Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby not to mention that it is very healthy for your tot. Breast milk contains antibodies which help your baby fight viruses and nasty infections also lowering the risk of allergies and lactose intolerance.

For some mommies who are quite enthusiastic about breastfeeding, it can be a difficult experience to get used to. Not to despair though because we’ve spoken to a first time mom who had difficulties but managed to conquer them to become a breastfeeding pro.

ShamisoChaibva (35) is an IT consultant from Kensington in Johannesburg. She gave birth to her daughter, Ruvenego in April and has opted to breastfeed her daughter until she returns to work in September. She shares her breastfeeding difficulties and how she overcame them below.

“I had no milk in the first 2 to 3 days. This was quite stressful as it took a while for me to figure out I was not producing as the first milk can be clear. After I asked my lactation consultant to check, she confirmed it and I had to give my baby formula until my milk started producing.

“It was stressful as I still had to put her on the breast though nothing was secreting, to encourage breast milk production.

The first few weeks were very painful for me each time my baby latched. The pain is indescribable, but a few seconds later it goes away. As each feed began, I dreaded the painful latching process. The pain goes away with time though and using a lanolin based nipple cream worked to alleviate the pain.

Not knowing if my daughter was full was a challenge for me especially after the few days of not producing milk. Initially I was worried I was not giving her enough, and so I bought Nun to top her up, also because she would cry I thought she might have been hungry and so I topped up. Then a week later I thought I was overfeeding her but when my milk was now flowing she was visibly growing but I feared I could have been overdoing it.

“Very little milk can be secreted during expressing especially in the beginning, after figuring out how the machine works. When very little milk is expressed it makes you wonder if you are doing it right, and if so does it mean baby is getting enough milk, and if not do you need to top up or not. For successful expressing I started drinking water as I express (works like a charm). Diet wise I would eat fenugreek seeds and jungle juice. Generally for both expressing and breastfeeding staying hydrated is key to having lots of milk. Almonds, peanuts and oat biscuits are some other food items that I have found to work for me.”

Shamiso’s top five tips for becoming a pro breastfeeder

1. Attend antenatal classes to help you prepare on what to expect and how to deal with it, even though it may not address all the issues it gives you a good idea.
2. Being at peace knowing you are doing the best you can with what you have without comparing yourself with the next mummy. Some of the mommys I am with don’t have enough milk so they have to give their babies formula and that’s ok. Some have to change formulas because of different reactions and that’s ok, you are doing the best you can.
3. Seeking help from a lactation consultant
4. Being part of a support group or just a group of mummies with whom you can help each other.
5. Getting help be it hired or from family and friends. Also learning to accept help, instead of thinking only you can hold your baby.
6. Finding helpful resources such as:LLL (La Leche League) it is a nonprofit organization that organises advocacy, educational, and training related to breastfeeding. It is present in a number of countries including SA. It’s purpose is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.”

They have a Facebook as well as contacts on the page that can provide 24-hour help.

Your due date is nearing and you’ve decided to have a natural birth. You have decided on a hospital, you are all prepared and all that’s left is for your contractions to start.

But as well prepared as you are, you may still be racking your brain over which type of pain medication to use. We bring you all the information related to the four types of pain medication available:

Epidural block

With this form of pain reliever, you remain awake and alert during the birth and can push your baby out. An epidural removes feeling from the lower part of your body, completely numbing it. The epidural is administered through a tube in the lower back and can also be used in the case of a caesarean. Short terms effects of an epidural on baby may includea change in heart rate, breathing problems, drowsiness, reduced muscle tone, and reduced breastfeeding. The American College of Obstrecians and Gynaecologists states that the mother may experience headaches, a fever and decrease in blood pressure.

Spinal block

This is administered directly into the spine through a single shot and pain relief and lasts for up to two hours. A spinal block can be used in both a vaginal and caesarean birth and also has the same side effects of an epidural.

Combined spinal and epidural

This is fast relief for women in labour and provides immediate relief from pain. It has similar side effects to the epidural.

Nitrus Oxide

Mom can inhale this gas before or as contractions start to reduce anxiety and restlessness. It is odourless and tasteless and safe for both mother and child. Side effects include feeling nauseous and dizzy.

Pudendal block (local anaesthesia)

This is injected into theareas around the vagina and rectum by a specialist when vaginal delivery begins. Pain relief is effective and this medicine helps when the doctor may need to cut through tissue to help the baby come out during a vaginal delivery. There are few cases of reported incidents of a baby being affected by pudendal block while high doses may leave moms with heart related issues which usually go away as the anaesthesia wears off.

Which pain medication will you choose? Share your choice with us below.

Babies are naturally curious and as they develop in the first six months, it won’t be surprising as they begin reaching for your plate and try to taste your food. Yet as much as their development is fascinating and moms may be tempted to give them a taste of adult or finger foods, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly recommends that babies only be fed breast milk or formula. Cow’s milk and soya are completely ruled out as these contain allergens and minerals that your baby’s digestive system isn’t ready to handle.

We’ve tabled a list of five foods that you should definitely keep away from your baby, especially in the first 12 months of their development as these may cause infections, build toxins and harm your child which could result in fatality.

Honey

Honey can contain clostridium botulinum, a bacteria which produces toxins and can lead to poisoning. Your infant’s digestive system is unable to guard against this bacteria as it is not fully developed and unlike an adult, which is able to process this bacterium without harm, this could lead to a fatal infection in your baby as it carries a 7.5% risk of death according to medicalnewstoday.com.

Fruit juice

Juice may seem like a natural choice for your infant but it contains high volumes of sugar, preservatives and acid. Rather dilute juice with water and serve it to your child in minute amounts.

Egg whites

Egg whites are a rich source of protein however they can cause allergens in your baby. Your child’s immune system is still developing and introducing egg whites too early can lead to an allergic reaction leading to anaphylaxis, a restriction of the airways and can result in sending the body into shock.

Nuts and seeds

The seeds contained in most fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apples, grapes and plums could cause your little one to choke. Pumpkin seeds are also quite small and may get lodged in the airway of a baby, obstructing their breathing.

Sticky foods

Marshmallows, chewing, gum and candy can lead to choking as your baby may struggle to swallow these foods.

Handy hint: Keep a journal of your baby’s development from birth until they are a year old to keep track of what foods they are being introduced to and their reaction to it. This will help you narrow down what foods your baby isn’t reacting well to and which solids to introduce from the six month mark. Always consult your paediatrician or a dietician to get medical advice related to allergies and digestive conditions. We recommend going online onto www.nutripaeds.co.za for more information.

By: Bernice Maune

Babies are naturally curious and as they develop in the first six months, it won’t be surprising as they begin reaching for your plate and try to taste your food. Yet as much as their development is fascinating and moms may be tempted to give them a taste of adult or finger foods, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly recommends that babies only be fed breast milk or formula. Cow’s milk and soya are completely ruled out as these contain allergens and minerals that your baby’s digestive system isn’t ready to handle.

We’ve tabled a list of five foods that you should definitely keep away from your baby, especially in the first 12 months of their development as these may cause infections, build toxins and harm your child which could result in fatality.

Honey

Honey can contain clostridium botulinum, a bacteria which produces toxins and can lead to poisoning. Your infant’s digestive system is unable to guard against this bacteria as it is not fully developed and unlike an adult, which is able to process this bacterium without harm, this could lead to a fatal infection in your baby as it carries a 7.5% risk of death according to medicalnewstoday.com.

Fruit juice

Juice may seem like a natural choice for your infant but it contains high volumes of sugar, preservatives and acid. Rather dilute juice with water and serve it to your child in minute amounts.

Egg whites

Egg whites are a rich source of protein however they can cause allergens in your baby. Your child’s immune system is still developing and introducing egg whites too early can lead to an allergic reaction leading to anaphylaxis, a restriction of the airways and can result in sending the body into shock.

Nuts and seeds

The seeds contained in most fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apples, grapes and plums could cause your little one to choke. Pumpkin seeds are also quite small and may get lodged in the airway of a baby, obstructing their breathing.

Sticky foods

Marshmallows, chewing, gum and candy can lead to choking as your baby may struggle to swallow these foods.

Handy hint: Keep a journal of your baby’s development from birth until they are a year old to keep track of what foods they are being introduced to and their reaction to it. This will help you narrow down what foods your baby isn’t reacting well to and which solids to introduce from the six month mark. Always consult your paediatrician or a dietician to get medical advice related to allergies and digestive conditions. We recommend going online onto www.nutripaeds.co.za for more information.

There are two ways to register your baby’s birth, specifically before 30 days and within a year of giving birth.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, your child’s birth must be registered at a local branch of the department. If you are overseas then this can be done at a South African embassy or consulate.

There are no fees applicable to registering a birth. Children of parents who are married will assume their father’s surname or both parent’s surnames at their request while babies of unmarried parents can take either parent’s surname.

Registering within 30 days

You will need to obtain a BI-24 form and have a copy of your marriage certificate and the original identity document. These documents then need to be submitted to your local Department of Home Affairs branch where you will receive a birth certificate one to two days after registration.

Registering after 30 days to a year

Written reasons must accompany the BI-24 form explaining why the birth was not registered within 30 days. An original identity document and copy of marriage certificate for married parents must then be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. The application will then be submitted to the head office of the Department of Home Affairs for the allocation of an identity number.

For more information, call the Department of Home Affairs on 0800 601 190.

By: Bernice Maune

You are nearing the last few weeks of your pregnancy and you can’t wait to hold your baby in your arms. It’s been months of feeling him kick in your belly and as your due date comes closer, you have waited in anticipation of this precious moment. The birth itself will be even more special as your child makes his grand entrance. It will be the first time you meet him and you probably can’t wait for that day.

Family and friends have likely been advising you about the birth and if you are having a natural or Caesarean birth, you are aware of what the experience entails. Yet as much as one can prepare for the birth, there are some details that not many people even your obstetrician can fully brief and prepare for you. We’ve spoken to two first time mothers who shared their experiences of what happened after they welcomed their babies into the world.

Twenty-seven year old Mbali Gushu gave birth to her daughter, Phillipa in 2015. She had an emergency Caesarean birth as Phillippa was in distress and her heartrate was dropping. Mbali says after the birth, she was in intense pain and couldn’t stand up or walk.

“It felt like I got stabbed multiple times in my lower abdomen. It was so painful and even the painkillers were not strong enough to fully relieve me of the pain. I still had to try and move about and not just lay there even though that was what I wanted to do, stay in bed all day until the pain went away.

“The nurses told me to not stay put though and move around. You have to push through the pain, in a week that’s when you start feeling better.”

Amusingly Mbali says her hair was a mess and that she was not fully prepared to deal with it.

“I would advise new moms to get their hair done right before the birth. A simple style like braids or plaits will keep you looking neat and tidy because you will barely get a chance to look after your appearance after the birth.”

Mbali also adds that her first menstrual period after giving birth was unusual as her flow was heavier than normal and she bled for longer than usual.

RefilweMoagi, gave birth to her son Logan three years ago. She says her birthing experience was nothing like what she had been told.

“My mother and family told me what to expect when having a natural birth but nothing fully prepares you,” says Refilwe.

While walking around the maternity ward to cope with the contractions and to speed up dilation, Refilwe says she suddenly felt her son’s head and rushed to her bed to begin pushing.

“It took minutes to give birth to my son and he practically flew out. While he was coming out I had a bowel movement which was completely unexpected because I had emptied my stomach earlier.

“What made this even more cringe worthy was that the father of my child was in the room and having him see me like that was really weird. I know now that nothing fully prepares you for birth and my doctor neglected to tell me that a bowel movement could happen at the same time as pushing.”

Here are five more unexpected things that happen after birth

1. You may be emotional and breakdown in tears now and again. The levels of hormones in your body are still high and being emotional is normal. If you feel down for longer than a month, you may want to consult your psychologist to ensure it is not the onset of postpartum depression.
2. There is a third stage of delivery where your body expels the placenta and all the remaining products of conception. Over the course of the next few days, you will experience bleeding as your uterus completely empties itself to get back to normal.
3. Bowel movements after a vaginal delivery may be uncomfortable and painful. Buying a mild laxative will help to ease the pain.
4. Breastfeeding may be painful as your nipples are sensitive and adjusting to having your little one pull and suck on them. Buy a nipple cream to massage onto your nipples in-between feeds.
5. You may experience brittle hair and hair loss due to hormones.

To start off it is essential to understand what the two types of feeding are. Babies feed 8 to 10 times a day which is quite normal.

With feeding on demand, you would follow your baby’s hunger queues and feeding whenever they are hungry. This means not looking at the time but watching your baby’s behaviour to see if they are hungry. Hunger signs include suckling, rooting around, sucking on their hand or fist, and crying.

Below is what you should take note of feeding on demand

• Regular feeding helps establish your milk supply.
• It may form the basis for healthy eating habits later – she learns to eat when she’s hungry, not according to a schedule.
• When babies are allowed to feed on demand they take in what they need, when they need.

Scheduled feeding is not recommended by medical professionals though it is quite popular among busy and working mothers.

With scheduled feeding a mom would take note of the clock and try to feed baby at set intervals that you have come up with. Usually these times are set to fit into a parent’s day or to get their baby on some kind of schedule so things are more predictable for the parents.

• A schedule may be easier to maintain if you are bottle feeding, whether that is from exclusively pumping or formula feeding.
• It brings predictability as new moms can schedule their day around the feedings.
• Scheduled feeding also doesn’t allow for growth spurts – a time when your baby will ask to feed much more often than normal, helping to increase your milk supply as your baby grows bigger

Researchers at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex and Oxford University found that babies who fed on demand were smarter than babies fed according to a schedule. The study found that these children boasted an IQ that was up to five points higher than babies fed on a schedule by the time they were 8 years old. However, it is important to choose a feeding style which suits you and your baby as your needs as a family may be different.

Five tips to help you while breastfeeding

1. Staying hydrated and eating healthy: to ensure a good supply of breastmilk is available for feeding and expressing.

2. Enjoy the process without putting pressure on yourself as this can stress you out and affect your supply. See each feed as an opportunity of bonding with your baby you actually look forward it.

3. Learning to trust those that assist you with the baby, so you can find time for yourself. Teach them how u want baby’s milk to be warmed, how baby must be fed, burped, etc.

4. Burping with each feed is very important as it helps reduce abdominal uncomfortability and helps reduce gas. Especially when you burp the baby halfway through a feed. At times it takes long but its well worth it.

5. Stomach massaging for releasing gas, this should not be done after a feed as baby will throw up.

By: Bernice Maune

New moms have entered a journey of motherhood which is a beautiful experience but can leave them feeling overwhelmed and drained by the arrival of their babies.

Post-partum depression is a reality which many women face as they may struggle to keep up with caring for a small infant, creating a schedule that works while bonding with the baby.

Symptoms of post-partum depression may include severe mood swings, trouble bonding with baby and difficulty handling the day to day running of your household and a loss of interest in taking care of yourself and the child.

Visiting your doctor to discuss the onset of post-natal depression is essential to your well-being and that of your new born and family. A medical diagnosis is required before any medication can be prescribed. To help you deal in conjunction with medical advice, we’ve compiled tips to help you cope below.

Exercise

Get into a routine which works for you and your family. Exercise helps to release pent up frustration and also releases feel good hormones endorphins which can improve your mood. Simple exercises like walking, jogging and swimming are a great way to stay fit while not over exerting yourself.

Me-time

Make it a point to schedule a day during the week where you pamper and spoil yourself with something special like a massage, spa day, manicure or some retail therapy. It’s important to remember that even though your life has changed and you are a mom, you must also prioritise yourself as self-care and love is essential to being the best mother to your child.

Journal

Your emotions may be changing all the time and a good way of managing your feelings is by writing down what you are thinking and feeling. Journaling is also a form of therapy which can help you de-stress and become more self-aware.

Communicate

Talk and speak to your partner and loved ones about how you are feeling. Keep them in the loop so that they can understand your mental and emotional state as well as help you where they can. Postpartum depression can develop because of a sense of being overwhelmed by the new baby and by speaking out, your family and partner can come up with plans to help with the baby.

Group therapy

Meeting up with mothers who are also experiencing post-partum depression is a form of support which can give you a platform to express yourself in the presence of women who can relate to you. Ideas and techniques on how to handle being a new mom can be exchanged without fear of feeling like a failure.

Healthy diet

Improve your diet and stock up on fruits, vegetables, fresh and raw food and increase your water intake. A healthy diet will enable you to be energised and able to cope with the demands of a newborn.

Rest and relaxation

Take turns with your partner to get at least eight hours sleep or hire a nanny who can assist you and baby so that you can rest.

Remember to check in with your doctor if you do not feel better and the symptoms of postnatal depression continue.

By: Bernice Maune

You are nearing the last few weeks of your pregnancy and you can’t wait to hold your baby in your arms. It’s been months of feeling him kick in your belly and as your due date comes closer, you have waited in anticipation of this precious moment. The birth itself will be even more special as your child makes his grand entrance. It will be the first time you meet him and you probably can’t wait for that day.

Family and friends have likely been advising you about the birth and if you are having a natural or Caesarean birth, you are aware of what the experience entails. Yet as much as one can prepare for the birth, there are some details that not many people even your obstetrician can fully brief and prepare for you. We’ve spoken to two first time mothers who shared their experiences of what happened after they welcomed their babies into the world.

Twenty-seven year old Mbali Gushu gave birth to her daughter, Phillipa in 2015. She had an emergency Caesarean birth as Phillippa was in distress and her heartrate was dropping. Mbali says after the birth, she was in intense pain and couldn’t stand up or walk.

“It felt like I got stabbed multiple times in my lower abdomen. It was so painful and even the painkillers were not strong enough to fully relieve me of the pain. I still had to try and move about and not just lay there even though that was what I wanted to do, stay in bed all day until the pain went away.

“The nurses told me to not stay put though and move around. You have to push through the pain, in a week that’s when you start feeling better.”

Amusingly Mbali says her hair was a mess and that she was not fully prepared to deal with it.

“I would advise new moms to get their hair done right before the birth. A simple style like braids or plaits will keep you looking neat and tidy because you will barely get a chance to look after your appearance after the birth.”

Mbali also adds that her first menstrual period after giving birth was unusual as her flow was heavier than normal and she bled for longer than usual.

Refilwe Moagi, gave birth to her son Logan three years ago. She says her birthing experience was nothing like what she had been told.

“My mother and family told me what to expect when having a natural birth but nothing fully prepares you,” says Refilwe.

While walking around the maternity ward to cope with the contractions and to speed up dilation, Refilwe says she suddenly felt her son’s head and rushed to her bed to begin pushing.

“It took minutes to give birth to my son and he practically flew out. While he was coming out I had a bowel movement which was completely unexpected because I had emptied my stomach earlier.

“What made this even more cringe worthy was that the father of my child was in the room and having him see me like that was really weird. I know now that nothing fully prepares you for birth and my doctor neglected to tell me that a bowel movement could happen at the same time as pushing.”

Here are five more unexpected things that happen after birth

1. You may be emotional and breakdown in tears now and again. The levels of hormones in your body are still high and being emotional is normal. If you feel down for longer than a month, you may want to consult your psychologist to ensure it is not the onset of postpartum depression.
2. There is a third stage of delivery where your body expels the placenta and all the remaining products of conception. Over the course of the next few days, you will experience bleeding as your uterus completely empties itself to get back to normal.
3. Bowel movements after a vaginal delivery may be uncomfortable and painful. Buying a mild laxative will help to ease the pain.
4. Breastfeeding may be painful as your nipples are sensitive and adjusting to having your little one pull and suck on them. Buy a nipple cream to massage onto your nipples in-between feeds.
5. You may experience brittle hair and hair loss due to hormones.

You might be wondering what the Apgar test is and how it relates to you and your baby. We’ve answered some questions about the test which was developed by anaesthesiologist Virginia Apgar in 1952 to assess and rate a baby’s appearance, pulse, responsiveness, muscle activity and breathing.

When it happens

The test is conducted on your baby immediately after birth. Doctors usually aim to carry out the assessment within one to five minutes after your baby is born.

How it happens

The test is usually carried out in the delivery room.

What Apgar means

The assessment looks at the key points below and rates them on a scale of 0 to 2 with 2 being the strongest.

Muscle tone

0 Limp, no movement

1 Some moving of limbs

2 Active motion

Respiration (breathing)
0 Not breathing
1 Weak cry; may sound like whimpering, slow or irregular breathing
2 Good, strong cry; normal rate and effort of breathing

Heart rate

0 No heart rate

1 Fewer than 100 beats per minute

2 At least 100 beats per minute

Reflex response
0 No response to airways being suctioned

1 Grimace during suctioning

2 Grimace and pull away, cough, sneezing during suctioning

Appearance

0 The baby’s body is bluish grey or pale

1 Good colour with some parts of the body blue such as the feet

2Good colour over the whole body

How the scores are counted

The scores are combined, giving a total out of 10 and the doctor uses this to determine if your child needs urgent medical intervention. The one minute score will give an indication of your child’s health is and if a score lower than 3 is reached then resuscitation is required. If your baby scores between 4 and 6 then he may need some help breathing.

The five minute score will tell the doctor how much medical assistance your child may need if he continues to score lower than 3. The worst case scenario is your child may need to be rushed into the neo-natal intensive care unit, however this will be determined during the Apgar assessment and the necessary steps taken should that happen.

Shamiso Chaibva (36) of Kensington prefers organic food for her daughter, Ruvenego who is five months old.

Shamiso’s reasons are that organic food tastes better and she would rather have her child accustomed to natural food without pesticides, also lessening her exposure and risk of falling ill because of the pesticides.

“While I was pregnant I did a lot of reading on infant foods and I found there to be high levels of toxins in non-organic food. I also wasn’t satisfied with knowing that my baby would ingest this food on a daily basis which is why I started preparing to have her only eat organic foods.

“I had to take into consideration our household budget and when I consulted my husband about this he was happy to pay a little more for organic baby food. It’s become a lifestyle for us because we too prefer organic food so it wasn’t too much of a change,” saysShamiso.

While organic food is easily accessible and sold at most food outlets and supermarkets, there isn’t any conclusive research that shows it is more nutritious than nonorganic food. According to Mayo Clinic, conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce.

Organic produce carries significantly fewer pesticide residues than does conventional produce. Some people might buy organic baby food to limit their babies’ exposure to these residues — since infants might be more susceptible to harm potentially caused by pesticides than are adults.

However, residues on most products — both organic and nonorganic — don’t exceed government safety thresholds.

Whichever choice you make toyou buy organic or normal baby foods, make it a habit to check the ingredients list to see what’s actually in the jar. According to Dr.Daryth Stallone and Dr. Michael Jacobsen from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, many baby food makers, replace real food with water and thickening agents, such as flour or chemically modified. These products contain less nutrients per gram than other, single-ingredient foods.

Mommy tip: Organic milk contains more omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic milk. These fatty acids are found in oily fish, and have been shown to protect against heart disease. They have also been linked to improving children’s brain development.

Watch DIY recipes of organic baby food

https://youtu.be/GkRgqKTZ4K0

New research reveals that hugging your child often from birth has a positive impact on how their brain develops.

The studies show that during the developmental stages, babies respond to touch and affection which triggers growth in their brains and they thus become smarter.

Research conducted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio studied 125 babies, some of them born prematurely and others at full-term to note the effects of consistent touch and embraces. The studies showed that skin to skin care, hugs and breastfeeding impacted brain development, causing it to occur at a faster and healthier rate.

More benefits of hugging

Hugging releases oxytocin which is a positive hormone that elicits feelings of joy and love in human beings. Hugging and embracing your baby can lead to them to feeling loved and wanted.

Hugging can reduce stress hormones in children as the release of oxytocin prevents the harmful effects of stress related hormones such as cortisol. Studies reveal that exposing your child to cortisol too early impedes their growth and health and even compromises their immune system. It also affects their memory and verbal reasoning when they grow older.

Gentle hugging provides multiple benefits to your child which also includes a closer emotional bond between mother and child, emotional regulation and happiness which boosts self-confidence and their self-esteem.

What the experts say

A 2012 study by the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis found that the brain region that holds the memory, learning and stress response, the hippocampus was 10 percent larger in babies who come from a nurturing environment.

The larger the size of the hippocampus, the more a baby will respond to learning, boosting their cognitive development.

“There really is research that proves there’s significant impact on brain size. They looked at mothers in particular. They found that when mothers nurture through hugs and obviously emotional support, even right through pre-school, they see growth in the brain called the hippocampus, and that’s the part of the brain which is associated with higher emotional functioning right into teen years. So there’s some fascinating long-term effects,” psychologist Collet Smart told Hope1032.com.

Immunisations for babies against major and fatal diseases have become common practise in countries around the world to reduce the number of children who fall ill to deadly sicknesses.

Vaccinations are often administered by government clinics and hospitals in South Africa, however they may also be given out at private hospitals. The purpose of vaccinations has also been to reduce the infant mortality rate and see more children survive into childhood. Some of the vaccinations given out include protection against measles, whooping cough and polio.

If you’ve had any doubt about why vaccinating your child is important to their survival and wellbeing, read on below.

According to www.vaccines.gov. immunisations can save your child’s life. Polio has been eradicated in the United States after a mass vaccination programme which saw millions of children receiving immunisations against the deadly disease which causes paralysis and death.

The website further reports that vaccinations are safe and effective and once given will only result in discomfort and pain at the site of injection. Side effects are rare and are not outweighed by the advantages of receiving vaccines which are life saving.

More benefits of vaccinating your child;

• It protects others. The spread of fatal diseases is reduced by vaccines as more people are protected and the possibility of a disease being spread is limited.
• The possibility of losing an income due to a child contracting a disease which could have been prevented by a vaccine is eliminated when the child is immunised. Certain vaccine preventable diseases can result in disabilities consequently taking it’s toll on a family’s financial means.
• Vaccinations can eradiate diseases, leading to families no longer needing to vaccinate against certain diseases. This was the case with small pox and it may be a reality with other diseases becoming redundant and no longer posing a threat to future generations.

How to make vaccinations easier for your child

• Distract your child by bringing a toy along or keeping their attention elsewhere by playing a song on a mobile device or tablet.
• Be calm and relax, your child will pick up on your anxiety if you are also fearful and stressed.
• Breastfeeding babies can feed while getting their vaccination to calm them.
• Show your baby love and affection so that they feel safe and comforted after the initial discomfort of receiving an injection.

In-between juggling being a new mom and coping with the lifestyle change that having a baby brings, you will quickly realise that there are some experiences that new moms don’t always readily share. Instead topics around sex life and post natal depression are swept under the carpet and rarely spoken about.

It doesn’t have to stay that way, with our list of topics that new moms never talk about, you can start striking up conversations to find out how other new moms are facing motherhood challenges and conquering them.

Your relationship will take strain
From the moment you found out you were pregnant, you likely realised that your relationship with your partner was about to change. With the arrival of the baby there may have been adjustments that are made because you’re both much more tired, worried, and overwhelmed than you’ve ever been before. You’ve come to realize how much better sleep is than sex, and you’re no longer each other’s top priority. Children can put a strain on any relationship, no matter how strong it is and that is part of parenthood, navigating the new lifestyle changes while staying committed.

Findingtime for yourself can be hard
While your time was your own and you could do anything you wanted and whenever you wanted, things aren’t so simple anymore. You have more responsibilities now and need to arrange a babysitter or relative to watch the baby when you want to do something for yourself. The key is to prioritise yourself and to be consistent about having me time.

Your intuition is right most of the time
Trust your gut. Yes advice from family and loved ones is always welcome but as you ease into parenthood, you will instinctively start to know what feels right and works for you and your child.

Your priorities will change
Expect to become different. Your life has changed drastically and this will impact you. You might hear comments about being boring, safe, sensible or responsible being thrown around and that’s perfectly fine. You now have a new perspective on life now that you are a parent.

There will be disappointments
Things will not always go as you expected and you’re going to make some mistakes. It will take a while before getting  things right and the beauty of this exciting journey is learning as you go along and embracing all the change that parenthood brings.

With baby comes weight gain and for some of us that don’t easily shed the kilos, there are tips and tricks to get rid of that extra layer of belly fat.

Exercise
Follow a routine and stay consistent. Whether you sign up for gym or opt to go jogging around the block, an exercise regime will support a healthy diet and lead to a more toned figure. Exercise is also a great way to relieve yourself of pent up frustration and a great stress reliever, so get moving and release all those feel good hormones while you are at it.

Stay hydrated
Stock up on water and liquids such as fresh fruit juice and herbal tea to help you in your weight loss journey. One trick to target the stomach area is to mix one table spoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water and to have this in the morning before meals and in the evenings after meals. This simple mix has several benefits which include increasing your metabolism and naturally detoxing the digestive system.

Follow a diet plan approved by a dietician
Visit a dietician to determine which diet is best for your body type and to establish what your day to day nutritional needs are. A professional and medically approved plan can provide a balanced diet which will fast track your weight loss without putting you in any physical danger.

Stay positive
Before you even get started on a weight loss plan,focus on cultivating a positive mentality that will motivate you to be consistent, stick to your daily meal plans and go to the gym. For your physical transformation to happen, you should be able to believe that you have already accomplished your goal and the best way to do that is by staying positive.

Eat regular meals
While it’s tempting to skip meals to reduce your daily consumption of calories, studies have shown that this is counterproductive to your weight loss goals. Rather eat small, regular meals with snacks in-between to manage your weight loss.

Extra tips on losing baby fat

• Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can adversely affect your metabolism and slow down your weight loss process.
• Try and stay stress free. Stress can adversely affect your weight loss, so try and reduce it as much as you can.
• Eat early.If possible, have an early dinner, somewhere between 7 and 7:30 pm., so that you are done before 8 pm. It will boost your metabolism and let you reduce weight.
• Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take your time and set realistic targets.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Even if you have stopped breastfeeding, go easy on the alcohol, and try not to have more than one or two drinks a week.

Make your life and that of your baby simpler and safer by thoroughly babyproofing your home. Ideally, this should be done before the baby arrives but it can also be done within the first three months of your baby’s arrival.

It’s expected that as soon as baby starts crawling and exploring, your house should be fully baby proof. Here’s how to make sure that becomes a reality;

In the bedroom and in the baby’s nursery, the baby will be spending a lot of time there so this is a great and logical place to start.

• Inside the cot, the mattress should be comfortably fitted with no spaces between it and the crib.
• If the crib is painted, double check that it is not peeling.
• Install a smoke detector and check it regularly to make sure it is working.

• Steer clear of any headboard or footboard with decorative cutouts that could entrap your baby’s head or limbs.

• Position the cot away from curtains, windows and cupboards that have things that could fall out and harm baby. Toys that are hanging over the cot should be removed once baby can start standing.
• Cover all plug points and keep appliances safely out of reach.
• Position your baby’s cot away from the window

In all the rooms of the house, it is best to fasten or bolt cupboards and bookshelves so that they do not topple over if your baby pushes or touches them. Keep drawers closed to prevent an accident of your baby bumping his head against it. Put plastic outlet protectors over all unused electrical outlets.

In the kitchen where most electrical appliances are, make safety a priority by:

• Placing small appliances like irons in cupboards on the top racks.
• Keeping toasters, microwaves and kettles out of reach
• Carefully lock up or stow away every potential poison or other hazard, including cleaning products, medicines, vitamins, and knives.

The sitting room or lounge is where your child will spend time watching TV or just relaxing with parents.

• Place bumper stickers on the edges of table to soften the edges.
• Place a smoke detector and consider investing in a fire extinguisher
• Large or heavy bookcases, dressers, and appliances are real hazards: Bolt whatever you can to the wall. Push items like televisions back from the edge of the furniture they’re on or move them out of reach, and then secure them, too. Always put heavier items on bottom shelves and in bottom drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
• Babies start pulling up on furniture shortly after they start crawling. Some children scale counters, bookcases, and anything else they can grab on to. Place floor lamps behind other furniture so that their base is out of your child’s reach.
• Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing up and reaching the windowsill.
• If you’re using extension cords in your home, cover any exposed outlets with electrical tape.

The bathroom presents a challenge as that is where there are opportunities for children to play with water or to access medication which can lead to poison.

• Throw out medication that is no longer in use.
• Keep the bathroom door closed at all times.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the tub – even if he’s in a ring or bath seat and install a safety latch on your toilet lid to prevent him from accidentally falling in.

Outside areas are where children play and spend time exploring their surroundings. Keep these areas safe by having gates with locks blocking immediate access.

• If you have a permanent pool, enclose it with a fence that’s at least 4 feet high, and lock the gate leading to the pool after each use. Always secure and lock the cover on your spa or hot tub.
• Use a gate to limit access to the pool

In all living areas pick up any coins, marbles, beads, paper clips, and other small objects that can be easily ingested by baby. Install gates, they are great for keeping baby away from places and rooms that contain poisonous, dangerous and electrical appliances.

• Also check windows, that they are not easily reachable.
• For windows with curtains, keep the ties knotted and high up.
• Use cordless window coverings wherever possible, and avoid placing your baby’s crib near a window.
• Have a smoke alarm in every room of the house, this can halve the risk of a full blow fire.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby not to mention that it is very healthy for your tot. Breast milk contains antibodies which help your baby fight viruses and nasty infections also lowering the risk of allergies and lactose intolerance.

For some mommies who are quite enthusiastic about breastfeeding, it can be a difficult experience to get used to. Not to despair though because we’ve spoken to a first time mom who had difficulties but managed to conquer them to become a breastfeeding pro.

ShamisoChaibva (35) is an IT consultant from Kensington in Johannesburg. She gave birth to her daughter, Ruvenego in April and has opted to breastfeed her daughter until she returns to work in September. She shares her breastfeeding difficulties and how she overcame them below.

“I had no milk in the first 2 to 3 days. This was quite stressful as it took a while for me to figure out I was not producing as the first milk can be clear. After I asked my lactation consultant to check, she confirmed it and I had to give my baby formula until my milk started producing.

“It was stressful as I still had to put her on the breast though nothing was secreting, to encourage breastmilk production.

The first few weeks were very painful for me each time my baby latched. The pain is indescribable, but a few seconds later it goes away. As each feed began, I dreaded the painful latching process. The pain goes away with time though and using a lanolin based nipple cream worked to alleviate the pain.

Not knowing if my daughter was full was a challenge for me especially after the few days of not producing milk. Initially I was worried I was not giving her enough, and so I bought Nun to top her up, also because she would cry I thought she might have been hungry and so I topped up. Then a week later I thought I was overfeeding her but when my milk was now flowing she was visibly growing but I feared I could have been overdoing it.

“Very little milk can be secreted during expressing especially in the beginning, after figuring out how the machine works. When very little milk is expressed it makes you wonder if you are doing it right, and if so does it mean baby is getting enough milk, and if not do you need to top up or not. For successful expressing I started drinking water as I express (works like a charm). Diet wise I would eat fenugreek seeds and jungle juice. Generally for both expressing and breastfeeding staying hydrated is key to having lots of milk. Almonds, peanuts and oat biscuits are some other food items that I have found to work for me.”

Shamiso’s top five tips for becoming a pro at breastfeeding

 

1. Attend antenatal classes to help you prepare on what to expect and how to deal with it, even though it may not address all the issues it gives you a good idea.
2. Being at peace knowing you are doing the best you can with what you have without comparing yourself with the next mummy. Some of the mommys I am with don’t have enough milk so they have to give their babies formula and that’s ok. Some have to change formulas because of different reactions and that’s ok, you are doing the best you can.
3. Seeking help from a lactation consultant
4. Being part of a support group or just a group of mummies with whom you can help each other.
5. Getting help be it hired or from family and friends. Also learning to accept help, instead of thinking only you can hold your baby.
6. Finding helpful resources such as:LLL (La Leche League) it is a nonprofit organization that organises advocacy, educational, and training related to breastfeeding. It is present in a number of countries including SA. It’s purpose is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.”

They have a Facebook as well as contacts on the page that can provide 24-hour help.

Being a mom and running a household while maintaining a career and personal life can seem impossible at times and there may barely be time to schedule some self-love and pampering sessions. But bear in mind that finding time to be alone is important.

Prioritise yourself so that you can give the best version of yourself to every sphere of your life that needs you and essentially to your baby, partner and loved ones.

While there are many ways to enjoy some alone time, we’ve rounded up some practical, simple and stress free activities that you can do on your own or while with baby.

Take a walk with the stroller
If you’ve had a c-section then going on long walks with your baby are a great way to get moving without exerting yourself.  You’ll regain your strength while exercising and clear your mind. As your baby grows older you can pop a book or some toys to keep him preoccupied. Over time your child will look forward to the long walks and enjoy taking in the people, sounds and animals around him.

Create your own mini-spa experience
Ask your partner to take care of the baby to allow you at least two hours to relax. Look at your bath time as time for you to relax and grab some salt scrubs, essential oils-infused night cream, a bubble bath and a chance to give yourself a manicure and pedicure afterwards. Take the few hours to just be in your own world.

Schedule play dates with other moms
Spending time with other moms is an outlet for you to share how the motherhood journey has been, what your frustrations are and to hear how other moms are coping. It’s also a time to share your joys and be among moms who can relate to everything you are going through.

Retail therapy and some coffee
Express some breastmilk for baby and ask dad to bond with her while you pop out for some shopping and coffee. You’ll be able to relax and let your hair down while the two of them have their own uninterrupted one-on-one session.

Take a long drive
Babies enjoy car rides, the motion is soothing to them and helps them to relax which leads to them sleeping for hours on end sometimes. Take advantage of this and let them sleep while you either explore the landscape of a town you’ve never been too or park the car at a cool and quiet place like the park and take a nap of your own or read.

Share with us how you find some me time?

Zimkhita Mfecane of Sharonlea, Johannesburg remembers the first thing she bought for her son, Owethu.

“It was a Superman t-shirt and baby receiving blanket. Buying those two items made it more real to me that I was having my own baby boy and I couldn’t wait to him. I remember the day so clearly.

“I went to the store on my own and after wandering a bit, checking out baby clothes and shoes, I saw the perfect t-shirt. I could picture him wearing it and I couldn’t wait to colour co-ordinate with him and take selfies,” says Zimkhita.

For Sandton mom, Nolwazi Bhengu her first item that she bought for her daughter was a toy.

“I wanted my daughter to have a toy that would remind her how loved and cared for she is. With clothes, they outgrow them fast and I know toys are more durable and my daughter would have a lasting memento of the very first thing that I bought her before she was born.”

Centurion based Koketso Ncube says she went on a shopping spree when she had officially reached her second trimester. Koketso adds that she didn’t want to rush into buying baby clothes before she was cleared of pregnancy related risks.

“Immediately after I left my doctor, where I had gone for a check-up, I went shopping and bought so many things for my son! I remember buying a baby bathtub, blankets and so may onesies that I lost count. I still have many of the things I bought him and I’m saving them for my other children because I’d like to start a tradition where they wear a specific onesie when they come back from hospital,” says Koketso.

What was the first item you bought for your baby?