Storing your baby’s stem cells at birth is a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect your family against serious illness or disease. It is important that all families are fully informed on the benefits of storing their babies’ stem cells before making this important...
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...
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...
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 Anchen Verster - Registered nurse, midwife, SA Certified Perinatal Educator – SACPE, wife, mother to 4 children including a set of twins As a childbirth educator I’m often asked by expectant moms how they will know if their doctor is recommending a caesarean that is...
Fever in itself is not detrimental, but rather a normal physiological response to infection or illness. Although it is often associated with a self-limiting viral infection in children, it may also be a presenting symptom of more serious conditions requiring urgent medical care. Therefore, it...
(This article is also available in an audio format) #WhatWouldBabyChoose If your pregnancy is healthy, it is best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks. Staying pregnant to full term, or 40 weeks, is one of the best ways to give babies enough time in the womb...
Often people think a hospital is a hospital and that they are all the same – this is not the case. Have a look around and tour different hospitals and see which hospital offers you what you are looking for, for your birthing experience. The...
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...
As a nation that enjoys the great outdoors, South Africans often share their outdoor spaces with creatures that may be rather dangerous to humans. This is especially true of creatures of the creepy crawly variety, such as spiders, scorpions and snakes. According to Dr Ashley Chengadoo...