ARTICLES

Labour is one of the most precious and memorable days in a lifetime and enormous preparation and planning should go into it. Childbirth education classes should be geared not only to the pregnant mom, but her partner as well. The intricacies of pregnancy and labour...

By Barbara Hanrahan – midwife and educator Most women already have a gynaecologist by the time they fall pregnant. The question is do you know what you want from your birth experience? This is a sensitive area as your gynae may work at a hospital...

The hospital where you birth plays an important part in your first step to parenting. The staff and the philosophy of the maternity ward can make your start to family life either blissfully wonderful or an absolute nightmare – so important issues need to be...

(This article is also available in an audio format) By Dr. Alan Adno – Gynaecologist and Obstetrician – Parklane Clinic The Obstetrician together with other maternity professionals, i.e. midwives, childbirth educators, paediatricians, anaesthetists and general practitioners form part of a team that cares for pregnant...

By Dr Nicoletta Hay – Paediatrician Morningside Clinic One’s first pregnancy is an extremely exciting time – but also a time when so many decisions need to be made. One of these is about the doctors that will be taking care of you and your...

(This article is also available in an audio format) Birth is normal, natural and healthy Women are made to birth The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families Create good birthing experiences the memories are with you forever Women’s inner wisdom guides them...

Only 10% of pregnant mother’s/couples researched their options about birth 67% had a caesarean section (the acceptable rate should be 18%) 3,4% of births were accompanied by a doula 19% were induced 30% had liquid to drink during labour although most of those only sucked...

By Barbara Hanrahan – Midwife and Educator. Childbirth is not an illness. Neither does the birth of every baby have to be a medical procedure. Fit, healthy women can have the choice of being active and participative in the birth of their babies. Most women...

By Merlyn Glass – Genetic nurse counsellor – NHLS University of Witwatersrand. Genetic Counsellors attend to people who either have an inherited or genetic condition themselves, or have had a baby with an inherited condition, or who are at risk to have a baby with...

Creating a baby together is nothing short of a miracle – and will be one of the most important decisions of your life. Your baby is created from two cells – and with much cell division and growth they develop into a miniature person. In...