That's a good question. As parents, we're often so caught up in preparation for the baby, the tremendous excitement and anticipation, that we forget to stop and ask ourselves what we practically need to prepare for once we're home with our bundle of love. Take a few...
Can you pop a Doula like you pop a pill?
It seems almost like an added extra… Like getting an ice-cream with all the sprinkles because you can, and not really because you have to. Doula’s are often seen as that extra – a nice to have but not really a need. Statistics, however, argue differently and it is why...
Floating into the world – Advantages of a Water birth
There are many advantages to a water birth. Midwife and nurse, Sister Des Meyer talks us through it. There are three classifications for birth: a landbirth (the standard way of delivering as we understand it), labouring in water and giving birth in water. When we talk...
All about false labour
Knowing the difference between true labour and false labour is vital, particularly for first time moms. Doula Donna Bland spells out what you need to know. Pregnancy brings with it some strange experiences, including little niggly cramps and discomforts that can make...
Homebirth: what you need to know
Giving birth at home was the norm until about halfway through the 20th century, when hospital births became more common. Doula Donna Bland looks at what this choice entails. Women have many birth choices available to them today, including homebirth. Although there are...
Keeping your new baby clean
Caring for a newborn can be a little scary, but with these top tips from Durban-based midwife Cheryl Rowe, who runs Cheryl’s Gentle Births, you’ll be feeling confident in no time. Bath Time Bliss Getting started Cheryl Rowe says, “For many of my moms, the first few...
Understand and manage your birthing pain
Whether your pregnancy has been blissful or you just can’t wait for it to be over, the birthing process is inevitable, as is the pain of labour. Natalie Nelson helps new moms to explore what type of pain to expect during labour and how to manage it. You may have loved...
Born Fighters
A premature birth can be described as an emotional rollercoaster ride and, simultaneously, a time of witnessing the miraculous, as a “preemie” fights to gain strength and keep growing. Kim Jansen explores premature or preterm births and how these warrior-like little...
It’s bathtime!
Your baby’s first bath might make you a little nervous, but bathtime is a great bonding time for both parents. Doula Donna Bland gives you some pointers. Bathing a baby for the first time, and even the first few times can be quite daunting for new parents....