Encourage independence with simple games

Your child is learning through play. Here are simple games to play with your toddler which will encourage her to explore her world.

• An empty plastic bottle and a few buttons or small stones will give your child hours of entertainment. Toddlers love to put items in containers. Just make sure your child does not swallow or put any of the small objects in her mouth or nose!
• Use boxes and pillows to create an obstacle course for your child in your house or garden.
• Let your child place a small ball in a bowl and shake it about. It’s lots of fun for toddlers
• Stack items on top of each other and watch your baby knock it down. Then build it again and let her knock it down once more.

Your health during your pregnancy

Your health and your baby’s health are the most important things in your life while you are pregnant.  Visit your local clinic as soon as you find out you are pregnant.  The clinic nurse and doctor will let you know when you must visit the clinic again.  But, if you notice any of the symptoms below happening to you, go to the clinic immediately.

• If you are very tired and cannot take a deep breath  
• If your arms and face are swollen more than normal 
• If the baby inside you is moving very little or if he is not moving at all 
• If you see blood in your underwear 
• If you have a bad headache
• If you have a bad stomach pain or you are vomiting 
• If you have a high fever or you have a fit 

Your breastmilk is magic

Breast milk is the best possible food you can feed your baby! It’s magic because it gives your baby all the vitamins he needs to grow strong and big. Your breast milk protects your baby from getting sick.

You should ONLY breastfeed during the first 6 months of your baby’s life. Start as soon as possible after your baby is born – don’t wait for more than half an hour. The first time you breastfeed your baby you are protecting him from sickness.

After the first time you breastfeed, let your baby feed at least 10 times every 24 hours. Your baby is growing fast and he needs as much milk as possible! If you have trouble breastfeeding, ask for help at your local clinic or in your community.