St Mary’s informs parents-to-be
Last Saturday saw more than 50 couples celebrating Pregnancy Awareness Day at Life Springs Parkland Hospital’s St Mary’s maternity unit.
Hospital manager, Tertia Niemandt, says the aim was to make mothers- and fathers-to-be aware of what pregnancy entails.
“The do’s and don’ts during pregnancies are quite important,” she says.
Tertia was surprised to see how many men joined their pregnant partners.
Read: Good turnout at St Mary’s Pregnancy Awareness Day
The day was full of surprises as hampers and lucky draws were up for grabs.
“We had educational talks and information on normal and water births were shared with the guests,” she says.
Midwife Emcé Muller shared her medical expertise on morning sickness, sleeplessness, heartburn, constipation, healthy eating, backache and swollen feet.
“All of these can be experienced during pregnancy,” she says.
More talks followed on stress during pregnancy, how to feed your baby and infant CPR.
Local physiotherapist Adèle Roets says lower back pain, known as sciatica, can cause severe discomfort during and after pregnancy.
Read: St Mary’s Wing is doing well
“Hormonal changes to the body also play a huge role and contribute to the discomfort,” she says.
The more than 20 stall-holders had plenty to offer the pregnant couples and visitors on the day.
Hospital staff made sure that the guests had something to eat and drink during their visit.
Bakerton resident Poovershree Pillay (35), pregnant with her third child, says the visit was very nice, quite long, but very informative.
“I really enjoyed the morning and feel the maternity staff have done an excellent job.
“There were lots of lucky draws and advice given to us,” says Poovershree.
