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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this weeks episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt (Wibbelink) chats with Patricia Musarurwa, a doula making a significant impact in her community. Patricia, a mother of two and a doula for 12 years at the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic, shares her journey into becoming a doula.

Patricia became inspired to become a doula after witnessing a woman giving birth in her community. She highlights that being a doula is about continuous support, not just during birth but also in the postpartum period, building relationships and friendships.

The conversation touches on the collaboration between doulas and midwives. Patricia explains that while midwives focus on medical aspects, doulas concentrate on emotional support, providing comfort, and helping mothers make informed choices. The teamwork between midwives and doulas can significantly ease the workload and enhance the birthing experience.

The discussion underscores the significance of educating women about labour, empowering them to make informed decisions. Patricia shares that even when outcomes don't go as expected, empowered women still have beautiful birth experiences.

She encourages women to know their worth and the natural process of childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of having a doula or a supportive partner during the birthing journey, promoting the idea that together, women can overcome challenges and have a positive birthing experience.

Patricia dreams of spreading awareness about the role of doulas globally, making a positive change in the birthing sector. 

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.