Gherda Botes Dietitian/ Dieetkundige

17/04/2026

Let this be your reminder that even on quiet days, you are still becoming everything you’re meant to be ✨

21/03/2026

Join us now at Balance Dance Studio 💃✨

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced—there’s a place for you!

⚡ Limited spots available – don’t miss out!

📞 083 780 2588 | 073 047 6360
📧 balance.dancestudio26@gmail.com

02/03/2026

Maternity Day Life Anncron Hospital 2026

Grateful for the amazing time we had this morning for all the mommies-to-be with Life Anncron!
Insightful talks from gynaecologist, paediatrians & Lactation Consultant (me😊) and Physiotherapists

My passion ➡️ My focus ➡️ The in's and out's of breastpumping🌈

1. When is breast pumping recommended and when NOT - remember that we do not advise to pump before delivery! There are special reasons why we need to use to hand/pump expressing

2. How does it actually work. It's important to evaluate the key features of a pump before just buying any pump!
Vacuum strength:
Cycles per minute:

3. Troubleshooting

Work with your Lactation Consultant (SACLC) for guidance on your specific pumping plans and goals

Cradle to Spoon is a dedicated breaspump demo centre where mommies can get full guidance on breastpumps, expressing plan with mother, troubleshoot your pump.
We fit, measure and try on suitable pump options for you - everything about breastpumps!!!!

Book today for your Demo visit!
Demo visit vouchers also available as a gift 🎁

Gherda 084 603 2430
NICU Dietitian/Lactation Consultant SACLC

21/02/2026

Maternity Day 2026 @ Lenmed Wilmedpark Hospital🫄

Focussing on the importance of IRON during pregnancy.
Here are some take-home messages 👇

1. Why is iron so important in this time?
During pregnancy your body makes 50% blood and that requires more heamoglobin

2. What is iron used for:
Baby’s growth and iron stores
Placenta
Extra maternal blood
Blood loss at birth
By the third trimester,your baby is actively “stockpiling” iron for the first 4–6 months of life

3. Heme & non-heme IRON:
Heme iron comes from animal protein food sources and is better absorbed compared to non-heme iron.
Helps to restore your iron levels faster

Non-heme iron comes foods like spinach, broccoli, chickpeas, eggs, fortified foods.
Non-heme foods are highly influenced by what you consume in the same meal

Combine your high non-heme iron foods with Vitamin C for better absorption. Avoid taking coffee of Calcium supplements with these foods.

4. Most prenatal supplements contain enough iron as per the requirements, however check with your gynaecologist and dietitian regarding your specific needs

Always discuss your side-effects with your gynecologist

17/02/2026

What a blessing to start my day at Life Anncron with Mr Kobus Wiese - sharing a positive and encouraging message

Thanks Wiesenhof Klerksdorp for a stunning breakfast buffet!!❤️

06/02/2026

🤢 Gastro season is here — what every parent should know

It’s midsummer, which means we’re seeing a LOT of “stomach bugs” going around.
Gastroenteritis (or “gastro”) is one of the most common childhood illnesses.

Worldwide, 500 000 – 1 million children still die each year from gastroenteritis, especially malnourished children and those in low-resource settings.
The good news? With the right care, most children recover well at home.

---

🦠 What is “gastro”?

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut that causes:

* 🤢 Nausea & vomiting
* 💩 Diarrhoea
* 🤒 Sometimes fever & tummy cramps

Most cases are viral, but a smaller number are bacterial (which may need antibiotics).

The common causes we see:

Viral:

* Rotavirus (much less severe since the vaccine – protection is about 60–80%)
* Adenovirus (often milder than Rotavirus)
* Astro virus
* Sapo virus
* Noro virus

Bacterial:

* E. coli
* Salmonella
* Shigella
* Campylobacter

Parasites (less common):

* Entamoeba histolytica (chronic diarrhoea)
* Cryptosporidium (mainly in immune-compromised children)
* Giardia Lamblia

👀 What does gastro look like?

Your child may have:

* 🤒 Fever (often higher with bacterial infections)
* 🤮 Vomiting (often the first sign)
* 😣 Tummy cramps
* 💩 Diarrhoea (can start up to 24 hours later)

* Viral = watery, foul-smelling
* Bacterial = may be bloody
* 😴 Lethargy & weakness
* 🚫 Not wanting to eat or drink
* 🚽 Fewer wet nappies / less urine

💧 Watch out for dehydration

Children (especially babies) dehydrate very quickly.

🚩 Signs of dehydration:

* Pale skin
* Cold hands and feet
* Dry mouth, no tears
* Sunken eyes or fontanelle
* Very few wet nappies
* Loose “old looking” skin
* Very sleepy or floppy
* In severe cases: fast heartbeat, fast breathing, low blood pressure, even convulsions
*
🏠 What you can do at home

The main goal = prevent dehydration

💧 Fluids are medicine

* Use oral rehydration solution (Hydrol / Ceralyte)
* Aim for ±60 ml per hour
* Plus 50–100 ml after each watery stool

🍼 Feeding

* Do NOT stop breastfeeding
* If vomiting badly, pause formula for a few hours and use rehydration solution
* Avoid fizzy drinks & sugary juices

🦠 Probiotics

* Lactobacillus Reuteri (e.g. Reuterina)
* 5 drops twice a day for ±5 days
* Older kids can use chew tablets

🤮 For nausea & vomiting

* Anti-emetics (as prescribed by a doctor)

💊 Antibiotics

* Only if a doctor suspects a bacterial infection

🚫 Don’t try to stop the diarrhoea

* We usually avoid Immodium in children
* You can use gut protectors like:

* Tasectan (every 6 hours)
* Smecta (twice daily for 5 days)
* Hidrasec

🏥 When to get medical help

Please see a doctor or go to hospital if your child has:

🚩 Ongoing vomiting & diarrhoea
🚩 Any signs of dehydration
🚩 High fever, severe pain, or bloody diarrhoea
🚩 Babies under 1 year
🚩 Refusing all fluids
🚩 You are unsure or worried

Your gut feeling as a parent matters.

🏨 What happens in hospital?

If admitted, your child may:

* Be placed in isolation
* Receive fluids via drip or feeding tube
* Get medication for nausea
* Receive probiotics
* Have stool/blood tests
* Be treated for nappy rash
* Stay 2–5 days depending on severity

💛

Gastro is messy, exhausting, and stressful, but most children recover fully with good hydration and support.

You’re not failing if your child gets sick.
You’re doing your job by noticing, caring, and asking for help when needed.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

04/02/2026

Hallo! My name is Gherda and this is me at work!😊🫟

How can I, as a:
Dietitian (only focussing on pregnancy, neonates and pediatrics) &
SACLC Certified Lactation Consultant
help you with ???....👉👉👉

14/01/2026

10/12/2025

The holiday season is often pictured as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebration. But for parents of premature babies — especially mothers recovering physically and emotionally — this time of year can bring stress, exhaustion, and isolation.While others are wrapping gifts and preparing ...

26/11/2025

World Prematurity Day moments & celebrations 💜💟🫟
What a privilege to be part of the NICU team!

18/11/2025

World Prematurity Day 17 November 2025💜💜💜

Today we pause to honor the tiniest warriors with the biggest courage — our premature babies.

To the little warriors who came into this world earlier than expected: your resilience inspires us. You remind us that miracles often come in the smallest packages. Every gram gained, every breath taken, every milestone reached — these are victories worth celebrating.

And to the incredible NICU mommies, we see you! Your strength through fear, exhaustion, love, and hope is nothing short of heroic. You advocate, you learn, you fight, and you love deeper than words can describe.

As a Dietitian and SACLC Lactation Consultant, working in the Neonatal ICU at both Lenmed Wilmedpark Hospital & Life Anncron Hospital, it is one of the greatest honor of my life to walk alongside these families.

To support healing, growth, feeding, and connection — and to witness these tiny babies thrive — is a privilege I never take for granted!
Every baby’s journey is unique, every mother’s story sacred, and being trusted in this chapter is something I hold close to my heart 💜

To all the little warriors and the moms who love them — you are extraordinary and I'm super proud of you!!!

LOVE Gherda Botes 🫟