Pregnancy & Baby - Parenting Hub

What is a Hospital grade breast pump?

Traditionally Hospital grade breast pumps have been Large, bulky, very expensive, multiuser breast pumps that have strong motor that allow of pumping multiple times a day and have a good longevity. These pumps were designed to help mothers build up their milk supply (for example with premature mothers) from scratch and then also maintain the mothers milk supply. In order to do this these pumps needed to have a variety of cycles and suction levels to effectively cause the milk ejection reflex (let-down) and then to drain the breast effectively. These pumps were traditionally kept in hospitals. With the demand for better private and home use pumps Ameda has used technology to create their very own hospital grade breast pump that is available and affordable for mothers to have their own private hospital grade breast pump. The Mya Joy double electric hospital grade breast pump ticks all the boxes that mothers need for a private hospital grade breast pump: able to initiate breast milk production able to maintain breast milk supply 2-phase pumping Small and compact Quiet Portable (fits into a handbag, can clip onto your closes and uses batteries) Affordable Motor is capable of being used 8+ times a day Motor has a 2-year warranty Easy to use Additional flange sizes to make sure the pump fits you correctly Double electric- express both breasts at the same time Back up service and parts available So why is a hospital grade breast pump different from other off the shelf breast pumps? The normal breast pumps do not have motors that are able to create a suction level of -250mm Hg and maintain it. They only can maintain a negative suction of about -170mm Hg. This is not sufficient to be used for increasing milk supply or to maintain it. It is ok to use if you are only pumping occasionally and your baby is breast feeding often from your breast. Your baby will then be able to drain and help your body to maintain your milk supply, not your breast pump. Normal pump if not used with breast feeding can cause a mothers milk to dry up or decrease. The amount and type of cycles is also very important. A cycle is how many times in a minute your breast pump “sucks” your breast. A hospital grade breast pump can change the cycles per minute to mimic that of a baby. Think about how a baby sucks at the breast. It sometimes sucks fast and other times sucks slowly. The fast suction is to help with the let down and the slower sucking is to drain the breast properly. A Hospital grade breast pump has 2 phases which is the faster and slower cycles. These cycles should be in a range of 80-120 c.p.m. for the stimulation phase and 20-65 c.p.m. for the expression phase. The Mya Joy allows for mothers to be in control of the setting and timing of their breast pump. This allows the mother to change the settings so that she can have more than one let down per pump. As she is in control of the timing it allows her to shorten her pump and make most effective time. This is ideal for when a mom needs to go back to work and has limited time to express in. In the paste hospital grade breast pump have been known for being bulky but the new Ameda Mya Joy is small enough to fit into your hand. It is small but mighty. It has a back clip so that you can clip it onto you favourite pair of legging and walk around while using the Mya Joy. The Mya Joy uses batteries which makes the pump portable. The benefit of batteries is that you can use rechargeable batteries which reduces the cost of batteries, the Mya Joy can be used for 90 minutes at the highest settings before needing to have new batteries. The benefit of having batteries as an option is that the pump can still be used if the charger has been left at work or home. A very important feature for all breast pumps is the sound level that it makes while it is operating. If a pump makes a lot of noise, it can become very irritating and embarrassing as people will know what you are doing. The Ameda Mya Joy is a very quiet pump, so much so a mother can use the pump while talking on the phone and the other person will not hear the pump. The shape of the flange is also very important as this creates comfort and a proper seal. Comfort is so important with breast feeding as this allows for the flow of breast milk. The shape and size of the flange is so important. The flange needs to completely seal around the breast so that no air can escape causing the pump to lose its vacuum and reduce its ability to express the milk out. This often happens with in bra pumps. Mothers find that the flange are not the best fit for their breast size or nipple, causing them to use the pump on higher settings or not being able to express breast milk out effectively. Technology and innovation have enabled Ameda to make a Hospital Grade breast pump that is easy to use while still maintaining the key elements of a hospital grade pump and adding portability and cost effectiveness.

February 10, 2023

From Baby Steps to Back-to-School for New Moms & Tots

Back-to-school is always tinged by just a little excitement and anxiety for the unknown, as parents and children prepare for the start of the new school year ahead. Every child will enter the school year with different skills, goals, and social and emotional aptitudes. Your 3-year-old is motivated by fun and new ideas and will be active and communicative. Four-year-old girls and boys are energetic, imaginative and love to ask questions about their world; while your five-year-old will already have the confidence of knowing some letters of the alphabet, words to popular songs and can count to ten. As a parent sending your child to creche, preschool or big school for the first time, you can support your child by being positive about school and taking the necessary steps to ensure the days ahead are a success as they learn to navigate the world all on their own, and for the very first time. Here’s what you can do to make Back-to-School as seamless as possible for both of you: Confidence Boost: Read books together about starting school, where your child can relate to the characters in the story, is useful for first-day jitters and may provide a boost of confidence where needed. You can also discuss their new teacher and reassure your child that you and the teacher will work together to make sure they will be taken care of. Practise Makes Perfect: Practising their new daily routine before the start of their first day can help to alleviate some of your child’s anxiety. Go over the time to get up, and the routine of dressing and doing their teeth, eating breakfast, packing their lunch and when you will need to leave the house to reach school on time, and what time you will be there to collect them again. New school mom Sandy Adams pulled out all the stops: “The first morning I drop off my daughter at school, I strap her favourite dolls and our dogs into the car so we can all cheer her on together.” See & Do: For some, including those who are pre-readers and kids with special needs, a visual schedule can encourage them to follow the steps to get ready each morning and it can include pictures of their actual items to better guide them through those steps. Lunch is Served: Ease your first-time scholar into the school schedule by eating lunch at the same time as your child will be when he or she is at school. This will help get your child’s stomach on a schedule so he or she isn’t going to class hungry and distracted. In the days or weeks before the start of school, plan and make your lunches together for the day ahead. Food helps to create a link between your home and the new school day and will support your child with a sense of connection and familiarity. Let them help you pack their lunch and label it together. Stay creative with your packed lunch ideas and avoid getting stuck into the dreaded one sandwich and an apple routine. The vital baby® NOURISH™ scoop™ feeding set, with lid and spoon, is the ideal lunch set for little ones to take to school and show off their self-feeding skills. Your child can easily scoop out every drop of nourishment with its scooped sides and it will boost their confidence and cutlery skills while eating from their own bowl, which is ideal for both purees and puddings and more chunkier textures. This means you can serve delicious pastas and toppings, mashed potatoes and cut-sausage coins, or pre-cooked lasagne slices, that will fill them up and keep them satisfied at school lunch time. The set comes with its own spoon and a hygienic spoon cover to keep it clean and will last from the early stages of weaning throughout toddlerhood. Energy Boosters: Coming up with tasty, creative ideas each day will take getting used to. It helps to remember that kids, just like adults, eat with their eyes first, so pack your toddler’s lunch with items that include a lot of colours and interesting finger foods. A healthy lunch will also have a balance of nutrients they require to power them through the day. Proteins and fats will keep them full and fuelled and complex carbohydrates will give them the energy they need; so mix it up and keep it balanced. The Vital Baby Store and Wean Pots come with six in a pack and are perfectly sized for small amounts of food that your little scholar will love opening to reveal their daily treat for the day when on the school playground. The secure lids are fully leak-proof to safely store and transport food, keeping foods and snacks fresh for serving or for prepping ahead and stacking and storing in the fridge or freezer. Packed Inspiration: For creative, no-sandwich ideas, you will need to prep for your weekly shopping list and keep organised. It is also the perfect time to encourage your kids to prep their own packed lunches and start them on the road towards independence. You can do this by keeping a container in the fridge with lunch items to select from, such as cheese blocks, small yoghurts, cut vegetables, washed fruit and hummus dips and a secondary cupboard with muesli bars, nuts and single-serve pouches to make it easier for both of you. Try making your own trail mix to keep at home which your child can always reach and help themselves to. Properly Packaged with Care: Ensure you pack your child a lunch in a lunch tin they can open. This includes liquid refreshment too, as some products can be too stiff for little fingers to manoeuvre, such as folding spout cups that keep a stiff seal. The Vital Baby® 360° Edge™ Cup is specially designed for toddlers and kids on the go. With a soft outer lip to protect small mouths and sore gums, the cup is pressure activated, so they can drink

February 6, 2023

NAPPY RASH: TREATMENT TIPS

According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, nappy rash is a common type of irritated skin (dermatitis) that appears as inflamed patches on your baby’s bottom. Wet or infrequently changed nappies, skin sensitivity, and chafing are all common causes of nappy rash.1 “Around one in four babies and toddlers not yet toilet trained will experience nappy rash at any given time,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While nappy rash can be frustrating for parents, it usually goes away with simple home remedies like air drying, more frequent nappy changes, and ointment.” Symptoms Of Nappy Rash Nappy rash signs and symptoms include:2 Red or inflamed skin on your baby’s buttocks, thighs, and genitals Pink or red patches in the nappy area (the folds of the groin will usually look normal) Skin that feels hot to the touch Spots, pimples, or blisters around the nappy area Discomfort, fussiness, or crying, especially when changing nappies Peeling, flaking, or scaly skin What Causes Nappy Rash? Nappy rash is often caused by leaving wet or soiled nappies on for too long, but other factors can also cause nappy rash. Rubbing or chafing Nappy rash can be caused by tight-fitting nappies or clothing that rubs against the skin. Using New Products Your baby’s skin may react to a new brand of baby wipes or nappies, as well as the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener used to wash cloth nappies. Lotions, powders, and oils may contain ingredients that exacerbate the problem. Bacteria Or Yeast Infection What starts out as a simple nappy rash on your baby’s bottom can quickly spread to the surrounding skin. Because the area covered by a nappy is warm and moist, it is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. These rashes can be found in the skin’s creases. You may also notice red dots strewn about the creases. Food Allergies The composition of a baby’s stool changes as your tot begins to eat solid foods. This increases the chances of nappy rash. Changes in your baby’s diet can also cause more stools, which can cause nappy rash. Breastfed babies may develop nappy rash due to something the mother ate. Skin Issues Babies with atopic dermatitis (eczema) or seborrheic dermatitis are more likely to develop nappy rash. Antibiotics Antibiotics can cause a rash by killing bacteria that control yeast growth. The use of antibiotics also increases the risk of diarrhoea. Breastfed babies whose mothers are taking antibiotics are also more likely to develop nappy rash. How To Prevent Nappy Rash Keeping the nappy area clean and dry is the best way to avoid nappy rash. Affinity Health recommends these 10 simple steps to help reduce the chances of nappy rash developing on your baby’s skin. Change your baby’s nappies frequently and request the same from staff if your child is at daycare. Choose disposable nappies over cloth nappies. Disposable nappies have absorbent gel, which is effective because they draw moisture away from the skin. Rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water as part of each nappy change. Cleaning the skin can be aided by moist washcloths, cotton balls, and baby wipes. Use alcohol-free or fragrance-free wipes on your baby’s skin. Alternatively, use a gentle non-soap cleanser, paediatrician and dermatologist-approved, hypoallergenic, ph-balanced, and free from colourants and perfumes. Allow your baby’s skin to air dry, or gently pat it dry with a clean towel. You should not scrub your baby’s bottom. Use powders sparingly. Cornstarch-based baby powders may be problematic because their main ingredient may make a candida-caused nappy rash worse. Apply cream and ointment that contains time-tested ingredients such as petroleum jelly and zinc oxide. After changing your baby’s nappy, thoroughly wash your hands. Hand washing can help keep bacteria and yeast from spreading to other parts of your baby’s body, you, or other children. Nappies should be fastened securely but not too tightly. Nappy rashes can be avoided by using a nappy that allows for some airflow. Nappies that are too tight can irritate the skin. Avoid using plastic or tight-fitting nappy covers. Allow your baby’s bottom to go longer without a nappy whenever possible. Air-drying skin is a natural and gentle way to dry it. Try laying your bare-bottomed baby on a large towel and engaging in some playtime to avoid messy accidents. When Should You See A Doctor? If your baby’s skin does not improve after a few days of home treatment, consult with your family doctor or baby’s paediatrician. To treat nappy rash, you may need prescription medication, or the rash could be caused by something else, such as a zinc deficiency.

February 1, 2023

COLICKY BABY? PROBIOTICS MAY REDUCE CRYING FROM COLIC AND REFLUX

Does your baby cry for hours at a time every night for what seems like an eternity? Do their tears worsen into a full-fledged meltdown, complete with clenched fists, flailing legs, and an unhappy red face, despite your best efforts to soothe them? Welcome to the (very unpleasant) world of colic! Colic likely has more than one cause, but studies have found a link between gut microbiota and colic in babies. High levels of Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Klebsiella have been found in babies with colic, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels have been found to be low. This dysbiosis could be a possible cause of abnormal gut motility and increased gas production.1 Supplementing beneficial bacteria, in addition to other methods, may help reduce pain and provide your baby with relief until colic passes. Here are six ways to help your baby’s gut. 1. Give Them a Burp A crying baby can consume a lot of air. This can make them gassy and bloated, exacerbating their crying. Burp them on the back with firm but gentle pats. The traditional position, with your baby’s head over your shoulder, works but can leave a spit-up trail down your back. Change things up: Place your baby on your lap, face down, or sit them up, while your arms support their chest and neck.2 2. Switch Up Feeding Practices Changes in feeding practices may also provide some relief. Bottle-feed your baby upright and frequently burp during and after a feeding. A curved bottle will help with vertical feeding, while anti-colic valves may reduce air intake.3 3. Do Baby Bicycles This simple exercise can aid in the manual release of gas. Lay your baby on their back and use a bicycle motion to gently cycle their legs towards their tummies.4 You can also gently push your baby’s knees towards his or her tummy and hold the position for 10 seconds. Release and straighten their legs several times, then repeat. 4. Watch Your Diet If Breastfeeding Research suggests there is some correlation between maternal diet in breastfeeding mothers and infantile colic. According to some studies, removing allergenic foods from the maternal diet may reduce colic while consuming a protein-rich diet may protect infants from colic.5 5. Consider Probiotics Restore and maintain your baby’s gut health with Reuterina® drops6, shown to reduce colic crying time7, and daily regurgitation8. Reuterina® drops can be used as a preventative measure9 to reduce the onset of constipation in healthy newborns, increase the daily evacuations and improve gut motility and the number of bowel movements. 6. Speak To Your Healthcare Provider Make an appointment with your child’s paediatrician if your baby is crying excessively or you are concerned they may have colic. Remember that while it may appear that your baby will have colic indefinitely, colic is only temporary. You won’t remember your baby having colic in a few months because you’ll be too busy making memories with your bundle of joy. The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide. For more information, visit: https://reuterina.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook. References and product legals available on request. | 006 ZA Reut 012023

February 1, 2023

Caffeine and pregnancy – am I allowed?

You may be wondering if your morning cuppa is something to be avoided now that you’re pregnant. Generally, caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can harm your baby. However, you can consume caffeine in small amounts, so you won’t need to go cold turkey on your coffee habit. But how much is too much? And what caffeine high food and drink should you be avoiding? How does caffeine affect you and your baby? Too much caffeine can have a negative impact on both you and your baby. If you’ve drunk a lot before getting pregnant you may find adjusting to only one cup a day (or the equivalent) pretty tough. As a stimulant, caffeine has the effect of making you feel more awake and alert, but too much (even before getting pregnant) isn’t good for you. Caffeine can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, and leave you feeling fatigued when the stimulant has left your system. Caffeine is also addictive, while it doesn’t cause addiction in the way that drugs do, drinking it often can increase your dependency on it. When you’re pregnant your body will metabolize caffeine at a slower rate. Some studies have linked increased caffeine intake to miscarriage (although there are conflicting studies on this) as well as low birth weight. Because the risks aren’t fully understood it is best to limit your intake. How much is enough? When you find out you’re pregnant it’s best to limit your caffeine intake to 200mg per day. This is the equivalent of two cups of instant coffee (filter coffee has more) or 3 to 4 cups of brewed tea. Energy drinks, sodas and chocolate are other sources of caffeine which you should consider. Remember, caffeine isn’t the only thing in these foods and drinks, energy drinks and sodas have lots of processed sugar, and some energy drinks also contain ginseng, which should be avoided during pregnancy. What are alternatives to caffeine? If you are planning on sticking to as little caffeine as possible per day you’re probably wondering what healthy alternatives there are. Luckily in South Africa, rooibos tea is very popular and perfectly safe to drink. You can swap out filter coffee and flat whites for rooibos tea and red cappuccinos. Decaf coffee is another alternative, but it’s best not to overdo this one as it still has trace amounts of caffeine.

January 23, 2023

Did you check for mould in your breast pump?

The first time I needed a breast pump, I did not know that there were “closed” and “open system” breast pumps. In fact, I naïvely did not know that it was important. I just went along with what everyone else used. In the beginning I was an exclusive pumper because my son was in NICU. This means that I pumped day and night basically around the clock. I started to notice that when I had a really strong let down (that was a good thing) my milk started to get stuck in the tubes of the pump (I did not think this was a good thing). I started to worry about “How do I clean the milk out? “. I really did not want sour breast milk in my tubing, what if it got contaminated with bacteria, that could make my baby sick. That would be worse than gross it could be very harmful. The more I thought about it the more worried I became. I did what every self-respecting mother would do….. I googled it. Oh my….. what a scare I had. Have you ever tried it? I dare you to use google images and look up “mould in breast pump”. Apart from having a mild heart attack I realise that I should not just be concerned about “off milk’ in the tubes but there could be worst things going on in my breast pump. I wondered “Why were people not talking about this?” There are real risks to using an open system breast pump and as my baby was in NICU I did feel like this was something to really worry about. After a bit more researching, I found out that there are closed system breast pumps. This means that there is some type of barrier that stops the breast milk (moisture and other nasties) from getting into your breast pump. This was great to find out. I then also found out that not all closed systems are equal. Some have the closure at the pump which allows for the nasties to collect in the tubing and then there are closed systems that close off the entire pump system from the flange (the thingy that sticks to your breast). The closer the closure is to the flange the better as this stop’s nasties from growing in the tubing. I loved the idea of having a breast pump that did not allow for breast milk to enter the tubing. Firstly so that no nasties would grow and secondly what a waste of breast milk. Every drop counted for me. The top closed system brand found in South Africa is the Ameda brand with the Mya Joy hospital grade private pump, Elite hospital grade (rental) pump and soon to have the Pearl Hospital (rental) pump. They all have complete closed system (at the flange) that is also FDA approved for bacteria and viruses. This means that they have tested their system and found it to be effective in separating the flange and breast milk from the tubing and pump. How it works is amazingly simple. The flange only has 4 parts which makes it so easy to clean and put together. The parts are: the collection bottle, the flange, the duck bill valve and the silicone diaphragm. The silicone diaphragm is the key. It completely separates the milk from the pump. So, no milk, moisture or nasties (bacteria, mould or viruses) can move between the two. As an example, let’s look at thrush. If you get thrush on your nipples (sadly it is known to happen) the fungi sores can then move through an open system pump and grow in the tubing or your pump. This can later re-infect your nipples. What a nightmare. With a closed system this cannot happen. All the Ameda breast pumps have the option of changing your flange size form 21mm to 36mm. The standard size is 25mm. Yes, women have different sized nipples! Not all breast flanges are comfortable for moms and this can really affect how much they can express and even cause damage if their fit is not comfortable. Breast pumps are an investment, and they are an invaluable help. You need to do your homework and look at all the aspects. You need to find out if the pump you purchase will fit all your needs. Compare to the valve of the Ameda Mya Joy: Question Ameda Mya Joy Is this a quality breast pump? Is it a closed system Yes How much noise does it make? Very quiet, it can’t be hear over the phone How do the setting work? Easy to use: Stimulation 6 levels Expression 12 levels Will the flanges fit my nipples? Will it be comfortable? Yes and Yes. There are 7 different size flanges, and we have support staff to help you find the best fit How long is the warranty? 2- years Can I claim from my medical aid? Yes, the Mya Joy has a Nappi Code. Claiming is scheme dependent Find out more about the Ameda Mya Joy on our Website www.mybreastpump.co.za After you have done your research and got your pump you can pump when you need to and most importantly of all enjoy spending time with you baby.

January 13, 2023

A new years resolution

The start of a new year brings about a wonderful opportunity to make some small or even big changes. Making the switch to reusables is really a very easy switch. What a great time to make a better choice for your baby and ultimately the earth. Deep down you have always considered trying them. Well, 2023 is the time.You can decide to start smaller or dive in and go the full monty. Either way starting the process is somehow the “hardest part”. Change can feel daunting. Cloth nappies can appear to feel a bit like a foreign language given there are lots of different types here in SA and certainly some new lingo to learn. Is it hard? Neah. Is it rewarding- hell yes! Once you have realised that using our nappy system is really that easy and a lot of fun, you will be dying to top up that stash to full time because the cloth nappy addiction is a real thing and the landfill and money saving is very apparent. So how can you start? 1.Make the easiest switch of all – ditch the single use store bought wet wipes and replace them with a pack of reusable Wipey cloth wipes. Did you know that you only need around 20 – 30 reusable wipes to replace around 15 000 disposable wipes? Commercial wipes are full of chemicals (no matter how natural they say they are). A bright red rash between bum cheeks is often caused by these wipes. Using cloth wipes is dead easy. Simply wet a bunch in the morning and store them in a container near the changing station. Use as you go. They can be cleaned by simple rinsing them under a tap, rinsed again in the machine then washed with dirty towels or clothes on a main wash. Cloth wipes are the most handy items to carry around with you on the go too. Kids are dirty – clean hands, spills, faces in the car, at the park. The list is endless. Wash and reuse a gazillion times. Once you make this switch you will never buy another plastic packet of single use ones ever again. It all just goes into the bin. 2.What should I buy to get going? The less nappies you have the harder it is to really get a good feel for using them. With that said you don’t need to get a full stash. We recommend starting out with about 10 nappies and 4 Superwrap covers. This will then give you a good amount for one days use roughly. Our newborn mini set is wonderful starter for the birth to three month stage. If baby is here, consider our Budget starter set from 6kg up. Flats and fitted type cloth nappies (both offered in the sets above) are easy to use. The waterproof cover must be used over every nappy. Our website shows you exactly how to use and wash our nappies. We also offer full support via WhatsApp if you need it. I assure you that once you have the nappy in your hand and you have popped it on, you will fall in love with the cuteness and wonder why it all seemed so “hard”. 3. Pack out your reusables in plain site or in the top drawer Your nappies must be accessible. If disposables take priority place at the change area, those are the ones you will reach for. Simply because old habits die hard. I always tell mums to pack the single use items away, out of sight. Even away totally. Use those 10 nappies, one after the other. Give it a real good try for a whole day. Why? Because your hands need to learn how to use something new. Without using a good handful in one stretch, it can make it quite unrealistic as to what it “would really be like” to use them as your hands feel quite clumsy initially. Another thing to consider is babies tend to wee/poop in a brand new nappy. Having only a few nappies is not really ideal given how many they go through. 4. Do not get discouraged You may very well experience a bump in the road here and there (I mean who ever started something new without a few mistakes?). Using cloth is a learning curve however it is not a difficult one (breastfeeding is way harder). The most common issues we help our new cloth parents with are fit or absorbency issues. These are not caused by the actual nappy but rather because of “ignorance” given you are a newbie.Having a baby is full of new experiences. Incorporating reusable nappies is just one of them. Once you have been using our system for a few weeks, it all falls into place. 5. Ignore the naysayers So you’ve decided to use cloth and cannot wait to announce it to friends and family only to be greeted with big eyes and things like ” sjoe you will never manage that….”. What is interesting is that most people who have this advice are those that know absolutely nothing about modern day cloth. They have never seen or used our cloth diapers but seem to know the most about them. This probably comes from the old days where mums used to spend hours laboriously washing nappies in buckets (we now have washing machines and our cloth nappies do not need soaking). What we do know is one child generates almost one ton of landfill of disposable nappies. This can cost up to R25 000 for the parents. So no matter what anyone says, follow your heart. And opt for cloth. Never let anyone deter you. You will definitely show them!! 6. It`s never too late to start Did you know that even if you only start using cloth at eight months old, you will still save around R15 000 and around 5000 single use plastics in a landfill!?! One must consider that one cloth nappy is one less nappy into the earth, a ton less chemicals on baby’s bum, one less

January 12, 2023

Drinking while pregnant – what are the consequences

Drinking during pregnancy is a huge NO, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in. Alcohol causes harm to your unborn baby, and can cause them to have lifelong physical and mental problems. If you are planning on getting pregnant it is best to avoid alcohol. But if you didn’t know for the first few weeks and have had a few drinks in this time, while this isn’t ideal it is somewhat common and shouldn’t cause you to panic. However, when you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. The consequences of drinking while pregnant If you drink while pregnant, alcohol passes through your umbilical cord to your baby. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as a range of physical, behavioural and intellectual problems. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe among the range of FASDs. Kids born with FASD can be born prematurely with birth defects such as a smaller head, low body weight, deformities in their facial features and problems with their joints and heart. Growing up they can have issues with coordination, memory retention, attention, vision and hearing as well as intellectual disabilities. Some kids are born with problems that are only noticed when they go to school, when learning issues become apparent. There is no cure for FASD and FAS. Every pregnancy is different, some moms drink very little and their kids end up with severe health problems, whereas others report drinking more and have children with very few problems. If you are struggling to stop drinking it is best to seek professional help South Africa has the highest prevalence of FAS globally, 14 times higher than the global average. There are a number of local NGOs who focus their efforts on spreading awareness around the condition and programs which speak to pregnant mothers about drinking.

December 19, 2022

Air Purification Pal improves air quality to protect baby and toddler health

Designed with babies and toddlers in mind, the Air Purification Pal, by air treatment and lifestyle technology specialists Solenco, will improve the air quality in nurseries and baby rooms, which brings with it important health benefits – both immediate, like helping babies to sleep better, and long-term, like increased life expectancy and reduced chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Bianca Leonard, Marketing Manager at Solenco says that breathing cleaner air has a number of health benefits. “Ensuring that your baby breathes purified air gives him or her the best start in life. It will help to protect your baby’s health by reducing the chance of him or her catching colds and flu, and developing asthma, allergies and hay-fever.” The Air Purification Pal is approved by the South African Allergy Foundation and advances the foundation’s agenda of enhancing the quality of life and reducing the cost of healthcare for South Africans suffering from allergic disorders and primary immune deficiencies. Remaining steadfast in their mission to help improve overall health and enhance comfort in living spaces, Leonard says there was no reason why babies and toddlers shouldn’t be included too. She explains that even the cleanest home can have polluted air – cleaning materials, carpets and upholstered fabrics, pets and nearby traffic can all impact indoor air quality. “In fact, indoor air can be five times as polluted as outdoor air and, since indoor air is not circulated as much as outdoor air, many airborne pollutants thrive inside.” The Air Purification Pal’s triple filter system kills bacteria and viruses and traps up to 99.975% of particles, allergens, pollen, dust, smoke, mould spores and pet dander. It also reduces VOCs (volatile organic compounds, which can be 10 times more concentrated indoors compared to outdoors), toxic fumes and odours, ensuring that your babies have an increased chance of developing a healthy respiratory system. Health benefits aside, with its soft night light, cute interchangeable stickers and low noise output, the Air Purification Pal is perfect for toddlers. It’s also compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to move around the house, and its impact on a household’s electricity bill is minimal. Solenco sources international award-winning air treatment and lifestyle products to improve the health of South African families. These include a range of air purifiers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers to suit regional climates. “The Air Purification Pal fills a gap for health-conscious parents who want to give their babies every advantage,” said Leonard. The Air Purification Pal can be purchased via the website or Takealot.

December 15, 2022

A home and travel safety guide for first-time parents

Now that the easy part of having a baby is over, you have to go home and deal with the most challenging part – keeping your baby safe. Babies don’t understand danger; as they age, they become more curious and want to touch everything they see. You will need to make changes around the house to keep your baby safe. This is what experts call babyproofing. Doctors recommend going room by room and making a checklist of all the items needed for each room, but with a newborn baby, who has time for that? Lucky for you, we have made it easy by breaking down the essential items that you will need to keep your baby safe. Let’s talk about safety gates. Even if you live in a single-story house with no stairs, a baby gate is still essential; for example, it can stop your baby from crawling into the kitchen while knives are lying around and hot oil splashing everywhere. The Safety 1st Auto Close Safety Gate (From R 1 199,00) is the best choice. We all have those moments where we need to double check if we closed a door because we can’t remember; with the Safety 1st Auto Close gate, you don’t have to worry as it has an automatic closing mechanism; the gate also opens in both directions making it easy to use. One of the biggest dangers in the home is plug points; when baby crawls about, they are at the perfect height for little ones to get curious and want to stick their fingers into the holes. Do you want to prevent your little one from sticking their fingers into a plug point? Safety 1st Outlet Plug Protectors (From R 59,00) are made with child-resistant rounded edges to fit unused electrical outlets in your house and ensure that baby doesn’t get electrocuted. Your home will be baby ready with Safety 1st Corner Cushion 4 Pack (From R47.99). The soft, rounded foam absorbs impact. Protect your active child from sharp corners with this four-pack of foam bumpers; they easily apply to tables, counters, and other furniture to soften sharp corners. Cupboards are another easy hazard for children to get into and play with the contents. Walking into the kitchen and seeing your child creating a ‘meal’ for you in your pots seems like the cutest scene, but the danger comes in when there are cupboards with cleaning products or glass items that are easily accessible. If it is possible, you can move all the dangerous/hazardous items to higher cupboards that they can’t reach; If this is not possible Safety 1st Cabinet Slide Lock (From R 72, 99) will turn your home into a child-friendly zone and ensure that your child stays safe. Safety on the move From the moment you leave the safety of the hospital, you are extra cautious with your baby to protect them from the dangers of the world, and you will also want everyone else to be careful. Safety 1st Baby On Board Sign (From R 52,99) hangs from your rear window and alerts all drivers on the road to drive carefully around you. When driving, it is not ideal to constantly be taking your eyes off the road to glance at the back seat and ensure your child is safe. Safety 1st Child View Mirror (From R 99,99) this adjustable mirror will help you to keep an eye on your child in the back seat; you can use it to watch children that are in either rear-facing or forward-facing car seats; it can attach either to the front or rear window depending on baby’s position. Keeping your baby safe at home and in the car is not only about ensuring the environment is safe but also ensuring that you have all tools necessary to take care of them. Safety 1st Baby Care Basics set 4 Pack (From R 99,95) has all the essentials for a newborn baby, including a nasal aspirator, a brush and comb, and a fold-up nail clipper that is perfectly sized for those tiny nails. The Safety 1st 11 Piece healthcare Kit (From R 290,00) is excellent for keeping in the nursery or for storing in the car for any emergencies. Some items included are a digital thermometer, a soft toothbrush, a medicine dropper, and a reversible carry case to store everything. This kit has all the necessities for your little ones’ health needs. Shop Safety 1st at Dis-Chem, Clicks, and other major retailers.

December 14, 2022

Plan and Prep Ahead for the Holiday Travel Season with 10 Top Baby Essentials at Hand

Life doesn’t stop just because you have children and summer travel vacations and holiday escapes shouldn’t either! You can still enjoy a robust traveling lifestyle after childbirth – even if it is just a weekender – and no matter how young your family may be, these 10 top childcare essentials are here to support you every step of the way. Start your holiday plans by prepping early and packing in the essentials and as you go you will gain holiday travel experience, tips and habits to last a lifetime. By staying flexible, parenting on the go will soon become your second nature. Check out our top ten secrets for success below when traveling this festive season with your newborn, infant, or toddler in tow. On the Road…. Half the stress of travelling is getting there. Road tripping with a baby is easier than traveling with a toddler or older child, since babies are not yet mobile and your won’t have worry about your infant climbing out their car seat or throwing items, such as your expensive sunglasses, out the open window. Babies also sleep for longer stretches than older children, saying that however your child should not use a car seat for more than two hours in one go; for babies of all ages but especially newborns. This is because their heavy head can fall forward causing difficulties with breathing and even suffocation, according to Dr Harvey Karp, making baby travel seats unsafe for overnight sleeps whether in or out the car. You will want to make regular stops and take roadside breaks. Remember, your child will be out of their normal routine, so expect a few toilet accidents and mishaps. Even if your toddler is toilet trained, you may want to take along a pack of soft disposable diapers with adhesive waist strips and elasticated edges to keep your little one comfortable and dry. Baby’s Naturally offers an affordable and disposable answer to baby and toddler toilet moments with the Large 20 pack size ideal for 7kg-18kg babies retailing at just R56.10, which won’t break your holiday travel budget. Best of all, the moisture indicator changes colour so that you know when to change your baby’s diaper, and with a cut-out for the umbilical cord you won’t have to worry about irritating that sensitive area. Mealtimes on the go… Full tummies make for happy faces but feeding your young family while traveling or sightseeing in a new environment can be challenging, especially if you don’t want to resort to sugary snacks and fast-food fillers to fill the gap. This is where the ease and breeze of Happy Family meals for babies and toddlers come in handy. With only 30% of 1-year-olds eating their required portions of vegetables each day, the Happy Baby organic baby food is not only packed into handy travel pouches, their unsalted Savoury Blends delivers 1½ servings of veggies in delicious recipes made with flavourful fats, spices and herbs such as their Happy Baby Squash, Chickpeas & Spinach with Avocado Oil + Sage R55.00 which helps busy moms to introduce a variety of vegetables and fruit to little ones taste buds. To make it a travel no-brainer, their Happy Tot Super Smart range has choline and DHA included, the most abundant fatty acid in the adult brain and essential for baby’s brain health. Organic and containing no artificial food colorants or flavourants, Happy Family offers a full range of savoury and dessert flavours for all stages of life with all natural ingredients. Try the delicious baby dessert Happy Baby Bananas & Peanut Butter dessert at R67.40… yummy! Snack Attacks… Long hours of traveling for infants can be boring and for baby’s with developing gums, the Happy Family Teethers provide easily dissolving, organic teething wafers to soothe and entertain them. Made with ancient grains, they support self-feeding habits and dissolve easily, leaving no mess! Try the latest flavour with the Mango and Pumpkin Strawberry and Beet flavoured Teether Crackers. Happy Baby Creamies is a dairy-free melt-in-their-mouth organic snack made of delicious drops featuring at least 40% veggies, Happy Baby Puffs are a fortified organic snack with choline for eye and brain health which are irresistible in taste and texture and Happy Baby Yogis are scrumptious, freeze-dried organic yogurt drops made with wholesome yogurt and organic fruit, offering your baby or toddler a snack on the road that you can feel good about! Play away the hours… Traveling with your young family (when you are not the driver) provides surprising amounts of down time for you and your little one and can be the perfect opportunity to spend some one-on-one sharing and learning time together. For activities in the car, in the plane, on the bus or after snack time, the Infantino Piano & Numbers Learning Toucan R381.10 introduces little learners to music and numbers. With 9 songs, 18 spoken words and phrases plus 13 fun sound effects, you can switch the Toucan’s head feather to mode two for older toddlers to unlock playful quizzes. Its easy to grip handles and sounds and colours help your baby to focus, listen, learn, and hear while giving their little fingers added dexterity. Hydrate right… Hydration is vital for your toddler when traveling but avoid sugary pops and juices which can make little ones hyper. Try to stick to milk and water while travelling and for a sweet healthy treat pack some cut fruits such as watermelon, orange and pineapple which also aids in hydration. Parents can help advance baby’s drinking skills with the Vital Baby Easy Sipper HYDRATE™ drinking cup R158.00 which features a non-spill, easy-clean, 100% silicone valve and durable spout with a hygienic cover and removeable handles, which is both dishwasher and microwave safe for road travel convenience. Keep them close… The safest place for your baby to be when you are preparing a day for at the beach or meandering around the local markets is when you are wearing them! The Infantino

December 14, 2022

Home births vs the hospital – what you need to know

If you’re expecting a baby then you’ll probably know that you’ll have a choice between a home or hospital birth. If a home birth is something you’re considering it’s important that you weigh up the relative pros and cons. A home birth means you’ll be giving birth at home as opposed to the hospital, and if this is something that you are considering it is important that you discuss it with your doctor. What are the benefits of a home birth? The first pro of a home birth is that you are at home, in a familiar environment with familiar people or trusted friends. It is only recently that hospital births have become so common, and prior to half way through the 20th century, most births did happen at home . Another reason why some moms choose to deliver at home is the fact that allows them to give birth with a lesser degree of medical intervention and they have more freedom in the birthing process. After giving birth you are able to be in the comfort of your own home with your new baby and family, another reason why home birth would be chosen over a hospital by moms. If you think this may be an option for you, you’ll need to find a midwife who has experience with home births so that if any issues should arise, she has a contingency plan to deal with the situation. The risk depends on your situation. If you are only carrying one baby, don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure, haven’t had a previous c-section and live around 15 mins away from the nearest hospital (in case of emergency) you are a more ideal candidate for a home birth. It’s important to weigh in on the possible risks before deciding if a home birth method is right for you and your baby. When would the hospital be a better option? Generally speaking, hospital births are safer because there are always doctors available in the case of an emergency, for instance if the baby becomes blocked in the birthing canal or the mom starts hemorrhaging. During your home birth, you may need to be transported to the hospital if your labour or birthing process doesn’t go to plan (that’s why it’s important to live close by to one if you choose this option). If your labour is slow, you need pain relief, the baby shows signs of distress or isn’t head first it’s best to be transported to the hospital for medical assistance. What do you need to prepare for a home birth? If you are seriously considering a home birth make sure you’ve consulted with your doctor to make sure this is a good option for you and your baby. If it’s something you want to consider, you’ll probably be wondering what you need to prepare for a home birth. Before getting to the details, you’ll need to choose a midwife or health care professional to assist, create a birthing plan, a well as a plan to prepare for a hospital transfer, should this become needed. If you still have questions, Home Birth South Africa, which is a website dedicated to home births in South Africa, has many resources you can browse through.

December 12, 2022

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

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