Mediclinic Limpopo puts babies’ needs first

Mediclinic Limpopo on Friday hosted a Pregnancy Awareness Expo in Polokwane as part of their celebration of February as Pregnancy Awareness Month.
The objective of this expo was to give expecting parents the opportunity to take a look at all the services and products available to them and their babies.
“From breastfeeding to birthing options, Mediclinic Limpopo will give parents all the guidance they need so that they can spend more time enjoying every special moment of the pregnancy,” says Istha McMillan, Patient Experience Manager of Mediclinic Limpopo.
Exhibitioners included representatives of the Department of Home Affairs, who explained the baby registration process to expecting parents, and Department of Labour, who explained maternity benefits and labour law as applicable to expecting mothers.
Other exhibitions included photographers that specialise in newborn babies’ pictures, pregnancy wear and jewellery made from PVC that serves as both accessories for mothers and teething beads for babies, and several developmental programmes that aim to give babies the best start possible.
Parents also had the opportunity to find out more about 4D ultrasound scanning, with which they can see their baby more clearly in the womb than regular ultrasounds, and the importance of dental care, even before baby has any teeth.
Emergency services personnel offered helpful tips and courses on first aid, and a local dietician explained why breast is best for baby. She said mothers who breastfeed on average sleep 45 minutes longer per night compared to mothers who bottle feed.
Mediclinic Limpopo medical personnel were on hand to explain the hospital group’s Mediclinic Baby Programme, an exclusive programme available to all parents whose babies are born at Mediclinic hospitals. The programme includes a pregnancy journal, free relevant pregnancy and postnatal information on a weekly basis via email, and a free award-winning pregnancy app for iPhone or Android.
The programme also offers a DVD range covering topics such as bathing or breastfeeding babies and tailor-made antenatal courses, presented by childbirth professionals. In-hospital perks include a luxury baby bag with everything a baby will need for the first few days, a certificate with the baby’s footprints, the option to announce the baby’s birth with a photo on Mediclinic’s website, first immunisations, and a ‘Baby’s First Year’ book filled with valuable information and tips.
The programme also offers post natal support and a 24-hour helpline.

MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com