FemmeFocus Junction

  The “Golden hour” is a term used to describe the first hour after birth. This is a crucial time when the mother and baby share their first intimate moments, initiating an emotional bond with significant health benefits. It is during this hour that the first breastfeeding usually occurs. Breastfeeding during the golden hour helps the baby stabilize its heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar. It also keeps the baby warm and helps the mother and baby develop a strong bond. The benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the golden hour. I had a normal vaginal delivery with an epidural, my husband was present as a companion which meant a lot to me and added extra support. The epidural anaesthesia helped me be calm and cooperative during the second stage of labour. The baby was delivered with the assistance of a vacuum because my pushing efforts were not adequate and I’m sure my gynae did not have enough patience to wait for an hour for a primigravida to push this baby out. Everythi...

  Obstetric Haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is defined as excessive bleeding during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It is difficult to quantify the volume of blood loss. Still, most references suggest excessive bleeding of more than 500 ml after a vaginal delivery and more than 1000 ml after a caesarean section is significant. It also depends on how the mother has been optimized during the antenatal period to cope with bleeding. Anemia in pregnancy can on its own predispose pregnant women to postpartum haemorrhage. We have made good progress in terms of training staff concerning the acute management of haemorrhage, maternal resuscitation, and the use of uterotonic agents. We believe that in the twenty-first century, we should not lose any woman with obstetric haemorrhage. Most of us know the tragic story of Mumtaz Mahal in 1631 who gave birth to her fourteenth child. Shah Jahan was devastated by her death and dec...

  Padel is a sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. It is played on a smaller court with solid walls and a net, using paddles and a plastic ball. This sport has recently gained a lot of popularity worldwide. It is fun, social, and fast-paced, and it is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. My husband started playing Padel last year, and when he asked me if I was keen to try I became defensive, saying that my working hours are long and unpredictable to book anything, and have never played any racket sports in my life and I am not interested in trying anything new. On top of that, I have a toddler that I have to look after when I get home. Back then I was working very far from home and the long drive was a big challenge. I got a new job just around the corner from my house and the working hours improved. Winter was over and I was in a more outgoing mood. I met my old friends in the Bryanston sports club. I found...

  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It creates an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and support. It is one of the most common malignancies in women. The survivors experience severe trauma and major health issues. It is scary to know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection and treatment improve survival rates. Most of us have a friend or family member who has been through the breast cancer treatment journey or has surrendered the battle. One of my colleagues whom I met during community service was diagnosed with early stages of breast cancer five years ago. She has been disease-free after her operation and chemo-radiation therapy. Another friend of mine that I met in the meet-up groups is also known to have been through the breast cancer treatment process and has been disease-free for over ten years now. There are numerous ways to help raise funds, such as participating in di...

  When I started this blog, I was curious about how consistent I would be with my full-time job as an OBGYN and a toddler. I have many ideas about women’s health and many interesting things happen from day to day. I enjoy sitting down and putting my thoughts in writing. It gives a sense of purpose, and peace and brings on new ideas. One of the current burning topics is the new conflicts in the Middle East. It is a big worry that in the twenty-first century countries are invading each other. As a person who advocates for women's and children’s health, I want to elaborate on the various consequences of a new war in this region. A new war forces a lot of families to be displaced and flee their homes. Imagine being in that situation, wondering which precious belongings besides your life you can take and go to a safer place. Wondering when will you come back, and if you ever do, will your home still be there! At times family members are forced to be separated, and this leads to emot...