Foundation of life

A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.

Possetting

A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b

Parent-infant interaction

Interaction with your baby begins before she is born. You usually feel life at about 20 weeks into pregnancy as light, fluttering sensations.

Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:

First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.

Your feelings about the birth

Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.

Becoming a parent is full of Excitement

The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your docto

An action plan for your family and friends.

Birth weight depends on several factors, including the mother’s nutritional status and genetic disposition. The average weight for a newborn is around 3,3 kg.