Dr Isabel van der Merwe

03/04/2026

Happy Easter to all celebrating!

I am available for consults over the long weekend. Give me a call or Whatsapp me on 076 022 7568, or follow the online link to book your appointment.

12/03/2026

Cape Town is currently staggering under an intense heatwave, with temperatures peaking >40C!

Babies and children are particularly vulnerable during these scorching periods, as they can overheat faster, and lose more fluids compared to adults.

Here are a few tips for keeping them safe, cool and comfortable:

1. Fluids, fluids, fluids! Encourage children to keep drinking throughout the day, even if they are not feeling particularly thirsty. In babies less than 6 months, offer more frequent breastfeeds. Try and avoid sugary drinks, and encourage eating foods that have a high water content (cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes etc.).

2. Limit outdoor activities and direct sun exposure between 10:00 and 16:00.

3. Dress babies and children in loose, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing.
Hats (preferably wide-brimmed) are a must.

4. Apply sunscreen (+ SPF 30) regularly and generously.

5. Try to stay in areas with an aircon or fans. If outside, keep to shaded areas. If you do not have access to cooling devices, use a cool shower/bath or a damp, cool cloth to keep temperatures low.

6. NEVER leave a child in a parked car. Temperatures become critical in minutes, and can be fatal.

7. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, excessive sweating, clammy skin, muscle cramps) or heat stroke (confusion, temperature >40C, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures).

04/03/2026

The following are myths that I’ve commonly seen my in clinical practice:

Myth #1: Teething causes high fever
Truth: Teething can cause irritability, increased drooling and low grade fever, but not high fevers. If your child has a fever of 37.8 and above, there is usually something else going on.

Myth #2: Green/yellow mucous is a sign of bacterial infection, and needs antibiotics
Truth: Green or yellow nasal discharge is a sign of the immune system fighting an infection (viral or bacterial), with the appearance of the mucous changing due to an increase in the number of certain immune cells or the enzymes they produce.

Myth #3: The “sugar rush”
Truth: The hyperactivity and behavioural changes typically attributed to increased sugar intake is not caused by the sugar, but rather the exciting, high stimulation environments (e.g. parties) in which the behaviour is usually noted.

Myth #4: Fever is harmful, and should always resolve with fever medication
Truth: Fever tells us that the body is working to fight an infection. An uncomplicated fever is harmful, and will not cause damage to your child’s brain or body. However, a fever that rises very rapidly can put your child at risk of febrile seizures, and should be treated more aggressively.

We use fever medication because of how miserable a fever can make you feel. If your child is not eating or drinking, is unable to sleep or has headaches or body aches due to fever, we use fever medications to make your child more comfortable.
Look at your child’s condition, not a number on a thermometer, to decide if they need medication.

It can be normal for the fever to only drop by 1-2 degrees after using medication. This is not a cause for concern.

Myth #5: Being cold makes you sick
Truth: Cold temperatures does not cause colds/flu – viruses do.
However, exposure to cold and dry air can temporarily decrease your body’s local immune defenses, making you more susceptible to being infected by circulating viruses.

Myth #6: Sleep can be taught
Sleep is a biological function and is under the control of the body clock (circadian system) and sleep pressure (neurohormones). First wave behavioural sleep therapies (sleep training) do not decrease night wakings, but teaches babies stop signaling for their carers.

22/02/2026

To all patients: Due to unexpected technical difficulties, I have been experiencing problems with my booking systems over the past days. The issues have since been resolved

My sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please note: you can now also request a booking via Whatsapp on 076 022 7568.

12/02/2026

12/02/2026

Breastmilk is often referred to as 'liquid gold'. But many will agree, it is far more valuable than a precious metal. Research has shown that the benefits of breastfeeding extend so much further than only nutrition.

But simply educating mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding is not enough. In many cases, breastfeeding is not at all as 'intuitive' and 'natural' as it is often described. Mothers need support. From partners, family and community members, and from informed health professionals, willing to spend time with and walk alongside a mother on her feeding journey, for her and her baby to be able to benefit from the wonder that is breastfeeding.

12/02/2026

Consultations available on appointment basis, to help with any health concerns you might have.

Book now by phoning 076 022 7568, or book online by scanning the QR code of following the following link:https://app.elle.health/book-appointment?practice=hLNhZBmB6MsN6dDjVO7WIw%3D%3D