By Sanja Nel - dietitian, SACLC We all know the saying: “you are what you eat.” During pregnancy, we can take it a bit further: your baby is what you eat. Your baby’s body is literally constructed using the proteins, fats, minerals and other substances that...
By Sanja Nel – Dietitian, SACLC (SA certified lactation consultant) Breastfeeding is truly the time of “eating for two” – your body is feeding a whole other person! A healthy diet is very important while you are breastfeeding: it will make sure that you remain strong...
Caesarean sections should only be performed when medically necessary A News release in April 2015 by the World Health Organisation said that caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries in the world, with rates continuing to rise, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. Although it...
By Hettie Grove – Author of Born to Breastfeed, Born to be Breastfed, SA certified lactation consultant (SACLC) You have heard it all, the benefits of breastfeeding, the risks of not breastfeeding….! Your breastfeeding plan has been written. Breastfeeding started when you were still in your...
By Barbara Hanrahan – SACPE course developer Much is written on understanding pain and pain relief in labour. When new mothers are asked to describe the pain they felt in labour there are a variety of answers. Some women will depict a positive experience by saying...
A = Affection B = Babysitter – have one for an evening so you can have a romantic evening uninterrupted with your partner C = Concentrate on each other = Communicate = Connect = Candles together in the tub D = Dance the time away even if it means dancing around...
Based on the research of Ann-Marie Widstrom, a Swedish researcher on skin to skin contact between mom and baby at birth, there are nine observable newborn stages in the first hour or two after birth when a baby is placed immediately skin to skin with...
With regular vaccinations, baby weigh-ins, the sleepless nights and constant feedings, mums the world over would agree that they have enough on their plate. However, many South African parents remain unaware of thyroid disease and its impact on their little one. An under-functioning thyroid gland (hypothyroidism),...
By Dr Pierre van der Spuy - MD, MBA. Author of “A happy human brain” – Metz Press “Why did no-one warn me that having a child will make me so unhappy?” a mother recently confided. Her dream of finding happiness by becoming a mother was...
Dr Melodie de Jager – Author of Play Learn Know – Metz Press & Brain development milestones & learning - Mind Moves Institute. Mom is a baby’s anchor – a place of safety. Mom soothes. Dad is different – he smells different, his body feels different...