Pregnancy and Baby Awareness

Every mom-to-be wants the very best for their bundle of joy.
Here’s all you need to know before, during and after baby comes!

TIPS FOR MOMS WITH NEWBORNS
Don’t hush-a-bye baby – You don’t have to be quiet while the baby is sleeping. The womb is loud, and newborns are used to the noise.
Get prepped – At age three weeks, babies’ days and nights become more predictable, and you can focus on yourself too.
One way to do that is by reducing your stress level. Having everything ready for your hungry baby and yourself is one way of doing it. Start by prepping for the next feed as soon as the previous one is over.
Keeping your baby awake during feedings – When babies eat efficiently until they’re full, they sleep for longer between feedings. And that means you’re both likely to be calmer!
Help your baby bond with dad – Make sure your baby has ample time alone with daddy. His touch and voice are different from yours, and this will begin a bonding process and give you a break.
Baby’s first baths – After the baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off (generally by week three), you’ll finally be able to give it a real bath. To keep the baby warmer, more comfortable and less likely to cry, place a warm washcloth over her tummy during the bath.
BABY-PROOFING YOUR HOME FOR YOUR BABY'S SAFETY
The baby will be spending a lot of time in the bedroom and in its nursery, so logically, this is the place to start.
• Inside the cot, the mattress should fit comfortably with no spaces between it and the cot.
• If the cot is painted, double-check that it is not peeling.
• Install a smoke detector and check it regularly to make sure it is working.
• Steer clear of any headboard or footboard with decorative cutouts that could entrap your baby’s head or limbs.
• Position the cot away from curtains, windows and cupboards that have things that could fall out and harm the baby. Toys that hang over the cot should be removed once the baby is able
to stand.
• Cover all plug points and keep appliances safely out of reach.
• Position your baby’s cot away from the window.

WHAT TO DO IF A BABY IS CHOKING
• Lay the infant face down along your arm, with the head lower than the rest of the body • Give five hard slaps on the baby’s back. You should do this to shake the object loose, so don’t be too gentle • If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby on its back. While fully supporting the baby, place two fingers on the middle of the chest. Give up to five hard chest thrusts • Keep repeating black slaps and chest thrusts until the object comes out, or keep checking in the mouth if you can see the object. If you can see it, pull it out. If the object does not come out in the first few seconds, it is essential to call for professional help.

BOOK TO READ:
Nutrition is vital during pregnancy, and there’s a huge amount of conflicting advice out there. Child-nutrition expert Annabel Karmel brings her food knowledge and experience to expectant mothers, offering tips and advice on what to eat and what to avoid – from the best foods to eat to promote conception, ideas for avoiding morning sickness in the first trimester, to the best nutrition to combat sleeplessness, anaemia and heartburn. R320, Takealot.com or Exclusive Books.

Improve your sleep with these tips:
1. In the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Avoid lying flat on your back for long periods of time.
2. Drink lots of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime.
3. To prevent heartburn, do not eat large amounts of spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows.
4. Try frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day. This helps avoid nausea by keeping your stomach full.
5. Regular exercise (in moderation) helps you stay healthy,
improves your circulation, and reduces leg cramps.

Foods to avoid
Soft and unpasteurised cheese – Not all cheeses are harmful, but you should avoid mould-ripened cheeses such as blue cheeses, Brie, Camembert, Danish Blue, and Roquefort, for example. These may contain listeria bacteria which could cause listeriosis.
Undercooked and processed meats – Make sure that all meat is well cooked. Either avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and polony, or make sure that they are completely cooked. This is because the risk of food poisoning is higher in pregnant women.
Raw fish – Raw fish should be avoided, as well as fish with potentially high mercury content such as older, larger fish like swordfish, shark and king mackerel. Mercury could create problems with the development of your baby’s nervous system.
Limit caffeine – Caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy, as too much caffeine has been linked to low birth weight and even miscarriage.
Liver – Liver, or products containing liver, such as vitamin supplements, have a high vitamin A content. This vitamin doesn’t break down in your body and can build up to levels toxic to your baby.

Top gender-neutral names for 2018:
Max: A Latin name meaning ‘greatest’. It’s been popular for boys for years but is now being used as a girl’s name too.
Alex: A cute, gender neutral name meaning ‘defending men’.
Charlie: Meaning ‘free man’, for years this has been a diminutive of Charles or Charlotte.
Andy: Traditionally a shortened version of the name ‘Andrew’, this is now becoming a more popular choice
for both sexes.

Seven things to wear before, during, and after pregnancy
Tunics – They hide and flatter a multitude of body issues and bumps, but often have lovely, slimming details like bracelet-length sleeves, vented sides, and deep V-necklines.
Maxi dresses – They have become oh-so-trendy with women of all ages – and with good reason. To start: Empire waists and flowing skirts focus on your collarbone, shoulders, and décolletage!
Unstructured, chunky cardigans – A more unstructured option gives you more flexibility when you’re expecting. No buttons to fuss with or strain against, no tissue-thin material revealing more ripples than you’d like. Instead, an unstructured cardigan – perhaps one with an asymmetrical front and a simple one-button or toggle closure near the neckline.
Leggings – You can never go wrong with a good pair (or four) of dark, stretchy leggings. Comfortable on your most bloated days, they can also give a streamlined look when tucked into boots.
A scarf – Sure, they aren’t necessarily items of clothing, per se, but experts are united in their love for this most versatile accessory to amp up a variety of looks, add flair to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or simply stretch a wardrobe you may be quickly growing tired of!
Wrap dress – When a baby is not yet on board, a classic wrap dress is elegant and easy. Once your body starts to change, readjust the fit by securing the dress’s ties a bit higher (right under your bust) to play up the smallest part of your slowly disappearing waistline.
Yoga pants – A pair of black boot-cut yoga pants will be another workhorse in your wardrobe. Wear them from the gym to the store, to a casual lunch with friends, or even to see a midday movie. Find a pair with a wide fold-over waistband, which allows you to either fold it down beneath your belly or extend it up over the bump when the extra cradling of your belly might feel nice.

Hello Doctor is a unique mobile health solution that gives people direct and immediate access to doctors for health advice and information, any time, anywhere. Visit hellodoctor.co.za to download the app and begin your seven-day free trial.

Tips for moms with newborn babies
Don’t Hush-a-bye-baby – You don’t have to be quiet while the baby is sleeping. The womb is loud, and newborns are used to the noise.
Get prepped – At three weeks of age, babies’ days and nights become more predictable, and you can focus on yourself in addition to your newborn. One way to do that is by reducing your stress level – and having everything ready for your hungry baby and yourself is one way to do that. Start by prepping for the next feed as soon as the previous one is over.
Keeping your baby awake during feedings – When babies eat efficiently until they’re full before going to sleep, they sleep for longer between feedings.
Baby’s first baths – After the baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off (generally by week three), you’ll finally be able to give her a real bath. To keep the baby warmer, more comfortable and less likely to cry, place a warm washcloth over her tummy during the bath.
Help your baby bond with dad – Make sure your baby has ample time alone with daddy. His touch and voice are different to yours, and this will begin a bonding process and give you a break.

Read this:
The His and Hers Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, Dean and Steph Beaumont – Mums- and dads-to-be both want the best for their baby, but often their experiences of the journey to parenthood can be quite different. Covering everything from first finding out you are pregnant to the early weeks with your baby, you’ll find practical advice, reassurance and guidance on how you can support each other and your growing baby. R320, Exclusive Books

Free apps for expecting moms:
• Pregnancy Week By Week
• Pregnancy Tracker & Baby Development Countdown
• Pregnancy Exercises
• Pregnancy Diet
5 top tips for staying comfortable
1. Taming tummy troubles — Hormonal changes are the likely cause of morning sickness. Keep crackers, dry cereal, or dry bread beside your bed. Eat a small amount slowly in the morning before you get out of bed. Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day. Never go for long periods without food, and try not to overload your stomach when you eat.
2. Rest is best — The baby growing inside of you is taking a lot of energy, so be sure to rest or sleep whenever you can. Listen to your body. When you feel tired, take a nap, or sit down with your feet up.
3. Drink up — When you’re pregnant, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day to help ease constipation and fatigue. Drink liquids between meals — not with them — to avoid heartburn.
4. Banish back pain warm Backache is the most common problem in pregnancy. Good posture is important. Sit, stand, and walk with your back straight. When lifting something from the floor, bend your knees instead of bending at your waist. Avoid wearing high heels and shoes that don’t provide enough support.
5. Pregnant and puffy — Mild swelling of the feet, legs, and hands can be expected during pregnancy. Avoid standing for a long periods of time. Keep your feet and legs up when you sit. Do not cross your legs when sitting.

Pregnancy sleep tips
1. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime to minimise frequent night-time urination.
2. Go to bed with a clear head. To unload any worries before you turn in, keep a notebook on the night table. Much insomnia among pregnant women stems from unresolved stresses – especially issues about the baby.
3. Get into a new bedtime routine. If you establish a consistent, soothing, and comforting evening routine, you’ll be able to relax and drift off to sleep more easily.
4. Stack those pillows. After 20 weeks, doctors recommend you sleep on your left side only to allow for the best blood flow to the foetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Try using pillows to support you, one under your knee and another under your belly.
5. Keep heartburn at bay. To prevent heartburn, don’t recline for an hour or two after a meal. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows. Also, avoid spicy, fried, or acidic foods.
6. Nap during the day. If you’re not getting enough rest at night, take a nap to help reduce fatigue. Try snagging 20- to 30-minute catnaps during the weekends and if you get home from work on the early side – but don’t snooze for much more than this.
7. Keep a food journal. If your baby reacts to spicy or sugary foods by becoming more active, don’t eat them at dinner. Otherwise, your baby’s dancing shoes are likely to wake you up at night.
8. Chill out. Literally. Your body temperature is higher now that you’re pregnant, so it may help you sleep better if you lower the thermostat in the bedroom.

How to prevent baby diaper rash
By: Bernice Maune
Loosen the diaper — Don’t fasten the latches around your baby’s waist too tightly. Allow some air to move between the diaper and your baby’s bottom.
Regular changes — Expect to change the baby’s diaper up to 10 times a day. This is quite normal and will lessen the risk of keeping a diaper on for too long and the onset of a rash.
Clever wiping — Wipe your baby girl from front to back to prevent the spread of faecal bacteria which can cause an infection.
Cover all bases — Thoroughly wipe the baby’s bum, not skipping any creases or folds in skin where bacteria could lurk.
Keep moisturised — Ideally, baby’s bum should be moisturised with a barrier cream or Vaseline to keep it smooth and soft.
Disposable nappy tips
1. Distract your baby by singing him a lullaby, making eye contact and making funny faces or tickling him. This will help to make the diaper change faster and simpler to do without baby getting too restless.
2. Diapers with a wetness indicator make it quicker for mom or dad to notice that a disposable nappy change is due. Be prepared to pay a little more though for brands with indicators.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each nappy change. This minimises the spread of bacteria between you, your baby and your surroundings.
4. Carry a spare towel or light blanket to spread over a table or in the bathroom when changing diapers in public areas.
5. Ask family and friends to bring you diapers if they want to bring gifts for baby. While your bundle of joy may outgrow clothes quickly, diapers are a welcome gift as babies can use up to 10 diapers a day.
Why you should stretch during pregnancy
Stretching, especially when it’s done daily, can help alleviate pain during pregnancy and improve your range of motion, which can mean a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy.
Always remember the following safety tips:
1. Warm up — Stretching cold muscles can cause injury, so always warm up before jumping in.
2. Don’t bounce — Bouncing while you’re stretching can result in a pulled muscle. Instead, focus on holding each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, getting as far as you can into each position and holding at a spot where you feel the stretch but don’t feel pain.
3. Don’t overdo it — The best way to protect yourself is to listen to your body and limit yourself to a range of motion that feels good, never painful. (Keep in mind, some women feel stiffer during pregnancy. Experts think it might be the body’s way of protecting itself from newfound flexibility and stabilising the joints.)

Labour medication 101

Epidural block — With this form of pain reliever, you remain awake and alert during the birth and can push your baby out. An epidural removes feeling from the lower part of your body, completely numbing it. The epidural is administered through a tube in the lower back and can also be used in the case of a caesarean. Short-term effects of an epidural on baby may include a change in heart rate, breathing problems, drowsiness, reduced muscle tone, and reduced breastfeeding. You may experience headaches, a fever and a decrease in blood pressure.
Combined spinal and epidural — This is fast relief for women in labour and provides immediate relief from pain. You may experience headaches, a fever and a decrease in blood pressure.
Pudendal block (local anaesthesia) — This is injected into the areas around the vagina and rectum by a specialist when vaginal delivery begins. Pain relief is effective and this medicine helps when the doctor may need to cut through tissue to help the baby come out during a vaginal delivery. There are few cases of reported incidents of a baby being affected by pudendal block, while high doses may leave moms with heart-related issues which usually go away as the anaesthesia wears off.
4 pregnancy myths
Myth #1
Pregnant women shouldn’t eat sweets.
REALITY: There’s a big exception to this rule: chocolate. New studies show that pregnant women who eat chocolate every day during pregnancy have babies who show less fear and smile and laugh more often at six months of age.
Myth #2
Stress during pregnancy is always bad for the foetus.
REALITY: New research shows that a moderate level of stress is actually good for the foetus: It tones the foetus’ nervous system and accelerates its development.
Myth #3
Pregnant women should avoid exercise.
REALITY: Actually, when a pregnant woman exercises, her foetus gets a beneficial workout, too.
Myth #4
A foetus is sealed away in the uterus, unaffected by what’s going on outside.
REALITY: Much of what a pregnant woman encounters in her daily life – the air she breathes, the food and drink she consumes, the chemicals she’s exposed to – are shared in some fashion with her foetus.
Myth #5
The development of conditions like obesity and diabetes has to do with the lifestyle choices we make as adults, not with our experience as foetuses.
REALITY: Actually, it’s not only our lifestyle as adults that leads to disease, but the lifestyle our mothers practised when they were pregnant with us

More things to try:
• Read a chapter of a pleasant book.
• Drink a cup of caffeine-free tea or a cup of warm milk with honey.
• Have a small snack. Try a handful of peanuts and a few crackers or whole-grain cereal with skimmed milk. These combinations of carbs and tryptophan are known sleep promoters.
• Take a warm shower.
• Get a shoulder massage or have your hair gently brushed.

3 Oils to minimise stretch marks
By: Bernice Maune
Coconut oil — This oil is a natural remedy for many skin ailments. Some of its benefits are that it keeps the skin supple, smooth and reduces the appearance of scars and marks. It also has a nourishing effect which brings a glow. Apply it generously and immediately after taking a bath or shower about twice a day to see results.
Vitamin E — Combine this oil with orange oil or castor oil for a multi-oil blend which will doubly fight the presence of stretch marks on the skin. These combinations keep the skin moisturised with vitamin E being a natural skin booster.
Olive oil — This multi-use oil is rich in anti-oxidants which are able to reverse damage from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation. Olive oil is also a moisturiser which has the ability to keep skin radiant and glowing, which will aid in the reduction of stretch marks.
