1. family and parenting
2. motherhood
3. pregnancy

ISSUE 11
JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2015
Read our blog
7
Warning signs you
shouldn’t ignore
in pregnancy
Time
for school!
How to get your tot
ready for the big day
Sister Lilian explains how to:
 Wean your toddler
off a bottle
 Boost your energy
during pregnancy
 Prevent and treat
jaundice in Baby
Just hold on!
4 reasons to say
NO to induction
SPECIAL FEATURE!
How to build a
family-friendly
routine
The ultimate guide to
a breastfeeding diet
Tips to improve
your let-down reflex
NEW FEATURE!
Sister Lilian answers your pregnancy and parenting questions
www.sisterlilian.co.za
Log on
outbox
There’s a nice
ring about ‘2015’,
isn’t there?
One of the most exciting
things on the eBaby
and Sister Lilian Centre
calendar is our new
website, and everything
it offers you.
Why not sign up for one of our courses
or workshops, or buy one of my booklets –
if you like the tips on our Facebook page and
in eBaby, then you’ll know you can trust the
advice you’ll find on our one-stop pregnancy
and parenting website too! Did you know that
you can book a telephone consultation with
me? I’d love to advise you while hearing your
voice – you’ll be surprised how much that can
tell me!
Enjoy the new features in eBaby in 2015
– there’s Family forum, a funky Calendar
catch-up, reviews and prizes in Hot for tots,
and an ‘Ask Sister Lilian’ page!
Cheers to a great new year!
PLENTY OF PRIZES!
In this issue you can win one of two books,
a DVD and an app (page 33), and a Baby City
voucher worth R500 (page 34).
Congratulations to the November–December 2014
eBaby winners...
• Jeff and George and the Totem Pole –
Matutu Mthembu
• Ouma Ruby Se Geheim –
Mireille Coetzer Cornelissen
• The Name of the Tree is Bojabi –
Jacqueline Carlo-Krams
ISSUE 11 • JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2015
Log on
3
Outbox – Sister Lilian says 2015
has a good ring about it
3 Prize winners
4ChatZone
5 Ask Sister Lilian
eXpecting
6
8
Make a little love
Beat pregnancy fatigue with
these 5 energy boosters
9 Baby in the belly – a stunning story
10 7 Warning signs in pregnancy
Delivered
11 To induce or not to induce?
12 “Do you allow rooming-in?” That is the question!
13 Leanne’s Genesis Clinic birth experience
Baby bytes
14 1...2...3... or more – multiple parenting tips
15Nursery-maker
16 What Mom eats, Baby eats
16 What is a let-down reflex?
17 Shaken baby syndrome summarised
Toddler eQ
19 School time!
20 Bye-bye bottles!
21 Eye spy... When to take
your child for an eye test
Family forum
NEW!
22 How to build a family-friendly routine
23 Family feast; eating together will come
24 Child’s play – the cornerstone of development
eClinic
25 Mellow yellow – jaundice in newborns
27 Hand, foot and mouth disease
28 Toxoplasmosis explained
eMenu
Publisher: Sister Lilian Centre
Editor and author: Sister Lilian
Content editor and writer: Monique Hurlin
Sales: Gillian Richards
Design: Ronel Bosch, Ultra Design
Tel: +27 (0)12 809 3342
Email: [email protected]
While copyright exists on all editorial content, eBaby is free to all
registered Sister Lilian Centre members, 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 midwife.
29 Drink up – refreshing rooibos beverage ideas
30 Kitchen cookies – eggplants,
balsamic and cloves
31Prawns3ways
Rel@x
NEW
!
32 Calendar catch-up
Super stuff to win!
33 Hot for tots
34 eGallery – reader photos
January–February 2015 l eBaby 3
Log on
CHAT
ZONE
1
We asked you what your little
one’s bedtime was. These were
the results:
9pm+
24,2%
6–7pm
14%
8–9pm
31,1%
2
7–8pm
30,7%
Most of you were highly
unhappy with South African
maternity and paternity leave
laws. Here’s what you had
to say:
Four months is too short. That means babies
are going to crèche at three or four months,
and most mothers are still breastfeeding their
babies at that age. Wendy
I think six months paid maternity leave with the
option of an additional six months unpaid leave
would be awesome. Farzana
[Longer maternity leave] is not realistic for
a developing country like South Africa.
Companies would start employing men and
older women, and women of childbearing age
would suffer. Yolisa
My husband only had three days, but because
I had a C-section and was bedridden for two
weeks, I had no one to help me. Jerri
SA gives everyone, including criminals, all kinds
of rights, but the parents of a new child seem
to have been neglected. Maternity leave
should be longer, and fathers should get
at least a month of paternity leave. Stuart
4 eBaby l January–February 2015
Find out what
other readers are
saying, and see the
results of our interesting
Facebook polls… Don’t
forget to make your
voice heard too!
If you’d like to make you
r voice heard, send
an email to monique@
sisterlilian.co.za.
3
You shared your top parenting
moments of the week. These
were some of our favourites...
My 17-month-old little girl said ‘Wuv you’,
for the first time. Amber
Seeing him smile while asleep; it’s so
heartwarming. Khensani
Holding my adorable six-month-old boy and
dancing around the room while singing, and he
was laughing and squealing in time (sort of) to
the music. Karin
Waking up with both kids in our bed... I know
it won’t last long! Hannelie
When my seven-month-old gave me his first
gummy slobbery kiss on my face. Shaista
My three-year-old lovingly telling her dad he
is her hero! Anneri
My handsome baby smiled for the first time,
and hasn’t stopped smiling since! Refilwe
4
You know you’re
a mom when...
...you enter a clothing shop, and all you can
think of is your child, even though you only have
one pair of shoes. Nosipiwo
...your baby gags and you have your hand ready
to catch the vomit! Tari
...all you want is some alone time, but you miss
the kids as soon as you get it! Melanie
...your phone doesn’t have any more space for
new photos of your little one! Hildegard
...you understand all the words your two-year-old
says, and no one else does. Karin
...you find yourself swaying from side to side,
even with no baby in hand. Zaytoon-Nisa
...you watch your baby while she’s asleep, and
you forget you need to sleep too. Maphuti
...you can’t wait to see the smile on your child’s
face after a long and hectic day. Joeleene
Log on
Baby City makes it possible for
you to ask for Sister Lilian’s
pregnancy and parenting advice.
SISTER LILIAN
Q
My three-year-old son loves bathing,
but it’s a nightmare to get him out; he
won’t even climb out after I’ve drained
the water. The only way to get him out is to tell
him a spider is coming, but I don’t want him to
develop a fear of spiders. Do you have any other
recommendations?
A
He’s doing what all self-respecting three
year olds do – loving bath time! At three
years, it’s quite okay for you to drain the
water as you’re doing and leave the bathroom – but
keep a wary ear and eye on him, without letting him
know you’re doing so. He’ll soon tire of being alone.
You could also plan a special playtime for straight
after his bath, so that he has something to look
forward to. Whatever you do, stop the spider threat!
It’s not true, it may instil fear and he isn’t learning
anything good from it. I understand your frustration,
but before you know it, this normal phase will
be over.
Just l ving bath time!
Q
A
Our little one was born with baby
acne; he is now 15 months and it’s still
not better. I’ve been told to put him on
cortisone, but I know the side-effects, and don’t
think I’m prepared to do that. Please help!
I’m with you on this one – especially
because there is a healthy alternative to
cortisone; you simply have to address
dietary issues! Remember, what goes in must come
out – the skin is an excretory organ, and often
reflects an unhealthy diet. Reduce or avoid refined,
processed, additive-rich foods (‘fast’ or ‘junk’
foods). Dairy and grain products and processed
meats are common triggers too, so give Baby more
fruit and veg, and go slow on viennas, cheese,
‘fruit’ yoghurt, bread, pasta and baked goods. Give
Baby Calendula tablets and apply a light layer of
calendula cream to itchy or inflamed areas.
Q
A
I’ve been experiencing flu-like
symptoms since falling pregnant.
Are there any supplements I can
take to build my immune system?
What seems like flu in pregnancy is often
caused by puffy membranes. Your body
has far more blood and tissue fluid during
pregnancy, which will be particularly noticeable
in an area like the nose, where it will affect free
breathing. Giving birth will cure this, but you can
take the tissue salts Nat mur and Nat sulph to help
too. Sometimes, expectant moms eat more comfort
foods, which may trigger sinus congestion, or your
pregnancy supplement could cause this, and you
may need to change brands. If it really is flu, use the
homeopathic remedies ImmunoCare and MucoCare
for rapid, safe relief.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 5
eXpecting
Make
a little l ve...
Your pregnancy shouldn’t
affect your love life!
I
f you have a normal, healthy pregnancy,
it’s completely safe for you to make love.
Here are five perspectives for you to consider:
1
IT MIGHT PHYSICALLY
FEEL DIFFERENT
During pregnancy, you’ll have increased blood flow
to your pelvic region, which means you’ll experience
heightened sensation in your genital area... this
generally means more pleasure. On the other
hand, this sensation may even feel a little painful
for a few women. Your breasts may be very tender
too, but generally, the more caring and tender
your relationship is, the better the experience of
lovemaking during pregnancy will be – because if
you’re unhappy or anxious, you could experience
inadequate lubrication and pain. Relax, enjoy
the hormonal high and you might just find that
lovemaking has never been better!
2
YOU MAY NOTICE
A CHANGE IN LIBIDO
This could go either way – you may notice that you
have a greatly increased desire to make love, or sex
may become the last thing you feel like. There are
a lot of factors involved in this, including:
Pregnancy symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, aches
and pains, swollen limbs, heartburn... None of
these really generate passion, do they?
Shyness about your changing body: Most
men find a woman’s changing shape delightful
and interesting, so try not to worry about this.
Anxiety about upcoming motherhood:
This can usually be overcome with open
communication and goodwill.
Remember, there is more to intimacy than just sex –
cuddling, talking, kissing and even going on
a date night can all go a long way to ensuring
a little pregnancy passion!
6 eBaby l January–February 2015
3
YOUR PARTNER MAY HAVE
RESERVATIONS ABOUT SEX
4
YOU MAY NEED TO
EXPERIMENT A BIT
5
WHEN TO CALL
YOUR DOCTOR
Many men think that lovemaking during pregnancy
will hurt the baby. Others feel embarrassed, almost
as if Baby is watching them! Men generally
don’t talk about these fears, so take the initiative
and let him know you’re keen to make love and
that it’s fine to do so. It really is, if you’ve been
given the all-clear.
Most couples will need to find positions other
than man-on-top, because as your belly swells, it
may become too uncomfortable, and your partner
should avoid pressing too hard on your belly. This
could be a fun way to spark up your relationship!
If you bleed after intercourse, it could be because
of a raw patch in the vaginal wall, low progesterone
levels, or a low-lying placenta. Either way, tell your
doctor or midwife, who will determine whether
it’s safe for you to make love for the rest of your
pregnancy. You should also tell your doctor if you
notice an abnormal vaginal discharge, a change
in Baby’s movements or pain in your womb, or if
you feel unwell.
Add predictability to your life,
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with the Similac Mom
Baby Journal App
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ABBOTT Nutrition Support Line 0861 22 68 87
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Tel: (011) 858 2000. Fax: (011) 858 2041. ZANANI 140066. August 2014.
eXpecting
Beat pregnancy fatigue
5 energy boosters to help you
I
t’s quite common to be extremely tired in
pregnancy. Remember, your body is a 24-hour
factory with only one person working all the shifts,
so some tiredness is to be expected! If you’re
worried, ask your doctor to test you for low blood
pressure and anaemia. Tiredness mostly improves
in the second trimester, but by the third trimester,
fatigue might well increase again from carrying the
extra weight.
5 WAYS
TO UP YOUR ENERGY
1
A diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and lightly
steamed veggies is essential. Drink plenty
of water, as dehydration can cause fatigue.
Grab almonds, bananas, fresh berries or
a cup of refreshing herbal tea if you’re in
need of a quick boost.
2
You may need to try a few different pregnancy
supplements before finding one that agrees
with your system, but taking a supplement could
help improve energy levels by topping up those
nutrients you haven’t taken in from your food.
3
Sleep disturbances can contribute to tiredness.
Take mini-breaks, go to bed early as premidnight sleep will help you feel more rested, and
take Rescue Rest to help induce safe, restful sleep.
4
Regular exercise can help improve energy
levels; choose something you enjoy such as
dancing, swimming or yoga. The more stamina you
develop and the more toned your body is, the easier
you will cope with the extra physical and emotional
strain of pregnancy. You will look and feel good,
radiant and energetic.
5
Go for a walk outside each day; sunlight and
fresh air will do wonders for your energy levels!
If possible, visit a park or nature-rich area. Sunlight
not only helps your skin manufacture vitamin D,
but the ‘happiness hormone’ serotonin is released
in greater abundance. That’s a natural energy and
mood enhancer, if ever there was one!
More energy-boosting tips
Drink cool beverages
Wipe your face with a refreshing
cool cloth
When cooking, use cooling herbs
like mint if you feel all hot and
uncomfortable, or if you feel cold
and lethargic, use warming spices
like cinnamon and ginger
8 eBaby l January–February 2015
Baby
eXpecting
Ever wondered what’s happening to your baby
as you go through every step of your pregnancy?
in the belly
The stunning story
F
or a detailed account of each week in
pregnancy, go to www.sisterlilian.co.za. There,
you can track your pregnancy in detail, for free!
Here are some wonderful highlights:
THE FIRST TRIMESTER
In the first month after conception, Baby grows
10,000 times bigger than the original sperm
and egg cells – the fastest rate of human
growth ever!
By around week 4, the cluster of cells has
formed an inner and an outer group; the inner
group will become your little baby, while the
outer group of cells will become the placenta.
By six weeks, you’ll be able to see your baby
with the naked eye, and hear his little 2mm-long
heart beating on an ultrasound.
At week 8, major organs have formed and
have started very basic functioning; Baby is
essentially a complete human being at this
stage, even though he’s only the size of
a small apricot. It’s in this week that Baby’s
eyes, nose and lips start forming.
Fingernails start to form at 11 weeks,
and by the end of your first trimester, all
organs and systems found in a newborn
baby are present.
THE SECOND TRIMESTER
At the end of the 14th week, Baby will have
his own unique set of fingerprints, while his
footprints will form in week 15! Baby will also
start to respond to any bright lights you shine on
your belly.
By week 16, an ultrasound scan may show if
Baby is a boy or girl, and in just two weeks’ time,
you’ll be able to detect your baby’s sleep and
wake patterns.
By week 20, Baby will be able to hear your
heartbeat, breathing and even your tummy
grumbling; he may even move at the sound of
your voice! It’s common to start feeling these
movements at about 22 weeks, although
some women do feel them earlier.
At the end of your sixth month, Baby
will blink when he’s startled by loud noises.
By the end of the third trimester, at week 28,
Baby will be able to detect different scents,
and can distinguish between sweet and
sour tastes.
THE THIRD TRIMESTER
At the start of your third trimester, Baby weighs
about 1,2kg.
By week 32, fat layers start accumulating
underneath Baby’s skin, making him cuddly
for birth.
At week 35, Baby’s brain is still growing
at a rapid pace, and this won’t slow down
anytime soon.
Even during these last few weeks, Baby is still
growing and maturing all the time, and all the
‘finishing touches’ are being done.
From week 37, Baby could arrive at any time,
but unless there’s a medical reason not to, it’s
best to wait for labour to start naturally! Hang
in there Mom, you’ll be cuddling your little one
before you know it!
January–February 2015 l eBaby 9
eXpecting
7 Warning signs
in pregnancy
Although most pregnancies go perfectly,
some women do have complications.
Here’s what to watch out for...
I
f you experience any of these seven signs, you
should bring it to the attention to your midwife
or doctor as soon as possible:
1. Bleeding and other abnormal vaginal
discharge. This could be an indication of any
number of possible pregnancy complications,
some more serious than others.
2. Cravings for abnormal substances like soil,
chalk and paint. This is a condition known as
pica, and could indicate a nutritional deficiency.
Resist the urge to eat anything unusual, no
matter how strong the craving becomes!
3. A significant change in your baby’s
movement pattern after week 25. Generally,
you should feel no fewer than 10 periods of
movement from Baby each day.
4. Headaches with nausea and visual
disturbances. This might indicate toxaemia of
pregnancy (or pre-eclampsia), and will need
careful treatment.
5. Burning leg pain. This is different to cramping
in leg muscles, and could be an indication
of an embolism. See your doctor as soon
as possible.
6. Excessive shortness of breath – if it’s more
than you would expect from carrying the extra
pregnancy weight, it might be serious.
7. Exceptional swelling, especially if
accompanied by visual disturbances,
headaches, dizziness and nausea.
5 THINGS THAT WILL NEED
ATTENTION IN PREGNANCY
These may not be life-threatening, but you
should still see a specialist if you experience
any of these five symptoms:
1. Moles that change shape and size,
or catch on your clothing
2. Burning or strong-smelling urine
3. Excessive or very poor weight gain,
especially after week 20
4. Piles (haemorrhoids)
5. Toothache and bleeding gums
Delivered
To induce or
not to induce?
Four good reasons
for you to wait
Many women wish the last few weeks of pregnancy over, so when your
doctor suggests going for induction, you may jump at the opportunity.
Here’s why Sister Lilian urges you to wait.
O
xytocin is a hormone your body releases to
get labour started and keep it progressing
well. If labour is induced at hospital
synthetic, man-made oxytocin is used. This
synthetic oxytocin could either be given to you
vaginally, in tablet form, via a drip, or a combination
of these, and usually within a few minutes, your
contractions will start. Certain medical conditions
make induction necessary, but often, labour is
induced just because a woman goes over her due
date. The procedure is also unfortunately often
over-used ahead of holidays or to suit either the
doctor or the family.
When you go for your first antenatal check, the
doctor will give you an estimated date of delivery
(EDD), based on your last normal menstrual period.
This date coincides quite well with the EDD given
at an early scan done between 12 and 16 weeks.
Research clearly shows that this date is the most
accurate prediction of when your baby will be born.
Despite this, a woman’s due date is often brought
forward as her pregnancy progresses!
CLASSIFYING ‘TERM’ BIRTH
A Baby is said to be born at ‘term’ if labour
starts naturally between 37 and 42 weeks.
This can be further broken down into
these categories:
Early term: 37 weeks – 38 weeks, 6 days
Full term: 39 weeks – 40 weeks, 6 days
Late term: 41 weeks – 41 weeks, 6 days
Post-term: 42 weeks, and beyond
4 REASONS
TO AVOID
INDUCTION
1
DID YOU
KNOW?
The lowest adverse
newborn outcomes are
found when birth takes
place between 39 weeks
and 40 weeks 6 days.
By taking synthetic
oxytocin to induce
labour, you’re interfering
with your body’s ability
to make oxytocin naturally, and Baby will be
robbed of its positive effects too. This could lead to
difficulty breastfeeding or bonding with Baby, and to
behavioural difficulties later on.
Even being born a few days too early could lead
to respiratory complications, neonatal jaundice,
and greater difficulty stabilising temperature and
blood sugar levels.
The labour pains associated with induction are
generally a lot stronger, and you’re more likely to
need strong pain relief. This could cause possible
negative side-effects for Baby, like fetal distress or
suppressed breathing after birth.
Sometimes an induction fails to initiate labour,
which can also cause fetal stress, possibly
leading to a caesarean section or the need for
other interventions.
2
3
4
Instead, Baby and Mom’s condition should be
monitored carefully in the last week or two of
pregnancy, and if all is well, labour should be
allowed to start naturally. It might take patience, but
it will result in an easier birth, a calmer baby and
much less risk to both Mom and Baby.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 11
Delivered
“Do you allow
rooming-in?”
Sister Lilian’s
Essential Antenatal Course
Pregnancy and birth prep
Labour and birth options
You and Baby after birth
Sister Lilian explains why it’s so
important to ask your birthing centre
this one simple question.
Online for your convenience.
Book your course today!
I
n many hospitals, babies are taken to the nursery
after birth, away from their mothers. Some nurses
maintain that this gives the mother an opportunity
to rest at night. Sadly, these babies are often given
formula milk while in the nursery, which makes
it more difficult to breastfeed. Fortunately, an
increasing number of birthing centres now embrace
the concept of rooming-in, which allows Baby to
stay with you throughout your hospital stay.
Research is on your side, so even if you check
nothing else, make sure that you ask about this
policy when you book, and insist that it is adhered
to after the birth.
Why is rooming-in so important?
Sister Lilian’s
ESSENTIAL
ANTENATAL COURSE
Pregnancy
and birth prep
Labour and
birth options
You and Baby
after birth
There are many benefits for moms and babies who
are not seperated after birth, including:
 You’ll settle into a pattern far more easily
because you get to know each other sooner.
 By the time you go home, you’ll handle
Baby easily.
 Because Baby stays with you, she’ll feel safer
and less anxious. Remember, she’s been inside
you all this time, and to suddenly be on her own,
nowhere close to your heartbeat and warm body,
is quite a shock!
 Breastfeeding will be far easier because you’ll
feed Baby whenever she’s hungry, and not
according to a schedule.
What about when I get home?
ONLY
R600
Online for your convenience.
Book your course today!
Keep rooming-in, and even co-sleeping! This way,
everyone will sleep better, and you’ll be building
a secure emotional foundation for your baby.
It’s perfectly safe if you follow these three guidelines:
Don’t use too many blankets so Baby
doesn’t overheat.
Bedding should be pure cotton, and
don’t put any pillows under Baby.
Mom and Dad should never be under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
Delivered
My Genesis Clinic
birth experience
Leanne Parry spoke to us about
welcoming her son into the world...
B
y 39 weeks pregnancy, Luca was still lying
breech, despite the fact that I’d tried every
trick in the book to try get him to turn. Nic
had even whispered at the bottom of my belly in
the hopes that Luca would turn! The gynae was
also concerned about the position of the umbilical
cord, so he scheduled a C-section for the next
day. Genesis Clinic went the extra mile for us and
took the unusual step of making it possible to
have the C-section in their facility, which is usually
reserved for emergencies only. This made the
unexpected turn of events so much easier for
us to handle. Luca John Parry was born at
11:04 on 5 October 2014, a healthy 3,53kg,
and 56cm long.
Excellent quality of care
The midwives who attended to us were excellent
– professional, yet homely. Jeanell cared for Luca
after birth, and she was brilliant. She explained
everything she was doing, and brought Luca to
me so I could see him while I was busy being
stitched up. My son had breathing difficulties, and
spent his first week at a different hospital; I felt so
much sadness when I saw him with all the tubes
and wires. The Genesis Clinic staff were so caring
during this time, and comforted me with hugs and
tea. The care I received at Genesis was beyond
incredible; I can’t thank them enough for the love
they showed.
The magic of nursing
Despite the fact that Luca was put on formula
at the hospital he was admitted to (even though
I was expressing – we later found out they were
throwing my milk out), he latched to my breasts
easily, and I think this helped me deal with him
being in hospital. Breastfeeding came so naturally
to me; I never suffered any pain or problems.
Today, Luca is strong and healthy, and
I couldn’t be happier with my beautiful baby boy.
Some more reviews from moms
who gave birth at Genesis...
The care I received from my midwife, Xoli,
was the best; she was always polite, very
affectionate, very spot-on and full of love.
We had an amazing experience at
Genesis, with the staff being ever ready
to help, and warm and welcoming. Most
importantly, our son was born strong and
healthy, delivered by a woman who was
there for us every step of the way!
To the Genesis family... thank you for your
guidance, expertise, kindness, and just
everything that makes a first-time mum,
a scared mum and a happy mum have
so much unfailing faith in you.
This was the most empowering
experience of my life; I always thought
I wasn’t strong enough to do anything
like this. I am so grateful to everyone
for their support.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 13
Baby bytes
or more!
Expecting and raising
multiples is both
exciting and daunting.
Here are a few of our –
and your – top tips!
T
he most important thing you can
do as a parent of multiples is to
acknowledge each of your children’s
individual personalities and preferences, and to
keep this in mind when you set up a routine. Here
are five more top tips from Sister Lilian:
1. Nursing twins exclusively is possible, but you
should be prepared for it to take more time than
feeding a single baby. Expressing is often more
time consuming than simply feeding each baby
directly. Good positions for feeding twins include
one under each arm, or ‘double decker’ style,
with the twins literally lying on top of each other,
just at a different breast each!
2. Babies often sleep a lot better when they’re
placed together in a cot. It probably reminds
them of their days tightly entwined in the womb!
3. It is vitally important that moms of multiples take
occasional breaks – these don’t have to be long,
but they’re essential!
4. Mostly, it works best for a mom to have help with
household tasks like cleaning, shopping and
cooking, so that she can devote her time to the
babies – don’t be too proud to ask for help!
5. Sleep while you feed! At night, your milk is at its
nutritional best, so recline against one or two
continental pillows and place one baby on
each side of a breastfeeding wraparound
cushion. At first, this might take some practice,
but soon you’ll be able to doze off while your
babies drink!
Top tips from our Facebook fans...
I tried a routine, but it didn’t work for me as my twins
are both unpredictable and different! Now, I just go
with the flow. Maureshia
If one child is sick, make sure to give the other just
as much attention. Jo Anne
Let go of your need for a perfect, clean house,
and create a home for happy kids. Farhaanah
Live in the moment, and try to keep your sense
of humour at all times! Ilse
What really works for me is to remember what is was like
to be a child. Then, you have a better understanding of the
things they do, and how and why they do them. Melissa
14 eBaby l January–February 2015
t, contact the
For additional suppor
sociation on
SA Multiple Birth As
rth.co.za
ebi
ipl
www.samult
Nursery-maker
Baby bytes
How to create the perfect space for your baby
It can be such fun to set up your baby’s nursery,
but there’s more to it than just pretty décor...
B
aby may not spend that much time in the
nursery in the early months, but it’s still
worthwhile creating a beautiful space for
your little one.
Setting the scene
Choosing a colour scheme can be fun, and will
ultimately boil down to personal preference.
However, irritable, distressed babies may respond
to soothing colours; placid, calm babies may enjoy
more enlivening colours. Why not have a neutral
background, and introduce colour in the form of
mobiles and toys?
Sister Lilian’s 5 top tips
1. Position the crib in such a way that your
little one can see out the door. Also, keep
the cot away from direct sunshine, windows,
heaters, lamps, wall decorations and furniture
or drapes that Baby could use to climb out
of the cot.
2. Mobiles are a beautiful addition to a nursery, and
may actually help to soothe Baby.
However, once Baby can push himself onto
his hands and knees, place the mobile out of
Baby’s reach to avoid strangulation accidents.
3. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, and don’t
put a pillow or ‘bumper’ in the cot.
4. Not only are nightlights very cute, but they
can help to comfort Baby, and provide
a gentle light for late-night feeds.
5. The room should be well-ventilated, but try to
keep Baby’s crib away from any draughts.
A word on cot safety
The crib should be painted with a lead-free
product and fitted with a new mattress and linen.
it should also:
 Be deep enough that your growing baby can’t
climb out
 Not have steps, or cut-outs in the headboard or
footboard that could trap your baby’s limbs
 Have a distance between each bar of no
less than 2.5cm and no more than 5cm to
prevent Baby’s head from slipping between
the bars Baby
Sister Lilian’s tips are brought to you by
January–February 2015 l eBaby 15
Baby City was born 23 years ago and there are 27 stores in South Africa. There’s sure to be one near you!
Baby bytes
What Mom eats,
Baby eats
T
here’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’
breastfeeding diet, but there are
some things to take into consideration...
Foods to eat
The healthier you are, the healthier your baby will
be. Eat produce that is as fresh, seasonal, ripe,
unrefined as unprocessed as possible. Get balance
and variety by choosing from different food groups
and colours, on a regular rotational basis. Eat with
all your senses. Also, now is not the time to diet;
breastfeeding is hungry work, so eat smaller meals
more often to keep your energy up. To make sure
you produce enough milk, drink plenty of water too.
Foods to avoid
Allergenic foods like shellfish, dairy, peanuts or
soy may cause problems, so if one of your close
family members has a severe allergy, slowly
introduce these to your diet after birth to see
how Baby reacts.
If you eat too many dairy or grain-based foods,
or too many acidic foods like red meat and
pickles, Baby may have excess mucus or
break out in a rash, milia or baby acne.
Use your intuition – if you notice Baby seems
gassy or fussy after you’ve eaten a particular
food, rather avoid it. However, eaten in
moderation, these foods often give no problems.
Troubleshooting
If Baby cramps or hiccups, you may need more
magnesium-rich foods like bananas, green
Wash
all fruits
and veggies
carefully before
eating them.
vegetables and nuts.
Herbal teas like rooibos and
chamomile tea can also help,
but stick to two or three cups
of fairly weak tea a day. Your iron
supplement might also be causing
Baby to cramp.
If Baby fusses at the breast, he may be reacting
to your bland diet. You may think you need cow’s
milk to make mother’s milk (simply not true), or
that bread will give you energy, but precisely
these foods often cause discomfort in babies.
If Baby never seems satisfied, drink a glass of
water every time you breastfeed, eat smaller
meals more often and don’t schedule-feed.
The Golden Guideline
Your breastfeeding diet should be similar to
your pregnancy diet, if it was healthy; that’s
what your baby grew in and thrived on, even
if it was fairly spicy or full of unusual foods.
Alcohol and breastfeeding
The effects of alcohol on your breastfeeding baby
will be directly linked to how much you drink. Small
amounts of alcohol are probably not a problem,
and may even help you to relax, but if there is any
addictive ‘gene’ in the family, these small amounts
may trigger that gene in Baby. If you do drink,
try not to feed Baby within the next 90 minutes.
Remember, the only proven safe level of alcohol is
none – so, rather safe than sorry, Mom!
WHAT IS A LET-DOWN REFLEX?
Whenever Baby suckles at your breast, the hormones
prolactin and oxytocin are released into your
bloodstream. Prolactin activates the ‘milk-making’
tissues, while oxytocin causes the breasts to release
or ‘let down’ the milk so that Baby can drink. This is
known as the let-down reflex. The let-down reflex may
not work if you’re tense or emotional, so try to relax.
16 eBaby l January–February 2015
To stimulate the let-down reflex, you can:
Cuddle with your baby
Gently massage your breasts
Take a warm bath, or place a warm cloth
on your breasts
Hold an item of Baby’s clothing to your nose
and inhale that special aroma
Baby bytes
Shaken baby
syndrome
summarised
S
haken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a form of
child abuse that occurs when a baby’s brain
or eyes are injured because he was shaken
to such an extent that his brain bounced back and
forth against his skull. SBS usually occurs in babies
younger than two years, but has been seen in
children up to the age of five years.
What are the consequences of SBS?
Nearly all victims of SBS suffer serious health
consequences like blindness and cerebral palsy,
and approximately 25% of babies with SBS will die.
Most infants who survive SBS will require lifelong
medical care.
What are the symptoms of SBS?
Extreme irritability, lethargy and listlessness, poor
feeding, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and pale
or bluish skin are all symptoms of SBS.
How can I prevent SBS?
If you become so stressed that you think you may
hurt your baby, take a deep breath, place Baby
somewhere safe, like in his crib, and leave the room.
If possible, try calling someone you trust to watch
Baby while you calm down. You should invest in
a safe homeopathic remedy like Rescue Emotion,
and should seek professional counselling, or book
a telephone consultation with Sister Lilian. Also,
choose your baby’s caregivers carefully, and if you
suspect someone may be abusing your baby, never
ignore your instincts!
What should
I do if I suspect
my child
has SBS?
Take your child to
a hospital or clinic
immediately.
ng,
that bounci
Rest assured
ging, gently
playful swin
y in the air
ab
‘tossing’ B
with Baby
and jogging
e SBS.
will not caus
Toddler eQ
I
f your toddler is about to start preschool, there are
a number of things you can do to help get him –
and you – ready!
Before school starts
Choose the option with the smallest possible
child to teacher ratio. Preschool children really
do need a lot of personal interaction to develop
well and happily.
Ask to visit the facility for a few hours with your
child before making your final choice. While
there, try to help your little one make a few
friends, so that he has some familiar people on
his first day there alone. Show him some of the
fun toys he’ll get to play with at school too!
Give him an idea of what starting a new school
will be like by reading him children’s books
about this topic.
A homeopathic remedy like Rescue Emotion
could help to ease him into his new routine.
Throughout the school year
A number of different diseases often break out
at preschools, so give your child ImmunoCare
to help support his immune system and ensure
less time off sick.
When you collect your child from daycare,
make sure that you don’t have too many
chores to attend to at home. Play games
with your little one, bath together for a dollop
of extra-special interaction and massage
him for 10 minutes a day for quality
time together. Co-sleeping will also help
tremendously, especially at first, while your
child is still adapting.
If your child cries when you drop him off,
the best thing you can do is to say a loving
goodbye, and then simply leave; the more
fuss you make, the more upset your child will
become. If nothing else seems to be a problem
and the preschool teachers report that your child
is happy soon after you leave, there’s probably
no need to be concerned. Radiate confidence
when you drop him off, and think of his tears
as a compliment to you, Mom – you’re still his
favourite person!
Sometimes eating and sleeping patterns are
disrupted, but these usually settle in time, so try
not to stress.
If your child seems really unhappy, you may
need to reconsider your child care options,
especially if he has a sensitive nature.
School
time
Is your toddler about to go to
preschool for the first time?
Here’s how to ease him into it!
RULE OF
THUMB
Although it isn’t always
practical, most little ones do
best with no more than three
days a week at school from three
years; four days a week from
four years; and five days
a week from five years. Keep
this in mind if your tot
is taking strain.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 19
Toddler eQ
Bye-bye bottles!
Want to wean your tot off his bottle? Here’s how!
M
oms, did you know that suckling is an
emotional need too, and not only a physical
one? This means that although your little
one might be able to drink from a feeding cup or
straw, his need to derive occasional comfort from
sucking from a bottle should not be ignored. If your
toddler only needs a bottle to go to sleep or after an
upset, there’s no need to be concerned. Time will
sort this out.
When is the right time to drop the bottle?
There is no one ‘correct’ age to wean a toddler off
a bottle or a dummy; instead, your child’s overall
needs should be evaluated first. Some baby cups
can replace bottles, while others make transitioning
from the breast much easier.
Generally speaking, make a sippy cup available
to your child from about 10 months or a year, simply
as a way for him to get to know the sippy cup, with
no pressure to drink from it. This way, the sippy cup
may soon become your child’s preferred utensil,
or you can at least offer it in situations where you
would prefer that he didn’t drink from a bottle.
How do I get my toddler to drink
from a sippy cup?
Playfully! If your toddler’s emotional needs are
being met, start dropping one bottle per day
each week, from 18 months, until he’s completely
weaned. Give him plenty
of love and cuddles in
this time. Some cups
can be used from
as early as five
months, although
Baby’s need
to suckle must
still be heeded!
Don’t throw away
all the bottles and
accessories just yet,
as you may need
them when your
little one is ill,
but keep them
out of his
sight!
A Pigeon Mag Mag cup for
every stage of development
From three months, the Mag Mag Nipple Cup helps Baby
maintain his natural suckling reflex action and can be used in
combination with breastfeeding. The Mag Mag Spout Cup,
which is suitable from five months, has a cross-cut spout to
enable Baby to control the amount of liquid he takes in.
There’s no valve to activate, so Baby can wean easily
without having to suck any harder than on
the breast – great news for Moms returning
to work! It’s also leakproof when not in use.
From eight months, the Mag Mag Straw Cup
offers Baby:
A perfectly soft straw for Baby’s
sensitive mouth
Support with learning how to suck,
encouraging Baby to drink independently
A leakproof straw
For more information, call 011 393 1328
or email [email protected]
20 eBaby l January–February 2015
Toddler eQ
SPECIALIST LAUNDRY DRYER
DRY LAUNDRY FASTER
Spin power leaves fabrics almost
dry in just 3 minutes
SAVE ELECTRICITY
Uses 100 times less electricity than
tumble drying
EYE SPY...
I
t’s important to look after your child’s vision from
Day 1; early detection will make any eye problems
far easier to treat. Your family doctor should
examine your baby’s eyes at each of her check-ups;
at this early stage, the doctor will look at the back
of Baby’s eyes to see if there are any abnormalities
that should be addressed. There’s no need to take
your baby to an optometrist or ophthalmologist
unless your doctor recommends it. However, if you
think something may be wrong, don’t hesitate to
have it checked out.
Once your child is a bit older, you may want to
take her for regular vision tests, particularly if anyone
in your immediate family has eyesight difficulties.
Important times to take your child for an eye test
are just before she starts preschool, again just
before going to grade 1, and then every two
years throughout her school years.
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S SKIN
Removes residual detergents that can
irritate sensitive skin
Make laundry day simple.
With Spindel.
Warning signs of vision difficulty
Your child may have poor eyesight if he:
Holds books very close when reading,
or sits very close to the TV
Squints or blinks regularly
Avoids either near-vision activities like colouring,
or far-vision activities, like playing catch
Regularly has headaches at the end of the day
Seems cross-eyed or squint, or has
a droopy eyelid that never fully opens
Regularly has red eyes
Also, if you notice any unusual change to
your child’s eyes, take her to see a doctor.
Spindel is a specialist laundry dryer that uses spin
power instead of heat to reduce drying times and
energy costs, while also preserving fabrics and
protecting your family’s skin from residual detergents.
Visit www.spindel.co.za or call 0860 555 135 to find
out more.
Family forum
How to build
a family-friendly routine
Tips for building a routine that will suit Baby and you!
A
lthough parenting should be made as easy
as possible, your children should never be
harmed... And sometimes, routines can
do just that. The best way to build a routine for
the whole family is to take each family member’s
individual nature into account; some adults (and
babies) are morning people while others are night
owls, some must eat at very regular times and others
can forget all about meals. These tips will help you
to build a routine that suits the whole family...
TIPS WITH A BABY
Watch Baby carefully in the first few weeks of life
and build a routine around his patterns, rather
than following the prescribed routine handed
out by so many midwives, clinics or doctors.
This goes for feeding too; feed Baby when he’s
hungry, and not according to a schedule.
Never wake a sleeping baby at night unless
there are serious health problems or weight
gain is very bad. Babies have a ‘core sleep’,
usually pre-midnight, and a full night’s sleep
gradually ‘grows’ from this core sleep. For more
information on solving sleep challenges, why
not buy Sister Lilian’s Baby and Toddler
Sleep Guide for only R80?
Late afternoon and early evenings are
notoriously difficult times in a household with
a baby. Keep Baby busy at this hour; go for
walks, play games, give short but frequent feeds
or dance with Baby in your arms. Minimise the
household tasks by preparing the evening meal
earlier in the day, and save deeper conversations
22 eBaby l January–February 2015
with your partner for later in the evening or in the
early morning hours, when Baby usually has an
‘extra’ little sleep.
Baby will pick up on your emotions very easily,
and if you’re anxious, uncertain or unhappy,
Baby will be more difficult to settle. Keep
a bottle of homeopathic Rescue Emotion
tablets on hand at all times, as this will
safely help you and Baby to adjust.
TIPS WITH A TODDLER
If your mornings seem frantic with a toddler,
set the alarm for a little bit earlier, and do what
needs to be done before your tot wakes up.
Keep your sense of humour, and remember that
inefficiency is a good parenting tool – household
chores can often wait; rather spend time with
your little one. After all, they are small for such
a short time!
Stay flexible within your routine; life with
a toddler can be unpredictable, so embrace
this without allowing your routine to be thrown
totally off course.
RULES WERE MADE TO BE BROKEN
Babies and toddlers will always try to kick
against the limits imposed upon them. This is
how they learn, and it doesn’t mean your rules
are wrong. If you’ve taken heed of your child’s
rhythms when making your rules, be quietly
confident and little ones will soon pick up on
the benefits of your routine.
Family forum
FAMILY
I
feast
n today’s frantic lifestyle, it’s all too easy to lose
touch with the people who mean the most to us
– our family. And yet, one simple way of resolving
this is to eat at least one meal a day together, sitting
around a table, and not in front of the TV. In fact,
research shows that children who eat with their
family at a dinner table at least five times a week
are less likely to develop an eating disorder or an
alcohol or drug abuse problem, and are more likely
to perform better academically.
What’s more is that by eating together, your
children can learn:
 Healthy eating habits
 Good table manners and social etiquette
 Conversation and listening skills, while
building their vocabulary
Sister Lilian’s 7 helpful hints
1
The short attention span of a toddler under three
years can make it an uphill battle to get her
to stay at the table for a lengthy meal. Start eating
together, and if she gets restless, allow her to leave
the table and play close by. The rest of the family
should finish eating together – this good example
will soon rub off.
2
3
4
Ask your little one to help with meal preparation
and she may well sit happily at the table.
Ask her to pick a small bunch of flowers for
the centrepiece.
Play fun, age-appropriate games, like ‘Guess
the ingredients’, to keep her interested enough
to stay at the table.
5
Create a mealtime ceremony by setting a pretty
table and lighting candles that she can blow out
at the end of the meal.
ONLY
R250
WHY NOT TALK TO
SISTER LILIAN?
Book a telephone consultation
with Sister Lilian and
know that you will have
a sympathetic ear and
solutions that work.
Look no further for pregnancy,
birth, parenting and health
advice for your family!
6
At each meal, cultivate a sense of gratitude –
for the food and the good things the day had
to offer.
7
Play music, just so long as it’s soft enough
to allow for easy conversation.
Book and arrange it on
www.sisterlilian.co.za
Family forum
Child’s play
Play is the cornerstone of a child’s
development, says Sister Lilian.
H
ow often do children play these days? I mean, really
play? Children should dream up their own games,
let their imaginations take them to distant worlds,
and invent solutions to the problems they encounter in their
child-world. Play should be creative, spontaneous and full of
discovery, yet it often seems that modern toys are so glossy
and smooth, that they leave very little scope for imagination.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all toys are bad – quite
the contrary! Toys that have been developed with a child’s
milestone attainment, imagination and problem-solving
skills in mind can be absolutely wonderful!
5 Benefits of play for children:
1. Play helps a child’s brain to develop. Children learn to
think, remember and solve problems during play, and in
so doing, learn about the world. They also interact with
and explore their environment.
2. Both speech and listening skills are developed, which
leads to an improvement in language use, vocabulary
and communication.
3. It’s an important part of self-expression, as children often
express their experiences and thoughts while playing.
They also learn how to cope with intense feelings such
as sadness or anger.
4. When children play together, it teaches them social skills
such as sharing, patience, kindness and negotiation.
Children learn to respect others’ thoughts and
feelings; role-play in particular teaches
children to consider other people’s
viewpoints and opinions.
5. Often, play can be quite physical,
leading to more active and healthier children.
What more could a mom want?
In each issue of
eBaby in 2015 there will
be articles to support your little
one’s development.
Don’t miss it!
24 eBaby l January–February 2015
Mysmartkid uses play
as a learning tool
Mysmartkid has developed
a programme that offers
a selection of toys and educational
tools suited to your child’s age
and stage of development. The
programme is supported by
helpful advice and practical
know-how from leading experts:
Mysmartkid offers all the toys,
tools, guidance and advice you
need to ensure your little one
reaches vital developmental
milestones through play.
Join the Mysmartkid programme
today, and your child will
receive a Smartbox every two
months for only R295 per box.
Each Smartbox offers a variety
of age-appropriate, easy-touse educational tools, toys
and products, together with
a newsletter that’s jam-packed
with information and advice.
Each new member receives
two FREE welcome gifts;
a Mysmartkid kiddies backpack
(worth R175) plus an exclusive
Early Childhood Development
handbook for parents.
The programme is also
available in Afrikaans
as Myslimkind.
For more information, go to
www.mysmartkid.com
or call 0861 555 224.
eClinic
Mellow
yellow
Jaundice in a newborn baby is mostly nothing to worry about,
and is not caused by you eating oranges, butternut and carrots!
A
fter birth, most newborns have more red
blood cells than they need, and their
still-new liver has to break these down. One
of the breakdown products of red blood cells is
a yellow pigment called bilirubin. This bilirubin is
responsible for so-called ‘normal’ jaundice, or
physiological jaundice.
Physiological jaundice usually starts from the
second or third day of life. Jaundice within the first
two days of birth is quite rare, and is mostly related
to incompatibility of the Rhesus factor of blood
groups – that’s the ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ part of
your blood group, for example ‘B negative’. This
jaundice has nothing to do with ‘normal’ jaundice,
and will be treated differently.
3 IMPORTANT CONCERNS
ABOUT JAUNDICE – ANSWERED
Can jaundice be prevented?
1
BUSTING GOGO’S MYTH
You’ll notice a yellow tinge to Baby’s skin,
the whites of Baby’s eyes, and when
applying pressure to the tip of Baby’s
nose and then releasing the pressure,
the skin will appear quite yellow.
2
Ask your birth practitioner to wait until Baby’s cord
has stopped pulsating before clamping and cutting
it; this way, Baby’s blood levels will balance just as
Mother Nature intended them to! ‘Normal’ jaundice
is unlikely to occur if this is done. You’ll notice that
your baby’s umbilical cord is far lighter in colour and
less swollen once the total volume of blood between
Baby and placenta is balanced!
It is simply not true that eating any amount
of yellow or orange food during pregnancy
will cause jaundice in Baby. While you
might have an orange tint if you consume
excessive amounts of carrots or carrot juice,
for example, this comes from the beneficial
plant pigment carotene and will not affect
your baby adversely.
HOW CAN I TELL IF
BABY HAS JAUNDICE?
Breastfeeding Baby frequently will help to
‘wash out’ the bilirubin, so don’t restrict feeds.
For mild jaundice, expose Baby’s body to
non-midday sunlight twice a day, for five
minutes at a time (take care to protect Baby’s
eyes). Alternatively, the clinic may want to use
phototherapy to treat more severe jaundice.
This can also be done at home under the
supervision of a midwife.
3
HOW IS JAUNDICE TREATED
IN THE HOSPITAL?
IS JAUNDICE DANGEROUS
FOR MY BABY?
Research indicates that high levels of
bilirubin are not as dangerous as previously
thought, but blood levels will be monitored
and treatment started if needed. Baby may
become tired easily, so he might need to be
woken for feeds.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 25
Hand, foot and
mouth disease
eClinic
What to do about this daycare dilemma
You may have heard that hand, foot
and mouth disease occasionally breaks
out at daycare centres. Here’s how
to recognise it, and how to help
your little one...
H
and, foot and mouth disease is an infection
caused by the Coxsackievirus A and
Enterovirus 71, which are found in the
intestines. It spreads through contact with bodily
fluids like saliva and mucus. Although there are
a wide range of symptoms, infection is mostly not
serious. This is how the disease progresses:
At first, your child may seem unwell with a sore
throat, tiredness and irritability.
Symptoms then progress to a mild fever and
blisters that may turn into ulcers form on the
inside of the mouth. This will make it difficult
and painful for your child to eat.
Your child may experience headaches and
vomiting.
After a day or two, blisters will develop on your
child’s hands and feet, and possibly on his
buttocks. These usually aren’t itchy or painful,
and, along with the fever, will disappear after
three or four days.
Your child may also develop a non-itchy rash,
or she may have diarrhoea.
Although the disease will be done in a few days,
symptoms can bother your child for up to four
weeks, especially if she gets blisters in her mouth.
How you can help
There is no real medical treatment other than to
help your little one deal with the symptoms. For
example, if the blisters are hurting her, you can give
her a small dose of paracetamol. Very occasionally,
secondary complications occur, so if your child
doesn’t seem to improve within a week, take her
to the doctor.
Other tips that will help:
Homeopathic remedies that support the immune
system can help make sure the outbreak is
contained, and will help to prevent and treat any
ulcers in the mouth.
The tissue salt remedies Nat mur and Ferrum
phos will help treat the blisters and any burning
inflammation in the mouth.
Apply a homeopathic healing ointment like
calendula cream to the hand and foot blisters if
they seem to bother your child.
Don’t insist that your child must eat solids, as
this condition makes it painful to do so. Rather
give her thin but nutritious soups, and keep up
her beverage intake (nothing too acidic though).
THERE’S GOOD NEWS
AND THERE’S BAD NEWS
The bad news is that hand, foot and mouth
disease is highly contagious and occurs
in epidemics, mostly in the summer and
warm autumn months. The good news is
that once you’ve had it, you’ve usually got
lifelong immunity.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 27
eClinic
Toxo...
what???
Did you know that interacting
with your pet cat could give you an
infection known as toxoplasmosis?
But there’s no reason to get
rid of Kitty just yet...
T
oxoplasmosis is an infection caused by
a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This
parasite is found in many birds and mammals,
but is usually passed on to humans if they touch
an infected cat’s faeces, especially if the litterbox
isn’t cleaned regularly. If cats have used pot plants
or flower beds as a litter, it can also be contracted
when gardening. Children’s sandboxes are
often contaminated too. Biltong from unhygienic
sources is also a possible route of infection, as is
unpasteurised cow and goat’s milk.
What are the symptoms?
If you contract toxoplasmosis, you may have a few
flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, fatigue,
fever and muscle aches. However, many people
don’t have any symptoms at all – in fact, most
people who get toxoplasmosis don’t even know
they have it!
What are the risks of
infection in pregnancy?
Toxoplasmosis could be quite serious if it’s
contracted during pregnancy; it could pass
through the expectant mom’s placenta to her
baby. Risks of infection increase with each passing
trimester, although the effects are most severe in
the first trimester, while Baby is still being formed.
28 eBaby l January–February 2015
If you’re
hygienic and
your pets are
healthy, it’s unlikely
that you’ll contract
toxoplasmosis from
interacting with
your pets.
Toxoplasmosis could
cause baby to have
jaundice, convulsions,
malformations
and reduced mental
development, but if you do
get toxoplasmosis, your doctor will prescribe
medication you can take to prevent this from
happening. Only about 10% of infected babies
will have any symptoms.
PREVENTING TOXOPLASMOSIS
Ask someone else to change the
cat’s litterbox if you are pregnant.
Wear thick gloves when gardening.
Ensure that sandpits are always
closed when not in use, and change
the sand if a cat has used it as
a litterbox.
Wash all fruit and vegetables
thoroughly.
Don’t eat undercooked meat.
Wash your hands after touching
pets and working with raw meat.
eMenu
Drink up!
Here are some refreshing beverage ideas for your thirsty tot...
5 HEALTHY DRINKS
YOUR LITTLE ONE WILL LOVE!
1. Breast milk: This is nature’s perfect
beverage; you won’t find a healthier drink
for your tot!
2.Water: This is the next best thing after
breast milk. Ideally, your child should be
happy to drink water on its own, but to
make it seem more appealing, add some
chopped up fruit to the water. Cucumber,
lemon and strawberries all work well.
3. Rooibos tea: This really is one of South
Africa’s gems, and is free from caffeine
and tannins. Just don’t add any milk or
sugar to the tea!
4. Fruit juice: In general, children should
be taught that fruit is eaten, but every now
and then, a glass of freshly-pressed juice
is simply delicious. Dilute with water if
Baby is still very young.
5. Plant-based milks such as almond
or coconut milk are very tasty and pose
fewer problems than
cow’s milk, but these
Babies
options should
younger than
six months only
only be used as
need milk – it’s
occasional treats,
food and water
and should not
all wrapped up
contain any
into one!
added sugar.
3 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ROOIBOS
1. The rooibos tea plant is only indigenous to
the Cederberg mountainous region in the
Western Cape.
2. The beautiful amber colour of rooibos occurs
naturally, from when the green leaves turn russet
red after being left to dry in the sun after harvest.
3. Rooibos is jam-packed with antioxidants, which
form an important part of overall health and
wellbeing. It also contains vital trace minerals.
3 OTHER IDEAS WITH ROOIBOS
1. Make your own refreshing ice tea to drink on
a hot summer’s day! Blend the flesh of a large, ripe
pineapple. Spoon out a few granadillas and add to
the pineapple juice. Add a cooled pot of Freshpak
Baby Rooibos, stir well and enjoy chilled.
2. Make your own decadent rooibos and lemon ice
cream. Place a rooibos teabag in 50ml of cream.
Add two teaspoons of boiling water and leave for
an hour. Allow a two-litre tub of good-quality vanilla
ice-cream to soften completely. Squeeze the juice
of two lemons into the ice cream, and add the
rooibos cream. Beat for a few minutes, return
to the container and freeze.
3. Make your own rooibos ice lollies; perfect for
teething babies and tots who would like a treat.
Why not use flavoured rooibos tea to make these?
Simply delish!
For tasty, healthy rooibos for your baby or toddler, look no further than
Freshpak! These delicious teas are:
Naturally caffeine-free
Suitable for kids and adults (Baby organic, Junior Range and Adult)
Grown in the clean mountain air of the Cederberg Mountains
Naturally polyphenol-rich (a beneficial antioxidant)
Suitable for diabetics
Naturally preservative free
Freshpak rooibos tea is
available at your local retailer.
For more information visit
www.freshpak.co.za or visit our
Facebook page: Freshpak Rooibos Tea.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 29
eMenu
3 Ways with eggplants
B
rinjals, aubergines or eggplants are a fantastic
source of dietary fibre, copper, vitamin B1, B6
and B3, manganese and vitamin K. They’re
also rich in phytonutrients and other compounds
that have amazing antioxidant properties. These
veggies are quite versatile, and can be baked,
roasted, sautéed or steamed. If you’re baking them
whole, remember to pierce the skin beforehand, so
that the steam can escape. Here are a few serving
suggestions:
1. Make a delicious dip known as babaganoush
by grilling three aubergines for about 15 minutes
(until the skin seems charred). Scoop out the
flesh, and mix well with three crushed garlic
cloves, the juice of one lemon, two teaspoons of
tahini and a dash of olive oil.
2. To make brinjal chips, thinly slice the eggplants
lengthways, drizzle with olive oil, add spices
Basically balsamic
T
rue balsamic vinegar is an
artisan product made in
Modena, Italy. It’s made
by simmering grape juice until it
forms a concentrate, allowing this
concentrate to ferment, then aging
the fermented grape concentrate
for at least 12 years, sometimes
up to 100 years. Because of
this, true balsamic vinegar
is often very expensive.
The cheaper ‘balsamics’
found in grocery stores are
actually imitations, and are
made by adding colouring
and caramel flavouring to
wine vinegar. However, a
little balsamic vinegar goes
a long way, so if you can,
rather invest in a bottle of the
authentic kind. You’ll know
it’s the real deal if it says
somewhere on the label that
it’s made in Modena.
Beware of
30 eBaby l January–February 2015
of your choice (salt, paprika, garlic flakes and
pepper work well) and bake for five to 10 minutes
at 200°C, or until crisp.
3. Aubergines are great for stuffing; experiment
with combinations of your choice, or try goat’s
cheese, bacon and dates.
Clued up
about cloves
H
imitations!
ow often do you use cloves in your cooking?
This aromatic spice is not only useful in the
kitchen! One of the main medicinal uses of
cloves derives from the fact that they have mild
anaesthetic and anti-bacterial components, which
is why you may be advised to place a whole clove
on a sore tooth, and often find clove oil in throat
sprays or mouth washes. Cloves may also help
to ease indigestion or constipation. They’re very
high in manganese, which is essential for skin
health, and are
a good source
of vitamin K,
fibre, iron,
magnesium and
calcium. Whole
cloves will last
longer and keep
their flavour better
than ground cloves.
eMenu
COOK’S
NOTES
• Prawns can be eaten
hot or cold but the sooner
after prep, the better.
• When cleaning, take extreme
care to remove the intestinal
tract that runs down the back of
the prawn. Use a sharp knife
to make an incision along
the back and remove the
black ‘vein’ that’s
revealed.
Prawns3ways
Photo and recipe: ALAN PARAMOR
Melt his or her heart in the month
of l ve with these ultimate treats!
If you enjoy this delicious crustacean from the
sea, these three simple prawn recipes will make
a delicious starter or snack for any occasion.
You’ll need 12–15 queen prawns, cleaned and
shelled, (leave tail on) to serve 2–3 people as
a starter.
1. Beer-battered prawns
Add approximately 75–100ml of beer to two
heaped tbsp of plain flour. Add sea salt and
freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix
thoroughly into a smooth batter. Leave to stand
for about 30 minutes in a cool place.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 180°C, hold prawns by
the tail and dip them into the batter before gently
placing into the oil.
Remove and place on a paper towel when the
tail has turned pink and the batter is light brown.
This will only take about 25 seconds.
2. Crumbed prawns
Cut-off the crusts from three slices of white
bread and place the rest in a food processor.
Add a tsp of fresh lemon thyme and a tsp of
oregano, or ½ a tsp of dried, mixed herbs.
Blitz until bread crumbs are light and fluffy.
Beat one free-range egg in a small bowl,
adding sea salt and freshly ground black
pepper to taste.
Dip each prawn into the egg, and then roll
in the breadcrumbs before placing into
a deep fryer at 180°C.
Remove and place on a paper towel when
the tails have turned pink and the batter
is light brown.
3. Butterflied garlic,
chili and ginger prawns
Place 25g of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil
into a frying pan. Heat gently and add one
knob of fresh julienned ginger, two cloves of
finely chopped garlic and one finely chopped
deseeded chili.
Allow the ingredients to sweat in the pan
for about five minutes over a low heat,
stirring occasionally.
Carefully run a sharp knife down the back of the
prawns to open them up into butterflies. Raise the
heat under the frying pan until the oil and butter
mix starts to foam. Add the prawns and cook for
approximately 30 seconds per side. Place in
a dish and pour over the remaining sauce.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 31
Rel@x
CALENDAR
catch-up
January 2015
M T W T
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
F
2
9
16
23
30
S
3
10
17
24
31
February 2015
S
4
11
18
25
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
(SunSmart)
4 World Braille Day
27 World Leprosy Day
Did you know?
allows
Braille is a system that
write
blind people to read and
s.
using partially-raised dot
that’s
Nearly every language
ille
spoken has its own bra
puter
system; even maths, com
e
science and music hav
a braille system!
32 eBaby l January–February 2015
Each month has a number
of important dates that are
meant to focus attention
on health awareness and
support well-being.
eBaby shares these dates with
you, so why not diarise them?
M T W T F S S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28
Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Month
Reproductive Health Month
Environmental Awareness Month
4
9
10–16 10–16 22 World Cancer Day
International Epilepsy Day
STI / Condom Week
Pregnancy Awareness Week
Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Day
3 Tips for Pregnancy Awareness Week
1. One of the best ways to stay healthy and ensure the best development for your
growing baby is to eat well; include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts,
seeds and legumes in your diet.
2. You’ll only be pregnant a few times in your life, so try to enjoy your pregnancy as
much as possible!
3. Go for antenatal classes fairly early in your pregnancy, so that you get the best
advice possible. If you don’t have time to go to a class, or if there are no classes
in your area, why not download Sister Lilian’s Essential Antenatal Course?
Rel@x
HESE!
READ T
You could win one of these
books! To enter, simply email
[email protected]
with your name, contact
number, postal address
and the title of the book
you would like.
Noko and the
Kool Kats (R145)
By Fiona Moodie
NB Publishers
Marigold and the
Faraway Tree (R100)
By Alison Fast, illustrated
by Wendy Paterson
Random Struik publishers
Inspired by a real faraway tree at the
landmark Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie,
Cape Town, this sweet story tells of
Marigold’s relationship with a wise old
tree, and how she learns that her daily
actions are like seeds she plants. With
beautiful illustrations and an important
life lesson, this book is a must-have!
Noko and his friends all feel like going
to a rock concert in the Big City, but
on their way there, they help the Kool
Kats, a rock band, with their broken
down bus. Looks like the rock concert
is coming to them! Songs, African
animals, friendship and fun combine
to form a fantastic bedtime story!
Available in English and Afrikaans.
Hot for tots
THIS!
WATCH
You could win a copy of Legends of Oz:
Dorothy’s Return! To enter, email
[email protected] with your
name, contact details, postal address,
and ‘Legends of Oz’ in the subject line.
Prices were correct at time of going live
IS!
OAD TH
L
N
W
O
D
Legends of Oz:
Dorothy’s Return
Toddler Puzzles
By Genius Donkeys, available on iStore,
Google Play and Chrome Web Store
Size: 26.69Mb Cost: Free with ads,
or R14.83 without ads
The Wizard of Oz is one of those
timeless classic tales, and in this
movie, Dorothy’s adventures continue
when she’s whisked back to Oz to
try to save Scarecrow, the Lion, the
Tin Man and Glinda from the Jester,
a devious new villain. Watch her
magical journey through the colourful
landscape of Oz as she tries to restore
order and happiness to Emerald City.
Fun and learning combine in this very cute app by Genius
Donkeys. Your toddler will love completing these adorable
puzzles of some of her favourite animals, including pigs,
giraffes, dogs, cats and monkeys, to name a few! All she
has to do is ‘swipe’ the puzzle piece into place, for loads
of educational entertainment!
You could win a free download of this app.
To enter, email [email protected]
with your name, contact details, and
‘Toddler Puzzles’ in the subject line.
January–February 2015 l eBaby 33
Rel@x
eGallery
THE
WINNER
OF THE
BABY CITY
VOUCHER
IS...
Meet some of our eBaby
readers and their
adorable little ones!
Little Mbalenhle Hlongwana’s
remarkable eyes tell a thousand tales!
We reckon 18-month-old
Daniel van Heerden could
charm just about anyone!
34 eBaby l January–February 2015
Want to be in our eGallery?
Send your high resolution
pregnancy or baby photos to
[email protected]
and you could win a Baby
City voucher worth R500!
Snug jacket, toys, colourful
blanky and tummy-time!
What more does eightmonth-old Mills van
Niekerk need?
Chadé Morgan Du Preez
is very clearly having
an absolute ball with
those balloons!
One-year-old Amaru
Jeeva’s toothy grin makes
us all smile!
Mickayla van der Merwe
is loving her first visit
to the beach...
Safe to use in lactating
& pregnant women