Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 9 of your pregnancy

At week 9 of your pregnancy, you’re probably more aware than ever of your growing baby inside of you, as the first two months of pregnancy are now behind you. You may be dealing with a variety of different pregnancy symptoms as your baby slowly grows bigger. Your baby at week 9  At 9 weeks in, your baby is looking more human, with mini arms and legs developing, and the tail which was initially present is slowly disappearing. Your baby is now the size of a grape or a cherry and her facial features are also becoming more prominent. At week nine your baby is also becoming more active and beginning to move around. However, you won’t be able to see or feel this just yet – but it’ll be visible on ultrasound. If you’re struggling with painful breasts, a maternity or sports bra can offer you more support and help alleviate some of your uncomfortableness. When your body becomes more used to your pregnancy hormones, it’s likely that some of your pain may ease, but throughout your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to find clothes that you feel comfortable in. How you’re feeling at 9 weeks At nine weeks you may be feeling a variety of emotions, alongside the many other pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, which peaks at around week 9. Your symptoms may be particularly difficult to deal with if you’re still keeping your pregnancy quiet from your colleges and friends, but if you are struggling emotionally open up to your partner or health care provider. Things to keep in mind At this point, it may be a good idea to chat to your doctor about possibly restructuring your exercise routine. It could be a good time to start incorporating prenatal yoga or pilates as these activities help you get ready for labour and childbirth. Staying active is also a great way to keep healthy during your pregnancy, but depending on what activities you did before getting pregnant, you may need to think about adjusting your training program.

March 8, 2024

Breastfeeding: the most common challenges and how to deal with them

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and special time between you and your baby. It can however, come with some challenges. In fact, statistics show that up to 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intended to due to challenges faced.  Below are some of the most common breastfeeding challenges or difficulties and how you can deal with them to ensure that you and your little one have a pleasant breastfeeding experience.  Pain or discomfort Pain experienced when breastfeeding can be caused by nipple tenderness, bleeding, blistering and/or cracked nipples.  How to deal with pain: Breastfeeding should not be painful. Please consult a lactation consultant to assist you.  It is important to ensure that your baby is latching correctly and find a breastfeeding position that supports an optimal latch. Make use of nipple cream (chat to your Dr or pharmacist about a recommended brand) or use a small amount of your own breastmilk to soothe your nipples.  Use breast pads to protect your nipples from chaffing on your bra or clothing. Engorgement Engorgement can be very uncomfortable and occurs when breast milk has not been adequately removed, resulting in hard and sore breasts.  How to deal with engorgement: Pump and/or nurse your baby frequently (between 8-12 times a day).  Ensure that your baby is latched on correctly so that he/she can empty your breasts. A poor latch can also result in engorged breasts.  Take warm showers or apply a warmed cloth to your breasts to encourage milk flow.  Breast massage  My baby’s not latching  There are a number of reasons your baby may not be able to achieve a sufficient latch. These include poor coordination, prematurity, discomfort and/or mom having flat or inverted nipples.  How to deal with a poor latch: See a lactation consultant! Lactation consultants are trained to identify and solve breastfeeding challenges.  Try out different breastfeeding positions. There is no one size fits all – try various holds to establish which suits you and your baby best. Support your baby’s neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands. Consider the use of a nipple shield if you have flat nipples – these can be a short term solution to assist your baby to latch. It is advised to consult a Lactation consultant before purchasing a nipple shield.  Not having enough breastmilk  Breastmilk supply is initially low while your body adjusts your hormones to trigger breastmilk production. This usually takes 2-4 days, after which your milk supply should increase to provide the optimal amount of breastmilk for your baby. There are various things that can negatively affect milk supply, and these vary between women.  How to deal with not having enough milk Feed your baby on demand. This should range from every 2 to 3 hours (can be more), day and night. Stick to this range if you are expressing too. It is important that your breasts receive this stimulation, either from your baby feeding, hand expressing or a pump. Try and get as much rest as possible (easier said than done with a newborn). Eat well and frequently as well as drink plenty of water throughout the day and night. If you have friends and/or family around, ask for assistance with chores so that you are able to focus on breastfeeding.  If you are hand expressing and still have a low supply, consider purchasing or renting a breast pump. These pumps are effective in mimicking what your baby does at the breast as well as stimulating milk production. Skin-to-skin; research indicates that skin-to-skin assists with increasing breastmilk production.  If your milk supply remains low or diminishes, consult your Doctor and/or a Lactation Consultant.  Leaking breasts This is a common occurrence in the initial stages of breastfeeding, however, usually subsides after 5-6 weeks.  How to cope with leaking breasts Wear nursing pads inside your bra in the day and night  Feed your baby or express frequently (every 2-3 hours). Producing too much milk  Once your milk supply is fully established, you may find that you have more milk than your baby needs, resulting in coughing, spluttering or vomiting after a feed.  How to cope: Express a small amount of milk before a feed. This ensures the initial let down is not too strong for your baby.  A reclined (lean-back) feeding position allows your baby to control the flow rate of milk from your breast as gravity is minimised.  Take your time and allow your baby to rest after a feed. If he/she has taken in too much milk, moving a lot or too quickly can cause her to vomit.  Above, are only some challenges that new mothers may face when breastfeeding. It is important to not “suffer in silence” but rather to seek the assistance of a lactation consultant. Luckily there are plenty of lactation consultants around that will be happy to assist you and your baby. 

March 7, 2024

Don’t get “nap trapped”

More and more in recent times have I been hearing the word ‘nap trapped’. Nap trapped is when parents feel ‘trapped’ at home because their little one can sleep well only in the cot or in a specific area for naps. This can even mean that because of the timing of naps, moms don’t want to join friends, go to classes or join groups. There is an added level to being nap trapped, as it could also mean that your baby can sleep only on you or next to you. I KNOW I was nap trapped with my babies. For such a long time, my children were sleeping horribly, and once I found something that worked, I was so petrified that if I changed something they would go back to the horrible sleeping. We could never go out for dinner, because my little ones had to sleep at home. Outings during the day or during holiday caused me so much anxiety in the end that I did not want to do anything outside the house as it just made me stress. One holiday in Cape Town (by this time, my kids were already four and two years old), we had some friends over for an early afternoon braai. I had finally stopped breast feeding, so I could drink some wine again (of course, after not drinking for years, one glass was enough). We had a fantastic time; their kids were a similar age than ours and all were enjoying themselves. Because the sun goes down later in summer in the Cape, with a shock, at 20:00, I realised that my kids were not even close to getting into bed (they had a very strict 19:00 bedtime). And there they were, running around, swimming, playing and having a great time… I had never even given them the opportunity before… And I was fine, they were fine. I was actually the only one who realised what time it was. Because they normally slept really well, they could cope really well with one night of going to bed later. And that is the reality most of the time. Even the most social couple I have helped had something on three times a week over bedtime (that is really social, I can’t remember ever being that social, even before kids!). AND even for that social couple, it was still the exception. For four out of seven nights, they were at home, could follow the bedtime routine and make sure that their baby got proper sleep. Don’t try to create your life according to the exception and also don’t be afraid of the exception. Most of the time, you will be at home, and when you are at home, make sure that your baby gets the best sleep that they can. So that when those exceptions happen (they have a short nap or skip the nap or go to bed later), they will be ready and deal with it and will be fine. There are, of course, some additional things that you can try for naps or bedtime when you do go out for dinner to at least hope you have a good time: Try to relax. In the end, if you are going to be anxious, your baby will feel it and this can make the whole situation much worse. This might mean that you need to plan a bit. This might mean that you need to allow other people to help when they offer. Or, this might just mean that you need to know that whatever you do for those couple of hours will not alter everything that you have done before. If your little one can sleep in the car, well, use it. If you are traveling during time that falls over the nap time, extend the drive a little if you have to (I know petrol is expensive!) to just ensure your baby gets a bit of sleep before you get to your activity. If your little one can sleep in a stroller, use it! Even if it is a short nap, it is better than nothing. Try using a portable white noise machine or white noise app in the stroller as well as closing it and moving it around to see if this helps to get your little one to sleep in the stroller. Some babies sleep great in a stroller when they are small, but might not sleep so well anymore as they get bigger. BUT, then, they might get into it again. If you go to a braai/dinner at someone else’s house, ask them if they have an extra cot or take your camp cot with. Do a short bedtime routine as you would at home. Instead of bathing, you can just wipe your baby’s face and feet with a warm cloth. They will survive one night of not bathing. Try to put them down even if it means helping a bit to get them there. BUT, if they don’t sleep after 10 to 20 minutes, call it. Take them with you to friends and try to enjoy yourself. You can take turns holding the baby with your partner and friends. It is one night. Too many times, I have heard moms say that they want a baby that can sleep anywhere. These moms would say things like: “I can remember falling asleep under the table at weddings!” My response:  First, how many weddings do you attend? Second, sleeping anywhere has a lot to do with your baby’s personality and age, but most importantly, lastly, why create rules for the exception? By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

March 5, 2024

Exploring Delayed Clamping and Stem Cell Banking Synergies

The subject of delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been researched and discussed in numerous studies. The most important consideration at the time of the delivery is the health of the mother and baby. Delayed cord clamping has been shown to be beneficial to the baby and thus in the setting of cord blood banking, delayed clamping is an acceptable practice and is encouraged. Recent studies have shown that DCC show an increased amount of red blood cell stores in newborns and thus lessening the risk of iron deficiency anaemia later in the baby’s life. This is specifically important in preterm babies and those at risk of anaemia. In very preterm babies (22 weeks–28 weeks), DCC for 30 seconds, or more, has led to increased survival and a lowered risk for severe neurological injury. In further studies, DCC also showed an improvement in fine-motor and social skills in kids at four years of age in comparison to kids of the same age that had no cord clamping at birth. There is, however, a small risk of increased hyperbilirubinemia/jaundice (because of the additional red blood cells infused during DCC) in some infants after DCC. An estimated 50% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice. Delaying cord clamping for one minute or more resulted in only a 6%–21% decrease in the total volume of cord blood collected and a 9%–31% decrease in the pre-processed total nucleated cell. It is estimated that about 60% of DCC collections still meets the upper level for the number of total nucleated cells. However, a prolonged delay will allow the blood in the cord to clot, and the opportunity to collect the blood for stem cells will be lost; therefore, if clamping is delayed, it is recommended not to delay for more than two minutes. What major myths exist relating to the optimal clamping time? Myth: If you don’t do DCC, you are robbing the baby of 30% of its blood. Fact: When the umbilical cord is clamped soon after birth, the infant’s blood volume is the same as its volume in utero (in the womb). Myth: The longer you wait to clamp the cord, the more blood the baby gets. Fact: The continued transfusion of cord blood when delaying the clamping in normal birth is reliant on contractions of the uterus, the umbilical arteries close around 45 seconds after birth and the umbilical vein in 1–2 minutes. For c-sections, the blood volume in infants increases till 40 seconds and actually decreases thereafter. Myth: Delaying the clamping of the cord confirms the advantages observed by researchers. Fact: Factors affecting the transfusion of additional blood cells include the timing of cord clamping, gravity, the onset of respiration, uterine contractions and drugs affecting it, maternal blood pressure and birth asphyxia. Facts relating to COVID-19 and delayed cord clamping The use of delayed cord clamping during COVID-19: Most Gynaecological institutions have stated that these procedures should remain according to usual center practice, while following infection control precautions. They have stated that delayed umbilical cord clamping is extremely improbable to increase the risk of transmitting pathogens from an infected mother to the fetus; however, some institutions have selected to forbid this exercise in term infants, in whom the benefits are modest. This practice they believe will minimise newborn exposure to any virus in the immediate environment and reduce the chances that the newborn will require phototherapy for jaundice. Some institutes also prohibit skin-to-skin contact in these cases, although the Paediatric institutions have not advised against this. References Arthur, R. (2021). ‘We are on track for a watershed year for approvals of new regenerative medicine and advanced therapies’. Retrieved 10 November 2021, from https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2021/09/01/We-are-on-track-for-a-watershed-year-for-approvals-of-new-regenerative-medicine-and-advanced-therapies Ntege EH, et al. Advances in regenerative therapy: A review of the literature and future directions. Regen Ther. 2020 Jun; 14: 136–153.

March 5, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 8 of your pregnancy

It’s week 8 of your pregnancy and your baby is beginning to look more like a little human. You’ll probably be feeling many of the first-trimester pregnancy symptoms but you shouldn’t be showing just yet, so enjoy your flat figure while it lasts! Your body at week 8  Even if you don’t outwardly look pregnant, you’re definitely feeling it. Your first trimester brings morning sickness (not just in the morning!), tender breasts, fatigue, pregnancy cramps and a heightened sense of smell. Dealing with morning sickness and fatigue its important that you remember to stick to a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising often and trying to make sure you get enough sleep. It’s important that you take prenatal vitamins during this time as well. Where your baby is at  Your baby is now roughly the size of a bean or a raspberry. They are becoming more distinctly human, developing arms and legs. Their digestive system also develops around this time. If you get an ultrasound you may notice that your baby has a disproportionate body, with a large head – this is because the upper body develops faster than the lower. However, in 32 weeks time, your baby will be a normal-sized little-human. Things to remember  Your first prenatal check-up around this time, where you may have blood tests and an early ultrasound to check your baby’s growth and heart rate. If you have lots of questions for your doctor it is a good idea to write them down, so you don’t forget when you arrive – especially if this is your first pregnancy. During the first trimester, you are at higher risk for a miscarriage. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women experience miscarriages, often before they realise they are pregnant. Signs of a miscarriage are cramping and pain in the lower back and abdomen, as well as light spotting to heavy bleeding. If you suspect miscarriage, it is important that you contact your doctor so that they can help you during this time.

March 1, 2024

Babies R Us Support Preemie Mom’s in Need During Pregnancy Month

400 Care Bags Donated to Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg Babies R Us has delivered four hundred mom care bags to the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg to mark Pregnancy Awareness Month. This initiative forms part of the annual Babies R Us Preemie Heart Campaign, which allows customers to buy a purple preemie heart at all Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in support of World Prematurity Day, observed annually in November. In addition to the mom care bags, last year, the Babies R Us team handed over a NICU incubator to the Rahima Moosa Hospital’s NICU unit. The Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital is the only mother and child hospital in South Africa, providing care for a very large number of women and children and delivers around 14,000 babies every year – the second highest number of babies in the country after Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Africa’s biggest hospital). Each mom care bag contains several essential items, including a blanket and baby toiletries and mothers who have currently have babies in the NICU unit, received a pack of preemie sized diapers. “We hope that these bags will bring joy to many moms in need, and we are sure that they will find the necessities in the bag very useful,” said Ronel Grant, Head of Wellness at Babies R Us. “The Babies R Us Mama Club slogan is ‘We’ve got you’ and the team would like moms to know, that this extends to moms across all walks of life in South Africa.” Dr Joy Fredericks at Rahima Moosa Hospital comments: “Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Babies R Us for your unwavering support towards mothers and babies in our community. Your generous donation of 400 care bags provided mothers with essential items bringing relief and restoring hope to those navigating uncertain times.” Most notably, Grant adds that beyond managing the journey of parents and babies, the Babies R Us, Mom and Baby Wellness Clinics can be found at several stores including: Gateway, Pavilion, Mall of Africa, Boksburg, Canal Walk and Wonderpark shopping centres. “We also provide free virtual antenatal courses, presented by midwife, Sister Claire de Villiers, who is the Babies R Us midwife at the Gateway Clinic.” Free virtual Babies R Us Antenatal courses are also offered, consisting of two modules; guiding mom from the first stages of pregnancy, to giving birth and taking baby home for the first time. The course is presented via Teams, Sister Claire de Villiers has 34 years’ experience as a registered nurse and midwife,  and shares expert guidance and information to all moms embarking on their pregnancy journey. Grant adds that as a further extension of the Babies R Us expert advice pillar, Carey Haupt, a lactation expert also presents a virtual lactation course, sharing information and guidance with all moms about the reality of breastfeeding. Babies R Us stores can be found inside every Toys R Us store and offer moms everything they would need from bump to baby during their pregnancy journey. Bookings for all clinics and courses can be made via the website:  www.babiesrus.co.za, under the tab Clinic and Course bookings.  

February 27, 2024

Securing the Future: A Step-by-Step Guide to Joining CryoSave’s Family with Stem Cell Banking

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical advancements, securing the future health of your family has become more accessible than ever. CryoSave, a leading name in stem cell preservation, offers a comprehensive and streamlined process for parents looking to safeguard their child’s health through the preservation of umbilical cord blood and tissue. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you decide to join CryoSave. Beginning the Journey: Registration Online: To initiate the process, prospective parents can register online through CryoSave’s user-friendly digital application form available on their website, www.cryosave.co.za. This straightforward step sets the foundation for the journey ahead. Delivery of Collection Kit: Once registered, arrangements are swiftly made to deliver the CryoSave collection kit to your doorstep. This kit contains everything necessary for the collection process, ensuring that you, your midwife, or doctor are well-equipped for the upcoming birth. Bringing the Kit to the Hospital: An essential reminder for expectant parents is to take the collection kit with them to the hospital when the time comes for the birth. This proactive step ensures a seamless transition to the collection process. The Collection Process: Risk-Free and Painless: One of the key benefits of CryoSave’s process is that the collection is entirely risk-free and painless for both the mother and the baby. This is a crucial aspect that prioritizes the well-being of all involved. Immediate Collection Post-Birth: After the birth, the collection is performed promptly by your doctor or midwife. A small section of the umbilical cord (approximately 20cm) and 150ml of blood are collected, securing valuable stem cells for future use. Ensuring Completion: Before concluding the collection process, it is vital to ensure that maternal blood samples are collected, all necessary documents are filled out, and everything is packed correctly. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees the integrity of the collected samples. After the Birth: Initiating Contact with CryoSave: With the collection completed, the next step is to contact CryoSave. A seamless communication process is established, marking the beginning of the post-collection phase. Specialized Courier Service: CryoSave takes care of logistics by sending a specialized courier to collect the kit. This courier is entrusted with the safe and timely transport of the samples to CryoSave’s state-of-the-art laboratory for processing and storage. Processing and Storage: Confirmation and Certificate: Once safely delivered to the CryoSave laboratory, parents receive a confirmatory email and certificate. This communication serves as tangible evidence that their baby’s stem cells are securely stored in a liquid nitrogen tank within CryoSave’s highly secured facility. Long-Term Cryo-Preservation: CryoSave South Africa commits to cryo-preserving your baby’s cord and tissue stem cells for a minimum of 20 years, offering peace of mind and a long-term investment in your family’s health and well-being. In the journey with CryoSave, each step is thoughtfully designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and future health of your family. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, CryoSave stands as a reliable partner in securing the potential health benefits locked within your baby’s stem cells. For more information on our processes and facilities, visit the CryoSave website and feel free to contact us for an obligation free personalised quote.

February 20, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week seven of your pregnancy

By now you probably know that you’re pregnant, but some moms only find out during this week or later. Even if you haven’t started looking outwardly pregnant, there is a good chance you’re definitely feeling it, with the likes of fatigue and morning sickness. Your baby is going rapidly day-to-day, with continued brain and body development for the next 33 weeks. Where your body is at  This week you’ll likely be feeling some or all of the symptoms generally experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s important throughout your pregnancy that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if doing so feels tough at times. Eating the correct foods and taking prenatal vitamins will ensure that your baby gets the correct nutrients from you. It is important to remember that during pregnancy your needs will change, so you should keep this in mind when tailoring your diet. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies are both serious complications that can happen during early pregnancy. Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of the foetus before week 20, unfortunately, this is not reversible and is usually due to abnormal development. Ectopic pregnancy often shows around 7 weeks and is when the fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus. Unfortunately, neither complication can be reversed, and losing a baby early in pregnancy is likely to be very traumatic for the mom-to-be and family. It’s important that you seek medical and psychological support if you are struggling post ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. What your baby is doing  Your baby is now the size of a blueberry but is shaped more like a tadpole than a human, however, their tail is getting smaller and will soon disappear. At this point, your baby has continued to develop limbs, facial features, spinal cord and lungs, heart and kidney.

February 19, 2024

How to manage early pregnancy sickness

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, discusses ways to manage early morning sickness. Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey for many women, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common early pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness, which can make those first few months challenging. “Early pregnancy sickness is a natural response to the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While it can be uncomfortable, it is usually a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.” What is Morning Sickness? Morning sickness affects approximately 70-80% of pregnant women. While the name suggests that it occurs only in the morning, this condition can occur at any time or night. It typically begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and peaks between the ninth and 16th weeks. What Causes Morning Sickness? While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes, notably the surge in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), significantly trigger symptoms. Although every woman’s experience with morning sickness is unique, symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased salivation, sensitivity to smells, fatigue and dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting. 15 Ways to Manage Morning Sickness Affinity Health provides these 15 coping strategies and tips to help expecting mothers cope with the challenges of morning sickness: Dietary Adjustments Eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach can help reduce nausea. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice. Hydration Staying well-hydrated is crucial during pregnancy. Drinking fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or electrolyte-rich beverages, can help prevent dehydration. Rest and Stress Management Getting adequate rest is essential to manage fatigue and stress, which can exacerbate nausea. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or prenatal yoga, can be beneficial. Medication Sometimes, healthcare providers may recommend anti-nausea medications if dietary and lifestyle changes do not provide relief. Acupressure and Alternative Therapies Some women find relief through acupressure wristbands or alternative therapies like acupuncture. Prenatal Vitamins Taking prenatal vitamins as prescribed by a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the mother and baby receive crucial nutrients. Ginger and Lemon Ginger and lemon are known for their soothing properties. Sipping on ginger tea or adding a slice of lemon to your water can provide relief from nausea. Aromatherapy Certain scents, such as peppermint or lavender, can help alleviate nausea. Consider using essential oils or scented candles for relaxation. Stay Cool Avoid getting too hot, as heat can trigger nausea. Stay in well-ventilated areas and use fans or air conditioning when needed. Distraction You should consider activities that take your mind off nausea, such as reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to calming music. Support System Lean on your support system, whether it’s your partner, family, or friends. Their understanding and assistance can make a significant difference during this time. Avoid Trigger Foods Identify foods that tend to worsen your symptoms and avoid them. Sometimes, spicy, greasy, or highly seasoned foods can be triggers. Herbal Remedies Some herbal remedies, like peppermint, rooibos, or chamomile tea, may relieve nausea. Keep a Journal Keeping a journal to track when and what triggers your nausea can help you identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your routine. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Nausea can sometimes lead to bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth. Regularly brushing your teeth and using mouthwash can help combat this. When to Seek Medical Help While morning sickness is generally considered a normal part of pregnancy, severe symptoms can lead to complications such as dehydration and weight loss. If you experience severe nausea and vomiting, consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance, recommend treatments, and ensure the health and well-being of both you and your developing baby.

February 16, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week six of your pregnancy

Week 6 of your pregnancy At week 6 of your pregnancy you’ll most likely know that you’re pregnant now, although some mom’s realise as quickly as 3 weeks or as late as 12. Every week your body is changing to accommodate for your growing little one. Your body at 6 weeks 6 weeks in and you may be experiencing a range of pregnancy hormones. One of the most common and challenging first trimester pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness, although these waves of nausea can strike at any time. It is important to eat bland foods little and often. Even though this nausea may be uncomfortable to deal with, it’s nothing to worry about unless you can’t keep any food down throughout the day. Fatigue is another unpleasant aspect of pregnancy that you may have started experiencing in your first trimester. Napping often, letting others take over some of your chores and work, as well as keeping hydrated are ways in which you can help yourself. Your pregnancy fatigue may be worse during your first and third trimesters. Exercise and a healthy diet are also important (at this point and throughout your pregnancy) and you’ll probably be able to do most of the exercise you’re used to – just stay away from anything heated (such as heated yoga) or high risk. Your baby at 6 weeks Your baby is now the size of a pea, still tiny enough that you won’t be able to spot a tell-tale pregnancy bump. Your uterus has begun expanding to accommodate your new baby, and may have started pressing down on your bladder (que the frequent urge to use the bathroom). Inside you, your baby is starting to look more like a little human, and her eyes, nose, ears as well as limbs have started slowly forming. Liver, kidneys and lungs are also starting to take shape.

February 12, 2024

Unlocking the Potential: Cord Blood Stem Cell Therapy and the Spectrum of Treatable Diseases

Over the past three decades, the field of cord blood stem cell therapy has witnessed remarkable progress, with more than 40,000 successful transplants worldwide. These transplants have emerged as transformative treatments for various medical conditions, particularly blood disorders, inherited metabolic disorders, and immunodeficiency syndromes. As the therapeutic landscape continues to expand, cord blood stem cells have found applications in over 80 approved therapies, offering hope for patients facing a diverse range of diseases. Treatable Diseases and Therapies: Cord blood stem cell transplants have proven effective in treating a multitude of diseases, ranging from blood cancers to inherited metabolic disorders and bone marrow disorders. The following is a glimpse into the scope of treatable diseases and approved therapies: Blood Cancers: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Multiple Myeloma Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Inherited Metabolic Disorders: Hurler Disease (MPS type IH) Osteopetrosis Adrenoleukodystrophy Krabbe Disease Bone Marrow Disorders: Aplastic Anaemia Unspecified Fanconi Anaemia Other Diseases: Blood Disorders Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome Immunodeficiencies Neuroblastoma Solid Tumours For a comprehensive list of current treatable diseases and therapies, interested readers can refer to the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood and CryoSave’s dedicated page to these diseases. Ongoing Clinical Trials: The frontier of cord blood stem cell therapy extends beyond approved therapies, with ongoing clinical trials exploring the potential applications of these cells in various conditions. Some of the areas currently under investigation include: Acquired hearing loss Alzheimer’s disease Acute Ischemic Stroke Autism Spectrum Disorders Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Cartilage repair Critical limb ischemia Cerebral Palsy Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Congenital Heart Diseases Childhood Hearing Loss Corneal Epithelial Wounds Ulcerative Colitis / Inflammatory Bowel Disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Diabetic Foot Ulcers Diabetes Mellitus (Type I & Type II) Encephalopathy (neonatal) Epidermolysis Bullosa Fertility Global development delay Graft versus host diseases Glaucoma Hypoplastic left heart syndrome HIV Hydrocephalus Ischemic Stroke (pre/peri-natal) Intraventricular haemorrhage Infant Lung Disease Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy In-Utero Brain Injury / Stroke Liver Cirrhosis Neurodegenerative Disorders Preterm Neonatal Complications Parkinson’s Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis Severe Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Spinal Cord Injury Skin-Wound / Burns Sweat Gland Diseases / Regeneration References Cairo MS, Rocha V, Gluckman E, et al. Alternative allogeneic donor sources for transplantation for childhood diseases: unrelated cord blood and haploidentical family donora. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2008; 14:44-53. Cairo MS, Tarek N, Lee DA, et al. Cellular engineering and therapy in combination with cord blood allografting in pediatric recipients. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2016;51:27-33 Gluckman E, Ruggeri A, Rocha V, et al. for Eurocord, Netcord, World Marrow Donor Association and National Marrow Donor Program. Family-directed umbilical cord blood banking. Haematolgica. 2001; 96: 1700-1707. Mazonson P, Kane M, Colberg K, et al. Prevalence of medical conditions potentially amenable to cellular therapy among families privately storing umbilical cord blood. Matern Child Health J. 2016 (online). https://clinicaltrials.gov

February 6, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week five of your pregnancy

Week five of your pregnancy is the week that many women find out that they are pregnant. You’ll notice the skipped period and your pregnancy test will come out positive, you’ll also start to notice some pregnancy symptoms if you hadn’t already. Your body at 5 weeks pregnant This week you’ll notice pregnancy symptoms, and this is just the beginning of a huge number of changes you’ll feel taking place in your body. At this point your pregnancy hormones will probably be affecting you, making you feel nauseous, your breasts tender. You could also be experiencing spotting and cramping, as well as frequent urination and cravings. The pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is responsible for many of these changes, and this hormone is why your test shows up positive. Not only will your body physically change, but you’ll probably be dealing with mental changes as well. No only can your changing hormones cause your moods to fluctuate, but finding out you’re pregnant can also be an emotional experience. Remember any emotions are valid, even if you’re feeling overwhelmed and confused, as opposed to excited. If you’re struggling it’s important to reach out to those around you or seek professional help.  Your baby at 5 weeks pregnant   Your baby is now roughly the size of orange or apple seed and her tiny face is already starting to form, even though she looks more like a tadpole than a human. During this time your baby’s neural tube is developing – this will become their spine and brain – which is why folic acid is so important at this point. Folic acid taken daily reduces the risk of spinal tube defects. By 5 weeks your little one’s heart will have also started beating. If your pregnancy is healthy, you won’t be having an ultrasound before 8 or 9 weeks of pregnancy, so it’ll be a few more weeks before you get to see your baby.

February 5, 2024

The Importance of Storing Cord Blood Stem Cells for Future Health

The decision to bank your baby’s cord blood stem cells is a significant one, offering potential health benefits for both the child and their siblings. Understanding the intricacies of stem cell matching and the role these cells play in medical treatments is crucial for making an informed choice about storing this precious resource. Who Can Benefit? Your baby’s cord blood stem cells are a 100% match for themselves, ensuring a personalized and compatible source for potential future medical treatments. Siblings, on the other hand, may also benefit, but a crucial step is determining their compatibility through a process called tissue typing or HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) testing. This method reveals whether siblings can utilize each other’s stem cells for approved therapies. Biological siblings share a 25% chance of being a match, a statistic that highlights the importance of storing cord blood for each child in the family. Biological parents are considered a partial match, termed ‘haploidentical,’ emphasizing the need for alternative sources in certain situations. Importance of Matching in Transplants In cases where an individual cannot use their own stem cells due to an inherited condition, having cord blood from a matched sibling becomes invaluable. If the sibling did not inherit the same condition, their cord blood becomes a preferred source for stem cells in potential transplant scenarios. This emphasizes the critical role cord blood banking plays in securing a suitable match for transplantation, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment. Comparing Match Chances Understanding the probabilities associated with different sources of stem cells is vital in appreciating the value of cord blood banking. The chances of being a suitable match for a transplant vary based on the source of stem cells: Autologous (Your own stem cells): 100% chance of a match. Syngeneic (Stem cells from identical twins): Each twin has a 100% chance of a match. Haploidentical (Stem cells from biological parents): A 50% chance of matching. Allogeneic (Stem cells from biological siblings): Each sibling has a 25% chance of matching. Banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells is an investment in their future health. The potential benefits extend beyond the individual, providing a lifeline for siblings who may require compatible stem cells for medical treatments. As the statistics show, the chances of finding a transplant match from unrelated donors are extremely low, making cord blood banking a proactive and strategic choice for families concerned about their long-term well-being. References Waller-Wise R. Umbilical cord blood: information for childbirth educators. J Perinat Educ. 2011 Winter;20(1):54-60. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.20.1.54. PMID: 22211060; PMCID: PMC3209739.

February 2, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week four of your pregnancy

This may be the week that you realise that you’re pregnant. Many women don’t notice so early-on, but if you’ve been trying for a while you may  take a pregnancy test before when your next period was due. Your body at 4 weeks Although your body is changing, chances are you may not have noticed just yet – at the end of this week you’ll probably notice (or maybe earlier or later – depending on your menstrual cycle) that you’ve missed your period. This is one of the more obvious pregnancy signs, but your body is changing in other ways as well. When your fertilised egg implanted into your uterus you may have noticed some cramping and spotting. You may write -off other early pregnancy signs as pre-menstrual changes, however, there are some symptoms that are unique to having a baby. Such as nausea, spotting and cramping, and a raised body temperature. If you haven’t already, now is the time to quit any unhealthy habits, such as drinking alcohol and caffeine, and smoking. It’s also a good idea to take prenatal supplements if you haven’t started yet. If you’re feeling healthy and your pregnancy symptoms are all normal, you’ll only need to schedule an ultrasound at week 8. Your baby at 4 weeks Your baby is a tiny mass of cell inside you, roughly the size of a poppy seed, but just because it’s so small doesn’t mean lots isn’t happening. In the next few weeks, this tiny ball of cells will form the neural tube, which is the beginning of the brain and spine. At this point, the cells that are your baby are dividing up, becoming more defined. Three layers are developing – the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm – and these will later develop to become your baby’s organs and tissues.

February 1, 2024

The New Great Tasting Grape Flavour, Panado®’s Latest Paediatric Range Addition

Panado® has expanded their paediatric range with a new Grape flavour syrup,1 designed to help relieve pain and fever in children.1 As a trusted2 name in South Africa, Panado® knows that parents want convenient and great tasting products for their children. That’s why our new Grape flavour is colourant-free, tartrazine-free, alcohol-free, and sugar-free1, ensuring that your child gets the pain and fever relief they need.  Providing comfort to little ones who are feeling unwell can be a daunting task for parents, particularly when children are not able to effectively communicate their discomfort.  Panado® is trusted2 by South African families for providing relief of pain and fever1 in babies, toddlers, and children, but it is also convenient and great tasting. This makes it a go-to choice for parents who want a reliable solution that is easy to administer and appealing for their little ones to take. Fever is one of the most frequently cited reasons parents or caregivers seek medical help for their children. It is often a source of concern for parents and health care practitioners, who believe it may be linked to a greater risk of seizures (fits).3a A fever is defined as a body temperature of more than 38 °C in children.3b     Our syrup contains paracetamol, an option for treating pain and fever in children,4 and caters to diverse tastes and preferences while being gentle on little tummies5. But we didn’t stop there. We know that getting children to take medicine can be a challenge, which is why we’ve made sure that our grape flavour is also taste-bud friendly and easy to take.  With its clear syrup, there’s no need to worry about messy clothes or unsightly stains. Plus, the grape flavour is sure to make medicine time more appealing to kids. Dosage details for the Panado®  range of products can be found at  https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight.  Add in your child’s age and weight, and our calculator will automatically calculate how much Panado®  you should give your child, and which product is best suited for your child. So, next time you find yourself in the middle of a parenting rollercoaster with pain and fever, remember to reach for Panado® Paediatric Syrup – Grape Flavour – the clear choice for parents and kids alike!  Parents trust2 Panado® for the power to fight their little one’s pain and provide fast6 relief when needed most.  Panado® products are available at Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.            2023032710267635 References: Panado ® Paediatric Alcohol Free – Grape Flavour. Approved package insert. October 2022. Circana, MT,  October 2023 MAT. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Fever in children: Overview. 2013 Dec 18 [Updated 2019 Jun 6]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279455/. Last accessed February 2023. de Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent Advances in Pediatric Use of Oral Paracetamol in Fever and Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2015 Dec;4(2):149-68. doi: 10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. Epub 2015 Oct 30. PMID: 26518691; PMCID: PMC4676765. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26518691/. Last accessed February 2023. Bannwarth B. Gastrointestinal safety of paracetamol: is there any cause for concern? Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2004 Jul;3(4):269-72. doi: 10.1517/14740338.3.4.269. PMID: 15268644. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15268644/#. Last accessed February 2023. Wilcock A, Twycross R. Therapeutic reviews: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2013;46(5):747-755.

February 1, 2024

10 Reasons to choose cord stem cell banking for your baby

Stem cell storage is more than just a medical choice; it’s a step towards securing your family’s well-being. With the promise of potential treatments and the assurance of peace of mind, let’s explore ten vital reasons why storing your child’s stem cells is a decision worth considering. Reason #1: Collection at Birth – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: The collection of umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells takes place shortly after birth. If not done at this time these precious cells are discarded as medical waste. It is the reason why collecting cord blood stem cells is particularly important because there is only one opportunity to collect them immediately after birth, unlike other types of stem cells. These stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types and tissues; therefore, they can be used for treating various critical diseases. Reason #2: Potential Future Medical Treatments Umbilical cord blood-derived (UCB) stem cells can be used in the treatment of blood-related diseases. As for UCB stem cells, using the patient’s own stem cells called “autologous transplants”, are readily available when needed. Currently, several blood diseases are believed to be critical diseases and are immediately needed (unlike matching with a donor which can take months), every minute counts. Therefore, cord-blood banking is very important to be done and prepared for any future emergencies. One of the primary reasons to store your baby’s stem cells is the potential for them to be used in medical treatments. Stem cells might be used in the future to treat a range of diseases and conditions, should the need arise, such as cancer, diabetes, cerebral palsy, and more. By storing your baby’s stem cells now, you may be able to provide them access to life-saving treatments in the future. Reason #3: Low Risk There really isn’t much risk involved at all! The collection process is completely safe for both mother and child and involves only a few minutes shortly after birth for collection. Even delayed cord clamping can be done.  Additionally, cryogenic storage is entirely secure and totally reliable; even in the event of a disaster, your baby’s stem cells will remain safe with us until needed. Reason #4: Inexpensive Options Although it may sound like an expensive option initially for many parents, having the ability to treat many life-threatening diseases in the future is truly priceless. As the number one cord blood bank in South Africa, our mission is to make stem cell storage more affordable for families and offer different plans and flexible payment options to suit your needs. Reason #5: Ensuring Your Child’s Future Cryopreserving and storing your baby’s stem cells is an asset for use in their future health and well-being. Nobody knows what might happen in the future, and should your child develop a life-threatening illness, then having access to their stem cells could save their life. In the past decades, the technology has advanced substantially and will continue to do so in the years ahead. By banking your baby’s stem cells now, you can ensure they have access to any new treatments or therapies that arise from further scientific research. Reason #6: Peace of Mind Knowing that your child’s stem cells are stored safely away can give parents peace of mind about their long-term health expectations. The stress associated with trying to find a suitable donor if needed down the line, as well as removing any concerns about matching or rejection issues for transplants from unrelated donors. Reason #7: Beneficial for the entire family  Umbilical cord blood stem cells not only are used for the children themselves but also potentially used by the immediate family members. Parents have a 50% chance of a match and siblings have a 25% chance. Besides treating blood-related diseases, these stem cells from cord blood and cord tissue can also be used to treat the family member’s other degenerative diseases. Therefore, collecting and banking UCB-derived stem cells can provide peace of mind for you and your family in the future. Reason #8: The demand is growing Stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood have been used to treat different kinds of diseases apart from blood-related diseases, including diabetes, strokes, nerve damage, muscular diseases, etc. It is believed that the stem cell umbilical cord blood market is growing by 16,% due to the increased awareness of cord blood stem cells’ potential in treating various medical conditions and also by the rising incidence of chronic diseases in the population. Reason #9: High processing standards in a state-of-the-art facility Safety is considered an important aspect of the umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cell banking process. At present, UCB- and UCT-derived stem cell collection and banking is of the highest standard with international accreditations and certifications. Therefore, you and your family can rest assured that once frozen, your stem cells can be stored for decades. Reason #10: Revolutionary innovations of umbilical cord blood transplantation The innovation of umbilical cord blood stem cells for therapeutic use has made significant progress since the 1980’s and more than 40,000 UCB transplants have been performed. Umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells are now being studied as an alternative treatment for many diseases such as type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and heart failure, to name but a few.  Storing your baby’s stem cells poses many advantages for parents that wish to protect their child’s health long-term without breaking the bank. It offers potential medical treatments which could save lives down the line, but also offers peace of mind knowing that you have taken steps towards safeguarding your children’s health — no matter what happens in life. Our promise is that we will do our best to take good care of your future and provide you with the highest quality and most reliable service.

January 30, 2024

What are the costs of cord blood banking?

At CryoSave we understand that becoming a parent comes with financial strain. That is why we offer flexible pricing options, structured to your needs.” as this will give an indication that even though there is so much benefit, CryoSave makes it easier in terms of cost.  Below is a breakdown and explanation of the costs of stem cell banking. The collection kit The collection kit includes everything your doctor/midwife will need for the collection. The collection kit is paid upfront when you sign up for stem cell banking. The reason this is paid upfront is to ensure that the kit can be couriered to you immediately to be available once the baby is born for the collection to take place and after completion the kit will be collected by a specialised courier. Processing the collected samples Once the samples (collection kit) are received by the CryoSave laboratory, the samples need to be processed. This means that the cord blood cells are separated. The cord blood and tissue are processed according to international standards. CryoSave is an internationally AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies) accredited facility. All cord blood samples are processed using internationally validated processing and cryopreservation protocols. The cord blood and tissue stem cells will be kept in a liquid nitrogen storage tank (between -196 and -150°C) at our secured facility for long-term storage. In addition to the above, blood is also drawn from the mother at birth. The vials for these tests are also included in the kit. These samples will then be analysed by pathologists for infectious markers. Stem cell banks must do quality checks on all samples and before freezing a representative sample is taken for quality testing. The number of blood-forming stem cells and the % viability of the cells present in each sample is measured. Other checks are done to determine the recovery of stem cells after processing. Stem cell banks must also test for microbiological infection in each sample. After successful storage, the parents are notified of the success of the cord blood and cord tissue processing and negative microbiology. Parents will also receive a certificate for both the cord blood and cord tissue for their records. If difficulties are encountered during delivery that might have affected the collection of the cord blood or tissue, the Laboratory Director or Medical Director will call the gynaecologist to ascertain the reason for the problematic delivery. They will also contact the parents to inform them and discuss the collection with them. If the sample is needed for an approved transplant, CryoSave offers parents free shipment of the samples to anywhere in the world where the transplant will take place. A sample will only be released if approval is provided by an approved transplant centre and after discussions and approval documentation has been signed by the transplant physician, the parents, and the cord blood bank. Storage After processing is complete the cord blood and tissue stem cells are cryopreserved and cryogenically stored in the vapour phase of cryogenic nitrogen freezing tanks at -196° C and maintained there until needed. When you consider all these costs; running any cord blood bank is rather expensive. This includes the cost of running the liquid nitrogen facility, maintenance of equipment, regulatory-, compliance- and operational costs (including staff salary expenses). The storage fees paid over 20-30 years, is a critical element of cost as this is to ensure that the stem cell bank you banked your baby’s stem cells with, can safely and securely store your samples for the required time to come. Storage fees should therefore be a non-negotiable cost when it comes to this process. Conclusion In addition, the search for donor stem cells can take months for a life-threatening disease and can cost anything between R600k – R1m. If you bank with a private cord blood bank, the stem cells are immediately available. Considering the above, the cost of R25 000 for the collection kit and processing fees, and storage fees less than R50 p/m should not seem expensive. Only the collection fee is paid upfront. Repayment terms are available. At CryoSave we understand that becoming a parent comes with financial strain. That is why we offer flexible pricing options, structured to your needs. Contact us today to get a personalized quote.

January 24, 2024

New Mommy Tips

Caring for Baby The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Circumcision care Newborn circumcision is a surgery that removes the loose skin (foreskin) that covers the end of a baby boy’s penis. It may be done for various reasons and usually heals with 7-10 days. Follow the care instructions you were given by your baby’s doctor. Often times they will recommend that you use a small amount of petroleum jelly on the site at diaper changes to prevent irritation. Contact your baby’s doctor if you see blood or pus around the circumcision or if you smell an odour coming from the site. Myths about newborns The following are common myths about newborns: Myth: Don’t touch their “soft spots” – Truth: Known as the fontanels, these areas are a thick protective membrane, not your baby’s brain, so if you happen to touch them gently nothing bad will happen; as with all of your baby, handle that area with gentle loving care. Myth: Baby girls don’t have periods – Truth: Baby girls may have a “mini period” within the first few weeks of life which is the result of the stimulation of their uterus by Mom’s high estrogen levels. If you ever have questions about what’s happening with your baby, contact your doctor. Myth: Babies don’t get acne – Truth: Some newborns will develop acne due to circulating hormones from their mother between 2 weeks and 2 months of age; you don’t need acne creams, just cleanse the area gently. Myth: Babies have flat chests – Truth: Some babies may temporarily have swollen breasts due to their mothers circulating hormones; this can happen to boys and girls. Myth: Sneezing must mean my baby has a cold – Truth: Newborns have tiny noses and often have some congestion, so they may sneeze a lot at first; if they have thick, coloured mucus and are sneezing a lot then they may be developing a cold. Never hesitate to contact your doctor if you are worried about what’s going on with your baby. No question is ever “dumb” if you are worried. Bathing your newborn Your baby doesn’t need a full bath every day, only 3-4 times a week. When giving them a full bath make sure the water is warm, but not hot, by testing the temperature with your elbow – if it’s too hot for your elbow, it’s too hot for your baby. Use mild bath soap made specifically for babies – harsh soaps may dry and irritate their skin. Always keep one hand on the baby while they are in the bathwater. There are some parts of your baby that will need to be washed with mild soap every day, especially their face, chin, neck and bottom. Do not use soap on their belly button (navel) or on a circumcision until it’s healed. Make sure the room you are in to bathe your baby is warm and free of drafts. Every baby is different so don’t hesitate to talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions about caring for your newborn. Healthy skin for newborns You don’t need to use lotion or powder on your baby unless it’s been recommended by their doctor. Don’t use fabric softener or bleach on their clothes as these can irritate their skin. Use mild detergent to wash their clothes, making sure to wash new clothing before you put it on the baby. Be careful not to overdress your baby – if you are comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, your baby will be fine in a t-shirt or short sleeved onesie and a diaper. Diaper care for your newborn Periodically check your baby’s diaper to see if it’s wet or soiled. Change their diaper whenever one becomes wet or soiled. When changing your baby’s diaper, wash their bottom with mild soap and warm water or use disposable baby wipes. Be sure to wash your hands each time you finish changing a diaper. Additional tips for care of newborn For mouth care, wipe you baby’s gums daily with a clean damp washcloth or an infant toothbrush. To prevent scratches, keep your baby’s finger and toenails cut short. Remember that newborns sleep a lot – usually between 16-18 hours a day. Make sure to schedule your baby’s first check-up as recommended by their doctor – it’s usually recommended between 2-4 weeks of age. Umbilical cord care Do not place the baby in bath water until after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry – if it becomes soiled you can clean it with a cotton ball, mild soap and water. Umbilical cord stumps usually fall off about 2-4 weeks after birth – contact your baby’s doctor if this doesn’t happen. If the umbilical cord stump turns red around the base, bleeds, develops coloured drainage or a bad odour contact your baby’s doctor right away since it could be a sign of an infection. Contact your baby’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s umbilical cord stump. Teething pain relief The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. To help soothe the pain from teething give your baby a teething ring, a wet washcloth cooled down in the refrigerator, or feed him/her cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. You can also talk to your doctor about giving your baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease the pain.

January 22, 2024

Choosing the Right Stem Cell Bank: Private, Government, or Community – What Parents Should Consider

Some of the earliest decisions that parents face, can be amongst the most challenging. The choices that parents must make before and after the birth of their baby can have long-term implications for their future health. These days, one of these major decisions includes whether to collect and store the cord blood and tissue of your new-borns umbilical cord and placenta during delivery. Then there is also the question about the choice of the various types of stem cell banks. There are three types and options for stem cell banks. These are: Public Stem Cell Banks In South Africa, there is no public cord blood bank available, as the government does not provide a facility for collecting and storing cord blood samples. At public stem cell banks, families can choose to donate the cord blood, but in doing so, they relinquish ownership of the sample, making it unavailable for their own or their family’s use. This absence of a public cord blood bank poses challenges for families in South Africa who may require cord blood stem cells for potentially life-saving treatments in the future. To address this limitation, families may need to explore private cord blood banking options, which come with associated costs and ongoing maintenance fees. Private banks allow individuals to store their baby’s cord blood exclusively for their own use, providing a potential source of compatible stem cells if needed. However, the availability of private cord blood banking ensures that families have an alternative for preserving cord blood in South Africa, despite the lack of a public option. Community Stem Cell Banks If individuals decide to bank their baby’s stem cells with a community bank, they will incur lower costs for registration, processing, and storage. However, the trade-off is that they do not have exclusive rights to the sample for their own family’s use. Typically, the initial banking period in such cases is limited to 10 years. Community banking of cord blood is open to everyone, meaning there is no guarantee that the donating family will be able to access these cells if they ever require them. Public and community banking operates on the principle of donation, allowing anyone in need to potentially utilize the donated stem cells if they are a compatible match. Unfortunately, if a family needs the stem cells in the future but they are no longer available to them, obtaining donor stem cells becomes a significant financial challenge. The cost of acquiring donor cells can range from R600 000 to R1 million. Additionally, the search for a suitable donor can be a time-consuming process, taking months. In cases of life-threatening diseases, this delay can be a critical obstacle for individuals and their families, leaving them with limited options. Private Stem Cell Banks Private cord blood banking offers individuals a means to ensure the future health of their family. The process involves an initial cost for the collection kit, processing of the sample, and subsequent storage fees. However, flexible payment plans are often available to accommodate varying financial circumstances. Typically, the storage period spans 20 years, and the associated fees can be paid on a monthly, annual, or upfront basis. Moreover, it is possible to extend the storage term beyond the initial 20 years. The cost of private cord blood banking should be viewed as a form of lifetime insurance for one’s family, rendering it highly affordable. By opting for this option, the stored samples remain exclusively accessible to the donor and their immediate family, ensuring immediate availability in the event of a medical treatment requirement. Additionally, there is a 25% chance that the stored samples will be an exact match for siblings with the same parents, and a 50% chance of being a match for the parents themselves. This significantly enhances the potential benefits of private cord blood banking for family members who may require stem cell treatments in the future. CryoSave is your dedicated premier private family stem cell bank. Our stem cell products are stored exclusively for your family’s use. Our ultimate focus is to ensure the highest quality service delivery and maintenance of your child’s precious stem cells.

January 16, 2024

UNDERSTANDING TEMPER TANTRUMS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores the underlying causes of temper tantrums in children and offers strategies for managing and defusing these challenging situations. “Temper tantrums are a common and challenging aspect of childhood development that can leave parents, caregivers, and even bystanders feeling anxious and overwhelmed,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “The neuroscience behind tantrums reveals that meltdowns happen due to the ongoing development of children’s brains. They still need to acquire the coping mechanisms to manage intense emotions effectively. The good news is that most kids will grow out of temper tantrums as they learn to express themselves better.” Understanding Temper Tantrums Toddlers possess various skills, yet temper control isn’t typically one of them. Temper tantrums are intense, emotional outbursts that often occur in young children, often between the ages of one and four. These outbursts can take various forms, from crying and screaming to kicking, hitting, and even breath-holding. While temper tantrums can be distressing for children and adults, they are a normal part of child development and communication. Common Causes of Temper Tantrums While every child’s tantrum trigger is different, a few common causes for meltdowns may include the following: Frustration: Children often lack the language skills to express their needs and frustrations adequately. When they encounter obstacles or cannot communicate their needs, frustration can lead to tantrums. Seeking Attention: Some children may use tantrums to gain attention from parents or caregivers. Negative attention, such as scolding or reprimanding, can be just as rewarding for them as positive attention. Fatigue and Hunger: Tiredness and hunger can exacerbate emotions and lead to increased irritability in children, making them more prone to tantrums. Transitions and Changes: Changing routines, from playtime to mealtime or leaving a favourite place, can be challenging for young children and may trigger tantrums. Overstimulation: Excessive sensory input, such as noise, bright lights, or crowded spaces, can overwhelm children, making them more likely to have tantrums. Independence and Autonomy: As children strive for independence, they may become frustrated when their desires conflict with parental limits or expectations. Emotional Regulation: Young children are still learning to regulate their emotions, and tantrums can be a way for them to release pent-up frustration, anger, or sadness. How to Deal with Temper Tantrums Dealing with temper tantrums requires patience, empathy, and practical strategies. Here are some steps and tips for managing and diffusing temper tantrums: Stay Calm: Parents and caregivers must remain calm during tantrums. Losing your temper can escalate the situation. Ensure Safety: Ensure the child’s safety and the safety of others during the tantrum. Remove any potential hazards or objects that could cause harm. Provide comfort and reassurance without giving in to the child’s demands. Let them know you understand their feelings. Use Distraction: Sometimes, redirecting a child’s attention to a different activity or object can help defuse the tantrum. Set Limits: Establishing clear and consistent limits and boundaries for behaviour is essential. Be firm but loving in enforcing these limits. Offer Choices: Giving children choices within reasonable limits can help them feel a sense of control. For example, you might say, “You can choose between these two snacks,” or “Which of these two t-shirts do you want to wear today?”. Time-Outs: Sometimes, a brief time-out in a safe and quiet space can help a child calm down. You should explain the reason for the time-out and use it as a moment for reflection rather than punishment. Teach Emotion Regulation: As children grow, help them understand and manage their emotions by teaching them techniques like deep breathing or using words to express feelings.  Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward positive behaviour to reinforce good choices and encourage cooperation. Seek Professional Help: If temper tantrums are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily life, consider consulting a healthcare provider or child psychologist for guidance.

January 10, 2024

Raising a Vegan Baby: Tips and Ideas for Nutritional Success

Vegan-based diets are becoming more popular, especially in South Africa, where more than 100 000 vegan mothers gave birth in 2020. But can you raise a healthy vegan baby? The answer is yes if you take care of their nutritional needs for growth and development. A vegan diet for babies must be well-planned and balanced, and you should seek support from a registered dietitian with experience in pediatrics. Gestation: If you are a vegan mum, you should ensure that you eat a well-balanced diet and increase your intake of certain nutrients during pregnancy. Your daily nutrient requirements increase considerably when you are expecting. You need more iron, folic acid, B12 and other B vitamins, vitamins A, C and D, plus extra protein, and calcium. Some nutrients, like selenium and iodine, can be passed on through your breast milk, but it may be worth seeking professional advice from a registered dietitian to ensure that your diet contains enough for you and your baby. Typical adult vegan diets tend to be low in fat and high in fibre, which is not suitable for growing children, who need a lot more energy and nutrients from food to meet their nutritional requirements for normal growth and development. Vegan diets are naturally high in fibre and too much fibre can fill little tummies quickly, curbing appetite and stopping them from eating enough to get adequate nutrients.   Breastfeeding is best for vegan babies, and you should try to breast feed as long as you can and continue to supplement solid feeds with breast milk.  Vital Baby helps to ensure both parents can get involved with the baby’s nourishment with the daily use of a manual or electric Nurture Flexcone breast pump which helps you to save and store breastmilk for feeds when you can’t be there and for topping up breastmilk at mealtimes.   Occasionally, newborn infants may need a little help during feeding. The Vital Baby Feed Assist bottle enables you to gently squeeze the base of the silicon squeeze bottle to encourage milk flow through the teat and to assist with the latch. Anti-colic valves help to reduce air intake. If for some reason you are unable to breastfeed, you can use plant-based baby formula instead in either powder, concentrate or liquid form. Make sure you choose a formula that is fortified with vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients for your baby.  The Vital Baby Nurture Milk Formula Dispenser has been specially designed so that the revolving lid can click accurately into position above each compartment, and the wide, easy-pour spout makes it simple to dispense the milk formula into the bottle, avoiding spillages. Starting solids Parents can begin feeding their babies a vegan diet when they start eating solids, usually around six months of age. Your baby can enjoy fruit and vegetable purées, enriched with a variety of vegan protein, calcium, and good fat sources. These include lentils, mashed beans, quinoa, tofu, tahini, yeast extract, finely milled nuts and seeds and fortified soya products like milk or plain soya yoghurt. Most plant-based yogurts contain live active cultures, so your baby can get the same gut health benefits of probiotics from non-dairy alternatives. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, nut butters, whole meal bread and rice and fortified breakfast cereals are all good iron sources for your baby. And adding vitamin C-rich food (e.g., oranges, strawberries, cabbage, pepper, and pineapple) will help with iron absorption. It is not advised to feed your child low-protein vegan milk alternatives like almond, coconut, or rice milk as they will fill up their tiny tummies without providing much nutrition. Critical nutrients for your vegan baby’s diet: Protein: pulses (beans, lentils, peas), nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (sunflower seeds) and tofu. Iron: beans (kidney beans), pulses (lentils), peas (green peas), green leafy vegetables (spinach), nut butters (peanut butter), tofu (firm tofu). They should have an iron-rich serving at every meal. Vitamin B12: fermented yeast products (nutritional yeast), fortified foods (soya milk) or supplements. Iodine: Moms may need to supplement when baby is over 2 years old or use iodized salt sparingly. Calcium: beans (navy beans), pulses (chickpeas), sesame seeds (tahini), dark green leafy vegetables (kale), white bread (whole wheat bread), plant-based milk (almond milk). Vitamin D: exposure to sunlight, fortified foods (margarine) or supplements. Selenium: Brazil nuts (just one or two per day is enough), sunflower seeds (roasted sunflower seeds), mushrooms (shiitake mushrooms) or supplements. Omega 3: chia seeds (ground chia seeds), hemp seeds (hemp hearts), tofu (silken tofu), linseed (flaxseed oil), rape seed oil (canola oil), hazelnuts (roasted hazelnuts), pecans (raw pecans) and walnuts (chopped walnuts).  Vitamin B2: wheat germ (toasted wheat germ), almond butter (smooth almond butter), avocado (ripe avocado) and mushrooms (portobello mushrooms).  The NOURISH Prep and Wean from Vital Baby provide inspired ideas for food combinations and nutrition packed meals home cooked in your own kitchen. Steam, cook, and blend healthy homemade meals quickly for your little one with three modes – sterilise, steam cook and blend – perfect for batch cooking and feeding later. With five blending modes you can tailor consistency of food to your child’s stage of weaning – from smooth purees to chunkier textures while its 2-tier steaming system allows you to cook multiple foods with different cooking times all at once. It is suitable for use with fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Ideas for your 9+ month Vegan Baby Blend fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., banana, mango, berries) with plain soya yoghurt and a dash of maple syrup.  Mash a ripe avocado and a ripe banana together with a fork until smooth. Spread on whole wheat toast or crackers. Sprinkle with some cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour. Mash a ripe banana with a fork and stir in chia seeds and plant-based milk. Refrigerate overnight or for at least an hour until thickened. Serve with fresh fruit or nuts on top. Cook some quinoa in water or apple juice until fluffy. Stir in some grated apple, raisins, and cinnamon.

December 21, 2023

Preventing the unthinkable

Sunshine, watermelon and flip flops… summer holidays are around the corner! If you’re a parent you’re probably planning activities to keep your little ones occupied, or maybe pulling together your holiday travel plans. Whilst you are ticking off your packing list and racing to get your shopping done, be sure to take a moment and consider how you will keep your children safe around water this summer holiday. Drowning happens quickly and silently and can devastate a family in a matter of minutes. More than 700 children under the age of 15 years old die from drowning every year in South Africa, but even non-fatal incidents in which a child is rescued can leave a family dealing with long term social and health consequences. Recent evidence from Australia suggests that an infant’s risk of drowning triples as they reach one year of age. In South Africa, we know that children under 5 years old have the highest drowning rates compared to other age groups, but rates remain high in older children as well. Young children tend to drown in water in and around the home, while older children drown in larger, open bodies of water. Whilst these numbers are sobering, it is important to remember that most drowning incidents are preventable.  Here are some tips for keeping your children safe around water this summer. 1- Layers of barriers Many drowning incidents in very young children are unwitnessed, meaning that no-one is around at the time that the child enters the water. Young children often fall into water unintentionally while playing nearby or fetching toys that they may have been playing with earlier. One of the most effective ways to prevent drowning in young children is to ensure that there are barriers preventing them gaining access to water around the home. This means ensuring that pools are fenced off or have a safety cover that meets local safety standards, even better if you have both. Having a cover or fence alone is not enough – it must be used correctly! This means replacing the cover completely when a pool is not in use or ensuring that a gate is closed and not easily opened by children. It’s important to remember that hot tubs, paddling pools, blow-up pools, and portable above ground pools all present a drowning risk and should be protected appropriately or emptied when not in use. Pools aren’t the only area of risk around your home either – small ponds, reservoirs or storage tanks should also be protected by a barrier preventing access.  2 – Designated supervision So many drowning stories start with “I thought he/she was watching”. Counter intuitively, drowning incidents can happen easily in a crowd because they are silent and not signaled by splashing as many people think. Consider the large family braai where everyone is chatting around the pool and kids are splashing and laughing. Everyone is there but no-one is watching. Designating an adult to supervise children enjoying any water is essential. A supervisor should be an adult, not an older sibling, who is sober, not distracted by their phone or a book and within arm’s reach should something go wrong. As a parent it’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that nothing bad ever happens, so I’ll just step away to take that phone call or take the pot of the stove. Supervision is about someone being able to respond appropriately in the tiny percentage of times that things go wrong, not the majority of times where it’s just another day of summer fun. Forget about the “dad bod” or “mummy tummy” – get your cozi on and enjoy the water with your kids. 3- Learn CPR and know your emergency number Knowing what to do in an emergency can make the difference between a tragedy and a close call. CPR is simple to learn and, if performed early, can save a life and reduce the chances of long-term neurological damage in a drowning incident. Calling 112 from any cell phone in South Africa will reach a call centre who will route you to the closest emergency service. 4 – Swim between the flags When heading to the beach, make sure to swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards do not replace adult supervision of children, but swimming between the red and yellow beach flags ensures that you are in the safest location on any given beach.  5- Be mindful of unfamiliar homes and holiday locations Even the most diligent, water smart parents can get caught out while travelling. It’s important to consider water safety when visiting family who might have older children or no children, or while staying in hotels and guesthouses that are unfamiliar and exciting to explore. When you’ve arrived at your holiday location, take a slow walk around the property, and consider it from the perspective of your children – where is the water? Where are the access points? How can you prevent access? If you’re visiting an unfamiliar beach, dam or river, speak to locals or lifeguards to find out where the safe swimming spots are. 6- Watch out for lilos and pool floats That flamingo pool float is super fun but be very cautious using it on any large open bodies of water or rivers. Floaties get caught by the wind and currents very easily and can quickly take a child (or adult!) out of their depth. 7- Teach your children survival swimming skills Summer holiday preparation happens year-round and enrolling your children in a survival swimming or learn-to-swim programme can help them learn the essential skills of safe entry and exit and what to do when they fall in. Speak to them about water safety from a young age to ensure that safety becomes engrained in their behaviour. 8 -Teach your children to become Watersmart Lifesaving SA has launched a free online e-learning WaterSmart hub, making water safety content accessible to all South Africans.  The hub includes animated videos

December 19, 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

The festive season is upon us.  Shops are full of Christmas cheer and wherever you go, Christmas music fills the air. Do you have a favourite Christmas song? There are some obvious recurring hits out there that come around every single year, like a merry-go-round. Yes, I’m talking about Michael Bublé, Boney M, Mariah Carey.  You know the drill! That’s because, music has a huge role to play in our celebrations.  It gets us moving, it creates a mood, and it builds memories. Music gets us moving Play some music, turn up the volume, and what happens? We get a feeling that we want to move! Whether it’s tapping our fingers on the steering wheel of the car, swaying slightly, or tapping our foot, the instinct is there. That’s even more true for children. They haven’t built up a sense of awareness of others, so they move like no-one’s watching. Dancing, jiggling their bottoms, clapping their hands, bopping their heads up and down, you name it! Music helps us to celebrate special seasons and events because it gets us moving. Music creates a mood Music also stimulates our emotions. It has the ability to make us feel happy, sad, soulful, joyful, excited, scared etc. If you want to test this, watch a scary movie and turn off the soundtrack.  Suddenly the movie isn’t quite as scary! Getting up and moving, stimulates the oxygen supply to our brains and also triggers the release of endorphins. This contributes to us feeling positive about the music we’re experiencing. Music builds memories What is it about music and memory that’s so powerful? The details of our lives pass us by every day, with very little embedding into our long term memories. It’s unlikely that we’ll remember what we ate for dinner 2 weeks ago or a passing interaction with a person years ago. But, when we hear a familiar song, the memories come flooding back. Music doesn’t just help us to remember details, it connects with our emotions.  We remember how a particular memory made us feel, and that’s really powerful. Music helps us to celebrate special times because it embeds details into our brains, and like a search engine, helps us to retrieve those memories at a much later stage, with the music acting as a trigger. Switch off the screen, turn on the music! With all of this in mind, let’s be intentional in the way that we use music over this festive season. Let’s harness all that music offers knowing that it’ll get us moving, help to create a happy mood and embed some wonderful memories into our brains. Let’s switch off screens and use music and auditory resources to encourage our children to listen and look out at the world around them. Musical resources With that in mind, we have some wonderful, uniquely SOUTH AFRICAN musical stories for your little people to enjoy. These are accessible on your favourite streaming platform (Apple music, Spotify etc.) and are a great alternative to screens.  Just go onto the platform for search for “Wriggle and Rhyme”.  There are 4 different albums available. Wishing you a safe and happy festive season, and a wonderful 2024! For more info about the W&R musical stories and online resources, have a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music  Find us on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme #wrigglerhyme

December 14, 2023

Premature birth – what to expect

Expecting a baby is an exciting time of your life, and you want to make sure that you do as much as you can to make sure your new child is as healthy as possible. Premature birth is something you want to try to avoid or manage as carefully as possible. In many cases the cause is unknown, and according to The World Health Organisation, one in ten babies are born preterm. A birth is considered premature when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. The final few weeks in the womb are important to your baby’s full development, so being born prematurely can lead to longer hospital stays, short term, and long term complications. Why does it happen? Some of the more common risk factors which contribute to preterm births are having had a premature birth before, you’re pregnant with twins/multiples or you have issues with your uterus or cervix. However, often the cause of preterm birth often can’t be identified. Your health is also a factor that impacts on your likelihood to have your baby prematurely. Smoking during your pregnancy (which is not recommended), diabetes, high blood pressure (which can develop into preeclampsia) and being over or under weight are all potential premature birth causes. To try and avoid preterm birth you can talk to your doctor about any existing health issues, such as depression, diabetes or high blood pressure) before getting pregnant – this way you can manage any problems with a treatment plan. Waiting 12 months between pregnancies and eating healthy (making sure that you get the correct prenatal vitamins needed) can also help prevent premature birth. What if my baby is born preterm? If your baby is born prematurely they are at risk for long and short term complications. Many preterm babies lead completely healthy lives, however, the more premature and underdeveloped your baby is when they are born, the more likely they are to have issues. If your baby is born prematurely they may be put into a neonatal intensive care unit into an incubator. Some babies will spend longer in the unit than others, this all depends on when they are able to live without medical support.

December 14, 2023

The Ins and outs of Co-Sleeping with your Kids

Co-sleeping is common in many parts of Africa, including South Africa. Co-sleeping is when parents share a bed with their young infant or child. It is considered as bonding, comforting, and protecting the child, however, co-sleeping may also have risks and challenges, affecting the parents’ sleep quality, intimacy, and independence. Co-sleeping may also vary depending on the family’s preferences, values, beliefs, and circumstances. Co-sleeping was common in Western societies until the 19th century when nuclear families and private bedrooms became popular. Co-sleeping was then associated with poverty and bad parenting and discouraged by society. Babies can find it hard to sleep without the closeness of a parent and may cry when they’re in a cot. Co-sleeping can make it easier for parents to respond to their baby, settle them more quickly and hopefully get some better-quality sleep at the same time. Older children might be motivated to sleep with their parents because of separation anxiety or when feeling sensitive or vulnerable, such as during the night.  No evidence confirms co-sleeping enhances a better (or worse) emotional attachment compared to those children who sleep separately. While today’s modern paediatricians may recommend room-sharing and discourage bed-sharing, the choice remains with your family, and your cultural and societal customs.  Jake in the Bed Lisa and Mark had a two-year-old son named Jake, who slept in their bed every night since he was born. They loved the warmth and comfort of co-sleeping but faced some problems. Lisa often had back pain and neck stiffness from sleeping awkwardly to accommodate Jake. Mark often snored loudly, which disturbed Jake’s sleep and made him restless. They also felt that co-sleeping affected their intimacy and relationship, as they had no space or time for each other. They decided to try to transition Jake to his bed in his room, but they faced some difficulty as Jake was now used to sleeping with his parents. He resisted and cried whenever they tried to leave him alone which left Lisa and Mark feeling frustrated and exhausted from the constant struggle. Max in the Bed Anna and Ben had a four-month-old son named Max, who slept in a crib beside their bed. They were happy with this arrangement, but they noticed that Max often woke up crying during the night and had trouble falling asleep. They also felt that they missed the closeness and connection with their baby. They decided to try co-sleeping with Max and found that co-sleeping made their nights more manageable and more enjoyable. Max could nurse more frequently and comfortably, which helped him sleep longer and better. Anna and Ben also felt more relaxed and rested, as they did not have to get up and check on Max every time, he made a noise. They also felt that co-sleeping strengthened their bond with Max, as they could cuddle, kiss, and talk to him more often. They enjoyed watching him sleep and wake up with a smile. They continued co-sleeping with Max until he was ready to move to his room.  Co-sleeping is common in many cultures and families, but it has some benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your kids: Weigh up the facts and set the scene to suit you before it becomes a nightly habit and ensure your best option for harmonious nights and deep, peaceful sleep for everyone. Pros for Co-Sleeping: Co-sleeping may increase your emotional bond and attachment with your baby, as you can cuddle, comfort, and communicate more easily. Co-sleeping may make night nursing more accessible and convenient for breastfeeding, as you will not have to get up and go to another room to feed your baby. Co-sleeping may help babies and toddlers fall asleep faster and sleep better, as they feel more secure and relaxed near their parents. Cons for Co-Sleeping: Co-sleeping may increase the risk of accidental suffocation, strangulation, or injury to the child, especially if the parents are obese, smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, or sleep deeply. Co-sleeping may interfere with your sleep quality and quantity, as you may be disturbed by the child’s movements, noises, or needs. Co-sleeping may affect your intimacy and relationship with your spouse, as you may have less privacy and time. Co-sleeping may make it harder for the child to develop independence and self-soothing skills, as they may become too dependent on their parents’ presence to fall asleep or stay asleep. Co-sleeping is a personal choice that depends on many factors, such as your family’s personal preferences, values, beliefs, and circumstances. There is no right or wrong answer to whether you should co-sleep with your kids. However, if you co-sleep, you should follow the safety guidelines to reduce the potential risks. You can also consider some alternatives to co-sleeping, such as room-sharing (where the child sleeps in their crib or bed in the same room as you) or partial co-sleeping (where the child sleeps in their room but joins your bed for part of the night). Safety Tips: Place your baby on their back on the side of the bed, away from the edge and to the side of one parent. Avoid placing your baby between parents or next to other children or pets. Co-sleeping with a child over one year old is less risky than with a child under 12 months. At a toddler’s age of 1 to 2, they can roll over and free themselves if trapped in the bed. Co-sleeping during the school-aged years has been associated with problems initiating sleep, less nighttime sleep, more daytime sleepiness, more bedtime resistance, increased nighttime awakenings, and greater levels of sleep anxiety. Tips for Getting Baby to Sleep in their Cot:  Make sure baby is comfortable. Check the room temperature, the lighting, and their clothing. Make the cot a safer place. Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and a comfortable baby sleeping bag. Try the gradual retreat. Move the cot closer to your bed and slowly away until it reaches the baby’s room. Eliminate motion. Avoid rocking or driving your baby to

December 13, 2023

The power of Pycnogenol: Enhancing sperm health naturally with Prelox

If you’re male and in a partnership that’s struggling to conceive you should know you’re not alone. In South Africa, one in 6 couples are diagnosed with infertility and, in up to 60% of these cases, the stumbling block sits before the male, often due to a lack of quality sperm. This is where Prelox by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals comes in, but first, let’s unpack what it means to be a man with healthy “swimmers”. Understanding male fertility  Male fertility is not only determined by the quantity of sperm but also by their quality. Factors such as sperm count, motility, and morphology (the way the sperm is shaped) play important roles if you’re wanting to see two blue lines on that pregnancy test. Lifestyle choices, stress, and the fact that sperm quality decreases significantly after 50 can all impact these factors, leading to decreased fertility in men. Prelox – a natural yet effective solution Prelox is an international, innovative blend of all-natural ingredients, including Pycnogenol and L-arginine, that work synergistically to support male reproductive health. Pycnogenol, derived from French maritime pine bark – patented to Lamelle Pharmaceuticals – is one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. Studies have shown it does an outstanding job of helping to protect sperm from oxidative stress, a common factor contributing to many cases of infertility. As for Pycnogenol’s co-star, L-arginine, this natural amino acid, enhances its effects by stimulating your body’s production of nitric oxide (NOS). This dramatically improves sperm health and includes the added bonus of improving the quality of your erections. A win-win if you want to make a baby! Expect improved sperm count, motility and morphology  Studies have shown that taking Prelox for just 30 days could increase your number of healthy sperm by as much as 150% and boost motility by 55%. Sperm motility, the ability of sperm to move efficiently, is vital for successful conception, especially when you consider the distance they have to travel. In relation to their size, they really do have a long way to go and it’s important to move fast!  The shape and structure of sperm are referred to as their morphology and this can also have a big impact on fertility. Healthy, happy sperm will have a long tail that helps them wiggle their way to the egg and an oval-shaped head that helps them implant in it. If you’re producing poorly shaped sperm, it’s going to struggle with its mission so you’ll be glad to know Prelox generates 93% more optimally-shaped sperm.  Here’s to healthier sperm, naturally  As more couples face challenges in conceiving, the importance of addressing male fertility cannot be overstated. If you’re wanting a boost – with no negative side effects – Prelox stands out as a natural yet potent and proven supplement offering new hope to those on the path to parenthood. 

December 13, 2023

Every Mother’s Power Struggle with Junk Food & Their Toddler

Junk food is addictive, and your toddler will fall in love with their first taste of sugary treats. Managing junk foods and your toddler’s health may be your first-ascent challenge in your journey of motherhood, so it’s wise to get ahead of the pack and learn how to avoid the pitfalls and traumas of keeping those little fingers out of the sugar bowl and growing and developing without worry of tantrums, addiction, or disease. Junk food is usually gorgeous and glitzy to look at, always colourfully presented and wrapped with a silver lining or in a cluster of sugary crystalline collaboration which looks decidedly more alluring than a piece of broccoli on a plate. Even adults struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, but you can help your child ingrain good eating habits early on in life and set them up for health and longevity over a lifetime – at the same time, it may help you to get back on track after your maternity.  Everyone needs to eat healthily but especially toddlers to get the nutrients their growing bodies need. Studies show that fast food served more than three times a week is associated with disorders in children such as asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.  Cakes, sweets, puddings, potato chips, ice cream and other low-nutrient junk foods shouldn’t be part of their diet. Junk food puts everyone’s health at risk but especially your toddler and sets them up for: Obesity, low self-esteem, and the risk of developing depression later Constipation and poor bowel health  Dental problems, cavities, and mouth disease Skin complaints and dry skin and hair Anxiety, mood swings and problems with concentrating Addiction to dopamine, the reward system in the brain, throughout their life Nutrient deficiency in iron, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc, leading to stunted growth, breathing problems, fatigue, unusual food cravings, and chronic infection. How can you better manage junk food and your child’s health? Avoid power struggles.  Even if your child likes chips, sweets, and fizzy drinks, you don’t have to give in to their cravings. Your toddler can’t get to the shops to buy junk food themselves, so don’t keep it in the home. When they ask for treats, simply respond that you don’t have any and offer them a choice of two healthy snack options instead. Nature’s own sweets are fresh or dried dates, sweet melon, and grapes. Eat regular meals.  When your toddler is getting adequate nutrition with regular and timely meals, there will be no room for junk food cravings and bad eating habits to creep in. If you have a busy schedule, it is important to plan and bring healthy packed snacks when you are unable to sit down at the table to eat.  The Nourish Scoop™ High chair from Vital Baby is compact, comfortable and tailors to every stage of weaning. It is perfect for sit-down family meals while growing up, converting to a handy toddler chair when the time comes.  Set a good example.  Our children don’t do what we say, they do what we do. Let your child watch and get involved in cooking nutritious meals and packing lunches, or at least having a say in what goes into their lunch boxes. For example, let your child help squeeze fresh oranges for decanting into their juice bottle or sippy cup and let them choose their favourite trail mix style.  You can encourage their nutrition further with the Vital Baby® NOURISH Starter Weaning Kit, which is the perfect combination of utensils and accessories for little ones who are taking their first weaning steps toward independent eating and drinking. This set makes for a great weaning gift for moms and dads who are about to start their toddlers on their own food journey. It includes super-soft and shallow spoons for a little mouth, bowls and pots for easy serving and storage, a super soft silicone bib with a built-in mess catcher, free flow cup to encourage sipping and is BPA, Latex, and phthalate free. Make meals learning time together.  Engage with your child at mealtimes. You can get them involved in their meal by arranging foods into a smiley face or cutting patterns into fruit skins.  Brighten their meals by serving five different food group colours on their plate, always as fresh as possible. Help them identify the colours with parts of their body, such as their heart, bones, teeth, and eyes. Red fruits are for healthy hearts and immunity. Orange fruits are antioxidants and convert to Vitamin A in our bodies. Green food groups relate to protein and Vitamin K for healthy skin and gut. Blue fruits such as blueberries are superfoods providing a good source of fibre and Vitamin K, and C.  Encourage your child to be curious by preparing their favourite meal and adding a new vegetable or fruit to the sample. You can also serve two side dishes at the evening meal, one familiar and one as a new experience.  If your toddler is ready to move from finger foods to adult cutlery, empower them further with the Vital Baby big kid cutlery set, which includes their own stainless-steel set with rounded fork tips and chunky handles for little hands to grip easily. By feeding themselves, your toddler is developing many skills, including hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and postural control.  Quick Tips to Live By  #1 Never use junk food as a reward or bribe. #2 Order the healthiest options when eating out. #3 The number one contributor to junk eating is stress and boredom. Children often get fussy and demand junk food when they are idle and don’t have anything to keep them busy.  #4 We often feel hungry when we are dehydrated. When your child wants junk food, ask them to drink a cup of water first. Add a slice of cucumber to the glass and ask them to count the transparent seeds in the centre to take their mind off the junk. #5 Involve your child in making ‘junk food’ at home, including

December 12, 2023

Proper Dosage For Peace Of Mind

While the classic approach suggests a spoonful of sugar helps medicine go down, convincing kids to take medicines often demands more than a little patience. While administering medicine to tots can be challenging, the good news is you can make it a little easier – and keep your child safe – by giving the correct amount every time. Why Correct Dosage Is Important  Little bodies process things differently than adults, making precision crucial. A child’s weight and age often determine medicine dosage.1a Even a tiny excess can be harmful, while too little can render the medicine ineffective.1b How To Get The Right Dose – Every Time Before administering medication to your child, read the medication label and follow the dosage recommendations. If in doubt, reach out to your child’s doctor to discuss the medication’s proper amount, frequency, and duration.  Sometimes, the way we measure can lead to inaccurate doses. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind when medicating your child. Household spoons: A regular kitchen teaspoon is equivalent to 5mls but not all spoons are created equally. Some may measure significantly higher or lower than 5mls.1c  Even if medicine instructions say “teaspoon”, it’s safer to ask your pharmacist for metric measuring spoon that shows the exact millilitres. That way, you can always be sure. Dosing cups: While using a dosing cup is better than a teaspoon, it’s not always accurate as some medicine can stick to the cup. This means your child might not get the full dose.1d Oral syringes or infant droppers: Both these options are available at most pharmacies, doctors, or online stores, are safe for babies and toddlers (they don’t attach to needles), help give the exact dose by showing measurements, and reduce mess and spitting by allowing you to place medicine in the corner of your child’s mouth.1e When in doubt, calculate how much paracetamol you should give your child with Panado®’s quick and accurate dosage test. Click here. Medicine Safety Basics  Ensuring the health and safety of our children is paramount, especially when it comes to medications. In addition to always ensuring you give your child the correct dosage based on their age and weight, keep the following guidelines in mind. Avoid giving partial doses or adding “a bit more” based on your child’s perceived illness severity. Dosages are determined by a child’s weight for safety and effectiveness, not by how sick they appear. Underdosing might not work, while overdosing could be dangerous.2a Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before giving your child two types of medicines with the same ingredients.2b Never give your child medicines prescribed for someone else, whether it’s an adult or child.2c  Children should not be given medication that contains aspirin, as it can lead to serious health complications like Reye’s syndrome.2d Do not give cough or cold medicines to your child unless the doctor gives you the green light, especially to children under four years old.2e Turn to the Power of the Panado® Paediatric Range of Products Panado® contains paracetamol, which boasts over 150 years of clinical experience.3  It’s fast-acting4 and gentle on sensitive tummies.5 Panado® paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry,6 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free,7 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets8 and Panado® Infant Drops.9 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.   2023083110309095     References:   Intermountain Health. Getting the right medication dose for your baby. Available from: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/getting-the-right-medication-dose-for-your-baby. Last accessed August 2023. John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. On call for all kids: Giving your child the correct medicine dosage. Available from:  https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/On-Call-for-All-Kids-Giving-Your-Child-the-Correc. Last accessed August 2023. 150 years of paracetamol. GP Pharma Update Mar/Apr 2019. Moller PL, Sindet-Pedersen S, Petersen CT, et al. Onset of acetaminophen analgesia: Comparison of oral and intravenous routes after third molar surgery. Br J Anaesth 2005;94(5):642-8. doi:10.1093/bja/aei109. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15790675/. Last accessed August 2023. Goodman & Gilman’s.The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 13th ed. Acetaminophen. p696 Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Syrup approved package insert, March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free professional information, May 2022. Panado® Paediatric Syrup professional information, May 2022. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.

December 12, 2023

HOW TO IMPROVE BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores various strategies and activities to nurture young minds. “The first few years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. During this time, their brain undergoes rapid growth, forming countless connections that will shape their cognitive, emotional, and social development,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “As parents and caregivers, there are numerous ways we can help improve brain development in infants and set the stage for lifelong learning.” Early and Frequent Interaction Early and frequent interaction is one of the most fundamental ways to promote brain development in infants. From the moment your baby is born, make eye contact and maintain it during feedings, nappy changes, and playtime. This simple act helps strengthen the bond between you and your baby and encourages their visual development. Talk to your baby, even if they can’t respond with words yet. Narrate your day, describe what you’re doing, and sing songs. This helps build their vocabulary and understanding of language. Pay attention to your baby’s cues, such as crying, cooing, or facial expressions. Responding promptly to their needs builds trust and helps them feel secure. Skin-to-Skin Contact Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is essential for infants’ brain development and emotional well-being. Holding your baby close to your skin provides comfort and warmth, regulates body temperature, and reduces stress. It also strengthens the parent-infant bond, which is crucial for healthy brain development. Breastfeeding Breast milk is known for its incredible nutritional and developmental benefits. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that support brain development.  The act of breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and child. Tummy Time Tummy time is essential for strengthening an infant’s neck and upper body muscles. It also allows babies to explore their surroundings from a different perspective, enhancing their sensory and motor development.3b Gradually increasing tummy time as your baby grows helps them develop the muscles needed for crawling and eventually walking. Offer a Stimulating Environment Creating a stimulating environment for your infant can greatly benefit their brain development. Here are some ideas: Age-Appropriate Toys: Provide toys that are safe and suitable for their age. Toys with different textures, colours, and shapes encourage sensory exploration. Books: Even before they can understand words, reading to your baby stimulates their cognitive development and introduces them to the world of language. Mobiles and Visual Stimulation: Hang colourful, visually stimulating mobiles above their crib or play area. These can capture their attention and promote visual tracking. Encourage Exploration Infants are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment. Allow your baby to touch, feel, and examine objects within safe limits. Supervised exploration helps build cognitive skills and fine motor control. Music and Rhythms Music has a profound impact on brain development. Play soothing music or lullabies to help calm your baby, and introduce rhythmic play with instruments like shakers or tambourines. Regular Sleep Schedule Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for brain development in infants. Ensure your baby gets enough sleep by establishing a regular bedtime routine. Newborns typically require 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day, while infants generally need 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily, which includes their naps. Toddlers should aim for a total of 11 to 14 hours of sleep, preschool-aged children require about 10 to 13 hours, and elementary school-aged children should aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested baby is more alert and ready to learn during wakeful hours. Baby Sign Language Baby sign language is a valuable tool for improving communication with your infant before they can speak. Simple signs like ‘more’, ‘eat’, and ‘milk’ allow your baby to express their needs, reducing frustration and enhancing early language development. Maintain a Healthy Diet If you’ve started introducing solid foods, ensure your baby’s diet is rich in nutrients essential for brain development. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats in their diet. Limit Screen Time The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time for children under 18 months and limiting it for older children. Excessive screen time can interfere with physical, social, and cognitive development, so it’s best to prioritise hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions. Create a Safe and Loving Environment A secure and loving environment is the cornerstone of healthy brain development. Ensure your baby feels safe, loved, and protected. Be responsive to their needs, provide affection, and create a stable home life. Get Outside Spending time outdoors exposes your baby to new sights, sounds, and sensations. Fresh air and natural surroundings stimulate their senses and support cognitive development. Remember to protect them from the sun and dress them appropriately for the weather. Engage in Play Play is an essential avenue for learning in infancy. Simple games like peek-a-boo, tickling, and imitating facial expressions can provide hours of entertainment while promoting social and emotional development. Be Patient and Responsive Finally, remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Be patient and sensitive to their specific needs and create a loving environment in which they feel loved.

December 6, 2023

Easy ways to stay sane and serene when flying with kids

After a busy year, the festive season is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with loved ones far away. Zoom and WhatsApp calls are no substitute for longtime friends or two or more generations of a family sharing a meal together, and air-travel is the quickest way to cross great distances. But travelling with little ones can be a source of dread and stress. Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from their Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ crew get to go lots of places, often. They share some suggestions on how to not bookmark your holiday with anxiety over your kids.  Do the paperwork in good time: Depending on your destination, the documentation you’ll need will vary widely and some of it takes a while to secure. So prepare a list of what you need: visas, birth- and vaccination-certificates, and so on. Some travellers find it reassuring to carry a file with hard copies of any documentation they might need to present.  Talk about it: Depending on their age, you may be able to explain to your youngsters what to expect at the airports and in the air. There’s also a large variety of videos online that show kids what it’s like to pass through customs and to board.  Sort out seats and eats: As a parent, you can request that you and your family board your flight before or after the other passengers, depending on what you feel is easier. Plan ahead and you can reserve bassinets which are installed against the bulkheads of long-haul aircraft, and book special meals if you need to. You can also push foldable pushchairs up to the door of the aircraft. Some airports, like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, have complimentary pushchairs for passengers’ use, but remember to reserve yours beforehand. Most airlines also allow you to book children’s meals ahead of time, and they’ll be fed before everyone else, which can help settle them.   Manage the noise: Air travel can be noisy, and for neurodivergent people of all ages, the levels of sensory stimulation can be overpowering. Noise-cancelling headphones can help, although civil aviation regulations mean they’ll need to be removed for takeoff and landing.  Lay down their arms: Many kids have a favourite toy, and many will find it upsetting if they have their Jacqui or Jack Sparrow rubber sword confiscated by airport security. Rather leave anything at home that resembles a weapon.  Don’t overpack: You want to avoid running out of nappies, wipes and other essentials while airborne, but carrying too many supplies will be a burden, so pack a sensible amount in your carry-on and check the rest in to go in the hold.  Pack chewy snacks: Changes in the pressurization of airline cabins during ascent and descent can be uncomfortable and upsetting for little ones. That’s generally remedied by munching age-appropriate snacks. Avoid overly-sugary ones as that may make some kids restless.  Screentime is okay: There are times when you want your youngsters to spend time in the real world and way from their devices, but on a long-haul flight, inflight entertainment or games on a smartphone or tablet can be your new best friend. Any good airline will have a wealth of age-appropriate movies on offer, but Qatar Airways’ is unmatched.  Ask for help: The cabin-crew is trained to make life easy for passengers of all ages, and that includes parents, children and babies. 

December 5, 2023
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