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Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician

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Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician

Dr Maretha studied MBChB at Stellenbosch University and graduated in 2006. She completed her postgrad

She completed her postgraduate degree at University of Pretoria & has been in private practice since 2015. Dr Maretha is a caring, compassionate mother of two and truly understands the concerns parents may have.

10/12/2025

A day spent checking in, listening, and supporting families through each moment. From the wards to the practice, the intention is always the same - to make sure every little one feels cared for and every parent feels a little more at ease.

These quiet, everyday moments are where the real work happens, and I’m grateful to be part of them.

29/11/2025

Developmental milestones are skills and abilities most children reach around a certain age.

They help track how your child is growing - physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and allow healthcare professionals to identify early if extra support might be needed.

By 4 years old, many children begin showing exciting new skills as they become more independent and imaginative.
Common milestones for 4-year-olds include:
Physical development: catches a ball, hops on one foot, pours their own drink.
Language development: tells stories, sings songs, speaks clearly in full sentences.
Social development: plays cooperatively, enjoys new experiences, shows creativity in make-believe play.
Cognitive development: copies shapes, counts, recognises colours, and follows multi-step instructions.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace. These milestones are guides, not checklists. If you have concerns about your child’s progress, your paediatrician can help assess and support healthy development.

24/11/2025

It’s in these simple, joy-filled moments that we’re reminded just how special the bond between parent and child truly is. Caring for little ones means celebrating their milestones, easing worries, and cherishing the giggles that make every visit brighter.

Moments like these remind us why caring for children and their families is such a privilege. 🌿

17/11/2025

Your newborn’s umbilical cord stump is one of the most delicate parts of their little body. Proper care helps prevent infection and ensures it heals naturally.

It’s normal for the stump to change colour as it dries, from yellowish-green to brown, then black, before falling off.

A healing umbilical stump may look a bit moist - that’s normal.
But if you notice these signs, it may be infected:
⚠️ Redness or swelling around the base.
⚠️ Yellow, smelly discharge.
⚠️ Baby seems feverish, tired, or refusing feeds.

If any of these occur, contact your healthcare provider right away.

💡 Tip: After each nappy change, gently clean the area with cooled boiled water or mild soap and water - avoid surgical spirits, which can slow natural healing.

With gentle care and patience, your baby’s cord stump will heal beautifully on its own.

13/11/2025

A barking cough that worsens at night could be croup - a viral infection that causes swelling of the airways in young children. 🌙

Most cases are mild and improve with calm reassurance, keeping your child upright, and ensuring good hydration.

However, seek urgent medical attention if you notice:
⚠️ Noisy breathing at rest or struggling to breathe.
⚠️ Blue lips or unusual tiredness.
⚠️ Drooling or difficulty swallowing.

With timely care and support, most children recover fully within a few days. 💛

09/11/2025

Introducing solids: Around 4 - 5 months, start offering smooth, pureed fruits and vegetables while continuing breastmilk or formula. Early exposure to a variety of can help prevent picky eating and lower allergy risk later on.

Make mealtimes relaxed, positive, and fun. 💛

06/11/2025

Starting solids is a big milestone - but when and how matters.

Learn when to begin, what to offer first, and how early exposure helps prevent picky eating later.

🍎 Start around 4 - 5 months (not before 4).
🥦 Begin with smooth, simple vegetables and fruit.
🥜 Early exposure to common allergens may help prevent allergies.

04/11/2025

Gastroenteritis is a tummy infection that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually viral - most often caused by Rotavirus and spreads very easily. 🦠

The biggest risk? Dehydration.
Keep your baby hydrated with small, frequent feeds or oral rehydration solution.

🧴 Always wash your hands after nappy changes and before preparing food.

30/10/2025

Tummy bugs happen - but dehydration is the real danger. 💧
Here’s how to keep your baby safe and hydrated during gastro.

🥛 Keep feeding - breastmilk or formula.
💧 Offer small, frequent sips.
⚠ Watch for dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, or a floppy baby.
🧴 Wash hands and clean surfaces to prevent spread.

27/10/2025

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the most common causes of chest infections in babies - and almost every child will have had it by age 2. While it often looks like a regular cold, RSV can cause serious breathing problems in young infants.

Keep an eye out for rapid breathing, wheezing, or difficulty feeding and seek medical help early.

💡 Did you know RSV can survive up to 6 hours on hard surfaces?

24/10/2025

RSV in Babies - One Minute Parent Chat

RSV is a common virus that can cause serious breathing problems in young babies. 🤒
Know what to watch for and when to seek help - early recognition makes all the difference.

👶 Watch for: fast breathing, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness.
🧼 Prevent: handwashing and limiting visitors during RSV season.
💉 Protection: RSV vaccine available for expectant moms.

22/10/2025

Quick, trustworthy advice for busy parents - from baby illnesses and warning signs to everyday health tips.
Each week, Dr Maretha shares bite-sized guidance to help you feel more confident in caring for your little one. 💛

Keep an eye on our page for new episodes - and if you have any burning parenting questions, send them through! We might feature them in the next chat.

Address

Suite 101C Mediclinic Kloof Hospital 511 Jochemus Street
Pretoria
0181

Telephone

+27123674176

Website

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