The opinion used to be that if you wanted to breastfeed, put your baby to the breast as soon as possible after birth. However new research has come out by Ann-Marie Widstrom, a Swedish researcher on skin-to skin contact between mother and baby. Widstrom describes...
Labour is as the word states – Hard Work, and it generally lives up to its name. However, to keep labour in perspective, it may be tiring but it is the best-rewarded work you will ever undertake. Knowing that there is hard work ahead of you...
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 growth they develop into a miniature person. In...
By Merlyn Glass – Genetic nurse counsellor – NHLS University of Witwatersrand. Genetic Counsellors attend to people who either have an inherited or genetic condition themselves, or have had a baby with an inherited condition, or who are at risk to have a baby with...
By Barbara Hanrahan – Midwife and Educator. 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 and participative in the birth of their babies. Most women already...
Only 10% of pregnant mother's/couples researched their options about birth 67% had a caesarean section (the acceptable rate should be 18%) 3,4% of births were accompanied by a doula 19% were induced 30% had liquid to drink during labour although most of those only sucked ice 14% ate during labour...
(This article is also available in an audio format) Birth is normal, natural and healthy Women are made to birth The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families Create good birthing experiences the memories are with you forever Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth Women’s confidence and ability...
By Dr Nicoletta Hay – Paediatrician Morningside Clinic One's first pregnancy is an extremely exciting time – but also a time when so many decisions need to be made. One of these is about the doctors that will be taking care of you and your baby. What...
(This article is also available in an audio format) By Dr. Alan Adno - Gynaecologist and Obstetrician - Parklane Clinic The Obstetrician together with other maternity professionals, i.e. midwives, childbirth educators, paediatricians, anaesthetists and general practitioners form part of a team that cares for pregnant women and...
The hospital where you birth plays an important part in your first step to parenting. The staff and the philosophy of the maternity ward can make your start to family life either blissfully wonderful or an absolute nightmare - so important issues...