Life Suikerbosrand Hospital in Heidelberg hosted a Pregnancy Awareness Day on February 21, drawing 18 expectant mothers and their partners for an informative session on pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal care.

The event, held in the hospital’s maternity unit, featured presentations by the hospital’s team of specialists, who shared insights on every stage of pregnancy and newborn care. Nurse manager Cathryn van Zuydam and unit manager Thobile Mabaso, who acted as MCs, welcomed the attendees and kept the audience involved with interactive questions. Lucky draw prizes added excitement, and even the fathers actively participated.

Dr Vuyelwa Baba, obstetrician and gynaecologist, addressed the full pregnancy journey, from preconception planning to the third trimester, and outlined delivery options including vaginal birth and Caesarean section.

“Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it comes with many changes and challenges. Our goal is to ensure that expectant mothers understand what to expect at each stage, from preconception planning to the final weeks before delivery. It’s equally important that they have strong support at home, not just during pregnancy, but for at least six weeks postpartum, so both mother and baby can thrive,” she said.

Dr Akhona Siralarala, specialist paediatrician, explained the paediatrician’s role during delivery, NICU admissions, and ongoing care for both premature and full-term babies.

“Caring for your baby begins long before birth. From ensuring the mother receives the correct diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy to maintaining a healthy diet and vaccination schedule, every step matters. As paediatricians, we also play a vital role during delivery and in the care of newborns, including those admitted to the NICU, guiding parents through feeding, monitoring, and post-discharge care,” she said.

Berna du Plessis, occupational therapist and lactation consultant, discussed preparing for breastfeeding, early interventions for challenges, and myths surrounding breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, but it can come with challenges, especially in the early days. Our aim is to prepare mothers and provide guidance so that these challenges are addressed quickly. We also want to clear up common myths about breastfeeding, because correct information helps parents feel confident and supported from day one,” she said.

Dr Martha Mayer, neonatologist and specialist paediatrician, also spoke about common conditions that lead to NICU admission and highlighted the role of the multidisciplinary team in holistic neonatal care, dispelling myths about conditions such as neonatal jaundice.

The session allowed participants to ask questions directly to the specialists, creating an engaging and interactive atmosphere.