This section provides information which might be usefull or interesting to know in your endeavour to raise your child.
You could select from the above menus or type in a keyword or alternatively click on below articles to start your journey.The content is categorised to allow for easier access. If you can't find what you are looking for then please contact us, we might be able to assist.
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Breastfeeding myths
[16 August 2010] - It has been over three years since I have breastfed, but my daughter had breast milk daily for the last couple of days. She is three and a half and has an immune deficiency. If I had known what I know today I would not have given up trying to breastfeed when she was 11 days old. The system has failed me and the system will most probable fail a lot of other parents before we are able to change the system. Read more »Baby-wearing
[18 May 2010] - Baby-wearing is a mind-set.You need to get ready to wear your baby. You need to get ready physically but most importantly you need to get ready emotionally.
You need to have an open mind to understand that wearing your baby is a hard work but it is something you do for your baby and it has long-term benefits. Read more »
Breastfeeding and Medications
[11 February 2010] - Over the years, far too many women have been wrongly told they had to stop breastfeeding. The decision about continuing breastfeeding when the mother takes a drug, for example, is far more involved than whether the baby will get any in the milk. It also involves taking into consideration the risks of not breastfeeding, for the mother, the baby and the family, as well as society.And there are plenty of risks in not breastfeeding, so the question essentially boils down to: Does the addition of a small amount of medication to the mother’s milk make breastfeeding more hazardous than formula feeding? The answer is almost never. Breastfeeding with a little drug in the milk is almost always safer. In other words, being careful means continuing breastfeeding, not stopping. Read more »Nipple Shields
[11 February 2010] - It is surprising that the nipple shield, the use of which we had seen decline rapidly from the 1970’s and before, would once again be thought in the 2000’s as an appropriate treatment to cure many breastfeeding problems? It was generally thought to be a mistake to use nipple shields as their use resulted in babies seeming to be stuck on these gadgets. With time, the mother’s milk production would usually decrease if a mother used a nipple shield. Some studies will suggest that there is not a decrease; if one compares milk extraction on a nipple shield to a poorly latched baby, sure, there may be no decrease. The point is to get a baby well latched. We believe a nipple shield does not allow for this. Unfortunately, it is still true in our opinion that it is often not best practise to use a nipple shield and it is the considered opinion of our clinic and institute that nipple shields need hardly ever, if ever, be used. Read more »Protocol to Increase Breastmilk Intake
[11 February 2010] - Most mothers have lots of milk or could have had lots, but the problem is that the baby is not getting the milk that is available. Sometimes, mothers are told they have too much milk, and it may come out very quickly in the beginning and then the baby will fuss when the flow slow down. Read more »The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact
[11 February 2010] - There are now a multitude of studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth, as well as later. The baby is happier, the baby’s temperature is more stable and more normal, the baby’s heart and breathing rates are more stable and more normal, and the baby’s blood sugar is more elevated. Not only that, skin to skin contact immediately after birth allows the baby to be colonized by the same bacteria as the mother. This, plus breastfeeding, are thought to be important in the prevention of allergic diseases. When a baby is put into an incubator, his skin and gut are often colonized by bacteria different from his mother’s. Read more »Slow Weight Gain Following Early Good Weight Gain
[11 February 2010] - Sometimes, babies who are doing very well with exclusive breastfeeding alone for the first few months, start not to gain as well after two to four months. This may be normal, because breastfed babies do not grow along the same growth curves as formula fed babies, and sometimes it may appear that they grow too slowly, when in fact, it is the formula fed baby who is growing too quickly. Breastfeeding is the normal, natural, physiologic way of feeding infants and small babies. Using the formula feeding baby as the model of normal is irrational and leads us to make errors in advising mothers about feeding and growth. Read more »Lactation Aid
[11 February 2010] - A lactation aid is a device that allows a breastfeeding mother to supplement her baby with expressed breastmilk, formula, glucose water with added colostrum or glucose water without using an artificial nipple. The early use of an artificial nipple may result in the baby becoming "bottle spoiled" or "nipple confused" because it interferes with the way a baby latches on to the breast. Actually, the baby is not confused. The baby knows exactly what the score is. If he goes to the breast and gets little milk and slow flow and then gets a bottle with rapid flow, especially in the first few days, most can figure that one out fairly quickly. Read more »Hugs
[08 February 2010] - The following was emailed to me and the author is unknown.It has been proved that showing affection strengthens growth and positive development in people. We all need physical contact to feel good, and one of the most important ways of physical contact between two people is hugging. Read more »
Expressing Milk
[06 February 2010] - Many women are under the impression that it is necessary to own or use a pump to breastfeed. This is not so. You do not need a breast pump to breastfeed; uninformed use of a breast pump can lead to premature weaning. There are very few circumstances under which it is necessary to express your milk. Read more »Finding a Lactation Consultant
[06 February 2010] - Finding a Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding-support person may seem like a daunting task but it is well worth the effort. Read more »Finger and Cup Feeding
[06 February 2010] -Finger feeding is a method that helps train the baby to take the breast. It should not be used solely to avoid giving the baby artificial nipples, but instead, primarily to help latch on a baby who isn’t latching, (See handout The Baby Who does Not Yet Latch) therefore, finger feeding should not be used as a method of supplementation if baby is already latching on to the breast.
Cup Feeding (and similar vessels like spoon, etc) is a method of feeding baby that has been around for a very long period of time. It should be used to feed a baby who is not yet taking the breast. This should not be used to supplement a baby who is taking the breast.
Unsupporting Healthcare Professionals
[06 February 2010] - Most healthcare practitioners say they are supportive of breastfeeding. But many are supportive only when breastfeeding is going well, and some, not even then. As soon as breastfeeding, or anything in the life of the new mother is not perfect, too many advise weaning or supplementation.The following is a partial list of clues that help you judge whether the health professional is supportive of breastfeeding, at least supportive enough so that if there is trouble, s/he will make efforts to help you continue breastfeeding. Read more »
Herbal Remedies for Milk Supply
[06 February 2010] - The following describes the use of some herbal treatments for breastfeeding mothers who are having various problems Read more »Breastfeeding and Illness
[06 February 2010] - Over the years, far too many women have been wrongly told they had to stop breastfeeding. The decision about continuing breastfeeding when the mother takes a drug, for example, is far more involved than whether the baby will get any in the milk. It also involves taking into consideration the risks of not breastfeeding, for the mother, the baby and the family, as well as society. And there are plenty of risks in not breastfeeding, so the question essentially boils down to: Does the addition of a small amount of medication to the mother’s milk make breastfeeding more hazardous than formula feeding? The answer is almost never. Breastfeeding with a little drug in the milk is almost always safer. In other words, being careful means continuing breastfeeding, not stopping. The same consideration needs to be taken into account when the mother or the baby is sick. Read more »Breastfeeding and Jaundice
[06 February 2010] - Jaundice is due to a buildup in the blood of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that comes from the breakdown of old red blood cells. It is normal for old red blood cells to break down, but the bilirubin formed does not usually cause jaundice because the liver metabolizes it and gets rid of it into the gut. The newborn baby, however, often becomes jaundiced during the first few days because the liver enzyme that metabolizes bilirubin is relatively immature. Furthermore, newborn babies have more red blood cells than adults, and thus more are breaking down at any one time. If the baby is premature, or stressed from a difficult birth, or the infant of a diabetic mother, or more than the usual number of red blood cells are breaking down (as can happen in blood incompatibility), the level of bilirubin in the blood may rise higher than usual levels. Read more »Supplementation of the Breastfed Baby - "Just One Bottle Won't Hurt"... or Will It?
[02 February 2010] -So often it is said that for your baby's good you need to supplement your breastfed baby. in this article Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC, takes a look at what happens, and what could be the price you ulitimately pay with supplementation feeds.
Read more »Breastfeeding and Other Foods
[02 February 2010] -Breastmilk is the only food your baby needs until about 6 months of age. There is no advantage to adding other sorts of foods or milks to breastmilk before about 6 months, except under unusual circumstances. Many of the situations in which breastmilk seems to require addition of other foods arise from misunderstandings about how breastfeeding works, and/or originate from a poor start at establishing breastfeeding.
Read more »Breastfeeding Your Adopted Baby or Baby Born by Surrogate
[02 February 2010] -So, you would like to breastfeed your baby, born via surrogate or adoption? Wonderful! Not only is it possible, it is fairly easy and chances are you will produce a significant amount of milk. It is different, though, than breastfeeding a baby with whom you have been pregnant for many months. With some determination and perseverance, you will enjoy the wonderful bond that breastfeeding brings and both you and baby will benefit from this experience.
Read more »Blocked Ducts and Mastitis
[02 February 2010] - Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the breast that usually occurs in breastfeeding mothers. However, it can occur in women who are not breastfeeding or pregnant, and can occur even in small babies of either sex. Nobody knows exactly why some women get mastitis and others do not. Bacteria may gain access to the breast through a crack or sore in the nipple, but women without sore nipples also get mastitis, and most women with cracks in the nipple do not. Read more »Breast Compression
[02 February 2010] -The purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the baby when the baby is only sucking without drinking.
Read more »Breastfeed a Toddler - Why on Earth?
[02 February 2010] -Because more and more women are now breastfeeding their babies, more and more are also finding that they enjoy breastfeeding enough to want to continue longer than the usual few months they initially
thought they would. UNICEF has long encouraged breastfeeding for two years and longer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is now on record as encouraging mothers to breastfeed at least one year and as long after as both mother and baby desire. Even the Canadian Paediatric Society, in its latest feeding statement acknowledges that women may want to breastfeed for two years or longer and Health Canada has put out a statement similar to UNICEF’s. Breastfeeding to 3 and 4 years of age has been common in much of the world until recently in human history, and it is still common in many societies for toddlers to breastfeed.
Some Breastfeeding Myths
[02 February 2010] -Do you think the following is true:
- Many women do not produce enough milk
- It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt
- There is no (not enough) milk during the first three or four days after birth
- A baby should be on the breast 20 (10, 15, 7.6) minutes on each side.
- A mother should wash her nipples each time before feeding the baby
- It is easier to bottle feed than to breastfeed
- Modern formulas are almost the same as breastmilk
If you think any of these statements are TRUE then you need to read this article.
Read more »Breastfeeding - Starting Out Right
[02 February 2010] - The vast majority of mothers are perfectly capable of breastfeeding their babies exclusively for about six months. In fact, most mothers produce more than enough milk. Unfortunately, outdated hospital policies and routines based on bottle feeding still predominate in too many health care institutions and make breastfeeding difficult, even impossible, for too many mothers and babies. For breastfeeding to be well and properly established, a good start in the early few days can be crucial. Admittedly, even with a terrible start, many mothers and babies manage. Read more »Breastfeeding the Premature Baby
[02 February 2010] -Some Myths About Premature Babies and Breastfeeding:
- Premature babies need to be in incubators
- Premature babies all need fortifiers
- Premature babies cannot go to the breast until they are at 34 weeks gestation
- Mothers of premature babies need to use nipple shields to get their babies latched on well and
getting milk well - Premature babies need to learn to take a bottle which teaches them how to suck
Colic in the Breastfed Baby
[02 February 2010] -Colic is one of the mysteries of nature. Nobody knows what it really is, but everyone has an opinion. In the typical situation, the baby starts to have crying periods about two to three weeks after birth. These occur mainly in the evening, and finally stop when the baby is about three months of age (occasionally older). When the baby cries, he is often inconsolable, though if he is walked, rocked or taken for a drive, he may settle temporarily. For a baby to be called colicky, it is necessary that he be gaining weight well and be otherwise healthy.
Read more »Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
[02 February 2010] - Breastfeeding mothers frequently ask how to know their babies are getting enough milk. The breast is not the bottle, and it is not possible to hold the breast up to the light to see how many ounces or millilitres of milk the baby drank. And this is a good thing!! We are not supposed to know how much the baby is getting but rather is baby getting enough. Our number-obsessed society makes it difficult for some mothers to accept not seeing exactly how much milk the baby receives. However, there are ways of knowing that the baby is getting enough. In the long run, weight gain is the best indication whether the baby is getting enough, but rules about weight gain appropriate for bottle fed babies may not be appropriate for breastfed babies. In the short term, there are ways to know if baby is satisfied by looking at how well the baby feeds, and by looking at the baby in general. Read more »Why attend a baby massage class?
[30 November 2009] - Our instructors do not massage the babies – we teach parents how to massage their babies.The strokes and styles of baby massage are easier to grasp when demonstrated by our experienced instructors. Pressure, rate, rhythm, the length of the massage, respect, bonding, why babies cry, baby’s body language, positioning of the baby, relaxation and parent empowerment are some of the skills that will be taught and the topics that will be discussed. Read more »
Benefits of Infant Massage
[30 November 2009] - Did you know that touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and the last sense to leave us when wedie?
Positive touch is essential for health
Read more »
Massage during Pregnancy
[30 November 2009] -Pregnancy is a time of enormous change for us as women – especially if it is our first pregnancy. Not only are our bodies changing physically, but powerful emotions tug at us as we journey along the path to motherhood. Some women seem to travel this path more easily than others. Feeling healthy during our pregnancy depends not only on looking after ourselves physically, but on how we live our lives day to day. It is a time when a woman realises she has to take care of her body for her own well-being as well as for the well-being and healthy development of her growing baby. We can care for our bodies during this miraculous time of growth and change and prepare for birth by choosing healthy options. During pregnancy we can learn a lot about our bodies, about the miracle of procreation and we can be more in touch with the intuitive aspects of ourselves. It is a time to claim our power as women.
Read more »Cultural differences
[12 November 2009] -Meeting that special person and settling down to have a long and happy life together seems to not be too much to ask, but where the Disney movie ends there are a number of realities which needs to be dealt with when the honeymoon is over. In many cases culture and religion are clear stumbling blocks which will offer some interesting problem solving possibilities, but these are not the only challenges you will face.
Read more »Creative Cape Town Moms
[28 October 2009] -I received the following via email. I neither know the mom's who compiled this document, but I do know that they just show how well things come together if a couple of mothers put their heads together and try and come up with a parenting resource.
Read more »Going for it again?
[24 August 2009] -I was amazed when I was at a mom's meeting and most women at the meeting said that they had their second child for the sake of the first. I thought that this is a ludicrous idea – I mean you have children because YOU wanted to not because your child wanted it...
Read more »Stating the case for the pelvis
[18 August 2009] -I was forwarded an article which was written by a midwife based in Canada; where she outlines that we are all here based on our mothers ability to give natural birth – unless you were born in the last 30 years the chances of you being born via caesarian section is limited.
Now if we follow the idea of natural selection and the current state of affairs where we are seeing very few vaginal births would this impact on the future of our children to have the ability to give vaginal birth?
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
[15 August 2009] - Shocking enough that there are ONLY TWO IN CAPE TOWN, were this is the norm for every hospital in Europe. Read more »Pregnant again?
[11 August 2009] -We all know how it was when you were pregnant the first time and one of the benefits of your second pregnancy is that it is done with a lot more ease and self-assurance because you have been there and have done this before. How however can you plan to integrate the new arrival into your household without turning your whole happy family upside down.
Read more »Handling Unwanted Advice
[06 August 2009] - “Help! I’m getting so frustrated with the endless stream of advice I get from my mother-in-law and brother! No matter what I do, I’m doing it wrong. I love them both, but how do I get them to stop dispensing all this unwanted advice?” Read more »Is a home birth the only save way to escape a caesarean section in SA?
[05 August 2009] -I have been attending an antenatal class recently as we are expecting our second child. I can only highly recommend doing the same to any pregnant women. I thought I am really well informed but still, almost every week I attend the class I hear something I didn't know, or thought about before. Great way to make an INFORMED decision although my decision was and is clear,but going to these class just confirmed that our decision is the best one we could possibly have made for us and my future second child.
A Home birth !
The breastmilk brand
[05 August 2009] -The breastmilk brand: promotion of child survival in the face of formula-milk marketing
- Anna Coutsoudis, Hoosen M Coovadia, Judith King
The prevailing catastrophe caused by mothers in China unwittingly feeding their babies formula milk that was contaminated by a potentially toxic chemical, melamine, shows just how fragile the barriers protecting children from danger are.
www.thelancet.com Vol 374 August 1, 2009 425
Considering birth
[30 July 2009] -It is a common idea that there are only two options when considering birth, natural or caesarian This I think is a common misconception and something to look at more closely.
Read more »My journey so far
[30 July 2009] -My son is 8 months old now and boy has it been a huge learning experience. The first thing I have learned is to lower my expectations.
Read more »Birth of a Parent: You're as important as your Baby
[30 July 2009] - Babies are such a nice way to start people. Yet having a baby stirs up mixed feelings ranging from joy to anxiety, so occupational therapist Megan Faure co-authored the book Baby Sense with well-known midwife, Sister Ann Richardson, in 2002. It has since become a benchmark in the baby care market, with over 100 000 copies sold in South Africa alone. Read more »Everything you need to know to prepare for your baby
[23 July 2009] - For the sixth year running and with over 7 000 parents having attended to date, the Baby Sense Seminars will once again be bringing together leading experts in the field of birthing and parenting, with advice that makes exceptionally good sense for parents and expectant moms. Read more »Baby's First Doctor Visit
[22 July 2009] - This made me laugh out loud. I hope it will give you a smile!A woman and a baby were in the doctor's examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby's first exam. Read more »
La Leche League
[21 July 2009] - I have been to my first breastfeeding support group meeting in the form of a local La Leche League meeting. How I wish I could have turned back time and were able to or did attend a meeting like this when I was pregnant with Mia. Read more »Prepare to breastfeed
[17 July 2009] -When I was pregnant I did everything possible, to do what I saw at that stage to be the best for my daughter, I did all the check-up and scans possible. The one that I did not manage to do was to breastfeed successfully.
Read more »Mercury in CFLs
[30 June 2009] -Saving the planet at risk of causing another unforeseen global disaster. Greenhouse gasses versus mercury landfills which is the better of two evils and are there no other options?
Read more »Where should my baby sleep?
[24 June 2009] - Parenting 101Module: Sleep Environment
Facilitator: Erica Neser
Assignment 1:
a) Study Figure 1 carefully, paying special attention to the positions of Mum, Dad, Ann and Ben.
b) Now take a pair of scissors and cut along the dotted line around figure 1 as indicated. Place the diagram in a large file. This file should be used for storing any information starting with the words “You should always …”, “By now your baby should be …”, “My child will never be allowed …”, “I will never …”, “In our day, we always/never …” et cetera. Read more »
Woolies Cookie Recipe
[23 June 2009] -The internet is a powerful tool and as easy as it is to find information and demystify the world; it is to spread miss-information, viscous rumours and lies. As with most Internet folklore and myths nothing is ever new and even hoax emails are often dusted off and recycled as it the case with the Woolies cookie recipe...
Read more »Co-sleeping in the modern context
[22 June 2009] - Erica Neser is the author of Sleep Guide for Babies and Toddlers (Protea Books, 2006)"Nature, if she be not interrupted, will do the whole business perfectly well; and there seems to be nothing left for a Nurse [or parent] to do, but to keep the child sweet and clean, and to tumble and toss it about a good deal, and keep it in good Humour." (William Cadogan, Essay on the Nursing and Management of Children, 1748)1 Read more »
What every parent should know about baby sleep
[22 June 2009] -Compiled by Erica Neser, author of Sleep Guide for Babies and Toddlers
POINTS TO PONDER
Do you regard yourself as “spoilt” if you...
- Sleep in the same bed as your partner?
- Have a few sips of water during the night?
- Wake up if the covers fall off the bed and you become cold?
- Need three meals, two snacks, a cup of tea, three glasses of water and one glass of juice per day? (that’s 10 “feeds!”)
- Need lots of love, affection, hugs and closeness from your loved ones?
No? Then why do people think babies are spoilt for needing the same things...?
Read more »And then you blink...
[16 June 2009] -I was amazed that my sister's daughter had her matrix farewell last week. It feels like yesterday when we rushed to hospital so see her the first time. A time not too distant when she was a toddler and just too cute for words. Not too long ago when she asked me about boys; and then young men... I think in being faced with the reality that next year she will be exactly where I was when she was born just shows how fast it is all over...
Read more »Internet
[15 June 2009] -We live in a society where we have access to the greatest amount of information in the shortest possible space in time, yet we choose to believe and forward information received via email because we are trusting and caring. We want to warn others!
Read more »WATCH OUT: DONT FALL VICTIM
[15 June 2009] -The following hoax email is being circulated:
A man came over and offered his services as a painter to a lady who was buying petrol at a filling station. He gave her his "complimentary card". She said "No", but after some persuasion, she accepted his card out of kindness and got in her car.
Your partner
[14 June 2009] -It has been just over ten years since I have met the man that I was meant to marry. I knew that I have found him even before I set eyes on him. Just the sound of his voice made me think of all my favourite things; and as in the Sound of Music - I was ready to meet my destiny.
Read more »To bed with a bottle
[13 June 2009] - Being the mother of a reflux baby I have never had the privileged other mothers have to put their children in bed with a bottle. My sisters had differing opinions. Read more »Dylan's mom
[21 May 2009] - I found out that I was pregnant on the 25th of March 2008. I should have been excited, but instead I was shocked as I had spent the previous months coming to terms with the fact that I may not be able to have children at all. Read more »The Price of Children
[14 May 2009] -The following were provided to me via email - author is unknown to me:
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with R1,681,470.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
Food and pregnancy
[15 April 2009] -When you are pregnant your aim is to live as healthy as possible drink a lot of water and steer clear from things that can possible harm the foetus, do you however know what these are?
Read more »Parenting choices
[25 March 2009] -I don't know about you but I think that most if not all parents have only their child's best interest at heart. I also think that we spend too much time worrying about the issues, options and choices as oppose to enjoying our children.
Read more »Your hospital bag
[12 March 2009] - General tip:Pack two bags; one with all your goodies and anther one for baby, this will make it easier for the nursing staff to find all they need for baby after the birth when neither you nor your husband would be able to assist. Read more »
How breastfeeding worked for me
[29 January 2009] - I always knew I would do that with my child, as I always thought positive about it. Most of my friends who had kids before me breastfed their babies and I watched them. It looked so peaceful, loving, just right. I never felt that way when I saw a mother giving a bottle. I anyway think that women have breasts to please and feed their babies and not only to please some men,or to make them look nice in a nice top,or dress. I even tasted some breast milk (calm down guys,it was expressed on a spoon) years ago from a very good friend of mine, as I was curious about the taste. I must say my own milk tasted far better for me;-). Read more »Giving Natural Birth V.S Caesarean section
[28 January 2009] -Before my daughter was born I read everything I could find on the market about pregnancy, breastfeeding and giving birth,as probably most other first-time-moms do. After always believing in life and that nature knows what is best and after reading all the information available, I decided to do everything possible to make sure that I'll deliver natural, without drug medication or interventions and breastfeed my baby for 12 months.
Read more »The speed of dark?
[23 October 2008] - One of my very smart & witty friends asked: "If the speed of light 1000,000 km/s, what is the speed of dark?" I gave him a very motherly answer... Read more »Miscarriage
[09 October 2008] -When I miscarried at week 12 in my first pregnancy, my husband and I felt like our hearts were torn into million pieces. For me this pain was only topped by the pain of my fathers' death 9 years ago. Maybe this even helped me to deal with it better, because I know life goes on again even if it feels like things can never be good or the same again.
Strange enough it made my hubby and me become even closer then we were before. We tried to believe that this was the best to happen because nature knows what is right and what needs to get "sorted out". I tried to think there was probably something wrong with it. I asked myself if I could have lived my life with a child what wouldn't have been"perfect"? I thought OK, that was Gods decision and he knows what's best. I read somewhere that the soul will come back to you and will be even stronger. I hoped so. Well,I hoped, no that's not right, I KNEW I would have a perfect healthy baby one day, a baby meant to be with us and that I would love it like crazy.
Giving birth
[08 October 2008] -I don't know about you but as time progressed I felt more and more weary about giving birth, having a elective c-section has become so much of a norm and me being the control freak I am; it just seemed unnaturally natural for me at least.
Read more »Baby Ticker - The Baby Countdown Pregnancy Ticker
[09 September 2008] -There are some really cool gadgets on-line to show you what is happening during your pregnancy.
Read more »The perfect name
[09 September 2008] - We all know that a rose by any other name is not a rose, pardon to mister Shakespeare. Read more »Food for Health
[28 August 2008] -Long-term buoyant health is the result of good habits and wise choices from an early age. To enjoy health now and in the future, youngsters must learn how to eat, exercise, sleep and control stress. Today, feeding children is based on concerns about heart disease, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. But, sensible nutrition for children essentially boils down to the same rules that apply to adults.
Read more »PET RESPONSIBILITY
[28 August 2008] - Christmas is looming and with the season of goodwill come gifts. Often these gifts are pets. But pets are not toys. They entail a huge responsibility and not only should parents be conversant with the needs of the pet, children over the age of seven should be taught the ins and outs of responsible pet care. Read more »ADOPTION. Is it still an option?
[28 August 2008] -Declining adoption numbers in South Africa is a sign of the times. Fewer black and coloured babies than in previous years are placed for adoption, while there are virtually no white babies available for adoption. The few that are, often would be disclosed adoptions (where the parties know one another).
Read more »Twins or Multiples
[23 August 2008] - Most people feel that this is so cool, especially if this is your first pregnancy then you can have your family in one go. Most people do not think of the "double trouble" that lies ahead, the feeding and burping sessions, the sleepless nights. Read more »Ovarian Cysts
[23 August 2008] - So after inconsistent periods since Mia's birth I had to go for an ultra sound of the pelvic area, to see if a cause could be found. Read more »Dominance and genetic make-up
[23 August 2008] - A lot of time during pregnancy is spend on thinking what the baby would look and be like, colour of eyes, sex and personality. All of these traits are kept in the egg cell, and sperm and once they have formed one cell they share the genetic make-up of the two parents. Read more »Getting Pregnant
[23 August 2008] - Now you have made the decision you are ready for a family, so you are used to planning everything, but in most cases getting pregnant is not just a matter of making your mind. Read more »Being a mom
[23 August 2008] - The following was forwarded to me via email the original author is unknown to me:We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?" Read more »
Daymothers
[23 August 2008] - They pose the biggest reason for women to think about ending their careers and to stay at home. You spend so much time worrying about what your daymom is doing. Is your most prized possession well taken care of, and in most cases it is once bitten twice shy. Read more »Pregnancy & Maternity Leave
[23 August 2008] - When we were doing out antenatal classes there was one of the mothers in our group that were terrorised and victimised by her employer for being pregnant. We were about 7-8 months pregnant at that stage and he was making life very difficult with statements such as your pregnancy was not part of my staff-planning, and neither was it planned by you so why did you not get an abortion? She obviously was heartbroken and distressed at him being so unfriendly [euphemism for being an complete idiot]. Read more »The Start
[23 August 2008] - I saw a client today that was just over 4 months pregnant, she was looking radiant. I am talking glowing...You know one of those women that you look at and you think wow! SHE obviously is having a great pregnancy. Her mother, (this is a family business), said she is most probable having another girl because she looked just as good the first time she was pregnant. Read more »Claiming UIF
[23 August 2008] - You can claim for from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for a maximum period of 17 weeks. Mothers who miscarry in the third trimester or give birth to a stillborn baby can claim for six weeks. Read more »Pre-Pregnancy check list
[23 August 2008] - Things you should do and keep in mind when you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant. Read more »The mothering myth
[23 August 2008] -I wonder who is bottling and selling the notion that mothering is a completely natural and normal flow of being a woman? - It is in all likelihood a man.
Read more »About PlanetParent
[23 August 2008] -You might ask yourself why did I start this web site, am I so much of a know it all mum? Do I have so much to say? The answer these questions are no and yes.
I do not necessarily know more about motherhood or parenting than anyone else, but I do have a lot to say. I don't think I am qualified to provide you with advice and guidance but I do want to share some of my experiences from which you might learn or at least laugh at.
Morning Sickness
[23 August 2008] - As mentioned before morning sickness was most probable named by a male, as most woman who suffers from it, will tell you that it is an all day sickness and is triggered by strong smell. One of my friend's mothers could not stand the smell of toilet spray during pregnancy and to this day she is adverse to the smell. Read more »Talk less
[11 August 2008] - People talk too much and often what they say is simply irrelevant gibberish. You gain inner power by controlling your need to talk. Read more »Experience it
[11 August 2008] - Experience is a wonderful teacher. however, make sure that experience doesn't become an excuse for lack of change. Read more »You are pregnant - Week 36-40
[28 July 2008] -In the last month of your pregnancy the foetus is getting fattened up and all the body functions are being exercised to ensure they are all systems go for the birth. The lanugo and vernix caseosa is being shed by the baby's body. Anti-bodies from you are being transferred to the foetus to minimise the risk of infections. The foetus will turn head down during this month to ready for the birth. About a week before the birth the womb lowers onto the pelvic bone. The foetus will slows in growth this month. You will also feel the womb contracting during this month and the cells from the placenta starts degeneration. Everything is now ready for the birth.
Read more »You are pregnant - Week 25-30
[17 July 2008] -The seventh month of pregnancy is very important as this is the border being viable and non-viable. As the foetus's nervous, blood flow, breathing and other body functions has now been developed to a point where it is probable for a baby to survive it born at this stage; obviously with special care. The chances of survival is based on a number of variables such as birth weight, general well-being and the quality of the medical care available.
Read more »You are pregnant - Week 31-35
[17 July 2008] -The eight month is synonymous to additional fat layers being deposited below the skin, (mostly in the baby :-)). This is to protect the baby against temperature fluctuations when born. Although the viability of a baby being born in this month higher is than in the seventh month; the newborn will still receive the same medical care. The same variables will play a part to determine the viability of a baby's chances of survival.
Read more »You are pregnant - Week 19-24
[17 July 2008] -You are now nearly halfway through your pregnancy; this is exciting times in your baby's development, and during this time you will start to feel the baby move. There are also a couple of things you would need to take care of before you get too pregnant such as a visit to the dentist; as it gets difficult to lie on your back and it is also said that you lose a tooth for every child you have. (Why I am not certain, so if anyone has any ideas shout.)
Read more »You are pregnant - Week 7-12
[24 June 2008] - This is the time when you feel tired and nauseous most of the time. It might feel like the end of days – only worst. By this time you should have had a thought that you might be pregnant, and you most probably have confirmation that you are pregnant. If you are nauseous then you also know that "morning sickness" was named by a male who never thought that you are able to feel this way all day everyday. You also know that the thing that cause your nausea is numerous and keep on getting more daily. You however not be too worried this too shall pass. Read more »You are pregnant - Week 13-18
[24 June 2008] - You have survived the first trimester, not only are you now out of the "danger" phase of your pregnancy, but you will also feel less tired, and your morning sickness should also start abating. You will start to "show" soon and you will have to start thinking how you will break the news to those you have as yet not told. Read more »God created children...
[24 April 2008] - ...(and in the process grandchildren)The following was forwarded to me via email the original author is unknown to me:
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students... here is something to make you chuckle. Read more »
Energy Hype
[23 April 2008] - The slogan for energy drinks promise incredible benefits: athletic excelling, you can party longer, study until dawn and you'll be more productive than you co-workers. Read more »Mango Trivia
[23 April 2008] - Mangoes have been grown in India for more than 4 000 years. Read more »Just peachy
[23 April 2008] - There are over 700 varieties of peaches. Read more »Living with colour
[23 April 2008] - It revs us up or slows us down. we see red or feel blue. Why? Here it is in black and white. Read more »Let's be friends
[10 January 2008] -Nurturing heartfelt friendships serves as life's safety net. In the hurly-burly of modern life, it's a mistake not to stay in touch with friends. Friends are supportive on good and bad days, provide pleasure for joint activities and offer personal development opportunities.
Read more »Tell us your story
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Your Pregnancy Bible
The most authoritative and up-to-date sourcebook on pregnancy and early parenthood, created by a team of experts – doctors, midwives, health visitors and researchers – under the direction of a practicing obstetrician.
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