Dr Raksha Takoordeen

13/11/2024

https://witness.co.za/news/2024/11/13/city-paediatrician-donates-to-childrens-home-in-a-heartfelt-birthday-gesture/

This year, in a heartfelt twist, Dr Raksha Takoordeen extended her generosity with a donation of school shoes and pyjamas.

10/10/2024

Our Breastmilk Bank is up and running and we desperately need your support. Please consider donating breastmilk if your baby is under 6 months of age and you have a supply in excess of your baby's needs. The process is very simple. If you decide to be a donor, please contact the number on the above the brochure, and one of our lovely ladies will gladly assist you. This initiative is intended to assist as many babies as possible in the PMB and surrounding areas, where mum's are unable to provide their own breastmilk to their ill premature babies. You can save a life.

13/09/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UmUAZyELYfZdHumT/

Surviving a rare tumour at just six months old and allowing that experience to fuel a lifelong commitment to saving lives is the remarkable journey of Dr. Raksha Takoordeen, our inspiring guest in this episode of "Behind a Smile." From her work in...

05/08/2024

05/08/2024

10/06/2024

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation are very important to ensure good growth and development of the baby, and hence nutritional requirements of the mother will increase during these periods. A good well balanced, diverse diet is strongly encouraged during breastfeeding. Remember that whatever you eat, passes into the breastmilk. Breastfeeding mums should consume at least 5 meals a day and foods must contain generous amounts of good fats and proteins. Ensure that you include healthy sources of protein in the form of eggs, meats and fish, however, stay away from fish that has a high mercury content. Fruit and veges are strongly advised but ideally, exclude gassy veges eg. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and raw onions, especially if baby has excessive amounts of gas causing discomfort. Nuts, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are excellent snacks in between meals to ensure a constant production of nutritious breastmilk. Please stay away from alcohol and caffeine during breastfeeding. Smoking is also an absolute no.

17/05/2024

Breastfeeding is always advisable from birth for all babies, however, if not possible or unadvisable, formula is the next option. There are several commercial preparations available, depending on the clinical requirements of the baby. This can be discussed during our consultation when the decision to use formula is made. However, the rules of preparing formula feeds are universal. Please always ensure that you follow the tin detailing the mixing instructions. Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before preparing feeds. Use cooled, boiled water and level scoops of powder and always ensure that the water is added to the bottle first to the required level, before adding the powder. Try not to shake vigorously; this will prevent the formation of air bubbles. Rather swirl the bottle until completely mixed. Once baby has fed to his/her satisfaction, discard the milk that is left over, wash the bottle with a good detergent and hot water,
and sterilise with a steam or microwave steriliser. This ensures that all germs are killed. Do not reheat and reuse formula feeds.

14/05/2024

Let’s talk about Feeding choices:
Ideally, every mum should start breastfeeding soon after the birth of the baby, unless otherwise advised by your paediatrician. Breastfeeding is a process that both mum and baby will embark on as a unit. It can be difficult at first as you and your baby work together to find your own comfort zone. The experience is different for every mum and can sometimes feel daunting, however, persistence is the key to successful breastfeeding. Don’t give up. It ALWAYS gets better. Breastfeeding is truly the best feeding choice as it contains all the magical ingredients designed to prepare and protect the gut and immune system for the rest of your baby’s life. Milk supply is initially slow and latching is quite painful at the beginning. It is important to use a good, lanolin based ni**le cream and if ni**les become cracked and extremely painful, laser therapy is available. Milk production can be augmented with a good diet (I will discuss this in the coming posts) and medication if required.

09/05/2024

Newborn and maternal health have recently emerged as areas in my practice that need extra nurturing and attention. This fits well with my passion of optimising newborn health. Hence, I have decided to put together a series of posts to assist new mums with caring for their newborn babies. I will cover important topics pertaining to mum and baby. I would love to hear from you regarding what topics or concepts you would like to be discussed. Follow me for exciting discussions and up to date information that will ease the stress just a little….

11/04/2024

There has been a recent surge in viral respiratory tract infections causing high fevers and often resulting in hospital admission. Influenza has been on the rise in recent weeks, and presents with fever, teary eyes, runny nose, sore throat with poor appetite and lethargy. Influenza is the only viral respiratory tract infection that is vaccine preventable. It is strongly advisable to immunise all children above the age of 6 months and certainly, all adults against influenza. Most medical aids cover the Flu Vaccine. Enquire at your nearest pharmacy ASAP.

11/04/2024

Warmest Eid Greetings to all celebrating. May this day bring abundant blessings and happiness.