Birth & Baby - Advice You Can Trust

Welcome and thank you for listening! Join us as we explore the world of waterbirth with Ester, a highly experienced advanced midwife. We'll discuss her journey, the benefits of waterbirth, address common concerns, and delve into the practicalities of this empowering birthing option. Ester is a qualified advanced midwife who has worked in private and government hospitals for over 10 years. She has recently returned from working in the UK as a midwife. Ester is a passionate midwife who supports mothers with continuity of care through pregnancy, labour, and birth, creating space for physiological, natural, and waterbirth. She believes that every woman should know the joy of a safe, comfortable birthing experience regardless of the type of birth you end up having.   Reach out to Ester: www.midwifeoncall.co.za If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! VBAC: Exploring Your Options for a Subsequent Birth with Sarah Jones In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, an independent midwife specializing in VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). We discuss: What is a VBAC? Understanding the process and factors that contribute to successful VBACs. Finding the right care provider: The importance of choosing a healthcare provider who supports and has experience with VBACs. Challenges and considerations: Exploring potential challenges such as labor induction and the possibility of a repeat C-section. About Sarah Jones: Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed birth choices. Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Founded Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, a midwife who recently experienced an unexpected emergency C-section. Sarah shares her personal birth story, highlighting how she emotionally prepared for the possibility of a C-section despite her desire for a natural birth. We discuss: Preparing for the unexpected: How to emotionally and practically prepare for a potential C-section. The C-section experience: Sarah's personal account of her C-section experience. Post-C-section recovery: Tips for emotional and physical recovery after a C-section. Sarah Jones: Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth. Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Founder of Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we explore the crucial link between oral health during pregnancy and the lifelong dental well-being of children. We are joined by Dr. Tshepiso Mfolo, President of the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry and a leading authority on maternal and child oral health. Dr. Mfolo reveals invaluable insights and dispels common myths, such as the idea that bleeding gums during pregnancy are normal and not a cause for concern. She also provides practical tips, like dietary recommendations, for expectant parents and healthcare providers. We'll uncover the unique oral health challenges pregnant women face, emphasize the importance of preventative care, and explain why those seemingly temporary milk teeth play a vital role in a child's future smile! If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Ruwaida Moola, an experienced midwife and founder of Birth on 5th, a birthing unit in Linden, Johannesburg. They discuss the benefits of Midwife-Led Care, including: Lower intervention rates: Fewer medical procedures like inductions and cesarean sections.    Increased client satisfaction: More personalized and empowering birth experiences. Improved breastfeeding outcomes: Increased support for breastfeeding initiation and continuation.    Ruwaida explains what Midwife-Led Care entails, emphasizing its focus on low-intervention, personalized care and continuity of care. They explore the situations where Midwife-Led Care is most appropriate, such as low-risk pregnancies and those seeking a more natural birth experience. Key Takeaways: Understand the benefits and potential limitations of Midwife-Led Care. Learn why every community should have access to quality midwifery services. Gain insights into the importance of continuity of care in pregnancy and birth. Website: http://www.birthon5th.co.za Find a Professional: https://sisterlilian.co.za/midwives-allied-health-professionals/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! Celebrating Five Years of Birth & Baby Show: A Heartfelt Thank You It's the end of another year, and I'm taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together on the Birth & Baby Show. We've celebrated five years of connecting with amazing guests, listeners, and viewers, and I'm so grateful for your continued support. As we wrap up another year, I, Dr. Margreet Barnardt, wanted to take a moment to reflect on the work we do and the personal journey that fuels my passion. In this episode, we'll delve into my recent research and a newly published peer-reviewed article focusing on Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African maternity units. Based on challenges faced by midwives, we've developed two strategies to promote woman-centered care. These strategies emphasize creating an enabling work environment that empowers midwives to provide high-quality care and equips women to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. To further elevate midwifery practice in South Africa, we need to address issues like independence, autonomy, and ensuring midwives' voices are heard. Additionally, the curriculum for midwifery education and training should be aligned with the standards set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). Let's explore these critical aspects and discuss how we can collectively work towards a more supportive and empowering healthcare system for women." James S, Wibbelink M, Thomson A, Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African public units. Afr J Midwifery Womens Health 2023. https://doi.org/10.12968/ajmw.2022.0037  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet welcomes director of the BabyGym Institute, Cozette Laubser, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development. This invaluable resource provides parents with essential insights into the fundamental building blocks of baby development, offering a solid foundation for their parenting journey. Cozette, internationally qualified Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and a mom of two, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Fueled by years of dedicated research alongside her mother, Dr. Melodie de Jager (founder of the BabyGym Institute), Cozette has created a comprehensive guide that empowers parents and their chosen birth team to support their newborn's healthy development. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Cozette shares her expertise on the BabyGym Institute's approach to early childhood development. In light of Premature Awareness Month, we also delve into the specific challenges faced by parents of premature babies and explore how to provide these little ones with the optimal support they need to thrive. If you want to find out more about the BabyGym Institute and/or order Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development, visit https://babygym.co.za/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet talks with Janay Alexander-Gilchrist about optimizing early oral development for your child's long-term health. Janay, the General Manager of the Kids & Baby Division at Curaden South Africa, is a passionate advocate for early oral development. With a wealth of experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Buteyko Breathing Practitioner, and Master NLP Practitioner, Janay brings a unique perspective to her role. As a mother herself, Janay understands the profound impact that healthy oral care has on a child's long-term well-being. Her belief in the power of empowering parents drives her mission to help families make informed decisions about their children's health. "Having a child is a life-changing experience," Janay says. "When parents feel knowledgeable and confident, they can trust their instincts and create a supportive environment for their little ones." Janay emphasizes the far-reaching effects of optimal oral development, extending beyond just dental health. By ensuring proper jaw, tongue, and palate development, parents can positively impact their child's breathing, feeding, eating, nutrition, speech, swallowing, digestion, and overall systemic health. Join us as Janay shares her insights on creating a healthy oral care routine for your child and how it can set them up for a lifetime of well-being. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this Podcast Episode, Jane Sebidi, MomConnect Program Manager, discusses the program's 10-year anniversary. With over 30 years of experience in maternal and child health, Jane has been a driving force behind MomConnect's success. She's passionate about using technology to improve access to quality healthcare for women and their families. MomConnect, a South African National Department of Health initiative, uses SMS and WhatsApp to provide maternal and child health support. To register, dial *134*550*2# or WhatsApp message "join" to 079-6312456. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.    

Welcome and thank you for listening! For Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Dr. Margreet talked with Samantha Crompton, Lactation Consultant, Midwife, wife and mother of two teenage boys. Samantha talks about expectations versus reality of Breastfeeding and unpacks the most common misconceptions. She explains what support looks like for a new, breastfeeding mom.  She did her Bachelors of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS). While she was breastfeeding her first son, she realised that breastfeeding wasn't taught enough during her midwifery training. Seeing that women also lost their ‘village' they don't receive enough breastfeeding support anywhere. Samantha decided to do the South African Certified Lactation Consultant (SACLC) Course and have been practicing as a SACLC ever since. You can find Samantha on Social Media @Thebabylady. Resources: Online Breastfeeding Course If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet talks with Janay Alexander-Gilchris about antenatal education and the importance of empowering families for a positive birth journey. More than qualifications (though she has plenty!), Janay Alexander-Gilchrist is a passionate advocate for families, especially mothers, to have a positive birthing experience. A wife, daughter, friend, and most importantly a mother herself, Janay understands the profound impact of childbirth.Janay's mission is to remind women of their inherent strength and guide them on a journey of self-discovery during childbirth. She believes preparing for birth is the greatest gift a mother can give to herself, her partner, and her baby. Janay's journey began in 2005 as a clinical hypnotherapist witnessing the struggles of many women with postnatal depression. She discovered a common thread: all these women had experienced birth trauma. Determined to help prevent this, Janay embarked on a mission to empower women for a more positive birth experience. This quest led her to Hypnobirthing. Through this method, Janay equips women and their partners with tools and techniques for a calmer, more confident birthing process. The results are clear: positive birth experiences not only benefit mothers' mental and emotional well-being, but also strengthen relationships and family bonding. Want to book a session or get in touch with Janay?  Website: vibrantlyu.com SocialMedia: VibrantlyU If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Margreet chatted with her sister Ellen about her experience with pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. Ellen talked about the importance of preconception health and how she prepared her body for pregnancy. She emphasizes trusting the process throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Ellen journeyed with an independent midwife and gave birth in her home. She discusses the challenges of waiting past her due date and the pressure to intervene medically. She also details the intensity of her birth experience, including birthing while standing.  Ellen talks about the joys of motherhood and how it has come naturally to her. She also offers advice to moms-to-be and new moms, including: trusting your process, staying confident in your choices, taking it easy postpartum, and preparing for the demanding newborn stage. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Dr Margreet Barnardt is having a conversation with two Sensitive Midwives, Melissa Hudek and Susan Bolke, about their experiences working in different sectors of midwifery in South Africa.  In this insightful conversation you will learn about the rewarding parts as well as the challenges of working as a midwife as well as how to make an informed decision about choosing your birth provider. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.    

Welcome and thank you for listening! In our latest Birth & Baby episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt is joined by Dr. Farah Seedat, a highly qualified Paediatric Dentist, and Naseema Osman, an oral hygienist and mom of two. Naseema's personal experience with airway struggles has fueled her passion for educating families about the link between oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Seedat and Naseema join Dr. Margreet for a comprehensive discussion on all things oral health, from pregnancy through to childhood. They delve into how pregnancy affects a woman's mouth, explore the essentials of baby oral care, and address common oral health problems seen in young children. But most importantly, they share preventative tips and tricks to help parents ensure their little ones develop healthy, beautiful smiles. Key Discussion Points  Pregnancy and Oral Health Pregnancy hormones can increase a woman's risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Frequent vomiting during pregnancy can erode teeth. Regular dental checkups are important during pregnancy to identify and address any potential oral health problems. It is safe to get X-rays during pregnancy if necessary. Calcium is drawn from the mother's bones to develop the fetus, not from the teeth. Oral Health for Babies It is important to start cleaning a baby's mouth from birth, even before teeth erupt. Use a soft cloth or gauze to wipe the baby's mouth after feeding. Once teeth erupt, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Avoid prolonged pacifier use (no more than 2 years) to prevent negative growth alterations. Watch for signs of mouth breathing and address them early. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods in a child's diet. Bottle feeding can lead to tooth decay if milk pools around the front teeth. Breastfeeding past infancy can increase tooth decay risk; wipe the baby's mouth after breastfeeding to remove residual milk. General Tips Parents should seek advice from dental professionals, not friends or family, regarding their child's oral health. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are essential for preventing tooth decay. Parents should brush their young child's teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own. The back baby teeth are important and need good care because they last until age 10-12. The first dental visit for a baby should be by the first birthday. It should be a positive experience to prevent fear of the dentist. For more information about Dr. Seedat or Curaprox visit www.kromboomdental.co.za ; www.curaprox.co.za   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this weeks episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt (Wibbelink) chats with Patricia Musarurwa, a doula making a significant impact in her community. Patricia, a mother of two and a doula for 12 years at the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic, shares her journey into becoming a doula. Patricia became inspired to become a doula after witnessing a woman giving birth in her community. She highlights that being a doula is about continuous support, not just during birth but also in the postpartum period, building relationships and friendships. The conversation touches on the collaboration between doulas and midwives. Patricia explains that while midwives focus on medical aspects, doulas concentrate on emotional support, providing comfort, and helping mothers make informed choices. The teamwork between midwives and doulas can significantly ease the workload and enhance the birthing experience. The discussion underscores the significance of educating women about labour, empowering them to make informed decisions. Patricia shares that even when outcomes don't go as expected, empowered women still have beautiful birth experiences. She encourages women to know their worth and the natural process of childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of having a doula or a supportive partner during the birthing journey, promoting the idea that together, women can overcome challenges and have a positive birthing experience. Patricia dreams of spreading awareness about the role of doulas globally, making a positive change in the birthing sector.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this podcast episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt (Wibbelink) hosts Karen Wilmot, a South African midwife, to discuss natural birthing and the Relax-In Sling, a tool designed to support women during pregnancy and childbirth. Karen emphasizes the universal nature of childbirth, irrespective of cultural backgrounds, highlighting the need for consistent respect and reverence for women during the birthing process. She draws on her experiences in the Middle East, where birth is deeply honoured with rituals, especially during the postpartum period. The conversation delves into the importance of empowering women in their birthing experiences. Karen stresses the impact of birth on women's lives, emphasising that it is a transformational process requiring respect for the physiological and natural aspects of childbirth. The podcast explores the medicalization of birth and the need to bring back the beauty and nature of the birthing process. Karen advocates for informed choices, encouraging women to explore the spectrum of birthing options beyond the extremes of natural and hospital births. The episode introduces Karen's Relax-In Sling, a tool designed to support women during the last weeks of pregnancy and labour. The sling aims to facilitate more comfortable positions, mobility, and relaxation, ultimately contributing to a smoother labour experience. For more information about the Relax-In Sling and Karen's work: https://duedateclub.co.za/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

In this captivating podcast episode, Dr. Margreet, the Birth and Baby Show podcast host, embarks on a groundbreaking discussion about birthing positions. As a passionate midwife specialist, Margreet advocates for a return to natural birthing practices, empowering women and midwives alike. Delving into the historical context, Margreet highlights that upright positions have been the traditional norm for childbirth. However, the over-medicalization of birth has led to a prevalence of back-lying positions, which can hinder the natural flow of labour and increase the likelihood of interventions. Margreet emphasizes that the choice of birthing position is crucial, as each position influences the ease and speed of labour. Standing, sitting, squatting, and lying on the side all offer unique physiological benefits. By understanding these benefits and encouraging freedom of movement, mothers can optimize their birthing experience. Empowerment is at the heart of this episode, as Margreet encourages women to trust their bodies and collaborate with birth professionals to explore a variety of birthing positions. She shares inspiring success stories from workshops where midwives discovered the effectiveness of different positions, leading to smoother births and enhanced satisfaction. The message is clear: the best birthing position is the one that feels right for the mother. By advocating for natural births and empowering women and birth professionals, we can reduce unnecessary interventions, lower cesarean section rates, and revolutionize the birthing experience. Margreet concludes by reaffirming her mission to continue the birthing revolution, bringing birth back to its natural roots. She invites listeners to join her journey through empowering podcasts, educational content, and training opportunities. Together, we can make natural birth the norm again. The 2018 WHO Guideline referenced in this week's episode can be found here:  WHO recommendations: Intrapartum Care For A Positive Childbirth experience. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people, and don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

In this episode, healthcare professional Zanele Cekiso shares valuable insights into living with HIV, focusing particularly on pregnancy and the complexities that can arise. Zanele's extensive experience in the field provides a unique perspective, offering guidance to those navigating the intersection of HIV and maternal health.  She unpacks important concepts such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), an antiretroviral drug used to prevent HIV, pregnancy and HIV and navigating the challenges of childbirth and beyond. She also emphasizes the importance of regular healthcare visits, medication adherence, and taking control of one's health for a fulfilling life with HIV.  For a wealth of information for individuals navigating HIV, pregnancy, and parenthood, creating a sense of empowerment and dispelling common myths and fears, tune into this insightful episode! Zanele is a Registered Nurse who is passionate about HIV/AIDS and related diseases. She uses her social media platforms to raise awareness about HIV, by providing online education and psycho-social support to those who need it the most. You can follow her on Social Media: Facebook: Nurse Zee Twitter: @iamnursezee Instagram: @iamnursezee

Welcome and thank you for listening! This episode is part of a series: "Let's Talk About It" on The Birth and Baby Show. Dr. Margreet had a candid conversation about a topic that's often left in the shadows: unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. Guest, Thandi Innocentia Radebe, known for her exceptional work at the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic in Jeffreys Bay, brings a wealth of expertise and firsthand experience to the table. As the head of the counseling department that specializes in crisis pregnancies, Thandi deals with issues ranging from miscarriage, teenage pregnancies, HIV counseling, to rape-related cases. The episode dives deep into the intricate distinction between 'unwanted' and 'unplanned' pregnancies. While an 'unwanted' pregnancy signifies a situation where there's no desire for a child, an 'unplanned' pregnancy indicates that a child is desired, but perhaps at a later time. Thandi underlines that both scenarios can feel like crises, often causing emotional turmoil and confusion. Significantly, teenage pregnancies occupy a large portion of the discussion. Contrary to common perception, Thandi points out that many teenage pregnancies might be unplanned, but aren't necessarily unwanted. Socio-economic factors, like government grants for teenage moms, inadvertently create an environment where young girls might see pregnancies as financially beneficial. The lack of recreational centres, peer pressure, and limited knowledge of family planning further exacerbate the situation. The episode stresses the importance of understanding and not passing judgment. Thandi's message is clear: pause, breathe, and seek guidance without rushing into decisions, whether it's considering abortion or any other step. She emphasizes the power of compassionate communication and informed decisions. To combat the lack of knowledge around family planning, the host introduces a free course aimed at educating women about their reproductive cycle and the various family planning methods available. This initiative seeks to empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies. Closing on an optimistic note, the episode reinforces the idea that undesired circumstances can lead to positive outcomes. Thandi's stories of young mothers turning their lives around serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The overarching message is one of empathy, education, and empowerment for everyone involved in the journey of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! A Story of Resilience, Hope, and Healing Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the many challenges women face, as well as their remarkable strength and resilience. In this episode of the "Birth & Baby Show," we are introduced to a beacon of hope and inspiration in the form of Bronwyn Haslim – a wife, mother of three. Bronwyn, a resident of Jo'burg, is a devout believer in God and takes great joy in her role as a mother. Her journey is an incredible testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From Breastfeeding to Breast Cancer Awareness Bronwyn opens up about her experience with breast cancer. While breastfeeding, she detected an abnormality in her breast. Upon consulting her doctor, she received a daunting diagnosis: she had a fast-growing type of breast cancer. The gravity of her situation required immediate intervention, including chemotherapy and eventually surgery. Through this challenging journey, Bronwyn's support system was invaluable. She recounted the immense help she received from a midwife, who had initially guided her through breastfeeding challenges. Later, this same midwife would be at Bronwyn's side during the birth of her son and assisted her in breastfeeding him with a single breast – a heartfelt moment of redemption for Bronwyn, who felt robbed of this intimate experience with her first child due to the cancer diagnosis. Journey to Motherhood After Cancer Bronwyn's story took an emotional turn when she shared her experiences after her cancer treatment. Although she was told that her fertility might be compromised, she conceived naturally. Unfortunately, this pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Later on, after addressing some scarring issues, Bronwyn was blessed with a son and has now given birth to their 3rd child, soon after the recording of our interview with her. The Power of Support and Sharing One of the most poignant messages Bronwyn shared was the importance of seeking support. Whether it's medical guidance, a listening ear, or a helping hand with everyday tasks, she emphasized that no one should navigate challenges alone. She encouraged listeners to trust their intuition, be vigilant about their health, and not be afraid to seek a second opinion if necessary. For those supporting loved ones through a cancer diagnosis, Bronwyn stresses the significance of positive encouragement. Hearing affirming words from friends and loved ones played a pivotal role in her own journey. Conclusion Bronwyn Haslim's story is a beacon of light for many navigating the rough seas of life. Her resilience, positivity, and unwavering faith are testament to the strength of the human spirit. By sharing her journey, Bronwyn offers hope and inspiration to all, reminding us of the miracles that can emerge from life's toughest challenges. For those who wish to connect with Bronwyn and learn more from her journey, you can reach out to her: bronhaslam@gmail.com. Thank you so much for joining us today! If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Welcome and thank you for listening! We are starting a new series: ‘Let's talk about it' addressing the topics we rather don't want to talk about, especially topics that are related to sexual and reproductive health as it is subject to stigma. We are kicking the series off by talking to Sebabatso Tsaoane about Cervical Cancer, what it is, how it can be prevented and treated. Sebabatso is a Multi-award winning Registered Nurse Midwife as an agent of change she constantly goes beyond the call of duty to manifest her vision of healing the nation by healing women. She is the founder and CEO of Black Woman Arise Women's Health Foundation; A non-profit organization aimed at promoting women's sexual reproductive health through de-stigmatization, education and bridging the gap between women in the community and healthcare professionals. Through this NPO, Sebabatso is working on a project to decrease cervical cancer related morbidity and mortality amongst Mangaung Metro women. This is done through taking cervical cancer screening services to disadvantaged and hard to reach areas in the Mangaung Metro Municipality on a mobile clinic in order to raise awareness and promote early detection. Furthermore, she provides training for Nurses in order to improve capacity to provide cervical cancer education and screening. Through partnership with the Department of Health, Sebabatso is working on opening a Colposcopy and LLETZ clinic in one of the District hospitals in order to decentralize precancer treatment and reduce long waiting periods for the women with positive pap smear results. Additionally, Sebabatso provides training for traditional and faith based leaders in order to empower them to better support their congregants and promote screening behaviour. You can find out more about Sebabatso and her work on her website: http://www.bwawhf.co.za/ or follow her on Social Media: Instagram: @sebabatso_tsaoane @blackwoman_health_ @bwa_womens_clinic Facebook: Sebabatso Connie Tsaoane Black Woman Arise Women's Health Foundation Black Woman Arise Clinic If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Jacqui Niehaus is back for a power packed interview, this time on hormonal health for women. She featured earlier in an episode on Nutrition for the (wanting to be) Mom. This time she unpacks our hormonal health and what a healthy cycle looks like, which really is the cornerstone of women's health and wellbeing. She explains what are the current stressors that disrupt our hormonal health and how we can restore it.  Jacqui is a biostatistician turned women's wellness coach. Her goal is to empower women to understand more about their hormone cycles and how they can use nutrient-dense, whole food as a way to nourish their bodies and bring balance back to their health.  You can find out more about Jacqui and get in touch via her website: https://www.wellnesswithjacqui.co.za Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet chatted with Claire Bracher about ‘The Good Enough Mother'.  Claire Bracher has practiced as a midwife for 35 years and over this time her passion for her chosen field has broadened and deepened. She has looked at midwifery from every angle - working in labour wards, running antenatal and postnatal practices and lecturing and conducting research in midwifery at Wits University. Claire is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Certified Infant Massage Instructor and has a certification in integral life coaching from UCT. Through The Good Enough Mother Connection, she brings all her experience and skills together to provide new parents with a platform to navigate the new and demanding world of parenthood. Claire became aware that although there is a lot of parenting information available much of it applies a rose-tinted lens, that veers towards an image of the instinctually together unflappable mother, failing to acknowledge the dark gritty and sometimes lonely side of being a new mother. This unrealistic image falls against the backdrop of alarmingly high levels of anxiety and depression that are seen across the population, and only serves to prove to the vulnerable new mother that she is falling far from the desired image of perfection that society has depicted for her. Claire uses a model of resilience to help new parents make sense of their pregnancy and birth journey and then to move forward and navigate their new landscape and set their own realistic, achievable goals for parenthood, thus avoiding the feeling of shame that comes with failure. This is achieved through therapeutic dialogue in group or individual sessions, infant massage and a holistic approach to lactation care. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Cristina Torralbas is a first time mother and shares about her journey into motherhood. The first time her baby was sick, she was very disheartened. In her journey, she discovered the importance of a healthy microbiome and how probiotics assist in keeping herself and her baby healthy. Mysteries of the microbiome Microbe colonies are the giant topics of a future under threat by the smallest of the small. Everyone has a microbiome; a collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and around our bodies. Different parts of the body contain different microbes, including the skin, gut, and vagina. The microbiome is important because it helps regulate our metabolic rate and if deficient is associated with conditions like heart disease, asthma, depression, obesity, and autism. It also helps us to digest food and resist diseases and may even impact how different drugs affect different people! The microbiome therefore affects almost every aspect of life – and midwives play an important role in ensuring that it's healthy! Building a healthy microbiome First human microbial communities are influenced by our type of birth: the babies with the healthiest microbiome are those who are born at home and breastfed exclusively. Homes are unlikely to harbour microbes to which the family doesn't have innate resistance unlike in a hospital setting, and babies who are born vaginally are colonised with a rich microbial load as they are birthed, while C-section babies only get microbes from Mom's skin. There are several things midwives can do during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period to help get the microbiome off to the healthiest start: Antenatally Advise moms to reduce acid forming foods like coffee, tobacco, fizzy drinks, beer, artificial sweeteners, sugar, white bread, pasta, eggs, and dairy Encourage moms to increase alkaline foods like fresh fruit and vegetables and to drink water with lemon – microbes thrive in alkaline environments! Recommend probiotics and prebiotics for moms prone to thrush or urinary tract infections or after antibiotic use Intrapartum Promote spontaneous labour and use natural pain relief instead of drugs Promote and enable natural vaginal birth Use towels and other linens which moms bring from home – let the mom drape the towel around her shoulders and in her lap during labour and then wrap Baby in it immediately after birth Promote skin-to-skin contact between Mom or Dad and Baby during the Golden Hour after birth Avoid unnecessary contact between the baby and non-family members for the first few hours as this compromises the microbiome Postnatally Encourage immediate breastfeeding, especially for babies born prematurely, via C-section, nursed in the neonatal unit, or given antibiotics – breast milk contains oligosaccharides which nourish the microbes within the gut Allow mothers to room in with their babies Encourage Kangaroo Care in the NICU and advise moms to touch, stroke, and massage Baby Avoid top up feeds, as even small amounts of formula disturb the microbiome   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Lindo Tshabalala talks about how she is bringing Midwifery back to her Community. Lindo is a young, dynamic Independent Midwife from Soweto. She shares about her journey as a young midwife and has a powerful message for both women and birth workers.  Lindo followed her dream and founded Blooming in Grace Clinic, where she created a safe space that is really user-friendly towards healthy pregnant women and mothers. In an environment where junk food and chronic ailments thrive, Lindo saw the need to empower women to be healthy in order to have the best pregnancy and birth outcomes.  It has been quite a journey to get to where she is today. She had to expose and develop herself first in order to learn and bring it back to her community and she continues to do that.  Instrumental in her journey was doing the Sensitive Midwife Course and Lindo is now a Certified Sensitive Midwife.  Lindo's message to Mothers (to be): ‘if you stick to how God created it to be and for Mother Nature to unfold, most of the things that we are so scared of actually are not really needed'. And to all midwives: ‘Guys, (midwives) we just really need to bring it back'.  You can find Lindo @Bloomingrace_clnic on Instagram and Facebook If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Marelise Snijders, wife and mother of four beautiful teenagers, shares her pearls of wisdom. Her story is about miracle babies, empowered natural births and claiming your own birth rights.  She shares how she went through her first birth, with the support of her husband, midwife and doula:  "Just everything is beautiful about giving birth. I suppose going through the whole process, it's like comparing a drive-through versus a five course meal. Obviously, it's painful, obviously it's uncomfortable, but the whole process is so beautiful and your body is made to do this. You've got the endorphins, you've got the hormones, you've got everything you need.  I went into it like running a marathon, I knew I wanted to do it. Maybe it'll take longer, maybe shorter. Maybe you fall or something happens, but you know that it's a journey and if your mindset is right, it also helps you to prepare. Yes, I had to argue with some nurses, even at the hospital to say, "No, I don't want your wheelchair. I'm not sick. I don't want the lift. I can do the steps. I need to be walking." Sometimes you may need to fight the system. You have to be prepared and empowered to know that you are allowed to do this, because that's the one time that you are in control of your body. It's the most beautiful marathon and it feels as if the system is actually stealing the moment of being able to go through the marathon away from moms. The best part of a marathon is finishing. The finishing line, with that little baby in your arms, that is the best prize there is!  That's my story. Everyone's story is different, but I would really encourage women to just try." This episode will give you all the encouragement and confidence you need to give natural birth a try! Even if the system is against you, you have the right to stand up and claim your birth rights. Find the right birthing professionals that can be your team around you to help you achieve your natural birth.  If you are looking for a professional to help you walk through this journey of natural birth, we have a wonderful listing available right here: Find a Professional If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Mbali Tshabalala shares her journey of becoming a Professional Nurse & Midwife and how she persevered against the odds and is now a passionate ‘Sensitive Midwife'.  Mbali received her education at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and at the Hillbrow Maternity Obstetrics Unit where her love and passion for moms and babies was further nurtured. After graduating, she moved to rural KZN and worked as a Midwife where she gained experience in antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care and management of obstetrics emergencies.  She has worked in Independent Midwifery, practicing at a Birthing Centre in KZN, where she provided personalised care to low risk moms and their partners throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal care. Simultaneously she completed the Certified Sensitive Midwife Course.  There was no better setting to put theory to practice and she empowered herself to provide the Sensitive Birthing care at the Birthing Centre. This has set her up to become a Mentor for the Certified Sensitive Midwife Course, where she now empowers other Midwives through the Course and in their working place. She also provides education and online sessions for Moms & Dads (to be) for Sister Lilian Centre. Furthermore, Mbali is studying a Diploma in Public Health in hope to make room for Midwives at the obstetric table. She remains clinically active in the field as a Midwife doing locums in Maternity Wards of Private Hospitals and a maternity program called Network One Health, a Sensitive Midwife-Led Programme with a multidisciplinary team approach.  Mbali is a vibrant young lady. She enjoys keeping healthy and fit and she lights up the world with her laughter. Enjoy listening to her inspiring story!  Find out more about the Certified Sensitive Midwife Course. Book an online session with ‘Ask The Sensitive Midwife'. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Jacqui Niehaus shares incredible truths and empowering messages about Nutrition and Hormonal Wellbeing. Jacqui is a biostatistician turned women's wellness coach. Her goal is to empower women to understand more about their hormone cycles and how they can use nutrient-dense, whole food as a way to nourish their bodies and bring balance back to their health. We are addressing the many conflicting information in the wellness world, especially when it comes to women's hormone health. Many messages are quite restrictive, telling you to cut out different kinds of foods, creating quite a fear-based mentality around food. Most women who struggle with symptoms of hormonal dysregulation, come from a background of having a negative relationship with food, ending up under-nourishing their bodies. Jacqui is therefore careful with the language she uses around nutrition, encouraging women to prioritize nourishment, feeding their bodies with love and with care and giving their body these nutrient dense foods that provide them with the vitamins and the minerals that they need to support optimal home hormone health. That perspective shift alone, can make a big difference in the way that a woman cares for her body.  Furthermore, Jacqui gives practical tips on how to make sure you are meeting your body's nutritional needs in order to function optimally. She takes a ‘food first' approach, before supplementing, as the nutrients we're getting from food are in a much more bioavailable form, then supplements. And when talking about food, these are not necessarily all the commercialized ‘superfoods' that are so expensive. You will be surprised how ‘old school foods' are all we need!  In her work, Jacqui focuses a lot on preconception preparation, which is often overlooked. It is so important to prepare your body by nourishing it well, before one even tries to conceive.  You can find out more about Jacqui and get in touch via her website: https://www.wellnesswithjacqui.co.za/  References: Identifying the root cause of Iron Anemia  - https://www.wellnesswithjacqui.co.za/post/rethinking-iron   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!   We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.    So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift    If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet Wibbelink talks with Lisa Came, a passionate Pilates Instructor and mom of two, about Pre- and Postnatal Exercise. We all know the importance of movement and exercise for our health and wellbeing, but most of the time we are not too sure what that looks like when you are pregnant or have given birth. She explains how you can continue or start movement in this precious time of your life and what adaptations you need to do in order to exercise in a safe manner.  We partnered with Lisa and developed a Pre- and Post Natal Pilates Course:  Lisa completed her STOTT Pilates certification in 2014, thereafter completing other courses, such as a personal training and Yoga certification and moved onto specialised workshops including the STOTT pre- and post-natal Pilates workshops. She founded her studio, Inspired Movement, in 2018, having instructed small groups from home studios prior to that. Since the studio opening she has taught many moms-to-be, creating a safe and comfortable exercise space, as well as a place where new moms and moms-to-be can ask questions, share stories and get to know one another. Having had two babies as a Pilates instructor, she has traveled the road of exercising while pregnant and prides herself in safe, effective and appropriate movements for mom and baby. Lisa now hopes to grow and develop her online studio to offer expectant moms a space to exercise in their own time through videos on demand as well as live online classes and interactive workshops.  You can find out more about Lisa www.inspiredmovement.co.za Facebook & Instagram: @inspiredmovementsa In order to put theory to practise, we partnered with Lisa and developed an online Pre and Post Natal Exercise Course for you, which you can do in the comfort of your own home! And to make it even better, thanks to our faithful sponsor Zinplex, this course is currently available for FREE. Sign up now and get moving!   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! The guest in this episode is Dr Kieran McLeod, a South African medical doctor and founder of ByeGwaai. Drawing on his passion for behaviour change and digital health, Kieran founded mobile app-based smoking cessation solution ByeGwaai - an evidence-based, easy-to-access and affordable program to help South Africans quit smoking. Dr Kieran shares about his journey how he saw his own mom struggling to quit smoking growing up, till how he now impacts many people's lives through his work. Most people think that smoking is disappearing and it's not something to be concerned about. The actual truty is that smoking has been on the rise. But interestingly, in South Africa in 2016, we had about 8 million tobacco users, which represented about 20% of the adult population. Another study was done in 2020 showing that suddenly we were up to 13 million tobacco users, which is about 30% of the adult population. That is a pretty substantial increase over a five year period, especially when we had a tobacco sales ban and obviously the Covid pandemic as well. About 35% of smokers who make New Year's resolutions, have quit smoking as one of their New Year's resolutions, but the sad thing is 80% of them will fail within a month of trying. Dr Kieran took advantage of these challenges and saw it as an opportunity to create change. Pregnancy for example is one of those opportune times to help people to quit smoking as it is already a time of great change and knowing that it negatively impacts pregnancy and birth outcomes. Oftentimes, healthcare professionals have limited training and experience to really assist their patients to quit smoking. He explains how his structured programme provides a holistic approach to assist people on their journey to quit smoking. To find out more about the ByeGwaai Smoking App, visit https://www.byegwaai.co.za/how-byegwaai-works Facebook & Instagram: @byegwaai If you are a smoker listening to this, you can be a lucky winner of a free Premium Membership to the ByeGwaai App by filling in this short survey. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Our special guest today is, Amy van der Merwe, a mom to an almost 4 year old little girl and pregnant with their second child, passionate about giving them the healthiest start to life. She is a chef and loves working with plants and natural ingredients. Amy's family health history is not the best, so she started to look into a preventative lifestyle about 7 years ago. She loves food that grows from the earth and naturally started eating more whole foods and more plants. In today's episode, she will be sharing her experience and expertise around introducing solids in the early days. Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of transitioning your little one to solid foods? As much as many moms wish there was, there isn't one correct way to feed Baby; a ‘right' amount to be given at any age; or a set diet sheet which you can follow. This is a good thing really! As knowing this should take some pressure off you and allow you to rely on your Mom instincts. Here are a few basic guidelines to help you get started on the right footing... When To Start Solids Most babies shouldn't start solids until they're at least six months old – until then milk provides all of the nutrients and liquids needed. If Baby seems hungry, simply feed him more often and not according to a schedule. Milk continues to form an important part of Baby's diet from 6–12 months, so during this time solids are more of a ‘getting to know you' experiment. In any case, many babies are only interested in solids once they have a few teeth. Don't be tempted to start solids earlier because you've heard it will improve Baby's sleep patterns; only about 30% of babies have improved sleep patterns, while the other 70% will continue to wake at night or become even more unsettled! Starting solids too early can have a number of negative effects, including: Allergies, if the digestive system is too immature for solids Excess mucus, skin rashes, bloating, or constipation – especially with cereals At first, introduce solids in between milk feeds when Baby is awake, but not too hungry. Between 10am and 2pm is usually the best time to give Baby his main meal. First Foods Don't be tempted to add cereal to Baby's formula feeds when you're introducing solids; generally, fruit and yellow vegetables are the best first foods – although you shouldn't mix fruit and vegetables in the same meal. Most babies prefer fruit, and it's quite all right if they eat more fruit than vegetables – or tend to avoid vegetables altogether. Opt for soft, ripe fruits which don't need to be cooked, as cooking fruit can leave an acidic residue. Be careful of bananas, as they can cause constipation if they're out of season and not totally ripe. At first, meals can be very simple with only one or two ingredients. Start with only one teaspoon of any given food, and only one type of fruit. This way you'll be able to easily identify the culprit if Baby has any problems. Introduce new foods slowly and avoid or reduce common allergenic foods like dairy and grain products, eggs, and fish – especially if there are allergies in the family. Let Baby's taste buds and appetite guide you – as long as you only offer healthy foods! General Guidelines Avoid adding condiments so that Baby doesn't become dependent on them, instead let him appreciate food's natural flavour. Don't add salt, pepper, and especially sugar to food. Avoid honey until Baby is at least six months old as it can c contain harmful organisms. Use only high quality animal protein – opt for free range, unmedicated products and make it a small part of the meal. Don't be concerned if you choose to raise Baby on a vegetarian diet, he can get all necessary proteins and iron from milk and other foods and still be healthy as long as you don't rely on cheese and grains too much. Many babies chew on meat, but spit it out unless it's heavily flavoured and disguised. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Our special guest today is, Dr Ida du Plessis-Faurie, a Registered Nurse and Midwife, with a PhD in Maternal and Child Nursing: Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science. A model for nurses to facilitate mother's caring for their preterm infants in the community stemmed from her research. She completed her Master's degree in Advanced Neonatal Nursing (cum laude) and worked in NICUs over a period of +/- 22 years. As a neonatal nursing consultant, Ida can live out her passion regarding maternal and child health, by running her private practice and teaching healthcare professionals regarding neonatal care. Ida developed five short learning programmes, one of the programmes resulting from her doctoral studies. The programmes developed as she observed and experienced a gap in knowledge and skills regarding neonatal care, particular to the current South African context. In today's podcast she will be talking about Prematurity, the impact it has on Baby and what can be done to help Baby grow and develop in healthy way...   A Premature Start To Life Here are some basic facts to help you better relate to the preemie-moms you may meet. People often think that premature babies are simply born before ‘term' babies; they stay in the NICU until they're out of any life-threatening danger and until they've caught up, and then everything's back to normal – right? Not quite. What Does Prematurity Mean? A premature baby is born before the usual 37-40 weeks. They're not only smaller, but also often underdeveloped, born before they are completely mature or ready. The good news is that with the quality of medical care available today, most preemies have a very good chance of survival. Some preemies will need intensive care, but others may only need a bit of specialised care. In addition, low-tech strategies like skin-to-skin and kangaroo mother care make all the difference and can be safely used for most premature babies; research shows how these babies often adjust to conditions out of the womb better, breastfeed more successfully and pick up weight faster. Possible Complications Very premature babies can be quite a shock to see: purplish-red with wrinkled skin and more vernix and body hair than in term babies. Usually, the smaller and more premature Baby is, the more complications like breathing and heart problems, digestive difficulties, stunted growth and anaemia there are. There might also be: Temperature control problems – Baby doesn't have enough body fat to keep warm, so he uses all the energy from food to stay warm instead of for growing. Weak immunity –Baby may be prone to catching infections in the first months. Problems feeding – breastfeeding may take a bit more patience, but Baby needs every drop of breast milk's goodness. Solids are only introduced at about six months corrected age, so that's quite a bit later than for term babies. Hearing and vision problems – Baby will need to be tested regularly in the early years. Tactile defensiveness – an inability to tolerate touch stimulation; Baby will arch away from contact, cry constantly, and dislike labels in clothing and lumps in food. Some of Baby's milestones may be a little bit delayed compared to term babies, but he should catch up by the time he starts school. Most preemies outgrow all complications, but there are some more serious conditions which may continue into adulthood. Corrected age is worked out from Baby's due date instead of his date of birth. Factors Contributing To Premature Birth Smoking, drug, and alcohol use Cervix and uterine abnormalities Malnourishment – especially if Mom has a zinc deficiency Multiple pregnancy – twins, triplets and more Heavy physical labour Prolonged, severe stress Very young women (teenagers) or women over the age of 35 Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Jessica is a new Mama from Makhanda (previously Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape. Jessica grew up on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal and now calls the Eastern Cape home. She is happily married to Julian Barker and they welcomed their baby boy Jonah into the world on 13th April 2022. Jess and Julian also have two beloved cats, Chilli and Pepper, who are slowly adjusting to life with a newborn, as are their parents! Jess is a Lecturer in Environmental Science at Rhodes University. She is passionate about the environment and social justice issues, and can't wait to share the beauty of nature and the rich diversity of South Africa's people with her son Jonah. Jess and Julian love exploring the back roads of the Eastern Cape, picnics, hiking, and drinking wine with friends and loved ones. Jonah is already adding immeasurable joy to their lives and is a gorgeous ray of sunshine they can't imagine life without! In today's podcast she will be sharing the experience she had when Jonah arrived earlier then they had planned. PREMATURITY CHALLENGES It's possible for Baby to survive outside the womb from about 25 weeks of pregnancy, although she can have huge and long-lasting problems and challenges. It's best for Baby to stay in the womb for as long as possible and to be born at term unless there is no other option. A normal pregnancy lasts 37–42 weeks and even having Baby just two or three weeks earlier can lead to challenges in the early months, including respiratory problems, feeding problems, and developmental delays. Generally, the closer Baby is born to her due date the fewer problems she will have. Fortunately, thanks to the modern care techniques available, care for preemies is excellent and the neonatal staff will do everything in its power to keep your little one safe. Premature baby boys tend to have more challenges than little girls, no matter what age they're born at. All preemies have a risk of developing hyaline disease; the more premature they are the greater the risk. If birth or labour is imminent or your pregnancy needs to be terminated for health reasons you'll be given medication for two days which will help Baby to produce surfactant in her lungs to mature them and ensure that they don't collapse after birth. Baby's weight is an important factor after birth; you won't be allowed to nurse her outside the incubator if she's under 1kg and she probably won't be discharged until she's at least 2kg. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Marianne Littlejohn is a registered nurse and midwife, who qualified in 1979 and began practising as an independent midwife in 1982. She has worked in hospital, birth centre and homebirth settings for approximately 40 years. Marianne also holds an Honours Psychology Degree and continued with studies in Infant Mental Health both with the School of Infant Mental Health in London and the Institute for Psychodynamic Child Psychotherapy in South Africa. She attended a doula course with Michel Odent and attended local and international conferences as a delegate and occasionally as a speaker. Marianne says: ‘It is being ' just a midwife' with women that has taught me so much'. In today's podcast she will be walking us through Perinatal Psychology... Infant Mental Health for Medical Professionals By Marianne Littlejohn Introduction While a mother forms bonds towards and with her baby, the key word ‘attachment' signifies the relationship of the baby to the mother/caregiver/parent. Attachment is a biologically driven need of the infant to seek safety in proximity to an adult figure. In other words, the baby needs to be close to a caregiver for survival and attaches to the presence of this caregiver. The first year after birth is an intense period for attachment and growth and particularly the first three months after birth. During the first three months after birth, the baby has an intense need to be close to one or two caregivers, to be handled and to be demanding of the mother/caregiver for food, warmth, responsiveness and comfort. This is precisely where the intensity of the baby's need can trigger the mother/caregiver's own unrecognised trauma, and create problems in the relationship between mother/caregiver and baby. Infant mental health refers to the capacity of the baby to form close relationships and through the interface of early relations to learn, to develop via exploration of the outside world. This ‘secure base' as it were, forms the foundation and the framework for all future thinking skills, social relations and emotional development of the infant. When the early relationships between mother and baby are fraught with tension, this affects the development and mental health of the growing baby. Types of Attachment The way a baby and infant develops depends so heavily on how the attachment figure(Mother/caregiver) relates to her baby and essentially requires a mother to be happy and confident within herself, so that the baby, toddler and child can relate in a secure and confident way, and subsequently learn about his world and how to meet the challenges each growing child faces. Attachment research focuses on the quality and the nature of the mother/caregiver's sensitivity and responsivity to her infant. There are four generally accepted main styles of Attachment to the attachment figure: Secure Attachment Describes an attachment where a baby and infant feels safe and protected by the caregiver and can rely on the caregiver/parent to provide consistent safe responses. Avoidant Attachment Describes an attachment style an infant develops when the caregiver does not show care and responsiveness beyond providing essentials such as food and shelter. Ambivalent AttachmentIs characterised by a child's feelings of anxiety and preoccupation as to whether the caregiver/parent is available. In other words, the caregivers responses are inconsistent, sometimes available and at other times absent, or unavailable. Disorganised AttachmentWhen the parents/caregivers show inconsistent responses and display erratic behaviour towards the baby or infant, the baby becomes fearful, chaotic and hypervigilant, and has difficulty forming close relationships with others. This style often presents when infants experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse from their caregiver's/parents. How Can Parents Prepare The biggest task for parents/caregivers is to become self reflective and manage their own feelings and triggers so they are not reactive towards their babies and infants. How does this translate into real life? It means that all the thousand acts of kindness in caring for a baby such as feeding or changing a nappy are performed consistently and steadily while engaging with the baby/infant in warm responsive ways. It means taking care of one's own needs and reaching out to others when one feels overwhelmed. Looking at family constellations, family patterns of behaviour and one's own style of attachment to one's own parents becomes very important. The parent's own feelings of anxiety, attachment, loss, grief, anger or numbness will have an effect on how the baby/infant is able to relate and attach to the parent /caregiver. Seek counseling during the pregnancy and ‘look back' so as to clear the way ahead for one's own parenting journey. Good antenatal care with a listening midwife or doctor helps to alleviate anxiety during pregnancy and follow up on specific difficulties. Bonding with the unborn baby during pregnancy can be facilitated by counselors specialising in perinatal psychology SEEK help when life becomes overwhelming and find support systems, counselors, and networks of other mothers, family and friends who are supportive. Antenatal Classes can help to allay anxiety about the birth and improve one's coping skills. How Can Midwives and Birth Workers Assist? Midwives will do well to reflect on their own personal trauma and how their own story impacts on the work they do with mothers and caregivers in the early parenting year. Midwives need support too and will better serve their communities when they are fulfilled and well supported. The Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale is a useful tool for midwives to assess which mothers/parents may be suffering from undue anxiety during pregnancy. Maternal Mental Health services are a great resource for mothers/parents and midwives, such as the Perinatal Mental Health Project in South Africa. Tips for supporting responsive parenting: Prepare parents for birth and early parenting Give parents a chance to talk Listen, don't judge, and try not to give advice Ask leading questions for more information Encourage skin to skin contact post birth Encourage postnatal support groups, well baby clinics and social gatherings Be aware that depression during pregnancy can affect the pattern of fetal movements in the womb. Teaching pregnant parents to count the number of kicks and intra uterine movements is a way of being alerted to negative emotions as well as possible negative outcomes. The Author Sue Gerhard who wrote the book ‘Why Love Matters' in 2014 stated that “Gestation is a mutual construction process” and the dyadic relationships parenting begins in the womb. We are all involved and we are all part of the community that gestates our children of the future. It is incumbent on all of us to contribute to creating an environment in which babies can attach securely to their parents and caregiver. References  Gerhardt, S. 2014 Why Love Matters. Routledge. Psychology ISBN 9781317635796 Mmabojalwa Mathibe-Neke J. & Masitenyane S. 2018. Psychosocial Antenatal Care: A Midwifery Context. In Selected Topics in Midwifery Care 2018 edited by Ana Polona Mivšek. DOI:10.5772/Intechopen 80394   Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Our special guest is Keshia van Rooyen, a Pastor in CRC Church, Johannesburg, working within the Women's Ministry. Before full time ministry, Keshia practiced as an attorney after gaining a Master's Degree in Corporate Law. Keshia is married with two children. She is passionate about God and seeing the lives of women changed. Today Keshia will be sharing on how important Mental Health is and how she dealt with it, after her own birth trauma.  Postnatal Problems Is what you are feeling postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression, or a combination? It is normal to experience ‘baby blues' a few days after giving birth. This increased anxiety and emotionality can last a week or two as you recover from pregnancy and birth. However, if you don't begin to feel better, or if your symptoms are particularly severe, you may need help. Postnatal anxiety New research has shown that severe anxiety is even more common in new moms than depression. You may have postnatal anxiety if you are experiencing some of these symptoms: · Feeling overwhelmed, fearful or daunted · Insomnia and/or difficulty sleeping · Uncontrollable irritation or anger · Feeling restless and/or unable to concentrate · Avoiding situations because you're worried something bad will happen Postnatal depression Postnatal depression (PND) can develop any time during the first year of Baby's life and the symptoms, if left untreated, can last a long time. PND can feel mild, or out of control. You may have PND if you are experiencing some of these symptoms: · Feeling overwhelmed, inadequate or guilty · Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling like you are unable to look after your baby · Feeling tearful, sad, irritable or resentful · Feeling numb, disconnected, apathetic or hopeless · Lack of energy · Loss of appetite · Thinking about suicide or self-harm Postnatal Depletion A new term being talked about by both moms and health professionals is ‘postnatal depletion' – coined by Dr Oscar Serrallac, a family practitioner in Australia with a holistic approach to health. Postnatal depletion encompasses a range of symptoms – from memory disturbances to fatigue to feeling guilty or overwhelmed – which can affect moms from birth until the child is seven years old (or even longer). It is essentially the massive toll that pregnancy, birth and new motherhood can take on a woman, both physically and psychologically. Postnatal Psychosis This is the most severe of the postnatal illnesses and its duration depends on how soon the condition is diagnosed and treated appropriately. Symptoms include heightened motor activity, hallucinations, mood swings, severe depression, and mania, confusion and/or delirium. Postnatal psychosis usually requires hospitalisation and medication. Treatment Postnatal problems should not go untreated. Treatment, plus lots of love and support from your partner, family and friends, will help you recover faster, and feel physically and mentally restored. Here's how you can find help: · Contact the Postnatal Depression Support Association (www.pndsa.org.za) · Talk to a trained counsellor · Visit your doctor (if breastfeeding, you probably won't be able to use most antidepressants, but it's safe for you to use appropriate homeopathic remedies and tissue salt remedies such as Nat mur) Away with postnatal emotional problems It's normal to experience a bit of emotional upheaval when a baby is born. Most women get ‘baby blues' or ‘third day blues' a few days after giving birth and have a week or two of increased anxiety and emotionality before things return to normal. If symptoms don't clear up or seem particularly severe, new mother anxiety may have become postnatal depression (PND), or the more recently recognised condition called postnatal depletion. These can all develop any time during the first year of Baby's life and the symptoms can last a very long time if not recognised and treated. The symptoms can be mild or very severe, and there is no single trigger. Often it develops due to a combination of factors such as a traumatic birth, loneliness, stress, and hormonal factors. A woman is particularly vulnerable after giving birth and too many stress factors can lead to full-on depression. There are a number of possible triggers, including: False Expectations If you have unrealistic expectations or believe that you are totally prepared for birth and life thereafter, the reality of the humdrum of post-baby life can cause disillusionment and depression. Often women who are used to efficiently running their work and personal lives struggle with this, as they feel like a failure when these methods don't work in their new baby-orientated lifestyle. Women with low self-esteem are also prone to depression. The best approach is a change in attitude and it can help to talk things through with somebody else – especially a mom who has been through something similar. Hormones Throughout pregnancy there's lots of hormonal activity – and this all changes suddenly after birth. The ‘hormonal crisis' often causes women to feel more emotional, weepy, sentimental, irrationally unhappy, angry, disillusioned, depressed, and even suicidal or completely disinterested in Baby, their families, or their own welfare. Often, the body adapts quickly to these hormonal changes and the result is nothing more than a brief bout of the third day blues. However, these feelings get progressively stronger in some women and sometimes only develop weeks or months after the birth. The fact that it is ‘just' hormones doesn't mean that you can just ‘pull yourself together'; this is a legitimate medical condition which may require medical treatment. Incessant crying A colicky or ill baby often cries non-stop, leads to sleep deprivation, and causes plenty of anxiety for new parents – all of which can trigger depression! Sitting at home all day with an unhappy baby can trigger the blues, and moms who keep busy while dealing with whatever treatment Baby needs often cope better. Try to arrange outings with other moms and make sure that you leave a bit of ‘you time' as well! Relationship strain Having a baby isn't going to save an ailing relationship; unresolved relationship problems aren't a good base to start a new family on. Communication is vital so that both you and your partner understand what each of you is experiencing after Baby's birth. Be careful that you don't use Baby against each other, as a pawn in your arguments. View parenting as a team project, not as a competition; not only can this help combat depression, it will also form a wonderful foundation for raising a child. Tiredness Sleep deprivation and exhaustion is practically the norm for new moms, although some women react more negatively than others. Don't underestimate how much this can affect the psyche; it's the seat of depression. Sleepless nights aren't really preventable because Baby's sleep requirements can't be predicted or controlled. The only thing to do is change how infant sleep is approached – co-sleeping is a wonderful sleeping arrangement which can be very effective in treating PND. Anaemia Blood loss during and after birth can lead to anaemia – which can cause tiredness, listlessness, and depression. The body usually corrects this condition by itself, although it's a good idea to get a blood test at your six week check-up and use iron supplements if necessary. Chemical Imbalances It's possible for important vitamins and minerals to be depleted after pregnancy and the efforts of birth. If you develop PND, it's a good idea to get a blood test to check whether or not there's a chemical imbalance which needs to be corrected. Zinc is vital for a developing baby, but it also contributes to a sense of mental and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B are all very necessary in the postnatal period too, and supplementation may be necessary.8. A Depressive Personality Women with a more sombre personality are sometimes more prone to depression. Remember that there is help for this from both the homeopathic and the orthodox fields. Treatment Never let PND go untreated; it doesn't get better on its own and can have quite devastating effects on the entire family. You can contact the Postnatal Depression Support Association, a volunteer organisation dedicated to supporting women going through this experience and helping them to find the help they need. You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a trained counsellor. The best way to deal with postnatal anxiety, depletion and depression is to understand your personal triggers, and to get lots of love, support, tenderness, and understanding from your partner, family, and close friends. It's also important to get real, practical help and to have some time off from caring for Baby each week, so that you can sleep in and feel physically and mentally restored too.   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Our guest today is Elani, who grew up in Jeffreys Bay and lived there for twenty-seven years. In her early twenties she went to the United States as an au pair and what would have been two years turned into seven. After receiving a degree in nursing, she returned home to South Africa. Upon her return, she started working as a homecare nurse in Jeffreys Bay, where she took care of elderly and sickly people. Soon after, she met her future husband and—four years later—got married. Two years after, she got pregnant with their first baby girl, Elyssa. Now Elani is at home spending as much time possible raising their beautiful daughter. In this podcast she shares her birthing story, where everything was going along smoothly during her pregnancy with Elyssa, until 38 weeks, where she was advised that natural birth was no longer an option – have a listen to hear her story... CAESAREAN SECTION PROCEDURE A C-section generally takes about 30 minutes, although there are only a few minutes between making the first incision and taking Baby out. The longest part of the procedure is generally closing up the wound and the entire procedure might take up an hour with all of the steps in preparation and recovery. Generally, a C-section will involve something like this: Preparation You'll need to sign concession forms when you're admitted to the hospital or before the C-section is done. You won't be allowed to eat for 8–12 hours before the procedure is scheduled – unless it's a emergency and there's no time for this preparation. An anaesthetist will check your health, allergies, and other related matters in the ward or just before the operation. Pubic hair will be shaved to help prevent infection. A catheter will be inserted into the bladder to keep it drained of urine during the operation and help prevent it getting nicked – the catheter is usually removed the day after birth. An IV will be inserted into your arm before the procedure to give you any fluids or necessary medication The Procedure You'll be wheeled into theatre before any general anaesthetic or medication is given. Your abdomen will be swabbed with a disinfectant. If general anaesthetic is used the gynaecologist, another doctor, and some nurses will start the surgery as soon as you're asleep – don't worry, they'll check your consciousness and pain awareness levels before starting. A horizontal cut of about 10cm will be made just above the pubic hair line and all the layers below are cut through too. When the womb is cut open the amniotic fluid and any blood from the incision will be suctioned off. Baby will be lifted out of the womb by hand or using forceps. An injection will be given to make the womb contract so that the placenta is detached and the postpartum bleeding is minimised. The placenta will be removed. The inner lining of the womb will be scraped to ensure that no pieces of the placenta have been left behind. Baby will usually be allowed to cuddle with Mom and Dad and will then be examined by a paediatrician. The various layers of the wound will be stitched together – the last layer will either have subcutaneous stitches which can't be seen and don't need to be removed, or clamps or stitches which will need to be removed about a week. C-SECTION SURVIVAL STRATEGIES Although many women recover quite well, a caesarean birth could leave you feeling more sore and tired after birth. These hints should help after the operation… General Hints You should mostly rest in bed for the first day, but get up for short periods as soon as possible, and do some calf and ankle exercises to prevent blood clots. After birth, you may feel emotional and fatigued. Take a homeopathic anxiety remedy for safe, natural help, and talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Clean your caesarean wound with a gentle disinfectant that contains calendula, rather than with harsh disinfectants that could irritate your skin. Don't start an exercise programme for a full six weeks after your op to make sure that all the layers of skin, muscle and womb have healed completely. However, after about two weeks, you should go for gentle strolls around the neighbourhood. Ask your doctor when you can bath or shower, but until then, just have a good wash. Sister Lilian Centre's Top 5 tips For Caesar Moms If all is well, ask to breastfeed Baby right there on the operating table. This gets the bonding process and nursing off to a good start. If Baby needs observation for a few hours, encourage Dad to go with to the baby unit; Baby will recognise Dad's voice, and be less anxious. Unless Baby needs emergency care, he should be cared for in your room, so you don't miss out on early bonding. To help prevent severe pain, interlace your fingers over your wound when coughing, sneezing and laughing. Also, invest in a pair of slippers with a slight heel – they make it far easier to walk upright after a C-section. Breastfeeding may be challenging at first, especially if you had general anaesthetic. With a bit of patience, perseverance and help, you'll be breastfeeding like a champion in no time! Two of the easiest breastfeeding positions after a C-section are: Lying down and feeding with Baby at your side Sitting up and holding Baby in the ‘rugby ball' position Signs Of Infection See your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms: Excessive pain, redness or swelling over your Caesar wound Vaginal discharge with a foul odour Fever Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you!

Welcome and thank you for listening! We did a series on Birth Options, knowing your options and making informed choices. But when it comes to birth, we never know how things will unfold. All births are different. First time parents tend to go to the birth centre or hospital too soon, as they are uncertain whether it's true labour and so excited for the baby's arrival by the first sign of labour. On the other hand, second and third time babies tend to come faster and this is when one can arrive too late! Rules that applied for the first time, can be different for the second time round. In this Episode we discuss a ‘Birth Before Arrival', which can happen on the way to the birthing facility – in the car. Or at home while waiting for transport to the hospital, or in the hospital while waiting for the midwife or doctor! It can all happen. Now, when it comes to birth - your body knows what to do and will get that baby out when the time is right. Here are some vital tips to help you if you find yourself in this situation: Stay calm. Listen to your body. Take on a position that feels right for you - most of the time that will be upright, or on all fours. Make sure someone is there to ‘catch' the baby - if not yourself. Once the baby is out, place baby on you, skin-to-skin. DRY the baby and keep it warm. Keep the umbilical cord intact. Ask for help, call your healthcare provider. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you!

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode we interviewed Mona, who is a stylist and personal shopper and resides in Jeffreys Bay with her husband and two girls. She's passionate about fashion, people and Jesus. Her mission is to help women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, solving the problem of having a cupboard full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Mona has given birth twice and because of the support and education she was given as a pregnant mom (being someone who only knew c-section as an option) she is very pro ‘natural' birth. With her second pregnancy, she had planned for a home birth guided by her Doula. However when the time came, her Amniotic fluid started leaking without any contractions, which meant her birthing plans quickly had to change. Amniotic Fluid Leaking Amniotic fluid can vary quite a lot in quantity. Basic guidelines are: 500–1,500 by the end of pregnancy is considered normal Less than 300ml is called oligo-hydramnios and is cause for concern More than 1,500ml is called poly-hydramnios and needs further investigation Leaking amniotic fluid during pregnancy is dangerous because it can lead to the amniotic waters becoming infected and possible infecting Baby too. It's quite common to leak urine during pregnancy, and this can be confused with amniotic fluid.  Generally urine leaks when: The muscles around the bladder are lax – often made worse by the increased levels of the progesterone hormone There is increased pressure, like when you laugh, cough, or sneeze Baby Is Pressing Against Your Bladder It's important to check that it's just urine and not amniotic fluid which is dripping from a small tear in the amniotic membranes. Your doctor will test the pH for acidity/alkalinity to determine whether it's urine or amniotic fluid. What You Can Do You can help to avoid urine incontinence by: Doing frequent pinching exercises with your perineal muscles and your buttock area Using the tissue salt remedies Calc fluor and Ferrum phos to help with ligament and other tissue strength Avoiding and treating constipation Doing exercises for overall body tone after birth to promote complete recovery. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you!

Welcome and thank you for listening! Nompumelelo Maponya is an Advanced Midwife and Neonatal Specialist, who is passionate about mother and child care, especially breastfeeding. She is currently a doctoral student enrolled at the University of Johannesburg. Her journey of nursing started at the North West University, Pukke, where she completed her undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Nursing Science (2014). She obtained a Master's degree at the University of Johannesburg, cum laude (2020). Her research mini-dissertation titled ‘Working mothers' experience of adhering to exclusive breastfeeding in the Rustenburg district, North West', showed that women needed an array of interventions as well as support to continue with exclusive breastfeeding after returning to work. She has a vast experience of rendering midwifery and neonatal services, as well as women's sexual reproductive services, in both the government and private sector for the past eight years. She was also a breastmilk donor at Job Shimankana Tabane hospital in Rustenburg. Her research is based on finding innovative ways to assist women in breastfeeding practices in an unfavourable work environment. Breast Milk: How Much Does Baby Need? Never mind fashion, parenting is probably one of the most fad-filled activities in the world – in fact; there are baby-fashion fads! This fickleness can make it tricky when it comes time to make important decisions about things like feeding Baby. How much breast milk should Baby get per day? When should you introduce solids? Getting ‘expert advice' doesn't always help, because it seems to change as often as public opinion! Sister Lilian Centre offers fad-free, tried and tested, and completely baby-friendly advice. Read Between The Lines Anytime you get parenting advice, you should consider whether or not it caters to Baby's needs above all else. Unfortunately, many fads are not based on Baby's welfare. One such fad is that Baby has to drink one litre of milk per day. Let's consider this logically: where are measurements used in feeding? With formula feeding, of course! Breasts don't come with measurements on the side, and there is no way to tell how much milk Baby drinks while breastfeeding – so why should we try to measure it? Formula milk was ‘formulated' by humans based on our perceptions of what babies' nutritional needs are: in order to ensure that Baby gets enough of the nutrients added to formula milk without getting so much that it's bad for her kidneys and digestion, Baby needs one litre of milk per day. Although pretty accurate in terms of formula, this is based on average feeding patterns and doesn't take into account Baby's individuality. The best and most logical approach is to ‘need feed': let Baby feed whenever, and for as long as she wants to – if she's still hungry, she'll definitely let you know! The Magic Of Mama's Milk Let's face it; mother's milk is almost magical! Not only does it have numerous health benefits and every nutrient Baby needs to survive and thrive, it is constantly changing to keep up with Baby's changing needs! We may not understand exactly how, but it's been clinically proven that breast milk is individually suited to each specific baby and adapts to Baby's changing needs using a baby-driven biological feedback system. Although it can reflect Mom's diet, it's almost always ideal for all babies and is nutritionally sound enough to be given exclusively for about six months – even for ‘big' fast-growing babies. How can Formula compare to that? It can't. The reason formula needs to be specially formulated is because it is usually made from cow's milk – and cow's milk is especially designed to meet every nutritional need of a growing calf, not a human baby. Because of this, cow's milk isn't actually suitable for babies and is not easily digested; meaning that Baby misses out on all the benefits unique to breast milk and usually suffers with digestive problems. Shake It Off! Instead of looking to society, rather look to Baby for guidance. Is she happy and healthy? Then you must be doing something right! Don't become discouraged by comparing your Baby and parenting skills to everyone else; all parents and babies are individuals, so raising children involves a lot of individuality! Rather choose to believe in yourself and your Baby – just look at how well she's doing! That's because she has a wonderful mom who cares enough to invest time and effort. Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Dr. Howard Manyonga is the founder of Network One Health (Pty) Ltd a health management company that establishes and operates Integrated Maternity Practices. These are multidisciplinary teams with a presence in the community and strong linkages to referral hospitals. Howard has extensive experience as an independent Ob Gyn and has held senior management positions in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors. From 2016 to Feb 2021, he ran a large-scale demonstration of team-based maternity care in the cash market that grew to four sites across the country before he left the role in early 2021 to establish Network One Health. He believes value-based care, built of collaborative relationships that transcend geographic location and disciplinary boundaries, are key in achieving universal access to maternity care. CHOOSING A BIRTH PRACTITIONER Deciding which birth practitioner to go to can seem quite overwhelming! A good way to go about finding a good practitioner is to: Contact the hospitals in your area – or the area where you'd like to give birth – and find out which doctors practise there Ask your friends and acquaintances for their recommendations and experiences ‘Interview' a few doctors to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who listens to your preferences and tries to support you as far as safely possible Phone each doctor's room beforehand and ask about the price Many women want a more personal touch for their birth and are turning to private midwives instead of doctors. Most midwives advertise their services in the classifieds section of baby and parenting magazines, at clinics which have Active Birth Units, or at doctor's consultation rooms. Although it shouldn't be the main consideration, you will need to take cost into account. Midwives tend to be slightly cheaper and are covered by most medical aids. Some private hospitals are also starting a lower cost midwifery birthing service. You can get care practically for free in a state antenatal clinic and hospital; while many people have bad experiences in these understaffed and overcrowded units, others are very happy and have received exceptional care. CHOOSING A MIDWIFE The bottom line is that an experienced midwife in private practice is most likely to give you a happy, safe, and empowering birth experience based on dedicated professional care and easy access to information supplied by a knowledgeable person. A midwife is not only fully trained to handle normal deliveries and offer personalised support for the mom-to-be, but can also recognise when medical intervention is necessary. Here are some things to take into account when considering using a midwife: A midwife has more time to address your individual concerns and offer you personal support than traditional medical birth – this can be very reassuring if you're anxious about birth A midwife meets your need for personal sharing extra female support and companionship Most private midwives work closely with an obstetrician who can be called in if medical intervention becomes necessary Most medical aids reimburse private midwifery services Midwives often advertise their services at clinics which have Active Birth Units and in the classified section of pregnancy and baby magazines – always ask for references Many midwives offer childbirth education classes and a well-baby clinic after birth too Individual rapport is vital, so carry out a few ‘interviews' and choose someone you like and get on well with  Thank you so much for joining us today. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode we interviewed Amy, who chose an Elective C-Section for the birth of her firstborn. Amy lives in Jeffreys Bay and is married to Silvino. She is a professional wedding photographer and loves people, pizza and romantic movies. Amy had a planned C-section that went well, but not long afterwards her little boy ended up having a lung problem. Her little boy was in hospital for a whole month. C-Section Fact Sheet  Many women believe that a Caesarean Section, or C-section, is the best birth option for them. Common reasons for this include that: The pain of labour and natural birth is avoided Baby is thought to be exposed to fewer risks Mom's sense of privacy and dignity aren't be violated It's believed that natural birth will affect vaginal tone, pelvic health, and lovemaking after birth It offers moms a degree of control because they're able to choose what day they want to give birth on These concerns are all valid – although not entirely true – and it's perfectly understandable that moms would feel this way. Before you make your decision on what type of birth is best, there are a few things which you should know about both C-sections and natural birth. Pros and cons Thanks to all the great advances in medical technology, a C-section is mostly a safe and successful procedure. However, it has some downsides which many people don't know about: A C-section is major surgery – this means that you'll have to deal with all of the recovery aspects of surgery as well as adjusting to being a mommy! An elective or pre-planned C-section is often done ahead of Baby's due date, meaning that Baby will, essentially, be premature A C-section can have lasting effects on Baby, including making him more restless and colicky after birth and making breastfeeding slightly more challenging Recovery is slower after a C-section than after natural birth On the other hand, natural birth is often very traumatic – and sometimes even humiliating. It doesn't have to be that way though; it all depends on how the birth is handled. If you choose birth practitioners who support natural birth it's possible for your birth to be empowering, special, discreet, and far easier. Unfortunately, South Africa has an exceptionally high C-section rate, which isn't always in the best interest for either Mom or Baby. The most common reasons given for C-sections are: Baby is too big Baby hasn't descended into the pelvis properly near the end of pregnancy The amniotic fluid levels are low The placenta is calcifying Baby's head circumference is too big or Mom's pelvis is too small It's simply more convenient for the doctor or mom Don't let yourself be bullied into getting a C-section if you don't want one though, as most of these reasons given are blown out of proportion. For example: Small people generally have smaller babies; only if Mom's shoe size is less than number four or Dad is considerably bigger than Mom is there a concern that Baby might be ‘too big' Disproportion between Baby's head and Mom's pelvis can only be accurately diagnosed once active labour has started – birth position can solve this too, as an upright birth position can free up to 30% more room in the pelvic outlet Scheduling considerations An emergency C-section will be done whenever necessary, although an elective C-section is usually performed 10–14 days before your due date. A ‘normal' pregnancy lasts 37–40 weeks and it's usually safe for Baby to be born 14 days before this. However, it's never a good idea to force Baby to come early if it isn't medically necessary and it's best to let Baby be born when nature intended, once all of her organs and systems are mature. You can choose to ask your doctor to let you go at least until your due date. Most first pregnancies go slightly longer and even if you do go into labour, the progress is usually slow enough to start with that you'll still be able to get your C-section. Although C-sections are generally very safe, Baby may suffer some negative effects – especially if the C-section is done too early. These include: Respiratory problems which may mean Baby has to spend some time in the neonatal unit Baby needing her airways to be suctioned – this is traumatic and can make Baby restless and more prone to colic later Extra challenges when it comes to getting breastfeeding started – especially if Baby's sucking reflex isn't fully developed because of her prematurity Baby being more likely to develop tactile defensiveness – extreme sensitivity to light and loud noises, labels in clothing, certain fabrics, and aversion to touch, lumps in food, and walking barefoot

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode we talked with Birthing Doula Beverley Chigwanda. As a Birthing Doula Bev's utmost aim is to give families, who have given her the honor to be part of their journey, a positive, memorable and dignified birth experience. She does not replace the partner she equips him/her to be an active participant in the process of ushering this long awaited precious bundle to the world! Without overriding or disregarding expert medical advice, Bev also stands as an advocate to communicate the Birthing family's preference in terms of how they envision their birthing story to begin, progress and conclude.  Bevs philosophy is: “Being a Doula is not a profession it is a calling, Having a Doula is not a Luxury it is a necessity” Do you need a doula? With a doula's help, you're more likely to experience a positive birth, whether natural or C-section. For centuries, women have been supporting each other during labour. In Greek, the word ‘doula' means ‘women's servant'. Today, ‘doula' refers to someone who provides non-medical support to a mom-to-be before, during and after birth.  While you may have chosen your husband, mom or best friend to be your birth companion, a doula who has been trained in the biological process of childbirth can be a valuable addition to your birth team. What a doula does A doula uses her knowledge to support, comfort, encourage and inform an expectant couple throughout the birth process. If you use a doula, you'll likely build a relationship with her over your pregnancy, so that when your due date arrives, she'll know how best to help you.  Six doula services: 1.     During pregnancy, she will discuss your birth hopes and concerns with you, helping to dispel any unnecessary anxiety and guiding you as you draw up a realistic, personal birth plan 2.     During labour, she will provide physical support, wiping your brow or assisting with pain-relieving options, such as relaxation techniques, massage and labouring positions. 3.     A doula's emotional support during labour will help you to feel comforted and understood, reducing your perception of physical pain  4.     A doula will also support you partner, keeping him calm and suggesting practical ways that he can help you 5.     After birth, she will provide breastfeeding guidance, for long-term nursing success 6.     A postpartum doula will watch out for any signs of postnatal depression and suggest where you can get help if you need it Doula benefits Recent research has shown that the support of a doula during labour means: A C-section is less likely (although doulas can also provide valuable support during necessary C-sections) The use of forceps or vacuum is less likely Induction is less likely Pain medication is often reduced The length of labour is often reduced Mom is more likely to rate her childbirth experience positively Breastfeeding is more likely to be successful Mom is less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression after birth What a doula does not do Since a doula is not a medical professional, she will not perform clinical procedures or diagnose medical conditions, nor will she deliver the baby. As she is a source of support during labour, your doula will not judge you, pressure you, or allow her personal opinions to affect the way she cares for you during labour. She also cannot make decisions for you. Rather, she will provide you with information so you can make your own informed choices about your birth. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Epidural fact-file   There's good and bad news, and there are points to ponder…   Epidurals are the most common form of pain relief in private South African hospitals. You'll lie curled on your side or sitting on the edge of the bed, when an epidural is administered. The anesthetist will numb your skin, carefully guide a needle into your lower back, thread a catheter through the needle, gently pull the needle out, and tape the catheter in place. The medication flows through this catheter, and soon you should only feel the pressure of your contractions, but without the pain. An epidural leads to a temporary loss of movement in the lower body and you will need a catheter to keep your bladder empty, and an intravenous ‘drip' in case you need medication.   A ‘walking' epidural is intended to block the pain without limiting your ability to walk, but is unfortunately seldom very successful.   The good news and the bad news The good news is that you should be alert throughout the birth, and, if there are no complications, epidurals are very effective at numbing the pain, and thus reducing your anxiety. But, before you jump with joy, there are a few things to consider. Studies have shown that epidurals lead to an increased risk of: - Perineal tearing - Caesarean section - Fetal distress - A longer labour - Needing synthetic hormones to strengthen contractions (induction) - Baby being unable to turn into the correct position for birth   There are three main reasons for this: 1. An intricate balance of hormones flows through your body during labour, one of which is oxytocin. An epidural lowers your oxytocin levels, which could slow down your labour and lead to induction. 2. After an epidural, your pelvic floor muscles, which are partly responsible for guiding Baby's head into a good position for birth, will not function as they should. If Baby isn't in the correct position for birth, you may need an instrument delivery or episiotomy, and tearing is possible.  3. You might not be able to push Baby out properly if you can't feel those last few powerful contractions - instrument delivery and perineal damage are potential risks.    These outcomes are even more likely if you lie on your back during labour, which is mostly the case. However, if the epidural is timed well and starts to wear off just before you need to push Baby out into the world, outcomes are usually better.   The analgesics in your epidural will also enter your baby's bloodstream, and it will take Baby longer to eliminate the drugs then for you. This could mean he'll be less alert for his first few days, possibly affecting breastfeeding and bonding.   Take heart All this may sound terrifying, but there's no need to be scared of giving birth. You have many alternative options. Why not read our many helpful natural birthing blogs?  Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! In the next episode of the ‘Birth Options Series' we will be talking about giving birth in a Government Hospital. For many women this is the only option available for them, and it really can be a good experience. The better prepared and empowered you are, the better you can ‘own' your birth and have a positive experience. Our special guest is Kirsti Steenekamp, a registered midwife who is working in a Government Hospital Setting, and she explains everything you need to know in order to give birth in a Government Hospital setting and how you can empower yourself to have a good, natural birth experience.  Kirsti started her midwifery journey in an academic hospital in Johannesburg where she experienced first hand the incredible strain the doctors, midwives and nurses are working under which often led to exhaustion, apathy and burnout of the health care team. She also witnessed the abuse, neglect and trauma inflicted on birthing mothers by the ones who have taken a pledge to protect and care for them. Knowing that change starts with yourself, she started to unlearn old, damaging practices and to educate herself on natural birth. Fast forward five years later and that journey is still ongoing although now in a different, smaller government hospital. She is now actively (and at times loudly) advocating for mothers' rights and teaching evidence-based practice to midwifery students and colleagues alike. The system is still as gruelling as ever but light, albeit faint, is starting to break through. Although Kirsti loves attending to any mother in labour, she feels especially drawn to assisting and creating a safe space for teenagers, victims of sexual and domestic abuse and substance abusers. It is also her dream to open a birthing house where any woman, regardless of her background or socio economic status, can birth safely and naturally. Apart from being a midwife, Kirsti is also a wife and mother of two toddlers and several fur kids. She loves food, trail running, horse riding and playing on the beach with her kids, Ruben and Josie.  Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Danielle (37) is wife to Cordy (39) and homeschooling mom to 4 children. Naomi (11) is adopted, Lucas (9) was born in the hospital, Lisa (6) & Noah (4 months) were both born at home. She is passionate about God's Word, family life, music, home education and home birth. Noah was born in the bathtub, delivered by midwives Margreet & Lisa. Labour started with several hours of irregular contractions, moving into regular, more painful contractions for about 2 hours. After about half an hour in the bath and after a few pushes Noah was born. Noah could breastfeed and midwife Margreet assessed and weighed Noah. They treasured being together as a family, before, during and after the birth of their beautiful son and little brother.    What about a water birth? If you are one of the many women who find water both comforting and soothing, then a water birth is a wonderful natural birth option for you. Read up on all the facts below if you're thinking about having one.   The water birth checklist Before you can choose to have a water birth, you need to make sure of the following things: Your pregnancy should be low-risk, and there should be no complications during labour You should also have an experienced water birth midwife or doctor with you throughout your labour  Not all hospitals have water birth facilities and you will need to phone around to find which ones do You may need to hire a birthing pool if you would like to give birth at home  What to expect You can choose to use water for pain relief throughout labour and then have a ‘dry' birth, or you can deliver your baby in water. The relaxing effect of warm water often helps to ease the pain of early contractions; you can choose to enjoy this for a while and then get out again, until labour is more established. For some women, being in water speeds up labour considerably; this is partly because nature can run its course more efficiently when the mom-to-be is relaxed. Partners are often in the birthing pool right alongside the labouring mom. Baby is born into the water but brought to the surface very soon after birth; he is safe under water right up until the umbilical cord stops pulsating. However, Baby should start breathing in air within a few minutes of birth to minimise the chance of water aspiration. Is a water birth safe? There are far fewer risks with a water birth than with a normal 'dry' birth if the basics are adhered to, and you are assisted by an experienced water birth professional.  Research has been done quite extensively, including in South Africa, to evaluate and compare the safety issues of water births and conventional births. The results? The outcomes for newborns in the two groups are similar regarding their temperature, umbilical cord blood pH, haemoglobin and sodium levels, primitive reflexes and neonatal morbidity.  However, the newborns of the water birth group needed less resuscitation at birth than the neonates of the traditional bed-birth group, and their Apgar scores were higher.  Advantages of a water birth Generally, the water helps to ease the pain  The mom-to-be feels more relaxed, which means that labour progresses more rapidly and Mom's coping skills are greatly improved  A water birth happens in an upright birth position, which means that your body is assisted by the laws of nature and physics - you don't have to lie on your back and give birth 'uphill', as it were  Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! ​​Ruwaida trained as a General, Community, midwifery & Psychiatric nurse at Coronationville Nursing College and later did advanced Midwifery & neonatology and Nursing Education at the University of Johannesburg. Ruwaida, mother of two, has been practising midwifery since 1999, working in various provincial and private hospitals, clinics and maternity units. Witnessing childbirth in her schooling years was a revelation that she would remain in that miraculous field of midwifery. Her passion was further strengthened during her  midwifery training, where she was able to facilitate labour, offer support and be a part of labour and birth. She now has the privilege to impart knowledge to nursing students as a guest lecturer. After her first son needed an exchange transfusion for neonatal jaundice, she also developed a special interest in jaundice and home phototherapy. Her Independent practice, Miracle Births, was established after the birth of her second son. Whilst continuing with her practice she also worked as a senior fertility sister in a fertility clinic where she had the privilege of being a part of a couple's lives from preconception to birth. Ruwaida specialises in low risk pregnancies and birth, certified in aromatherapy & massage and has also worked in a pain clinic. She mentions that she has seen phenomenal success in the use of non pharmacological methods of pain relief during labour. Ruwaida tries to reach out to communities through television and radio talks. She is also a columnist for various pregnancy magazines. Empowered birth What if you felt excited, rather than fearful, about your birth experience?  In our society today, it's a sad thing that so few women speak about looking forward to their birth. The excitement they express about ‘having a baby' often refers to holding the baby after birth – not the birth itself. Commonly, labour and birth are spoken about as ‘scary', ‘painful', or something a mom just has to ‘get through'. But what if you thought about birth differently?  Fear of the unknown Many first-time moms fear birth because they don't know what to expect. This is, in fact, just the first of many times on your parenting journey that you will have to accept your inability to control things. Still, there is a lot you can do to prepare yourself for what your birth may be like.  While there are many bad birth stories, there are many more empowering stories about birth. Women have taken to sharing these stories online, on blogs and social media, and often include beautiful birth photographs. There are also many videos on YouTube that show what birth is like. Witnessing others' experiences of birth can help you prepare for your own. After all, knowledge is power! Fear of pain Labour is hard work for most women and yes, it can hurt – there's no getting around this. Contraction of the uterine muscle, when Baby lies in a posterior position, and the stretching of the perineum as Baby is pushed out into the world inevitably are accompanied by discomfort, but there are so many things you can do to reduce the pain.  Natural birth is actually far less painful than you'd think, because birth hormones are designed to make contractions manageable. Implementing the many tips for natural pain relief will help you cope well. The chief cause of unbearable pain is, in fact, anxiety itself. Labour does hurt – there's no getting around this. But there are so many things you can do to reduce the pain to a point where you can handle it easily:  Relax; anxiety makes birth more difficult by suppressing the hormones that make labour easier. Walk, rotate your hips and squat during labour. This stretches the pelvis by up to 30%, and helps move Baby downwards.  Concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing, play music you love and dim the lighting. Wrap towels soaked in warm water around your belly, or relax in a deep warm bath. Encouragement from your partner, doula or midwife will help lower pain levels. Take a homeopathic labour and birth remedy. Special techniques like visualisation and medical hypnosis help some women. Touch therapies like massage, reflexology and acupuncture support the body's natural painkillers. All of these tips will also help prevent an episiotomy, tear or intervention. Trust your body During pregnancy, you trusted your body to look after your developing baby. So why should birth be any different? Trusting in yourself will not only make your birth easier, as you'll be less anxious, but is the key to an enjoyable and empowering experience. Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Inge Burger is a new mom with a 5 month baby girl, Lika - she lives in Jeffreys Bay with her husband Tabu. Inge is a stay at home mom at the moment.  After trying to fall pregnant for quite some time, Inge had a natural (vaginal) birth in August 2021 at St Georges hospital in PE - she had a very good experience. Not all vaginal births are equal Many midwives and mothers use the terms ‘normal' and ‘natural' birth interchangeably – how wrong they are!   Common definitions of the word ‘normal' include ‘according to an established norm, rule or principle' and ‘conforming to a type, standard or regular form'. Natural, on the other hand, is defined as ‘faithfully representing nature or life' and ‘not produced or changed artificially'.    Abnormally normal In terms of birth, the two words each encompass typical features. A normal birth follows the medical model initiated by Western medicine. This was streamlined with the rise of obstetrics as a separate specialisation, and birth taking place in a hospital rather than a dedicated birth facility or at home.    It is not unheard of for protocols and procedures to be implemented routinely in ‘normal' birth, despite research advising against them. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is common, often leading to wrongly diagnosing poor progress or fetal distress, with unwarranted medical interventions to follow. Hospital protocol and medical doctors' orders triumph over maternal preferences. From a natural perspective, normal is risky business!   Shift and midwife changes may occur during a normal birth, exposing a woman to the disruption of more than one midwife caregiver. There may well be a restriction on birth partners allowed at her bedside.    Other questionable characteristics of a ‘normal' birth include: - Very little walking around or mobilisation by labouring women  - Women seldom given oral sustenance but may have unnecessary intravenous fluids - Routine, too frequent vaginal examinations - Semi- and supine position, with impaired coccyx mobility and lack of gravitational support - Induction and/or augmentation of labour - Medical pain relief - Instrument delivery - Episiotomy   The original normal The confusion in terminology probably arose from the clinical approach to birth – Western medicine's focus on structure and function, and preventing pathology. And so, natural birth midwives and mothers have had to take a stand to ensure that birth as a woman-centred, life and family experience, can still take centre stage. So arose the concept of natural birth.   Natural labour and birth ­– more often safer than a normal birth – take place either in an active birth unit or at home, and the couple's preferences are taken into account, when safe for mother and baby. The emphasis is on offering advice and information to enable personal choice, rather than directing proceedings. EFM is only done intermittently and many other routine hospital procedures are omitted, or done only as required. Induction, episiotomy, and intravenous fluids are, for instance, unusual.   Mothers are actively encouraged to eat and drink, and movement and upright positions in labour and birth are supported. Medical pain relief is seldom used, with natural pain relief methods being offered. Most importantly, the atmosphere is serene and calming, to alleviate anxiety. As in a hospital labour, careful observation is done and referral is made if major interventions become necessary.   Natural should be the gold standard ‘Natural' has also been defined as ‘established by moral certainty or conviction'. Despite protocols and staff shortages, midwives and obstetric nurses in both private and state birthing facilities have amazing power to improve the experience and outcomes of low-risk labours.    Many labours that turn into high-tech situations could be averted by low-tech midwifery skills, which are grounded in solid evidence. These skills improve the experience for women and their midwives!   Women need to feel safe, respected and undisturbed to facilitate hormonal action. Midwives need to learn to trust Mother Nature, women's bodies, power, physiology and themselves again. The best birth outcome is natural, rather than normal! This episode covers a beautiful birth story which illustrates clearly the difference between a ‘normal' and ‘natural' birth.  Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Ian Wheeler is a Homeopathic Pharmacist and founder of the well-known Pegasus Homeopathics range. He grew his own group of retail pharmacies over 33 years, but was always intuitively drawn to natural medicine. Ian expanded all his pharmacies to incorporate a health section until in 1994, he completed a three-year Classical Homeopathy course which culminated in him formulating the Pegasus range of homeopathic remedies. He recently sold this pharmacy in order to fully focus on his passion for natural medicine, in particular homeopathy. Ian travels the country teaching pharmacist colleagues, as well as introducing it to Pharmacy students. He also liaises with and teaches nursing sisters, midwives and doulas, because he finds that the field of homeopathy is of particular value to treat and help their pregnant and breastfeeding clients, and newborn infants. Last but not least, Ian launched the Pegasus Pet range at the end of 2017, believing as he does that homeopathy is for every member of the family! The medical and pharmaceutical disciplines have had a definite influence on a pregnant woman's perception that she needs help over and above what her mind and body are innately capable of. This translates into medical practitioners and their patients buying somewhat too eagerly into the idea that almost all pregnant and birthing women will need some form of intervention or medication over the course of pregnancy, birth and/or the postnatal period. Although the consensus is that as little medication as possible should be taken during pregnancy, over-supplementation, progesterone, antibiotics, antifungals and mild painkillers are often prescribed in pregnancy. A ‘fear-induced' oxytocin induction is common despite potentially significant adverse effects. Medical labour pain relief, anti-emetics and postnatal anti-depressants add to the pharmaceutical risks, which should be carefully weighed up before use. Instead, women should be empowered and educated, to reinforce their innate ability to bear children naturally. Both allopathic/pharmaceutical practitioners and medications, as well as holistic healers using natural remedies (both herbal and homeopathic) have a role to play in emergency  Pregnancy considerations Unlike homeopathic remedies, herbal products can cause a build-up and need to be used cautiously. This is especially true in pregnancy and lactation, and with small children. Before using any medication during pregnancy, it's usually a good idea to contact the manufacturing company for more specific information. Keep in mind that:  Some vitamin and mineral supplements aren't suitable for use during pregnancy       Topical products applied to the skin can cause allergies, so check on a small patch of skin first       Most herbal or aromatherapeutic cream, lotion, and oil products contain very diluted quantities and are not dangerous in pregnancy and with little ones, although you should always check       Some herbal products can be used safely for small children and during pregnancy, just make sure you get advice from an expert in the field       There are usually safe homeopathic alternatives for use with babies and during pregnancy       It's vital to stick to dosage instructions and only use herbal products for limited periods before taking a break  Homeopathic solutions Homeopathy is a safe and effective complementary modality throughout pregnancy and perinatal care. Homeopathy brings homeostasis to the mind and body, leading to balance and optimal functionality. Remedies will only initiate an appropriate healing response as needed, without side effects, and are directed at healing the cause of problems, not only symptoms!   While serious pregnancy and labour conditions can be treated with homeopathy, they require the training and experience of a classical homeopath, and the insight to know when to refer the woman for obstetric intervention. However, many homeopathic remedies can be used in clinical practice.  Sign up for our Homeopathy Course currently free at the time of publishing Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! Marishka is a digital marketing manager, surfer and follower of Jesus. She recently gave birth to her first child and shares her experience with us in this interview. Home birth  A home birth follows the more age-old traditional way of birthing a baby; taking place in your home, assisted by a competent and caring midwife. Many women choose a home birth because they had a disappointing hospital birth, are anxious about hospitals, or simply want to bring Baby into the world in the most relaxed, natural way possible!  How safe is home birth? Birth is a natural, well-designed process, not a medical procedure. If done properly, a home birth can be safer than a hospital birth. Midwives do not take on high risk pregnancies – like pre-eclampsia or twins – and there are always back-up plans in place with an obstetrician and hospital for emergencies. Throughout the birth, the midwife will monitor Baby's heart rate and progress, and Mom's pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and cervical dilation. Midwives are qualified and equipped to deal with birth concerns such as: Baby not breathing Mom bleeding heavily after birth The umbilical cord wrapped around Baby's neck Baby not descending Episiotomies or tearing    Is there pain relief? Midwives use natural pain relief methods. Stronger pain relief is possible at home, but you'll need a doctor's prescription ahead of time – plus an antidote in case the medication affects Baby. However, pain is related to stress; anxiety tells the body to slow the labour, but the body is already telling the uterus to push – this clash is painful! Because home births aim to be more relaxed, there is usually less fear and anxiety, and therefore less pain. Midwives will use effective natural methods like massage and homeopathic remedies to help you. Most importantly, a midwife encourages and supports you, which is essential to a good delivery!  What are the benefits?  The relaxed atmosphere can make labour progress easier You get to establish a relationship with the midwife before the birth, and get daily check-ups afterwards Hospitals often focus on efficiency, while home births focus on the mother's needs and preferences Moms feel empowered; they decide what position to deliver in, when to eat, and whether to walk around There is freedom and privacy; Moms cans strip if they like, or walk around the garden The familiar environment is comforting; and afterwards Mom can relax in her own environment and bed Mom and Baby are never separated Visitors and family members are allowed – even for the birth itself, if you want that!   Choosing a midwife Ensure that your midwife: Has a good rapport with you, and makes you feel confident Is registered with the South African Nursing Council Has 3–5 years post graduate experience, including home birth Has a maximum workload of 10 deliveries per month Has a working relationship with a back-up doctor and midwife Brings the necessary equipment for any interventions that may be needed, like oxygen, suction, intubation equipment, intravenous access, oxytocins, catheters, and suture materials Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you enjoyed this video please share this with a friend who will benefit from this.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!  

Welcome and thank you for listening! Many expectant couples have questions about what birth options they have and which will be the best for them. This will depend on your pregnancy, how labour unfolds, the health of Mom and Baby, where you live, and what birth facilities are available in your area.  I like to say there are three ‘types' of birth: Normal birth – a vaginal delivery in the hospital or clinic. Caesarean birth – should only be used in case of  emergency. Natural birth – as Mother Nature intended; calm, peaceful  and with minimal intervention Your main birth options include: Normal vaginal delivery in a maternity facility This is the most well-known option and generally includes: Vaginal birth following labour in a private hospital or clinic, a state hospital, or a private or state midwifery-led unit Possible intervention like induction, episiotomy, vacuum delivery, forceps, and medical pain relief  The delivery room often resembles an operating theatre Moms can sometimes ask for individual needs to be respected, like freedom to move around in first stage, a more upright birthing position, and less automatic intervention like episiotomy   Homebirth This is simply giving birth at home with the help of a private midwife! It's only recommended for uncomplicated pregnancies Women often choose this because of wanting Baby to get a natural start, being anxious about hospitals, or having had a previous disappointing hospital birth Family and friends can be involved  The relaxed atmosphere and familiarity of the environment often make labour progress more easily An experienced midwife can take care of first stage and deliver Baby Most midwives have an obstetrician who is called on if any complications or risks arise Natural pain relief options are encouraged and you'll have to move to the hospital for medical intervention and procedures   Water birth Water can either be used for pain relief during labour, or Baby can be delivered in water.  An experienced practitioner, usually a midwife, is needed to assist  The birth can take place at home in a hired birthing pool or in an Active Birth Unit Generally pain is less and Mom feels more relaxed so labour is quicker and coping skills are better  The water needs to be kept warm  Water birth is safe if excellent hygiene precautions are adhered to and regular checks are done of both Mom and Baby's condition  Baby can be gradually floated to the surface after birth, but shouldn't be submerged again once the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating or Baby has started breathing    Active birth in hospital An Active Birth Unit is a pleasant home-like suite where a private and occasionally hospital midwife will deliver your baby.  Being next to or in a hospital means that any emergencies can be treated promptly Active birth is a form of vaginal birth with more natural options like giving birth in an upright position (kneeling or squatting), water birth, moving around during first stage of labour, and not having a routine episiotomy  The emphasis is on the fact that this is your birth and you are helped to make it as special as possible   Caesarean birth Baby is born either in an elective operation, or in response to an emergency towards the end of pregnancy or during labour.  South Africa is one of the only countries that allows Caesarean birth as an option; other countries view it only as a necessary intervention during an emergency You can have spinal anaesthesia and be conscious throughout the procedure, or have a general anaesthetic  Caesarean section is major abdominal surgery, but is mostly a safe procedure for Mom and Baby Choosing your best birth What the best birth for you is depends quite a bit on what happens at the end of pregnancy and during labour. If, for example, you end up needing medical intervention or an emergency C-section then that is the best birth for you – regardless of what other plans you may have had. Generally if there are no complications then true natural birth is the best option for both Baby and Mom. If you're very anxious about the birth it can help tremendously to take an appropriate homeopathic remedy and use the services of a dedicated private midwife. It's important that you be as relaxed and comfortable as possible because anxiety raises your adrenaline and cortisol levels and suppresses the hormones which provide pain relief and make birth easier. Many women find it very comforting to have a private midwife as she can help you through every step of labour without the disruption of shift changes. This is generally a safe option too because most private midwives work closely with an obstetrician who will be called in to help if medical intervention is required.  Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening! While pregnancy is a natural process and not an illness, regular check-ups are important. Whether you go to a state pregnancy clinic, consult your doctor throughout your pregnancy, or prefer to see a private midwife, you should see a practitioner regularly, and you will be offered a host of tests. Here's what to expect: Put these check-ups in your calendar It's important to get regular antenatal care. According to the policies adopted by the South African Department of Health (based on the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization), if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you should visit your practitioner or clinic:       Towards the end of the first trimester       At 20, 26, 30 and 34 weeks       Thereafter, every two weeks (36, 38 and 40 weeks) As you get closer to your due date, your caregiver may want to see you more often, and extra visits may be scheduled for pregnancies that need special care (e.g. moms-to-be with a medical condition). If you experience any serious symptoms, like vaginal bleeding, see your doctor immediately. Types of tests Before falling pregnant, it is a good idea to have a blood test to determine whether or not you have antibodies to rubella (German measles). If not, you will be offered a vaccine to lessen your chances of contracting the disease. Rubella can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth, as well as birth defects if Baby is infected while in the womb.  During pregnancy, there are a number of tests which can be done at different stages. Some are routine, some need your permission, and some are only done if there is a potential problem. Private sector medical facilities usually offer more tests than the truly necessary ones done at public health facilities.  Common tests include: Regular blood pressure tests Regular urine tests to check for bladder or kidney infections, preeclampsia and other disorders A blood test at the first consultation to check for anaemia A blood test to check your blood group and Rhesus factor (positive or negative) A blood test to check your HIV status, as well as any other sexually transmitted diseases A blood test called the Triple Test done at 12–16 weeks to screen for Down syndrome and other genetic conditions Thank you so much for joining us today.  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.