News

Open day for parents-to-be

Important information and free healthcare screenings on offer for expectant mothers

Wednesday, February 27 2019

One of the greatest concerns of parents-to-be, both before and after giving birth is to get credible, professional advice about caring for mother and baby. It is with this in mind that Netcare Lakeview Hospital in Benoni is hosting an open day for expectant parents this coming Saturday.

“First time mothers are often caught by surprise­ particularly during the postnatal period, which begins after delivery and ends six to eight weeks later when their bodies return to the pre-pregnant state – by the many emotional and physical changes they experience. At the same time new mothers have to come to terms with their new role of motherhood, caring for their newborn and adapting to the demands of a changed family unit,” notes Cobus Steenekamp, hospital manager of Netcare Lakeview Hospital.

“That is why it is so important to choose the best possible birthing facility. Giving birth at a hospital is a long-term relationship which starts with the care of the mother-to-be, the birth itself, and the recuperative period following delivery,” he adds.

Steenekamp strongly advises expectant parents to choose a hospital that empowers them with enough knowledge to feel comfortable with the entire birth process from inception to recuperation.

“We invite all parents-to-be to join us this coming Saturday to view our beautiful, state-of-the-art maternity facilities and to acquire some essential knowledge about pregnancy and imminent parenthood,” he says.

“Expectant mothers are constantly bombarded with well-meaning advice on the dos and don’ts of giving birth and caring for their newborn. To put this information overload into greater perspective, mothers-to-be can attend our free pregnancy workshop, which will provide them with valuable information about giving birth and post-natal care.

“Guest speakers include paediatrician, Dr Olubunmi Alabi who will focus on the feeding of your baby and the seemingly unimportant subject of your baby’s bowel movements, the gastrointestinal system and overall wellness of your baby. There will also be talks on how to stimulate your baby and what important milestones to watch out for during their early developmental stages.

Gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Joseph Shava, will answer questions mothers have in order to prepare them and their partners for this new chapter in their lives. In addition, emergency medical practitioner, Dr Olorunisola Aremu, will focus on injuries and other emergencies during and after pregnancy with particular emphasis on the safety of your baby. A CPR demonstration by Netcare 911 as well as an orthopaedic procedure by the theatre team will complete a highly educational and informative programme.

Free blood pressure, blood glucose, urine dip-stick and body mass index screenings will also be offered to expectant mothers. Prizes, such as free 4D scans, for the first five mothers-to-be to arrive on the day will be on offer, adds Steenkamp.

Steenekamp urges all expectant parents to come and share a fun-filled day with other parents-to-be, even if it is not their first pregnancy. “You can start right now to be the best parent possible and we are here to offer you the necessary support to achieve just that,” concludes Steenekamp.

The event will be hosted in the main entrance of the maternity wing at Netcare Lakeview Hospital on Saturday, 2 March, from 10:00 to 14:00.

Interested in attending? Then please send us an SMS before Friday, 1 March 2019 to 060 923 5986 or 072 906 8552 to confirm your attendance.

Ends

To find out more about the services offered through Netcare hospitals and other of the Group’s facilities, please contact Netcare’s customer service centre either by email at [email protected] or phone 0860 NETCARE (0860 638 2273). Note that the centre operates Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:30.

For more information on this media release, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.

Issued by:           MNA on behalf of Netcare Lakeview Hospital
Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone:        (011) 469 3016
Email:                   [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]