NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2006

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CONTENTS
Ed's Note
Because I said so… your monthly column from the editor
Featured Article: Pregnancy - Nutrition for Two, by Janine Tassi of Vital Health Foods
Quick Coffee Break: The Toddler Diet
Link up: Weeman
Giveaways! See what's on offer this month
Noticeboard: Useful stuff!
In Closing...

Ed's Note

The waiting game is finally over! Most of you know already that I gave birth via C-section to my little bundle, Caitlin, on the 15th of July (a week early!) and she weighed in at a healthy 3.55kg! Being a mom of two is quite exhausting (as I was warned!) and trying to catch some sleep whenever I can is a challenge in itself! Megan is very sweet with her baby sister (Megan refuses to call her by name - it's just 'baby sister' all the time!) and tries to cuddle her when she cries, or helps me bath her or passes me nappies when I change her. It's very cute, although believe me Megan also has her moments - the latest being that she doesn't want to sleep in the day and is in and out of bed at night. I suppose it doesn't help when we tell her that she is not going to miss anything... and then she gets up out of bed and comes to the lounge, only to see... and comment on... the chocolate cake crumbs on the two plates on the lounge table! (What? You said I wouldn't miss anything, and here I come and see you have been eating CAKE without ME!)

But I did promise to try and keep MTW going so I have endevoured to do my best efforts! I have left out one or two regular (non essential) features, but I am sure you understand! I must also thank all of you for your many congrats and good wishes - it's so nice to have so many people thinking of me! I have also been very spoilt with lots of gifts big and small, and so many people have brought supper I had a stocked deepfreeze for two solid weeks! So thanks everyone! I will try and take more pics of Caty soon and post them on the site - her plaster has come off now and thank goodness there is no scar where the gynae nicked her! So you will see her cute, very plump face in its entirety! As always  I love getting your comments and feedback -  send them to sally@mumstheword.co.za or post them on the forum! Oh, one more thing! Thanks to all of you who responded to being part of the survey - we have not forgotten about you, but have decided to put it on hold for some time until we get our lives back in order - new baby has taken up far more energy than we anticipated! So sit tight, and we will be in touch with you when things settle down!

Because I said so…

I. Am.  Tired. I had forgotten how inhumanely exhausting having a new born was like! Being up half the night feeding, burping, rocking… and then of course toddler waking in between for the odd bottle or nappy change! But they do prepare you in hospital, by not allowing you to sleep five minutes without being woken up!

What is it about hospitals? They seem to live on a different time zone to the rest of us mortals. I had my Caesar at 8:35pm, and had not eaten the entire day… well except for the odd jelly bear during labour – about all I could manage (oh… yes, did I mention? I have officially experienced labour pains… and all I can say… take the drugs at the first sign. Don't be a martyr.) Anyway as I was being wheeled back to the ward I asked my gynae if I could have something to eat and she said fine, just something light like soup or a small sarmie. I told this to the nurses but oh no… you can watch your dear husband eat, but sorry darling, you have to survive on water for the next twelve hours.

Which would have been okay had they allowed me to actually sleep for the next twelve hours. Instead of waltzing in at 5am and unceremoniously swishing the curtains back and singsonging “Good Morning!”. Good? You mean with a catheter up my you know what, surfboard sized feminine hygiene products in my underwear, boobs swollen to Pam Anderson proportions… and you say it's good? Hold on sister, let me just push this little button on my morphine drip… ahh, that's better, yes the morning is looking a little sunnier… 5am… oh well at least they will feed me now.

Think again. Sorry ma'am, breakfast only at 8! What? You mean I am paying an extra R400 bucks a night for a private room, to be woken up at 5, not fed, and kept up half the night by the nurses chatting outside my room? What do you think I am? A masochist? Oh, but you can have a cup of tea if you want. Tell that to the lady who hasn't had seven layers of muscles cut to the core, catheter removed and the thought of actually walking to the toilet in this agony… no thanks, I won't have any tea.

So eventually 8am comes around, and finally you get some soggy cornflakes and rubbery fried eggs. I quickly learnt that it's best to order the cold breakfast, lunch and supper – for two reasons – one, the hot suppers tend to be reheated and therefore not so lekker, and two, baby often is brought to you in between eating so you tend to only get round to the food an hour later. This happened a lot during breakfast, which remember, got delivered at 8am, so often I only got round to eating between 9 and 10, something I am sure happens frequently…

So why, oh why, do they bring you lunch at 12? I had hardly finished my breakfast before lunch was plonked in front of me… again, I stuck to salad so that I could eat it at a more reasonable 1:30! And then there's supper. Where I come from, the earliest we eat is 6:30pm, but more likely 7:30. So why do they decide that 5 o'clock is a good time to eat supper? It's like being on an aeroplane, where they try and get you on a different time zone as fast as possible! On my last night I just gave up on supper altogether and got my husband to bring me a toasted sarmie from downstairs at 7pm, knowing that if I didn't eat later I would be feeling sick from no food since 5pm at 3 the next morning!

It was good to get home, although having been up most of the night with baby I do miss that nice little call button that summons a nurse to take your little bundle to the nursery so that you can get a few hours sleep… oh for the luxury of a night nurse! But of course nothing beats having that tiny little head snuggled against your skin as they drink… even if it does seem like the twentieth time that night! I know all too soon my tiny bundle will be a great big heffalump like her big sister, and then who knows, maybe I might just start contemplating number three… but as far as I am concerned until they can put sleep in a bottle contemplate is about as far as it will go! More on the baby front next month! She's sleeping now, so my bed is calling me. Goodnight.

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Featured Article: Pregnancy - Nutrition for Two
By Janine Tassi of Vital Health Foods

Nutrition during pregnancy is very important, not only for baby but also for the mother's own health. With nutritional shortages during pregnancy, the growing fetus will benefit from nutrients transferred from the mother's body, often depleting her bodily stores. Andrea du Plessis suggests, that it is therefore important for all mother's-to-be to know how to optimise their nutritional intake during pregnancy.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

During pregnancy, nutritional requirements are increased to maintain growth and development of the baby and to maintain good health of the mother. Herewith the nutritional recommendations during pregnancy with suggested sources of essential nutrients:

Nutrient: Protein (60 grams per day)

Function: To provide essential amino acids, building blocks for the growth and development of the baby and meet mother's basic requirements.

Sources: Fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, dairy products as well as legumes and nuts

Nutrient: Iron (30 milligrams per day)

Function: With an increase of mother's blood volume, it helps to maintain iron status to reduce risk of anaemia.

Sources: Lean red meat, fish, poultry, legumes, spinach, molasses and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Nutrient: Calcium (1200 milligrams per day)

Function : Building material for bone as well as maintenance of maternal bone density.

Sources: Dairy products, tinned sardines (bones), anchovy paste, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds.

Nutrient: Folic acid (400 – 600 micrograms per day)

Function: Helps to reduce risk of neural tube defects; building of red blood cells to help in prevention of anaemia.

Sources: Lentils, soya beans, orange juice, cabbage-vegetables, spinach, asparagus.

Nutrient: Magnesium (360 milligrams per day)

Function: Helps with calcium absorption and building of bone material.

Sources: Dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, sardines, breakfast cereals, lean red meat, nuts.

Nutrient: Zinc (15 milligrams per day)

Function : Formation of DNA (genetic material), tissue formation and maintenance in mother and baby.

Sources : Lean meat, seafood, whole grains, dried beans, and eggs

Nutrient: Vitamin B 2 (1.4 milligrams per day)

Function: Energy metabolism and assists with growth and development of new body tissues in mother and baby.

Sources : Whole grains, breakfast cereals, dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables

Nutrient: Vitamin B 6 (15 milligrams per day)

Function : Protein metabolism, growth and development of new body tissues in mother and baby.

Sources : Eggs, lean meat, whole grains, nuts, dairy

Nutrient: Vitamin B 12 (2.6 micrograms per day)

Function : Important for division of blood cells and may help in the prevention of anaemia.

Sources : Lean meat and poultry, dairy, eggs

MEAL PLAN

Below, find an example of a meal to help optimise nutritional intake during pregnancy:

Breakfast: 1 medium bowl Vital Muesli with full cream milk or fruit yoghurt

1 glass orange juice

Snack: 1 small fruit yoghurt + 1 banana / fruit and yoghurt smoothie

Lunch: 1 whole grain breadroll + cheddar cheese, tomato and lettuce

1 glass fresh fruit juice

Snack: 4 provita + cottage cheese

50 g mixed nuts

Supper: Grilled fish / chicken / lean red meat (120 g)

1 medium baked potato + grated cheese

1 portion stir-fried spinach & broccoli

1 portion roasted butternut / cooked pumpkin

Snack: 1 glass full cream milk

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Ideally, all nutrients should be provided from a healthy balanced diet. However, the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy often require supplementary intake. Research has shown nutrient supplementation to significantly decrease the risk for pre-term delivery. The nutrients most often needed to supplement during pregnancy: iron, calcium, folic acid, B-vitamins and zinc.

Which supplement?

Essential fatty acids

Supplementation Precaution

Vitamin A should not be supplemented in high concentrations (> 10 000 IU / 3 000 m g daily), since excessively high concentrations may cause birth defects. To be safe, choose a multivitamin for pregnant women containing Beta-Carotene, which is the safe natural precursor of Vitamin A, and cannot cause any harm if taken in higher doses. Vitamin A is stored in the liver therefore any form of liver and even cod liver oil should be avoided during pregnancy.

PREGNANCY ONSET DIABETES

The development of gestational diabetes (pregnancy-onset diabetes) might be associated with nutrient deficiencies. The pregnancy hormones have “anti-insulin” effects, which increase the possibility of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). Deficiencies of chromium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6 could also induce hyperglycemia via impaired insulin production. Hyperglycemia may cause urinary losses of essential nutrients, further increasing the risk of glucose intolerance.

FOODS TO AVOID

Alcohol

There is no safe amount of alcohol allowed during pregnancy. Alcohol has been proven to be a substance causing fetal abnormalities, known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is associated with low birth-weight infants, mental and physical development impairments. During the first 2-6 weeks, the fetus is more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol. Alcohol should also be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause dehydration, when fluid requirements are even higher than normal. Alcoholic drinks consist mostly of “empty calories” with hardly any essential nutrients. The metabolism of alcohol not only utilises essential vitamins, but also decreases the absorption of nutrients (thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid).

Caffeine

Caffeine as a central nervous system stimulant should be avoided during pregnancy.

Caffeine is found in coffee, Ceylon tea, green tea, chocolate, Cola drinks, energy drinks / tonics, and some “over-the-counter” painkillers. Check the nutritional information on food labels as well as medication.

Bacteria and Other Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms in food as well as toxins they produce may cause fetal abnormalities. Food poisoning can be very dangerous during pregnancy and will require medical attention. Fever associated with food poisoning should be taken seriously, since the fetal temperature is normally 1°C higher than your own. Dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting also seriously affects your unborn baby.

Foods that may contain harmful micro-organisms include

· Uncooked foods such as raw meat, sushi (raw fish), poultry not cooked properly

· Unwashed raw fruit and vegetables

· Tinned foods: bulging, gas forming

· Ripe and soft cheeses: blue cheese, camembert, brie

· Unpasteurised milk products

· Potatoes with green pigmentation on skin

· Cracked / raw eggs

Food Additives

Try to eat foods in their most natural form (whole foods). Avoid any foods with added preservatives, artificial flavourants, colourants, stabilisers, etc. where possible. Avoid artificial sweeteners, since effects on unborn babies are unknown. Use brown sugar, molasses or honey to sweeten foods.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Digestive problems are common during pregnancy, with a hormone-induced decrease in intestinal activity rate. Therefore, eat slowly, to not further aggravate digestive complaints.

Heartburn And Nausea

Constipation

Constipation is very common during pregnancy, as the pregnancy hormones are known to decrease muscle-tone of the intestines. Other causes include dehydration, low fibre intake, a lack of exercise, concentrated iron supplements and some forms of medication.

To help relieve constipation, include dietary fibre from whole grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, flaxseeds, prunes and other dried fruit. Avoid laxatives (unless under strict medical supervision) and processed or refined foods.

Water Retention

Water retention is very common during the later stages of pregnancy. To help relieve water retention, limit your intake of salt by avoiding packaged sauces, soups, stock cubes, and extra salt added to food. Flavour your food with: lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. Natural diuretics in cucumber and watermelon may help to get rid of excess water naturally.

WEIGHT GAIN

Herewith the guidelines for healthy weight gain during pregnancy:

Total Weight Gain

Normal weight person: 11 – 16 kg

Under-weight person: 12 – 18 kg

Over-weight person: 7 – 12 kg

Do not try to lose weight during pregnancy. Weight loss, especially during later stages of pregnancy should be avoided, since it can be harmful to the baby. If overweight before pregnancy, you are allowed to maintain your weight at certain stages of your pregnancy, under strict supervision.

AUTHOR RECOMMENDS

· Vital Multitime for Pregnant Women

· Vital Calcium HP

· Vital Omega 3 Concentrate

· Burgess & Finch Ginger Herbal Tincture

· Burgess & Finch Ginger and Neroli essential oils, in a massage or bath

See www.vhf.co.za for more info on Vital's range of supplements.

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Quick Coffee Break: The Toddler Diet

People are always on the lookout for a new diet. The trouble with most diets is that you don't get enough to eat (the starvation diet), you don't get enough variation (the liquid diet) or you go broke (the all-meat diet). Consequently, people tend to cheat of their diets, or quit after 3 days. Well, now there's the new Toddler Miracle Diet.

Over the years you may have noticed that most two year olds are trim. Now the formula to their success is available to all in this new diet. You may want to consult your doctor before embarking on this diet, otherwise, you may be seeing him afterwards. Good Luck!

DAY ONE Breakfast: One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly. Eat 2 bites of egg, using your fingers; dump the rest on the floor. Take 1 bite of toast, then smear the jelly over your face and clothes.

Lunch: Four crayons (any color), a handful of potato chips, and a glass of milk (3 sips only, then spill the rest).

Dinner: A dry stick, two pennies and a nickel, 4 sips of flat Sprite.

Bedtime snack: Throw a piece of toast on the kitchen floor.

DAY TWO Breakfast: Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it. Drink half bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye.

Lunch: Half tube of "Pulsating Pink" lipstick and a handful of Purina Dog Chow (any flavor). One ice cube, if desired.

Afternoon snack: Lick an all-day sucker until sticky, take outside, drop in dirt. Retrieve and continue slurping until it is clean again. Then bring inside and drop on rug.

Dinner: A rock or an uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left nostril. Pour Grape Kool-Aid over mashed potatoes; eat with spoon.

DAY THREE Breakfast: Two pancakes with plenty of syrup, eat one with fingers, rub in hair. Glass of milk; drink half, stuff other pancake in glass. After breakfast, pick up yesterdays sucker from rug, lick off fuzz, put it on the cushion of best chair.

Lunch: Three matches, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spit several bites onto the floor. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up.

Dinner: Dish of ice cream, handful of potato chips, some red punch. Try to laugh some punch through your nose, if possible.

FINAL DAY Breakfast: A quarter tube of toothpaste (any flavor), bit of soap, an olive. Pour a glass of milk over bowl of cornflakes, add half a cup of sugar. Once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed cereal to dog.

Lunch: Eat bread crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that sucker and finish eating it.

Dinner: A glass of spaghetti and chocolate milk. Leave meatball on plate. Stick of mascara for dessert.

For more quick funnies, prose and pictures, see the Coffee Break on www.mumstheword.co.za - and keep them coming to sally@mumstheword.co.za!

Link up - www.weeman.co.za

You may remember last month I was bestowing the virtues of this brilliant toilet training product for little boys - well their new improved website is now up and running! Have a look at it to find out everything you need to know about Weeman, or to place your online order - deliveries done throughout South Africa.

P.S.: Don't forget to add your views on anything and everything to the forum on www.mumstheword.co.za!

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WINWINWIN! This Month's Amazing Giveaways!

Vital Hamper

Three 3 lucky readers  can each win a Vital Kidstime Hamper to the value of R180.00 each ! To enter send your details to sally@mumstheword.co.za with "Vital Hamper" in the subject line before 25 August 2006 (please don't reply directly to this newsletter). Join the Vital Club for only R30.00 a year, and receive a quarterly Vital News Magazine and buy products directly from  the factory shop at discount  prices . To join the Vital Club, please email janine@vhf.co.za with "Join the Vital Club / Mum's the Word" in the subject line . 

Personalised Name Plate & Trinket Box

Oodles of Doodles is excellent quality, hand drawn or embroidered, personalised goodies. Plastic items such as storage boxes to give life more structure, wooden items to co-ordinate with kiddies rooms and a linen range to give that personal touch and make a child feel special and unique. Design a duvet of your choice, using one of  their t hemes and available fabrics. Order any of  their  goodies with your child/friend '  s name on it - they love it! Oodles of Doodles makes the perfect gift for any occasion, age group - girl or boy  . One lucky reader can win a personalised name plate and trinket box to the value of R55 - to enter send your details to sally@mumstheword.co.za with " oodles " in the subject line before 25  August 2006 (please don't reply directly to this newsletter!) . For more information or to place your order contact  Yasmina on 072 390 5530 or email ysteyn@mweb.co.za.

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Noticeboard: This is your space! Submit your comments, ideas or suggestions on anything you have seen or want to see in Mum's the Word. This is also a space to advertise child related products or services, be they your own or something interesting that you have seen or heard about. Email me your contributions and if I deem them suitable I will happily put them up!

	We have a winner! Congrats to  Natasha Pereira  who won the  First Aid Kit , and to  Louise Lumb  who won the  Weeman . Your prizes will be with you shortly!
	I know that a number of you have recently sent me pictures of your children for my gallery - please bear with me as I try get my life in order with a new baby in the house! I hope to get my website updated shortly so keep checking back! Thanks!
	Next issue:  We will be talking a bout  Baby Massage -  Post any questions or issues that you feel need to be discussed on the message board at www.mumstheword.co.za - whatever grabs you! Your comments on MTW would also be hugely appreciated!

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In Closing…

Well aren't you all terribly impressed that I got my newsletter out on time even with a two week old baby in the house? I must say my efficiency impresses even me! :-) Let's hope it's a sign of things to come, and that my new little bundle turns out to be a lot easier than her big sister was at the same age! If not, well, I guess you will all hear about my trials and tribulations in upcoming newsletters - and you know how it is so you will have complete understanding of the juggling act if my newsletter sometimes arrives a few days late! Thanks again for all your wishes - please keep your comments and contributions coming!

Until next time…

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