Blog – Mommy Wellness Day Spa

21 Dec

December 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - December 2018

Contents derived from www.getaway.co.za (activities 1-9) and www.livingandloving.co.za (activities 10-12)

Don’t sweat it, there is plenty to keep little ones busy and entertained.

1. Go tobogganing in Durbanville at Cool Runnings. It involves planting your bum on a bob-sled and speeding down the hillside on a 1.2-kilometre steel-pipe track. The speed of all the toboggans is brake-controlled and the rides are very safe for children. Little ones under the age of eight have to be accompanied by an adult. One ride for children costs R40 (up to age 14) and one ride for adults costs R50, with an unlimited day pass costing R280.
Contact: 0219494439 / ops@cool-runnings.co.za

Image by John Macgregor

2. The Book Lounge, City Centre in Roeland Street has a free story telling session, perfect for 3-8-year-olds every Saturday at 11:00. While your little one is enthralled by magical tales, you can sit downstairs and enjoy a cuppa at their coffee shop
Contact: 0214622425, booklounge@gmail.com
Visit: booklounge.co.za

3. Planet Kids, Muizenberg has jumping castles, an intergalactic ball wall, fun ramps with a space slide, an outside area with a foefie slide and dream swing, as well as various workshops and other activities. Refreshments can be ordered from the Flying Saucer Cafe, where grown-ups can sit and enjoy a coffee while browsing through a magazine. You can also drop the kids off and fetch them later. Kids aged 2 to 13 pay R35 for the first hour or R60 for two hours. Children under 2 years (10 to 23 months) pay R25 for an hour. Adults are free. Cash or EFT only, no credit cards. More pricing options available. Please check the Planet Kids websitefor more details.
Contact: 0217883070, info@planetkids.co.za
Visit: planetkids.co.za

4. Acrobranch, Constantia consists of three courses, each one equipped with zip lines, sing bridges and Tarzan swings. The courses are family-friendly and safe for children as young as three years of age. The “Yellow Course” is for children ages three and up while the “Green Course” is for children seven years and older. The “Blue Course” includes the other two courses and is for older acrobranchers. If this seems like your kind of fun be sure to check it out. R100 to R180 depending on the course.
Contact: 0212011121
Visit: acrobranch.co.za

5. The Clay Cafe in Hout Bay makes for a day of creativity and recreation for children and parents alike. Choose from a vast array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and unique. There is a garden and playground outside so once children are finished painting there is still plenty to explore. R35 studio fee, plus the price of whichever item you decide to paint, ranging from R20 to R250.
Contact: 0217903318, info@claytcafe.co.za
Visit: claycafe.co.za

6. Visit the immaculate lawns of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – the giant trees over the Skeleton Stream, which provide lots of exciting climbing for young adventurers. A raised walkway, named The Boomslang, built through the Arboretum, between the Protea Garden, Cycad Amphitheatre, the Dell, Mathews Rockery and the Concert Lawn. The boardwalk raises visitors to over 12m above ground, and winds like a snake, dipping through the trees. Adults – R60, kids (aged 6-17) – R15, kids under 6 years of age – free. Students (with card) – R30.
Contact: 0217998899, info@sanbi.org.za
Visit: www.sanbi.org

7. City Sightseeing Bus, Cape Town. You can sit and watch the world go by and hop on and off at various places of interest. If you actually listen to the commentary, you will learn a lot about the city we live in and there’s a kid-friendly version too (that’s actually very clever, informative and amusing). Don’t let rain put you off, it’s dry in there! All children get a free activity pack with a colouring-in book and crayons which helps keep them occupied. One day pass: Adults – R170, Kids (aged 5-15) – R90 (when you buy online). Kids under 5 – free.
Contact: 0215116000, info@citysightseeing.co.za
Visit: citysightseeing.co.za

8. The Company’s Garden is a great free spot for families. You can picnic on the grass, play ball games and feed the squirrels and (inevitably) the pigeons. Be aware though that squirrels have sharp little claws! I have seen a few children burst into tears when one of the cute little critters decides to scramble up their bare leg in search of peanuts. The Company’s Garden Restaurant in the park also serves good food, and the outside section is full of interesting things to keep kids busy. You’ll find The Company’s Garden in Queen Victoria Street, at the top end of Adderley Street.
Contact: 0214002521
Visit: thecompanysgarden.com

9. Want your kids to cook but don’t want to clean up afterwards? Take them to Tots ’n Pots where they can fling flour and bash butter to their hearts’ content. These cooking classes are run by incredibly patient teachers and chefs around the peninsula – try the Constantia branch run by Deirdre Cargill who loves the hands-on element in cooking. There are many lessons your kids will learn without realising it, but the main aim is to have fun. And they do – whether it’s the actual mixing and stirring, eating their concoctions or decorating their takeaway box – all with mom or dad guiding along the way. Particularly good for smaller kids, you can sign up for a single lesson or a whole course. Some clubs run during the school holidays. They also do birthday parties. There are also branches in Tableview, the Northern Suburbs and the Southern Peninsula. Bookings are essential.
Contact: 0768163892, constantia@totsnpots.com
Visit: www.totsnpots.co.za

10. Plant a small garden together or simply let them dig!
A wonderful educational experience, this simple activity engages almost all the senses. Plus, kids will love the chance to get their hands dirty and spend time in the garden – feeling different textures and simply getting muddy. Take the time to explain how the plants will grow once you’ve planted them, and let them water their new shrubs afterwards.

11. Bake biscuits and decorate them
Although this idea isn’t new, it’s a firm favourite amongst kids and adults. Who doesn’t enjoy baking and decorating delicious treats that you get to enjoy together afterwards? We love this idea for cold, rainy days where families get to huddle together and munch on the treats in front of a roaring fire or favourite television programme. If you have older kids, you can also turn the washing up into a fun learning experience. Sorting and matching are activities which are central to mathematics, explains Liz. Placing cups on saucers or stacking them together, sorting cutlery or packing away washed bowls and plates in the correct places is a wonderful opportunity to learn.

12. Create a family photo album
Most of our pictures are digital and simply sit on our cellphones or cameras without us ever displaying them at home. Why not make a point of having some family snaps printed and let your child create her very own family album? Let her decorate the pages, while you share stories about each family member. This seemingly simple activity will enhance your child’s memory, as well as encourage her creativity as she decorates each page.

By Pauline Du Preez Parenting 0 Comments Read more...

21 Dec

November 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - November 2018

Original article from www.cancer.org

Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread to other areas.

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.

Male breast tissue

Until puberty (on average around age 9 or 10), young boys and girls have a small amount of breast tissue consisting of a few ducts located under the nipple and areola (area around the nipple). At puberty, a girl’s ovaries make female hormones, causing breast ducts to grow and lobules to form at the ends of ducts. Even after puberty, boys and men normally have low levels of female hormones, and breast tissue doesn’t grow much. Men’s breast tissue has ducts, but only a few if any lobules.

illustration showing structure of the male breast including location of the ducts, areola, nipple, collecting ducts, fatty connective tissue and lobules

Where breast cancer starts

Breast cancers can start from different parts of the breast. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers). Some start in the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancers). Men have these ducts and glands, too, even though they aren’t normally functional. There are also types of breast cancer that start in other types of breast cells, but these are less common.

A small number of cancers start in other tissues in the breast. These cancers are called sarcomas and lymphomas and are not really thought of as breast cancers.

Although many types of breast cancer can cause a lump in the breast, not all do. There are other symptoms of breast cancer you should watch for and report to a health care provider.

It’s also important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Benign breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast and they are not life threatening. Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care provider to determine whether it is benign or malignant (cancer) and whether it might impact your future cancer risk.

How breast cancer spreads

Breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and are carried to other parts of the body.

The lymph system is a network of lymph (or lymphatic) vessels found throughout the body. The lymph vessels carry lymph fluid and connect lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped collections of immune system cells. Lymph vessels are like small veins, except that they carry a clear fluid called lymph (instead of blood) away from the breast. Lymph contains tissue fluid and waste products, as well as immune system cells. Breast cancer cells can enter lymph vessels and start to grow in lymph nodes. Most of the lymph vessels of the breast drain into:

Lymph nodes under the arm (axillary nodes)
Lymph nodes around the collar bone (supraclavicular [above the collar bone] and infraclavicular [below the collar bone] lymph nodes)
Lymph nodes inside the chest near the breast bone (internal mammary lymph nodes)

$illustration showing lymph nodes in the male breast including location of the supraclavicular, infraclavicular, axillary and internal mammary lymph nodes$

If the cancer cells have spread to your lymph nodes, there is a higher chance that the cells could have also traveled through the lymph system and spread (metastasized) to other parts of your body. The more lymph nodes with breast cancer cells, the more likely it is that the cancer may be found in other organs. Because of this, finding cancer in one or more lymph nodes often affects your treatment plan. Usually, surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes will be needed to know whether the cancer has spread.

Still, not all men with cancer cells in their lymph nodes develop metastases to other areas, and some men can have no cancer cells in their lymph nodes and later develop metastases.

Benign breast conditions

Men can also have some benign (not cancerous) breast disorders.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the most common male breast disorder. It is not a tumor but rather an increase in the amount of a man’s breast tissue. Usually, men have too little breast tissue to be felt or noticed. Gynecomastia can appear as a button-like or disk-like growth under the nipple and areola (the dark circle around the nipple), which can be felt and sometimes seen. Some men have more severe gynecomastia and they may appear to have small breasts. Although gynecomastia is much more common than breast cancer in men, both can be felt as a growth under the nipple, which is why it’s important to have any such lumps checked by your doctor.

Gynecomastia is common among teenage boys because the balance of hormones in the body changes during adolescence. It is also common in older men due to changes in their hormone balance.

In rare cases, gynecomastia occurs because tumors or diseases of certain endocrine (hormone-producing) glands cause a man’s body to make more estrogen (the main female hormone). Men’s glands normally make some estrogen, but not enough to cause breast growth. Diseases of the liver, which is an important organ in male and female hormone metabolism, can change a man’s hormone balance and lead to gynecomastia. Obesity (being extremely overweight) can also cause higher levels of estrogen in men.

Some medicines can cause gynecomastia. These include some drugs used to treat ulcers and heartburn, high blood pressure, heart failure, and psychiatric conditions. Men with gynecomastia should ask their doctors if any medicines they are taking might be causing this condition.

Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition, can lead to gynecomastia as well as increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer. This condition is discussed further in Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Men.

Benign breast tumors

There are many types of benign breast tumors (abnormal lumps or masses of tissue), such as papillomas and fibroadenomas. Benign tumors do not spread outside the breast and are not life threatening. Benign breast tumors are common in women but are very rare in men.

In conclusion

A lot of information can be found on the internet on the topic of male (and female) breast cancer. It is however not safe to only rely on written information. Be aware of any changes in you or your partner’s body and be sure to schedule regular health checks with your medical professional to address any possible concerns or questions you might have.

By Pauline Du Preez Daddy Wellness, Health 0 Comments Read more...

26 Sep

October 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - October 2018

Original article by Meg Faure

Having a new baby can wreck havoc with your relationship. The reasons are numerous. Everyone is irritable – sleep deprivation does that to you. There is the measuring of ‘who does more’ and the resentment that the other expects so much of you or doesn’t pull their weight. There is the guilt – guilt about leaving to go to work and guilt about feeling angry. It’s a perfect storm. No wonder relationships suffer in the first 3 years of parenthood.

Dad – what can you do?

Firstly, if you are a fixer, you need to park that idea – your wife is not broken – she is exhausted. The situation is not damaged it’s utterly, exhaustingly normal. And all she wants is for you to listen and tell her she is okay and you are there. Just be her rock – not her scissors!

Secondly, acknowledge how tough it is for her. 24/7 with a new baby or up all night and a hectic day job – this is as tough as it gets. Do not try to compete or show that you are also under strain, just acknowledge that this is the toughest thing she has done in her life.

And most importantly know that you are IT – you are the single most important person in her life – it may feel like your baby is but truly, you are the vessel, in which she can be sheltered to do a job she feels inadequate for. Buffer the world and be her quiet place. Hold and contain your partner and baby. It’s the most you can do.

Finally, learn to say sorry – a lot – and laugh whenever you can. I can promise you your wife will return and she will be your true love again. She just needs time to emerge from the quagmire of motherhood in the first 3 years.

Mom – what can you do?

You are exhausted with little time to consider the emotions of others, you are all consumed with your baby – a state we call Primary Maternal Preoccupation. This is a normal state and will ensure the survival of your baby.

But there is someone else to consider – your partner, the person you dream with, laugh with and who is your love. It’s tough to be dad and feel like the third wheel. He will be wondering when he gets you back and how to reach you.

You need to make him part of your parenting journey. Give him a role to play whether it’s the one who holds the baby during horror hour when she wont settle or the one who does the 10pm feed or the one who does bath time. Give your partner a role and do not criticise the way he does it. Make him feel as indispensible as he is.
You need to make time to connect – whether its watching a series together or having one date night a week or making the effort to have sex, even when sleep is more attractive. You need to give him space in your life.
You need to tell him how vital he is. You know how much you need him so tell him that.

Parenting is not for the faint hearted but its rewards are amazing. Embrace the journey – together.

By Pauline Du Preez Parenting, Stress, Uncategorised 0 Comments Read more...

31 Jul

August 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - August 2018

Boot camp has always been seen as ‘military style’ training but these perceptions are starting to fade rapidly as boot camps are evolving into the most fun and safest training solutions out there, especially amongst women. Because of this evolution of boot camp workouts, they are quickly becoming massively popular. They provide you with a fun, engaged, full body workout in a short amount of time, therefore, providing you with an excellent return as we’ll discuss below.

Just what is a boot camp workout?

Boot camp workouts can vary but generally include a mix of strength training, mobility training, functional training, running, HIIT, boxing, and the occasional fun games here and there. This all inclusive training package has multiple great benefits to it and therefore puts this type of workout in high demand.

A well-structured boot camp workout can help you meet the recommendations for physical activity in healthy adults. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults include aerobic exercise and strength training in their fitness plans therefore a boot camp workout is the perfect solution.

What are the benefits of a boot camp workout?

The goal of a fitness boot camp is to provide a full-body workout that helps builds strength and endurance. Here are some of the benefits. Boot camp workouts:

Enhances and improves muscle tone
Promotes fat loss which results in higher metabolic rate and slimmer bodies
Offers long-term fitness as aerobic endurance is improved
Require little or no special equipment and offer planned workouts.
Helps with social engagement and creates a sense of camaraderie among the participants
Are great for mental health as it boosts serotonin and dopamine levels – our “feel good” hormones. It helps improve your mood
Offers varied workouts so you’ll never get bored

Boot camp with a bump?

It is highly recommended for women who are pregnant to join a fitness program and boot camp is, of course, at the top of that list. If you are thinking of joining a boot camp, great! Here are some rules:

Clear it with your doctor first. Pregnancy is a great time to start experiencing the functionality your body has to offer but if you are older than age 40, haven’t exercised for some time or have certain health conditions, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a boot camp class or any new exercise program.
Always inform the trainer about your pregnancy so that they can guide you through the workout effectively by applying the necessary modifications.
Keep your heart rate at moderate levels and never be gasping for air during a workout.
Because your center of gravity changes, your balance may be compromised, so avoid activities that have a high risk of falling
Skip the burpees. The exercise is not typically not recommended starting around week 20 because it raises your risk of strains and sprains
(Towards the end of your pregnancy) Be careful not to overstretch or extend your body past its normal range of motion to reduce or else you may end up with muscle and ligament strains.

Reasons to consider boot camp while pregnant

Daily exercise boosts your energy levels, which can be lower than usual during pregnancy. You can be an active and happy mom with the help of exercise.
Good sleep is vital for any mother. Exercising for only 30-45 minutes per day can help you sleep better while you’re pregnant.
Reduce stress and awaken more feel-good hormones with regular exercise.
Increased blood flow with regular exercise may ease some of the discomfort associated with pregnancy
Regular exercise helps improve your self-image, which can suffer when you start to gain weight.
It is also believed that regular exercise helps boost your child’s brain functioning.

Best boot camp move?

Planks. They provide a safe way to strengthen your deep core muscles during pregnancy. These muscles support your low back and reduce low back pain as your baby grows and your center of gravity shifts forward. Planks, elevated bridge work, side lying ab work, and seated breathing exercises are all great for pregnant women and may be incorporated into your boot camp workout.

Signing up for boot camp

Adventure Boot Camp is a local outdoor training solution and have more than 60 locations nationwide. You can find your closest Adventure Boot Camp by following this link to find out more:

https://www.adventurebootcamp.co.za

Boot camp may not be for everyone but if you’re looking for a high-energy workout that offers variety, fun and accountability, boot camp may be just what you need. Stay active 😉

By Pauline Du Preez Fitness, Health 0 Comments Read more...

29 Jun

July 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - July 2018

Original article by Meg Faure

A fussy baby who cries a lot each day, has to be one of the toughest challenges for new parents. It leaves you feeling helpless when you can’t sooth your baby. I recommend that moms do the 7 S’s of Soothing:

Sensory

Develop ‘sensory eyes’ to read what may be causing your baby to be over stimulated, such as a loud and busy room or the smell of strong perfume. Remove your baby from the stimulus or change to a more calming environment.

Sleep

Regular sleeps help to reset our ‘sensory load’ and prevent over stimulation – watch your baby’s awake times to ensure that she settles to sleep before becoming overtired. A newborn’s awake time is only 45-60 minutes – that’s a very short time before the next sleep is due. If your baby sleeps well in the day, she is way less likely to be fussy in the evening.

Swaddle

Tightly wrapping your baby in a stretchy blanket has been proven to calm young babies significantly and help them sleep well.

Suck

Sucking a dummy or thumb will help to settle your little one as there are so many touch receptors that provide soothing input for fractious little ones.

Sounds

Sounds such as white noise, e.g. the sounds of waves or radio static absorbs other sounds and is very calming for your baby. Lullabies and nature music help with calming and sleep.

Snuggle

Little babies seek to be held and snuggled – I think the best way to do this is with a wrap-style baby carrier. If your little one is fractious – pop her into the carrier and pace the floor until she settles.

Stick to one strategy

The last thing an over stimulated baby needs is a lot of quick changes and each intervention you use is a stimulus for a short time, until your baby gets used to it. Try any of the above strategies for at least 5 minutes before trying the next.

By Pauline Du Preez Bonding, Childhood Development, Parenting, Sleep, Stress 0 Comments Read more...

30 May

June 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - June 2018

Original article from www.attachfromscratch.com

Paternal Bond is life-long relationship between child and father.

Everybody talks about maternal bond, the attachment between mother and a child. While the mother-child bond is super important, the father many times is kinda left out from all the baby touching, bonding, kissing, feeding.

When does the father bonding begin?

There are 3 stages when fathers can bond with their children.

Womb bonding happens during pregnancy. According to the studies, ultrasound can play an important role for a paternal bond. Talking, singing, touching mother’s belly also help for a father to create a bond with a baby.
Birth bonding happens right after birth. It depends on how much father is involved into the labour and whole pregnancy process.
“First soccer practice – age” bonding. If it happens later, don’t sweat it. Better late than never, because the relationship a father will have with his son/daughter will influence child’s life greatly.

TIPS for creating paternal bond

Unfortunately, babies do not come with “instructions how to use”. For many dads a screaming baby with a full diaper might seem like mission impossible. Talk about bonding when the father is scared to hold the baby.

But with the right guidance you will see that there is nothing more natural and pure simple than bonding with your child. So, read these tips and start bonding!

Daily routine care.

Even if you had a long day at work – find few minutes and get involved into:

diaper changing,
playing,
holding (wearing),
rocking.
baby massage. In fact, recent study shows that baby massage not only helps to bond but also reduces stress for dads.

Babies like company, so just be near your child. Keep him company by giving baby a lot of eye contact and facial expression.

Talk.

According to the study babies (starting when they are 30 weeks in the womb) can distinguish between parents and strangers voices. To fathers luck, their voices are more recognizable than mother’s because of their lower tone which is easier for babies to recognize.

Of course, your baby won’t understand a word you are saying in the beginning, but he will definitely get familiar with your voice tone. Try baby talk – short and simple words or imitate the noises your baby makes.

Hold.

Going for a family walk? Volunteer to carry a baby in a carrier. ‘Baby wearing’ is very beneficial for both: a child and a parent (this case – father).

Skin-to-skin contact is also very important to paternal bonding. Have your newborn lay on your naked chest while you rock in a chair.

Bath.

Taking a bath together with your baby might seem scary because of all that slippery skin and baby fussiness, but with the little mommy help you guys off to fun bath times!

Don’t give up.

Even if a baby screams non-stop and his diaper changing situation is turning into a bomb explosion – you can still do it. Baby needs to trust that you can help him in all situations. Practice and practice. The more you change that diaper – the better you will get.

Be a good partner to your spouse.

Happy wife – happy life. Try to give her breaks as much as possible, be sensitive and caring.

Paternal Bond is important

We know that mother-child bond is very important but what about father-child bond?

The Benefits of Paternal Bond:

increases child’s physical and mental development greatly
reduces stress for fathers and babies
helps children to be more successful academically
reduces drug and alcohol use as well as involvement with crime
makes child more social and psychologically stronger.

A father who is bonding with his child shows deep commitment to his family, therefore the relationship between partners gains more trust, becomes deeper and jumps to a whole new level – a parenting level.

Hormones and Chemistry

You think only women have hormones during pregnancy and after birth? Well, here are some news, for you guys too.

According to the study, fathers experience an increase in their levels of these hormones.

Study also found that father’s testosterone levels decrease by one-third immediately after they become fathers, providing a calming effect that may make them less likely to stray from home.

So, it is natural that during women’s pregnancy her partner losses little bit of his strong male attitude and gains more nurturing nature which of course helps a lot for paternal bond process.

So according to the science a father who is involved closely during pregnancy, birth and early infancy will be helped my Mother Nature and its hormones to become sensitive and protective father that not only child and mother will benefit but also the whole society.

This father transformation is one of the most difficult but the most rewarding challenges a man will ever experience. So be confident, get support and feel safe to experience successful paternal bond.

By Pauline Du Preez Bonding, Daddy Wellness, Parenting, Uncategorised 0 Comments Read more...

26 Apr

May 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - May 2018

Original article by Isabelle Dagenais (http://www.motherforlife.com)

What is the foundation of a mother and child relationship? If you bet on unconditional love, read on and find out that even this love can face troubled times.

As for every other aspect of maternity, we don’t know what personality our child will have. We all dream of a lovely baby who only cries when they need something and who can easily be calmed down and you might get lucky… But others will have a child who suffers from colic, gastric reflux or other medical issues. Some babies have “intense needs” and cry for hours every day and no one can satisfy them. This situation can cause suffering and give you a feeling of worthlessness, especially if it happens regularly.

Nevertheless, we must adapt to their ways of showing their needs! Adapting to the temper of our child may take some time, especially if they do not meet our expectations. In this case we must forget about the ideal baby… and one day, we will accept them and things will be better!

What also helps is to realize that we are not responsible for our baby’s temper. If you doubt that babies are born with their own temper, ask the mother of twins and she will tell you how different they were from the beginning. It doesn’t mean that we have no impact on our child! Of course, our perception of the situations, our emotions and reactions influence our child and that is why we should take good care of our emotional state.

Mother-child relationship

Each mother-child relationship is unique and begins long before our child is born.

Remember the time when you desired a child or your thoughts when you realized that you were pregnant. Not to mention your pregnancy and labor…

Did you want a child?
How did you react to the news?
What physical and psychological state were you when you were pregnant?
How did the delivery go?
How was your first contact?
Do you adapt easily to your child’s temper?

Each of those steps was influenced by thoughts and emotions… Each of those steps is part of your lives and of your relationship with your child.

Regret and guilt

Many of you regret some thoughts, emotions or reactions. You wish things had been different and you are afraid of the consequences on your child or on your relationship. Or you feel guilty and you want to fix the “wrongs” that you think you have caused to your child.

Is there a thought or a reaction that you had related to your child and you still couldn’t forgive yourself?

If you have regrets or if you are feeling guilty, it is important to try to forgive yourself and to accept what you have been through. Remember that you acted to the best of your knowledge and that you had no bad intentions. Make peace with the past to avoid dragging this energy into your relationship with your child. Your guilt could influence your behavior or make you feel even guiltier when your child will go through tough times.

To begin feeling better, I suggest an exercise that is in my book. Write a letter to your child and express your regrets, your emotions, your deceptions and the way you feel as a mother. Avoid censorship so that it is truly liberating and once you are done throw the letter away!

Relational challenges

Most people believe that because we wanted a child, our relationship with them will be wonderful! We believe that our love will protect us from problems and conflicts. In fact, love will help us to remain engaged in this relationship when disagreements will occur.

Through their temper, their behavior or their attitude, a child can trigger unwanted emotions. Sometimes, our relationship with our child may be difficult if we are constantly forced to face our limits and our flaws. It is as if some situations were getting to the worst of us. Most of our scars, limits and flaws will be highlighted on this road to motherhood. It is, therefore, necessary to learn to do some soul searching to understand the way we feel and learn from the situation. Blaming our child is never an option.

By taking full responsibility, we build strong foundations to this relationship that we care about so much. Whether we have a baby, a young child or a pre-teen, the goal is to build our relationship every day, to accept their temper, to tolerate a behavior that displeases us, to express compassion for their distress and to do so even if we don’t understand!

In conclusion, I want to share this inspirational quote:

By Pauline Du Preez Childhood Development, Mental Health, Mommy Health, Parenting, Stress, Uncategorised 0 Comments Read more...

29 Mar

April 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - April 2018

Original article by Vanessa McEwan, Dietician

Your digestive health is directly impacted by the foods you eat and the lifestyle you live. By taking steps to improve your digestive health, you’ll help your digestive system to function more efficiently, improving your overall health and sense of well-being.

Try these tips for better digestive health:

Eat less refined sugar. Among the many issues caused by refined sugar i.e. (inflammation, weight gain, hormonal imbalance…), it also promotes the growth of “bad” bacteria and upset gut flora balance.
Take a quality probiotic. Probiotics are the same kind of healthy bacteria naturally present in your digestive tract. They combat the effects of antibiotics, enhance nutrient absorption and strengthen the immune system.

When choosing a probiotic, look for these qualities:

Probiotic supplements should contain 5-10 billion CFUs (colony forming units).
Encapsulated pills are better than liquids because they help the bacteria survive the acidic stomach.
Multiple strains of bacteria (different strains offer different benefits).

Eat a high-fibre diet. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. High fibre foods keep your digestive tract regular, making you less likely to get constipated. They can also help prevent digestive conditions such as diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). In addition, it can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is good for your digestive health. Fibre pulls water into the colon to create softer, bulkier stools, allowing them to pass through more easily.
Limit foods that are high in fat. In general, fatty foods slow down the digestive process but it is important to eat the correct type and amount of fat in your diet to supply the body of EFA (Essential Fatty acids).
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps keep foods moving through your digestive system and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Eat regularly. Make time to eat. Aim to sit down for your meals and snacks and NOT to eat on the GO. By eating the correct foods and portion sizes regularly you will experience less hunger pains and cravings. Your metabolism will improve and you will maintain a healthy weight and digestive system.

What you eat and the quality of your digestive health are intertwined. Following these strategies will help make sure it’s a HAPPY relationship!

By Pauline Du Preez Eating, Food, Health, Uncategorised 0 Comments Read more...

22 Feb

March 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - March 2018

Original article from Nimue Education SA

Male beard growth is stimulated in the follicles by testosterone as well as the even more powerful male androgen hormone, Dihydrotestosterone.

An analysis of fashion pictures shows that beardlessness began among young men in the 1890’s, during World War I, since beards harboured lice.

Today shaving one’s beard on a daily basis is still a very common practice. A practice that in many cases has many side effects to certain inflammatory conditions such as:

Ingrown Hairs
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (also known as razor bumps/ razor rash)

Ingrown Hairs:

Ingrown hairs develop when the hair curls and grows back into the skin due to incorrect shaving techniques. Individuals with coarse or curly hair have a bigger risk of developing this condition. Shaving a beard can promote development of ingrown hairs and is a big contributing factor. When there’s an ingrown hair, the skin reacts as it would to a foreign body. Typical signs of an ingrown hair are:

Development of bumps which are small, solid with a round shape
Development of pus-filled lesions
The affected area becomes darker, possible post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Inflammation of the affected area accompanied by itching and pain
Presence of embedded hairs

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae:

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is an inflammatory disorder caused by persistent irritation, inflammation of the hair follicles and ingrown hair formation after shaving. The condition usually covers part of the beard area (where the individual shaves).

After a hair has been shaved, it begins to grow back. Curly hair tends to curl into the skin instead of straight out of the follicle, leading to an inflammation reaction. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae can make the skin look itchy and red. These inflamed papules and pustules can form if the area becomes infected. If left untreated over time, this can cause keloid scarring in the beard area. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae can further be divided into two types of ingrown hairs: transfollicular and extrafollicular.

Transfollicular

The hair has exited the follicle but then re-enters. While shaving, sharp edges are created. When the hair grows again, it curls and re-enters the skin.

Extrafollicular

The hair does not exit the follicle and because of its natural curly nature, it curls back into the follicle causing fluid build-up and irritation.

Prevention and Treatment

Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin build-up which may block the entrance/exit of the hair follicle.
Nimue facial treatments are great for deeper exfoliation and lightening any scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Electric razors should be avoided.
When using a wet razor, a single blade or wire-wrapped blade will prevent shaving too closely and changing the blade with every shave will ensure that no bacteria is spread, and the blade does not become blunt.
Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
Shave every second day, rather than daily.
Softening the beard first with a hot, wet cloth or shave while showering in hot water.
Picking and scratching the razor bumps must be avoided as this can lead to scarring and infection.
Severe transfollicular hairs may require medically attention.

By Pauline Du Preez Health, Uncategorised Daddy Wellness, Skin 0 Comments Read more...

31 Jan

February 2018 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER - February 2018

Original article by Meg Faure

Bonding has been defined as “The emotional and physical attachment occurring between a parent or parent figure, especially a mother, and offspring, that usually begins at birth and is the basis for further emotional affiliation.”

Bonding plays a critical role in your baby’s emotional development, which in turn is the basis for all future relationships. One cannot underestimate the importance of attachment and bonding.

The cycle of love

Bonding is more than a warm fuzzy feeling – it is a critical, deep emotional involvement with and trust in another person. It is a journey of getting to know, trust and rely on another person. There is a misconception that bonding occurs like ‘love at first sight’. The reality is that it is a process that develops over time. Bonding may begin in pregnancy or even before conception; it may occur like a flash at birth or may in fact take months to develop.

Falling in love in pregnancy

Some parents have waited a long time for their little one and being pregnant brings wonderful feelings of joy. For many pregnant mums, the hormones and expectancy lead her into a love relationship right from the start. In this case, you may begin dreaming of your baby and as you rub your tummy feel the swell of love for your baby. This process has been fast tracked by technology – we know we are pregnant way before women in the past years did. By 17 weeks most parents have seen their little one at least once. We share early photos of our baby in the womb and so begin to bond early. When your baby beings to move and wriggle you may feel love for this little person. In fact, many mums mourn the end of those fluttery feelings after her baby is born.

For others however, pregnancy may be difficult, unwanted or scary. Antenatal depression is being recognized more and more and we now know that it is not uncommon for a woman to feel very ambivalent towards her baby. Likewise, Dads may experience depression and anxiety in pregnancy and this will impact on their bond with their baby at that time.

The good news is that this is not reason to predict a poor or inadequate bond at a later stage. Most parents will go on to bond well with their little one later.

Falling in love in the delivery room

The moment we meet our babies we expect to feel overwhelming love. For some parents, this is the experience, as they look at this tiny, beautiful, helpless being they are flooded with feelings of love. Natural delivery of your baby will facilitate this emotional response as all the hormones released by birth create a flood of endorphins that give you a high. If the delivery is difficult or very long or either mum or babe are in danger, the feelings may be very different. Exhaustion and despair if things don’t turn out well can negatively impact on those love juices. Your feeling may be of gloom and being overwhelmed and this will mean you don’t feel like you are bonding. On the other hand some mums have a wonderful birth experience and meet their perfect baby and yet feel no love or great fascination with their baby.

Once again the good news is that this immediate emotional response does not predict your relationship with your baby and love and bonding may come later for you.

Falling in love after a period of months

For other parents, love is a long slow journey. There are no A-Ha moments, just a gradual development of a love relationship. If this love develops within the context of a caring, consistent relationship, it is no problem at all for your baby.

It is vital that mums know that not everyone is overwhelmed with love at the sight of their baby. If however, you never feel love towards your baby and your mothering role is a process of acting out the motions and you are overcome with depression or anxiety, you do need to get help for Post Natal Depression as this condition may impact on your baby emotionally.

By Pauline Du Preez Childhood Development, Mental Health, Parenting, Tots 0 Comments Read more...