Pregnancy & Baby - Parenting Hub

A Gender-Neutral Approach to Pregnancy

Finding out the baby’s gender is one of the highlights of pregnancy for many parents, as this serves as their starting point to prepare the things their child will need when they enter the world. After all, how do parents know if they should get blue or pink items without knowing what their baby’s gender is in the first place? Today, however, more parents are opting for a more unisex approach. Their reason? To make sure that their offspring aren’t tied to the gender stereotypes imposed by society. Thanks in part to celebrities such as Pink and Angelina Jolie who said that they are bringing up their offspring in a gender-neutral environment, this parenting method has become a trendy approach to raising children. This strategy though, is actually backed up by science. Health journalist Helen Thomson noted that taking on a gendered approach may be harmful to kids in the long run. A BBC documentary showed that children developed better behaviour and self-esteem when they attended a school that promoted gender neutrality. The mounting evidence supporting a unisex approach to parenting has led to an increasing number of parents following this method. If you’re considering raising your offspring in a gender-neutral environment, the good news is that you can actually take certain steps to promote this even before your child is born. Here are some strategies that you can apply: Pick a unisex name If you’re serious about using a gender-neutral approach to raise your child, a good first step would be to choose a unisex name such as Alex, Jamie, or Sam. If you want a more off-beat choice, you can choose a name that is traditionally identified with the opposite sex of your baby. For instance, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds had no qualms about naming their daughter James. Decorate your nursery properly If you want to make your child’s room as gender-neutral as possible, you can follow the advice given in ‘Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery’ and choose a neutral shade for the walls and flooring. Gender-neutral shades include yellow, green, grey, and cream. A neutral-toned room doesn’t necessarily mean boring, because you can pair the neutral backdrop with brightly-coloured decorations. For instance, What to Expect suggests hanging a multi-coloured mobile as part of the decor. Alternatively, you can style the room following a gender-neutral theme such as woodlands or the beach or a carnival. Shopping for clothes The type of clothes you choose may not only affect how children see themselves later on in life, these items can also have an impact on how other people interact with them. In effect, biases are formed towards them even before they are able to walk and talk. In the case of newborns, you can get onesies that come in all colours. It isn’t necessary to avoid blues and pinks, so long as you mix them up with other shades such as green, yellow, purple, and red. Choosing toys Shopping for toys shouldn’t be too difficult, as the concept of taking on a gender-neutral approach means allowing children to have different types of playthings, from cars to dolls. What’s more important is to get toys that will teach them to learn developmental skills and allow them to exercise their creativity and imagination.

February 23, 2018

TIPS FOR THOSE LAST FEW WEEKS OF PREGNANCY

Birth is such an awesome and exciting event. As pregnancy progresses into its final stages once can be faced with various physical challenges where just standing up has become a process on its own. Therefore, it is important to always take care of your health, fitness levels and continuing to prepare for the arrival of your baby. There is nothing as amazing as knowing that you have prepared well ahead for the birth of your precious miracle and breastfeeding moments you will have together. A few tips for those last few weeks and days of pregnancy: Make sure you are eating healthily to keep up your energy levels for the hard work of labour ahead. Similac Mom provides you with all the special nutrients that you need for this time Keep Similac Mom close at hand for those days ahead when you will be breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding, have a glass of Similac Mom next to you not only to quench the extra breastfeeding thirst, but to also make sure you have the correct nutrition for both you and your baby during these precious times Rest during the day- you never know when you might go into labour so never let yourself get really tired because that is the day you probably will go into labour. If you are tired when labour starts, you start at such a disadvantage, rather start labour feeling refreshed and with high energy levels Stay active so you keep up your fitness levels Make sure your bags are packed and ready for labour. Keep them with you if you go far from home Make sure you have discussed your birth plan with the doctor/midwife and the hospital where you will be delivering to ensure everyone is on the same page as you Practice your skills learnt at childbirth education classes together with your birth partner Make sure you have a lactation consultant’s number saved in your phone in case you need one in those early days of breastfeeding Ensure you do a breastfeeding course. Knowledge is very empowering and helpful for this new skill that will be required of you Know your baby’s normal movements. Be aware your baby should move nicely every day. Your baby should move 10 times in less than 2 hours. A quicker but as reliable method, is 3 kicks in an hour. You know your baby is fit and healthy by feeling him move. He has times of sleeping as well so won’t be moving 24/7. If you cannot feel your baby moving, have something sweets to eat and drink and then do what generally gets your baby moving – for some it is to take a bath, others to lie down. If you are concerned your baby isn’t moving as well as usual or is moving far more than normal – contact your caregiver or the labour ward at the hospital. Towards the end of pregnancy, your baby may move differently, fewer but bigger movements. Spend lots of time communicating with your partner as you prepare for labour together as well as your new journey together as parents Enjoy this time! Your pregnancy will soon be over and you will have lots of new skills to learn! By Lynne Bluff About Abbott Nutrition As a division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Nutrition is recognized as one of the world’s trusted names in children, adult, and healthy living products, including Ensure®, PediaSure® Complete and Similac® Mom. Abbott Nutrition South Africa first opened its doors in 1940 and for more than 75 years, has remained committed to the highest standards of quality, excellence, and innovation and as leaders in science-based nutrition, they continue to support people’s nutritional needs throughout their life stages.

February 22, 2018

Nutrition in pregnancy: Giving your baby the healthiest possible start

With so many myths out there about diet and pregnancy, no wonder new mothers-to-be feel confused about the do’s and don’ts of their own diets. To eat appropriately is the one thing a mother have a lot of control over, and wants to get 100% right, but is so afraid of getting it wrong. We are regularly told that our weight, nutritional status and health during pregnancy and breastfeeding have effect on a baby’s risk of developing disease in future, birth risks, the baby’s health and growth both in the uterus and after birth. Scary as it may sound, with the right dietary advice and support it can actually be quite easy to get your diet right with a few easy tips. Keep reading. Will my pregnancy cravings influence my child’s eating habits? Want your child to love veggies? Start early. Very early! New research shows that WHAT a woman eats during pregnancy not only nourishes her baby in the womb, but can influence a baby’s palate and food memories before he/she is born. The study found that a mother’s diet shapes her baby’s food preferences and acceptance later in life. Flavour perception develops as early as in the unborn infant and taste and smell continues to develop once they are born. In the womb, a fetus is surrounded and nourished on amniotic fluids, which is filled with the flavours of what the mom has eaten in the last few hours. The fetus starts to swallow large amounts of amniotic fluid from about 12 week’s gestation. By the time a women reaches her third trimester the fetus’s brain starts to communicate with the taste and smell receptors – for the baby to start to associate with certain flavours and odours in the amniotic fluid. A baby therefore already starts to build a memory bank of tastes and flavours during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is therefore the first food for the baby to feast on and contains protein, sugars, fat and different flavours of the food that the mother eats. The fetus can detect these tastes and flavours – forming memories of these flavours and will prefer flavours that were previously experienced in the amniotic fluid. It was shown that if mothers who consumed carrot, anise or garlic flavoured food during pregnancy, their infants would be more accepting to flavours later in life. The flavour learning continues when infants experience the flavours of mother’s diet transmitted in breast milk, especially flavours such as anise, garlic, carrot, mint, vanilla. When babies start solids they showed greater liking for and acceptance of flavours to which they had early exposure. This means you can teach your baby to like broccoli from an early age! This varied experiences with food flavours increase food acceptance and may help explain why children who are breastfed are less picky during childhood. Formula tastes the same day-in and day-out. If you plan to formula feed your infant, and worry about the lack of variants in flavours just make sure you introduce your baby to the largest variety of solid food and flavours early on in the weaning period. To conclude, if you want your children to eat a healthy diet (e.g. their broccoli) or more adventurous diet, you should expose them to all the right, healthy flavours early on. Will WHAT I eat during pregnancy affect what diseases my child may have in later life? There are some studies that show that the mother’s diet may affect whether children have the risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity or high blood pressure later in life. During the war, when pregnant women were exposed to very little food, especially in the first trimester, their children were more likely to be born heavier, taller and develop heart disease in adulthood. Some studies suggest that when an expectant mother has too little protein and too many carbohydrates in her diet, the child may have a risk of high blood pressure later in life. This also applies to when you do not supplement your diet with the recommended vitamin and mineral supplements e.g. folic acid, iron calcium and vitamin D. “Over nutrition” during pregnancy also has detrimental effects and may cause the fetus to grow faster than the fetus’s organs and can lead to liver, heart and kidney disease in adulthood. There is also a suggestion in research that if your diet is rich in omega 3 fatty acids (mainly available in oily fish and seeds) during pregnancy it can protect the baby against ailments such as high blood pressure and heart disease in adult life. Should I avoid certain foods during pregnancy to prevent my child from having food allergies? Many scientific studies have been done to investigate whether mothers who avoid certain foods in the diet during pregnancy can control the presence of allergies and eczema in their babies once they are born. They all concluded that babies might or might not present with food allergies and eczema, regardless of the mother’s diet, especially when there is a strong family history of food allergies. They also concluded that avoiding certain food in the pregnant mother’s diet have shown to affect the mother and the baby’s nutritional status. Both may run the risk of missing out on essential vitamin and minerals contributing to an inadequate nutritional intake and is therefore not recommended. You can actually do more harm than good by avoiding anything in the diet for instance nuts, fish, eggs, milk, citrus fruits to prevent allergies in your baby. If you as expectant mother do suffer from food allergies and need to avoid certain foods it would be of benefit to consult a dietitian who would be able to provide you with a nutritionally balanced diet and ensure both you and your baby get all the nutrients you require. Super foods for pregnancy Eggs: It contains choline that helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In addition, studies suggest that choline is key to the

February 22, 2018

Understanding The Possibilities Of A High Risk Pregnancy

So you’ve reached the 12 week mark…phew! If you are like me you would have waited until now to ‘officially’ spread the news! I will never forget how excited I was…I AM PREGNANT! Besides the morning (and evening) sickness…I loved every minute of my pregnancy! I would read every new development from my trusted baby app, most mornings flooding my husband with all this new knowledge. In my opinion I was plain sailing and I couldn’t understand why some women complained about pregnancy. We made it to 20 weeks…yay half way! But this was also the beginning of my downfall. The dreaded word Pre-eclampsia was never mentioned during my pregnancy, but it’s presence was always the elephant in the room. I had become a high risk without even taking it seriously. Even after being warned I could give birth as early as 34 weeks, I still didn’t think about the risks I was going through or giving birth to a premature baby. The night I gave birth, the ‘condition that should be named’ hit a climax and my body was losing the battle. With a blood pressure reading of 200/120, our daughter was born at 30 weeks at 3:50 in the morning. We survived the night but the journey was far from over. What is high risk pregnancy? High risk pregnancy is defined as a condition that threatens the life of the mother and foetus. Besides Pre-eclampsia (1), there are a few other conditions that make it onto the high risk list. Namely, gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, stillbirth, Placenta Previa, HELLP syndrome and multiple births just to name a few (2). There are a number of health factors that can promote a high risk pregnancy like obesity, stressful lifestyle, mature age, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and previous pregnancy problems. Now take a breath, if you have been told you may be high risk that doesn’t necessarily mean you will have problems during your pregnancy. Many women have gone on to have a healthy pregnancy with minimal birth complications. You will need special monitoring and perhaps extra treatment & medication provided by your OBGYN or Midwife. Serious conditions may result in preterm (3) birth where your little one/s will need to spend time in NICU care. What can I do? It is vital that all appointments with your OBGYN or Midwife are kept, eat a healthy diet, keep away from alcohol, cigarettes or drugs that are dangerous for the baby. Try and attend an antenatal course, the knowledge and support you will receive is priceless. You may be advised to limit your working hours (depending on your career) or be admitted to the hospital for monitoring. The main thing you can do is relax.

February 20, 2018

Pregnancy Education = Informed Choices

The thought of giving birth can be both scary and confusing; particularly with conflicting advice given by friends, health workers, family and the internet. Research* has shown that pregnancy education, also known as childbirth education or antenatal classes, is one of the most effective tools to minimise fear. “In this day and age getting information isn’t the problem,” says Pretoria-based neonatologist Professor Suzanne Delport, “it’s finding the right source of information.” The theme of this year’s Pregnancy Education Week campaign in February ‘Date and way of birth – what would baby choose?’ highlighted howchildbirth education enables parents to make informed choices about what is best for them and their baby. “Only about 5% of pregnant women attend formal antenatal classes,” says Lynne Bluff, national co-ordinator of the Childbirth Educators’ Professional Forum (CBEPF). Doctors would like to see that number increase, as the labour outcome for an educated parent is likely to be better. Recent research* has shown that pregnancy education is one of the most effective tools to minimise fear during birth. “You can tell during the birth whether or not parents have been to classes. They are more knowledgeable, less anxious and more relaxed,” says Bluff. Professor Delport has been sharing up-to-date research on the optimum date and method of birth with childbirth educators. “A full-term pregnancy used to be considered to be somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks. Newer research has shown that foetal brain development continues late into the last week of pregnancy. Full-term is now considered to be 39 to 40 completed weeks; birth prior to then is now considered early term and carries a risk of delivering a baby who may develop serious complications due to immaturity of organs, including the brain.” Delport says method of birth is another area where opinions can often outweigh factual information. “More than two-thirds of births in the private sector in South Africa are by caesarean section, yet evidence indicates no benefit, and increased immediate and long-term risks to both mother and infant. By sharing evidence-based, factual information childbirth educators allow expectant parents to confidently make informed decisions.” Johannesburg-based nurse-in-action Dumisile Mncwango has been giving childbirth education classes for the past three years. “I encourage partners to attend. In some communities people say birth is a ‘woman’s thing’ but it helps so much if both parents have the same understanding to deal with the many myths that do come up.” “We strongly recommend childbirth education,” says Lauren Macnab of Bio-Oil, official partner for Pregnancy Education Week. “It allows parents to make informed choices and gives expectant parents confidence and reassurance.” To find a childbirth educator in your area and visit www.expectantmothersguide.co.za or www.facebook.com/ExpectantMothersGuideZA or #WhatWouldBabyChoose. Additional Information Six good reasons to attend childbirth education classes: 1) Expertise – educators are experienced nursing sisters and midwives who have chosen to specialise in childbirth education because they passionately believe in it. 2) Knowledge – you learn about ALL the childbirth options available to you, and the pros and cons of each. 3) Tools – you’ll be given practical tips and techniques – such as breathing, relaxation, positions, massage and visualisation – that can help you have an easier birth. 4) Confidence – you and your partner will feel more confident knowing what to expect and how to manage it. 5) Preparation – you’ll be taught about all aspects of pregnancy and birth, from stretch marks to caring for your newborn. 6) Connections – you’ll meet other expectant parents from your area.

February 19, 2018

Chiropractic care for mothers during and after pregnancy

Chiropractic has typically included the care of pregnant patients to insure a comfortable pregnancy and to help facilitate in an uncomplicated labour and delivery process. Low back pain is often described as an inevitable complication of pregnancy. It has been reported that approximately 50 % of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and 50 % to 75 % of women experience back pain during labour. However, only 21% of pregnant women with back pain seek consultation with medical practitioners. Therefore, it is important to have a look at some possible causes of low back pain during pregnancy. Biomechanical changes and stress to the neuro-musculoskeletal system are present during and immediately after pregnancy. Adaptations of the body structurally may be a contributory source of low back pain throughout the gestation period. As the foetus develops, its weight is projected forward and the lumbar lordosis is increased, placing extra stress on the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine. Spinal dysfunction related to the change in the load distributions are a factor in back pain. Hormonally an increase in circulating progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin (especially in the third trimester) cause hypermobility in the pelvis and a decrease in spinal stabilization. Physically strenuous work and previous low back pain are factors that may also be associated with an increased risk of developing low back pain during pregnancy. Common treatment techniques that chiropractors utilize include gentle myofascial relaxation of specific muscles, which can greatly aide in the reduction of pain and tension. Also, improving the strength of the core muscles is thought to prevent some of the typical postural alterations. Release of muscle spasm can be quite beneficial in relieving suboccipital headaches, cervicothoracic pain, thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, or myofascial pain syndromes. Chiropractors can also help the pregnant patient manage an exercise routine compatible for her changing body throughout pregnancy. Research shows that approximately 75% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care during their pregnancies stated that they found relief from pain. After delivery, the ligaments in the body are tightening up to help bring the joints back together, this process can take up to 8 months. Rehabilitative exercises should be used for weakened back and abdominal muscles. Regular chiropractic care is valuable during the post-partum recovery phase and is beneficial in assisting proper restoration of normal spinal biomechanics. SOURCES: Borggren, C.L. (2007). Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 6(2) p 70-74.

February 16, 2018

Huggies® raises awareness around childbirth education this February

A very limited number of expectant mothers research their options before giving birth and as a result childbirth educators, hospitals, and baby product providers such as Huggies®, focus on childbirth education annually during the month of February where there is an emphasis on pregnancy awareness. The nine months leading up to childbirth can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times in a woman’s life. However, choosing to have a baby is also one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It is therefore vital that you become informed about the many facets of pregnancy. The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families. One of the best ways for women to empower themselves before giving birth is to attend childbirth education classes, to consult a childbirth educator or read various online and printed guides that are available for expectant mothers. “We would like to encourage pregnant women to gain knowledge. Know your options. Get evidence based information. Know dad’s role. Make informed decisions. Question all aspects of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting. Learn more about vaginal births and caesareans. Gain insight on breastfeeding options. Know about skin-to-skin for all moms and babies as well as self-help techniques,” says Nthabiseng Leso, Senior Brand Manager: Point of Market Entry (POME). Pregnant women need to know their rights, including: The right of a woman to choose her companion who will provide her with support during pregnancy and childbirth, and who will accompany her to the antenatal care clinic and help her through the labour The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality The right of the woman to ask questions and to get explanation about her condition To understand the importance of childbirth education, Huggies® introduced The Huggies® Club in 2016 at public clinics across the country. This program facilitates a number of heath talks which focus on a variety of topics that relate to pregnancy, birth and new born care. These talks are conducted by Huggies® Brand Mums. These Brand Mums are well-trained and knowledgeable. They work together with the Department of Health, public clinics and have been involved in several health-related campaigns. The talks cover topics that include: The opportunity to exclude and manage existing medical conditions which can be aggravated by the pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections and anaemia Free HIV testing and voluntarily counselling (VCT) Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post delivery Birth preparedness and complication readiness Self-care including nutrition and high standard of hygiene Information on the role of the father, the male partner and the family Lynne Bluff, a registered nurse and internationally recognised childbirth educator who is also the editor of the Expectant Mother’s Guide explains how important childbirth education classes are: “Proper childbirth education can help women become more confident and far less fearful about giving birth. We do what we do because we want moms to come out of labour and be able to say, “that was a wonderful experience,””. Being properly prepared both physically and emotionally, and becoming knowledgeable about the various options and considerations regarding childbirth is crucial for parents. This allows them to feel confident about giving birth and ensures that they will know how to provide the necessary care once their precious newborn arrives.

February 15, 2018

Pregnancy: The First Trimester

If you missed the announcement last week Friday, then SUPRISE! Dan and I are expecting our first little bebe in April next year. We are so excited, so nervous and feel so incredibly blessed. But along with all the ooh-ing and aah-ing at the cute baby clothes at Cotton On Kids, I’ve been navigating my way through pregnancy and let me tell you, it’s been a crazy happy, overwhelming, exciting adventure so far. By all accounts, I had a really easy first trimester but since I’m a first time mom-to-be there were definitely some things that kind of blew me out of the water and so I thought I might as well tell you about it, even if it’s just for you to laugh at me, which I totally don’t mind! Pregnancy brain is real! In fact, this is how I just knew in my heart that I was pregnant, I hadn’t even missed my period yet. I started doing really stupid things because I wasn’t thinking properly. Things like putting a boiled egg into the microwave (BOOM!) and forgetting to put a bra on before I walked out of the house (seriously sexy). I got over the initial “stupid phase” after about 4 weeks but then the brain fog started. I would be speaking and then would literally stop mid sentence not knowing what I was actually talking about. A bit embarrassing when you’re in company. Thankfully that disappeared after about 8 weeks. Your first scan is internal. Oh yes, you read that right! I had all these beautiful pictures of my first ultrasound in my head… Well when we got there and my gynae whipped out this um, shall we call it a probe, a condom and some KY I got a bit of a fright. She must have seen my face because she explained everything really nicely and asked Dan to step out for a few minutes. Besides the initial “what the hell?!” reaction, it really isn’t uncomfortable or embarrassing – your gynae should cover you all up nicely so that you don’t feel exposed. Seeing and hearing that heartbeat for the first time will make you feel ALL the feels! It’s possibly the best sound and sight (even though I had to squint to see it) in the entire universe. There’s a kid in there, it’s alive and it’s yours! The week or so before your first scan can be the most nerve wrecking time. For me personally it was the absolute crippling fear that there would be no heartbeat (this was the case with our first pregnancy, you can read a bit about that here). The night before and the morning of our 8 week scan I was a complete mess and felt so guilty because I was trying so hard to stay positive. When I saw that heartbeat though, I could literally feel the hugest weight being lifted off my shoulders. Morning sickness…ha! Let’s not kid around, it’s all day sickness okay. Although mine wasn’t really that bad, it was certainly there. It felt like a very dull form of motion sickness and it just sits in your throat aaaaaalllllll day. Provitas and water got me through. You think you know what tired is, but you have NO idea. I thought I would be okay, I had stayed up late partying, working, watching series and managed to get through the next day. No, just no. This is like a supernatural kind of exhaustion. I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and felt like a walking zombie most of the time. It made me feel very groggy, like I was only half awake. Makes sense though, you are growing a human! Luckily, like clockwork, the day I hit the second trimester I could feel that I had more energy. I started getting stretch marks in my first trimester. Yip, no exaggeration, I was devastated! And when people said to me “But you’re pregnant, give yourself a break” I would want to scream back “Stretch marks are forever you idiot!”. Yes, I was an absolute dream to be around. Look, I was aware stretch marks were inevitable but I didn’t expect them to rear their ugly head so quickly. Healthy eating and lots of stretch mark cream is what I’ve been doing to hopefully minimise the amount that I do get. Reading how your kiddeo is growing inside of you is so incredible. When we were trying to fall pregnant I was obsessed with P Tracker, now that I am pregnant, I am hooked on two apps: What to Expect and Pregnancy +. Every week both apps give you the approximate length and weight of your baby and a fruit or veg that is a similar size (you might find yourself scouring the aisles of Woolies to find this fruit to cradle – hormones hey…). It will also tell you what is developing in both baby and your body. The only reason I like Pregnancy + a tiny bit more is because you can see scans and 4D scans week by week (not of your baby of course), this really helps me to visualise because I really battle to connect with something that I can’t physically feel (yet) or see. Your nose will rule your life for a while. I could smell a smoker 20km away and for about 3 weeks I could not see, smell or eat red meat. This has also calmed down a bit and I can finally enjoy a steak again, even if it has to be well done…sigh. Your 12 week scan is even better than your 8 week scan, I think. I’m not sure why I expected baby to be lying still but I did. I almost fell off the bed when I saw the ultrasound! It wasn’t just a tiny pulsing blob anymore, you could see so much: little feet and legs kicking, a nose and eyes, tiny hands and fingers waving around and oh

February 15, 2018

Pregnancy and Migraines

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women. Unfortunately pregnant women also suffer from headaches and migraines, and tend so self-medicate with over the counter medication. According to Dr. Elliot Shevel, South Africa’s migraine surgery pioneer and the medical director of The Headache Clinic, “Often the migraines or headaches worsen during the first trimester (the the first three months of pregnancy), but don’t despair – in 70 % of women the migraines get better in the second and third trimesters. Unfortunately medication is not a good option during pregnancy, and the only pain medication that is safe is Panado or Paracetamol,” he says. “Unfortunately pregnant women who suffer from migraines with aura, (a term used to refer to warning signs of migraine such as seeing zigzag lines before the pain starts), usually don’t find relief in the second half of their pregnancy and have less chance of improvement.” Two studies show that many pregnant women rely on over the counter medication. The first study, published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, showed “a significant number of pregnant women relied on over-the-counter medication”. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Isra University Hospital in Pakistan for six months and comprised of 351 pregnant women who were interviewed face to face. Overall, 223 (63.5%) patients were using over the counter drugs before pregnancy and 128 (36.5%) had used them in a previous pregnancy. A further 133 (37.9%) were using the medications during the current pregnancy. Quite worrying is that a total of 103(77.4%) had no knowledge about the possible harmful effects of the medication they were taking. Whilst this study highlighted the frequent use of over the counter medications in pregnant women, another study, published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, indicates most women experience automatic relief during their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. For those not getting relief from headaches or migraines, medication needs to minimise. So is surgery a viable option in pregnant women? One of the most successful treatment methods for migraine is to close off the small arteries under the skin of the scalp that cause the pain (not the arteries in the brain), by means of minimally invasive surgery. Commenting on the surgery during pregnancy, Dr Shevel says, ‘We usually wouldn’t do the surgery during the first three months of the pregnancy because the drugs used in the sedation or anaesthetic may affect the fetus and cause problems. After the first trimester the operation is safe to perform, but we prefer to wait until the baby is born to avoid any possible unforseen complications. Sometimes however, an expectant mother is just in so much pain that the operation can’t wait.” Other pressing issues Expectant mothers always have a lot of questions about headaches and migraines. Here are some answered: Will the baby be affected by the trauma and pain of my headache? No, says Shevel. “There is no evidence to indicate this, but the baby can be affected by a medication the mother is using and that is why we are saying only Panado or Paracetamol is safe.” Is there an ingredient in the pill that aggravates or makes headaches worse? The short answer is yes. “The pill contains a variety of different hormones, and changes in those hormone levels can affect the headaches. It is interesting to note however, that although they can make the headaches worse, they may also sometimes make them better – it’s impossible to predict.” What role does breastfeeding play? According to Shevel breastfeeding can also play a role. “If women breastfeed after birth the headaches usually stays away until the baby is weaned. “

February 14, 2018

Important stages of babies at play

Babies make sense of the world around them through play. They experiment with new ideas, learn important social skills, and gain immense pleasure from just playing. Playtime is fun, and offers little one’s time to develop and thrive. Play is incredibly important in a little one’s life, as it assists in the development of fine and gross motor skills and builds emotional maturity and self-confidence for a baby to explore new things and new environments. There are different developments that parents can look out for that links to play and baby’s age and developmental progress. Lesego Mashishi-Matlala, Huggies® expert in occupational therapy, shares insights on playtime and development. From birth to three months, this first stage of play is termed as unoccupied play. It is when babies play alone without reference to anyone else, and start moving their arms and legs. They play with their fingers and toes, suck their thumbs and even sometimes suck their toes. This is when babies start discovering their own bodies. Their favourite playtime activity at this stage is often interacting with the hanging mobile over the cot as opposed to human contact, because of the motion or sounds the mobile makes. The next stage of play is solitary play. This takes place when babies gain postural control and can sit unaided and start crawling. During this phase of development many parents will experience that mischievous silence when their baby is exploring the world around them. Solitary play is generally when babies are more intrigued by objects around them and learn the cause and effect of movement in relation to their environment. Babies become so engrossed with objects around them, that they have minimal interest in engaging with others. The development of crawling and walking are encouraged at this stage of play as it is at this time when babies have the desire to interact with objects near and far from them. The onlooker stage of play is often the most exciting for parents. This often commences at the age of one or two when babies observe while others play, and at most times start copying actions. They love clapping their hands, dancing and mimicking others. This form of play is the child’s first step into social development, and is when they watch and process social cues from others. It’s therefore a good time to introduce regular playdates or to consider a play-school during this time. Between the ages of three and four, toddlers begin to engage in parallel play. This is a time when they will play with others, but usually remain engaged in a solitary activity that is parallel to what their peers are doing. It is a time when ego development commences, and when children build a strong sense of being individuals, separate from parents, siblings and playmates. It’s the ’me, mine, me, mine!’ phase, when children begin to understand the concept of ownership. Playtime is the perfect time for baby and parents to connect. It is a time to watch them develop, explore and move which ultimately leads to your little one thriving.

February 14, 2018

The benefits of eating well during pregnancy

When you discover you are pregnant for the first time – your whole world shifts. Up to this point decisions you made with regards to your eating only had a direct effect on your body. Suddenly what you eat affects your unborn baby in more ways than we even realized. Benefit 1: A good balanced nutritious diet will have all the necessary nutrients to allow for optimal growth of your little one! Keep it simple but healthy. You need to eat foods from all the food groups. Avoid fad dieting while pregnant as you will miss out on some essential nutrients. You need a range of fresh fruit and vegetables as this gives you the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. Lutein is an anti oxidant found in green leafy vegetables and is very good for your babies immune system and brain development. Carotene is found in orange veggies and is very healthy for your babies eye and skin health. A healthy skin may be protective for your baby against allergies later on in life. Aim to eat at least five servings a day. Protein foods like meats, eggs, milk, nuts etc are very important for muscle development and for keeping your placenta well nourished with a healthy blood flow. Some pre term deliveries may result from a placenta that has ‘dried’ up too soon. So aim to eat at least 4 portions (palm size) daily. If you are struggling with nausea in these early days then it may be helpful to get a good supplement that you can take to ensure you meet you protein needs. Starch foods like rice, pasta, wholegrain breads and cereals are very important for energy for you and your baby and also for fibre. Like fruit the fibre in these whole grain products ensure that you stay regular when drunken with adequate water. Have 3 -4 servings of healthy low GI starch daily and at least 1.5L water through out the day. Fats like avocado, linseeds, flaxseeds, olives etc are important to provide the essential fatty acids necessary for you the mom to retain brain cells J and for your little one to create new healthy brain cells. Aim to have 4 fat servings per day (1 tsp/serving or ¼ avocado) Benefit 2: A lot of ongoing research is looking at the moms diet and including high risk allergen foods and initially the thinking was that we should avoid allergens during pregnancy however this has not shown to be beneficial and may even be more harmful. The recommendations now are to include all allergen foods as long as you are not allergic to one of them. So avoid all foods except those you are allergic to. Benefit 3: Some very interesting and current research is going on at the moment around fussy eating and when foods were introduced to babies and its affect on fussy eating behaviour. We know that babies swallow amniotic fluid and we know that babies can taste tastes in the amniotic fluid. So there is some research looking at the variety of vegetables eaten by a mom and then acceptance of theses vegetables later. So in summary if you want your little one to eat his veggies it may all start in the womb!!!!

February 12, 2018

The Effects of Pregnancy on our Intimate Bits

The miracle of pregnancy is universal and timeless, and even though we are, by divine design, capable of going through this process, it does have a pronounced effect on our bodies and our sexuality. During this event, higher levels of progesterone cause drowsiness while the increased estrogen lifts our mood, making us more radiant than ever. As our bodies gradually grow larger, we may suffer from stormy hormonal changes. Suddenly we have irrepressible cravings and our sense of smell becomes acute; we have whimsical shifts in preferences and aversions, and if exposed to the sun, we may even acquire a pigmented ‘moustache’ and brown patches on our cheeks. During the fourth month of pregnancy, our intimate bits also start changing – it becomes puffy and enlarged, and the colour of the labia deepens considerably. Both the increased blood supply to the vagina and the increased pressure on it create a permanent state of gentle sexual arousal, leaving us moist and more conscious of our lady parts. The thin line that runs between our pubic patch to our navels also becomes more pronounced. The most common long-term problem associated with pregnancy and childbirth include urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. During pregnancy, the weight of the baby, the ‘water’ and the placenta put a twenty-times-heavier-than-normal strain on the pelvic floor, and this often leads to urinary incontinence during the last trimester. Vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, an episiotomy, lying on the back, and applying fundal pressure (pressing on the abdomen to help move the baby out) are all factors that increase pelvic injury risk during vaginal birth. Even by opting for a caesarian section we are not exempted from pelvic injury risk; in fact, this procedure inceases the risk of maternal death by sixteen-fold, and it increases the risk of having to have a hysterectomy by ten times. The pelvic floor consists of a complex, multilayered group of muscles, tissues and nerve endings that creates a hammock between the pubic bone and the base of our spinal cord and supports a number of organs including the bladder, rectum, uterus, urethra, vagina and anus. The pelvic floor seems to be the ‘headmistress’ that has all our lady parts neatly secured in her firm hand. She has the huge task of coordinating, directing and protecting all of our beneath-the-belt bits, and she plays a valuable role in our womanly health. We should be well aware of her strengths and shortcomings. The best and safest way to protect ourselves from pelvic floor impairment is Kegel exercises. The importance of these exercises cannot be overemphasized; they play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of pelvic-floor disorders. Work those muscles daily to keep them strong, elastic and toned.

February 9, 2018

5 Tips for coping with a newborn and a toddler

I (Kit) gave birth to my son Noah on the 24th August and at the time of his birth my daughter, Sarah, was just over 18 months old. The months since have passed in a flash and whilst I’m still new at this mommying 2 thing; below I share 5 tips of what’s worked for me so far as a mom of 2. Be intentional with your 1st born during your 3rd Trimester 3rd trimester is hard, hands down…but with a toddler in-tow its SUPER hard. I found my last few weeks of pregnancy particularly trying but in saying that, I made it my mission to be present with Sarah and invest in quality time with her. I was fortunate enough to have a planned (day before) induction of natural labour and thus had a full day that I got to dedicate to just Se Bear and me. It was the most phenomenal way to end my pregnancy and to feel that I had given her my all, before Noah arrived. PS: I totally sobbed putting her down that night, knowing it was her last night as an only child. Eeek and now the tears come again! Embrace your time in hospital I realize that not everyone chooses to have their babe in a hospital, and I totally respect that, but this tip is for those who do. For me, my time in hospital is what I’ll always remember as bliss for both Noah and me. YES you’re emotional, and sore, and bleeding…but the truth is that while in hospital, you’re expected to do little more than lie in bed and love your little one. First time round, these early days were a blur for me but with my second, I treasured every moment that I got with him in hospital, before the chaos of heading home to a busy toddler began. Involve your toddler where possible While I definitely paid 90% of my attention to Noah in his first few days at home, as I got the hang of things (and trust me, it comes back so quickly second time around), I slowly started including Se in our daily activities. I do have a fulltime nanny but Se loves staying with Noah and I. She watches me feed him (she plays at my feet) and my mum bought her a baby bath to bath her doll, whilst I bath Noah – too sweet for words. Slow down One kid is hectic.. two is just that little bit more hectic. I laugh as I write that, thinking of me stopping on the side of the road in 5pm traffic, after a play date for Sarah, to tend to a screaming 2-week-old Noah..while Se too screamed at the top of her lungs, not understanding why Noah could get out of his car seat and she couldn’t. But that was just one day…for the most part; I’ve actually been blown away by how easily we’ve sailed through these first few months. The one thing I have taken to heart though, is how important it is to slow down. I’m quick to put the kids in the car and head out and about, but the truth is, that I’m a happier mom (with more breast milk) with happier kids when we take the day slowly! Be kind to yourself This is probably my biggest tip for this post. Beautiful, you are totally capable and whilst balancing two seems impossible at times, you’ve got this!!! Trust your mommy instinct and speak kindly to yourself; as just as your kids adjust to the changes they’re experiencing, you too are journeying in your role as mom. <3

February 8, 2018

Eating During Pregnancy

When you discover you are pregnant for the first time – your whole world shifts. Up to this point decisions you made with regards to your eating only had a direct effect on your body. Suddenly what you eat affects your unborn baby in more ways than we even realized. Benefit 1: A good balanced nutritious diet will have all the necessary nutrients to allow for optimal growth of your little one! Keep it simple but healthy. You need to eat foods from all the food groups. Avoid fad dieting while pregnant as you will miss out on some essential nutrients. You need a range of fresh fruit and vegetables as this gives you the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. Lutein is an anti oxidant found in green leafy vegetables and is very good for your babies immune system and brain development. Carotene is found in orange veggies and is very healthy for your babies eye and skin health. A healthy skin may be protective for your baby against allergies later on in life. Aim to eat at least five servings a day. Protein foods like meats, eggs, milk, nuts etc are very important for muscle development and for keeping your placenta well nourished with a healthy blood flow. Some pre term deliveries may result from a placenta that has ‘dried’ up too soon. So aim to eat at least 4 portions (palm size) daily. If you are struggling with nausea in these early days then it may be helpful to get a good supplement that you can take to ensure you meet you protein needs. Starch foods like rice, pasta, wholegrain breads and cereals are very important for energy for you and your baby and also for fibre. Like fruit the fibre in these whole grain products ensure that you stay regular when drunken with adequate water. Have 3 -4 servings of healthy low GI starch daily and at least 1.5L water through out the day. Fats like avocado, linseeds, flaxseeds, olives etc are important to provide the essential fatty acids necessary for you the mom to retain brain cells and for your little one to create new healthy brain cells. Aim to have 4 fat servings per day (1 tsp/serving or ¼ avocado). Benefit 2: A lot of ongoing research is looking at the moms diet and including high risk allergen foods and initially the thinking was that we should avoid allergens during pregnancy however this has not shown to be beneficial and may even be more harmful. The recommendations now are to include all allergen foods as long as you are not allergic to one of them. So avoid all foods except those you are allergic to. Benefit 3: Some very interesting and current research is going on at the moment around fussy eating and when foods were introduced to babies and its affect on fussy eating behaviour. We know that babies swallow amniotic fluid and we know that babies can taste tastes in the amniotic fluid. So there is some research looking at the variety of vegetables eaten by a mom and then acceptance of theses vegetables later. So in summary if you want your little one to eat his veggies it may all start in the womb!!!!

February 8, 2018

8 Awesome Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Massage is not just about it feeling good, it actually comes with many health benefits that you may not be aware of. Having a massage while you are pregnant can actually help to lessen some of the unpleasant pregnancy symptoms you may be suffering with as well as be a lovely way to unwind and relax. I had a pregnancy massage when I was 6 months pregnant and on my honeymoon. I really struggled with my first pregnancy and it was amazing to have that massage. The strangest thing though is that I felt the most amazing sensation of stress relief when the area in the crook of my elbow was massaged on the one side. When you are pregnant your body goes through some incredible changes and a massage can really help your body and your mind to cope better. If you are pregnant it is really important to highlight that you need to see a massage therapist that is qualified in prenatal massage. 1 Increased Blood Circulation This will bring more oxygen to mother and the baby, stimulating the lymphatic system. This will result in a stronger immune system and help to reduce toxins in the body. Increased blood circulation will also result in your baby getting better nourishment. An added bonus is that increase blood circulation will help prevent varicose veins from forming which is common during pregnancy 2 Massage Helps To Relieve Lower Back Pain Lower back pain is a common pregnancy symptom that can be caused by the hormone relaxin that causes ligaments that support the spine to relax. This can cause instability and pain. Pregnancy massage improves lower back pain through improving the lumbosacral tilt that occurs during pregnancy. 3 Relieves Depression and Anxiety In case you didn’t know, it is actually very common for postnatal depression to start during the third trimester of pregnancy instead of when you expect it to start (after your baby is born). Massage helps to stabilize hormone levels which can relieve anxiety and depression. Massage also releases endorphins that soothe and relax the mother. 4 Improved Sleep Any woman that has been pregnant knows how hard it can be to really relax and sleep well while pregnant. Due to massage relaxing the nervous system and extra feel good hormones moms to be will sleep better. In addition to the mom being more relaxed the other benefits of massage such as back pain relief will also make the mother more comfortable which will help her sleep better. 5 Decreased Swelling Edema, which is the swelling of joints during pregnancy, is caused by decreased circulation while pregnant as well as the increased pressure on major blood vessels. Having a pregnancy massage can greatly reduce edema by improving circulation and reducing the fluid collected in swollen joints. 6 Reduced Muscle Pain and Headaches During pregnancy your body changes and your center of gravity moves. In addition to this there is quite a bit of extra weight placed on muscles and joints. All these changes result in your muscles taking strain and can also result in headaches. Pregnancy massage can help to relieve this pain and to reduce any headaches if you are suffering from them. Pregnancy massage will also help you to keep better posture which will also in turn help to reduce muscle strains and pains. 7 Reduces Common Discomforts During Pregnancy Along with all the above benefits having a pregnancy massage can also help with lessening numerous other common pregnancy symptoms such as sciatica, heart burn, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps and much more. 8 Prepares Your Body For Labor and Birth Studies has shown that women that have pregnancy massages have less complications during birth as well as fewer postpartum complications. These women reportedly had shorter hospital stays, shorter labors and less incidence of post natal depression.

February 7, 2018

How to Budget for That Unexpected Pregnancy

An unexpected pregnancy can bring upon a slew of emotions. Should you feel excited? Should you feel stressed? Maybe a mix of both? Regardless of how you feel, there’s one thing for certain: It’s going to put a damper on your budget, even if you’re doing okay today. An unexpected pregnancy is possibly one of the most common life-altering events when it comes to your budgeting, and many soon-to-be parents are often shocked at how much a baby can really cost you. While my last pregnancy was expected, my first came as a shock. I figured, at the time, I would have nine months to plan and it would be enough time to straighten out my financial obligations so that I could enjoy motherhood to its fullest. After all, your babies don’t stay small for long, trust me on this one. To help you budget and enjoy your newborn instead of stressing out about your finances, here’s what I did when approaching my finances: Evaluate Your Needs It’s no secret a kid isn’t cheap. In fact, the USDA says it can cost $245,000 to raise a child until they reach the ripe age of 18. During my pregnancy, I needed to focus on what my child would truly need to survive. This included the obvious: diapers, food, health care, a car seat, clothes and hygiene products. Honestly, that’s it. While a baby bouncer or one of those cute baby play mats are great, it really isn’t necessary, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The same can be said about the furniture. Don’t splurge on the fancy $800 diaper changing table made from cherry wood or that $500 designer branded diaper bag. After all, it’s for a baby and things are going to get messy. Don’t forget to throw a baby shower as your loved ones can pitch in and really help you with what you need. Again, while it’s tempting to scan everything at the baby registry, again, only put the things you truly need. If anything, ask for diapers as you will need lots! Even if you plan on having a baby shower, you still won’t get everything, so create a list of all the things you need, not want, and write down how much each item will cost if you were to be as frugal as possible. For example, a gently used stroller can often be found at a local consignment shop for less than $50. The same can be said about baby clothes. Remember, your baby will outgrow their outfits fast, so don’t be surprised if they only wear it once or twice. Look at Your Healthcare Options The minute you know you’re pregnant, the first thing you will probably, and should do, is visit the OB/GYN. While it’s hard to budget for immediate healthcare since you will need it today, it’s so important to take care of your health and visit your doctor as soon as possible to get things rolling. Even if you don’t have health insurance or feel your policy isn’t adequate enough, a good doctor’s office will be able to explain what you’re going to owe, help you setup a payment plan and/or even get you in contact with the state to see if you qualify for aid. Even if you have the best insurance policy possible, it’s important to research it to know what’s going to be covered as many policies have restrictions on who you can visit and how many appointments you can have. Taking Your Income and Expenses into Consideration With my first pregnancy, I was still finishing my bachelor’s degree, and at the time, I had to rely on my husband’s income, which is kind of scary now that I think of it. While I was making some income working part-time freelance writing, it wouldn’t have been enough to pay the bills to survive. Plus, I had to keep in mind that even if I had a great paying job, I would have had to take off a few weeks after the baby to recover. For some, it could be even more time off if you were bed ridden during the pregnancy or had complications during the birth, so this is something to take into consideration. With all that being said, now is the time to start tracking your income and determine how much you can save when your baby is born. Plus, using the list you made, as stated in my first point, you can determine how much you’re going to need for all the necessary supplies. Even if you’re able to save $100 per month for the next nine months, this is an extra $900 that can go quite far in terms of diapers and formula. Remember, your child is going to be your number one priority now, so it’s best to avoid eating out, drinking those fancy $10 drinks at the bar and taking those weekend getaways that cost $500. Every dollar you can save can help save a lot of stress in the future, trust me. Aside from saving a fixed amount of money, it’s also important to plan what your expenses and income are going to look like when the baby arrives. When the baby arrives, you’re going to want to figure out when you’re going to go back to work, and if you do, who’s going to take care of the baby? Factor in the diapers, formula, daycare if needed and necessary starter accessories for survival. Remember, a good daycare can easily cost $200 per week, if not more, in a higher cost of living area. Lastly, Don’t Panic! An unexpected pregnancy won’t be the end of the world. When I really look back at it, there’s never a good time for a pregnancy as there always seems to be an excuse. If you plan it right and you know where your money is going, your stress levels can lower quite a bit. Plus, if your baby has the necessary essentials, a

February 6, 2018

Childbirth education for an empowered birth

‘Empowering Birth’ is the theme of Pregnancy Education Month in February 2018, when childbirth educators, Bio-Oil and hospitals nationwide will be highlighting how education empowers expectant parents and helps create a better birth experience. For more details visit www.pregnancyeducation.co.za. Birth is the most natural process on earth and yet studies have shown that one in every four women describes her birth as traumatic, one in every five to 10 meets the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder and one in three or four has postpartum mood disorder. Studies have also found that women who fear childbirth experience longer labour and were more likely to need an emergency caesarean than those who did not. ‘There is a link between a lack of knowledge, fear and the experience of childbirth,’ says Lynne Bluff, national co-ordinator for the Childbirth Educators Professional Forum (CBEPF), which is partnering with Bio-Oil and hospitals nationally for Pregnancy Education Month 2018. With the theme ‘Empowering Birth’, the campaign highlights how pregnancy education empowers expectant parents and helps create a better birth experience. ‘It is so important that parents are comprehensively informed about birthing options safest for the mother and infant in the event of a low-risk, normal pregnancy,’ says Professor Suzanne Delport, neonatologist. Good childbirth classes, says Bluff, will equip parents with knowledge about all available childbirth options and the pros and cons of each, practical tips and techniques for the birth and after it, and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect and how to cope. Ideally childbirth educators are nurses and midwives, as well as being parents themselves, who can prepare expectant parents for every aspect of childbirth and instil faith in their own ability and strength to give birth. ‘We believe that when parents are informed, any type of birth, from homebirth to caesarean, can be an empowering one. It shifts from a potentially overwhelming experience to one that is fulfilling, positive and, ultimately, beneficial to mother and child,’ says Anna Guerin of Bio-Oil. ‘There is simply no substitute for evidence-based information provided by qualified and experienced professionals. With quality childbirth education, parents are empowered and properly prepared in a warm and supportive way,’ says Bluff, who is also a registered nurse and midwife. “Although childbirth is one of life’s most significant milestones many parents are simply ignorant of the facts vital to decision making,” says Bluff. For example, many parents are not aware that when a baby passes through the birth canal, he or she picks up a multitude of micro-organisms that will benefit their health and guard against chronic illness for the rest of their life; or that there are a number of caesarean options available, some more friendly to mother and baby than others. And most of us know little of the interplay of birthing hormones that click in, one step at a time, to pave the way for birth, help manage pain and stress and give us the feeling of joy when seeing baby for the first time. To find out more about childbirth education, Pregnancy Education Month activities or to find a childbirth educator in your area, visit www.pregnancyeducation.co.za. #PregnancyEducationMonth #EmpoweringBirth

February 2, 2018

Surviving a Heterotypic Miscarriage

I had a heterotypic miscarriage and it was painful. Heterotypic pregnancy is when one is carrying twins, the one foetus grows in the uterus and another in the tube. It is rare in natural conception to have a heterotypic pregnancy, research estimates that 1 in 30,000 pregnancies are heterotypic pregnancies. I lost my first child on Christmas day. I had just finished preparing Christmas lunch and was taking a bath when I started vomiting, felt what the doctor later called ‘acute abdominal pain’. My 10year old son had to help me out of the bath, assist me while I was getting dressed (my mother, my husband and my nieces had gone to get some last-minute necessities for the lunch). My son called his dad who came rushing and took me to the hospital. At the ER, the doctor attending did a pregnancy test and the results were positive, she then told me that I was showing signs of an ectopic pregnancy. She wrote her diagnosis on my medical file and I was wheeled to the ward. When the gynaecologist arrived, he did a sonar and reconfirmed that I was indeed pregnant but that the pregnancy was in the womb and not an ectopic pregnancy. He then ordered the nurse to run some tests and in the morning told me that my oestrogen levels were higher than normal which meant that I was pregnant, however my oestrogen levels were lower than the previous day which meant that I was having a miscarriage. He further explained that I would undergo a ‘minor procedure’ i.e. evacuation of the womb. December 26, 2016, I went for evacuation of the womb. I did not feel better, I was still bloated, I still could not do much, I was in pain. 10 January 2017: I was back in the hospital and the diagnosis, ruptured ectopic. At 3 am that morning I felt so much pain, it felt like period pains, at the same time I was freezing cold and sweating at the same time. I woke my husband up and asked him to call someone to take us to the hospital (he panics so I’d not have made to the hospital). I told him that I was feeling faint and the next thing I remember is being carried out of the house to the car; by this time, I was vomiting and without energy. I woke up in the ER briefly and the next thing I remember is waking up in ICU, surrounded by doctors and nurses who looked very concerned. Now when nurses get concerned and curious, then I know something is not good. “My dear can you hear me?” one of the nurses asked, I nodded. As she put lip balm on my lips she said “You look much better than you did last night…” she then told me that my doctor was on his way and he will discuss a few things with me. My doctor arrived he looked at my medical file and when the nurse asked what the diagnosis was, he simply showed her the file. When my husband asked him what the diagnosis was, he said; “Don’t worry about that now, let’s take care of your wife’s health.” I went to the theatre for a laparoscopy. In the surgery, three fairly small incisions were made, two in my tummy and one in the navel; and because my tubes were ruptured, the fallopian tube containing the pregnancy was surgically removed. Upon my return to the ward, my doctor seemed to be concerned about something, he asked the nurse how much was ordered and the nurse replied “two”. “No no! We need five at least and we need it within the next hour” my doctor said. Moments later blood was delivered, the nurse explained to me that I had lost blood. “It happens with ruptured ectopic pregnancies, so now your heart is pumping faster, trying to compensate for the blood loss and is beating at twice the normal rate. You need at least five blood ”. The nurse had been coming to my bedside at least three times a day just to see how I am and explain to me what the next steps would be. Some struggles after the surgery: I went through physio therapy, to learn to walk and move I was constipated for about two weeks I was on schedule 5 pain medication for weeks I had no appetite I could not play my children or sleep because the pain was unbearable A week after I was discharged from the hospital, I went for a check-up and the doctor told me that I had had a Heterotypic pregnancy. He apologised for not seeing the issue when I’d come in on Christmas day. It only hit me as I set at home counting that in September 2017 I could have been a mother to twins, that I had to be at death’s door to get a proper diagnosis. My doctor apologised and told me that he did not know which of my tubes were removed, to this day I do not know. Perhaps mommies will learn to ask their doctors to not only check the womb but the tubes as well, to avoid or diagnose what may be missed. To my unborn children, I’d have loved you, as I do now

February 1, 2018

Safe, summer fun for baby’s skin

When the sun finally appears after a long winter it is natural to want to go out into the sunshine and enjoy the long, sunny afternoons. But, even though your baby might enjoy playing on the grass or getting their toes dipped into the pool, over-exposing their delicate, sensitive skin to the rays of the sun can be harmful. “We know that giving our children an outdoor life is important, however we need to remember that their skin is more sensitive than ours, and care needs to be taken while they are out in the sun, and even afterwards,” says Su-Marie Annandale, brand manager for baby skincare range Krayons. Annandale provides the following five tips on how to look after your baby’s skin while and after they have been in the sun: Keep your child out of direct sunlight by sitting under a tree or put up an umbrella for them to play under. It is also important to remember to always have a hat on hand for outdoor excursions. When the sun is at its hottest 10am to 4pm, try to keep your children out of the sun, or keep them in the shade. Use age appropriate sunscreen. Although it is advised not to use sunscreen for children younger than 6 months, there are exceptions: if your baby is going to be out in the sun for a time and there is no possibility of cover, use a small amount of sunscreen to their skin protected. Be sure not to put around their eyes or on their hands to avoid stinging eyes. Protect your baby’s eyes with a pair of baby shades. Your baby’s eyes are very sensitive and the bright light can become irritated. Make sure that the sunglasses are UV ray protected. Don’t forget the fluids. During the hotter months it is important to remember that your baby will lose more fluid. A great way to determine this is by checking to see how often you change their nappies. Staying hydrated is also important for keeping your baby’s skin healthy and firm during the hotter months. After your baby has been out in the sun, give them a lukewarm bath to cool down their skin. Since your baby’s skin will be sensitive after being in the sun, opt for cotton wool instead of a facecloth to wipe them down. Finish off with a soft massage using Krayons’ Aqueous cream which is gentle on baby’s skin, and helps to ensure that it is cleansed, protected and moisturised every time. For more information visit www.facebook.com/krayonsbabies Sharing our content with parents you know will go a long way to making us smile for the day

January 18, 2018

Why it’s important to monitor the climate in your baby’s room

With peak summer months peaking at early 30˚C or even early 40˚C in some places across the country, parents should constantly monitor their baby’s temperature to ensure their little ones are comfortable, even in the heat. In fact, t baby monitors aren’t just for sneak peeks – they can support your baby’s development too. It’s important to understand how climate can affect your baby’s health, what the ideal room climate is, and how your baby monitor can help. While a room that’s a little too warm or humid is no big deal for most of us, babies tend to be more sensitive to temperature and humidity. Too low humidity, for example, can cause the eyes and throat to dry out. And when it’s a little too cold or warm, babies aren’t yet able to regulate their body temperature the way an adult can. So what’s the ideal room climate? Think of the ideal room climate as a range rather than a specific temperature or humidity level. The healthiest room temperature for your little one is somewhere between 16-20˚, and humidity levels should ideally be kept between 40 – 60%. How your baby monitor can help If you’re wondering when all of this monitoring is going to happen in between feeding and comforting and the general business of being a parent, fear not. A smart baby monitor has your back: it continuously tracks the temperature and humidity of a room for you. By setting thresholds for temperature and humidity on the smart baby monitor, you receive notifications when the climate readings exceed these thresholds so you’ll always know whether the climate is healthy for your baby -or needs a little tweaking. Depending on the reading, you can then make adjustments to help keep your baby comfortable. Is the humidity a little on the high side? You might like to open a window to let in some fresh air. Worried about your little one overheating? Make sure your little one isn’t overdressed and consider using an air conditioner to bring the room to a more comfortable temperature. You can then also understand how your baby’s room climate affects their sleep as you’ll be able to see at a glance what kind of room temperature helps your baby sleep best. So you see, your baby monitor really isn’t just for sneak peeks. It’s a simple way to help your baby feel comfortable day and night. So make sure you choose the right baby monitor for you and your little one! Philips Mother and Child Division

January 18, 2018

Kangaroo Mother Care

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a way of caring for premature babies through skin-to-skin contact with their moms. It’s recommended for premature or ill babies because they miss out on critical time in the womb where they would have constantly heard their mother’s soothing heartbeat and been encapsulated in her body’s warmth and safety while getting continuous nourishment and care. Named after kangaroos that carry their babies in their pouches, the method can also be done by fathers, helping them bond with their babies. Huggies® expert, Lynne Bluff, a registered nurse, midwife and childbirth educator sheds some light on this subject. What is Kangaroo Mother Care? Kangaroo mother care (or skin-to-skin care), is a simple, easy method of caring for newborn infants where the baby is placed with just a Huggies® nappy (so mom and baby aren’t continually covered in wee and poo), on its mother’s chest – skin to skin with nothing between the two. Mom can then wrap a shirt around her and her baby, keeping the baby in an upright position between her breasts. Mom uses her own body heat to keep her little one warm. The human body is incredible, a new mom’s body has the ability to heat or cool her chest in response to the baby’s temperature and in so keeping baby at a well-regulated temperature. When it comes to kangaroo care, more is better. The first two hours after birth are the most important, in terms of easing baby into the world. After that, continued skin-to-skin contact can still be beneficial, especially for preemies that have low birth weights. Consider it an alternative to an incubator. It is also recommended that preemies get frequent kangaroo care for the first 20-plus weeks of life. Do it as long as baby enjoys it, when your baby starts fussing and trying to get off your chest, it’s a good sign it’s time to let him or her do their own thing. What are the benefits of kangaroo care? It helps baby adapt: when your baby was in the womb, they didn’t need to regulate their own temperature. By having your baby skin to skin, it regulates and stabilises their temperature. It boosts baby’s mental development: preemies who received kangaroo care had better brain functioning at 15 years old¹ – comparable to that of adolescents born at term – than those who had been placed in incubators. By stabilizing heart rate, oxygenation, and improving sleep, the brain is better able to develop. Also, the hormones that aid mental growth and stability are activated by skin to skin, whereas a baby not in skin to skin contact with their mom is on high alert and this causes added stress to the little one. It promotes healthy weight: skin-to-skin contact dramatically increases newborn weight gain. When babies are warm, they don’t need to use their energy to regulate their body temperature. They use that energy to grow instead. It makes breastfeeding easier: newborns instinctively have a heightened sense of smell, so placing your baby skin-to skin helps them seek out the nipple and begin breastfeeding. In fact, moms who practiced kangaroo care were more likely to breastfeed exclusively and, on average, these moms breastfed three months longer than those who didn’t practice skin-to-skin care². Premature babies initially will need to be fed expressed breast milk via a nasogastric tube as the sucking reflex may not yet be developed. But once the baby is feeding on its own, the breast becomes very accessible for the babies that are skin to skin with their moms. It helps you make milk: when mom and baby are together, hormones that regulate lactation will help you produce more milk. It reduces baby’s stress and pain: just 10 minutes of skin-to-skin contact reduces baby’s’ levels of stress and makes babies feel calm and safe. Research has shown that when preterm infants are held skin to skin, they react less to heel pricks, a minimally invasive way to draw blood, and a common source of pain among preemies. It helps baby sleep: less stress means better sleep. Preemies who were cradled skin-to-skin slept more effectively and woke up less often than those who slept in incubators. It prevents postpartum depression: various studies show that kangaroo care reduces postpartum depression in new moms. Activity in the mother’s adrenal axis is negatively influenced by childbirth, and skin-to-skin contact may reactivate the pathways to minimize the risk of depression. Plus, oxytocin released from skin-to-skin care decreases maternal anxiety and promotes attachment, further reducing the risk. Kangaroo Care has come to play an important role for mom and baby especially in the case of preemie babies. Those moments of bonding and hugging your little one is what matters. Huggies® is with you every step of your nappy journey. Your baby gets its first hug from you, let the second hug be just as good. Sharing our content with parents you know will go a long way to making us smile for the day

January 18, 2018

Will you bank them, or bin them? Wise up on stem cells before it’s too late.

Becoming a parent is fraught with responsibilities. Prospective parents should know the facts about the life-saving abilities of umbilical cord stem cells so that they can make informed decisions for their families. Stem cells should be called master cells as they can replicate, regenerate and differentiate themselves into any one of 200 different specialised cells in the body, and are used to treat over 80 potentially life-threatening blood related diseases including leukaemia, lymphoma and bone marrow failures. Blood stem cell transplantation, using stem blood cells from sources such as bone marrow, has been performed for more than 50 years, with more than one million blood stem cell transplants across the world playing an important role in the treatment of bone marrow failures, blood cancers, blood disorders, metabolic diseases, immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Cryo-Save South Africa has listed the top 10 most noteworthy facts about stem cells that you need to know: Stem cells are your body’s internal repair system Stem cells continuously replace dead or diseases cells with healthy ones to maintain a normal functioning body. They fall into two major groups; pluripotent and multipotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells are powerful, meaning they can develop into any type of cell in your body. However, these cells are still fraught with ethical controversy. Multipotent stem cells, also called adult stem cells, can develop certain tissue cells to maintain your body’s organs as you age, such as blood-forming stem cells. Blood-forming stem cells produce new and healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of our body; white blood cells to fight bacteria; and platelets which form clots to pervert excessive bleeding. Best time to collect stem cells is at birth Stem cells age as we age, so the best time to collect blood stem cells is at birth. These cells have not been exposed to pollution and poor lifestyle choices and can therefore offer greater therapeutic possibilities and better transplant outcomes. Stem cells from umbilical cord blood don’t need to be a 100% match for transplants Although your baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells are a 100% perfect match for own use, there is a 25% probability for a 100% match for siblings. However, unlike bone marrow transplants, you often don’t need a 100% match using cord blood stem cells, which means the probability of finding a suitable donor is so much greater. Stem cell storage is not that costly Stem cell storage is available to anyone who wishes to store their baby’s umbilical cord stem cells. Cryo-Save offers multiple cost options and interest-free payment plans from as little as R273.00 per month to store cord blood and R350.00 per month for storing both cord blood and tissue. Mixed ethnicity parents should store stem cells The chances of finding a perfect matching blood stem cell donor for an allogeneic (matching donor) transplant are only 1:1,00,000, but the odds are much lower for anyone from a mixed-race family Despite its diverse ethnic make-up, Africa has no public cord blood stem cell bank, which makes the likelihood of finding a matching donor even more challenging. Therefore, Cryo-Save encourages mixed race families to store their babies’ stem cells. Banking stem cells is not just for families with a history of cancer Many people don’t realise that stem cells now play a part in the treatment of over 80 blood diseases and conditions. Every day we are seeing more diseases developing, and more clinical trials are taking place to identify treatments of many of these diseases. Some of the most promising research is being done to use children’s’ own umbilical cord blood stem cells in the treatment of cerebral palsy and autism. Additionally, statistics show that more than 90% of cancers develop due to lifestyle factors, not genetics, and that the incidence of cancer is increasing. Stem cell collection is a safe medical procedure Collecting stem cells from an umbilical cord is quick, painless and non-invasive, posing no medical risk to mother or baby. It is only after the clamping that the blood and tissue are collected from the umbilical cord for stem cell processing. Stem cell banking is possible with any type of birth Cord blood and cord tissue collections can be performed at both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Immediately following the birth but before the placenta is delivered, the healthcare provider collects the cord blood from the baby’s umbilical cord. You can store your second child’s stem cells if you didn’t store for your first child Today, umbilical cord stem cells are used in more than a third of blood stem cell transplants around the world. Siblings have a 25% chance of being a perfect match. But because cord blood stem cells do not require a perfect match for transplant, the likelihood that siblings will be a match is much higher. Therefore, storing your second child’s stem cells has the possibility, depending on the degree of matching, to treat your first child should a stem cell transplant be required and may also be used for other immediate family members. Stem cell storage is available in South Africa Cryo-Save has been storing umbilical cord stem cells for families all over the world since 2000. It is the leading family stem cell bank in Europe and ranked fifth most influential cord blood bank in the world by Bio Informant. Cryo-Save South Africa offers both local and international storage options in either Pretoria or Europe for both cord blood and cord tissue. This local laboratory complies with the highest international standards and importantly complies to the coveted American Association of Blood Banks accreditation standards. Just as some people need organ transplants to treat or cure diseases, blood stem cells can be transplanted too. If the blood forming stem cells in our bodies cannot produce healthy cells or stop producing cells completely, we cannot function normally and our stem cells will have to be REPLACED with healthy ones that can be found in the bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. Sometimes these stem

December 18, 2017

Why is a baby’s sense of touch so important?

The tactile system (or sense of touch) is one of the earliest to develop, and is also the largest sensory system. It comprises various receptors which allow us to feel light touch, deep pressure, texture, pain, and temperature. Its main function early in life is a protective one – allowing infants to feel pain or discomfort, for example, a wet nappy. It also guides them in feeding, as they use their sense of touch to locate the nipple for milk. The ability to process touch sensation within the mouth aids with sucking and later, with chewing and swallowing solid food. Since our tactile system develops so early on, before the visual and auditory systems are well-developed, touch is the way in which babies initially make sense of the world around them. This starts with putting everything in their mouths in order to understand the properties of the objects e.g. size, shape and texture. Later on their hands begin to process tactile input in a more mature manner and from this they start to develop gross and fine motor skills. The relationship between touch and bonding and emotional development in early life is also a significant one. It is essential for an infant to have physical closeness with his mother or caregiver so that he learns to form a primary attachment. Bonding also gives an infant his first feelings of himself as a physical body, and later allows him to develop his body scheme (awareness of his physical boundaries). This “boundary” that the skin provides, helps him to feel secure in the world around him. Stages of development: The tactile system starts to develop in the uterus and functions well from birth. 1 month: Touch sensations are important as a source of emotional satisfaction, for feeding and for reflexes e.g. when you touch your baby’s cheek he will respond by turning his head. 3 months: Starting to reach for objects and holding on as part of the automatic grasp reflex and as a reaction to the sensation of touch in the palm of his hand. 4 – 6 months: Starting to touch and look at hands and starting to use the thumb and fore-finger. [Concerns should be raised if your child is not yet grasping items, touching his hands and bringing toys together with his two hands]. 6 months – 2 years: Starting to develop more accuracy in reaching and grasping by using the hands and eyes together. 2 years: Improved ability to tell where touch occurred on the body and thus direct responses more voluntarily. [Concerns should be raised if your child is fumbling, dropping items regularly, and having difficulty playing with toys and learning new skills.] 3 – 7 years: Starting to use simple tools like paper, crayons, scissors, zips and buckles and developing accuracy and control with them. [Concerns should be raised if your child is battling with learning skills like doing buttons and zips, tying shoelaces, using eating utensils.

November 15, 2017

5 Things New Parents Can do to Increase Infant Attachment

Attachment is the process through which infants bond with their caregivers. This usually means Mom, Dad, and if there is another caregiver in the picture nanny or early education professional. Building this relationship is about establishing trust, safety, a sense of comfort and connection. Men and women bond differently to their babies but both kinds of bonding are valid and necessary. Men bond through face to face interaction. Holding the baby and gazing into their faces. I can do this for hours. Studies also show men never pick up their infant the same way twice, this adds a variety in the interaction and give infants a sense of adventure and knowing the world can be unpredictable. While, moms also gaze into baby’s face, they also tend to talk to baby and cuddle more. Holding the infant close to the body and nurturing them. The important thing is a child is bonding with both parents. There are five things parents can do to purposely bond with their child. Hold them as much as possible during the first year. Meet the need they are crying about quickly. Talk, read, and interact with them consistently. Eliminate all screen-time before age 3. Spend time together as a family. 1. Hold them as much as possible during the first year Hold them as much as possible the first year. There is an old piece of advice which says if you hold a child too much they will expect it, so it is best not to hold them too much. However, the research supports holding infants is the best way to develop an emotional, physical, and life long bond. Touch is very important to infants. The discovery was made as researcherswanted to know why some orphanages has an infant mortality rate of 30+% and also a failure to thrive rate as well. The answer was not enough touch. I am not saying you should never put your child down. You have a life to live and they need sometime to just be. But, do not hinder yourself from holding them you will not spoil them by holding them too much. In fact the opposite is true. Holding your child and helping them develop a secure attachment is what gives them the security and confidence to explore the world when they are developmentally ready to do so. 2. Meet their needs as quickly as possible Children are new to the world and we teach them about the world by how we treat them and what we do for them. A child whose needs are met quickly develop a sense of trust and reliability on their parents and the world. Are you always going to be able to meet their needs now! No, and I do not expect you to and you should not expect that of yourself . However, meeting the need as soon as humanly possible is a key component of developing a secure bond between you and your child. Keep in mind sometimes meeting the need is tolet them cry. If you want your baby to be able to put themselves to sleep; an important part of that process is to allow them to cry themselves into an exhausted sleep. Is that easy. NO! Is it necessary? It depends do you want to rock them to sleep forever? 3. Talk, read, and interact with them consistently Human beings are social creatures and need interaction with others. You need to be this connection for your infant. So, talk to them you can just speak. Pretend they can understand everything you say and just talk. The more you talk the them the sooner they will begin to understand and the sooner they will talk back to you. I have one friend who is a complete chatter box. Her son was speaking in complete sentences by age 3. Hold them and read stories. There is so much connection in holding a book and your young child and reading and holding the book. Interact,move them around and build arm and leg strength by letting them hold onto your finger and pull, or by gently bending their legs and letting them brace their feet on your hands and push on your hands. Play peek-a-boo, blow raspberries on their necks and tummies, take something bright and colorful and let them follow it with their eyes as you wave it in the air. Just love them and play with them. It is this activity which build love, connection, trust, and attachment. 4. Eliminate all screen time before age 3 The research is ever growing that brain development and screen time are mutually exclusive. Young children need and crave the complexity of human interaction. Screen time numbs their brain activity and eliminate the brains ability to make complex neuroconnections needed in later life. I am no expert on this but a site I follow has a blog by someone who has the pulse on this issue; I suggest you read it! The long and the short of it for this post is that screen time can literally cause brain damage in young children! 5. Spend time together as a family Bonding among the rest of the family and the baby is most cemented by spending time together as a family. As much as possible include the infant in the activities the family enjoyed be for the birth. If the family enjoyed camping before then camping after may have to include a trailer or RBV to ensure the baby has all of their needs met. You may have to think outside of the box in order to accomplish this however, family life should not stop because there is now a baby. Instead find a way to incorporate the baby’s needs and continue on with living. It is a mistake to make the family’s life surround the baby. These five points will help you to build bonds with your infant and strengthen bonds with each member of the family. I hope you enjoy this time! Believe in Parenting

November 15, 2017

HOW CAN PARENTS FACILITATE BABY’S MOVEMENT AND GROWTH?

The first year of life is a time when babies strengthen their muscles and bones. They learn how to use their bodies to move around and to manipulate their environment. If babies are constantly held and carried during the first year, they will lose valuable opportunities to gain fine-tune skills. Parents and caregivers should facilitate movement and growth by giving babies safe environments to play in and allow their little ones to explore these areas on their own. Lesego Mashishi-Matlala, Huggies® expert in occupational therapy sheds some light on assistive devices for baby’s motor development. Each stage of motor development offers a new dimension of exploration and propels baby to the next stage of motor development. The natural progression of gross motor developmental phase is neck control, rolling, sitting, standing with support, standing without support and from 12 to 18 months, walking independently. What can parents do to facilitate this development? It is important to ensure that your little ones’ environment offers stimulation of all senses and encourages exploration. You may ask, is it then a bad thing to introduce toy mobility aids or assistive devices such as a supported baby chair to help baby achieve their developmental phase of walking? The answer would be, that it is important to strike a balance and to introduce these devices at the correct time. It is important for parents to allow babies to naturally lead their way through their motor developmental phases. In so doing, you are allowing brain development, language development, and baby’s spatial awareness to develop naturally. This helps baby to learn how to interact with their environment to get their desired outcome through movement. A lot of brain development and information processing occurs between the development phase of sitting and walking. This is when baby starts to learn to crawl and pull themselves up into a standing position. During this transition, there are more benefits in allowing baby to master their movements on their own rather than introducing assistive devices or toys. First, you need to allow baby to develop adequate upper body control, and to achieve some controlled body movements. Do not deprive your baby of opportunities for self-initiated or self-produced mobility. Assistive devices such as sitting aids and walkers should be introduced once baby has shown the initiative and attempted to get into the desired motor position. This ensures that the baby has processed information and is working out bilateral symmetry, crossing of the midline and is mastering controlled purposeful movements, which will ultimately be followed by the alternating coordinated movements that are needed for walking and running. What is imperative during this stage is to ensure babies level of comfort. A comfortable baby is a moving baby. By giving your little ones, the support and confidence needed to develop and explore the world around them you are allowing their movement to naturally progress and develop.

November 13, 2017

Undescended testes in premature babies common, but treatable

Undescended testes affects almost four percent of all new-born males, is more common in premature infants and poses a high risk of cancer, a Urology Hospital, Pretoria, specialist has warned. The condition – also known as cryptorchidism, in which one or both testes do not lie in the scrotum – is, however, treatable through corrective surgery. Urologist Dr Craig Mamitele explains that if, in the foetus stage, testes do not descend down to the scrotum getting stuck along the path of descent this development is described as undescended testes. The condition occurs in about 30% of premature babies and in most cases testes will descend after birth. “If one or both testes has not descended within the first year, this will need to be treated,” said Mamitele adding that while hormone injections may be recommended in some cases, surgery is often advised. “Treatment is successful in the vast majority of cases and should take place as early in the child’s life as possible – preferably within the first year. It is safe and performed under general anaesthesia. “An undescended testicle only discovered later in life,” Mamitele warned, “may need to be removed as it is not likely to function well and may pose a cancer risk.” He therefore stressed the importance of doctors checking the testes in new born babies, especially premature babies – something parents can also do. “Early detection is vital and doctors should immediately refer cases to a urologist for accurate diagnosis and correction. The Urology Hospital specialises in the treatment of urological conditions such as undescended testes and is therefore well placed to address all queries in this regard.” Contact The Urology Hospital, Pretoria on 012 423 4000 or email ansie@urology.co.za.

November 13, 2017

Breastfeeding can help prevent both breast cancer and childhood cancer

One in every 20 women in Southern Africa will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.* As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) urges women to take action to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. “Many women understand the basics of breast cancer prevention, for example getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating properly,” says Professor Suzanne Delport, breastfeeding activist and Medical Director of the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR). “Few realise that breastfeeding your child for at least a year significantly lowers the chance of contracting breast cancer later in life,” she continues. While breastfeeding, the mother and infant are benefited simultaneously. Breastfeeding also improves long term outcomes for both mother and infant long after cessation, particularly outcomes related to cancer. A long period, six to twelve months, of breastfeeding: Decreases the risk of invasive breast cancer by 7%. This percentage translates into the annual prevention of 20 000 breast cancer deaths globally. Decreases the risk of ovarian cancer by 18%. Has long term beneficial effects on the health, nutrition, and the intellectual development of a child. Greatly reduces the risks of obesity and both type 1 and 2 diabetes in a child.**** Clinical studies have proven that producing breast milk tends to inhibit cells from “misbehaving” and becoming cancerous. Many women have fewer menstrual cycles while breastfeeding, which in turn lowers their oestrogen levels, which are a major cause of breast cancer. Women also tend to lead healthier lives while breastfeeding, and will often stop smoking and drinking alcohol while they are nursing.** Breastfeeding also reduces the chances of your child developing childhood cancers. A recent study found that babies who were breastfed for at least six months appeared to have a 19% lower risk of childhood leukaemia compared to children who were never breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter period.*** “Of course, breastfeeding is just one factor in combatting breast cancer. Women should take as many precautions as possible to reduce their risk,” says Delport. “It’s vital that every woman in South Africa learns how to conduct breast exams on themselves and commit to having regular mammograms. Smoking is also a huge contributor, and quitting this habit can reduce your risk of all cancers enormously,” she continues. Some women develop breast cancer before they have children, or even while they have a young child of breastfeeding age. “A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to breastfeed,” says Delport. “Many breast cancer survivors go on to successfully nurse their infants. It’s important to explore all the options with your doctor, and not to give up hope,” she continues. “Human milk banks exist, in part, to help those mothers who are unable to breastfeed at all,” explains Delport. “So even if you’ve had a double mastectomy, you’ll still be able to feed your child with nature’s perfect baby food,” she concludes. To get involved and alleviate the challenges faced by the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR), including the low breastfeeding rates in South Africa, sourcing donor mothers, and funding for the operation of the milk banks, please visit www.sabr.org.za or call 011 482 1920 or e-mail: info@sabr.org.za.

November 9, 2017

3 Silent Things That Can Affect Your Baby’s Health

Everything seemingly is turned upside down in an instant. Your schedules change, your eating habits change, your sleep habits change (a lot!), and you’re constantly worried about your little one. There’s no need to be overly stressed about everything that could possibly happen, but it’s always good to be vigilant. Bugs and Pests Every home has had a few pests here and there, and honestly, it’s not that big of a deal most of the time. You see if you can get rid of them on your own for a while and end up calling a pest controlcompany to come to your house and the issue goes away. However, that type of thinking needs altering a bit in order to mitigate potential problems for your infant. The presence of cockroaches in particular, are of much concern. There was a publication recently written about a study that links cockroaches with asthma, which can affect younger children much more than adults. While using the exterminators a lot while you have an infant isn’t always a great idea, it’s increasingly important to stay aware of the creepy crawlies during this period of life. Moisture Another silent thing in your home that could cause health issues for you and your baby is the presence of mold. Gross just thinking about it, right? However, many people have mold for months without even knowing it. The most common time during the year to get mold is during the winter and springtime, but it can happen anytime with the right conditions. Whenever an area in your home has consistent moisture, little threads of mold form, causing the air qualityin your home to worsen. Again, this might not seem like a big deal to an adult, but little bodies with little lungs need lots of care to be able to function correctly. Whenever there is a spill in the kitchen or bathroom, make sure to clean it up quickly. Dry out the area with a hair dryer or fan to ensure that all the surfaces are good to go. Make sure that any leaks or floodinggets careful attention as well. Blue Light It’s not uncommon to have your baby next to you as you’re watching the television, working on the computer, or browsing on your smartphone. It’s probably an everyday occurrence in most homes. The reason why this can be a problem has to do with the developing senses and organs of your baby. Let’s be more clear- your baby’s eyes are more sensitive than those of adults, and therefore shouldn’t spend too long looking at things that give off blue light. Basically any electronic device gives off this type of light, which is different regular natural light, sunlight. It’s also a good idea for adults to keep these things in mind as it has been shown to keep us up at night and lose sleepbecause of how powerful it is. There are other considerations with blue light as well, like whether your baby or toddler should be getting used to watching the television at a young age anyway. As their brains are developing, it’s important to teach them to use their imagination, not just to look at screens to consistently be entertained. It may be a hassle and take time, but reading to your childcan be the one thing that sets them up for success in their formative years. It teaches them verbaland auditory skills as well as keeping a close bondwith parents. It also sets their brains up to form new neural pathways, which they will use as they continue to grow and learn new things. If you’re not in the habit of reading to your child, just take a few minutes to go through some books with them each day. Most young children will love it so much that they’ll end up reminding (and begging) you to do it all the time. These are a few considerations to take when evaluating your home for the potential health hazards for your baby. It’s not meant to be an exhaustive list, but can remind you of things that you normally overlook or don’t think about very often. Remember, a healthy baby is a happy baby!

October 25, 2017

Cost free stem cell storage programme gives hope to South African families affected by life-threatening blood disorders

Storing umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth could prove to be a live-saving investment for the child, or a sibling, diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder, treatable by a stem cell transplant. However, not everyone chooses to bank their baby’s cord blood stem cells. Cryo-Save South Africa, a private cord blood stem cell bank located in Pretoria, has recognised the plighn t of families who have a child with a blood disorder that can be treated with a stem cell transplant. It provides hope to families affected by leukaemia, other forms of blood cancers, and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, through its Cost-Free Donation Programme. Three years ago, South Africans Charlene and Ralph Subbarayan’s first-born son, then aged five, was diagnosed with leukaemia. He was frequently hospitalised and only recently completed his treatment. During this time, although unplanned and a wonderful surprise, Charlene fell pregnant with their second child. Both parents became extremely concerned as to whether their unborn child may also develop cancer in future. “My husband and I began frantically researching cancer and it was on a visit to my gynaecologist that I picked up a Cryo-Save pamphlet right there in the waiting room. After reading, I immediately called the Cryo-Save’s Information Hub, who were more than willing to help us out – and for free!” explains Charlene. To give hope to families in need, the Cryo-Save Cost-Free Donation Program is specifically designed to offer families affected by diseases that can be treated with blood stem cells, the opportunity to store the cord blood stem cells of their expected new-born child to potentially treat a sibling who has been diagnosed with a blood disorder To qualify for the Cost-Free Donation Programme, a sibling of the unborn child must have been diagnosed with a disease that is currently treatable with umbilical cord blood stem cells (an FDA approved indication for transplantation) and must be being treated by a medical specialist (oncologist/haematologist), who agrees that the stem cells could be used for treatment. If eligible, Cryo-Save will enrol the family into the Cost-Free Donation Program, provide the cord blood collection kit, and process and store (cryo-preserve) the new-born’s cord blood sample without any cost to the family. “Storing my second child’s stem cells with Cryo-Save was such a phenomenal experience! I’m glad I did it. Stem cells are used to treat and cure several diseases and not just cancer. I would advise any parent who would like to store their child’s stem cells to definitely go for it, it is a must. Use our family as an example. My child, who was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago, will be turning nine on the 14th of December. I am so grateful to have beautiful healthy children, I love my boys and I wouldn’t give up my stem cell storage experience for anything,” concludes Mrs Subbarayan. Blood-forming stem cells are able to be collected not only from umbilical cord blood but also directly from bone marrow and from circulating blood. These stem cells have been used to treat more than 80 types of diseases ranging from blood cancers, metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure syndromes, to other blood and immune deficiency disorders. Stem cells found in the blood of a baby’s umbilical cord and placenta are usually discarded at the time of birth, as both the cord and placenta are discarded as medical waste. Prospective mothers and fathers should consider the potentially life-saving investment they could make and the benefits of storing cord blood and cord tissue stem cells well in advance of giving birth. Nothing in life is certain, but if we knew we could do something to help our children, why wouldn’t we? It is for this reason that Cryo-Save enables access to umbilical cord blood stem cell storage. Visit www.cryosave.co.za for more information on stem cell collection and storage.

October 12, 2017

Foppapedretti Piuleggero

Foppapedretti came about from the passion for wood of its founder, Ezio Foppa Pedretti. It all began in 1945, in the home in Telgate (in Bergamo) where young Ezio devoted his spare time to making wooden toys out of the leftovers from his uncle Pierino’s umbrella handle factory. In the 1950s he began making the first products for babies, products that launched the company and became its visiting card for decades to come. Wood remains the most important material used by Foppapedretti, but seeing as the company is always on the lookout for new ideas to satisfy the needs of the ever-changing market; in 2004 they embarked upon an adventure in the world of pushchairs. Foppapedretti wanted to apply its company philosophy to this industry as well, and the results are clear to see: products must be highly functional, practical and safe, but also innovative to always stay at least one step ahead. And so, after about four years of experimentation, the only stroller with electrical motor on the market today was introduced in 2011 (production began in March 2012): MyoTronic, a product the President and CEO, Luciano Bonetti, invested a great deal of personal energy in. In 2011, MyoTronic won the prestigious international Red Dot Design Award. The super-lightweight and sturdy stroller Piùleggero by Foppapedretti weighs only 3, 6 kg. opened, closed and pushed with just one hand. used from birth (usable up to 3 years, maximum weight 15 kg) Adjustable footrest and extendable and removable canopy, With UPF50+ protection: this fabric shields from the sun’s ultraviolet rays with 98% protection. An aluminium stroller which weighs only 3,6 kg (without accessories) and closes easily, Standing up on its own and occupying a little space. a multi-position reclining backrest, 5-point safety belt with chest protectors, protective armrest which can be opened Spacious storage basket. Safety Strollers are designed and made in compliance with safety regulations to ensure that: The dimensions are such that no part of the body will get stuck. The structure has undergone static and dynamic load tests to ensure the stability of the blocking devices. The opening and closing mechanisms have been designed so that the stroller cannot accidentally fold up. The product is entirely stable and, under normal conditions of use, will not tip over. It has undergone mechanical resistance and stability tests to ensure that it can withstand normal daily use without breaking or warping. Tests have been done on the braking and parking mechanisms, the grip of the handles and rough terrain travel. It has no small parts that can be ingested. The materials and paints used are non-toxic and free from any ingredient that may be hazardous to human health. The instructions manual provides all the information and safety warnings you need to use the product correctly. We suggest: That you carefully read the warnings found in the instruction manual. Any product, even when constructed in compliance with European law, may be dangerous if used improperly. Do not use a damaged product nor one that has been used before as there may be invisible damage (deteriorated materials due to age or improper storage) or it may not be compliant with current law. When buying a childcare product, take note of the age for which the item was designed. When you buy a product, especially a childcare product, make sure that either the wrapping or the product itself has a reference to an EC law: this guarantees that the product is in compliance with the general product safety laws. Retail price is R 5 299.00 Available at the following retailers: Hamleys, (Sandton , Eastgate , Menlyn & Mall of Africa) www.takealot.com www.loot.com www.simplicity.co.za www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 9, 2017

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