Keeping Fit while you’re Pregnant
Sports Science Institute Biokineticist, Zoe Woodman, gives us her advice on the do’s and don’ts of keeping fit during pregnancy.
August 29, 2023
leading expert advice
Five Things You Haven’t Thought About Before Your Baby Comes
Here’s a list of five less thought about items before your baby arrives: 1. Gap Cover For many, it may come as a shock to realise that even if you have medical aid, you could be faced with additional medical costs that having a baby can bring to the table. Gap cover provides extra financial protection and closes the gap between what specialists charge and what your medical aid is prepared to pay, ensuring that you can afford the care that you and your family deserve and need. Top Tip: Gap cover providers appoint a 10-month exclusionary waiting period on pregnancy and childbirth, so be sure this is something you include into the planning stages of starting a family. 2. Where there’s a will… Like Life Insurance, it’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but if you’re going to become a parent, getting a will should be right up there with deciding on baby’s name or which pram to buy. Without one, you would have no say over who should care for your little bundle in the event of your death or what they will inherit from you and who should look after this inheritance until they’re old enough to look after it for themselves. Top Tip: Unless you have multiple assets and numerous issues that require a lawyer, you can draw up a will yourself online within minutes. 3. Save, save, and save some more Welcoming a baby into the world will have a significant impact on your finances. Being proactive when planning will help you to direct, save, and protect your wealth and is essential in preparation for raising and sustaining a child – not to mention the optional luxuries like a night nurse or whether your Mother-in-Law is up for babysitting. Consider borrowing items that the baby will use for short periods of time and look out for car seats and cots that are convertible, meaning you will save on large purchases in the future. Top Tip: Consider opening a tax-free savings account and setting up a monthly debit order to assist you with the discipline and frequency of saving. 4. Baby proof your life As you are heading to the final stretch, the nesting phase will start to kick in. While you will be inspired (again) to clean, organise and rearrange the nursery and house in preparation, don’t overlook the safety around the house. You may think you have time, but in the blink of an eye, that tiny baby is going to be digging under things or doing weird things like chewing on furniture legs so now is the time to cover those sharp corners, clear out/raise any indoor plants, and cover up plug points across the house. Top Tip: Go down to tummy time level to make sure that there are no heavy objects on high cabinets or counters that can topple over once baby starts moving around. 5. Insure your life It can be easy to put off big tasks until tomorrow (which never comes), so if “sign up for life insurance” is toward the bottom of your pre-baby to-do list, now is the time to push that right to the top. Even though the last thing you want to be thinking about is the possibility of your family needing to use your life insurance policy, not being able to provide for your child or leaving your partner with the financial burden of having to do so alone, is a far less pleasant thought. Top Tip: There are many factors to consider when getting life insurance so it’s best to see what kind of cover you need (and don’t need) with an insurer like Sanlam Indie – With Sanlam Indie you can get covered in 10 minutes, so there’s no time like the present. Bonus Tip: Stock up on groceries “Why?” you ask. Short answer… to save your sanity! Stock up on essentials such as coffee (the only thing you will really need), easy oven/frozen dishes, crackers, butter, and milk so you have them on hand, as well as some fresh foods such as fruits and veggies to snack on that will help you power through the chaos of those first whirlwind weeks (don’t forget the chocolate Mom). Top Tip: Bottled water is another important thing to buy in bulk so make sure to buy enough for the first few weeks. “Providing for your child isn’t just about taking care of their current needs; it’s about preparing for their future needs too.” – Edwin Theron, CEO at Sanlam Indie
August 23, 2023
How to use a breast pump: 12 top tips
Learning how to use a breast pump can take time and dedication, but is well worth the effort. Read our expert breast pumping tips to help set you on the path to successful expressing. Like any skill worth having, it might take you a bit of time to get the hang of using a breast pump. The key is to be patient, even if you’re not able to express as much as you’d like right away. After all, a breast pump won’t stimulate the same feelings in you as your baby does. But, with time, your body will usually learn to trigger your let-down reflex when you pump, and the quantity of milk you express should increase. 1: There’s no need to rush to start pumping… In the first four weeks, you and your baby work together to initiate and build your milk supply. If your baby is healthy and breastfeeding is going well, you won’t need a pump to help with this. Pumping is, however, really helpful if you need to be apart from your baby any time (see tip below). If not, enjoy this time with your baby and be reassured that even if you plan to pump regularly in future, there’s no need to ‘train’ your body to express milk in the first few weeks. 2: …unless your baby is unable to breastfeed If your baby can’t feed directly from the breast, perhaps because she’s premature or has special needs, or you are separated for any reason, start double pumping breast milk as soon as you can after the birth. Research shows that starting to express within the first few hours (when a healthy newborn would usually have her first breastfeed) helps mums produce a higher volume of milk in the early days and weeks,1,2 giving their babies the best chance of being fed exclusively on mother’s milk. If you’re expecting your baby (or babies) to be born pre-term, in need of intensive care, or to have a condition that might make breastfeeding difficult, prepare yourself. Contact Lorraine at [email protected] or 011 445 3300 for advice about breastfeeding or book a full consultation with her online at www.medela.co.za to help you choose the right equipment to prepare yourself for special feeding conditions. There will probably be a hospital-grade double breast pump at your hospital or birth facility, so ask staff to show you how to use it. It’s important to remove milk from your breasts whenever your baby would normally drink – this means your breasts will still get the message to make milk. Aim for eight to 10 pumping sessions every 24 hours at first, and continue this frequency once your milk comes in. 3: Time it right For your first breast-pumping session, express for at least 15 minutes. Don’t worry if you don’t collect much milk at first – regular extra suction should soon stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Some mums find pumping one hour after a feed gives the greatest milk yield, others prefer to pump straight after every second feed – try expressing at different times to see when best fits your lifestyle. When you find times that work for you, stick with them so your body gets used to your breast pump use and the extra demand on your milk supply. You may be tempted to extend the time between expressions in a bid to collect larger volumes of milk. However, if you wait until your breasts are full one pumping session won’t drain them very well, so the key is to pump frequently and regularly. 4: Be hygienic Always wash your hands before and after breast pumping, and clean any pump parts that have been in contact with your milk or your baby’s mouth. You will also need to sanitise them after cleaning at least once a day. Be sure to allow all the pieces to completely dry and you can then store the pump set in a clear bag or container until next use. 5: Be prepared To avoid interrupting your breast-pumping session, have everything you need close by before you start. You might want a drink and snack, your phone or TV remote, bottles or milk storage bags for your expressed milk, and a muslin cloth to soak up any drips. Try the Medela Milk Storage Bags for a convenient way to store, carry and warm expressed breast milk. They have a double zip protection and double walls to ensure no leaks, and the heat-sealed seams guarantee no tearing, splitting or cracking. A specially designed breast pumping bra allows you to keep your hands free, making it much easier to operate the controls and do other things while you express. 6: Make yourself comfortable The best position for pumping is one in which you feel at ease. Being relaxed is essential for the release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates your let-down reflex. Discomfort and distractions can hamper this process, so choose somewhere private and comfortable, and make sure your arms and back are well supported as you pump. If you’re not using a pumping bra, hold your breast shield between your thumb and index finger, and use your palm and other fingers to support your breast. Hold the breast shield gently against the breast – pressing too hard could compress your breast tissue and obstruct milk flow. Medela’s PersonalFit™ Breast shields play a key role in pumping comfort and efficiency. Shields are available in different sizes and is shaped around you so you can easily adjust the way your breast shield fits to find the most comfortable pumping position. Some mums find deep breathing, soothing music, visualisation techniques, or having their partner massage their back and shoulders, can help them express more milk. 7: Kick-start your let down Most Medela electric and battery-operated breast pumps have 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics the way your baby feeds (with fast, light sucking followed by slower and stronger sucks), to help trigger your let down. Massaging your breasts before
August 23, 2023
Emotional Health during pregnancy
Expecting a child is a blessing and an incredible experience, whether it’s your first child or not. Often, focus is mainly placed on the joy that comes with expecting, the long nights ahead or how it will change life as you know it. But we usually don’t emphasise on emotional health during pregnancy when in fact, the reality is that pregnancy can become overwhelming and stressful at times, where you might be going through a rather tough time while the best thing in your life is underway. So how do you identify stress, anxiety and depression during your pregnancy, and very importantly, how do you manage or overcome it? Identifying the signs It is important to be self-aware of your emotions and how you feel from day-to-day, maybe having a journal to keep note of your health might be the right place to start and help you notice any changes – even the subtle ones. There are some key things to look out for to ensure you are aware of triggers related to anxiety and depression: Feeling lonely and sad; Crying a lot; Feeling anxious all the time Fatigue and wanting to sleep Avoiding people and not wanting to socialise Getting through the stress and anxiety during your pregnancy Once you have identified the signs – it’s critical that you address them. How you do this is up to you, and there are a number of options that can be considered, from speaking to someone, going to a professional to get properly diagnosed to identifying your stress areas and working on relieving or finding solutions to better manage these. Even just taking time out to focus on yourself – regrouping, reassessing and realising what you need, and want, can go a long way in helping you get through such times. The process of growing a life can be quite daunting as you are focused on whether you are living your best life to ensure your little one’s growth is healthy. You worry about what you eat, drink and if you are doing enough physical activity to ensure that you are also healthy enough to have the best possible delivery process for you and baby. In some cases, the stress can be severe for expecting moms and ways to manage or deal with the stress and anxiety need to be top of mind – emotional health is probably one of the most important. Start small and maybe opt for a more intimate solution – talk to your partner about what is keeping you up at night and your fears of not doing enough for your unborn child. Your partner – or a good friend – can be your confidant and through doing this, you might find out that he is also stressing about – or has been through – similar or different things. Because you are both being open and sharing your feelings you will find comfort in one another and end-up reducing your stress and anxiety levels. You can also look at solutions or putting some things in place that work for both of you. And of course, it’s always good to know you are not alone in your fears. Additionally, keep these tips in mind when you are feeling overwhelmed: Reduce the time you spend on the internet – researching is great, but don’t get to a point where it consumes your entire life and fuels your paranoia. Take time in the day to meditate – quiet time to clear your mind and thoughts might be just what you need to calm yourself and have a level-head when reacting to situations and new information. Resting is vital – whether it’s sleeping early, taking breaks or going on a short vacation, time away from it all will help you with your stress levels. Try to eat healthy – when you eat healthy it translates to you feeling better about yourself and that way you focus less on negative things. Don’t overload yourself with work – don’t commit to stressful amounts of work, know your limits and plan your tasks accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety. How to deal with depression while pregnant Depression is an illness that alters your mood, causing you to feel sad and hopeless. In many cases, it is easier for women who have been diagnosed with depression previously and fall pregnant, to ‘relapse’ into depression as pregnancy can be quite overwhelming. In fact, 1 in 10 pregnant women suffer from Ante-natal Depression so it is essential that expectant moms take care of their mental health and know how to identify the cues. Pregnancy is an amazing thing to experience – enjoy the process of growing a life inside of you and make sure you are self and emotionally aware to notice the little, or big, things robbing you of fully experiencing this time in your life. Ensure that you have a solid support system around you – be it your partner, family or friends. Make your pregnancy journey one to remember and embrace every moment of it!
August 17, 2023
Webinar – Vaginal Infections during Pregnancy
Sr Talia discusses different vaginal infections that you can experience during pregnancy
August 11, 2023
Webinar – Gestational Diabetes
In this antenatal class, Sr Talia explains what Gestational Diabetes is, what the symptoms are and how to manage it.
July 28, 2023
Webinar – Caesarean Birth and Recovery
In this webinar, Sr Ingrid Groenewald explains the process of a Caesarean Birth and the recovery process thereafter.
July 21, 2023
Webinar – Post Birth Care for Moms
In today’s webinar, Sr Ingrid reminds Mom’s that’s it’s important to look after yourself post birth. What you can experience post birth and how to deal with the body changes, bleeding and uterus contractions.
July 14, 2023
WHEN AND WHY PREGNANCY ULTRASOUNDS ARE DONE
According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, pregnancy ultrasounds are an essential part of prenatal care that can provide valuable information about the health and development of the foetus. What is a Pregnancy Ultrasound? From the first glimpse of a tiny heartbeat to the detailed images of a fully-formed little human, ultrasound technology offers a window into pregnancy’s mysterious and wondrous world. Each ultrasound provides expectant parents a unique opportunity to connect with their babies, see their features taking shape, and witness the incredible miracle of life unfolding. How Do Pregnancy Ultrasounds Work? A pregnancy ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing foetus in the uterus. It allows healthcare professionals to monitor your unborn baby’s growth and development, assess the pregnancy’s health, and detect potential risks or abnormalities. When are Pregnancy Ultrasounds Done? Pregnancy ultrasounds are typically done at different points throughout the pregnancy, depending on the mother’s and the foetus’ medical needs. The most common times for ultrasounds are the following. First Trimester A first-trimester ultrasound is usually done between 6-12 weeks to confirm the pregnancy, determine whether you have more than one baby growing inside you, and assess the foetus’s gestational age. This ultrasound can also detect any abnormalities or potential risks to the pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Second Trimester A second-trimester ultrasound is usually done between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy to check the development of the foetus, including its size, weight, and organ development, and detect structural abnormalities, such as heart defects or cleft lip/palate. Third Trimester A third-trimester ultrasound is usually done between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy to check the position of the foetus, which is essential for planning delivery, as well as access the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus. In some cases, doctors may do additional ultrasounds in the case of a high-risk pregnancy. Benefits of Pregnancy Ultrasounds Pregnancy ultrasounds offer several benefits for both the mother and the baby, including: Early detection of potential problems Improved prenatal care Increased peace of mind Facilitating communication between the doctor and the expectant parents Detecting multiple pregnancies Providing a record of the pregnancy Good to know: To minimise the risks associated with pregnancy ultrasounds, it is crucial only to have ultrasounds when a healthcare provider recommends and to use qualified healthcare professionals who are trained in ultrasound techniques. Maternity Benefits from Affinity Affinity Health’s Maternity Benefits cover the costs of bringing new life into the world, ensuring that members can enjoy the most precious time without worrying about money. Members can access comprehensive maternity and postpartum benefits, including scans, blood tests, health advice, and guidance via Affinity’s Telehealth Call Centre (simply call 0861 11 00 33). The benefits are subject to policy types and Affinity Health rules, including coverage for hospitalisation, antenatal consultations, growth sonars, and pathology tests. Affinity Health also offers an all-inclusive birthing plan that provides members with access to gynaecologists, sonographers, social workers, psychologists, dieticians, and antenatal classes. With Affinity Health, new parents can rest easy knowing they have access to affordable and accessible healthcare products that protect them when it matters most. For more information on Affinity Health’s Maternity Benefits, click here. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
July 13, 2023
Retailer Alerts of Dangers of Buying Second-Hand Baby Goods
The second-hand infant goods market in South Africa is rapidly growing, providing much-needed affordable products and financial relief for families across the country who are struggling with the rising cost of living. First-time parents in South Africa spend on average upwards of R100,000 a year to raise a child and nursery set-up costs alone surge to more than R5,000. Despite the financial reprieve of purchasing second hand items, Babies R Us advises caution when purchasing some second-hand baby goods as they may have been recalled or are unsafe. The second-hand infant goods market is estimated to be worth around a billion rand with the primary buyers in South Africa from low-income families. Most purchased second hand items include clothes, toys, furniture, and equipment. According to a report last year by Mercari in the United States, 62 percent of parents purchased second-hand baby and kid products last year, with 58.7 percent of those surveyed doing so to save money. “As a retailer we understand parents are always looking for ways to save money when it comes to purchasing baby items, such as clothes, toys, and furniture,” she adds. “Unfortunately, buying some second-hand baby goods can have serious consequences for your child’s safety and health.” “There are a number of challenges in the second-hand infant goods market,” according to Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies r Us. “The primary being the lack of regulation and meeting safety standards which means it is difficult to ensure the quality and safety of the products.” She explains that South Africa does not have its own set of safety standards in place to regulate many infant related products, specifically those that are produced locally. “It’s not just about safety standards though, there’s a growing global concern of products being sold in the second-hand market that have been recalled for safety reasons.” According to a report by Kids in Danger, a non-profit organisation focused on children’s product safety, last year, the United States had the highest number of children’s product recalls since 2013 impacting everything from baby products to kids’ clothes and toys. Nursery products, items like strollers and baby swings, accounted for over half of the more than 5 million units of children’s products recalled in 2022 alone, the report found. By way of example she adds, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently calling on Meta and a well-respected manufacturer to recall a product being sold on Facebook Marketplace. The item in question has been linked to the deaths of approximately 100 infants which was recalled in 2019 ten years after it had been on the market. It is estimated that there are still over a million still in circulation having not been returned which are now being sold on sites like Facebook Marketplace. “Every parent wants their baby to be safe, but once the market is flooded with an unsafe product, it’s hard to bring it back,” she says. “Infant products make their way onto second hand sites, they’re in day-cares, at charitable organisations and have even been handed down to family members.” Jacoby notes however, that although it’s totally fine to buy second-hand for some products like clothes, some toys and even furniture, not every product can be safely bought second hand as some of these items are not subjected to the same safety standards as new items. “Experts advise that items like car seats, highchairs, strollers and cots should be bought new to ensure they meet the current safety standards and haven’t been recalled, don’t have any peeling paint, chips, or missing parts. “This ensures that the product is safety checked, you are notified if there are any issues with it and you can be assured of the safety of the product,” she explains. Additionally, Jacoby adds, used baby items may contain bacteria or viruses, which can cause serious illnesses in infants. It is important to clean and inspect them thoroughly before allowing your child to use them. “Our advice to parents is to research the products you are buying second hand, keep an eye out for great deals on new items and if you’re purchasing second hand items ensure you clean and inspect them properly,” she concludes. For more information visit: www.babiesrus.co.za
July 10, 2023
What to expect from your skin during pregnancy
It’s no secret that a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. These changes also affect the skin. The hormonal changes a woman goes through during the various stages of pregnancy may disrupt the skin’s delicate balance, resulting in anything from dehydration, to breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Your pre-pregnancy skincare routine will likely not suffice for the new challenges brought on by pregnancy, plus, if you use products containing active ingredients, you may need to reconsider your regime as the ingredients may not be safe for baby. For most women, pregnancy brings on a radiant glow, especially during the first trimester. This is due to an increase in blood flow, fluctuating hormone levels and increased oil production. However, this glow sadly doesn’t always last, and as a woman’s pregnancy journey evolves, she may begin to experience less desirable skincare changes. Some of the most common skin concerns women experience during pregnancy are: Acne Acne is extremely common among pregnant women, especially among those who have a history of acne or those who experience hormonal acne linked to their menstrual cycle. The change in hormones and increased oil production that is responsible for that pregnancy glow may lead to clogged pores and an increase in breakouts. This may range from occasional breakouts, to severe acne. Hyperpigmentation Have you ever heard of the “pregnancy mask”? Also known as melasma, it refers to a condition in which women develop dark marks on their skin during pregnancy. For some women it may be small freckle-like spots, and for others it may be larger, blotchy patches. Melasma is often symmetrical and occurs most commonly on the nose and cheeks (thus where the term “mask of pregnancy” comes from) but may also appear on the upper lip and forehead. Anyone can develop melasma, but it is particularly common among women with darker skins. Melasma occurs when a steep rise in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulates excess melanin production in the body. It usually develops during the second and third trimesters when these hormones are found in higher levels in the body. Melasma may be intensified by sun exposure and one of the most important things you can do to avoid this is to protect your skin against the sun’s rays by applying a broad spectrum SPF product every day. The good news is that melasma is usually temporary and will fade after pregnancy. Skin sensitivity Skin sensitivity is extremely common during pregnancy, largely due to increased hormone levels. Some women may also experience flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It’s important to avoid skincare ingredients that are harsh or drying, and to opt for soothing products free from fragrances and colourants. Dryness and dehydration Hormone changes may cause skin to lose elasticity and moisture, which is why dry skin is a common concern during pregnancy. Replenish moisture by drinking plenty of water and by applying moisturising products containing hydrating and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Ingredients to avoid: Some ingredients used in certain skincare products may be harmful to your baby, so it’s important to reconsider your skincare regime as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (or if you’re trying to conceive). Avoid products with high caffeine content, retinol (vitamin A) and salicylic acid, especially during the first trimester. It’s important to avoid any prescription skincare products during pregnancy as these may be harmful to your baby. Professional treatments like Botulinum Toxin injections, filler, laser and certain chemical peels are also not recommended during pregnancy, however, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe facials available. Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional if you’re uncertain as to which products are safe. Ingredients you may use: Hyaluronic acid is considered the best ingredient for dry and dehydrated skins and it is safe to apply during pregnancy. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, coconut oil etc are also safe. UVB ray blockers like zinc and titanium are safe and are a must to help prevent darkening of hyperpigmentation. Pregnancy-safe skincare Biomedical Emporium’s trusted Maternology range is a scientifically formulated skincare range suitable from pre-conception to Mom-to-be. This range is simplistic, easy and safe to use. The ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals and covers a wide array of gentle and effective ingredients to treat your skin optimally when trying to conceive as well as during pregnancy. The Maternology range will assist to control skin concerns associated with pregnancy such as pigmentation, acne and severe sensitivity. Try this trusted 3-step daily skincare regime and enjoy healthy skin throughout your pregnancy: Biomedical Emporium Maternology Cleanse (R274.00) Offering deep cleansing and mild exfoliation, this cleanser gently unclogs pores while soothing and calming skin. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Skin Stabilising Serum (R1060) This skin-calming serum helps smoothe fine lines and wrinkles while preventing and diminishing hormonal pigmentation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Day SPF30 (R1233.00) This is a sunscreen moisturiser suitable for moms-to-be, that prevents photo-ageing, controls the skin’s oil production and reduces redness caused by UV radiation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Night Therapy (R1200.00) This night cream provides cellular hydration to help combat dryness, rebalances the biodiversity of the skin and restores to skin barrier. Whether you’re loving your pregnancy skin or facing skincare challenges, it’s important to stick to all the skincare basics you knew before you were expecting: maintain a suitable skincare regime twice a day, never go to bed with makeup on, change your pillowcase regularly, disinfect your cellphone regularly, drink lots of water, eat fresh and unprocessed foods, try not to touch your face and remember to apply SPF every day. If in doubt about your skincare, or if you’re struggling to combat any of the concerns you’re faced with, make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed
June 23, 2023
Dealing with anxiety during pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a very happy and exciting time of your life, however, it can also be a time that is very difficult for some expecting moms. This is often made more difficult by the fact that many family and friends expect you to be thrilled, and conflicting emotions are often surrounded by guilt. Your mental health is important, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to snap out of it, or soldier on alone. What is anxiety during pregnancy? It’s natural for an expecting mom to have worries, this is a new and ever-changing part of your life. However, if your anxiety is ever-present, can’t be controlled easily and impact on your daily life it may be time to seek help. Worrying is part of being human, and if you have struggled to conceive or have lost a baby before, it’s very understandable that you may worry about your baby’s health. You may also worry about whether you’ll be a good parent or how your family dynamic will change, and these are all normal worries. But if you find your heart racing, your breathing shallow, obsessively worrying with racing thoughts, feeling restless or struggling to eat or sleep you may have anxiety. Anxiety in pregnancy is fairly normal, and you’re more likely to experience it if you’ve had anxiety in the past, have a high-risk pregnancy or are dealing with huge life stresses. What can I do about it? If you think you may have anxiety during your pregnancy, know that you are not alone or abnormal, as many expecting moms have experienced this. If you’re struggling, the best way forward is not put up with it, but to seek help. Speaking to a psychologist is a good way to start dealing with why you are suffering from anxiety and how you can deal with it. Medication during pregnancy can be tricky but are an option if they’ll benefit you and your babies well being. Staying active, eating healthy and trying to get enough sleep are also ways in which you can help yourself. Talking to others that have gone through pregnancy, or making sure that you rely on your family and partner for support are also ways in which you cope with your feelings and feel less isolated.
June 8, 2023
Your Guide To Hiring a Nanny Through an Agency
Hiring a nanny is a big deal with many factors to consider. A key decision is whether to hire a nanny through an agency or on your own. Not hiring an agency means you’ll have to do all the legwork yourself which can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Using an agency can be a great way to find a nanny who meets your specific needs. The process of hiring a nanny through an agency can be a little bit daunting; However it’s worth it to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re hiring a qualified and experienced nanny who has been vetted by an experienced agency. Agencies can also provide support after the nanny is hired, such as addressing any concerns or replacing the nanny if things go wrong. Common Nanny Types Live-in nannies live with the family they work for full time. They are typically available 24/7 and can provide a high level of care for children. Live-out nannies do not live with the family they work for full time. They work a set number of hours per week and are not available overnight. Part-time nannies provide their services occasionally. Night nannies only work overnight to care for children. They can help with night feedings or diaper changes. Special skills nannies have skills or qualifications such as CPR training, first aid training, or experience with children with special needs Choosing the Right Nanny When choosing a nanny, it is important to consider your family’s needs and preferences such as: The age of your children. You may need a nanny with experience caring for infants or toddlers. Your family’s schedule. You may need a nanny who is available to work long hours or who can work nights or weekends. Your budget. The cost of nannies can vary depending on their experience, qualifications, and the number of hours they work. Your family’s values. You may want to choose a nanny who shares your religious beliefs. Interviews The aim of an interview is to ensure that the candidate is a good fit for your family. Interviews can take place telephonically, face-face or as a trial day. Be sure to ask questions about their experience, qualifications, childcare philosophy and availability. Using the Find Your Nanny Agency FindYourNanny is a South African agency that has helped over 3000 families find their dream nannies. The FindYourNanny hiring process is simple and straightforward: Go to www.findyournanny.co.za and select a nanny type and placement package to suit your needs. Complete the online registration form and pay the once off registration fees. FindYourNanny will send you candidate profiles including experience and references. Select candidates to interview. Make an offer to the nanny you want to hire. Pay the placement fee for your chosen package. Onboard your nanny and provide them with information about your family, your expectations, and your house rules. You can contact FindYourNanny on [email protected].
June 6, 2023
Tips for Mums & Dads When Transitioning from 1 Child to 2
Giving birth to your firstborn child sees you worrying about how and what to do right as you find your feet and transition into first-time parent mode. Welcoming your second child into your new family, you will be backed by prior experience to support you in your new role as family ‘multi-tasker’ as you embrace managing the love, care, feeding, soothing, and sleeping of 2 under 2! Welcoming in a second child will be different for every family. Each child is born distinctive from their sibling and your role as mother or father becomes a balancing act which may take time to adjust to. What is true for all second-time parents is that with increased time pressures, there are higher stress levels mothering two children who need round the clock care. Now, instead of taking naps alongside your newborn you will be spending precious time with your toddler. Happily, in the changing world around us, traditional gender roles are evolving as Dads help more around the home and do a lot to ease motherhood for mum’s post the birthing process. Partners may bring their boardroom logic into crises managing a moment with quick thinking and the most direct solution when your toddler and baby are both demanding – at full volume – to be fed! Parenting routines and caring for your kids may come first, and taking time for things other than motherhood at this challenging stage can seem unrealistic but like a diamond is pressured into pure sparkling beauty, it is also an opportunity for you as new mums and dads to set routines, prep meals, and delegate responsibilities with the right tools on hand so you can still carve out space in the day to connect with your partner or spouse, take a restorative five minute walk around the block, or journal in your diary. Philips Avent South Africa share some life tips and home hacks to grounding your new family in a harmonious home routine and setting the perfect scene for both your tiny tykes to grow and thrive: #1 Home Coming & Family introductions: Even kids as young as 18 months to 2 years can feel that things are changing. Prepare your firstborn child for your new arrival into the family only when the time is right and you feel ready to do so. Introduce the idea to your toddler that baby will be someone new to love, and that having a sibling is a privilege and a gift and they can be excited having a new role as an older sibling. Don’t oversell the idea however as you may set them up for rivalry. #2 Home Help Routine: Once your newborn has been introduced home, set up your new routines as soon as possible, by aligning feeding and nap times as much as possible to avoid double duty during the day. Second time Mum Sandy (33) claims her superpowers of adaptation saw her master the art of breastfeeding her newborn and spoon feeding her toddler at the same time. She suggests that for whichever task you avoid or dislike the most, this is the area to adapt and master. “I felt challenged by breastfeeding as I had sore, cracked nipples making it painful, and uncomfortable to feed either of my sons so much so that I would dread feeding times! “I was ecstatic when I discovered Philips Avent nipple shields, they protected my scabbed, sensitive nipples so they could recover and I could breastfeed again. Nipple shields made all the difference, thank goodness.” Breastfeeding your newborn should be your priority, with proper latching and full feeds at correct times. For working mums, you newborn and toddler can still benefit from breastmilk when you master the art of breastmilk pumping to ensure you have milk stored in milk storage bags in the freezer. These can be defrosted for feeds for your newborn by Dad or other caregivers or used for meal top ups of breastmilk for your firstborn toddler. Having the right tools to soothe and protect your breasts and efficiently pump your breastmilk makes it easier to stay comfortable and continue breastfeeding until the minimum 24-month breastfeeding period has been reached. #3 Planning & Prepping Meals In the new era of breast pumping, both the Philips Avent manual and electric breast pumps are quiet, and you can stay positioned upright allowing you to continue pumping and feeding, providing the necessary elixir of breastmilk that your children require during the day. Small and inconspicuous, both the Philips Avent manual breast pump and the Philips Avent electric breast pump will easily fits into your bag when you are on the go. The Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed for mums who want to combine breast and bottle feeding, with its soft, breast-shaped teat which encourages a natural latch and mimics the feel of a breast, making the switch between breast and bottle as smooth as possible for you and your baby and other parents and caregivers to step in for supported feeds. The spiral design of the teat and petals ensure it naturally flexes and doesn’t collapse when your little one is feeding, so your baby can enjoy an uninterrupted feed. More importantly the anti-colic valve in the Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed to reduce colic and discomfort by venting air into the bottle and away from your baby’s tummy for 60% less fussing at night. Generally, after the first month, babies gain an average of 500g to 1 kilogram per month within the first six months. Breast milk is the ideal first food, but beyond this stage, both milk and solid foods are needed to help your baby grow and continue to gain around 2 kilograms per month. Many babies are happy to wait until around six months to begin weaning and at this age can learn the skills needed for eating solid food very quickly especially if there is an older brother or sister to mimic at feeding times. However, babies
June 2, 2023
WHEN AND HOW TO EXERCISE POST CAESAREAN
If you are wondering what life post caesarean surgery is going to be like, this is the blog for you. We will be looking at how and when you will be able to start exercising again after your op, and what exercises may actually aid your recovery. Read on below now for these tips. Pelvic Floor (Or Kegel) Exercises You may have been practicing Kegel exercises before the birth of your child. This is the first type of exercise you will be able to, and should do post caesarean. This will help you with any incontinence you may experience, as well as help you re-strengthen your pelvic floor. Once your catheter has been removed, you will be able to start up on these exercises once more. Abdominal Exercises You will also need to re-strengthen your abdominal muscles. These will help you protect your spine during recovery and keep your core strong. Here is a recommended ab exercise for during recovery: Lie on your side with a slight bend in the knee Relax your abdominal muscles and begin to inhale and exhale gently While exhaling, try to pull in your abdomen muscles ever so gently Whilst doing this, gently squeeze your pelvic floor as well Hold this pose for ten seconds Repeat this process ten times When To Start Physical Exercise Post Caesarean If you want to begin your physical work out again, you will need to wait between 6-8 weeks post caesarean as a general rule of thumb. Begin with light, low-impact exercises such as swimming, Pilates or yoga. Wait until 12 weeks to begin more high impact workouts such as running or resistance training. However, remember to always consult with your doctor before beginning any form (low or high intensity) training post your caesarean operation.
May 25, 2023
YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Looking after your health is important, but even more so when you are an expectant mom. There are several steps you can take to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and give your little one the best possible start in life, here are a few tips brought to you by Bonitas Medical Fund. Eating right is vital Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop properly. There’s no need to go on a special diet but, it is important to eat a variety of foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need. Eating healthily often means just changing the the foods you eat so that your diet is varied. Staying active is a must Regular exercise will help you control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood and help you sleep better. Pilates, yoga, swimming and walking are all great activities for pregnant women. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Listen to your body though and don’t overdo it. Be sure to check with your doctor first, before starting any exercise programme. Approach chores with caution Chores like scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning up after pets can become risky when you are pregnant. Exposure to toxic chemicals, lifting heavy objects or coming into contact with bacteria can be harmful. So, avoid heavy lifting, climbing on ladders, changing the kitty litter, using harsh chemicals and standing for long periods of time. Take care of your feet Weight gain during pregnancy throws off your centre of gravity, which puts extra pressure on your feet. This can cause painful flattening out of the feet. You may retain fluids too, which can make your feet and ankles swell. To prevent this, wear comfy shoes with good support. Many pregnant moms find they need a larger shoe size even after they give birth, so go a size up if you need to. Benefits for you and your baby Bonitas offers a wide range of maternity benefits as well as benefits for newborns and babies. These are paid for from Risk so they are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits. Some are: Maternity benefits Having children is expensive. That’s why Bonitas pays for your maternity benefits in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits so you can focus on the things that really matter. Contact The Bonitas Maternity Programme today to see all the benefits when you click here. Bonitas is also in the process of establishing a comprehensive mother and baby support programme which will offer pregnant moms a range of benefits including: 24/7 pregnancy care helpline Dedicated Bonitas care advisors Pregnancy education SMSs and emails Online pregnancy education Bonitas pregnancy events with expert speakers on prenatal and postnatal care The full programme has bee available since March 2020 and will ensure there is sufficient support for moms throughout the pregnancy journey. Education and information will be provided to allow for healthier pregnancies which in turn could support higher incidences of natural birth. But there will also be management and support for pregnancy complications including miscarriage and gestational diabetes. In addition, your stay in hospital when your baby arrives will also be covered. Please make sure you pre-authorise your hospital stay after your 24th week of pregnancy. Please note: Your maternity benefits will depend on the medical aid option you have selected. Newborn hearing screening Significant hearing loss is the most common disorder at birth which is why screening all newborns for hearing loss is internationally recommended. We cover two electrophysiological techniques, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and optoacoustic emissions (OAE) for all babies under 8 weeks old, in or out-of-hospital allowing you to ensure your baby’s hearing is intact or intervene early if necessary. Congenital hypothyroidism screening Cover for TSH tests (to screen for congenital hypothyroidism) is available on all options for children under a month old. Help is just a call away with BabyLine BabyLine (0860 999 121) is the first dedicated children’s health advice line in South Africa. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is run by paediatric-trained nurses who assist with any queries related to your little one’s health and wellness. The benefit is available to all Bonitas members and is for children under 3 years, it offers: Home care advice Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the same day Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the following day After-hours care within the next six hours Immediate referral to the E
May 22, 2023
You’re Pregnant! Now what? What to expect when you are expecting and knowing your rights as a new Mom
Every second four babies are born somewhere in the world. Most births are usually preceded by the most popular question: Is it a boy or a girl? In South Africa, 1 million births took place in 2021 with the most popular choice of birth names being Lethabo and Melokuhle according to Statistics South Africa, both of which represent positive connotations of love and acceptance. And, did you know that statistically, slightly more boys are born than girls with the World Health Organisation stating that around 105 boys are born per 100 girls. Whether you choose to find out the sex of your foetus at your 20-week ultrasound appointment and throw a celebratory baby naming ceremony with friends and family or; you prefer to be surprised on the day of your delivery, it will undoubtedly be a watershed moment. No one forgets the day they turned into a bona fide parent responsible for building and strengthening the mother-father-and-child bond through everyday love and caring. As a parent, you will want what is best for your baby from day one. With 30 years of clinical experience in baby feeding, Philips Avent has been designing and manufacturing solutions to meet your needs developed through extensive research, clinical trials and, even more importantly by listening to parents like you. While developing innovations based on a deep understanding of mom and baby physiology, we are here to support you every step of the way. Preparing for Birth Not everyone is gifted with the opportunity to fall pregnant and deliver a child into the world. When you do fall pregnant however you also realise that your growing belly doesn’t come with a manual for life. Rather, you are the manual, and it is your responsibility to look after yourself first and then your child in the best conceivable way. It is your turn now to step up to being the ‘Mom know best’ in your life, while gathering information along your journey, finding support, asking questions and using the best tools for loving, nurturing, nourishing and growing that new life inside of you which carries fifty percent of its DNA from Mom and the other half from Dad. Self-care When you test positive for a baby, your physical body immediately gets to work and you will notice changes such as weight gain, backache, and fluid retention as the pressure of your growing womb affects the blood flow in your legs. Gestation is not only a time for your baby to grow and develop but for you to become more conscious and attentive to the needs of you and your body. Self-care means resting when you are tired, cutting out junk foods and food cravings, walking or stretching daily to strengthen your body in preparation for the birth and preparing your home nest to receive a new member who will fit into your everyday routines as seamlessly as possible. Trimester Checklists The first trimester is the most important period of your baby’s development. This is when your baby’s structure and organs develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this uncertain period and your body also undergoes major changes. First Trimester Essentials: Week 1 – 13: Start taking a prenatal vitamin and avoid unsafe foods such as raw eggs, deli meat and raw fish. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and reduce your caffeine intake. Stay hydrated and try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Settle on a gynaecologist, midwife, or other prenatal care provider Check your medical aid insurance to see if it covers prenatal care and delivery Schedule your first prenatal appointment usually around the 8-week mark Talk to your doctor or midwife about prenatal testing to check for genetic defects and HIV. Check your finances, the costs of your baby and how maternity leave will impact you. Start a budget and a savings plan. Discuss your parenting ideas with your partner and agree on how you want to raise your child and research parenting and prenatal classes you can sign up for together. You Have a Baby! Now What? Following the birth, the first ten days with your newborn at home will prove to be as big a learning curve as it was on initially hearing you were pregnant. Don’t panic, this is where your instincts get to kick in and perform at their best. If you don’t have a mom, sister, or doula to support you, here are a few practical tips for your baby’s healthy development: Do as much skin to skin contact as possible. Your baby loves feeling, hearing, and smelling your presence which gives them a sense of protection and calm. Hug, touch, talk and stroke your child as much as possible. Within only a few days, your newborn can start smiling back when people smile at them. Breastmilk wins every time. Mother’s milk is pure elixir to babies helping them to grow properly and develop their immune systems. Breast pumping is an easy and practical method for modern mums to bring in your milk and ensure you supply enough breast milk at every feed and for the two-year mandated breastfeeding period while juggling life and a career. Embrace every moment and love every challenge with the Philips Avent Electric Breast pump which offers a new era in expressing with a perfect balance of suction and nipple stimulation inspired by the natural way baby’s drink. Communicate with your new-born. Talk to your child in soft tones and baby talk. You will notice they can hear and will soon start to memorise and copy your words. Understand why they are crying. A newborn baby is unable to look after itself and relies on you to attend to its needs. A baby will cry when hungry, if it has a soiled nappy, is tired, needs a cuddle, has wind, is too hot or cold, or is bored or overstimulated. TIP: Babies suckle to calm themselves. For babies with a strong need to
May 10, 2023
YOGA AND PILATES FOR PREGNANT MOMS
Staying active during your pregnancy is another important way of staying healthy. Not only is exercise good for you physically, but it helps relieve stress, improve sleep and boost your mood. However, being pregnant, especially later on in your pregnancy, means that you’ll need to consider what exercise you’re doing. Contact and high-risk sports are a no-no, but if you are looking for a way to stay fit, prenatal yoga and pilates could be your answer. Why yoga and pilates? Prenatal yoga and pilates can help you strengthen your body, stop excess weight gain and help prepare your body for childbirth. Both are low impact and can be adjusted to suit you and your growing baby. During your pregnancy, you may experience backache, aching legs and abdominal pain. Providing nothing serious is wrong, yoga and pilates can help alleviate pain through strengthening your body. Prenatal yoga and pilates classes are specifically tailored to expecting moms, so should be completely safe unless you are recommended otherwise. Getting ready for birth Not only can these practices help reduce stress and anxiety, but they can also help you during childbirth. The combo of stretching and strengthening your body should mean that your body is more equipped to deal with the stress of labour and birth. Strong core and pelvic will help support your spine and help you during birth. Joining prenatal yoga and pilates classes will help you connect with other expecting moms and, a professional can guide you through which poses are best for you throughout your pregnancy. Not only can yoga help you physically, but the breathing techniques you’ve learnt can help calm and focus you during labour. Is there anything I should be cautious of or avoid? Although good for you, there are still certain yoga and pilates poses and exercises that you should avoid during your pregnancy. If you are new to yoga and pilates, most studios offer prenatal classes for beginners, and, if you are practising already you can probably continue with most of your practice, just let your instructor know you’re expecting – they can help you modify your routine. Things to be cautious of are hot yoga, full inversions (poses on your head), deep twists and exercises that cause you to crunch your abdominal cavity. Your body is in constant flux as your baby develops, meaning some days you’ll feel energised whereas otherwise will leave you feeling drained. Because of this, it’s important that you are aware of how your body is feeling while practising. If you notice anything unusual or painful it’s best to chat with your doctor.
May 8, 2023
Medela Nursing Wear: Comfortable and Convenient for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience. It is a special time to feel close to your baby. Medela nursing bras are designed and tailored to your needs. These nursing bras don’t just look good, they fit perfectly to the body and provide gentle support. 3-In-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra (From R 1999.99) Pump and breastfeed in complete comfort with the Medela nursing and pumping bra. With a 3-in-1 versatile design, it’s lightweight, ultra-breathable, and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit and ultimate comfort. This 1-step, hands-free pumping bra makes pumping easy. Its convenient design fits most breast shields and in-bra breastpumps. This 3-In-1 nursing and pumping bra is perfect for all-day wear and designed for In-Bra Pumping, Electric Pumping, and Nursing with comfort and ease even while pumping. Features: Hands-Free Pumping: Pair with a Medela Electric Breast Pump for a 1-Step hands-free pumping journey or use with an in-bra pump for a discreet, comfortable pumping experience. Full Drop-Down Cups: When nursing, enjoy maximum skin-to-skin contact to encourage bonding with your baby. Soft Touch Adaptive Stretch: Made with Adaptive Stretch material to grow with your changing body. Perfect For All-Day Comfort: With its strap-style top, the bra is designed for a snug and tight feel, providing medium to high support to comfortably carry out daily tasks. Compatibility: Medela 3-In-1 is designed to work with Medela Electric Breast Pumps, wearable pumps, in-bra, and other electric pump brands. Hands-Free Pumping Bustier (From R 1299.99) The Medela Hands-free™ Pumping Bustier makes pumping easy and convenient. It has a strapless design with an easy-fit front zip and hook, so it is quick and easy to put on. Bottles can be slid in from the front in one easy step. With the Medela Hands-free Pumping Bustier, you can express breast milk with all Medela double electric breast pumps. Features: Hands-Free Pumping: Made for easy expression, Medela Pumping Bustier gives the freedom and flexibility to allow for a completely hands-free experience, leaving you free to simply relax or multitask comfortably. Adaptive Stretch: With a strapless tube top design, the Hands-Free Pumping Bustier is designed to have a snug and tight feel which will adapt to the unique body shape over time. Soft Touch Material: For comfort through the pumping journey while reducing breast compression allowing for maximum milk flow. Pump More Discreetly: Works perfectly with Medela breast shields and provides full nipple coverage, so you can. Compatibility: Medela’s Hands-Free Pumping Bra is designed to work perfectly with Medela Electric Breast Pumps: Pump in Style with Maxflow, Swing Maxi, Freestyle Flex, Sonata, and Symphony. But is also compatible with most other breast pumps on the market. Medela Family App The Medela Family app is your personal helper. With the app, you can easily track important stats for pregnancy, baby, and breastfeeding and it gives you tips and support to help you meet your goals. Features of the Medela Family App: Knowledge Centre – A library of expert-written educational articles to help you prepare and learn along your journey. Personal helper – Our smart assistant helps you troubleshoot technical problems and get answers to frequently asked questions. Easy to use – The Medela Family app was designed from scratch with high usability standards including a night mode for easier reading in dim lighting. Virtual milk storage – With this smart milk inventory system you will always know how much milk you have in your stash. Hands-free voice control – Use your voice to track a session! Especially handy when changing a dirty diaper. Baby tracking – The following sessions can be tracked for one or more babies: breastfeeding, pumping, sleep, bottle feeding, diaper changes, weight, and length. Pregnancy tracking – With Medela Family you can track the duration, frequency, and pain intensity of contractions. The Medela Family is available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery. All Medela products are available from Dis-Chem, Baby City, and other major retailers. Follow Medela on Instagram @Medela_sa and Facebook @MedelaSA.
May 5, 2023
New in SA – Vital Baby Launches Exciting New Products – from Sterilising to Weaning
Innovative new products from Vital Baby help you with hygiene and nourishment for your little one from birth through weaning and well into toddlerhood. Vital Baby NOURISH Prep & wean – R3,799.00 Steam cook and blend healthy homemade meals quickly for your little one with our NOURISH prep & wean™. Simple and easy to use, the prep & wean™ has three distinct functions and a large 900ml jug capacity to help you through every step of weaning – sterilising, steaming, and blending. Steam mode – cook food efficiently and effortlessly, while also preserving as many vitamins and nutrients as possible. The two-tier design gives you the option to cook two separate foods at the same time – great for steaming different foods that have varying cooking times. Blend mode – Blades that never lose their sharpness can blend all types of food! The five different blending settings allow you to create a range of textures to suit all stages of weaning – from first tastes to big kid meals and beyond. Effortlessly creating smooth purees for early weaning, then chunky textures as your baby develops, while also allowing you to incorporate the nutrients-filled residual water from steaming. Sterilising mode – The effective release of steam means that the prep & wean™ can also be used as a super-quick steriliser for a single bottle, or accessories, proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria in just 8 minutes! Vital Baby HYGIENE Advanced pro UV sterilizer & dryer – R4,699.00 Through innovation and advances in technology, Vital Baby’s HYGIENE Advanced Pro UV Sterilizer & Dryer is here, and it’s better than ever. Using the latest UV LED technology, Vital Baby’s HYGIENE Advanced Pro UV Sterilizer & Dryer kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in just 7 minutes. Sterilise what we hear you ask? About anything that will fit. The Advanced Pro UV is efficient and versatile and, as there’s no need for water, chemicals, or heat, is suitable for use with a wide range of items – from bottles, teats, soothers, toys and breast pumps to small accessories, mobile phones, keys, cosmetic brushes and more… Modes Complete with four modes for ultimate convenience, the advanced pro UV fits around you: Sterilise mode – advanced, energy efficient UV LED’s and expertly designed diamond efficiency interior gives a super-fast sterilising time of 7 minutes. Dry mode – patented drying system and HEPA G4 filter dries contents in just 17 minutes, while also trapping dust, mould, bacteria, and virus particles as small as PM2.5 (that’s about 3% of the diameter of a human hair!). Auto mode – Starting with a drying cycle before automatically performing a sterilising cycle, this mode gives you sterile and dry contents, ready to use in just 29 minutes. Store mode – Store mode completes a full 29-minute sterilising and drying cycle, before periodically activating the bacteria killing UV LEDs for 1 minute, every hour, for up to 3 days. UV sterilisation is proven to be an effective way to kill 99.99% of bacteria, mould and viruses without the fuss of conventional sterilisers that use chemicals, water or heat. It’s important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment as it helps to protect your baby’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. To sterilise effectively, you should make sure that all bottles, teats, and accessories are disassembled and washed thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinsed clean before sterilising. You can leave the sterilised contents inside the steriliser for 24 hours, but make sure the lid is kept closed for the duration. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. Vital Baby HYGIENE Pro Steam Sterilizer – R3,299.00 Protect your baby’s developing immune system by safely killing 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mould with the Vital Baby HYGIENE pro steam sterilizer. Its tall and sleek design means it doesn’t take up workspace in the kitchen, without compromising sterilizer capacity. Its versatile design gives you the option to sterilise using all tiers, or just the top tier for smaller items and what’s more, when the HYGIENE pro steam sterilizer’s lid is kept closed after sterilising, the contents remain sterile for up to 24 hours. Complete with three modes for ultimate convenience, the pro steam steriliser & dryer fits around you; Sterilise mode – using only steam, this steriliser is proven to safely kill 99.9% of bacteria in just 6 minutes. Drying mode – the less time spent hand drying bottles and accessories, the better! For use straight after sterilising, the built-in, powerful dryer ensures the contents are dry and ready for use in just 40 minutes. Auto mode – the best of both worlds for ultimate convenience! Starting with a drying cycle before automatically performing a sterilising cycle, this mode gives you sterile and dry contents in just 46 minutes. 100% chemical free sterilisation, simply add water and select the mode on the easy-to-use LCD display, then enjoy some precious time with your little one! Compatible with any bottles, teats, breast pump accessories, teethers, soothers and more. These and other Vital Baby products are available at www.vitalbabyshop.co.za
May 3, 2023
Preterm Labour
Although most moms pregnancies last 40 weeks (your baby will have spent 38 weeks in your uterus) sometimes birth can begin prematurely. If you go into labour anytime between week 20 and 37 is known as preterm labour. A baby delivered before this is known as miscarrige, and anytime after week 37 is considered normal. If you suspect you’re going into labour early it’s critical that you contact your doctor as quickly as possible so that they can assist you. Ideally your baby needs to stay in your uterus until full term, but even if your baby is premature (sometimes called a preemie) they can still go on to lead a healthy life. Here are the signs of preterm labour, how you can try prevent it and what to do if you think that your baby might be coming early. How to decrease your risk of preterm labour There are some things that increase your risk of going into premature labour – however, that being said, just because your risk factors are low, you aren’t guaranteed not to go into preterm labour. Firstly, throughout your pregnancy staying healthy is critical. Smoking, drinking and recreational drug use are all activities that increase your risk of preterm labour (amongst other things). Good nutrition and prenatal care is a key aspect of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Other risk factors include, having more than one baby in your uterus, short intervals between pregnancies and having had another baby preterm. There are certain infections and chronic conditions that can also contribute to preterm labour. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, depression, chronic kidney or heart disease or infections can all lead to preterm labour and birth. Signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing preterm labour Controlling what you can, keeping a healthy pregnancy lifestyle and maintaining good prenatal care are not guarantees for your baby’s timely arrival. However, spotting preterm labour early means that you’ll be able to receive treatment as quickly as possible. Backache and pressure in your lower belly (almost as if your baby is pushing down) as well as bell cramps and contractions are all signs of premature labour. These contractions are different to Braxton Hicks contractions as they are regular. Other signs include a change in your vaginal discharge to watery or bloody, or even experiencing a gush of fluid from your vagina. What happens if I go into preterm labour? If you suspect preterm labour let your doctor know right away. Once you have alerted your doctor they’ll give you medication to stop the birth or slow down your labour. How close you are to your due date will impact on how they decide to treat you. You may be given medication to slow or stop your contractions, as well as medication that will help your babies lungs mature and grow, as if they are born preterm they may not work on their own. If your baby is born preterm it is likely they’ll need special care from the hospital as they are at higher risk of health complications. However, even if your baby is preemie they can still go on to live a healthy life.
May 2, 2023
Top Tips for new moms getting the nutrients they need when breastfeeding
When your baby relies on you and your precious breast milk to provide the essential nutrients they need to help them grow and give them the best start in life, it is crucial you are eating healthily. Finding the time and the energy to eat properly when you have a new baby to care for can be challenging, so here are a few helpful tips:
April 28, 2023
Can you use Pokkelokkie reusable nappies with twins?
Yes you can! When you opt for reusable nappies for two babies, the choice is still the same. You don’t want to throw single use plastics in a bin. You don’t want to waste a heap of a money on throwaways. The benefits of reusing is really felt when you have two babies in nappies. Disposable nappies will cost around R40 000 in total. Just in the first four months, around R8000 will be spent on single use plastics, in the bin. Quite jaw dropping! We often suggest using a flat type of diaper for twins for a number of reasons. Flats are the modern-day version of the terri towelling squares. Flats dry the fastest and when you have two, it is very convenient to have fast drying nappies (especially in Winter). Because a flat can be manipulated, it can fit a smaller baby beautifully. Twins are often born slightly smaller. Flats are the most economical if on a budget. They also fit the longest. Another pro. Throwing some fitted style of nappies in is, however, “nice to have” as they are very easy nappies for those first blurry days. Dads and carers can manage a fitted initially, a lot faster. We recommend starting out with around forty eight nappies. See below for examples of full time, ideal twin stashes. We have not included things like laundry or Wipey reusable wipes into the costings below. Note, we plan to add these sets to our website soon but in the meantime just contact us and we will make them/or any set up for you. Option A An all flats stash: Around R9000 48 Flats – small 58 Newborn Boosters (always have a few extra boosters on hand) 16 Superwrap Covers 20 Snappies (these get lost with the socks) 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option B Mixed stash: Around R10 000 24 Small Flats 24 Dawn Patrol Day Fitted’s 58 Newborn Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 10 Snappies 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option C Mixed stash: Around R9500 36 Small Flats 12 Dawn Patrol Fitted’s 58 Newborn Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 10 Snappies 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option D Fitted only stash: Around R10 500 48 Dawn Patrol Fitted’s 50 Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads If wanting to start part time, you could take the above sets and simply halve them. Honestly though my best advice is to just go full time, from the beginning. You will probably end up using the odd disposable here and there, but if you just start using cloth nappies you will get into the swing of it and never look back. After having to carry a weeks worth of black bags of poopy single use plastics out to the trash, the waste is phenomenal (170 nappies per week. How many bags is this??). Do it once and then use cloth nappies – you will see what I mean. Washing With twins you ideally wash every day. It just makes it easier. Pop the nappies in, rinse them. Then a main wash. Hang to dry. Having 48 nappies, you end up washing around 16 nappies a day for the first four months. It changes after that as babies start to use less nappies. Washing is easily done with load shedding- simply time the load between the off periods. Washing at night is very doable. We must adapt. Cost analysis Disposables cost around R2000/ month for two babies. Working on 10 – 12 nappies a day (this is what babies use initially). Four months= R8000 of waste. Cloth nappies (option A above) = R8 600 Nothing in the bin. The small flats can be reused as boosters in bigger nappies. The boosters can be used way past the newborn stage. The flats can fit to 8kg (often past the four month mark). You only need to upsize once straight to a large flat. Add bigger covers from 7kg. When ready, you can resell the whole set for more than half of what you paid, generate another R5000 and purchase some bigger nappies for the last leg of the journey. No brainer. In total disposables can/ will cost around R40 000 for two. Not less, probably more. What has not been worked into this is the tons of waste generated by single use or store bought wet wipes and bum creams needed for rashes caused by disposables. Cloth nappies and reusable Wipey cloth wipes will cost less than half. You will experience little to no rashes and pure joy. The reusable journey is ultimately more satisfying and rewarding. “It’s not more difficult because its twins. Whether its one baby or two, using cloth is the same ” says Danica who has been using our flats exclusively on her two for over two months now, full time. “Yes it takes a bit of effort but everything is a challenge with twins. Its not a challenge because its cloth nappies. Getting out the door is tricky with our third child, on time. My advice is to have a good washing machine and to wash every day. Our machine is a 5kg and works perfectly for two. Cloth just becomes part of your routine- its not a big deal. Be prepared to have your nappies hanging around the house- its our new decor. We love it. ” To chat about how to get going and stash options, get hold of us. We will not only help you with what to get, but also be ready to help at any point once the babies arrive and you get going. Visit our website here Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram
April 20, 2023
5 DANGERS OF SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the dangers of smoking during pregnancy. “While the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in South Africa has decreased in recent decades, it is still a significant public health concern that requires continued attention and support to help pregnant women quit smoking and protect the health of their unborn babies,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Quitting smoking is the best way to protect the health of both the mother and the baby. Many resources are available to help pregnant women quit smoking, including counselling, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy. Seeking help is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.” When a woman smokes cigarettes during pregnancy, the harmful chemicals in the tobacco smoke enter her bloodstream and pass through the placenta to the developing foetus. This can lead to a range of adverse health effects. Despite this, many women smoke during pregnancy because they are unaware of the risks or find quitting difficult. Dangerous Chemicals in Cigarettes Cigarette smoke contains various harmful chemicals that can affect foetal development and increase the likelihood of a range of health problems in the short and long term. A few of the many chemicals found in cigarettes include: Nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes, and it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Tar, a sticky brown substance, is deposited in the lungs when inhaled cigarette smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. Benzene, a carcinogen, can damage the bone marrow and lead to leukaemia. Formaldehyde, used to preserve dead bodies, is also found in cigarettes and is a known carcinogen. Acrolein, a toxic liquid, irritates the eyes, nose, and throat and can cause lung damage. Smoking During Pregnancy: The Top Risks to Your Unborn Baby’s Health Affinity Health lists five of the most significant risks associated with smoking. 1. Low Birth Weight Smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of low birth weight. Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk of health problems, including respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and infections. They may also experience developmental delays and have a higher likelihood of long-term health problems, including chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. According to the American Pregnancy Association, smoking during pregnancy can result in an average 180 grams decrease in birth weight. This risk increases with the number of cigarettes a mother smokes per day. 2. Premature Birth Smoking during pregnancy is also a significant risk factor for premature birth (defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation). Premature babies are at higher risk of developing health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and vision and hearing problems. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking during pregnancy raises the chance of premature birth by 25%. 3. Stillbirth Smoking during pregnancy can also lead to stillbirth (when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy). Stillbirth is a devastating loss for families and can be caused by various factors, including smoking during pregnancy. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, smoking during pregnancy raises the chance of stillbirth by up to 40%. 4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant under the age of one year, typically while sleeping. Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for SIDS, and babies born to smokers are up to three times more likely to die from SIDS than babies born to non-smokers. Smoking during pregnancy raises the risk of SIDS by altering the baby’s respiratory and immunological systems, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses. 5. Developmental Delays and Long-Term Health Problems Smoking during pregnancy can also lead to developmental delays and long-term health problems for the baby. Children born to moms who smoked during their pregnancy had an increased risk of developmental impairments, including language and cognitive development delays. Smoking during pregnancy can also affect the baby’s DNA, leading to long-lasting changes that may increase cancer risk and other chronic diseases later in life.
April 13, 2023
Love Every Moment: Pregnancy Myths Unraveled
Pregnancy is the most natural thing in the world and possibly the most miraculous. It is also different for every Mother-to-be. If you are thinking of starting a family, are already pregnant or are considering doing it all over again, it is important to keep abreast of the latest information and arm yourself with knowledge so you can enjoy the gestation and birth of your baby without debilitating nerves or unnecessary worry. Once armed with the facts, it is easier to trust yourself to know when is the right time to consult a doctor for medical advice should anything untoward arise. Humans have been giving birth for hundreds of thousands of years. It was a fact that up until 100 years ago, one in ten women died in childbirth or were left physically weakened making it a risky business for expecting moms at a time when the only advice expecting moms had was handed down by their mothers. Spoken knowledge shared between families over the centuries can suffer from a broken phone syndrome where the information can become fictious or be hard to unravel or rethink. Culture and religion play a big part in customs and cultural beliefs too, especially when it comes to protecting babies from bad spirits during and after pregnancy. Today’s modern mum is blessed with medical knowledge, information, support and tools for your most easeful experience to help you care for your baby at home or find work life balance with your career and family lifestyle. QUICK MYTHS DEBUNKED: Myth: You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex Truth: It is possible to fall pregnant the first time you engage in intercourse. Sperm stays alive for 48 hours while ovulation takes place over a 5 day window. Women in their twenties are likely to fall pregnant more so than women in their thirties or forties. Myth: You can’t get pregnant while on your period. Truth: You can get pregnant at any time during menstruation. To avoid falling pregnant, use safe contraception such as a condom which also helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases which can affect the birth of your child. STDs. Try an ovulation app that tells you when to expect your period and which days most fertile. Myth: You can’t fall pregnant while breastfeeding Truth: You can fall pregnant while breastfeeding even if your period hasn’t started yet. There are safe contraception methods available to use during breastfeeding. Myth: It’s not safe to have sex while pregnant Not only is sperm safe, but there may be some benefits to having sex and contact with sperm before and during pregnancy: Sperm and vaginal sex can help induce labor when the time comes. Oxytocin, one of the key hormones involved in progressing labor, is released during sex, and orgasms mimic contractions. Myth: Miscarriages are preventable Truth: A miscarriage is most commonly the result of the fetus having genetic problems that cause the growth and development to stop and is something that is beyond the control of the mother. Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues might increase the risk of miscarriage, such as poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. While there is no way to make sure you won’t have a miscarriage, you can reduce your chances by avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and injury to your belly. Myth: You must wait 3 months before announcing your pregnancy. Truth: Many women decide to delay announcing a pregnancy until at least 12 weeks in, due to concerns about the risk of complications or miscarriage during this time. In some cultural beliefs, your enemies may use this period to bewitch you or cast a curse on you to harm the baby. It is believed that prayer is enough to ward off any bad spirits. A lot is happening during these first three months: The fertilised egg rapidly divides into layers of cells and implants in the wall of your womb where it carries on growing. These layers of cells become an embryo. Your first trimester begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of week 12. It is during this first trimester that the foetus is most susceptible to damage from substances, like alcohol, drugs, certain medicines, and illnesses, like rubella (German measles) as both your body and your baby’s body are changing rapidly and complications more likely to occur. Myth: Eating dairy and peanuts while pregnant can make your baby allergic to them. Truth: It is safe to eat most foods while pregnant unless you are allergic to them. Do not limit your diet as this can be harmful to your growing fetus as you need all the nutrition you can get during this time. Foods to avoid during pregnancy due to the risk of harmful microbes are soft cheeses, pates, raw meat or fish, raw or soft-cooked eggs and soft-serve ice cream. Myth: All women get stretch marks after pregnancy Whether you get them or not really depends on your skin type, and how much collagen it stores. Women who have a higher chance of getting stretch marks include those who are obese, have bigger babies, experience high weight-gain or are younger when they are pregnant. A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Stretch marks will fade with time and you can speed up the process by massaging in a good moisturiser or skin oil to help promote new tissue growth and break down the bands of collagen that form in the underlying tissue leading to stretch marks. Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning. Truth: Morning sickness, including nausea and or vomiting during pregnancy is a result of changes in your hormones and while it is more common in the morning, it can occur at any time of day. It is most prevalent in the first trimester and for most women it will pass by the second trimester. Heads up
April 6, 2023
Wellbeing for You and your Baby with the Latest Updates for a Vital Baby Lifestyle
Nine months of pregnancy can sometimes seem like a long time to wait for the exciting arrival of your new bambino, but it marks an essential time to prepare ahead for your imminent birthing event which will start all the camera, lights, action, and a new life journey together, which will fill your days and nights ahead. Vital Baby cares about the wellbeing of every new mother and their baby and we understand that not every birth will be easy or uneventful. Our latest product range featured below supports some of the challenges new mothers may experience and must learn to adapt to, with practical solutions and essential tools to ensure the wellbeing of the whole family. Some infants can experience sucking complications or have an unformed palate or cleft lip requiring feeding assistance; and as we head into the Autumn months, they may also experience nasal congestion and breathing difficulties which can upset babies sleeping and eating routine. Some mothers may also need to return to work and leave their new born at home or with other caregivers and require the practical support of mealtime feeding equipment, and the correct utensils to ensure the best hygiene, well-being and grooming care for a vital, happy baby. Vital Baby NURTURE Silicone Feed Assist Bottle Range Sometimes your baby may need an extra helping hand during feeding. The Vital Baby Nurture Silicone Feed Assist Bottle enables you to squeeze the base gently to assist latch and encourage milk flow. A safe option for your baby, the silicone material used to create the bottle is one of the softest materials available, naturally free from nasty chemicals such as BPA or Phthalates, with high-temperature resistance and therefore safe to clean in a dishwasher. For you and your baby’s convenience and comfort, Vital Baby Nurture Silicone Feed Assist Bottle has: Unique 100% silicone soft squeeze base, allows you to control the flow for your baby Anti-colic valves help to reduce air intake Classic shaped wide neck super soft teat for easy latch Wide neck bottle for easy filling and cleaning Silicone teat is soft and smooth against baby’s delicate face feeding bottle provides the benefit of being able to “squeeze” milk through the teat. Our silicone Assist Bottles are also suitable when the baby is unable to suck or feed normally due to the complications of a cleft lip or palate, enabling an easier and more relaxed feeding time for both baby and parents, and ultimately reduces the need for tube feeding. Product RSP’s: Vital Baby NURTURE silicone feed assist™ 150ml – R264.99 Vital Baby NURTURE silicone feed assist™ 250ml – R274,99 Nurture Silicone Feed Assist Teats Slow Flow 2PK – R114,09 Nurture Silicone Feed Assist Teats Medium Flow 2PK – R114,09 Nurture Silicone Feed Assist Teats Fast Flow 2PK – R114,09 Vital Baby NURTURE Microwave Sterilising Bags (5PK) The vital baby nurture microwave sterilising bags offer the ultimate convenience while you are away with baby or need a simple, easy-to-use space saving solution in the home. Each bag can be used up to 30 times offering fast and convenient sterilising, with the minimum of clutter. The vital baby nurture microwave sterilising bags offer peace of mind, killing 99.9% of common bacteria to keep your baby healthy and happy. Each bag has up to 30 uses and can be marked to help you keep track. Each bag will sterilize up to 3 bottles, teats, locking rings and caps all in one go. Vital Baby NURTURE Microwave Sterilising Bags (5PK) – RSP: R167,29 (Incl VAT) Suitable from: Birth Vital Baby NURTURE Milk Formula Dispenser The Vital Baby Nurture Milk Formula Dispenser has been specially designed with three separate compartments to allow formula feeds to be made up accurately while on trips or outings. The revolving lid clicks 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. It is perfect for use with all Vital Baby Nurtured silicone and plastic feeding bottles It can also be used for dried baby foods such as baby cereal, to make up meals while on the move. BPA, Latex & Phthalate free Product Specification: Vital Baby NURTURE Milk Formula Dispenser – RSP: R138.99 (Incl VAT) Suitable from: Birth Vital Baby Nourish Big Kid Cutlery Made using high grade stainless steel, this specially designed toddler cutlery set has been developed with rounded tips for safe self-feeding and has been sized for easy use. The chunky soft grip handles make it easy for your toddler to grip and control when feeding themselves, and the specially designed knife blade has been positioned to enable little ones to learn the correct cutting motion easily and safely. The big kid cutlery set has been designed for toddlers over 12 months who have developed some confidence with self-feeding and will last them through toddlerhood and beyond. Product Specification Vital Baby Nourish Big Kid Cutlery – RSP: R121,99 (Incl VAT) Suitable from: 12m+ Vital Baby PROTECT Nailcare Set Our PROTECT nailcare set contains everything you need to keep tiny finger and toenails tamed. The ergonomic design is easy to hold, giving you the ultimate control. Specially designed scissor tips are carefully sized for tiny finger and toenails. Super easy to hold and built-in grips to give you extra peace of mind that you can cut nails safely. Curved clipper nail guards and small blades are perfectly sized for snipping and trimming with ease and comfort. Smooth over any sharp, rough or catchy edges caused by cutting and clipping with the emery board for the perfect finish. BPA, Latex & Phthalate free. Product Specification Vital Baby PROTECT Nailcare Set – RSP: R127.99 (incl VAT) Suitable from: Birth Vital Baby PROTECT Nasal Aspirator During the early months babies breathe through their noses, so congestion can interrupt sleep or feeding as well as causing discomfort. The Vital Baby Nasal Decongester has been designed to clear blocked noses with a gentle squeeze. The ergonomic design
March 28, 2023
Why Sudocrem is the best baby bum cream for your baby
Ever heard the expression “soft as a baby’s bottom?” A baby’s skin is extremely delicate and one of the most common challenges faced by mothers is nappy rash. Although it is usually not serious, it can be very uncomfortable for baby – and distressing for mom! A type of dermatitis, nappy rash affects the buttocks, genitals, and thighs. It usually lasts a couple of days, but in some cases, it may be persistent and turn into a secondary skin infection. The skin may be red or raw, shiny or tight and in severe cases, there may even be a little bit of bleeding. Wearing a nappy creates a hot and humid environment that may encourage irritation of the skin. A nappy rash can be caused by anything that irritates a baby’s skin, but the most common cause is when urine or stools are in contact with the skin for too long. While it is inevitable that most babies will develop nappy rash at some point, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the symptoms (or avoid it altogether): Change baby’s nappies frequently. When changing baby, rinse and dry the skin in the nappy area and avoid using baby wipes as they may spread infection or burn the skin if they contain alcohol. When possible, let baby go without a nappy. If you use cloth nappies, wash them with a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Use a good quality, trusted baby bum cream to keep the delicate skin soothed and moisturised. We recommend the iconic Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream. Sudocrem has been trusted by mothers for over 90 years. Did you know that Sudocrem’s journey dates back all the way to 1931? Pharmacist Professor Thomas Smith blended a unique formula of active ingredients that brought together the best of nature and science to effectively soothe and help to heal baby’s nappy rash as well as other skin conditions. He developed Sudocrem in a Dublin pharmacy and the formula has withstood the test of time as it remains unchanged today. Sudocrem is clinically proven to soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin and works in three simple ways: It contains an emollient that soothes sore or irritable skin; Its cooling properties help ease pain and irritation; A water-repellent base forms a protective barrier, helping to stop any irritants (urine and faeces) coming into contact with the skin. The key ingredient in Sudocrem is Zinc oxide, a multi-functional ingredient that reduces the loss of tissue fluid, thereby protecting the skin’s barrier function. Sudocrem is gentle yet effective and can be applied at every nappy change: Step 1: Ensure your baby’s bottom is clean and dry. Step 2: With clean and dry hands, place a small amount of Sudocrem on the tip of your finger. Remember a little goes a long way. Step 3: Gently massage Sudocrem into the skin using light, circular movements (try to avoid rubbing, especially if the skin looks sore). Step 4: You want to create a thin, translucent film on the skin. If the white cream is still visible, you may have put too much on (don’t worry if this happens, just use a little less next time). Step 5: Repeat as often as you need to. While Sudocrem works wonders in treating and preventing nappy rash, it has plenty of other uses for the rest of the family too. It can be applied to cuts, grazes, and minor burns to reduce the risk of infection and soothe discomfort. It’s also great for soothing skin irritations like eczema and acne. Sudocrem’s formula has remained unchanged for over 90 years because it works. Give it a try and see the difference in your baby’s skin. Sudocrem is available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, and other major retailers and pharmacies in four handy sizes: 60g – R57.99 125g – R94.99 250g – R164.99 400g – R209.99
March 13, 2023
Your Choice: Alternative Birthing Methods for Expecting Mums
As a parent the experience of birth will be the most poignant, memorable, and empowering event in your life as you step into the role of custodian in bringing new life into the world. As the primary creator of that experience, you will want to be prepared and plan it in detail, with all the essential information at your fingertips, so you can response appropriately when the birthing process begins with those first twinges of labour. Deciding on the right birth plan for the arrival of your baby is up to you, your partner and your extended support team of family and friends. One thing is certain, you will have plenty of advice and anecdotes from mothers who have experienced the birthing process before you. Remember, as a unique creation of the universe yourself, you are the one in charge of your body and only you will know the best option for you when it comes to birthing your baby. There is a wonderful adage: When in doubt go with your gut. Let your inner wisdom and the advice of your doctor help you to design the delivery of you and your partner’s choice so there are no regrets later. Your childbirth delivery options include: Natural, unassisted birth at home. Assisted childbirth at home or in a private birth center. Natural or assisted birth, including Cesarean surgery at a public or private hospital. Before settling on your personal preference of birth plan options, it is important to understand that it will depend on three key factors: The overall health of you, of your fetus and your finances. Hospital Births Getting the right health insurance coverage for your baby’s birth is important as it may require many visits to the doctor. The costs of giving birth at a public or private hospital can be seen as reaching anywhere upwards from R10 000 to R50 000 Why does it cost so much? Healthcare insurance means you and your baby are covered by the best cutting-edge medical care and support available. With this type of support network, you gain access to antenatal classes, pregnancy and gestation monitoring and ultrasound scans by your gynecologist. Hospital care includes being seen by an obstetrician – known as a pregnancy specialist should high-risk vaginal births occur, or an elective or non-elective caesarean section take place, a midwife, which is a nurse who specializes in childbirth and an epidural anesthetist for emergency monitoring and after birth pain relief. Birth care after birth includes episiotomy care, which is a more common occurrence with hospital births. Your baby is also treated with the same top-notch care with all the available equipment and expertise should your baby be premature or require medical attention. A hospital birth may mean you don’t enjoy much privacy as you are often placed in a general ward with other patients during one of the most personal events of your life and this may be a suitable time to use your medical coverage to book a private room. Unfortunately, only one person is usually allowed into the birth room. Alternate Birthing Options If you don’t have medical aid, or you do not like hospitals, or you have chosen to save up for your own choice in birth experiences, you will need to first consider if it is the best option for your baby and for you. For many women who choose a natural home birth, they find it is not possible due to health risks. If you have a low-risk pregnancy, using a midwife can be a major cost saver and a more natural and relaxed birthing experience for the whole family. Natural childbirth emphasizes an unrushed, supported process, with minimal interference and less invasive monitoring. Until about 80 years ago, natural childbirth at home was the usual and only childbirth delivery option and mothers only went to hospital if there was an urgent health emergency. Attending Antenatal classes will help you and your partner to understand and formulate your own birth plan and prepare you for what to expect, as well as teach you about the different pain management and relaxation techniques to prepare you for labour and the birthing process Professional Support at Home Start early on finding a suitable midwife, doula (a modern-day birthing coach) or birthing specialist so you can find connection and trust with them and discuss your needs. A midwife or doula will first check the health of you and your baby and give you useful information to help you have a healthy pregnancy, including advice about eating and exercise. Most importantly, they will be available to discuss your options and choices available for your care, labour and birth, and the health of your baby once delivered. Even if you elect to have a home birth you will need a checkup by an obstetrician at 28 weeks, 35 weeks, and 37 weeks of pregnancy where they will do scans to monitor the growth and general wellness of your baby; as well as be on call during labor in case of a home birthing emergency. For many, the support and care of a private midwife and doula is the best solution and outcome for baby and you. They provide a solid base of emotional support and care without the rush associated with hospitals and doctors’ waiting rooms. A midwife is on standby 24/7 for home births or may use private hospital birthing unit or even run their own private birthing center that looks like a luxury guest house over that of the clinical and business-like bustle of a hospital. Home Birth A home birth will be a more personal birthing experience but without the support of medication. Instead, you are supported with natural pain relief such as water, massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy and you may choose your own, most comfortable position to give birth using breathing techniques, such as the Lamaze method. Hypnobirthing is another technique which helps new moms to relax and prepare for labour and helps to reduce feelings of
March 10, 2023
Do you want to see and feel Pokkelokkie reusable nappies before making a purchase?
We have been manufacturing cloth nappies for almost eight years now. In this time we have recognized that many new parents wanting to use them, really want to sit down with someone who knows what they are doing and chat about how it all works. Seeing and feeling the nappies in real life (rather than just on a screen) before buying, is not always possible given our business is run mainly online. So we have come up with a solution! In a country where disposables have become the mainstream go to product, navigating the cloth nappy world can feel a bit intimidating. This is because these days, there are quite a few different styles of modern cloth nappies to choose from and quite a bit of new lingo involved. Some styles work however quite a few don’t. The most important rule of thumb is, choose a nappy style that is fully absorbent (flats or fitted style), made from a decent quality fabric and put a waterproof cover over it. Twenty five years ago, parents only had one type available- the good old terri towelling flat and plastic cover. That is what everyone used. It worked, day and night (because it wrapped around baby). Did you know there was a woman by the name of Marion Donovan to thank for the very first cloth nappy way back in 1946. Marion was a housewife sick of changing wet bed linen, wet nappies, wet clothing and constant nappy rash due to the rubber pants available at the time. She had a light bulb moment while in the shower. She cut a square out of her nylon shower curtain and created the first waterproof covering for cloth nappies. And cloth diapers were born. We have come so far since then! To think that generations of people only had flats. They really are such easy, affordable and effective nappies. And these days our flats are made from fabric that is a gazillion times trimmer and more absorbent. One cannot always tell a cloth diapered bum under clothes these days! So you have decided you want to use cloth nappies. You know how much money you will save and how much landfill will be diverted- almost a ton per baby to be exact. You also know how much better it is for your baby’s overall health. You have browsed the Pokkelokkie website but have some questions and you also would love to actually see the nappies and ask a few questions, right? How awesome would it be if you could just send a message to an experienced mum nearby, make an appointment, hop in the car and spend an hour with someone who has done it all from the birth of her baby. Now you can! Not so long ago we launched our very own PK Guru service. We have recruited nine mamma`s around the country that know their stuff. You can now find a Guru nearby and make an appointment. You will be able to hold our nappies, ask some questions and be inspired by an experienced mum who has done it all. There is nothing better than knowing what you have chosen is the right thing for you. The main drive behind this project is to encourage and help those who are wanting to do cloth, but feel like they need a bit of support. We know how much information is out there and sometimes it`s hard to narrow it all down. We do ask that you visit our website before making your appointment. This is to make sure you maximize the time spent together. Our Guru`s cannot teach you the system from scratch. You do need to have a understanding of the basics which is all under the “learn about our nappies” tab on the site. We have two services. The free service is for first time parents who don’t yet use reusables. You can make a 60 minute long appointment at no charge. If you have your nappies already and need some help, appointments are charged at a minimal fee. Perhaps you need some help with your flats for example. Our Guru will show you the ropes! We hope that by having this network of Guru`s around the country, more parents who are on the fence, will take the steps to start their reusable journey. It is very common for friends and family to gasp in horror at your desire to use cloth nappies. It seems so odd that others can judge something without having used it themselves. What I can tell you is that once you do start, those gasps quickly turn into “ooh`s and aahs” of pleasant surprise at how cute and easy our modern day nappies actually are. Join our tribe. Email us to get started. [email protected]
March 6, 2023
Milk Galore on why breastmilk is best?
We at Milk Galore, a company whose primary focus is to assist mothers in increasing their flow of breastmilk. Our products assure results after 24 hours with an intake 250ml three times a day. Our range of products comprising 100% fruit juice blend and Rooibos tea for all the tea lovers. We believe breastmilk is best for baby. So our core vision is to ensure that baby receives the best nutrition and also therefore aligns with the WHO strategy. Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby. It contains just the right amount of nutrients. It is also gentle on your baby’s developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems. It is recommended that you breastfeed until your baby is 6 months old, then breastfeed with solid foods until at least 1 to 2 years old. Below are list of nutritional benefits: Proteins Breastmilk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion. Approximately 60-80% of all protein in human milk is whey protein. These proteins have great infection-protection properties. Listed below are specific proteins that are found in breast milk and their benefits: Lactoferrin inhibits the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This inhibits certain organisms, such as coliforms and yeast, that require iron. Secretory IgA also works to protect the infant from viruses and bacteria, specifically those that the baby, mom, and family are exposed to. It also helps to protect against E. Coli and possibly allergies. Other immunoglobulins, including IgG and IgM, in breast milk also help protect against bacterial and viral infections. Lysozyme is an enzyme that protects the infant against E. Coli and Salmonella. It also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora and has anti-inflammatory functions. Bifidus factor supports the growth of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that protect the baby against harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment where it cannot survive. Fats Breastmilk also contains fats that are essential for the health of your baby. It is necessary for brain development, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and is a primary calorie source. Long-chain fatty acids are needed for brain, retina, and nervous system development. They are deposited in the brain during the last trimester of pregnancy and are also found in breast milk. Vitamins The amount and types of vitamins in breast milk is directly related to the mother’s vitamin intake. This is why it is essential that she gets adequate nutrition, including vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are all vital to the infant’s health. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid are also essential. The intake of our products assure results after 24 hours with an intake 250ml three times a day with also a high intake of iron. Our range of products comprising 100% fruit juice blend and Rooibos tea for all the tea lovers. Carbohydrates Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in breastmilk. It accounts for approximately 40% of the total calories provided by breast milk. Lactose helps to decrease a large number of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, which improves the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It helps to fight disease and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach. Breast Milk is Best for Your Baby Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. There is nothing better for the health of your baby. Leukocytes are living cells that are only found in breast milk. They help fight infection. It is the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones that make breast milk ideal. These cannot be added to the formula. Though some women ultimately are not able to breastfeed, many who think they cannot actually are able to breastfeed – which is the core reason for the existence of our Milk Galore products with results from 24 hours. Let us help you to ensure that baby gets the best.
February 14, 2023
