Michelle van der Westhuizen

17/11/2025

November 17 is International Prematurity Day, a special occasion to focus on care for preterm infants. According to IAIM, infant massage can offer valuable support for premature babies, always applied gently and in response to their cues.
Touch and gentle massage help regulate breathing, support growth, and strengthen the parent-child bond. Every movement is gradual and respectful, considering the unique sensitivity of preterm infants.
In many countries, neonatal massage is already a practice that provides tangible benefits. This day reminds us that every child, regardless of gestational age, deserves to feel welcomed, loved, and respected. Infant massage becomes a bridge of care and hope.

17/11/2025

17/11/2025

To the mama who had to walk out of the hospital without her baby…

I see you.

I see the ache of being pulled in two directions
One hand reaching for tiny fingers in the NICU,
The other forced to keep moving through a world that doesn’t stop,
even though your heart has.

I see you leaving with empty arms and a discharge bag that feels heavier than it should.
I see you setting alarms through the night to pump for a baby you can’t rock to sleep.
I see you jump at every phone call, praying it’s good news,
smiling on the outside while holding back tears on the inside.

This wasn’t the story you pictured.
This wasn’t the ending you expected.
And still, you show up.
Day after day, step after step, with love and fight and courage that no chart can measure.

This month is for you.
For the NICU mamas who mother from the hallway, from the waiting room, from the phone line.
For the ones who didn’t get to buckle their baby into a car seat yet,
but carry them everywhere in their heart.

You are not forgotten.
You are not “too much” for feeling grief.
You are not weak for breaking down in the parking lot or crying in silence.

You are seen.
You are loved.
And you are stronger than you even know.

✨ Repost pages… If you share this illustraOurLittlepreemiedit us

17/11/2025

Still looking pregnant after birth is due to the simple science of the uterus still needing to contract and involute.

| QUICK TIP OF THE DAY |The non-pregnant uterus is about the size of an upside down pear. By the time of delivery, the uterus has grown to the size of a watermelon. This sweet and real mama snapped this picture AFTER delivery to show that this process doesn't happen instantly. It takes time for the uterus to return to it's pre-pregnant size, this process is called "involution" and usually takes six weeks or more. .
So don't be surprised if you still look pregnant after giving birth...this is completely normal and expected! Did you know your uterus is actually a muscle? And each time you breastfeed, it gets a workout! So all that frequent feeding in the early postpartum days is actually helping your uterus return to pre-pregnant size quicker! But, any tips for those after-birth cramps?! Share in the comments what worked for you! My go-to was a heating pad and deep blue essential oils on my low back.

Lactation Link

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17/11/2025

How amazing

Even before they can speak or crawl, babies are already making judgments about the people around them. Studies show that infants as young as six months can tell the difference between helpful and unhelpful behavior—and they act on it. When shown controlled scenarios, babies consistently favored those who acted cooperatively, while steering clear of individuals who behaved selfishly or unpredictably.

Researchers believe this isn’t learned behavior, but a built-in survival mechanism. Long before language develops, infants appear to scan for social cues, identifying who might be safe or supportive. Far from passive observers, babies are quietly assessing human character, and their early impressions may shape how they relate to others later in life.

17/11/2025

It is International Prematurity day. Lets also remember the grandparents.

When her grandson was born at 26 weeks, this grandmother learned how neonatal care affects the whole family and why grandparents need support too.

15/11/2025

Gqeberha! Bluey is coming to PnP Clothing Baywest Mall on 22 Nov. Join us for a FREE meet & greet with everyone's favourite Blue Heeler pup!

PnP Clothing @ Baywest Mall
22 Nov
11am-1pm

Bring the whole family for smiles, giggles and the chance to snap the cutest pic with your little one and Bluey!

15/11/2025

"When I was creating this drawing someone told me their child said they didn't need to sleep as they had already blinked enough that day. 🤭 What are your kids best bedtime delaying strategies???"

Repost Common Wild

🌻🌻🌻 OUR GORGEOUS ISSUE 60 IS ON SALE NOW 🌻🌻🌻

It's packed full of inspiration, tips, advice and real-life experiences to guide you on your journey through pregnancy, birth and motherhood - whether you are expecting a new arrival this year, are adjusting to life with a new baby, or are deep in the trenches of parenthood.

Get your copy now - available locally and internationally online.
Find your local stockists here: https://linktr.ee/TheNaturalParentMagazine
https://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/product-category/shop/magazine/

You can pick up a copy from your local Woolworths or selected stockists in NZ, from your local newsagent in Australia, from WH Smith High Street stores, selected Waitrose & Partners and independent bookstores across the UK, or online from anywhere in the world.
🌻🌻🌻

15/11/2025

Some tinies that are now turning 20 or 21..Some that are 15 or 16

15/11/2025

Love this

“The healthiest competition is the one that builds character, not comparison.”❣️

15/11/2025

🤣Luckily breastmilk is so good for your skin and everything else

😂😂😂