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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.

08/10/2025

Even with the best prep, toddlers will still have big feelings - and that’s okay.

🗝️ The secret is in how you respond:

Acknowledge their feelings. Instead of “Stop being jealous,” try: “It’s normal to feel jealous of your baby sister. But our love grows with each new child - there’s more than enough for you.”

Shift the focus. Instead of: “I can’t play, I need to feed the baby,” say: “Get the blocks out, and I’ll join you as soon as I’m finished.” Even 2 minutes of one-on-one connection helps.

Don’t blame the baby. If your toddler keeps hearing: “I can’t, the baby needs me,” they’ll link the baby with rejection. Instead, frame it around what you can do together.

And don’t underestimate the power of stories - sibling-themed books help toddlers process their feelings and see themselves in a positive “big helper” role.

Adjustment takes time, but with empathy and consistency, jealousy can transform into healthy, loving sibling bonds.

07/10/2025

One of the best ways to minimise jealousy is to involve your toddler in baby care. Give them starring roles that build confidence and keep them connected to you.

This helps your toddler feel proud instead of pushed aside. And when you frame their involvement positively in front of others, you’re planting seeds of sibling pride that last.

Remember: toddlers thrive when they feel important.

05/10/2025

If your toddler is behaving like a professional wrestler around the new baby - you are definitely not alone!

Welcoming a new sibling is a huge adjustment. At first, toddlers might enjoy the excitement, but once the novelty wears off, frustration sets in. It’s common to see:

Sleep disturbances.
Toileting regression.
Attention-seeking behaviour.
Suddenly “forgetting” skills like dressing or feeding themselves.
Anger or even aggression towards the baby.

👉 Research shows behavioural challenges often double and peak around 8 weeks after the new sibling arrives.

If this is your reality, remember: it’s not that your child doesn’t love their baby sibling - it’s that they’re struggling to share you. And that’s completely normal. 💛

04/10/2025

Managing Type 1 diabetes requires ongoing attention and a dedicated support system. From tracking blood glucose levels to following a balanced diet and insulin therapy, children with diabetes can live vibrant, healthy lives with the right care. 🌟 The resilience of these young patients is truly inspiring! With the proper approach, your child can lead a full and active life.

02/10/2025

Type 1 diabetes can sometimes lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) – a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin. Without insulin, the body breaks down fat for fuel, releasing ketones that build up in the blood and urine.

Symptoms to Watch For
• Rapid or laboured breathing.
• Extreme thirst and frequent urination.
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Fatigue, confusion, or severe drowsiness.
• In severe cases: unconsciousness or coma.

Causes of DKA
• Insulin deficiency: Missing doses, insulin pump issues, or higher insulin needs (e.g., during growth or illness).
• Illness or infection: Conditions such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections increase stress hormones, which make it harder for insulin to work effectively.
• Physical or emotional stress: Illness, injury, or emotional strain can all raise blood sugar and ketone levels.

If your child shows these symptoms, contact your paediatrician or go to the emergency room immediately.

30/09/2025

Recognising the early signs of Type 1 diabetes in children can make all the difference.
If your child shows sudden weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination or mood changes – don’t wait. These could be more than temporary issues.

👉 Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe complications and ensuring the best long-term health outcomes.

📞 Contact your paediatrician immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

29/09/2025

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but the most common onset is between 5 to 6 years and again between 11 and 13 years old. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of the signs, such as increased thirst, frequent trips to the bathroom, and sudden bedwetting. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent complications. If you're concerned about your child's health, consult with your paediatrician.

28/09/2025

Grunting might sound harmless - but when it’s paired with belly movements like this, it can signal respiratory distress. 🚨

Notice how the baby’s belly pulls in and out with effort, along with the grunting sound. This is the body’s way of working harder to get oxygen in.

If you see these signs in your child, seek medical attention immediately. Trust your instincts -when it comes to breathing, it’s always better to be safe.

25/09/2025

Congestion can make babies miserable - and sleepless. The good news? There are simple ways to help.

💡 Use an aspirator to gently clear mucus.
💡 A few drops of saline can help loosen stubborn congestion.
💡 Keep baby’s head slightly elevated during sleep.

Remember, babies can’t blow their noses, so it’s up to us to help them breathe easier. A clear nose often means a calmer baby (and better sleep for parents too!). 😴

24/09/2025

Few things are scarier for a parent than seeing their child struggle to breathe. Here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Stay calm. Your little one is already anxious - if they sense your panic, it worsens their distress.
2️⃣ Head to the emergency room. It’s the safest place for significant breathing concerns, with oxygen and support ready if needed.

If you’re ever unsure → go. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to breathing.

22/09/2025

Did you know? Babies breathe much faster than older kids or adults. A “normal” rate for a newborn would be abnormal for a 4-year-old.

🌬️ Respiratory rate slows down as children grow, stabilising in adolescence.

⚠️ If your child’s breathing is noticeably faster (or slower) than their age’s normal range, it’s worth getting them checked. Rapid breathing is often one of the earliest signs of respiratory distress.

When in doubt → count their breaths per minute and compare to a trusted chart.

21/09/2025

Most newborn grunts are harmless. But sometimes a grunt is your baby’s way of saying: I’m struggling to breathe.

⚠️ Watch for these signs alongside grunting:
Faster breathing than usual.
Noisy, effortful breaths.
Retractions (skin pulling in between/under ribs).
Head bobbing.
Nostrils flaring.
High-pitched squeaks (stridor).

If you spot these, seek medical attention immediately. It could mean your child isn’t getting enough oxygen. Trust your instincts. If you’re concerned, it’s always safer to check. 🩺

Address

Suite 101C Mediclinic Kloof Hospital 511 Jochemus Street
Pretoria
0181

Telephone

+27123674176

Website

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