Living and Loving

Believe it or not, but since its inception in September 1970, the Living and Loving team has produced an incredible 588 editions of this magazine. We’ve seen more Baby of the Year and Cover Star competitions than we can count on both hands, worked with both local and international experts who have in many instances, also become dear friends, and we’ve had countless pregnancy, birth, baby and toddler stories that have touched our hearts, moved us beyond words and left indelible imprints on our hearts and minds forever. As we’re signing off this edition and toasting the 49th birthday of Living and Loving, our team has been reflecting how the staff members over the years have come to know so many of you, and now even your children, and we consider…

Hoping for a better birth experience The first time I gave birth, I was at home on the couch waiting for transport to the hospital. It was two months before my due date. I’m now 18 weeks pregnant and I’m eating healthy, drinking lots of water and ensuring I walk as much as possible, unless I’m very tired. I ensure that I’m active to avoid unnecessary complications and even stay away form certain foods. God willing, I’ll have a smooth birth and won’t go into labour early. Refilwe Segage Granny overwhelmed by technology I’m a mother of two and a grandmother to two toddlers. Despite all my experience with parenting, I find the technology of today confusing. But the massive marketing concepts for moms-to-be and toddlers turns motherhood into an adventure. It’s almost impossible to…

African Extracts Classic is our original antioxidant skincare range featuring all the protective, soothing benefits of bio-active rooibos, chamomile and vitamin E to keep your skin looking and feeling beautiful. The bio-active rooibos extract, made in the Cederberg from freshly harvested rooibos leaves, contains high levels of antioxidants that work at a cellular level to combat the damaging action of free radicals. With natural plant extracts and vitamins, it helps moisturise and nourish all skin types. Visit africanextracts.com for more information, *See standard Terms & Conditions on pg 1.…

“My son was two years old, we saw Boss Baby and he sat through the whole movie. A few months after we took him to see Cars and he was up and down. It depends on the movie and if your child is interested in TV at all.” Natalie Sampie “My son was two and we saw Despicable Me. I spent more time chasing him up and down the passage than watching the movie.” San-Marie Jolliffe “We took our daughter for her first movie on her 6th birthday. It was Ralph Breaks the Internet. We knew she would be ready because she could watch a movie at home all the way through.” Anita Bertrand…

JOIN CLICKS BABYCLUB FOR A WORLD OF BABY BENEFITS. Clicks BabyClub offers expecting moms, as well as parents with children under the age of three, great rewards and benefits. BabyClub members earn double points on selected baby products and services, receive an SMS vaccination reminder service, and PAED IQ - online access to expert advice from a professional paediatrician. JOIN BABYCLUB IN STORE OR AT CLICKS. CO.ZA. *See standard Terms & Conditions on pg 1. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED; GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK…

Are fertility tracking apps accurate? A 2016 study published in Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that at that time, there were nearly 100 smartphone apps that helped women track their menstrual cycles and prime fertility windows. Of those, some of the most popular ones had been downloaded over a million times each. So, it’s clear women around the world are finding these apps useful, but how do they accurately predict fertility? Fertility tracking apps help you remember the frequency and length of each menstrual cycle so you know whether you’re regular or irregular. They also show how long you’re in the follicular phase (from the first day of your period to ovulation) and the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation). One of the…