It is not something many of us have probably ever given much thought to – but newborn babies can, and do, present with pain, stiffness, muscle spasm and inflammation - similar to that found in adults! After being confined in the womb for months (often...
By Anchen Verster - Registered nurse, midwife, SA Certified Perinatal Educator – SACPE, wife, mother to 4 children including a set of twins Dear Mom-to-be… “I am your pelvic floor. I realize you have so much to think about and plan but I need you to give...
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 – SA certified location consultant Q. Must I prepare my nipples while I am pregnant? A. Your breasts actually do it automatically. The areola enlarges and become darker. The bump like areas on your areola are secreting a substance which will...
By Anthea Taylor – SACLC – SA certified lactation consultant The first safe and effective modern breast pump was invented by Einar Egnell in the 1940s. Since then many different types have been developed, manufactured by dozens of companies. With so many different types of pumps...
By Barbara Hanrahan – midwife and educator, masters in midwifery, SA certified perinatal education course developer and coordinator Childbirth is not an illness. Neither does the birth of every baby have to be a medical procedure. Fit, healthy women can have the choice of being active...
Normal birth A normal birth is where the baby is born through the vagina. Pros You remain actively involved in decisions regarding your labour. You are the key player You are able to be active during the labour You have more control over the events of labour...
A birth story is about the day your life changed forever – the day you became a mother, your partner became a father, your parents became grandparents, your siblings became aunts and uncles. A day you will never forget - it will be forever etched...
The opportunity to sit down and draw up a birth plan with your partner is worth every ounce of strength it takes to do it. It makes you stop and think, opens discussion with your partner to express each ones desires and dreams for labour,...
By Anchen Verster – Registered nurse and midwife, SA certified perinatal educator We have a 1-year-old mixed breed dog that brings our children immense pleasure. She has cost us thousands in garden furniture and garage tool damage but I suppose the price is worth it. I’ve...