Mediclinic refutes pregnancy myths

Parents-to-be flocked to Mediclinic Limpopo’s Pregnancy Awareness Week Exhibition at a local overnight accommodation and conference facility in Polokwane on Friday where all kinds of pregnancy and child rearing myths were busted by the competent Mediclinic personnel on site.
National Pregnancy Awareness Week was commemorated from 12 to 16 February.
Leonie Hillary, Maternity Unit Manager, explained that as medical professionals dealing with pregnancy and baby care, the team at Mediclinci Limpopo comes across many myths and old wives’ tales regarding what is best for baby. “I don’t think there is any other topic that solicits as much well meant advice that is not always the truth,” she said.
The goal of the exhibition was to refute untruths and enlighten parents with information. Some of the facts highlighted were that adoptive mothers can breastfeed with some help, foods that an expecting mother should avoid and that newborns actually sleep a lot – up to 16 hours a day.
Myths that were busted included that excersise will turn mother’s milk sour, cuddling makes babies clingy and breastfeeding is a foolproof method of birth control.
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, jewellery and teething beads for babies, and several developmental programmes that aim to give babies the best start possible.
“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 and baby’s first years,” said Istha McMillan, Patient Experience Manager of Mediclinic Limpopo.

Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com