1. family and parenting
2. motherhood
3. pregnancy

ISSUE 5
JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014
Read our blog
Sister Lilian @ your fingertips
Pregnancy pantry
Curb those cravings
Serious stuff
• Preventing SIDS
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Choosing the best
birth practitioner
Special DIY
birth bag feature
1. Win a Caboodle bag
2. What to pack –
Sister Lilian’s
suggestions!
WAYS TO HOLD
YOUR NEWBORN
3 big sleep issues
Put to rest by
Sister Lilian
All about
chickenpox
Go banana
ice-cream
this summer!
WIN
Back to breastfeeding
It CAN be done
• 5 books
• Getaway for 4 at
Sabi River Sun Resort
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Log on
Outbox CONTENTS
ISSUE 5 • JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014
Are you in the swing
of 2014 yet?
This time of year, parents
often start looking for a day care
centre for their little ones. I want to
give you five important pointers to keep in mind
about day care – hope these help you:
There should be the smallest possible baby to
caregiver ratio, as babies need lots of personal
interaction to develop well.
Pop in unexpectedly to assess care, and think
twice if there’s resistance to this.
Don’t confuse a bit of disorder with poor
hygiene – if little ones are having fun, that’s
a great sign!
Check that the bathrooms and kitchen are kept
scrupulously clean and that the equipment
is well-maintained.
Check menus to see that there is freshly
prepared food that is not overcooked.
And don’t forget to spend oodles of time cuddling
and playing when you get home!
All of us at the Sister Lilian Centre wish eBaby
readers the best year ever!
PLENTY OF PRIZES!
In this issue, enter to stand a chance to win one of five
books (page 35), a super Caboodle bag worth R400 and
a Carriwell voucher of R750 (page 14) and a wonderful
getaway for four to the Sabi River Sun Resort (page 36).
Congratulations to the October–December 2013
eBaby winners…
• Three-night stay at Somerset Villa Guesthouse –
Marisa Chembene
• New Leaf pendant – Angelique Venter
• Book winners:
Lees Self Met Ladybird – Lisa van den Heever
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Lungi Ndlovo
Maisy Goes On A Sleepover – Quint Anton
Publisher: Sister Lilian Centre
Editor and author: Sister Lilian
Content editor and writer: Monique Hurlin
Sales: Gillian Richards, Christine Klynhans
Design: Ronel Bosch, Ultra Design
Tel: +27 (0)12 809 3342
Email: [email protected]
While copyright exists on all editorial content, eBaby may be freely distributed
electronically for its intended use, to inform and advise expectant couples and
parents in the Sister Lilian way. Every care is taken to share responsible tips
only, but readers are advised that if their or their children’s problems do not
improve, they should consult their practitioner or use the Ask for Advice facility
at www.sisterlilian.co.za.
Log on
3
3
4
5
Outbox – Sister Lilian’s top day care tips
Plenty of prizes and winners
ChatZone
On Shelf – great buys
eXpecting
6
8
8
8
10 10 11 Pregnancy pantry
Curb those cravings!
Antenatal classes in a nutshell
Dry spell
Pearls of wisdom – dental health
Questions about ectopic pregnancy
Take 2 – how twins develop
Delivered
12 12 13 14 How to select a birth practitioner
How long does labour last?
6 Tips for better birth
Pack it – best birth bag basics
Baby bytes
16 17 17 19 21 23 Holding your newborn
Tissue salts to strengthen Baby’s neck
What about water in Baby’s ears?
Back to breastfeeding
Co-sleeping confidence
Safe ‘n’ sound – preventing SIDS
Toddler eQ
24 25 26 26 Toddler sleep strike
‘Mares and terrors in the night
Those shoes are made for walking
Choosy about clothes
eClinic
27 Chicken out of chickenpox
28 Amazing arnica
30 Skin and scar savvy
eMenu
31 Smart cookies
32 Banana ice-cream four ways
Rel@x
34 35 36 37 eGallery – reader photos
Back to books – 5 books to win
Win a three-night stay at Sabi River Sun Resort
Hot spot – cool products
January–February 2014 l eBaby 3
Log on
See what
other readers are
saying and find out the
results of our interesting
Facebook polls on this
page – and, don’t forget
to make your voice
heard too!
ChatZ ne
DO our Facebook fans
agree with circumcision
4% were uncertain
63% agreed with
circumcision due to
health, cultural, religious
or medical reasons
ur
Which foods does yo
little one NOT like?
The top five most-hated foods were:
1 Pumpkin
2 Meat
3 Eggs
4 Store-bought baby purées
5 Cereal
Remember, it doesn’t matter too much if your baby
doesn’t like one particular type of veggie – pumpkin
isn’t for everyone! As long as your child eats a wide
variety of healthy fruit or veg, there’s no need to be
concerned.
3 top birth tips from Moms
1 “Don’t listen to people who scare you; we are all
different.” Zama Goniwe
2 “Always expect the unexpected and remember
that no matter what you’re going through,
planned or not, as soon as you hold that
bundle of love in your arms, you’ll forget all
unpleasantness and pain. You will have met the
love of your life!” Antoilene du Toit
3 “Don’t be forced to lie down by your doctor
or nurse... giving birth in a seated position is
easier! And listen to the doctor and nurse when
it comes to pushing – only push when they tell
you to.” Monique Smith
4 eBaby l January–February 2014
33% disagree
with circumcision
Interestingly, theatre nurse A’Delia Taljaard wrote:
“If you decide to have your son circumcised and
he is old enough to understand, please explain to
him what will be done! And please don’t tell him it
won’t hurt. These little boys come to us under the
impression that the doctor is only going to ‘take
a look at his peepee’. When he wakes up after
surgery and realises what happened, he is very
angry and scared to death of the staff. This is
really not nice, and I think your child goes
through a traumatic experience.”
It is a myth that circumcision prevents HIV
infection, as research now shows. Only safe sex
will help do this.
Poll: What you said
about birth DVDs
• 71,5% had watched a birth video and
28,5% hadn’t.
• 60% of those who had seen a birth
DVD would have preferred not to.
Got something to say?
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Hauschka Certified Natural and Organic Skin Care Range
The skin absorbs approximately 60% of what we
apply to it, so it’s important to use products that
are completely natural, especially when pregnant
or breastfeeding. The Dr. Hauschka Skin Care
range prides itself in being a 100% natural,
and free of any artificial ingredients.
Only the highest quality organic and
bio-dynamically grown plants are used in all
Dr. Hauschka preparations. These ingredients
are sourced from all over the world through
fair-trade agreements.
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care regards the human
skin as a holistic organ that protects the body.
The skin is exposed to external and internal
influences that can weaken it, resulting in
imbalances such as dryness, lack of moisture,
overproduction of oil or premature ageing.
Dr. Hauschka preparations are designed to
work with the skin to regenerate itself and restore
balance and harmony in the skin. For more
information, go to www.drhauschka.co.za, email
[email protected] or phone 021 702 3617.
Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas
Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas is
a premium blend of omega-3
essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA
and GLA). Clinical studies have
shown that omega-3 fatty acids play
a pivotal role in fetal growth and
development, and protect against
several serious conditions.
Bioharmony® Ultimate Omegas
has been formulated to take
full advantage of the benefits of
omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key
part in the healthy development of
your baby, offering critical nutrients
for neurological development and
promoting the development of your
baby’s cardiac and respiratory
systems.
Support your pregnancy health
with Ultimate Omegas, a trusted
Bioharmony® Formula, available
countrywide from Clicks, Dis-Chem,
health shops and pharmacies.
It is always recommended to
consult your healthcare practitioner
before using any supplements.
For more information, go to
www.bioharmony.co.za or call
031 765 2045.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 5
eXpecting
Pregnancy pantry
Confused about what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy?
You’re not the only one! eBaby is here to help…
Y
ou’re craving pickles, but the thought of meat
makes your stomach turn. You can’t keep
anything down, yet your doctor insists that you eat
well. Don’t neglect calcium, but avoid too much
vitamin A! Eat plenty of oily fish, but not those
contaminated by metals. Confused? No wonder!
In a word, what every pregnant woman should
do when it comes to food is relax! This doesn’t
mean that you shouldn’t care about what you eat, or
that you can ignore all warnings. What it does mean
is that you have two powerful allies to help you have
the best pregnancy nutrition – instinct and Mother
Nature’s bountiful pantry.
Did you know?
Many health practitioners think that pregnancy
nausea keeps moms-to-be from eating harmful
substances. This protects her developing baby in
the most crucial stage, the first trimester.
In a nutshell
Use these principles as an overall nutrition guide:
Eat more plant foods
Eat fewer animal foods
Include foods from all the vibrant colours
nature provides
Keep meals simple, with not too many
ingredients at the same time
Don’t eat for two; simply follow your appetite
Eat as little processed, refined food as possible
Eat healthily most of the time, but enjoy
occasional treats
Don’t drink large amounts with meals, as this
slows digestion
Avoid fasting
Go slow on herbal teas; drink only 2–3 mild
cups a day
6 eBaby l January–February 2014
Caution – Baby in progress!
Some foods are associated with increased allergy
risk, toxic bacteria or excessive discomfort to
an expectant mom, so avoid or reduce:
Allergy-risk foods like dairy products,
refined grain products (breads, pasta,
cakes and biscuits), shellfish, egg, and
peanuts
Exotic mushrooms, onions or garlic
Nuts, unless organic and raw
Animal food pâtés
Blue-veined and soft cheeses
Dry meat products like biltong
Caffeine-containing products
Alcohol
Got a sweet tooth?
Sweet treats and sugary drinks interfere with
blood sugar levels and provide no positive
nutrition, so rather avoid these – eat some
dates instead!
Essential nutrients
Plant foods mostly offer all the essential nutrients in
rich abundance, although in pregnancy you should
take a supplement:
Iron – green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds,
raisins, avocados
Folic acid – green vegetables, avocados,
spanspek, green melons, grapefruit, naartjies,
oranges, pears, strawberries, almonds,
hazelnuts, sunflower seeds
Calcium – figs, gooseberries, avocados,
dates, grapes, guavas, kiwi fruit, lemons,
mangoes, melons, oranges, pawpaw,
pears, prickly pears, prunes, nuts and
seeds
Magnesium – bananas, nuts, seeds
Vitamin A – (use supplements with caution,
but dietary inclusion is safe) red, orange
and green veggies, brightly coloured fruits
like mangoes
Zinc – nuts, seeds, legumes, soya, grains
Omega-3 essential fatty acids – dates,
avocados, nuts and seeds
eXpecting
Curb those cravings!
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to interpret
your cravings healthily. Feel like something sweet?
Have a banana, or a date! Craving something
salty? Eat an avocado, or some olives.
Eating smaller meals more often also helps to
control cravings. If you’re emotional and in need
of a little extra nurturing, (which, let’s face it, is very
likely in pregnancy!), don’t turn to comfort foods
but rather chat to your partner or a good friend,
and explain that you simply need a little extra TLC.
What not to worry about: Don’t worry about
strange food combinations (so long as they are
healthy) or an aversion to foods you may have
enjoyed previously, like meat – this is common
and may even safeguard you and Baby. If you
have an inexplicable need to constantly suck
or chew ice, it’s probably because you feel
much hotter in pregnancy, and is nothing to
worry about.
What you should worry about: Cravings for
abnormal substances like soil, ash, chalk and
paint is called pica, and is a sign that you have
a deficiency of an important nutrient. Talk to your
doctor about this, because it can be dangerous.
Antenatal classes in a nutshell
Why antenatal classes are useful:
You can ask all your pregnancy, birth and baby questions
You meet other preggy moms, and often make lifelong friends
They help partners to understand pregnancy, birth and early parenting
To find a good class:
Look in the classified section of baby magazines or ask your friends
and family for references
Ask the antenatal teacher if there is plenty of unstructured time to
answer questions the group has
Look for classes that cover all your birth options, pregnancy niggles
and early baby care
Ask for quotes, and if you have a medical aid, find out if they’ll pay
If you can’t go to antenatal classes, join our Facebook page and
read Sister Lilian’s Pregnancy & Birth Companion – you can order it
from www.sisterlilian.co.za.
Dry spell
To get rid of dry, flaky skin during pregnancy,
you need to know what’s causing it. It could be
triggered by a new skin product, a change in diet
or sometimes even your vitamin supplement.
Simply avoid the trigger, and voila – skin problems
solved!
These tips will also help:
Use omega-3 plant oils or a supplement, and
eat foods that are high in omega-3, like dates,
avo, nuts and seeds.
8 eBaby l January–February 2014
Add a pot of rooibos tea to your bathwater
and dab cooled rooibos directly onto
the problem area.
Take Sister Lilian Calendula Tablets three
times a day and apply calendula cream
to very itchy skin.
Apply vitamin E enriched cream or oil that
is in a hypoallergenic base.
If you feel unwell, or none of this advice helps,
do see your doctor.
NEW!
Place you baby
inside the bouncer
and let him enjoy
the fun bouncing
movements.
Take Along Bouncer
Introducing the clever Tiny Love
on-the-go creation that gives baby
a cozy feel of home, both indoors
& outdoors
• Incredibly easy to fold &
carry.
• Requires no assembly.
• Perfect for both indoor &
outdoor use.
• Features fun bouncing
movements.
• Stylishly designed with
chic red fabric and comes
with a bonus carry bag.
Setting the
bouncer up
is hassle free
as it requires
no assembly
whatsoever!
0-3
months
The bouncer
puts baby in a
semi-upright
position, giving her
a fresh new view of
her surroundings
and allowing some
fun face-to-face
interaction with her
favorite grownups.
3-6
months
Gross Motor Skills
Developing the body’s large
muscles facilitates head
raising, rolling over, crawling,
sitting up, and walking.
Take advantage of the Take Along Bouncer’s
semi-upright position to enjoy some quality
face-to-face bonding time with your baby.
Talk to your baby, sing songs, make faces or
just enjoy some quiet gazing time with baby.
Keep in mind that baby’s eyesight is still
limited at this stage.
Is your baby developmentally on track?
Explore TinyLoveSouthAfrica.co.za to learn more about your
baby’s developmental needs. The Tiny Love® 7 Elements
SystemTM helps you choose stimulating objects, toys, &
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her first year of discovery. The system gives a comprehensive
set of guidelines so that you can be certain your baby is
developing as expected.
Let baby enjoy the bouncer’s relaxing
bouncing movement both indoors and
outdoors. The bouncer offers babies a
new outlook on the world around them
and can be especially engaging
in the fresh air.
Watch the
Take Along Bouncer
in action at
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eXpecting
5 Questions about ectopic pregnancy
1.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when your
fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tube,
or very rarely in the ovary or abdominal cavity,
instead of your womb. Only about 1% of
pregnancies are ectopic.
4.
2.
3.
What causes this?
It is often not clear, but repeated sexually
transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory
disease, sterilisation by tying of your tubes
and some types of assisted fertility treatments
make ectopic pregnancy more likely. Smokers,
women who had a previous ectopic pregnancy
and women over 35 years are at greater risk.
What are the symptoms?
You might initially experience all the normal
signs of early pregnancy. The pregnancy may
stop spontaneously with slight bleeding, like
a light period. Pain on one side of your lower
abdomen may start at any time between four
and 10 weeks of pregnancy, and you may feel
pain in your shoulders if blood has leaked into
the abdomen.
What should I do if I think I have
an ectopic pregnancy?
See your gynaecologist, who will do a sonar
to find out. If there is an ectopic pregnancy,
he will mostly do minor surgery to remove
the embryo or, in some instances, prescribe
medication to end the pregnancy. He will
also try to find what caused the ectopic
pregnancy.
5.
What happens if my fallopian tube bursts?
This will happen if the embryo continues
to grow. Pelvic pain will become worse and
your body will go into shock. You will need to
get to a hospital as quickly as possible to have
surgery to remove your tube. Future fertility
may be compromised, but it is possible to
still fall pregnant.
Pearls of Wisdom
4.
When you sleep on your side, saliva will pool
in the side of your mouth you favour, and
because saliva neutralises acid, that side of
your mouth will usually have less decay than
the other side.
It is essential to see a dentist during your
pregnancy, but make sure to tell your dentist that
you’re pregnant, so they use only safe anaesthetics
and medications.
M
any women seem to have worse teeth after
pregnancy. This is not because your baby
‘sucked’ the calcium from your teeth, as many
believe, but could be because of these reasons:
1.
2.
3.
You’re often far more tired during pregnancy,
so oral hygiene standards tend to drop.
The hormonal changes of pregnancy lead to
puffy gums and periodontitis. Without careful
dental care, decay is more likely.
All those sugary treats you’re craving will
cause decay.
10 eBaby l January–February 2014
Tips for a healthy dental routine:
You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as
medium and hard bristles can damage your
tooth enamel.
Brush your teeth once in the morning after
breakfast and once at night before going to bed
After eating, drink a glass of water. This will
remove any food still in your mouth.
Did you know?
Some studies link poor dental health in pregnancy
to premature or low birth weight babies.
Take 2
eXpecting
If there’s anything cuter than one adorable baby, it’s two
adorable babies! Here’s how twins develop in pregnancy…
T
wins are the most common multiple pregnancy,
occurring about once in every 90–100 births.
Triplets are fairly rare – they occur once in every
9,000 pregnancies. Can you imagine how rare
quadruplets and quintuplets are? These days,
multiples are often the result of fertility treatments;
they’re very rarely conceived naturally.
Twins are formed in one of two ways:
1.
Fraternal twins are the most common. Two
separate eggs from the mother are fertilised
by two separate sperm cells from the father.
These two children will be completely different
to each other, even though they’re from the
same pregnancy. They often share a very close
bond, probably due to their communication
in the womb and their shared babyhood. In
pregnancy, each developing baby has its own
placenta and amniotic sac.
Can twins be ‘misdiagnosed’?
This certainly does occur, especially at early
scans and checks. Nowadays, most twins won’t
go undetected past the third or fourth month of
pregnancy. Sometimes, a pregnancy begins
with twins, but one embryo does not develop
beyond the first few weeks, and all tissue will
be absorbed by natural body processes. When
a double heartbeat on sonar or traces of a multiple
pregnancy are detected at an early antenatal
consultation, only to find just one heartbeat and one
baby at the next, this could be what occurred. This
could also explain why some women feel as though
they are carrying more than one baby, even though
the second baby can’t be seen.
2.
Identical (or maternal) twins are formed
when one fertilised egg cell divides into two,
for reasons not clearly understood. Genetically,
each twin is identical in most aspects and
although birth weights may be different,
these two children will look almost
exactly the same. The gender will
always be the same, and usually they
have the same blood group, too. Their
personalities are not the same though,
which is very important
to remember.
In the womb, twins develop the
same way singletons do, except
that one or both babies are a bit
smaller than average. A multiple
pregnancy often ends sooner than
40 weeks, simply because Mom’s
womb and abdomen are stretched
to capacity! This can lead to a slight
degree of prematurity and the need for
special care after birth, but
usually not for long.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 11
Delivered
How to select your
Birth practitioner
Confused about who should
see you through your birth?
Use this guide to help you
make your decision.
Birth professional dictionary
Doula: Could be a lay person you trust, or
a trained doula, who is there to support you
emotionally and to help with basic physical care.
General practitioner: A few GPs check women
throughout pregnancy and conduct deliveries.
Hospital midwife: A trained nurse/midwife who
will monitor and support you in labour; in state
and a few private clinics she will also perform
low-risk deliveries.
Independent midwife: A trained nurse/midwife
who performs homebirths and births in natural
birth facilities.
Obstetrician: Medical doctors specialised in
gynaecology and pregnancy care. They conduct
most deliveries in private sector hospitals.
How to find and select a birth professional:
Contact your birth facility of choice and find out
which doctors practice there.
Ask friends and family about their experiences.
‘Interview’ a few doctors, as it’s important to
find someone you feel comfortable with.
Ask your general practitioner for a referral to
an obstetrician.
Independent midwives generally advertise in
the classified section of pregnancy magazines,
clinics, and sometimes doctors’ consulting
rooms – interview a few too.
Choose a birth practitioner who is
compassionate, radiates care and has good
listening skills.
Look for a practitioner who won’t make you
feel silly for questioning anything.
3 questions to ask your practitioner:
1. What is your caesarean rate? If your doctor
does more than 20% caesarean sections, it is
12 eBaby l January–February 2014
over the WHO recommended limit, and
there’s a good chance you’ll have one, too.
2. Will you be on holiday around my expected
date of delivery? Medical intervention rates go
up hugely around typical holiday times. Also,
to suddenly have a different practitioner when
you’re about to give birth is not pleasant, though
this is not a good reason to bring on labour early
or schedule a C-section. 3. Do you routinely induce birth? A woman’s
estimated due date isn’t always accurate. Most
first pregnancies go over the due date. Natural
onset of labour is mostly best for Baby.
How long does la
bour last?
The length of labou
r differs from
one woman to an
other. First labou
rs
generally last abou
t 12–18 hours fro
m
the first minor co
ntraction up until
Baby is born. Reme
mber, early labou
r
contractions aren
’t that painful or lon
g,
and overall, you’l
l have more time
without
contractions than
with.
It takes the longe
st time for the cerv
ix
to dilate to 5cm, bu
t is relatively easy
;
from 5–8cm goes
a lot quicker but
is the
greatest challenge
for Mom; 8–10cm
mostly goes very
quickly, with shor
t
intervals between
intense contraction
s,
but at least you’ll
know the end is in
sight.
Remember, the ne
xt time you give bir
th, it
will be even easie
r because your bo
dy will
have learnt what
to do!
Delivered
Sister Lilian’s tips are
brought to you by
6 Tips for better birth
These six tips will help you have the most special of all birthdays;
the one when you welcome your baby into the world.
1.Preparation, preparation, preparation
Read as much about birth as you can, be
aware of all your birth options so that you
choose the one that suits you best, and draw
up a birth plan that you discuss with your
midwife or doctor. Remember, no birth is
predictable, so you’ll need to be flexible about
your birth plan, but having an idea of what you
would like is a good start.
2.Pace yourself in early labour
If your contractions have just started, go back
to sleep (if labour wakes you at night), read,
water the garden, take a deep warm bath,
or go for a stroll. You could also do a few
last-minute chores – nothing too strenuous,
though. You only need to go to the hospital or
birth centre when your contractions are regular
and strong.
3.Eat! Yes, eat!
It may sound strange to eat during labour, but
you’re going to need your energy – it’s called
‘labour’ for a reason! Have small, light meals
like fruit or steamed veggies, and drink fruit
juice or rooibos tea.
during labour. Whoever you choose to see you
through could help by wiping your brow with
a facecloth, giving you a gentle massage, and
encouraging you throughout – whatever you
need them for, really.
4.Pack a hot water bottle AND an ice pack 6.Give birth in an upright position
Some women just love the warmth of a hot
water bottle placed on their back or lower
abdomen during birth, whereas other women
find cold ice packs help more for the pain.
5.Proper support
Apart from your partner, it can be extremely
helpful to have your mother or a doula with you
It can be extremely uncomfortable to lie on
your back during labour. Instead, walk, stand,
squat, rest your upper body on a table and
kneel on all fours. This will speed up the labour
process, and reduce your pain. When deciding
which position to give birth in, simply pay
attention to your body – it will tell you which
one is best.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 13
Delivered
Pack it!
Birth bag basics
Win!
You’ll find these items on Sister Lilian’s list
super useful during and just after labour!
A
s your due date draws near
and your excitement mounts,
it’s a good idea to have your
labour bag ready and packed.
Labour progresses quite slowly
at first, so although you could
probably pack once labour
begins, you may be so excited
that you forget important items.
Some things will also need to
be bought beforehand.
For the labour ward:
A comfortable, loose T-shirt
for labour
Tissues – one’s nose often
runs in labour
An elastic band for long hair
Socks to warm cold feet
Lip balm
Fruit or a fructose drink for
a quick energy boost
A water bottle with a straw
A facecloth, for a refreshing
wipe of the face and neck
A comfort item from home
Rescue Birth & Recovery for
improved labour
Relaxing music for labour and
the postnatal ward
maternity stretchy
disposable panties and
sanitary towels for after birth
Nightclothes, slippers, gown
For the postnatal ward:
A bar of gentle rooibos or
calendula soap
Deodorant and personal
cosmetics
14 eBaby l January–February 2014
Check our
Facebook page
during Pregnancy
Awareness Week
(10–16 February),
and you could win:
• A Caboodle Smart &
Sassy Bag worth R400
• A R750 Carriwell
voucher
breast pads
cooling gel pads
for breasts
Feme pad for your
perineum
breastfeeding bra
nursing sleep shirt
linen savers
Plastic bags for laundry
Clothes for Mom and Baby
to come home in – one of
your preggy outfits, as it will
still take a while for you to
trim down
A blanket to wrap Baby in
The hospital or clinic
might supply these items:
Sanitary towels
Breast pads
Disinfectant for cleaning your
perineum (stitches)
Baby clothes for the duration
of the hospital stay
Ice packs
Infra-red lamps for painful
breasts or perineum
Disposable nappies for Baby
Cotton wool balls for cleaning
the navel and umbilical
stump
Surgical spirits to clean the
navel
Basic cosmetic items like
soap for mom
Cosmetics for Baby like
liquid soap, shampoo,
skin lotion, buttock cream
and talcum powder
Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag
The perfect bag for your birth and baby
Every mom-in-waiting needs a versatile, user-friendly and beautiful bag that will see
her through, all the way from the maternity unit to outings with her baby or toddler.
T
he Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag is the perfect
example of just such a bag – easy on the eye,
practical and great value.
A clever design makes one very
smart and sassy Caboodle bag!
All women know the value of organisation, and
none more so than expectant mothers who have
a lot on their minds, and moms of busy babies
and toddlers. The Caboodle Smart & Sassy Bag
is a friend in need to women who want to free up
physical and mental space for the important things
in life, like family. That’s why the Smart & Sassy
Caboodle bag has:
Outside side pockets to help keep those
essential items easily accessible – car keys,
cell phone, tissues, lip balm and, of course,
your camera to capture those first moments
with your precious newborn
Plenty of inside pockets for snacks, toys,
clothing and more
A special pocket to protect your personal
belongings
A removable insulated bottle pouch
to ensure that you have a refreshing
drink available in labour, and to keep
baby or toddler drinks warm or cold
later on
A sealable, transparent handy bag
for items that need to be kept
separate, dry and safe
be hooked over the shoulder or pram, leaving
you with both hands free
A removable changing mat for a hygienic
surface for changing Baby’s nappies wherever
you are
For more information, go to www.sp-africa.com,
or call 011 393 1328.
Serviceable
material
Attractive,
practical
shade of
blue-grey
Easy to
clean
Special features of the
Caboodle Smart &
Sassy Bag include:
Sufficient space for clothing,
toiletries and other necessities
Shorter handles to make it
easier to carry at the hospital
An adjustable, removable cottonwebbing shoulder strap, which can
January–February 2014 l eBaby 15
Baby bytes
These tips from
Sister Lilian
are made
possible by
Holding your newborn
As pregnancy nears an end, many expectant parents wonder how to hold and
handle their newborn without hurting her. Sister Lilian gives you a few helpful tips.
D
elicate as they may seem just after birth, fullterm babies are actually pretty tough. In fact,
Baby needs the snug pressure of Mom’s hold
to give her a sense of security, so don’t worry
about holding Baby too firmly. All this will soon
come instinctively if you’re open to your baby’s
body language.
1. Madonna position
Just after birth
Straight after birth, lift your newborn directly onto
your chest. Here, Baby’s heavy head and wonky
neck will cradle safely between your breasts. This
simple action usually removes all anxiety about
handling Baby, almost as if by magic.
2. Upright Baby
Dad’s hands
Dad’s touch is often different to Mom’s – his skin
is likely a bit rougher, his hold a little firmer, and
his hands may cup most of Baby’s body. This
very special touch is just as important to Baby’s
security and learning curve, so Dad shouldn’t
worry about hurting Baby.
3 Ways to pick up and hold your newborn
Until about three months, Baby’s neck muscles
aren’t strong enough to hold her head up. This
means that you’ll need to support Baby’s head
and neck whenever lifting her. Here’s how to pick
her up with head and neck in mind:
16 eBaby l January–February 2014
Stand at Baby’s side and cup and lift her head
and neck with the hand closest to her feet.
Then, slip your other hand and arm down the
length of Baby’s back, starting from her head,
until it cradles in the crook of your elbow; now
slip your first hand under Baby’s buttocks
from the side furthest from you and lift Baby
against your body.
Roll Baby slightly to one side to face you,
cup her head in the hand closest to her feet,
and allow her neck to rest on your wrist and
most of Baby’s back to roll back against your
forearm; slip the other hand under Baby’s
buttocks and lift her toward your body,
allowing her head to rest against your
chest, or her chin over your shoulder.
3. Looking ahead
Many babies love looking forwards – place
one arm, with your hand palm-up, next
to Baby; roll Baby onto your forearm and
support her jawline between your thumb and
forefinger; slip your other hand under Baby’s
lower abdomen, pick her up and support her
back against your tummy.
Baby bytes
Tissue salts
to strengthen
Baby’s neck
T
issue salts are safe mineral compounds
made similarly to homeopathic remedies.
If Baby is taking a long time to gain strength
in her neck muscles, give her the tissue salt Calc
phos.
If Baby has a scrawny body with a head that
seems unnaturally big for her body, give her the
tissue salt Silicea.
To give Baby these tissue salts, simply crush
one tablet, dissolve it in a little boiled, cooled
water and give it to Baby three times a day until
improved.
What about water
in Baby’s ears?
U
nless Baby has a burst eardrum or grommets,
don’t worry about a little water getting into her
ears. Of course, most babies don’t like it much
when this happens, which is why you should block
her ears while washing her hair. It’s easy to do –
wrap Baby securely in a towel, tuck her under your
arm like a rugby ball, cupping her head in one hand
with your thumb over one ear and your middle finger
over the other.
If a little bit of water trickles into Baby’s ear,
simply use a cotton bud to dry the shell of the
ear and only just-just in the entrance of the
ear canal.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 17
18 eBaby l January–February 2014
Baby bytes
Back to breastfeeding
Did you try to breastfeed and it didn’t work? Or do you
wish you’d never weaned Baby because now you face
so many health issues? Then this guide is for you…
I
t is possible to reintroduce breastfeeding after
Baby has been weaned onto formula milk, but it
will take courage and perseverance, from Mom
especially. Just how easy it is to re-lactate will
depend on how long Baby has been off the breast,
if you breastfed Baby before, how old Baby is and
how committed you are. Give your best shot!
Here’s how to restart breastfeeding:
Anxiety can affect breast milk production, so
feel confident and relaxed in your approach,
believing that if you really want to breastfeed,
it will work – this isn’t always easy, so take
Sister Lilian Rescue Emotion to help.
Offer the breast whenever Baby is hungry, as
suckling will stimulate milk production best.
Keep yourself hydrated; drink 1,5–2 litres of
healthy fluids a day.
Eat healthily, especially seasonal fruits and
vegetables.
Express milk with a gentle-action breast pump
between feeds for the first week or two as well.
You can get a prescription from your doctor
to help initiate milk flow, but this may play
havoc with your emotions and have other
negative effects too, so try to mimimise
use of medication.
Top tips:
Contact a La Leche League or lactation
consultant to help guide you with the first
few feeds.
Clear the decks for a few days, and rest a lot.
If Baby need
s
a top-up feed
after main
feeds, it does
n’t mean that
you’re not m
aking enough
milk. This is Ba
by’s ‘afterdinner mint’!
To help boost your energy and milk supply,
take a nutritious supplement or tonic.
Breastfeed in a soothing environment to help
you stimulate important lactation hormones;
dim the lights and play soft, soothing music
while you feed Baby.
Give Baby a massage, and ask your partner to
massage you before a feed to further enhance
relaxation and hormone flow.
If Baby fights at the breast:
Walk while latching until Baby stops pushing
away from you.
Hold Baby’s hand, allowing the elbow to bend,
and soon body tension will break.
Make ‘clucking’ noises close to Baby’s ear.
Nurse Baby in the bath.
Simply lie next to Baby and allow him to
‘self-service’ feed; he’ll soon realise that
what he wants is right there!
At first, you may need to give supplement feeds, but
remember that every drop of something other than
breast milk will influence your production, so always
offer the breast first. It doesn’t take long to start
producing milk, especially if it has been less than
one or two months that you haven’t breastfed.
By persevering, both you and Baby will reap the
rewards of breastfeeding forever. Breastfeeding
saves an amazing amount of money and is great for
general health, emotional security, immunity, allergy
prevention, improved development and a whole lot
of other factors. What more could a mom want?
January–February 2014 l eBaby 19
It’s a boy.
LL10251-A.indd 1
It’s a girl.
2013/07/24 1:18 PM
Baby bytes
Co-sleeping confidence
Co-sleeping is the single most useful sleep strategy there is.
Why would you not try it, asks Sister Lilian.
C
hances are, if you co-sleep with your baby,
most sleep problems will settle and the whole
family will sleep better. By co-sleeping, you’re
following your instincts and giving your child an
emotionally secure start to life.
Co-sleeping is particularly useful if something
is making your little one a bit unsettled or insecure.
For instance:
Mom is expecting another baby – your little
one will be able to sense change
Illness or teething
A move or a holiday
Stress in the home
Still not convinced? Try these 2 compromises:
1. Put your little one to sleep in her own room, but
once she wakes, it is easiest and best to let her
cuddle up to the ones she loves the most – her
parents! This way, she’ll sleep through in her
own bed when she’s ready.
2. Once a second baby is six months or older,
you can let your toddler and baby sleep closely
together, often keeping them happy enough to
be in their own room.
Co-sleeping tips:
If cuddling is getting a bit too crowded, try the
‘puzzle position’; Dad can sleep with his head
at the foot of the bed. This way, everyone fits in
better and sleeps more soundly!
Don’t allow negative opinions from others to
bother you – if co-sleeping works for your family,
then who cares what others think?
Parents often think co-sleeping will affect their
relationships, but there are many creative ways
to keep your love life on track.
You will need fewer blankets, and bedding
should preferably be pure cotton, to prevent
overheating and allergies.
Babies are mostly safest on their backs, but
may need to change position occasionally.
There should be no pillows under Baby.
Mom and Dad shouldn’t be under the influence
of any drugs, central nervous system medication
or alcohol – that way, you will be alert and pose
no suffocation risk to her.
Baby will make her presence felt if she
feels restricted or you roll on top of her!
For how long will my little one want to co-sleep?
All little ones grow out of the need to sleep close to
their parents, although the timing can range from
a few months to a few years, depending on your
child. Remember, the more she senses your tension
about co-sleeping, the more likely she’s going to
want to continue co-sleeping, so relax! Co-sleeping
is absolutely wonderful, and it will benefit you all
forever.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 21
Baby bytes
Safe ‘n’ sound
Sister Lilian explains why you shouldn’t be too
worried about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,
or SIDS – if you stick to a few basic rules.
SIDS, or cot death as it’s sometimes called, is the
unexpected death of a baby who’s younger than
one year, without a clear cause. There’s still a lot
we don’t know about SIDS, but here’s what we
do know…
Risk factors for SIDS
Multiple birth babies or prematurity
Babies who have a sibling who was lost to SIDS
Babies of teenage mothers
A short time between pregnancies
Exposing babies to cigarette smoke, both during
pregnancy and afterwards
Mother’s use of illegal drugs in pregnancy
Not breastfeeding
Respiratory infections
Shaken baby syndrome and other child abuse
Baby sleeping on his stomach or sides
Allergies and respiratory infections caused by
mattresses or fluffy bedding
Exposure to botulism, which is most likely
caused by giving Baby contaminated honey
in his first year
Myth-busting!
at babies who sleep
Some people think th less risk of
in their own cots have
bies who co-sleep.
SIDS than those ba ping baby is lost to
But, when a co-slee cause of the parents’
SIDS, it’s usually be rmula feeding,
drug use, smoking, fo regiving adult, or
obesity in the main caeastfed babies who
the bedding used. Brngside their mothers,
sleep close to or alo lly through the
breastfeed occasiona sed to the factors
night and aren’t expove the lowest
mentioned above, haSIDS.
overall incidence of
Causes of SIDS
We’re not quite sure what the exact causes of SIDS
are, but here are some possibilities:
Accidental smothering, using pillows before two
years and overheating of Baby
Undiagnosed low blood sugar and undiagnosed
whooping cough
Recent research shows that all SIDS babies had
a brainstem abnormality, and didn’t produce
enough serotonin, which is the hormone that
helps coordinate breathing, blood pressure and
temperature during sleep
Sister Lilian’s tips to prevent SIDS
Official recommendation is that babies should sleep
on their backs, but if your baby prefers a different
position, there’s not much you can do about it!
Common sense and the hints below will help
ensure sleep safety:
Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months,
and continuing to breastfeed for as long as
possible, is the best anti-SIDS investment
a mom can make.
Keep Baby in a smoke-free environment.
Don’t give Baby honey before one year.
Avoid fluffy pillows and stuffed animals at night.
Don’t overdress Baby, especially if co-sleeping.
Don’t use heaters overnight.
Treat mucus problems promptly (use MucoCare
for safe homeopathic help).
Solids, especially potential allergy foods,
shouldn’t be introduced before six months.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 23
Toddler eQ
Toddler sleep strike
Does your toddler resist bedtime or wake often at night?
These steps should help. Remember, confidence in your
solution is half the battle won!
Step 1: Treat the cause
Stress in the home often subconsciously makes little
ones clingier, so try to resolve any tension.
Often, it’s the stress about your little one sleeping that
makes her resist bed, creating a cycle that can be
tricky to break. Try to relax about your child’s sleeping
patterns.
Don’t put any pressure on your little one to be ‘big’,
as this usually makes a child feel even more insecure.
She’s then likely to resist bedtime or wake up often to
‘check’ that Mom and Dad are still there.
If you work during the day, your toddler’s refusal to go
to bed may be her unique way of showing you how
much she misses you. This is a compliment, Mom,
so try to be patient!
Ask yourself if you little one’s bedtime is too early.
Some little ones simply need less sleep, just like
some adults.
Step 2: Kick the bad habits
Don’t let your little one watch TV or use other electronic
devices, especially a few hours before bedtime – the
brain is stimulated by the pulses emitted from these,
and children exposed to them tend to sleep badly.
Don’t keep your tired toddler awake in the day, hoping
she will sleep better at night – this tactic always
backfires.
lerStick to a todd
own routine
-d
nd
wi
y
dl
frien
t
the day. Don’
at the end of
n’s
lia
Li
er
st
Si
y
have one? Tr
Sleep Recipe.
24 eBaby l January–February 2014
Step 3: Be creative
Don’t wait until your child is upset before attending
to her needs at night.
Keep stimuli, including talking, to a minimum.
Take a warm, deep candle-lit bath with your toddler –
you may not feel like it, but a half-hour bath beats
a frustrating two-hour pyjama parade any day!
Play restful music in the background.
Keep a camp cot and a few special toys next to your
bed. Switch on a night-light, and leave your child to
play in the cot until she calls for a cuddle or a drink.
You can even doze during this time.
Lop the tail end off of daytime naps.
Change the layout of your child’s room; place her cot
in such a way that it faces the door, so your little one
can see out – this will make her feel less alone.
Toddler eQ
‘Mares and terrors in the night
You may wish your little one ‘sweet dreams’ at bedtime…
But what happens when those dreams turn to nightmares?
D
reams are our mind’s way of processing our
thoughts and experiences of daily life – this
is actually a release, processing and protection
mechanism.
Not all scary dreams are bad. However, if your
child has regular nightmares, you may need to
evaluate his life to see if you need to make any
changes. The following could all be emotional
triggers for frequent nightmares:
Stress in the home
Poor treatment at day care
Child abuse
If none of these are applicable, then there’s no need
to worry. Just comfort your child and stay calm and
confident, so that you don’t accidentally make him
more nervous. If your toddler is old enough, ask him
to draw his dreams the next day, as this will help
him to face his fears and feel more in control.
Some statistics:
Nightmares are estimated to be experienced by:
17% of two-year-olds
18% of three-year-olds
36% of four-year-olds
What about night terrors?
Night terrors are more than just bad dreams, and
occur when your child starts crying, screaming or
thrashing about in his sleep. It is unlikely that he
will wake up at all during the episode. It’s almost
impossible to comfort him, but eventually the night
terror passes and your little one simply goes back
to sleep. They don’t seem to be harmful, although
it can be very stressful for Mom and Dad! To handle
night terrors:
Don’t try to wake your child, but rather wait
it out, reassuring him in a calm, confident
voice.
Children who have night terrors may fall out of
bed, so clear the floor of any toys or objects
he may fall on.
4 ways to avoid nightmares and night terrors:
1. Don’t put your little one to sleep in front of the
TV; the sounds and images, whether or not they
understand ‘adult content’, and pulses emitted
from your TV set will stimulate rather than calm
brain activity.
2. Massage your toddler daily before bedtime. This
can be before or after a bath, but not before
lively play, which will undo the soothing, relaxing
effect of all-over body massage.
3. The tissue salt Kali phos is excellent for
strengthening the nervous system of toddlers
prone to nightmares and night terrors.
4. If your child is naturally anxious, give him
Sister Lilian Rescue Emotion, a homeopathic
remedy that is totally safe and very effective.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 25
Toddler eQ
Those shoes are
made for walking
I
s your little one starting to walk? Then
it’s time to go shoe shopping! There
are so many cute shoes for children, but
it’s important that you choose shoes for
the right reasons, and not just because
they’re adorable:
Shoes should be supportive
and comfortable
They shouldn’t restrict your
little one’s developing feet
The ankles should be supported
Natural materials will help air to
circulate
Watch your toddler carefully when he
walks to see if his shoes seem to give
him any problems. Most parents find
a shoe brand that suits their child best
by trial and error. And remember, walking
barefoot is important for overall
development of the feet, tactile
stimulation and balance.
Choosy about clothes
D
oes your little Superman refuse to
change out of his superhero suit?
Weary parents often despair about
their child’s stubborn clothing
choices, and yet, imagination
is so important at this stage of
development. Ask yourself if his
clothing choice really matters, and
you’ll likely realise that it’s not worth
fighting about. Just make sure you
take photos for that 21st party one
day!
And if your toddler insists on
choosing his own clothes and
dressing himself, remember
that this is how little ones learn;
patience is key. Simply give your
child two or three options to
choose from – he’ll most likely
be happy, and it will save you
time – problem solved. After
all, if it isn’t going to be on
his CV one day, it simply
isn’t important!
Vitaforce Active Arnica – no medicine cabinet
should be without it!
Introducing the newly-branded Active Arnica range!
Previously under the Herbaforce brand, Active
Arnica has now been incorporated into the Vitaforce
brand. The packaging may be new, but it is the
same trusted and original formula. The oil is made
with the original, time-honoured process of cold
26 eBaby l January–February 2014
infusion that preserves the nourishing properties of
the unique combination of natural ingredients.
The Vitaforce Active Arnica range is essential for
moms of busy little ones, or anyone who leads an
active lifestyle.
Active Arnica massage oil and gel – soothes and
relaxes stiff and aching muscles and joints
Active Arnica 12% ointment – for bumps, bruises
and sprains
Active Arnica D6 tablets – for bruising, muscular
pain and stiffness
For more info, go to www.pharmanatura.co.za or
call 0860 744 744.
eClinic
Chicken out of chickenpox
These tips are bound to help if your child gets chickenpox…
C
hickenpox is common in children younger than
10 years old. It’s also very contagious. Your
child is most infectious from when you first notice
the rash, up until the crusts fall off and the rash
disappears. Usually, the older a person is, the more
serious their symptoms are.
Symptom timeline:
Flu-like symptoms such as mucus, a headache,
and feeling unwell are common about a week
before the outbreak of spots.
Fever usually develops a few hours before the
rash appears.
The rash starts on the face, chest, back and
stomach, but may also spread to inside the
mouth, vagina and eyes.
Spots in the mouth may lead to ulcers, making
it uncomfortable to eat or drink.
At first, the rash looks like pink spots, but these
soon become blisters filled with fluid.
The chickenpox spots last 1–2 days, with new
spots forming every few hours.
Within a few days the blisters form crusts, which
eventually fall off.
The disease runs its course over about six days.
Watch out, Mom!
As tricky as it may be, you need to stop your little
one from scratching the rash, or it could become
infected. These tips will help:
To soothe itchiness, add rooibos tea or
bicarbonate of soda to your little one’s bath
water, apply calendula cream to the rash, and
dust some cornflour over the rash.
Keep your child’s nails short and clean, and
wash her hands often to prevent infection.
If infection does occur, your child may need
antibiotics.
If your child has difficulty breathing, seems to be
uncoordinated, starts vomiting uncontrollably, or
seems abnormally sick, take her to see a doctor
as soon as possible. Don’t worry too much
though – these symptoms are extremely rare.
Did you know?
If your child is older than one year, you can
vaccinate her against chickenpox. The vaccine
is, however, not part of the usual immunisation
schedule.
How to manage chickenpox
Children with chickenpox should stay away
from other children or adults (especially
pregnant women, until week 28) who have
not yet had the disease.
Make sure your child eats and drinks enough –
this will take some encouragement if she
has painful blisters in her mouth.
Encourage your child to rest.
The homeopathic remedy ImmunoCare and the
tissue salt Kali mur will help build resistance and
aid recovery from chickenpox.
Calendula tablets will help the skin to heal and
will help prevent scarring.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 27
eClinic
Amazing arnica
A helping hand for bruising and swelling!
prevent
Arnica won’t
s, but is
rie
ju
in
or
s
bruise
bruises
g
in
at
tre
useful for
s.
rie
or inju
T
he homeopathic remedy, arnica, can be used
to help heal bruises, swelling and inflammation,
and is a must-have in your family medicine cabinet!
Folklore has it that hundreds of years ago, when
arnica grew wild in the high-altitude meadows of
Europe and the United States, mountain guides
realised just how useful it was after watching goats
that had fallen or tumbled seek out and eat arnica
plants. Today, arnica is farmed in great quantities
because its medicinal properties are so well known.
Herbal vs homeopathic remedies
Herbal remedies, like any medication, can cause
adverse effects. Homeopathy uses miniscule
doses and a special manufacturing technique that
ensures there are no unwanted side-effects. It’s very
important to understand the difference between
herbal and homeopathic arnica when taken
internally (by mouth):
As a homeopathic remedy, arnica is completely
safe, and can be used to treat stiff muscles,
bruises, and to speed healing and recovery after
birth or surgery.
Arnica in a herbal form could cause unwanted
bleeding, so be careful before using just any
product, especially if you’re pregnant.
How to tell the difference: If the ingredient
units are D6, 6X or 30CH, then the remedies
are homeopathic. If measured in micrograms,
milligrams or grams, or if you’re advised to take
28 eBaby l January–February 2014
a ‘teaspoon’ or medicine measure of the product,
it’s likely to be herbal.
Arnica in pregnancy
Although taking homeopathic arnica is safe in
pregnancy, it’s best to take it after birth, when it will
help you heal. This is true of both caesarean and
normal birth. Remember, only the herbal form could
cause bleeding, and not the homeopathic remedy.
It is however safe to use diluted herbal arnica oils
and creams externally on unbroken skin to help
relieve aches, pains and bruises during pregnancy.
How to use arnica
Directly after you give birth, or if someone in
the family is bruised, has sore muscles, or your
toddler has an ‘egg’ from a bump to the body,
take one tablet every 1–2 hours, gradually
reducing the frequency of the dosage as
symptoms improve.
Four fun arnica facts:
1. Arnica is in the same family as daisies – they
even look similar!
2. Some other names for arnica include ‘mountain
tobacco’, ‘wolf’s bane’, ‘leopard’s bane’, or
‘fall herb’.
3. ‘Arnica’ as a girl’s name has steadily gained
popularity over the years.
4. Arnica is probably the most popular and widelyused of homeopathic remedies.
Purity Pedia Kids
Taking care of your little one’s health and well-being!
The Purity Pedia Kids range of products has been specially
formulated to help maintain the health and well-being of babies
and toddlers, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
For more infor
mation
on all the Purit
y Pedia Kids
products, visit
www.purity.c
o.za
or call the Cons
umer Care
number 0860
004 755.
Purity Pedia Kids Arnica Gel
This gel has been formulated to help relieve and soothe sprains, bruises,
muscle and joint aches, swelling and inflammation and insect bites on babies
from six months of age. Purity Pedia Kids Arnica Gel contains arnica oil, which
is known to soothe muscle aches and reduce inflammation. Purity Pedia Kids
Arnica Gel is free from alcohol, artificial fragrances and colourants.
Purity Pedia Kids Nasal Spray
Does your baby have a blocked nose? This can lead
to disrupted sleep and feeding, and an unhappy
little one. The Purity Pedia Kids Nasal Spray is
suitable for babies from birth, and helps relieve
blocked noses associated with common colds and
hay fever, soothes dryness and is safe for daily use.
This gentle spray won’t burn baby’s nostrils.
Purity Pedia Kids Cradle Cap Cream
If your baby has pinkish crusty or flaky patches on her face, behind her ears and
in the diaper area, she may have cradle cap. Purity Pedia Kids Cradle Cap
Cream contains a blend of lavender, almond, calendula, jojoba and vitamin E
that will help alleviate the symptoms of cradle cap and reduce inflammation.
It can also be used to help alleviate dandruff, dry scalp and dry skin. Purity
Pedia Kids Cradle Cap Cream is free from alcohol, artificial fragrances and
colourants.
Purity Pedia Kids Gum & Tooth Gel
This strawberry-flavoured Gum & Tooth Gel
cleanser is suitable for babies from six months
and is safe to swallow. Purity Pedia Kids Gum
& Tooth Gel contains fluoride to help prevent
tooth decay and encourage healthy gums. It is
free from artificial colours.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 29
eClinic
Skin and scar savvy
Stretch marks!
Blemishes on the skin can often be
embarrassing or unsightly. Don’t despair –
take this information to heart!
D
id you know that there are different types of
scars? These include:
Normal scars: Flat and pale
Hypertrophic scars: ‘Overgrown’ scars that are
usually raised or dome-shaped
Keloids: Inappropriately large scars, often
growing larger than the original injury site
Sunken scars: Often surgical or acne scars
Stretched skin scars: Known as stretch marks,
these occur when skin stretches quickly
To help reduce the appearance of scars, or prevent
a scar or stretch mark from forming, try these natural
remedies:
1. Apply vitamin E cream to your scars twice a day
to soften them.
2. Calendula (tablets or cream) will help speed up
the healing of a fresh scar.
3. Rose-hip and avocado oils are well known for
their skin-rejuvenating properties. Choose
a tissue oil that contains these, and apply
to the scar after a bath or shower.
4. Massage the scar: This will help break up and
soften the scar tissue.
5. Wear sunscreen, or keep scars covered.
There should be as little exposure to UV light
as possible, especially during the first year after
injury.
6. Try to keep your child from scratching or picking
at a wound, as this will make scars more likely.
INPLEX
ZINPLEX VITAMIN C
Boosting the Immune System.
Combating Colds and Runny Noses.
Control against Eczema, Dermatitis and Skin Rashes.
Reduces Hyperactivity.
Reduces Incidence of Diarrhoea.
UNIQUE easy to use Spray protection to be
used at every nappy change.
Antiseptic and anti – inflammatory properties
to soothe and heal your baby’s bum.
Moisturizes and protects the skin.
100 ml and convenient 50 ml TRAVEL PACK sizes.
Manufactured for and on behalf of:
House of Zinplex (PTY)Ltd.
t: 012 803 6969/086 111 9462 | f: 012 803 5969/012 803 9283
w: www.zinplex.co.za | e: [email protected]
332 Alwyn Str, Waltloo 0184, Pretoria
Will help SOOTHE, HEAL and PROTECT
your baby’s bottom.
Formulated in a water base, it will form
a barrier between the wet nappy
and baby’s skin.
Apply thin layer at every nappy change.
INPLEX
eMenu
Banana ice cream
Suitable
from
8 months
4 ways to enjoy a healthy, summer treat
Bananas are at their best in summer, so now
is the perfect time to make these delicious,
healthy ice cream treats. Your little one will
soon show you which one he likes best…
Ingredients
4 ripe summer bananas
2.5ml fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
4 blocks of carob, finely grated
1 lolly stick
3 blocks of carob (for coating)
32 eBaby l January–February 2014
Method
Did you know?
Carob is
a healthy
delicious
and
alternativ
e to choco
and coco
late,
nut is a ‘s
uperfood
so these
’,
treats real
ly are
nutritious!
Peel three bananas and whizz them in a food processor or
with a hand blender.
Add lemon juice and continue blending until frothy. Divide
into three small containers.
Add coconut to one container and grated carob to another,
and fold in well.
Peel the fourth banana, cut off the base section, insert the
lolly stick and place in an airtight freezer container.
Freeze all four ‘ice creams’ for 24 hours – the bananas won’t
turn brown.
Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before required.
Melt the extra carob and use a pastry brush to coat one end
of the banana lolly.
eMenu
Smart
cookies
Basil, king of herbs
B
asil is a well-known herb, but did you know that
it’s also very healthy?
Basil has a rich supply of key vitamins, including
vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals calcium,
phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and iron. Your
eyesight will improve, and your skin and hair will
look much better when you start regularly including
basil in your diet.
Basil also has fantastic antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants help prevent cell damage from free
radical activity in the body. Free radicals occur
naturally, but if they flourish, can cause cell damage
associated with cancer, so eating a diet rich in
antioxidants is important. Basil is also reputed to
have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Basil in the kitchen
Basil is one of the tastiest and most useful herbs –
add fresh basil to salads, curries and casseroles,
and use it to make delicious pesto. To make your
own, simply pluck and wash a large bunch of fresh
basil leaves, place them in your food processor, add
When chilli means
P
eppers come in many different varieties, and can
be used as a spice, vegetable and medicine.
The name ‘pepper’ came into use because the
plants were hot, just like black pepper, but
there’s no botanical
relationship between
the two.
Of course, not
everyone likes
chilli peppers,
because they can
a liberal dash of
olive oil, a clove
of garlic, a handful
of pine nut kernels
or raw cashew nuts, coarse salt and
crushed black pepper to taste and chop
until leaves are fine. Store the pesto it in an airtight
container in the fridge.
Growing basil
You can grow basil in a herb pot or in the garden
amongst other shrubs. It’s fairly easy to grow –
follow these tips:
If you’re growing basil indoors, place the pot at
a north-facing window where it will get at least
six hours of dappled sunlight a day.
Trim it back regularly to keep it flourishing.
Clip off any flowers that grow – these decrease
the flavour.
Place these off-cuts in areas where mosquitoes
thrive, as basil’s pungent aroma soon drives
them away.
be really spicy! This burning sensation is caused
by a chemical called capsaicin. Although many
people think that the seeds are the hottest part of
a chilli, it’s actually the white pith around the seeds
that has the highest concentration of capsaicin. Not
all peppers produce the same amount either – bell
peppers don’t produce any capsaicin at all!
Capsaicin is also used in modern medicine as
a circulatory stimulant and painkiller, and it’s in the
pepper spray you carry with you to keep you safe –
chillies are quite useful after all!
January–February 2014 l eBaby 33
Rel@x
Meet some of our
eBaby readers and their
adorable little ones!
And our very first Baby City eBaby winner is…
Want t
o
Send y be in our e
Gallery
our hig
?
pregna
ncy or h resolution
to mon
baby p
and sta ique@sisterli hotos
li
win a B nd a chance an.co.za
t
a
o
b
y Cit
worth
R500 y voucher
!
Sibling love… Max Stephen
Cronjé kisses his little sister,
Amelia Rose
Baby Khayone Kamana, only 9 days old, with
eyes that want to absorb as much as possible
about her world, and the most kissable little
mouth ever! Khayone’s Mom, Victress, is
understandably proud of her. Enjoy spending
your Baby City gift voucher of R500!
Baby Arezki Pillay just looks like
the happiest littlie around!
34 eBaby l January–February 2014
Jordan, Serenity and Caleb
Bokhary sure look like they’re
having fun!
Daddy Hardie’s little girl,
Mia Smit
Brigitte Wortman, who was
34 weeks pregnant in this
photo; her son Bradley was
born on 23 October 2013
Rel@x
Back to Books
WIN!
Snuggling up close and reading a well-loved story is one of
the best experiences your child can share with you. It opens
up whole new worlds, inspires their vivid imaginations, and
does wonders for their language mastery. These are just
a few of the gems we think you should try.
eBaby is giving five lucky readers
the chance to win one of these
books! To enter, simply email
your name, contact details,
address, and the book you’d like
to [email protected].
Die Eerste Dag (R75)
Win 1 of 2!
By Joan Rankin
Published by Pan Macmillan
It’s Skolliebulliebons’ first day at the Kleinhondjie Kef-en-klets
speelskool, and he’s really nervous. Will he fall off the jungle gym?
What if he can’t hear what his teacher says? What if no one wants
to play with him? If your little one is about to start playschool, then
this book will help ease any anxiety, all while telling a very sweet
story – one that even you will relate to. Your little one will love the
cute pictures, and will squeal with laughter when trying to pronounce
some of the long and funny names of Skolliebulliebons’ classmates.
A must-have on the bookshelf for sure!
I’m not scary! (R119)
Win 1 of 2!
By Rod Campbell
Published by Pan Macmillan
Garden adventures are the best adventures! And if your little one is
an explorer, he or she will love reading about the cute and colourful
creatures that live in the garden. This touch-and-feel book has flaps
for youngsters to lift, and what will they find underneath? Insects that
are not scary at all! Your littlie will love feeling the different textures
too, like scratchy, slimy, shiny and squishy. But what’s that hiding in
the dark corner of the garden? Make sure you find out!
The Dancing Class (R89)
Win 1!
By Helen Oxenbury
Published by Walker Books
This hardcover reprint of the classic children’s about a young girl
who goes to her first-ever dance class will delight your daughter.
Will the little girl be able to find dance clothes that fit? And what
will her dance class be like? What happens when she falls?
Award-winning author and illustrator Helen Oxenbury is renowned
for her sweet children’s stories, and ‘The Dancing Class’ is
no exception.
*Prices were correct at time of publication.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 35
Rel@x
Win!
A three night
stay for two adults
and two children
under 12 at the Sabi
River Sun Resort,
including breakfast,
to the value of
R4,800!
Escape to the
Sabi River Sun Resort
N
estled on the banks of the beautiful Sabie River
in Hazyview is the Sabi River Sun Resort.
Here, little ones will delight in the range of wildlife;
resident hippos and crocodiles wallow in the
Resort’s dam, the Kruger National Park is a quick
drive away, and the Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary
is just down the road, where you and children older
than four years can touch, feed and even ride these
majestic animals.
The Sabi River Sun Resort also offers a full
entertainment programme for children, six days
a week, giving you an opportunity to relax. Why
not book a romantic couple’s massage at the
Eden Spa, or make use of the Resort’s facilities,
including an 18-hole golf course, five swimming
pools, tennis, squash and volleyball courts,
a bowling green and a jogging trail?
The Sesonke Restaurant will sort out any
appetite; a scrumptious buffet breakfast will kickstart your family’s day, and for lunch and dinner, you
can choose from an à la carte menu with a bunch of
options that both little ones and parents will enjoy!
The whole family will love Sesonke’s pizzas, which
are freshly baked in their very own pizza oven!
Special weekend Sunbreaks packages are
available. These include breakfast, and two children
younger than 18 years who are accompanying two
adults stay and eat breakfast free of charge!
For more information or to make a reservation,
call 013 737 4600, visit www.tsogosun.com or
email [email protected]
How to enter
To stand a chance to win this wonderful
getaway at Sabi River Sun Resort, email
[email protected] with your name
and contact details.
Terms and conditions
This prize is only available to eBaby readers who are fans of the Sister Lilian Centre Facebook page or followers of
@SisterLilian on Twitter. It is valid until end of November 2014, cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable.
The prize is subject to availability and holiday restrictions, and the winner must negotiate dates directly with the venue.
The prize does not include transport and activity expenses. Entries must be received by 7 February 2014, and the winner
will be personally contacted soon thereafter and announced on Facebook, Twitter and in the March–April 2014 issue of eBaby.
36 eBaby l January–February 2014
HOT SP T
Sophie the Giraffe
The world’s favourite teether since 1961, adopted by moms and celebrities
worldwide
The safest sensory development toy: handmade with 100% natural rubber
and food-grade paint
Fun and lovable toy that stimulates all five senses: your baby will love her!
Go to www.sophiegiraffe.co.za or email [email protected].
Happy Event
The only antenatal massage lotion based on natural
olive oil
Contains a number of important ingredients that help to
prevent stretchmarks and improve the skin’s hydration
Specially formulated to soothe, soften, stimulate, tone
and firm the skin
Go to www.happyevent.co.za or call
the toll-free helpline on 0800 21 0082.
Tiny Love Take Along Bouncer
This full-size bouncer folds easily – a carry bag is
supplied and no assembly is required.
It can be used from birth and is suitable up to 11kg.
This bouncer is perfect for indoor and outdoor use,
with fun bouncing movements.
New
and excitin
g
product from
Tiny Love
For more information, go to www.tinylovesouthafrica.co.za
or 021 556 9154.
Lay’s Tissue Oil
Dermatologically tested and used for managing stretch marks,
scars, blemishes, pigmentation, sunburn, eczema, dry scalp
Is conveniently and easily applied by spraying
Consists of grape seed oil, vitamin E, lavender, jojoba and lanolin oils
For more information, visit www.lays-beauty.com or call 011 493 2007.
January–February 2014 l eBaby 37
TM