Birth & Baby - Advice You Can Trust

Shaping the future of humankind with nature, knowledge and experience, in pregnancy, birth and family health.

Birth & Baby Ep. 99 - How Hidden Toxins Affect Women's Hormones and Health: A Young Midwife's Discovery

Welcome and thank you for listening! As a midwife, Lungile Gamede started noticing a surge in conditions like debilitating periods, PCOS, and endometriosis among the young girls in her community. But her journey started even closer to home: Lungile herself struggled with intense bloating, severe PMS, and symptoms the doctors couldn't resolve. This personal health battle—combined with her professional observations—led her down a path of crucial discovery: the role of hormone-disrupting toxins in everyday products. Lungile breaks down what these Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are, where we find them, and exactly how they impact reproductive health. She shares how she learned to heal her own body and now teaches those powerful, actionable clean living solutions to empower young women. In this episode, we discuss: Lungile's personal struggle with bloating and severe PMS that sparked her deep dive into hormonal health. The common reproductive issues Lungile saw in her community that confirmed her research findings. Surprising everyday sources of EDCs (cosmetics, plastics, food etc.) and their direct link to conditions like period pains and endometriosis. The success stories and real-life improvements girls are seeing after adopting Lungile's clean living habits. Practical first steps for women and supportive advice for parents and guardians. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

12-01
32:37

Birth & Baby Ep. 98 - Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future

Welcome and thank you for listening! This episode features a conversation with Professor Welma Lubbe, a leading expert in the field of prematurity. Professor Welma Lubbe is a professor in nursing and midwifery at North-West University. Her research focuses on the care of premature babies, and she is the founder of Little Steps®, South Africa's first evidence-based prematurity support platform. A respected international advisor and author, she is a passionate advocate for empowering parents of preterm infants. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://littlesteps.co.za/. In this episode, we discuss: World Prematurity Awareness Day: We explore the importance of raising awareness about prematurity, including strategies for preventing preterm birth, what to look out for during pregnancy, and how to be prepared should a preterm birth occur. Giving Preterm Babies a Strong Start: We dive into this year's World Prematurity Day theme, "Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future." Professor Lubbe shares invaluable insights on how to best care for a preterm baby, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that avoids over-medicalizing care. The Global Impact of Prematurity: World Prematurity Day, observed annually on November 17, brings attention to the significant global issue of preterm birth. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, representing about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide. Our conversation highlights the concerns of these babies and their families and the need for global support and awareness. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

10-31
29:38

Birth & Baby Ep. 97 - Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we sit down with Ian Wheeler, the founder of Pegasus Homeopathics, to demystify the world of homeopathy and explore its safe and effective use during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Ian shares his fascinating journey from a traditional pharmacist to a pioneer in the field of homeopathic medicine. For over 30 years, he owned and operated pharmacies, but a growing interest in natural and holistic healing led him to study homeopathy. After a three-year course, he realized that people needed a simple, accessible way to use homeopathic remedies. This realization led him to create Pegasus Homeopathics and the iconic Pegasus Bluebox Kit™. The Bluebox was designed to be a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for the whole family, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Ian's goal was to show that using homeopathic medicine doesn't have to be complicated. Following the success of the Bluebox, Ian expanded the Pegasus line with the Maternity/Labour Kit, specifically designed to support mothers-to-be, as well as a range of remedies for pets. His work is guided by the philosophy of combining different modalities—herbology, homeopathy, and nutricology—to create holistic, natural protocols. Join us as Ian explains what homeopathy is, how it works, and how his unique kits make it accessible for everyone. About Ian Wheeler Ian Wheeler (B. Pharm, Rhodes 1981) has been a practicing pharmacist for over 30 years. After a decade in retail pharmacy, he sold his business and embarked on a transatlantic sailing adventure. He later returned to Cape Town to establish his own pharmacy, where he began his deep dive into homeopathy, studying under renowned homeopath Dr. Ruth Bloch. In 2000, he founded Steps to Health Pharmacy, focusing on natural and complementary medicine, which further cemented his belief in holistic healing. It was here that the concept for the Pegasus Bluebox Kit™ was born. Today, Ian has sold his retail business to dedicate himself full-time to Pegasus Homeopathics, continuing to develop new protocols and remedies to make natural healing accessible to all. Want to learn more? Check out the full range of Pegasus products and resources on their website:   https://www.pegasuskits.com/   

10-02
32:26

Birth & Baby Ep. 96 - The Genesis Clinic Story: From Closure to Rebirth

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this heartfelt and informative episode, we sit down with Jude Polack, the visionary founder of the original Genesis Clinic in Saxonworld, Johannesburg. Jude takes us on a journey through the history of this beloved birthing facility, from its inception in 2009 to its unexpected closure and inspiring rebirth. Jude shares the story of why she initially sold the clinic to the Life Healthcare Group in 2015. We delve into the difficult decision by Life Healthcare to close the clinic in 2023, a move that left the community and staff reeling.  Genesis Clinic has always been more than just a maternity ward; it's a sanctuary for families seeking a less medicalised and more empowering birth experience. As a midwife-led facility with an on-site emergency operating room, it provided a safe and supportive environment for thousands of families from all walks of life. Jude explains the core philosophy of Genesis: placing birthing families at the forefront, empowering women to choose their birth, and prioritising low-intervention births. We discuss the broader implications of the clinic's closure within the South African context, including the country's high C-section rates, gender-based and obstetric violence, and deep inequities in the healthcare system. The closure of Genesis, along with other similar facilities, represents a "theft of choice" for women who deserve autonomy in their birthing journey. But this isn't just a story of loss. Jude shares the compelling reasons why she was driven to reopen the Genesis Clinic. She details the new Genesis Clinic, a natural birth facility where mothers are cared for by independent midwife practices, supported by affiliated obstetricians, and have access to an on-site operating theatre for planned or emergency C-sections. The new Genesis Clinic continues its mission to provide a nurturing, family-centered environment where highly qualified nurses care for new parents as they embark on their beautiful journey. For more information and announcements on the official opening of the new Genesis Clinic, visit https://genesis-clinic.co.za/. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

08-28
24:08

Birth & Baby Ep. 95 - The Gift of Breastmilk: Why Every Drop Matters

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Simphiwe Joyce Delhi, a passionate Donated Breastmilk Coordinator. As a mother, mentor and advocate for breastfeeding, Joyce shares her inspiring journey and her work with the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR). Join us as Joyce explains: The vital importance of breastmilk for both baby and mother, and the profound differences between formula and breastmilk. The incredible nutrition packed into every drop, especially for premature and vulnerable babies. The process of donating breastmilk and how it provides a lifeline for infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed. How to get involved and become part of this life-saving community. Joyce's dedication to reducing malnutrition and infant mortality shines through as she shares her goal of seeing every new mother breastfeed her baby. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about the science and heart behind human milk donation. For more information, visit the South African Breastmilk Reserve Website and follow them on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

08-04
18:18

Ep. 94 - Revolutionising Maternity Care with Dr. Howard Manyonga

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this insightful episode, Dr. Margreet sits down with Dr. Howard Manyonga, a distinguished Ob-Gyn and the visionary founder of Network One Health (Pty) Ltd. Join us as Dr. Manyonga shares his rich background and diverse experiences in the healthcare sector, from his extensive practice as an independent Ob-Gyn to his senior management roles in both non-profit and commercial organisations. He'll discuss his journey, including leading a large-scale demonstration of team-based maternity care across four sites before establishing Network One Health in 2021. Discover how Network One Health is transforming maternity services in Gauteng for women with low-risk pregnancies. Dr. Manyonga passionately believes in value-based care and collaborative relationships to achieve universal access to maternity care. Key Takeaways from Network One Health's Approach: Pregnancy is a Natural Process: Emphasizing natural births and reserving interventions for complications. Women-Centered Care: Prioritizing your choices and fostering shared decision-making for a positive birthing experience. Team Effort in Birth: Highlighting the integrated team of midwives, doulas, sonographers, general practitioners, and obstetricians working together. Digital Solutions for Enhanced Experience: Utilizing intelligent health technology for timely and efficient care. Predictable and Affordable Medical Bills: Offering an end-to-end maternity program from booking to six weeks post-delivery. Network One Health's Comprehensive Services Include: Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans Antenatal Care Antenatal Classes Midwife-Led Births Home Visits Virtual Consultations Postnatal Care Tune in to learn more about Dr. Howard Manyonga's inspiring mission to provide holistic, supportive, and accessible maternity care through Network One Health. For more information:  https://www.networkonehealth.co.za/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

06-30
30:00

Birth & Baby Ep. 93 - A Conversation on Water Birth with Midwife Ester

Welcome and thank you for listening! Join us as we explore the world of waterbirth with Ester, a highly experienced advanced midwife. We'll discuss her journey, the benefits of waterbirth, address common concerns, and delve into the practicalities of this empowering birthing option. Ester is a qualified advanced midwife who has worked in private and government hospitals for over 10 years. She has recently returned from working in the UK as a midwife. Ester is a passionate midwife who supports mothers with continuity of care through pregnancy, labour, and birth, creating space for physiological, natural, and waterbirth. She believes that every woman should know the joy of a safe, comfortable birthing experience regardless of the type of birth you end up having.   Reach out to Ester: www.midwifeoncall.co.za If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

06-03
29:55

Birth & Baby Ep. 92 - VBAC: Exploring Your Options for a Subsequent Birth

Welcome and thank you for listening! VBAC: Exploring Your Options for a Subsequent Birth with Sarah Jones In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, an independent midwife specializing in VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). We discuss: What is a VBAC? Understanding the process and factors that contribute to successful VBACs. Finding the right care provider: The importance of choosing a healthcare provider who supports and has experience with VBACs. Challenges and considerations: Exploring potential challenges such as labor induction and the possibility of a repeat C-section. About Sarah Jones: Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed birth choices. Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Founded Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

05-12
23:52

Birth & Baby Ep. 91 - Preparing for the Unexpected: An Emergency C-Section Story

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, a midwife who recently experienced an unexpected emergency C-section. Sarah shares her personal birth story, highlighting how she emotionally prepared for the possibility of a C-section despite her desire for a natural birth. We discuss: Preparing for the unexpected: How to emotionally and practically prepare for a potential C-section. The C-section experience: Sarah's personal account of her C-section experience. Post-C-section recovery: Tips for emotional and physical recovery after a C-section. Sarah Jones: Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth. Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Founder of Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

04-01
18:20

Birth & Baby Ep. 90 - Healthy Mouth, Healthy Bump: Navigating Pregnancy and Oral Health

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we explore the crucial link between oral health during pregnancy and the lifelong dental well-being of children. We are joined by Dr. Tshepiso Mfolo, President of the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry and a leading authority on maternal and child oral health. Dr. Mfolo reveals invaluable insights and dispels common myths, such as the idea that bleeding gums during pregnancy are normal and not a cause for concern. She also provides practical tips, like dietary recommendations, for expectant parents and healthcare providers. We'll uncover the unique oral health challenges pregnant women face, emphasize the importance of preventative care, and explain why those seemingly temporary milk teeth play a vital role in a child's future smile! If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

02-27
33:17

Birth & Baby Ep. 89 - Midwife-Led Birth: Is it Right for You?

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Ruwaida Moola, an experienced midwife and founder of Birth on 5th, a birthing unit in Linden, Johannesburg. They discuss the benefits of Midwife-Led Care, including: Lower intervention rates: Fewer medical procedures like inductions and cesarean sections.    Increased client satisfaction: More personalized and empowering birth experiences. Improved breastfeeding outcomes: Increased support for breastfeeding initiation and continuation.    Ruwaida explains what Midwife-Led Care entails, emphasizing its focus on low-intervention, personalized care and continuity of care. They explore the situations where Midwife-Led Care is most appropriate, such as low-risk pregnancies and those seeking a more natural birth experience. Key Takeaways: Understand the benefits and potential limitations of Midwife-Led Care. Learn why every community should have access to quality midwifery services. Gain insights into the importance of continuity of care in pregnancy and birth. Website: http://www.birthon5th.co.za Find a Professional: https://sisterlilian.co.za/midwives-allied-health-professionals/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

01-27
32:07

Birth & Baby Ep. 88 - Woman-Centered Care: A Non-Negotiable

Welcome and thank you for listening! Celebrating Five Years of Birth & Baby Show: A Heartfelt Thank You It's the end of another year, and I'm taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together on the Birth & Baby Show. We've celebrated five years of connecting with amazing guests, listeners, and viewers, and I'm so grateful for your continued support. As we wrap up another year, I, Dr. Margreet Barnardt, wanted to take a moment to reflect on the work we do and the personal journey that fuels my passion. In this episode, we'll delve into my recent research and a newly published peer-reviewed article focusing on Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African maternity units. Based on challenges faced by midwives, we've developed two strategies to promote woman-centered care. These strategies emphasize creating an enabling work environment that empowers midwives to provide high-quality care and equips women to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. To further elevate midwifery practice in South Africa, we need to address issues like independence, autonomy, and ensuring midwives' voices are heard. Additionally, the curriculum for midwifery education and training should be aligned with the standards set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). Let's explore these critical aspects and discuss how we can collectively work towards a more supportive and empowering healthcare system for women." James S, Wibbelink M, Thomson A, Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African public units. Afr J Midwifery Womens Health 2023. https://doi.org/10.12968/ajmw.2022.0037  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

11-27
24:32

Birth & Baby Ep. 87 - Building Blocks for Baby's Brain: A Conversation with Cozette Laubser

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet welcomes director of the BabyGym Institute, Cozette Laubser, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development. This invaluable resource provides parents with essential insights into the fundamental building blocks of baby development, offering a solid foundation for their parenting journey. Cozette, internationally qualified Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and a mom of two, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Fueled by years of dedicated research alongside her mother, Dr. Melodie de Jager (founder of the BabyGym Institute), Cozette has created a comprehensive guide that empowers parents and their chosen birth team to support their newborn's healthy development. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Cozette shares her expertise on the BabyGym Institute's approach to early childhood development. In light of Premature Awareness Month, we also delve into the specific challenges faced by parents of premature babies and explore how to provide these little ones with the optimal support they need to thrive. If you want to find out more about the BabyGym Institute and/or order Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development, visit https://babygym.co.za/ If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

11-01
31:19

Birth & Baby Ep. 86 - Optimizing early oral development for your child's long-term health

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet talks with Janay Alexander-Gilchrist about optimizing early oral development for your child's long-term health. Janay, the General Manager of the Kids & Baby Division at Curaden South Africa, is a passionate advocate for early oral development. With a wealth of experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Buteyko Breathing Practitioner, and Master NLP Practitioner, Janay brings a unique perspective to her role. As a mother herself, Janay understands the profound impact that healthy oral care has on a child's long-term well-being. Her belief in the power of empowering parents drives her mission to help families make informed decisions about their children's health. "Having a child is a life-changing experience," Janay says. "When parents feel knowledgeable and confident, they can trust their instincts and create a supportive environment for their little ones." Janay emphasizes the far-reaching effects of optimal oral development, extending beyond just dental health. By ensuring proper jaw, tongue, and palate development, parents can positively impact their child's breathing, feeding, eating, nutrition, speech, swallowing, digestion, and overall systemic health. Join us as Janay shares her insights on creating a healthy oral care routine for your child and how it can set them up for a lifetime of well-being. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

09-27
27:53

Birth & Baby Ep. 85 - MomConnect: South Africa National Department of Health's Support and Resources for All Mothers

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this Podcast Episode, Jane Sebidi, MomConnect Program Manager, discusses the program's 10-year anniversary. With over 30 years of experience in maternal and child health, Jane has been a driving force behind MomConnect's success. She's passionate about using technology to improve access to quality healthcare for women and their families. MomConnect, a South African National Department of Health initiative, uses SMS and WhatsApp to provide maternal and child health support. To register, dial *134*550*2# or WhatsApp message "join" to 079-6312456. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.    

08-28
20:46

Birth & Baby Ep. 84 - Breastfeeding Expectations vs Reality

Welcome and thank you for listening! For Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Dr. Margreet talked with Samantha Crompton, Lactation Consultant, Midwife, wife and mother of two teenage boys. Samantha talks about expectations versus reality of Breastfeeding and unpacks the most common misconceptions. She explains what support looks like for a new, breastfeeding mom.  She did her Bachelors of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS). While she was breastfeeding her first son, she realised that breastfeeding wasn't taught enough during her midwifery training. Seeing that women also lost their 'village' they don't receive enough breastfeeding support anywhere. Samantha decided to do the South African Certified Lactation Consultant (SACLC) Course and have been practicing as a SACLC ever since. You can find Samantha on Social Media @Thebabylady. Resources: Online Breastfeeding Course If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

07-31
30:19

Birth & Baby Ep. 83 - Empowering Families for a Positive Birth Journey

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet talks with Janay Alexander-Gilchris about antenatal education and the importance of empowering families for a positive birth journey. More than qualifications (though she has plenty!), Janay Alexander-Gilchrist is a passionate advocate for families, especially mothers, to have a positive birthing experience. A wife, daughter, friend, and most importantly a mother herself, Janay understands the profound impact of childbirth.Janay's mission is to remind women of their inherent strength and guide them on a journey of self-discovery during childbirth. She believes preparing for birth is the greatest gift a mother can give to herself, her partner, and her baby. Janay's journey began in 2005 as a clinical hypnotherapist witnessing the struggles of many women with postnatal depression. She discovered a common thread: all these women had experienced birth trauma. Determined to help prevent this, Janay embarked on a mission to empower women for a more positive birth experience. This quest led her to Hypnobirthing. Through this method, Janay equips women and their partners with tools and techniques for a calmer, more confident birthing process. The results are clear: positive birth experiences not only benefit mothers' mental and emotional well-being, but also strengthen relationships and family bonding. Want to book a session or get in touch with Janay?  Website: vibrantlyu.com SocialMedia: VibrantlyU If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.  

06-26
19:39

Birth & Baby Ep. 82 - Becoming Parents - Trusting The Journey

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Margreet chatted with her sister Ellen about her experience with pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. Ellen talked about the importance of preconception health and how she prepared her body for pregnancy. She emphasizes trusting the process throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Ellen journeyed with an independent midwife and gave birth in her home. She discusses the challenges of waiting past her due date and the pressure to intervene medically. She also details the intensity of her birth experience, including birthing while standing.  Ellen talks about the joys of motherhood and how it has come naturally to her. She also offers advice to moms-to-be and new moms, including: trusting your process, staying confident in your choices, taking it easy postpartum, and preparing for the demanding newborn stage. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

05-29
24:09

Birth & Baby Ep. 81 - Behind the Scenes - Honest Talks with Two Sensitive Midwives

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode Dr Margreet Barnardt is having a conversation with two Sensitive Midwives, Melissa Hudek and Susan Bolke, about their experiences working in different sectors of midwifery in South Africa.  In this insightful conversation you will learn about the rewarding parts as well as the challenges of working as a midwife as well as how to make an informed decision about choosing your birth provider. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.    

04-25
32:26

Birth & Baby Ep. 80 – Oral Health for Moms (to be) and Babies

Welcome and thank you for listening! In our latest Birth & Baby episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt is joined by Dr. Farah Seedat, a highly qualified Paediatric Dentist, and Naseema Osman, an oral hygienist and mom of two. Naseema's personal experience with airway struggles has fueled her passion for educating families about the link between oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Seedat and Naseema join Dr. Margreet for a comprehensive discussion on all things oral health, from pregnancy through to childhood. They delve into how pregnancy affects a woman's mouth, explore the essentials of baby oral care, and address common oral health problems seen in young children. But most importantly, they share preventative tips and tricks to help parents ensure their little ones develop healthy, beautiful smiles. Key Discussion Points  Pregnancy and Oral Health Pregnancy hormones can increase a woman's risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Frequent vomiting during pregnancy can erode teeth. Regular dental checkups are important during pregnancy to identify and address any potential oral health problems. It is safe to get X-rays during pregnancy if necessary. Calcium is drawn from the mother's bones to develop the fetus, not from the teeth. Oral Health for Babies It is important to start cleaning a baby's mouth from birth, even before teeth erupt. Use a soft cloth or gauze to wipe the baby's mouth after feeding. Once teeth erupt, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Avoid prolonged pacifier use (no more than 2 years) to prevent negative growth alterations. Watch for signs of mouth breathing and address them early. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods in a child's diet. Bottle feeding can lead to tooth decay if milk pools around the front teeth. Breastfeeding past infancy can increase tooth decay risk; wipe the baby's mouth after breastfeeding to remove residual milk. General Tips Parents should seek advice from dental professionals, not friends or family, regarding their child's oral health. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are essential for preventing tooth decay. Parents should brush their young child's teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own. The back baby teeth are important and need good care because they last until age 10-12. The first dental visit for a baby should be by the first birthday. It should be a positive experience to prevent fear of the dentist. For more information about Dr. Seedat or Curaprox visit www.kromboomdental.co.za ; www.curaprox.co.za   If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

03-29
36:12

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