THE LATEST NEWS TO HELP YOU with your journey
Medela South Africa

Medela Introduces Category Expansion with New Baby Care Product Lines Developed with Experts called Medela Baby

Medela, the world’s leading breastfeeding advocate and partner for mother’s milk, is excited to announce the launch of Medela Baby in South Africa. Medela baby includes a range of pacifiers for infants through to 18 months. This category expansion combines Medela’s 60 years of expertise in breastfeeding and 30 years of scientific research on the natural suckling behaviour of breastfed babies with the decades of experience in silicone manufacturing excellence of Bibi, based in Switzerland and acquired by Medela in 2019. Medela infused its years of knowledge on infant suckling behaviour with experts in silicone manufacturing to create an exclusive pacifier portfolio designed according to the highest standards in safety and quality while delivering a soft, lightweight, gentle-on-skin feel. A pacifier, when used responsibly, can be complementary to the infant’s well-being.1-2 Developed in cooperation with midwives, dentists, speech therapists, lactation experts, and an ergonomist, the Medela Baby portfolio features a collection of newborn to toddler pacifiers in the optimal size, form, weight, and characteristics for the ideal tongue, lip, and jaw movement.3-4 The pacifiers feature Medela Baby’s exclusive SensoPearls™ for a gentle-on-skin feel and enhanced airflow, a symmetrical teat with a thin neck and reduced teat volume for healthy gum and jaw development,3-4 with a light and ergonomic shield to fit the contour of baby’s face.5-6 The Medela Baby Collection offers three styles of pacifiers to South Africa: Original (R305.99), the perfect all-around dummy that comes in cute and trendy designs. It’s designed with gentle-on-skin SensoPearls™ and offers a symmetrical teat for easy acceptance. This lightweight and orthodontic pacifier supports healthy speech and gum development and fits the contour of your baby’s nose and chin to allow easy breathing. Available in 2 sizes (0-6 months and 6-18 months). Soft Silicone (R315.99) supports natural suckling with a one-piece super soft, lightweight, and flexible design. Inspired by Medela’s Contact Nipple Shield, it is shaped to fit under the nose to not interfere with breathing and smell the comforting scent of the mother. This perfect everyday pacifier is available in 2 sizes (0-6 months and 6-18 months) and in a variety of colours (clear, pink, and blue). Benefits include: 24% lighter than the leading competition Newly developed pacifier with a softer & more flexible teat due to a thinner wall Designed to feel gentle on the skin with SensoPearls™ that enhances the airflow on the skin, n. one concern for mums* Ergonomic design under the nose to not interfere with breathing and to facilitate smelling mum’s scent – inspired by our knowledge of contact nipple shields Swiss quality, premium quality & high industry standards One-piece soft, lightweight silicone – flexible & transparent and cute panda design Day & Night 24-hour 2-piece set (R299.99) includes an Original and Night pacifier that glows in the dark. The set is offered in 2 sizes: 0-6 months and 6-18 months. A study shows that this pacifier was accepted by 9 out of 10 babies.7  The perfect 24h set with two great benefits combined. The day pacifier features a ring to fix with a pacifier holder during the day, and the night pacifier with a glow-in-the-dark knob, allowing mum and baby to find it during the night. Without a ring, baby’s sleep is not disturbed when moving actively at night.  Other benefits include: Designed to feel gentle on the skin with SensoPearls™, n. one concern for mums* Accepted by 9 out of 10 babies Symmetrical teat for easy acceptance Swiss quality for over 85 years, premium quality & high industry standards Use any pacifier with the new Medela Pacifier Clip (R199.99), a universal pacifier holder that fits all Medela Baby pacifiers and most other pacifiers. The material is made without BPA and BPS and features an easy-to-use innovative clip, allowing you to open the holder with one hand.   All Medela Baby pacifiers come with a protection cap or Steribox for hygienic use and easy transport and storage. The collection is made from food-grade silicone without BPA or BPS and produced in Switzerland, meeting the highest safety design and quality standards with the added benefit of Medela’s leading research-based commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Medela Baby pacifiers offers other vital advantages within the baby care category: Developed with experts with expertise from the Medela midwives’ network and expertise in silicone manufacturing SensoPearls ™ to feel gentle on the skin and for enhanced airflow Thin shaft teat to allow lip contact Reduced teat volume for healthy gum & jaw development Ergonomic shield with airflow benefits Teat size increases according to the stage of baby’s development 0-6 months, and 6-18 months Uses the best materials Comes with either the protection cap or the sterilizing box for hygienic use & transport Medela launches two new intimate apparel items for pregnant and nursing mothers. Medela continuously researches to understand the needs of breastfeeding mums and babies. This enables them to translate the knowledge into functional maternity and nursing apparel, working with leading textile and garment technology experts. All garments are developed by a Team of Designers and R&D professionals and tested with mums every step of the way. In line with Medela’s commitment to decrease environmental impact, all New Collections come in new sustainable, 100% recycled packaging. Pump and breastfeed comfortably with the Medela 3 In 1 Nursing & Pumping Bra (R1999.99). This 3-In-1 versatile design is lightweight, ultra-breathable, and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit. Bond with your baby with the full drop-down cups and enjoy medium to high support when pumping (to hold bottles or for in-bra pumping). This 3-In-1 bra is an all-day-wear bra designed for nursing, pumping & in bra pumping. Available in black and comes in sizes S, M, and L.   Using a hands-free pumping bra allows you to get on with other activities or relax while collecting breast milk for your baby. Replacing the Medela Easy Expression™ Bustier, Medela hands-free™ Pumping Bustier™ (R1 299.99) is made with comfort and convenience, with a seamless strapless tube top design providing a snug fit and ample

December 7, 2022
Good Night Baby

Traveling and Surviving the Festive Season

It is the season to be jolly but for many parents the idea of family or travel can be daunting with young ones in tow. There are many factors to consider and anything could go wrong…. Here are some tips and notes to help you get through it and hopefully, you’ll get some much-needed rest: Packing This is an art, especially when flying. Remember, that unless you are traveling to the middle of nowhere most things can be bought or replaced. So, don’t break out in a sweat if you forget something. However, don’t leave packing for the last minute. Save yourself unnecessary stress by starting early. Some things cannot be packed in advance though. Make a list of all the last-minute things that you need to pack…. These include things like a baby monitor, your baby’s lovey or favourite toy, pillow or blanket and night light. Remember to take with all the things you need for your bedtime routine (books, lovey, white noise). You can also download white noise apps on your tablet of spare phone. Most hotels and guest houses have cots, you just need to ask for one. Your carry-on bag will be one of the most important things to pack. I find that a backpack works best, it might not look as great, but it makes a big difference especially when flying as you always have your hands free to either carry baby or catch a running toddler. There is a lot of walking and waiting involved at the airport so have snacks and water on hand. Make sure to pack extra clothes for your children but also for you. Have their favourite toy/lovey with you as well as diapers, wipes (packets and packets of wipes), dummies and formula. If you use cloth nappies, I would suggest leaving those for when you arrive at your destination, and refrain from using them when you are on the go. Getting there Have realistic expectations. Know that whether you travel by car, plane or boat your child will miss some sleep. They might go to sleep only later when flying abroad or they might miss a nap. In the car, their naps or sleep often can be short. You will survive and remember that you will eventually get to your destination. With toddlers and older children also remember to prepare them and set their expectations for the journey. Plan, plan and plan some more. We often think of only the car ride and the plane ride but forget the bits in-between. Charge all the necessary toys, iPads, and portable televisions the day before.  Power banks are handy when traveling. At airports you will go through security and passport control. Plan enough time for all of this and ask to skip the line. Most airports will allow you to go to the front with small children.  You are also allowed to take a stroller and car seat with you. Most of the time, you can push the stroller all the way till you board the plane. Try to book long flights overnight and shorter flights that will fall over nap time. When traveling in a car you will have to plan regular stops that might take a while. If your child sleeps well in the car it can be helpful to travel during the night. Keep your children safe in a car seat. If they are crying rather stop and pull over; don’t take them out of their safety seat while driving. Have activities, water and snacks galore. Once you there Try to keep to normal routines, especially bedtime routines as far as possible. The younger your kids are, the more you need to stick to them. Of course, you’ll be out and about some days but try not to overschedule and over plan every day. Try to give your child the opportunity to have at least one nap a day in the cot, and remember that one nap on the go (in a sling, stroller or car) will not throw everything out. It’s your holiday and you need to try and enjoy it. Try to recreate their sleep space so that is it like home. Bring with their sheets, bedding and pillow. If your toddler sleeps with a night light or white noise take it with to your destination. Most often we must share rooms with our children on holiday. If you normally share a room of course this is not a problem but if not, you should not stress too much about it. They can sleep just as well with you in the room. Try to keep their sleep space separate though by putting the cot or bed as far away from your bed as possible. White noise can also be helpful when you need to go in the room later, or if you need to wake-up early the next day. If only your kids share a room, try to split their bedtime. Put the younger one to bed first and about 20 to 30 minutes later, explain to the older one that it is a privilege to stay awake later and they should sneak into the room like a ninja and not wake the younger one up. A common cause for concern is when you travel to somewhere, where the sun goes down later. Always remember that small children and babies have no concept of time so unless you make it an issue they won’t mind going to bed at their normal time. It can be helpful to travel with a dark sheet which you can hang over the window to help darken the room. Sweets are part of holiday but try to limit sugar and TV time before bed. Travel safe and try to get some rest and remember that even if things go completely pear-shaped while you’re away, you should be able to get right back on track once you are home. By Jolandi Becker – Good Night MD

December 6, 2022
JanaS Ladies and Babies Boutique

JanaS Ladies and Babies boutique

JanaS is a mom owned and operated, Pretoria based, online store that was started as a ladies clothing brand, but then evolved into an online store that specializes in natural products for mommy and baby. At JanaS we are passionate about using no products with any toxins in, on our babies or on ourselves. A lot of research goes into every product that we decide to stock. It is tried and tested by ourselves and our children. It needs to be toxins free and completely safe to use. We stock a wide variety of products, lots of them locally produced, but also some imported from countries such as Denmark and England. When we look for potential products, there are a few important characteristics that we look for.  To promote sustainability, we look for products that are reusable. This includes every variety of modern cloth diaper that you can think off. Also our LastObject products – reusable ear swabs and face wipes and cloth diapers. All our mommy and baby products are made with natural ingredients and are preservative free. This includes our teas, washing detergents and post-partum recovery gummies, bum balms, sunscreens and so much more. Our dummies and teethers are made with silicone, untreated wood, 100% cotton and natural rubber. This ensures that our precious babies don’t come into contact with any toxins that might be harmful, and they are naturally anti-bacterial.  We strive to give each and every customer fast and personalized service. We love chatting to customer regarding product options. We also offer cloth nappy demos to make sure your cloth nappy journey is as effortless and fun as possible. Visit them at www.janas.co.za

November 18, 2022
POKKELOKKIE

Pokkelokkie cloth nappies and why you need to join our tribe

Did you know you will spend over R20 000 on single use plastics in your child’s diaper life. Over R40 000 if you have two babies. This is crazy. No one wants to throw money into a landfill where it will sit for 500 years. So here is the good news…you don’t have to! Hi. My name is Kerryn. I am a mom, wife, eco warrior and the owner of Pokkelokkie cloth nappies.  I started making cloth nappies for my first baby, as the thought of throwing a single use plastic in a black bag where it will stay for over 500 years just did not sit well with me, at all. My mum taught me how to sew when I was six years old. I would never have dreamed such a small skill would be such a big influence in my life today. Seven years ago, I was sat sewing a nappy (8 months pregnant), wandering if I was making the right decision about this cloth nappy business idea when a very beautiful and unusual looking feather floated in through the tiniest gap in my window. It landed on the very nappy I was sewing. This was the sign. Could it have been my mum? Pokkelokkie focuses on the making of good quality cloth nappies that work. They are affordable, long lasting, trim, beautiful, thirsty and easy. I tried all sorts of types of cloth nappies and none have come close to what we make.  I started the business on my dining room table, cutting one nappy at a time with a pair of scissors. I think we had about five sales a week back then. As time passed the orders grew. I decided to leave what I thought would be my lifelong teaching career, to pursue my own business. My husband, 6-month-old little boy and I relocated to the Garden Route in 2016 where I set up the business in the double garage attached to our rented home at the time. I employed one lady who helped me cut. I did all the sewing myself, day in and day out. We finally bought our current home where we turned the bottom floor of the house into the Pokkelokkie workshop. Over the past three and a half years our team has now grown to five staff members and me. We have recently moved the business to a factory premises in the industrial area in Knysna. We are growing.  The use of cloth nappies is not as widespread as I would like it to be here in South Africa. One of the biggest challenges we face is ignorance. South Africa is still very much using single use plastics in fear of cloth nappies being “hard work” or “difficult”. Modern cloth nappies have come such a long way since the laborious soaking in huge buckets. None of that applies anymore as our reusables are simply rinsed and washed in a washing machine, then hung out to dry. That is really it. It is so easy. I couldn’t wait to get them clean so I could get my baby back into his cloth nappies. Most of my customers report this to be true.  It’s truly rewarding in a way that one will never have imagined.  Since disposable nappies took the market by storm in the 70`s, cloth nappies simply got left behind, as convenience took preference over what is best for the environment. We are now feeling the effects of this poor decision. Because cloth nappies are not so mainstream yet, a new mum wanting to opt for cloth is often criticized by friends and family. This often leads to the new parents resorting to using single use plastics in fear of being judged by their peers. This is very sad. I hear of these stories on a regular basis. The lack of support is a huge deciding factor. Moms are told things like “you won’t manage….it’s too difficult”. This negative stigma is still very much present today. Another issue here is the abundance of poorer quality cloth nappies and nappy styles here that just do not work. Inferior products put consumers off and prevent them from buying again. Nappies that leak due to poor fabrics/poor design coupled with little or no testing results in a cloth diaper that just does not function. Another problem is the importation of inferior products. Many people fall prey to companies who import cheaply made cloth diapers manufactured in bulk. Nappies are sold at cheap prices in large packs to new mums who know very little. They also claim to be “local” yet the items themselves are very far from that. Once a consumer has bought and the product has leaked, the chance they are keen to try again is slim to none. Disposables are then used for the remainder of the diaper life. Research is key in this industry. I always tell mums to know where and who they are actually buying from. Opt for a local company that actually makes the nappies here in SA and one who will support you if you need help. That’s us! Something worth mentioning too is the presence of large “eco” disposable nappy companies. These corporates, who manufacture millions of “eco” single use plastics in massive factories abroad, claim the product to be biodegrable. But what most people don’t know is this product only biodegrades in a compost heap or a suitable environment… not in a black bag in our landfills. These nappies leave waste in the earth, are single use and are not earth friendly. They make parents feel they are doing their bit by choosing them, by joining their eco family. This pulls people away from cloth nappies. They appear “good for the environment” but they are anything but that.  Amongst the challenges though, I do feel positive about reusables gaining popularity, because they are. We have entered an era where people are now much more aware of the impact single use plastics have on

November 10, 2022
Parenting Hub

Growing your nappy stockpile this #blackfriday

Good day everyone, my name is Jessica from Growing Hearts. Today I would like to talk a bit more about growing your nappy stockpile. We have a lot of moms who come and ask us ‘I’ve got a bit of cash and I want to stock up on my nappies.’ Watch the vlog here    

November 7, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Handling Childhood Illness Effectively

Most parents know that during the course of raising a child you will have to deal with different bouts of illness. Here is some information, from Bonitas Medical Fund, which should help you to manage common early childhood illnesses successfully.

October 24, 2022
Milk Galore

Pumping and Storing Breastmilk

Moms going back to work – OH No!!! Some helpful hints on breast pumping and storing of breastmilk. Whether you’re going back to work, want to have your partner help with feedings, or want to make sure you have breastmilk for your baby if you are away for a few hours, you will need to pump and store your breastmilk.  Pumping your breastmilk Before you pump, wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Make sure the area where you are pumping and your pump parts and bottles are clean. You do not need to wash your breasts and nipples before pumping. If you need help to get your milk to start flowing without your baby there, you can get Milk Galore products that may assist increase the flow of breastmilk so that Mom can have enough milk to express.  The products come in form of rooibos tea or 100% fruit juice blend and can be purchased based on preference. Pumping: Ways to express your milk by hand or pump Hand expression How it works: You use your hand to squeeze and press on your breast to remove milk. What is involved: Requires practice, skill, and coordination. Gets easier with practice and can be as fast as pumping. Good if you are not often away from your baby or you need an option that is always with you. But all moms should learn how to hand express in case of emergency. Average Cost: Free Manual pump How it works: You use your hand and wrist to operate a hand-held device to pump the milk. What is involved: Requires practice, skill, and coordination. Useful for occasional pumping if you are away from your baby only once in a while. Average Cost: R200 to R874* Electric breast pump How it works: Runs on battery or plugs into an electrical outlet. What is involved: Can be easier for some moms. Can pump one breast at a time or both breasts at the same time. Double pumping (pumping both breasts at the same time) may collect more milk in less time, which is helpful if you are going back to work or school full-time. Need a place to clean and store the equipment between uses. Electric pumps require batteries or a place to plug in. Average Cost: R750 to over  R4 099 Storage of breastmilk After each pumping, you can: Keep milk at room temperature. Breastmilk is OK for up to 4 hours after pumping at room temperature (up to 25 °C). Refrigerate it. Breastmilk is OK in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place milk in the freezer. If you’re not going to use refrigerated breastmilk within 4 days of pumping, freeze it right after pumping. Use cooler packs. You can put breastmilk in a cooler or insulated cooler pack with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours after pumping. After 24 hours in a cooler the breastmilk should be refrigerated or frozen. When storing breastmilk, use breastmilk storage bags, which are made for freezing human milk. You can also use clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Do not use containers with the recycle number 7, which may contain BPA. Do not use disposable bottle liners or other plastic bags to store breastmilk. Storage: Tips for freezing milk Clearly label milk containers with the date the milk was expressed. Include your child’s name if you are giving the milk to a child care provider. Freeze in small amounts ( ¼ to ½ cups) for later feedings. Leave an 25.4ml or so from the milk to the top of the container, because it will get bigger when freezing. Wait to tighten bottle caps or lids until the milk is completely frozen. Store milk in the back of the freezer, not on the shelf of the freezer door, so that it doesn’t start to thaw out. Storage: Tips for thawing and warming up milk Thaw the oldest breastmilk first. Breastmilk does not need to be warmed. Some moms prefer to serve it at room temperature. Some moms serve it cold. Thaw the bottle or bag of frozen milk by putting it in the refrigerator overnight. If you decide to warm the breastmilk: Keep the container sealed while warming. Hold it under warm, not hot, running water, or set it in a container of water that is warm, not hot. Never put a bottle or bag of breastmilk in the microwave. Microwaving creates hot spots that could burn your baby and damage the milk. Test the temperature before feeding it to your baby by dropping some on your wrist. The milk should feel warm, not hot. Swirl the milk to mix the fat, which may have separated. Do not shake the milk. Use breastmilk within 24 hours of thawing it in the refrigerator. This means 24 hours from when the breastmilk is no longer frozen, not from when you take it out of the freezer. Once breastmilk is thawed to room temperature or warmed after being in the refrigerator or freezer, use it within 2 hours. If you have any leftover milk when the baby is finished feeding, be sure to throw it out within 2 hours. Do not refreeze breastmilk after it has been thawed.

October 21, 2022
Parenting Hub

How Does Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Affect Babies?

According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, South Africa has the highest prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) globally. What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome? FASD is a collection of physical, behavioural, and learning disorders that can arise in individuals exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. According to research, there is no safe amount of alcohol and no safe period to consume during pregnancy that will not result in FASD. Therefore, drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy poses a risk to the foetus. Globally, 1 in 13 births exposed to alcohol during pregnancy result in FASD, with a reported frequency of eight per 1 000 children and adolescents in the general population in 2017. The nationwide prevalence of FASD in South Africa ranges from 29 to 290 per 1 000 live births, the highest rate in the world. A recently published study assessed the frequency in the Western Cape Province to be between 196 and 276 children per 1 000, the highest prevalence among South African provinces. How Does Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Affect a Growing Baby? When alcohol enters the circulation of a pregnant woman, it is transported straight to the developing tissues of the foetus via the placental tissue that separates the mother’s and baby’s blood systems. That implies that when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, so does the foetus. The alcohol is completely absorbed by the foetus and causes irreparable brain damage. This brain injury eventually leads to severe behavioural abnormalities. The adverse effects of alcohol can cause harm to the foetus at any time of pregnancy; they are not limited to a single stage. Learn More: The Importance of Early Monitoring During Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms of FASD in Babies Some children experience the symptoms of FASD to a far greater degree than others.  The signs and symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome may include any combination of physical deformities, intellectual or cognitive impairments, and difficulties with daily functioning and coping.  Babies born with FASD may present with the following symptoms: Distinctive facial characteristics, including small eyes, an unusually thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and the top lip Disfigurements of the joints, limbs, and fingers Low body weight Short height Sleep and sucking difficulties Small head size Vision or hearing problems Disorders of the heart, kidneys, and bones As a baby with FASD grows, they may exhibit the following symptoms: Poor coordination Hyperactive conduct Attentional difficulties  Poor memory Academic challenges (especially with math) Learning disabilities Language and speech delays Mental retardation or a low IQ Poor reasoning and judgement skills If you suspect that your baby has FASD, consult your doctor immediately. Learning difficulties and behavioural disorders may be alleviated by early diagnosis.  “Because early detection may lower the risk of long-term complications for children with foetal alcohol syndrome, inform your child’s doctor if you consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Do not wait until problems occur before getting assistance,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Murray launched Affinity Health in 2011. His vision is to make South Africans healthier and enhance the quality of their lives. “If you have adopted or fostered a child, you may not know if the biological mother drank alcohol during pregnancy, and it may not occur to you that your child may have foetal alcohol syndrome. However, if your child has learning and behaviour issues, consult with their physician to determine the underlying cause.” Where to get help If you suspect your child may have FASD, speak to your family health care provider, who may refer your child to a specialist knowledgeable about FASDs, such as a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, or clinical geneticist.  There are clinics in some places whose personnel are specially trained to diagnose and treat children with FASDs.  If you’re pregnant and battling sobriety, remember that recovery is in reach with the proper treatment and support.  If you or someone you know needs assistance with alcoholism, speak with your healthcare physician for a list of experts within your area that can assist, or contact the following organisations for help: Alcoholics Anonymous: 021 418 0908 Al-Anon: 021 595 4517 SANCA: 021 945 4080 FASFacts: 023 342 7000 Narcotics Anonymous SA: 083 900 6962 Learn More: The Dangers of Binge Drinking

October 21, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

PUTTING YOUR KIDS ON A PATH TO GOOD NUTRITION

For many parents, nothing is as stressful as getting your kids to eat all the food on their plate, especially when it comes to veggies. Eating a variety of healthy foods is essential for your children’s wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to get your kids to eat better.

October 17, 2022
Baby and I Melrose

Getting Ready for Summer

Ooh, summer has arrived and plans for sizzling summer getaways are well underway – a trip to the coast, perhaps a few nights in the bush.  No matter where you decide to go on holiday this year or even if you plan to stay at home, you just know that you are going to be spending so much time in the hot South African sun!   The most exciting part of preparing for the summer is shopping, but shopping for your baby or toddler comes with more consideration than just opting for a cute little ‘cozzie’ because it looks sweet!  Baby and I Melrose decided to make shopping so much easier for you this year and list below some essentials to consider : Must Haves for Baby & Toddler Lightweight baby clothing, preferably 100% natural fabrics Cotton or Bamboo blankets Sun hat or bonnet – no matter baby’s age Sunglasses – definitely sunglasses! Swimsuit – choose with long sleeves and full-length pants.  Little accidents can happen, so be prepared and buy more than one set Shade for car windows Lightweight breathable cover for car seat and pram Breathable baby carrier Mosquito nets for baby’s crib and camp-cot Sunscreen – choose an SPF of 30 or higher which ensures protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays Stroller with canopy Nappy rash cream & baby lotion – nappy rash is more likely to happen in summer and your little one’s skin is likely to become very dry due to the hot sun.  Prevention is always better than cure! Staying hydrated is vital to everyone’s health, but even more so for your baby and toddler and especially during hot summer days.  Toddlers are running around and playing, and moments spent in the swimming pool are exposing your baby or toddler to direct sunlight as well. This means that dehydration is even more prevalent.  Look out for signs like a flushed face, warm skin and rapid breathing which will tell you immediately that your little one is becoming dehydrated. Keep bottles of water with you at all times.  Choose an insulated water bottle designed specially to keep water cold, or use a hydro flask.   As well as ensuring that your little one remains hydrated, diet also plays an important part in supporting their needs during the hot summer months.   Citrus Fruits – so easily available at this time, and extremely refreshing. Also contain vitamin C which boosts your baby or toddler’s immune system.   Watermelon – also readily available during summer and a refreshingly cool addition which can be cut up or served as a drink for hot summer days.  With such a high water content, watermelon helps keep baby hydrated as well Peaches – the beta-carotene contained in peaches is converted into Vitamin A when eaten and also assists in boosting the immune system.  And of course, peaches are so yummy! Mangos – known as the King of Fruits!  Mangos are delicious and very easily digested.  They are rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that is good for the eyesight.  They help fight microbial infections and assist in brain development.  Serve in bite size pieces or as an oh so yummy smoothie! The hot weather can make your little one’s skin very dry.  Keep baby lotion with you even when you’re out and about and apply when you feel necessary, and of course, after bath is essential to lock in moisture and restore softness and glow to the skin.  Choose lotions with ingredients such as aloe vera, almond oil, nutgrass oil and mustard oil. Swimming Lessons are a Must Baby can start swimming lessons at around 5 or 6 months old.  With the alarming amount of babies, toddlers and young children, drowning in South Africa, opting for swimming lessons for your little one just makes sense.  Once enrolled what do you take with you : Baby Swimsuit –  Matching Mommy and Me swimming costumes add a fabulous element of fun (keep one spare swimsuit with you) Large absorbent towel and one spare Swimming nappies Normal everyday nappies Baby bum cream Moisturising lotion for your little one’s skin Change of clothing Snacks, bottle or sippy cup Bath toys but check with swim school if necessary Just for fun, don’t forget your phone so that you can take awesome photos and videos to share with the family! No doubt the swim school will give you a list of what to buy, but it is always nice to have an idea of what you will need so that you can be prepared. Although your swim school may have their own float vests or jackets, it is highly recommended that you purchase a float vest or jacket for your little one, to be used not only for swimming lessons but for those carefree days spent in the water at home, or on holiday.  Float vests and jackets are worn over swimsuits to help achieve a natural position in the water.  Float vests or jackets are recommended for use for children from age 1 to 6.  They are a buoyancy aid to assist with your little one’s buoyancy as well as increase their safety level when in the water.  Some float vests on the market today, have an added advantage of UPF (sun-protected fabrics) adding extra protection for your little one’s delicate skin. However, we do recommend that you check labels before purchasing if this is a must for you.   Baby and I Melrose have a beautiful range of baby swimwear, including matching Mommy and Me swimsuits which can add an element of fun to any swimming lesson or outdoor swimming activity.  Protect your children’s eyes from the harsh South African sun with funky sunglasses, also available from Baby and I Melrose, in a variety of colours and designs. As a local Premier Baby Boutique, Baby and I Melrose offer an exceptional range of essential baby products, clothing and accessories, making it easy for you to purchase most of your summer essentials for

October 14, 2022
Parenting Hub

1 Hi Baby nappy = 1 dry night and a happy, rested mom

As I sit here pondering on this topic, 34 weeks pregnant with my second child, I can identify with the reality of sleepless nights and the desire to only want what is best for my children. Despite the many factors that can keep a mother lying awake at night, a wet nappy and unhappy baby does not need to feature on this list. Some helpful tips to promote better sleep: Get into the habit of changing baby’s nappy just before the last feed at bedtime and don’t change it during the night unless it is very wet or dirty. As Hi Baby PremiumAAA Grade nappies are super absorbent, there is no need to wake your baby at night every time baby wets the nappy just a little. It is essential to ensure that you have the correct size nappy to fit your baby’s weight and build, as the perfect fit will prevent positional leaks when baby is lying down. If you have a newborn baby who wakes for feeds during the night – change baby’s nappy first and then feed or change it mid-feed. If you change baby’s nappy after the feed, you may wake baby completely. If your toddler is a heavy wetter and routinely has something to drink right before bed, perhaps a routine change is in order? Try to ensure that your toddler’s last drink of the night happens at least an hour before bedtime. When changing baby’s nappy be sure to avoid bright lighting, noise and making eye contact as this may cause baby to wake completely instead of easily drifting back to dreamland. Making Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups a part of your baby’s bedtime routine is the difference between waking up at night to a crying, cold, wet baby versus a good night’s rest, with 12 hours of dryness. With their super absorbent core and perfect fit, you can rest assured that baby will sleep warm and dry in these cold winter months. 1 Hi Baby nappy = 1 dry night and a happy, rested mom. Until next time, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

October 11, 2022
Safety 1st

Baby-proof your home with Safety 1st

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

September 26, 2022
My Breastpump

Management of mastitis

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

September 6, 2022
Parenting Hub

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

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

September 5, 2022
Exigo Care

Why does my baby’s nappy leak?

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

September 5, 2022
Sudocrem South Africa

Baby Poo 101

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

September 2, 2022
Parenting Hub

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

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

August 21, 2022
Exigo Care

A new mom deserves all the help she can get!

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

August 16, 2022
My Breastpump

Step up to support breast feeding

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

August 5, 2022
Parenting Hub

Let’s make tummy time fun

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

August 5, 2022
Parenting Hub

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
Parenting Hub

Reducing childhood mortality through local vaccine manufacturing

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

August 3, 2022
Baby and I Melrose

Nursery Design to Grow with your Child

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

August 2, 2022
Philips Avent

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

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

August 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Melcura Balm and babies

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

July 26, 2022
My Breastpump

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

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

July 19, 2022
Exigo Care

Prevent leakage by applying your baby’s nappy correctly

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

July 13, 2022
Parenting Hub

Finding solutions to baby and toddler sleep woes


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

July 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

HOME CARE TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S FEVER…

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

July 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

Demystifying pregnancy optimises health outcomes for mum and baby

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

July 1, 2022
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