TENDER LOVING CARE CLINIC

SUBJECTS COVERED:

• Danger signs of prenancy.
• Sign of Labour (when to go to hospital).
• Hospital bag (What to pack, for who?).
• Pain relief.
• Normal birth.
• Ceasarian section.
• Breastfeeding.
• Immunisation at hospital.
• Baby Jaundice.
• Baby Stimulation.
• Baby bath.
• Nappy Change.

NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY

GENERAL GUIDLINES

• Foods should be carefully cooked.  Grilling, steaming and stir-frying are preferable to roasting, frying or boiling.  Try to cook lightly to preserve nutrient value.
• Freguent small meals are better than large meals.  They are easier to digest and you will feel less uncomfortable.
• Eat a wide variety of foods.
• Use normal amounts of iodised salt.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
• Take foods containing iron with foods containing Vitamin C, as Vitamin C help absorb iron.  Ideally, build up your iron supply before pregnancy.
• It is useful to keep a record of what you eat over a 24 - 48 hour period.
• If your are worried about your diet, consult your caregiver.

WHY EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY?

• Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicositis (varicose veins).
• Exercise can enhance muscular balance and strength.  Learning proper posture and how to cope with postural shifts during pregnancy are essential to guarding against muscle and joint soreness.
• Exercise may help reduce swelling and oedema (abnormal swelling) of pregnancy and return mobility to swollen joints.
• Exercise may ease gastro-intestinal discomforts and constipation.
• Exercise may reduce muscle cramps.
• Exercise strenghens abdominal muscles to provide support for the back and constributes to the efficiency of the second stage of labour.
• If a woman is planning an active birth and wants to adopt alternative positions during labour, she will benefit considerably from exercise.
• Exercise that inlude the physical practice of the birth positions and breathing techniques for giving birth, are also beneficial fo women who wish to be active participants.
• Post-partum (after birth) recovery is easier and swifter for women who have exercised prenatally.
• Exercise give a women access to her body.  She learns to trust and know her body's cues.

PREPARING TO BRING YOUR BABY HOME

• Toiletries
  • Unscented aqueous cream
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby oil
  • Baby lotion
  • Baby bath lotion
  • Protective bum cream
  • Baby soap
  • Baby powder
  • Baby lotion tissues
  • Cotton balls - bulk OR
  • Cotton buds and surgical spirits for cored care
  • Maternity pads (3 packs)
  • Breast pads (3 boxes)
  • Grooming - baby nail scissors/clippers
  • Soft hair brush
  • Medicine dropper
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Thermometer
• Changing nappies
  • Disposables per day (8 - 10)
  • Antibacterial nappy sacks OR
  • Nappy disposal dustbin
  • Towelling nappies (40)
  • Disposable liners (200) OR
  • Washable liners (3 boxes)
  • Safety pins/snappi's (12)
• Bedroom
  • Chest of drawers (+- 900mm high)
  • After-bath mattress
  • Shelf (optional but useful)
  • Nappy stacker (optional)
  • Mosquito net
  • Boppy cushion (to support baby during feeding and lie on during the day)
  • Monitor
  • Comfortable chair for feeding baby