Pregnancy - Parenting Hub

leading expert advice

A new mom deserves all the help she can get!

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

August 16, 2022

DO YOU PLAY YOUR PART IN SUPPORTING MUMS TO BREASTFEED?

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

August 3, 2022

Nursery Design to Grow with your Child

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

August 2, 2022

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

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

August 1, 2022

Demystifying pregnancy optimises health outcomes for mum and baby

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

July 1, 2022

The discouragement felt when unable to breastfeed

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

June 15, 2022

Which breast pump is the best for me?

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

June 10, 2022

CHOOSING PARENTHOOD

Speak to other parents: Leading up to the birth of my child, there was much in the way of warnings and serious advice to the tune of “You’d best start getting your sleep in now” and “Oh boy, your life is over!” I can recall turning to a colleague who gave warnings in this vein and suggested she keep all the negative warnings away from me, as I was looking forward to being a dad. There will undoubtedly be horror stories of projectile bodily fluids and endless nights of sleep, but I’ll never forget the moment a friend asked me what it felt like, the day my child was born. I found it so difficult to put into words, but I was a different person from just 24 hours before. My whole being felt full. I wanted to burst with a mixture of pride and newfound love for this little person who had entered my wife. I found myself willing to threaten and argue with nurses who were just trying to do their job. The instinct to protect was strong, to say the least. In discussion with other fathers my age, friends who have moved away and with whom I don’t often get to speak, sometimes a different story is told. From having to work longer and harder to support the new family, not being able to connect very well with a burping, eating and excreting machine to finding their children an unexpected inconvenience, I wondered how their experience could be so different! Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is the right time to be a parent. Why would you like to have a child? What reasons have motivated your decision to start a family? Are you internally or externally motivated? In other words, are you doing this for your own reasons or because you are expected to by your partner, family or society? When we are motivated internally, it can make the role of parenting so much easier, as you have chosen this for yourself. Too many people believe that it is simply the next logical step or will be the factor that saves a struggling relationship. Too often this will lead to resentment of the child and the family unit. Are you on the same page as your partner? Do you both want a child for the same reasons, or are your motivations slightly different? If you are good at problem solving together and keeping the wellbeing of your relationship and potential family as your primary concern, the new challenges posed by a child should be surmountable! Are you financially ready to have a child? A baby brings new financial responsibilities and stressors. Do your homework long before a pregnancy. From gynaecologist visits to a stay in hospital, the costs start to add up significantly before the child is even here! Find out about what basic commodities like nappies and formula cost and how often you’ll be replacing them. Children get sick easily as their immune system begins to develop and paediatrician visits can sting the back pocket. Knowing what you’re in for financially can help you to make the decision and begin to budget for a child, long before they are even conceived. Are you prepared for the lifestyle changes? Having a new baby means that life is going to change in a major way. Have you come to terms with this? It could mean substantially less leisure time, which we often become accustomed to as part of our routine. Weekends are notably determined by the nature of your partner and your relationship with them. Decide long before if you are ready to go from being a couple to a family! Do you have support? Having a child when you know that it will only be youand your partner, with no familial assistance or external help in the form of carers and babysitters, means that your free time will be close to nil. This may mean that at some point, there will be a sort of burnout, which will have wide repercussions. If you aren’t likely to have help, set an agreement with your partner about offering each other free time, by looking after your child while the other has a chance to go out and recharge!

May 26, 2022

Morning sickness – what to expect and how to deal

Being pregnant is an exciting time of your life, but it can be a little daunting. Morning sickness is one of the aspects of pregnancy that can be difficult to deal with. It is estimated that over 70% of women deal with nausea and vomiting to some degree. The name morning sickness is also misleading, as unfortunately you can feel sick anytime of day. Morning sickness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Unless vomiting is so frequent that it leads to weight loss and dehydration (this is known as hyperemesis gravidarum), morning sickness is considered a normal (albeit unpleasant) part of pregnancy. What causes morning sickness? There is no one cause of morning sickness, and severity varies amongst women, and between pregnancies. Some women deal with feeling nauseous the entire pregnancy, whereas others will find that symptoms abate within the second trimester. Luckily, even though you may be feeling miserable, morning sickness is often seen as a sign of a healthy pregnancy and doesn’t harm your baby. Morning sickness is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically the pregnancy hormone, known as human chorionic gonadotropin. How to deal with morning sickness? Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do to fully alleviate the nausea and vomiting, however, there are things you can do to help fight feeling sick. Making sure you stay hydrated, eating a bland diet, such as rice, bananas and crackers, as well as eating small amounts frequently are all things that can help quell the queasiness. Try staying away from strong smells and spicy foods, as these can trigger nausea. If your morning sickness is bad, speak to your doctor, and be sure to consult with them before trying any medication or alternative remedies.

May 26, 2022

ABOUT BABY & I MELROSE

The inspiration for our children’s clothing shop began when I started my 1st job at one of the major SA Retail Head office in the late 90’s. I have experience in the setting of specifications on the technical requirements of the production of garments. And my experience includes the development of innovative standards and methods of solving and managing quality related problems. I have gathered extensive experience in Garment Technology. I was also involved in the effective planning and efficient execution of standards development projects. With such an experience in the clothing industry came the decision to venture into Retail. The decision was inspired by an ambition to deliver high quality clothing at a reasonable price. I have a passion and enthusiasm for the baby industry and want to bring innovation in the sector. In this space we only want to attract business partners (i.e manufactures, suppliers) with the same values, ethics, and will provide the best customer service to. Quality and comfort are paramount in decision making of what we want to offer to our customers. At Baby and I Melrose we want to create a shopping lifestyle to suit both parents and their little angels. We will focus on offering exceptional products with attention to detail and providing quality items. Our product selection and service excellence is motivated by passion to be the best and most valued choice for parents, babies, and toddlers when it comes to quality, price and service. We will work hard and build a team that will take the brand to reach its milestones of opening more stores into other provinces. Customer satisfaction is what we are all about. Our friendly staff is always at hand to help. They will find the perfect baby items for your needs. We will help guide you through all the product choices available, making sure you select the right products and brands for your lifestyle. We want to stock the latest ranges across all departments namely children swear, essentials, travel systems and accessories, nursery furniture and accessories, toys, and gifts. We have launched our website for our customers to be able to shop from the comfort of their own home and for an exclusive shopping experience. Our Vision To lead in the children’s industry and strengthen brand recognitionTo be accessible to parents based on trust, quality, and innovation To build a strong and loyal consumer base To maintain the highest customer service level standards You can shop for the following with us: Travel system i.e. Pram, strollers & car seat. Baby essentials i.e. shoes, clothes, baby food and nappies. Nursery décor, essentials and furniture.

May 9, 2022

The importance of choosing the right baby nappies: On the couch with Jessica

As a mother, I only want to put the best baby nappies on my little one’s bottom. As a nurse, I understand the importance thereof. The super absorbent core and extra depth double leak guards feature are the heart and soul of our Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups. A super absorbent nappy core ensures a dry nappy surface protecting baby’s sensitive skin from prolonged exposure to moisture. Excess moisture in a nappy is the leading cause of nappy rash and here is why: It causes maceration of the skin surface. This is caused when the skin gets lighter in colour and goes wrinkly – just like when you sit in the bath for too long – compromising the skin’s integrity. Broken down skin is a free pass for fungal, yeast and bacterial infections which thrive in a warm moist environment. A premium nappy with a super absorbent core can save you on medical bills. Prolonged contact with urine and faeces irritates the skin which can lead to inflammation and skin breakdown. Contact dermatitis is especially common when babies have diarrhoea, often paired with illness or teething. The effects can be minimised by using a premium nappy that has good absorbency, to lock away excess moisture, combined with a good barrier cream to protect the skin. In addition to protecting baby’s skin, a premium nappy with a super absorbent core is the difference between waking up at night to a crying, cold and wet baby and a good night’s rest, with 12 hours of dryness. It means more time to play with your little one. Time to pay attention to the things that matter, and less time spent washing wet clothing and linen. As parents we want what is best for our little humans and with Hi Baby Premium Nappies you are giving them just that. Til next time Jessica (Registered Nurse/Midwife)

May 9, 2022

My Breast Milk Storage Bags are super useful

Pumping breast milk to store it for later use is a fantastic way to prolong your breast feeding, specifically for mothers that are going back to work or who need to be separated from their baby. The storage of milk allows you time to be away from your baby and still have breast milk for your baby to drink. The best time to start building up you milk stash is at least 2 weeks before you will need it. This allows you time to get used to expressing. It may take some time to get used to a pump and find the best settings for you to use. The Mya Joy hospital grade breast pump is an excellent pump. Being able to express both breast at the same time is a great time saver and also having a motor that is able to empty breasts and also last for the 2 year warranty is super important. If you want to find out more about the Ameda Mya Joy breast pump you follow this link: https://www.mybreastpump.co.za/product/MyaJ . You also have some time available to build up a bit of a stash so that you know that you will have milk for when you need it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, expect to express about half a feed in between the breast feeding. Your body is already making enough milk for your baby and now your body is making extra on top of your baby’s needs. Expressing does also add more to your schedule, so give your self the time to express and slowly work up to the extra sessions that you need. Once you are at work you will need to express in the times that you would normally have feed or pumped. Having an affordable option to save your breast milk in is a must. The My Breast Milk Storage bags are idea for storing your breast milk on. They are BPA-free and medically sterilized so that you don’t have to do anything to get them ready, just tear open the top seal and pour your milk in to the bag. The bags also have space for you to write with a permanent marker your baby’s name, date that you expressed the milk on and the volume. This information is very important. If you baby goes to creche you need to make sure that the breast milk given to your baby is your milk. When breastmilk freezes it expands which can make it difficult to work out how much milk is in the bag. By having the amount of milk on the bag it makes it easier for you to manage how much milk you need to defrost and can result in less wastage. Lastly by dating the bags you are able to use the older milk first. First in First out is really important in making sure that you use your breast milk within the correct time frames so that it does not expire. What really sets the My Breast Milk Storage Bags apart is that it has a double ziplock seal so that the bag does not leak. The side seals are very strong so that the bag will not burst in your freezer. There is nothing worst then defrosting your milk only to find that it has all leaked out. The bags has a very useful pouring sprout. This means that you don’t need to pour the milk out of the opening with the Ziplock seal. You have a designed spout that enables you to pour accurately with out messing your milk. The milk can also stand on it own once you have filled it. This makes it so much easier to handle. Just a little tip when using breast milk storage bags is that you can save a lot more space if you freeze the bags flat. This way they become thin and once frozen are able to stand up in a container so that you can arrange them first in fits out. This make managing the stash so much easier and you can fit so many more bags into your freezer. No need to just buy a breast milk freezer. If you are not sure how long you can store breast milk for, the CDC guidelines are on the back of the box. This makes it so easy for you, you just have to flip the box around and there is all the information. It also explains how long you can keep thawed breast milk as well as what to do if the baby does not finish the bottle of breast milk. This information is so important, by having it at your fingertips you are able to save more milk y not wasting and also ensure that your baby get the benefits of the breast milk that you have expressed. You can get the My Breast Milk Storage bags from Takealot (look out for the bulk deals where you can buy 4 bags and save R60) Alternatively you can buy the bags form the online store www.mybreastpump.co.za

May 6, 2022

Medela Relaunches Swing Maxi: Brand’s iconic double electric breast pump gets exciting facelift for proud mothers

In the year of its 60th anniversary, the acclaimed Swiss manufacturer releases the new version of Swing MaxiTM, its iconic double electric breast pump. The updated product has been designed to fit the needs of mums across all aspects of their life, with features that empower them to live life as a mother to the max. Proud Mother and More Medela knows that motherhood – aside from being the greatest gift of all – has its challenges. With a new baby in their life, it may get difficult for some mums to find the time and energy to keep up with the hobbies they had before giving birth. But that’s exactly what science and advanced technology can help with. Be it a refreshing hike in the forest, an afternoon yoga session or whipping up a favourite dish in the evening, mothers should be able to find balance in their new lives. The new Swing MaxiTM has been designed to give them the freedom to be everything they aspire to be: proud mothers and more. To reinforce this inspiring message, Swing Maxi returns with a campaign that introduces an ensemble cast of real-life mothers and their babies. The characters have been chosen for the launch to inspire mums to see motherhood as it truly can be: an opportunity to find your true self in all walks of life. New Features Designed for Proud Mums The same conceptual thinking and technological innovation manifest in the product’s new design and functional features. With a completely new built-in USB rechargeable battery, Swing MaxiTM allows up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge, so mums can enjoy more freedom on the go. The combination of 2-phase ExpressionTM technology and PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield, Medela’s signature technologies, offers mothers more comfort and up to 11.8% more milk1. The smooth, user-friendly product design also focuses on making mums’ lives easier: with only 4 buttons and 9 pre-programmed settings, pumping is simpler and more intuitive. Furthermore, with only a few parts, the new Swing Maxi is really easy to clean and assemble, and, at only 45 dB at Maximum Expression Level, works noticeably quieter than its predecessor. 1 Sakalidis VS et al. Breast shield design impacts milk removal dynamics during pumping: A randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020:doi: 10.1111/aogs.13897.

May 3, 2022

What is a wetness indicator?

What is a wetness indicator? What is its purpose? A wetness indicator is a wonderful feature featured on all the Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups.It is a yellow line down the centre of the nappy or pull-up, which changes first to green and then to blue when exposed to moisture or pH change. Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups have a super absorbent core keeping baby’s skin dry and safe from exposure to excess moisture. This is wonderful but can be very stressful for a mother who is trying to monitor her baby’s urinary output, as the nappies are so absorbent that you can’t always tell whether or not baby has passed urine. The wetness indicator will change colour enabling caregivers and parents to know exactly when baby needs a change, before any discomfort is felt. Bearing the above in mind, I would like to encourage parents and caregivers to rather think of the wetness indicator as an “Alert Line”. Be alert to the fact that there has been some action in that nappy, as opposed to immediately changing baby’s nappy the moment you see a hint of colour on the wetness indicator – peek inside and then decide. If baby has soiled the nappy please change it, as prolonged exposure places baby at risk of nappy rash. However, if baby has only passed urine, consider how long has baby been wearing the current nappy? Are you changing the nappy because it needs to be changed or are you changing it out of habit? This a useful feature that can save you time, money, and unnecessary nappy changes. Until next time, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

April 13, 2022

When to buy a breast pump

Mothers often ask me when should I buy a breast pump? The answer to this really depends on why you would need a breast pump. Many moms have one ready in their hospital bag and others wait until they are ready to go back to work to purchase a breast pump. Many mothers are given the advice that they should not start pumping for the first 6 weeks. This is good advice if the mother can get her baby to latch and breastfeed directly, which many mothers are able to do. If the direct breast feeding is working, then there is no need to add pumping. However, if the mother is having difficulties with direct breastfeeding or is separated from her baby, using a double electric breast pump like the Ameda Mya Joy, is recommended. Therefore, my recommendation is based on the reason why you would need the breast pump. To give more context, I had both my babies early. The first birth was an emergency. I was not prepared, I had nothing packed and definitely did not have a breast pump ready. It was very difficult for me to get a breast pump as I was in ICU, I was helped by a friend that brought me one. However, with my second baby I was ready and had a pump waiting even though she also came even earlier than her brother. The difference in stress levels of having a breast pump and not was massive. So, for mothers of twins or high-risk pregnancies, I would recommend that you have a breast pump ready at the birth of your baby/ies. The reason for this is if your baby needs to go to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) then you can start stimulation of your breasts and pumping with in the 1-6 hours as recommended. This will help you to increase your milk supply and provide milk for your baby/ies as they need it, while also building up a milk stash for when they start needing more. When a mother is separated from her baby like with having a baby in the NICU, she still needs to stimulate her breasts as often as if the baby was drinking directly from her. So, this generally works out to 10 to 12 times in 24 hours. That is a lot of stimulation! Many moms many find it overwhelming to hand express or to use a manual or single pump. In the case of a premature infant the use of a hospital grade double electric breast pump like the Ameda Mya Joy is ideal. It is such a time saver because you express both breast at the same time, effectively halving the time that you need to pump at each session. Which also makes it more possible to pump more often. By using the Ameda Mya Joy hospital grade breast pump your pump’s motor is strong enough to pump as often as needed and it will be better able to empty your breast as needed. It also has a 2-year warranty which will cover you during your breastfeeding time. Other mothers may wait to buy a breast pump for when they return to work. In this case I would recommend that they give themselves at least a month to get used to pumping and how they respond to the pumps different settings. This way they can build up a breast milk stash and be confidant with pumping before they go back to work. It is also a great idea to get a few boxes for the My Breast Milk Storage Bags (https://www.mybreastpump.co.za/product/MBPSG), so that you have them ready and are able to freeze any extra milk. There are some instances where a mother may need a breast pump in her early days- before the 6-week suggested time. This would be if she is struggling with getting a deep latch and her nipples are very sore or damaged. Pumping during this time would help the mother to protect her milk supply while her nipples healed. This would also give her time to practice getting a deeper latch or solving her breast-feeding issue. If this is the case the mother does not need to wait for 6 weeks before she starts to pump because pumping is indicated and will protect and support, her milk supply. Another time to get a breast pump is if they are on special. If you know that you will be needing a breast pump, then why not get it as a discounted rate. Look out for the Ameda Mya Joy specials on Takealot, our website www.mybreastpump.co.za and also at baby shows like Mama Magic and The Flair Mother and Baby Show. We continually look to make new and interesting promotions including extra useful items for moms.

April 5, 2022

DJ Zinhle and Cici team up with Pampers over a R 1 million ECD boost

Pampers South Africa has teamed up with celebrity moms DJ Zinhle and Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala to donate 1000 scholarships to SmartStart to support early childhood learning in South Africa. The celebrity partnership with Pampers was launched last year through #MamaUyindlovu campaign which celebrated single moms in South Africa and the role that all parents played in their children’s lives during the lockdowns, especially single moms who had to do it all alone. Pampers created a special video where Cici shared how she created special moments and brought the world home to her son during lockdown. “My son spent most of the first year of his life in lockdown so I was worried about him not being able to learn through exploration because we couldn’t step out. Children learn through play and spending time with other children. So, I’m very excited now that the world is now opening up and he can attend playgroups and playdates to help his growth and development.” said Cici. In South Africa, it is estimated that, in the poorest 40% of households, only 20% of birth to four-year-old children attend some form of out-of-home care. Pampers hopes that through their partnership with SmartStart they can provide learning opportunities to more children to provide support to families, especially single mom-headed families and help little ones unlock their potential in our post lockdown world through access to quality learning programmes. SmartStart’s franchised programme is delivered through playgroups, day mothers and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres that all seek to improve children’s readiness for learning, school performance, and overall life success. “Forming relationships with an organisation, such as Pampers, is very important to address inequality and access to education at an early age,” Grace Matlhapi said, Smart Start CEO. “We look forward to driving this partnership even in years to come to help to unlock South Africa’s potential,” concluded Rajat Gupta, Senior Brand Director at Pampers.

March 31, 2022

HOW TO AVOID BREAST LEAKAGE MISHAPS

Breast leakage is something which many mothers fear. Whilst this is not a sure fire expectation for all moms who choose to breastfeed, it is more common than one would think. But fear not, there is absolutely nothing to worry about, if you know how to be prepared. Read on below to see how you can prepare for breast leakage easily. When You Can Expect Breast Leakage Many moms only expect their milk to come in once their baby is born. However, your breasts will begin lactating during your third trimester of pregnancy. Whilst you will not actually physically express milk, your breasts will begin to produce it. This could lead to a leakage problem when you least expect it. Leaking breasts can be expected from then until you decide to stop breastfeeding your child. How To Treat The Problem Breast leakage can’t be cured, but it can be helped. One of the best things a mom can have in her pre-baby birth arsenal is a set of breast pads. You can pick up either disposable or reusable pads, both of which have their own merits. However, having a pair such as the Medela machine washable re-usable breast pads can end up saving you a lot of money overall. All you need to do is wear these pads over your nipple, under your bra throughout the day. If your breast begins to produce milk, the pad will soak it up, meaning you don’t need to face any unsightly spills. Never Give A Second Through To Breast Leakage Again With comfortable breast pads in tow, you never need to worry about a spill again. Better yet, the Medela pads were designed in a discrete, comfortable easy to wear shape. Be sure to pick up a pair of these incredible pads today and never worry about breast leakage again.

March 29, 2022

WHY YOU REALLY, REALLY SHOULD NOT BUY OR BORROW A SECOND HAND PERSONAL BREAST PUMP!

With the cost of living these days, life can be stressful. We have been forced to cut back where we can and remove things we really don’t need, just to survive. There are certain things that are great to get second hand. We got out cot and compactum from a lovely friend for free. What a score, that saved us about R10 000 and all they both needed was a clean. Second hand clothes are also fantastic, especially with them outgrowing those cute little outfits every couple of months. So, why not Breast pumps? I am sure as tempting as it may be to save money in this department after knowing the facts, you will feel the same way I do. First, not all breast pumps are the same. Hospital grade pumps like the work on a “closed system” meaning the milk never touches the working parts of the pump. You buy your own Kit for these pumps and you take that home with you and sterilise it as per instructions.With personal use pumps the pump motor is open to contact the mother’s milk particles. The motor cannot be sterilised. The scary part is that milk particles may be inside the pump without them being visible. So what’s the big deal? Your milk is perfect for your baby but before giving your milk to another mom, it would need to be pasteurized to kill any dangerous viruses. These viruses can be passed on to your baby and make the baby seriously ill. A mom may have a virus in her milk without even knowing that she is a carrier. You may think a virus is no big deal but we are talking out HIV, CMV and more. These diseases can go undetected for a long period of time so the mom sharing or selling the pump may not even know she is infected yet. Another difficult thing to clear are fungal infections like thrush. Make sure to follow guidelines by manufacturers on hygiene and sterilisation to avoid this. Sore nipples are no joke and neither is a sore and unhappy baby. Don’t put your baby’s life at risk, it is not worth it. Either rent a hospital grade pump with your own kit or purchase your own personal use pump. Tips for purchasing a Breast pump: Always buy from reputable stores Make sure your box is sealed Follow all hygiene and sterilising instructions inside the box. Not sure what the best fit is for you? Every breastfeeding mum has different needs. Step 1: Decide how often you are going to be expressing? If this answer is more than twice a week then a double pump is necessary. Double pumping compared to single pumping has many scientifically proven benefits: You may get 18% more milk in a 15 minutes pumping session. Your milk has a higher energy content, which is especially beneficial for preterm babies. Last but not least, high energy content indicates increased breast drainage, thereby it is assisting in the maintenance of lactation. Double pumping is twice as fast as single pumping. If you will be feeding twice a week or less a manual or electric pump will suit your needs. This is perfect for the stay at home mom that plans to breastfeed her baby. She can express breastmilk occasionally when planning to be away from her baby. Step 2: Are you going back to work? Most moms have no choice and need to go back to work after the 4 month maternity leave time period. What happens if you would continue to feed your baby breastmilk? You would need to pump for every feed you will miss. This means pumping 3-4 hourly. Most moms work 8 hours a day and would need to pump between 3 and 4 times a day. In my opinion, if you are pumping so often, you would need the most effective and easiest option. Step 3 : Is baby premature or multiple Births? Twins? You would need to start off with renting a hospital grade pump to have the best results. This is it! If your baby was born too early or is ill. You are both still in the hospital and you need help to establish your milk supply the symphony is really the best option. This is a critical time and your breast milk could make all the difference to your baby’s well-being. Once you and your baby have both been discharged from the hospital and neither of you is experiencing any breastfeeding challenges, then you can decide on which breast pump to use depending on your needs. Well done to all the mommy’s that have persevered and continued to breastfeed and express even when it has been tough. Your baby will not only receive optimal nutrition but also protection from infection

March 24, 2022

SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DYSFUNCTION (SPD) AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

Symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD is pain in your pelvis, which is caused by the relaxing of ligaments in the pelvic bones too early before birth. Many aspects of pregnancy can cause discomfort, and SPD is one of them. Here are the signs of SPD and what you can do if you think you to alleviate your discomfort if you are suffering from it. What is SPD and what causes it? Not all moms-to-be will experience SPD but it is thought to be fairly common in pregnancy. SPD is a pain in the symphysis pubis (which can range from moderate to serve) caused by the relaxing and stretching of the ligaments around the pelvic bone. Pain can be brought on by opening your legs, walking up stairs or even turning over in bed, and this may be accompanied by a clicking/grinding sensation in the pubic area. The cause of SPD in pregnancy is the hormone relaxin, aptly named as it relaxes your joints and ligaments to make it easier for your baby to come out at birth. SPD happens when these hormones come into play too early. Not only that but you’re shifting centre of as your baby grows, which can cause main in your lower back and pelvis as your body shifts to accommodate your little one. What can I do to relieve SPD Living with SPD can be uncomfortable at best, so you may be wondering what you can do to help alleviate some pain. Being fit before pregnancy can help, as stronger glute and abdominal muscles can help support your pelvis. Physiotherapy can help manage SPD pain, as a physio will be able to work with you as your pregnancy and pain levels change. Speak to your doctor first, as they may have recommendations for you. Your pelvis should return to normal between 4 and 12 weeks after birth

March 23, 2022

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BREAST CHANGES DURING (AND AFTER) PREGNANCY

Breast changes within a pregnant woman are truly incredible. The topic of breast development is one which is grossly misunderstood. Most women have an incorrect knowledge of how their own body develops. For most of ladies, it is assumed that by the time they have gone through puberty, that their breasts are fully developed. But this is wildly incorrect. Puberty is actually just the beginning of breast development. Within this article, we will discuss the actual development cycle of a woman’s breasts and what changes she can prepare herself for both during, and after pregnancy. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet! How Breasts Develop After Puberty Many people link breast development to size. Simply put, this is the wrong measure to take. Whilst a woman’s breast size will remain relatively the same from puberty up until pregnancy, the real development happens within the tissue itself. Breasts actually continue to develop every time a woman menstruates. When it is that time of the month, a lady’s breasts begin to produce small amounts of secretory tissue. This is the tissue that allows milk production to take place. This cycle will go on until a woman either reaches the age of about 34, or she falls pregnant. Naturally, another question arises in light of this knowledge. If a woman is consistently creating additional tissue, why do the breasts not get bigger as she gets older? Well, the breast actually replace the older cells within them when creating the new ones. As such, the old cells are replaced by the new. This is also why a lady’s breasts become incredibly sensitive during this time. In a nutshell, the body only begins to develop a woman’s breasts from the end of puberty onwards. But, what happens when you fall pregnant? Breast Development During Pregnancy Pregnancy is truly a miraculous time for a woman. Multiple changes begin to happen within your body. Your hormones sore, your bodily functions begin to change, but above all, a tiny being begins to grow within you. This period can be seen as your breast development heyday. During this time, your breasts will grow into full maturity. And it all begins after month one of falling pregnant. The first notable thing a woman will experience is the sensitivity of her breasts. This is actually one of the most common first signs of pregnancy. This is caused by the sudden change in hormones within her body. Within the first four to six weeks, the breasts will be particularly sensitive – similar to how they feel during a period. For the first trimester of her pregnancy, a woman’s breasts will remain sensitive. Visible Physical Changes The next change is one you will physically be able to witness. During pregnancy, breasts may go up by a cup size. This change happens particularly in first time mothers. Some ladies even go up by two sizes during this time. You will start to see the beginning of this growth from about six to eight weeks into pregnancy. Breasts may also begin to feel particularly itchy during pregnancy. This is due to the tightness of the skin within the area as the breasts grow. Some women have even developed stretch marks on their breasts during pregnancy from the sudden growth. Areola Changes Another physical indication of breast change during pregnancy are prominent veins. When pregnant, a woman’s breasts may begin to show large, blue veins running through them. This is attributed to the act that the veins will expand to accommodate extra blood flow of the growing breast tissues. Don’t be alarmed if you notice this on yourself – it is completely natural and will fade once you have given birth and stopped breastfeeding. Additional colour changes to expect occur within the areolas. During pregnancy, it is common for a woman’s areolas to become slightly larger, and darker in colour. Your areolas will also develop pronounced bumps, known as Montgomery’s tubercles. These are oil producing glands which are common within pregnancy, and help lubricate the nipples during this time. Tissue Changes As far as changes are concerned, the first thing which begins to change in the tissue structure are the amount of milk ducts within the breast. The hormones released during pregnancy send messages to the breast structure informing it of the need to increase the number of ducts – as feeding will soon begin. As such, a burst of ducts begins to develop within the breast tissue. Lactocytes are another tissue addition within the breasts during pregnancy. These are actually the milk production cells. Naturally, the body will need to develop these as they are the power houses behind breastfeeding. Other Changes The next set of changes do not necessarily happen within all women. Firstly, there is the possibility of the breasts leaking. During the third month of pregnancy, a woman’s body begins to produce the liquid substance known as colostrum. This is also known as liquid gold, as it contains nutritional value second to none for babies. However, during the last few months of pregnancy, the breasts may actually leak a tiny bit of colostrum. This happens frequently in some women, may start earlier in others, and may not occur for some moms. If you experience a breast leakage, don’t be ashamed. Invest in a few disposable breast pads and wear these during this time. Another pregnancy change could be that of lumpy breast tissue. Some ladies may develop umps within the breasts during pregnancy. This can commonly be associated to milk-filled cysts beginning to appear. These should subside once the woman begins to pump r breast feed. How to Deal With Breast Changes During Pregnancy Breast changes can be uncomfortable for some women. Even if they are not causing discomfort to you, there is something every pregnant woman needs to invest in; nursing bras. Nursing bras or apparel is a must have for all moms to be. These are designed to optimize comfort both during pregnancy and after. They also allow for easy feeding when your little one

March 18, 2022

DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – PLUS WAYS TO DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH AFTER PREGNANCY

As a new mom, the birth of your baby is a beautiful and exciting time, but there is a darker side to childbirth. Postpartum depression affects about 15% of moms after delivery, and while it is a serious disorder it can be overcome through treatment. What is Postpartum depression? Feelings of anxiety, sadness and fatigue are common after birth and are often referred to as the ‘baby blues’ and should subside within the first two weeks. However, if these feelings stick around for longer, you could be experiencing postpartum depression. Restlessness, mood swings, insomnia, irritability, disconnection from your baby and feeling of worthlessness are all red flags for postpartum depression. Some moms feel guilty or ashamed to be feeling this way, however PPD can affect any woman. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, as PDD is treatable through both medicated and unmedicated options. What should I do if I have the symptoms of Postpartum Depression? The good news is that PPD is treatable. There are a variety of common types of treatment, which depend on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment can include counselling, therapy groups, antidepressants and hormone therapy. Self-help groups can be helpful, as it allows you to connect with others who have experienced similar problems and stop feelings of isolation. Recovery time will also vary from mother to mother, but untreated the disorder will last much longer and can interrupt mother-child bonding. Getting help does not mean you are a bad mother, it is important to reach out if you are feeling depressed. Postpartum Psychosis In rare cases moms can develop postpartum psychosis. This should be treated as a medical emergency, and it is essential that you receive help right away. Symptoms include paranoia, delusion and erratic/disorganised behaviour. How to deal with mental health after pregnancy Your mental health is critical to you and your child’s well-being. If you are worried about PPD it is important to get professional help. However, you can help your mood by slowly getting back into exercise, setting aside time for yourself and leaning on those around you for support. It is important to stay connected to family and friends so that you don’t feel alone.

March 15, 2022

Prematurity is not something that a mother plans for when she falls pregnant

Prematurity is not something that a mother plans for when she falls pregnant. Prematurity can happen for so many different reasons and you may have a warning or not. Sadly, it does happen to about 1 in 7 pregnancies in South Africa. This is about 84 000 babies born per year to early. As a mother of two children that were born to early, I have lived through the uncertainties, stresses and also the wins that happen when you find your self in this situation. As a result My Breastpump focuses on helping families with support and products that will help them during this time. Mom, dad and baby soon find themselves living in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It becomes their focus and their everything. Mom and Dad may have limited access to the NICU due to COVID restrictions, but their heart and mind will not leave the NICU until there little one comes home. It can be a helpless feeling not being able to hold and cuddle your baby, but a mom can help her little one grow and get stronger by supplying her baby with breast milk. Breast milk is the recommend milk for all premature babes as it has among other benefits: growth hormones, specialised nutrients (mothers’ premature milk is different to that if a mother from a full-term baby), easier absorption of milk and immune factors. If a mother needs assistance with breast milk she can ask for donated breast milk. The mom can ask for information for the nearest milk bank and find out what the hospital polices are. There are several breast milk banks in South Africa: The South African Breast Milk Reserve, Milk Matters and the Net Care hospital group. Here are some tips for mothers of premature infants that want to build up their supply. Start expressing as soon as possible after birth. The ideal time is within 1 hour but if the mother has had extra surgery or complications, she can try to start expressing within 6 hours. Hand expression can be used in the beginning and then it is recommended that the other used a double hospital grade breast pump. The reason for this is that the mother will save a lot of time by Double pumping. This may sound insignificant, but it can reduce her expression time by half or more. This will make expression more possible and not as strenuous on the mother. Double pumping also will help her to increase her milk supply sooner. She needs to aim for about 1000ml of expressed breast milk in 2 weeks. This will allow her to keep up with her infants needs and set her up for a better breast-feeding experience later. The Ameda Mya Joy is a hospital grade double electric breast pump that is ideal for exclusive pumpers like mothers who have premature babies. The Mya Joy is small, but the motor is very strong and able to empty a mother’s breast well. It is this emptying that assist the mother to increase her milk supply. The Mya Joy has 7 different flange sizes that can be used and help for comfort and better breast emptying. The Mya Joy also has a NAPPI code which can be used with some medical aids to claim back from the medical saving. Please note that this is dependent on the medical aid plan and savings. The Mya Joy Hospital Grade double electric Breastpump can be bought on Takealot and on our website Another thing that parents may be concerned about is that it is very difficult to get the correct sizing nappies, especially for babies born before 29 weeks. My Breastpump has just launched our first premature nappy which is the My Little Prem <1.1kg, these nappies are designed to help the baby be more comfortable. This aids in better sleep and decrease in pain. Both are very important for improved growth and development. The My Little Prem Nappies are soft, light, small and have a leg cut out. The Leg Cut out is designed so that the baby can be placed in different positions and allow for correct placement of their hips. This allows for correct growth and improvement in the baby’s muscle tone. These nappies can be bought on Takealot and on our website My Breastpump also has one on one session that a mom can book with our lactation consultant to help her with her expressing journey, transitioning back on to the breast and making sure that she maintains her breast milk supply. Topics that are covered in these sessions are: How to choose a breast pump- what to look out for How to look after your breast pump and what parts to replace often How to maintain/ increase your supply using a breast pump How to pump if your baby is in NICU How to pump if you must go back to work Cleaning and sterilizing your breast pump parts Managing your breast milk stash If you would like to book a session with our lactation consultant, please book on our website Our goal at My Breastpump is to help families that need assistance with breast feeding and expressing. We want to help you to reach your goals and walk this journey with you. Please follow our social pages on Instagram and Facebook for more information on breast feeding.

March 15, 2022

GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION, WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN I AVOID IT?

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure (the pressure of your blood on the walls of your blood vessels) during the later part of pregnancy, as opposed to chronic hypertension which is high blood pressure outside of pregnancy. Hypertension affects about 6 – 8 % of pregnant women, and unfortunately can negatively affect you and your baby. How will I know if I have gestational hypertension? You are more at risk if you’re carrying twins, are overweight, had high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes before becoming pregnant or are older than 40 or younger than 20.Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy and some moms may not even realise that they have it – which is why regular check ups are important. Unfortunately, high blood pressure during pregnancy can develop into preeclampsia. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications and even death. The most effective treatment of this is delivery of your baby (if possible). Symptoms of preeclampsia include headaches, nausea and excessive protein in your urine, with the most common first sign being a rise in blood pressure. How can I avoid or treat hypertension? Although there isn’t anything you can do to prevent hypertension(some variables such as age and number of babies you’re carrying is uncontrollable), you can try to keep yourself (and your baby) as healthy as possible during your pregnancy to help you control your blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure level before getting pregnant, reducing your salt intake and regular exercise are all things you can do to help stay healthy and aware of your body’s condition. Going for regular checkups during your pregnancy will also help let you catch any problems early.

March 8, 2022

Pregnancy: Your body is amazing

So, you have a bun in the oven, what excitement and changes to come. Being pregnant is something to celebrate. Pregnancy is such an amazing miracle of life and is a time of learning. You learn so much about what your body can do. Can you imagine growing your own little human? It that not totally amazing? Pregnancy gives you time to get ready for the birthing and beyond that? Pregnancy is a fantastic time to learn, this way you can make informed choices about your pregnancy care, birth experience and afterwards. There are important things that you need to know about to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. You need to go for regular check ups with your health care provider to monitor you for hypertension, diabetes, infections, and anaemia. You will also then know how your baby is growing. One of the most special times is hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. You can also learn more about healthy eating and what supplements to take while you are pregnant, how to exercise safely, the different ways that your baby can be delivered and how you will look after your baby once she is born. This is the perfect time to learn more about breast feeding. The more you know about feeding before you give birth the easier it will be. If you understand about how breast milk is made you will be mor confidant in your body’s ability to make milk. If you know different ways to latch and what a deep latch it is will make the actual feeding so much easier. Understanding what to expect and normal baby behaviour really helps when you are learning to breast feed. Did you know that a newborn can drink between 8 to 12 times in 24 hours? Include your partner in all the baby related discussions because the both of you can learn and attend classes together. Did you know that your partner plays such an important role in breast feeding? Yes this is true, they can be so helpful with making you comfortable, getting baby in the correct positions for feeding, keeping you hydrated and fed. Not to mention all the other practical things that they can help with like dishes, cooking, bathing siblings and shopping. My Breastpump is so passionate about breastfeeding, education and pumping. Here are a few reasons why, but there are so many more. Breast feeding has positive effects for both mom and baby. Lets start with mom; breast feeding helps to reduce the risk of a variety of cancers, can reduce the risk of developing Diabetes by half if you breast feed for longer than 6 months, you burn between 300-500 calories a day, helps to return your womb to its original size (yes that means it helps to reduce the size of your tummy after birth), the hormones of breast feeding also helps to reduce stress and depression. Now for some of the benefits for baby. It reduces the risk of illness including flu, COVID, diarrhoea, childhood cancers, eczema and ear infections. Breast milk helps to teach the baby’s immune system how to fight infections by passing on the information from the mother’s immune system. Therefore, if a mother is sick, she can continue to breast feed her baby. This is just so amazing! Other benefits are that the muscles used to breast feed help your baby to learn to eat and speak. There are so many different places that you can learn about birthing. It is a good idea to learn more about the difference between a natural birth, c-section and v-bac? Why would you need a Pilates ball, is walking good in labour, what should I pack or even how to choose a good health care provider? What are the pro and cons with each and why would you prefer one birthing type over the other? These are all important and common questions that moms have. My Breastpump have been working closely with Origin Mother and Baby clinic and love the free and paid for classes that they offer to pregnant mothers. You have the option of online or face to face workshops. The Origin antenatal classes give you valuable information about creating your birthing plan, the role of Doula’s, Midwives, pro and cons about midwife lead or hospital lead birthing. They have great interactive conversations with qualified health care professionals. For more information about their pregnancy workshops have a look at their website . Another great pregnancy and mommy classes are BuB Hub as they also have baby classes to help you bond and stimulate your baby as they get older. It is so lovely to join a mommy group and find your tribe. As an extra service to you, My Breastpump provides an hour online personalised breastfeeding workshop for you and your partner. To book the workshop for yourself follow this www.mybreastpump.co.za. You can also find out who your local South African Certified Breastfeeding Consultants or IBCLC is. This way if you need assistance, you will know who to call and how to set up an appointment with them. Why not follow the “My Breastpump” social media pages on Facebook and Instagram where we share great information around breast feeding and pumping? We give information on positioning and good latching, positive stories about breast feeding and also guidelines on how to choose a breast pump, when and how to pump and pumping while back at work. Our page on Facebook is @mybreastpumpsa and @my_breastpumpsa on Instagram. You are welcome to DM us if you are needing more information around pumps and pumping. Enjoy your pregnancy, embrace it and learn about all the weird and wonderful things that you body is doing. You will be amazed at how strong your body is and how prepared you can be for birthing. Your little baby is growing and becoming stronger each day.

February 11, 2022

Postpartum recovery – How long does it take and what can you expect?

As a new mom, or a potential new mom, you are probably wondering how long your body will take to recover post birth and pregnancy. The postpartum period is generally regarded as the first six weeks after childbirth. This is an important time for both you and your baby, as you there are lots of emotional and physical adjustments that happen in this period. Recovering from having a baby can be a long process, especially considering that you now have a new baby to look after as well. What can I expect postpartum? Postpartum recovery will differ between moms and pregnancies. If you have opted for a vaginal birth, your vagina will hurt postpartum, and recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks depending on if you had an episiotomy or your perineum tore. C-section incisions can be painful and you can expect a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. Initially you may find moving difficult, but it’s important to move a little bit to avoid blood clots. Some new moms can experience difficulty urinating, perineal discomfort or soreness, vaginal bleeding, contractions, constipation and breast tenderness post birth. During the postpartum period you may also feel irritable, anxious or have sudden mood swings, this is also known as the ‘baby blues’ and is caused by hormonal changes in the first few weeks. However, if this period is extended you could be suffering from postpartum depression, and should speak to your doctor about this. How can I help my postpartum recovery? Be aware of pushing yourself to return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible, even if you have had an easy pregnancy and birth, your body has still been through an ordeal and you will need time to recover. Avoid over exercising (even if it’s tempting to get straight back into it!) and trying to socialise too much with friends and family eager to meet the new baby. Don’t be afraid to ask people for space and to limit your baby’s visitors.

February 10, 2022

Why do some breast pumps hurt?

The simple answer to the question of, “Why do some breast pumps hurt?”, is that it was not designed to fit you. Just like our bodies have different sizing, so do our breast, areola, and nipples. There can even be a combination of large breasts with small areola and nipple or the other way around. It does not matter your combination or size of breasts; your breasts are your perfect shape and size. Remember your breast milk is made deep inside your breast and not in your nipple. You can think of your nipple as a tap where the milk comes out and not where it is made or stored. What is needed are breast pumps that fit all the different sized breasts so that we can be comfortable while we pump. The diameter of the flange is important as well as the length of the flange. The diameter needs to allow for space for your nipple to move in and out of with comfort. The flange needs to be long enough that the tip of your nipple will not touch the bottom end and cause discomfort while pumping. The flange is the part of your breast pump that touches your breast, and your nipple should move freely in and out of it while pumping. The flange connects to the bottle and the tubing that goes to the pump. There will be a valve that connects to the flanges as well. The funnel of the flange can have different diameters. The size of the flange diameter is key to your comfort while pumping. The Ameda range of breast pumps gives you the confidence to pump easily and without discomfort. All of the Ameda breast pumps use the FDA approved Closed system HygieniKit which has the option to use the different size flanges. The Ameda range of breast pumps have 7 different flange sizes to help you find your personal comfortable fit. The sizing ranges is 21mm flexi shield insert, 22.5mm insert, 25mm standard size, 28.5mm flange or insert, 30.5mm flange, 32.5mm insert and 36mm flange. The Ameda pumps all come with the 25mm flange and then if you do need a different flange, you can measure your nipple and find the correct fit for you. All the different size flanges and inserts are found on our website . There are full sized flanges or inserts depending on the size that you are needing. The big question that we get asked is how to measure myself to get the correct flange size. Well, that is actually really easy. You need to measure your nipple base diameter. This is the part of your breast that will be moving in and out of flange. The nipple base is the part of your nipple that starts to stick out from your areola (the dark part around your nipple). You can use a normal ruler to take the measurement. Once you have your measurement you need to add on 6mm. So for example if your nipples are 19mm + 6mm = 25mm. Then the 25 m flange would most likely be the most comfortable size for you. Ameda also has a sizing tool that can be requested when you purchase any of our pumps. The tool is easy to use as it has cut outs the size of the flange diameter so you can measure and see how your nipple fits inside of each flange. The measurement technique is used to guide you to which size would most likely fit and be comfortable for you. When is the best time to measure your flange size? The timing of measuring your nipple size is important. As you know your nipple size may change during pregnancy or even during breast feeding. The best time to fit your flange size is just before you start using the pump. This will mean that you are measuring the actual size of your nipple. You should measure your nipple size in between a feed or before you want to start pumping. This way you will get their normal size, it may be a little bit larger after a feed or pump session. If at any time you feel like your breast pump is just not fitting anymore you can also recheck your measurement as your nipples may have changed size over time. How do you know that the flange is not fitting correctly? If your flange is too big. This will result in your nipple and areola being pulled into your flange. This can cause discomfort and make it more difficult for your milk to move out of your breast and into your pump. When the flange is too small for your nipple, this can result in your nipple rubbing on the side of the flange causing a blister or pain. Both will result in a decrease amount of breast milk expressed from your breasts. Another reason why a breast pump would hurt you is that you have the settings on too high for what is comfortable for you. Remember expressing breast milk is not a race to the fastest setting but rather you need to find your setting sweet spot. This means that the settings are comfortable and also help you to express effectively. We all respond differently to the speed and strength of a breast pump. You many need to spend some time to work out which settings are most comfortable for you. If you are not sure and need some help with finding the correct flange size for you, please send us an email to info@mybreastpump.co.za and we will be happy to assist you.

January 14, 2022

Style, function, exclusivity: new luxury bag range launches online in South Africa

Born in South Africa in 2020 – Luxury Neoprene Bags. For fashionistas, workaholics, party girls, super moms, sweat addicts, baby mammas & YOU! The Lily Rose Collection was created to allow fashion-savvy women to easily switch between casual weekend style and glam working executive mode, without having to swap out her handbag. Crafted for stylish women who value practicality and convenience, every bag in the Lily Rose Collection is made from neoprene – a hardworking material offering no-snag protective cushioning that’s also weather-, water- and heat-resistant so it will last for ages. The added bonus? The entire bag is plastic- and latex-free. The Lily Rose Collection bags are washing machine-friendly, extremely durable yet lightweight and with just the right amount of stretch to fit in that little something extra – because you can never have enough space in your handbag. With limited signature prints – photographed in Cape Town using locally-grown blooms – reminiscent of luxe Victorian fabrics, it’s apt that the brand name is the Lily Rose Collection. With lilies representing devotion to oneself, family or career, and roses known to signify love and passion, who better to turn to for a statement piece to carry all your daily essentials? But you’ll love your Lily Rose Collection bag for more than just its good looks, because the designers really have thought of everything. A wide opening with a roomy main compartment, two zipped pockets, colour-matched canvas hand- and shoulder straps for ease of use, built-in elasticated mesh storage pouches for a water bottle or your wallet – plus, there are thoughtful details like zip stoppers, protective feet and a gorgeous, branded puller to secure everything inside. Whether you opt for a soft, neutral colour palette like the Tranquillity bag, something bold like the Passion bag or attention-grabbing like Abundance, there’s a feminine print to suit every taste because a Lily Rose Collection bag is a style statement. What’s new?? The Lily Rose Collection will be launching an all-new range of Neoprene beach bags just in time for the December holidays. Locally designed, locally manufactured in gorgeous new prints. Every beach bag will come included with a PC lotion bag to store your sunblock and the like – so keep your eyes peeled for the Launch! Currently available in South Africa, visit www.lilyrosecollection.co.za for more information or to start your collection today.

November 2, 2021

Herbal extracts and how they can help overcome common women’s health issues

These days supplements, which include vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts, are easily available and more accessible. Fortunately, science and technology has also come a long way in recent years and we have made impressive strides with vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts in particular when it comes to studying and knowing the mechanism of action and how it relates to the body’s physiology and thereby, how it helps keep you healthy or how it can help treat ailments. The Salome range, launched by South African pharmaceutical company 3Sixty Biomedicine, addresses common women’s health issues using herbal extracts as a key ingredient. The current product range offers over the counter treatment options to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility linked to PCOS. 3Sixty Biomedicine locally manufactures their products and because they are based on herbal extracts the added benefit for consumers is that they are safe to use and have limited side effects. Being a biotechnology company, the efficacy of these ingredients included in their products is backed by science and medical studies, which is why their products are recognized and reimbursed by certain medical aids. Common women’s health conditions that moms can do without – period! Primary dysmenorrhea, the technical term for period pain without the presence of other conditions such as endometriosis, is the most common gynaecologic problem in women of all ages and races with the menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Salome Menstrual Pain is based on herbal extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. What is great about Salome Menstrual Pain is because it contains natural ingredients, females from as young as 13 years old who suffer from menstrual pain can use it to manage painful menstrual cramping without worrying about unwanted side-effects. Another common problem experienced by women is menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow and prolonged bleeding). 3Sixty Biomedicine created their Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding product to help alleviate this problem. The product also draws on herbal extracts from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, a medicinal plant also known as Shepherd’s purse, as an active ingredient to assist with the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles. The medicinal benefits of this plant have been scientifically proven to have smooth muscle stimulant effects. As an added bonus Capsella has antioxidant features that improve uterine tone, meaning that it will facilitate the regulation of menstrual blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can have a positive impact on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Understanding the basics of PCOS Salome Polycos assists with the management of symptoms commonly associated with PCOS by helping to decrease testosterone levels, increasing progesterone levels in women with irregular or absent periods and thus regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as reducing blood pressure levels. It also plays a role in increasing insulin activity in women diagnosed with PCOS, as many suffer from insulin resistance. Due to these hormonal imbalances women living with PCOS often battle with acne, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss or experience excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Salome Polycos’s main active ingredient is D-chiro-inositol (DCI) which is a natural extract obtained from the carob tree. In cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid. The efficacy of the product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob bean tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. There is a solution! The full Salome range that contains natural herbal extracts is available online at Takealot.com and www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, as well as over the counter at most pharmacies nationwide. The products are recognised and can also be reimbursed by medical aids. We believe #YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to educating and normalizing conversations about common women’s health conditions. Facebook: SalomeRange Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

November 1, 2021

Chicco Ohlala2 Stroller – Black Nite

When you want to make an entrance there is only one stroller that says urban cool with the utmost confidence – the Chicco Ohlala2. In slick Black Nite colouring, this diverse and convenient travel option is an all-round solution when looking for a lightweight, easy-to-fold yet durable solution to shopping, strolling and hanging out with your little one. Easy enough to ‘lift with one finger’, this 3.8kg stroller makes going out with baby so much easier when packing away in cars or accessing stairways. Fully reclining when it’s nap time for baby, you can use the extra coverage of the UV50+ protected canopy to keep harmful rays at bay. With a strong bumper bar protecting from forward falls, baby can hold on and watch the world go by whilst being strapped in with the five-point safety strap. Durable wheels make the Ohlala2 perfect for roads, pavements, malls and hard exteriors. As baby grows, the footrest will make sure they are neatly tucked in and ready to go. Pop your shopping or baby essentials in the large storage basket and be ready to make an impression with this ultra-fashion stroller. Also available in twin mode. Suitable up to 22kgs. Grab one at the reduced price of R1999 from www.shopchicco.co.za while stocks last.

October 22, 2021

Chicco launches new e-commerce website

Leading baby products supplier Chicco has just launched their brand new, e-commerce website, www.shopchicco.co.za. Shop Chicco is finally ready to supply consumers with top quality baby products straight from the heart of the company. Chicco has been on the forefront of the baby world in European and American markets for almost 65 years. As a heritage brand that started off in the medical field, all Chicco’s products are quality controlled and tested in the Osservatorio in Como where Chicco is based. A laboratory within the company ensures that no item leaves the company without rigorous and methodical testing. It is through this strict attention to detail that Chicco has continued to be the preferred supplier to parents across the world for so long. When you shop on www.shopchicco.co.za you get access to not only a wide variety of Chicco products, but you also get the opportunity to sign up to the newsletter and receive further discounts. When you check-out, receive a free baby hamper gift worth R500*. Shop Chicco South Africa offers reduced pricing on selected goods, making it more than just an online portal, but a club to belong to in order to receive the very best deals on Chicco favourites. Shop world-class strollers, car seats, high chairs, bouncers, cribs, slings, carriers, toys, nursing products, grooming products and so much more on www.shopchicco.co.za today. Free gift valid until stocks last

October 8, 2021

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