Pregnancy pantry Curb those cravings 3 Big SLEEp iSSUES
Transcription
Pregnancy pantry Curb those cravings 3 Big SLEEp iSSUES
ISSUE 5 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014 Read our blog Sister Lilian @ your fingertips Pregnancy pantry Curb those cravings Serious stuff • Preventing SIDS • Ectopic pregnancy • Choosing the best birth practitioner Special DIY birth bag feature 1. Win a Caboodle bag 2. What to pack – Sister Lilian’s suggestions! WAYS TO HOLD YOUR NEWBORN 3 big sleep issues Put to rest by Sister Lilian All about chickenpox Go banana ice-cream this summer! WIN Back to breastfeeding It CAN be done • 5 books • Getaway for 4 at Sabi River Sun Resort Let Carriwell care for you, through pregnancy and beyond… After birth, your body still requires support and care. Carriwell’s innovative range is suited to your every need...from comfortable nursing wear to discreet, specialised products for your personal comfort and wellbeing. Make sure your hospital bag is packed with these essential items. Seamless Nursing Bra tural silk was r na ha bl e brea s hospita lp o an ty ads soft to uch ts r™ he ot no tto st p ea br co The silky soft breathable microfiber fabric moulds to your changing body, whilst skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby is maximised during nursing due to the unique non-inner, cup design. Breast Soother provides natural, safe pain relief and makes breast feeding easier. Our Washable Breast Pads have high absorbency, a breathable leak proof layer and natural unbleached fabric essential in good re-usable breast pads. Carriwell ensures that the period after birth is managed discreetly and hygienically with special, washable hospital panties, specifically designed to hold post birth pads in place. ma ter ni n ds pa ty lin e sa s ver ® d fe m é pa Carriwell Maternity Pads are designed to offer total confidence and absolute protection. Femé Pad’s cooling therapy provides instant soothing pain relief after child birth, and it’s soft cushioning effect will also help relieve pressure when sitting down. Available at Baby Boom, Baby City, Babies’ R’ Us at Toys ’R’ Us, selected Clicks stores, Dis-Chem, Reggies, leading baby & maternity stores & selected pharmacies. Linen Savers afford maximum protection by forming a moisture barrier between skin and bedding. for your growing needs Carriwell SA (Pty) Ltd • P.O.Box 272, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 • Tel: (031) 564 8805, Fax: (031) 564 9647 www.carriwell.co.za, [email protected] Log on Outbox CONTENTS ISSUE 5 • JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014 Are you in the swing of 2014 yet? This time of year, parents often start looking for a day care centre for their little ones. I want to give you five important pointers to keep in mind about day care – hope these help you: There should be the smallest possible baby to caregiver ratio, as babies need lots of personal interaction to develop well. Pop in unexpectedly to assess care, and think twice if there’s resistance to this. Don’t confuse a bit of disorder with poor hygiene – if little ones are having fun, that’s a great sign! Check that the bathrooms and kitchen are kept scrupulously clean and that the equipment is well-maintained. Check menus to see that there is freshly prepared food that is not overcooked. And don’t forget to spend oodles of time cuddling and playing when you get home! All of us at the Sister Lilian Centre wish eBaby readers the best year ever! PLENTY OF PRIZES! In this issue, enter to stand a chance to win one of five books (page 35), a super Caboodle bag worth R400 and a Carriwell voucher of R750 (page 14) and a wonderful getaway for four to the Sabi River Sun Resort (page 36). Congratulations to the October–December 2013 eBaby winners… • Three-night stay at Somerset Villa Guesthouse – Marisa Chembene • New Leaf pendant – Angelique Venter • Book winners: Lees Self Met Ladybird – Lisa van den Heever The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Lungi Ndlovo Maisy Goes On A Sleepover – Quint Anton Publisher: Sister Lilian Centre Editor and author: Sister Lilian Content editor and writer: Monique Hurlin Sales: Gillian Richards, Christine Klynhans Design: Ronel Bosch, Ultra Design Tel: +27 (0)12 809 3342 Email: [email protected] While copyright exists on all editorial content, eBaby may be freely distributed electronically for its intended use, to inform and advise expectant couples and parents in the Sister Lilian way. Every care is taken to share responsible tips only, but readers are advised that if their or their children’s problems do not improve, they should consult their practitioner or use the Ask for Advice facility at www.sisterlilian.co.za. Log on 3 3 4 5 Outbox – Sister Lilian’s top day care tips Plenty of prizes and winners ChatZone On Shelf – great buys eXpecting 6 8 8 8 10 10 11 Pregnancy pantry Curb those cravings! Antenatal classes in a nutshell Dry spell Pearls of wisdom – dental health Questions about ectopic pregnancy Take 2 – how twins develop Delivered 12 12 13 14 How to select a birth practitioner How long does labour last? 6 Tips for better birth Pack it – best birth bag basics Baby bytes 16 17 17 19 21 23 Holding your newborn Tissue salts to strengthen Baby’s neck What about water in Baby’s ears? Back to breastfeeding Co-sleeping confidence Safe ‘n’ sound – preventing SIDS Toddler eQ 24 25 26 26 Toddler sleep strike ‘Mares and terrors in the night Those shoes are made for walking Choosy about clothes eClinic 27 Chicken out of chickenpox 28 Amazing arnica 30 Skin and scar savvy eMenu 31 Smart cookies 32 Banana ice-cream four ways Rel@x 34 35 36 37 eGallery – reader photos Back to books – 5 books to win Win a three-night stay at Sabi River Sun Resort Hot spot – cool products January–February 2014 l eBaby 3 Log on See what other readers are saying and find out the results of our interesting Facebook polls on this page – and, don’t forget to make your voice heard too! ChatZ ne DO our Facebook fans agree with circumcision 4% were uncertain 63% agreed with circumcision due to health, cultural, religious or medical reasons ur Which foods does yo little one NOT like? The top five most-hated foods were: 1 Pumpkin 2 Meat 3 Eggs 4 Store-bought baby purées 5 Cereal Remember, it doesn’t matter too much if your baby doesn’t like one particular type of veggie – pumpkin isn’t for everyone! As long as your child eats a wide variety of healthy fruit or veg, there’s no need to be concerned. 3 top birth tips from Moms 1 “Don’t listen to people who scare you; we are all different.” Zama Goniwe 2 “Always expect the unexpected and remember that no matter what you’re going through, planned or not, as soon as you hold that bundle of love in your arms, you’ll forget all unpleasantness and pain. You will have met the love of your life!” Antoilene du Toit 3 “Don’t be forced to lie down by your doctor or nurse... giving birth in a seated position is easier! And listen to the doctor and nurse when it comes to pushing – only push when they tell you to.” Monique Smith 4 eBaby l January–February 2014 33% disagree with circumcision Interestingly, theatre nurse A’Delia Taljaard wrote: “If you decide to have your son circumcised and he is old enough to understand, please explain to him what will be done! And please don’t tell him it won’t hurt. These little boys come to us under the impression that the doctor is only going to ‘take a look at his peepee’. When he wakes up after surgery and realises what happened, he is very angry and scared to death of the staff. This is really not nice, and I think your child goes through a traumatic experience.” It is a myth that circumcision prevents HIV infection, as research now shows. Only safe sex will help do this. Poll: What you said about birth DVDs • 71,5% had watched a birth video and 28,5% hadn’t. • 60% of those who had seen a birth DVD would have preferred not to. Got something to say? Email: [email protected] Dr. Hauschka Certified Natural and Organic Skin Care Range The skin absorbs approximately 60% of what we apply to it, so it’s important to use products that are completely natural, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding. The Dr. Hauschka Skin Care range prides itself in being a 100% natural, and free of any artificial ingredients. Only the highest quality organic and bio-dynamically grown plants are used in all Dr. Hauschka preparations. These ingredients are sourced from all over the world through fair-trade agreements. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care regards the human skin as a holistic organ that protects the body. The skin is exposed to external and internal influences that can weaken it, resulting in imbalances such as dryness, lack of moisture, overproduction of oil or premature ageing. Dr. Hauschka preparations are designed to work with the skin to regenerate itself and restore balance and harmony in the skin. For more information, go to www.drhauschka.co.za, email [email protected] or phone 021 702 3617. Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas is a premium blend of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA and GLA). Clinical studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids play a pivotal role in fetal growth and development, and protect against several serious conditions. Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas has been formulated to take full advantage of the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids play a key part in the healthy development of your baby, offering critical nutrients for neurological development and promoting the development of your baby’s cardiac and respiratory systems. Support your pregnancy health with Ultimate Omegas, a trusted Bioharmony® Formula, available countrywide from Clicks, Dis-Chem, health shops and pharmacies. It is always recommended to consult your healthcare practitioner before using any supplements. For more information, go to www.bioharmony.co.za or call 031 765 2045. January–February 2014 l eBaby 5 eXpecting Pregnancy pantry Confused about what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy? You’re not the only one! eBaby is here to help… Y ou’re craving pickles, but the thought of meat makes your stomach turn. You can’t keep anything down, yet your doctor insists that you eat well. Don’t neglect calcium, but avoid too much vitamin A! Eat plenty of oily fish, but not those contaminated by metals. Confused? No wonder! In a word, what every pregnant woman should do when it comes to food is relax! This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t care about what you eat, or that you can ignore all warnings. What it does mean is that you have two powerful allies to help you have the best pregnancy nutrition – instinct and Mother Nature’s bountiful pantry. Did you know? Many health practitioners think that pregnancy nausea keeps moms-to-be from eating harmful substances. This protects her developing baby in the most crucial stage, the first trimester. In a nutshell Use these principles as an overall nutrition guide: Eat more plant foods Eat fewer animal foods Include foods from all the vibrant colours nature provides Keep meals simple, with not too many ingredients at the same time Don’t eat for two; simply follow your appetite Eat as little processed, refined food as possible Eat healthily most of the time, but enjoy occasional treats Don’t drink large amounts with meals, as this slows digestion Avoid fasting Go slow on herbal teas; drink only 2–3 mild cups a day 6 eBaby l January–February 2014 Caution – Baby in progress! Some foods are associated with increased allergy risk, toxic bacteria or excessive discomfort to an expectant mom, so avoid or reduce: Allergy-risk foods like dairy products, refined grain products (breads, pasta, cakes and biscuits), shellfish, egg, and peanuts Exotic mushrooms, onions or garlic Nuts, unless organic and raw Animal food pâtés Blue-veined and soft cheeses Dry meat products like biltong Caffeine-containing products Alcohol Got a sweet tooth? Sweet treats and sugary drinks interfere with blood sugar levels and provide no positive nutrition, so rather avoid these – eat some dates instead! Essential nutrients Plant foods mostly offer all the essential nutrients in rich abundance, although in pregnancy you should take a supplement: Iron – green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, raisins, avocados Folic acid – green vegetables, avocados, spanspek, green melons, grapefruit, naartjies, oranges, pears, strawberries, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds Calcium – figs, gooseberries, avocados, dates, grapes, guavas, kiwi fruit, lemons, mangoes, melons, oranges, pawpaw, pears, prickly pears, prunes, nuts and seeds Magnesium – bananas, nuts, seeds Vitamin A – (use supplements with caution, but dietary inclusion is safe) red, orange and green veggies, brightly coloured fruits like mangoes Zinc – nuts, seeds, legumes, soya, grains Omega-3 essential fatty acids – dates, avocados, nuts and seeds eXpecting Curb those cravings! When you’re pregnant, it’s important to interpret your cravings healthily. Feel like something sweet? Have a banana, or a date! Craving something salty? Eat an avocado, or some olives. Eating smaller meals more often also helps to control cravings. If you’re emotional and in need of a little extra nurturing, (which, let’s face it, is very likely in pregnancy!), don’t turn to comfort foods but rather chat to your partner or a good friend, and explain that you simply need a little extra TLC. What not to worry about: Don’t worry about strange food combinations (so long as they are healthy) or an aversion to foods you may have enjoyed previously, like meat – this is common and may even safeguard you and Baby. If you have an inexplicable need to constantly suck or chew ice, it’s probably because you feel much hotter in pregnancy, and is nothing to worry about. What you should worry about: Cravings for abnormal substances like soil, ash, chalk and paint is called pica, and is a sign that you have a deficiency of an important nutrient. Talk to your doctor about this, because it can be dangerous. Antenatal classes in a nutshell Why antenatal classes are useful: You can ask all your pregnancy, birth and baby questions You meet other preggy moms, and often make lifelong friends They help partners to understand pregnancy, birth and early parenting To find a good class: Look in the classified section of baby magazines or ask your friends and family for references Ask the antenatal teacher if there is plenty of unstructured time to answer questions the group has Look for classes that cover all your birth options, pregnancy niggles and early baby care Ask for quotes, and if you have a medical aid, find out if they’ll pay If you can’t go to antenatal classes, join our Facebook page and read Sister Lilian’s Pregnancy & Birth Companion – you can order it from www.sisterlilian.co.za. Dry spell To get rid of dry, flaky skin during pregnancy, you need to know what’s causing it. It could be triggered by a new skin product, a change in diet or sometimes even your vitamin supplement. Simply avoid the trigger, and voila – skin problems solved! These tips will also help: Use omega-3 plant oils or a supplement, and eat foods that are high in omega-3, like dates, avo, nuts and seeds. 8 eBaby l January–February 2014 Add a pot of rooibos tea to your bathwater and dab cooled rooibos directly onto the problem area. Take Sister Lilian Calendula Tablets three times a day and apply calendula cream to very itchy skin. Apply vitamin E enriched cream or oil that is in a hypoallergenic base. If you feel unwell, or none of this advice helps, do see your doctor. NEW! Place you baby inside the bouncer and let him enjoy the fun bouncing movements. Take Along Bouncer Introducing the clever Tiny Love on-the-go creation that gives baby a cozy feel of home, both indoors & outdoors • Incredibly easy to fold & carry. • Requires no assembly. • Perfect for both indoor & outdoor use. • Features fun bouncing movements. • Stylishly designed with chic red fabric and comes with a bonus carry bag. Setting the bouncer up is hassle free as it requires no assembly whatsoever! 0-3 months The bouncer puts baby in a semi-upright position, giving her a fresh new view of her surroundings and allowing some fun face-to-face interaction with her favorite grownups. 3-6 months Gross Motor Skills Developing the body’s large muscles facilitates head raising, rolling over, crawling, sitting up, and walking. Take advantage of the Take Along Bouncer’s semi-upright position to enjoy some quality face-to-face bonding time with your baby. Talk to your baby, sing songs, make faces or just enjoy some quiet gazing time with baby. Keep in mind that baby’s eyesight is still limited at this stage. Is your baby developmentally on track? Explore TinyLoveSouthAfrica.co.za to learn more about your baby’s developmental needs. The Tiny Love® 7 Elements SystemTM helps you choose stimulating objects, toys, & activities that support your baby’s development by stimulating her first year of discovery. The system gives a comprehensive set of guidelines so that you can be certain your baby is developing as expected. Let baby enjoy the bouncer’s relaxing bouncing movement both indoors and outdoors. The bouncer offers babies a new outlook on the world around them and can be especially engaging in the fresh air. Watch the Take Along Bouncer in action at TinyLove SouthAfrica.co.za Tiny Love South Africa AVAILABLE AT BABY CITY, BABY BOOM, GAME, TOYZONE, TAKEALOT.COM & KIDS EMPORIUM FOR TRADE ENQUIRIES, CONTACT DEJON DISTRIBUTORS CC ON (021) 556 9154 eXpecting 5 Questions about ectopic pregnancy 1. What is an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when your fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tube, or very rarely in the ovary or abdominal cavity, instead of your womb. Only about 1% of pregnancies are ectopic. 4. 2. 3. What causes this? It is often not clear, but repeated sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, sterilisation by tying of your tubes and some types of assisted fertility treatments make ectopic pregnancy more likely. Smokers, women who had a previous ectopic pregnancy and women over 35 years are at greater risk. What are the symptoms? You might initially experience all the normal signs of early pregnancy. The pregnancy may stop spontaneously with slight bleeding, like a light period. Pain on one side of your lower abdomen may start at any time between four and 10 weeks of pregnancy, and you may feel pain in your shoulders if blood has leaked into the abdomen. What should I do if I think I have an ectopic pregnancy? See your gynaecologist, who will do a sonar to find out. If there is an ectopic pregnancy, he will mostly do minor surgery to remove the embryo or, in some instances, prescribe medication to end the pregnancy. He will also try to find what caused the ectopic pregnancy. 5. What happens if my fallopian tube bursts? This will happen if the embryo continues to grow. Pelvic pain will become worse and your body will go into shock. You will need to get to a hospital as quickly as possible to have surgery to remove your tube. Future fertility may be compromised, but it is possible to still fall pregnant. Pearls of Wisdom 4. When you sleep on your side, saliva will pool in the side of your mouth you favour, and because saliva neutralises acid, that side of your mouth will usually have less decay than the other side. It is essential to see a dentist during your pregnancy, but make sure to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant, so they use only safe anaesthetics and medications. M any women seem to have worse teeth after pregnancy. This is not because your baby ‘sucked’ the calcium from your teeth, as many believe, but could be because of these reasons: 1. 2. 3. You’re often far more tired during pregnancy, so oral hygiene standards tend to drop. The hormonal changes of pregnancy lead to puffy gums and periodontitis. Without careful dental care, decay is more likely. All those sugary treats you’re craving will cause decay. 10 eBaby l January–February 2014 Tips for a healthy dental routine: You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as medium and hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel. Brush your teeth once in the morning after breakfast and once at night before going to bed After eating, drink a glass of water. This will remove any food still in your mouth. Did you know? Some studies link poor dental health in pregnancy to premature or low birth weight babies. Take 2 eXpecting If there’s anything cuter than one adorable baby, it’s two adorable babies! Here’s how twins develop in pregnancy… T wins are the most common multiple pregnancy, occurring about once in every 90–100 births. Triplets are fairly rare – they occur once in every 9,000 pregnancies. Can you imagine how rare quadruplets and quintuplets are? These days, multiples are often the result of fertility treatments; they’re very rarely conceived naturally. Twins are formed in one of two ways: 1. Fraternal twins are the most common. Two separate eggs from the mother are fertilised by two separate sperm cells from the father. These two children will be completely different to each other, even though they’re from the same pregnancy. They often share a very close bond, probably due to their communication in the womb and their shared babyhood. In pregnancy, each developing baby has its own placenta and amniotic sac. Can twins be ‘misdiagnosed’? This certainly does occur, especially at early scans and checks. Nowadays, most twins won’t go undetected past the third or fourth month of pregnancy. Sometimes, a pregnancy begins with twins, but one embryo does not develop beyond the first few weeks, and all tissue will be absorbed by natural body processes. When a double heartbeat on sonar or traces of a multiple pregnancy are detected at an early antenatal consultation, only to find just one heartbeat and one baby at the next, this could be what occurred. This could also explain why some women feel as though they are carrying more than one baby, even though the second baby can’t be seen. 2. Identical (or maternal) twins are formed when one fertilised egg cell divides into two, for reasons not clearly understood. Genetically, each twin is identical in most aspects and although birth weights may be different, these two children will look almost exactly the same. The gender will always be the same, and usually they have the same blood group, too. Their personalities are not the same though, which is very important to remember. In the womb, twins develop the same way singletons do, except that one or both babies are a bit smaller than average. A multiple pregnancy often ends sooner than 40 weeks, simply because Mom’s womb and abdomen are stretched to capacity! This can lead to a slight degree of prematurity and the need for special care after birth, but usually not for long. January–February 2014 l eBaby 11 Delivered How to select your Birth practitioner Confused about who should see you through your birth? Use this guide to help you make your decision. Birth professional dictionary Doula: Could be a lay person you trust, or a trained doula, who is there to support you emotionally and to help with basic physical care. General practitioner: A few GPs check women throughout pregnancy and conduct deliveries. Hospital midwife: A trained nurse/midwife who will monitor and support you in labour; in state and a few private clinics she will also perform low-risk deliveries. Independent midwife: A trained nurse/midwife who performs homebirths and births in natural birth facilities. Obstetrician: Medical doctors specialised in gynaecology and pregnancy care. They conduct most deliveries in private sector hospitals. How to find and select a birth professional: Contact your birth facility of choice and find out which doctors practice there. Ask friends and family about their experiences. ‘Interview’ a few doctors, as it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Ask your general practitioner for a referral to an obstetrician. Independent midwives generally advertise in the classified section of pregnancy magazines, clinics, and sometimes doctors’ consulting rooms – interview a few too. Choose a birth practitioner who is compassionate, radiates care and has good listening skills. Look for a practitioner who won’t make you feel silly for questioning anything. 3 questions to ask your practitioner: 1. What is your caesarean rate? If your doctor does more than 20% caesarean sections, it is 12 eBaby l January–February 2014 over the WHO recommended limit, and there’s a good chance you’ll have one, too. 2. Will you be on holiday around my expected date of delivery? Medical intervention rates go up hugely around typical holiday times. Also, to suddenly have a different practitioner when you’re about to give birth is not pleasant, though this is not a good reason to bring on labour early or schedule a C-section. 3. Do you routinely induce birth? A woman’s estimated due date isn’t always accurate. Most first pregnancies go over the due date. Natural onset of labour is mostly best for Baby. How long does la bour last? The length of labou r differs from one woman to an other. First labou rs generally last abou t 12–18 hours fro m the first minor co ntraction up until Baby is born. Reme mber, early labou r contractions aren ’t that painful or lon g, and overall, you’l l have more time without contractions than with. It takes the longe st time for the cerv ix to dilate to 5cm, bu t is relatively easy ; from 5–8cm goes a lot quicker but is the greatest challenge for Mom; 8–10cm mostly goes very quickly, with shor t intervals between intense contraction s, but at least you’ll know the end is in sight. Remember, the ne xt time you give bir th, it will be even easie r because your bo dy will have learnt what to do! Delivered Sister Lilian’s tips are brought to you by 6 Tips for better birth These six tips will help you have the most special of all birthdays; the one when you welcome your baby into the world. 1.Preparation, preparation, preparation Read as much about birth as you can, be aware of all your birth options so that you choose the one that suits you best, and draw up a birth plan that you discuss with your midwife or doctor. Remember, no birth is predictable, so you’ll need to be flexible about your birth plan, but having an idea of what you would like is a good start. 2.Pace yourself in early labour If your contractions have just started, go back to sleep (if labour wakes you at night), read, water the garden, take a deep warm bath, or go for a stroll. You could also do a few last-minute chores – nothing too strenuous, though. You only need to go to the hospital or birth centre when your contractions are regular and strong. 3.Eat! Yes, eat! It may sound strange to eat during labour, but you’re going to need your energy – it’s called ‘labour’ for a reason! Have small, light meals like fruit or steamed veggies, and drink fruit juice or rooibos tea. during labour. Whoever you choose to see you through could help by wiping your brow with a facecloth, giving you a gentle massage, and encouraging you throughout – whatever you need them for, really. 4.Pack a hot water bottle AND an ice pack 6.Give birth in an upright position Some women just love the warmth of a hot water bottle placed on their back or lower abdomen during birth, whereas other women find cold ice packs help more for the pain. 5.Proper support Apart from your partner, it can be extremely helpful to have your mother or a doula with you It can be extremely uncomfortable to lie on your back during labour. Instead, walk, stand, squat, rest your upper body on a table and kneel on all fours. This will speed up the labour process, and reduce your pain. When deciding which position to give birth in, simply pay attention to your body – it will tell you which one is best. January–February 2014 l eBaby 13 Delivered Pack it! Birth bag basics Win! You’ll find these items on Sister Lilian’s list super useful during and just after labour! A s your due date draws near and your excitement mounts, it’s a good idea to have your labour bag ready and packed. Labour progresses quite slowly at first, so although you could probably pack once labour begins, you may be so excited that you forget important items. Some things will also need to be bought beforehand. For the labour ward: A comfortable, loose T-shirt for labour Tissues – one’s nose often runs in labour An elastic band for long hair Socks to warm cold feet Lip balm Fruit or a fructose drink for a quick energy boost A water bottle with a straw A facecloth, for a refreshing wipe of the face and neck A comfort item from home Rescue Birth & Recovery for improved labour Relaxing music for labour and the postnatal ward maternity stretchy disposable panties and sanitary towels for after birth Nightclothes, slippers, gown For the postnatal ward: A bar of gentle rooibos or calendula soap Deodorant and personal cosmetics 14 eBaby l January–February 2014 Check our Facebook page during Pregnancy Awareness Week (10–16 February), and you could win: • A Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag worth R400 • A R750 Carriwell voucher breast pads cooling gel pads for breasts Feme pad for your perineum breastfeeding bra nursing sleep shirt linen savers Plastic bags for laundry Clothes for Mom and Baby to come home in – one of your preggy outfits, as it will still take a while for you to trim down A blanket to wrap Baby in The hospital or clinic might supply these items: Sanitary towels Breast pads Disinfectant for cleaning your perineum (stitches) Baby clothes for the duration of the hospital stay Ice packs Infra-red lamps for painful breasts or perineum Disposable nappies for Baby Cotton wool balls for cleaning the navel and umbilical stump Surgical spirits to clean the navel Basic cosmetic items like soap for mom Cosmetics for Baby like liquid soap, shampoo, skin lotion, buttock cream and talcum powder Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag The perfect bag for your birth and baby Every mom-in-waiting needs a versatile, user-friendly and beautiful bag that will see her through, all the way from the maternity unit to outings with her baby or toddler. T he Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag is the perfect example of just such a bag – easy on the eye, practical and great value. A clever design makes one very smart and sassy Caboodle bag! All women know the value of organisation, and none more so than expectant mothers who have a lot on their minds, and moms of busy babies and toddlers. The Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag is a friend in need to women who want to free up physical and mental space for the important things in life, like family. That’s why the Smart & Sassy Caboodle bag has: Outside side pockets to help keep those essential items easily accessible – car keys, cell phone, tissues, lip balm and, of course, your camera to capture those first moments with your precious newborn Plenty of inside pockets for snacks, toys, clothing and more A special pocket to protect your personal belongings A removable insulated bottle pouch to ensure that you have a refreshing drink available in labour, and to keep baby or toddler drinks warm or cold later on A sealable, transparent handy bag for items that need to be kept separate, dry and safe be hooked over the shoulder or pram, leaving you with both hands free A removable changing mat for a hygienic surface for changing Baby’s nappies wherever you are For more information, go to www.sp-africa.com, or call 011 393 1328. Serviceable material Attractive, practical shade of blue-grey Easy to clean Special features of the Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag include: Sufficient space for clothing, toiletries and other necessities Shorter handles to make it easier to carry at the hospital An adjustable, removable cottonwebbing shoulder strap, which can January–February 2014 l eBaby 15 Baby bytes These tips from Sister Lilian are made possible by Holding your newborn As pregnancy nears an end, many expectant parents wonder how to hold and handle their newborn without hurting her. Sister Lilian gives you a few helpful tips. D elicate as they may seem just after birth, fullterm babies are actually pretty tough. In fact, Baby needs the snug pressure of Mom’s hold to give her a sense of security, so don’t worry about holding Baby too firmly. All this will soon come instinctively if you’re open to your baby’s body language. 1. Madonna position Just after birth Straight after birth, lift your newborn directly onto your chest. Here, Baby’s heavy head and wonky neck will cradle safely between your breasts. This simple action usually removes all anxiety about handling Baby, almost as if by magic. 2. Upright Baby Dad’s hands Dad’s touch is often different to Mom’s – his skin is likely a bit rougher, his hold a little firmer, and his hands may cup most of Baby’s body. This very special touch is just as important to Baby’s security and learning curve, so Dad shouldn’t worry about hurting Baby. 3 Ways to pick up and hold your newborn Until about three months, Baby’s neck muscles aren’t strong enough to hold her head up. This means that you’ll need to support Baby’s head and neck whenever lifting her. Here’s how to pick her up with head and neck in mind: 16 eBaby l January–February 2014 Stand at Baby’s side and cup and lift her head and neck with the hand closest to her feet. Then, slip your other hand and arm down the length of Baby’s back, starting from her head, until it cradles in the crook of your elbow; now slip your first hand under Baby’s buttocks from the side furthest from you and lift Baby against your body. Roll Baby slightly to one side to face you, cup her head in the hand closest to her feet, and allow her neck to rest on your wrist and most of Baby’s back to roll back against your forearm; slip the other hand under Baby’s buttocks and lift her toward your body, allowing her head to rest against your chest, or her chin over your shoulder. 3. Looking ahead Many babies love looking forwards – place one arm, with your hand palm-up, next to Baby; roll Baby onto your forearm and support her jawline between your thumb and forefinger; slip your other hand under Baby’s lower abdomen, pick her up and support her back against your tummy. Baby bytes Tissue salts to strengthen Baby’s neck T issue salts are safe mineral compounds made similarly to homeopathic remedies. If Baby is taking a long time to gain strength in her neck muscles, give her the tissue salt Calc phos. If Baby has a scrawny body with a head that seems unnaturally big for her body, give her the tissue salt Silicea. To give Baby these tissue salts, simply crush one tablet, dissolve it in a little boiled, cooled water and give it to Baby three times a day until improved. What about water in Baby’s ears? U nless Baby has a burst eardrum or grommets, don’t worry about a little water getting into her ears. Of course, most babies don’t like it much when this happens, which is why you should block her ears while washing her hair. It’s easy to do – wrap Baby securely in a towel, tuck her under your arm like a rugby ball, cupping her head in one hand with your thumb over one ear and your middle finger over the other. If a little bit of water trickles into Baby’s ear, simply use a cotton bud to dry the shell of the ear and only just-just in the entrance of the ear canal. January–February 2014 l eBaby 17 18 eBaby l January–February 2014 Baby bytes Back to breastfeeding Did you try to breastfeed and it didn’t work? Or do you wish you’d never weaned Baby because now you face so many health issues? Then this guide is for you… I t is possible to reintroduce breastfeeding after Baby has been weaned onto formula milk, but it will take courage and perseverance, from Mom especially. Just how easy it is to re-lactate will depend on how long Baby has been off the breast, if you breastfed Baby before, how old Baby is and how committed you are. Give your best shot! Here’s how to restart breastfeeding: Anxiety can affect breast milk production, so feel confident and relaxed in your approach, believing that if you really want to breastfeed, it will work – this isn’t always easy, so take Sister Lilian Rescue Emotion to help. Offer the breast whenever Baby is hungry, as suckling will stimulate milk production best. Keep yourself hydrated; drink 1,5–2 litres of healthy fluids a day. Eat healthily, especially seasonal fruits and vegetables. Express milk with a gentle-action breast pump between feeds for the first week or two as well. You can get a prescription from your doctor to help initiate milk flow, but this may play havoc with your emotions and have other negative effects too, so try to mimimise use of medication. Top tips: Contact a La Leche League or lactation consultant to help guide you with the first few feeds. Clear the decks for a few days, and rest a lot. If Baby need s a top-up feed after main feeds, it does n’t mean that you’re not m aking enough milk. This is Ba by’s ‘afterdinner mint’! To help boost your energy and milk supply, take a nutritious supplement or tonic. Breastfeed in a soothing environment to help you stimulate important lactation hormones; dim the lights and play soft, soothing music while you feed Baby. Give Baby a massage, and ask your partner to massage you before a feed to further enhance relaxation and hormone flow. If Baby fights at the breast: Walk while latching until Baby stops pushing away from you. Hold Baby’s hand, allowing the elbow to bend, and soon body tension will break. Make ‘clucking’ noises close to Baby’s ear. Nurse Baby in the bath. Simply lie next to Baby and allow him to ‘self-service’ feed; he’ll soon realise that what he wants is right there! At first, you may need to give supplement feeds, but remember that every drop of something other than breast milk will influence your production, so always offer the breast first. It doesn’t take long to start producing milk, especially if it has been less than one or two months that you haven’t breastfed. By persevering, both you and Baby will reap the rewards of breastfeeding forever. Breastfeeding saves an amazing amount of money and is great for general health, emotional security, immunity, allergy prevention, improved development and a whole lot of other factors. What more could a mom want? January–February 2014 l eBaby 19 It’s a boy. LL10251-A.indd 1 It’s a girl. 2013/07/24 1:18 PM Baby bytes Co-sleeping confidence Co-sleeping is the single most useful sleep strategy there is. Why would you not try it, asks Sister Lilian. C hances are, if you co-sleep with your baby, most sleep problems will settle and the whole family will sleep better. By co-sleeping, you’re following your instincts and giving your child an emotionally secure start to life. Co-sleeping is particularly useful if something is making your little one a bit unsettled or insecure. For instance: Mom is expecting another baby – your little one will be able to sense change Illness or teething A move or a holiday Stress in the home Still not convinced? Try these 2 compromises: 1. Put your little one to sleep in her own room, but once she wakes, it is easiest and best to let her cuddle up to the ones she loves the most – her parents! This way, she’ll sleep through in her own bed when she’s ready. 2. Once a second baby is six months or older, you can let your toddler and baby sleep closely together, often keeping them happy enough to be in their own room. Co-sleeping tips: If cuddling is getting a bit too crowded, try the ‘puzzle position’; Dad can sleep with his head at the foot of the bed. This way, everyone fits in better and sleeps more soundly! Don’t allow negative opinions from others to bother you – if co-sleeping works for your family, then who cares what others think? Parents often think co-sleeping will affect their relationships, but there are many creative ways to keep your love life on track. You will need fewer blankets, and bedding should preferably be pure cotton, to prevent overheating and allergies. Babies are mostly safest on their backs, but may need to change position occasionally. There should be no pillows under Baby. Mom and Dad shouldn’t be under the influence of any drugs, central nervous system medication or alcohol – that way, you will be alert and pose no suffocation risk to her. Baby will make her presence felt if she feels restricted or you roll on top of her! For how long will my little one want to co-sleep? All little ones grow out of the need to sleep close to their parents, although the timing can range from a few months to a few years, depending on your child. Remember, the more she senses your tension about co-sleeping, the more likely she’s going to want to continue co-sleeping, so relax! Co-sleeping is absolutely wonderful, and it will benefit you all forever. January–February 2014 l eBaby 21 Baby bytes Safe ‘n’ sound Sister Lilian explains why you shouldn’t be too worried about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS – if you stick to a few basic rules. SIDS, or cot death as it’s sometimes called, is the unexpected death of a baby who’s younger than one year, without a clear cause. There’s still a lot we don’t know about SIDS, but here’s what we do know… Risk factors for SIDS Multiple birth babies or prematurity Babies who have a sibling who was lost to SIDS Babies of teenage mothers A short time between pregnancies Exposing babies to cigarette smoke, both during pregnancy and afterwards Mother’s use of illegal drugs in pregnancy Not breastfeeding Respiratory infections Shaken baby syndrome and other child abuse Baby sleeping on his stomach or sides Allergies and respiratory infections caused by mattresses or fluffy bedding Exposure to botulism, which is most likely caused by giving Baby contaminated honey in his first year Myth-busting! at babies who sleep Some people think th less risk of in their own cots have bies who co-sleep. SIDS than those ba ping baby is lost to But, when a co-slee cause of the parents’ SIDS, it’s usually be rmula feeding, drug use, smoking, fo regiving adult, or obesity in the main caeastfed babies who the bedding used. Brngside their mothers, sleep close to or alo lly through the breastfeed occasiona sed to the factors night and aren’t expove the lowest mentioned above, haSIDS. overall incidence of Causes of SIDS We’re not quite sure what the exact causes of SIDS are, but here are some possibilities: Accidental smothering, using pillows before two years and overheating of Baby Undiagnosed low blood sugar and undiagnosed whooping cough Recent research shows that all SIDS babies had a brainstem abnormality, and didn’t produce enough serotonin, which is the hormone that helps coordinate breathing, blood pressure and temperature during sleep Sister Lilian’s tips to prevent SIDS Official recommendation is that babies should sleep on their backs, but if your baby prefers a different position, there’s not much you can do about it! Common sense and the hints below will help ensure sleep safety: Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and continuing to breastfeed for as long as possible, is the best anti-SIDS investment a mom can make. Keep Baby in a smoke-free environment. Don’t give Baby honey before one year. Avoid fluffy pillows and stuffed animals at night. Don’t overdress Baby, especially if co-sleeping. Don’t use heaters overnight. Treat mucus problems promptly (use MucoCare for safe homeopathic help). Solids, especially potential allergy foods, shouldn’t be introduced before six months. January–February 2014 l eBaby 23 Toddler eQ Toddler sleep strike Does your toddler resist bedtime or wake often at night? These steps should help. Remember, confidence in your solution is half the battle won! Step 1: Treat the cause Stress in the home often subconsciously makes little ones clingier, so try to resolve any tension. Often, it’s the stress about your little one sleeping that makes her resist bed, creating a cycle that can be tricky to break. Try to relax about your child’s sleeping patterns. Don’t put any pressure on your little one to be ‘big’, as this usually makes a child feel even more insecure. She’s then likely to resist bedtime or wake up often to ‘check’ that Mom and Dad are still there. If you work during the day, your toddler’s refusal to go to bed may be her unique way of showing you how much she misses you. This is a compliment, Mom, so try to be patient! Ask yourself if you little one’s bedtime is too early. Some little ones simply need less sleep, just like some adults. Step 2: Kick the bad habits Don’t let your little one watch TV or use other electronic devices, especially a few hours before bedtime – the brain is stimulated by the pulses emitted from these, and children exposed to them tend to sleep badly. Don’t keep your tired toddler awake in the day, hoping she will sleep better at night – this tactic always backfires. lerStick to a todd own routine -d nd wi y dl frien t the day. Don’ at the end of n’s lia Li er st Si y have one? Tr Sleep Recipe. 24 eBaby l January–February 2014 Step 3: Be creative Don’t wait until your child is upset before attending to her needs at night. Keep stimuli, including talking, to a minimum. Take a warm, deep candle-lit bath with your toddler – you may not feel like it, but a half-hour bath beats a frustrating two-hour pyjama parade any day! Play restful music in the background. Keep a camp cot and a few special toys next to your bed. Switch on a night-light, and leave your child to play in the cot until she calls for a cuddle or a drink. You can even doze during this time. Lop the tail end off of daytime naps. Change the layout of your child’s room; place her cot in such a way that it faces the door, so your little one can see out – this will make her feel less alone. Toddler eQ ‘Mares and terrors in the night You may wish your little one ‘sweet dreams’ at bedtime… But what happens when those dreams turn to nightmares? D reams are our mind’s way of processing our thoughts and experiences of daily life – this is actually a release, processing and protection mechanism. Not all scary dreams are bad. However, if your child has regular nightmares, you may need to evaluate his life to see if you need to make any changes. The following could all be emotional triggers for frequent nightmares: Stress in the home Poor treatment at day care Child abuse If none of these are applicable, then there’s no need to worry. Just comfort your child and stay calm and confident, so that you don’t accidentally make him more nervous. If your toddler is old enough, ask him to draw his dreams the next day, as this will help him to face his fears and feel more in control. Some statistics: Nightmares are estimated to be experienced by: 17% of two-year-olds 18% of three-year-olds 36% of four-year-olds What about night terrors? Night terrors are more than just bad dreams, and occur when your child starts crying, screaming or thrashing about in his sleep. It is unlikely that he will wake up at all during the episode. It’s almost impossible to comfort him, but eventually the night terror passes and your little one simply goes back to sleep. They don’t seem to be harmful, although it can be very stressful for Mom and Dad! To handle night terrors: Don’t try to wake your child, but rather wait it out, reassuring him in a calm, confident voice. Children who have night terrors may fall out of bed, so clear the floor of any toys or objects he may fall on. 4 ways to avoid nightmares and night terrors: 1. Don’t put your little one to sleep in front of the TV; the sounds and images, whether or not they understand ‘adult content’, and pulses emitted from your TV set will stimulate rather than calm brain activity. 2. Massage your toddler daily before bedtime. This can be before or after a bath, but not before lively play, which will undo the soothing, relaxing effect of all-over body massage. 3. The tissue salt Kali phos is excellent for strengthening the nervous system of toddlers prone to nightmares and night terrors. 4. If your child is naturally anxious, give him Sister Lilian Rescue Emotion, a homeopathic remedy that is totally safe and very effective. January–February 2014 l eBaby 25 Toddler eQ Those shoes are made for walking I s your little one starting to walk? Then it’s time to go shoe shopping! There are so many cute shoes for children, but it’s important that you choose shoes for the right reasons, and not just because they’re adorable: Shoes should be supportive and comfortable They shouldn’t restrict your little one’s developing feet The ankles should be supported Natural materials will help air to circulate Watch your toddler carefully when he walks to see if his shoes seem to give him any problems. Most parents find a shoe brand that suits their child best by trial and error. And remember, walking barefoot is important for overall development of the feet, tactile stimulation and balance. Choosy about clothes D oes your little Superman refuse to change out of his superhero suit? Weary parents often despair about their child’s stubborn clothing choices, and yet, imagination is so important at this stage of development. Ask yourself if his clothing choice really matters, and you’ll likely realise that it’s not worth fighting about. Just make sure you take photos for that 21st party one day! And if your toddler insists on choosing his own clothes and dressing himself, remember that this is how little ones learn; patience is key. Simply give your child two or three options to choose from – he’ll most likely be happy, and it will save you time – problem solved. After all, if it isn’t going to be on his CV one day, it simply isn’t important! Vitaforce Active Arnica – no medicine cabinet should be without it! Introducing the newly-branded Active Arnica range! Previously under the Herbaforce brand, Active Arnica has now been incorporated into the Vitaforce brand. The packaging may be new, but it is the same trusted and original formula. The oil is made with the original, time-honoured process of cold 26 eBaby l January–February 2014 infusion that preserves the nourishing properties of the unique combination of natural ingredients. The Vitaforce Active Arnica range is essential for moms of busy little ones, or anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Active Arnica massage oil and gel – soothes and relaxes stiff and aching muscles and joints Active Arnica 12% ointment – for bumps, bruises and sprains Active Arnica D6 tablets – for bruising, muscular pain and stiffness For more info, go to www.pharmanatura.co.za or call 0860 744 744. eClinic Chicken out of chickenpox These tips are bound to help if your child gets chickenpox… C hickenpox is common in children younger than 10 years old. It’s also very contagious. Your child is most infectious from when you first notice the rash, up until the crusts fall off and the rash disappears. Usually, the older a person is, the more serious their symptoms are. Symptom timeline: Flu-like symptoms such as mucus, a headache, and feeling unwell are common about a week before the outbreak of spots. Fever usually develops a few hours before the rash appears. The rash starts on the face, chest, back and stomach, but may also spread to inside the mouth, vagina and eyes. Spots in the mouth may lead to ulcers, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink. At first, the rash looks like pink spots, but these soon become blisters filled with fluid. The chickenpox spots last 1–2 days, with new spots forming every few hours. Within a few days the blisters form crusts, which eventually fall off. The disease runs its course over about six days. Watch out, Mom! As tricky as it may be, you need to stop your little one from scratching the rash, or it could become infected. These tips will help: To soothe itchiness, add rooibos tea or bicarbonate of soda to your little one’s bath water, apply calendula cream to the rash, and dust some cornflour over the rash. Keep your child’s nails short and clean, and wash her hands often to prevent infection. If infection does occur, your child may need antibiotics. If your child has difficulty breathing, seems to be uncoordinated, starts vomiting uncontrollably, or seems abnormally sick, take her to see a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t worry too much though – these symptoms are extremely rare. Did you know? If your child is older than one year, you can vaccinate her against chickenpox. The vaccine is, however, not part of the usual immunisation schedule. How to manage chickenpox Children with chickenpox should stay away from other children or adults (especially pregnant women, until week 28) who have not yet had the disease. Make sure your child eats and drinks enough – this will take some encouragement if she has painful blisters in her mouth. Encourage your child to rest. The homeopathic remedy ImmunoCare and the tissue salt Kali mur will help build resistance and aid recovery from chickenpox. Calendula tablets will help the skin to heal and will help prevent scarring. January–February 2014 l eBaby 27 eClinic Amazing arnica A helping hand for bruising and swelling! prevent Arnica won’t s, but is rie ju in or s bruise bruises g in at tre useful for s. rie or inju T he homeopathic remedy, arnica, can be used to help heal bruises, swelling and inflammation, and is a must-have in your family medicine cabinet! Folklore has it that hundreds of years ago, when arnica grew wild in the high-altitude meadows of Europe and the United States, mountain guides realised just how useful it was after watching goats that had fallen or tumbled seek out and eat arnica plants. Today, arnica is farmed in great quantities because its medicinal properties are so well known. Herbal vs homeopathic remedies Herbal remedies, like any medication, can cause adverse effects. Homeopathy uses miniscule doses and a special manufacturing technique that ensures there are no unwanted side-effects. It’s very important to understand the difference between herbal and homeopathic arnica when taken internally (by mouth): As a homeopathic remedy, arnica is completely safe, and can be used to treat stiff muscles, bruises, and to speed healing and recovery after birth or surgery. Arnica in a herbal form could cause unwanted bleeding, so be careful before using just any product, especially if you’re pregnant. How to tell the difference: If the ingredient units are D6, 6X or 30CH, then the remedies are homeopathic. If measured in micrograms, milligrams or grams, or if you’re advised to take 28 eBaby l January–February 2014 a ‘teaspoon’ or medicine measure of the product, it’s likely to be herbal. Arnica in pregnancy Although taking homeopathic arnica is safe in pregnancy, it’s best to take it after birth, when it will help you heal. This is true of both caesarean and normal birth. Remember, only the herbal form could cause bleeding, and not the homeopathic remedy. It is however safe to use diluted herbal arnica oils and creams externally on unbroken skin to help relieve aches, pains and bruises during pregnancy. How to use arnica Directly after you give birth, or if someone in the family is bruised, has sore muscles, or your toddler has an ‘egg’ from a bump to the body, take one tablet every 1–2 hours, gradually reducing the frequency of the dosage as symptoms improve. Four fun arnica facts: 1. Arnica is in the same family as daisies – they even look similar! 2. Some other names for arnica include ‘mountain tobacco’, ‘wolf’s bane’, ‘leopard’s bane’, or ‘fall herb’. 3. ‘Arnica’ as a girl’s name has steadily gained popularity over the years. 4. Arnica is probably the most popular and widelyused of homeopathic remedies. Purity Pedia Kids Taking care of your little one’s health and well-being! The Purity Pedia Kids range of products has been specially formulated to help maintain the health and well-being of babies and toddlers, giving you peace of mind when you need it most. For more infor mation on all the Purit y Pedia Kids products, visit www.purity.c o.za or call the Cons umer Care number 0860 004 755. Purity Pedia Kids Arnica Gel This gel has been formulated to help relieve and soothe sprains, bruises, muscle and joint aches, swelling and inflammation and insect bites on babies from six months of age. Purity Pedia Kids Arnica Gel contains arnica oil, which is known to soothe muscle aches and reduce inflammation. Purity Pedia Kids Arnica Gel is free from alcohol, artificial fragrances and colourants. Purity Pedia Kids Nasal Spray Does your baby have a blocked nose? This can lead to disrupted sleep and feeding, and an unhappy little one. The Purity Pedia Kids Nasal Spray is suitable for babies from birth, and helps relieve blocked noses associated with common colds and hay fever, soothes dryness and is safe for daily use. This gentle spray won’t burn baby’s nostrils. Purity Pedia Kids Cradle Cap Cream If your baby has pinkish crusty or flaky patches on her face, behind her ears and in the diaper area, she may have cradle cap. Purity Pedia Kids Cradle Cap Cream contains a blend of lavender, almond, calendula, jojoba and vitamin E that will help alleviate the symptoms of cradle cap and reduce inflammation. It can also be used to help alleviate dandruff, dry scalp and dry skin. Purity Pedia Kids Cradle Cap Cream is free from alcohol, artificial fragrances and colourants. Purity Pedia Kids Gum & Tooth Gel This strawberry-flavoured Gum & Tooth Gel cleanser is suitable for babies from six months and is safe to swallow. Purity Pedia Kids Gum & Tooth Gel contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and encourage healthy gums. It is free from artificial colours. January–February 2014 l eBaby 29 eClinic Skin and scar savvy Stretch marks! Blemishes on the skin can often be embarrassing or unsightly. Don’t despair – take this information to heart! D id you know that there are different types of scars? These include: Normal scars: Flat and pale Hypertrophic scars: ‘Overgrown’ scars that are usually raised or dome-shaped Keloids: Inappropriately large scars, often growing larger than the original injury site Sunken scars: Often surgical or acne scars Stretched skin scars: Known as stretch marks, these occur when skin stretches quickly To help reduce the appearance of scars, or prevent a scar or stretch mark from forming, try these natural remedies: 1. Apply vitamin E cream to your scars twice a day to soften them. 2. Calendula (tablets or cream) will help speed up the healing of a fresh scar. 3. Rose-hip and avocado oils are well known for their skin-rejuvenating properties. Choose a tissue oil that contains these, and apply to the scar after a bath or shower. 4. Massage the scar: This will help break up and soften the scar tissue. 5. Wear sunscreen, or keep scars covered. There should be as little exposure to UV light as possible, especially during the first year after injury. 6. Try to keep your child from scratching or picking at a wound, as this will make scars more likely. INPLEX ZINPLEX VITAMIN C Boosting the Immune System. Combating Colds and Runny Noses. Control against Eczema, Dermatitis and Skin Rashes. Reduces Hyperactivity. Reduces Incidence of Diarrhoea. UNIQUE easy to use Spray protection to be used at every nappy change. Antiseptic and anti – inflammatory properties to soothe and heal your baby’s bum. Moisturizes and protects the skin. 100 ml and convenient 50 ml TRAVEL PACK sizes. Manufactured for and on behalf of: House of Zinplex (PTY)Ltd. t: 012 803 6969/086 111 9462 | f: 012 803 5969/012 803 9283 w: www.zinplex.co.za | e: [email protected] 332 Alwyn Str, Waltloo 0184, Pretoria Will help SOOTHE, HEAL and PROTECT your baby’s bottom. Formulated in a water base, it will form a barrier between the wet nappy and baby’s skin. Apply thin layer at every nappy change. INPLEX eMenu Banana ice cream Suitable from 8 months 4 ways to enjoy a healthy, summer treat Bananas are at their best in summer, so now is the perfect time to make these delicious, healthy ice cream treats. Your little one will soon show you which one he likes best… Ingredients 4 ripe summer bananas 2.5ml fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons shredded coconut 4 blocks of carob, finely grated 1 lolly stick 3 blocks of carob (for coating) 32 eBaby l January–February 2014 Method Did you know? Carob is a healthy delicious and alternativ e to choco and coco late, nut is a ‘s uperfood so these ’, treats real ly are nutritious! Peel three bananas and whizz them in a food processor or with a hand blender. Add lemon juice and continue blending until frothy. Divide into three small containers. Add coconut to one container and grated carob to another, and fold in well. Peel the fourth banana, cut off the base section, insert the lolly stick and place in an airtight freezer container. Freeze all four ‘ice creams’ for 24 hours – the bananas won’t turn brown. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before required. Melt the extra carob and use a pastry brush to coat one end of the banana lolly. eMenu Smart cookies Basil, king of herbs B asil is a well-known herb, but did you know that it’s also very healthy? Basil has a rich supply of key vitamins, including vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and iron. Your eyesight will improve, and your skin and hair will look much better when you start regularly including basil in your diet. Basil also has fantastic antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage from free radical activity in the body. Free radicals occur naturally, but if they flourish, can cause cell damage associated with cancer, so eating a diet rich in antioxidants is important. Basil is also reputed to have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Basil in the kitchen Basil is one of the tastiest and most useful herbs – add fresh basil to salads, curries and casseroles, and use it to make delicious pesto. To make your own, simply pluck and wash a large bunch of fresh basil leaves, place them in your food processor, add When chilli means P eppers come in many different varieties, and can be used as a spice, vegetable and medicine. The name ‘pepper’ came into use because the plants were hot, just like black pepper, but there’s no botanical relationship between the two. Of course, not everyone likes chilli peppers, because they can a liberal dash of olive oil, a clove of garlic, a handful of pine nut kernels or raw cashew nuts, coarse salt and crushed black pepper to taste and chop until leaves are fine. Store the pesto it in an airtight container in the fridge. Growing basil You can grow basil in a herb pot or in the garden amongst other shrubs. It’s fairly easy to grow – follow these tips: If you’re growing basil indoors, place the pot at a north-facing window where it will get at least six hours of dappled sunlight a day. Trim it back regularly to keep it flourishing. Clip off any flowers that grow – these decrease the flavour. Place these off-cuts in areas where mosquitoes thrive, as basil’s pungent aroma soon drives them away. be really spicy! This burning sensation is caused by a chemical called capsaicin. Although many people think that the seeds are the hottest part of a chilli, it’s actually the white pith around the seeds that has the highest concentration of capsaicin. Not all peppers produce the same amount either – bell peppers don’t produce any capsaicin at all! Capsaicin is also used in modern medicine as a circulatory stimulant and painkiller, and it’s in the pepper spray you carry with you to keep you safe – chillies are quite useful after all! January–February 2014 l eBaby 33 Rel@x Meet some of our eBaby readers and their adorable little ones! And our very first Baby City eBaby winner is… Want t o Send y be in our e Gallery our hig ? pregna ncy or h resolution to mon baby p and sta ique@sisterli hotos li win a B nd a chance an.co.za t a o b y Cit worth R500 y voucher ! Sibling love… Max Stephen Cronjé kisses his little sister, Amelia Rose Baby Khayone Kamana, only 9 days old, with eyes that want to absorb as much as possible about her world, and the most kissable little mouth ever! Khayone’s Mom, Victress, is understandably proud of her. Enjoy spending your Baby City gift voucher of R500! Baby Arezki Pillay just looks like the happiest littlie around! 34 eBaby l January–February 2014 Jordan, Serenity and Caleb Bokhary sure look like they’re having fun! Daddy Hardie’s little girl, Mia Smit Brigitte Wortman, who was 34 weeks pregnant in this photo; her son Bradley was born on 23 October 2013 Rel@x Back to Books WIN! Snuggling up close and reading a well-loved story is one of the best experiences your child can share with you. It opens up whole new worlds, inspires their vivid imaginations, and does wonders for their language mastery. These are just a few of the gems we think you should try. eBaby is giving five lucky readers the chance to win one of these books! To enter, simply email your name, contact details, address, and the book you’d like to [email protected]. Die Eerste Dag (R75) Win 1 of 2! By Joan Rankin Published by Pan Macmillan It’s Skolliebulliebons’ first day at the Kleinhondjie Kef-en-klets speelskool, and he’s really nervous. Will he fall off the jungle gym? What if he can’t hear what his teacher says? What if no one wants to play with him? If your little one is about to start playschool, then this book will help ease any anxiety, all while telling a very sweet story – one that even you will relate to. Your little one will love the cute pictures, and will squeal with laughter when trying to pronounce some of the long and funny names of Skolliebulliebons’ classmates. A must-have on the bookshelf for sure! I’m not scary! (R119) Win 1 of 2! By Rod Campbell Published by Pan Macmillan Garden adventures are the best adventures! And if your little one is an explorer, he or she will love reading about the cute and colourful creatures that live in the garden. This touch-and-feel book has flaps for youngsters to lift, and what will they find underneath? Insects that are not scary at all! Your littlie will love feeling the different textures too, like scratchy, slimy, shiny and squishy. But what’s that hiding in the dark corner of the garden? Make sure you find out! The Dancing Class (R89) Win 1! By Helen Oxenbury Published by Walker Books This hardcover reprint of the classic children’s about a young girl who goes to her first-ever dance class will delight your daughter. Will the little girl be able to find dance clothes that fit? And what will her dance class be like? What happens when she falls? Award-winning author and illustrator Helen Oxenbury is renowned for her sweet children’s stories, and ‘The Dancing Class’ is no exception. *Prices were correct at time of publication. January–February 2014 l eBaby 35 Rel@x Win! A three night stay for two adults and two children under 12 at the Sabi River Sun Resort, including breakfast, to the value of R4,800! Escape to the Sabi River Sun Resort N estled on the banks of the beautiful Sabie River in Hazyview is the Sabi River Sun Resort. Here, little ones will delight in the range of wildlife; resident hippos and crocodiles wallow in the Resort’s dam, the Kruger National Park is a quick drive away, and the Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary is just down the road, where you and children older than four years can touch, feed and even ride these majestic animals. The Sabi River Sun Resort also offers a full entertainment programme for children, six days a week, giving you an opportunity to relax. Why not book a romantic couple’s massage at the Eden Spa, or make use of the Resort’s facilities, including an 18-hole golf course, five swimming pools, tennis, squash and volleyball courts, a bowling green and a jogging trail? The Sesonke Restaurant will sort out any appetite; a scrumptious buffet breakfast will kickstart your family’s day, and for lunch and dinner, you can choose from an à la carte menu with a bunch of options that both little ones and parents will enjoy! The whole family will love Sesonke’s pizzas, which are freshly baked in their very own pizza oven! Special weekend Sunbreaks packages are available. These include breakfast, and two children younger than 18 years who are accompanying two adults stay and eat breakfast free of charge! For more information or to make a reservation, call 013 737 4600, visit www.tsogosun.com or email [email protected] How to enter To stand a chance to win this wonderful getaway at Sabi River Sun Resort, email [email protected] with your name and contact details. Terms and conditions This prize is only available to eBaby readers who are fans of the Sister Lilian Centre Facebook page or followers of @SisterLilian on Twitter. It is valid until end of November 2014, cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. The prize is subject to availability and holiday restrictions, and the winner must negotiate dates directly with the venue. The prize does not include transport and activity expenses. Entries must be received by 7 February 2014, and the winner will be personally contacted soon thereafter and announced on Facebook, Twitter and in the March–April 2014 issue of eBaby. 36 eBaby l January–February 2014 HOT SP T Sophie the Giraffe The world’s favourite teether since 1961, adopted by moms and celebrities worldwide The safest sensory development toy: handmade with 100% natural rubber and food-grade paint Fun and lovable toy that stimulates all five senses: your baby will love her! Go to www.sophiegiraffe.co.za or email [email protected]. Happy Event The only antenatal massage lotion based on natural olive oil Contains a number of important ingredients that help to prevent stretchmarks and improve the skin’s hydration Specially formulated to soothe, soften, stimulate, tone and firm the skin Go to www.happyevent.co.za or call the toll-free helpline on 0800 21 0082. Tiny Love Take Along Bouncer This full-size bouncer folds easily – a carry bag is supplied and no assembly is required. It can be used from birth and is suitable up to 11kg. This bouncer is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, with fun bouncing movements. New and excitin g product from Tiny Love For more information, go to www.tinylovesouthafrica.co.za or 021 556 9154. Lay’s Tissue Oil Dermatologically tested and used for managing stretch marks, scars, blemishes, pigmentation, sunburn, eczema, dry scalp Is conveniently and easily applied by spraying Consists of grape seed oil, vitamin E, lavender, jojoba and lanolin oils For more information, visit www.lays-beauty.com or call 011 493 2007. January–February 2014 l eBaby 37 TM