Pregnancy - Parenting Hub

leading expert advice

A Star is Born

As we ring in 2021 with no end in sight yet to the Covid-19 pandemic that has forever changed our world, it’s worth taking a look at how Wrapistry has evolved to help couples – and their loved ones – celebrate their most important moments. Wrapistry is a local online registry and gift store aimed at making happy couples (and their guests) even happier by creating the ultimate registry experience. They’ve already proven themselves market leaders in the wedding gift registry space and now they’ve evolved, just like the couples they help celebrate do, by creating baby registries to welcome new bundles of joy to the world. “Weddings are just one part of a couple’s journey together. We want to be a part of every chapter. So, it makes sense for reimagining the baby registry to be our next adventure,” comments CEO, Jed Shein. Brick-and-mortar shopping has quite rightly developed into the click-and-mortar variety: you order online and have it delivered to your home. Wrapistry uses design and technology combined with exceptional customer service to help couples – and their loved ones – browse through a curated selection of everything that new parents and the new arrival may need. Couples can choose from an amazing range of products. From stylish cots and sleek strollers to everyday essentials (think cutlery sets and vests), Wrapistry has created the ultimate baby registry. Plus, new, beautiful items are added to the online store each week. Let’s face it, traditional gift registries don’t leave much room for creativity. With Wrapistry, though, couples can ask for what they actually want. They can register for gifts and cash funds – all in one place – so their loved ones have options. And when they really desire a big-ticket item (a baby stroller or bassinet, for example), simply turn on group gifting and give guests the opportunity to contribute what they can. No stress, no hassle and no fuss of keeping tallies of who gave what – Wrapistry does that all for you. “Creating a gift registry should be one of the most fun experiences,” says co-founders Pat Berman and Linda Shein. Family and friends may not always be able to celebrate a baby’s arrival in person during a pandemic, and that makes giving them the option of gifting something special that they know the couple chose themselves so much more special. For the couple, the Wrapistry team is on hand to help. The team has learnt much over the years: from the most popular gifts to the average amount people spend. Answer a few questions and they’ll recommend how many gifts to add to the registry, based on price point and category. This way not only will the new parents get a variety of items, but also accommodate different budgets. Each Wrapistry registry includes: The option to play around with photos, background images and customise the welcome message. Notifications every time guests shop the registry. Free delivery. Plus, the option to choose when to have gifts delivered. Free exchanges before closing the registry. A 10% registry completion discount. Support for the couple and their guests. Visit wrapistry.shop today to create the perfect registry for the new chapter you’re about to enter as parents.

January 5, 2021

What vitamins and minerals are needed during pregnancy

As an expecting mom you’ll want to do your best to make sure that your baby is as healthy as possible. What you eat is critical during this time, as everything your baby needs comes from you. Prenatal vitamins are supplements which can be taken during pregnancy which contain needed vitamins and minerals. What vitamins and minerals are essential and why? During pregnancy your vitamin and mineral needs will change as you now have a growing baby to provide for. Your food should contain much of the vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy, particularly if you are already following a healthy, balanced diet. Folic acid and iron are typically found in most prenatal vitamins and are essential in a healthy pregnancy. Folic acids helps to prevent neural tube defects and iron supports healthy growth, helping prevent anemia and blood (in both mom and baby) carry oxygen Vitamin D, calcium and iodine are other important nutrients that are needed during pregnancy. Vitamin D aids in the development of the bones, teeth and nervous system, calcium helps bone and teeth development and iodine is important in brain development. Getting the correct micronutrients is important. Deficiencies can lead to complications such as hypertension and a low birth weight. However, it’s also important not to exceed the healthy amount of certain vitamins and minerals – too much vitamin A, for example, can cause birth defects. What foods should I be eating? Prenatal vitamins are a good idea to cover any nutritional gaps you may have, while they may supplement your diet they don’t replace a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, eating correctly also greatly benefits you and your growing baby. Foods you should try include in your diet are dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, as they contain extra protein and calcium, as well as probiotics. Legumes, such as lentils and soybeans are another good food to include – these contain protein, fibre and folate (which is very important during pregnancy). Sweet potatoes, high in vitamin A and fibre, are another good veggie to add to the shopping list. Eggs, broccoli, lean meat and berries are other wholesome foods you should be including in your diet. A healthy pregnancy benefits both you and your baby in the long run, not only does it ensure that you deliver a healthy baby, but helps your child throughout adulthood development.

January 4, 2021

Working and pregnancy – when to stop and how much is enough

As an expecting mom with a career you may be wondering when the best time would be to stop working and how you can stay comfy and productive when you are still in the workplace. Morning sickness, back pain, frequent bathroom breaks and other pregnancy related symptoms can make working as you used to a more challenging task for you. It’s important that you calculate the risks that your job could possibly have to you and your baby. For instance if you are working with chemicals, heavy metals or radiation you’ll need to either stop working or take extra precautions. Heavy lifting or labour intensive jobs and lots of travel for work are also jobs that’ll become more difficult as your pregnancy progresses. Desk work and computer work are generally regarded as safe, whereas jobs that require lots of standing will become more difficult in later pregnancy. Dealing with work and pregnancy Working can be stressful without having a growing baby in your belly. The physical and emotional changes that you experience can make meeting your body’s and workplaces’s demands a challenging task. However, some moms with healthy pregnancies are able to work almost until they go into labour, how much you can do will depend on your pregnancy. Morning sickness is something many moms have to deal with. There are ways you can help manage nausea at work. Avoiding dining areas, packing mouthwash and a toothbrush and packing in soothing lemon and ginger are all things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Eating and drinking little and often can also help keep the nausea at bay. Be sure to dress comfortably, and try to take frequent breaks and walks, as this’ll also help you stay more comfortable. What rights am I entitled to as an expecting mom in South Africa? As a pregnant employee, you are probably wondering what rights you’re entitled to. It is a good idea to inform your employee as soon as you can, so that your employer can manage the situation as best as they can (for both of you) – they are required by law to maintain a work environment that is safe for their employees. As an expecting mom, you will be glad to hear that you’re well protected under South African law – you may not be discriminated against or dismissed due to your pregnancy. You also have the right to four consecutive months unpaid maternity leave, anytime from four weeks before your expected birth date. Unfortunately employees are not obligated to pay you during this period, however, your job will be kept open for you until your return to work after maternity leave.

December 21, 2020

Birth injuries

You only want the best for your baby, but sometimes harm comes to them unintentionally. During the birthing process, your baby can experience harm or physical injury; this is known as a birth injury. Birth injuries are not uncommon, sometimes they are temporary and other times they may affect your baby for a lifetime. But what exactly are birth injuries? And what causes them? What are the chances of my baby getting injured during birth? Birth injuries range from harmless to serve, either quickly healing or causing disability throughout life. Although significant injury or death during the birth process isn’t as likely, birth injuries are not uncommon – according to the Birth Injury Guide, about 29 in 1000 babies suffer a birth injury of some kind. Why would my baby become injured during the birth process? There are several reasons why a baby can experience physical trauma during the birthing process. When you near the end of your pregnancy your baby moves into position for delivery, sometimes babies will move into an abnormal position, such as a breech (feet first), and this can cause them injury when they are born. Other reasons why baby’s may become injured during birth is being abnormally large, the mother’s pelvis is too small, or a long and difficult labour, where the mother’s contractions aren’t strong enough to push her baby out. What happens if my baby has a birth injury? Generally, birth injuries affect the babies head neck and shoulders, as babies are generally born head first. There are a variety of injures that your baby could stain from birth trauma, such as bruising of the scalp, broken bones or brain damage. Sometimes these injuries are temporary and other times they can last a lifetime. Your doctors and midwives will assess the damage to your baby and help you and your baby accordingly. Sometimes babies will sustain trauma during birth, and the injury won’t be noticeable until they have started school or being missing developmental milestones, as they struggle to mentally keep up with their peers or grow at what is considered a normal rate. Sadly most birth injuries aren’t preventable, but even so, moms whose babies experience birth injuries often feel guilty and angry, as if they are too blame. Although feeling this way is understandable, this is not the case and if you are feeling this way after your baby has experienced a birth injury it is best to speak to a health professional and reply on your partner, friends and family for support.

November 26, 2020

What to expect on D-Day

With nine months to prepare yourself for the day your little one arrives, it is still hard to wrap your head around everything that the day brings with it. The tremendous occasion of bringing a life into the world, often makes mothers-to-be forget the tiny details that essentially make the day go that much smoother. Whether you are having a home birth, a natural birth in hospital or a caesarean, there are definite checklists that you can have to make sure you don’t forget a thing. If you are booking into a hospital for the birth, make sure that you have done the pre-authorisation with your medical aid. Find out what documents the hospital will need from your medical aid and put them in a folder in your handbag ahead of time. When you arrive at the hospital, whether it is after your water has broken or for a scheduled delivery, go straight to the reception and give them these documents. Some hospitals will require your ID book, and all will need your medical aid card. Hopefully, by the time D-Day has arrived for you, you will have a bag packed for both you and the baby. Depending on whether you are going to a private or government hospital, find out ahead of time if you need to provide your own bedding. Here are some essential items that should be in your hospital bag: Mom’s bag: Feeding bras High-waisted cotton panties One or two comfortable sets of pyjamas (with the top being a button down especially if you plan on breastfeeding) A nipple cream A nipple shield (in case you battle with breast feeding) Slippers Comfortable clothes to go home in (stick to your maternity clothes for this) Personal toiletries A good book or something to occupy you while you are waiting Thick maternity sanitary pads A camera with spare batteries Cell phone charger and adapter for the plug Hand sanitiser Baby’s bag: Babygros chosen according to the season Vests Newborn nappies Wetwipes Bum cream Baby lotion Baby soap Surgical spirits (to clean the umbilical cord) Cotton wool buds Soft face cloth A sterilised dummy (if you intend to give one) Baby bottles (depending on whether you can/want to breastfeed) Newborn formula (depending on whether you can/want to breastfeed) Now that you have your bags packed, it is important to know what to expect once you have been admitted. Remember that your doctor or midwife is not just there to deliver the baby, you should ask them any questions you need to regulations on what can and cannot be done, but remember that this is one of the most important days of your life, so don’t be scared to ask for what you want. Things you should find out beforehand: Are you allowed to have personal items in the delivery room or theatre to make you feel more comfortable? How many people are allowed with you during the birth? Can you do things such as play music during the procedure to relax you? Who do you need to talk to, to ensure that your birth plan is carried out to your wishes (a birth plan stipulates what you would want to happen medically, if you want pain intervention, etc) Who do you need to talk to, to ensure that your newborn care is how you want it (latching immediately after birth, umbilical cord cutting, having baby in the room with you, not having baby bottle fed by nurses etc). If you are having natural birth, make sure you chat to your doctor about what pain relieving procedures you want, if any.

October 22, 2020

Caring for your skin during pregnancy and motherhood

“Do I need to change my skincare routine now that I am pregnant?” For most this question will pop into your mind at some stage during pregnancy, whether it is before your next facial, eyebrow wax appointment; or when you start to suddenly breakout or have a dry skin episode. Pregnancy and early motherhood can wreak havoc on your face and body skin thanks to all the hormones flooding your system. Do I need to change the products I use? If the products you are using are unmedicated and still working for you, then there is no need to switch up your products. However, if you are using any products high in vitamin A (Retinol) or the products are medicated for your particular skin condition, it is best to check in with your doctor if your skincare products are not harmful and still safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Most women experience a variety of changes during pregnancy and early motherhood, which necessitates a change in the products they use. It is recommended to switch to products that are gentler on the skin. With the emphasis on gentle. It is recommended to change from harsh soaps that can dry out the skin and cause breakouts, to nourishing or cream-based products, which do not strip the face and body of moisture. Ensure that you use a good facial moisturiser that balances your skin’s natural oils and nourishes your skin. Look for day creams that contain hyaluronic acid (a natural water retainer) that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in for a fresher, younger appearance. Invest in a good body oil or body butter to nourish your body’s skin, before you start expanding in your pregnancy, this will help reduce the impact of the harsh changes to your body, for example stretch marks and dryness. And remember your sunscreen! Sunny, rainy, summer or winter – the importance of applying sunscreen cannot be overstated – especially during pregnancy as your risk for developing hyper-pigmentation spots is very high. Even though these pigmentation patches are harmless (check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure), they can appear on your face and can be hard to cover up if they are somewhere that bothers you. Exposure to the sun is not the only cause of these dark marks, but it can worsen or increase the likelihood of these marks’ appearance. There are various treatments available, including pigmentation serums, creams or laser treatment, however all of them take a long time to reduce the dark marks or can be very costly. Prevention is better than the cure when it comes to hyper-pigmentation. Keeping a facial mist or hydrating essence on hand, at your desk or in your handbag, is an easy way to freshen you up in the afternoon. Spray a few refreshing spritzes onto the face for a quick lift and onto your arms in the summer, to cool and hydrate. Adding a lovely serum or facial oil to your routine, or switching to a gentler formulation, is also a fantastic way to easily bring the motherhood “glow” back to your face, when you are feeling otherwise out of sorts or tired. Body skin care is just as important during pregnancy. A good body oil or body butter is essential for your stretching tummy skin, applying daily helps keep the skin supple and can help relieve the itch associated with your growing belly. Remember to take care of the rest of your body too! What about motherhood? It can take up to a year for your hormones to settle after giving birth, be patient with yourself, your body and your skin. You may find that raising a tiny baby, together with the sleep deprivation and lack of quality time for yourself, is no longer accommodating of your “7 step night skincare regime”. Find quality products that pack a punch in one (or two) easy steps – quality skincare that is easy to use for you as a mother, while still caring for your skin as best as you can. There is plenty of time to go back to an elaborate regime on the days you have extra time for yourself or once your little one has grown. What about body care during motherhood? It is strange to say that as mothers, we neglect the biggest part of our body – our skin. We take good care of parts of it – our face, our hands and our feet (sometimes) – but the rest, we don’t take care of it as we should… During pregnancy we religiously slather on oil or body butter on our bellies, mainly to calm the itch, but it felt good to be taking a little extra care of yourself. As a mom everything needs to be quick and convenient. There are plenty of good body creams on the market that come with handy pump dispensers. Keep your favourite one where you get dressed, so that you can quickly moisturise just before dressing – it is amazing the difference this can make in your mood and confidence. Continue to take care of yourself, being a mom is a superpower! You owe it to yourself to take care of you as best as you can, so that you can be the best mommy you can be.

October 13, 2020

Everything a new mom needs to know about claiming maternity benefits in South Africa

It’s not cheap to have kids in SA. The time you’ll take off work to care for your newborn might be yet another unexpected expense you’ll have to recover in some way. But that’s where maternity benefits come in. You just have to know when and how to claim it! About South Africa’s Maternity Benefits In SA, working moms get up to four months of paid maternity leave. In order to take care of your newborn without too many financial worries, you’ll need to fill in a few documents and pay a visit (or three) to the Department of Home Affairs. But here’s a rough guide for new moms looking to claim UIF maternity benefits: You can claim UIF Maternity Benefits if: You are a South African citizen in possession of a valid green barcoded ID Book Are a foreign national with a valid passport and meet basic UIF Maternity Benefit criteria You pay UIF contributions every month You are adopting a kid under the age of two years old Are self-employed, and you are a member of a Closed Corporation or a Company You can NOT claim UIF Maternity Benefits if: You work less than 24 hours a month for any given employer You are a student You work as a public servant You receive a monthly state pension You only earn commission Documents you’ll need to claim UIF Maternity Benefits After the birth of your baby, you will need a total of 8 documents in order to apply for and claim maternity benefits in South Africa. These include: Two recent payslips A bank statement An original ID or passport or a certified copy of either one of these documents Banking details and a completed form UI-2.8 A completed UI-2.7 form, completed by your employer, stating a record of all the funds you received as an employee during your time of employment A completed form UI-2.3, which is the UIF Maternity Benefits application form A medical certificate or your baby’s birth certificate as proof that you actually had a baby A completed form UI-4 (follow up form), which ensures the continuation of payment of maternity benefits Where to claim maternity benefits in South Africa New moms will have to go to their nearest labour centre in order to submit the documentation before they can receive maternity benefits. You can expect compensation of between 38% and 58% of your gross monthly salary when applying for your UIF Maternity Benefits. New moms are entitled to between one and four month’s compensation for every six months they have worked. Are you looking to start a new venture? Now that your baby is part of your life, you might be looking for a more flexible job opportunity. Why not head over to Adzuna’s career listings and start searching for your dream job today?

October 7, 2020

PCOS: You’re Not Alone – A Plea for Ovarian Health Consciousness

Acne, weight problems, excess hair, irregular periods – what if it’s all connected? This new ovarian health research asks you to take a minute for yourself and reflect … Every day, millions of women of every age and culture look at themselves in the mirror and see something that no one else does. We see that little bit of weight no diet or lifestyle changes seem to be able to fix. The excess oil, unwanted hairs and pimples that just won’t go away. We look straight past the beauty that’s there and see the girl who needs medication to have a normal period. Or the woman who’s umpteenth pregnancy test has come back negative. And we ask: why me? Why can’t I be normal? Funny thing is, that’s almost all of us. We just don’t talk about it. And perhaps it’s time that changed. Turns out, you’re not alone Over the past few years, doctors and researchers have been looking into a poorly understood and underdiagnosed ovarian health condition, known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). And we’ve made a few startling discoveries along the way. PCOS impacts your ovaries and can cause infertility, and it’s usually only discovered when a woman struggles to conceive. But new research says that PCOS can show up at any age and as some of the most common “everyday” symptoms women experience today: Irregular, missed (or absent) menstrual cycles Weight loss or weight gain (the kind that you feel you can’t control) Acne, pimples and oily skin Excess hair growth And, in later life, difficulty falling pregnant Recognise these? The message is: You’re not alone. Research has shown 1 in every 10 women might have PCOS. What is PCOS really? New studies show that PCOS actually starts with your metabolism. Researchers realised that the bodies of most women with PCOS have trouble processing insulin, the hormone it uses to extract and store the energy from carbohydrates. And if your body struggles with insulin, it builds up in your blood and triggers your ovaries to overproduce androgen (male hormone). The technical term for that is hyperandrogenism, and you can probably already guess its symptoms: acne, excess hair growth, weight problems, irregular periods and infertility. Suddenly it all makes sense. You’re not weird or different. It’s more common than you think. And you can get help right now. If you think you might have PCOS Now, of course, not every pimple or stray hair indicates a serious underlying cause. But if you’ve really been battling with one or more of these conditions, the good news is you can get yourself tested and know for sure. Your doctor or gynae will be able to advise. And it doesn’t matter what age you are. In your teens, you might just want some answers about your weight, acne, hair growth and those times you missed your period. Or, if you want to start a family, you might already have some trouble conceiving. Even later in life, if you’ve had some of these symptoms and just want to make sure the insulin part doesn’t become something more serious (yes, PCOS has been linked to diabetes). Just know, PCOS can be managed. In fact, we at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals have developed an exciting new product specifically to complement the treatment of PCOS and promote ovarian health. Have a look: INTRODUCING: ALL-NEW OVARIA Using an inspired blend of ingredients, including a naturally-occurring sugar that’s part of the vitamin B family, Ovaria is a brand-new ovarian-health nutritional supplement whose ingredients are proven to be just as effective as traditional treatments (metformin or glucophage) for PCOS, but without any of the side effects. The naturally-occurring ingredients in Ovaria bind to cell receptors, activating the signalling pathways that regulate thyroid hormones and, most importantly, insulin in the body. This means Ovaria helps normalise blood insulin levels, which normalises androgen and improves the symptoms of PCOS. THE INGREDIENTS IN OVARIA ARE PROVEN TO Increase ovulation rate in 16 weeks Increase menstruation cycles Reduce hirsutism (excess hair growth) by 29% in 6 months THE BENEFITS OF OVARIA Improves ovulation to enhance fertility in women Normalises the menstrual cycle – in case of period problems Improves insulin resistance – useful for managing weight problems Improves blood glucose level (fasting glucose) Reduces hirsutism – used for hair growth problems Reduces the severity of acne – used for acne problems Improves insulin resistance, reducing type 2 diabetes risk and its complications Reduces blood androgens – used for acne, excess hair and sebum NEW OVARIA FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Ovaria is a nutritional supplement that comes in powder form. Choose from two flavours – orange or peach. You simply tear open the sachet, mix the content with water and drink, once per day. Ovaria contains 4000mg of Myo-Inositol, the required daily dose clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of PCOS symptoms. Doctors will have more information on PCOS. And Ovaria is available from reputable pharmacies – or simply order it online via Lamelle’s health store: https://lamelle.co.za/health-store. RSP: R350.00

September 18, 2020

How does my diet affect my pregnancy?

A healthy diet is always important, but during pregnancy you are eating for both you and your baby so it’s critical that you remain healthy. Eating poorly during pregnancy can have a long term impact on your baby’s health growing up. So that being said, what foods should you be eating during pregnancy? If you eat healthily already you won’t need to go onto a special diet during pregnancy, but it’s important to get the right nutrients for you and your baby through a balanced diet. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself hungrier than usual, but even if you are expecting twins you won’t need to eat for two. It is also important to note that weight gain during pregnancy is normal, so don’t be alarmed by this. Eating schedules differ between moms, however, it is generally recommended that you eat smaller amounts more frequently when pregnant, especially if you are struggling with morning sickness. What to eat when you’re expecting Fruit and veggies are your friend during pregnancy. Providing much needed vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Protein is another important nutrient, and you should try to include it in your diet everyday as it helps your baby grow strong. Sources of protein include nuts, beans, pulses, eggs, lean meat and fish. However, raw, cured and uncooked meat are all risky to consume during pregnancy as they can cause toxoplasmosis. Another important source of energy is carbohydrates, specifically whole grains. They contain vitamin B, fibre and iron, which are all important for the baby’s growth and staying healthy. These include oatmeal, wholewheat pasta and bread, potatoes and maize. If you are suffering from morning sickness, these blander foods fill you and can be eaten little and often. Foods that are rich in calcium should also be eaten regularly. Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt are all options containing calcium as well as protein and vitamin D. That being said, some cheeses (such as soft cheese like brie) should be avoided as they can contain harmful (although rare) listeria bacteria. What foods should be avoided during pregnancy There are certain foods that you should take care to avoid during pregnancy. As mentioned, rare meats and certain cheeses should be avoided. Liver and raw fish (i.e sushi) are also on the to-avoid list. Consuming too much caffeine can also affect the baby negatively. Coffee is the obvious drink to avoid, but be aware that soft drinks, green tea, certain energy drinks and chocolate all contain caffeine.

September 1, 2020

C-section questions, answered

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make about your baby’s birth is whether to have a vaginal birth or a Caesarean section, also known as a c-section. Neither method is objectively better than the other, some moms need to have c-sections for physical or health reasons, or decide that they would rather opt for a c-section for personal reasons. Focusing on the c-section, we’ll let you know what you can expect when having one and what the average recovery time is. When making this decision you should consult with your health practitioner, but it won’t hurt to know more about what is happening to your body during the process so that you can make the most informed decision for you and your baby. So what exactly is a c-section? C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. During the process you doctors will cut into your abdomen and your uterus and lift your baby out of this. As you are having a major surgery, you’ll typically have an epidural. This way you’re numb, but still awake so you can experience the magic of your baby’s birth. Both c-sections and vaginal births have their pros and cons. You’re likely to take longer to recover from a c-section birth and you’ll probably feel pain in the incision area for a few weeks. As it’s a surgery, there’s a risk of damage to surround organs, infection and excessive bleeding. Make sure to consult with professionals about what works best for you and your baby before making a choice. When is a c-section necessary? Some moms elect to have c-sections before the time, whilst others may need to have an emergency c-section due to complications that arise during birth. If you are expecting twins, have high blood pressure, diabetes or have an infectious disease, such as HIV or genital herpes you’ll schedule your c-section ahead of time. Unplanned c-sections are necessary if your labour doesn’t start or stalls, if you become too exhausted or your baby goes into distress, if the umbilical cord slips into the birth canal before the baby (as there is a risk of the baby’s air supply being cut off) or if your uterus ruptures. How long will I take to recover from a c-section? Don’t expect too much of yourself after having a c-section, you’ll typically spend around 3 to 4 days in hospital and take about 4 to 6 weeks recovery time at home before you start feeling normal again. Some moms experience muscle or incision pain for a few months following the c -section.

August 3, 2020

Back pain during pregnancy and how to deal with it

Back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can be frustrating to deal with. Unfortunately, if you have any pre-existing back problems you are more likely to struggle with back pain during your pregnancy. If you are suffering from back pain during your pregnancy and are wondering what you can do to help reduce it; we explain what causes it and how you can find some relief. What causes back pain during pregnancy If you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy you are probably wondering what is the root cause of it. Generally there are two types of back pain that expecting moms deal with. Pelvic pain, which is felt in the pelvic tailbone area, and lumbar pain which is similar to any lower back pain felt when not pregnant. There are a few culprits of back pain during pregnancy. Hormones, stress, weight changes and posture are all causes of sore and uncomfortable back. During your pregnancy, your hormones change. One of them, known as relaxin, softens the joints in the pelvic region. This can directly impact on your back’s ligaments, causing you back pain. Stress can also cause your back to ache, whether you are pregnant or not. If you are worried about your job, family or pregnancy, you can find that this added anxiety can contribute to back pain. This is due to the fact that anxiety can cause muscle tension, which can then translate into back pain. Changes in weight as your baby grows and shifts in your centre of gravity can also be a cause of a sore back. If you’re already struggling with poor posture or back ache, then back pain during your pregnancy becomes far more likely. What can help relieve my back pain? Completely alleviating your back pain may not be possible, but there are things you can try that could help ease and manage your pain. Avoiding lifting heavy objects, opting for flat, supportive shoes and getting plenty of rest are all things you can try to improve your back ache. Exercises that help strengthen your glutes and abs can also help relieve back pain. Prenatal yoga and water aerobic classes are examples of gentle exercises which can help strengthen your body. However, if you are feeling cramps, experiencing vaginal bleeding, feeling feverish, numbness or sporadic pain you should consider consulting with your doctor, as these are all more than just normal pregnancy back pain symptoms.

May 18, 2020

WHEN YOUR BIRTH PLAN DOESN’T GO ACCORDING TO PLAN

If I tell you that things went horribly wrong when I gave birth to my daughter, I am not overreacting. I’m not talking about a poor maternal or foetal outcome here, since both Eryn and I were perfectly healthy throughout the labour process. I’m talking about my birth plan, and somehow I doubt I’m not the only one who had her entire birth plan turned upside down.

May 13, 2020

Skin changes in pregnancy: Explained

Many women find that during pregnancy, their skin goes through a number of changes.

April 10, 2020

How to pack a hospital bag

Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience, bringing major changes to every aspect of your life. As a new parent, you can never predict exactly what is to come, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you are as stress-free and organised as possible in the hours before and after your newborn enters the world.

March 30, 2020

Moms Emotional Health is Important

As many as one in five1 new mothers will experience depression just before or after giving birth, at risk to their own health and the growth and development of their newborns.

March 23, 2020

Help at hand for moms-to-be with chronic conditions

For parents-to-be and their loved ones, pregnancy is a wonderful, almost magical time, filled with joy and anticipation. For expecting women with chronic conditions though, it can also bring anxiety and discomfort.

March 20, 2020

CHICCO SIPPY CUPS RANGE

The range of Chicco Sippy Cups offer parents the reassurance that their oral and dental development is being looked after as baby starts drinking differently. All cups in the range help baby easily and naturally drink, respecting their abilities and age group.

March 18, 2020

How to boost baby’s development with appropriate toys

As parents we always want the best for our children and so we strive to do the right thing to ensure our children grow and develop into well rounded little humans. Experts say toys are one thing parents could use to improve brain development, but do we really know what kind toys to use for this purpose?

March 17, 2020

How to Prevent Common Physical Problems of Breastfeeding

Tip – prepare for successful breastfeeding by learning what to expect and how to do it! Attend a class if possible during pregnancy. Don’t wait for things to get better on their own. Ask for help from a skilled professional in the first few days if you need it.

March 16, 2020

Thriving after baby loss

There it is, that mind blowing feeling! I smile to myself as the feeling of joy sweeps through my body from my toes up. That feeling is my baby boy Rogan’s kick in my tummy! It gets me every time I feel it. It reminds me there is life growing in me and the feeling of the unknown excites me this time. You see it’s been a year since we experienced baby loss, our identical twin girls, Storm and Logan were born on the 10th of January 2019, Storm, a still born and Logan an NICU baby who survived two and a half days.

March 12, 2020

What to expect when you’re expecting

Pregnancy may seem daunting to first time moms, so knowing what to expect at all three stages is essential for a safe and stress-free pregnancy.

March 11, 2020

CHICCO WEANING CUTLERY

The Chicco range of cutlery starts when your child first begins to accept a spoon. Beginning with the Silicone Spoon, perfectly suited to small mouths and delicate gums, to the older fork and spoon sets for when baby can start feeding themselves, gradually introducing metal child-sized cutlery for baby to eat just like the grown-ups.

March 10, 2020

Music can help premature babies feed

An amazing study done by Loewy J et al. [1] in 2013 showed that soothing music may encourage premature babies to feed better, as well as improve their vital signs (like their O2 saturation levels as well as heart rate). It is speculated that this is one of the reasons why singing lullabies to babies comes so naturally to parents and carers.

March 9, 2020

Introducing the newest baby brand to launch in SA: Vital Baby

All babies deserve something truly special, and Vital Baby offers just that. New to South Africa, this family-focused range will soon be making a wave in the baby care industry.

March 3, 2020

THE CHICCO WARMY PLATE

The weaning period provides the baby with more nutrients and is also an important step for the psychological, emotional and educational development.

March 2, 2020

CHICCO BREAST-FEEDING ACCESSORIES

Breast-feeding is a special time for mom and baby alike. It creates excellent bonding, and is a primary immunity-building mechanism, but above all else, is the best way to issue nutrition to an infant. Yet it’s not always as simple as others would have us believe and most breast-feeding moms will admit to needing a little help along the way. Chicco has a fantastic range of breast-feeding accessories that can reduce some of the pain and keep breast-feeding a pleasant experience for moms. Chicco Nipple Shields are a silicone shield that fit naturally over the nipple with a tight, natural vacuum adhesion. The slit in the outer nipple allows milk to flow without pooling and the soft silicone is silky smooth, making it almost impossible for baby to tell the difference. They assist with chafing and rawness and allow nipples to recover without the risk of developing of spreading infection. Chicco Nipple Thermogels are perfect for sore, engorged breasts that would benefit from either a cold or hot compress. Easy to apply, the thermogels can be popped in the fridge to cool down, or heated in warm water, and fit perfectly around the breast inside a bra or just while mom rests. Anti-Bacterial Breast Pads from Chicco’s Natural Feeling range is most reliable and gentle way to remain dry all day whilst still breast-feeding. Made from breathable materials, the pads have anti-bacterial properties that help neutralise any bacteria that forms. They are available in packs of 30 or 60. Available at Baby City, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, selected Kids Emporiums & www.Thekidzone.co.za

February 27, 2020

Philips Avent Breastfeeding Accessories

The Philips Avent breastfeeding range is designed to support you through every step of your breastfeeding journey. Whether you want to develop your milk supply, take care of your breasts, or simply fit more into your day, our breast care accessories make breastfeeding easier.

February 24, 2020

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.