Parenting tips

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.

Physical changes

Physical changes

You and the immediate environment are your baby’s best toys. Everything is new to them and it takes time to process and feel comfortable with new and natural sounds, smells and feel.

Becoming a parent is full of Excitement

The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.

You may need to consider some personal issues before you become pregnant.

A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.

Your health, and the growth and development of your baby, must be closely monitored. 

Preparing for your prenatal appointments is important. Find out our prenatal checklist, so you can ask the right questions to your healthcare provider.

Your feelings about the birth

An action plan for your family and friends.

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:

What signs and symptoms during pregnancy to be aware about.

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.

A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.

A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.

Possetting

First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.

Discuss questions or concerns you or your partner may have with your caregiver at any stage of your pregnancy.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

The adult’s role is to provide children with nutritious foods. Adults are responsible for what and when their children are fed.

Safety Tips

By taking responsibility for your body, you can maximise your level of wellbeing and enjoy good health.

Good nutrition is of the utmost importance during your pregnancy

Protein (and the amino acids within) is the most important building blocks for all human cells. Given the rapid cell development of your baby-to-be it should be an essential part of your diet.

Sharing the adventure of pregnancy, birth and parenting can make this one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Older siblings learn about sharing, life-long love and friendship.

Today an increasing number of women are facing the challenges of pregnancy, birth and parenthood alone. This may be through personal choice or circumstantial.

*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.

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.

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.

This stage lasts from the birth of the baby until the placenta is delivered, usually from 5–20 minutes.

This stage begins when the cervix reaches complete dilation and effacement, and it ends with the birth of the baby.

In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.

Did you know…. More than 8000 years ago our ancestors made bread, beer and wine through fermentation. 

“I just wish I had more time!” How many times have you said this to friends and family? 

A happy child is a child who grows well, explores and discovers the world with enthusiasm, and develops to his full potential day-by-day.

Poor crèche sanitation and hygiene is a major problem in South Africa and remains a high risk area for infection among crèche going children.

Waterborne illnesses are a serious threat. If children drink contaminated water, it may lead to diarrhoea. 

Nestlé Start Strong Stay Strong aims to provide support to encourage your breastfeeding journey.

Breastmilk is uniquely designed for each individual baby!

A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and baby depends on a relaxed, well-nourished mother who approaches this experience positively and with confidence.&nb

We all love the warm, fuzzy feeling we get when our little ones laugh after a good tickle or two. 

Give your child enough time to play. Playing is learning

“I wish I had more time with my child”. We know that life can seem as if it is simply flying by but spending quality time with your child is important.

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Welcome!

There are many factors to consider before dedicating yourself to raising and budgeting a child for the next 18 years or more. 

Welcome

You know it’s important to teach children words

When a child struggles to master something, we can encourage a growth mindset.

When we think of laying strong foundations to help prepare our children to succeed in the 21st century, various words come to mind that start with “c”, such as teaching them to be creative, communi