(This article is also available in an audio format) By Barbara Hanrahan – midwife and educator, 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...
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...
(This article is also available in an audio format) No one cares more about your baby than you, its parents – therefore you are the ones who should be making informed decisions on behalf of your baby. A birth plan is a written plan for the...
(This article is also available in an audio format) By Christine Klynhans - BCurI et A, SACLC – SA certified lactation consultant Most new mothers plan to breastfeed their babies and, according to the South African Demographic and Health Survey of 1998, approximately 88% of mothers initiated...
It's amazing how much time parents spend inspecting babies' nappies! You tend to worry that your baby's poo is the wrong colour or texture, or that he's pooing too often, or not enough. However, what's normal for your baby will depend on: how old he is whether he's...
The baby clinic should be a friendly, non-threatening environment for parents to receive advice and reassurance - a meeting place, support system and an information centre. Guidance and advice offered should be based on current information relating to all aspects of child and maternal health. Feedback...
By Anna-Marie During – Registered nurse and midwife, SACLC – SA certified lactation consultant Attachment parenting techniques have always attracted a lot of attention. At some point in the process of becoming a mother, a woman goes through a massive priority shift. A combination of love,...
Out and about time with a precious little one can be an adventure of a lifetime or it can become the worst nightmare as the day unfolds. As an organised, knowledgeable and efficient mom with a well-packed nappy bag can find out, “out and about”...
(This article is also available in an audio format) There are many changes that take place in your body during pregnancy and these unfortunately often result in some aches and pains. The main thing is knowing that they are “normal” and nothing is going wrong with...
“Birth is a day you will never forget. A day that will transform you, your baby and your family. I have had the opportunity to be with women and men to celebrate their greatest joys. I have had the honour of watching women being born...