Summer is Here!

Summer is here and the holidays just a hop, skip and a jump away!  With so many balmy carefree days ahead, laying out at the pool or swimming in the sea is pretty much all we want to be doing.  However, as a parent with a tiny baby or toddler, you’re more than likely feeling a little uneasy when it comes to safety around the pool and in the hot weather, in general. Of course you want your baby or toddler to enjoy swimming with you, whether that’s in the pool or in more open water, such as the sea. Babies can go swimming from 2 or 3 months of age.  Whilst on holiday, a great tip is for you to first visit the pool by yourself and have a look around.  Check whether or not there are change rooms available.   If you have chosen a public camping site, it’s not likely that they will have water warm enough in the deeper pools.  The toddler pool will be your best choice.  Always go in the pool with your toddler and if possible let your partner accompany you as well.  That way, you can divide up the tasks, keeping an eye on safety and also take some amazing photos.  Bring along a swimming band that will allow your baby to kick and float and enjoy the water with you. Swimming in the sea with your baby or toddler is a little different.  The sea is much colder than a warm toddler swimming pool.  Sticking to the shallows where the waves break onto the beach, can be great fun for your toddler.  Make sure that if you are going to the beach, that your toddler wears shoes or sandals, to avoid them getting cuts on their feet from sharp stones or shells. We all find it quite uncomfortable to sleep during those incredibly hot summer nights and of course, baby will too.  This rough guide should help you decide what best to dress your baby or toddler in to ensure that they are comfortable and more able to sleep. 27 degrees + : dress in a vest and happy or even a nappy only 24 – 27 degrees : dress in a short sleeved vest and 0.5 tog sleeping bag 21 – 23 degrees : dress in either a short or long sleeved vest and a 1 tog sleeping bag 17 – 20 degrees : dress in a Babygro and a 2.5 tog sleeping bag Always opt for light-weight natural fabric blankets to cover your baby or toddler whilst they sleep.  Baby and I have a selection of muslin and cellular cotton blankets that are just perfect for warm summer nights and to cover baby in the pram.   There are a number of ways that you can keep your baby or toddler cool during summer and these are: A cooler than usual bath before bed.  Increased fluids.  If your baby is being breastfed, that should be sufficient, however, formula fed babies can be offered some cooled boiled water when it is excessively hot.  Water can be given to your toddler in their sippy cup or a water-bottle with a straw.  Please don’t give baby any water within 30 minutes of their feed as they won’t feel as hungry for their milk feed. Using a fan to keep the air moving in their room will create a very welcome all-round breeze.  A great tip is to place a bottle of frozen water in front of the fan to keep the room even cooler. Fresh air coming in from an open window is great.  Keep the blinds partially down or the curtains partially closed.  Open windows a few hours before nap time and bedtime. Monitor the room temperature to keep it constant. Placing your hand on your baby’s or toddlers tummy or the back of the neck, should give you a fairly accurate indication of how hot they are.  Remember that arms and legs are always cooler to the touch. Use white noise which also mimics the sounds of inside the womb, to muffle outside noises.  Your baby or toddler will fall asleep easier and will stay asleep longer too. Other signs to look for to tell if your baby or toddler is too hot are : A flushed face Rapid breathing Skin that is unusually warm to the touch Pick the right clothes and swimming attire : Loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fibre such as cotton is always best.  Natural fibres absorb perspiration much better than synthetic fabrics and sweating is body’s way of cooling your baby or toddler down. When outdoors, light-coloured lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts help to ensure that their delicate skin is protected from the sun.  Always choose a wide-brimmed hat to shield their face. Time outdoor activities to ensure that you limit the amount of exposure your baby or toddler has to the hot South African sun.  And of course, don’t ever forget that all important sun-screen!  Use a lightweight muslin or cotton blanket if they are in their pram when the weather is hot.  This will allow the air to circulate – always supervise your baby or toddler when they are sleeping in their pram. When it comes to fabrics for baby clothing and blankets, cotton is always the best choice primarily because it is so soft.  It is also one of the most popular options available and has been used for generations.  Cellular blankets are made from 100% cotton with holes or ‘cells ‘ to allow for airflow and insulation when layered.  They are most certainly the safest type of baby blanket and the best option to use as bedding for your newborn baby. Baby and I Melrose have a beautiful range of baby swimwear, including matching Mommy and Me swimsuits which can add an element of fun to any swimming lesson or outdoor swimming activity.  Protect your children’s eyes from the harsh South African sun with funky sunglasses,

December 12, 2022

Getting ready to BREASTFEED!

How to get ready to breastfeed? Milk Galore, a brand made for mommies to assist with the increase the flow of breastmilk, would like to advise Mommies on how to get ready to breastfeed especially when nearing the end of pregnancy and planning to breastfeed baby. Below are some helpful hints on how to ensure the process goes hump less.  Here’s how to prepare for breastfeeding your newborn: Doing some research is key. Learn the basics about breastfeeding. Reading up on good books on breastfeeding, reading on breastfeeding tips on social media or trusted websites so that Mommy can educate herself on the benefits of breastfeeding. These are helpful during the initial challenges you might face and can help you prepare for your baby’s first few days of life.  Support group are great for community support. Many hospitals and pediatricians’ offices have a support group for breastfeeding moms. These meetings are meant to give new moms community as they learn the ups and downs of breastfeeding.  Check out lactation consultant close to you.  These professionals can assist a great deal especially the first few weeks of your newborns life assisting with monitoring weight, troubleshoot latch issues, and address any challenges that might arise as you and your baby learn to breastfeed. Prepare to pump with assistance from Milk Galore products to help stimulate the flow of milk as a natural supplement. Ensuring enough food is available for the baby is crucial so pumping as a mom is important, and then some moms will pump exclusively as a way to breastfeed their baby. Mom can educate helfself on pumping and storing breast milk. Moms going back to work need to discuss with their employers on appropriate place to pump. Talk with your partner about how they can support you as a breastfeeding mom. A lot of your time during the first months of your baby’s life will be spent skin-to-skin, nursing your little one. Your partner might not be able to nurse your baby, but they can take on more housework, care for older children, and deliver water and snacks to you to make sure your needs are being met. Get close right away.  Immediately after you give birth, place your baby skin-to-skin on your bare chest. (You can also do this after a C-section; just ask your medical staff for extra support to place your baby safely on your chest.) When babies are left undisturbed on Mom’s bare chest, it wakens their feeding instincts. Start breastfeeding immediately after you deliver your baby. Breastfeeding shortly after birth is associated with increased chances of breastfeeding success. Your baby may be sleepy at first but more awake the second day, and they may cluster feed at night. Follow their hunger cues and feed your baby on demand. Enlist your friends and family for help. Breastfeeding will keep you busy, especially when your baby is a newborn. Friends and family can help by dropping by meals, spending time with your older kids, and helping out around the house. But limit visits if they interfere with breastfeeding and being skin-to-skin with your baby. If possible, ask your partner to be a gatekeeper at the door (greeting visitors, accepting food or gifts, and relaying information) so you can rest. What do you need for breastfeeding? These products can make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient: Milk Galore products as a natural stimulant to increase flow of breastmilk. Only does it increase milk but also a natural supplement for iron. Dependent on preference of mother available in juice and rooibos. Available at www.milkgalore.co.za  Nursing bras are comfortable and provide the extra support your larger-than-usual breasts need. They come with flaps that you can easily undo at feeding time. It’s best to wait until the last couple of weeks of pregnancy to shop for new nursing bras – this is when your breasts will be closest to their postpartum size. That said, once your milk comes in your breasts may grow another size or two! Keep that in mind when buying. Nursing tops and pyjamas have convenient flaps that allow you to breastfeed easily and discreetly. Some nursing tanks are very supportive and can work as a bra and top in one. Note: In the early days of breastfeeding, you may just want to wear a comfy button-down shirt or robe so you can easily keep your baby skin-to-skin. Nursing pillows are specially designed to support your baby while you’re nursing, and can help you avoid straining your shoulders or neck during feeding sessions. They’re more convenient – and better at keeping your baby in position – than regular pillows. Nursing pads. It’s normal for your breasts to leak while you’re nursing, and another baby’s cry or the sight of an infant can bring on a gush of milk when you least expect it. Disposable nursing pads (or reusable, washable ones) will keep you and your shirts nice and dry. A breast pump. Even if you’re not planning to pump regularly, a breast pump can be a useful tool – to help relieve engorgement, for example. Many health insurance plans cover breast pumps, so check with your insurer before buying a pump. Bottles and nipples. If you’ll be feeding your baby pumped breast milk, you’ll need a selection of good bottles and nipples. Some babies prefer one brand over another, so it’s a good idea to avoid stocking up until you learn which bottles and nipples your baby likes best. Other breastfeeding accessories. Nipple cream or balm can help relieve sore nipples, and hot/cold gel packs can soothe swollen or sore breasts. Some moms also like to have a nursing cover for breastfeeding in public and breast milk storage bags for storing pumped milk.

December 9, 2022

My baby crocodile rolls during nappy change time

There comes a time when some babies, usually around the eight to ten month mark, start to roll and do flick flacks at the one time we really need them to just lie still. Nappy changes.  This can make things quite challenging however know this – this stage does pass and there are some things you can do to keep baby entertained while you get the nappy on. It does not need to be struggle if you have some things up your clever sleeve. Keep reading… I had two babies and used our Pokkelokkie cloth nappies through both of them. I loved our nappies. It wasn’t hard work or difficult. I felt proud of every single nappy I used as I knew it wasn’t going into a bin into the earth. Using disposables stank, my babies got a rash and golly they are just so expensive. Money in the bin. The more you use your cloth nappies the smoother the process becomes. You eventually become so streamlined and well-practiced you can put nappies on with eyes closed. It really is just this! When we reached the croc stage I was desperate to find a solution. I realized my baby was bored and he became very smart and knew exactly when I wanted to change a nappy. It became almost impossible to pin him down. I felt helpless. Until I started to present small “challenges” to him during this time.  I kept a small basket hidden at the change area. Inside I added objects he would never normally encounter. Not the normal plastic toys… rattles etc. None of that stuff. The object ideally needs to have some sort of intellectual challenge the baby can master. I must add here that all objects of this nature can be found in and around your house. No need to go out and buy anything. Keep reading to see a list of these. So our nappy changing process went a bit like this. Sit baby on change mat. Present object. Baby shows interest and holds object. I lay him down while he is observing the object. I take his dirty nappy off and wipe him clean all the while talking to him about the object. I then show him what can be done with the object and see if he can do it himself. I modeled the task to him. We take turns.For example opening and closing a toothpaste lid (empty of course)/ baby bum cream lid is a good example of this small task. The most important part is showing them repeatedly how to do the task before attempting the nappy change. You may need to do this a few times and then change the nappy at the same time. Multitasking is really what this is all about but you’re a mum so you’re born with it!! You may need to show him the task, take the nappy off, show him again, wipe him down. Clap hands when he managed it. Put new nappy on. Show him how you can do it- you also have a turn- he claps hands for you etc. It’s a whole process of fun that you can both enjoy together. I must say the more you try to hurry a child the worse it will get. Children cannot be hurried- they do not have a concept of time.  Tip: Do not resort to videos or a phone. This tactic does not end well in the long run. Trying then to stop the screen will be a meltdown and anything after that kind of visual stimulation will just be boring. You are not doing yourself any favors. What you want is a nappy change to end well with a smiling baby and happy mom. A screen does not result in this. It will end in tears. Guaranteed. Once babies reach nine/ ten months old they are generally capable of small tasks. Challenge them and they will rise to the occasion.  Here are some things that worked for us. There are really many, many more objects just look around you. Please note the items must be a decent size to prevent any sort of choking. Keep an eye on your baby as babies put everything in their mouth.  A toothpaste flip lid (baby must open and close). A big plastic bottle and screw top lid (baby must learn to screw the lid on and off) A bum cream flip lid – pass them the bum cream. An empty syringe (baby must put it back together and pull it apart, repeat). A toothbrush (take turns to “brush teeth”). An electric toothbrush wins every time. A hairbrush (take turns to brush hair). A baby book (that squeaks) – anything that makes a noise is a winner. A long rope or piece of wool. A pair of plastic tweezers – open and close. Apply a small dot of bum cream on to baby’s finger. Let him do it to you. On your nose? Clothes pegs – open and close, peg baby’s t shirt, moms t shirt (baby must learn how to open and close) Use the nappy change time as an opportunity to engage with baby. Eye contact is so valuable. Sing a fun song Tickle baby Hide below the table/bed/ a book/ your hands and jump up and peek a boo Play “round and round the garden” on baby`s tummy or hand Do “this little piggy went to the market” Make ridiculous sounds with your lips and blow on baby`s tummy. Be totally silly.  Babies love silly moms!! The use of “foreign objects” was a game changer for me as my second baby was a crocodile roller and I realized I also wasn`t actually paying him the attention he needed at nappy time as I was busy trying to make him sit still. I was also rushing him and he hated that. By both being engaged in a simple task or experimenting with something together distratcts baby from the actual nappy change and allows

December 8, 2022

Medela Introduces Category Expansion with New Baby Care Product Lines Developed with Experts called Medela Baby

Medela, the world’s leading breastfeeding advocate and partner for mother’s milk, is excited to announce the launch of Medela Baby in South Africa. Medela baby includes a range of pacifiers for infants through to 18 months. This category expansion combines Medela’s 60 years of expertise in breastfeeding and 30 years of scientific research on the natural suckling behaviour of breastfed babies with the decades of experience in silicone manufacturing excellence of Bibi, based in Switzerland and acquired by Medela in 2019. Medela infused its years of knowledge on infant suckling behaviour with experts in silicone manufacturing to create an exclusive pacifier portfolio designed according to the highest standards in safety and quality while delivering a soft, lightweight, gentle-on-skin feel. A pacifier, when used responsibly, can be complementary to the infant’s well-being.1-2 Developed in cooperation with midwives, dentists, speech therapists, lactation experts, and an ergonomist, the Medela Baby portfolio features a collection of newborn to toddler pacifiers in the optimal size, form, weight, and characteristics for the ideal tongue, lip, and jaw movement.3-4 The pacifiers feature Medela Baby’s exclusive SensoPearls™ for a gentle-on-skin feel and enhanced airflow, a symmetrical teat with a thin neck and reduced teat volume for healthy gum and jaw development,3-4 with a light and ergonomic shield to fit the contour of baby’s face.5-6 The Medela Baby Collection offers three styles of pacifiers to South Africa: Original (R305.99), the perfect all-around dummy that comes in cute and trendy designs. It’s designed with gentle-on-skin SensoPearls™ and offers a symmetrical teat for easy acceptance. This lightweight and orthodontic pacifier supports healthy speech and gum development and fits the contour of your baby’s nose and chin to allow easy breathing. Available in 2 sizes (0-6 months and 6-18 months). Soft Silicone (R315.99) supports natural suckling with a one-piece super soft, lightweight, and flexible design. Inspired by Medela’s Contact Nipple Shield, it is shaped to fit under the nose to not interfere with breathing and smell the comforting scent of the mother. This perfect everyday pacifier is available in 2 sizes (0-6 months and 6-18 months) and in a variety of colours (clear, pink, and blue). Benefits include: 24% lighter than the leading competition Newly developed pacifier with a softer & more flexible teat due to a thinner wall Designed to feel gentle on the skin with SensoPearls™ that enhances the airflow on the skin, n. one concern for mums* Ergonomic design under the nose to not interfere with breathing and to facilitate smelling mum’s scent – inspired by our knowledge of contact nipple shields Swiss quality, premium quality & high industry standards One-piece soft, lightweight silicone – flexible & transparent and cute panda design Day & Night 24-hour 2-piece set (R299.99) includes an Original and Night pacifier that glows in the dark. The set is offered in 2 sizes: 0-6 months and 6-18 months. A study shows that this pacifier was accepted by 9 out of 10 babies.7  The perfect 24h set with two great benefits combined. The day pacifier features a ring to fix with a pacifier holder during the day, and the night pacifier with a glow-in-the-dark knob, allowing mum and baby to find it during the night. Without a ring, baby’s sleep is not disturbed when moving actively at night.  Other benefits include: Designed to feel gentle on the skin with SensoPearls™, n. one concern for mums* Accepted by 9 out of 10 babies Symmetrical teat for easy acceptance Swiss quality for over 85 years, premium quality & high industry standards Use any pacifier with the new Medela Pacifier Clip (R199.99), a universal pacifier holder that fits all Medela Baby pacifiers and most other pacifiers. The material is made without BPA and BPS and features an easy-to-use innovative clip, allowing you to open the holder with one hand.   All Medela Baby pacifiers come with a protection cap or Steribox for hygienic use and easy transport and storage. The collection is made from food-grade silicone without BPA or BPS and produced in Switzerland, meeting the highest safety design and quality standards with the added benefit of Medela’s leading research-based commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Medela Baby pacifiers offers other vital advantages within the baby care category: Developed with experts with expertise from the Medela midwives’ network and expertise in silicone manufacturing SensoPearls ™ to feel gentle on the skin and for enhanced airflow Thin shaft teat to allow lip contact Reduced teat volume for healthy gum & jaw development Ergonomic shield with airflow benefits Teat size increases according to the stage of baby’s development 0-6 months, and 6-18 months Uses the best materials Comes with either the protection cap or the sterilizing box for hygienic use & transport Medela launches two new intimate apparel items for pregnant and nursing mothers. Medela continuously researches to understand the needs of breastfeeding mums and babies. This enables them to translate the knowledge into functional maternity and nursing apparel, working with leading textile and garment technology experts. All garments are developed by a Team of Designers and R&D professionals and tested with mums every step of the way. In line with Medela’s commitment to decrease environmental impact, all New Collections come in new sustainable, 100% recycled packaging. Pump and breastfeed comfortably with the Medela 3 In 1 Nursing & Pumping Bra (R1999.99). This 3-In-1 versatile design is lightweight, ultra-breathable, and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit. Bond with your baby with the full drop-down cups and enjoy medium to high support when pumping (to hold bottles or for in-bra pumping). This 3-In-1 bra is an all-day-wear bra designed for nursing, pumping & in bra pumping. Available in black and comes in sizes S, M, and L.   Using a hands-free pumping bra allows you to get on with other activities or relax while collecting breast milk for your baby. Replacing the Medela Easy Expression™ Bustier, Medela hands-free™ Pumping Bustier™ (R1 299.99) is made with comfort and convenience, with a seamless strapless tube top design providing a snug fit and ample

December 7, 2022

Traveling and Surviving the Festive Season

It is the season to be jolly but for many parents the idea of family or travel can be daunting with young ones in tow. There are many factors to consider and anything could go wrong…. Here are some tips and notes to help you get through it and hopefully, you’ll get some much-needed rest: Packing This is an art, especially when flying. Remember, that unless you are traveling to the middle of nowhere most things can be bought or replaced. So, don’t break out in a sweat if you forget something. However, don’t leave packing for the last minute. Save yourself unnecessary stress by starting early. Some things cannot be packed in advance though. Make a list of all the last-minute things that you need to pack…. These include things like a baby monitor, your baby’s lovey or favourite toy, pillow or blanket and night light. Remember to take with all the things you need for your bedtime routine (books, lovey, white noise). You can also download white noise apps on your tablet of spare phone. Most hotels and guest houses have cots, you just need to ask for one. Your carry-on bag will be one of the most important things to pack. I find that a backpack works best, it might not look as great, but it makes a big difference especially when flying as you always have your hands free to either carry baby or catch a running toddler. There is a lot of walking and waiting involved at the airport so have snacks and water on hand. Make sure to pack extra clothes for your children but also for you. Have their favourite toy/lovey with you as well as diapers, wipes (packets and packets of wipes), dummies and formula. If you use cloth nappies, I would suggest leaving those for when you arrive at your destination, and refrain from using them when you are on the go. Getting there Have realistic expectations. Know that whether you travel by car, plane or boat your child will miss some sleep. They might go to sleep only later when flying abroad or they might miss a nap. In the car, their naps or sleep often can be short. You will survive and remember that you will eventually get to your destination. With toddlers and older children also remember to prepare them and set their expectations for the journey. Plan, plan and plan some more. We often think of only the car ride and the plane ride but forget the bits in-between. Charge all the necessary toys, iPads, and portable televisions the day before.  Power banks are handy when traveling. At airports you will go through security and passport control. Plan enough time for all of this and ask to skip the line. Most airports will allow you to go to the front with small children.  You are also allowed to take a stroller and car seat with you. Most of the time, you can push the stroller all the way till you board the plane. Try to book long flights overnight and shorter flights that will fall over nap time. When traveling in a car you will have to plan regular stops that might take a while. If your child sleeps well in the car it can be helpful to travel during the night. Keep your children safe in a car seat. If they are crying rather stop and pull over; don’t take them out of their safety seat while driving. Have activities, water and snacks galore. Once you there Try to keep to normal routines, especially bedtime routines as far as possible. The younger your kids are, the more you need to stick to them. Of course, you’ll be out and about some days but try not to overschedule and over plan every day. Try to give your child the opportunity to have at least one nap a day in the cot, and remember that one nap on the go (in a sling, stroller or car) will not throw everything out. It’s your holiday and you need to try and enjoy it. Try to recreate their sleep space so that is it like home. Bring with their sheets, bedding and pillow. If your toddler sleeps with a night light or white noise take it with to your destination. Most often we must share rooms with our children on holiday. If you normally share a room of course this is not a problem but if not, you should not stress too much about it. They can sleep just as well with you in the room. Try to keep their sleep space separate though by putting the cot or bed as far away from your bed as possible. White noise can also be helpful when you need to go in the room later, or if you need to wake-up early the next day. If only your kids share a room, try to split their bedtime. Put the younger one to bed first and about 20 to 30 minutes later, explain to the older one that it is a privilege to stay awake later and they should sneak into the room like a ninja and not wake the younger one up. A common cause for concern is when you travel to somewhere, where the sun goes down later. Always remember that small children and babies have no concept of time so unless you make it an issue they won’t mind going to bed at their normal time. It can be helpful to travel with a dark sheet which you can hang over the window to help darken the room. Sweets are part of holiday but try to limit sugar and TV time before bed. Travel safe and try to get some rest and remember that even if things go completely pear-shaped while you’re away, you should be able to get right back on track once you are home. By Jolandi Becker – Good Night MD

December 6, 2022

New ULTIMALT: Providing the Benefits of Malt to Mothers

With the world moving towards an emphasis on health, an increased focus is placed on the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants, and awareness has grown around the delicious alcohol-free malt beverages that are now available to enhance health for expecting and lactating mothers such as ULTIMALT, a favourite new malt beverage recently launched in South Africa. Humans have consumed barley for thousands of years with good reason. The medicinal effects of the barley grain, from which barley malt extract is derived have long been recognized in Africa and Asia, and now malt’s complete nutritional properties are confirmed by nutritional science. Barley malt contains protein, essential amino acids, soluble fibres, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B612, and other micro minerals. It is also one of the richest dietary sources of beta-glucan, a polysaccharide that has been shown to increase prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation.  This not only makes barley malt highly nutritious, but when enjoyed 90 minutes prior to breastfeeding, promotes an increase in milk production. Malt drinks are well known to be both wholesome and highly nutritious, while providing some protein, sugar, essential minerals and levels of vitamins A and B vitamins. It also provides the all-important folic acid that is beneficial during both pregnancy and breastfeeding and plays an important role in the maintenance of the gut microbiome. A healthy Diet During Pregnancy A healthy diet during pregnancy helps to support the mother’s wellbeing and supplies the nutrition the baby needs to develop and grow. As a general guide, pregnant mothers need to eat a healthy diet, high in nutrients and low in sugar, salt, and saturated fats with an extra total of about 300 calories for the additional energy expenditure and nutritional needs. Fresh fruits, healthy fats such as avocado and salmon, free range and pasture fed meats, fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, and other folate and vitamin boosting foods such as malt barley, conveniently packaged in malt beverages such as ULTIMALT. The Consumption of Alcohol During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding  Sadly, South Africa has the highest prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) than anywhere else in the world with 111.1 instances per 1 000 children (the global average is 7.7) which is a result of expecting mothers consuming alcohol. Alcohol crosses the blood barrier and travels into the unborn foetus wreaking havoc of stillbirth, miscarriage or a range of disabilities that are classified under the term FASD. Lactating mothers are further adversely affected by consuming alcohol which is absorbed from their blood into their breastmilk. Consuming alcohol while breastfeeding can lead to several ill effects such as: Impaired milk production in the mother Disturbed milk ejection reflex in the mother Sleep disturbances for baby Increased crying for baby Increased startling for baby Decreased milk intake by baby Decreased weight gain by baby   However, consuming a malt beverage such as ULTIMALT delivers a nutritious punch of vitamins, proteins, and other components, without any of the disadvantages – for both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is the ultimate milk for a baby as it supplies all the necessary nutrients for optimum infant health in the proper proportions. It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity. It protects against diseases such as cancer, and even against infections, like ear infections. Of course, many mothers are not able to breastfeed for a variety of health or personal reasons, however if naturally able to breastfeed, breastmilk is the safest and healthiest food for the first six months of life for all children everywhere. ULTIMALT is brewed using an authentic African recipe, with the most advanced western brewing processes. The result is a tastier, healthier & lighter malt drink. Tastier as an authentic and exclusive African recipe is used, unlike other sugary drinks that can leave an aftertaste in the mouth. Lighter as no refined sugar is added in the brewing process. Healthier as it contains natural sugar from barley and fructose from fruit.   

December 1, 2022

JanaS Ladies and Babies boutique

JanaS is a mom owned and operated, Pretoria based, online store that was started as a ladies clothing brand, but then evolved into an online store that specializes in natural products for mommy and baby. At JanaS we are passionate about using no products with any toxins in, on our babies or on ourselves. A lot of research goes into every product that we decide to stock. It is tried and tested by ourselves and our children. It needs to be toxins free and completely safe to use. We stock a wide variety of products, lots of them locally produced, but also some imported from countries such as Denmark and England. When we look for potential products, there are a few important characteristics that we look for.  To promote sustainability, we look for products that are reusable. This includes every variety of modern cloth diaper that you can think off. Also our LastObject products – reusable ear swabs and face wipes and cloth diapers. All our mommy and baby products are made with natural ingredients and are preservative free. This includes our teas, washing detergents and post-partum recovery gummies, bum balms, sunscreens and so much more. Our dummies and teethers are made with silicone, untreated wood, 100% cotton and natural rubber. This ensures that our precious babies don’t come into contact with any toxins that might be harmful, and they are naturally anti-bacterial.  We strive to give each and every customer fast and personalized service. We love chatting to customer regarding product options. We also offer cloth nappy demos to make sure your cloth nappy journey is as effortless and fun as possible. Visit them at www.janas.co.za

November 18, 2022

Pokkelokkie cloth nappies and why you need to join our tribe

Did you know you will spend over R20 000 on single use plastics in your child’s diaper life. Over R40 000 if you have two babies. This is crazy. No one wants to throw money into a landfill where it will sit for 500 years. So here is the good news…you don’t have to! Hi. My name is Kerryn. I am a mom, wife, eco warrior and the owner of Pokkelokkie cloth nappies.  I started making cloth nappies for my first baby, as the thought of throwing a single use plastic in a black bag where it will stay for over 500 years just did not sit well with me, at all. My mum taught me how to sew when I was six years old. I would never have dreamed such a small skill would be such a big influence in my life today. Seven years ago, I was sat sewing a nappy (8 months pregnant), wandering if I was making the right decision about this cloth nappy business idea when a very beautiful and unusual looking feather floated in through the tiniest gap in my window. It landed on the very nappy I was sewing. This was the sign. Could it have been my mum? Pokkelokkie focuses on the making of good quality cloth nappies that work. They are affordable, long lasting, trim, beautiful, thirsty and easy. I tried all sorts of types of cloth nappies and none have come close to what we make.  I started the business on my dining room table, cutting one nappy at a time with a pair of scissors. I think we had about five sales a week back then. As time passed the orders grew. I decided to leave what I thought would be my lifelong teaching career, to pursue my own business. My husband, 6-month-old little boy and I relocated to the Garden Route in 2016 where I set up the business in the double garage attached to our rented home at the time. I employed one lady who helped me cut. I did all the sewing myself, day in and day out. We finally bought our current home where we turned the bottom floor of the house into the Pokkelokkie workshop. Over the past three and a half years our team has now grown to five staff members and me. We have recently moved the business to a factory premises in the industrial area in Knysna. We are growing.  The use of cloth nappies is not as widespread as I would like it to be here in South Africa. One of the biggest challenges we face is ignorance. South Africa is still very much using single use plastics in fear of cloth nappies being “hard work” or “difficult”. Modern cloth nappies have come such a long way since the laborious soaking in huge buckets. None of that applies anymore as our reusables are simply rinsed and washed in a washing machine, then hung out to dry. That is really it. It is so easy. I couldn’t wait to get them clean so I could get my baby back into his cloth nappies. Most of my customers report this to be true.  It’s truly rewarding in a way that one will never have imagined.  Since disposable nappies took the market by storm in the 70`s, cloth nappies simply got left behind, as convenience took preference over what is best for the environment. We are now feeling the effects of this poor decision. Because cloth nappies are not so mainstream yet, a new mum wanting to opt for cloth is often criticized by friends and family. This often leads to the new parents resorting to using single use plastics in fear of being judged by their peers. This is very sad. I hear of these stories on a regular basis. The lack of support is a huge deciding factor. Moms are told things like “you won’t manage….it’s too difficult”. This negative stigma is still very much present today. Another issue here is the abundance of poorer quality cloth nappies and nappy styles here that just do not work. Inferior products put consumers off and prevent them from buying again. Nappies that leak due to poor fabrics/poor design coupled with little or no testing results in a cloth diaper that just does not function. Another problem is the importation of inferior products. Many people fall prey to companies who import cheaply made cloth diapers manufactured in bulk. Nappies are sold at cheap prices in large packs to new mums who know very little. They also claim to be “local” yet the items themselves are very far from that. Once a consumer has bought and the product has leaked, the chance they are keen to try again is slim to none. Disposables are then used for the remainder of the diaper life. Research is key in this industry. I always tell mums to know where and who they are actually buying from. Opt for a local company that actually makes the nappies here in SA and one who will support you if you need help. That’s us! Something worth mentioning too is the presence of large “eco” disposable nappy companies. These corporates, who manufacture millions of “eco” single use plastics in massive factories abroad, claim the product to be biodegrable. But what most people don’t know is this product only biodegrades in a compost heap or a suitable environment… not in a black bag in our landfills. These nappies leave waste in the earth, are single use and are not earth friendly. They make parents feel they are doing their bit by choosing them, by joining their eco family. This pulls people away from cloth nappies. They appear “good for the environment” but they are anything but that.  Amongst the challenges though, I do feel positive about reusables gaining popularity, because they are. We have entered an era where people are now much more aware of the impact single use plastics have on

November 10, 2022

Intermittent fasting and pregnancy, is it dangerous?

Your baby’s health during your pregnancy solely depends on you – what and when you consume is important to both of you. Intermittent fasting is a diet that many turn to to lose weight and improve health. This is a time restricted form of fasting and you may wonder if it’s healthy to keep up this kind of eating while trying to get pregnant or when you are pregnant. Is it safe to fast while I am pregnant?  Fasting during your pregnancy is not recommended. While there is research that shows this may be a good way to help with weight loss and potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, this is not ideal when your body needs more calories than normal.  While pregnant your nutritional focus should be to make sure that your baby is getting all the right vitamins and minerals. While in the initial stages of pregnancy you might not need more calories than normal, as your pregnancy progresses you will need to eat more – making fasting a less viable option. However, if you are struggling with morning sickness (most prevalent in the first trimester), you’ll find that eating bland foods little and often can help ease the nausea, which isn’t compatible with fasting for hours at a time. Not only will snacking help keep the nausea at bay, but it’ll also keep your blood sugar stable. While there aren’t studies that look at intermittent fasting throughout pregnancy, it has been found that moms-to-be with lower glucose levels had lower fetal movement, which can be a warning sign of potential issues during your pregnancy. Can I start intermittent fasting straight after birth? If you’ve decided to eat regularly during your pregnancy, you may wonder if you can return to your old lifestyle after having your baby. However, while you are breastfeeding it’s best to stick to a regular eating schedule. Even after birth your body will be needing extra calories for breastfeeding – restricting these can lead to reduced milk supply

November 9, 2022

Growing your nappy stockpile this #blackfriday

Good day everyone, my name is Jessica from Growing Hearts. Today I would like to talk a bit more about growing your nappy stockpile. We have a lot of moms who come and ask us ‘I’ve got a bit of cash and I want to stock up on my nappies.’ Watch the vlog here    

November 7, 2022

Prematurity and breastmilk

Pregnancy and planning come hand in hand. We plan what will eat during our pregnancy, how we want to give birth, the baby’s room, baby’s name and seldom is it considered that baby can come early. We all want health, full term babies, so prematurity is often not even considered but unfortunately about 1 in 7 pregnancies in South Africa are born prematurely. This is about 84 000 babies born per year too early. As a mother of two children that were born to early, I have lived through the uncertainties, stresses and also the wins that happen when you find yourself in this situation. As a result, My Breastpump focuses on helping families with support and products that will help them during this time.  When you find yourself in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it becomes your world. All you focus is on your babies and how they are doing. Mom and Dad may go home but their heart is left at the hospital. It can be a helpless feeling not being able to hold and cuddle your baby, but a Mom can help her little one grow and get stronger by supplying her baby with breast milk. Breast milk is the recommend milk for all premature babes as it has among other benefits: growth hormones, specialized nutrients (mothers’ premature milk is different to that of a mother from a full-term baby), easier absorption of milk and immune factors. If a mother needs assistance with breast milk she can ask for donated breast milk. The Mom can ask for information for the nearest milk bank and find out what the hospital polices are. There are several breast milk banks in South Africa: The South African Breast Milk Reserve, Milk Matters and the Net Care hospital group. If you have an over supply of expressed breast milk you can donate it to any of the milk banks. They will do all the paperwork and testing for you, they even come to your home. They make it as easy as possible for donating mothers.  How do mothers build up their milk supply when their baby is in NICU?  Here are our tips: Start expressing as soon as possible after birth. The ideal time is within 1 hour but if the mother has had extra surgery or complications, she can try to start expressing within 6 hours. Hand expression can be used in the beginning and then it is recommended that the mother used a double hospital grade breast pump.  Get a hospital grade double pump like the Ameda Mya Joy. The reason for this is that a hospital grade pump can drain and empty your breast effectively which increases your milk supply. It also has a reliable and powerful motor that can be used more than 8 times a day 24/7. The double pumps save the mom a lot of time, as you only pump for 20 minutes per session. This may sound insignificant, but it can reduce her expression time by half or more. This will make expression more possible and not as strenuous on the mother. Double pumping also will help her to increase her milk supply sooner.  Aim for about 1000ml of expressed breast milk in 2 weeks. This will allow the mom to keep up with her infants needs and set her up for a better breast-feeding experience later.  Make sure that the pump fits correctly. Did you know that breast pumps have different sized flanges? This is because women have different sized nipples. When pumping you want your nipple to fit inside the flange with out rubbing (flange is too small) or being pulled into the funnel much (flange is too large). If the flange is the correct fit, then you will be able to express more comfortably and get more milk.  Use a Breast massager that has vibration and heat to help you with your let down and milk flow. The My Breast Lactation Massager helps you to have a faster let down by heating the breast and also vibrates with 10 different settings to get your milk flowing and unblock milk ducts. You can find out more about out My Breast Lactation Massager on our website  Another thing that parents may be concerned about is that it is very difficult to get the correct sizing nappies, especially for babies born before 29 weeks. My Breastpump has launched our first premature nappy which is the My Little Prem <1.1kg, these nappies are designed to help the baby be more comfortable. This aids in better sleep and decrease in pain. Both are very important for improved growth and development. The My Little Prem Nappies are soft, light, small and have a leg cut out. The Leg Cut out is designed so that the baby can be placed in different positions and allow for correct placement of their hips. This allows for correct growth and improvement in the baby’s muscle tone. These nappies can be bought on Takealot and on our website  Some information about the Ameda Mya Joy Hospital grade breast pump: Ameda Mya Joy is a hospital grade double electric breast pump that is ideal for exclusive pumpers like mothers who have premature babies. The Mya Joy is small, but the motor is very strong and able to empty a mother’s breast well. It is this emptying that assists the mother to increase her milk supply. The Mya Joy has 7 different flange sizes that can be used and help for comfort and better breast emptying. The Mya Joy also has a NAPPI code which can be used with some medical aids to claim back from their medical saving. Please note that this is dependent on the medical aid plan and savings. The Mya Joy Hospital Grade double electric Breastpump can be bought on Takealot and on our website  My Breastpump also has one on one sessions that a mom can book with our lactation consultant to help her with her expressing journey,

November 4, 2022

Handling Childhood Illness Effectively

Most parents know that during the course of raising a child you will have to deal with different bouts of illness. Here is some information, from Bonitas Medical Fund, which should help you to manage common early childhood illnesses successfully.

October 24, 2022

Pumping and Storing Breastmilk

Moms going back to work – OH No!!! Some helpful hints on breast pumping and storing of breastmilk. Whether you’re going back to work, want to have your partner help with feedings, or want to make sure you have breastmilk for your baby if you are away for a few hours, you will need to pump and store your breastmilk.  Pumping your breastmilk Before you pump, wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Make sure the area where you are pumping and your pump parts and bottles are clean. You do not need to wash your breasts and nipples before pumping. If you need help to get your milk to start flowing without your baby there, you can get Milk Galore products that may assist increase the flow of breastmilk so that Mom can have enough milk to express.  The products come in form of rooibos tea or 100% fruit juice blend and can be purchased based on preference. Pumping: Ways to express your milk by hand or pump Hand expression How it works: You use your hand to squeeze and press on your breast to remove milk. What is involved: Requires practice, skill, and coordination. Gets easier with practice and can be as fast as pumping. Good if you are not often away from your baby or you need an option that is always with you. But all moms should learn how to hand express in case of emergency. Average Cost: Free Manual pump How it works: You use your hand and wrist to operate a hand-held device to pump the milk. What is involved: Requires practice, skill, and coordination. Useful for occasional pumping if you are away from your baby only once in a while. Average Cost: R200 to R874* Electric breast pump How it works: Runs on battery or plugs into an electrical outlet. What is involved: Can be easier for some moms. Can pump one breast at a time or both breasts at the same time. Double pumping (pumping both breasts at the same time) may collect more milk in less time, which is helpful if you are going back to work or school full-time. Need a place to clean and store the equipment between uses. Electric pumps require batteries or a place to plug in. Average Cost: R750 to over  R4 099 Storage of breastmilk After each pumping, you can: Keep milk at room temperature. Breastmilk is OK for up to 4 hours after pumping at room temperature (up to 25 °C). Refrigerate it. Breastmilk is OK in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place milk in the freezer. If you’re not going to use refrigerated breastmilk within 4 days of pumping, freeze it right after pumping. Use cooler packs. You can put breastmilk in a cooler or insulated cooler pack with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours after pumping. After 24 hours in a cooler the breastmilk should be refrigerated or frozen. When storing breastmilk, use breastmilk storage bags, which are made for freezing human milk. You can also use clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Do not use containers with the recycle number 7, which may contain BPA. Do not use disposable bottle liners or other plastic bags to store breastmilk. Storage: Tips for freezing milk Clearly label milk containers with the date the milk was expressed. Include your child’s name if you are giving the milk to a child care provider. Freeze in small amounts ( ¼ to ½ cups) for later feedings. Leave an 25.4ml or so from the milk to the top of the container, because it will get bigger when freezing. Wait to tighten bottle caps or lids until the milk is completely frozen. Store milk in the back of the freezer, not on the shelf of the freezer door, so that it doesn’t start to thaw out. Storage: Tips for thawing and warming up milk Thaw the oldest breastmilk first. Breastmilk does not need to be warmed. Some moms prefer to serve it at room temperature. Some moms serve it cold. Thaw the bottle or bag of frozen milk by putting it in the refrigerator overnight. If you decide to warm the breastmilk: Keep the container sealed while warming. Hold it under warm, not hot, running water, or set it in a container of water that is warm, not hot. Never put a bottle or bag of breastmilk in the microwave. Microwaving creates hot spots that could burn your baby and damage the milk. Test the temperature before feeding it to your baby by dropping some on your wrist. The milk should feel warm, not hot. Swirl the milk to mix the fat, which may have separated. Do not shake the milk. Use breastmilk within 24 hours of thawing it in the refrigerator. This means 24 hours from when the breastmilk is no longer frozen, not from when you take it out of the freezer. Once breastmilk is thawed to room temperature or warmed after being in the refrigerator or freezer, use it within 2 hours. If you have any leftover milk when the baby is finished feeding, be sure to throw it out within 2 hours. Do not refreeze breastmilk after it has been thawed.

October 21, 2022

How Does Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Affect Babies?

According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, South Africa has the highest prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) globally. What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome? FASD is a collection of physical, behavioural, and learning disorders that can arise in individuals exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. According to research, there is no safe amount of alcohol and no safe period to consume during pregnancy that will not result in FASD. Therefore, drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy poses a risk to the foetus. Globally, 1 in 13 births exposed to alcohol during pregnancy result in FASD, with a reported frequency of eight per 1 000 children and adolescents in the general population in 2017. The nationwide prevalence of FASD in South Africa ranges from 29 to 290 per 1 000 live births, the highest rate in the world. A recently published study assessed the frequency in the Western Cape Province to be between 196 and 276 children per 1 000, the highest prevalence among South African provinces. How Does Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Affect a Growing Baby? When alcohol enters the circulation of a pregnant woman, it is transported straight to the developing tissues of the foetus via the placental tissue that separates the mother’s and baby’s blood systems. That implies that when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, so does the foetus. The alcohol is completely absorbed by the foetus and causes irreparable brain damage. This brain injury eventually leads to severe behavioural abnormalities. The adverse effects of alcohol can cause harm to the foetus at any time of pregnancy; they are not limited to a single stage. Learn More: The Importance of Early Monitoring During Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms of FASD in Babies Some children experience the symptoms of FASD to a far greater degree than others.  The signs and symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome may include any combination of physical deformities, intellectual or cognitive impairments, and difficulties with daily functioning and coping.  Babies born with FASD may present with the following symptoms: Distinctive facial characteristics, including small eyes, an unusually thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and the top lip Disfigurements of the joints, limbs, and fingers Low body weight Short height Sleep and sucking difficulties Small head size Vision or hearing problems Disorders of the heart, kidneys, and bones As a baby with FASD grows, they may exhibit the following symptoms: Poor coordination Hyperactive conduct Attentional difficulties  Poor memory Academic challenges (especially with math) Learning disabilities Language and speech delays Mental retardation or a low IQ Poor reasoning and judgement skills If you suspect that your baby has FASD, consult your doctor immediately. Learning difficulties and behavioural disorders may be alleviated by early diagnosis.  “Because early detection may lower the risk of long-term complications for children with foetal alcohol syndrome, inform your child’s doctor if you consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Do not wait until problems occur before getting assistance,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Murray launched Affinity Health in 2011. His vision is to make South Africans healthier and enhance the quality of their lives. “If you have adopted or fostered a child, you may not know if the biological mother drank alcohol during pregnancy, and it may not occur to you that your child may have foetal alcohol syndrome. However, if your child has learning and behaviour issues, consult with their physician to determine the underlying cause.” Where to get help If you suspect your child may have FASD, speak to your family health care provider, who may refer your child to a specialist knowledgeable about FASDs, such as a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, or clinical geneticist.  There are clinics in some places whose personnel are specially trained to diagnose and treat children with FASDs.  If you’re pregnant and battling sobriety, remember that recovery is in reach with the proper treatment and support.  If you or someone you know needs assistance with alcoholism, speak with your healthcare physician for a list of experts within your area that can assist, or contact the following organisations for help: Alcoholics Anonymous: 021 418 0908 Al-Anon: 021 595 4517 SANCA: 021 945 4080 FASFacts: 023 342 7000 Narcotics Anonymous SA: 083 900 6962 Learn More: The Dangers of Binge Drinking

October 21, 2022

PUTTING YOUR KIDS ON A PATH TO GOOD NUTRITION

For many parents, nothing is as stressful as getting your kids to eat all the food on their plate, especially when it comes to veggies. Eating a variety of healthy foods is essential for your children’s wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to get your kids to eat better.

October 17, 2022

Getting Ready for Summer

Ooh, summer has arrived and plans for sizzling summer getaways are well underway – a trip to the coast, perhaps a few nights in the bush.  No matter where you decide to go on holiday this year or even if you plan to stay at home, you just know that you are going to be spending so much time in the hot South African sun!   The most exciting part of preparing for the summer is shopping, but shopping for your baby or toddler comes with more consideration than just opting for a cute little ‘cozzie’ because it looks sweet!  Baby and I Melrose decided to make shopping so much easier for you this year and list below some essentials to consider : Must Haves for Baby & Toddler Lightweight baby clothing, preferably 100% natural fabrics Cotton or Bamboo blankets Sun hat or bonnet – no matter baby’s age Sunglasses – definitely sunglasses! Swimsuit – choose with long sleeves and full-length pants.  Little accidents can happen, so be prepared and buy more than one set Shade for car windows Lightweight breathable cover for car seat and pram Breathable baby carrier Mosquito nets for baby’s crib and camp-cot Sunscreen – choose an SPF of 30 or higher which ensures protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays Stroller with canopy Nappy rash cream & baby lotion – nappy rash is more likely to happen in summer and your little one’s skin is likely to become very dry due to the hot sun.  Prevention is always better than cure! Staying hydrated is vital to everyone’s health, but even more so for your baby and toddler and especially during hot summer days.  Toddlers are running around and playing, and moments spent in the swimming pool are exposing your baby or toddler to direct sunlight as well. This means that dehydration is even more prevalent.  Look out for signs like a flushed face, warm skin and rapid breathing which will tell you immediately that your little one is becoming dehydrated. Keep bottles of water with you at all times.  Choose an insulated water bottle designed specially to keep water cold, or use a hydro flask.   As well as ensuring that your little one remains hydrated, diet also plays an important part in supporting their needs during the hot summer months.   Citrus Fruits – so easily available at this time, and extremely refreshing. Also contain vitamin C which boosts your baby or toddler’s immune system.   Watermelon – also readily available during summer and a refreshingly cool addition which can be cut up or served as a drink for hot summer days.  With such a high water content, watermelon helps keep baby hydrated as well Peaches – the beta-carotene contained in peaches is converted into Vitamin A when eaten and also assists in boosting the immune system.  And of course, peaches are so yummy! Mangos – known as the King of Fruits!  Mangos are delicious and very easily digested.  They are rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that is good for the eyesight.  They help fight microbial infections and assist in brain development.  Serve in bite size pieces or as an oh so yummy smoothie! The hot weather can make your little one’s skin very dry.  Keep baby lotion with you even when you’re out and about and apply when you feel necessary, and of course, after bath is essential to lock in moisture and restore softness and glow to the skin.  Choose lotions with ingredients such as aloe vera, almond oil, nutgrass oil and mustard oil. Swimming Lessons are a Must Baby can start swimming lessons at around 5 or 6 months old.  With the alarming amount of babies, toddlers and young children, drowning in South Africa, opting for swimming lessons for your little one just makes sense.  Once enrolled what do you take with you : Baby Swimsuit –  Matching Mommy and Me swimming costumes add a fabulous element of fun (keep one spare swimsuit with you) Large absorbent towel and one spare Swimming nappies Normal everyday nappies Baby bum cream Moisturising lotion for your little one’s skin Change of clothing Snacks, bottle or sippy cup Bath toys but check with swim school if necessary Just for fun, don’t forget your phone so that you can take awesome photos and videos to share with the family! No doubt the swim school will give you a list of what to buy, but it is always nice to have an idea of what you will need so that you can be prepared. Although your swim school may have their own float vests or jackets, it is highly recommended that you purchase a float vest or jacket for your little one, to be used not only for swimming lessons but for those carefree days spent in the water at home, or on holiday.  Float vests and jackets are worn over swimsuits to help achieve a natural position in the water.  Float vests or jackets are recommended for use for children from age 1 to 6.  They are a buoyancy aid to assist with your little one’s buoyancy as well as increase their safety level when in the water.  Some float vests on the market today, have an added advantage of UPF (sun-protected fabrics) adding extra protection for your little one’s delicate skin. However, we do recommend that you check labels before purchasing if this is a must for you.   Baby and I Melrose have a beautiful range of baby swimwear, including matching Mommy and Me swimsuits which can add an element of fun to any swimming lesson or outdoor swimming activity.  Protect your children’s eyes from the harsh South African sun with funky sunglasses, also available from Baby and I Melrose, in a variety of colours and designs. As a local Premier Baby Boutique, Baby and I Melrose offer an exceptional range of essential baby products, clothing and accessories, making it easy for you to purchase most of your summer essentials for

October 14, 2022

1 Hi Baby nappy = 1 dry night and a happy, rested mom

As I sit here pondering on this topic, 34 weeks pregnant with my second child, I can identify with the reality of sleepless nights and the desire to only want what is best for my children. Despite the many factors that can keep a mother lying awake at night, a wet nappy and unhappy baby does not need to feature on this list. Some helpful tips to promote better sleep: Get into the habit of changing baby’s nappy just before the last feed at bedtime and don’t change it during the night unless it is very wet or dirty. As Hi Baby PremiumAAA Grade nappies are super absorbent, there is no need to wake your baby at night every time baby wets the nappy just a little. It is essential to ensure that you have the correct size nappy to fit your baby’s weight and build, as the perfect fit will prevent positional leaks when baby is lying down. If you have a newborn baby who wakes for feeds during the night – change baby’s nappy first and then feed or change it mid-feed. If you change baby’s nappy after the feed, you may wake baby completely. If your toddler is a heavy wetter and routinely has something to drink right before bed, perhaps a routine change is in order? Try to ensure that your toddler’s last drink of the night happens at least an hour before bedtime. When changing baby’s nappy be sure to avoid bright lighting, noise and making eye contact as this may cause baby to wake completely instead of easily drifting back to dreamland. Making Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups a part of your baby’s bedtime routine is the difference between waking up at night to a crying, cold, wet baby versus a good night’s rest, with 12 hours of dryness. With their super absorbent core and perfect fit, you can rest assured that baby will sleep warm and dry in these cold winter months. 1 Hi Baby nappy = 1 dry night and a happy, rested mom. Until next time, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

October 11, 2022

How to protect your breast milk stash from load shedding

Loadshedding has a massive impact on our daily lives and as a pumping mom with a breast milk stash this can be very scary. When the power is off there is always a risk that your breast milk might thaw and may even need to be thrown away. This would be such a waste of effort and time. So My Breastpump has some tips and tricks for you to help you to keep your breast milk stash safe during loadshedding.  Luckily most of the load shedding is just a 2-hour intervals however as we go down the levels they do become longer. The good news is that your freezer should not defrost in the 2-to-4-hour time period however you may need to add freezer packs to your fridge to help keep it cold during this time. The Power outages are the real risk to your freezer stash of breast milk. Power outages are unpredictable and can lost for extended periods of time.  Here are some tips and information to help you with the power outages: 1. Keep your freezer doors closed.  The more times that you open your freezer doors while there is no power the quicker your freezer will warm up and defrost it contents. Only open your freezer if you absolutely need to. Plan ahead and remove all the milk that you need the evening before so that it can defrost in the fridge during the day. While you are there remove any meat or foods that you will be needing the next day, so that it can also defrost.  2. Know how long your freezer will stay frozen The contents of your freezer will also help to keep the freezer cold. In general a fuller freezer will take longer to defrost then an empty one. The guidelines are that a full freezer can take up to 48 hours to defrost while a half full freezer can take 24 hour to defrost.  3. Keeping your freezer colder for longer You can use Icepack or frozen salt water to help you keep your freezer cold. As the are not food they can stay in the freezer all the times and there is no risk of them spoiling when warm. Pack as many ice packs / freezer elements as you can in the freezer. You can also use frozen milk or bottles filled with salt water as the filler of your freezer. The salt water freezes colder than normal water which is beneficial for keeping the freezer colder for longer.  Place the extra freezer element or frozen water in the same tray as your breast milk. Add as many of them as possible to keep the focus of the cold near your breast milk stash. You can also use the freezer element/ frozen water in your fridge to help keep it cold when there is an extending power outage. You also need to keep your defrosting/ defrosted milk at a cold temperature of around 4⁰C.  4. Check your milk Keep a close eye on your breast milk. If you have had an extended power outage, make check to see if it is still frozen. This way you will prevent any nasty surprises when you defrost the milk at a later stage to realize that it has gone off and you are not able to use it.  You can refreeze breast milk if it still has ice crystals in it even if there are some watery sections.  The ideal temperature to store your breast milk at according to the CDC are as follows: 25°C or cooler for 4 hours Fridge 4°C (not in the door as this is warmer than the back of the fridge) for 4 days Freezer -18° for 6 months  5. Store your breast milk in breast milk containers It is important to store your milk in strong and sterile breast milk containers so that they do not leak or increase the chance that your milk will spoil during the storage time.  Use containers that are designed to hold liquid breast milk. Containers that are safe to store breast milk in are: Glass, plastic (food grade, presterilized and are BPA free) and hard plastic cups. All three suggested items have advantages and disadvantages. Glass containers are great because they are reusable, but they can break if dropped or over filled before freezing. Food grade plastic can either be breast milk storage bottles like our Hygieni breast milk bottles, they are reusable and you can pump directly into the bottle which is a great time saver as you do not need to cleaning extra bottles. The disadvantage is that they can take up a lot of space in your freezer. Breast milk storage bags are ideal for storing large volumes of breast milk in a freezer as they can be frozen flat to save space in the freezer. My Breast pump has two different options of storage bags. The first option is the Ameda Store’nPour which you are able to pump directly in your breast milk bag. The second is the My Breastpump breast milk storage bag which can hold 250ml and is medically sterilized before packing. Both can be found on our website’s storage page .Storage containers that are not recommend to store breast milk in are: plastic that contains BPD, disposable bottle liners, steel containers and food ziplock bags (they have not been sterilized for breast milk storage and can split easily).  Please share with us your power outage and loadshedding tips on how to keep your breast milk frozen. 

October 5, 2022

Baby-proof your home with Safety 1st

New and expecting moms know that there is plenty to prepare in and around the home before baby’s arrival. From setting up a nursery to making sure you’ve stocked up on all the essentials, expecting moms go through plenty of effort to ensure a seamless transition to their new normal.  For the first few months, baby will likely spend most of their time feeding and sleeping, but as they grow a little bit bigger and start moving around on their own, there’s another aspect to consider: home safety. You may have heard the term “baby-proofing” – the act of making an environment safe for babies and small children. This is an essential step to take at home to avoid accidents and ensure your baby or toddler stays safe while enjoying a little bit of their newfound freedom. A few simple additions to your home will ensure your peace of mind, and your little one’s safety.  Keeping safe at home One of the number one safety items you’ll need in your home once baby starts crawling or walking, is a safety gate. Placed at the top and bottom of a staircase, it’ll prevent baby from taking a fall, but it’s also handy to place at the entrance of a room. A room like an office, for example, may contain hazardous items that baby shouldn’t have access to. Placing a gate at the door will prevent baby from entering on their own. Safety 1st Auto Close Safety Gate (R999.99) offers a smart and easy-to-use automatic closing mechanism. Simply squeeze the buttons on the handle to open it and let it close automatically when shutting. It opens in both directions, making it convenient and practical to use.  Most of us have a traumatic childhood memory of a finger getting pinched or closed in a door. Prevent this painful accident by safe-guarding the doors in your home. Safety 1st Finger Pinch Guard (R54.99) protects fingers from accidentally getting pinched by a closing door. When the door is fully closed, it conveniently hangs on the doorknob where it’s easy to access when needed again. It is made from a soft foam material and is easily removed.  If you’ve ever walked into the sharp corner of a table or counter you’ll understand why it is essential to avoid your little one from running into it (especially when it’s head-height!). Safety 1st Corner Cushion 4 Pack(R47.99) contains four foam bumpers that are easily applied to tables, counters and other home furniture to soften the sharp corners and help protect your child. Little ones are curious, and you may find them touching everything they come across. One of the biggest home hazards are plug sockets. Located close to the ground (thus within baby’s reach!), they can cause electrocution, should baby put their finger into one of the holes. Safety 1st Outlet Plug Protectors 12 Pack (R49.99) is an essential. Made with rounded edges that are child-resistant, these durable plastic gadgets fit snugly into an electrical socket, sealing it and protecting baby from electrocution. Keeping safe in the car Once baby arrives, you’ll take much better precautions when you’re on the road, and it’s important to alert others of baby’s presence too. Let everyone know that you’ve got precious cargo on board with the classic Safety 1st Baby On Board Sign (R52.99). It attaches easily to your car’s window and reminds others to drive safely.  Healthcare safety We all know the importance of keeping a first aid kit in your home and in the car, as you never know when you might need it. The same goes for baby. Make sure that you have basic healthcare tools such as a thermometer and medicine dropper stored in a convenient place – when you need it, you’ll want to be able to access it immediately. Safety 1st Healthcare Kit (R269.99) features baby healthcare essentials, conveniently packed in a reversible case. The kit contains a soft-grip toothbrush, new-born nasal aspirator, medicine dropper with spill guard, a digital thermometer and an emergency contact card. If baby’s nails grow too long, they’ll be at risk of scratching themselves, so it’s important to trim them regularly. However, moms know that this can be a challenging task! Take the stress out of nail trimming by investing in a pair of baby nail clippers. Safety 1st Clearview Nail Clipper (R54.99) has an adjustable 5x magnifying lens for a clear view and an easy-grip handle for secure hold. It helps you trim baby’s nails closely and cleanly. Keeping your baby or toddler well-groomed is essential for their health and development. You only need a few basics to keep their hair, nails and teeth in tip top condition. Safety 1st Essential Grooming Kit(R229.95) covers all of baby’s basic grooming needs in one convenient place. The kit contains a soft grip brush and comb, soft grip toothbrush, baby scissors, nail clippers and 5 emery boards in a convenient reversible travel case. All accessories are ergonomically designed and are suitable to use from birth.

September 26, 2022

Hospitals may be held liable for refusing to admit women in labour

South African hospitals have made the news on multiple occasions for refusing to admit or treat patients needing emergency care including women in labour. Hospitals can face potential liability when this happens. This is according to Kirstie Haslam, partner at DSC Attorneys, who says that there are circumstances where hospitals can be held liable when refusing to admit women in labour. Examples of South African hospitals to treat women in labour Unfortunately, there are many examples of South African hospitals turning away women in labour. Haslam cites some incidents from recent years. Woman gives birth in hospital car park In 2021, a young woman in premature labour was allegedly by staff at Helderberg Hospital in Somerset West. Despite multiple requests from a woman who was transporting the pregnant woman in her car, staff didn’t leave the hospital to assist them. The woman was forced to give birth in the car park and the baby died. Woman in labour turned away for being “too old” In 2019, a 45-year-old pregnant woman was turned away from the Stanza Bopape Clinic in Mamelodi, Tshwane. The woman was allegedly told that she couldn’t give birth at the clinic because she was too old and considered high risk. The delay meant the woman’s waters broke and she gave birth outside the clinic gate. It was only then that the staff realised that the situation was serious and came to assist her. Woman forced to give birth outside clinic In 2019, a 29-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly turned away twice by security guards at the Marulaneng Clinic because she’d forgotten her clinic card despite being in pain. She was forced to walk home to collect it and she started to bleed. When she returned to the clinic with her mother, she was told no-one was on duty to help her. While they waited, the woman gave birth outside in the rain. The security guards then called the nurses to assist but it was too late. The baby was pronounced dead. Woman gives birth at a station after being turned away by three hospitals In 2017, a Congolese woman was forced to give birth at Park Station in Johannesburg. She was allegedly turned away  from three hospitals because she’s an asylum seeker. The woman and her husband spent hours waiting and travelling by train while she was in labour to try to get medical care. Two hospitals turned her away. Even after she gave birth on the station floor, a third hospital refused her care. The Constitution ensures asylum seekers have the right to the same emergency medical care as South African citizens, including maternity care. What the law says about emergency medical treatment Haslam says that the South African law is clear about a person’s right to emergency medical treatment, including how it pertains to women in labour. “With regard to the right to basic emergency treatment under Section 27(3) of the South African Constitution, no-one in South Africa may be refused emergency medical treatment,” she explains. “A medical emergency is defined as an acute injury, illness or medical situation that requires immediate medical care because the life or long-term health of the patient is in danger. This includes emergency care for women in labour.” Under the Constitution, Haslam says that this right applies to South African citizens and asylum seekers, regardless of whether they have medical aid. Haslam says that exceptions to the above do exist but under very specific circumstances including: When the patient has no insurance, and the situation is not a medical emergency If the hospital is under-resourced (overcrowded, no beds, inadequate staff) When the hospital believes the patient would receive better treatment elsewhere If the hospital doesn’t have the correct equipment to treat the patient properly. Factors that help determine liability Medical malpractice cases are rarely straight forward. If a patient is denied care, certain factors help determine liability. Haslam says that if a person arrives in critical condition and failure to treat the patient results in death or severe injury, a hospital or medical practitioner is liable. “Hospitals can never turn a patient away for discriminatory purposes, such as race, sex, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. In these circumstances, the hospital would be held liable.” “How serious the case was and whether it could have been managed without emergency care must be investigated,” she adds. “Whether the hospital was adequately resourced to respond to the emergency is also a factor.” She says that all these factors need to be considered to determine if a medical malpractice claim is valid. Liability of hospitals for refusing to admit women in labour If a hospital’s refusal to admit a woman in labour leads directly to a mother or her baby being harmed and the accepted standards of care are violated, Haslam says that a personal injury claim can be made against the hospital or individual health practitioners. “In the case of a government medical facility, a personal injury claim can be made against the State, usually the Department of Health.” Get an attorney to assist with claim Medical malpractice is a highly specialised area of the law. Haslam says that claims against hospitals for refusing to admit women in labour require comprehensive knowledge of the law and experience in medical malpractice cases. “It is therefore advisable for claimants to seek the assistance of an attorney that has extensive experience in medical malpractice claims,” she concludes. For more information visit: www.dsclaw.co.za

September 9, 2022

Management of mastitis

Breast feeding is a skill that is learnt by mothers and baby. One important aspect of this skill is to identify when there may be an issue so that it is resolved before it becomes painful or a problem. One of the preventable and very painful complications that can happen while breast feeding is the development of a blocked duct which can result in mastitis. My Breastpump has a new product that can help mothers prevent the development of mastitis. This new product is called the “My Breast Lactation Massager”.  Mastitis is an inflamed or swollen area of the breast, that can be infected with bacteria. The infected breast may be red, hot and feel hard. This can cause pain and tenderness. It normally only happens to one breast but it can happen to both breasts at the same time. A mother may feel tired, nauseous or have a fever/ chills.  Common symptoms of mastitis include:  Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch Breast swelling Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern Generally feeling ill Fever of 38.3 C or greater These symptoms can occur suddenly.  Causes:  Mastitis can be caused by a few things.  Bacteria can enter the breast via a cracked or damaged nipple.  Pressure from a blocked duct or tight-fitting clothing. A blocked milk duct can also be caused by improper milk drainage. This happens when a baby is not able to empty a breast during a feed due to a shallow latch or if a pump is not powerful enough to drain the breast sufficiently.  Schedule feeds can also cause delay and improper milk drainage from the breast.  Stress and poor nutrition can also increase the risks for mastitis as well as smoking.  How to prevent getting mastitis  Help your baby to breastfeed with a deep latch. This will help to avoid sore or cracked nipples and also improve drainage of the breast.  If you do develop a cracked nipple, wash with soap and water a few times a day Change your breastfeeding position so that your baby latches onto the breast in different places. Breast feed or express your breasts often during the day. Aim for 8 or more times a day.  If you feel a Blocked duct- a small, hard lump in the breast, it is best to treat it early. You can use the new My Breast Lactation Massager to apply focused heat to the area before breast feeding and use any of its 10 gentle vibration settings to hep you massage the area while you are breast feeding. See here to purchase Avoid tight bras and clothing that can place pressure on your breast. This can make it difficult for the breast to drain well.  If you are weaning your baby off the breast, do this gradually so that your breast can get used to the change in milk removal.  How can mastitis be treated? Prevention and early identification are the best way to treat mastitis.  If you have nipples that are cracked, take extra care to wash your hands before a breastfeed or pumping session.  Use the My Breast Lactation Massager to help you heat and gently massage the sensitive area.  Breastfeed or pump regularly, at least 8/24hour Apply a cold compress after breast feeding or pumping to help reduce swelling Drink plenty of fluids and stay in bed with your baby. This will help you get the rest that you need for recovery.  If your symptoms are not resolved within 2-3 days and you are still feeling un well please contact your doctor as you may need a course of antibiotics.  The My Breast Lactation Massager can be used in the shower or bath for more comfort while massaging. Use the massager inside your bra while you doing busy with baby. It has a 60-70 minute battery life and can be recharged when needed.  Apart form the pain and discomfort, mastitis that is not treated or is due to a blocked duct can cause a breast abscess. This is a collection of pus in the breast that may need to be surgically drained.  Benefits of the My Breast Lactation Massager is that it can help mothers to improve their milk flow and helps with a faster let down. This can help to relieve engorgement and swelling during nursing, and pumping. It can assist with unblocking ducts by improving milk flow and improving the emptying of the breast. The massager gently and effectively breaks up blocked ducts with its 10 different vibration modes. The high-quality soft food-grade liquid silicone material is for extra comfort and allows you to use the massager for as long as needed. The massager is able to heat up to 42⁰C, which is the correct temperature to help increase milk flow. This can help with engorgement or sensitive areas in your breast.  The unique design of the massager with the heated tip, allows you for focus where you would like to apply heat. It is small enough to fit inside your bra comfortably and can be used on any breast shape or size.  The massager can be used in any position on your breast. This allows you to reach any blockage.   The My Breast Lactation Massager is a must for all breastfeeding women and a great baby shower gift. As it helps to make your nursing, breastfeeding, pumping journey more comfortable and relaxing.  For more information and where to buy the My Breast Lactation Massager please see our website www.mybreastpump.co.za or Takealot. 

September 6, 2022

Hello Mr Price Baby: Your new store for everything baby and kids!

Mr Price Baby has launched, offering you a whole new world of baby: a one-stop shop with every need sorted! “Since launching baby clothing in November 2020, we saw the need to give parents even more of the unbelievable value we are known for. After two years of thorough market research, talking to parents and soon-to-be moms, we have designed a store experience to make parenting affordable and convenient for all South Africans. As you would expect from Mr Price, the new concept will differentiate from competitors through its famous fashion-value formula. Further differentiators include an in-store shopping experience that is tailored to the baby and toddler shopper as a one-stop destination, and a digital platform with the same features that has made Mr Price the most visited South African fashion retailer.” – Donovan Baney, Managing Director of Mr Price. Mr Price Baby will be with parents every step of the way offering a wide assortment of products and major baby brands across changing, personal care, bath, travel, drinking, sleep, feeding, play and clothing for babies (0-24 months) and kids (1-7 years). You’ll be able to shop everything from prams and car seats to nappies, toys, baby food and so many more essentials. “Mr Price Baby is a major milestone for us being the people’s value champion with so much potential to grow.” – Donovan Baney, Managing Director of Mr Price. You can find our standalone Mr Price Baby stores in Eastgate Shopping Centre, Menlyn Shopping Centre, Mitchells Plain Promenade Mall, Carnival Mall, Parow Centre and Pine Crest Centre. You can shop a selection of product in the Mr Price Kids stores at Carlton Centre, Mall of Africa and Midlands Mall, as well as in the following Mr Price stores: Benoni Lakeside Mall, Cavendish, Fourways Mall, Golden Walk Shopping Centre and Nelspruit Riverside Mall.  Added convenience includes a kiosk in selected stores where customers can shop online with the option of door-to-door delivery or click & collect at their nearest store or create a baby gift registry.  Our full assortment will also be available to shop online at mrprice.com and on the Mr Price app. Follow us @mrpricebaby on Instagram and Facebook Official hashtag: #mrpricebaby 

September 5, 2022

Why does my baby’s nappy leak?

Good day everyone. Welcome to on the couch with Jessica. I’m Jessica from Growing Hearts and today we are going to talk a little bit more about the age old question that many moms have asked. Why does my baby’s nappy leak?

September 5, 2022

Baby Poo 101

Less is more and with Sudocrem a little goes a long way! Only apply a small amount in a thin layer and massage in using a light touch until the Sudocrem has disappeared leaving a translucent film. If the area looks white afterwards, put a little less on next time.  Knowing enough about your baby’s poo, will help you understand what signs to be cautious about and how to treat it from the very beginning. The colour and consistency of your baby’s poo may change daily, even if you are only feeding them breast milk or formula milk. This is particularly true if you are breastfeeding as your diet can affect your baby’s digestion. However, if you notice dramatic differences in your baby’s digestion such as very smelly, very watery or very hard poos then you should ask your health professional for advice. Your baby’s first poo Your baby’s very first poos are called meconium, and look different to what you may expect. They are often sticky with a tar-like appearance and can make your baby sore if left in contact with her skin for too long. These poos will continue for the first few days until milk feeds are established. A good tip is to use olive oil to help remove meconium from tender skin, then apply a barrier cream such as Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream. Breastfed baby poo After the meconium stage a lot of what you’ll see in the nappy depends on whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Breastfed babies tend to have softer, slightly mustardy coloured poo. Breast milk can produce softer poos than those of formula fed babies and they are often a lot less smelly! Formula fed baby poo Formula milk contains nutrients that are considered more difficult to digest than those found in breast milk. This often means that formula-fed babies have fewer but firmer bowel movements than you would expect from a breastfed baby. Formula fed babies’ poo is often a paler yellow and usually has a stronger smell than that of a breastfed baby. If your newborn baby is regularly going for more than one day without a poo then they may be suffering from constipation and you should see your health professional for advice. Weaning Once weaning starts your baby’s nappies will usually reflect what they’ve eaten in colour and content. For example, after eating pureed carrots, your baby’s poo will probably be orange. For several months after weaning you’ll notice that some food, particularly high fibre food such as raisins and baked beans, may not get broken down in the journey from mouth to nappy and appears almost untouched. This is normal and will change once your little one is able to digest fibre more efficiently. Use Sudocrem Skin and Baba Care Cream at every nappy change to soothe irritated skin and to prevent nappy rash from occurring. Sudocrem is available in 60g, 125g, 250g and 400g tubs and can be purchased at Baby City, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Clicks, other major retailer outlet near you and online.

September 2, 2022

Pregnancy And Obesity: Understand The Dangers

 Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights the benefits of weight loss when you’re pregnant and obese. Did you know? A high body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy is dangerous for you and your unborn baby? Obesity is diagnosed as a BMI of 30 or above. How to Calculate Your BMI? To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. If you are 1.65m tall and weigh 85kg:  weight / height squared = 85 / 1.65 x 1.65 = 85 / 2.72 = 31.25.  Then your BMI would be 31.25.  According to CDC, BMI weight status is as follows: Could a High BMI Hinder My Ability To Become Pregnant? In short, yes. A high BMI can impair fertility by interfering with normal ovulation. The greater the BMI, even in women who ovulate regularly, the longer it may take to conceive. Additionally, some data shows that a greater BMI relates to an increased chance of in vitro fertilisation failure (IVF). How Can My BMI Impact My Pregnancy? A high BMI during pregnancy raises the risk of a variety of pregnancy problems, such as: Stillbirth, miscarriage, and repeated miscarriage Gestational diabetes Preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication marked by elevated blood pressure and symptoms of organ system impairment, most commonly the liver and kidneys) Heart difficulties Sleep apnoea The necessity for a C-section  How Can My Weight Affect The Health Of My Unborn Baby? A high BMI during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of a variety of health issues for unborn babies, including: Congenital diseases Being much bigger at birth than typical (foetal macrosomia) Growth issues Paediatric asthma Paediatric obesity Cognitive difficulties and developmental delay How Much Weight Gain Is Recommended During Pregnancy? When deciding how much weight you need to gain during pregnancy, it is vital to consider your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI.  If you have a BMI of 30 or above and are carrying one child, you should gain about 5 to 9 kilograms. If your BMI is at least 30 and you are pregnant with twins or multiples, the recommended weight increase range is about 11 to 19 kilograms.  “Instead of suggesting that you acquire a set amount of weight during pregnancy, your healthcare professional may advise you to avoid gaining too much weight,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Will I Require Specialist Treatment During My Pregnancy? If your BMI is 30 or higher, your health care practitioner will follow your pregnancy regularly. Your service provider may suggest: 1. Prenatal screenings for gestational diabetes Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, a screening test known as the glucose challenge test is often administered to women at average risk for gestational diabetes. If your glucose levels are within the normal range, you will have a second screening test between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If the results indicate that your blood glucose levels are high, more testing will be required.  2. Changes to your ultrasound of the foetus To check a baby’s anatomy, routine foetal ultrasound is often performed between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy. However, ultrasound waves have difficulty penetrating belly fat tissue. This can compromise the efficacy of foetal ultrasonography. 3. Diagnostic testing for obstructive sleep apnoea Sleep apnoea is a potentially dangerous sleep disease characterised by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep.  Pregnant women with obstructive sleep apnoea are more likely to develop preeclampsia and other problems. If obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected, your health care physician may send you to a sleep medicine expert for examination and potential treatment. What Measures Can I Take To Ensure That My Pregnancy Is Healthy? You can reduce the effects of a high BMI on your health and the health of your baby. For instance: Schedule a doctor’s appointment before conception Your provider may prescribe a daily prenatal vitamin and refer you to other health care professionals, such as a qualified dietitian, who can assist you in achieving a healthy weight before conception. Seek frequent prenatal care Prenatal appointments allow your physician to monitor you and your unborn baby’s health and manage any medical issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Consume a nutritious diet Work with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist to maintain a balanced diet and prevent excessive weight gain. Remember that you will need extra folic acid, protein, calcium, iron, and other critical nutrients during pregnancy. Perform physical activity Consult your doctor about safe methods to be physically active throughout pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics. Avoid dangerous chemicals If you smoke, consult your health care practitioner for assistance quitting. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and illegal substances. “While a BMI of 30 or over during pregnancy can raise the risk of problems for both mother and child, there are ways in which you can manage your risks and promote a healthy pregnancy. Never hesitate to speak to your health care provider should you have any questions or concerns,” concludes Hewlett.

August 26, 2022

How to install your car seat and correctly strap in your child correctly for optimal safety

According to the law, children under the age of three have to be strapped in when travelling in vehicles on South African roads.  The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s age, size, and developmental needs. Once you’ve established what car seat you’re after though, correctly installing it and knowing how to strap in your child is the next very crucial step to securing your child’s safety when in a vehicle. According to Maxi-Cosi car seat manufacturers, their seats are among the safest you can buy, but all car seats need to be fitted and used correctly for safe travel and maximum protection. Here are their top tips for car seat safety: Install car seats correctly Baby car seats must always be rear facing. If you have ISOFIX in your car use an ISOFIX car seat, it’s easy to install the seat to the anchor points. If you don’t have ISOFIX you can use a seat belt installed car seat. Make sure you know how to guide the belt correctly and pull the car seat belt tight. Make sure the seat is locked down – a simple check is to check if the car seat is moving around a fair amount, in which case it’s not installed correctly Pull the car seat’s safety harness tight. If you can just slip one finger between the harness and your child’s chest, it’s tight enough. Read the car seat manual or watch the installation video and follow the instructions carefully. Various baby stores can also install carseats for you and check that your seat Secure your child correctly Always use a car seat, even on short trips It’s obvious, and it’s the law, but we still sometimes see children travelling without a car seat. Accidents can happen, even on the shortest trips. Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible It’s safest for babies and toddlers to stay in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 15 months old. It doesn’t matter if their legs stick out, but if their heads are higher than the seat shell, they need the next size. Avoid second-hand car seats You can never be sure a second-hand car seat is a safe car seat. You don’t know if it’s been damaged in an accident, or has pieces missing. Use the correct size car seat It’s best to buy a car seat for your child’s current height and weight, then buy the next size up. Avoid seats that claim to cover all ages in one. Make sure the safety harness is at the right heightThe harness should be at shoulder height.    Take your child’s coat offA thick coat can make the harness less effective. If your child is cold, use their coat as a blanket over the harness. Beware of activated frontal airbagsThe safest place for a rear-facing car seat is on the back seat, passenger side. This avoids the danger of front airbags inflating against the seat. Deactivate the front airbag if you use your car seat on the passenger seat and place this seat in the rearmost position. Make sure the safety harness straps are not twisted. Keep loose items off the rear parcel shelfIn an accident, even small loose items can turn into dangerous projectiles. Tuck them away safely. Follow these tips and enjoy lots of fun, safe outings with your child.

August 21, 2022

A new mom deserves all the help she can get!

The line on a pregnancy test; the line on a COVID antibody test; the line on an ovulation test etc. All these lines on tests indicate a positive or a negative result. In the same way, the wetness indicator is a line that indicates when your #babynappies are wet.  A wetness indicator is a pH indicator which changes colour depending on the acidity or alkalinity in the urine that is in the nappy. These lines appear yellow when the nappy is dry, but the slightly alkaline pH of urine causes its colour to change from yellow to blue. This is a useful feature which can save you time, money and spare you unnecessary stress.   Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups have a super absorbent core keeping baby’s skin dry and safe from exposure to excess moisture. This is wonderful, but the nappies are so absorbent that you can’t always tell whether or not baby has passed urine. The wetness indicator will change colour providing the caregiver with peace of mind that baby has passed urine; or prompting them to be alert to the fact that there has been some action in that nappy.  Are you changing the nappy because it needs to be changed or are you changing it out of habit? The wetness indicator on Hi Baby’s premium nappies and pull ups will save you time, money, and unnecessary nappy changes. Until Next Time, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

August 16, 2022

The importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastmilk is made especially for your baby by you, so it has everything your little one needs for their first months of life. At Junior Colleges, we recommend that you breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, and we will assist you as much as possible through this period of your life while your child is at our school. There are advantages and disadvantages to breastfeeding that we have listed to assist you with your decision. Advantages for the Newborn Baby Breast milk is a complete food for the baby. It is well-balanced and provides water and nutrients. It is easy to digest.  During feeds, there is a bonding between mother and child. The milk changes according to the specific need of the baby. High protein content encourages brain development. Protects against infection as antibodies are passed from mother to child. Less nappy rash, colic, gastric disturbances, and constipation. Lower risk of cot death. Advantages for the Mother Mother will regain her figure quicker. Lower risk of breast cancer. Easy to travel with the baby. Always fresh. Always in sterile containers. Always at the right temperature. Breast milk is free of charge. Disadvantages Daddy cannot be as involved as with bottle feeding. Mommy may have limited movement and activities. Poor techniques may cause nipple problems and painful feeding. Any mother’s medication, drugs, or alcohol use may affect the baby she is feeding. Breastmilk digests quicker than formula, and the baby may need more frequent feeding. Breastfeeding and the Working Mother Usually, the working mother will feed early in the morning when the baby wakes up; during the working day, she should express milk into sterilised containers and keep it in the fridge.  She should feed as often as possible in the afternoon and evening to keep up the milk supply. Remember, the more you feed, the more milk your body will produce. The baby may also demand more feeds during the night, which can be quite difficult if the mother gets up early the next morning to go to work. Breastfeeding is Still Best Breast milk is the best choice for the newborn baby. It is the perfect first food, and the mother should try her best to breastfeed her baby if possible. Babies only need breast milk during the first few months of their lives.

August 15, 2022

Let’s make tummy time fun

Make tummy time even more fun for your baby with this Fisher-Price Music & Vibe Sloth Tummy Wedge. The two respositionable activity toys, which include a BPA-free leaf teether and colourful clackers, will encourage your little one to lift their head and push up to play with them, while strengthening their neck and core muscles. They can enjoy exploring the textures of the large, friendly crinkle sloth face with his soft “hair” as gentle music and vibrations play for up to 10 minutes to calm them and give them extra comfort. From birth and up. Keep your little one engaged during tummy time with this fun Fisher-Price Music & Vibe Sloth Tummy Wedge toy.The two repositionable activity toys will encourage your baby to lift their head and push up to engage with them, while strengthening their neck and core muscles. Your baby will enjoy exploring the large, friendly crinkle sloth face and his “hair” as comforting music and vibrations play for up to 10 minutes.The two activity toys featured within this Fisher-Price interactive toy for babies, are a BPA-free leaf teether and colourful clackers.Machine washable (with electronics removed).

August 5, 2022

Step up to support breast feeding

At My Breastpump we celebrate World Breast Feeding week every year from the 1-7 August. This year the theme is “Stepping up to support breast feeding”. During the pandemic the support for breastfeeding dropped drastically. Mothers were not able to have face to face support groups, some antenatal preparation classes were cancelled or moved online, partners were not able to attend doctors visit or sometimes even attend the birth. Some mothers were all alone in the hospital until discharge. Mothers were then further isolated after giving birth in order to protect their new born from exposure to Corona Virus. All of these practices resulted in less breast-feeding support for mothers and their families. Now is the time that we need to start bring back all the different types of breast-feeding support that we know works and is enjoyed by mothers but also to learn from the new ways of supporting mothers that we learnt due to the pandemic.  Over the last 2 years, My Breastpump has supported mothers by running Online breastfeeding and pumping workshops with our lactation consultant. Assisted with antenatal classes. Attended many of the baby shows country wide, chatting to mothers about breast feeding and pumping. Collaborated with Little Little Prem with online classes for mothers that have just had premature infants to help and support them. Write breastfeeding article that are published monthly on Parenting Hub.  Our goal is to support mothers by giving them correct and valuable information around breast feeding and pumping so that they are confidant and able to breast feed.  Hacks for mothers who want to breast feed or pump: 1. Start learning about breast feeding while you are pregnant The more that you know about breast feeding the better equipped you will be and, more able to make informed choices about how your baby is fed.  2. Talk to your partner about how they can support you to breastfeed Studies have shown that when a mother has a partner that support breast feeding, they are more likely to have a successful breast-feeding relationship. There are many different and supportive roles that partners can play with breast feeding. Some examples are: they can support and help with latching, make sure the mom is comfortable and well hydrated during feeds, change nappies and do bath time so that mom can rest.  3. Understand how breast milk is made By understanding breast milk production this can really help you with your breastfeeding. You will be able to increase your milk supply, manage engorgement and know that your body responds to your baby’s needs. Learn about prolactin and oxytocin and how they make breast milk. Learn how to “flip on” your body’s breast-feeding switch. This will make you more confidence with your breast milk making abilities.  4. Learn how to breast feed with a deep latch Learning how to breastfeed comfortable is key to enjoying breastfeeding and also a good milk supply. Learn how to hold your baby so that you will be able to get a nice comfortable deep latch. This will help to make your feed time shorter while ensuring that your baby gets enough breast milk. A deep latch also prevents pain and many of the other complications that can happen with a shallow latch. 5. Know how to monitor your baby to see if they are getting enough milk Many mothers worry that they are not giving their baby enough milk or that her baby is hungry. With breast feeding there are ways to monitor how her baby is feeding and to check if they are getting enough milk.  6. Know what to look for in a breast pump for best results Learn the important features and specs of the breast pump so that you are able to buy the wright breast pump for you. Features that you should consider when buying a breast pump are:  closed system, warranty duration, hospital grade and double, so that you can make the best-informed choice which you purchase your breast pump. So many mothers end up buying a second pump because the first one was not working correctly.  See an article here for more information  7. Learn how to store and manage your breast milk stash Storage of expressed breast milk is really important that you do not want any of your milk to go to waste or use a breast milk storage bag that might burst while in the freezer. See more about building up your breast milk stash  8. Know when to ask for help and who to ask As moms we are told we can and should do every thing but this is not true. When we need help, we just need to ask for it. The same is true with breast feeding and pumping. Asking for help can save your milk supply, increase your confidence and let you enjoy being a breast-feeding mom. Pop us a message and we will help you find a lactation consultant near you.  9. Find out from work what the HR policy is for when you return to work with regards to expressing In South Africa there are recommendation that woman returning to work after having their baby should have breast feeding breaks and these breaks should be in a clean and safe area. Ask your HR before you go on maternity leave what the policy is so that you are prepared and ready when you go back to work. If there is no policy, then you can work with them to make sure that you are able to express your breast milk. Read more about Work place and breast feeding balance  10. Take one day at a time Taking one day at a time and living in the moment is a great way to spend your maternity leave. Focus on what you have achieve today with your breast feeding and you will be surprised how quickly the time flys by.  If you are expecting a baby or new to breast feeding you are

August 5, 2022
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