tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4865636925817815122024-03-12T18:17:16.315-07:00mom4everAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02472110976104764821noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-76592278931916125592021-10-12T07:39:00.002-07:002021-10-12T07:39:22.149-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIFZjdleBmI8q5yXb893Cybp5dCVWVeG_fdTc2qSbL4_AKfNwMkjuGZXf_4nGgOJZ8T0DvtQs_Rr6FtkFhGoTf6sKdpSdTLOcw6WabCVUY-7iAjpArJMvCC4Y55cHjbNso02C3Kszv8Q/s2048/malawian+mother+with+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIFZjdleBmI8q5yXb893Cybp5dCVWVeG_fdTc2qSbL4_AKfNwMkjuGZXf_4nGgOJZ8T0DvtQs_Rr6FtkFhGoTf6sKdpSdTLOcw6WabCVUY-7iAjpArJMvCC4Y55cHjbNso02C3Kszv8Q/s320/malawian+mother+with+baby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #33cc33; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Daytime
Sleeping Problems</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah’s baby girl will be two
months on the 16<sup>th</sup> October. Her most recent WhatsApp message to me
reads: “The last few days I’ve been a walking zombie since my baby’s sleep
routine is digressing. Sarah is up all day. I’ve tried everything. She naps for
20 minutes, and only when she is on my arm. Today is a good day! She’s been
asleep for about three hours and I’ve taken advantage of this time to get
things done.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t we all do this? Rush around
like crazy women when baby is sleeping?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I don’t know how long Hannah’s baby
is sleeping at night, but if her daytime routine is changing that allows her to sleep
for longer stretches during the night, that’s a good thing. One reason could be
that her body is establishing a diurnal rhythm – in other words synchronising
her day/night time cycle. We are, after all, a diurnal species – meaning that we’re active during the day and sleep at night. (Some babies take a long
time to learn this!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The change from sleeping from feed-to-feed
24/7 in the first few weeks of life, to feeding less and sleeping longer during
the night, feeding more often and sleeping less during the day, is a normal
adaptation. It’s influenced by environment, exposure to sunshine (melatonin)
and personality. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Environment:</span></b>
It’s pretty dark and noisy in the womb where babies first become aware of their
existence. During the first few weeks after birth, the need for food overrides environmental
distractions like light, noise, and discomforts such as a wet or soiled nappy. During
the first six weeks, babies gradually become aware of the difference between
comforts and discomforts. They also learn to communicate how they’re feeling
through body language, facial expressions, grunts, squawks, squeals and crying.
Babies are learning through their senses and after six weeks, become easily
distracted by what they see, hear and perceive with their ‘sixth’ sense – in
other words, they instinctively <i>know</i> when you’re happy, sad or stressed - and behave accordingly! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Melatonin:</span></b>
This hormone is made during the day and is used the night to induce sleep. The
more sunlight we get, the more melatonin the body can store. Melatonin is also
important for hormonal balancing and regulating immunity. Gradually, Hanna’s
baby will sleep less and less during the day till about the age of four when
she will only need a short nap at midday – usually with other children at
nursery school. Playing in the sunshine build’s melatonin reserves and helps to contributes
to a good night’s sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Personality:</span></b><span style="color: #33cc33;"> </span>Every baby has their own unique personality. While
some need more sleep, others are happy with less. How your baby moved in the
womb can be a hint – was your baby quiet or very busy? Personality is stamped
into our DNA and stretches way back to previous generations. While babies don’t
come with a printout of their personality, needs and preferences, parents quickly
learn this by trial and error. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Top
tips: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cultural customs: When visiting Malawi, I watched mothers with their
babies. Women carry their babies in a sling called a <i>chitenje</i>. This multi-purpose cloth has many uses. It’s used by mothers
to ‘wear’ their babies either on their back, hip or chest. Tightly coiled, the <a name="_Hlk84929357">chitenje</a> cushions the head and helps to relieve the discomfort of
carrying heavy items on their heads – from massive containers of water, to bundles
of wood. Because babies are breast-fed for at least the first two years of
life, they’re literally ‘attached’ to mom for all this time. There’s no
time-keeping. Babies sleep, feed, or watch the world go by whenever it suits
them. Our western life-style is so very different. Women working from home need
to focus on their work, and stick to a strict schedule – which their babies
also learn to do. There’s no harm asking your helper to carry your baby on her
back while she works, learning to do this yourself or teaching your partner
(especially if he is also working from home) to do this from time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #33cc33; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sleep induces sleep:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #33cc33; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span lang="EN-US">Experience taught me that after a
good night’s sleep, after a quick feed, your baby is ready for another nap –
just for an hour or so. This little sleep helps to set the tone for regular
naps during the day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bathing baby also makes them drowsy and ready for a sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t ‘tire’ your baby in the belief that this will induce sleep. Babies
are not programmed like adults. Overstimulating them and tiring them only makes
them ‘overtired’ and cranky.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #33cc33; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stick to routine</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #33cc33; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span lang="EN-US">– but be warned, this changes often
and unexpectedly. No sooner do you get comfortable in one routine when your
baby changes the game, and you find yourself changing gear once more. Be
prepared for this to last for at least two years by which time your baby will
be a toddler – and have you well trained! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Photo: Burgie Ireland – Malawian woman using a chitenje<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-70740396343064345762021-09-02T05:47:00.004-07:002021-09-02T05:47:56.005-07:00Going potty and loopy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qliS5rWACxC_QjAYRK5zc9xLOX124-MY_kXVkVumKImxxTeetmAKhB3IgASGNjQxLxlxZs2fcBg6ftUGI8Ob6tHx25ghTlmKzZ-ldpsH-4mdr0I70fJgG2RRb3QSXWhzLJunRTKujaY/s2048/brain+fog+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qliS5rWACxC_QjAYRK5zc9xLOX124-MY_kXVkVumKImxxTeetmAKhB3IgASGNjQxLxlxZs2fcBg6ftUGI8Ob6tHx25ghTlmKzZ-ldpsH-4mdr0I70fJgG2RRb3QSXWhzLJunRTKujaY/s320/brain+fog+picture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 28pt; text-align: center;">Where
have I been?</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Apologies to my regular readers for
neglecting my blog. Truth to tell, I have been unwell for most of August. I put
it down to another Lupus flare. But the symptoms just went on and on. The
hospital where I go for regular treatment has been closed since the fire in
April. I heard from other Lupus patients that doctors from our department were available
on Wednesdays at the Helen Joseph Hospital. I really did not want to go to this
hospital that’s struggling to cope now with patients from two busy government
hospitals. But I had no choice. I had to bite the bullet and went yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My specialist suspects that I have
POTS (Postural tachycardia syndrome) and I have been booked for CT scans later
this month. Lucky for google I have been able to find out more about this
syndrome – more importantly how to cope with it and understand that even though
I’m feeling really crap at times, I will get over this, and if the diagnosis is
confirmed, I will be able to find ways to live with it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sometimes it does one good to get
out of your comfort zone and see the world around you for what it is. The fear
of Covid has kept us so isolated, I could not imagine myself standing in long
queues as we do at government hospitals. I had my good man with me for
support and to help me find my way despite ‘brain fog' and vague instructions.
The sun was shining on our first day of spring. People standing in the
queues were friendly and patient. At first, the department where we were
directed was relatively quiet and well controlled. But, by the time we left a
few hours later, it seemed that thousands were packed into a small space (no
social distancing) and people were getting irate and impatient. I was happy to
leave. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When you’re unwell, it helps to
know what’s wrong with you. Then at least you can do something about relieving
the symptoms, or learning to avoid them in the first place. It seems that this
POTS comes from my Lupus and Sjögren’s that I, along with my amazing
specialist, have managed to keep under control for the past 15 years. It seems
now that many who have had Covid are left with autoimmune symptoms, one of
these being POTS. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Whenever I come out of a flare, I
resolve to make the most of each and every day. I know that others may find it
difficult to understand what I am going through, and it’s best for me to do
something positive like read, hand-crafts, play the piano or just sit in the
sun and listen to the birds. That I have opened my laptop and filled in the gap
of my blog speaks volumes. It means that I am on the road to recovery, and
we’ll catch up with Hannah and baby Sarah just as soon as I can. </span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-56877424329514752302021-08-24T07:31:00.000-07:002021-08-24T07:31:00.978-07:00The first week after birth with Hannah and Sarah<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F_mVQ0YbEI2MNBGX8X69V6pBcwG4vLuCX2WgIHAHeaBUm5buuxAznPHOtFolAswQ7L01yp_WAVHRxA4aEJyEp1RRvnS2nLAzlzyEiem7FWAspRon6XM7gTFZDf7mobYAOOGDkv4EwpM/s1000/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F_mVQ0YbEI2MNBGX8X69V6pBcwG4vLuCX2WgIHAHeaBUm5buuxAznPHOtFolAswQ7L01yp_WAVHRxA4aEJyEp1RRvnS2nLAzlzyEiem7FWAspRon6XM7gTFZDf7mobYAOOGDkv4EwpM/s320/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #ff66ff; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 28pt; text-align: center;">Day
five – Hannah’s home and feeling good</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah* and baby Sarah are home and
adapting to their new life. In this short time, Hannah is learning not to be
too hard on herself (mistakes can and will happen she says), to communicate her
needs and share responsibilities with her partner and to accept help from
family and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah is trying not to be a ‘worry
machine’, but it’s easier said than done. “Like knowing when Sarah’s full and
when she’s hungry. Today I’m on ‘poo patrol’ because Sarah didn’t poop
yesterday. I stress when she doesn’t. But I also stress when she does – it’s so
yucky.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Baby’s first poop is called
meconium. It’s a slimy, sticky, blackish, tarry-looking thick mucus. It’s what
collected in baby’s bowels during pregnancy (babies don’t poop when you’re
pregnant). During the first few days after the birth, this mucous is gradually
cleaned out. It changes to dark bottle-green, green-mustard colour, mustard
colour to yellow when bilirubin is excreted. Breastfed poops smell ‘sweeter’
than formula poop. Formula-fed babies can have firmer or even hard stools. Its
important to mix the formula according to instructions, and not to pack the
scoops too tightly – or add extra formula in the belief the more is better.
Breastfed babies can have up to five poops a day – or one big poop every second
or third day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It's important not to give
newborn’s laxatives or suppositories or to add brown sugar or cooking oil to
formula. This is because the baby’s bowel needs to build up natural organisms
called microbiomes that are so important to prevent allergies, set-up an immune
system and help digest milk. It’s better to stimulate peristalsis by massaging baby’s
tummy or pressing baby’s knees into the tummy when the baby is lying on his/her
back. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adapting to motherhood is a topic
Reva Rubin, an American midwife, studied and wrote extensively about in the
1960’s. Now in her sixth day, Hannah is at the ‘letting go’ stage: letting go
of her pregnancy, her independence and ‘singleness’. She’s becoming more
responsible for Sarah’s safety and survival while recognising Sarah’s
independence (Sarah still associates Hannah as part of herself and will do this
till she is about six months old). Hannah is also adapting her lifestyle to
include Sarah. It wasn’t like this on the first and second day after birth.
During this time, according to Reva Rubin, a new mother focuses on self, because
she needs to recover from the birth. She only wants to eat and sleep, is
dependant on others for help and has a strong need to talk about her birthing
experience. On the second and third day after birth, the new mother is
recovered enough (especially after a c-section) to start coping with the needs
of her baby. This is when she takes more care of her physical recovery, asks
questions about baby-care and is preparing to look after her baby on her own. It’s
helpful to have a midwife either in hospital, or at home to give advice about
feeding, burping, bathing and swaddling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Luckily, most babies are sleepy and
very co-operative during the first week – especially while they’re in the
hospital. In Hannah’s words: “It’s been a blissful bubble of every emotion a
new mother can ever experience….and all of them, totally worth it!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">* We have been following Hannah’s
pregnancy (see previous blogs). Her baby girl was born by c-section on Monday,
16<sup>th</sup> August, 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Photograph: Aloise Ireland</span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-49559729377933218242021-08-17T03:13:00.001-07:002021-08-17T03:13:16.075-07:00An ode to a daughter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmBdlV9r-VnVyOIuGgPs46rRmYZLfdGMbxHCTP97esZzD_EC17LAYTcxVipjX-OuwCzUYpwjpJUUNL81vuMCNWPKtHEOGhUOyor5VTCkmFtriS1ltoieVQJpcASnDPur28fY3DOPnRQs/s1000/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmBdlV9r-VnVyOIuGgPs46rRmYZLfdGMbxHCTP97esZzD_EC17LAYTcxVipjX-OuwCzUYpwjpJUUNL81vuMCNWPKtHEOGhUOyor5VTCkmFtriS1ltoieVQJpcASnDPur28fY3DOPnRQs/s320/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #ff66cc; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 26pt; text-align: center;">Hannah’s
baby girl is here!</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Very slightly early, Hannah’s baby
girl was born at 3am on Monday morning, 16<sup>th</sup> August – her c-section
was booked for Tuesday 17<sup>th</sup> August. I don’t have the details yet,
but here is a passage I would like to share with her, and all new mothers out
there – especially if you have given birth to a baby girl.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Mom and baby are well and healthy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is an extract from “A Daughter
for a fortnight” by Mrs. Robert Henry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“There is a belief that every
woman first longs for a son, but a son, by the very nature of things is lost to
her after the tenderness of his early years. A woman who has no daughter of her
own misses most the intellectual companionship she can only obtain from an
adolescent version of herself. Our intelligence differs from that of men. It is
sometimes deeper and invariably more subtle. There is great satisfaction in
having continually at one’s side a daughter with whom one can share interests
and problems peculiar to one’s sex. For that reason, a daughter must be the
most precious of joys.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“It is true that a mother soon
loses her daughter by marriage, though her daughter’s marriage will be the very
thing she will strive for most.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Photograph: Aloise Ireland</span></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-58479516267828826592021-08-13T07:41:00.001-07:002021-08-13T07:41:42.556-07:00Ready for lift-off: Ready for baby now<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s7ugrx7FEJR2LtcOby2PM7-4dmD2Lq-EB-rClRHeRyuTIRim0mBpfiAR90P17pquN8DJ0tl83uEy8U3DTTTPLNgDS08Gv7axrlaaKx6riuQPopvEXx1eLYWWkkPyUFNjpMUmW9XeFfY/s1000/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1000" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s7ugrx7FEJR2LtcOby2PM7-4dmD2Lq-EB-rClRHeRyuTIRim0mBpfiAR90P17pquN8DJ0tl83uEy8U3DTTTPLNgDS08Gv7axrlaaKx6riuQPopvEXx1eLYWWkkPyUFNjpMUmW9XeFfY/s320/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One
week to go</span></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This time next week, Hannah and her
partner will be holding their baby girl – and a whole new life would have
begun. Everything has been packed and planned, and understandably, Hannah – who
has never spent a day in hospital – is anxious about the unknown and the
unexpected, the drips and injections, the operating theatre, and the recovery
room. The only reassurance I could give her is that the staff knows what they
are doing. It's something they do every day. Hannah doesn’t have to do their job for
them. She and her baby girl will be safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah was also asking how she will
know that she is doing the right thing for her baby girl. It’s something every
new mother worries about, not understanding how our ‘mother instinct’ kicks in.
I refer here to an extract from Niall Williams's book ‘Boy and Man’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“How do you know you are doing
the right thing? That’s a question, isn’t it?” the Master asked at last. “How
do you know? And is it enough to, say, do this one good thing, and by doing that
does that mean you are doing the right thing? Because it can seem so small,
can’t it? One small good thing, what’s the use of that, a voice in the back of
your head says. And sometimes that’s the voice that wins!” He shrugged. Then
again, he had the classroom before him. “But I don’t think the other voice
gives in. It comes back. All the time, we have something telling us to go ahead,
do the good thing. Believe in it. That’s the thing. It keeps coming back
because that’s our nature, we want to do good. And that’s a kind of proof to
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“A proof?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Oh yes, definitely, because we
want to do good, because, despite everything, and I mean so much evidence to
the contrary, we still believe in it, that’s the proof.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All packed? Here’s a checklist for my readers:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t leave packing till the last minute. It’s best to be prepared from
36 weeks onwards. Do things like bulk shopping and filling up the deep-freeze
with ready-made meals in good time. Decide what you will wear when you come
home. Put baby’s home-coming clothes into the car seat and let your partner
know where these are for the Big Day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Take
Hannah’s advice. Don’t write a ‘birth plan’. Wait and see what happens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff9933; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For your labour bag you will need:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Documents: medical aid/hospital card, ID, booking forms<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Comfortable pants, top, and shoes to ‘labour’ in<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Toiletries e.g. face cloth, toothbrush, and toothpaste<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Disposable panties<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tissues and moisture cloths<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lip balm or Vaseline<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hand cream<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hair accessories<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Energy snacks and drinks<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Distraction: cell phone<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Nightie <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pads (if the hospital has asked for these)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Socks <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Packet for your clothes to be taken home in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff9933; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While you’re in hospital you will need: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">sanitary pads<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">breast pads<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">disposable panties<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">breastfeeding bra’s<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">toiletries for mom <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">disposable nappies<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">toiletries for baby:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Soap<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Shampoo<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Vaseline / bum cream<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Aqueous cream<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cord care: cotton buds, surgical spirits <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">babygrows<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">vests and socks<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">wrapping blankets<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff9933; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Take along some things for dad:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">‘Snack pack’<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">something to drink<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">reading material<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">camera/cell phone<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Photograph: Aloise Ireland<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-8423862209031258072021-08-12T01:31:00.000-07:002021-08-12T01:31:00.287-07:00An important message to pregnant women<p> An important announcement. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">THE
SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS (SASOG) CALLS ON
PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN TO VACCINATE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">The
South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists marks National
Women’s Day 2021 by encouraging all women to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to
protect themselves against severe disease.
This includes women who are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding. In the case of pregnant women, SASOG recommends
taking the vaccine after 14 weeks of pregnancy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">Studies
show that the risk for critical illness is higher for pregnant than
non-pregnant women, particularly in the 3rd trimester. It has been found that, while most women will
have no COVID-19 symptoms in pregnancy, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">pregnant
women who experience COVID-19 symptoms have a higher risk of being admitted to
ICU, needing mechanical ventilation and dying, than non-pregnant women of the
same age. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">Taking the vaccine also means a potential
reduction in the risk of Pulmonary TB associated with Covid-19 and a reduction
in the risk of passing on the virus to vulnerable members of the household. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">While
there is a lack of information on pregnancies during vaccine trials, there is
mounting evidence that taking the vaccine during pregnancy is safe for both
mother and fetus and that the vaccine provides protection of the newborn from
Covid-19. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">SASOG
also recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant or undergo
fertility treatment should become vaccinated and need not delay conception.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">“If
you are uncertain about which vaccine you should take or the risks that the
vaccine poses to you or your baby, we strongly advise that you consult your
doctor or clinic who will be able to provide you with the most up to date and
reliable information to assist you in making your decision”, concludes Dr
Haynes van der Merwe, SASOG President.<o:p></o:p></span></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-12256325652322966052021-08-07T03:04:00.002-07:002021-08-12T01:23:47.289-07:00Dreams and nightmares during pregnancy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNEAboStFtygRouv1qn2wxIFmSwB1MQwwXfAXDzaCx7VMR-Njlj5LGRu_2bOLluoAlZCA5EFeShO4SetePhYenjgCawyzvLjktHLYJLyEi6F43hTlyjrNLdIVflvNlUUiQ2SuY8gUgqs/s1000/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNEAboStFtygRouv1qn2wxIFmSwB1MQwwXfAXDzaCx7VMR-Njlj5LGRu_2bOLluoAlZCA5EFeShO4SetePhYenjgCawyzvLjktHLYJLyEi6F43hTlyjrNLdIVflvNlUUiQ2SuY8gUgqs/w265-h400/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #33cc33; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 107%;">Two
weeks to go – in a whirlpool of dreams</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">According to doctor’s estimations,
Hannah’s baby weighs between 3.3 and 3.5 kgs. A good weight for a newborn.
Hannah is in good health, just very tired and ‘lazy’, sleeping well but having
weird, and sometimes really scary dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dreams and nightmares happen a lot
during pregnancy. I remember having really weird dreams when I was pregnant. Dreams
are not just a figment of the imagination. I believe dreams are manifestations
of your subconscious, and when you string them out and search them for their
meaning, they can be interpreted to make sense, help you solve a problem and
even face your fears. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A very well-used book in my
bookcase is Denise Linn’s book called ‘Signposts – The Universe is Whispering
to You.’ In her introduction, Denise writes “In every moment the universe is
whispering to you. There are messages for you carried on the winds. There is
wisdom for you in the morning songs of the birds outside your window and in the
soft murmurs of an ebbing sea. All ordinary everyday events in your life carry
communications from the realm of spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah shared her nightmare with
me. Admitting that she is not a good swimmer, Hannah found herself swimming in
a shark tank. There was a strong whirlpool and she was desperately trying to
get away from the sharks. She woke up in a sweat and was very frightened. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let’s unpack the meaning of this
nightmare with the help of Signposts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Water</span></b>
– “is a universal sign. It’s connected to our emotions and the mysterious
realms of the archetypal female energy, representing fertility, new life, and
new creative potential. Birth is associated with amniotic fluid or ‘waters’.
Disturbed water can indicate chaos, but Denise writes that this ‘is not
necessarily a bad sign, as sometimes it takes a huge upheaval to release old
belief patterns’.” <i>Hannah told me that during this pregnancy, she has made a
conscious effort to ‘let go’ past hurts and move forward. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Shark</span></b>
– according to Denise, this could be a sign of hidden fear. Before a woman
gives birth, it’s normal to have hidden fears of the unknown or what to expect.
The sharks in her dream acknowledge Hannah’s fears<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #33cc33;">Swimming</span></b>
– <i>perhaps Hannah has a hidden fear of swimming, and her dream could motivate
her to go for swimming lessons in the future? </i>Denise writes: ‘Do you feel
like you are swimming against the current?’ Her advice is to ‘go with the flow
and life can become fun instead of a great effort’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In her book, Denise asks the
question: ‘Do you feel that you are having trouble staying afloat amidst
emotional changes?’ Her advice: ‘Relax and let the current carry you to the
centre of your soul.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now that Hannah is approaching her
final two weeks, she should just ‘go with the flow’ and have a bit of fun. This
suits her personality perfectly!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Understanding this nightmare reveals
special messages for Hannah. Dreams, even if they’re nightmarish, can carry
powerful messages and help your inner soul resolve issues in a way that only
you can understand. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dealing with deep emotions before birth is very important because the connection between a mother and her
newborn is profound. While overwhelming emotions of elation come about not
only through endorphins (happiness hormones), birth can exhume buried traumas
– from as early as a woman’s childhood or even her subconscious babyhood.
Buried issues can create a barrier between a woman and her baby, inhibiting
bonding. Babies can sense this distancing, and become upset to the point of
fussing at the breast, not feeding or fretting when left to sleep. This is when
the ‘baby blues’ could develop into post-natal depression. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The best way to overcome these
issues is to have someone to talk to. Ideally, your partner, but sometimes you
need a good friend you can open up to. Church groups often offer counseling and
a therapist is trained to help reveal past and forgotten hurts. Talk about them
and let them go so that as a new mother, you can move on and look into your
future with hope, joy, and fulfillment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-67006836311915334342021-08-04T04:53:00.002-07:002021-08-12T01:24:43.697-07:00Symptoms of late pregnancy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BARJoUzbDk6h336FcJx7gr-GgskM-v3mbSHZd0AXO3NgQs-UXFZFb5Vnbu4qcaC-ISwiapSg2mYvyrzu31tvdoGvSnlogREBi8ycqL7CZZFbCvIUJbxPXqowhjQmi-QcS6hAKVdDyeo/s1000/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BARJoUzbDk6h336FcJx7gr-GgskM-v3mbSHZd0AXO3NgQs-UXFZFb5Vnbu4qcaC-ISwiapSg2mYvyrzu31tvdoGvSnlogREBi8ycqL7CZZFbCvIUJbxPXqowhjQmi-QcS6hAKVdDyeo/w400-h265/4Mom4Ever_Blog+Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 107%;">Three
weeks to go – In my little bubble<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah’s slowly coming to the end
of her marathon. Her baby girl could start knocking to come into the world any
day now. Here are the typical late pregnancy symptoms she’s experiencing:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">False labour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Feeling like a
lazy cat on the couch – with intermittent spurts of energy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tight shoes –
even though they’re a size bigger<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Swollen ankles
by the end of the day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fingers that
feel like a bunch of bananas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Porridge brain
(type <i>porridge brain</i> into the subject block on the gadgets panel to
learn more about this syndrome) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Symptoms
nobody warned Hannah about:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having to depend on her partner for
just about everything – from opening a jar to getting off the couch<i>. I
remind Hannah that this is not a sign of weakness, but rather admitting that
there are times when we need help. Something women find difficult to do because
we’re so fiercely independent. Partners often feel left out and want to know
what they can do to help. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah finds that she may be hearing
her partner, but she’s not listening to him. When he asks a question, she has
no idea what he’s talking about!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">She feels like a sloth. If anything
falls on the floor, Hannah couldn’t be bothered to pick it up when she doesn’t
manage to do this with her toes!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Everything is an effort – even the
things Hannah once enjoyed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All her good intentions (yoga,
regular exercising, eating <i>only</i> healthy) have gone out the window while
Hannah fantasises about the things she’s going to do when her pregnancy is
over.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There’s
a light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s not a train coming towards her:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah is realistic and knows that
this difficult stage of her pregnancy <i>WILL PASS</i>. She sympathises with
overweight people who have to deal with a bulky body for life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah has a new appreciation for
her mom and respects her for what she did for herself and her sisters. “I don’t
know how she did it – being a single-mom,” Hannah told me. “I don’t know how I
would have managed without my partner.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I am looking forward to the day
when I can go back to work and pick up my career where I left off. Already we
are making plans to move into a bigger space where my partner can work from
home. I would prefer going to an office – but we will have to wait and see what
2022 brings.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I am learning to trust my
instincts and listen to my body.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Knowing the date for my c-section
means I don’t have to worry about when I will go into labour.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I know that I must enjoy living in
my ‘perfect little bubble’ for now. I don’t think I will <i>ever</i> have this
time again.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Must
do tips: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Have your
finances in order<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Share chores
with your partner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ask for help<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Talk to your
partner about how you feel about being intimate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Discuss parenting
values. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-90774245401540542902021-07-31T07:06:00.003-07:002021-07-31T07:06:43.010-07:00Breastfeeding - a community effort<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfHvZIlgUzLsXOJa5U8u1SE-Mzak2QEk6RD8LYv-ZYstcMFRCJU1FComZywgcMuA3B8OQzrCvI7VmigeX8yKgtzTWzUCZt3fhhb86jd8KHvPRwC3rVkYO8wYxcDZdsu__vRGx7T_1EF4/s862/breastfeeding+picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="862" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfHvZIlgUzLsXOJa5U8u1SE-Mzak2QEk6RD8LYv-ZYstcMFRCJU1FComZywgcMuA3B8OQzrCvI7VmigeX8yKgtzTWzUCZt3fhhb86jd8KHvPRwC3rVkYO8wYxcDZdsu__vRGx7T_1EF4/s320/breastfeeding+picture.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%;">World
Breastfeeding Week – 1 – 7 August</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why is breastfeeding so
important?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Justus von Liebig, a chemist introduced formula in 1865. Back
then, the marketing tactics persuaded women that formula-feeding was superior
to breast milk. Today, bottle feeding is just easier. Now that we understand
the benefits of breastfeeding, both for mom and baby, especially the
development of the immune system, the tide is turning, and more women are opting
to breastfeed, especially during the first six months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sharing this responsibility. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Successful breastfeeding begins before the birth when future
parents learn as much as they can about breastfeeding. Hospitals have also
adopted a breastfeeding policy, using ‘The Ten Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding’ guidelines, and closing the milk kitchen where formula feeds
were mixed. Nurses and midwives working
in these units attend regular breastfeeding updates so that they can advise new
moms on how to prevent breastfeeding problems. Lactation Consultants specialise in
breastfeeding difficulties and help moms with home visits or online
consultations. They’re also registered with medical aid providers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Immediately after the birth, the baby is put skin-to-skin on
the mother’s chest for what is called the ‘first magic hour. This is <a name="_Hlk78528875">when the baby is most alert, the sense of smell the strongest,
and when bonding between mom and baby begins</a>. Left undisturbed, the baby
instinctively nuzzles looking for the nipple. When the baby suckles, s/he gets
their first taste of sweet colostrum (baby’s first milk) and mom’s
breastfeeding hormones kick in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dealing with Covid-19:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To minimise the risk of getting Covid-19 in the hospital,
when there are no complications, mom and baby are sent home after the first 24
hours. Women who have had a c-section go home on their third day. All women are
encouraged to get breastfeeding help and advice from organisations like La
Leche League, the Gauteng Breastfeeding Forum, their ante-natal midwife or a
Lactation Consultant. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">According to Professor Priya Soma-Pillay, obstetrician
gynaecologist who heads the research centre for maternal, foetal and new-born
child health at Pretoria University, lactating women can safely be
inoculated and continue breastfeeding. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Benefits of breastfeeding:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">MOM or Mother’s Own Milk is unique and perfectly
formulated according to the needs of each individual baby because her milk
comes from what she eats and contains invaluable antibodies to protect her baby
from infections</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Colostrum – or baby’s first milk – has been
called ‘liquid gold’ because contains everything a newborn needs. Just one
teaspoonful at each feed for the first 12 hours is enough<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Colostrum has a laxative effect that helps to
prevent or minimise ‘baby jaundice’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastmilk has unique immunological benefits –
in other words, it prepares the gut to absorb nutrients while minimising the
risks of developing allergies and poor gut health<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Babies benefit from amino acids (proteins) <i>only
found in breastmilk.</i> These help to feed a baby’s fast-growing brain. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastfeeding can help to reduce a woman’s risks
of breast cancer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastfeeding helps mom to burn extra calories
she may have gained during pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastfeeding means fresh milk at the right
temperature is always ‘on tap’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Night-time feeds are easier to deal with<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Research has shown that breastfed babies are
less likely to get asthma, allergies and colic. Breastfeeding also helps to
reduce the risks of obesity and type 11 diabetes in adulthood.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">Breastfeeding is economical and more hygienic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For more breastfeeding information, type ‘breastfeeding’ in
the subject line on the gadgets page. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-8591936088389757522021-07-24T05:16:00.001-07:002021-07-24T05:16:19.462-07:00Deciding what to pack for the hospital and feeding options<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE3Kv20qb-4H26lZ9xcKzLtEf3uhsvPsILIReI0xGmg8c3UA-1Prb0AxJhzo_ssBuaE0VGycqQgeqPdaK9_6ECSDhSRs9WJknd0C8nGuWDPDeNDqdPO5K4Olu2qQkBiWXb3HTP-T7tB4/s2048/F1010029+%25282015_10_12+14_32_08+UTC%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE3Kv20qb-4H26lZ9xcKzLtEf3uhsvPsILIReI0xGmg8c3UA-1Prb0AxJhzo_ssBuaE0VGycqQgeqPdaK9_6ECSDhSRs9WJknd0C8nGuWDPDeNDqdPO5K4Olu2qQkBiWXb3HTP-T7tB4/s320/F1010029+%25282015_10_12+14_32_08+UTC%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ff99cc; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Four weeks to go - Breastfeeding
dilemma – do I, don’t I?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah says her baby girl is moving
like crazy – day and especially at night. I’ve heard it said that the way a
baby moves in the womb is a pretty good indication of their personality. With
both her parents self-confessed ‘firecrackers of ‘get up and go’, it’s not
surprising that Hannah’s little one will be a bundle of energy too. Time will
tell. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah has been packing her bag for
the hospital. Now that she knows she will be having a c-section, there’s no
need to pack a ‘labour bag’. Only the essentials for her hospital stay which
shouldn’t be for longer than three nights.
Hannah’s hospital will supply a bag of essential ‘goodies’ like pads,
disposable panties and nappies. She only needs to bring toiletries and pj’s,
her going-home clothes, sleep-suits and blankets for her baby. Her dilemma is:
what does she pack for feeding? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If Hannah chooses to breastfeed,
she will need feeding bra’s, disposable breast pads, possibly nipple cream and
a cabbage in the fridge at home (in case her breasts are uncomfortably full on
her third day when she comes home from the hospital). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Her paediatrician has recommended
formula feeding (Hannah is HIV positive, taking ARV’s and has an undetectable
viral load – which means that there’s a possibility she could breastfeed
providing her viral load stays undetectable). If Hannah chooses to formula
feed, she needs to bring formula, bottles, teats and all the necessary feeding
and sterilising paraphernalia. This is because maternity hospitals no longer have
a ‘milk kitchen’ for formula-fed babies. This is because all women are
encouraged to breastfeed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is a toughie for women like
Hannah. In the first place, not every woman WANTS to breastfeed and women
should ENJOY their babies and not feel OBLIGED to breastfeed. An example of women
who can’t breastfeed is those who have had a breast reduction – especially if
the nipple was removed and reattached. Similarly, depending on the type of
surgery, women who have had a breast enlargement or treatment for cancer such
as a partial mastectomy or reconstructive surgery. There are also medical reasons,
such as severe type 1 diabetes, certain auto-immune diseases or conditions requiring
chronic medication like epilepsy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Weighing
up the pros and cons: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah worries that if she doesn’t
breastfeed, she will miss out on ‘bonding’, and the convenience of having milk
‘on tap’ – especially at night when she can simply lift her baby from the crib,
and latch her. MOM (Mother’s Own Milk) is custom made for each individual baby
which means not having to stress about which formula to use. Another bonus is
that breastmilk changes according to the baby’s needs. (<i>To learn more about
breastfeeding, simply type the word breastfeeding into the subject line on the
blog dashboard</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">On the other hand, if Hannah
chooses to formula feed, her partner, mom or sister can feed her baby – a
satisfying and bonding experience for them. Formula feeding means that you
don’t need to ‘wear your baby everywhere you go. Breastfeeding in public is
still taboo – especially in restaurants where the strongest objectors are men.
Formula-fed babies adapt more easily to a routine, and moms are spared discomforts
like engorged breasts, cracked nipples or a hungry baby when the milk supply is
low. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is Hannah’s choice. My only
advice for her (and all other women facing this dilemma) is:<i> trust your
instincts</i>. This maternal instinct is a gift of motherhood. Learning to
trust your instincts is the first and most important lesson you’ll learn. It
comes naturally. Do you remember what happened 9 months ago? You realised that
something was different – and instinctively asked ‘Am I be pregnant?’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #ff99cc;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastfeeding
and Covid-19:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">According to Professor Priya
Sama-Pillay, head of obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Research Centre on
Maternal, foetal and new-born and child health, Pretoria University, pregnant
women should be vaccinated (preferably at or after 14 weeks), breastfeeding
women can be safely vaccinated and shouldn’t stop breastfeeding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Women who contract Covid-19 and are
infectious can continue breastfeeding, but should be extra cautious – wearing
a mask and sanitising. If she is unwell, she can express her milk, (this is
safe to feed to her baby) taking all the necessary precautions to prevent
contamination.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Photograph: Aloise Ireland</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-69524284960479830172021-07-17T08:03:00.000-07:002021-07-17T08:03:00.874-07:00Physical and emotional changes in the third trimester<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKlTCqr4f8qq2YT0uUJNXCDepF2dQquTdgARFaRdkvujrdEFm8RvmxXlHllyCK1MDbT14LFgJ9yPD9zkXC3WQZ7vA9wAoydPS6LKzHSiaYCH2mMbW-APXgf1aD9tn6RVcoNBkGIOzOpU/s523/pic+count+down+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKlTCqr4f8qq2YT0uUJNXCDepF2dQquTdgARFaRdkvujrdEFm8RvmxXlHllyCK1MDbT14LFgJ9yPD9zkXC3WQZ7vA9wAoydPS6LKzHSiaYCH2mMbW-APXgf1aD9tn6RVcoNBkGIOzOpU/s320/pic+count+down+calendar.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc99ff; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Five
weeks to go. Hannah’s calling herself: ‘Fatty sitting on the sofa’<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s been a week filled with fear
and anxiety for all South Africans. Hannah* too. In fact, she’s been ‘down the
rabbit hole’ of despair, calling it an ‘overwhelming week’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc99ff;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why
has this happened?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Prolonged Covid isolation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Feeling hopeless and helpless in
light of the country’s carnage <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Feeling guilty that she is safe
while others are in danger<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wondering what kind of world she is
bringing their child into?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Asking herself: Will I be a good
mom? And …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Will I ever be ‘me’ again?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I love Hannah’s honesty. She’s not covering up this stage of her pregnancy in a bubble of maternal bliss. Coming
from a marketing background, Hannah knows all about unrealistic ‘window
dressing’, social media platforms that make pregnancy look like a breeze,
glossy magazines with gorgeous models and photoshopped pictures depicting
pregnancy and motherhood as heavenly bliss. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc99ff;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What’s
happening to Hannah – and all pregnant women at this stage:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pregnancy brings about both
physical and emotional changes. During the first trimester, a woman’s thoughts
are self-centered: ‘I’m pregnant'. In the second trimester, especially once she
feels her baby move, her thoughts are ‘I’m having a baby'. In the last
trimester, she realises, ‘I’m going to be a mom’. It's scary!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah, a self-confessed ‘fashion
queen’, socialite and people’s person who loves giving spur-of-the-moment
dinner parties, enjoying a glass of wine or two with her girlfriends, relishing
freedom and independence, is already mourning the loss of her ‘old self’ and
has begun the journey of rediscovering who she is. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The pressure of deadlines and
putting out fires in the chaos of the marketing world kept Hannah on her toes.
The adrenaline rush gave her energy, and the success of pulling off yet another
project gave her a sense of achievement. Now she’s is struggling to come to
terms with losing her job, the loss of income, and finding a new job in the New Year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Covid restrictions have put just
about everybody under house arrest. This means no more browsing malls and
spending time in a coffee shop or book store. All we can do is wear a mask, arm
ourselves with a sanitizer, avoid other shoppers, buy what we need and hurry
home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And then there are the physical
changes of pregnancy. Hannah says she’s feeling ‘fat’ but she is just full of her baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. Now her belly is getting in the way of her
mobility, and simple things like getting in and out of bed, or off the sofa, are getting more and more difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Many women struggle with mood
swings that Hannah has managed (so far) to avoid. Feeling happy one minute,
then bursting into tears the next, is common and confusing during pregnancy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc99ff;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How
is Hannah coping?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Being able to talk to my mom is a
big help,” Hannah told me. Her sister, who has a young baby, is on ‘speed
dial’. Hannah is also attending online prenatal classes and benefitting from
good advice from her midwife. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We discussed what Hannah has
achieved so far: the nursery is ready, Hannah’s health is good, the date of her
c-section has been set and her paperwork is in order (search ‘paperwork’ on
the gadgets column for this post).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now Hannah needs to fill her days
with something constructive and creative, with an activity that’s easy and
practical to do (the link to ’44 life-giving hobbies for tired moms’ is also on
the gadgets column). Hannah has done a few color-in pictures, and painting.
This week she is going to try hand-crafts like knitting. It’s relaxing,
constructive, enjoyable, and easy to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">* We’re sharing Hannah’s journey
through the last few weeks of her pregnancy. If you missed the first blog,
check out last week’s post. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-56978151828812907752021-07-11T04:22:00.002-07:002021-07-11T04:22:33.333-07:00Following Hannah's pregnancy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlbLtfCAjWrW2Z6aBSoqxoBSB0E1iCgxDux3niCAgqPdoBnUly8giZr7U8FO_vcUKISmEi4haC4-awZBhLOrAciNOGB9dksLEPkkBQWFj9t4o743NDTLvbOo4FMAtXcs7BQao1N4cD5M/s1600/nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlbLtfCAjWrW2Z6aBSoqxoBSB0E1iCgxDux3niCAgqPdoBnUly8giZr7U8FO_vcUKISmEi4haC4-awZBhLOrAciNOGB9dksLEPkkBQWFj9t4o743NDTLvbOo4FMAtXcs7BQao1N4cD5M/s320/nursery.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6699; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is happening – six weeks to go!</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Welcome, Hannah* - 33 weeks pregnant
with her first baby, age 36, HIV positive with a positive attitude in life. This
special lady is going to share the last leg of her pregnancy with us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When Hannah was diagnosed with the
Human Immuno-Deficient Virus (HIV) 15 years ago, she thought that getting
pregnant “would never happen to me”. She was overwhelmed with the stigma
attached to this viral infection. At the time she thought HIV would rob her of
a “normal life”. “This pregnancy has shown my partner and I that we’re as
normal as any other couple,” Hannah said in an interview.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The road to this point hasn’t been
easy. When Hannah tested positive, she started anti-retroviral treatment. By
sticking to a rigorous medication regime and healthy habits, like eating
healthy and exercising regularly, Hannah focused on her career and living
positively. Her persistence, patience and perseverance over the last ten years
has resulted in an undetectable viral load and a healthy CD4 count.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cape Town based HIV clinician; Dr Laurence confirmed
in a medical webinar that modern ARV’s have changed the lives of people living
with HIV. “Having an undetectable viral load reduces the risk of transmission
by up to 96%”, he said. Although neither a cure nor a vaccine has been found, ongoing
research in the field of gene therapy and injectable ARV’s is promising.
Research for an HIV vaccine helped to develop the Covid-19 vaccine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To date, Hanna’s pregnancy – apart
from setbacks like Covid restrictions and retrenchment – has gone smoothly. “Now
that I’m not working, I’ve been able to escape corporate stress, spend time at
home with family and look after my health,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Understanding viruses like HIV and Covid-19:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A virus on its own is weak. It cannot move, jump, slip, slide, grow or multiply.
It’s absolutely helpless and, unlike a bacteria or fungus, without a host, it
simply dies. BUT, once it gets into a host (human or animal) through the nose
and mouth (as with Covid) or body fluids (HIV), it’s super powerful. This
sneaky virus latches onto immune white cells (CD4) where it changes DNA into
its own RNA, enabling it to multiply. The result is an increased viral load that
damages the immune system (low CD4 count). Taking ARV’s helps to stop the
multiplication of the virus and keep it under control. Providing a person living
with HIV is taking their medicines regularly and without a break, the viral
load can be kept low, even ‘undetectable’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">‘Let’s be
real’ decisions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now that Hannah has only six weeks
to go, it’s time to face the reality of giving birth. Her gynaecologist said
that, although it is possible to have a vaginal birth with HIV, in Hanna’s
circumstances, it will be best if her baby girl, is delivered by c-section.
Luckily, Hannah did not have her heart set on a ‘birth plan’, preferring to put
her trust in the decisions made by her specialists. A booked c-section can help
to eliminate risks like prolonged labour, haemorrhaging, exposure to Covid and
interfering with Hanna’s healthy immune system. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hannah’s paediatrician has also
recommended formula feeding. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I don’t want to have to feel
guilty or explain to people why I have been booked for a c-section, or why we
will be stocking up on formula,” Hannah said. “Everybody’s circumstances are
different, and I trust my health-care providers who only want to the best for me
and my baby girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Right now, Hannah is enjoying good
health, admittedly skipping yoga and spending more time on the couch than she
intended, enjoying feeling her baby-girl move within her belly, and looking
forward to the day when her carefully prepared nursery will be home to a very
special little girl just waiting to make her grand entrance! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">*Not her real name.</span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-75646562620034419342021-07-01T07:51:00.002-07:002021-07-01T07:51:27.985-07:00Pregnancy niggles - constipation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpPJ6VbQwE5H6oiGyrEmUgeNQqmWtEom30He2LjzDDlN_KegV33s0fuk9fQtGgkTqPvnYN-SdbdbayUSv1AdB__Rkpol6uom9oSNy4DvFtD585_3P6F-MIkbPJUHIUny5hSqYYV-3RDU/s750/picture+of+toilet+paper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpPJ6VbQwE5H6oiGyrEmUgeNQqmWtEom30He2LjzDDlN_KegV33s0fuk9fQtGgkTqPvnYN-SdbdbayUSv1AdB__Rkpol6uom9oSNy4DvFtD585_3P6F-MIkbPJUHIUny5hSqYYV-3RDU/s320/picture+of+toilet+paper.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00ffcc; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Things we don’t talk about when
we’re pregnant<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Burping, breaking wind and constipation are just a
few ‘unmentionables’ pregnant women don’t like talking about. Seemingly a minor
issue, they’re never-the-less problematic, not to say embarrassing. Hormones, pressure,
nausea and the lack of exercise usually trigger these problems. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #00ffcc;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Causes of
constipation:</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">During pregnancy, progesterone tends to make the
bowel sluggish. This delays the progress of food through the gut, maximising
nutritional absorption. On the downside, this delay tends to reabsorb water
and dry-out stools, making them hard and difficult to pass. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ongoing constipation often begins with bad bowel
habits – like over-using laxatives, delaying the ‘call of nature’, not drinking
enough water, a bland diet and not getting enough exercise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with bloating, passing
wind, constipation and diarrhoea is more common than we realise. This is mostly
caused by today’s sedentary lifestyle, stress overloaded (no doubt exaggerated
by Covid-19) and not eating enough raw fruit and vegetables.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Medical problems like diabetes or an underactive
thyroid gland and depression tend to exaggerate constipation. More serious
conditions like a damaged spinal cord, multiple sclerosis and Lupus Sjögren’s
all cause chronic constipation. This means they won’t go away, and you’ll need
to find ways to cope with this problem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Chronic constipation is something you should talk to
your doctor about because it could have more serious implications.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Supplementary Iron (folic acid) is prescribed during
pregnancy. It should be taken with a glass of water to prevent constipation.
Molasses is a good substitute because it’s rich in iron and doesn’t aggravate constipation
problems. Other medications to avoid are codeine and calcium-based antacids. Some
women have weird cravings. Called pica, nibbling on clay, chalk, laundry
starch, toothpaste and even sand is not good for the gut. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fruit can help. Bananas, however, because they
contain pectin, can either aggravate or relieve constipation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Women confined to bedrest miss out on exercise. Fortunately,
this is rare and most women can carry on with their regular exercise routine throughout
pregnancy. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: helvetica;">What happens when you’re
constipated?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Constipation can make you feel very uncomfortable –
especially when your baby is taking up most of your tummy space. You could get haemorrhoids
(piles) – best dealt with by using creams like Preparation-H. Passing big,
bulky stools could split or tear the anus. This is evident when fresh blood is
seen after wiping. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: helvetica;">What can you do about
it?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Treatment depends on the cause. In mild cases, a
change of diet, exercise and increasing fluid intake solves the problem. A mild
laxative such as milk of magnesia can help. Glycerine suppositories help to
soften hard-to-budge stools.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bowel-training means getting into the habit of
emptying your bowel regularly – not necessarily daily, but at least 3 – 4 times
a week.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A prescribed laxative should contain natural
ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or doctor. Don’t self-medicate. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Laxatives that contain fibre or softeners make
stools easier to pass. Some laxatives draw water from the bowel or stimulates
peristalsis. </span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">These are not recommended during pregnancy</i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. It’s best to
use herbal or natural laxatives – excluding Senna – during pregnancy. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-81977650945905251412021-06-20T06:07:00.002-07:002021-06-20T06:07:29.416-07:00When you're struggling to breathe and you're pregnant<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IhCrYaKYixDGEIFB-chWNeJsdu3l_R0G96C11Swn2pwfWRck_uGs692rZe8HsrZ8qg6F45At4JeZqxoJM_QU8xPLy_Vlv0ffh5gaXw0tNKx4OnlSdFDdvu6pmXCfRdNbccyY2GhYx1s/s2048/breathing+difficulties+during+pregnancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1645" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IhCrYaKYixDGEIFB-chWNeJsdu3l_R0G96C11Swn2pwfWRck_uGs692rZe8HsrZ8qg6F45At4JeZqxoJM_QU8xPLy_Vlv0ffh5gaXw0tNKx4OnlSdFDdvu6pmXCfRdNbccyY2GhYx1s/s320/breathing+difficulties+during+pregnancy.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c55a11; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #C55A11; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Why
do I get breathless, and why do I have sore ribs when I’m pregnant?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In today’s world of Covid, we’ve all become anxious about feeling
breathless – especially pregnant women who need 14% more Oxygen because they’re
breathing for two. Painful ‘ribs’ are mostly caused by the softening of the <i>intercostal
muscles</i> between the ribs. These muscles help you to breathe and are
softened by progesterone. This helps to increase breathing capacity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Oestrogen makes the rib-cage cartilage softer and more ‘elastic’. This
can cause painful ribs. The pain may be worse at night when you’re lying
down, or when exercising. Relax. It will come to an end after your baby is
born. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breathing problems aren’t necessarily Covid-19 – unless of course, you’ve
tested positive for the virus. Breathlessness can be caused by pre-existing
breathing conditions such as asthma, TB, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or
emphysema. Your doctor should know about these, and treatment shouldn’t be
interrupted by pregnancy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you’re feeling breathless with mild exercise, this could be an
undiagnosed ‘heart murmur’ that surfaces during pregnancy. This happens when
extra circulating blood overloads the heart muscle. You should get this checked
by your doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Life-style i.e., lack of exercise, smoking, over-weight can lead to
breathing problems (even when you’re not pregnant). Now is the time to get
healthy – you’ll be pleased you did when you go into labour, and recover from the
birth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stress is a biggie when it comes to breathing problems (especially when wearing
a cloth face mask over your face), as is over-exercising when you’re not fit. In
the last few months when the top of your womb feels as though it’s under your
chin, breathing can feel laborious – especially for short women. When your
baby’s head ‘drops’ into the basin of your pelvis, breathing will become
easier.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the meantime:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Focus on your posture </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wear comfortable, flat shoes</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Join a yoga class and learn to focus on breathing exercises – these will
come in useful when you’re in labour</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you’re struggling with a ‘blocked-nose syndrome’ – called pregnancy
rhinitis – it feels as though you have a permanent cold. To ease this
discomfort, breathe in steam water (even better, dissolve 1 tsp Vicks VapoRub
into this boiled water). Ask your pharmacist to recommend a saline nasal spray.
This too will pass once your baby is born. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breathing exercises:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Start breathing exercises early in
your pregnancy. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and sit
comfortably for a few moments, focusing on the rhythm of your breathing. Allow
your body to relax. Drop your shoulders, relax the muscles of your face and
melt away the tension in your muscles</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breathe in through your nose and
out through your mouth. Spend some time breathing this way listening to the
rhythm of your breathing, feeling your chest rising as you breathe in and
dropping when you breathe out.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now breathe normally again, and
notice how you use different muscles – including abdominal muscles.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Practice this often – especially
when you’re stressed.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-53411877769817005182021-05-26T01:21:00.003-07:002021-05-26T01:21:43.342-07:00Bladder health is as important as heart health<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi8U2Xi8CtQHH_Hd5t5OMDO45O1KwollajleglNfS1ti71XtB1JYXO-6lPNKlIp07tbrRutzC1RU1sDDKj44Qe87vM4tsj1WbwMuVlHPTAOgsovs52-Uf5Mv97rE-1xmU6pr6bJ4i8f4/s2048/picture+of+toilet+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi8U2Xi8CtQHH_Hd5t5OMDO45O1KwollajleglNfS1ti71XtB1JYXO-6lPNKlIp07tbrRutzC1RU1sDDKj44Qe87vM4tsj1WbwMuVlHPTAOgsovs52-Uf5Mv97rE-1xmU6pr6bJ4i8f4/s320/picture+of+toilet+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">MAY IS BLADDER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b>“Blood
in your pee? – see your GP”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Going to the loo is an everyday thing
we take for granted – until …… your pee burns, or dribbles, or won’t come,
smells funny or looks different. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dr Kalli Spencer, a urologist in
Australia, sent me the following information I’d like to share with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Bladder Cancer is around more than
we realise. Although it affects mostly
men over the age of 60, oncologists are finding that younger women are contracting
the disease. Like many cancers, bladder cancer takes various forms from low
grade to high grade/invasive, the latter becoming serious once it grows through
the bladder wall. Like many other cancers, bladder cancer may be effectively
treated if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, bladder cancer can be misdiagnosed
as a urinary tract infection (UTI), so look out for other early warning signs
such as blood in the urine, irregularity or pain when urinating. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>“How Covid has affected bladder
cancer patients. </b>During covid, there
has been a 30+% drop in cancer referrals simply because people are apprehensive
about going to the doctor or hospital, and so they’re ignoring symptoms. This
puts them at a bigger risk because this could lead to a surge in advanced stage
cancers when people do finally pluck up the courage to get medical help.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My late Father-in-Law started
passing blood in his urine one Christmas morning. It was not until the New Year
that he could see a doctor (being Christmas and all), but when he did, it was
found that he was already in the advanced stages of cancer. His bladder was
removed and he was fitted with a bag. He lived for another year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Please share this information with friends
and family - especially men (you know how they are when it comes to doctors).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">More interesting bladder facts:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Urine is usually slightly acidic –
this makes it slightly antiseptic – which helps to kill bacteria and prevent
infections. Vegetarians, because of the alkaline salts found in vegetables,
have more alkaline urine which may predispose them to infections. Vegetarians
need to take the necessary precautions e.g. toilet hygiene, drinking lots of water,
and emptying the bladder when you feel the urge. The average daily output is
about 1,500mls. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Passing more urine than normal
(especially at night) can be a sign of Diabetes, and passing small, frequent
amounts could be caused by the pressure of an enlarged prostate gland, a tumour,
kidney stones or an infection (UTI’s don’t always cause a burning sensation). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Passing less urine than normal can
be a symptom of kidney disease, heart failure or the result of a fever.
Difficulty passing urine can be caused by a stricture or damage e.g. to the
spine, to the urethra or bladder after childbirth, surgery for piles
(haemorrhoids) or pressure from a tumour. Anuria means not passing urine at
all. This is serious and needs urgent medical attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bladder health is as important as
heart health. Don’t think of going to the loo as an inconvenience, think of it
as an opportunity to give your bladder a few minutes of attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p>
</p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-61411609250066390702021-04-21T06:57:00.001-07:002021-04-21T06:57:27.244-07:00Getting ready for baby - paperwork<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xG_eKrP1QffohpFWt1kHL9UtgwYx7xTGszWEzHSbEo1vIfIfkX4Iq6vLpQ2P9NAzbbEVEA2GXZ4ZkWESQDFUqPrdWxNam4so8WXfzYS6ZaWej1A2JU47wkuBDnwt58IQ1BqUKggqAaE/s840/picture+paperwork.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xG_eKrP1QffohpFWt1kHL9UtgwYx7xTGszWEzHSbEo1vIfIfkX4Iq6vLpQ2P9NAzbbEVEA2GXZ4ZkWESQDFUqPrdWxNam4so8WXfzYS6ZaWej1A2JU47wkuBDnwt58IQ1BqUKggqAaE/s320/picture+paperwork.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 150%;">Getting
organised for baby</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Paperwork. Don’t
you just hate it? Contracts, certificates, statements, invoices. The list goes
on forever. I’m sure its happened to you when you literally turn your house inside-out
looking for that elusive document to prove your registration, qualification,
payment, etc and you would give your eye-tooth to find it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">My dear mom was a stickler for
being organised, for neatness and tidiness. She taught me these skills because
they don’t come naturally to me. I’m a great believer in comfort with everything that
I need surrounding me in heaps and bundles – which means that things tend to
get a tad untidy. My Ouma used to say: “Don’t put it down, put it away.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">What’s this got to do with you and
expecting a baby? A lot really. You’re at the beginning of this journey, so
let’s get you organised from the beginning. It may happen one day that your
child asks for her birth certificate and you know exactly where to find it. You'll thank me then. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Take a trip to your favourite
stationery store and get yourself a plastic file with individual sleeves. Mark
these into different categories e.g., certificates, leases, statements,
banking, contracts. Now your new addition. Baby. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">You can start filing medical
details like test results, ante-natal records, invoices and receipts, bookings,
scans, medical-aid application forms and maternity leave details. Hold onto
these records because they can be very useful – even when your child is an
adult. S/he may need a detailed medical history – beginning with your pregnancy
– for a medical condition one day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Once your baby is here, paperwork
descends like confetti. Now it’s registration, immunisation records, growth charts, and medical records detailing the birth from your first
contraction to the time of birth and baby’s APGAR score. Initially, you may
want to record the time and length of every feed, baby’s daily weight, and sleep
schedule – but as you become familiar with your baby’s needs and daily routine,
the need to monitor these will fade. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Your baby’s “Road to Health Card”
is a very important document, and you will need it to register your child for
school one day. Not only does this card record your baby’s health and
milestones during the first five years of life, it also records illnesses and
essential immunisations that will keep your baby safe when mixing with other
children in the community. Who knows, by the time your child goes to school,
the Covid vaccine may be standard practice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you’ve ever had to deal with
your parent's estate, you will realise the pyramid of paperwork involved, and
how important it is to have ID, marriage and death certificates filed and
marked to wind up the estate. You’ll be doing your child a favour by keeping this
paperwork in an accessible file because ... in life, there are no guarantees and nobody can
tell you what tomorrow will bring. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p></p>
</div>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-26414928764651273772021-04-10T01:54:00.000-07:002021-04-10T01:54:02.456-07:00Regular exercise is good for your mental and physical health<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyu3vaGHG6CbnhYvK3AkBI3hLY18AFUw8g4h7N6Ilvw_fLEsHPdCIWDIDpUnvV6Jd7qK2ykSpfTBCvDYLwSYs7EwyRHFU4sK8_MBQQErnP2Jeyd_Qf8PU5s4Hbl2x4YqDnVbtjtRWqKE/s800/Walking+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyu3vaGHG6CbnhYvK3AkBI3hLY18AFUw8g4h7N6Ilvw_fLEsHPdCIWDIDpUnvV6Jd7qK2ykSpfTBCvDYLwSYs7EwyRHFU4sK8_MBQQErnP2Jeyd_Qf8PU5s4Hbl2x4YqDnVbtjtRWqKE/s320/Walking+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The benefits of REGULAR exercise<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“It’s not the years in your life
that count, but the life in your years.” Jodi Picoult. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A Swedish study using 36 000 middle-aged men and women over 30 days, found that regular, moderate exercise is more helpful than
sporadic rigorous cardiorespiratory exercise, and is also linked with better
mental health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The study found that when people do not exercise, or only exercise ‘when
they’re in the mood’, they are more likely to experience depression and anxiety
compared with people who exercise regularly. Since the start of Covid, feelings
of stress, worry, fear and anxiety have been on the increase globally, and
depression rates in </span><a href="https://cramsurvey.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/12.-Oyenubi-A.-_-Kollamparambil-U.-2020-COVID-19-and-depressive-symptoms-in-South-Africa.pdf"><span color="windowtext" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">South Africa</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> have doubled over the last three years. Ignoring
or simply enduring stress is not good for one’s mental health. It can also
increase the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moderate exercise for 30 – 40 minutes every day has also been found to
improve sleep. A healthy sleeping pattern can help to improve one’s health. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Try walking – ideally barefoot to benefit from ‘earthing’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What you eat is the fuel of your body. Not only does your diet affect
your energy levels, it also strengthens your immune system, plays an important
role in the way your brain works, feeds your memory and improves your mood. Eat
the good stuff – green, red and yellow fruit and vegetables. Raw when
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure that your meals are
nutritious and not simply ‘nice to eat’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Finally, stress can be minimized by connecting with family and friends –
the Covid way – by taking regular breaks and doing things differently. <o:p></o:p></span></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-5180925764456607442021-03-27T02:24:00.001-07:002021-03-27T02:24:44.371-07:00Nurture your hobbies during Covid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENNE_0aXbEdRljTasKIwI_yojIaW1VnriRGHftZdSrcZVLqtgA0dDGG39c_D_y3NTg2UTbgQodE1SdRcUyPphCf-1tLcP73JAOsoGRlMoEtEWoSBLb8JRwO81u05a7y_Hq8qOiUaGg8/s612/breadmaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENNE_0aXbEdRljTasKIwI_yojIaW1VnriRGHftZdSrcZVLqtgA0dDGG39c_D_y3NTg2UTbgQodE1SdRcUyPphCf-1tLcP73JAOsoGRlMoEtEWoSBLb8JRwO81u05a7y_Hq8qOiUaGg8/s320/breadmaking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Hidden treasures <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s true. We all work better under
pressure. As my non-profit writing list grows longer, and my list of briefs
(list? What list?) grows shorter, the motivation for research wanes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What will we be like in the
post-covid world that, those in the know, say we have another five years to
endure? I remember learning about communicable diseases in my nursing training,
the plagues, and outbreaks, the epidemics but it was so ho hum. That was THEN.
But this is NOW. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Luckily, I did not throw the baby
out with the bathwater when we downsized. It was difficult knowing what to
keep, and what to give away. I held on to a few items that have sustained me
this last year – and hopefully in the next five years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A tiny blue and white sewing basket
given to me by my Ouma when I was five. In it, I remember there was an
embroidery cloth and some thread. I made a hash of the cloth, but somehow the
little sewing basket stayed with me all these years. Today it holds the
essentials – thimble, embroidery scissors, tape measure, pins, sewing needles,
crochet hooks – all the bric-a-brac needed by crafters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My calligraphy and scrapbooking box
of goodies. How pleased I am that I did not turf these out when I thought ‘When
will I do calligraphy again?’ <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A golden tin of postcards. I
started collecting postcards in the mid 60’s. In my childish handwriting I started
categorising them ‘Burgie’s Postcard Collection No 1’ etc. In my teenage years
this seemed to be a lame thing to do. I did not have time for post-cards when I
was nursing or bringing up my family. Some of the postcards are dated from the
Second World War. I am pleased I did not give this tin to charity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Then there was an eclipse carbon
copy book of letters my Ouma wrote mostly to family when she enjoyed a couple
of luxury cruises just after the war. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading
them, I am getting to know the grandmother I only knew when she was old and ill
– irritable, frustrated and short-tempered. I forgive her now that I understand
living with Parkinson’s and having a mastectomy in the sixties wasn’t exactly
fun. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Over the years, people gave me
music books that I couldn’t really use because we had an organ, not a piano, at
home. Now that I have access to the community piano, I have a good supply of
music to learn from.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also kept some of my favourite recipe
books. One is on bread making. Now that yeast is readily available in
supermarkets, I am learning about this art. Breadmaking takes time and patience.
Your dough has to be just right, adding enough flour to make it soft and
pliable, not too much to make it heavy, not too little that it’s sticky. Out of
the draft, in a warm spot, you wait for the yeast to do its magic while you watch
the dough bubble and rise. Then it’s kneading again, shaping and leaving to prove.
When the oven is piping hot, the final baking begins, the final rising, browning
and crisping of the crust. Fresh and piping hot from the oven … pure heaven on
earth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Is there something you’ve always
wanted to do? Now’s the time. What are you waiting for?</span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-70037199241991852492021-03-23T06:50:00.005-07:002021-03-23T06:50:39.240-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJWKpPu0nAhYsL_xb4lU9Lk9CZvDXYgPe2vfGlIv6RcDyPpiwAYucGtQmHZHuruR7Sfi3GceIDTOccpvUGlPRqRUHSbOx079A-KNJ4WZ2pB1vd29W3netN8YxJbdAmwQiwdEs7sokVww/s923/Breech+baby+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJWKpPu0nAhYsL_xb4lU9Lk9CZvDXYgPe2vfGlIv6RcDyPpiwAYucGtQmHZHuruR7Sfi3GceIDTOccpvUGlPRqRUHSbOx079A-KNJ4WZ2pB1vd29W3netN8YxJbdAmwQiwdEs7sokVww/s320/Breech+baby+2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 107%;">Help. My baby
is breech!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What does this mean? Why does it
happen? Will your baby turn the right way down, and when will this happen? Is
there anything you can do to help? Should you prepare for a c-section?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These are some of the questions you
may be asking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What does breech mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breech means that, unless baby
turns, s/he will be born bottom first. Born the wrong way round is possible,
but there are risks with the possibility of complications – these being, Mom
and baby may go through a long and difficult labour and birth, the umbilical
cord could get pinched, and what about the placenta (afterbirth)? To avoid
these complications, having a c-section may be unavoidable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Babies should be born head first
because the head being hard, it opens up the birth canal. It’s the biggest
part of the body which means that once the head is through, birthing the rest
of the body is a breeze. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Most breech babies are diagnosed in
the second trimester, and luckily, most of these have turned the right way up
by the time a woman is ready to go into labour. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There are four types of breach. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 48.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Bottom first when both legs are straight (next
to the ears)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 48.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Both legs are tightly crossed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 48.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->One or two feet come first when one (or both)
legs are straight<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 48.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->‘Incomplete breech’ when both legs are loosely
crossed – this type of breech is most likely to turn on its own<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This can be seen on a scan. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why does it happen?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some women have a small pelvis
that’s easier for a bottom to fit into. Most often though it’s because, during the
second trimester, the baby is still small and moving a lot. Breech is more
likely to happen with twins, especially the second twin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Will my baby turn – and can I
help my baby turn?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As your baby grows, space to move
around gets smaller. They usually position themselves for birth sometime
during the last few weeks of pregnancy. You can make it slightly easier for
your baby by getting down onto your hands and knees, bottom-up when your baby
moves around a lot. This is not guaranteed to help. Some midwives pride
themselves in ‘manipulating’ and turning the baby externally. Sometimes it
helps. Sometimes it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What are the risks?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breech babies can cause the waters
to break too early, increasing the risk of infections and premature labour, the
umbilical cord slipping into the vagina and premature birth. These babies are also
more likely to be stressed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Risks are minimised when a
c-section is planned and booked. That is why it’s so important for women to see
a doctor or midwife during their pregnancy – to help avoid/prevent/minimise</span> complications. <o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Diagram from: Comprehensive Maternity Nursing: Katharyn A May and Laura R. Mahlmeister </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><b><span style="font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b><p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-24075443387811081972021-03-10T06:18:00.001-08:002021-03-10T06:18:27.135-08:00The best part about being pregnant .....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXBj8fIZQsa3BGHwZLuDZj1S9f7zyKsQR8XYsGMLIHj-9RoZ_EYHVkXg6bnnAsVmDihxTaGvE_BoHQFtD5WzyUtEU6CcPhMAxIvliWDLXiqWhoOMq0snCayGIcMEO74JC8wPpaSy8sLQ/s1885/Pregnant+couple.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1885" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXBj8fIZQsa3BGHwZLuDZj1S9f7zyKsQR8XYsGMLIHj-9RoZ_EYHVkXg6bnnAsVmDihxTaGvE_BoHQFtD5WzyUtEU6CcPhMAxIvliWDLXiqWhoOMq0snCayGIcMEO74JC8wPpaSy8sLQ/s320/Pregnant+couple.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4b183; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #F4B183; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;">The second
trimester – Your pregnancy Honeymoon<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once you get over the first three
months of pregnancy, the second phase (or trimester) is a breeze and most women
thoroughly enjoy this stage. If your pregnancy wasn’t planned, you’ve come to
terms with the idea of being called MOM. If this is a long-awaited pregnancy,
you may have been apprehensive about spilling the beans to CNN, but now that
you’ve reached this important milestone, it’s congratulations and smiles all
around – especially to eager-awaiting grandparents. Even morning sickness is
(usually) something of the past.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Your hormones have settled down,
your heart is coping with the extra blood load, you’re enjoying a healthy
appetite, and the baby’s vital organs are fully developed. It is only a matter of
baby growing now, and somewhere around five months, you’ll feel the first
flutters of life. Your sex life is better than ever, your man is excited about
being called dad, and you have the energy of a zillion teenagers. Your hair is
shiny, your skin glowing, and the little belly bump you’re showing is a gentle
reminder to the world that you’re special!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This time is mother nature’s
‘reward’, a little gift to you for bringing another life into this world – so make
the most of the next three months. If this is your first baby,
lazy-morning-lie-ins won’t happen for the next 21 years. So, relish them while
you can. Make time for your man – his nose will be put out of joint when baby
arrives and takes over your body, your days and nights (and entire budget).
Plan ahead; hoard gifts for Birthdays and Christmas, look for ante-natal
classes in your area, find out about day-care, read up about breastfeeding, search
for baby specials and stock-pile disposable nappies. Test-drive strollers,
google nursery décor ideas, apply for maternity leave, research maternity
benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You won’t be sorry you did this when
you hit your final trimester and your energy levels slump, nausea (sometimes) returns,
and your body begins to object to the burdens of pregnancy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Picture from my booklet: Childbirth
Education is Fun! Artist: Collette Edmonds.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p><br /> </p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-23889547478775788602021-03-07T23:43:00.003-08:002021-04-09T04:23:00.362-07:00Tips for when you come home from hospital<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYM3XJTG0aY-oCnhEo1Az6j_NKS-FEQd3Bd2isDhtMOQRIzx8Syas1FQZhG5F5hLiwo3X1xfIW6R_Hol8fC_lYKUyaYmTtj0HAKw0oZCMLBtnngePMeQt2NPReYaZiwUg9iLZ5C0To9c/s2048/Picture+hosp+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1190" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYM3XJTG0aY-oCnhEo1Az6j_NKS-FEQd3Bd2isDhtMOQRIzx8Syas1FQZhG5F5hLiwo3X1xfIW6R_Hol8fC_lYKUyaYmTtj0HAKw0oZCMLBtnngePMeQt2NPReYaZiwUg9iLZ5C0To9c/s320/Picture+hosp+3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">When you come home from the hospital,
your journey to recovery has only just begun.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Everyone likes coming home from
hospital, but patience, this is only a start to your recovery. It can take
weeks, if not months to feel well again. During recovery, you’ll need to honour
follow-up appointments to your doctor/specialist, you may need some form of
nursing care (wound dressings, injections, blood tests, physiotherapy) and report
problems (take pictures with your cell phone and send these to your doctor)
e.g., swelling, rashes, bleeding or signs of inflammation or infection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">There may be more recovery challenges
than you realise. You may be experiencing some or all of the following. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">While it’s normal
to feel ‘worn-out’ after an illness, trauma or surgery, feeling ‘tired all the
time’ can be frustrating and disheartening. This may be caused by:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->What you’re eating: Look up <i>convalescent
diets</i> for your condition on the internet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If you’re anaemic, your doctor has probably prescribed
a supplement. Try debittered Molasses. The natural sugar content will also help
to boost energy levels. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->‘Power-naps’ during the day are great revivers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Stress wears you out. Remember that a problem
shared is a problem halved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Breathlessness:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">It’s not only Covid that can take
your breath away. Respiratory infections, lung diseases and inflammation can leave
you feeling exhausted and out of breath. Learn to slow down. Physiotherapist, Sam
Holtzhuizen, currently specialising in helping Covid patients to recover, says
that because prolonged coughing can be exhausting, it’s important to learn to
breathe properly and control coughing spasms. Sam teaches cough suppression
techniques like sipping water, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, sucking
ice and cough lozenges, using distraction and relaxation. It also helps to sleep
in a semi-upright position.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Sleeplessness: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Exhaustion doesn’t enhance sleep. Sleeplessness
can be exaggerated by stress and worry. Make sure you’re comfortable, don’t
watch TV before turning in, try herbal supplements like zinc and magnesium,
Rescue Remedy and herbal tea like Camomile – or a cup of warmed milk sweetened
with honey. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">No appetite?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Food = energy. If you’re not
eating, you’re running on empty. When food has lost its taste, and you’re not
hungry (maybe feeling nauseous) try eating small, nourishing snacks more often.
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Depression:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">This is the number one enemy of
recovery. It’s a misunderstood symptom that you simply can’t ‘snap’ out of on a
whim! It takes time, work and determination to find those happiness hormones
again. Choose to do the things you enjoy, reach out to family and friends –
there’s no shame in being honest and telling them how you’re feeling. Start by
venturing outdoors and spending more time in the sunshine. Gradually add
walking (ideally barefoot) to this schedule. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Constipation:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">All the above can contribute to
‘blocking up’ your system adding to recovery blues. Circumstances are different.
Speak to your pharmacist about a treatment plan. If this does not help, do
speak to your doctor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Top tips:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Boost
your immune system<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Treasure
every day (the good, the bad, and the ugly) <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Take
up a hobby – read, listen to music, handcrafts<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Meditate
and pray<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Start
a project. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><i>Photography: Aloise Ireland</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-78596620267562488022021-02-20T02:36:00.002-08:002021-02-20T03:19:14.876-08:00Breastfeeding advice when you are pregnant<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-IgCVcygwIwTwJBm4m_N5Sf_WhcSa0ayPKKIoXgdcXC3-5s8flvgaGEBFDTAkPUTyMUqNyBNIVFyZKVJCEgfonV8sWTb8jQm8svED0MZCvHrdLH9ODbt-3gweTSg9AvgqMiRuTLEvfQ/s862/picture+breastfeeding+blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="862" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-IgCVcygwIwTwJBm4m_N5Sf_WhcSa0ayPKKIoXgdcXC3-5s8flvgaGEBFDTAkPUTyMUqNyBNIVFyZKVJCEgfonV8sWTb8jQm8svED0MZCvHrdLH9ODbt-3gweTSg9AvgqMiRuTLEvfQ/s320/picture+breastfeeding+blog.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 107%;">Can
I breastfeed?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pregnant women who are learning
about the amazing benefits of breastfeeding, may be asking ‘Can I breastfeed
if……..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I have had Covid?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I have been vaccinated against Covid?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I haven’t been vaccinated?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I have Covid now?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I have HIV?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I am on chronic medication?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If I have to go back to work?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The good news is a resounding YES
to all of the above, but let’s understand specific circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If your Covid test is currently
positive, and depending on how well or sick you are, your breastmilk will not
be contaminated with the virus – in fact, your immune system will be making
antibodies that can protect your baby. Unfortunately, because this virus is
airborne, it’s a respiratory infection that’s spread in the air, on hands and
from surfaces. Breastfeeding mothers need to be particularly vigilant when it
comes to wearing a mask and washing their hands, and breasts. If a mom is ill,
during the critical period, it may be helpful for her to express her milk, and
ask her partner/friend to feed her baby. As long as stringent hygiene measures
are taken, EBM (expressed breast milk) can be used. It’s important to keep
breastfeeding so that your breastmilk does not ‘dry up’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you have had Covid or been
vaccinated, anti-bodies in your breastmilk will be good for your baby – and
yes, you can breastfeed. (Confirmation by Professor Salome Maswime from Global
Health). If you have not been vaccinated, understand that it’s important to
keep your immune system healthy and to stick to non-pharmaceutical measures to
avoid getting the virus; i.e., social distancing, masking and hand washing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When it comes to HIV, it’s
important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to keep their viral load as low
as possible by taking Anti-retroviral medication <i>regularly</i> and <i>at the
same time every day</i>. Skipping meds gives the virus an opportunity to
multiply, increase the viral load and interfere with the body’s immune system
and disease control. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Women taking medications for a
number of chronic conditions need to get advice from their specialist /
pharmacist and lactation consultant. It is reassuring to know that many
medications are not harmful to babies. However, mothers who are taking
cytotoxic, radioactive and anti-thyroid drugs (other than propylthiouracil) are
unfortunately, unable to breastfeed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Rare medical conditions when <i>babies</i>
are unable to tolerate breastmilk are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Galactosaemia – This is when galactose collects
in the blood. It’s a rare genetic metabolic condition when the baby is unable
to metabolize sugar called galactose</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Phenylketonuria – or PKU, is a rare inherited condition that causes an amino acid called
phenylalanine to build up in the body</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Maple syrup urine disease – fortunately, this is
a rare but serious inherited condition. It means the body cannot process
certain amino acids (the "building blocks" of protein) and causes a
harmful build-up of toxic substances in the blood and urine</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breastmilk jaundice – Although this condition is
more common, it’s usually not severe. It can begin in the first or second week after
birth and <i>usually resolves on its own. </i>Depending on the severity,
breastfeeding can continue, but it can sometimes make jaundice worse or
last longer than 8 – 12 weeks. Mom may be advised to stop breastfeeding, express
and freeze her milk to use later when jaundice has resolved. </span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Working moms can breastfeed.
Depending on her circumstances and working environment, women can arrange to:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">• Bring
her baby to work</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; mso-list: Ignore; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">If
there is a nursery close by or at her place of work, she can use her tea and
lunch breaks to fit in with breastfeeding schedules</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">• Express
her breast milk at work, refrigerate it for her carer to feed to her baby the following
day</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">• Mom
can breastfeed in the morning and again when she comes home from work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When we understand that
breastfeeding in the first 6 months at least (ideally for the first year)
benefits your baby’s health not only during babyhood and childhood, but can influence
long-term illnesses like hypertension and diabetes in later life, any
inconveniences on Mom’s part is a life-long (never to be repeated) gift for
your child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-9514698395117178022021-02-17T01:08:00.000-08:002021-02-17T01:08:07.288-08:00What is love?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8mbzKml9sWrJOHJ1um_tHAEN7OOB6nN5pp2OQkEX4M9r7pLnd2BTOjpDCaGXZQW6jF5Bm-mXsj_KoHEbedGxmJGmpkDhaMjAgQWEnUu-NnUUr17KujgAyND4ou0IlapyrGl9bwFkeBc/s354/love+is+....+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8mbzKml9sWrJOHJ1um_tHAEN7OOB6nN5pp2OQkEX4M9r7pLnd2BTOjpDCaGXZQW6jF5Bm-mXsj_KoHEbedGxmJGmpkDhaMjAgQWEnUu-NnUUr17KujgAyND4ou0IlapyrGl9bwFkeBc/s320/love+is+....+pic.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Love
is …..<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you’re from the 70’s era (like I
am) you’ll remember Kim Casali’s cartoon’s following the Love Story’s theme … <i>Love
is never having to say you’re sorry</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What is love? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I went through a nasty Lupus flare
over Christmas. This, added to Covid lockdown restrictions that meant not being
able to shop at the mall and mingle with the Christmas crowd, savour the
atmosphere of glitter and tinsel, and jiggle to the jingle of jolly Christmas
music, meant a pretty dull and boring Christmas. Right?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Looking back, it was a very special
Christmas for us, as a couple. For the first time, in the nearly 43 years that we
have been together, I was <i>not in charge of the kitchen or the cooking</i>,
the decorations and traditional Christmas eve dinner. Granted, this was something
I always enjoyed with the children and grandchildren, gathered around our then,
ample dining-room table. Last Christmas, it was just the two of us in our little
retirement cottage with a few sprigs of greenery, roses from the garden, red
paper serviettes and a retrieved teddy-bear dressed in Christmas regalia to go
with a delicious dinner – <i>cooked and served by my husband</i>. It was so
romantic!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My point?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s post-Valentine’s Day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A celebration we associate with gifts, cards,
flowers and heart-shaped balloons. It’s superficial romance really. Bling compared
with true love. True love is challenging, but it also out the best in us. Love
means making sacrifices. Doing things that will make your partner happy – even
if you’re not over the moon about them yourself (like watching football instead
of a movie). It’s living those wedding vows: loving one another in sickness and
in health, in good times and in bad, till death. A pretty big commitment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t let Monday erase the romance
of Sunday. Treasure true love today and every day. </span><o:p></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-76664100230557057302021-02-06T00:52:00.002-08:002021-02-06T00:52:52.201-08:00Inflammation, Covid-19 and your health<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUJvSPHEvCBwSUYyy6bWg2_xwn7orbw5c-U_U7DUzlsFih1NUnrZqVnsvfszAAAcFjNd2BNSOV8amnftH2cB3JDXsytOEsSkTZfsiiUXgIS72aDQ_STR-M9bE4Y-fC3OZC8xMa-bUBvo/s750/photo-exercising+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUJvSPHEvCBwSUYyy6bWg2_xwn7orbw5c-U_U7DUzlsFih1NUnrZqVnsvfszAAAcFjNd2BNSOV8amnftH2cB3JDXsytOEsSkTZfsiiUXgIS72aDQ_STR-M9bE4Y-fC3OZC8xMa-bUBvo/s320/photo-exercising+people.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inflammation
and your health<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Professor Graeme Meintjes, who
works at Khayelitsha and Groote Schuur hospitals has warned South Africans of
a third Covid wave ‘in the near future’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This means that it’s not the time
to get complacent about Covid-19. The health-care system may be gearing up for
an increase in the number of patients, but we do our best to get or stay
healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Covid-19 is a respiratory disease –
and causes pneumonia. In a nutshell, this virus causes inflammation of the
respiratory tract that includes the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs. From there
the virus attacks the rest of the body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let’s understand a bit more about
inflammation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Inflammation helps the body to
fight infections and speeds-up healing. Extra blood is pumped to areas affected
by toxins, infections or injury. Extra blood to the area of inflammation means
a boost of extra oxygen and white blood cells – known as leucocytes or the
body’s infection control. A bit like ambulances and
other rescue vehicles that rush to the scene of an accident. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Superficial inflammation caused by say a thorn
or splinter is easily identified because this area becomes red, feels hot and
throbs. Internal (also called systemic inflammation) is not so easy to
recognise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In response to inflammation, the
body makes antibodies. These help to prevent re-infection. Sometimes it happens
that the immune system gets confused between "self" and
"non-self" antibodies, and this can lead to autoimmune disorders like
Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease), Multiple sclerosis
(MS) Type 1 diabetes, Psoriasis and others. Some people who have recovered from
Covid-19 has been left with autoimmune symptoms. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Typical signs of systemic
inflammation are body aches, muscle weakness, fatigue, and memory loss. There
are also more serious symptoms like dizziness and insulin resistance, IBS
(Irritable Bowel Syndrome), lower backache, and an increased risk of a heart
attack or a stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What
can you do to minimise Covid-19 risks?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Keep-up
with precautions – wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand washing. The
effectiveness and pros and cons of wearing a mask is a blog on its own. But
let’s just say it reminds you to keep your hands away from your face.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Make
sure you get a good night’s sleep – preferably without the help of sleeping
tablets <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Fresh
air and exercise: try walking for at least 40 minutes every day – 20 of these
bare-foot on the soft grass. Walking barefoot on the grass, sand, sea-shore or
smooth pebbles are nature’s ‘reflexology’ that reconnects you to the earth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Daily
yoga and meditation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Revisit
your spice-rack. Turmeric, rosemary, cinnamon, cumin and ginger have wonderful
healing benefits<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Grow
herbs in your garden<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Eat
more fruits, vegetables, chopped nuts, beans and fish<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Green
leafy veggies contain antioxidants that help to minimise inflammation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>Lose
that extra weight you’ve been carrying around with you for way too long now. Obesity
increases your risk of other health problems<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 43.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span> </span>There’s a good reason why you should stop smoking, and minimise your alcohol intake.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486563692581781512.post-66924707618409667602021-01-29T01:53:00.001-08:002021-01-29T01:53:17.606-08:00Baby's survival immediately after birth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3GT2vlo4HFAs_lwNNqaogJpVyG2GT8mNG9MqjP89aQ_Ixvq_cTPv0ZwRNnD3yHRnVbNOHiLhjfkkZ8GNsYYjnXjNJQdcm-hHdDTJdLKOFo3oVikPh_SW3Wh7UtvuFaKfKZHqKpUmDIc/s2048/picture+for+newborn+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3GT2vlo4HFAs_lwNNqaogJpVyG2GT8mNG9MqjP89aQ_Ixvq_cTPv0ZwRNnD3yHRnVbNOHiLhjfkkZ8GNsYYjnXjNJQdcm-hHdDTJdLKOFo3oVikPh_SW3Wh7UtvuFaKfKZHqKpUmDIc/s320/picture+for+newborn+2.png" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8eaadb; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">Babies are smart!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8eaadb; font-family: "AR CENA"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">The first ‘magic hour’ after birth<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I only need to
look at my grandchildren to marvel how true this is. I studied paediatrics to learn
about developmental milestones, yet, they (like babies all over the world) know, exactly what to do, when and how - without opening a book! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Newborns are programmed to survive. They’re
little ‘toughies’ and yes, there may be times when they need a bit of help, but
generally speaking, just about all babies manage to get through the first
critical hour after birth on their own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">More and more, doctors
and midwives are learning the value of <i>not interfering</i>, and giving
newborn’s the chance to recover from birth and adapt to living in the air<i> on
their own.</i> Just like baby turtles paddling their way down the beach towards
the sea, a newborn’s first mission is to ‘crawl’ over the contours of mom’s
body to find their way to her nipple where they’re rewarded with their first suckle
at the breast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8eaadb; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why is this so
important and how can it be achieved?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s not that babies
have to eat as soon as they are born. On the contrary. They simply suckle at
the breast to connect with mom, absorb microbiomes (good bacteria) from her
skin and find comfort hearing her heartbeat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the first
hour after birth, the baby is adapting from living like a little fish in the water
to living on land and breathing oxygen. It took land-creatures millions of
years to learn how to do this – newborn’s do it in the first few minutes after
birth!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breathing is
their first step to independence. After this comes suckling – not only for
nourishment, but also to self-soothe. Remember that when we were primitive
babies, we were at risk from predators, and incessant crying could attract
unwanted attention. * Babies need to find comfort from their mothers to
overcome the shock of birth, to be reassured by her beating heart, and
nourished by precious colostrum – baby’s first food. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">During the first
hour after birth, mom and baby are at their peak of ‘alertness’. The baby, once
patted dry, is covered with a cloth, and left naked, skin-to-skin on mom’s
flattened tummy where s/he is free to ‘crawl’ toward the target – her nipple – that's been darkened
by pregnancy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Babies are instinctively
drawn to mom’s left breast where her heartbeat is strongest. This very first ‘tummy-time’,
reconnects mom and baby like a magnet. Mom’s sense of relief and elation now
that her ordeal is over, pumps up hormones like endorphins (happiness) dopamine
(motivation), and oxytocin (the love hormone) that, in turn, help her to adjust over
the next few critical days to her new role as mom. A glut of these hormones also
helps to minimise ‘baby blues.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We would be blown
away if we could zoom onto the surface of mom’s skin to see what’s happening. Thanks
to research, the microbiome (good bacteria) and its benefits are in the
spotlight. These ‘healthy’ micro bacteria are passed from mom to baby during
the birth, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. When the baby swallows these
microbiomes, they’re colonised in the baby’s gut, helping the baby to digest
milk and initiating immunity. It's nothing short of a miracle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We’ve learned
that babies don’t need to be taught how to breastfeed. All they need is time
and patience and ‘hands-off’ from doctors and midwives. Left alone, the baby’s
senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste) along with the sucking and rooting
reflexes help to jumpstart breastfeeding.<i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">* More about this in my next blog. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>4mom4ever.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281830770689238316noreply@blogger.com