Mamas&Papas April 2016 by Kwenta Media

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Mamas & Papas | April 2016 Cover

Models: Carmel Fisher Directed By: Tumi Mdluli Assistant: Tebatjo Manamela Photographer: Gareth Jacobs Hair & Make-Up: Vuyo Varoyi Dressed By: H&M

62 Your features

On the cover

24 TechyMom: The Latest Advances In Wearable Technology For Parents

17 Genetics: It’s In The Code

27 Understanding The Apgar

32 Africa’s Unique Reason To Store Stem Cells?

36 The Combination Vaccine

44 Child’s Play Is Serious Business

52 Addressing The Inequalities In ECD

48 Lights, Camera, Action! The World Of Child Actors

57 Unclipping The Wings Of Autism

62 Completely Carmel... An Intimate Q&A Session With The Popular Actress.

68 Parentech: A Matter Of Perspective M a m a s & Pa p a s

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Mamas & Papas | April 2016 Section guidelines 17 Pre-Pregnancy 21 Pregnancy 27 Labour & Birth 36 Babies 0-1 year 44 Toddlers 2-4 years 48 Preschoolers 5-7 years 57 Special Needs 62 Working Moms & Dads

8 Baby Fashion From Ackermans 21 Preggy Diaries 30 Preggy Fashion 39 What’s In A Name? 40 Philips AVENT Hall Of Fame 47 News & Tips

74 Dr Herman (Gynaecologists) Dr Herman Netshidzivhani & Dr Birgit Katharina Bothner 76 Cancer Column Zoleka Mandela 77 DeConstruct To Construct Fumani Shilubana | FatherFigureZA 90 Motoring Melissa Jane Cook

51 Gogo’s Advice 72 Parents With Pizzazz 78 Exercise: EMS

In every issue 06 From the Editor’s Pen

80 Recipes

08 Contributors’ Page

86 Décor

09 Your Letters

88 Reviews

94 Subscriptions

89 Baby Shower

96 Stockists List

92 Travel: The Faces And Places Of Cape Town

Your columnists 20 Fertility Dr Antonio Rodrigues 42 Dr Dad (Paediatricians) Dr Ashraf Ahmed 56 Family Law Veerash Srikison

Contents_April 2016.indd 2

COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS/ISTOCK/CONSOL GLASS/DARLING LAMA PRODUCTIONS/THE UNLIMITED CHILD.

Your regulars

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Parenting... Your Way!

CEO of Kwenta Media & Founding Editor of Mamas & Papas

Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli

Fashion & Beauty Editor Fashion Assistant

Tracy Maher Nicky de Bene Loren Stow Cathrine Versfeld, Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi, Melissa Jane Cook Tumi Mdluli Tebatjo Manamela

Senior Designer Designer Junior Designer Digital & Web Specialist

Lelethu Tobi Mmabatho Mahange Siphokazi Masele Lekeke Mahlo

Managing Editor Copy Editor Features Editor Features Writers

Sales & Business Development Team Business Development & Production Manager Sales and Business Development Manager Brand Manangers Operations & Finance Operations & Finance Manager Administrator Office Drivers Advisory Board

Columnists

Contributors Publisher Physical Address

Postal Address Websites Subscription Queries Advertising Editorial Information & Enquiries Printers Distribution

Nuraan Motlekar Monice Kruger Wezi Njovu, Kholiwe Nkambule

Kelly Moyo Tebatjo Manamela Yusuf Msinyi, Gabriel Mashishi Grace Masuku, Mohammed Bhabha, Lethepu Matshaba, Dr Herman Netshidzivhani, Dr Ashraf Ahmed, Dr Bongani Khumalo, Dr Alessia Gioliano, Major-General Jackie Modise, Maria Sterrenberg, Dr Sumayya Ebrahim, Veerash Srikison, Dr Birgit Katharina Bothner, Dr Antonio Rodrigues Dr Ashraf Ahmed, Dr Antonio Rodrigues, Veerash Srikison Dr Herman Netshidzivhani, Dr Birgit Katharina Bothner, Zoleka Mandela, Fumani N. Shilubana Nicky Manson, Bulelwa Mokori Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. Fourways View Office Park, Block C, First Floor, Cnr Sunset Ave and Sunrise Blvd, Fourways Tel: 011 467 5859, Fax: 011 467 2808 or 086 672 6468 Mamas & Papas: P.O. Box 4437, Dainfern, 2055 www.mamasnpapasmag.com / www.kwentamedia.com subs@mamasnpapasmag.com advertising@mamasnpapasmag.com editorial@mamasnpapasmag.com info@mamasnpapasmag.com / info@kwentamedia.com

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Mamas & Papas Magazine, TV show, Website and Webzine are 100% owned and published by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. BBBEE Level 1

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M&P|from the editor’s pen

THINK ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

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So I ask you, parents, to think about what you expose your children to. Let’s give them the best advantage that your love can offer them… the freedom to become phenomenal!

We want to hear from you! Write to me at nawaal@kwentamedia.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.

IMAGE: ©KWENTA MEDIA, SHUTTERSTOCK.

ho heads up the top companies in our nation, Africa and the world at large? Where are our girls? Where are the women? While we acknowledge the pivotal roles of both men and women in society, it is crucial that we mirror an accurate society to our children. In this April issue, the month of our democratic freedom, I wish to focus on the exposure – or lack thereof – that affords women financial freedom. There is a dire shortage of prominent women when it comes to positions of leadership and economic influence in our society. You are more likely to find women dollied up to be front-desk personnel or hostesses, positions of service to men. If the truth were told, we would admit that to this day too many women are still objectified as mere breeding machines. It is imperative that we train children from the earliest possible moment to know their potential and how to access opportunities. Just as parents get their children the best sport coaching to set them on the track to become world-class champions one day, or model a loving environment so that their offspring may grow into caring adults, those who are exposed to the best circumstances will be gifted with future advantages. Successful entrepreneurs often begin involving their children in the family business, teaching them the tricks of the trade and exposing them to the management of money from the moment they can start to count. This is particularly true of Jewish and Muslim communities. These children learn to hustle at a young age, as their parents provide an environment that affords them front-row tickets to the shop floor, so to speak, and everything that goes on behind the scenes. They learn the skills of the business, from sales and stocktaking to security and financial fitness, and it is this training ground that sets them up to eventually become successful in their own right. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the disadvantaged or sidelined groups in the country, who may aspire to graduating with an MBA but do not have the means, access or opportunity. Their dreams of becoming heavyweights in the world are not sustained by a solid foundation – they are often exposed to failure, disappointment and disparity. However, if these parents were to wrap their children in the secure embrace of determination and possibility, they too would emerge into society with a ‘can-do’ attitude, not taking no for an answer and coming back stronger after every setback. We are what we want to be. We are treated the way we want and demand to be treated. If you instill the poison of hatred and discrimination in your child’s heart, the odds are that they will spread that venom with the same vigour. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|contributors FERTILITY COLUMN

Dr Antonio Rodrigues MBBCH(Wits) FCOG(SA) MBA(Henley)  Infertility

specialist, founder developer and director of Medfem Fertility Clinic, along with fellow directors Dr Johan van Schouwenburg and Dr Johan van Rensburg.  Co-author of the book Faster, Better, Sicker and codeveloper of StaminoGro (Georen Pharmaceuticals). The doctor’s special medical interests lie in lifestyle management to improve fertility. Dr Rodrigues is married to clinical psychologist Mandy Rodrigues and together they have six children, ranging from 28 to 6 years in age. Contact Dr Rodrigues on 011 463 2244

FAMILY LAW

CANCER COLUMN

Zoleka Mandela Although the unexpected and tragic loss of two of her children surpassed her battle with addiction, her early breast cancer diagnosis catapulted Zoleka from a journey of pain and struggle to one of hope, faith and inspiration. Zoleka is an author, a motivational speaker and founder of the Zoleka Mandela Foundation. Visit www.zolekamandelafoundation.org www.zolekamandelafoundation.org.

DECONSTRUCT TO CONSTRUCT (FATHERHOOD)

Fumani N. Shilubana Father, actor, producer, social entrepreneur, founder of Father Figure ZA and DeCon2Con Talks If the passion and talent that God gave me won’t make a better difference in people’s lives, then I don’t want to do anything.

@zolekamandela

@FumaniShilubana @FatherFiguresSA

zolekamandelafoundation

FumaniNShilubana FatherFiguresSA

DR HERMAN (GYNAECOLOGISTS)

FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr Sumayya Ebrahim Dr Herman Netshidzivhani & Dr Birgit Katharine Bothner

Advocate Veerash Srikison Advocate Veerash Srikison is an internationally accredited mediator at Fair Practice in Johannesburg. For more information on mediation and how you can benefit from it, visit www.fairpractice.co.za.

Contact the doctors on 011 643 8492 or 011 480 4143

Contact Veerash on 011 046 2644.

DR DAD (PAEDIATRICIAN)

Obstetricians and gynaecologists These two doctors are partners in work and in life. They run a fertility clinic together at Park Lane Clinic in Johannesburg and have two children.

MOTORING

Melissa Jane Cook

Dr Ashraf Ahmed Dr Ahmed is a Johannesburg-based paediatrician and father of 5 children, Iman (16), Mehreen (9), and 8-year-old triplets Jazib, Taheem and Alman – conceived naturally! His wife Aneesa is also a doctor. Contact Dr Dad on 011 875 1845 or 011 875 1840

Bewitched by the magic of France, Melissa Jane Cook is an intrepid explorer. A lover of traversing the globe, she eagerly absorbs different cultures and laps up the magnificent oceanic experiences. Wooed by words and writers alike, her penchant for facials, chocolate, owls and bugs, is surpassed only by her fascination with the stage aglow in lights or bookshelves that heave with stories, where characters invite her along on their marvellous journeys. @jwanderlustmjc

Dr Ebrahim is a registered psychologist in Johannesburg. She holds an Honours degree in Applied Psychology, a cum laude Masters degree in Psychology and a PhD. Her academic interests are Wellbeing, Emotional Intelligence, Positive Psychology, Critical Psychology and Infertility. Dr Ebrahim is both an academic and a practitioner and is the author of Investment in Self: A comprehensive well being construct. Contact Dr Ebrahim on 078 864 2007 or email doctor@psychologiste.com. Visit Psychologistse.com.

ED. PSYCHOLOGIST

Claire Maher Claire works fulltime at a school in Johannesburg and maintains a private practice. Claire is interested in attachment, barriers to learning and fair assessment practices in South Africa. In her free time, Claire enjoys drinking tea, cycling, photography, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. Contact Claire on 071 150 1863 or clairemaher. psych@gmail.com. @Educ_Psych

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M&P|letters

THE ORCHARD IN MY WOMB I really enjoyed the article in your March 2016 issue, The New Full-Term Pregnancy, that showed the development of the baby compared to various food items. This makes it so easy for my husband and my six-year-old daughter to understand just how big our baby is as the weeks pass. In fact, my daughter had a good giggle when I showed her our baby was the size of a lettuce (I am about 27 weeks along). She now asks me how ‘Baby Lettuce Leaf’ is doing and I have a feeling that this nickname might stick with him for a long after his life in the womb. Keep up the great work, Team Mamas & Papas! We love the information you provide that we can use to educate our families and ourselves. Samantha Pillay Benoni

PARTY-PLANNING MOM Like me, my daughter can never make a decision and stick to it. We’ve gone through so many birthday party themes and every time she comes back from preschool, she brings home a new idea. Luckily we still have a couple of months left before she turns seven, and as overwhelming as the process is, it has given me time to bond with my baby girl. I was at a friend’s place when I came across a copy of your March 2016 issue and on page 52 they had an article about Preschool Party Fever. I could’ve sworn I heard the angels sing! This is the manual that I’d been looking for and as soon as I got home that afternoon, my daughter and I went through the websites that you listed, and now we’re set to go. With just that one article, you got yourself a frequent follower! Lungelo Xulu Durban

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Find us on:

We want to hear from you Share your thoughts, opinions, suggestions and touching family stories. Log on to our website www.mamasnpapasmag.com or drop us a mail at letters@mamasnpapasmag.com. We reserve the right to edit all letters for the purposes of publishing.

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2016/03/02 12:49 PM

M&P|pre-pregnancy

ALL IN THE CODE

Getting To Grips With Genetics

Parents hear a lot about genetics when planning a baby, but what should they know about heredity and that ‘one-in-a-million’ case? Cathrine Versfeld deciphers the code. t is incredible that all the information that determines our unique features and personal traits is contained in the genes that we receive from our parents. Even more incredible is the fact that we do not become a perfect mix of the two, but a completely new and utterly matchless individual. When it comes to planning a baby, the prospect of meeting this brand new, one-of-a-kind human adds so much more magic to the mix. But what are the downsides? What if your child does not only receive grandma’s smile, but also her heart condition? Is there any way of knowing how much of the genetic ‘bad’ our children will receive with the ‘good’?

THE MAGIC OF GENES All the cells in our bodies contain chromosomes that hold the code for everything that makes up who we are. Everything from eye and hair colour to specific talents are contained in these chromosomes. The 23 chromosomes that humans need come in pairs (one from each parent) and are linked together in long spiral strands, known as deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. The information in our DNA is so complex, that it can be accurately linked to an individual through blood, hair and even skin samples. Our identities are stamped into every cell. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|pre-pregnancy “A good example of recessive genes can be seen when two brown-eyed parents have a child with blue eyes. It means that a grandparent on both sides would have had blue eyes.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY Unfortunately, genes can also carry the code for abnormal development, disabilities or various physical or mental problems. The best way to gauge the likelihood of these outcomes is to review the family history. Genetic information of grandparents and even great-grandparents can skip generations and manifest again further down the line. These tendencies to skip are known as ‘recessive genes’, which means that although the parents do not have a condition, they can pass it on to their children. A good example of recessive genes can be seen when two brown-eyed parents have a child with blue eyes. It means that a grandparent on both sides would have had blue eyes.

OTHER FACTORS Conditions such as Down syndrome become more likely in the babies of mothers over the age of 35. Although it can happen at any age, the statistics rise sharply the older the mother is when she falls pregnant. Down syndrome is a genetic abnormality where, instead of the standard 23 chromosomes, the DNA contains 24. Although it can be linked with heredity, the condition can also occur without any previous family history. In the event of a sibling being born with a condition, genetic counselling is also strongly recommended.

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GENETIC COUNSELLING According to the South African Centre for Genetics Education, genetic counselling is recommended if:  You are pregnant and over the age of 35 years.  You need help with prenatal screening and testing, i.e. ultrasound, blood tests, amniocentesis.  You have a child or a family history of a genetic condition, chromosome abnormality or a birth defect, such as: o Chromosomal abnormality, e.g. Down syndrome. o Intellectual delay. o Birth defects, e.g. cleft lip or palate, spina bifida, heart defect. o Hearing or vision loss. o Other genetic conditions e.g. albinism, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, sickle cell disease, Huntington disease.  You have many family members with cancer diagnosed at a young age, especially colon and breast.  You are from an ethnic group at higher risk for a genetic condition.  You have a personal or family history of miscarriages or stillbirths.  You and your partner are first cousins or close blood relatives and are planning a pregnancy.

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M&P|pre-pregnancy WHAT DOES GENETIC COUNSELLING ENTAIL? One of the first and most important steps in genetic counselling is to get a good overview of your personal and family medical histories on both sides. It’s a good idea to ask grandparents, aunts and uncles if they have any knowledge of conditions within the family prior to attending a session. It’s surprising how often new information about the family can come to light. Once the family tree has been drawn up, the counsellor will be able to identify the risk factors. The conditions and illnesses will be explained and discussed, including all the implications and choices involved. If the condition in question can be detected prior to birth, the counsellor will also walk parents through the steps of prenatal testing. Although the risks are calculated and explained at length, it is important to remember that these are only risks, and can never confirm with any certainty that your child will have this or any other condition. Despite great advances in genetic research and prenatal testing, there are no 100-percent guaranteed answers. A test, a condition, a genetic anomaly… these are all words to describe what may happen to your child physically, but there is no test that will tell you who your child will be, or what your child might become in life.

“A test, a condition, a genetic anomaly… these are all words to describe what may happen to your child physically, but there is no test that will tell you who your child will be, or what your child might become in life.”

A 2014 paper, ‘Personalised medicine and human genetic diversity’ (Lu, YF; Goldstein, DB; Angrist, M; Cavalleri) furthered the current understanding of certain genetic disorders that are more common in certain races:  Sickle-cell anaemia is the most prevalent in populations with sub-Saharan African ancestry but also common among Indian, Saudi Arab and South American people.  Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive disease among people of Northern European heritage in South Africa.  Thalassemia is the most prevalent in populations having Mediterranean ancestry.  Tay–Sachs disease, an autosomal recessive disorder, is more frequent among Ashkenazi Jews than among other Jewish groups and non-Jewish populations.

IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM.

THE BIRTH OF AN ONLINE RESOURCE In 2011, Noelene Kinsley and Suretha Erusmas founded the website www.geneticcounselling.co.za. Both hold their Masters degrees in Genetic Counselling and recognised a need for an online resource that would cater specifically to the diverse population of South Africa. The website provides a list of genetic counsellors across South Africa, educational resources and local and online support groups. Their goal is to create a platform that will facilitate and build the ultimate Genetics Counselling community in Southern Africa.

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M&P|fertility

ENDOMETRIAL SCRATCH CAN INCREASE CHANCES OF PREGNANCY urrently the evidence suggests that by making a superficial injury (or scratching) the lining of the womb in this group of patients may improve the chances of pregnancy in procedures like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and where there is an absence of any other cause of failed implantation. Endometrial scratch is not suitable in all patients, including those who are going through IVF or ICSI treatment for the first time and each case has to be individually considered.

releases growth factors, hormones and chemicals. The new lining that grows after the procedure is thought to be more receptive to an implanting embryo and so increases the chances of pregnancy. Scientists believe that the genes responsible for implantation of embryos are sometimes not ‘switched on’ during the time when embryos are supposed to implant. Endometrial scratching may ‘switch on’ the genes that are responsible for preparation of the endometrium for implantation, which increases the chances of pregnancy. However, research is still being gathered to understand exactly how this works.

Q How does scratching help implantation?

Q When is the best time to have the procedure?

New research and evidence suggests that scratching the uterine lining stimulates stem cell production and immune changes in the uterus in patients with recurrent implantation failure and this may increase embryo implantation rates. The repair process

The best time to perform the endometrial scratch is approximately one week before the IVF or ICSI treatment cycle begins. Most IVF units plan the procedure on Day 21 of the cycle before the IVF or frozen embryo transfer cycle.

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Q How is the procedure performed?

The procedure should only take 10 minutes. There may a little discomfort during the procedure, but no anaesthetic is required. The procedure is similar to an embryo transfer, intrauterine insemination or cervical smear test (pap smear). A fine, thin plastic tube (flexible catheter) is passed through the opening of the cervix into the cavity of the uterus to gently and superficially scratch the lining of the uterus. Inserting and moving the catheter up and down may cause mild abdominal cramping similar to period pain. Some mild bleeding is common after the procedure.

Q What risks are involved? Endometrial scratch is a very safe procedure. For most women it does not require any anaesthetic. Some women occasionally experience some cramping pains during and after the procedure, but these will ease within a very short time. Very rarely, the procedure can cause pelvic infection. There is a small risk that any infection within the cervix may spread to the uterine cavity during the procedure. This would become apparent up to 10 days following the procedure. Uterine bleeding is unusual, but if it occurs and is excessive, then it needs to be managed by the doctor involved.

IMAGE: shutterstock.

Dr Antonio Rodrigues explains that endometrial scratch is a procedure used to help embryos implant more successfully in patients whose fertility treatment cycles have failed despite the transfer of good quality embryos.

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M&P|preggy diaries

E Y N MALEK O H

ANE

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPH: HONEY MALEKANE.

2nd Trimester

s I entered my second trimester, the morning sickness and fatigue that had plagued me during the last three months began to fade and I felt like my old energetic self again. While I prayed that these unpleasant symptoms would not return, I soon realised that there was more to come. Throughout my life I have been fortunate enough to not really have a problem with pimples. I noticed how my skin was starting to change and before I knew it, instead of the pregnancy glow everyone raves about, I was covered with pregnancy acne and had so many dark spots on my face. My cravings also increased and I began to eat things I had never enjoyed before. My belly grew quite rapidly and it was exciting to see the growth of the baby on the ultrasounds. I have had trouble sleeping the last few weeks and it is at these times when I lie awake that this little person decides to kick. I absolutely love this baby already and as these six months have passed, I have never been more proud to be a woman. As my belly continues to swell with life, I have begun to imagine what it will be like to be a mother. I am not so caught up in the mystique of motherhood that I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forgotten about the labour and birth process. I am worried about this because my sister and friends have shared plenty of horror stories with me. I was so excited to find out the gender of our baby that I went for an ultrasound for that specific reason. Unfortunately, the doctor couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see clearly to tell us, but we still delighted in seeing the tiny hands and feet. I know that my firstborn may be a boy because this runs in our family, but I have secretly been hoping for a girl. Not knowing has meant I have to put the baby shopping on hold for now. Regardless, whatever gender our baby is, he or she is a gift that God has given to us. Going into the third trimester, I feel that I am ready for anything. I am feeling fat and a bit unattractive, but this will pass and the joy of becoming a mom will last forever. I love my baby and I am excited because we are almost there. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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fter some time, we eventually told our families about the impending new arrival. ‘Excited’ doesn’t even begin to explain how both sets of parents felt. My tummy has continued to grow and I started noticing some changes on my face – not good changes. I honestly felt miserable and thought I looked ugly, and I remember this one time when I am sure my lips turned black. I would cry every time I felt this way and my poor husband would spend time comforting, saying, “You look beautiful, darling!” Many people say that the second trimester is the easiest of them all, but I simply disagree. I continued going through pigmentation changes and instead of glowing, my face and neck turned darker. I continued to have changes on my face and body. In our culture, it is said that if you turn dark, you’re likely to have a boy, so maybe I was busy ‘baking’ a little baby boy. I was also carrying big – my stomach was already huge! My mother even thought I might be carrying twins, but I reassured her that the doctor would have told me if that was the case. My husband tried his best to attend most of my visits to the gynae and I would miss him when he couldn’t come to see baby. However, our doctor made it a point to send me home with a printout of the ultrasound, and always reassured me that our baby was growing beautifully and strong. We still don’t know the baby’s gender as we both want it to be a surprise, and we love it when people keep guessing the baby’s sex. It keeps the whole journey interesting and fun! Let’s see what the third trimester has in store. Who knows, I might just get that pregnancy glow after all!

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WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPH: NONTEBEKO NDLOVU, VECTORSTOCK.COM.

M&P|preggy diaries

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M&P|preggy diaries

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPH: ASHLYNE RAMLUKAN, VECTORSTOCK.COM.

e had made it to the homestretch! “Are you ready for the sleepless nights?” I was asked, followed by,“It’s back to nappies and bottles again?” Naturally some of things you are bound to hear in your final stages of pregnancy makes everything start to seem more real and promptly gets the whole family feverishly preparing for the new arrival. Amidst all the preparation, each of us had our own special way of looking at the arrival of our new baby. To our son Ashwin, he was the answer to prayer as he would finally have his little baby brother. To my husband, he was the realisation of a dream, as with his arrival our family would grow. And to me he was a miracle that I was longing to hold in my arms. Apart from looking forward to baby’s arrival there were a few other things we had to look forward to in the last trimester, such as the 4D scan, baby showers and, of course, a last chance to take advantage of all the pampering before baby arrives. At 30 weeks we had our 4D scan and were so amazed as we got to have a closer look at our baby, who seemed very content in there. However, at 32 weeks I was admitted in hospital for early labour. Our baby was in distress and I had to be injected with steroids that would strengthen his lungs in case they could not stop labour and I would have to deliver him early. Fortunately, we responded well to the treatment and I got to go home the following day. Over the next few weeks I rested a lot, as I did not want to risk going into labour again before my due date. On the morning of our 13th wedding anniversary, I was up at 4:30 and woke my husband up saying “Morning Love, happy anniversary! I think you need to take me to the hospital!” Our baby could not have picked a better day to arrive. I was already three centimetres dilated by the time we had reached the hospital and labour progressed very quickly from there. As the pain became unbearable, I kept asking if I would be given the epidural. I was soon moved into the delivery room, where I was met by the midwife and my doctor who explained that I would not be getting the epidural due to the fact that baby was in distress. The doctor assured me that I was close to delivering and asked me to just bear the pain, as my baby would arrive within the hour. An hour didn’t sound comforting at all, but I tried my best to use breathing techniques to manage the pain. My baby was born 20 minutes later and the doctors attended to him quickly, as the cord was so tightly wrapped around him that he had to be resuscitated. My husband and I felt such joy and relief when we finally heard him cry and I got to hold my miracle baby in my arms.

ASHLYNE RAMLUKAN 3rd Trimester

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M&P|pregnancy

TECHYMOM The Latest Advances In Wearable Parenting Tech

More progress has been made in the last 10 years than in the 50 years before that, thanks to technology. These advances have infiltrated the pregnancy and baby market and has made life in the womb more accessible to parents. Cathrine Versfeld looks at some of the most popular gadgets available in South Africa for new parents and concepts that are being bandied about.

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M&P|pregnancy he availability of tech to the common man is making massive leaps with every passing year. Part of this is due to the open market of app development, allowing anybody with a good idea, and an ability to code, the chance to showcase their software to the world through downloadable app stores. Many of these coders are parents, or parents-to-be, and thanks to their innovations, and the companies that support and develop their products, we now have a scintillating range of devices that make pregnancy and new parenthood just that little bit easier.

PREGNANCY FOETAL DOPPLER Foetal dopplers are the same device your obstetrician will use to pick up your baby’s heartbeat. There are many home versions available now and they can transmit the baby’s heartbeat directly through earphones or onto your phone or computer. Although a baby’s heart starts beating as early as 22 days after conception, even your doctor’s Doppler will only pick it up from about nine to 12 weeks. 1. AngelSounds Foetal Doppler AngelSounds enables you to fully enjoy the connection to your baby at the early stages of pregnancy and get a better feeling for your child’s position. Use AngelSounds in familiar environments and relax completely while you listen to your baby’s beating heart. You can even record the heartbeat and play it to your friends. Share the anticipation and duplicate the joy. AngelSounds Feotal Dopplers are available from most Baby City stores nationwide and online at www.takealot.co.za

IN-BELLY AUDIO

2. BellyBuds® – Baby Bump Sound System Includes two pairs of Adhesives (approximately a one-month supply), premium access to VoiceShare (online platform for recording and sharing voice messages), an audio splitter, a storage pouch and a Rock-A-Belly Music Album download, making the perfect pregnancy gift. Bellybuds is a baby-bump sound system that offers parents-to-be a way to deliver audio stimulation to their developing child to start creating those memories now. Both products are available online at www.wantitall.co.za or directly from Amazon.

CHART-TOPPING PREGGY APPS 1. Full Term (iPhone and Android) Full Term provides a no-fuss deliverycontractions timer with a simple start and stop button that helps you track labour, a kick counter, and fitness and nutrition information. So although its primary use is in the last hours before birth, it provides some nice-to-haves in the months leading up to the big moment. 2. Baby Bump Pregnancy Pro (iPhone and Android) Providing easy-to-read and useful information, the BabyBump Pregnancy Pro connects expectant moms to a community of parents-to-be. It includes a date calculator and journal.

GADGETS FOR BABY SOUND AND MOVEMENT MONITORS

A baby's hearing is fully developed in the womb at 20 weeks and memories begin at 30 weeks. Audio belly belts and buds have advanced since the old trick of putting earphones on your belly. Available in the form of a belly belt, or buds, and strategically placed speakers, your baby can now get in-womb surround sound.

One of the most exhilarating, but possibly also harrowing moments of childbirth is realising that baby is no longer perfectly protected in the womb. This can cause already sleep-deprived moms to lose even more sleep, worrying that baby is too quiet. Sound and movement monitors serve not only to alert parents when baby is awake, but to provide some vital peace of mind.

1. Ritmo Pregnancy Audio Belt Ritmo Pregnancy Audio Belt is an effective and comfortable product that enables you to play music and sounds safely to your baby in the womb. The belt securely holds four mini speakers in different locations across your stomach, in order to provide your baby with a high-quality, 360-degree surround-sound listening experience. Ritmo fits snuggly and comfortably around your entire stomach.

1. Angelcare Digital Sound and Movement Monitor With a sub-mattress sensory pad, temperature display and crystal clear audio transmission, you can be sure that your baby is being well looked after as they sleep. With loads of built-in technology and controls, the Angelcare Digital Sound and Movement Monitor does pretty much everything but rock your baby back to sleep. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|pregnancy

1. Huggies TweetPee The Huggies TweetPee is a device that clips onto the outside of your baby’s nappy and detects (through humidity sensors) when it is wet, alerting you via a Twitter message (#pee). It also tracks the amount of nappies you use and alerts you when it’s time to stock up. (A great concept, but not freely accessible in South Africa yet)

CHART-TOPPING BABY APPS 1. White Noise Baby App (iPhone and Android) Help your baby relax, stop crying, and sleep better. Includes perfectly looped sounds that your baby will love, such as taking a car ride, classical music, conch shell, and doppler ultrasound of the womb.

NAPPY SENSORS This type of product has been long in the works, as various companies have debuted prototypes of a device that can clip on to baby’s nappy, to alert parents when the nappy is wet. Huggies has finally released one and it’s an utterly adorable little device.

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2. Toddler Lock (iPhone and Android) Colourful graphics and soothing sounds keep your baby entertained without you having to worry about them making calls or starting other apps. Teach your child shapes and colours.

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK/ITUNES/GOOGLE PLAY.

iBaby Monitor M2 (iPhone/iPad) The M2 is the newest edition to the iBaby family and is made to be compatible with your iPhone and/ or iPad to allow you to monitor your little one wherever you are. Motion and sound alerts will automatically be saved to the free ‘iBaby View’ app, which also allows you to snap and share photos of your little one from home or at work. With unlimited range via Wi-Fi, and up to four simultaneous users, any authorised user can speak to your baby using the twoway audio feature. The Angelcare system and the iBaby Monitor are available for purchase at www.babygroup.co.za/shop

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M&P|labour & birth

UNDERSTANDING THE APGAR

Is your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s APGAR score a predictor of their successes or failures in the years to come? Nicky Manson finds out more. he Apgar score is a simple assessment of a baby done at birth by a paediatrician in the delivery room. It evaluates the physical condition of a newborn baby and assesses if there is a need for any additional

medical attention. This compulsory evaluation is quick and done at one minute after birth and then at five minutes after the baby is born. Sometimes, if the score is lower than the norm, a third test will be done at 10 minutes after birth. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|labour & birth THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF APGAR

Appearance (skin colour)

Pulse (heart rate)

Grimace response (reflexes)

Activity (muscle tone)

Respiration (breathing rate and effort)

“If this low score persists after 20 minutes, it is considered predictive of high rates of morbidity (disease) and mortality (death). It is not, however, a precise predictor for neurologic and developmental disabilities.” 28

Scores between 0 and 2 are given for these five aspects, with two being the highest. These five scores are combined to provide one score out of 10. A score of 10/10 is quite rare, because of the bluish discolouration of the baby’s skin at birth (due to tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen). Once the baby has been warmed up, the score usually rises. A score of 7, 8 or 9 means the baby is considered in good health.

MAKING THE GRADE Lower Apgar scores are common in premature babies, babies delivered by Caesarean section and in high-risk pregnancies. If the Apgar score does not improve after five or 10 minutes, further medical attention is required and the baby will be closely monitored. Scores of 4 to 6 are fairly low and scores of 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low. If this low score persists after 20 minutes, it is considered predictive of high rates of morbidity (disease) and mortality (death). It is not, however, a precise predictor for neurologic and developmental disabilities. A lower score, however, does not always mean ill health. Sometimes all the baby needs is some oxygen to help them breathe. Some newborns just need a little extra time to adjust to life in the big outside world.

A HEALTH TOOL Doctors in South Africa will tell you that the Apgar score is a tool used at birth to help assess a baby’s health. It cannot, therefore, predict a baby's long-term health, behaviour, intellectual status, personality, or outcome. However, some international studies refute this. In a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 877 000 Swedish teenagers compared their high school results and their Apgar scores after birth. The result was that those with

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M&P|labour & birth

IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM, VECTORSTOCK.COM.

“A score of 10/10 is quite rare, because of the bluish discolouration of the baby’s skin at birth (due to tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen).“ higher Apgar scores at birth had higher academic results at school and sometimes even higher IQs in adulthood. Dr Andrea Stuart, an obstetrician at Central Hospital in Helsingborg, Sweden, said: “It is not the Apgar score in itself that leads to lower cognitive abilities. It is the reasons leading to a low Apgar score (including asphyxiation, preterm delivery, maternal drug use, infections) that might have an impact on future brain function.” Not all medical experts support these studies. Dr Richard Polin, director of neonatology at Columbia University Medical

Center said: “Most babies who have Apgar scores of seven or less do perfectly fine.”

APGAR ORIGIN The Apgar score was named after anaesthesiologist, Virginia Apgar. She developed the score in 1952 in order to ascertain the effects of obstetric anaesthesia on babies.

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M&P|preggy fashion

Stripes STRIPED BODYCON (NAVY), R360, G.COUTURE, SPREE.

We love the trends in maternity clothing; stripes are perfect for everyday comfort and style.

FINE-KNIT CARDIGAN, R299, H&M.

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MYLECENT SCARF, R229, ALDO.

STRIPED SHIRT DRESS, R149, OAKRIDGE, MRP.

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M&P|preggy fashion

STRIPED MAXI DRESS, R119, RED, MRP.

BRAIDED NECKLACE, R299, H&M.

DENIM JACKET, R240, OAKRIDGE, MRP.

WORDS: TEBATJO MANAMELA. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

WESTERLING HANDBAG, R849, ALDO.

STRIPED CARDIGAN (BLACK BEAUTIFUL, PLUM TREE), R430, SPREE.

LEG LACE FLATFORM, R299, UTOPIA, ZANDO.

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M&P|labour & birth

SECURING A MIXEDRACE FUTURE The storage of your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells and tissue may be more important than you think, especially if your baby is mixed race. Melissa Jane Cook investigates this topic at cellular level.

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hen a new baby is expected, parents start dreaming about their child’s future. Everything from nursery to university is discussed and planned, and oftentimes become a reality. But one aspect of your child’s future that you can’t always plan for is their health, with the worst-case scenario being a potentially fatal illness. Your baby’s umbilical cord blood is a rich source of special blood cells called stem cells. These cells are the body’s building blocks for blood, organs, tissue and the immune system, and are genetically unique to each baby. When you bank your baby’s cord blood, you preserve a unique biological resource that is like a ‘self-repair kit’ for your child and other possible family members.

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“When you bank your baby’s cord blood, you preserve a unique biological resource that is like a ‘self-repair kit’ for your child and other possible family members.” FINDING A MATCH A growing number of families every day are choosing to bank their babies’ umbilical cord blood and tissue as a potential cure for dozens of cancers, blood disorders, immune and genetic diseases. By harvesting and storing these stem cells, gathered from the placenta and umbilical cord, you can ‘insure’ your child against life-threatening blood-related diseases, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, Fanconi’s anaemia and sickle-cell anaemia. It has often been observed that finding a match is especially difficult for persons of mixed race. Since a matching donor must have inherited the same genes from both parents, the best prospect for a person of mixed race is someone of the same mixed-race heritage. But persons of specific mixed-race combinations are relatively scarce. Wendy Rehrl, marketing at Cryo-Save, describes a mixed-race baby as “a child born to parents of different races or ethnic backgrounds.” Dr Michelle Mason, medical officer at Nextbio (formerly Netcells), explains, “Storing stem cells is important as our HLA types (our individual tissue types) are specific to our race and even ethnic groups within our racial groups. These groups are extremely diverse. The problem lies in the fact that some races are under-represented on donor registries internationally.” She adds, “The majority of registries have Caucasian donors as the major representation and other race/ethnic groups are less likely to register as donors, often for various cultural reasons and beliefs. Other races are referred to as ethnic minorities – this does not imply minorities in term of population numbers, but minorities on donor registries.” Erna West, General Manager at Salveo says, “It is very important because the options to get a donor are limited. Patients requiring a blood stem cell transplant will have a probability of 25 percent for a sibling match and 75 percent will be dependent on local and international registries to find a match.”

A DIVERSE NATION Donors on both local and international registries are not representative of the South African population and given that the chances are one in 100 000 within your own ethnic population to find a matching donor, the probability of finding an HLA matching donor is slim. Furthermore, SA has one of the most diverse populations in the world and this decreases the chance of finding a donor.

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M&P|labour & birth “The genetic diversity in Africa is not represented in the International Public Banking System. Therefore, tissue types from African/mixed race couples are incredibly rare and difficult to obtain. For this reason, these families may want to seriously consider the storage of their baby’s rare and unique cord blood stem cells.” “Cord blood stem cell transplant does not require a 100 percent HLA match and this advantage practically ‘expands’ the donor pool. Unfortunately, no public cord blood bank exists in Africa yet, so there are not a lot of choices. We can, however, take ownership of our responsibility towards our family’s future and store stem cells at a private bank,” says West. Rehrl adds that the genetic diversity in Africa is not represented in the International Public Banking System. Therefore, tissue types from African/Mixed race couples are incredibly rare and difficult to obtain. For this reason, these families may want to seriously consider the storage of their baby’s rare and unique cord blood stem cells.

to 75 percent. Rehrl concludes,“ The chance of a sibling match holds extremely good odds.” Given this information and the statistics, it is definitely worth consideration to store the cord blood stem cell samples of all your children.

MIXED RACE MATCHES WITH CURRENT STEM CELL STORAGE IN PUBLIC BANKS “The overall stats for finding a match are still quoted at one in 100 000 for Caucasians and 1 in 400 000 for other races. These, however, can vary greatly depending on the ethnic/racial combination of HLA types and the representation of donors of those specific HLA types,” says Dr Mason. She continues, “Finding a non-sibling match is difficult because the distribution of HLA types is extremely diffuse. There are more than 10 million possible HLA types globally.” According to Dr Mason, approximately one half of Americans of European ancestry belong to types with frequency less than one in one hundred thousand, while 20 percent belong to types with frequency less than one in a million. The distribution of types is even more diffuse for persons of Asian and African ancestry. Two individuals are far more likely to match if they are of the same race. Because the world's registries have many more persons of European than of Asian or African ancestry, chances of finding a match are significantly smaller for the latter groups. Rehrl adds, “Unfortunately there are no public stem cell storage banks in Africa, with the majority in America and Europe where the inventory is made up of mainly Caucasian samples. Your chances of finding an African/mixed race match are low.”

Dr Mason explains, “Any sibling of the same biological parents (i.e. the same father and mother) will increase the chances of an HLA match to one in four, or 25 percent. This is your best chance of finding a match whatever your racial/ethnic group.” West concurs adding that using cord blood can increase the odds of finding a match

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For more information on storing umbilical cord stem cells and tissue, contact: Cryo-Save: www.cryo-save.co.za Nextbio: www.nextbio.co.za Salveo Swiss Biotechnology: www.salveobiotech.co.za

IMAGES: ISTOCK.

INCREASING THE ODDS

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M&P|0-1 babies

THE COMBINATION VACCINE Combination Vaccines.indd 36

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M&P|0-1 babies As part of the Global Vaccination Awareness Campaign, Nicky Manson explores the combination vaccine and why it gets such a bad rap. he development of combination vaccines for protection against multiple diseases first began in 1948 and individual doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines were combined into a single product (DTP). This became the cornerstone of paediatric and adult immunisation programmes. Today there are a number of combination vaccines available, with more due to hit the market in the future.

THE VALUE IN A COMBINATION Combination vaccines are designed to minimise the amount of shots a child has in their first year. This is usually preferred by parents who want their child to be on the receiving end of as few needle pricks as possible, while receiving full protection – and for doctors too, who would prefer to give as few shots as they can. The vaccine combines protection against two or more diseases into one shot. Three important ones that are spread out over your child’s first year of life include: MMR (Priorix) – The combination of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. DtaP – The combination of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines. Infanrix hexa vaccine – A further combination of DtaP is measles, mumps, hepatitis B, polio and rubella vaccines.

MORE VACCINES, FEWER SHOTS The number of immunisations recommended for children in the first two years of life has dramatically increased over time. The more combination vaccines introduced, the fewer injections. In addition, research has shown that if many injections are due at the same time, some may be delayed or not given at all. Fewer injections also mean fewer visits to the doctor or clinic, which in turn results in higher

rates of compliance with the vaccination schedule. Another argument in favour of the combination vaccine is that spreading out the vaccines in the form of single doses would result in children remaining vulnerable and unprotected for longer. With combination vaccines like the MMR, children have good protection against mumps, measles and rubella from the first jab onwards. However, there is always two sides to an argument and, like many discussions around child care, the combination vaccine has not escaped debate or criticism. Some doctors believe that one disadvantage of giving vaccines in combination is that it may not always be clear which component is responsible for a particular adverse event or allergy. Just as important as safety is ensuring that combining antigens does not compromise the protection afforded by each antigen. Some healthcare practitioners also believe that giving a small child a combination vaccine is actually

administering too many varying ingredients into a young body at one time.

THE NAGGING QUESTION OF THE LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM Parenting.com reported that the concern lay with the link between the MMR vaccine and the developmental disorder autism. But it is critical to note that this has been widely discredited by doctors today. The notion has persisted because autism tends to emerge around the time that the vaccine is given – when a child is a year old. Experts stress, however, that this does not mean the vaccine has caused the problem. Dr Edwards, from the American Institute of Medicine, backed up this conclusion. “Numerous vaccines are given to little babies over that first year, just when a lot of developmental changes are occurring,” said Dr Edwards. “If something happens around the time a vaccine is given, it's easy to think the vaccine caused it.” M a m a s & Pa p a s

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All parents should be informed about the risks and benefits of vaccination. Parents also have the right to refuse that their child has a vaccination. In fact, in a Facebook survey there was a strong argument against combination vaccinations, as well as their single-dose counterparts. Apart from not knowing all the ingredients in the vaccines, such as the controversial dose of mercury, there are some harmful side effects that have been documented but are rarely reported due to their improbability. These moms against vaccinations are pro the natural homeopathic route. That said, there were still more parents pro vaccination in this survey, with most saying it was a ‘no brainer’! Healthcare practitioners must provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions while voicing their concerns, and at the same time, attempting to understand a parent’s reasons for refusing one or more vaccines. The South African Medical Board is pro vaccination and argues that just one unvaccinated child in a classroom situation can put all children at risk. It is recommended that parents do their research and talk their concerns through with a trusted doctor before choosing a vaccination route for their children.

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“The South African Medical Board is pro vaccination and argues that just one unvaccinated child in a classroom situation can put all children at risk.” USUAL SIDE EFFECTS It is quite common for a child to feel pain at the site of the injection and experience a low-grade fever. A warm compress can soothe the skin, a dose of Calpol or the like can also help with fever and pain. Some doctors advise administering a dose of pain meds before the vaccination. When to call the doctor:  A high fever, which will not break  On-going crying  Seizures  Loss of consciousness  Listlessness, unresponsiveness or excessive sleepiness  An allergic reaction at the injection site, like swelling or a rash.

IMAGES: ISTOCK.

MOMS AGAINST VACCINATIONS

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M&P|baby names

TOOLS TO NAME YOUR BABY If the thought of another baby-name book strikes terror in your heart, try turning to the Internet. Here you will ﬁnd a treasure trove of websites and apps with every possible name inspiration imaginable.

WEBSITES AfricanHolocaust.net Before going international, look locally first. Visit AfricanHolocaust.net for all the African names that you can think of and choose a name that will reflect your baby’s reality.

ThinkBabyNames. com Need a meaning for your baby’s potential name? ThinkBabyNames.com comes in dictionary format. Simply type, click and get the full story.

Nameberry.com This site is easy to navigate and categorises names based on popularity and gender. While on the site, add their blogs and live ‘Names Searched Right Now’ feature into the mix, and you’ll find yourself searching for names even if you aren’t having a baby.

BehindTheName.com What’s in a name? The BehindTheName.com database basically breaks down everything for you, from ethnicity right up to mythology. Don’t be deterred by the site’s layout; it is very straightforward and easy to use.

COMPILED BY: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGE: ISTOCK/ITUNES/GOOGLE PLAY.

APPS

50 000 Baby Names If you can’t find a name for your baby on this app, it simply doesn’t exist! From popular names to unique names, you’ll find it here.

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Baby Name Generator Finding a first name for your baby is easy, but finding a middle name can be more of a challenge. Familiarise yourself with this app, which also includes all the popular names from the past couple of years, along with traditional favourites.

African Baby Names Now with a more attractive look and stylish design, the app consists of African names for your baby along with their meanings. It also allows you to create a list of your favourite names to share with your friends and family via email or on Facebook.

BabyNameWizard. com This site is a bit different. It shows graphs charting the popularity of each baby name as well as the part of the world where your chosen baby name is most popular. You can also check out their ‘Name Of The Day’ feature, where you’ll see what name has peaked and whether or not it’s still active.

Baby Names TM Browse through thousands of baby-name options with their easy-to-use format. It will provide you with the names along with their origin, meaning, pronunciation and popularity.

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M&P|hall of fame

WIN* WITH PHILIPS AVENT! Send snaps of your picture-perfect baby moments to us at photos@mamasnpapasmag.com to feature on our Hall of Fame. Include your baby’s full name, gender and age, as well as your full contact details, with Hall of Fame in the subject line.

Last month’s winners... Awande Dlamini Ethan Parker Sitharam Bango Tabita Duma

YOUR BREASTFEEDING Q&A Breastfeeding brings its own unique rewards and like so many aspects of parenthood, it is an art that has to be learned. To some it comes easily, others may need more patience. In an effort to help you get the best out of these precious moments, Philips AVENT answers some of the most common FAQs about breastfeeding that new mothers have. Q How do I prepare my breasts for feeding? The aim of breast care is to improve the suppleness and not the toughness of the nipple. The following measures may help achieve this:  Each day, late in pregnancy, gently draw out your nipples and where the nipple joins the areola, roll them gently between your thumb and forefinger to make them easier to stretch.  Wear a supportive bra to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks and sagging of breast.  Avoid using soaps and drying agents on your nipples.  Do not scrub your nipples with hard brushes and rough towels as this will remove the natural oils and cause damage to the skin of the nipple.  Expose your breasts to fresh air and sunlight, but limit the time and expose gradually. Q Will flat or inverted nipples affect my ability to breastfeed? Truly inverted nipples are rare and may be a hindrance in established breastfeeding. Often nipples appear flat but become normal as soon as the baby starts feeding. Test the nipples for inversion by doing the following:  Compress the areola between the forefinger and thumb, behind the base of the nipple. If the nipple protrudes, it is likely that the flatness or inversion will correct itself.  A truly inverted nipple will stay flat or retract. This may make latching more difficult. Your midwife may suggest that breast shields be worn during pregnancy, or may recommend other types of exercise.

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Great for occasional pumping, the Philips AVENT Comfort Manual Breast Pump features a unique design that gives you a more relaxing and comfortable pumping experience. Assembles and dissembles quickly to fit in a purse or diaper bag. This BPA-free pump includes:  A Natural Philips AVENT bottle with a Natural newborn teat.  Soft, textured massage cushion that encourages natural milk flow.  Ergonomic handle for easy operation with just one hand. The Philips AVENT VIA breast milk containers are perfect for storing expressed breast milk, adapt easily into feeding bottles and are leak proof with a twist on lid, which is perfect for the on-the-go moms. Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe for brilliant versatility. Babies must be 0 to 3 years to qualify. Closing date for April 2016 issue Hall of Fame entrants: 30 April 2016. * M&P terms and conditions apply. See page 96. Available at Baby City or online from www.takealot.com. Alternatively all products can be viewed on www.babies.co.za.

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TINY HEALTHY

TEETH

Teaching your child good oral care at a young age is an investment that will have lifelong beneﬁts. The best you can do is set an example by taking care of your own teeth. aking care of your teeth should be a fun activity so that your child will find it easier to join in. If they have strong healthy teeth, a trip to the dentist won’t be uncomfortable. DR DAD and IVOhealth’s oral hygiene expert, Dirna Grobbelaar, answer all your questions about oral health. Q. What are the most common problems with baby teeth and how can they be avoided?  Bottle-feeding caries (tooth decay) in the upper front teeth are a common problem. They will show as darker

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areas on the teeth, mostly in-between the upper front teeth and close to the gum line. They are caused by letting your baby consume sugary and acidic drinks over a long period of time. It’s important to never let your baby fall asleep while drinking a bottle, unless it contains water or rooibos tea with no sugar or milk. Rather remove the bottle before bed and gently brush the teeth.  Rooibos tea can cause staining on the outside of the tooth, but these can easily be polished off by the oral hygienist.  Fruit juice can be extremely bad for children’s teeth as it contains natural

sugars and is acidic. Limit juice to an occasional treat and always dilute juice with water.

COMMON CAVITIES The most common children’s oral health issue is cavities. By the age of six, more than 60 percent of South African children have cavities, which are caused by bacteria in plaque (streptococcus mutans) that thrive in an acidic environment. Sugary foods and drinks make the mouth more acidic and feed harmful bacteria that eat away at the tooth’s enamel, causing decay. Q. What caused my child’s crooked teeth? There are several reasons why your child might develop crooked teeth also known as malocclusions:  The early loss of baby teeth (because of injury or decay) may cause the permanent teeth to drift into wrong positions.  Big permanent teeth or a small jaw can lead to overcrowding.  Using a pacifier or bottle for long periods of time can cause crooked teeth. Don’t leave your child sucking on a dummy or bottle when they

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M&P|dr dad sleep; rather, remove it once they are asleep or pacified.  Thumb sucking is another common cause. Ideally children should stop sucking dummies, bottles or thumbs before the age of four. Q. When should I start taking my child to the dentist? The earlier you start the better, but not later than the age of three. Definitely don’t wait until your child complains about toothache. You want your child's first appointment to be a pleasant experience, so that they can build a trusting relationship with the dentist and oral hygienist. Look for a dentist and oral hygienist who will make your child's first appointment an exciting one.

COMPILED BY THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: ISTOCK.

Q. What is the best way to clean a baby’s mouth? At first, before the teeth are through, use gauze or a clean facecloth wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the gums. You can continue doing this when the teeth first come through, before progressing to your child’s first toothbrush. Look for a brush with soft bristles, a small head and ideally soft rubber around the edges so it’s extra gentle on the gums and palette. Start using a reputable electric or sonic toothbrush as young as possible – one that is clinically proven to be more effective at removing plaque than a manual brush. Q. What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth? If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out it may be possible to be placed back.  Try not to touch it or contaminate the root. Hold it by the crown.  If dirty, rinse in clean water or milk but nothing else.  Put the tooth back in the socket and close the mouth, or keep it in the cheek.  It is very important to keep the tooth moist.  Get to the dentist as soon as possible. This definitely requires an emergency

appointment! If the tooth can’t be salvaged, speak to the dentist about next steps. Q. How can I help prevent tooth decay? A good home oral care routine is the best way to prevent tooth decay:  Brush the teeth twice a day, for a full two minutes each time, using a good brush (ideally electric) and a fluoride toothpaste.  Clean in-between every day, using floss on interdental brushes. Flossing should never be uncomfortable for your child – if that is the case, it is possible that your technique is wrong or that you are using the wrong interdental aid.  Fluoride supplements can be given from the age of 6 months up to 12

years, when the last teeth have formed in the jaw.  Feed your children a healthy, balanced diet.

EFFECTIVE ORAL CARE An effective oral care routine also involves taking your child for a professional clean with the oral hygienist every six months and seeing the dentist each year for a thorough check-up. Prevention is always better than cure. Dr Dad and M&P thank IVOhealth’s oral hygiene expert, Dirna Grobbelaar for her contribution to this column.

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M&P|toddlers

CHILD’S PLAY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS Your toddler at play is the personification of human development… offering a glimpse at the insatiable need of all human beings to learn and grow. Loren Stow speaks to the experts about how the stages of play shape a toddler’s future.

oddlers are a force unto themselves; busy little whirlwinds of activity from the moment they open their eyes to the time they collapse into bed at night. They are like those little balls in a pinball machine, bouncing and ricocheting from one activity to the next all day long, and as any parent of a toddler will attest – it can be exhausting! So what exactly is going on in their minds as they take their jobs of play so seriously all day, every day? Lizette van Huyssteen, founder of the Practica Program and national treasure-trove of child development knowledge, explains how each stage and type of play prepares toddlers for their world and literally shapes their future. From functional to repetitive

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M&P|toddlers play, multi-sensorial exploration to playing pretend, your toddler’s play is fascinating.

LEARNING HOW TO ‘BE’ IN THE WORLD From day one a baby explores their world, learning ways in which to interact with their environment. From smiles with mommy and daddy to shaking a rattle, they are getting their first taste of how things work. Functional play emerges in early toddlerhood and manifests as the need to not just explore the attributes of an object, but to figure out how things are used. At this stage a toddler will use a brush on their hair, put a spoon to their mouth and so on. “This is a stage of trial and error,” van Huyssteen explains, using the example of a stick, which a toddler will use to hit, roll, shake, and use as a tool. “Functional play, which starts around 12 months, actually continues forever, even into adulthood.” Living in full colour Toddlers need to experience the world through play that involves all their senses – touch, smell, sight, taste and hearing. “I like to refer to it as living in full colour instead of a flat two dimensions,” van Huyssteen shares, adding that play lays a child’s foundation of frame of reference. For example, when looking at a picture of an apple in a picture book, a child will never be able to imagine a real apple unless they’ve explored a real apple first. “As adults we can imagine an apple, what it tastes like, what it feels like in our hands, how it sounds when it drops on the

floor and what it smells like. This is because we’ve experienced apples in full colour once upon a time and those experiences are stored forever.” Now take the apple example and apply it to everything in life and it suddenly makes much more sense why a toddler explores so fully and with such abandon. “This is why they want to touch everything they see. They aren’t being naughty, they are just hard-wired to explore and create multisensorial frames of reference,” van Huyssteen explains.

In other words, pretend play is one of the first experiences in a toddler’s life where they make up and then happily follow rules, and they are capable of amazing feats of self-control because they are following their own will and not the will of a parent or carer.

AGAIN! AGAIN! As human beings we are hardwired to seek out repetition in toddlerhood because it serves three very important needs, as van Huyssteen explains:

“This is why they want to touch everything they see. They aren’t being naughty, they are just hardwired to explore and create multisensorial frames of reference.” DOCTOR, DOCTOR! Imaginative, or pretend, play is a favourite pastime for toddlers and for good reason; it develops their prefrontal cortex, which is essentially the brain’s conductor. At first a toddler will engage in pretend play on themselves, such as pretending to brush their own hair, followed by pretending with others, such as feeding their dolls or putting their dolls to sleep. Then they will start to incorporate things they’ve seen in the past, imitating things they’ve seen others doing. “A more surprising outcome of pretend play on child development is that is actually practises skills, such as self-control, working memory and cognitive adaptability,” van Huyssteen shares. For example, when a child pretends to be a doctor, a mother or a knight in a castle, they are placing on themselves self-imposed ‘rules’ for how to behave and how not to behave. “For these periods of pretend play, toddlers are actually capable of self-control that is well beyond their years and even though these are just pretend play experiences, the brain doesn’t know any different and areas of the prefrontal-cortex of the brain are wired.”

1. The need to learn about the world. Repetition is required for learning to take place. 2. The need for independence. Repetition aids learning and learning leads to independence. 3. The need for safety. Repetition helps a child to predict outcomes, which leads to feelings of security.

“… pretend play is one of the first experiences in a toddler’s life where they make up and then happily follow rules, and they are capable of amazing feats of self-control because they are following their own will and not the will of a parent or carer.” There are also some types of play that naturally lend themselves to repetition, such as ordering and lining up, and block play. “Experts are starting to understand that just M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|toddlers as we are innately wired to learn language, so too are we wired to explore mathematical concepts,” van Huyssteen says. Toys like sorters, stackers and blocks help toddlers to learn concepts such as same/different, big/small, patterns and problem solving, which all culminate in learning how to learn.

THE PARENT FACTOR “Parents play an important role in their child’s play because they know the bigger picture and so can facilitate play, enrich play experiences and expose their children to healthy play opportunities,” says van Huyssteen passionately. Remembering the following tips will ensure your toddler is getting the most out of their playtime:  Find the balance between free play and instructive play “Free play is very important, but so too is instructional play where you introduce step-by-step processes.” In other words, instructional play can be building puzzles or completing a shape sorter and so on; it has a clear start, process and end. Both types of play are important and as a child gets older, more and more instructive play can be added to the mix.  Make time for all kinds of play every day Not all play is the same and it doesn’t all develop the same areas of the brain, so free play on the climbing frame at Spur is wonderful, but play in which you facilitate activities like puzzle building and then play in which your child is encouraged to pretend are also important. The good news is that children are programmed to play and learn and that parents just have to facilitate and enrich their children’s playtime, explains van Huyssteen.

THE EVOLUTION OF PLAY Using the example of a pencil, the evolution of a toddler’s play can be described as… 0 – 12 Months: What is it and what does it do? Explore the pencil; bite it, shake it, feel it, throw it.

1 – 2 Years: How do I use it? Discover what pencils are used for and hold it to make squiggles on a page.

2 – 2 ½ Years: What is my role? Incorporate the pencil into imaginative play and pretend to be an artist.

2 ½ + Years: Can I do better? Master the pencil and use repetition to practice drawing pictures and colour in the lines

For more information or Lizette van Huyssteen’s contact details, visit www. practicaprogram.co.za.

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The increasing use of screens during playtime is concerning for many child development experts, because it impedes the biological need for multi-sensorial play. “Technology is often the easy way out, not only for parents, but for children too. And it is natural to choose it over experiences that take more effort.” In van Huyssteen’s opinion, young children should not be exposed to screens at all in favour of real life experiences. “Children are developing the ability to learn and this ability may be lost if they are exposed to screens too early and for too long. Let your child learn how to learn, in the natural world, and then add technology to their toolkit when they reach preschool, instead of this being their primary way of accessing learning.” The longterm effects of screens on development are still to be seen but it is clear that there is a negative impact on language and executive functioning skills, both of which are essential for learning.

IMAGES: ISTOCK, VECTORSTOCK.COM.

TECHNOLOGY IN PLAYTIME

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2016/03/02 1:14 PM

M&P|news & tips

ROYCO® RECIPE BASES TO THE RESCUE Save time in the kitchen without compromising on taste by taking care of the tricky, time-consuming stages. A ‘Simply Add’ recipe tag on each Royco® Recipe Bases pouch makes these generous meals for four easy to prepare, with basic staples from your refrigerator or pantry. A blend of flavoursome herbs and spices with fresh ingredients, the bases are free of added MSG or preservatives and come in six delicious recipes: Bolognaise, Chicken a la King, Butter Chicken, Breyani, Beef Casserole and Chicken Casserole. Available in stores countrywide for RRP of R18.99 per 200g pouch.

IMAGES: GC COMMUNICATIONS/FREEBEES/PIXABAY/COTTON ON KIDS.

WORLD HEALTH DAY: DIABETES This global health awareness day is celebrated annually on 7 April. This year the World Health Organization aims to promote diabetes awareness by scaling up prevention, strengthening care, and enhancing surveillance. The campaign aims to: 1. Increase awareness about the rise of diabetes and its huge consequences, especially in low-and middle-income countries. 2. Trigger a set of actions to tackle diabetes that will include steps to prevent and diagnose, treat and care for people with diabetes. Diabetes is treatable. 3. Launch the first global report on diabetes to describe the burden and consequences of living with diabetes and advocate for better healthcare systems.

ALL-NATURAL CHILDREN’S SKINCARE – YES OR NO? Acornkids dispels some of the untruths and explains to parents why most products are not ‘all-natural’.  It is illegal in terms of South African legislation to label any skin or bath product as natural.  There is also no such thing as an all-natural product, as all products must contain some synthetic ingredients in order to function correctly. Acornkids products are designed generally for children over the age of six months, with a normal healthy skin. None of their products are intended or marketed as a medication, or claims any medical benefits. They are botanically rich with high levels of natural, organic or wild-harvested ingredients. Formulations are created with a balance of good natural and synthetic ingredients. All Acornkids ingredients are recognised and approved for cosmetic use, and comply with European (EU) and American (FDA) cosmetic safety standards. The Acornkids Skin Range includes a Gentle Face Wash, Face Refresher, Day Cream, Night Cream, Jelly Foam Bath and Sleepy Headz Foam Bath, and Fruitaz Body Lotions, ranging from R47 to R69. Available at www.acornkids.com.

COTTON ON KIDS LAUNCHES NEW STORE IN SANDTON Australian children’s label Cotton On KIDS brings its latest affordable, fashionable and age-appropriate styles to the community when it opens its doors in Sandton City Shopping Mall on 10 March 2016. Cotton On KIDS’ Sandton City store will offer the brand’s entire range of style-driven apparel and accessories for babies, boys and girls at family-friendly prices. “We are delighted the KIDS brand has resonated so well with the South African community and look forward to continuing to grow with our customers and meeting new ones along the way. We also want to make sure we are giving back to the communities we arrive in and have a number of exciting local initiatives we will be working on through our Foundation,” Cotton On KIDS General Manager, Natalie Maclean said. Visit the new Cotton On KIDS store at Shop U96 Sandton CityShopping Centre, Cnr Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road.

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Child Actors.indd 48

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M&P|preschoolers

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Cathrine Versfeld explored the world of child actors in South Africa and found the adorable tot behind the character of little Karmen Meintjies in 7de Laan! hen we see children in movies, or on regular television shows, it seems incredible that these little people can stay in character and give us the consistent personas from their scripts. In everyday life, we encounter any number of television ads and radio clips that include children. Although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising to see an eight- or nine-year-old hold their own in a Coke commercial, it seems almost magical when a child as young as two or three delivers a perfect line onscreen. As any parent of a toddler will tell you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard enough to get them to say please and thank you!

HOW DO CHILDREN BECOME ACTORS? There are many casting agencies that specialise in child performers in South Africa. Most of the acting work involves television commercials or photographic work for print advertisements. The agencies are based mainly in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where most of the filming industry operates. Typically, parents can simply

register their child directly on a website and submit photographs or headshots. Some agencies will request that parents bring their children for on-site photographing and training. Most agencies request a fee for registering, training and archiving the photos, although it is generally a small amount and all-inclusive. Once a child is on the database at a specific agency, they will put forward the information and photographs of that child when a film company requests them. Casting agencies do their best to match the requested physical descriptions with the actors on their database. If a specific child has been selected by the film or marketing company, the agency will contact the parents and tell them where and when the shoot will take place.

CASTING AGENCIES FOR CHILDREN Johannesburg: www.kidsoncamera.co.za Johannesburg and Cape Town: www. starlightzcasting.com/kidz Cape Town: www.kidzcastingagency. co.za

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M&P|preschoolers

HOW ARE CHILDREN ACCOMMODATED IN THE INDUSTRY? Johannesburg-based freelance scriptwriter, Gillian Breslin, explains that small children are not written into scripts very often. “I will write a scene in such a way that that they appear onscreen for a few minutes and then get taken away again.” She loves children, but clarifies, “There are strict laws around child labour, as laid out in the Child Protection Act.” She says that they may only be on-set for a specified number of hours and then only on-screen for a short time. This includes preparation, rehearsals and shooting. Tsholofelo Modise, Publicity Manager at the popular SABC 2 daytime television show, 7de Laan concurs, “Children under 10 can only work for three hours and children over 10 are allowed four hours. Those who have lines must be given a break between their scenes.” For this reason, there are very strict rules when filming. “We require consent forms from the parents and from the school (for schoolgoing children). We also have to consider school times, rest time and homework as factors when scheduling.”

MEET AMIRA Amira Abubakar is almost three years old and plays the role of Karmen in SABC’s 2 popular show, 7de Laan. In the show, she is the daughter of Vanessa and Zander Meintjies, played by actors Ingrid Paulus and Theodore Jantjies. For the cast and crew, Amira is a delight to have on-set, but like any small child, her needs must be kept in mind. Modise elaborates, “Our production manager, Jo-Anne Downing, is fabulous when we have kids on set – she gives them a treat and plays with them to put them at ease and that goes a long way in making the child comfortable.”

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WHAT THE SCREEN PARENTS THINK Theodore Jantjies (Xander Meintjies) It is very interesting to work with a child. You never know what you’ll get on the day. Amirah is about three years old, so she has her own personality. She’s in a space in her head where she’s doing what she wants to. Sometimes it benefits us and other times it can become a long day. We run the scene without her, then bring her in and get her out, and continue with the scene. Personally I would never allow my child to do this – bring them to a studio setup and force them to do something they’re not comfortable with. But she’s been brilliant. Working with a child, you have to win her heart over. If she doesn’t like you, you won’t be able to direct her. It was important to me to form a connection with Amira when she started here, because I knew what was coming and that we’d have lots of scenes with her. Ingrid Paulus (Vanessa Meintjies) There isn’t really much of a difference because I’m a mom so I know how kids are – especially at her age. A lot of times you have to just go with the flow. On difficult days we try to win her over as much as we can. You can’t put pressure on her at that moment. If she doesn’t want to do something, she doesn’t want to. We also try on set to make her as comfortable as possible. We share a dressing room when she’s here. We play with her, talk to her and find out how school was, and just chat about what interests her. If she’s having a bad day we leave her to be with her mommy, but she seems to enjoy being here most of the time.

IMAGES: PHILIP RABIE/SEWENDE LAAN/VECTORSTOCK.COM.

AMIRA ABUBAKAR PLAYS THE DAUGHTER OF XANDER AND VANESSA MEINTJIES.

Abubakar’s favourite person by far, is her on-screen father, Theodore Jantjies. When she first began, the two hit it off immediately. She sits with him on the deck before screening and they play and laugh together. By the time they need to go on-set, she is perfectly comfortable doing a scene with him because it feels like a continuation of the game. Her grandmother, Charmaine, brings her to the studio on the days when they film. Where most children are selected through casting agencies, the family was contacted through the nursery school that Amira attends. “She really enjoys it and so we keep coming,” Charmaine laughs, “She gets excited when we drive through the gates of the studio – she even calls it work!” Although she has recently discovered the make-up, little Amira remains a ray of sunshine for the cast and crew. When asked how she reacts to seeing herself on-screen, Charmaine refers to her special bond with Theo. “She pays attention when she’s on-screen, but mostly she gets excited because she sees Theo,” Charmaine explains. Abubakar’s family are happy that she enjoys it, but, like the studio, remain vigilant of her personal needs. “We’ll keep on as long as she likes doing it, but we’ll never force her.”

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2016/03/02 1:20 PM

M&P|gogo’s advice

GOGO’S MEDICINE CABINET

Gogo has a remedy for just about anything;

either in her kitchen cupboards or her vegetable garden, she has you covered. Remember that, although you trust Gogo’s advice, it’s always best to ask your doctor or nurse at your local clinic first!

COMPILED BY: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: ISTOCK, VECTORSTOCK.COM, WWW.IKEA.COM, VICTORIANFRAMECOMPANY.COM.

BABY’S TEETHING TROUBLES The best ingredients will always be love, cuddles and patience, but you can try the following to relieve your baby’s teething pain. Herbal Gum Soothers  Make a clove-oil gum soother by mixing drops of clove essential oil with at least one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Before you rub it on your baby’s gums, try the mixture on your own gums to make sure it’s not too strong. If you feel irritation, add more vegetable oil. Never use straight clove oil on a baby’s gums, as it is much too strong.  Place one or two drops of chamomile oil on a wet cotton bud and gently pply to the gums twice a day. The blue oil has a soothing effect on irritated skin and gums.

KILL THE MYTH One old folk remedy for teething was to rub an alcoholic spirit such as whisky or gin on your baby’s gum. However, giving alcohol to babies and children isn’t only unwise, it’s illegal. Use Gogo’s safer remedies instead!

GOGO’S GARDEN With her green thumb, everything Gogo plants grows well. Most of the plants you find in her garden are easy to grow with the added advantage of being delicious in cooking or in salads. The best part is that you can guarantee their freshness and purity. Peppermint: This aromatic herb thrives in rich moist soil in sun or light shade. It grows easily from seed or runners and spreads fast. To keep it under control, grow it in a bottomless pot sunk into the soil. Or grow it in a container, but be sure to keep the soil well watered. How to use: Use the leaves fresh or dried in digestive infusions and mouthwashes. Add the leaves to a steam inhalation for treating colds and flu.

GARGLING BASICS 1. Mix a fresh gargle for everyday use. It is better to waste a bit pouring it away than to leave it in your glass, where it might become contaminated with bacteria. 2. Use the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate. Cold gargles are ineffective. 3. Don’t swallow the gargle. Spit it out.

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M&P|preschoolers esearch by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) shows that there is an essential window period in the life of a child. According to their report, in a country where 40 percent of children grow up in abject poverty, numerous challenges exist that prevent the adequate provision of Early Childhood Development (ECD) to all children, not least of which is the inequality in access to these services. Ian Corbishley, the Director of Operations at Unlimited Child, says the majority of parents in townships send their children to a crèche from an early age to allow the parents to return to work as soon as possible. “Many such crèches do not have formal accreditation and therefore teachers are, in truth, babysitters rather than educators,” he argues. Corbishley says that the typical suburban parents send their children to a preschool where there is focus on ECD, using play activities to teach and stimulate children.

THE STEPPING STONES

OF ECD

STIMULATION According to Corbishley, reading and writing skills are learnt before our formal schooling career begins. He says the first five years of a child’s life, when they are most receptive to new information, are the most crucial to ensuring children are well equipped for school. “Children develop a connection between letters and sounds in those early years through imaginative play, rhyming and word games. Children who are given early learning opportunities display a marked improvement in their reading and writing ability. Having foundation phase skills puts these children in a much better position to perform well academically,” he says. He also claims that foundation phase learning is vital for success at later grade level. “Children who are not exposed to early learning opportunities are placed at a disadvantage, as they lack learning skills when they start school,” he says.

An urban child begins Grade One having spent an average of four or five years already receiving an early education, whereas a township child who has attended a typical crèche has essentially only been babysat. Bulelwa Mokori digs a little deeper into these discrepancies. Research by Unicef suggests that even in well-resourced institutions, pupils who have not capitalised on that crucial early window of opportunity stand very little chance of recovering those lost years and their failure is perpetuated throughout their academic career.

EARLY EDUCATION South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) placed high priority on early childhood education for four- and five-year-olds, but Corbishley believes that about three quarters of the country’s seven million children under

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M&P|preschoolers period until the age of six is very critical. “We cannot try and fix their learning challenges at matric or tertiary level, but at an early age. The taxpayer’s money from the state treasury should be directed to supporting early learning years of education,” he adds. Another view from Vanessa Mentor, an ECD expert from Afrika Tikkun, is that investing in ECD recognises that the protection and development of children in their formative years not only safeguards their own wellbeing, but is also the best guarantee of future peace, security and prosperity for the community at large.

“Internationally, educationists agree that a child’s ability to learn is shaped during the ﬁrst six years of life. Those who miss out on early childhood education may never fully catch up on their cognitive and personal development…” THOBILE MSIMANG, TRAINING FACILITATOR AND MONITOR FOR THE UNLIMITED CHILD, ENJOYS SEEING THE SMILES OF CHILDREN BEING GIVEN THE CHANCE TO LEARN THROUGH PLAY WITH THE ECD INITIATIVE, THE UNLIMITED CHILD.

the age of six are not yet benefitting. He argues that corporates and individuals have to help fill this gap in order to positively impacts South Africa’s future. Studies by Unicef, and the Universities of Cape Town, Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch, to name but a few, have shown that beyond better literacy and numeracy, good early childhood education programmes help prepare young children to learn more effectively through primary and high school.

starting school for the first time have already been short-changed, as real learning starts even earlier – with well-planned ECD. “Internationally, educationists agree that a child’s ability to learn is shaped during the first six years of life. Those who miss out on early childhood education may never fully catch up on their cognitive and personal development and will probably battle with learning to read, write, spell or do maths,” she adds.

REAL LEARNING

AT BIRTH

Corbishley argues that the sad fact is that many of the first-graders

According to Corbishley, the child’s education begins at birth and this

LACK OF STIMULATION Corbishley says The Unlimited Child was founded after researchers encountered crèches where young children were left sleeping instead of being stimulated, or where caregivers had no equipment to help them introduce early learning. Mentor says while spontaneous play certainly holds value, it is facilitated by intentional play which can make a significant difference in a child’s cognitive development. “For example, providing children with resources like building blocks and sand pits lays the foundation for logical mathematical thinking, scientific reasoning and cognitive problem solving. It is this sort of play which forms the basis of ECD,” she adds. A disgruntled student of education at Rhodes University, Athambile Masola, M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|preschoolers “The purpose of ECD is to protect the child’s right to develop his or her full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential… Successful ECD is an effort between parents, the community and the government.”

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY, THE STIMULATION THESE YOUNG CHILDREN ARE GETTING FROM THE EDUCATIONAL TOYS PROVIDED BY THE UNLIMITED CHILD WILL BUILD A LIFELONG ABILITY TO LEARN.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Children from birth to early primary school need the active participation of their parents and caregivers. “The purpose of ECD is to protect the child’s right to develop his or her full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential,” he says. Successful ECD is an effort between parents, the community and the government,” Corbishley argues.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Meanwhile the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, says her department does admit from the onset that the basic education sector is in a state of flux. “Despite years of investment and policy instruments, our children have not mastered the foundational basis of learning, that is, the three Rs of Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic,” she says. According to Motshekga, learners are performing at least two years behind the required level. “So a Grade Three pupil is performing at Grade One level. This is allowed to carry on as the children pass through the grades and then they

struggle in the senior phase,” the minister explains. “In this regard, we have moved with requisite speed to launch many initiatives, such as the Drop all and Read Campaign. Beyond the reading at schools, we encourage families, churches and communities to reinforce the Drop All and Read Campaign at home and at various community engagements,” she concludes.

SOCIETAL CONSEQUENCES Many children from informal settlements have no access to formal ECD. For those that do, their exposure tends to be inconsistent and of low quality because of a lack of human, physical, skills and financial resources. “These children lack the foundation they need to succeed in formal schooling. They start schooling at a great disadvantage and often do not finish school, which in turn leads to high levels of unemployment,” he says. Corbishley says this has broader societal consequences when their children are born into the same disadvantaged community, perpetuating the cycle. “We assume that children in daycare centres are being stimulated and prepared for school but this is often not the case; many of these centres in under-resourced communities function merely as baby-sitting facilities. This does little for later learning as children should have access to constructive stimulation if they are to excel at school,” Corbishley concludes.

IMAGES: THE UNLIMITED CHILD, VECTORSTOCK.COM.

says it’s frustrating reading about the dismal failure rates in rural and township schools when the matric results are released. It’s even more frightening seeing how the calamity begins at a Grade One level.

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2016/02/24 6:32 PM

M&P|family law

LEVERAGING CONTACT RIGHTS Another request made to lawyers, is to draft a document stating that contact (access) will be denied if the maintenance payments are not made or done so in time. Contact rights to a child born out of wedlock or after divorce may only be removed if it can be proved that this contact is not in the best interests of that child. In South African law, the aim of contact

UNDERSTANDING PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES Advocate Veerash Srikison stresses the importance for parents to understand the meaning behind the legal terminology they use or requests made to their lawyers, so that they are able to make informed decisions and save themselves time and costs in legal fees.

with each of their parents is for a child born out of wedlock or a child after a divorce, to build and maintain a relationship with the non-primary resident parent. The courts will therefore be reluctant to enforce terms leveraging contact rights with the payment of maintenance. It is your responsibility to ensure that your document contains terms that deal with the nonpayment of maintenance monies and how you can recover these monies without disrupting your child’s contact with the defaulting parent. By disallowing contact you are inadvertently punishing your child by loss of affection and attention for a consequence that is beyond their control.

GUARDIANSHIP Where parents are married to each other and have a child they become joint natural and legal guardians to their child. This means that they have the right to administer their child’s property, to assist their child in administration, contractual

or other legal matters, and to consent to their child’s marriage, adoption and departure from South Africa, application for a passport, or alienation or claim of any immovable property. In the event of a divorce or separation the courts are again reluctant to interfere with these rights and will appoint sole or single guardianship to a parent only if it is in the best interests of the child to do so. Unmarried parents though have a different guardianship structure. Full parental rights and responsibilities automatically vests in the mother, including guardianship. The father of a child, who is not legally married to their mother, must apply to the court for guardianship rights, while still providing for the upkeep and care of their biological child. By having this basic understanding of care, contact and guardianship you may feel slightly at ease to approach your lawyer or mediator when discussing your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.

n daily practice, a family lawyer often meets clients either in the midst of a separation or those beginning divorce proceedings, who ask for ‘sole custody’ or that limited access be granted to the other parent. When you ask your lawyer for ‘sole custody’ of your child, it must be noted that a court does not automatically give a person sole responsibility for a child without sufficient reasons shown. In determining what care, contact and guardianship arrangement would best serve a child’s interests, the court does not look for the ‘perfect parent’, but rather focuses on finding the least detrimental option available for safeguarding a child’s growth and development. When discussing custody, also known as care, your lawyer or mediator must go into detail about the type of care your child will need from both parents. As parents you must both look at your particular family structure to know the quality of care needed by your child. Do not be afraid to ask your mediator or legal practitioner to provide you with as much legal information on care as contained within the Children’s Act 28 of 2005. You will need to discuss:  Providing the child with a suitable place to live.  Safeguarding his or her well-being,  Protecting your child from abuse and neglect.  How the daily and educational needs of your child will be fulfilled.  How medical decisions will be made,  The associations your child may have and maintain.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article must not be construed as legal advice. Please seek the help of a professional for your particular circumstance.

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M&P|special needs

ELI GERSCHLOWITZ -ALL DRESSED UP AT A FAMILY WEDDDING

UNCLIPPING THE WINGS OF AUTISM Autism is one of a spectrum of disorders. With 2 April being World Autism Awareness Day, Melissa Jane Cook ﬂeshes out the disorder and what is being done for those who have it.

hildren diagnosed within the autism spectrum occur across all racial, socio-economic and ethnic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism has been estimated to affect as many as one in every 68 children and is four times more common in boys than in girls. The diagnosis of autism can be devastating for parents and as with many disorders there is a worst-case scenario. It could mean that a child is lacking in the basic skills to function as

a human being. It could mean that your child can’t speak, can’t sleep, struggles to eat, won’t go to school or have friends, or lead an independent life.

DIAGNOSIS According to clinical psychologist, Dr Doreen Granpeesheh, although there are certain symptoms general to autism, the condition presents itself differently in each child. The main features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are problems with social communication and interaction. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|special needs There are four criteria to reach a diagnosis of autism: CRITERION A Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across contexts, not accounted for by general developmental delays and manifested by all three of the following:

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following:

Deficits in socialemotional reciprocity, ranging from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back and forth through reduced sharing of interests, emotions, and affect and response to total lack of initiation of social interaction.

Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects, such as simple motor stereotypies, echolalia, repetitive use of objects, or idiosyncratic phrases.

Deficits in non-verbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction, ranging from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication, through abnormalities in eye contact and body language, or deficits in understanding and use of communication, to total lack of facial expression or gestures.

Excessive adherence to routines, ritualised patterns of verbal or non-verbal behaviour, or excessive resistance to change, such as motoric rituals, insistence on same route or food, repetitive questioning or extreme distress at small changes.

Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships, appropriate to developmental level (beyond those with caregivers), ranging from difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit the different social contexts through difficulties in sharing imaginative play and in making friends to an apparent absence of interest in people.

Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus, such as strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests.

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CRITERION B

CRITERION C Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities).

CRITERION D Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning.

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M&P|special needs CRITERION A

CRITERION B

CRITERION C

CRITERION D

Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment, such as apparent indifference to pain/ heat/cold, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, fascination with lights or spinning objects. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASD The following table provides a breakdown of signs that parents might recognise in their children under the age of seven.

AGE

SPOKEN LANGUAGE

RESPONDING TO OTHERS

PRESCHOOL 1. Delayed speech CHILDREN development (for example, speaking less than 50 (3 to 4 years) different words by the age of two), or not speaking at all.

1. Not responding to their name being called, despite having normal hearing.

INTERACTING WITH OTHERS

BEHAVIOUR

1. Not being aware of other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal space, or being unusually intolerant of people 2. Rejecting cuddles initiated entering their own by a parent or caregiver, personal space. although they may initiate 2. Frequent repetition of cuddles themselves. 2. Little interest in set words and phrases. interacting with other 3. Reacting unusually people, including children 3. Speech that sounds very negatively when asked to do of a similar age. monotonous or flat. something by someone else. 3. Not enjoying situations 4. Preferring to that most children of communicate using single their age like, such as words, despite being able to birthday parties. speak in sentences. 4. Preferring to play alone, rather than asking others to play with them.

1. Having repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or flicking their fingers. 2. Playing with toys in a repetitive and unimaginative way, such as lining blocks up in order of size or colour, rather than using them to build something. 3. Preferring to have a familiar routine and getting very upset if there are changes to this routine. 4. Having a strong like or dislike of certain foods based on the texture or colour of the food as much as the taste.

5. Rarely using gestures or facial expressions when communicating. 6. Avoiding eye contact.

5. Unusual sensory interests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for example, children with ASD may sniff toys, objects or people inappropriately.

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M&P|special needs “Children with autism are the yellow canaries of our world, sending us a very important message. The message is that our world is simply too toxic, increasing both local and global prevalence of the condition.” AGE SCHOOLAGE CHILDREN

SPOKEN LANGUAGE

RESPONDING TO OTHERS

INTERACTING WITH OTHERS

BEHAVIOUR

1. Preferring to avoid using spoken language speech that sounds very monotonous or flat.

1. Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or flicking their fingers.

2. Speaking in pre-learned phrases, rather than putting together individual words to form new sentences.

2. Speaking in prelearned phrases, rather than putting together individual words to form new sentences.

1. Not being aware of other people’s personal space, or being unusually intolerant of people entering their own personal space.

(5 to 7 years)

3. Seeming to talk "at" people, rather than sharing a two-way conversation.

2. Little interest in interacting with other people, including children of a similar age, or having few close friends, despite attempts to form friendships. 3. Not understanding how people normally interact socially, such as greeting people or wishing them farewell. 4. Being unable to adapt the tone and content of their speech to different social situations, for example, speaking very formally at a party and then speaking to total strangers in a familiar way. 5. Not enjoying situations and activities that most children of their age enjoy.

2. Playing in a repetitive and unimaginative way. 3. Often preferring to play with objects rather than people, developing a highly specific interest in a particular subject or activity. 4. Preferring to have a familiar routine and getting very upset if there are changes to their normal routine. 5. Having a strong like or dislike of certain foods based on the texture or colour of the food as much as the taste. 6. Unusual sensory interests – for example, children with ASD may sniff toys, objects or people inappropriately

6. Rarely using gestures or facial expressions when communicating, avoiding eye contact.

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M&P|special needs

IMAGES: THE STAR ACADEMY.

THE YELLOW CANARIES OF THEMBISA Ilana Gershlowitz, Director of The Star Academy, says, “Children with autism are the yellow canaries of our world, sending us a very important message. The message is that our world is simply too toxic, increasing both local and global prevalence of the condition.” She adds, “Often these children engage in severe aggressive behaviour as they have no way of communicating their frustration and the pain they experience in their inflamed bodies.” According to Gershlowitz, these children are trapped, unable to communicate their needs and feelings. Imagine not being able to speak for even just one day? How would you communicate hunger, thirst or pain? “For parents who don’t know how to treat autism or don’t have the finances to give their children the much needed medical and educational intervention it means fear and despair,” Gershlowitz explains. The Star Academy is a public benefit organisation and a not for profit company that has started the Thembisa Outreach Programme to assist children with autism in this povertystricken township. Through the team’s deep commitment, they have trained residents in Thembisa in the Star Academy teaching methodology to uplift the lives of both parents and their children. Their aim is to give children a voice by unclipping their wings, so that they can have the chance to fly as high as they are able to go. Autism Treatment And The Star Academy The Star Academy specialises in creating individualised programmes to address the specific needs of each child diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Education is at the heart of the academy, assisting children with ASD and providing families with cutting-edge information on autism treatment and the various options available, to help each child in fulfilling their potential to be as independent as possible and to lead happy, fulfilling lives. The Star Academy provides on-going support for children with autism, with its two branches in Johannesburg and a third to open soon, and has expanded locally to Pretoria and Durban, with satellite academies extending as far afield as Zimbabwe and Ghana in order to accommodate the demands of families and children with an autism diagnosis. “My advice to other parents of children with autism is to empower yourself with knowledge and information so that you can arm yourself with the tools necessary to help your children. A top quality ABA programme and biomedical intervention are key elements to consider when embarking on the fight against the condition we call autism. Do not despair; there is much hope! Autism is treatable and recovery is possible!” says Gershlowitz.

DAVID GERSCHLOWITZ HAS A ONE-ON-ONE SESSION WITH HIS INSTRUCTOR

A POSSIBLE ROAD TO RECOVERY The Centre for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) has proven that recovery from autism spectrum disorders exists, with the right treatment approach. Although they cannot guarantee that every child will recover from autism, research has shown that children who start intervention early, and receive a high intensity number of hours per week of applied behaviour analysis therapy for at least a few years, achieve the most significant gains. This means the following:  The child is in a regular education placement, is receiving passing grades and no longer needs specialised support.  The child scores average to above-average in standardised assessments related to language, intelligence, socialisation and daily living skills.  A medical doctor or psychologist experienced in diagnosing autism concludes that the child no longer qualifies for any diagnosis in the autism spectrum. “It’s important to take note of the child’s overall health. Everyone, not just children with autism, is affected by lack of sleep or inappropriate diet choices, or may have medical issues that directly impact on health. A child who is healthy automatically feels better and is therefore more ready to learn and grow. It is very important to take a comprehensive treatment approach and treat the child as a whole,” concludes Gershlowitz. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|cover story

After an intimate and candid Q&A, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that actress Carmel Fisher is a woman who works hard, loves fiercely and dreams big. We caught up with Carmel as she enters the third trimester of her first pregnancy with long-time boyfriend, construction and property developer, Dion Gabrielides.

COMPLETELY

CARMEL eautiful, talented, vivacious, driven and ambitious are just some of the ways in which to describe the 34-year-old, Johannesburg-based actress. Carmel shares how her childhood laid the foundation for her success and that she actually wanted to become a gynaecologist when she was younger, but performing was always in her blood. We also discover how she broke into the South African entertainment industry by winning a competition on the e.tv show, Backstage, which then catapulted her into a fulltime acting career. In addition to acting roles, Carmel has also presented various shows and took part in Survivor South Africa: Maldives. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently on South African screens in her new role on the second season of the telenovela, High Rollers, on SABC 3.

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CHILDHOOD “My childhood had a lot to do with shaping me as an independent woman, who is self-reliant and resourceful. It taught me to multitask in ways that don’t jeopardise efficiency, and to be self-disciplined and balanced in my approach to all aspects of life. It taught me that excess in any form is no good and that when you can successfully manage and balance your own life, the rest will automatically follow suit.” Q: Tell us a little about where you were born and raised? “I was raised in a quaint little neighbourhood called Horseshoe in the southwest of Johannesburg. It is a little coloured township with strong family values, where you personally knew every family within a 20km radius and every person who passed by your house on route to the nearest shopping centre. Gangs and drug prevalence plagued the surrounding areas, but somehow this little community maintained its sense of innocence. It’s been more than 20 years since we moved out of the area so I’m guessing things may be a little different now, hopefully for the best.” Q: What sort of child were you and what did you enjoy doing? “I was always a very busy child. I loved to help my mom in the kitchen and my dad in the garden – planting, pruning and watering – which explains my absolute love of the outdoors. I wanted to be involved in every extramural activity the school or neighbourhood offered. At one stage, for a few years, I was doing everything from ballet, swimming and tennis to gymnastics, athletics and netball – until something had to give because of schedule clashes. I eventually chose ballet, which took me to secondary school at the National School of Arts, and netball for which I achieved my Gauteng colours. I took the lead roles in crèche and primary school productions and for my entire primary school career I achieved the ‘Best Academic Pupil’ in all my grades. I was made a prefect in Standard Four (Grade Six), an honour usually awarded to Grade Sevens, and then in Grade Seven I was made head girl of Riverlea Primary School.”

“I most admire my mom’s resilience and positivity, and my dad’s brutal honesty and assertiveness. From them I learned that the world owes you nothing and that if you want something, you have to work for it.”

Q: Describe your sense of family in your formative years. “I was always very loved and supported as a child. My mom was amazing in that she always told me that I could be anything I M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|cover story wanted. She always boosted my confidence and picked me up when I was down. My childhood was stable, with real-life crises in some situations, but I always had a loving mother there to guide me, offer me strength and help me to understand the world and its sometimes-unpleasant realities. My mom is definitely a charismatic leader and nurturer and my dad was a fun-loving, but strict disciplinarian. My brother and I were close as children, but we always poked fun at each other. We fought a lot, like siblings often do, but I knew that if I ever needed him to have my back, he’d be there.” Q: What do you admire most about your parents and what did you learn from them? “I most admire my mom’s resilience and positivity, and my dad’s brutal honesty and assertiveness. From them I learned that the world owes you nothing and that if you want something, you have to work for it. I learned that ‘your attitude determines your altitude’ and that no matter what, family are the people you can rely on to support you when times are tough, be honest with you when you need to hear the harsh truth, and to encourage you to reach for your dreams when everyone else thinks you’re incapable or insane. I have learned that we are ultimately responsible for our own destinies and that there is a very good reason why we cannot choose our family!” Q: What part of your childhood would you like to recreate as you embark on creating your new family with Dion? “I’d love to recreate the same supportive and loving environment that still offers enough freedom for my child to fully explore who they are a person. I will definitely recreate the spirituality and faithfulness in a God who is merciful and loving, and who has our best interests at heart. In addition, I want to try to make sure that as parents our child always sees us putting each other first.”

LEARNING, BECOMING, SUCCEEDING “Schoolteachers and family always referred to me as a rare mix of academic excellence and artistic flair. I excelled in academics as well as drama and dance, and participated in various sports. I was a multitasking over-achiever of note – where I got the energy, heaven knows.” Q: How did you find yourself on your career path? “I started ballet at the age of five. I always played the leading roles in theatre pieces, for both dance and drama, and to make extra cash I joined the only agency I could get into whilst studying for my Corporate Communications degree at the University of Johannesburg. I realised that I was in the ‘wrong’ kind of agency because I was an extra and I wanted to be a lead in commercials and TV productions. For the first eight months out of university post my degree, while working in a bank as a finance marketer, I entered and won the ‘Backstage Superstar’ competition, which landed me a year-long lead role in the popular e.tv soapie. It was only meant to last a year, but I

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M&P|cover story made it my mission to impress the producers, writers and public so much that they would keep me on indeﬁnitely. It worked and I stayed on for three years until the entire show was cancelled. That role propelled me into the industry and into the country’s best and most reputable acting agency at the time. This all happened exactly 10 years ago.” Q: What drives you in your career today? “I love that as an actress I get to play many varied and exciting roles. I get to be the dancer, the doctor, the love interest and businesswoman. I am driven by the sheer love and passion to fully express myself through my work. It is a form of therapy and I am able to explore and learn about myself by living vicariously through the many faces I wear. In ﬁve to 10 years from now I want to be in Hollywood with my work broadcast on a global scale, acting amongst the best of the best.”

CARMEL’S TAKE ON PARENTECHT Carmel is not obsessed with all things techy, but she admittedly does what she needs to keep up to date. “I’m quite traditional in that I try to not be engrossed with my phone when I’m in the presence of people, because the person in front of me is more real and present than the masses in cyberspace.” However, Carmel does enjoy using the ‘What to Expect’ Pregnancy App and, together with Dion, they are definitely choosing a high-tech and high-spec baby monitor with features such as a rotating camera, night vision, smartphone-synch, and so on.

LOVE, LIFE, BABIES AND BEYOND “I love Dion’s rational mind, witty sense of humour, boyish charm, sex appeal, business mind, blunt honesty, generosity, sense of adventure, affectionate nature and considerate attitude.” Q: Tell us a little about how you met Dion? “When I was evicted from South African Survivor: Maldives, I was looking for a venue to host my exit party. Friends of mine in the hospitality industry told me they had the perfect venue for me and took me to view it and meet the owner. The owner, of course, was Dion and he immediately started the chase. I

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“I love that as an actress I get to play many varied and exciting roles. I get to be the dancer, the doctor, the love interest and businesswoman… It is a form of therapy and I am able to explore and learn about myself by living vicariously through the many faces I wear.”

2016/03/02 1:27 PM

M&P|cover story was still sceptical about love, recovering from a past relationship and had no desire to pursue anything for the time being. But thank God, Dion does not give up easy and about two months later we eventually went on our first date. Eight months later I rented out my place and moved in with him, and we have spent the best five years together so far.” Q: When it comes to starting your own family, what matters most to both of you? “What we agree is important are things like unconditional love, support, unity, respect, humility, talking things through instead of ignoring the person or unpleasant situation, and letting love lead at all times and at all cost.” Q: Where will we find you and Dion on a typical Sunday? “When we’re at home, we do date nights, go out for dinner or go to see a movie. I cook for him. He buys me flowers and when the weather’s good, we picnic and go out kayaking on our little boat. We take quick escapes to local destinations when we can and occasionally spend time at the family home in Ballito. We regularly travel internationally and enjoy each other’s company away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But when we work… we work damn hard!” Q: How do you both feel about your pregnancy? “We were initially surprised by the news of my pregnancy, but with time we are growing more and more excited. I have been so lucky and blessed with a rather easy pregnancy when compared to other pregnant ladies I’ve encountered. I have had no morning sickness and only mild bouts of fatigue and heartburn.” Q: What kind of mom-to-be are you? “I am definitely a planner and researcher, but I guess the fact that we are waiting until the baby is born to find out the gender means that there’s a spontaneous bone in there too. I take it more naturally and I’ve always been one to listen to and trust my gut

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M&P|cover story

PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLED BY: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. HAIR & MAKE-UP: VUYO VUROYI . DRESSED BY: H&M, ZARA.

instincts, and I believe this time will be no different. There are just certain things you know for sure, whether you’ve been through it before or not.” Q: What is the most important thing for you when it comes to welcoming your bundle of love? “I want to embrace my new miracle and learn from him or her as much as they will learn from me. I want to teach my child the values of kindness, independence, modesty and generosity. My biggest fear is most probably of the unknown… and of maintaining a good balance between partner, baby, family and career. I have no illusions about the changes coming and adjustments that will have to be made. I know I will need to slow down and devote more of my time and energy to our baby. I will need to trade my sports car in for a mommy-mobile and Dion will be responsible for making our home more baby-friendly. My dream for our baby is that he or she will grow up to be exactly what God sets in their heart to be; that we will be good parents that they can always rely on, and that God’s favour and protection will be on him or her all the days of their lives. I always wanted a large family when I was growing up but I plan on waiting to see how it all pans out with my ﬁrst baby to see how I will feel about making this large family a reality.”

“I want to embrace my new miracle and learn from him or her as much as they will learn from me. I want to teach my child the values of kindness, independence, modesty and generosity.”

There is no doubt that Carmel and Dion’s little baby will be gently folded into their lives and hearts, surrounded by love and care. Following their baby’s arrival, Carmel will be spending five months at home with her mother there to assist and support her – and we wish all of them the most magical and precious journey.

CARMEL’S TOP TIPS: 1. Womanhood: Success is finding and maintaining a balanced life. 2. Career: Set goals and be resilient in achieving them. 3. Love: Acceptance and admiration are to a man what love and affection are to a woman. 4. Pregnancy: Celebrate your ability to conceive and bring forth life.

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M&P| working moms & dads

PARENTS & TECH Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Matter Of Perspective

There is no getting away from itâ&#x20AC;Ś wherever you look, whatever you do, and however you live, technology has become a major part of life. Loren Stow explores how technology affects our social relationships and family dynamics. 68

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M&P| working moms & dads rom the amazing to the absurd, the useful to the fantastical and the sometimes downright scary, it is only normal for our technology-driven environments to seep into the world of parenting. Has this made parenting simpler or more complicated? Are we closer than ever before or separated by screens? When researching this article, I was astounded by the feedback I received on social media when I asked the question about how ‘parentech’ is viewed by parents themselves. Every answer was as different and unique as each parent and family. Of course it makes perfect sense that a tool such as technology would be viewed, used, embraced and regarded in as many ways as there are parents on the earth. And as such, it’s just another element of the world we live in.

A WONDERFUL WORLD Functional household technology like washing machines, vacuum cleaners and, indeed, indoor toilets has made a massive difference to the family lifestyles. It wasn’t that long ago that these were unheard of and still, in many parts of the developing world, these are pure luxuries. Technological advances as simple as electricity and running water have saved thousands of lives because of our ability to avoid bacteria and infections that lead to illness and death – again, this is a reality for many of our earth’s inhabitants. Therefore, the simple advances we use in our homes every day cannot be overlooked for their importance in creating health, more time and a better standard of living. When asked what their favourite parentech was, many of our social media respondents were still grateful for rather low-tech gadgets such as digital thermometers, portable travel potties for potty-training tots on the move, and their digital camera as they record first steps, muddy hands and chocolate-covered faces. It goes to show that no matter how high-

tech things become, many moms and dads still rely on the basics.

LIVING IN THE FUTURE, TODAY Then there are parents who are selfconfessed lovers of all things technological. “I live for tech,” says Tanya Stobbe Retief. “My husband and I are both IT geeks, so life without tech would be odd.” She explains that as parents they have an automatic bottle maker, electronic breathing sensor, video monitor, and an electronic baby swing with a docking station for an mp3 player. She also uses many baby and pregnancy apps on her phone and explains how her older daughter uses the tablet, laptop and their smart phones like a pro. “She’s six and has the reflexes of a teenager. She has reading apps as well as creative apps and she’s using the word processer too now. Their daughter still spends lots of time offline, playing, colouring, writing and reading. “Our family loves tech and we’re all still smart, we sleep well, have normal social relationships, have good manners and our daughter does fantastically well at school. I’m definitely pro technology,” Tanya ends off, alluding to the fears that many have about the effects of technology on social relationships. However, Tanya also explains that they are careful with their daughter’s access online and she is not allowed to go online without her parents present; they limit her to Google voice searches only and YouTube Kids. They have no hard and fast rules about the length of time their daughter can spend on devices, only imposing limits when it feels excessive. I reckon if it’s part of normal life it’s not seen as a ‘treat’; it’s not something that should be binged on when they get the chance.” Embracing technology does not have to include a ton of gadgets and many parents have just one or two favourites. Christine Perrett loves her Angelcare monitor, which helped maintain her sanity when her twins arrived a month premature. “Parenting M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P| working moms & dads “… many of our social media respondents were still grateful for rather low-tech gadgets such as digital thermometers, portable travel potties for potty-training tots on the move, and their digital camera as they record ﬁrst steps, muddy hands and chocolate-covered faces.” is a hard job as it is, so anything to assist or complement all the duties we have is great in my books.” Rhonda McDougall also loves her Angelcare monitor and digital thermometer, adding, “I love our Gro-clock for that awkward four-to-six age group, to keep them in their room and out of ours in the morning. The iPad provides instant entertainment and educational value – my daughter learned to tell the time in three days!” Cindy De Segrais echoes what I think many parents feel when she explained, “My child lives in the 21st century and I want him to excel and be able to grasp and absorb new technology as and when it happens, because it’s always changing. Who knows where we’ll be 50 years from now and I want my children to be at the front of the pack.”

TOP TECH It’s pretty clear from parents’ responses that the following little handy parentech tools are top of their class and have proved über useful: Anglecare Monitor: A leader in its category for monitoring a baby’s breathing and movement and sound while sleeping. Digital Thermometer: No matter the brand you choose, the digital thermometer is top of many parent’s list for must have tech tools for babies and young children. Gro-clock: An absurdly handy tool for sleep training young children, helping them to understand when it’s time for sleep and time for getting up. The Wonder Weeks App: A multiaward-winning app that gives parents the tools to understand how their baby’s brain is developing and ‘leaping’ from one milestone to the next over the first 20 months of life.

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M&P| working moms & dads

IMAGES: istock.

ON THE FENCE Then there are parents – almost in equal measure to those who embrace technology – who want their children to experience childhood as they did. They suspect that technology is not all it’s cut out to be and are innately suspicious of introducing technology too early on. Tara Prinsloo McMurray explains that she doesn’t like gadgets at all. “They grow up with it now in schools, so there is no need to speed it up when they’re so small. I grew up without it and had the best childhood ever,” Tara states. Although she understands that times have changed and technology is now part of everyday life, she still tries not to use parentech too much, “I’m probably a bit old-fashioned, but I prefer my kids to play outside and use their imaginations as much as possible.” Robyn Doughty agrees, saying that she is totally against using iPads to keep children entertained in the car, “We use this time to sing or talk and play games like ‘I Spy’,” she says. She has a real fear that the art of conversation is going to be lost on future generations as we naturally gravitate towards our smartphones for entertainment, instead of reaching out to others. “Our time in the car is perfect for chatting and using our imagination to make up games. There was life before technology and we must not forget to enjoy the simple pleasures.” And while some parents are not anti-tech in general, they are anti-tech for children. “They should be out playing and developing their gross and fine motor skills,” says Karien Philalethia. Other parents have tried to create a happy medium by embracing technology, while still creating boundaries for their children’s use of it, “I am strict during the week and no games are allowed at all. Fridays after school are downtime and the kids get really excited about game afternoon with friends,” explains Janine Piagesti, adding that weekends are open to tech but that socialising with

family and friends still gets top priority. Another mom explains that her almostfour-year-old daughter spends hardly any time on an iPad and not because she is anti-tech but because her daughter is simply not interested. “Most of the time she likes more physical activities like climbing, playing outside, jumping on the trampoline, soft play and that sort of thing,” says Heather Powell. Not to forget the parents who have raised children both before and after the parentech eras, like Kate Hillman, who explains that when her firstborn arrived 17 years ago there was no social media. In order to feel connected with others you had to go and make friends, which she still thinks is a good thing, “Without iPads our trips to the supermarket or journeys in the car involved making up games, telling stories and singing songs. In some ways I think that was harder, but we interacted more.” By the time Kate had her fourth child, parentech was emerging and she’s not convinced it was a blessing. “While it was easier it feels like there’s more pressure now. Maybe it’s because of the sheer volume of information that we now have access to and have to somehow process?” She was a fan of baby monitors when they arrived, but believes that screens interfere with human interaction.

“She has a real fear that the art of conversation is going to be lost on future generations as we naturally gravitate towards our smartphones for entertainment, instead of reaching out to others.” THE BOTTOM LINE Technology in parenting and family life is varied and parents seem to be exposing their children to as much technology as they themselves are comfortable with. And while there will always be extremes in approaches to technology, there is a sense that families are setting the pace and using as much or as little technology as they truly want. Those parents who embraced tech have done so with care to protect their children while online and, on the other end of the spectrum, there are parents who choose to forgo all tech until their children get to school. There is no right or wrong; these are simply individual choices that lead to the interesting and wonderful world we live in.

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M&P|parents with pizzazz would hold their meat in their left hand while eating. I was the youngest, therefore I used to cry when everyone picked their piece of meat and I was left with a tiny piece. Who has had the biggest influence on the choices you have made in life? My late mother had great wisdom. She used to give us the autonomy to make our decisions, but she was adamant about the basics of living a responsible life. What role do you think fathers play in the lives of their children, and men in society? Fathers play a critical role in the lives of their children. Some of the societal ills are caused by absent fathers. I believe children look up to us as parents, as I used to look up to mine. Men should be community role models. I know there were fathers I used to look up to when I was young and they influenced my good behaviour at times.

Budget Analyst at Gauteng Government Treasury Department Where does your passion for your career come from? When I was child of about three, I would count from 1 up to 100 and that would excite me. I remember using it as a tactic to seek the attention of my grandmother, aunts and my brothers and sisters. I used to enjoy it when everyone watched me and clapped their hands. I learnt how to count from other kids who attended day care, while I stayed at home with my aunts. That alone gave me the confidence to pursue a career in accounting or any career that is numbers counting related. Describe any family tradition that you particularly enjoyed as a child? I used to enjoy when my stepfather bought us a cake out of the blue. He used to say: “We don’t have to eat a cake during birthdays only because life is too short to postpone what you can have today.” He was a good man. How would you best describe your family when they get together around the dinner table? My mother served us dinner and we used to eat together, with my brother and my cousins from one tray. The starch was placed in one plate and meat in the other plate. When we got our food, we’d jump straight to the meat and each one

When you are not working, where can we find you? When I am not working, I am checking up on my nieces and nephews. At times, I’m at the primary school where I help to teach art. This helps me to give back to the community that raised me and keeps the kids occupied. Describe any particularly memorable moment as a father. Being in the threatre with my wife Hilda Melato (25) when our baby was delivered is the most memorable moment of my life as a father, filled with both excitement and anxiety. How do you and your spouse best work together when making parenting decisions? We share lessons we learnt wherever we were or just read about parenting because Mamoratehi (1 month) is our first child. We tried to make joint decisions during the pregnancy and hope to continue. We consult each other no matter how little or simple is the decision and we always plan ahead.

RAPID FIRE Favourite book/movie/song (choose)? Dreams From My Father by The President of the USA, Barrack Obama Favourite gadget? Cellphone Your favourite car/vehicle? Mini Cooper S4 Your favourite travel destination? Cape Town Favourite Sunday morning activity? Reading the Sunday Times

COMPILED BY THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGE: PITSO ZWANE.

PITSO ZWANE

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M&P|parents with pizzazz a fair amount of activities that can lower stress levels. I do need to emphasise that the commitment is there, we are working on the execution! What values would you like to instill in your children? I want them to live in such a way that they are happy, fulfilled beings that always consider the greater good in all their actions. What changes did you make in your career to accommodate being a mother? I work harder…I worked harder at being a good mother and I worked harder at being a good lawyer. What keeps you motivated when all else seems to be falling apart? When I feel overwhelmed I try to look at the problem holistically, which normally makes me realise that it is not really a problem at all, but my immediate perception. Moreover, I have the most incredible support structure, which includes my father, my two mothers, my parents-in-law and my husband.

JOLÈNE LEEUWNER-MARITZ

COMPILED BY THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGE: JOLÈNE LEEUWNER-MARITZ.

Lawyer (Managing Partner) Leeuwner Maritz Attorneys; CEO Jole Designs (Pty)Ltd; CEO No Crime Culture Project NPC; CEO Justice Pageants (Pty) Ltd; CEO LeeuwMar Consult Name one moment in your childhood that you would like to relive and why. I don’t ponder enough on the past to give you an exact moment, but I wouldn’t mind reliving the constant love I received from my parents particularly, but also from the rest of my family. On a positive note, I do still receive the same love today. Do you think it is harder to be a parent now than it was when your parents were raising you? Why? I think the crime rate in South Africa disrupts carefree parenting at the moment. Other than that I believe we struggle through the same psychological elements as in the past, which in my opinion was and is the challenge. How do you ensure that your family lives a healthy lifestyle? By waking up every day committed to healthy eating habits and

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? It was advice that my father had given to me as a young student. I was on the verge of writing a final examination paper and I was really anxious. He sat me down and calmly explained to me that I will never be able to relive this moment. He told me that I should experience every moment and enjoy the energy, the adrenalin and excitement of the moment, the power to express my thoughts, the power of the challenge of the paper and whether or not I would be able to conquer it. I have never approached a conventionally stressful occurrence in fear again. The best part about being a mother is… The realisation that the intensity of love has no boundaries; even if you think you have reached its maximum capacity, you surpass that level of intensity moments later. What advice would you give to mothers like you? Showing your daughters your strength is necessary.

RAPID FIRE Song you are currently listening to? I am currently enjoying the sounds of Zama Jobe. Favourite dish? I love my husband’s potjiekos. Most prized possession? My ability to rationalise… Favourite getaway spot? In South Africa, I am besotted with the bush at Zimbali Coastal Resort.

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M&P|dr herman

MAKING SENSE OF PAP TESTS Cervical cancer is amongst the most common cancers in women primarily because women in developing countries don’t have proper access to cervical screening.

Pap smear looks for cancers and precancers, which are cell changes that might become cancer if they aren’t treated the right way. The procedure is named after Dr Georgios Papanikolaou, who determined that this was a useful way to detect signs of cervical cancer.

Q. What is a Pap smear? A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear or cervical screening, checks the cervix for abnormal cell changes. These changes can develop on the cervix and if they aren’t treated, they can lead to cervical cancer, which in most cases can be prevented. Having regular Pap tests is the key.

Q. Who needs to have a Pap smear and why? A Pap smear can save your life. It can detect the earliest signs of cervical cancer and if caught at this stage, the chances of curing the cervical cancer are very high. The smear tests also find infections and abnormal cervical cells that can turn into cancer cells. All women who have ever been sexually active need to have a regular Pap smear, even if:

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 You are well and have no symptoms.  You have received the HPV vaccine.  You are pregnant.  You have only had one sexual partner.  You no longer have periods.  You’re no longer sexually active.  You have had a hysterectomy for an abnormal pap smear.

Q. How often should I have a Pap test done? This depends on your age and your health history, but talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Most women can follow these guidelines:  A Pap smear every three years for women aged 21 to 29.  A Pap smear every three years for women aged 30 to 64; combined Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years.  If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests done.

Q. Are there instances where I might need to have this test more often? You should talk to your doctor about getting a test more often if:  You have a weakened immune system because of an organ transplant,

chemotherapy, or steroid use.  You have had treatment for abnormal Pap results or cervical cancer in the past.  You are HIV positive. Women living with HIV are at a higher risk of cervical cancer and other cervical diseases.

FACT CHECK In sub-Saharan Africa:  Cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer in women.  Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality.  55 000 women die each year from cervical cancer. In South Africa, each year approximately:  6 700 women will develop cervical cancer.  3 700 women will die from cervical cancer.

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M&P|dr herman inside and around the cervix. The cells will be placed on a glass slide and sent to a lab for examination. While usually painless, it can be a bit uncomfortable.

Q. How can I prepare for a Pap smear? There are a lot of factors that can cause wrong test results by washing away or hiding abnormal cells of the cervix. This is why doctors suggest that for two days before the test, you should avoid the following:  Douching  Using tampons  Using vaginal creams and medicines  Using vaginal deodorant sprays or powders  Having sex Q. What do abnormal results mean? Abnormal Pap smear results do not mean that you have cancer; most often it means there is a small problem with your cervix. Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer, but most of the time, these unhealthy cells will go away on their own. By treating the unhealthy cells, almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented. Talk to your doctor about your abnormal test results and what they mean.

COMPILED BY: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: DEPOSIPHOTO,HUFFINGTONPOST.CO.UK.

Q. What should I know about Human papilloma viruses (HPV)? Many women never know that they even have HPV. In most cases it stays hidden and doesn’t cause any symptoms like genital warts. When it doesn’t go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, and Pap smears usually find these changes.  HPV is a group of more than 100 different viruses.  About 40 types of HPVs are spread during sex.  HPV has remained the same for over 200 000 years.  Some HPVs cause genital warts, but these HPVs don’t cause cervical cancer.  About 75 percent of sexually active people will get HPV sometime in their life.

Q. How is a Pap test done? Your doctor can do a Pap test during a pelvic exam. While lying down on an exam table,

the doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina and open it so that they can see the cervix. A broom brush or spatula will be used to take a few cells from

Dr Herman and M&P would like to thank Dr Trudy Smith, Gynaecological Oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, for her contribution to this column.

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CAN MALARIA BE A POSSIBLE CANCER CURE? Zoleka Mandela explores the link between cancer and malaria. ccording to the Rockefeller University, researchers have spent the last 50 years trying to identify the link between malaria and

cancer. In an article published in August 2015, it was reported that children in equatorial Africa are more likely than other parts of the world, to develop an exceedingly aggressive blood cancer known as Burkittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lymphoma.

This area of the world is known for very high rates of malaria, a disease that kills one million people every year around the world. Seattle BioMed has publicised that liver cells that are infected by malaria-causing parasites operate in a similar fashion to cancer cells. The study has also shown that with the aid of cancer medication, the liver can become an unreceptive environment for the malaria parasite. The liver is a large organ that performs critical functions in the body, such as synthesising proteins crucial for blood clotting, as well as detoxifying chemicals. The parasites infect the red blood cells of the liver, which transport oxygen throughout the body â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their destruction has serious consequences for a person. British researchers have discovered that certain over-the-counter malaria pills can prevent liver cancer and reduce the size of established liver tumours. Fortunately, these reasonably affordable pills can give hope to the many who are at the risk of acquiring the disease. Malaria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because the parasite may possibly attack a carbohydrate in the placenta, which would place the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life at risk. More research done by scientists at the University of Denmark has uncovered that because there are related characteristics between tumours and placentas, the identical technique the malaria parasite uses to attack and destroy placentas could be used to attack and destroy tumours. Still in the animal trial phase, researchers are not sure if the process of attacking cancer will be as effective in humans as it has shown to be in mice on various kinds of cancers. In summary, scientists have discovered that a protein in the malaria parasite could one day help stop cancer in its tracks, proving that although malaria may not the cause of many cancers, these different diseases may possibly be linked to one another. The malaria parasite could in fact be the cure to cancer, having been accidentally discovered as a potential malaria vaccine with the unanticipated, but greatly desired, side effect of killing tumours .

WORDS: ZOLEKA MANDELA. IMAGE: ISTOCK.

M&P|cancer column

This column is dedicated to the late Feziwe Radebe, the courageous cancer fighter who died in October 2008.

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M&P|deConstruct to Construct

LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES

IMAGE: shutterstock.

There are a number of reasons why children are abandoned, says Fumani N. Shilubana. These can range from teenage pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy, poverty, absent fathers and a lack of family support.

ccording to Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, in a written reply to the provincial legislature, close to 400 newborn babies have been abandoned in Gauteng hospitals over the last three years – that’s an average of 11 babies that are neglected each month at a cost of approximately R2 000 a day. In February 2014 Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, spoke at the Launch of the Government’s Family Planning Campaign, stating, “Every year 80 000 babies, which is eight percent of the yearly total, are born to females younger than 18 years old.” This is a crisis for our girl children and despite education and awareness programmes, the figures are steadily on the increase. Yes, these young adults may be able to physically create a baby, but how are they equipped to take care of another human being? Unfortunately, the messages of abstinence and protected sex seem to fall on deaf ears as teenagers engage in experimentation, and more often than not, the product of this sexual freedom is a baby that is left with an auntie or a granny, so

that the young parent can complete their education or seek employment to bring money into the home. So how do we treat the scourge that threatens the youth? Do we throw more free condoms at the children and offer them free clinic visits? Do we continue with traditional Sex Ed. classes at school, while at home everything is hush-hush and kept behind closed doors? Do we pass more legislation that legalises sex between children of certain ages? The sexuality conversation needs to start at home, between parents and children, from as early as possible, so that your children are always confident enough to ask you any question and turn to you for those awkward explanations – if not you, then who? Television, social media, pornographic material, schoolmates, the Departments of Education or Health – do you really want these institutions controlling the messages your child receives about sex and sexuality, respect and responsibility? After reading a streetpole advert, my son once asked, “Papa, what is penis enlargement?” I immediately thought of my mother’s words when I once asked her why

she was very open with us. “Children are curious,” she said. “When they ask questions, just fill the curiosity with the amount of truth that they can handle at their age.” I told my son what penis enlargement meant and that was enough – he didn’t want to know. But, because I did give him a straight answer, he now trusts me to answer other questions. And make no mistake – your children often know the answer; they are just looking to you for confirmation, that’s why the truth is so important. There is definitely a correlation between the lack of male role models in the home and sexual irresponsibility. Daughters raised without a father will try to fill this void in their lives in the worst way – often it is through sex with an older man, a sugardaddy who tempts her with money that she can use to buy airtime, clothing, makeup, and perhaps even to put food on the table. Other teens may succumb to the infamous peer pressure – if their friends are doing it, it must be okay. Either way, when the result is an unwanted pregnancy, the girl often finds herself alone as the man or boy turns away and carries on with his life. The young girl, still a child herself, will face the most difficult decision she will ever have to make: have an abortion, keep the baby or give it away? Does she rely on insufficient government grants to support her child, or does she pursue her education goals and move on with her life? Every stakeholder in her decision will be affected and will later affect society, like a domino effect. So what can we do about this? Part of the solution is taking ownership of your role as a parent, being a constant presence in your child’s life and being their first point of contact in any situation. DeConstruct your ideas about love and Construct an environment at home where all your child’s needs for love and affection are met. If this is achieved, your child will not seek validation outside of the home and their experiences with love, romance and sexuality will develop as God intended. Bring love back into the home. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|exercise

THE EMS ALTERNATIVE TO EXERCISE Having a fulltime job and being a new parent can mean letting the daily gym workouts slide for a while. Fortunately, there is a way to maintain your fitness routine that requires just one day per week.

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M&P|exercise f you enjoy a full body workout but just don’t have the time, then EMS training from BODYTEC® offers the perfect alternative. EMS training differs from conventional weight training in that muscle groups and connective tissues are activated simultaneously and the muscle contractions are stronger than what you would experience from an EMS product you can purchase on a home shopping channel. Exercises that use BODYTEC® technology result in improved circulation and a reduction in body fat.

THE BENEFITS OF EMS TRAINING Research shows that 85 percent of those who tested showed improved results in their body shape after using EMS. BODYTEC® combines personal training with Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to provide the perfect fitness and all-round training solution that enables you to:  Improve core strength  Reduce fat content  Gently define muscles  Increase physical strength and endurance  Work on muscular imbalances, like back pain  Stimulate internal organs, which can improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

IMAGES: ECLIPSE PUBLIC RELATIONS.

WHO CAN USE BODYTEC®? Anyone of any age and any level of fitness can embark on an EMS training programme. However, as with any exercise programme, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting, especially if you have any medical conditions, such as circulatory or neurological disorders, or lifestyle diseases. Once you have been cleared, a trainer will develop a programme to cater to your specific needs. For example: Post-pregnancy: To get rid of pregnancy weight gain, tone any post-pregnancy flab or strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Athlete: To complement your training routine or help recover from injury. Back pain: Especially for those who work

at computers all day or have sedentary jobs. Firm and tone: If you are just looking to improve your overall physique and health.

HOW DOES A TRAINING SESSION WORK? When you arrive for your trial session, you will be given a specially designed BODYTEC® shirt and tights. Regular clients can purchase their own set or use laundered items at the studio. You can train barefoot or wear sneakers. A session lasts 20 minutes and your trainer will guide you through the various movements. You can bring along a partner if you wish as a session can accommodate two people.

have been worked. Muscle stiffness occurs after about two days, as with any workout, and you will notice a difference in your strength and coordination within four weeks. There will be a visible difference in your body within six to eight weeks, and regular training is recommended for continued results. As with any workout, a balanced eating plan will help you achieve optimal results.

PREPARE YOUR BODYMy  Eat a meal that contains sustainable carbohydrates and protein about two to three hours before the high-intesity training.  Ensure that you drink at least half a litre of water an hour before training.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT? You only train once a week because the intense level of whole-body workout requires a longer recovery and adaption period than normal resistance and weight training would. You will feel a difference after your first session, as most of your major muscle groups

With a combination of healthy eating, portion control and a monitored EMS training programme, BODYTEC® is there to help you achieve your weight-loss or fitness goals. For more information, visit www.bodytec.co.za. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|recipes

This month we turn to food stylist and blogger, Leila Saffarian, for life hacks and ideas on what to do with your Consol glass containers.

FOR MOM & DAD

GUINNESS AND CLOTTED CREAM FLOAT Ingredients 1 bottle of your favourite craft beer About 4 to 5 Consol glass jars of your choice Method Dollop generous, soft scoops (the ice cream must be soft) of good quality ice cream in each jar. Top with Guinness or Stout and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as simple as that! Enjoy plain, or try out all sorts of extras toppings, such as sprinkles, cherries, choc chips and nuts.

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M&P|recipes BEER-BATTERED FISH BITES Use a light craft lager to create the lightest, crunchiest and crispiest fish bites. Ingredients For the beer batter: 1 bottle of your favourite craft lager About ½ cup of cake flour A pinch of Maldon salt (any salt will do) 500g hake Method You literally just chuck everything into a bowl and

MINI BEER BATTER DOUGHNUTS An after-meal nibble that is cute, pretty, easy, and eye-catching and can be served in a flash and is a crowd pleaser. Ingredients 1 cup cake flour ½ tsp. baking powder Pinch of salt 60ml cocoa powder ½ cup sugar ½ cup melted butter 1 large egg A splash of vanilla (essence or a smidge of paste) ½ cup of Guinness (lager or stout – your choice)

give a good whisk, until most of the lumps have disappeared. The batter should have the consistency of medium-thick yoghurt. Cut 500g hake into chunks and dust with flour. Dip the pieces into the batter and fry in batches (in hot sunflower or veg oil) until lightly golden – about 6 to 7 minutes. Serve the Beer-Battered Bites in glass jars, with lime or lemon wedges, Maldon salt and a couple more jars with nifty bamboo skewers – entertaining, sorted! Don’t forget the extra (liquid) craft beer.

Method Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl. Add the melted butter, beaten egg and the splash of vanilla, then the Guinness. Mix well to form a smooth batter. Heat a mini electric doughnut maker. Spoon the batter into the moulds, cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove and let cool. Dip into a runny icing and coat in sprinkles. Stack in glass jars and serve! If preferred, get guests to create their own doughnut creations. Serve plain doughnuts in glass jars, pour icing into glass yoghurt jars, along with sprinkles, and let the dipping fun begin! M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|recipes

BEER SHANDY Ingredients 1 bottle of your favourite Pale Ale or Lager 1 bottle of lemonade Consol milk-style bottles with white screw lids Limes or strawberries, chopped Mint leaves for flavour Method Divide ale or lager between two glass bottles. Top the beer with lemonade. Add a good squeeze of fresh lime juice, pop in a few sliced or chopped strawberries and hello fruity beer! If you have the masses coming over, pop a couple of these pre-made Shandy bottles in an enamel ice bucket and keep cold on ice. For added flavour, you can pop in a few fresh mint leaves.

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M&P|recipes

FOR THE KIDS

SPILL-PROOF GOBLETS Prevent sticky red cooldrink stains from appearing on your white couch. Turn recycled glass jars into nifty sippy cups: l Drill a small hole in the middle of the lid. l Slide a straw through it. l Decorate the jar and fill it with the most deliciously messy drinks. l Screw the lid on tightly for easy spill-free drinking.

RAINBOW JELLY JARS Make rainbow jelly jars by: l Layering different coloured jellies and letting each layer set in the fridge before adding the next. l Alternatively, stir in pieces of fruit, gummy worms or jelly babies for an extra surprise treat.

SPRINKLES PACKAGING Store your colourful, yummy baking supplies in the convenient small bottles with screw lids. l Fill jars with all the leftover sprinkles, 100s and 1000s and stack and display as a dĂŠcor item within your kitchen. l Because sprinkles, chocolate vermicelli and almond flakes were meant to be seen and eaten!

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M&P|recipes

FOR EVERYONE

BREAKFAST ON THE GO Enjoy a breakfast of vanilla oats and milk. lF ill a Consol preserve jar with some rolled oats. lU se the little yoghurt jars for storing liquids. dd a vanilla pod to the mix and lA there you go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; simply cook it up at your destination.

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M&P|recipes

SOURCE AND IMAGES: CONSOL GLASS, LEILA SAFFARIAN, VICKI SLEET.

GET PICKLED Pickled vegetables are delicious and the pops of colour and crunch in texture means they can be eaten as is or added to salads or sandwiches. You just have to choose your pickle. Ingredients Asparagus (a great pickling veggie) Whole red chilli Pickling liquor: 2 cups (500ml) white spirit vinegar 1 cup water 1 tbsp. (15ml) sugar 7 peppercorns 2 bay leaves

2 tbsp. (30ml) kosher salt ½ tsp. (2.5ml) coriander seeds Method Wash and trim the asparagus. Chargrill on a griddle pan first. Having sterilised your Consol preserves jars and lids, place the asparagus in the jars, along with a whole red chilli. Mix ingredients for pickling liquor well and fill each preserve jar. Secure tightly with lids and place back into a pot of warm water for 5 minutes. Remove and store out of direct sunlight. Substitute asparagus for purple and green spring onions.

VICKI SLEET’S SUPER SUGGESTIONS Patterned-lid jars can be used for tea, coffee and sugar, or on your baby girl’s change table, they are a pretty and very practical choice. 500ml Chubby Jars can be decorated with washi tape, pop it back together and used as a sweets gift jar. The Jar in a Jar can hold your salad and your dressing without everything resulting in a soggy mess. What a wonderful way to pack a picnic basket.

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M&P|décor BUNNIES RECEIVING BLANKET, R110, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS.

PURE COTTON CELLULAR BABY BLANKETS PRODUCED BY HORROCKSES, R166, LINENDRAWER.CO.ZA.

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SUMMER THROWS (WHITE AND TAUPE), R549, VOLPES.

MIFFY FLOOR CUSHION, R299, COTTON ON KIDS.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

LUCKY TOOTH CUSHION, R166, LINENDRAWER. CO.ZA.

STAR CUSHION (VARIOUS COLOURS), R190, COLLERETTE.CO.ZA.

COTTON RECEIVING BLANKET, R160, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS.

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M&P|reviews

Autism iHelp is a vocabulary teaching aid developed by parents of a child with Autism and a speech-language pathologist. Inspired by the need for specific language intervention tools for children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, it focuses on their unique strengths and difficulty with expressive vocabulary. This version of the Autism iHelp app addresses a very specific area of higher-level language needed in the Autism population and is an excellent way to target a vital educational benchmark in a mobile capacity. It also enables you to track your child’s gains through progress reports that average the last three performances of each learning enhancement activity.

HIDDEN EGG HUNT iTunes Join in the hunt, find as many Easter eggs as possible and drag them into your Easter basket to earn points. If you want to treat yourself and your kids to more eggs on Easter morning, this game is for you. Your children will going against the timer in their hunt, beat their family member’s time and set a record for others to beat.

WHAT TO EXPECT iTunes From the w o r l d ’ s most trusted brand, What To Expect When You’re Expecting, this app guides you through your pregnancy dayby-day and week-by-week on your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Enter your due date and receive personalised content, the latest parenting news and health information, and access to a tight-knit community of other parents and moms-to-be like you.

MOODY BITCHES by Dr Julie Holland R270 (HarperCollins) Being a successful modern woman is hard, and for so many of us the constant flux in our hormones and the dip and dives our mood swings take makes it that much harder. For over 17 years, women have visited celebrated psychopharmacologist Dr Julie Holland looking for the miracle cure to eradicate these feelings. Now, in her illuminating and honest Moody Bitches, she details the invaluable advice she shares with her patients, revealing how damaging it is to suppress our natural emotions. Instead she offers tried and tested alternatives to help keep the moods under control, making exhaustion and low sexdrive a thing of the past.

BLACK BRAIN, WHITE BRAIN by Gavin Evans R240 (Jonathan Ball Publishers) Racist thinking – that intelligence is influenced by racial origin, for example – was part of mainstream science a century ago and, surprisingly, is still endorsed by maverick scientists at some of the world’s most respectable institutions today. Evans shows just how uniform we are, genetically, as a species and that it’s mainly the environment we grow up and live in that’s the strong determining factor in general intelligence. He tackles highly complex subjects, from the origin of humans and the genesis of intelligence to athletic performance and genes, IQ and cleverness in a fluent and engaging style that makes science accessible and the facts absorbing.

COMPILED BY THINA MTHEMBU AND TRACY MAHER. IMAGES: JONATHAN BALL PUBLISHERS, ITUNES.

AUTISM IHELP QUESTIONS iTunes

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M&P|baby shower FIKILE AND HER SISTER, MPUMI MAHLANGU

SEALED WITH A KISS

FIKILE AND AUNT THULANI PHAAHLA

AUNT THEMBI LAMOLA, FIKILE MAKGOPA (MOM TO BE) AND UNCLE MIKE LAMOLA

CELEBRATING NEW LIFE

WORDS BY FIKILE MAKGOPA. IMAGES BY PHILLY MOHLALA.

FIRST TIME PARENTS,FIKILE MAKGOBA AND COLLINS MAKGOPA

The day started for Collins Makgopa and his pregnant wife, Fikile, with a professional pregnancy photoshoot, while unbeknownst to Fikile, preparations were underway at her home in Groblersdal, Limpopo, for a surprise baby shower. It appeared to be just another morning, as the couple rushed to do the shoot and then headed home to have lunch. When they arrived home family and friends greeted the couple, ready to celebrate a baby shower. Soon they were surrounded by lovely decorations, delicious food, great music and fabulous gifts for the baby. It wasn’t difficult for Fikile’s sister, Mpumi, to plan the shower as she and her sister run an events company called Fizee Events, and the sister knew exactly what would go down well on the day. Fikile’s sister is a ‘go big or go home’ girl, and as a perfectionist, she had roped in family and friends to help pull off this wonderful surprise. The highlight of the day was watching how everyone celebrated the soon-to-be new arrival. Although they usually reduced baby showers to small gatherings where only the ladies attended, this one was open to the men and uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers all made the event extra special. As a first-time mom, Fikile appreciated all the advice she was given by the more experienced guests as she begins her journey of motherhood. They have already named their baby Amogelang Kganya Makgopa, which means ‘welcome the light’ and are counting down until the big day arrives.

DECOR

GRANDPA-TO-BE, PIET MAHLANGU, WITH FIKILE

MOM TO BE,FIKILE MAKGOPA

THE CAKE

LEFT TO RIGHT, NKELE,THANDEKA,DELI,NOMVIMBI AND MOM TO BE

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M&P|motoring or many drivers, a new year comes hand in hand with a car purchase. And the exciting part of that purchase for any technophile is upgrading your car with the latest and greatest in automotive features and equipment, as well as any added value. Technology infiltrates every aspect of the modern car, from dashboard to engine to suspension. The best vehicles achieve perfect harmony between effortless, safe driving, energy efficiency and dashboard electronics to put any smartphone or tablet to shame.

TECH ON WHEELS

Melissa Jane Cook shows you how to get your motor running with these great gadgets and devices for him and her.

1. Advanced Backup Cameras Even the expert drivers will appreciate a little help getting in and out of tight spaces. The latest crop of advanced backup cameras. The best new backup cameras give you an excellent aerial view from every angle. 2. Augmented Reality Owner's Manual Virtual owners’ manuals – instead of the older paper ones – are fairly common, but an augmented reality owner’s manual allows you to get more information about a specific part of a car by simply pointing your owner’s manual at it. No more thumbing through the manual to figure out how the gadgets work. Simply point smartphone or tablet at the item in question, and voilà; detailed information in the form of videos, guides or other helpful tips is available. 3. Automatic Steering Automated steering systems really are the beginning of the autonomous car – and that’s cool by anyone’s standards. Lane-keep assist is certainly an excellent feature, because it

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can keep you headed on your course if you start to doze off or become distracted. But partially autonomous steering, which is now offered in a number of cars, can actually steer for you, even on relatively curvy roads – at least for a few seconds, until the system asks you to retake the wheel. 4. Headlight Technology Two new headlight technologies are beginning to emerge: LED headlights offer excellent brightness, long-lasting bulbs, and automatic high beams, which can turn on or off your high beams automatically in order to increase your field of vision at night. They save you money and improve your vision on the road. Many modern cars also now boast automatic high beams; the driver switches the system to automatic and the high beams automatically illuminate on dark roads and dim when necessary. 5. Improved Smartphone Infotainment Integration Many cars now allow a smartphone’s screen

to be duplicated on a car’s infotainment screen, thanks to systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and while these systems aren’t perfect yet, they come as close as possible to giving us easy in-car access to our smartphone screen. 6. Smartphone Vehicle Management Use your cellphone to locate your car, start it, call for roadside assistance, and even get health reports on your car's current status. This futuristic-sounding technology is now available from several automakers. Few things are cooler than the idea of starting your car from your cellphone! 7. Self-Parking Systems These systems use sensors, cameras and other in-car technology to automatically park your car in parallel (or, sometimes, perpendicular) parking spaces without you having to ever lift a finger – or a toe. You just roll up to the space you want, push a button, and the car does everything for you. Now that is awesome!

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M&P|motoring

TOP

PREMIUM HATCHBACKS

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI DSG Excellent All-Rounder The desirability of Volkswagen makes it a very strong seller in the South African market. Its appeal goes beyond performance credentials, though. The Golf GTI is also packed with standard features and is put together superbly. Powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, the GTI delivers torque of 350 Nm from 1 500 to 4 400 rpm, resulting in exceptional overtaking performance. The 0-100 km/h benchmark sprint is completed in 6.5 seconds. The standard features package includes the so-called ‘Composition Media’ system that offers USB/SD Card support, Bluetooth, eight speakers and a 5.8-inch touch screen. Volkswagen ticks most of the safety boxes by offering a full house of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and Isofix child seat anchorages.

VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY T4 ELITE GEARTRONIC

WORDS: MELISSA JANE COOK. IMAGES: QUICKPIC.

Stylish And Sleek Equipped with the fiery T4 powertrain, the V40 is no slouch and with the 132 kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the V40 Cross Country offers a balance of lively performance and good fuel economy. As standard you get a high-performance sound system with a 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth, Internet connectivity, and even DVD support. Volvo’s safety package is bursting at the seams and some of the more unique features, such as City Safety (brakes the car automatically during traffic conditions if a collision is imminent) come standard. You get a full complement of airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and a very comprehensive stability programme.

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK 1.8T SE S TRONIC Blend Of Performance, Luxury And Comfort The Audi A3 remains one of the German brand’s most popular models, courtesy of its exceptionally classy cabin, refined and powerful engines and versatility. This make marries the very practical Sportback body shape with Audi’s lively turbocharged 1.8-litre engine that can go from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds, as well as the superb seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A3 Sportback benefits from such niceties as 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and extra aluminium trim highlights. The arguably class-leading fit and finish, and minimalistic design not only declutters the cabin, but also adds to the upmarket ambience. The A3 Sportback boasts a comprehensive standard features package, including no fewer than seven airbags. M a m a s & Pa p a s

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M&P|travel

THE COLOURFUL VICTORIAN BATHING HOUSES ON MUIZENBERG BEACH

THE FACES & PLACES

OF CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is one of Africa’s, if not the world’s, greatest cities, with a mix of colourful cultures, beautiful spaces, oceans and mountains, as well as markets and great places to hang out. he beauty of Cape Town lies in its many magnificent layers. From the gorgeous stretches of beach to the streets of Bo-Kaap and beyond, Cape Town is a place that entices and excites on many levels. Here are some aspects of South Africa’s Mother City that should deserve a mention:

EXQUISITE BEACHES You don’t want to miss the city’s magnificent beaches, whether it’s Clifton, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, or hanging with the penguins at the worldfamous Boulders Beach. For family time in the waves, nothing beats Cape Town’s stretches of sandy beach.

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BEACHFRONT FROLICKING IN CAPE TOWN

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M&P|travel KAAPSE KLOPSE The Kaapse Klopse or Cape Carnival takes place annually on 2 January and is known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year). It’s an opportunity for local musicians and aspiring minstrels to dress up in style and sing the old traditional songs like Hier Kom Die Alibama (Here Comes The Alibama).

VISIT KALK BAY Head down to the docks of Kalk Bay for a lesson in fishing, as you watch the local fishermen bring in their catch of the day. This working harbour is a great place to buy fresh fish, but if you don’t want to cook it yourself, you can always stop at Kalky’s Eatery for fresh fried fish and chips done the Kalk Bay way.

VISIT HOUT BAY Pop in for some live music at one of the bars in Hout Bay on any given weekend, browse at the market or take a sea charter tour. The quaint town of Hout Bay has plenty of lovely little shops, great restaurants and a glorious beach – all worth exploring and just the place for mom, dad and the kids.

WORDS: DENISE SLABBERT. IMAGES: DARLING LAMA PRODUCTIONS/JEREMY JOWELL.

SIMON’S TOWN SOJOURN Take a trip to the naval town of Simon’s Town, where you can feast on fresh calamari with a view of the harbour and pay your respects to the statue of famous pooch, Able Seaman Just Nuisance – the only dog ever to be enlisted in the Royal Navy. You can also visit the Naval Museum and learn more about South Africa’s maritime history.

are an institution in the Mother City. Buy beautiful flowers at ‘the best prices ‘ from friendly sellers, who know how to charm and convert any potential buyer.

KAAPSE KLOPSE MINSTRELS IN BO-KAAP

THE STREETS OF BO-KAAP FOR A TOUCH OF MALAY The colourful homesteads in Bo-Kaap are a welcome place to explore the Cape Malay culture and are any photographer’s dreams come true. The Bo-Kaap Museum is definitely worth a visit, and a stopover at one of the local eateries for a delicious curry is highly recommended.

PENGUINS ON BOULDERS BEACH

THE TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY For an entirely different view of life, take a ride in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the world’s most popular tabletop. From the top, the panoramic views are simply spectacular and the sunset special offers are worth looking out for.

KIRSTENBOSCH One of the finest botanical gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch offers a wonderful outing for families. There is so much to explore in the pristine gardens, with one of the highlights being the ‘Boomslang’ treetop canopy tour.

BOOMSLANG CANOPY TOUR, KIRSTENBOSCH

For more on Cape Town’s attractions, visit www. capetown.travel. For information on visiting Cape Town’s attractions, visit www.capetown.travel.

SEA POINT ON A SUNNY DAY BO-KAAP

The Sea Point pool complex is a great family hangout. You’ll find one large Olympic-sized swimming pool and two smaller splash pools. A visit to the complex on a hot summer’s day will give you a glimpse of Capetonians at play.

FLOWER SELLERS OF ADDERLEY STREET You don’t get more ’Cape Town’ than the flower sellers of Adderley Street, who

FLOWER SELLERS OF ADDERLEY STREET

A SEAL IN HOUT BAY HARBOUR

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M&P|subscriptions

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A WOMAN’S JOURNEY

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ESSAYS A WOMAN’S JOURNEY

APRIL 2016 STOCKISTS LIST

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