Advice from the experts
Kaboutjie

The benefits of yoga for pregnant woman

Introduction Unknowingly, many of you are transforming from a woman into a mother and you have all the privilege to give birth and to nurture. At this stage, pleasure and pain merge into this cosmic experience of creation, and you can think of nothing, but your little precious baby. This world will soon be your baby’s playground, a place that he/she can grow into his/her own unique characteristic. But for now, the child is starting experience the world through us, therefore, we need to prepare all of the best things to welcome them. Therefore, I would like to share my experience with yoga during my pregnancy which can help any moms stay fit as well as deliver healthy and happy babies. What Yoga Can Help Women in Pregnancy For me, pregnancy and bringing a child into the world is regarded as the unique experience, but it is also a time of immense change of excitement, joy, anticipation, nervousness as well as other fluctuating emotions. As a consequence, practicing yoga is extremely beneficial for pregnant women for many reasons that I will show you now. Nevertheless, you still need to consult with your doctor before taking it up so as to make sure that you will not suffer from any pregnancy-related complications. When I was pregnant for the first time a few years ago, many people advised that I should enhance strength for my lower and upper body in order to endure the additional weight as well as adapt to such adjustment in balance. Thus, I started coming to yoga and surprisingly, this routine deals with the actual birthing muscles which are utilized during the birth process including my lower back, pelvis muscles along with the hip. Furthermore, during my pregnancy, I had to put up with back pain as my tummy size increased dramatically. As a result, pain-busting moves in yoga did a great job in supporting my waist and then my lower back. Moreover, owing to the increase in my weight and the change in my body shape, I felt wobbly, so that some balancing exercises in yoga can help me to get familiar with my changing center of gravity. Going to the next point, I used to go through a depressed period when having my first baby and prenatal yoga can help me release endorphins in my system. Thanks to this incredible exercise, I can get into happy positive state of mind, avoid the morning sickness as well as keep me active the whole day. Therefore, do not hesitate anymore since you have to try this and you can totally achieve all of these great things like me. In addition, you and your baby are so intrinsically connected that when there is any toxicity in your body or any stress, all of them will go straight to the baby. Therefore, practicing yoga can help moms to live more purposely and efficiently. I used to have doubts in these benefits when first inviting to yoga, but now, I have to admit that it is exceptionally suitable for any pregnant woman. Before, I believed that sleeping is the the best way of rest but I have changed my mind after coming to a yoga class. You will be surprised to know that the relaxation pose that comes at the end of any yoga classes is useful for your rest. I am sure that many women do not believe at this moment, but you need to take my advice and see the magic in the end. Last but not least, I recommend that taking part in yoga classes is the cheapest method to meet moms who are going through the same process as you. After some classes, I have made a lot of good friends and until now, we still meet each other with our children at the weekends. We can share the difficulties as well as some tips to take better care of our precious children. Conclusion As you know, pregnancy is one of the most powerful and tough times in a woman’s life. Therefore, prenatal yoga really trains the woman’s mind and body to be able to give birth consciously. After reading this article, why don’t you join a yoga class right now and if you have any confusion, please feel free to contact me anytime. Emma Baster is the editor of Eruditemommy.com. She understands deeply about the difficulties of pregnant women and mothers. Therefore, she built this blog to share her knowledge about nutrition, taking care of children, mommies’ health. Better care for families is everything she wishes to convey in this blog. Follow Emma on Twitter @EruditeMommy

March 15, 2018
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group

The common myths & FAQ’s when talking about Teen Suicide

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is highlighting Teen Suicide Prevention Week (11-18 February) to help parents, teachers and loved ones with tips and information to talk about Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention to their teens. 1 in 4 South African teens have attempted suicide, talking to teens about depression and suicide can help prevent them from taking their life. Most people are too scared to talk about the topic, or if they do they don’t know what to say. “For many teenagers adolescence is a transition into a different stage of life of the beginning of living itself, however unfortunately for some it can also be the end of their life altogether. Teen suicides are real and rob many young people of a future and our society of a future. Let us speak about teen suicide today so that we may never have too again in the future.” Says Clinical Psychologist, Zamo Mbele. Remember that people who are thinking about suicide feel alone and isolated, and often feel like no one understands how they feel. Changes in life may be upsetting and they may want to escape a difficult problem or situation, or get relief from terrible stress. You may know if your friend or loved one is going through a tough time. Here are some common myths and facts about Teen Suicide: death in the family – can cause depression. If you are worried about someone you care about, encourage them to tell their parents, see a doctor, counsellor, or teacher – you can even go with them so you know they get there, and they know you are there to support them. The most important thing is that they speak to someone and get help. If you are worried about your teen or friend who may be depressed or suicidal, contact a counsellor at SADAG 0800 567 567 or 0800 12 13 14 or visit www.sadag.org . We can provide free telephonic counselling, info and referrals to resources throughout South Africa.

March 14, 2018
Kaboutjie

How to get your baby to drop during pregnancy

Baby dropping refers to a medical term called lightening. Lightening is one of the major signs that occurs when labor is approaching. According to the American Pregnancy Association, lightening suggests that the mother is about to go to labor. It commonly occurs several weeks or even few hours before you begin to experience labor. Baby dropping happens when the baby’s head lowers into your pelvis. The baby then becomes engaged between within the pubic bones. In some circumstances, your due date might be around the corner and lightening is yet to occur. According to health experts, this is a normal occurrence because some babies will only drop after labor has begun. However, there are some exercises you could do to encourage your baby to drop deeper into the pelvis. The exercises will also help you to prepare for labor and delivery. Tips on how to get your baby to drop Seek advice from a healthcare giver It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare provider before engaging in any activity that is meant to enhance baby dropping. The health expert will discuss with you the safest techniques to use. Daily walks You could also engage yourself in regular walks to help place your baby’s weight on the cervix. The baby’s weight will cause the cervix to dilate leading to contractions that will assist lower the baby to the pelvis area. Braxton-Hicks contractions that are experienced in the later stages of pregnancy help push the baby towards the pelvis area. Practice sitting with spread knees Spreading your knees while seated while leaning your body forward may help the belly to hang down. Sitting in this position will focus the baby’s weight on the cervix causing it to dilate. Avoid sitting with crossed legs as this could halt the lightening process. Sexual intercourse According to experts, sexual intercourse could dilate the cervix. Sexual intercourse could also aid the progress of labor. The male sperms produce results that are similar to prostaglandins. The presence of the prostaglandin hormones helps the thinning process of the cervix. Female orgasms during sexual intercourse may also trigger contractions of the uterine wall. However, individuals who have been prescribed a pelvic rest or those who have lost the mucus plug should not engage in sexual intercourse. Apply the evening primrose oil According to midwives, primrose oil could help ripen the cervix. You can insert one capsule of primrose oil before bed to prepare the cervix for labor. Primrose oil can be applied directly to the cervix. You can also take it through the oral route. Primrose oil should be used under a health-care giver’s supervision. Avoid any home labor induction technique until lightening Home remedies for inducing labor such as castor oil and spicy foods may cause stomach upset if they are taken too early during pregnancy. How to make your baby move using exercises and physical activities These exercises may encourage your baby to drop. They may also prepare your body for delivery. However, you should not attempt these exercises if the baby lies in breach position. A baby in breach position cannot get into a head down position. Walking Daily walks are the best exercise for pregnant women, especially in the later trimesters. Walking opens the hips and helps relax the pelvic muscles which may encourage a baby drop in the final weeks of pregnancy. According to health experts, walking is a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. You should start slowly and at a comfortable pace. Squatting Squatting exercises may help expand the pelvic opening. Through gravity, squats assist the baby descend into the pelvis area. Squatting strengthens the legs and opens the hips in readiness for labor. Individuals who have not been exercising throughout their pregnancy should use caution when performing squats during the third trimester. Squats can be performed against a wall for support and balance. You could also squat while seated on a birthing ball. Birthing ball Using a birthing ball in the last stages of pregnancy has a lot of advantages. A birthing ball will help lower the baby into the pelvis. It also helps relieve pressure while also increasing blood supply to the baby. The Arizona Doulas Organization and Birth Education Association encourage pregnant mothers to be sitting on a birthing ball on a regular basis during the last six weeks of their pregnancy. Besides supporting a baby drop, birthing balls help rotate the baby into the most favorable position for delivery. It also lowers the chances of experiencing a painful back labor. Pelvic tilts You should perform pelvic tilts throughout your pregnancy if possible. Pelvic tilts also known as pelvic rocking has been found to encourage a baby drop. Pelvic tilts help strengthen and stretch the core muscles that are involved in labor. It also helps relieve pain experienced in the lower back which is common during the second and third trimester. You can perform pelvic tilts by getting on your hands and knees. You should place your hands directly below your shoulders. Tilt your pelvis forward and relax the lower back. Bring back the pelvis to a neutral position then repeat the process for about three minutes. Signs you may notice when your baby drops before labor Easy breathing When a baby drop occurs, the baby physically drops into the pelvis. As a result, there will be less pressure exerted on your diaphragm. You will realize that you can exhale and inhale air in a much easier manner. You may feel a lot of pressure When a baby drop occurs, you will notice an increase in pressure around your pelvic region. There will be an increase in discharge When lightening occurs, the head of the baby will apply a lot of pressure against the cervix. As a result, the cervix will dilate and open to begin labor. The thinning of the cervix occurs by removing the mucus plug that was blocking the cervix opening. There will be an increase in discharge during the last weeks of your pregnancy due

March 14, 2018
Prima Baby

Fisher Price – The best possible start

Prima Baby is thrilled to announce we are now proud distributors of the world-famous baby products brand, Fisher Price. Known globally as one of the leading developmental toy companies from America, Fisher Price was established in 1930 and has grown from strength to strength, now including line of baby products that will give your child ‘the best possible start’.  Fisher Price has always been notorious for toys for older children until recently, and we are excited to be taking the first step into the world of ‘baby’ with them. From feeding products to gifting, décor, clothing and toys, the Fisher Price range is an exciting new development for South African moms, allowing access to products that are quality guaranteed for newborns to toddler, all not previously available in SA. The Fisher Price baby ranges will be available instore from April 2018 through Prima Baby.

March 14, 2018
Parenting Hub

Nifty home printer tips for moms

Whether you are a stay-at-home or working mom, being a mother is a full time job. Managing the family schedules, arranging extra-mural activities and overseeing homework all before dinner time can be stressful. Having a home printer can help take some of the stress out of a mom’s daily activities. Epson, leaders in home-printing technology, offers some helpful hints to make the most out of your printer at home. Take advantage of mobile connectivity In the case of last-minute school projects, where your child needs a few urgent images for a home-made poster of their favourite things, make use of your home printer’s mobile functionality to multi-task. Many printers nowadays offer printing directly from your smartphone with apps such as Apple AirPrint or Epson iPrint. This means that your child can easily search for and print the images they need, while you prepare for bath time. Print your picture-perfect memories  Being a mom is filled with precious moments that should be captured and remembered. Save yourself the hassle of trucking the kids to a photo lab by investing in a Wi-Fi-enabled home photo-printer that enables you to print your favourite memories directly from your tablet or smartphone. The ease of printing at home means that you can seamlessly update your images, add additional photos of family celebrations or even a new pet. Be your own Nigella Lawson  If your kitchen cupboard is bursting at the seams with saved editions of foodie magazines, create space and save the environment by scanning and storing your favourite recipes instead. Organise your menu by saving your recipes to a Dropbox folder, or better yet, a Pinterest board, for easy reference. Share your new found love for menu planning by downloading free printable templates to create your own homemade recipe book, and print personalised gifts for fellow moms and foodie friends. Encourage your kids to go old school With a host of digital games and services on offer, kids can easily spend hours in front of a screen. Encourage your children to tap into their imagination by helping them to create and print their own board games. Simply select and print a range of images that will be used for a personalised version of Monopoly or Snap, then cut, glue and stick it all together to make a custom board game that will keep them busy for hours – and give you some time to put your feet up. Save the game for family night and allow your kids to teach you their weird and wacky rules. Practical party planning  Planning a child’s birthday party doesn’t have to be a time-consuming and expensive process. Once you have selected your theme, use your home printer to create your own décor, signage and party packs. There are plenty of inspirational ideas online, and a short trip to the shops to buy coloured cardboard and a few sticky labels can save you hours of searching for the right décor. If the birthday boy or girl has older siblings, involve them in the process and make it a family effort.

March 13, 2018
Kaboutjie

5 Steps to getting baby into a routine

Getting your baby into routine can make all the difference to your life when you have a young baby. Being able to plan your days makes everything so much easier. Just remember that a newborn baby won’t follow a routine. A newborn will sleep for about 2 hours and wake up for feeds and a nappy change before going back to sleep. It is only when your baby starts having more awake time that you can start with a routine. Follow these steps to get your baby into a routine: 1. Night Routine Start with a basic night time routine by doing the same thing at the same time every evening. For example every night at 6h15pm play with baby, then bath him at 6h30pm and then swaddle him and breastfeed or give bottle before putting him down to sleep. 2. First Morning Nap Watch your baby during the day for a while and see when he starts getting tired every morning, it should be around the same time. Start putting your baby down at the same time every morning. This should be baby’s longest day nap. 3. Awake Time See how much awake time your baby should need at his age and keep him awake for approximately that amount of time watching for signs of tiredness. Do more stimulating activities (shopping trips, visiting friends, games etc) with baby when he first wakes up and quieter, more calming activities (a walk in the pram) for just before his next nap when he is tired. 4. Second & Third Day Naps Depending on baby’s age he may need up to 3 naps during the day. Follow the same procedures in steps 2 & 3 to find the best times for these naps. Baby’s 2nd nap should be shorter than his 1st and if he has a 3rd nap it could be as short as 20 minutes. 5. Once you have baby’s sleep routine times you can slot in activities and feeding times to suit. Try and plan trips around his nap times and activity times as baby will often fall asleep in the car and this can throw his routine out the window for the day! Be prepared that not every day will work out according to “plan”. Little things to remember: A new born will most likely not fit into a full routine no matter how hard you try! You can possibly start the night time routine from birth but just go with the flow for the rest until about 3 months of age. The first few months are usually just a whirlwind of 2 hour naps day and night, nappy changes, feedings, burpings… relax and things will sort itself out in time. All babies are different, use the information as a guideline and adjust as needed to suit yourself and your baby Remember babies needs change all the time so refer back as soon as baby’s routine goes haywire (which it will!), as baby gets older he will need more awake time and less naps and you will need to adjust your routine to suit his needs. Every time there is a routine change it is usually a rocky week or two! Is your baby in a routine?

March 13, 2018
Parenting Hub

Experts Weigh In on Pregnancy and Nutrition in SA

Good nutrition before and during pregnancy may influence the pregnancy, the delivery and the health of mother and child later on. What you eat now will help your baby to grow healthily and give them the best start in life and help you to feel your best. We asked registered dietitians and ADSA (Association for Dietetics in South Africa) spokespeople to provide their top tips for healthy eating during pregnancy. Does eating for two mean doubling up your portions? “Additional energy is needed during pregnancy to support the growth demands of your baby, however the saying ‘eating for two’ has been taken out of context,” says Cath Day, Registered Dietitian. “During the first trimester, you don’t need any additional energy. This means that if you were maintaining a healthy weight before you became pregnant, you can continue eating the same amount.  It is only in your second and third trimester that you need to eat a little more.” But, how much more? The professional advice from a dietitian is that an expectant mom who is at a healthy weight should take in an extra 350 kCal / 1470 kJ per day in her second trimester.  This would be the equivalent to eating an extra half a cup of fruit or one tennis ball-sized fruit, a 175 ml of plain low fat yoghurt, two wholewheat crackers, two teaspoons peanut butter without added sugar and salt, and a 30 gram portion of a medium fat cheese. In the third trimester, the recommended additional intake rises to just 460 kCal / 1930 kJ per day, and that would be equivalent to eating an extra one cup of fruit or two tennis ball-sized fruits, 175 ml plain low fat yoghurt, four wholewheat crackers with the same two teaspoons peanut butter without added sugar and salt, and a 30 gram portion of a medium fat cheese. What should you do if you are overweight and pregnant? Overweight and obesity can present health challenges during pregnancy, so health professionals do advise that women should get to a healthy weight before they fall pregnant.  However, in South Africa where women’s rates of overweight and obesity are high, less than ideal conditions for pregnancy need to be managed. “Pregnancy is not the time to think about dieting and weight loss,” says ADSA spokesperson and Registered Dietitian, Nazeeia Sayed, “An overweight pregnant woman should focus on the healthy eating of a variety of nutritious foods, and her weight gain needs to be monitored at her ante-natal check-ups.  She should also focus on light exercise such as walking.” Day also points out that: “Overweight and obese pregnant women would benefit from seeing a registered dietitian who can assist them with an eating plan which will support baby’s growth and ensure that they gain weight within healthy parameters.” How can you eat healthily on a budget?  Day has some sensible tips: Eat fruits and vegetables which are in season and more affordable Get your family members and neighbours to shop with you for bulk fruits and vegetables that are more cost-effective Start a vegetable garden using water-saving ideas at home or in your community. NGOs such as Soil for Life and many more help households and communities to sustainably increase their access to fruits and vegetables Spend less money on fizzy cold drinks, junk food and take-aways, and use what you save to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables instead You can save money by reducing your meat intake by half and instead use beans, split peas and lentils to bulk up your favourite meat dishes. These legumes are a more affordable, healthy vegetable protein source that also include the B-vitamins and folic acid Buy frozen vegetables when they are on promotion – they contain as much or even more nutrients than vegetables which have been on the shelf for an extended period of time What can pregnant women who can’t afford supplements eat to get the micro-nutrients important to pregnancy? Pregnant women and those planning on falling pregnant should take a supplement of iron and folic acid, as these are essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Sayed points out that it is important for all pregnant women to know that they have access to the State ante-natal services because supplements such as folic acid, iron and calcium are included in their free healthcare. Day also adds that there are many affordable food sources that provide these nutrients that are vital to a baby’s healthy development.  “For instance,” she says “Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, morogo and legumes such as beans, split peas and lentils are good sources of folic acid and iron.  You can also find staples such as maize meal and brown bread that are fortified with folic acid and iron.  Amasi and milk provide calcium. Tinned sardines and pilchards provide calcium and iron, and chicken livers are another good source of iron.” How can you use your pregnancy to develop healthier habits? Pregnancy is a time when your health and the health of your developing baby is an absolute priority.   Day says that it is not only what you consume but also what you do not consume that counts.  “Don’t drink alcohol when you are pregnant. All forms of alcohol could be harmful to your baby and the safest choice for your unborn baby is not to drink any alcohol at all when you are pregnant.” Sayed concludes: “Pregnancy is not a state of ill health but a time to be enjoyed, and it can help you to develop life-long healthy eating patterns that you sustain as you become a role model for the new addition to your family!”

March 12, 2018
Parenting Hub

Cape Town Schools Participate in Educational Projects with the International Space Station

For the first time in South Africa, and on the African continent, two Cape Town High Schools are set to participate in a global, Space-connected science project when NASA’s SpaceX launches Dragon CRS-14 aboard Falcon 9 from the USA on the 2nd of April 2018.  The destination is the International Space Station (ISS), and on board is the project, called ExoLab which will engage with learners and teachers at Claremont High School and the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. “I am thrilled with this project that will take us way beyond the classroom, literally into Space,” said Murray Gibbon, Principal of Claremont High School.  “It is the kind of project that takes learning to a higher level with exciting and inspiring engagement with real Science in the real world.” ExoLab is an experimental platform that connects scientists working at the ISS in real-time with classrooms around the world in a collaborative investigation of the microgravity on living things. The ExoLab project is made available in the country by I-Innovate as part of its mission to facilitate cutting-edge STEM programmes, and to bring 21st century learning experiences into South African classrooms.  The participation of Claremont High School and the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology in this particular ExoLab project is made possible by a sponsorship from Tata Consultancy Services.  These schools, serving many learners from disadvantaged Cape communities, will join others in more than 90 classrooms around the world that will be connected to the ExoLab in the ISS after the April launch. “I-Innovate believes in inspiring potential in young learners and preparing them for future challenges and adventures in the real world,” says I-Innovate CEO, Trisha Crookes. “The cutting-edge ExoLab programme gives South African teachers and students first-hand, real-time access to global scientists, engineers and astronauts. It connects students’ learning in the classroom directly to current endeavours in Space; igniting the possibilities for their future and making learning personally meaningful and exciting to them through these unique, hands-on experiences.  ExoLab is the kind of extraordinary educational experience that can inspire a passion for learning in a young person that will last them a lifetime.” At the centre of the plant biology investigation that spans from Earth to space is Arabidopsis thaliana, commonly known as thale cress.  This is a small flowering plant native to Africa and Eurasia that is often the organism of choice for a variety of plant science studies.  Its genome has been fully mapped. Greg van Schalkwyk, Principal at The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology noted that: “This project with ExoLab makes the curriculum more relevant for our kids.  They are living in a world of Apps, Virtual Intelligence and Robotics.  This is an opportunity for our educators to collaborate with ExoLab and stimulate our kids through real-life exposure that can prepare them for future jobs.” To facilitate their participation in the project, Claremont High and Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology schools will each receive fully-equipped Earth-based growth chambers and the resources they need to replicate the experiment taking place on ISS.  Over six to eight weeks, they will use their specialised classroom growth chamber to grow Arabidopsis thaliana, and track its development in comparison to the same species of plant grown aboard the ISS ExoLab through a camera-linked, live-stream, online learning platform.  A detailed curriculum providing hands-on classroom activities guides teachers and learners through this stimulating learning process. Learners, who will be ground-breaking African participants in the initiative, reacted with enthusiasm at the announcement of their inclusion in this extraordinary project: Jade Segers, a Grade 9 learner at The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology said: “I am very excited about the ExoLab project because it is so interesting.  It’s really cool that we can connect with people in Space!” Viwe Mbava, A Grade 12 learner at Claremont High School said: “I am very excited to be part of ExoLab because it is very different and ground-breaking.  I want to understand the Universe better by seeing how this plant adapts.”

March 12, 2018
Kaboutjie

Fetal development from 1 week to 40 weeks

The development of your baby inside the womb is absolutely incredible. Here’s what happens during fetal development from week 1 to 40 weeks inside the mother’s womb.

March 12, 2018
AmnioPad

What is PROM and is it a Cause for Concern in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful miracles of nature, to have a human being formed inside us. This is a time filled with excitement and joy, but can also be overwhelming as we are expected to know everything there is to know about pregnancy, what is normal and what is not, what is cause for concern versus what is not and overall what to expect. This article is meant to give more information about PROM (Prelabor rupture of membranes); how common it is, what some of the associated risks are, and what we need to do in case we suspect PROM. How common is PROM? PROM (prelabor rupture of membranes) is very common in pregnancy, in fact, it is estimated that between 20%-30% of pregnancies are affected by PROM, but frequencies of up to 40% have been reported 1.  PROM occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid starts to leak. What is this Amniotic fluid (water)? Amniotic fluid plays a very important role in supporting the fetus during pregnancy. The mother’s body produces amniotic fluid as soon as 2 weeks after conception. The most important role of the amniotic fluid is to protect the baby against physical shocks from outside. It also helps the fetus to move around in the womb, consequently, allowing the fetus to develop his muscles. Maintaining a constant temperature – The amniotic fluid is typically 1 degree Celsius higher than the mother’s body temperature. This helps the fetus to maintain his body temperature. At full gestational age, SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes) occurs, which usually occurs after labor pains commence and is a normal part of the labor process. However, sometimes PROM occurs, and this could lead to complications. Complications associated with PROM: PROM is defined as the rupture of membranes (amniotic sac) and leakage of amniotic fluid before labor begins. This can happen after 37 weeks of gestation. If the rupture of membranes happens prior to 37 weeks of gestation, the condition is termed PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes)2. It is important to be able to identify PROM as sometimes it is a gush of water that comes out which is obvious, and sometimes it is a gradual continuous leakage which is not very obvious, and can thus be mistaken for urine. Diagnosing PROM is very important for proper management of the pregnancy and delayed diagnosis could lead to complications for both mother and baby.  The two direct and most important complications of PROM are: Chorioamnionitis, which is an acute inflammation of the membranes & chorion of placenta, from ascending polymicrobial bacterial infection due to ruptured membranes and Preterm delivery (PTD)1 These complications could lead to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), foetal distress, neonatal sepsis, congenital infections like pneumonia and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and increased neonatal deaths1. According to an article in the South African Medical Journal, deaths due to prematurity had patient associated avoidable factors in 30% of the cases. The top 5 factors were: Inappropriate response to rupture of membranes. Delay in seeking medical attention during labor. Non-initiation of antenatal care. Booking late in pregnancy. Infrequent visits to antenatal clinics3 Diagnosis of PROM is important and facilitates the commencement of appropriate therapy and could lead to reduction in complications. PROM often occurs when the pregnant woman is not in a healthcare environment. For this reason, it becomes very important to identify and know when it is PROM, in order to seek medical care and thus reduce the associated risks. When the rupture of membranes occurs or the water breaks, there is usually a gush of fluid that comes out; this is the obvious sign of PROM. The challenge becomes when this classic gush of fluid doesn’t occur, and only a gradual continual leak occurs; in this case how do you know if it is amniotic fluid or just a urine leak which is common in pregnancy? The AMNIOPADTM is a self test kit used to test for leakage of amniotic fluid (water breaking) during pregnancy. The test comes in the form of a panty liner; it’s highly effective, easy to use, results are easy to interpret, and is the only test available in South Africa that can be used at home. This easy-to-use home test kit allows you to detect probable leakage of amniotic fluid whenever you encounter unidentified wetness, or among women with a history of premature membrane rupture. AMNIOPADTM panty liner changes colour when it comes into contact with fluid of pH levels greater than or equal to 6.5. Amniotic fluid pH levels are greater than 6.5.   How to use: Simply attach the special AMNIOPADTM panty liner to your underwear and get on with your day. When you feel a fluid leak, check for a colour change on the yellow background. The pad colour change can be partial or complete (any intensity, shape, size or location). Note: a colour change appears within 10 minutes following a fluid leak. If there is a colour change to blue or green, amniotic fluid may be leaking from your uterus, or you may have a vaginal infection. You should consult your physician or go to the hospital without delay. If the panty liner remains yellow or turns yellow after 10 minutes, the fluid leak is probably urine, which is common during pregnancy. If you continue to experience vaginal wetness, apply a new panty liner and repeat the test. Any minimal amount of amniotic fluid leakage which can be sensed as wetness by the user will create a visible blue or green stain. For further diagnosis and medical care, report the results to your physician. AMNIOPADTM panty liners are recommended for screening either high-risk or normal pregnancies. Leaking amniotic fluid increases the risk of infection to both mother and foetus and early detection can help to: Prevent complications or premature birth. Identify a possible membrane rupture, especially after amniocentesis. Confirm that your water has broken so that you arrive at the hospital in time for a safe delivery. READING YOUR

March 12, 2018
Parenting Hub

Parents urged to limit screen time to boost kids’ development

Technology has completely revolutionised the world. It affects just about everything we do, from paying accounts, to research and calling a taxi, right down to how we raise our children. The latter is especially important, and according to Toy Kingdom’s creative parenting expert, Nikki Bush overusing technology could be “risky” for a child’s development. She says children lose their sense of initiative and creativity when exposed to tech devices for long periods in the day and therefore encourage parents to think carefully before handing children a handheld device “just because”. “Yes, technology is part of the fabric of our lives. But we need to curb the use of tech devices in a child’s routine and find that middle ground when it comes to on-screen time. This is crucial for a child’s developmental needs,” Bush says. Bush says though some parents feel that on-screen activities act as both a babysitter and entertainer during their often-busy schedules, it could be quite detrimental. In fact, she says too much time spent watching movies on the laptop, or playing video games on the tablet stunts a child’s social skills and ability to interact with friends, family members and even their teachers. And since screen time can also be quite addictive because they stimulate the secretion of chemicals from the pleasure centre of the brain, parents are advised to limit it where applicable. “Children are increasingly viewing the world from a screen, but for personal development they need to engage with real people on real things and not just the virtual world as seen on screen. Moderation between on-screen and off-screen is so important,” she says. In this article Bush shares a few tips with parents on how not to use a tech device: The babysitter: Bush says using a tech device as a babysitter for children is a big no-no. She says children enjoy interaction with their parents, and when mom and dad are not around, an emotional void that a screen cannot fill occurs. “A laptop or cell phone is no substitute for mom and dad, children need yes or no answers and they need engagement. When side-lined by a device they don’t get the answers they need and that’s problematic for them,” she says. The disciplinarian: Developing self-regulation and self-discipline are two of life’s fundamentals, and Bush encourages parents to avoid using a handheld device or computer as an emotional crutch. “We should not be using a cell phone as the draw card to get our children to sleep, or even to eat. Often parents indicate that children can’t do anything without the device and as parents, we need to work on changing that,” Bush adds. The experience thief: Technology robs children from real life experiences essential for their development. According to Bush, children learn best through concrete learning experiences with real people and real toys in real time. “These experiences give our children those multisensory experiences of the world, and while technology has so much to offer, we need to ensure that the foundation necessary for their development is set first,” Bush says.

March 9, 2018
Kaboutjie

11 Common teething symptoms

Are you struggling with your baby?  Check these common teething symptoms to see if teething is responsible: Drooling Swollen Gums Chewing on anything and everything (including hands) Loss of Appetite High Temperature (although some professionals say this is not due to teething) Runny Stools (although some professionals say this is not due to teething) Runny nose (although some professionals say this is not due to teething) Diaper Rash (caused by runny stools) Irritability & fussiness Sleep Problems Sore ears (rubbing and pulling at ears)

March 9, 2018
Kaboutjie

8 Ways to predict the gender of your baby

You’re Pregnant! Congratulations If you’re as anxious as I was to find out the gender of your unborn baby you might find yourself searching everything and anything online regarding gender predictions.  Its funny how much you learn on this crazy topic when prior to being pregnant I didn’t know they existed! Below are the most talked about and widely tried and tested theories, although they are fun techniques some are actually proven and may encourage that gut feeling you have! Gender Prediction with Nub Theory Nub theory is also referred to the “angle of dangle”. Before 15 weeks of gestation, both sexes have genital tubercles. It is possible to determine the gender of the unborn baby between 12-14 weeks of gestation by careful analysis of the shape and angle of the nub. The ultrasound scan must be viewed in the profile mode, to enable viewing of the spine and the relationship of the nub to the spine. Gender Prediction with Ramzi Method / Ramzi Theory According to original research conducted by Dr. Saad Ramzi Ismaal which involved over 5,000 fetal ultrasound scans, fetus gender can be accurately determined as early as six weeks gestation based on the position of the placenta. It was found that 97.2% of the male fetuses had their placenta attached to the right side of the mother’s uterus while 97.5% of female fetuses were positioned to the left side of the uterus. Gender Prediction with the Skull Theory The Skull Theory is another excellent way to predict gender by you at home before any gender scans which are usually around the 15 weeks stage. Many mums-to-be claim it has a 92% accuracy rating, however no study has been found to back this up.  The theory is male and female skull shapes can be visible on a baby scan.  Genderprediction.co.uk/the-skull-theory have a good image to support this theory along with the visible differences, such as the male skull forehead slopes further back than the female skull, another difference is the male skull looks more block like rather than tapered and round at the top. Gender Prediction and the mothers Blood Pressure A recent study has found this theory to be pretty accurate; the study found that a woman’s blood pressure before conceiving is directly linked to the likelihood of giving birth to either a girl or a boy. Doctors found that would be mothers with lower blood pressure found to conceive a girl and those with higher blood pressure had a higher rate of expecting a boy. Those who had a baby girl average systolic blood pressure of 103.3mmHg before they conceived, while those who carried boys the figure was 106, 2.6% higher. Gender Prediction with the Chinese Calendar Chart One of the most popular gender predictors on the Internet is the The Chinese Calendar Chart is approx. 700 years old and if used correctly has an accuracy rating of over 90%. The gender of the baby is predicted based on the month of conception and the mother’s birthday as expressed in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. 90% seems like a big statement but many mothers to be who have tried this theory swear by the accuracy. Gender Prediction with the Cabbage Test The Cabbage Test has an accuracy of at least 55%, and most accurate prior to 10 weeks pregnant. When there can only be two outcomes it seems crazy that this test is even used! That being said you only need to Google this test to see many who try it to this day.  Basically the mothers pH found in her urine either clashes or does nothing with the cabbage water (chop red cabbage and place in 450ml of boiling water, 10 minutes of simmering then pour an equal amount of the cabbage water into a glass and then add the same amount of urine), if the colour goes red /pink then this indicates a boy is on his way, and purple indicates a girl.  Worth noting, that the morning urine is the most strongest to be used for this fun test. Gender Prediction with Baking Powder Test This is another wacky test that can be found on most old wives tales baby sites. The test itself is simple enough. Basically scoop a tablespoon or two of baking soda/powder into a glass, and then pour in your urine. The combination should do one of two things, if the combination fizzes like a fizzy drink that has been shook up this suggests you are having a boy. The other combination is no reaction at all from the mix this will indicate a girl. The science behind this suggests the gender of the baby affects the mother’s hormones within the body and changes the acid content within the urine. Gender Prediction with an Ultrasound Scan Arguably the most accurate way to determine the gender of your unborn baby is with the use of the scan.  Although gender scans can be done as early as 15 weeks many expectant mothers usually wait until their 20-week scan.  The accuracy rating is much higher nearer to the 20 weeks hence many waiting until then.  For the mothers who cant wait Gender Prediction allow you to upload your baby scan from 6-14 weeks gestation and will use either of the Nub, Ramzi or Skull theory to help determine your baby’s gender.

March 8, 2018
Dr Tamara Jaye

Oral Allergy Syndrome – are allergies leaving a bad taste in your mouth?

Does your teenager suffer from hay fever?   Does he complain that certain fruits or nuts make his whole mouth feel itchy, his tongue swollen or his throat scratchy? Does this  mouth discomfort only last for a few minutes and then resolve on its own, often not requiring treatment? Is this reaction confined to his mouth without any associated chest problems such as wheezing, or a skin rash, or diarrhoea and vomiting? Then perhaps your teenager suffers from a condition called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) OAS, commonly known as Pollen-Food Syndrome, is an allergic condition that occurs generally in older children, teenagers or adults.  OAS sufferers have hay fever, experiencing a runny nose and itchy watery eyes when exposed to certain pollens. The body sees the allergen -the pollen –  as harmful and mounts a heightened, inappropriate response resulting in this picture of nasal congestion. People with OAS  complain that certain fruits and nuts cause them discomfort in their mouths such as itchiness of their tongues or a scratchy sensation in their throats. The allergy is due to local contact with the offending fruit or nut resulting in only the mouth being affected. These two seemingly unrelated symptoms, the hay fever from pollen, and the mouth itchiness from fruit, are linked due to the fact that fruits, nuts and pollens share similar proteins which cause allergic reactions. This means that a person with a rye grass allergy may experience a tingling palate when eating watermelon. Or someone allergic to birch pollen may complain that apples and pears give him a scratchy throat. It therefore makes sense that OAS is generally more prominent during pollen season. How can a diagnosis of OAS be made? A careful history should be taken showing the typical symptoms – the hay fever as well as the mouth itch following eating certain fruits. The offending fruit or nut can be given in the rooms under supervision – an oral food challenge – to observe the symptoms. Skin prick tests to pollens can be done. This means that drops of diluted allergens are placed on the arm and then pricked with a lancet to see if there is a reaction. A positive result causes a mosquito-bite type of lesion within a few minutes. In OAS these will most likely show a positive result to certain pollens. Skin prick tests using fresh fruit can also be done and may cause a reaction too. OAS symptoms may improve if certain fruits are cooked. Interestingly, cooked food doesn’t cause a reaction as the heating process distorts the protein and the body doesn’t recognize it as an allergen. Peeling fruits may reduce the allergen content of the fruit too.  For local mouth reactions, an anti histamine will help as well as rinsing with water after eating. Treatment of the allergic rhinitis definitely reduces symptoms in OAS. This includes taking an anti histamine and a steroid nose spray prescribed by your doctor. Long term treatment for allergic rhinitis may include immunotherapy. This is treatment in the form of drops that are put under the tongue daily for up to 3 years. This results in the immune system actually changing so it no longer see the specific pollen as harmful, and essentially eradicates the allergy. If you would like to take away the itch from your litchi-eating experience, then consult your allergy doctor!

March 8, 2018
Parenting Hub

WHY DOES MY CHILD NOT HAVE FRIENDS?

We all have a need to love and be loved. Our lives feel happier and more fulfilled when we enjoy positive human relationships. Having friends who we can laugh and cry with, be serious or a little crazy with, and with whom we can feel completely comfortable is one of the most fundamentally important needs of the human race.  This is why it feels so heart-breaking when we discover that our children may be struggling to make friends at school. Cindy Glass, Co-founder and Director of after-school remediation franchise, Step Up Education Centre  says “There are a number of reasons why a child may struggle to form positive friendships – negative behavioural choices, low self-esteem, personality differences, differing belief systems and unintentionally negative body language or tone of voice. Escapism from social interactions through over-use of technology also plays a big role in this!” “We need to note that all behavioural choices are based on how we feel about ourselves as a person and the inevitable fears that dominate these beliefs.   Creating meaningful personal relationships is rooted in positive self-belief. Negative, self-defeating thoughts and behaviours often repel friendships and, unfortunately, this re-enforces the feelings of unworthiness and low self-value that created the negative behaviours in the first place” Cindy goes on to say. If your child is struggling to form friendships, you may want to consider the following helpful tips: 1. Ensure that you keep the lines of non-judgemental communication open.  Chat about what happens at school, openly and honestly.  Emotional intelligence skills of self-awareness and self-regulation are key here! Make sure that you do not re-enforce your child’s belief that he/she is less! Focus on their strengths and what others will like about them. They may, indeed, be a little different, but never less! 2. Chat to your child’s teacher with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s behaviours at school. 3. Friendships cannot be forced.  It takes positive mind-set and behavioural changes in your child if changes are to be enjoyed at school. Teach your child to focus on his/her choices and not on the choices of others. It takes patience and time but you will be amazed at the results! 4. People enjoy the company of positive happy individuals. Teach your child the joys of uplifting others.  This will change the energy that your child gives off and other children will start looking to your child for a friendship that feels good to be in. 5. Emotional intelligence’s empathy and social skills will play a vital role in changing the way your child perceives himself/herself to be. Invest in these courses! “Finally, remember that children copy your actions, not your words! Set the example of how to treat others in positive, uplifting ways. Teach your children to own who they are-mistakes and all- and to value others because they value themselves first!” Cindy concludes.

March 7, 2018
Parenting Hub

Toddlers tandrums to cheekiness & manipulation

My now 3 year old has moved on from the Toddler Tantrum phase and has started working on her next goals: how to manipulate mommy into getting what she wants and being cheeky. I am now starting to (sort of) enjoy these new phases and her development. Her latest ploy in manipulation goes like this: C: Mommy I love you! (with the sweetest smile) Me: I love you too C: Mommy you are my good friend (another angelic smile) Me: Thank you C: Mommy can I have a lollipop Me: No C: You are NOT my friend (screamed at me angrily with an accusing finger in my face) Me: That’s right, I am your mom, not your friend C: Papa… you are my good friend. Can I have a lollipop? Papa: No C: You are NOT my friend (screamed at Papa angrily with an accusing finger in his face) I can see clearly how she is trying to work things in her favour and I am sure at some stage she will work out how to be a little more subtle. She is also working out how to play mommy and papa against each other too. Now that I am not such a new mommy anymore I am able to be more calm and detached in these situations and handle them better which I can see has a better impact on her behaviour. One of her favourite things to say right now is “I don’t want to” or “I don’t feel like it” when I ask her to do something. I have found a great remedy for this which seems to be working with great effect. When she responds like that I just say ok and carry on. I wait until she asks me for something like going for a walk and I tell her that I don’t feel like it so we are not going. I explain to her that sometimes we don’t feel like doing something but because we love each other and we are family we can do it anyway. But if she doesn’t feel like picking up her toys I won’t take her for a walk if I don’t feel like it. She seems to be catching on nicely now. She still has her cheeky responses but she does do what I ask of her so I ignore the cheekiness like I ignored her tantrums. Strangely enough my 1 year old has started making those rasping, spitting noises at me every time I tell him no, it is like he is pulling his tongue out at me and being cheeky too! He can only say Mama, Eina and Daar but his non-verbal skills are definitely on the go! What stage is your child at and how do you manage?

March 7, 2018
Kaboutjie

7 Ways to keep your children off drugs

Children are the most vulnerable during their growing years and will always have their curiosity spiked by anything new. The same applies to the usual attractions of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. Keeping them away from drugs is really important as this is a decision which can change the course of their whole life. The warnings have to be given to children in such a way that they really understand the repercussions of drug usage. Here are some parenting tips when it comes to keeping your children away from the danger of drug abuse for their own betterment. Be the Perfect Role Model Hypocrisy rarely works in such a situation. Advising your children while doing drugs yourself is never going to achieve the required objective. Children usually observe a lot and the same applies to the habits of their parents, whom they may see as their role models. This makes it really important to maintain a clean image and stay clean at least for the sake of your children. Only then will they be fully convinced by your words and stay away from drugs. Do the Talk It is important to sit down and talk about the effects of drug usage to your children. Assuming that your child will not be affected by drugs and feeling that there would have been enough information regarding the issue from schools is not very realistic. Give them all that they need to know about drug usage to make sure that the dangers are understood clearly. Make it as simple as required for them to fully grasp the consequences of any actions that they take. Use the Friendly Gesture When exposing children to such a sensitive issue, it should be done in a realistic way. Giving them a clear picture in the friendliest way should be done, rather than using harsh and threatening tones. The way the message was delivered will also highly impact how children react to any unsupervised situation. Showing that you have placed utmost trust on them can alter how they resist any peer pressure or temptations. Point Out Real-Life Examples There are many people who have become slaves to drugs and will do anything to get their next fix. Pointing out the deep slip that their life has taken works more effectively than all the lectures that you have planned on the subject of drug education. Children today, believe what they see. The same applies to this situation too. By showing them actual people whose lives have been drastically affected by drug usage, you can make sure that you have instilled the right fear in their minds of being exposed to drugs. Keep an Eye on Their Gang Peer pressutre seems to be one of the most common reasons for children to try drugs. This makes it important for parents to keep an eye on the people that their children hang out with. Getting to know their best friends, the people they party with and the things that they usually do with their friends is not only a way to bond better but also a precaution to make sure that they stay safe. Spend More Time Together As time passes, the distance can increase between you and your children. This is quite natural as they seem to develop their own interests and friends. However, it is important for you to keep them close by making sure that they can come to you for any matter. Encourage them to get a hobby which will keep them engaged and maybe opt for something which can be done together. This will help them be distracted from other unwanted distractions and also help you keep your relationship strong. Provide A Stress-Free Environment During this age, children are exposed to a lot of changes and are quite confused about themselves and their surroundings. If a violent or disturbed situation prevails in their environment persistently, children may look for other ways to manage the mental breakdown that they are being exposed to. This is why parents should try keeping the home a place where their children can be happy, in spite of any issues that they may be facing. Children are incapable of fully understanding the consequences of the actions that they may try out. It is the parents’ duty to ensure proper education on the subject for their kids to be safe out of harm’s way.

March 7, 2018
Parenting Hub

Weight isn’t the only thing you’ll be shedding after having a baby

Everything FINALLY seems to be settling down a few months after welcoming your new baby – she is in (somewhat of) a routine, her sleeping patterns are getting better and you have even managed to get more done this week. Just when things are coming together your hair starts to fall out! The average person loses around 100 hairs a day to make way for the newer hairs to come through. Most of the hair on your head is still growing, while around 10% is in a resting phase and will soon fall out.  When you are pregnant this natural hair shedding ceases to happen, which is why an expectant mother is able to proudly display her shiny locks “Many new mothers aren’t aware of the amount of hair shedding that can take place after having a baby, and it can come as quite a nasty shock when they see how much of their hair is left behind in the shower. This noticeable hair shedding is caused by dropping estrogen levels and a lot more follicles entering their resting stages” says Nomfundo Majozi, Vigro® brand manager. To start the process of getting your hair back to its original glory the active ingredients in Vigro® can help reduce non-genetic hair thinning. These active ingredients can assist the scalp with non-genetic hair thinning by cleaning and opening the hair shaft preparing the scalp for penetration of the actives, as well as assisting hair follicles to reduce hair thinning through the active ingredient Follicusan™ (topical products). ** The Vigro® 3-Step System also provides a combination of vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair growth. Consult your doctor before using Vigro® capsules during pregnancy or breastfeeding. * *Efficacy of support may vary between users. Consult a medical practitioner for a diagnosis or if symptoms persist. Use as indicated. Vigro®3-Step System is not indicated for genetic hair loss.

March 6, 2018
Kaboutjie

6 Tips on how to potty train your autistic child

Parenting children with autism can be very difficult because it involves dealing with many problems that wouldn’t generally come up if you had a normally developing child. One of such problems can be toilet training which can take some autistic kids longer than their siblings or friends to learn how to use the lavatory. Many parents of children with Autism become frustrated when trying to teach their toddlers to use the toilet. In general practice, the autistic child just sits in the toilet and does nothing. Diapers often get bulky and really irritating to change; and of course a child has to be potty trained in order to be able to go to school. Fortunately, there are many research studies that reveal numerous strategies that can be handy in potty training an autistic child. Remove Your Child’s Fear Around Toilet When training your child to use the toilet, it is important that you break everything in small parts. Many autistic children have lots of fear around a lavatory.This could be because they feel they might fall in the commode or it’s very loud. Therefore, it is very important to remove this fear. Give your child the understanding of what a toilet is used for, introduce its different parts in a comparatively low-pressure environment. Don’t Force Your Child When you buy a potty chair and pull-up, you want your child to start using it right away. However, this cannot be the case even with a typically developing kid. If your autistic child doesn’t feel like doing it, let it go. Give them a break and try again after one week or so. Once your child is willing to do it, you shouldn’t make them sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes as it will cause them to get tired and lose their interest to learn using the toilet. Encourage Your Child with Physical Rewards Find some rewards that your child may like the most such as their favorite cookies, food or toy. Pick anything that is small and can be kept in the bathroom in order to be accessible easily. Use these rewards to encourage your child to do their job successfully. Patience Is The Key While working on how to potty train an autistic child can be irritating, you need to have patience in order to get success. You will need to stay in the washroom for some while every time you take your autistic child there. It’s a good idea to praise your child if they are willing to stay in the washroom and sit on the commode even if they aren’t doing anything but sitting. Acknowledge Each Step Accomplished Successfully If your child accidently does something in the toilet, it’s the best time to show them where the waste is supposed to end up. After they get the idea, let them flush the toilet and use water to clean. Remember, every step accomplished gradually gets your child closer to the finish line which should be praised even if it is not accomplished in order. Train With A Routine Children with Autism tend to make a routine and stick to it for whatever tasks they do. This can help you teach your autistic child how to use the toilet. Keep a record of time and duration your toddler gets wet and take them to the toilet at those times.You can get them used to a regular routine; for example, take them to the washroom every 30 minutes. Parenting a child with Autism can feel like learning to walk upside down and backwards. Perhaps, you have been perplexed by your little one and wondered how to communicate with them well enough to help them use the toilet. Figure out what motivates your autistic child and how they learn the best and then incorporate both aspects in your approach.

March 6, 2018
Kaboutjie

3 Signs your baby is going through a growth spurt

Here are the Signs your Baby is going through a Growth Spurt: Your baby wants to eat nonstop Your baby will be up more often at night and have short day naps, but have sleep more in total Your baby will be crankier than usual Click here for an explanation of a growth spurt. Click here to read the common ages baby goes through a growth spurt in the first year.

March 6, 2018
Kaboutjie

Warning signs of child abuse that you need to watch out for

Having a child is one of the gifts of life that a lot of people hope to get; after all, a child can always make our day. Unfortunately, not all lives of children are perfect, and some of them fall victim to abuse. Sometimes, we encounter children every day and not know that they’re already showing signs of child abuse. If we want to help protect children and avoid cases of child abuse, we should be more aware of the signs of child abuse to watch out for, especially if you encounter children every day. Do remember however that the tips below aren’t the only signs of child abuse you should be aware of, and if you’re extremely concerned about the status of some children in your area, you may want to consult a lawyer, a police officer, or even a psychiatrist about the telling signs of child abuse you should be aware of and what course of action you should take in order to make sure children in your area are protected from child abuse. Physical Signs of Child Abuse If there are any noticeable signs of child abuse you shouldn’t ignore, it’s the physical signs on a child’s body. These are warning signs that should immediately give you a heads up that there’s something wrong with a child. Try to be on the lookout for these telling signs. A child might be abused if they have bruising, burns, or welts that can’t be explained. This is particularly if these injuries are found on the mouth, lips, or face. Check to see if there are bruising patterns that are in the shape of things you find at home that may have been used to hit them, such as wire hangers, bite marks, hairbrushes, belts, and hands. Clustered burns, welts, and bruises may indicate some form of repetitive contact with an instrument or hand. If there are places on a child’s body where they don’t normally get hurt such as the thighs, back, neck, and buttocks, then you might be looking at a victim of child abuse. Take note of abrasions and lacerations, or tears in gum tissues, lips, and eyes as these indicate injuries on the face or even force-feeding. Try to take note if a child has blood in the underwear, complaints of pain in the genitalia, or trouble walking and sitting. If a child appears to exhibit poor hygiene, poor growth in both weight and height, or the lack of appropriate dental, medical, or psychological attention, then these might also be indications of abuse. Emotional Signs of Child Abuse Unfortunately, sometimes the signs of child abuse can also manifest emotionally. Children who exhibit withdrawal, appear fearful, or even show some form of extreme behavior might be abused and don’t have an outlet to share their pain. Children that have sudden changes of behavior such as anger, hyperactivity, aggression, and hostility might indicate some sudden change in the household as well, or a sign of a traumatic experience. If children begin to exhibit changes in school performance or a reluctance to go to school or even a reluctance to go home, then perhaps there might be something wrong at home that needs looking into. A child who shows defiant and rebellious behavior such as attempts to runaway may be experiencing child abuse. This is much more so if there are visible attempts at self harm or even suicide. If a child has a loss of self-esteem or self-confidence and even withdrawal from socializing with others, or perhaps the opposite, where a child always seeks affection from others, then these might be indications of something wrong at home. Signs of Abuse From Parents Sometimes, parents themselves show that they may be abusing their children. These are also things we may need to take note of if ever we are concerned about their children. If they show little to no concern for the child or appear to be incapable of recognising emotional or physical distress from their child, then they may be neglecting them. If the child often becomes the receiving end of blame, berating and belittling, then the child may be experiencing the same at home. If they demand quite the inappropriate standards when it comes to academic or physical performance to the point of forcefully withdrawing their children from contact with others, then this can also be a telling sign of abuse. If parents have conflicting, inconsistent, or unconvincing stories about how a child’s injuries have occurred, then child abuse may have happened at home. The official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts also has detailed guidelines on what signs to check in terms of child abuse and neglect, and numbers you should call should you find yourself in the area. Please be in touch with your own local authorities for a good course of action should you encounter these signs in your area as well.  Conclusion Life is not perfect, and it has its own ups and downs for us to appreciate and conquer. However, despite life’s own share of sad moments, children help make everything feel better thanks to the ray of hope they give when they are inquisitive, curious, and creative. Some say the children we see are the hope for the future, and sometimes it can break our hearts when we see them hurt, sometimes by the people that should care for them. The above tips could hopefully give you some warning signs of child abuse you need to watch out for in order to make sure children in your area are adequately protected. Should you encounter these signs, it’s best you contact the authorities and ask for the best course of action regarding the situation. About The Author Irene Wall has been writing about law for more than a decade. She writes pieces on various law topics that she hopes could help the common reader with their concerns. She enjoys playing basketball with her sons during her free time.

March 5, 2018
Kaboutjie

Toddler chores

Giving your toddler chores around the house from an early age will make it easier for them to complete tasks in future. Here are some ideas for age appropriate chores for toddlers: Packing away toys Putting clothes in wash basket Sweeping the floor Setting the table for meals Clearing the table after meals Wiping surfaces Folding laundry Feeding pets Washing the car My 3 year old has set chores and she loves doing them every day! If I try and set the table there is a huge commotion. She also loves doing things for her baby brother like putting his milk bottle next to our bed, getting out nappies and wet wipes when it is time to change his nappy, choosing his clothes for the day and packing her and her brother’s creche bags away in the cupboard every afternoon. Her absolute favourite thing to do is feed her brother snacks, and it is very helpful as I can get the dishes done or start cooking a meal. It is very cute to see how dedicated she is to her tasks. Of course it took a lot of time to teach her some things and very often she still makes more of a mess than cleaning up, like when she sweeps the floor there is more dirt all over the house than before. The point is she will learn how to do it properly in time and then it will be a great help to have someone else help with the household tasks. Does your child do chores and what is he/ she responsible for?

March 5, 2018
Impaq

International Recognition for New Distance Education Learning System

Home education was legalised in South Africa in 1996 and has been increasing in popularity ever since. FutureLearn, a distance education provider for learners in the schooling phase, estimates that there are currently around 90 000 home-education learners in South Africa, of which more than 16 000 makes use of their products and services. And, while there are many benefits, distance education is also characterised by a lack of interaction between the learner and the facilitator. This means that distance education providers need to develop effective technology-driven learning systems to optimise learner success. Two of FutureLearn’s staff members, Prof. Rita Niemann (Executive Head: Academics) and Eloise Nolte (Executive Head: Innovation Consulting Group) joined forces to develop a comprehensive learning eco-system that would enhance learning, irrespective of the lack of face-to-face interaction. Using FutureLearn as a case study, Niemann and Nolte conducted research to reflect on both the theoretical and practical concerns when designing a learning system. The theoretical concerns focused on the basic learning theories and curriculum requirements, while the practical concerns looked at the implications that these theoretical concerns hold for the development of a learning system. Niemann and Nolte studied the various learning theories and conducted a synthesis between the core principles of learning and the requirements of the country’s national curriculum (CAPS) to develop a learning taxonomy (as seen below). The learning taxonomy challenges distance education providers (like FutureLearn) to figure out how these theoretical learning principles could be transferred into practice. Niemann and Nolte’s research, however, provides a framework for building a system that would ensure that the principles of learning meet the technological demands. Niemann and Nolte’s paper will be presented at the International Conference on Business, Economics and Social Sciences in Lombok, Bali in April this year, as well as at the annual EduWeek in Midrand in June. Their paper has also been accepted to be published in the International Journal of Economics Research (Vol 15, 2018).

March 5, 2018
Kaboutjie

What can be done about night terrors

Night terrors can be very stressful and frightening. When a child has a night terror he/ she is so deep into the dream, he cannot hear the person trying to wake him, even though the child may look at you and seem to be awake. Often a child may cry out, ask for help, thrash, kick, and scream — but cannot be comforted. Make your child’s room safe to try to prevent him from being injured during an episode. Eliminate all sources of sleep disturbance, such as caffeine, sugar, and high-energy activities before bed. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and wake-up time. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to help your child during the actual episode except to make sure he is safe. Just take comfort in the fact that the night terror is short-lived. If your child has night terrors, you can try to interrupt his/her sleep in order to prevent one. Here is how to do it: First, note how many minutes the night terror occurs from your child’s bedtime. Then, awaken your child 15 minutes before the expected night terror, and keep her awake and out of bed for five minutes. You may want to take your child to the bathroom to see if he/ she will urinate. Continue this routine for a week. Have you had any experience with night terrors? What helped?

March 3, 2018
Toptots Head Office

The Importance of tummy time

Why is tummy time important? For strengthening the back muscles to assist later on with sitting. To strengthen the neck muscles. It is essential for the development of proper head control, as well as for the development of good postural control of the rest of the body. Helps babies learn to push up, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull to a stand. Tummy time lays the foundation for the development of appropriate gross and fine motor coordination in childhood. When to start: You can start tummy time from birth – with your newborn lying skin to skin on your chest. From about one month old they can be placed in this position on their own and they will slowly start developing more head and neck control as well as back and shoulder stability which will eventually allow for reaching. Care should be taken when they are still young and battle with head control. No pillows should be used. It is wise to be with your baby when you place him on his tummy so that you can ensure that he does not smother. Always do this during the day when you can keep an eye on them. As his back and shoulder muscles continue to strengthen, he will begin to push up with his forearms resting on this floor. This position continues to strengthen shoulder muscles in preparation for crawling. How to do it: Let your baby lie on a firm, but soft surface, such as a soft carpet or a mattress. Generally, babies tend not to like being on their tummies, and need to have you around to distract them a little. If they fuss and cry when on their tummies, help them get used to it by putting them on your stomach either on the floor or on a reclining chair. The best distraction you have is yourself – get on the floor with them – babies love it when you are on their level. Sing them nursery rhymes, play peek-a-boo or move their favourite toy in front of them to get their eyes to track it or to get them to reach for it. Place a mirror in front of them so that they can look at themselves. Swish your baby through the air to music, supporting him with your arms and hands under his body and chest. Lie baby across a beach ball or exercise ball, or a rolled up sleeping-bag, and rock him gently to and fro and sideways: this will also stimulate his vestibular (balance) system and help him get used to being in different positions. Just remember to start with short, frequent periods in this position and your baby will slowly develop endurance and tolerance for being on their tummies.

March 2, 2018
Kaboutjie

3 Cool math apps for kids that make learning fun and exciting

I have always been interested in the educational toys and games, rather than toys and games that are mindless but fun. I am the type of mom that likes to give my daughter puzzles and books rather than Barbie Dolls. Now that my daughter recently turned 5 years old and just went back to play school to start Grade R, I am paying even more attention to anything educational that will help my daughter with her schooling in the coming years. One thing she has just started getting interested in is math. She just loves figuring out basic sums and the thing is that she hates being wrong and given her age, her attention span is not that great yet. But one thing she just loves is getting hold of my phone or ipad and being able to play a game. This can hold her attention longer than the battery can hold out! Does this sound familiar perhaps? I’ve come to realize how different life is for young kids compared to when I was growing up. Something that I have taken quite an interest in now since having children is apps. There is like an app for absolutely everything! What an incredible way to teach your child important things like math in such a fun and captivating way? Math apps will have your kids full attention learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Here are 3 cool math apps for kids that make learning fun and exciting: Math Racer (iOS/Android) Math Racer allows children (and parents if they wish to give it a try) to race a car as quickly and as far as they can.  The faster they solve the addition problems, the quicker they will be able to unlock new race cars by collecting coins for correct answers . Of course, no racing game is complete without obstacles and this game will keep every child’s eyes glued to the screen as they try to come in first every time!  Math Space (iOS/Android) Math Space is quite similar to Math Racer, but in this game children will be zooming around space as they quickly solve addition equations.  They get to choose their own spaceship to fly in outer space and once they solved enough equations, they can unlock new spaceships.   Math Manimals (iOS/Android) Math Manimals is a unique app that will take children from basic addition skills to more challenging division skills.  Each manimal that they can use in the game is different and while they begin with Elliot, they can quickly earn points to unlock new manimals.  Children will find themselves helping their manimals dodge flying objects while avoiding other obstacles on their way to the end of the game.   Each of these apps by webgearing.com is available on iOS and Android for just $0.99. The beauty of getting math apps like these is that your children will not only learn much faster, but they will not even realize that they are busy learning. They will be so engrossed with playing the game and trying to reach new levels that it most likely won’t register to them that that they are busy learning. Now I have mentioned before on a number of occasions on my blog that I am not keen on giving my kids screen time on my phone or on my iPad, however when it comes to something like math apps or other educational apps I am prepared to bend the rules a bit. This means my child will cherish this screen time even more!

March 1, 2018
AmnioPad

Has my water broken or is it just urine?

During pregnancy, many women experience at least some degree of urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary loss of urine. The incontinence may be mild and infrequent for some pregnant women, but it can be more severe for others. The kind of incontinence experienced during pregnancy is usually Stress Incontinence (SI), which is the loss of urine caused by increased pressure on the bladder. 30-40 % of women experience some degree of urinary leakage during pregnancy. In clinical studies, these numbers increased with gestational age. The prevalence of urinary incontinence before, during and after pregnancy is 3.6%, 40%, and 14.6%, respectively1. This makes urinary incontinence a frequent, yet common side-effect of pregnancy. Therefore, urine can be mistaken for amniotic fluid (water breaking). In addition to this, the levels of vaginal discharge increase greatly in pregnancy, which can also be mistaken for amniotic fluid. This can result in a lot of uncertainty when experienced and may lead to unnecessary hospital visits due to “suspected rupture of membranes” or “thinking the water broke”. What is this Amniotic fluid (water)? Amniotic fluid plays a very important role in supporting the foetus during pregnancy. The mother’s body produces amniotic fluid as soon as 2 weeks after conception. As the pregnancy progresses, the amniotic fluid helps the baby move around inside the womb, and thus, supports the development of the baby. The most important role of the amniotic fluid is to protect the baby against physical shocks from outside. It also helps the foetus to move around in the womb, consequently, allowing the foetus to develop his muscles. Maintaining a constant temperature – The amniotic fluid is typically 1 degree Celsius higher than the mother’s body temperature. This helps the foetus to maintain his body temperature. Amniotic Fluid Leak Complications (PROM – Pre labor rupture of membranes): PROM is defined as the rupture of membranes (amniotic sac) and leakage of amniotic fluid before labor begins. This can happen after 37 weeks of gestation. If the rupture of membranes happens prior to 37 weeks of gestation, the condition is termed PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes)2. It is important to be able to identify PROM as sometimes it is a gush of water that comes out and sometimes it is not very obvious, thus it can easily be mistaken for stress incontinence. Diagnosing PROM is very important for proper management of the pregnancy and delayed diagnosis could lead to complications for both mother and baby like an infection developing or pre-term birth. Diagnosis facilitates the commencement of appropriate therapy and could lead to reduction in complications. Diagnosis of PROM can be difficult if: The fluid leak is low There is spotting When the classic “gush of fluid” does not occur. The question becomes, how do I know if my water has broken or if its urine? The AMNIOPADTM is a self test kit used to test for leakage of amniotic fluid (water breaking) during pregnancy. The test comes in the form of a panty liner; it’s highly effective, easy to use, results are easy to interpret, and is the only test available in South Africa that can be used at home. This easy-to-use home test kit allows you to detect probable leakage of amniotic fluid whenever you encounter unidentified wetness, or among women with a history of premature membrane rupture. AMNIOPADTM panty liner changes colour when it comes into contact with fluid of pH levels greater than or equal to 6.5. Amniotic fluid pH levels are greater than 6.5. HOW TO USE: Simply attach the special AMNIOPADTM panty liner to your underwear and get on with your day. When you feel a fluid leak, check for a colour change on the yellow background. The pad colour change can be partial or complete (any intensity, shape, size or location). Note: a colour change appears within 10 minutes following a fluid leak. If there is a colour change to blue or green, amniotic fluid may be leaking from your uterus, or you may have a vaginal infection. You should consult your physician or go to the hospital without delay. If the panty liner remains yellow or turns yellow after 10 minutes, the fluid leak is probably urine, which is common during pregnancy. If you continue to experience vaginal wetness, apply a new panty liner and repeat the test. Any minimal amount of amniotic fluid leakage which can be sensed as wetness by the user will create a visible blue or green stain. For further diagnosis and medical care, report the results to your physician. AMNIOPADTM panty liners are recommended for screening either high-risk or normal pregnancies. Leaking amniotic fluid increases the risk of infection to both mother and foetus and early detection can help to: Prevent complications or premature birth. Identify a possible membrane rupture, especially after amniocentesis. Confirm that your water has broken so that you arrive at the hospital in time for a safe delivery. This product is intended to detect leaking amniotic fluid and identify the cause of wetness during pregnancy. For further diagnosis and medical care, report or show test results to your physician. READING YOUR RESULTS: 10 minutes after removal, look for a colour change on the panty liner. The AMNIOPADTM offers you peace of mind when uncertain about when it is time to seek medical attention. Taking the test in the comfort of your home will help you know if the wetness experienced is due to amniotic fluid leaking or urine which is common during pregnancy. The AMNIOPADTM is also avail in UK, USA, NZ and Australia. For more information about how to buy the AMNIOPADTM, visit: www.coincido.co.za or www.Facebook.com/Amniopad Tel: 011 589 9089 References: Sangsawang B, Sangsawang n. Stress urinary incontinence in pregnant women: a review of prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment. Int Urogyneocol J.  2013 Jun;24(6):901-12. Source: James Alexander et al, Seminars in Perinatology, Vol 20, No 5, 1996: pp 369-374; Mercer et al, Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1999 Amniopad Package Insert

February 28, 2018
Aupair Exclusive

Must a childminder have twin experience to care for twins?

It is fair to say that just about all baby related business’s prey on new parents who are expecting multiples as they see this as an easy way to make more money. They will often mislead multiple parents into believing that if they pay a higher premium for something they will be getting a better service, or a better product etc. This is not always the case. When it comes to childcare, agencies will tell you that in order to have the best care for your multiples you should employ a lady who has experience with twins. If you do this you are expected to pay more for her than for a lady who has worked with singletons. I am very pleased to inform you that this is totally misleading and I speak from my own experience as a mom of twins who chose a lady who had no twin experience from a very large database of candidates at my disposal and she turned out to be an absolute gem. This is what you need to look for : The lady must have worked with multiple children, meaning she can multiple task, not necessarily twins. Her temperament is more important, she should be full of smiles, kind, patient, energetic and have a good command of the english language. With this half of the battle is already won. She must have experience with toddlers, if you want to have her long term she should understand that toddlers are a lot more work than babies as they are more demanding. She should have first aid, a childcare certificate and a sleep course would be an added benefit. As the children get older you can add a stimulation course Does she understand how routines work Test on basic terminology, I have found when teaching a childcare course the childminders don’t understand words like “ swaddle “ and  “ drooling “ this can lead to communication problems Give scenarios and ask how she will handle it, for example if both babies are crying what will you do? I found I don’t like a candidate that has worked in a lot of homes, they become spoilt and start telling the moms what to do. There is a fine line between a new mom needing help and wanting guidance. If you have other children always have a 5 day trial run to see how she fits in your home. An interview is very different to someone in action What to do when you are ready to employ someone: Be clear on what you need, some families want a lady who will clean and take care of the children other families want a lady who acts purely as a childminder. A professional childminder earns more than a domestic childminder. You should start planning from around 30 weeks on who you want to employ. Register with an agency and start the interview process, you want enough time to not be pressurised into having to take someone. Remember you wont know exactly when your babies will be due and they may stay longer in hospital than anticipated, so rather give an estimated start date. Stay in contact with your candidate so that she doesn’t get nervous Take the time to check references, also speaking to the previous moms might give you some tips on what to do to make your life easier Always give employment contracts, I advise to start off with only a short contract of 3 months, you can then extend it if both parties are happy. That way you are not tied down if you are not happy. You are looking for someone who shares the same beliefs and principles as you and who works hand in hand with you.  You need to be a single unit and not feel like you are swimming uphill every day. Remember that these childminders love their jobs and are proud of what they do. They want to make you and your children happy.

February 28, 2018
AmnioPad

Hey Ladies are you feeling Wet down there? No need to worry …….

Most women at some stage in their lifetime will experience some form of vaginal discharge. The discharge may be normal or have a vaginal infection, characterized by discharge, itching, or odor. Vaginal infections are one of the top 25 reasons for women to consult doctors in the USA. The 3 most common types of vaginal infections (vaginitis) include: Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis, and these may or may not be associated with cervical infection1. The key to proper treatment of vaginitis is proper diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Bacterial Vaginosis is a vaginal infection that occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered. It is a common condition affecting millions of women. Bacterial Vaginosis is characterized by the following symptoms: Increased vaginal pH to level of above 4.5. Thin homogeneous vaginal discharge – watery discharge (up to 50% of pts). Positive amine test – fishy odor (In pts with no discharge, the fishy odour may be more noticeable after sex or menstruation). Nearly 50% of pts with BV do not have symptoms and don’t know they have BV. Although the syndrome is curable with standard drugs, recurrence rates are high. Because many patients are asymptomatic (do not experience any symptoms), recurrence is difficult to differentiate from treatment failure. BV is associated with serious complications such as: Premature delivery Infections after abortion or hysterectomy and After placement of an IUD, increase in development of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and endometriosis, Inflammation of uterus / womb and fallopian tubes  Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection; however, it is associated with the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS.  Various diagnostic methods are available to identify the abnormal vaginal discharge. Clinical laboratory testing can identify the cause of vaginitis in most women OR BV can be diagnosed by the use of clinical criteria (i.e., Amsel’s Diagnostic Criteria considered the gold standard laboratory method for diagnosing BV) Clinical criteria require three of the following symptoms or signs: Homogeneous, thin, white discharge that smoothly coats the vaginal walls; Clue cells on microscopic examination; pH of vaginal fluid > 4.5; or a fishy odor of vaginal discharge before or after addition of 10% KOH (i.e., the whiff test). BV can be treated with over the counter medication or by prescription medication. Proper clinical evaluation is recommended to ensure proper treatment. Trichomoniasis  Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent  non-viral sexually transmitted infection. Trichomonal infections are asymptomatic in as many as 50% of male and female patients. The signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis are: More extensive inflammation Erosion of the epithelial lining that is associated with burning, itching, and pain during urination Smelly or typically foamy discharge Yellow or gray-green discharge. Increased vaginal pH to levels above 4.5 Trichomoniasis should be treated by a clinician and not by over the counter medication. The sexual partner must also be treated in order to avoid reinfection. Candidiasis It is said that approximately 75% of women will experience at least one episode of Candidiasis in their lifetime. Candidiasis, otherwise commonly known as Candida is not a sexually transmitted infection and is usually caused by an overgrowth of the yeast that is normally present in the vagina. Some of the signs and symptoms of candidiasis are: Vulvovaginal irritation and / or soreness Whitish, cheesy discharge The pH levels of the vagina remains normal <4.5 With the availability of alternative therapies and over-the-counter medications for candidiasis, many women with symptoms seek these products before an evaluation by a medical provider. Obtaining a medical history alone has been shown to be insufficient for accurate diagnosis of vaginitis and can lead to the inappropriate administration of medication2. This makes it important for women to have a tool they can use either at home or at their Drs room to determine the cause of their vaginitis and treat correctly. Coincido offers the only rapid test on the market that can be used either by women at home or by healthcare professionals to monitor vaginal pH and assist in determining the cause of vaginitis:   Result interpretation (considered as part of the clinical evaluation): Positive result (blue, green) consider BV or Trichomonas infections. Negative result  (yellow) consider yeast infection The SwabEze is comprised of a vaginal swab with a polyester tip. The swab tip changes color when it comes in contact with vaginal secretions presenting elevated pH  (abnormal acidity) or low buffer capacity (watery discharge). A change of color from pale yellow to green or blue (even if only part of the tip change color) is easy to identify, considered as positive reading No color scale needed to interpret results. The Swabeze gives you piece of mind and guidance with appropriate treatment of vaginitis. By using the Swabeze at home you can avoid embarrassing questions when seeking treatment at the pharmacy. The Swabeze is also available in Australia, USA, New Zealand, UK and many other international markets. For more information on how to order the Swabeze for monitoring vaginal pH you can visit: www.coincido.co.za or call 011 589 989 MANAGEMENT OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE A AHOOSEN  CME February 2004 Vol.22 No.2 Page last reviewed: June 4, 2015 Content source: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

February 27, 2018
Aupair Exclusive

Knowing how UIF works

Claiming UIF can be stressful and confusing for most people. Now add to that pregnancy hormones and twins or triplets in your belly and this is enough to cause any mom and extra dose of craziness. We spoke to Helene Vermaak from Mom’s Link to UIF who gave us some simple pointers on how to make the process easier and who can benefit from the system. The main purpose of UIF is to assist people who stop receiving a salary for a period of time for various reasons which can include pregnancy or adopting a child under the age of 2 years. Who can claim? The future mom – to -be can claim for a period of up to 17 weeks. The Dept of Labour pays between 38% and 58% of your salary.  The higher your salary, the lower the %.  The maximum monthly amount that your employer can deduct from your salary towards UIF, is R148.72, i.e. 1% of R14 872.  Because you pay UIF on this salary, the payments from UIF is also calculated from a maximum of R14 872.  No matter what your actual salary is.  Maximum payment is 38% of R14 872 = +-R5 600 per month You can also claim even if you have a miscarriage, here you can claim for a period of up to 6 weeks. Non South Africans with a valid passport and who contribute monthly to UIF may claim Who can’t claim? Unfortunately there are those moms that can’t claim for various reasons. Some of them being If you work less than 24 hours a month Commission earners. You can only submit if you earn a basic plus commission Are a learner ( so a student in high school or university ) Sole proprietor ( a business trading in your own name ) Work for the government If you are a salary earner and you have never paid UIF Salary earners who resign while they are pregnant can only claim up to 4 months If you earn a full salary while on maternity leave you may not claim There is a chance you may not claim if you have claimed other UIF benefits in last 4 – 5 years What forms do you need? Complete the relevant application forms Copy of your ID or passport Submit your employee’s details on form UI.19 Supporting documents like payslip and proof of residence Ensure you have filled in the form correctly, any blank spaces will slow down the process and incorrect banking information will cause a delay in payment. How is the payment calculated? Payment is calculated in two ways. If you were contributing monthly, you will multiply your monthly salary by 12 and then divide it by 365 days If you were contributing weekly, you will multiply your weekly salary by 52 and then divide it by 365 days Extra points to remember You can only claim within the first 6 months of your babies birth You do not pay tax on your UIF claims If you are retrenched claim your maternity benefit before your other benefits from the Dept. of Labour. Maternity Claims don’t affect your credits UIF Agencies There are many agencies that offer their services. After asking on Facebook these came up as the prefer ones by other twin moms. Moms link to UIF www.momslink.co.za Mothers joy  www.mothersjoy.co.za UIF hero  www.uif-hero.co.za Babybenefitsuif  www.babybenefitsuif.co.za You can also contact the UIF offices directly in Pretoria on (012) 337 – 1700

February 27, 2018
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