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Progressive relaxation

Distractions like breathing, visualising or fixing on one point can take your mind off the pain.

Breathing reflects the activity in your body and, of all the body’s involuntary unconscious physical responses, breathing is the easiest to control. 

The Pros

• Offers immediate relief.

• Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.

Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.

*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.

Items for hospital stay

Clothing

The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life. 

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your doctor or clinic sister. It is better to be safe than sorry.

A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.

A Caesarean birth is the delivery of your baby through an abdominal uterine incision, instead of vaginally.

Birth weight depends on several factors, including the mother’s nutritional status and genetic disposition. The average weight for a newborn is around 3,3 kg.

Each woman’s labour is unique and unpredictable. It is important therefore that you are prepared for all the possible eventualities and you keep an open mind.

In most instances, the baby’s head is the presenting part that moves into your pelvis before labour begins.

All parents worry about the possibility of complications such as prematurity, abnormality, stillbirth and neonatal death.

Enjoying finger food

The uterus

As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.

The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions

During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.

A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.

Your feelings about the birth

An action plan for your family and friends.

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.

Parent-infant interaction

Interaction with your baby begins before she is born. You usually feel life at about 20 weeks into pregnancy as light, fluttering sensations.

Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:

Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly.

Physiological jaundice

Hello, world!

Your baby will smile deliberately, especially for his parents. He can hold his head up momentarily, and focus on and follow moving objects.

By 2 months, he can lift his head when on his tummy and hold his head up when held at his shoulder.

Your baby lifts his head up when lying on his tummy. His hands can grasp a small rattle, and he has started laughing.