By Dr Welma Lubbe – Author of Prematurity adjusting your dream, www.littlesteps.co.za Premature birth means a baby is born before 37 weeks of the pregnancy is completed and in South Africa this occurs at a rate of 12% and in the public sector even as high...
(This article is also available in an audio format) Question I am experiencing terrible heart-burn. Is there anything I can do to relieve it? Answer Over half of all pregnant moms get heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs when acid from your stomach’s digestive juices escape through the...
A new life begins A woman's egg is fertilized by a man's sperm in the fallopian tube. During the next few days, the fused egg and sperm move through the fallopian tube to the lining of the uterus. There it implants and starts to grow....
(This article is also available in an audio format) Creating a baby together is nothing short of a miracle – and will be one of the most important decisions of your life. Your baby is created from two cells – and with much cell division and...
By Louise Goosen – Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant So much has been written about breastfeeding but do we really appreciate what this wonder food does for our babies? Did you know for instance, that the unique first milk (colostrum) is referred to as a baby’s first...
Meningococcal meningitis, a form of meningococcal disease, is a serious bacterial infection. Unlike viral meningitis, it can potentially kill an otherwise healthy young person within 1 day after the first symptoms appear. 1, 2 Meningococcal disease can be difficult to recognise, especially in its early stages...
(This article is also available in an audio format) By Marga Grey – paediatric occupational therapist. Author of Sensible Stimulation - Metz Press There are so many things that can go “wrong” in a baby’s development. A new parent or parent-to-be might be overwhelmed. Look at babies...
Giving a baby medication is not an easy task for a mother. Not many babies just sit there with their mouth’s open waiting to swallow the often not so pleasant tasting mixture. A more skilled approach is needed. Ensure you have the correct medication that your...
By Jennifer Van der Laan – www.birthingnaturally.net – childbirth educator and doula Few women go into labour realising that the strongest comfort measure is the love and encouragement of those supporting her. Let’s face it, childbirth classes are filled with charts of the baby descending and...
(This article is also available in an audio format) The buzz word in maternity care circles is informed choice! But how often are women exhorted to make an informed decision? How many times do these words appear in policy documents and procedure manuals within a health...