Happiness

Five Star Treatment by Pampers

Give Baby the Five Star Treatment

Every mom wants to do what is best for her baby but she is constantly confronted with conflicting advice, making it hard for her to know where to begin. For this reason, leading nappy brand, Pampers^® has compiled a five star panel of experts to identify how mom can give baby the best possible experience to nurture her development.

Carefully selected to provide invaluable advice on what is best for baby, Dr Mpofu (dermatologist), Dr Hetan Hari (paediatrician), Sister Lilian (parenting expert), Leanne Manas (award-winning TV presenter and mom) and Natasha Clark (parenting blogger) have gathered to provide mom with guidance on how to give baby the five star treatment. Together they agree that caring for baby’s skin is one of the very best things mom can do for baby.

Sensory Alert

“Your little one’s sensory experiences shape the way in which his brain and nervous system grow and mature. Crawling, touching, smelling, seeing and hearing brings baby into contact with new sensory experiences that guide his development. By taking care of his skin mom ensures that baby can explore his world without the distraction of discomfort,” advises leading paediatrician, Dr Hetan Hari.

 “An infant’s nervous system is more sensitive to touch than mom or dad’s which means they experience most stimuli more intensely and every experience feels ‘larger than life’. The skin of a newborn differs from that of an adult or older child because it is thinner and more permeable,

making it particularly susceptible to extrinsic factors such as dampness. As a result, discomfort in the nappy area can be quite an unpleasant and distressing experience for baby.  Therefore a baby’s skin and sensory state requires extra special consideration, especially in the first few years,” adds Dr Hari.

Fellow panellist, TV presenter and mom, Leanne Manas has some experience in this area and she says, "Shortly after my son was born he developed nappy rash and I remember this being quite a traumatic time.

It was so heart-breaking to see my newborn baby suffering from discomfort at such a young and tender age. This experience taught me a valuable lesson on the importance of skin protection for babies."

Sensitivity Zones

Dermatologist, Dr Mpofu concurs and highlights the danger zones: “Baby’s delicate skin is extremely vulnerable and as a result, nappy dermatitis occurs in 20% of children under the age of two. The good news is that it can be prevented by protecting baby’s skin, particularly in the nappy area.  To ensure baby does not suffer from the discomfort associated with these forms of dermatitis, it is essential to maintain dryness in the diaper zone by limiting the contact of baby’s skin with urine and faeces. This serves to effectively prevent the resulting maceration, or saturation of the skin.”

This is a fact that mommy blogger and panellist, Natasha Clark knows well: “When I had my first baby, Noah, I was very naïve about nappies and skin protection for babies, and I had a lot of issues trying to prevent his nappy rash. Some days I had to leave him without a diaper all together, so that his skin could breathe, and you can just imagine the resulting mess and spills. I tried all sorts of home remedies including cutting out fabric softener - I really am not exaggerating when I say that I tried EVERYTHING. Eventually, I found that using a premium nappy brand gave his skin the protection I was looking for," says Clark.  

Advice for Demanding Skin

Leading parenting expert and five-star panellist, Sister Lilian offers the following advice to moms wishing to protect baby’s demanding skin: “After baby’s bath, use an ultra-soft towel to gently pat dry baby’s skin and avoid rubbing as this could irritate baby’s delicate skin. 

On sunny days, protect baby’s vulnerable skin by keeping them in the shade, clothing them in cool yet protective garments and ensuring they are wearing a high factor UV sun screen

specially formulated for baby skin.”             

                                                                                   

“Alternatively in winter, protect baby’s skin from cold temperatures and strong winds by ensuring they are well wrapped up against the elements if you go outside. And remember to dress baby in soft, loose fitting, comfortable clothes.  This will enable baby to move freely, promote better air circulation and prevent your baby from feeling uncomfortable during the day and night,” Sister Lilian concludes.

Pamper Your Little Star

As a mom, you want to do the very best for your baby, so ensure your little star is experiencing her world in a happy and comfortable manner by giving her skin the five star treatment. Not only will you be guiding baby’s development, but you’ll enjoy the delicate softness of her skin for longer too. Pampers^® knows that moms want do what is best for baby, which is why the premium nappy brand has developed a diaper that offers five star skin protection. So look out for Pampers^® Premium Care on shelf in a supermarket or pharmacy near you, and give your little star the five star treatment.

Go visit Pampers World, a place for you and your baby to grow - www.pampers.co.za. 

Pampers 5 Star Expert Panel

As a first time mother or maybe just as a mother I often feel like I have no idea what I am doing, actually let me correct that, most of the time I feel that way. I have bookshelf's lined with baby books that are filled with chapters and chapters of info and I get through a few lines and think Holy Crap I really do suck at this. It's so textbook, so far from reality, that's why I always try find my knowledge else where, some where honest. I loved these Top Tips from Pampers 5 Star Expert Panel. Have a look see, tell me what you think, thought I'd share some useful information and go here www.pampers.co.za to Pampers World it's will make you smile today, I promise.

TOP TIPS FROM THE

PAMPERS 5 STAR EXPERT PANEL

Parenting expert, Sister Lilian shares her 5 top tips for moms wishing to provide the best of the best skin protection for baby from birth:

·        Your skin reflects what you eat, Mom and so does baby skin, from the time in the womb when he shares your meals to when you breastfeed him that special meal derived from your diet! Go slow on allergenic foods, processed products and unhealthy treats

·        Get skincare off to the best start by treating infant skin gently from Day 1, by topping and tailing rather than bathing in the first  week or two, not using too many cosmetic products and always using those tested as most natural and safe for babies

·        Help protect baby’s skin, especially if there are allergies in close family members, by breastfeeding for a prolonged time or using special substitute milks developed for those with allergy tendencies, not forgetting that skin rashes is one of the major symptoms of sensitivity to dietary intake

·        Mother Nature invented Rooibos, fresh air and sun in South Africa! Ensure that baby’s buttocks are exposed to fresh air for a while after each change and a few minutes of non-midday sun each day for glowing, healthy skin. Rooibos’ skin soothing properties are beneficial for babies of all ages – add a pot to bathwater to help relieve itching, dab on insect bites to soothe stings and place a cooled teabag on inflamed patches of buttock or other rash to aid healing

·        Do all you can to keep baby’s skin soft, smooth and dry – which is different from itchy and cracked dry! Achieve this in the nappy area (where babies are most prone to moisture and acid rashes) by choosing nappies that draw away fluid and soft poo, are made from fabric as soft as their own skin, allow skin to breathe through the fabric and fit like a second skin without disrupting movement or circulation

Paediatrician and father of two, Dr Hetan Hari shares his top 5 tips on how babies experience their worlds more intensely than adults when it comes to skin development:

·        As your baby grows and her nervous system develops, you will need to constantly find new, rewarding and challenging ways to keep her engaged

·        Encourage your baby to explore the world around them, this will allow them to experience various positive sensations, which are vital for development

·        Make sure that there is no dermatitis in the nappy area as this can be a negative sensation. Negative sensations can be distressing and distract baby from positive stimulations. To prevent nappy discomfort, these are my recommendations:

o   change nappies regularly to minimise irritant effects of urine and stools on skin

o   gentle wiping of nappy area with cotton wool/wipes when changing nappies

o   keep skin in nappy area as dry as possible

o   identify and treat nappy dermatitis as early as possible with barrier creams/pastes

o   secondary fungal infections may need special ointments to treat appropriately

·        When your baby is able to grip objects, provide a selection of textures for her to touch. Items like fluffy towels,  and bumpy toys will help develop fine motor skills

·        Encourage your baby to explores their world by crawling, touching, smelling, seeing and hearing, which brings them into contact with new sensory experiences that directly shape the way in which their brain and nervous system grow and develop

Dermatologist, Dr Pholile Mpofo shares her top 5 tips on how parents can best protect baby’s skin to meet their very specific demands:

·        It is essential to keep the baby’s skin as dry as possible as hyperhydration is a trigger for chafing and inflammation

·        Strong harsh cleansers should be avoided.  Neutral cleansers like emulsifying ointment are gentle to the skin, moisturizing the skin in addition to cleansing it

·        Well researched superabsorbent nappies are preferred as it is almost impossible for mothers to change baby’s nappies ten to twelve times per day as recommended by researchers

·        Occlusive clothing like plastic water-proof pants should be avoided to limit the possibility of retention of fluid that leads to irritating hyperhydration

·        Diapers should not be too tight and occlusive but must be the correct size and have stretchy sides to prevent chafing and to provide greater absorbing capacity

Parenting blogger on mom of two, Natasha Clark shares her top 5 parenting trends on what moms are doing to offer their babies the best of the best care:

·        Parents are becoming more aware of foods and nutrition, opting for organic and free range foods. I see kids being offered fruit at birthday parties, frozen yoghurt replacing ice cream and parents making fresh juices instead of buying concentrated ones. I see a lot of parents making their own purees and meals instead of purchasing unhealthy meals

·        Parents are more environmentally aware. They're lathering on the sunblock, recycling, using solar power, power-saving light bulbs. I love that the kids are seeing us behave like more responsible, eco-friendly human beings

·        I see a lot of parents stepping away from television as a family. I see more board games, more DIY projects, puzzles, outings and more outdoor life amongst families. I know a lot of parents that don't put televisions in the living room at all anymore

·        Moms love Pinterest! They use it to figure out what to cook for dinner, how to decorate the next kids party, hundreds of uses for old stubby crayons or even empty formula tins. It's a great lifestyle resource and the mommies make a huge appearance on there. There are some awesome crafts ideas and nice things that you can do with your little ones

·        I see dads becoming SO MUCH more involved in parenting. I see dads pushing prams, scurrying off to change diapers and sterilizing bottles. I see dads bathing babies, cooking dinner and making more time for their families. We are fast losing the old household model of "Man works / woman raises children" as most moms work full time now too, I would say that men are fast catching up in the constant-parenting role, and being super great at it

Award-winning TV presenter and mom, Leanne Manas shares her top 5 tips on how she gives the best of the best care to her baby:

·        There is a little saying that goes - "mother knows best". It's the most amazing thing - because most of the time you know exactly what is needed for your child. Everybody is an expert when it comes to raising children but my advice is rather Trust yourself - It's an internal instinct that exists inside you as a mother. Obviously you don't know everything, and that's what doctors are there for. When in doubt seek professional advice - you can never be too careful early on in your Childs life.

·        It's very difficult to find the balance between being a working woman and the perfect mom - whether one likes to believe it or not something will always suffer. The only advice I can give is that when you are with your child give your everything. Focus entirely on them and you will find that it's the quality of time that you spend with them that's important rather than the quantity.

·        There must always be bonding time between you and your child. Being a mother is an absolute privilege. When your child looks at you with absolute love and trust and puts you on that pedestal - embrace it and indulge in it! Shower them with attention and give them all the love and security that they need from you - remember you are their everything!

·        You can't be everything to everyone! Don't forget that you are also still a living breathing human being that has needs! In and amongst the chaos look after yourself and accept help from those around you.

Don't forget who you were before you had your baby and look after that person with some much need pampering. Never lose your identity. You need to be happy and well looked after so you can do the best for your family.

·        Right from the start, let Dad do as much as possible. Avoid the tendency to feel that you are the only one who can look after your child. Aside from breastfeeding, there is nothing that he can't do.

Mothers need to give fathers the confidence that they can contribute as much as Mom. It's important to start early and in the end, Dad gets to bond with Baby on his own, Baby feels that s/he can be comforted by either parent, and Mom feels less stressed!

Letting my hair down

Sometimes the easiest thing to do is let go and just have fun. D and I have been at each others throats to say the least for the last few months and I can tell you now anger and resentment will eat you up inside and leave you miserable and turn you into someone you just don't like. I'm not saying things are going to be easy or that everything is fine we still have a long way to go to learn how to live with all this and learn how to balance out our crazy lives but for one night we let our hair down, forgot about all the garbage and had a ball at D's sisters wedding.

We had a blast, way to much to drink, we danced, even a slow dance or two, we laughed and played the fool till early hours in the morning and we got a few family shots for our beautiful son.

Life is a blur

Wow, things have been so hectic at the moment and so emotional. A hundred things going right and wrong all at the same time. I have been up and down and maybe more down than up and decisions had to be made and so far choosing to be positive is working and trying to not thinking about a lot of things is helping me get through my days.

About 4 weeks ago my maid come to us and told us she had AIDS, it's so sad and heart breaking when you faced with it head on. Felicity has been with us for 15 years, we need her, she is a very important part of keeping us all together and sane. So for the last month she has been off and waiting patiently for the medication that will save her life, my nanny has now become the maid leaving me to look after Aiden 24/7 by myself.

Three weeks ago my mom had a hysterectomy with complications of internal bleeding and so she is bed ridden for 6 weeks, this not only leaving me with Aiden but also my sister. So I have been doing grocery shopping, school runs, project runs, the week of matric dance craziness and doctors appointments.

Aiden started teething with high temps and diarrhea.

Aiden and I got Laryngitis.

My dad got mugged and beat up really bad at work, so with another parent down having a bath is literally impossible.

I'm trying to start my Design Company.

I'm trying to breath.

I am trying to see straight.

I am trying to get through one day at a time.  

We all need a little help from time to time

Motherhood is hard, it can leave you feeling alone and anxious, tired and fed up, actually in 10 minutes you can feel every kind of emotion under the sun and then some. Of course there are the joys of it all the smiles and laughs, the little feet that come with cute little socks. Watching them grow and learn. I don't think you can actually describe it, it just is and it is a crazy and scary and awesome ride and we all need a little help from time to time.

Huggies has started a wonderful, little place called Momville, go check it out here - Momville and I was honoured when they asked me to be the next featured blogger on there site, you can go read my story about becoming a mom - It's been a bumpy road, oh there's another bump.

Explosions

If you aren't a mother you probably shouldn't read this, if you want to be a mother you probably shouldn't read this, if you have a weak stomach or don't like mothers who over share you probably shouldn't read this. You have been warned.


My biggest fear about being a mother must have always been the nappy changing, you learn quickly that this is the easiest part of having a baby and quickly become a pro at changing a stinker in a matter of seconds.

However as Aiden has started teething this week is had become rather traumatic and I am scared to even attempt to change him.

Last week I was having a rest while my dad played with him, when I hear my name being called. I grunted and groaned because seriously can't they handle what ever it is. He needs his nappy changed, why he had to yell like a mad man I could not understand till he passed over a hideously smelling child with gooey yellow shit all over his back.

I thought that was the worst of it, until I peeled off his pants and soon realised it was every where, down his legs, up his tummy, on his feet and hands, all over his clothes. I was sitting there staring at my sweet child covered in his own mess, holding his little red pants by the tips of my fingers, calling my mom to come advise me on how exactly to get this done.

After that I thought it was over, he can't possibly poop like that again, haha, I was so wrong the next morning I put him in my moms bed and went to get him his change of clothes for the day. As I peeled back the duvet, there it was again, poop every where! Once a day should be the normal amount, right, wrong, another whopper came at my friends house, all over her bed.

Now as if this wasn't bad enough and Aiden having a constant smell of frot butternut poop coming off of him. While he was eating the following day, he was pushing, like crazy pushing, so now he was constipated, great, babies in pain are the worst. He finally stops pushing, so I take the nappy off while sitting on the floor in his nursery, a little comes out and I think to myself, quickly cover him before its all over the show.

It happened in a split second, I screamed, my sister screamed and then Aiden screamed because we were screaming. As this exposion came from my small, sweet, child's ass. I can't really explain it as he was constipated so there was a bomb of poop that came out and hit me on my leg, along with this big present came a whole lot of gooey yellow shit, that squirted all over me.

I just sat there, my sister laughing hysterically, I was half laughing, half crying, Aiden was screaming his heart out covered in poop, as well as his carpet and me.

It took a while for me to come to grips with what had just happened and how to go about solving the fact that the only place that wasn't covered in Aidens poop was the ceiling.

This has been a week already and no teeth have popped out, my night time prayer is for them to come to the party and soon, as he is not sleeping, he has vomited all over me twice while I was sleeping, he cries and only wants me and I have gone through three times the amount of nappies and wet wipes I normally go through.

Motherhood is not pretty.

5 Months

My Birthday x2