MELOMED GYNAECOLOGISTS.
BELLVILLE
Dr N Mtimkulu
Dr MS Jacobs
Dr M Magopa
021 950 8930 021 945 2970
Dr T Isaacs 021 945 3483 021 110 5070
Dr Z Dunn 021 110 5059
TOKAI
Dr A Hendricks 021 712 2691
Dr T Motsema 021 110 5940
Dr M Tisane 021 023 2046
GATESVILLE
Dr N Allie 021 637 4323
Dr R Kader 021 638 2647
MITCHELLS PLAIN
Dr D Karangwa
Dr G Khobane
Dr T Masina
Dr O Orji
021 110 5064
Dr N Maseko 021 110 5157
RICHARDS BAY
Dr J Moodley
Dr MN Nkanyane
021 391 4297 021 391 4132/3 021 110 5945 035 772 1581 035 791 5506
Dr SMJ Zulu 035 791 5438
Dr M Tshimanga 035 791 5446
GATESVILLE & MITCHELLS PLAIN
Dr A Davids, Dr MA Jeeva & Dr H Khamissa
GATESVILLE: 021 637 1343/4
MITCHELLS PLAIN: 021 392 8141/0516
For more information contact us at info@melomed.co.za
THE IMPORTANCE OF BABY TEETH!
Baby teeth don't just look adorable; they also are essential players in overall oral health and development. Baby teeth are vital to your child's health and development because they help them learn to chew solid foods, speak, and smile. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that develop inside the jaw under the baby teeth Baby teeth are very important to your child's overall health and development.
Morning sickness be gone!
SAY HELLO TO NAUSEA-FREE DAYS
SICK OF FEELING SICK? CHECK OUT OUR REMEDIES – THEY COULD HELP YOU FEEL A LOT LESS ICKY IN THE MORNINGS.
There are lots of things to enjoy about pregnancy like guilt-free napping, but morning sickness can put a damper on things. Unfortunately, there’s no one thing that can stop your nausea outright, but there are a number of popular treatments that can help reduce the worst of it.
Tried-and-tested shout-it-from-the-rooftop remedies
Make sure you get all your forty winks: Your body's working overtime growing that little bean, so aim for 8-9 hours of sleep. Even a 20-minute power nap can help ease the queasiness!
Plenty of fluids – sip drinks slowly and frequently: When your pregnant you’ll need more hydration than ever before – it is essential for transporting the necessary nutrition to your baby.
Eating little and often - choose plain foods that are high in carbohydrate but low in fat: It is suggested that nibbling throughout the day is preferable to three big meals. Cold, bland food is best, as well as plain vegetables and fruits. Spicy food might not make you feel so great – even if they don’t make you feel sick, they can sometimes cause heartburn.
Acupuncture could be the answer: A millennia-old Chinese medical tradition, acupuncture works by stimulating certain points of the body to help with pain and discomfort.
Travel sickness wristbands: These press on specific pressure points that can help calm your tummy. The effects aren’t guaranteed in everyone, but many women find they subdue feelings of nausea.
Ginger – the biscuit variety or a tea: Ginger has been Mother Nature's morning sickness remedy since forever.
Sucking on ice or ice lollies: Not only does this keep you hydrated, but the cold sensation can help distract from nausea. Plus, who doesn't love a guiltfree ice lolly moment?
Vitamin B: Chat with your doctor about Vitamin B supplements. It might make your morning sickness a lot easier to deal with.
Fresh air – take a walk or sit outside: Even just five minutes of fresh air can help clear your head and settle your stomach. Get outdoors when you’re feeling queasy, or sleep with the window partly open.
Distract yourself: Get lost in your favourite Netflix series, call a friend, or tackle that puzzle you've been meaning to start. Sometimes the best remedy is taking your mind off the nausea!
What to eat (and what not to)
+ Bland, non-greasy foods that are easy to prepare
+ Plain carbs such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes
+ Snack on crackers, oatcakes or digestive biscuits
+ Foods high in zinc: seeds, whole wheat bread, small amounts of eggs and red meat
+ Avoid spicy food
+ Eat cold meals rather than hot ones – hot foods have stronger smells and flavours which may you feel even sicker
+ Avoid drinks that are very cold, sour or sweet
+ Try flat fizzy drinks to settle your stomach
+ Fruit or herbal teas like peppermint tea
+ Sorbet or ice lollies will help to keep you hydrated
Show me the meds
If you’ve tried natural remedies, including lifestyle changes, and your nausea and vomiting is severe, your doctor may recommend a course of medication that is safe for use in pregnancy.
Work it out
Balancing pregnancy and work can be challenging, especially when dealing with morning sickness. Speak to your manager and see if you can work from home – it won’t help the nausea, but you’ll be more comfortable and relaxed.
Tips from Melobabes moms-to-be
“Try to eat before you start feeling nauseous – having a snack next to your bed for when you wake up can help”
“Wear loose clothes so nothing digs into your waistline”
“Do food shopping online if going round the supermarket makes you retch”
“Keep nibbling throughout the day”
Sources: Cleveland Clinic: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases | Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/morning-sickness | Better Health: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving
Life’s LittLe treasures, born too soon.
By Dr M Shukri Raban
Hearing the words, ‘You are pregnant’ can, for some, be the best day of their lives, others meet the news with, ‘Oh no!’ Whether the pregnancy is planned or unplanned, it is an absolute miracle.
However, the possibility of delivering prematurely is something that barely crosses the minds of expectant parents as they dream and excitingly plan for their perfect, healthy, bundle of joy.
Suddenly, and unexpectedly, your baby arrives much earlier than anticipated; you are no longer dreaming of your baby, the miracle is right in front of you, much smaller and fragile than you could ever have imagined. The unexpected premature arrival of your baby can be a nerve wrecking and frightening experience.
About 15 million or 1 in 10 babies globally are born preterm each year. In South Africa, an average of 15% or 1 in 7 babies of all births are born prematurely annually.
In this article, we look at why your premature baby is special and what you may encounter with your little treasure, born too soon.
A premature birth means a baby is born too early. The birth takes place before the 37th week of pregnancy. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.
Premature babies often have serious health problems, especially when they're born very early. These problems often vary. But the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of health challenges.
A newborn can be:
Late preterm, born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Moderately preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Very preterm, born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Most premature births happen in the late preterm stage.
Risk factors
The reasons for premature birth are varied. Known factors that may increase the risk of premature birth include having had a previous premature baby, a pregnancy with twins or more, problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta, smoking, alcohol and other recreational drug abuse during pregnancy, infections of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract, high blood pressure, diabetes and physical injury or trauma. In certain cases, the cause is unknown.
Avoiding premature birth is dependent on the cause. Medical conditions presenting before or during pregnancy must be managed well by the obstetrician or other appropriate specialist.
Extremely preterm, born before 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Where and who will care for my baby?
Depending on the premature baby’s age, weight and specific needs, the baby may need to be taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is the best place for your baby to receive the support and care he or she requires.
It is normal to feel anxious about your baby’s stay in NICU. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to the doctors and nurses so that you understand your baby’s condition, the various equipment and alarms. This will allow you to feel more relaxed.
It is preferable that premature babies be managed by a neonatologist. A neonatologist is trained to handle the most complex and high-risk situations involving newborn health problems, especially those related to premature babies. Neonatologists – the best care for newborns. >>
What to expect
Sometimes, babies are born before their bodies are ready to leave the womb.
These are some of the complications which may be encountered:
The skin is immature, resulting in an inability to control body temperature.
• Premature babies are placed in plastic bags, with only the face exposed, to keep them warm till they are stabilised in a warm incubator in the NICU.
The lungs of premature babies lack a substance called surfactant, which results in breathing problems.
• There are various ways the lungs can be supported while they continue to mature.
• Premature babies can also have long pauses in their breathing, called apnoea.
The most common problem with the heart is a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. Usually, the ductus arteriosus closes spontaneously but, occasionally, it remains open, making it difficult to wean the baby off a ventilator or oxygen. In these cases, the PDA has to be closed either medically or surgically. The other problem is low blood pressure, which needs to be corrected.
Premature babies, less than 32-week gestation, are at risk of brain haemorrhage as their brains are immature and soft.
• Most bleeds are mild and resolve without any impact on brain development. Larger bleeds can cause permanent brain damage.
Feeding is a challenge in premature babies. All mothers must endeavour to provide breast milk for their babies. It protects the baby from infection, especially necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).
• Providing breast milk for your baby is THE biggest contribution to your baby’s wellbeing! The sucking and swallowing reflex only develops at 35 weeks, till then the baby is fed via feeding tube placed in the stomach.
Preterm babies are vulnerable to infection.
• The most cost-effective method to protect them from infection is hand washing and providing breast milk to your baby.
You can also assist by doing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), also known as skin-to-skin, which is essential for good bonding, promotes better growth, temperature regulation and breast feeding. KMC can commence while your baby is in NICU.
Remember, the NICU management of a premature baby and weight gain is a slow and steady process.
Premature babies are ready to go home when they can breathe on their own, maintain their body temperature, have reached a certain weight and are able to feed well.
This is a big day! Be well prepared.
Remember that premature babies are at risk for developmental problems.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Always attend your follow-up visits with your clinic sister, paediatrician or neonatologist.
You have been blessed with a little miracle, remain positive on this journey, embrace it, love your little bundle, and let your baby and this experience of parenthood shape you as a person/ couple as much as you will shape your baby’s future.
Give hope, give life, give milk!
DR. M SHUKRI RABAN
MBChB (Stell), FCPaed (SA), Cert Neonatology (SA), DCH (SA), DipHIVMan (SA), MPhil Neonatology (UCT)
Dr. Raban is a Paediatrician and currently practices at Melomed Gatesville and Melomed Tokai.
Tel: 021 637 2358 | 074 192 8504 / 074 193 0041
Email: paed.neonatologist@gmail.com
THE WAITING-ON-A-BABY BUCKET LIST
MAKE THE MOST OF THE LAST DAYS OF PREGNANCY
Those last moments before meeting your little one are special. Here's how to embrace them while preparing for your new arrival...
Take long naps: Enjoy luxurious naps before the baby arrives. Enjoy quiet, restful moments.
Get a prenatal massage: Treat yourself to a relaxing massage to ease any tension or anxiety you may be feeling.
Read a book: Spend a weekend reading a book from start to finish.
Schedule a date night or order your favourite take away. Take advantage of this quiet time before your little one arrives and enjoy some loving time with your partner.
Pamper yourself: Take some time to indulge in some self-care activities like getting a pedicure or a new haircut. You’ll feel refreshed and renewed.
Take warm baths: A warm bath can be so soothing and help you to relax. Put on some music and light candles to create a spa-like experience at home.
Grab a (decaf) coffee with a friend or plan a date with yourself.
Ready, steady, batch-cook: With a new born in your arms, thinking up meals and cooking them will be quite the challenge.
Watch a funny movie: Laughter can help you relax and take your mind off things. It will also get that oxytocin going too!
Practice breathing: If you haven't been practicing breathing, start now.
Stay active: Try walking, swimming, or water aerobics. Staying active can help with physical discomfort, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue.
Write your birth plan: Consider different pain relief options and what you might like to use during labour.
Source: The Natural Parent Magazine: https://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/make-last-days-pregnancy/ The Nest: https://www.thenestlakeland.org/post/sweet-anticipation-making-the-most-of-the-3rd-trimester
COLIC
CrYinG aLL DaY anD niGHt
KnoW WHat to Do.
No other common condition in infants generates as much anxiety, concern, frustration and even anger as colic.
WHAT IS COLIC?
Colic is a term used to describe inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. If your baby is younger than five months old and cries for more than three hours non-stop on three or more days a week for at least three weeks (phew!), chances are he's colicky. Colic isn't a disease and won't cause your baby any long-term harm, but it's a tough thing to go through for both babies and their parents. First-born children are affected more and it occurs equally in boys and girls.
SIGNS OF COLIC
Colic most often shows up when a baby is around two or three weeks old (or two or three weeks after the baby's due date, if he's a preemie). While babies normally cry when they're wet or hungry or frightened or tired, a baby with colic cries inconsolably and excessively, often at the same time of day, frequently in the late afternoon or evening.
Common signs include:
• Excessive crying and appearance of being in pain.
• Clench fists
• Draw legs up towards tummy.
• Arches body
• Cheeks might turn red
• Stomach may be swollen and feel hard
• Baby might hold his or her breath for a short period of time.
• Passes a lot of gas.
CAUSES
Unfortunately, the exact causes of colic are not known yet, although there are several theories about what may cause the condition. Possible reasons may be painful gastro-intestinal spasms, flatulence, lactose intolerance and overfeeding.
Colic tends to peak around 6 weeks, then improves significantly between 3 and 4 months. " "
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Remember: What work for some babies, may not work for others! However, there is a range of measure you could try to soothe your crying baby:
Gentle rock the baby in your arms to help him pass wind and hopefully calm him.
Avoid over feeding the baby. Don’t feed too quick.
Massage the baby. It is a good way to help relax your baby and to help him pass wind.
Try laying baby on his stomach across your lap and gently rubbing and patting his or her back to help him pass any wind.
Reduce the amount of stimulation in the room e.g. bright lights, noise and people.
Offer a baby a dummy to suck on.
If your baby is bottle fed, check that the teat is oval-shape to allow his lips to seal the opening and avoid excessive swallowing of air.
Source: www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-is-colic www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/what-is-colic/
Keep baby in upright positions for a couple of minutes after each feed.
Over the counter colic remedies that ease abdominal cramping or reduce intestinal wind may bring some relief.
Breastfeeding mothers should go through a trial period of avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and chocolate as it is possible that these are passed on to the baby via breast milk, worsening colic.
Mothers also reported that their stress levels affect their babies, making colic worse.
Don’t try to cope on your own. Get a family member to help you. It should leave you calmer and more capable to deal with the situation.
Melomed Hospitals have specialist doctors to treat all your baby’s sickness and ailments.
From our specialised Paediatricians, Neonatologist, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialists to Baby Clinics.
Paediatricians
Melomed Gatesville & Tokai
Dr S Raban 021 023 0604 021 637 2358
Melomed Richards Bay
Dr KP Seake 035 791 5428
Melomed Gatesville Dr R Khan 021 637 3811/3817
Melomed Bellville Dr M Bassier 021 391 0199
Melomed Mitchells Plain Dr O Adam 021 391 4967/8
Melomed Gatesville Dr M Ismail 021 633 0332
Melomed Richards Bay Dr S Chetty 035 791 5535
Melomed Bellville Dr D Rhode 021 945 1898
Melomed Tokai
Dr R Moore 021 110 5941
Melomed Tokai
Dr M Meyer 021 712 1643
Melomed Mitchells Plain Dr MW Mathure 021 110 5145
Melomed Bellville Dr M Ledger 021 946 1347
Melomed
Gatesville & Tokai
Dr. J Stulinski 021 712 5346 / 021 761 4909 021 638 3150/46
Melomed Bellville
Dr. A Behr 021 945 1502
Melomed
Gatesville & Tokai
Dr. S Ebrahim 021 637 7772 021 202 6307
Melomed Bellville
Dr. Z Doolarkhan 021 946 2191
Melomed Mitchells Plain
Dr. W Makhaye 021 110 5950
Melomed Bellville
Dr. Raphael Mlauzi 021 110 5217
Melomed Richards Bay
Dr. L Setoaba 035 791 5440
Baby clinics
RHO Clinic at Melomed Bellville Hospital, Suite 12 on the First floor - Tel: 021 950 8960
The following services are rendered:
1.Follow up on newborn babies from the age of 2 weeks.
2.Immunisations of babies
3.Family planning
4.Asthma education
5.Responsible for doing lung functions for the pulmonologist.
6.Breastfeeding Education
Clinic Hours:
Mondays to Thursdays: 9:00 - 16:00, Fridays: 9:00 - 13:00
Open some Saturdays as per request and by appointment only.
Dr Raban at Melomed Tokai - Tel: 021 023 0604
The following services are rendered: -Vaccinations
-Breastfeeding consultation -Circumcision -Family Planning -Paediatric Consultation
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.
During pregnancy you can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.
If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, generally your blood sugar returns to its usual level soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. You'll need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.
Symptoms
Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Increased thirst and more-frequent urination are possible symptoms.
Risk factors
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
• Being overweight or obese
• Not being physically active
• Having prediabetes
• Having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having an immediate family member with diabetes
• Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than 4.1 kilograms
Complications
Gestational diabetes that's not carefully managed can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby, including an increased likelihood of needing a surgery to deliver (C-section).
Complications that may affect your baby
If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at increased risk of:
• Excessive birth weight
• Early (preterm) birth
• Serious breathing difficulties
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life
• Stillbirth
Complications that may affect you
Gestational diabetes may also increase your risk of:
• High blood pressure and preeclampsia
• Having a surgical delivery (C-section)
• Future diabetes
PathCare offers testing for allergies. Please contact your doctor for more information.