Safety 1st

Baby-proof your home with Safety 1st

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

September 26, 2022
Parenting Hub

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

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

September 9, 2022
My Breastpump

Management of mastitis

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

September 6, 2022
Parenting Hub

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

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

September 5, 2022
Exigo Care

Why does my baby’s nappy leak?

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

September 5, 2022
Sudocrem South Africa

Baby Poo 101

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

September 2, 2022
Parenting Hub

Pregnancy And Obesity: Understand The Dangers

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

August 26, 2022
Parenting Hub

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

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

August 21, 2022
Exigo Care

A new mom deserves all the help she can get!

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

August 16, 2022
Junior Colleges

The importance of Breastfeeding

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

August 15, 2022
My Breastpump

Step up to support breast feeding

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

August 5, 2022
Parenting Hub

Let’s make tummy time fun

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

August 5, 2022
Parenting Hub

Reducing childhood mortality through local vaccine manufacturing

Vaccines remain one of the most cost-effective and critical medical interventions to successfully eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases while reducing the burden of disease and mortality from diseases such as pneumonia and other associated pneumococcal diseases1, writes Professor Prakash Mohan Jeena, paediatric pulmonologist and head of the paediatric intensive care and pulmonology department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Vaccines have proven effective in eradicating and eliminating preventable diseases, with smallpox caused by the variola virus (VARV) and rinderpest from the rinderpest virus (RPV) now eliminated, thanks to vaccine intervention initiatives2.  Similar benefits are now being realised with the implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), with PCV7 being introduced in 2009 and the more advanced PCV13 emerging in 20113. PCVs have had a resounding impact, and have averted as many as 175 million cases and 624,000 deaths associated with pneumococcal disease4.  While statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that medical interventions such as vaccinations are needed to tackle the plight of preventable diseases such as pneumonia, more needs to be done, particularly when considering that over 740,180 children died from pneumonia in 2019. The disease remains the single most infectious cause of mortality in children worldwide and accounts for up to 14% of deaths in children under the age of five5.  Reducing disease incidence in South Africa The South African Department of Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) recommends that children receive three doses of the PCV13 vaccine6 to protect against potentially serious and even deadly infections7 caused by pneumococcal disease. This includes Streptococcus pneumoniae – a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) such as pneumococcal meningitis8. While PCV7 had little effect on lowering meningitis incidence, global studies have indicated that PCV13 has proven effective in reducing the impact of this disease by as much as 48%9. When considering the burden of pneumococcal disease in children between 0 and 59 months, the number of infected children with pneumococcal disease drastically declined from 107,600 cases per year between 2005 and 2008 to an estimated 41,800 between 2012 and 2013. While several interventions such as HIV care and prevention initiatives were in place during this time, this reduction can be largely attributed to the introduction of effective PCV medications10.  More needs to be done to increase childhood immunisation in SA Vaccines save lives, and the repurposing of Clairwood Hospital in Durban is a good example of this. Once a healthcare facility that dealt primarily with infectious diseases, the hospital has had to adapt its practices in recent years as infectious disease wards remained empty.  South Africa’s immunisation coverage rate is lower than the 90% coverage rate set forth by the Global Vaccine Action Plan11, with the country recording 83.9% in 2020, according to the EPI National Coverage Survey Report 202012. While these figures are up from the 81.9% recorded in the 2018/2019 period12, more needs to be done to increase South Africa’s childhood immunisation rate to prevent future disease outbreaks13.  What’s holding South Africa back? While there are several factors that lead to low immunisation coverage rates, including the impact of COVID-1914, the Academy of Science of South Africa’s Root Causes of Low Vaccination Coverage and Under-Immunisation in Sub-Saharan Africa consensus study report suggests that the overarching reasons include education, low trust, difficulties in accessing reliable immunisation services, and poor vaccine stock availability15.  As such, Community Healthcare Workers (HCWs) need to be more involved in the mission of the EPI programme as they are instrumental in raising awareness of the dilemma and driving educational community-based vaccination campaigns12.  While South Africa’s EPI is successful, there continue to be challenges related to human resources capacity. Apart from the real-time collection, collation and analysis of data, the programme needs to invest in a robust health facility network and community-based interventions to drive immunisation coverage across all districts in the country, including tapping into the power of mainstream and social media to do so12.   The Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative (GAVI) has also come to the party to provide access to vaccines for children in low-income countries, and to date, has helped with the vaccination of nearly half of the world’s children against deadly and debilitating infectious diseases16.  Since South Africa falls under the middle-income category, it does not have access to the subsidized vaccine benefits of its low-income counterparts. However, manufacturing affordable vaccines locally will be greatly beneficial to the country, offering several advantages.  The many benefits of local vaccine manufacturing  Manufacturing vaccines locally will increase South Africa’s health security, ensuring a seamless and adequate supply of vaccines for its citizens. It will also stimulate the economy by increasing the GDP, creating additional employment opportunities and growing the local sector’s technological expertise17.  Manufacturing vaccines locally will reduce the country’s dependency on importation and reliance on foreign trade, and make life-saving vaccine interventions more affordable to meet South Africa’s needs17.  Notably, the Biovac Institute and other local manufacturers have been instrumental in the packaging and manufacturing of vaccines to enable the country to respond to regional epidemics and vaccine-preventable diseases. As a result of a partnership with the government, the ongoing success of the institute is key to the provision of affordable vaccines for national health management and vaccine security18. The benefits of local vaccine manufacturing are plentiful and will continue to ensure that, apart from the economic benefits, more South African children will have access to affordable interventions that will ensure they live healthy and productive lives, and become integral members of our future society. References: 1. Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases is essential to protect children [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/stories/immunization-against-vaccine-preventable-diseases-essential-protect-children 2. dev-site. 8 Diseases (Almost) Eradicated from Existence Thanks to Vaccines [Internet]. Makati Medical Center. 2021 [cited 2022 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/blogs/8-diseases-almost-eradicated-from-existence-thanks-to-vaccines/ 3. Kleynhans J, Tempia S, Shioda K, von Gottberg A, Weinberger DM, Cohen C. Estimated impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumonia mortality in South Africa, 1999 through 2016: An ecological modelling study. PLoS Med. 2021 Feb 16;18(2):e1003537. 4. Ten year public

August 3, 2022
Parenting Hub

DO YOU PLAY YOUR PART IN SUPPORTING MUMS TO BREASTFEED?

Supporting breastfeeding is not just for health professionals; it involves all of society.  Not many people realise the impact they can have on a mom’s experience when it comes to exclusively breastfeeding her new baby for the first six months of life.  Misguided advice, thoughtless comments and shaming attitudes from family members, friends and colleagues can take their toll, especially on new mothers who are experiencing a uniquely vulnerable time. Breastfeeding has nothing but benefits – it boosts and protects both mom and baby’s health in multiple ways, encourages vital bonding and offers a best possible start out in life for an infant.  Breastfeeding is also a vital source of food security for babies and families, communities and countries, which cannot be ignored in times of food supply disruptions and climate change impacts.  So, if you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or even, negative when it comes to the topic of breastfeeding, it may be time to think again.    World Breastfeeding Week, which is celebrated over the first week of August every year, is encouraging individuals from all walks of life to become part of the warm chain that supports breastfeeding.  This is a reminder that we all have the power to choose to be allies when it comes to changing our world for the better.   Why do breastfeeding moms need support? Like other mammals, human babies are born with a reflex to seek their mother’s breast – but that doesn’t mean that breastfeeding is easy for all.  Every mother and baby dyad is unique, so even if a mom breastfed a first baby easily, she may have a totally different experience with a new baby.  It’s normal for many mothers to need practical and problem-solving support; and for breastfeeding to take practice for both mothers and babies.  Breastfeeding is also time-intensive, which means that new mothers need space and extra support at home. Maria van der Merwe, President of ADSA, (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), points out that South Africa still has far to go when it comes to improving its low rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, which was last reported in 2016 at less than 32%.  She says, “Mothers in South Africa face a host of barriers to breastfeeding, that range from societal attitudes and the interference of family and friends to the pervasive lack of access to healthcare support and workplaces that are either hostile or discouraging to breastfeeding mothers. This is why a multi-pronged, countrywide effort is required.  We need to be more aware of the challenges moms may face, and more supportive in connecting them to sustainable solutions.  People who disparage mothers who breastfeed in public need to be aware that because feeding infants where and when they are hungry is so important, this is protected by law.  In addition, companies are required to ensure that new mothers in their employ are able to take private breaks to express breastmilk during their working hours.” What can you do to support breastfeeding moms? Supportive communications – Be aware of what you say to new moms in your family and friend circles.  There are many myths about breastfeeding, and it is not helpful to inadvertently share these.  Avoid casting doubt on a new mom’s abilities to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life by suggesting introducing solid foods or switching to infant formula, even if this is something that you did with your babies.  Moms who are struggling or have any anxieties about breastfeeding should be advised by their healthcare professionals or lactation specialists who will support their unique breastfeeding journeys.  Be a cheerleader for your friends and relatives who are breastfeeding, even if you’re not a parent or a mom who breastfed. Supportive partners – If your partner is breastfeeding, you are in a fantastic position to champion breastfeeding every day.  Take on the role of creating a home conducive to breastfeeding by freeing up the new mom from energy and time-sapping chores.  Get involved in burping after feeds and bathing the baby, as well as taking on the grocery shopping and food preparation so that mom has stress-free time to focus on breastfeeding. Supportive workplaces – Unfortunately, the need to return to work is one of the most common reasons why new moms give up on breastfeeding.  The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and ongoing breastfeeding, up to and over two years of age.  But employed mothers usually get maternity leave for just 3 or 4 months, or less.  As a business leader or owner, you can step up for breastfeeding by making it easy for the moms on your staff to express and store breastmilk at work.  It is mandatory to ensure that breastfeeding employees get at least two 30-minute breaks to breastfeed or express breastmilk during the first six months of the infant’s life.  You can also make sure moms on your staff have a conducive, private space, and access to a fridge to store breastmilk. Maria concludes, “South Africa has some way to go in the development of a true pro-breastfeeding culture that will improve our dismal breastfeeding record.  While the WHO has set a country target of a 50% breastfeeding rate by 2025, breastfeeding with all its health benefits and as a food security strategy should be the norm for South African moms.”

August 3, 2022
Baby and I Melrose

Nursery Design to Grow with your Child

In accordance with the latest published data from medical aid schemes in South Africa, the average cost of a natural birth in a private hospital is around R25,000, including two to three days spent in hospital. If your baby is delivered by Caesarean section, the cost jumps significantly.  On average, South African parents lay out somewhere in the region of R90 000 per year to raise their children. The good news is that you don’t need to compromise on costs to deck out your baby room.  Baby and I have a wonderful selection of furniture and décor to choose from, that will grow with your baby, lasting from birth to early childhood. The question then is, how do you choose what will work best for you, your taste in décor and obviously what works best for your budget? Practical Decor The main thing you’re wanting to do is create a space that is warm, inviting, comfy and cosy and the easiest way to achieve this is through layering up and textures.  In any nursery there are three main zones, sleeping, changing and feeding.  So layer the nursery furniture to bring in more colour, texture, materials and patterns.  For example, place a side table next to the nursery chair and an ottoman in front of the nursery chair.  Something to consider is that you don’t have to choose colours that are traditionally associated with children.  Earth inspired neutral coloured nurseries are trending right now and create the opportunity for you to throw in wonderful pops of colour with items such as pieces of art for the wall, cushions and curtains, that can easily be changed out over the years, but at minimal expense.  Here again, curtains and cushion covers can add another layer through using texture. A great way to bring all three areas of the nursery together is through the use of a rug.  Again, choose a colour that is practical but aesthetically pleasing and blends well with the rest of the neutral colours in the room.  Rugs also add texture and can be used to add colour to compliment the neutral colours, but there is a possibility that they may need to be changed out a little sooner as baby grows, depending on your choice of colour. Make baby’s room feel lived in.  An example is to keep the blanket that was just used, thrown over your rocking chair.  A cute little outfit hanging on the doorknob of the cupboard rather than neatly packed away, says, this room is baby’s and it’s being used to the full! To create a baby’s room with longevity in mind, you will need to give some thoughts to whether or not to use baby-type themed sets for your décor.  Whilst these are colourful and create a warm and fuzzy feeling, they tend to become outdated within the first two or three years.  Baby and I have beautiful, wall compacta and shelves that add an aesthetically pleasing touch whilst being practical as well. These are all classical designs and can easily last through baby years and into early childhood.  As example, our House Shelf, is such an elegant wall piece, it will make any little human happy. Our Hexagon Shelves are the best at transforming a boring wall and the beauty of these shelves is that they can be used in baby’s room as well as any other part of the house. Timeline for Preparation of Nursery Choose a theme and your budget by 18-20 weeks. Order your furniture by 21-23 weeks. Paint or wallpaper by 23-25 weeks. Choose storage solutions and get those installed by 25-27 weeks. Add all the extras to make it beautiful by 27-30 weeks. By 36 weeks have it all complete. Furniture Essential pieces of furniture for your nursery include a crib/cot, dresser and chair.  Consider function when choosing a dresser – optimal storage is what you’re looking for.  For extra storage, choose a simple design toy box, painted in a neutral colour, that can initially be used to store all baby’s necessities such as nappies, bum creams and the like and as baby gets bigger, it can be used for what it is originally intended. One of the biggest outlays for baby’s room will be baby’s cot.  Choose a cot that can morph into a bed. Our Baby and I Deluxe House set is so versatile, consisting of a compactum, toy storage unit and a stylish cot that turns into a toddler bed. The Baby and I Flipper Cot will carry your little one from birth to seven years!  Now that’s great value for money. When selecting a chair, at Baby and I, our Rocking Chairs, have a high-grade density foam seat and super soft A-grade foam for the backrest that makes these chairs so comfortable for the hours you will spend in it feeding and nurturing the baby. The wooden sleigh rocker provides gentle and relaxing rocking for mom and baby. The deep seat cushion provides comfort and support. The ottoman is traditionally rounded-shaped and great to rest your legs on.   At Baby and I, we love our quality locally made furniture and are so proud to be of service to you! Extreme care has been taken in the manufacture of all our furniture. We strive to bring you quality, functionality, durability, and prettiness. Best of all is that all our furniture is proudly and locally manufactured in South Africa.  Our locally manufactured furniture is produced with quality paints and hardwearing materials. As far as possible we have made use of rounded edges. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa. We hold a niche in the baby and children’s industry by providing the world’s premier shopping experience for expectant and new parents. From cots to travel systems to educational toys to nursery décor, we have an exclusive range to help you welcome your bundle into your life. As a Premier Baby Boutique in South Africa, we focus on offering exceptional

August 2, 2022
Philips Avent

Philips Avent support and empower parents to feed their babies anytime, anywhere

Two thirds of moms would be more confident and comfortable breastfeeding in public if it was considered ‘normal’* Let’s support and empower parents  to feed their baby anytime, anywhere. Breastfeeding has been around for as long as we have existed. We are also more aware than ever of the health benefits of it for baby and mom. And yet, in many parts of the world, there are still a lot of taboos around breastfeeding – signalling a need for more support for moms and dads to parent and feed their way.  This World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August), to understand some of the challenges breastfeeding parents face when feeding their babies, and support and empower them to parent and feed their way, Philips asked more than 6000 women across 25 countries* what holds them back from breastfeeding their babies anytime and anywhere they want to.  Breastfeeding in public –  still not considered ‘normal’ The results show there’s still work to be done to support and empower moms in their choice to breastfeed in public. Around two thirds (66%) of moms globally say they would feel more confident and comfortable breastfeeding in public if it was considered ‘normal’. Feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable to breastfeed around people they don’t know, is the key reason (52%) of women feel to hesitant to consider breastfeeding in public. The results also reveal many moms (40%) would not consider pumping in public, rising to 69% in France and dropping to 17% in the USA. The results vary across cultures and countries and breastfeeding and expressing in public is not something every mom wishes to do. At Philips, we recognise every breastfeeding journey is unique and personal to parent and baby; there is no right or wrong way. Parents may choose to feed their baby directly from mom’s breast, with expressed milk, or both, or between formula bottles. Some may choose to feed in public or in the comfort of their own home. Whatever their choice, Philips wants to empower and support all parents with solutions that support each of these choices.  Moms should feel they have the ‘right’ Added to this, many moms say greater overall support from others would help them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, with this being true for almost a third of moms in the USA (33%), Spain and Mexico (both 30%). Meanwhile, greater partner support would help for many in Colombia (41%), Mexico and Chile (both 40%), compared to fewer in Austria (17%) and Germany (13%). These figures go a long way to indicate many moms would love to see society’s overall understanding and perception of breastfeeding shift from something inappropriate or unnecessary to one of the most natural, fundamental acts of care in the world. This shift can only happen by educating more people on the value of breastfeeding, starting more conversations about it and championing parents’ choices to feed however best suits them – something that lies in all of our hands. The results go on to reveal that while the biggest motivator for moms globally to breastfeed in public is being able to feed their babies as soon as they need it (59%), almost half (47%) globally say having the ‘right’ to breastfeed in public would also motivate them to do so, rising to 57% in Austria and Canada and dropping to 31% in South-Africa.  Only through greater breastfeeding awareness, encouraging breastfeeding policy change, and creating more supportive communities around moms that empower them to feed their way, will more people start to recognise and promote breastfeeding as the basic human right it actually is.   Moms deserve greater support Added to this, many moms say greater overall support from others would help them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, with this being true for almost a third of moms in the USA (33%), Spain and Mexico (both 30%). Meanwhile, greater partner support would help for many in Colombia (41%), Mexico and Chile (both 40%), compared to fewer in Austria (17%) and Germany (13%). These figures go a long way to indicate many moms would love to see society’s overall understanding and perception of breastfeeding shift from something inappropriate or unnecessary to one of the most natural, fundamental acts of care in the world. This shift can only happen by educating more people on the value of breastfeeding, starting more conversations about it and championing parents’ choices to feed however best suits them – something that lies in all of our hands. BreastStories: supporting and empowering parents Through our online platform, BreastStories, parents from around the world can share their breastfeeding stories, tips, and tricks via Instagram and Facebook, as well as find breastfeeding information and advice from healthcare professionals. By downloading the Philips Baby+ app on their mobile device, parents can also log feeding information, as well as track their baby’s development, such as their weight, height, and head circumference during the first year.  Breastfeeding can be wonderful but it’s not always straightforward or easy for moms. Feeling comfortable is key to a positive breastfeeding experience as it makes it easier to release milk. Let’s unite in supporting parents to parent their way and empower them to feed their baby anytime, anywhere. We believe parents should feel supported and empowered throughout this journey, and parent their way. This includes feeding their baby and expressing milk whenever and wherever they need and want to –  in restaurants and bars and in parks and on public transport. That’s why, during this World Breastfeeding Week, we are highlighting the conversation around breastfeeding by creating a supportive online community for moms and dads, so they never feel alone in their experiences. There’s great power in talking about your experiences with healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, at antenatal classes, via apps and online communities, and with family, friends, and other moms. Through our online platform, BreastStories, parents from around the world can share their breastfeeding stories, tips, and tricks via Instagram and Facebook, as well as find breastfeeding information and

August 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Melcura Balm and babies

Medika SA, creator of the brand Melcura™ known for the medical-grade honey-based range, Melcura™, is part of The Southern Medical Group, a leader in medical devices. We are a proudly South African company that started in 2002 with expertise in advanced wound care products. Our Melcura™ products are the go-to products in trauma and burn wards within South Africa.  Our Melcura™ HoneyBalm is a skin-protecting ointment that will soothe and moisturise baby’s delicate skin and help to treat diaper rash on little bums, minor bites and itches, cradle cap, and other minor skin irritations. It can treat chins from drool at teething time and little scratches from those tiny finger nails. It will even work wonders on mommy’s cracked nipples or dry hands from all the constant hand washing between nappy changes. Formulated with medical-grade Fynbos honey, avocado oil, and beeswax to nourish and protect sensitive skin, this product will treat skin rashes, irritations caused by eczema and dermatitis, sunburn, small skin wounds, chapped skin, and nappy rash.  Benefits of Melcura™ HoneyBalm The medical-grade honey has wound-healing properties The avocado oil is moisturizing and nourishing and is quickly absorbed into the skin The beeswax forms a protective barrier layer on the skin and locks in moisture The product moisturises and helps to replenish and protect dry, damaged, chapped, cracked and irritated skin Soothes dry skin and promotes healing, keeping skin soft and supple How to use Apply liberally for nappy rash, cradle cap and dry and irritated skin areas Caution Always do a patch test first to ensure your baby does not react to any of the ingredients however unlikely this may be Discontinue use if reaction occurs Did you know? A baby’s skin is more susceptible to chemicals, artificial fragrances and other nasties found in conventional baby products and may cause a reaction. We only use 100% safe ingredients in our Melcura™ HoneyBalm, to ensure your baby’s skin stays soft, smooth and allergy-free. The medical-grade Fynbos honey is specially treated to sterilise the honey, but keep the healing enzymes active. This is to make sure no bacterial spores or pollen and other contaminants are introduced onto your baby’s skin or wound which can cause infection. The formulation is alcohol-free, fragrance-free and free from petroleum, mineral 

July 26, 2022
My Breastpump

Ameda Mya Joy- The NICU mom’s preferred breast pump

Producing enough breast milk for a baby in Neo Natal intensive Care (NICU) is a major concern for a mom. In fact, sending milk to you baby is sometimes the only practical thing and first thing you can do to help you baby. Some mothers send milk to their baby before they are able to see their baby. Later skin-to-skin and holding the baby starts to play an important role, but breastmilk is continually needed and in increasing amounts.   When a baby is born too soon it puts the mother’s breast milk making ability at a disadvantage. The disadvantage is that the mother may not herself be well after the delivery, she may need some time for recovery from surgery or illness. This time is also very stressful which can also affect her milk supply. However, a women’s body is so amazing, from the beginning of the pregnancy her body starts to prepare for making breast milk by increasing the number of ducts and glands in the breast. From the second trimester her body is already making colostrum, the first breast milk. When her baby is born too early the mother needs to start to stimulate her breasts and get her body making as much breast milk soon as possible.  She will need a breast pump that is strong enough to empty her breasts, be comfortable and convenient to use- this helps significantly with milk production. Stimulation of her breasts at this early stage is critical. The sooner after birth the best, ideally within 1 – 6 hours. This stimulation helps the body to release the hormones necessary to increase and build her milk supply.  In the beginning the baby does not require large amounts of breast milk, but this can quickly increase as the baby grows and breast milk needs increase.  In order for the mother to reach her full milk supply she will need to pump between 8 to 12 times a day. The goal is to stimulate and empty her breast, which signals to her body that she needs to continue to increase her milk supply. The sooner the mother can reach her full milk supply of about 1 litre a day the better for her breast milk supply and it will help her once her baby starts to latch directly on her breasts.  This is where the quality and strength of the breast pump is highlighted. The best pump to exclusively pump with is a hospital grade pump- so that a mom can increase her milk supply and maintain it.  In order for the pump to effectively increase the mothers milk supply it needs to be able to drain the breast, this can only be done efficiently with a breast pump that has a high suction capacity of above -180 mmHg and below -250 mmHg. These levels are only found in hospital grade breast pumps like the Ameda Mya Joy.  Most pumps that are bought online or off the shelf are not hospital grade pumps. These pumps need to be used in conjunction with a baby that has a effective latch, so that the breasts can be stimulated and drained correctly by the baby. This is because the baby is able to drain the breast when the pump is not able to. These pumps may also be the cause of a decreased supply of breast milk due to the incomplete draining of the breast.  Another important aspect for mothers that are pumping exclusively is to use a double breast pump. This means that you are able to stimulate and drain both breasts at the same time. Effectively cutting the mothers pumping time in half. The double expressing also results in increased release of hormones which helps to increase the milk supply. Dual phase pumping like that found in the Ameda Mya Joy is also essential in draining the breast well. Dual phase pumping has a stimulation and an expression phase which is able to mimic how a baby sucks. The stimulation phase is quick which helps with the let-down (release) of the milk in the breasts while the expression phase (longer higher suction) helps with draining deep within the breast. The combination of these phases being repeated about 3 to 4 times increase the number of let downs which effectively drains the breast.  The comfort of the breast pump is critical as no one wants to use breast pump that hurts you. An incorrect sized flange (the part that touches your breast), which is too small can cause friction and pain. If the flange is too big too much of the breast can be sucked into the flange and cause discomfort.  The Ameda Mya Joy has 7 different sized flanges. The different sized flanges helps the mother to be able to fit her pump comfortably which increased the amount of milk that is expressed from the mother. Another part of the comfort of a pump is how much noise it makes. The repetition of noise can be come very irritating and also prevent the mother from talking the phone or being able to multitask while she is pumping. The Ameda Mya Joy, the pump is very quiet and cannot be heard when a mother uses the phone. This makes it so easy to use the pump at your baby’s bedside, while watching T.V or at work without disturbing others. Portability and being able to use batteries is also so important with load shedding and being able to take your pump with you to the hospital. This way you never miss a pumping session. The Ameda Mya Joy even has a back clip that allows you to clip your pump to your belt and gives you the freedom to move around, while pumping.  All these benefits of the Ameda Mya Joy helps mothers to exclusively express and build their milk supply. These benefits are also available for mothers that are pumping at work as you can empty your breast quickly and quietly. This pump allows

July 19, 2022
Exigo Care

Prevent leakage by applying your baby’s nappy correctly

Hi everyone, I’m Jessica from Growing Hearts. Today’s vlog is going to be about finding the right nappy size for your baby. It’s something that moms always struggle with because babies change so much. Their weight changes, their height and length changes and with that their body changes. So, it’s a good thing to talk about because if a nappy isn’t sized correctly you are going to struggle with leaks.

July 13, 2022
Parenting Hub

Finding solutions to baby and toddler sleep woes


Few issues vex the parents of babies and toddlers more than their child’s struggles to sleep well.  It’s debilitating for the whole family, and tightly stretches the emotional resources of parents, who are battling the consequences of their own sleep deprivation.  Sleep time is the body’s time not just for much-needed rest, but also healing and regeneration.  Not getting enough of it, depletes moms, dads and kids – physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s not surprising then that there are reams and reams of sources of advice for how parents can get their babies to sleep better.  It’s hard to know where to turn, and whose advice to trust.  Michele Carelse, a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of online health store, Feelgood Health says, “A baby’s sleep patterns go through various changes as they grow and develop, which can leave parents feeling at a loss, because what seemed to be working over the past week is suddenly upended.  It can feel like a rough rollercoaster ride.  What’s important is to understand the basics of baby sleep and have strategies in place to help you manage family sleep time as best as possible.  Fortunately, there are options, so if something is not working for you and your baby, you can try alternatives.  It’s important for parents to prioritise good sleeping patterns for the whole family and feel determined to find solutions so that they persevere when times are tough.” On Wednesday, 27 July 2022, from 8:15pm to 9pm, Feelgood Health, one of South Africa’s pioneering online healthy lifestyle stores, will be hosting a free parent’s webinar on how to get your baby or toddler sleeping peacefully.  The session will include a Q&A chat so that parents can talk through their concerns with Michele and also learn from other parents’ experiences. Michele says, “All babies are unique and develop at their own pace.  It’s better to know the general expectations of how babies’ sleep patterns develop, than to consider these ‘milestones’ that your child must reach by a certain time.  Just like us, all sorts of things can disrupt a baby’s sleep.  For instance, teething often brings discomfort, and this is commonly a time when a baby or toddler may struggle to fall asleep, or get back to sleep on their own if they have woken up because they are uncomfortable or sore.” For a new-born baby, up to around 2 months, feeding takes priority over sleeping.  There’s no getting around that you will be waking every two hours or so for feeding over these first precious weeks of life.  Around 3 to 6 months, your baby may be able to sleep for up to 6-hour stretches, much to the relief and delight of their new parents.  However, it is a common experience that between 6 to 9 months of age, things can go seemingly awry.  Michele says, “There is major brain development going on at this stage, as well as physical developments such as teething which can disrupt the sleep pattern.  Your baby may well begin to realise that sleeping means being left alone, and they may start crying at bedtime in the hope of keeping you close to them.  This is when you need strategies to manage the situation, to both soothe them when they need it, such as using a natural remedy to ease teething discomfort – and also to give them gentle opportunities to learn to self-soothe.” There can be many reasons why a baby is struggling to fall asleep or fall back to sleep if they have woken up, including hunger, illness, pain, the need for comfort and bad dreams.  It’s important to go through a process of elimination so that you have some understanding of what is causing the sleep disruption.  Many parents expect that at around 1 years old their baby would have established a healthy sleeping pattern that better suits the whole family’s sleep routine.  However, this is not a rule or a set milestone, and it’s perfectly natural for some children to need ongoing parental structure and intervention in order for them to sleep easily and peacefully. Helpful strategies to enable your baby to sleep more peacefully, include: Facilitating plenty of stimulating day-time activity  Setting up a sleep-conducive bedroom environment for your baby or toddler Establishing and maintaining a relaxing, consistent night-time routine Making sure your child’s hunger is sufficiently satiated before bedtime Winding down to bedtime Using natural remedies for calming, relaxing and relief of discomforts Implementing gentle sleep training To learn more about why these strategies are important, and how to implement them, join this parenting conversation with Clinical Psychologist, Michele Carelse at the Feelgood Health How to get your baby or toddler sleeping peacefully webinar. Date: Wednesday, 27 July 2022Time: 8:15pm to 9pm Registration is free here.  Parents who register will receive the webinar Zoom link.  

July 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

HOME CARE TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S FEVER…

Loving our kids is easy… keeping pain and fever at bay? That’s harder. But here’s the secret: It doesn’t have to be!When your baby or infant has a fever, turn to conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. Parenting is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re pacing from room to room in the wee hours with a crying baby – the next, you’re at their bedside, waiting anxiously for them to wake up. Your concern level can rise when you add a fever to the mix. Feeling your child’s forehead, looking for a thermometer, and seeking advice from relatives and friends can be daunting. Fever and pain occur together frequently in childhood conditions.1 If you’re a new parent, it can be scary when your child is burning up with a fever. Even if you’re not a rookie parent, fevers can still cause worry for parents of older kids.  Pain can be hard for a child to describe, especially for children under two whose vocab is limited to “mama”, “dada”, “woof”, and “nana”. It’s often up to parents to watch their child for signs of distress, such as behaviour changes, facial expressions, and body movements.1 The good news is that Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, contain paracetamol, which is an effective option for treatment of pain and fever in children.2 How do you know your child has a fever? Fever is one of the most frequently cited reasons parents or caregivers seek medical help for their children. It is often a source of concern for parents and healthcare practitioners, who believe it may be linked to a greater risk of morbidity.3 Additionally, there is often uncertainty regarding how to manage fever. A fever is defined as a body temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius.3 A child’s temperature should be taken using an infrared thermometer placed in the ear or with a standard thermometer placed under the arm (in the armpit or axilla). A child’s temperature should not be taken in their mouth with a thermometer.3 Home Care Tips To Manage A Fever.  Just like adults, babies, toddlers, and children can suffer fever or pain associated with a common cold and symptoms can include a sore throat, running nose, body aches and headaches.4 Here are a few easy-to-digest tips for treating your child’s pain and fever at home.3 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint  5 ml Sachets, which are conveniently packaged,  can be safely administered to infants and children to relieve pain and fever. Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe Do not over-dress or underdress your child or wrap your child in heavy blankets Check your child during the night, but do not wake your child up just to administer medication for a fever Encourage your child to drink fluids regularly (breast milk is best for breastfeeding children) Seek medical advice if the fever does not get better within 48 hours or if your child’s condition worsens Alwaysgive the dose written on the bottle or sachet according to your child’s weight to ensure that you are using the correct medication at the right dose. If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before administering medicines for fever. Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child   In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, Panado’s range for children includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),5 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),6 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.7 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/and join the conversations onFacebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare 2022042510198726 References: 1. Clinch J, Dale S. Managing childhood fever and pain – the comfort loop. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2007; 1:7. [Internet]. 2015 [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1971248/ 2. Acharya B, Thapa K. Indoor staying during winter season makes people more susceptible to fu. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2016 Jan; 14(32):69-70. PMID: 27426715. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426715/   3. Green R, Jeena P, Kotze S, Lewis H. Webb D, Wells M. Management of acute fever in children: Guideline for community healthcare providers and pharmacists. S Afr Med J.  2013;103(12):948-954. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7207 4. CDC Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others [Internet]. 2021 [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 5. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (Syrup). Approved package insert, March 2002. 6. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free / Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010. 7. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.

July 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Demystifying pregnancy optimises health outcomes for mum and baby

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming given the vast amount of information available to expectant mothers. Fortunately, with advances in personalised medicine and a holistic approach involving the use of the individual’s genetic and epigenetic information (how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work) to tailor therapy or preventative care, expectant mothers can make smarter choices and discover more effective solutions to optimise their health and the health of their baby during pregnancy. Personalised medicine allows for targeted therapies and preventative treatments that take advantage of a variety of observations relating to a pregnancy. It’s about providing precise care and proactive intervention for each individual pregnancy. By understanding the health disposition of a pregnant woman using her unique genotype, the right diet, lifestyle, supplementation and medication can be prescribed, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy and optimal birth outcome.  The GrowBaby genetic test for mums-to-be from South African genetic testing company, DNAlysis Biotechnology, is designed to help them better understand the functioning of key biological pathways that influence maternal and foetal health, and how these relate to the major birth phenotypes. “The report provides valuable insights into how to optimise health outcomes for mum and baby using gene-based personalised diet, supplement, and lifestyle interventions. It provides mums-to-be with more information than ever before about their babies before they are born — and even before they become pregnant. This is through the knowledge that mum’s health has a significant effect on the health of the fetal environment and thus eventually the child as well.” says Helen Gautschi, research and education manager at DNAlysis. “With a precision medicine approach to pregnancy management, we can empower today’s expectant parents on their pregnancy journey and give physicians the tools to provide optimum care,” says Gautschi.  By improving the health of mum and baby through these interventions, it becomes possible to increase chances of optimal birth weight of the baby, avoid early term delivery, and ensure that delivery is as stress free as possible. “Having a heathy pregnancy with optimal birth outcomes is a miracle every time because there are so many factors involved,” says Claire Julsing Strydom, dietitian and co-founder of Nutritional Solutions.  “The GrowBaby test gives you insight as to where you can manage or negate risks, even before pregnancy. If a woman struggles with vitamin D metabolism, for example, we know there is a higher chance of miscarriage. The test gives us an in-depth blueprint of how the mother will potentially carry the pregnancy and how we can prevent adverse birth events. In terms of chronic disease, we know that those first thousand days from conception to age two are critical, that’s why it is beneficial for women who are planning to have a baby to do the test, so they can see what their risk profile looks like, and manage it accordingly,” says Julsing Strydom. For the mother, it becomes possible to ensure optimal weight gain, and stabilise blood glucose levels to decrease gestational diabetes risk, prevent or decrease the risk for preeclampsia and gestational or pregnancy-induced hypertension, decrease the risk for miscarriage or pregnancy loss, balance biological pathways to decrease risk for developmental conditions, and carry to full term. Together, all these factors play a vital role in ensuring lifelong health for the child. “The GrowBaby test can be done before pregnancy, to ensure that the mother’s health is optimised before she falls pregnant, or it can be taken during pregnancy to help provide the best outcomes,” says Gautschi. “It’s also advisable for women who have experienced a stressful pregnancy in the past, including a miscarriage, and are seeking to enhance their chances of having a healthy pregnancy with optimal birth outcomes.” Visit https://dnalysis.co.za to find an accredited practitioner or buy a DNA test online. A practitioner from the DNAlysis accredited network will guide you through the process.

July 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Must-have products for new moms

The arrival of a new baby – especially your first baby – is a monumental time in every parent’s life. And while it’s a time filled with joy and excitement, it can also be nerve-wracking, especially as you begin to navigate a new routine and new responsibilities.  While a woman is pregnant, she’s likely to see countless lists of must-have essentials for a baby’s first weeks and months. While many of these items do come in handy, the reality is that you’ll likely need far fewer products than what’s commonly recommended. If you stock up on good-quality basics, chances are you’ll need very little else.  That said, there’s more to the basics than just getting the job done – first-time moms will appreciate that some products are specifically designed to make caring for their baby more comfortable and more practical. Here’s a round-up of the real must-have products you’ll need for yourself, and your baby, in those first weeks, months, and beyond.  Skin-saviour Everyone loves a multi-tasking product, and the versatile Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream (60g from R68.99) has been a trusted ally of moms for over 90 years. Sudocrem is clinically proven to soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin and works in three simple ways: First, it contains an emollient that soothes sore skin, second, its cooling properties help ease pain and irritation, and finally, its water-repellent base forms a protective barrier, helping to stop any irritants coming into contact with the skin. This multi-tasker can be used to effectively treat and heal nappy rash, cuts and grazes, minor burns, acne, eczema, and more. Gentle yet effective on baby, mom, and kids’ skin, this is a must-have for the whole family. Breast Pump For moms who choose to bottle-feed with breastmilk, a good quality breast pump is vital. For moms who are able, and choose to, breastfeed, a breast pump offers a multitude of benefits, such as the ability for family and friends to feed baby and for mom to take on work and other responsibilities whilst knowing that her baby can still enjoy the health benefits of breastmilk even when she is away.  Medela’s breast pumps are trusted across the globe for covering all the potential needs of breastfeeding moms. Known for high quality, durable breast pumps that are easy and practical to use, Medela recently launched two new electric breast pumps: The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump (R5999.99) is a compact and easy-to-use double electric breast pump with improved mobility to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Key features include: 2-Phase Expression™ technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings. Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, only 45 dB at the Maximum Vacuum Level. Closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. The Medela Solo Single Electric Breast Pump (R4099.99) is a compact, effective and easy-to-use single electric breast pump with a rechargeable built-in battery, 2-phase Expression technology, and PersonalFit Flex breast shield. Key features include: Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings.   Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Lightweight and compact design. Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. 2-Phase Expression technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, with less than 45 dB at the Maximum Expression Level. A closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. Breastfeeding accessories In addition to a good breast pump, there are a handful of breastfeeding accessories that’ll help make the breastfeeding journey a little easier.  It’s normal to experience sore and dry nipples, especially when breastfeeding for the first time.  Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream (from R119.95) provides fast relief for sore nipples and dry skin. It is 100% natural and safe for the baby, meaning you don’t need to remove it before feeding.  Another normal and common occurrence in breastfeeding is leaking. Wearing nursing pads (also known as breast pads) can soak up any excess milk. Medela Ultra-Thin Disposable Nursing Pads (R199.95) are made of a soft, honeycomb non-woven material and feel comfortable against sensitive skin. Each breast pad is individually wrapped, ready to pop into your bag for use wherever you are. Baby struggling to latch? Medela’s Contact Nipple Shields (R319.99) are designed to help mums breastfeed babies with latch-on difficulties by providing a larger, firmer target for latching. They can also be used to help mums with flat, inverted, sore nipples or an overactive let-down to breastfeed. The Contact Nipple Shields are specially designed and constructed to provide close contact for the baby. Once breastmilk has been pumped, it needs to be stored safely and hygienically. Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags (from R219,99) are convenient, easy to use, and hygienic. Constructed from durable, double-layer material with a built-in double zipper seal, they keep your breast milk safely stored in the fridge or freezer, until you need it. And lastly, if you’re a breast-pumping mommy, you’ll need bottles that complement your breastfeeding journey. Medela bottles are shatterproof and available in two different sizes: 150ml in packs of three and 250ml in packs of two. They can be used with all Medela breast pumps and the Calma teat, making it easy to pump, store and feed using the same container.

July 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Clicks helps local kids’ shoe brand find its feet

It’s hard to believe that Tsepiso Monamodi, local entrepreneur and founder of Oratile Kids – the colourful, one-hundred-per-cent South African children’s shoe brand now stocked at Clicks – started her business with just one sewing machine. Perhaps more surprising: she didn’t even know how to sew! “The lady who sold me the machine said, ‘I can’t sell you this machine if you can’t sew.’ So I would go to her shop every Friday afternoon for lessons,” Tsepiso recounts. Oratile Kids was born from Tsepiso’s quest to find shoes for her toddler. Her aunt had told her about soft shoes for toddlers that were available when Tsepiso was a child, insisting that Tsepiso buy them for her own little one. Tsepiso searched high and low but could only find one very overpriced supplier. The more she researched, the more she fell in love with the concept of comfortable, durable shoes that actually aided baby’s development. “I thought, maybe I could offer them, but they could have more of an African feel. I wanted them to be unique. I taught myself how to make the shoes – it took me about six months.”  The word oratile means love, and was chosen because the shoes are made with love. Tsepiso sold her products at markets for about three years, and describes this as her “biggest learning experience” because engaging with customers in this setting allowed her to hone her craft. When the pandemic hit and markets were forced to close, Tsepiso started using social media to sell her products. This was when her business started to flourish and she caught Clicks’ eye.  She recalls that when she received a direct message on social media from the Clicks team, she thought it was a hoax. “I thought, ‘No man, these people are lying!’” she says with a laugh. But the interest was real, and Oratile Kids became a Clicks supplier when the first stand-alone Clicks Baby Store opened at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in KwaZulu-Natal last year. You can find her products as well as many other South African brands by looking out for the locally sourced logo in-store and on the Clicks website.  Building a healthier economy by supporting local businesses “We currently stock close to 780 locally produced products in our stores and we plan to continue growing this number,” says Clicks Brand Executive Phathiswa Sefatsa. “Sourcing locally is an important part of building healthier futures for South Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises and is what will create stable jobs and a healthier economy for our country.” The leading health and beauty retailer’s commitment to sourcing South African products saw the launch of a supplier development programme in 2021. In addition to actively seeking out brands such as Oratile Kids, Clicks also launched a user-friendly portal on clicks.co.za, via which local entrepreneurs can apply to become a supplier. The Clicks Group plans to target over R4.5 billion sourced through black women-owned suppliers over the next three years. “Our sales have increased by 34% since we started selling at Clicks. They have really held my hand through this,” Tsepiso shares. “Remember, I knew nothing about retail. They’ve helped us to be more consistent in terms of the products that we’re delivering. They also want to help us enhance our offering. We’ve started engaging about an enterprise development plan, where they are going to be helping us to get factory space, more machinery and also to increase the number of stores that we are in. It’s really exciting – good things are coming!” The Oratile Kids range is available from R190 at Clicks Baby stores and countrywide via clicks.co.za

June 27, 2022
Baby and I Melrose

Introducing Baby to Solids and a Sippy Cup

First Foods As baby grows, the time will come when you need to introduce him or her to solid foods.  Usually this is around age 4 months.  Solid foods can be introduced in any order. It is recommended that puréed meats, poultry, beans and iron-fortified cereals are introduced as first foods, particularly when your baby has been primarily breastfed. Introduce only one single new food at a time, to enable baby to become familiar with the different textures and flavours.  This will also help to identify any food that appears to not agree with baby’s young and fragile digestive system, which can then easily be eliminated and introduced again at a later stage. Banana purée is rich in potassium and fibre and can be introduced with rice cereal which is one of the most common first foods recommended for baby.  Rice cereals are the least allergenic and can be very easily digested.  Other great suggestions are : Pea purée Avocado purée Sweet potato purée Butternut purée Baby carrots purée Sippy Cups How do you know when your baby is ready to start using a sippy cup?  Experts say that around 6 months is the ideal time.  By now baby is sitting confidently in a high-chair, can keep their balance and is able to firmly grip objects between both hands.  By six months baby will also be well into eating solid foods.  Babies have been known to start to reject their bottle around six months, which makes it the perfect time to introduce a sippy cup.  Children stop drinking formula altogether by the time they are 18 months old and by this time, will be enjoying more interesting liquids in their sippy cup such as diluted fruit juice or rooibos tea. Initially offer small amounts of cooled boiled tap water to encourage baby to become familiar with the feeling of a different way of drinking.  At first, you may place baby formula in the sippy cup as well, however, it’s important to know that you should not substitute a sippy cup for baby’s normal bottle.   The idea is to simply introduce baby to the sippy cup, so that over time they become more comfortable with it.  Weaning baby from the bottle is a big step and no matter your approach, it’s interesting to note that parents who decide to stick with the bottle longer without introducing a sippy cup, have found that baby tends to drink more milk.  This causes baby to fill up making the introduction of solid food a little more challenging. When first introduced to baby, the sippy cup is not meant to replace a bottle feed, bearing in mind that initially your baby may not drink too much from the sippy cup, until he or she grasps the concept and understands how sucking will bring the liquid up through the straw. If you introduce a sippy cup at around age six months, your baby should be comfortable with it by the time you begin to wean them from the bottle at around 12 months.  From a nutritional aspect, your baby by age 12 months, should not require a midday bottle anymore, making it a good first bottle to eliminate.  Make the process of switching from bottle to sippy cup a gradual one – every few days – to ensure that baby doesn’t become distressed which could result in a refusal to take the sippy cup.  Do this every few days until only the evening bottle is left. The gradual switching from bottle to sippy cup over time, may not work for everyone and this is completely okay.  You need to do what works best for you and your baby! There is no hard and fast rule that says baby must be completely weaned from their bottle by their first birthday or by 18 months.  Please remember that these are merely guidelines. Using sippy cups promotes good oral hygiene and prevents speech and dental issues that could develop.  If your baby has been solely formula-fed, you may have already had to try several different brands of teats before finding the perfect fit.  However, finding the perfect sippy cup for baby is just one click away.  Baby and I have that perfect sippy cup!   The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is dynamic with a practical design which makes baby’s drinking experience more interesting.  With a V-shaped drinking straw, the cup is completely leak-proof and most importantly, choke-proof.  The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup will train baby’s hand eye coordination with special features such as  :  360 Gravity Ball Leakproof Eco-friendly Easy to Clean Durable BPA free Preferred Tritan Material Clean as Glass Cleaning The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is simple It is recommended to use warm water and a mild detergent to clean. If high temperature disinfectant is required, do not exceed 30 seconds as this can cause deformation of the cup. The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is available on Baby and I website . Please note certain products take 2-3 weeks for shipping, but Baby and I will stay in touch through this time. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa. We hold a niche in the baby and children’s industry by providing the world’s premier shopping experience for expectant and new parents. From cots to travel systems to educational toys to nursery décor, we have an exclusive range to help you welcome your bundle into your life. As a Premier Baby Boutique in South Africa, we focus on offering exceptional essential baby products and brands with attention to detail and providing quality items all delivered to your door.  We offer premium brands and products available at your fingertips 24 hours a day. 

June 27, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

The common cold in babies

With COVID19 prevalent globally, the thought of your baby catching a cold could be one to send shivers down your spine. But don’t fret, here are the symptoms of the common cold, what is considered normal and what is cause for concern. What is a cold? The common cold is caused by a variety of different viruses, and is an infection of the throat and nose. When a baby is born they have a weaker immune system, which develops as they grow older. Understandably though, this makes it easier for them to catch a cold. Babies do build up antibodies when they are exposed to germs, however, it takes 2 to 3 months for their immunity to fully develop. There are many types of viruses that are the cause of colds, but luckily most colds will help increase your little one’s immunity against other another nasty germs.  What is normal and what can I do to prevent my baby catching a cold? Unfortunately, as the cold is caused by viruses there is no cure for it, but you can try naturally calm your baby’s symptoms. Unfortunately antibiotics won’t work as viruses are the culprit. It is normal for a cold to last 7 to 10 days. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough and low grade fever. Although alarming, fever is your baby’s natural response to the virus. Don’t give over the counter medication to your baby as these can cause dangerous side effects in young children, but extra fluids, saline spray and air humidifiers are all things you can use to help your baby. When a cold causes your baby to have trouble breathing, a high fever or dehydration it is time to consult with a doctor. Additionally, if the cold lasts for an extended period of time without getting better it is also best to seek professional help. Babies often catch the virus from older siblings or daycare, so if you can limit your baby’s exposure to other people this will help prevent them picking up unwanted viruses. Ask visitors to wash their hands before touching your little one and make sure to keep the baby’s utensils and towels separate from the rest of the household. Keeping your baby up to date with vaccinations is also a very important action that can help protect your them. 

June 21, 2022
Milk Galore

The discouragement felt when unable to breastfeed

The agony of knowing that you cannot give your child the best as a women – something that comes so natural to other mothers hearing them say – “I have enough milk to feed the nation” can be heartbreaking to a mom who was originally determined to breastfeed and can’t naturally cannot. This may even result in most mothers thinking of weaning their babies.  What causes discouragement and to have thoughts of weaning your baby? Most of us women who are determined to breastfeed visualise the experience of breastfeeding the bundle of joy and all the benefits it comes with breastfeeding before it actually occurs. The joy that floods a mom’s heart knowing you are able to give your little one the best. Then the unfortunate situation occurs when what you visualised, planned and hoped for does not happen. So discouragement creeps in and then causes many mothers to start weaning of their babies.  When feeling the following emotions – feeling tired, discouraged, ambivalent or confused – it is not a good time to make any important decision especially coming to weaning of the bundle of joy.  If you are experiencing problems, consider these options: Consult someone trained in breastfeeding. Express milk from one or both breasts so you can temporarily or permanently reduce or stop nursing. Utilising Milk Galore products as part of supplement to boost the flow of breastmilk. When does breastfeeding not go as planned? One of the most intense experiences ever in a mom’s life is giving birth to and caring for your little bundle of joy. The first few weeks are the most difficult due to many changes that occur. You find yourself in an emotional roller coaster as fatigue and hormonal changes kicks-in you will find yourself crying frequently. So does breastfeeding as well it becomes an emotional time. If breastfeeding does not come as natural then it really becomes difficult so therefore it becomes a duty that is not easy and daunting. Even with excellent support and specialized assistance, there is a possibility that your breastfeeding experience simply doesn’t live up to your expectations. Some women feel less than a women as you feel feelings of regret, sadness, frustration and even anger because the excitement of being able to breastfeed and give your little one the best has been crushed. The guilt of wanting to stop just overwhelms some moms. Remember, it’s not your fault! To have a successful breastfeeding journey depends on a number of factors that are beyond your control sometimes. It’s good to be able to talk about your feelings with someone you trust and who will lend an ear. Every birth and breastfeeding story is unique. Below we have included some factors to consider and recommendations to encourage those moms feeling discouraged. Insufficient milk production Sometimes, milk production is low right from the start of breastfeeding. In other cases, it can drop off suddenly. This may be temporary, and can be due to any of a number of different causes: Your breasts are understimulated because: they are not being stimulated often enough (less than 8 times a day); they are not being stimulated correctly by your baby or your pump; you give your baby commercial infant formula in a bottle every day. You have undergone breast surgery (breast reduction). You suffer from poorly controlled hypothyroidism or another health problem. You have an insufficient number of mammary glands, regardless of the size of your breasts (glandular insufficiency). You are pregnant again. You are taking contraceptives or a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine. Sometimes insufficient milk supply cannot be explained by any of these reasons. Regardless of the quantity produced, the quality of breast milk is always excellent. Even in small amounts, your breast milk provides your baby with a host of nutrients that are not found in commercial infant formula If your milk production is insufficient, make sure your baby is drinking enough and continuing to gain weight. Even if you supplement feedings with commercial infant formula, you can still continue to breastfeed. What to do? Milk Galore offers a range of products dependent on your preference. The products on offer are: 100% fruit juice blends which is ready made Rooibos tea for all the tea lovers These can be drunk in the morning and evening at a quantity of 250ml and results of increased flow of breastmilk can be seen after 24 hours. For best result the rooibos tea must be brewed with water. The other way to boost your milk production is to stimulate your breasts often and express as much milk as possible.  You can also talk to a trained breastfeeding support person. This can help you Assess your milk production Increase your production as much as possible

June 15, 2022
My Breastpump

Which breast pump is the best for me?

Deciding on which breast pump to buy can be difficult as there are so many breasts pump to choose from. How do you separate the quality breast pumps from the cheap and ineffective ones? There are different types of breast pumps from manual to electric, single to double, open and closed, general, fitted and hospital grade. By knowing what you need from your pump, you will be able to find the pump that is the best fit for you.  It should fit you well and be comfortable. It should be able to empty your breast quickly and effectively. Have good service and spare parts available. A good warranty against motor issues. How do you know if a pump can do all of this?  These are the questions to ask. How many different flange (the part that goes over your nipple) sizes are compatible with the pump? All pumps come with a standard flange size. However, if you want to be confidant that you will be able to get a flange size that fits you, lookout for brands that offer a variety of flange sizes, like with the Ameda breast pump range. The Ameda Flange size range is 21mm, 22,5mm, 25mm(standard) 28,5mm, 30,5mm, 32,5mm and 36mm. This gives you a large range to find your perfect fit. My Breast pump we are able to supply from 17mm when using our hands free cups.  How do you know that the pump will be comfortable? After making sure that you have the correct flange fit you need to be able to find the correct setting/ suction on the pump. Check if the pump has a variety of setting. Does it have 2 phase pumping? This means that there are specific settings for stimulation (helps you to release your milk-let down) and expression (when you empty your breasts). You need to be able to find your best setting for the pump to effectively empty your breasts. The Ameda Mya Joy has 2 phase pumping with 6 levels for stimulation and 12 levels for expression.  What research was done to create the pump? Ameda is the oldest breast pump company and has always work to create comfortable, effective and safe pumps for both mom and baby. Breast pumps are designed to empty the breast by mimicking both the suction pressure and frequency of a baby’s suckling. Ameda has done extensive research on which are the best setting and which combination of suction and vacuum work best together. Research has shown that during the expression phase a pump should be able to cycle between 40-60 times in a minute. This will be most effective at removing milk, keeping your prolactin levels high and your milk production up. Any breast pump that has a suction level of 150mmhg (general pumps found in pharmacies) will be ineffective at emptying your breast and could result in decrease milk production if used for exclusive pumping. Also, if a pump has suction that is too high (250mmhg) can cause nipple pain.  The Mya Joy is a hospital grade breast pump that has specific suction and vacuum levels that has been research for the best expression result. The cycles per minute are also specific for comfort and emptying the breast. The Ameda Mya Joy has the following specs: Suction Levels Stimulation: Approx. -40~-170mmHg Suction Levels Expression: Approx. -50~-250mmHg Vacuum Levels Stimulation: 6 Levels Expression: 12 Levels Cycles Per Minute Stimulation: 80~120 C.P.M. Expression: 20~65 C.P.M You can see that the Mya Joy falls well with in the ideal ranges and allows you to individualise the pumping session so that you will be most comfortable.  Is this pump portable?  With more moms working and needing to pump at work having a portable breast pump is important. The Ameda Mya Joy is a portable breast pump that can clip onto your belt or fit into your pocket and is ultra-quite which allows you to pump anywhere anytime that you need to. My breast pump now has hands free kits that fit the Mya Joy and allow you to place your flange into your bra for even more privacy.  Is the pump an open or closed system breast pump? Closed system breast pumps are the safest to use. This means that your breast milk is kept separate from your pumps tubing and motor. The reason that this is important is that if milk or moisture gets into your tubing or motor it is very difficult to clean. Thus, mould and bacteria can thrive and then they can contaminate your breast milk.  With a closed system this will never happen as a closed system pump keep the motor separate form the milk collection and there can be no cross contamination. This is a special feature of the Ameda Mya Joy and the reason for its flange shape.  Is the Pump a Double or Single? The reason for having a double pump is to save you time and it may also help you increase your breast milk supply. If you need to pump 20 minutes for breast with a single pump that will be 40-minute session each time you pump. If you needed to pump 3 times a day, then that would be 120 minutes where as with a double pump you would only need to pump 60 minutes for those 3 sessions. This is a massive time saver for mother that need to pump often or have returned to work.  How much do I need to invest with this breast pump? The cost of the breast pump needs to fit into your budget, however it may be worth saving up a bit to get a pump that is going to be comfortable and effective rather than buying an ineffective breast pump. However, there are hospital grade pumps on the market that are more affordable than others like the Ameda Mya Joy breast pump. It has a nappi code so you are able to claim back from some medical aids depending on your saving and plan. 

June 10, 2022
Wriggle and Rhyme

MEMORY – take note of the role of MUSIC!

Have you ever heard a song and it has brought back a memory? That memory may include the place where you heard the song, what you were doing at the time, how you felt and sometimes even a sensory trigger, like the memory of a certain taste or smell. The effect is so profound that a heart-warming movement called “Music and Memory” creates personalised playlists for residents with dementia in nursing homes. Apparently, the response is incredible!  Eyes light up and bodies start to move with the rhythm, as the music awakens memories of forgotten lives. All this from a piece of music! So why does music impact memory so profoundly? Neuroscientists have analysed the brain mechanisms related to memory, finding that words set to music are the easiest to remember.  We can all relate to that – just try and remember anything set to a tune and your powers of recall will be stronger! Apparently, the hippocampus and the frontal cortex are two large areas in the brain associated with memory and they take in a great deal of information every minute. But, we all know from experience, that retrieving all that information is not always easy. However, the structure of a song helps us to remember, because it provides a rhythm, rhyme and sometimes alliteration, which helps to unlock that information with cues.  The cues can also include things like the melody, emotions or images that the song lyrics evoke. Neuroscientists are constantly discovering more and more about how music affects memory. A 2009 study done by cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Petr Janata at the University of California, found a potential explanation for the link between music and memory by mapping the brain activity of a group of subjects while they listened to music.  Dr. Janata found that songs linked to strong emotions and memories corresponded with fMRI images that had greater activity in the upper part of the pre-frontal cortex, which sits right behind the forehead. This suggests that this area of the brain, which is also responsible for supporting and retrieving long-term memories, acts as a “hub” that links together music, emotions, and memories. The soundtrack of our lives … Janata explains that listening to a piece of familiar music “serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head,” calling back memories of a particular person or place. What about music in the brains of children? Over the past 14 years of using music as a catalyst for learning at our Wriggle and Rhyme music classes, we’ve seen, first hand, how music-based activities affect children’s brains. The responsibility to fill children’s brains with positive, learning experiences is not one that we take lightly.  We recognize that because our programs are set to music, we are building memories that may last a lifetime. Music education is therefore both a privilege and an exquisite burden! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or educator, bear that in mind!  When it comes to music, everything that you expose your child/ren to needs to be done intentionally, with purpose.  You could be impacting your child’s memory for the rest of their lives! So, can I encourage you to build musical memories that evoke rich, joyful experiences for years to come? Because, when it comes to memory, we need to take note of the role of music! Musical resources Wriggle and Rhyme has a range of musical stories which you can access on your favourite streaming service (Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, etc.) or take a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music . We also have fun, musical episodes on our YOUTUBE channel “Wriggle & Rhyme SA”. Our baby and toddler music classes are available in Cape Town – RONDEBOSCH, CLAREMONT, MELKBOSSTRAND and MEADOWRIDGE. Our pre-school music classes take place at partner pre-schools across the Mother City.

June 7, 2022
Squish

5 signs your baby is ready to start on solids

Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone in your little one’s growth. But how do you know when your baby is ready to start enjoying new flavours and textures, especially when everyone from your best friend to your mother-in-law keeps giving you contradictory advice? These developmental signals will let you know that your baby is mature enough to take this exciting – and, be warned, messy! – step.  Don’t be in a rush to introduce solids – if you introduce them to your baby too early, you can put their health at risk. The World Health Organisation and the South African Department of Health recommend that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months.  But baby’s developmental readiness can’t be determined only by age, to cope with this change in diet their digestive tract needs to be mature enough and they need to be developmentally ready. But how do you know when that is? Fortunately, your baby will show you – from around six months old, they will start giving you signs that they are ready for the introduction of small meals.  Watch out for these developmental signals: Strong, firm neck: Your baby is able to hold their head up unaided when propped in a sitting position. Remember, your baby needs to be able to sit on their own before you introduce non-puree foods.  No more tongue thrust reflex: Your baby no longer automatically uses their tongue to push solids out of their mouth. There is an easy way to test whether your baby still has this reflex or not. Mix a small amount of Squish 100% Fruit or Veggie Puree with a little breastmilk or formula. Dab a small bit onto the end of your finger or a teaspoon and place it in your baby’s mouth. If they push the food out of their mouth with their tongue – you can try a few times to give them a chance to get used to the idea – then they are not yet ready to try solids.  Pincer grasp: Your baby has started to reach out and try to pick up or grab food and objects.  Food interest: Does your baby gaze longingly at you when you’re eating or try to grab food from your plate or fork? If they do, they’re ready to explore new tastes.  Can open wide: Your baby can open their mouth wide to receive a spoon and is able to move their tongue in up and down and back and forth. You’ll need to keep an eye on their tongue movements to determine this.    Once you have noted these signals and assessed that your baby is ready, you can gradually start introducing solids. Squish 100% Fruit and Veggie Purees are made from 100% fruit and vegetables and are ideal as your baby’s first food. Squish Purees offer a wide range of delicious flavours, including Pear + Sweet Potato, Butternut + Carrot, and Banana + Apple, and are preservative free, finely strained, easy to digest – and delicious! They also contain no flavourants and colourants – and have no added sugar or starch.  Squish’s screw-top packaging means you can just use a small amount at a time while your baby gets used to a world of new tastes, textures and flavours – and you don’t need to waste time, money, and effort preparing food that your baby doesn’t eat. You can simply pop the lid back on the pouch and put it in the fridge for later.  To find out more about Squish and how it can benefit your baby or toddler, click here.

May 30, 2022
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