning about it, it was all day, all night and horrible. For 2 months I couldn’t decide if I would rather puke on my desk or sleep on it and every day was a struggle. The worst was that if I got even slightly hungry I would get nauseas and I would have to eat. Eating when you want to throw up is not a good feeling! I am now mid 2nd trimester and it is also very different, I have had a bit of heartburn but nothing that a bit of chewing gum can’t fix. Yes you heard right, chewing gum! Thanks to a tip from a Facebook page fan. Last pregnancy I drank a bottle of Gaviscon a day, didn’t even bother with a spoon just chugged it down straight out the bottle. I have no idea why I kept doing that because it just didn’t work… I suppose it was just so bad I tried to convince myself that this time maybe it will? Other than the odd bit of heartburn the 2nd trimester so far has been relatively easy. I have had some pelvic pain but nothing more than an irritation. I remember before I suffered a lot worse, but that might be because I remember how bad it can get in the 3rd trimester and I know what I am feeling now is nothing compared to what is coming my way. Another unpleasant symptom started yesterday – I sneezed and yes if you have been pregnant you know what happened: I peed in my pants! It was quite amusing because talking to customers that know I am pregnant they always ask how the pregnancy is going, so yesterday one of my customers inquired about my pregnancy and before I could think about it I told her all good, just peed in my pants but otherwise fine. It is quite amusing sometimes the way moms can share and talk about these things. She told me it is a milestone and she has had 3 kids, so it is all part of the process. I must remember to be a little less “sharey” – I mean who tells a customer that they just peed their pants? The other huge difference in this pregnancy is I still look like a normal person, just with a bump! Last pregnancy I just ballooned, everything just got so fat and frumpy. Some people tell me I am big now, and I just smile thinking yeah I can show you big! I am pretty much the same size, except of course my tummy has suddenly popped out. It is quite nice to be pregnant without a double chin and chipmunk cheeks, but I am under no illusion it will stay like this, I am mentally prepared and know that I hit well over 95kgs last time! I am now sitting at a healthy 79kgs, maybe more than most pregnant women pick up by this time but compared to last time I feel like a Victoria’s Secret model! Last week I went for my second scan and the “girl” I was told I was having at my 12 week scan has a winky! There was great excitement in the family and to be honest I was quite pleased. This might sound really strange, but I was so happy I was happy. The reason is that with my first baby I desperately wanted a girl and I got my little girl. When I found out this time I was pregnant once again I desperately wanted another girl. I can’t tell you why, I have nothing against little boys but for some reason I just wanted another girl. I was anxious before my 12 week scan and when he told me it was another girl I was so relieved and happy, I didn’t pay too much attention when he said they are usually 70% right when they do a 12 week scan. At my 20 week scan the gyni asked me if I want to know the sex and I confidently said thanks, but I already know it is a girl and he grinned and pointed at this little thing on the screen and asked me “Well then what do you think that is?”. My first reaction was excitement and happiness, I just thought “OMW I am having a little boy!”. I didn’t expect that at all, I thought I would be filled with disappointment and I am so glad that I only felt pure joy and excitement. The first thing I did on my way home after the scan was stop at my husband’s work to tell him he will have to find another nickname for “Sandy”, something like “Willy” might be more appropriate. He was so surprised and happy. It was amazing to see the happiness and excitement from all our family members and friends when we told them we are having a boy. Of course all jokes aside it means that we had to start all over again with names! No, we didn’t have one picked out already but we had found 2 that we both quite liked. The problem is

March 28, 2018
Kaboutjie

How long should my baby sleep?

It is every mom’s question: How long should my baby sleep Babies needs change constantly, find below a guideline for how much sleep your baby needs at his age. AGE NIGHT TIME SLEEP DAY TIME SLEEP TOTAL SLEEP 1 month 8 hrs 8 hrs (inconsistent) 16 hrs 3 months 10 hrs 5 hrs (3 naps) 15 hrs 6 months 11 hrs 3 1/4 hrs (2 naps 14 1/4 hrs 9 months 11 hrs 3 hrs (2 naps) 14 hrs 12 months 11 1/4 hrs 2 1/2 hrs (1 – 2 naps) 13 3/4 hrs 18 months 11 1/4 hrs 2 1/4 hrs (1 nap) 13 1/2 hrs 2 years 11 2 hrs (1 nap) 13 hrs 3 years 10 1/2 1 1/2 hrs (1 nap) 12 hrs Find out how to get your baby into a routine in 5 easy steps and check how long your baby should be awake in between naps.

March 28, 2018
Kaboutjie

10 Development differences between girls and boys

While every child develops at his or her own pace there are certain developmental differences between girls and boys that do stand out. 1. Physical growth Girls and boys actually grow at a similar rate until elementary school. Girls start growing at a fast pace in late elementary school and the boys then catch up and overtake growing taller than girls. 2. Onset of Puberty Girls hit puberty at an earlier age than boys. Some girls begin puberty as young as eight years old, but others as late as twelve years old. Boys usually start hitting puberty at the earliest only around the nine year old mark. 3. Verbal Skills Girls usually start talking much earlier than boys do. They also have a higher vocabulary and much more complex understanding of language than boys. This extends right to school years where in general girls have better spelling, writing, reading and overall language skills than boys. 4. Gross Motor Skills Boys are known to be more active than girls in general and they show more advanced gross motor skills such as running, jumping and balancing. 5. Fine Motor Skills Girls show more skill than boys with fine motor skills such as writing and holding a pen. 6. Spatial Skills This is one of the major differences between the developmental differences in girls and boys. Boys have a much better grasp of spatial skills. Girls seem to struggle more with boys excelling in this from the age of nine years on. 7. Hand eye coordination Boys generally have a better grasp of hand eye coordination skills probably due to the fact that their gross motor skills and spatial skills are more advanced than girls. 8. Handling and understanding emotions Girls tend to learn how to understand and handle their emotions faster than boys. This could be a result of girls being able to communicate easier than boys. Girls tend to express their emotions verbally while boys express themselves physically. 9. Sensory and Cognitive Development Before the age of three years old girls tend to have more advanced skills in memory, touch, hearing, smell and vision. After the age of three years old this gap gets narrowed when the boys skills advance with hand eye coordination and spatial skills. 10. Potty Training When it comes to potty training girls vs boys the girls tend to take the lead here, starting potty training much earlier than boys. They not only start earlier but they tend to master the skill in less time with fewer accidents than boys. When children grow up into adults there are often differences between them as men and women. Some of these are because often men and women do have aptitudes for different things. However, a lot of differences in adults come about from gender stereotyping while the child is growing up. It is interesting to note how men and women very often seem to gravitate towards certain careers. This is true not only in the workplace, but also in education. For example some statistics from the team at DevelopIntelligence highlight the large gap between male and female students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields at school. What developmental differences between girls and boys have you noticed?

March 28, 2018
Kaboutjie

Key signs that your child may have eye problems

Our eyes are windows to the wonderful world around us. It allows us to see the world as it is, and it shows us the world in its full splendor. We see a lot of great and amazing things throughout our lives, but it’s also important to remember that our eyes work with us for as long as we take care of them. Sadly, children, perhaps the most creative beings out there, don’t always have the awareness needed to take care of their eyes. As parents, guardians, and people who are concerned for their welfare, it’s up to us to make sure their eyes stay as vibrant as ever. Here are some signs that our child might have an eye problem, or might develop an eye problem. Is Your Child Prone To Lean Close To Electronics? It’s not wrong to lean closer to objects we can’t exactly see properly, but if we see our children lean close to electronics all the time, then we might be witnessing the first signs of an eye problem in its infancy. Remember, electronics emit light radiation and bright light, and constant exposure to bright light can permanently damage our child’s eyes, especially now that they are still in development. If your child has a gadget like a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop, and you find them leaning in close too much to watch a video or play games that are already on full screen, then your child might have a developing eye problem. If your child is exhibiting the above but is also wearing glasses, then it might be a sign of a worse eye problem. Try to observe just how close your child is compared to the electronic device you’re seeing, and gauge if the normal eye could see the things they’re leaning towards. If, say, a text is something visible from your end at the same distance, and it seems blurred for your child, then you may be facing a problem. Is Your Child Experiencing Difficulties In Things Related To Vision? The signs aren’t just related to electronics, however, as your child might exhibit difficulties in tasks related to vision as well. Try to observe their behavior towards tasks involving following objects, or using their eyes to do things. If your child likes to read books closer to their faces, then this might be one of the little signs that they may have an eye problem. If your child tells you they can’t distinguish colors properly, then they may have a problem. If they experience trouble seeing the blackboard, looking at small objects from a distance, or potential hazards such as corners and stairs, then this might be a vision problem. You have to pay attention if your child is clumsy when doing things that shouldn’t let them be prone to injury, such as walking to somewhere while holding something. If your child avoids tasks that involve near vision activities like writing or coloring, and if they avoid distance vision activities like catch, seeing planes and birds, then these may be signs of a vision problem. Does Your Child Have Strange Eye Habits? We all have our quirks, and children have theirs too. However, if they have “quirks” involving their eyes that seem out of place, then your child might be experiencing the signs of a vision problem waiting to happen. If your child squints or blinks often than usual, especially when doing tasks that need their eyes, then they might have an eyesight problem. If your child tilts to see better, or closes one eye to see an object better, then they may have an eye problem. If your child is prone to rub their eyes even if they aren’t itchy, then they might have an eye problem as well. Do Your Child’s Eyes Look Strange? Perhaps the most obvious signs of a potential eye problem might be staring us right in the face and we aren’t seeing it. This is especially when we’re talking about our children. Try to look for these signs in their eyes that might tell if they have a vision problem waiting to happen. If there are any changes to their eyes that don’t seem normal, then it might be best to get them checked. For instance, if they looked cross eyed, or if the eyes don’t seem to look like they work at the same time, or if there are droopy eyelids and bulgy eyes. If your child’s eyes appear to be extra sensitive to light, then you might have a child with an eye problem. If there are recurring headaches, or if your child’s eyes show sensitive to light with pain, or a redness that doesn’t seem to go away, then your child might have a vision problem. What To Do Next? If you see these signs in your child, it’s important not to panic and assess the situation more closely. Which of these signs appear and how often do they manifest? Start taking notes, especially when it comes to describing the frequency of these signs, and what sort of signs appear. If possible, try to take pictures while they’re “on the act” for your personal reference. These kind of data are important especially when presenting your case to an eye doctor, which can also get a better assessment of your child’s case when they see the things they do when they’re at home. Remember, try not to panic, especially when these signs manifest. It’s always better to try to get a cool and calm head by planning what to do next and finding the best remedies with your doctor. These signs don’t automatically mean your child is going blind. They may have a condition that affects their eyes. If you want to get an initial assessment before going to the doctor, then try to check if you have relatives that may have an eye problem that is known to be genetic. Knowing this, and sharing this to the doctor, may help

March 27, 2018
Kaboutjie

Should children play with toy guns?

I know this question has been asked a lot of times and is highly debated in society, so here it comes… should children play with toy guns? A while back I told my husband I don’t want our son to play with toy guns. For me it just feels so wrong on so many levels. Recently my son had his third birthday party and while I was planning it I was wondering how to go about things. Would it be rude to tell all the moms to please not give toy guns for a gift? And what would happen if someone did give my son a toy gun for his birthday what would I do? So the situation was taken out of my hands because time goes so fast and the birthday party was organized in a rush of chaos since it was December. We got home from his birthday party laden with gifts. When he opened all his presents he got two guns. One was in a SWAT team set. A big black gun that made machine gun noises. The other a harmless and fun water gun. Now where do you draw the line? Are water guns fine? Are brightly coloured guns fine while black realistic looking guns aren’t? My son was over the moon with all of his gifts, especially the big black gun. He started charging around the house telling us he is shooting us dead. My heart dropped, it was all so wrong but how could I now break his heart by taking away his prized gun? Fortunately toys are not made to last and by the end of the following day this black gun was broken into pieces and I could throw it away.. by the way I am going to be writing a post soon about the terrible quality of the toys today! I’m not going to go into all the points that people have brought up for and against toy guys, the simple fact for me is that guns are intended to kill people. Guns are associated with violence. For me it is just not ok for my children to play with toy guns. I will never feel fine with it and I am going to go with my gut feel on this. For my son’s next birthday I will remember to let all the moms know to please not give any toy guns. I also make a point never to buy toys guns for anyone else’s kids. Violence vs Nudity and Sex? Something happened at the school a few weeks ago that I just wanted to share about that fits in a bit with this topic. My son is… shall we just say quite boisterous right now. He is an angry little toddler, throwing tantrums and yes he is hitting and kicking too. So he is being a typical three year old boy. There were a good few times I collected my kids from school and a teacher told me that he had been misbehaving. On the one occasion she said he had hit one child twice through the face with his bottle (reminds me of my drinking days…) I was very embarrassed and told the teacher I would deal with it. Each time she brushed it off saying she just wanted to let me know, but you know they do that at this age. Then I arrive at the school and this same teacher tells me in a very serious manner that my son has been incredibly naughty today and it is serious. I start to panic wondering what could be worse than my nearly 3 year old hitting kids in the face. She tells me that twice that day my son pulled down his pants in the sandpit and showed the other children his bum. I blink wondering what else is coming for this to be so bad right? When it is clear nothing else is coming I start giggling. This did not impress the teacher who then told me that if I am laughing my children will see it and think it is a laughing matter. She said that the school is conservative and don’t take this sort of behaviour lightly. Now I wasn’t laughing because my son flashed his cute little butt cheeks at school, I was actually giggling at the craziness of the fact that this school considers a 3 year flashing his butt a much more serious offence than hitting another child twice, hard through the face with an object. Where is the sense in that I ask? At this moment my son made an appearance. Wearing only his tshirt, flashing all his bits to me, the teacher and the entire class. He was holding a full toilet roll that was dripping wet and when he saw me he asked me to please help him. When he turned around his cute little but cheeks covered in poop flashed at the class. Now I have to keep a straight face? See now I don’t consider myself the type of mother that let’s anything go, but I do feel that I have my priorities straight. I have no issue with nudity or sex. Yes for sure I am not talking about porn here, but if my kids walk into the room and the tv is on I would much rather have them walk in on a sex scene or a bit of nudity than a scene of violence. I’ve noticed that tv programs and movies regularly show violence, even in cartoons. We live in a world that is so desensitized to violence and where our children grow up surrounded by this. We live in a society where there is so much crime and violence, yet we allow our kids to play with a toy replica of a killing machine? We live in a society with skewed values where butt cheeks are forbidden but violence towards another is ok? Well I’m sorry but I go the other way on

March 27, 2018
Kaboutjie

Preparing for birth; making a birthing plan

  A birth plan refers to your preferences for your birth, both during labour and after the birth. As any woman that has given birth will tell you, it doesn’t always go according to plan when giving birth. However it is still a good idea to give some thought into what your preferences are for your birth and for after the birth and have it written down for the big day. The reasons for this is that your birth partners and care givers can be aware of what you want. It won’t be easy trying to get that across to anyone in mid labour! Here are some guidelines to making your birth plan: Pain relief: Learn about labour and the different options available for pain relief and coping with the pain. It is important for your care givers and birth partners to know what you think you would prefer, also bearing in mind that you might change your mind at the time so remember to be flexible and plan for things not going as planned! Where & How You Give Birth: Hospital, Birthing Centre or Home Birth? Natural Birth or Elective C-Section If you choose a home birth have a back-up plan if you need to go to hospital Who will be present at the birth? Will you have a gyni or midwife, or both? Will you have a doula? Questions to ask your hospital or birthing centre: Who is allowed to be present during labour and birth? (Fathers, close relatives or friends) Are they ever asked to leave the room and why? Can you move around during labour and can you find your own position for the birth? Are babies with their mothers all the time or is there a separate nursery? What are their policies on breastfeeding? Who will help you to breastfeed your baby or will they help you if you choose to formula feed? What are the visiting hours and visitors policy? How soon after birth can you go home? What is their policy on induction, pain relief and monitoring? What facilities do they have for premature babies or sick babies? Interventions: An intervention is an action taken by a midwife or doctor that literally intervenes in the birthing process. If you’re healthy and your pregnancy and labour are normal, you may not need any intervention.Talk to your midwife or doctor about them while you’re pregnant. Your Baby After Birth: Will you get your baby immediately after birth for skin to skin? Will you get your baby to latch immediately after birth? Who will the umbilical cord? Will you wait for a while before cutting the umbilical cord? Will the father be able to hold your baby straight after birth and be with your baby while you are in recovery? When will you want visitors? Immediately after the birth or do you want some time to get to know your baby on your own for a while? Who will show you how to look after your baby? Your birth plan can be simple or you can get right down to details such as having certain music playing while you are in labour and having candles lit. It is important to find out what you can and can’t do at the place you would like to give birth and to relay any special requests. Did you have a birth plan and did it all go according to plan?

March 27, 2018
Parenting Hub

All about Reading

by Mrs Debbie Warschkuhl, Gr 0 teacher of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill Pre-Primary school teachers hold a key role in determining future reading and spelling success of their students. Leading brain research confirms: Future reading & spelling success can be expected when neural pathways, which are malleable at this critical age of learning, are stimulated correctly. At this early age, the focus of instruction should be on developing the vital skills which underpin the prevention of later reading and spelling disabilities. There are numerous reading courses available to help teachers with this vital task. One that stands out is the Time2Read system. The focus of this course will be to gain a concise understanding of: Reading & spelling development: Why do some children struggle to read & write while others don’t? Brain research: Why the Pre-Primary ages are so critical to future reading and spelling success. Detecting early signs of potential reading/spelling failure before formal reading and spelling is taught. A multi-sensory approach to facilitate the learning of symbols. Specific age norms for the 3-6 year old child relating to reading & spelling development. Synergy across the Pre-Primary years – specific, systematic and explicit skill building during specific grades. Informal assessments aimed at tracking individual learners as they develop. Practical implementation ideas for your Pre-school classroom. Engaged activities: Developing pre-reading and writing skills through play. In the age-groups 3-4 years and 4-5 years the focus strongly falls on Auditory Perception skills. Auditory Perception refers to the ability of the brain to interpret and create a clear impression of sounds. Good auditory skills enable children to distinguish between different pitches, volumes, rhythms and sources of sounds and words, which have amongst others, significant benefits for learning to read. The learners start with lessons that include syllables and compound words. Teachers only work with visual cues like pictures and never the written words. All the focus falls on the auditory skills. Sound awareness is an important link in breaking the code of the alphabetic writing system. Training sound awareness before and during beginner reading produces significant advantages in reading achievement, influencing reading comprehension and predicting later reading achievement. Children can’t simply be taught to memorize words, because languages simply have too many words. A reading method that is based on partial or total memorization of sight words is presently resulting in failure for many children. It is vitally important to teach children that sounds are represented by different symbols/letters in print. Eventually children need to manipulate the individual sounds in words. Reading is not a natural skill but an acquired skill, deciphering this human invented writing system demands expertise and is a fundamental component of reading instruction. Reading written language requires children to consciously think of the sounds present in different words (e.g., the word ‘cat’ is made up of 3 different sounds, ‘c’ – ‘a -’ and ‘t’). Here are some practical tips on how to practice “reading” with your preschooler at home: Read together every day Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close. Give everything a name Build your child’s vocabulary by talking about interesting words and objects. For example, “Look at that airplane! Those are the wings of the plane. Why do you think they are called wings?” Say how much you enjoy reading Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day. Read with fun in your voice Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices. Ham it up! Know when to stop Put the book away for a while if your child loses interest or is having trouble paying attention. Be interactive Discuss what’s happening in the book, point out things on the page, and ask questions. Read it again and again Go ahead and read your child’s favorite book for the 100th time! Talk about writing, too Mention to your child how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces. Point out print everywhere Talk about the written words you see in the world around you. Ask your child to find a new word on each outing. In conclusion, accepting accountability is a challenge every reading teacher and parent should commit to. If we instill a love for reading in our children from a young age, halve of the battle is already won. References: Time2Read,2017. http://www.time2read.co.za/teacher-support/

March 26, 2018
Parenting Hub

Review: Pikmi Pop Surprise

Cute, cuddly and scented is any girls dream. The Pikmi Pop Surprise is just too cute! The toy comes as a lolly pop with a small scented plush toy inside, yet another favourite collectible for girls. The lolly pop surprise can either stand on your daughters book shelf, be hooked onto their school bag in time for them to swop with friends at school. Includes: •1 Scented Mini Plushie •1 Surprise Message •1 Dangler String •1 Collector’s Guide •1 Lollipop Stand Ideal for ages 5 plus. Available at toy stores and retailers for RSP: R 129.99

March 26, 2018
Parenting Hub

COSATTO- Saving the world from boring baby stuff once again with the Zoomi Car Seat

Just when you thought Cosatto couldn’t outdo themselves in terms of making baby travel gear better, they have now released a car seat that not only has the most stylish look, but offers the ultimate ‘anti-escape’ system to keep baby safe on the roads. Cosatto brings a thrill of colour, pattern and quirky design to the world of baby stuff. They believe that every newborn needs a brilliant fanfare of joy and colour – and that’s just for starters. They believe every newborn also needs to be celebrated with maximum joy and colour.  The business of ‘saving the world from boring baby stuff’ is about their stuff being the best. “It’s about the service you receive, being the best. We’re parents too and expect the same as you. We want to bring you the moon on a stick”, say this quirky company. And this is where we welcome the new Cosatto Zoomi car seat into the South African market. Protect your wide-eyed wanderer with these stunning any-age, any-stage adjustable car seats.  State-of-the-art safety kit developed above and beyond, these toughies know how to cuddle.  Grrrr… a kid’s gotta get from A to B – places to go, people to see.  The Zoomi is the daddy of child car seats. With sturdy support and unique safety features, this anti escape beauty is a handsome high-backed seat that is good at literally everything. Some of the reasons to invest in the Zoomi: Converts from baby hugger through to booster seat for big kids. 9kgs – 36kgs. Grows on the Go – No need to buy separates. From small to tall, Zoomi’s there for the full journey – cuddling away, forward facing, fitting front and rear seats. Adjustable – With booster seat conversion, 2-part reversible seat liner with grow-how for extended cuddling and a 5 position head rest – Zoomi’s a growing pillar of security. Padded Protector – With tummy pad and chest pads plus comfy padded armrests, Removable washable covers. Snug Security – Bringing a five-point safety harness with quick release buckle for home time plus layers of padding around a tough core. And……… JUST LOOK AT THEM! But let’s talk about the revolutionary anti-escape system that has set the bar higher on car seats. Research has shown that more than 70% of children wriggle out of car seat harnesses, risking severe injury.  That’s unacceptable – but Cosatto have built the solution. The Anti-Escape System has been built alongside the makers of the original, award-winning ‘5 point plus’ harness system and in tests, 9 out of ten children could not wriggle out of the Cosatto anti-Escape System – now that’s a result! With two new designs on the market, the Zoomi is now available in South Africa through www.takealot.com, Hamleys Eastgate, Sandton, Menlyn, Mall Of Africa,  ww.loot.co.za, Me Mom and Dad Greenstone , www.thebabyzone.co.za , www.purplepepperz.com , Greendot Baby Hurlingham Manor for the suggested price of R6999.00. Invest in a life of safety swag for your little one today!

March 26, 2018
Kaboutjie

What is a doula?

A doula is a labour coach that offers emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after childbirth. The word “doula” is a Greek word meaning “woman servant”. Women have complex needs during childbirth. In addition to the clinical aspects of birth, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. What does a doula do: Recognises birth as a key experience you will remember all her life Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour Assists you in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective point of viewpoint, as well as helping you get the information you need to make informed decisions Facilitates communication during labour between you, your partner and your clinical care providers Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting your memory of the birth experience Allows your partner to participate at his/ her comfort level Stays with you throughout labour Helps you track your birthing sensations and help you to decide when to call your midwife or head to the hospital Gets your birthing pool set up Helps you get settled in at the hospital Works with your partner to help you get comfortable Wipes your brow and remind you to breathe Squeezes your hips Helps your partner feel confident Take photos Tidies up post home birth Supports with words of encouragement Guides you through your first round of breastfeeding Shares your emotion Steps back while you enjoy some precious moments Offers education, companionship and non-judgemental support during the postpartum fourth trimester Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary Did you have a Doula at your birth? How was the experience?

March 26, 2018
Kaboutjie

How long should my baby be awake for between naps?

When my babies were young I was concerned so much how long my baby should sleep and how many naps he or she should have. Things got a lot easier with routine when I realised that the length of time in between naps is really important too! Time Awake in between Naps is vital to your baby’s routine How long baby is awake in between naps is very important, if you try and put your baby down to sleep before he is ready he won’t sleep and if you wait until he is overtired you might struggle to get him to sleep. Watch out for signs of tiredness and use the following guidelines for how much awake time your baby needs: AGE AWAKE TIME LENGTH Birth – 6 weeks 45 – 60 mins 6 weeks – 3 months 1 – 2 hrs 3 – 6 months6 – 9 months 2 – 2 1/2 hrs 6 – 9 months 2 1/2 – 3 hrs 9 – 12 months 3 – 4 hrs Here are 5 Steps to get your baby into a routine that you might find very helpful. How long is your baby awake in between naps?

March 23, 2018
Kaboutjie

Should you be giving your child fish oil?

Fish oil is one of the most studied nutritional and health products. The main components of interest in it are the omega 3 fatty acids. The human body cannot synthesize omega 3 and so it has to be sourced from the diet. Fish is one of the best sources of omega 3.  The two main biologically active ingredients in omega 3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  Sources of fish oil include the processing of oily fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and cod. Fish oil also contains some small amounts of vitamin A. In view of all this; it is now easier to tackle the question of whether fish oil should be given routinely to children. The first question every parent should consider is whether they are giving their children adequate fish oil through the diet. This can be answered easily by assessing the number of times in a week the children eat any of the oily fishes. This has to be several times week. In the U.S, the American Heart Association recommends more than 3.5 oz. of oily fish two times per week. Since many children’s diet is a reflection of what the adults are taking, it is likely that they also get inadequate fish oil from the diet and hence supplementation is necessary. Everything in proportion The typical western world diet consists of high omega 6 fatty acids intake. These are mainly vegetable oils. High consumption of these oils has been linked with a high incidence of degenerative disorders. In an ideal situation the ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 should be about 1:1.  This helps to counteract the undesirable effects of omega 6. In some cases the consumption ratio is disproportionate with omega 6 being up to 10 times more than omega 3. To bring the ratio to near normal fish oil should be given to the majority of children. The benefits of fish oil for children There are many documented benefits to giving your children Omega 3, including: Healthy brain development Improved cognitive ability Health bones and joints Good eye health Reduced hyperactivity disorders symptoms Healthy skin How much fish oil should children be given? The amount of fish oil supplementation depends on the amount of omega 3 it contains. Therefore the dosage for children is given in terms of omega 3 amounts (total DHA and EPA) and it is age dependent.  Different countries also have slightly different recommendations.  Below is a suggested dosage regime. 0-12 months about 0.5 grams per day 1-3 years about 0.7 grams per day 4-8 years 0.9 grams every day 9-13 years 1.2 grams each day for boys. Girls can do with 0.2 less grams than boys 14-18 years 1.6 grams daily with girls in the same age bracket needing about 1.1 per day Some countries recommend dosages in terms of mg per kg of body weight. Ascertain your country’s guideline before giving fish oil to your children. Side effects of fish oil Fish oil is generally well tolerated. However, children with known allergies to the oil or certain sea-foods should better avoid it unless your doctor says it is okay. Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil sourced from the liver of cod. It contains a lot of vitamin A and D. These vitamins are fat soluble and if taken in excess have accumulating effects in the body and they can cause serious health effects. Never exceed manufacturers’ recommended fish oil dosage. Jane Hutton is a nutritionist and health enthusiast. She also enjoys rock climbing and sailing in her free time. She’s passionate about animal rights and works for an Omega 3 brand called NothingFishy. Facebook: NothingFishy Omega3 Twitter : @nothingfishyco

March 23, 2018
Kaboutjie

11 Ways to cope with pain during labour

If you are worried about how to cope with pain during labour check out these tips. Knowing what to expect during the various stages of labour can help reduce anxiety. Antenatal classes are strongly recommended. Being in good physical condition is important. Exercise gently and regularly throughout your pregnancy, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and eat a healthy, balanced diet. 1 Breathing Techniques Rhythmic Breathing will maximise the amount of oxygen available to you and your baby during labour. It can also assist with relaxation and handling contractions better. 2 Water Using water during labour and birth encourages reduction in pain, greater mobility that comes with buoyancy, induces relaxation and reduces abdominal pressure. It also softens the effect on the perineum and vulva which promotes stretching during crowning. Giving birth in water also creates a more gentle entrance into the world for baby. 3 Support Continuous one-to-one support can help you cope better with contractions and have a more satisfying birth experience. The right sort of support, such as a doula, can even result in a slightly shorter labour. 4 Massage Massage stimulates your body to release endorphins, the natural pain-killing, mood-lifting substances. 5 Hypnosis HypnoBirthing is a complete birth education programme, that teaches simple but specific self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a better birth. 6 Changing Positions and being Active Changing positions, and moving around during labour and birth, offers several benefits: increased comfort / reduced pain, distraction, and an enhanced sense of control. Having something active to do can relieve the sense of being overwhelmed and out of control. Changing positions during labour can change the shape and size of the pelvis, which can help the baby’s head move to the optimal position during first stage labour, and helps the baby with rotation and descent during the second stage. 7 Vocalisation Vocalization is, for many women, one of the most instinctual ways to cope with the intensity of labor. It is a natural way to release the discomfort and energy of contractions through audible tones. 8 Music Music can lower perception of pain, help to regulate heart rate and breathing, reducing the amount of morphine type drugs needed. Music can also reduce anxiety which in turn can help you feel calm and in control. 9 TENS This stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Some hospitals have TENS machines. If not, you can hire your own machine. TENS has not been shown to be effective during the active phase of labour (when contractions get longer, stronger and more frequent). It’s most effective during the early stages. 10 Hot or Cold Packs Hot and cold packs are small containers that provide either heat or cold for use in dulling the sensations of pain and discomfort. They come in a variety of styles and shapes. Hospitals generally have chemical hot and cold packs that can be activated and used for about 1/2 an hour. You could also use a hot water bottle, ice wrapped in a towel, a washcloth dipped in hot water or many other ways to bring warmth or cold to a part of the body. 11 Birthing Balls Using a birth ball can help you adopt different upright positions, which can help you to labour effectively. It may even shorten your labour by an hour or so. Using a birth ball during labour has been shown to help reduce the pain of contractions. You may find you instinctively sway and rock in rhythm with your contractions, and a birth ball gives great support for this. How did you cope with pain during labour?

March 23, 2018
Flourishing Fit Moms

Learning to love your postpartum body

We know that it is so tough to love your body in the shape that it is in postpartum but in saying that, you’ve just birthed and grown a child. HELLO AMAZING MOMMY BODY!!! Self-love starts and ends in your headspace – something I used to remind myself all the time, is that not all skinny girls are happy. Skinny doesn’t equal happiness; rather happiness is birthed within, in a space where we dedicate our energy to love on our bodies by making healthy choices, and thinking healthy thoughts!!! 3 EASY habits to help you love your body postpartum: Write an inspiring self-love quote on your mirror and read it out aloud everyday. While this may seem pointless, remember that it is through repetition that your brain picked up on ‘hating’ your body, it didn’t happen overnight; the same goes for rewiring our brains to look for the positive. PLUS, a positive self image fuels a healthy lifestyle, meaning that by thinking better thoughts about yourself, you automatically are more likely to make better health choices and avoid self sabotaging and opening the biscuit jar (again). Rub-a-dub-dub Putting cream/lotion on your body after your daily bath/shower is a beautiful self-respect practice that encourages your brain to focus on caring for your body rather than rejecting it. Your weight distribution is different postpartum and that is something to come to grips with. This habit of putting cream on my whole body everyday had such a positive effect on me (Kit) loving my new postpartum body, especially in those early few weeks when you still look pregnant. Make a conscious choice to get active Over the first 6 weeks of returning home with a newborn, your baby should be your primary focus, not your body. In saying this, staying hydrated and making healthy food choices will likely keep your blood sugar levels up leaving you feeling better and with more energy. But if you get the ALL CLEAR at your 6 week gynae check-up, then we really encourage moms to get active as soon as possible. This is NOT about becoming body-obsessed, but rather making a decision to dedicate a few minutes to a light home workout or heading out to the gym, if you’re up for that and beginning to get back in touch with your body! Our mommy workout plans are perfect for this.

March 22, 2018
Kaboutjie

What are the early signs of autism in children

Almost every mom gets herself into a twist if her baby or child is not reaching milestones according to the so called norm, wanting to know if her child is just late to reach those milestones or if there may be a more serious cause for this. While the majority of babies and children reach their milestones at the average age, there will be some babies that reach their milestones much earlier and some that just lag behind the rest. There is usually no need for alarm, they are just late bloomers and will get there in their own time. What is important to look out for is that your baby or child is developing and gaining new skills, even if they are a little slow to reach milestones. Some babies will start crawling late, or not even at all, yet start walking earlier than the norm. If your baby is making progress overall then chances are there is nothing to be concerned about. That said if you are concerned about anything it is best to take your baby for a check up since if there is any sort of developmental delay or disability it is always best to know about it as early as possible. Early diagnosis means that interventions with autism doctors and specialists can be implemented and outcomes can be improved drastically. You will also need to learn about special needs parenting and how you can help your child. Complex disorders of brain development are now classified under the broad terms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism. This means that autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome all fall under the broad spectrum of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. If your child does have autism it will make the world of difference if you can start behavioral therapy before 18 months of age. What makes this tricky is that very often the most obvious signs and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between the ages of two and three years old. According to Connecticut & Golf Coast ADHD Associates: Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong conditions with no known cure. However, children with ASD can progress developmentally and learn new skills. Some children may improve so much that they no longer meet the criteria for ASD, although milder symptoms may often persist. What are Early Signs of Autism in Children? The earliest signs of autism in children involve the absence of normal behaviors as opposed to the presence of abnormal behaviors. Since autistic babies are very often quiet and undemanding parents may think that they have an easy baby and not realize that there is a problem. It is very common for autistic babies to not respond to cuddling, not reach out to be picked up and not to make eye contact with anyone. Early signs that your baby may have autism are when your baby or toddler does not: follow objects or your movements visually, or does not visually follow where you point use gestures to communicate such as waving goodbye or pointing respond to the sound of your voice or respond to being called by name make eye contact with you reach out to you when being picked up respond to or initiate cuddling make noises to grab your attention play with other people show enjoyment or interest imitate facial expressions and gestures care or even seem to notice if you get hurt or are upset in any way The following symptoms are cause for concern, so you should take your baby to be evaluated: No big smiles or signs of happiness and enjoyment by the age of 6 months Does not interact by sharing sounds and smiles, and imitating of other facial expressions by 9 months old Your baby does not respond to his or her name by one year old Your baby does not make any noises or “baby talk” by one year old Your baby does not make any gestures such as waving, pointing. reaching or showing by one year old Your baby does not speak any words by 16 months old Your baby does not speak any meaningful two word phrases that are not imitating or repeating by two years old While some babies and toddlers just develop later than others, if you are worried about anything take your child to be checked out. It is better to be safe than sorry later on, especially since the younger the child is when autism is diagnosed the better. It is also vital as a mother or father to trust your own instincts, so get a second opinion from a child development specialist if you are not sure about a diagnosis. As children get older the signs for autism become more diversified and noticeable. Impaired social skills, non-verbal communication difficulties, inflexible behavior and speech and language difficulties are typical signs of autism.

March 22, 2018
Kaboutjie

3 Early signs of labour

Water breaking A brown or pink mucus discharge known as bloody show which is the mucus plug that blocks the cervix Painful contractions that are regular and intervals are becoming increasingly shorter while contractions become longer and more intense Remember each woman’s labour is different and the above signs can be a sign that labour is starting, or it could still be a few days away. These are all changes that take place in pre-labour, early labour and/ or active labour. If your waters break contact your care-giver immediately!

March 22, 2018
Parenting Hub

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CO-SLEEPING WITH YOUR NEW BORN?

Co-sleeping is often thought to be synonymous with bed sharing – also known as letting baby sleep in the same bed with you. But co-sleeping can also mean putting baby to sleep in the same room as you but in a separate bed. If your baby is six months or younger, experts recommend that healthy infants be placed on their backs for sleep, as this is the safest position for an infant to sleep. Putting your baby to sleep on his back decreases his chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This applies to daytime naps as well as during the night. Huggies® expert and midwife, Lynne Bluff, sheds some light on some of the benefits of co-sleeping with a newborn baby. Remember for the first three to four months of life it is recommended to have skin to skin between baby and mom and dad, as much as possible. Skin to skin is when baby only has nappy on and no clothes. Baby is then placed against mom’s bare chest (skin to skin) and baby is wrapped with a shirt or blanket against mom’s or dad’s chest. Many parents choose to co-sleep with baby because it allows for more skin to skin contact. There are many benefits to co-sleeping! Here are some benefits of keeping baby close: Babies naturally fall into a daytime and night time pattern: it isn’t uncommon for new-borns to mix up their days and nights. Many babies sleep extra soundly throughout the day but can be restless or wakeful much of the night. Keeping baby close during the day with lights and noise around can eventually help baby stay a bit more alert in the daytime. Keeping baby close at night, meeting their needs with a quiet and dim environment, can help them learn to rest more at night. Babies also rest more soundly when they feel secure. Co-sleeping helps babies practice rousing themselves: while having your new-born falling into and staying in a deep sleep might sound appealing, it isn’t the type of sleep they were designed to have. Co-sleeping babies are frequently aroused when close with their moms. This practice rousing can help babies learn to use their self-preservation instinct to rouse when there’s any danger such as being overheated, being too cold or something blocking their airway. Being able to easily rouse may reduce the risk of SIDS. Meet baby’s needs without getting up: Most babies need to be fed, soothed and changed at night. If baby is close by, mom can do all of these things while in bed and remaining in a restful state. Getting out of bed, walking down the hall, changing nappies on the changing pad, feeding in a glider and soothing baby back to sleep requires being fully awake and alert. Experience less night time crying: babies sleep well when they feel secure. Knowing mom is close will likely help baby sleep better and fuss less. Moms that co sleep are able to notice earlier signs of hunger and needing to be changed. Often mom can wake during these early signs and meet baby’s needs before they begin to cry. When you co sleep there is less trying to get baby to settle down to sleep before laying them down. This often means less crying. You aren’t likely to have an overtired baby fussing and protesting being laid down in their cot to sleep. Co-sleeping helps with bonding and secure attachment: a secure attachment between baby and caregiver is an emotional bond that leaves baby feeling secure and cared for. This secure attachment, fostered infancy, translates to a child feeling secure and knowing their caregiver will always return to meet their needs. Children with a secure attachment often respond appropriately to situations, show minimal distress when their mother leaves, and are happy when their mother returns. Co-sleeping helps with maintaining an adequate milk supply: feeding on demand helps moms maintain an adequate milk supply. Breast milk production is a supply and demand process. Babies are designed to eat frequently at night and co sleeping helps to make it easier for mom and baby to meet this need. Co-sleeping can mean better rest for mom: moms, not just babies, are wired for closeness. Studies show that new moms do not experience a better quality of sleep if their babies go to the nursery at night. Co-sleeping may not guarantee more sound sleep for every mom, but many report sleeping better knowing baby is safe and close by. Moms also release oxytocin when close to their babies. Oxytocin improves sleep quality and it’s also great for breastfeeding. As your baby grows, he may not want to sleep all night, every night, with you. With a bit of trial and error, you’ll eventually find a method that works for you, your partner, and your baby.

March 21, 2018
Kaboutjie

The 3 stages of labour

Stage 1: Early Labour This stage begins when the cervix begins to soften and open up, this stage is complete when the cervix has opened to about 10 cms. It is the longest stage of labour and take hours to a few days. You may feel nothing for quite a long time, then you will feel some pain and discomfort. There is no pattern and contractions are irregular. Contractions will then start to become regular with shorter intervals in between. Contractions will become longer and build in intensity. You will need to know how you will cope with pain during labour. In Early Labour you may have: Lower back pain Period like pain that comes and goes Loose bowels movements Blood-stained mucous discharge known as blood show Water breaking An urge to vomit Stage 2: Active Labour This stage is from when the cervix is dilated to 10 cms until the baby is born. In Active Labour you may have: Longer and stronger contractions with an interval of 1 to 2 minutes in between The urge to push Increased pressure on your bottom Stretching and burning feelings in your vagina Shaky, cramps, nauseas and vomiting The pushing phase can last up to 2 hours. Stage 3 This stage is from when your baby has been born until after the placenta has been delivered. What was your experience of labour like?

March 21, 2018
Kaboutjie

7 Reasons babies cry

Understanding the reasons babies cry can make this mommy business just that little bit easier. 1. Hunger Baby has different cries for different reasons, you will get to know these cries over time. Until then look for signs baby is hungry before he starts crying such as fussing, smacking of lips, rooting (a newborn reflex that causes babies to turn their head toward your hand when you stroke their cheek), and putting their hands to their mouth. 2. Dirty Nappy Simple and easy to check. 3. Tired Look out for cues baby is tired before he starts crying such as a glazed stare, rubbing eyes, yawning, seeking comfort by sucking or feeding, pulling ears or hair 4. Temperature Baby should have one more layer of clothing than you. Feel the back of your baby’s neck to check if there is a temperature. 5. Uncomfortable or in Pain Tummy troubles such as constipation can be the cause of lots of crying, especially if it is straight after a feed. Keep baby upright for a while after a feed and rubbing or patting his back. It could also be something small like something poking him, check his clothing for anything that could be bothering him. 6. Over or Under Stimulated Babies can struggle to process all the stimulation (being passed around, bright light, too much noise) and they cry to say they have had enough. A “demanding” baby might love to be active and entertained and by staying active you can avoid baby crying although this can be very tiring. 7. Wants to be Held Babies need lots of physical closeness and comfort, especially the first few months. Here are some great ways to soothe a crying baby. If your baby cries for prolonged periods of time and there appears to be no reason for it, then your baby may have colic.

March 20, 2018
Kaboutjie

5 Ways to bond with your baby during pregnancy

Contrary to what many believe, bonding with your child begins while it is still in the womb. In the early months of pregnancy, bonding can be a bit difficult because you aren’t able to feel the kicks or see little more than a blob on the ultrasound; however as the mother’s bump grows and the child along with it, the unconditional love and devotion all parents feel towards their children can begin developing. Bonding with your unborn baby is necessary and should be done with both parents around if possible. Mothers generally bond more while the child is in the womb simply because they are carrying it and can feel the subtle movements and enjoy the unexplainable feeling of content knowing that their child is growing within them, however the fathers should as well. Ways To Bond With Your Baby During Pregnancy 1. Massaging Massaging the bump is a great way to bond between the parents and the unborn child. With various aromatic oils and lotions, parents can massage the mothers belly as it begins to grow. Many women do this regardless in an attempt to prevent those unsightly stretch marks, so why not make it a family ritual? The smells from the oils and lotions is very relaxing and can create a fantastic atmosphere for bonding. 2. Singing and talking There are actually devices out there that attach to the stomach from a small microphone so that the unborn child can begin to enjoy the relaxing sound of its parent’s voices. From singing lullaby’s (something parents should get used to from a very early start), to simply talking about day to day business or reading a book out loud, any communication between the parents and the child helps strengthen the bond. 3. Classes Attending various classes is a fantastic way for both parents to bond with the child and prepare for its arrival. Birthing classes will show the dad and mom how to handle the labour, how to breathe during the process, how to cope with the pain during labour and what to expect. Parenting classes are a great tool for first time parents to learn how to properly swaddle a child, the basics of breast feeding, and other essentials for the newborn baby. Preparation and understanding is what these classes teach, and it will be a phenomenal tool for parents as they experience the joys of their upcoming child together. 4. Go for walks Walking is a fantastic way to not only prepare your body physically for labor (and to speed it along if you’re past your due date), but also to bond. Whether its just mommy walking, or if dad is coming along to, walking gives you some quiet relaxation time to clear your mind and simply just focus on the “now”. 5. Scans Perhaps one of the best bonding experiences for parents and their unborn child is the scans. Scans make the baby so much more real, allows you to actually see what the child looks like, and you can take a photo home and keep it in a safe place. There are various types of scans that can be taken at varying weeks during the pregnancy. The early pregnancy scan is just to confirm that the mother is pregnant and that the unborn child is viable. After that, a gender scan is done (typically between 20-35 weeks) – this is optional, but most parents opt to know their childs gender to continue bonding with it more and prepare for its arrival with gender specific decorations and clothing. Another scan is the 3D/4D ultrasound and this is truly an experience parents will enjoy. You should typically have this scan done between 20-35 weeks as well. You shouldn’t wait too long for this scan as your child won’t have enough room within the womb for a really clear and great photo of the scan, however you still want to have your child with all of its facial features and digits developed. The bonding process between parents and the unborn child can begin from the very day that the woman knows she’s pregnant. Between belly rubs, parenting classes, and general communication with the child, the bond will strengthen and grow as the bump gets larger and the due date quickly approaches. Always make sure that the father is included in the bonding experience as much as possible because it will truly bring a family so much closer and create a very relaxed atmosphere for the child. What are the ways you bonded with your baby during pregnancy? Leave a comment below to join the discussion. 

March 20, 2018
Parenting Hub

Review: Smashers Collectables 3 Pack

Finally a fun collectable for boys!  The Zuru Smashers are just so much fun. Prima Toys sent through a 3 pack for our team to review.  The set comprises of 2 smashballs, 1 extra smasher and a collectors guide.  We certainly had fun throwing them together where the red balls smash open to reveal a surprise smasher inside.  Be warned though, it sounds like glass breaking and so when your son discovers this, it certainly becomes a fun game on their part. With rare smashers available, it will be no time before you son is nagging you for another set. Visit the prima toys website for more information and locate your smashers at leading retail outlets.

March 19, 2018
Parenting Hub

Matrics: 6 Steps to making one of your most important decisions ever

As the Matric Class of 2018 settle into their final year of school and get to grips with the challenges of the year ahead, an education expert has warned that they need to start thinking about their plans for next year sooner rather than later. “One of the most important decisions young people will ever need to take, is what they will study after school. Following closely on that one, is the decision about where to study,” says Tammy Oppenheim, Head of Programme: Faculty of Humanities at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. She says the options available in terms of institution, field and qualification today are so much wider than ever before. Despite this, prospective students often still don’t investigate the full array of what is on offer, opting at the last minute for a traditional 3-year degree at a public institution. “This is why we urge Matrics to start investigating and considering the pros and cons of various qualifications and institutions right away, so that when the time comes, they opt for the route which is most likely to see them succeed in a field which really excites them,” she says. Oppenheim says the process of narrowing down options should take into account: 1)     FIELD OF STUDY Offerings differ across and between public universities and private. Find an institution that specialises in your chosen field of work or that has a faculty or department with a significant reputation in the industry you have chosen.  Studying with a niche institution if you are targeting a niche industry may be a smart way to show that you understand that industry. Do your research and ensure that you are choosing an accredited institution that has a good reputation in the field. 2)     QUALIFICATION Find the institution that offers a qualification that speaks directly to your ambitions.  Qualifications are not always named after the field they are supporting, so you should look in some depth at the actual curriculum.  This is easily available on most websites or from the institution. 3)     AFFORDABILITY Choosing an institution because it is conveniently located and is affordable makes sense.  There are costs associated with studying beyond fees, and it would not make sense to have your dream scuppered because you can’t sustain the cost of a residence or transport.  Be realistic about what is achievable and give yourself breathing room to focus on your studies. That said, spend some time researching bursaries and payment options and do your math – a cost-benefit analysis of your study options will also help you make peace with whatever decision you make. An oft ignored fact is the graduation rate at an institution. If most students do not graduate in minimum time (three years for degrees for instance) then lower fees are not a real saving as you might need to pay for an extra year. 4)     CULTURE Many institutions have a long heritage and history. Maybe one of your parents is an alumnus at the university you always imagined attending. But remember that while tradition is important, it is more important for your future employability to find an institution that has kept pace with the changing requirements of the working world. On the other hand, perhaps you know you need to study in a free and creative environment. To determine the best fit for you, spend some time talking to past and current students at your earmarked institutions. 5)     SIZE Some institutions cater to tens of thousands of students. If you are introverted, find academics to be challenging, or have become used to smaller groups in your secondary education, then you should research your study options at smaller institutions. This option may be less overwhelming with a closer ratio of lecturers to students, which will likely lead to more individual attention and guidance that may be of benefit to you. 6)     INTERESTS If you are an avid athlete or have a niche hobby or interest, you may want to make sure that your studies are located in an environment that facilitates this. Just make sure that you are not basing your entire future on a sport or hobby alone.  Remember that your hobbies and sporting interests can often be better met through clubs and leagues and that campus is not the only place to continue to participate. “If you slowly start investigating your options rights away, you’ll take a lot of stress off your shoulders in months to come,” says Oppenheim. “By being pro-active right off the bat, you’ll be able to make an informed choice later in the year, about which qualification and which institution will best make your career dreams a reality in the shortest period of time. Before signing on the dotted line, you have to be sure that your chosen institution is credible, that your qualification prepares you for the demands of the modern world of work, and that it will support your long-term goals.”

March 19, 2018
Kaboutjie

Natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn affects a lot of women during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy.The reason for heartburn during pregnancy is increased levels of progesterone. Progesterone relaxes muscle, including the stomach valve that keeps the stomach acid out of the oesophagus. Another cause of heartburn during pregnancy is the growing baby putting pressure on the stomach, pushing the acid from the stomach upwards and of course with the stomach valve relaxed it just goes up into the oesophagus. If you have suffered from heartburn during pregnancy you know how horrible it can be so this article is going to share with you some things you can do to avoid heartburn during pregnancy, some natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy and if all that does not work some medication you can take to try and get rid of your heartburn during pregnancy. Ways to avoid heartburn during pregnancy Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some measures you can take to try and prevent getting heartburn during pregnancy. While they may not work entirely to prevent heartburn you can be assured the symptoms would be much worse if you didn’t do these things. Eat Smaller Portions – Instead of eating 3 larger meals a day eat much smaller meals more often. This gives your system a chance to digest the food without overloading your stomach. It also means you are eating more often and have less of a chance to get hungry. If you are hungry you will also be prone to heartburn during pregnancy. Keep snacks on hand if you are out so you can eat regularly. Eat Slowly – Eating slowly not only aids digestion but it gives your stomach a chance to let you know when you are full. This will help you to eat smaller portions which will also help prevent heartburn during pregnancy. Sip Liquids – Instead of drinking large amounts of liquids, sip constantly throughout the day and in between meals. Avoid drinking any liquids with a meal. Sit or Stand after eating – Make sure you sit or stand for a few hours after eating. Avoid bending over and lying down as this will cause the stomach acid to come up your throat, Don’t eat just before sleeping – Wait a few hours after eating before you lie down or sleep. This will give you a chance to digest your food before lying down. Sleep elevated at night – Being in the lying down position encourages the stomach acid to come up your oesophagus. Prop yourself up on pillows so your head and chest are elevated while you sleep. Avoid heartburn trigger foods – Certain foods trigger heartburn, so try and avoid these. While there are certain foods that are often triggers for a lot of people, they may not be for others. Pay attention to what you are eating and if you get heartburn try and eliminate those foods that caused it. Foods that commonly trigger heartburn are caffeine, fizzy drinks, chocolate, citrus, spicy foods, fatty foods, fatty red meat, french fries, omega 3 (fish oils), raw onion, oil, fried foods, butter and tomatoes. Wear lose fitting clothing – Avoid any clothing that can put pressure on your stomach or chest areas, this will just make any heartburn symptoms worse. So think stretchy, it will be much more comfortable for you anyway! Natural Remedies for Heartburn During Pregnancy Although there are some steps you can take to lessen your chances of getting heartburn during pregnancy the fact is that many women will still suffer from it. When you do here are some natural remedies you can try before you resort to medication. Yogurt or Milk for heartburn – Eating yogurt or drinking some milk can relieve heartburn. While cow’s milk often gives immediate relief, it can over time worsen the heartburn. Alternatives you can try are nut milk, rice milk or goat milk.You can also warm milk and add some honey. This can soothe your burning chest. Bentonite Clay for Heartburn – You can take bentonite clay before eating meals can coat the stomach and bring down acid levels. Bentonite clay is found in tablets, capsules and powder form.It is alkalising and absorbs the stomach acid, easing heartburn symptoms. Marshmallows for Heartburn – Sounds crazy right? Well apparently marshmallows coat the lining of the stomach and oesophagus, protecting them from the stomach acid. Slippery Elm Bark – Slippery elm bark is available in capsule, powder and lozenge form. It builds up the mucous lining of the stomach and protects it from the stomach acid. Chewing Gum – Try chewing gum for heartburn during pregnancy, it works! Apple Cider Vinegar – Low stomach acid creates heartburn, so drinking acid cider vinegar can increase the acids can result in relief. Papaya, pineapple, avocados and bananas – These all contain naturally-occurring enzymes which help break down food. Green Olives – Apparently eating a dozen green olives a day can help prevent heartburn and ease it if it does occur. Coconut Water – Coconut water has lots of potassium and electrolytes that help to keep the body hydrated. Sipping coconut water throughout the day and drinking a glass before bed can help to acid reflux away. Almonds – Roasted or raw almonds will do, just eat some every day to keep the heartburn away. Ginger – Ginger in any form is great for heartburn, whether powdered, pickled or fresh. You can even try ginger biscuits or ginger ale. Bicarb of Soda – Bicarbonate of soda quickly neutralises stomach acid, relieving heart burn. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice – The healing property of aloe vera soothes the entire oesophagus track and provides relief from heartburn. Chiropractor – Some recent studies show that seeing a chiropractor can help with heartburn. Certain chiropractic adjustments shift the oesophageal valve into a better working position. This relaxes the muscle, helping prevent acids from making their way back up. Aromatherapy for heartburn – Add four drops of lemon, orange blossom or orange essentials oils to a teaspoon of

March 19, 2018
Parenting Hub

Help! My child is struggling and it is only the beginning of the year.

The December holidays seem like a distant memory and early morning school runs, homework and sport has become the focus of thousands of families across South Africa. Teachers and learners are settled into the school routines and, as with each new year, parents have expectations and hopes of academic success. But, for some parents, hope is short-lived as they are forced to notice and acknowledge that their child is struggling despite it being so early into a new year. “Panic, frustration, blame and even anger can leave parents and learners feeling helpless or even humiliated!  This should not be the case at all” says Cindy Glass, Director and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres. Why not consider some of these helpful tips from Cindy to coping with a child who is struggling so early in the year. 1. Know that mistakes and challenges are inevitable. Children are not robots and neither do they enter this world with an operating-manual in their hand. Effective learning can only take place when we accept that mistakes are simply opportunities for growth. Teach this to your children! 2. Don’t panic! You cannot find effective solutions when you are focused on what could and is going ‘wrong’. Panic will add to your stress as a parent and, even more so, it will most likely be internalised by the struggling child. Remember that, despite outward appearances of negative ‘I don’t care’ attitudes, there is a child who fears failure and dreams of success! Acknowledging that there is a problem and choosing to seek positive solutions will be a far more effective approach! 3. Aim at developing a positive working relationship with the teacher. Listen to understand and focus on working as a team to find workable solutions in assisting your child. 4. Be careful of putting too much pressure on your child. This can be counter-productive and cause your child to shut down and even give up.  Blaming and punishing a struggling child will only add to the child’s already diminishing self-esteem and positive results are unlikely. Children who are forced to add hours of extra study time to their already pressured programmes run the risk of becoming resentful, frustrated, exhausted and unproductive! 5. Set realistic goals and realistic learning times. Minimise distractions by agreeing to TV and cell phone downtimes. 6. Seek help in the form of extra tuition. 7. Enrol your child in a study skills course that is rooted in emotional intelligence skills.  Skills in self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social interaction have been proven to increase one’s ability to learn more effectively. Cindy concludes by saying “Learning is a process.  Challenges and obstacles are inevitable.  Acknowledge and embrace these as you seek to sincerely praise and encourage any progress or positive work ethic. As a parent, your biggest challenge is to help your child to recognise his value and purpose as a human being!”

March 16, 2018
Kaboutjie

Ways to teach children politeness and being gentle

When you have a child, it’s your responsibility to teach a lot of different things. You need to teach academic concepts as well as social etiquette. At some point, your child may show behaviors which you see are rough or impolite. Your child might start hitting another or even you! Your child might even start using impolite language he/she learned from somewhere. Never let these instances go by. These are important opportunities for your child to learn. As your child is growing up, you need to teach him/her that they need to be polite and gentle. There are many different ways to do this. Don’t just leave your child to play with educational toys. Manners matter too. Each parent dreams of having a polite and gentle child. If you teach these to your child early on, he/she will learn them better. Here are some ways to guide you: Talking appropriately First off, you need to teach your child to talk appropriately. Teach your child the “magic words” such as please, thank you, you’re welcome, and others. Keep on repeating these words to your child until they stick. Also, use these words frequently, especially if your child can hear you. On the other side of this, also speak to your child about words which he/she should not be using. At some point, you’ll hear your precious one blurts out a word which will make you choke on your drink. Don’t make a big deal of it when it happens. Instead, sit your child down and explain why your child shouldn’t use it. Show your child respect The best way to teach your child respect is to show respect too. Just because your child is young, that doesn’t mean that he/she doesn’t deserve respect. From the youngest individual to the eldest, respect matters. Teaching this concept to a young child isn’t very effective. You must show respect to get your child to learn what it means. When your child needs space There may be times when your child feels overwhelmed. Just like you, your child needs space once in a while. Usually, when a child needs space, he/she will hit or shout at the people around him/her. If you notice this in your own child, teach him/her to speak up. Teach your child the right words to say when feeling crowded. Teaching something simple like, “please give me more space,” would work wonders for your child. Be a good role model This is a very important way to teach your child politeness and being gentle. When your child is young, he/she looks up to you. As your child grows up, he/she will learn a lot of the language and actions from you. Whenever your child is in the room, make sure you’re acting appropriately. Behave well and use the right words so your child will use them and do them too. Asking for something Nowadays, a lot of children are impatient and demanding. But they aren’t born that way. Usually, parents simply give their child what they want just so they don’t have a tantrum. Never allow your child to demand something from you. Teach your child to ask properly. Whether your child is speaking to you, your relatives or his/her friends, your child has to speak properly. When your child makes a demand, say it back to him/her in a different way. Keep doing this to help your child learn how to ask for something nicely. Train your child to use words There are many times when children get frustrated. Sometimes, when they cannot express themselves, children lash out at other by hitting. It’s important to teach your child to use his/her words instead of hitting. A great way to teach this is through role play. Show your child how to react appropriately. Teach the vocabulary too. Your child will learn best from you as the parent, so think of different ways to make your child understand this. Teaching table manners When it comes to table manners, there’s a lot to go through. It’s important to teach the proper table manners while your child is still young. This way, he/she will keep these habits while growing up. Make mealtime a family activity. Spend breakfast, lunch, and dinner together so your child will learn better. Act appropriately at the table and your child will follow suit. First, teach the easy stuff like not playing with food and not placing feet on the table. Then, you can gradually introduce new table manners when you see that your child is learning. Never force your child It’s easier to teach these concepts by showing them to your child. Never force your child to learn these things, that’s counterproductive. Although you may have to keep repeating the concepts and the lessons to your child, stay patient. Children are learning so many things in their life so some concepts may take time. Keep reminding your child what to do and what language to use. With enough love and patience, your child is sure to learn what you’re About The Author I am Jim  co-founder of Toys Advisors blog. I have two kids, a naughty boy and a very cute baby girl. I always want to make them happy, and I love to share my experience about parenting.

March 16, 2018
Kaboutjie

Natural remedies for relieving back and neck pain during pregnancy

While pregnancy is a time of great joy and happiness, very often it is accompanied by aches, pains and unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Although the mother to be is often very uncomfortable it is tolerated as a bitter sweet experience. It is very common for a pregnant woman to experience back pain and neck pain, sometimes it can be mild but some women experience quite intense pain that can impact her lifestyle negatively. Back pain during pregnancy can cause numerous problems from missing time at work, a more difficult labour and birth, and very often can also create problems that can extend long after birth. So while back pain and neck pain during pregnancy are common symptoms it is essential to look at the problem and manage the back and neck pain during your pregnancy. There are two common types of back pain during pregnancy, lower or lumbar back pain (sciatica) which is felt above the waist and posterior pelvic pain which is felt below the waist. Lumbar back pain is most often felt when standing or sitting for too long, or from repetitive lifting. Posterior pelvic pain is often brought on or made worse when sitting up from a lying position, standing up, rolling over, running, walking, taking stairs, bending forward, lifting something or twisting your body. The three most common causes of back pain during pregnancy are weight gain, changes in the moms centre of gravity which puts strain on different muscles and hormonal changes which relaxes muscles and joints. Here are some helpful natural remedies you can try for relieving your neck and back pain during this time. Proper Exercise During Pregnancy for Relieving Back Pain While exercising during pregnancy is highly recommended it is very important to do exercise that is appropriate for pregnancy. You don’t want to cause more damage than good. Being fit and active during pregnancy will help you to strengthen your back muscles, abdominal muscles and pelvic floor which will help to reduce back pain. Being active will also help to keep your weight gain under control, which will in turn also help manage back pain. The fitter and stronger you are during pregnancy the easier your labour and birth will be on your body, so it can also help reduce your labour pain. Exercise that is considered good during pregnancy is swimming, brisk walking, indoor stationary cycling, yoga and low impact aerobics. Make sure to take take yoga and aerobics classes taught by a certified instructor. Maintain a Good Posture to Manage Pregnancy Back Pain As mentioned above, when you are pregnant your centre of gravity shifts causing new muscles to take strain. Add in the additional weight and very often pregnant women then fall into the habit of bad posture. Having bad posture will cause back and neck pain, so try and hold your spine erect with balanced posture. Massage Therapy for Managing Pregnancy Back Pain Getting a massage during pregnancy can help your body to relax. A massage will also increase reduce joint swelling by increasing circulation and moving fluids around the body. This can help relieve sciatica. The massage therapy can also include heat pack or a cold pack for providing the maximum relief. It is important to be safety conscious and to only book a massage with a therapist that is qualified in prenatal massage. Get Enough Rest It is vitally important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy so you can enjoy your pregnancy in good health. If you are not getting enough restful sleep you will feel it in your body which could increase back pain. You can check this web article which provides you good information and tips on getting relaxed and pain free sleep at night. There are many high quality specially designed pillows for pregnant women that can support your back and your belly at the same time. Buy one for your body and baby to give yourself the best care. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help to greatly reduce back pain. Visit Your Doctor This can be your last resort after trying out some of the basic things above. You doctor may recommend you do some effective exercise along with medications that are meant to reduce the inflammation and relieve joint pain during pregnancy. Neck and back pain during pregnancy can definitely be relieved with the help of these measures. In fact, as soon as you experience some form of pain, the ideal option for you is to become proactive and find out the most suitable measures that can help you. Consequently, you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief soon.

March 16, 2018
Parenting Hub

Heads up on infant health ahead of taps running dry

When the dam levels reach 13.5%, the city will begin to shut down its reticulation system in residential areas, which essentially means the taps will run dry. Day Zero, currently earmarked for mid-May 2018, has serious ramifications for the city, which has already been declared a disaster area and it’s close to 4 million residents. ‘We have been inundated with advice about water saving tips,’ says Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, ‘and, as a medical scheme entrusted with taking care of our members wellbeing, we felt compelled to do our bit to help our members and the citizens of Cape Town with advice around health issues during a drought, especially for the more vulnerable such as infants and the elderly. ‘We have researched the potential health risks in the time of a water crisis and compiled easy to follow guidelines. Even before taps are turned off, when clean drinking water is not readily available there is a high risk of some diseases which, as a health care community, we need to anticipate and mitigate.’ In the case of infants (aged under 3 years), advice from the Bonitas Babyline team is as follows: Care should be taken to adequately sterilise bottles and pacifiers. In the current heat, any formula or milk left in the bottle after a feed should be discarded if not consumed immediately. Parents should take care to make just enough for baby for each feed Make sure your child has enough water to drink and is well hydrated. Children often do not realise they are thirsty and play in the heat. Ensure your child drinks water often With water restrictions, children are prone to bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. Ensuring the skin is cleaned as thoroughly as possible every day will help prevent these infections The single biggest threat to child health with water restrictions is from gastro-enteritis. Make sure food is prepared as hygienically as possible and reduce the amount of bought cold foods and salads in the child’s diet. Cooked foods served fresh are best. Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy ahead of the taps being turned off  Boil water or use water purification tablets for the rain water we are able to capture. However, preferably use this for flushing the toilet, not for drinking. Use Milton to add to water to wash raw veggies – with the listeriosis outbreak as well as the possibility of a Hepatitis A outbreak we can’t afford not to wash our fresh produce! Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or wet wipes to keep hands clean (and hand cream because that stuff gets pretty harsh after a while!). Bicarb and vinegar are excellent for cleaning especially as it doesn’t destroy water for grey use. Dodgy tummy prep: Rehydrate, probiotics and medicine for stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Use vinegar in the toilet and drains to help with any odours and bacteria. Clean with micro-fibre cloths or rags as sponges become unsanitary. It’s far easier to clean cloths and hanging them up immediately can delay them smelling. You can also throw rags away. Alternatively wipe down surfaces using wet wipes. Stock up on bottled water exclusively for drinking while water stations are being sorted out. The recommendation is 5 litres a day and to have four days’ worth of fresh water per person. Do not drink non-potable water (gray water). This water should also not be used for cooking. Vaccinate against Hepatitis A if you have never been vaccinated (especially healthcare workers, communal food handlers, patients in long-term care facilities and immune-compromised people.) Mental illnesses such as increased anxiety, depression and even suicide can be managed with the right help. If you, your family and especially your infant have any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor for an assessment sooner rather than later. ‘We know it is a difficult time for Capetonians’ says Van Emmenis, ‘it is stressful trying to save as much water as possible while trying to remain healthy through this time. But help is at hand, the local authorities and medical professionals are on high alert and standby to assist and, for Bonitas members, we also have our Babyline – 24-hour children’s health advice line manned by paediatric trained registered nurses. They are on the other side of the phone to assist with any parental concerns, or health related issues, 24/7, 365 days of the year.’ The Babyline service is available to members across all Bonitas plans, for children under 3 years.  Parents simply need to call the Babyline on 0860 999 121.

March 15, 2018
Flourishing Fit Moms

The do’s & don’ts of returning to exercise after a caesarean section

Moms out there who have had or are planning to have a caesarean we’d like to give you a few tips and coping mechanisms regarding that sometimes very scary and difficult recovery period. First and foremost a caesarean delivery can be considered as major abdominal surgery therefore postpartum return to exercise must be delayed until you have made a complete medical recovery. We therefore strongly suggest that your doctor needs to give you the “green-light” to commence exercise. Generally, it takes about 6 weeks for your stitches to heal if you have experienced no other complications. So here are our top 5 tips on coping with the return to exercise post C section. 1. First and foremost, getting in and out of bed… There’s no two ways about it, you WILL need to get in and out of bed countless times during the night to tend to that new born so here’s our advice as to how to protect that wound as well as your lower back when getting in and out of bed: Bend your knees up one at a time Roll onto your side with your knees still bent and together Push yourself up with your arms (Not sitting up using your abs), allowing your legs to swing down towards the floor Stand from this position Do the same in reverse to get back into bed   2. It has been suggested that new moms are, in fact, encouraged to walk as soon as possible after a caesarean delivery. Walking increases blood flow circulation, which helps speed up the healing process. Therefore it is safe to suggest that you should be up and walking as soon as your spinal block has worn off. So up you get, have a nice warm shower and then start with little bouts of walking to and from your baby and around the maternity ward as much as possible. Increase these bouts of walking slightly each and every day leading up to your 6 week doctors check-up. Remembering that if you would like to go walking with your baby, use your pram rather than a front pack or sling as this can stress your core and lower back.   3. Now for our personal favourite piece of advice for that 6 week recovery period, begin practising your pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible. Pregnancy can put a strain on your pelvic floor, so these exercises are important, however you gave birth. Every time you lift your baby, tighten your pelvic floor muscles and lower tummy muscles at the same time. This will help to protect your lower back, and will prevent you from any accidental leaking.   4. Whether you choose to breast feed or bottle feed your new born we suggest that you make sure you’re always seated comfortably, someone once told me to make sure that I bring my baby to me rather than taking me to my baby during a feed which made perfect sense. Avoid hunching over/leaning down to feed your baby. Feed in a comfortable and well supported chair that also supplies arm support and where possible make use of a feeding pillow so that it does the work rather than you bearing the weight of your baby.   5. Last but certainly not least, make use of any and all medication given to you. You will probably be supplied with a week to 10 days’ worth of pain relief, anti-inflammatory and constipation medication, and while you might start to feel great a couple of days after leaving hospital and think that you no longer need these meds TAKE THEM! They have been given to you for a reason which is to support your body during the inflammatory response of healing and so they are a necessity.

March 15, 2018
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