Everything you need to know to prepare for your baby

For the sixth year running and with over 7 000 parents having attended to date, the Baby Sense Seminars will once again be bringing together leading experts in the field of birthing and parenting, with advice that makes exceptionally good sense for parents and expectant moms. 

Based on surveys conducted during previous seminars, the organisers have noted a steady increase in the number of expectant mothers participating each year. As a result, the Johnson’s Baby, Baby Sense Seminar 2009 is pioneering a “Womb to World” workshop, which will properly prepare mothers for their pregnancy and the birth of their little one.

The morning seminar will focus on specific psychological, emotional and practical issues facing new parents of today. The content is ideally suited for anyone wishing to provide an optimum environment for the stimulation and healthy development of their babies. Participants can also anticipate a highly informative afternoon of eye-opening insights into the world of pregnancy – how to be healthy, plan for a safe and easy delivery and how to cope in the days after your baby is born.  In addition, sponsors will be dishing out fabulous freebies, a goodie bag and fabulous prizes. 

Sister Ann Richardson opens the morning programme with a presentation brought to you by Rescuetm Night, on the ever-popular sleep solutions for peaceful nights. Katherine Megaw follows with an insight into feeding regimes and paediatrician, Dr Simon Strachan will be sharing specialist information on the health of babies and how it impacts on their happiness (brought to you by Wyeth). Netcare brings you Occupational therapist Meg Faure, who will be discussing the secrets to soothing babies and toddlers and how to support baby’s development.

A mobile survey conducted with South African parents shows that the new generation parents are hungry for advice to reduce the anxiety of this stage of life. New parents looked to their own parents, books and experts for parenting advice. Interestingly, in previous years, friends were the top source of information. It would seem that there is a move back to traditional old-school styles of parenting. 

The survey also found that joy is the overriding emotion experienced by new parents. However, uncertainty and anxiety combined were equally overwhelming. This lack of confidence is common as many parents experience the weight of the responsibility of caring for a new baby. By being well equipped to deal with their newborn and with the tools for soothing and settling their baby, mothers will parent more confidently. The afternoon session hopes to address this anxiety and the fear of the unknown, by promoting healthy pregnancies in terms of diet by Kath Megaw and exercise by Tina Otte (brought to you by Netcare).  Thereafter Netcells sponsors Tina’s talk on birthing options and Wyeth brings you information on “Your baby’s first six weeks” by Megan Faure.

In the research, mothers revealed that their pre-birth expectations regarding issues such as how long they would be breast-feeding or whether they wished to co-sleep with their offspring, and what then transpired in reality, was remarkably similar, which indicates that pre-birth preparation does pay off and make very good sense.

The 2009 Johnson’s Baby Baby Sense Seminar programme will be brought to four centres countrywide, opening in Port Elizabeth (at the Marine Hotel) on 29 August; followed by Cape Town (The Westin Grand Hotel) on 5 September; Johannesburg (The Sandton Southern Sun) on 19 September, and Durban (Riverside Hotel) on 26 September.

To reserve your place, please call Nolitha on 086 111 4891 or email: seminars@babysense.co.za 
[Morning session: R220; Afternoon session: R220; Full-day workshop: R400]

Issued by Baby Sense
By: Nolitha Matshikiza
Email: nolitha@babysense.co.za