Stories

It’s been years since I’ve had a truly restful night's sleep. In the early days, it was accredited to constant newborn night wakings, and just when my children start sleeping through the night, a new culprit emerged - hormones. And living in a digital era doesn't make it any easier. It's almost reflexive to reach for our phones before bedtime, despite being very aware of the harm those blue lights can do to our sleep patterns. And the irony isn't lost on me that our kids, too, are ensnared by the glow of screens. But to say that blue light is bad is actually an oversimplification and not entirely true. Many of our physiological processes actually depend on blue light in order to function, especially our circadian rhythms. These rhythms are the 24-hour cycles that run our internal clocks and help the body carry out functions and processes that are crucial to our well-being. The most obvious circadian rhythm is the one that makes you feel sleepy at night and alert during the day, and nighttime light exposure can confuse this process, suppressing melatonin production and keeping you up longer. However, it's important to note that not all blue light is harmful. Sources of beneficial blue light during the day include sunlight, daylight bulbs, and certain LED lights, which help regulate our sleep-wake cycle and promote alertness. What makes the blue light emitted by screen-based devices harmful isn’t necessarily the light they emit. Rather, it’s the misalignment created in our circadian rhythms when we’re exposed to blue light outside of the hours of exposure that have been natural to humans for millennia. Simply put, when the sun goes down, our bodies take the absence of blue light as a signal to launch a multitude of physical processes. Exposure to blue light after sunset, especially at bedtime, disrupts those processes, which can have a number of negative effects on health. Interestingly, a study out of the University of Colorado Boulder highlighted just how detrimental even minimal light exposure before bed can be, especially for children. It's not just about screen time; any form of light in the room can disrupt our sleep. Misalignment of human circadian rhythms is believed to play a role in the development of numerous disorders associated with ageing - including depression, diabetes, hypertension, mood disorders, cardiovascular disease and obesity, and may even increase the risk of certain cancers. But the truth of the matter is, it's not always practical to completely disconnect from our devices before bedtime. Important updates from work or school can't always wait until morning [especially when you’re A-type like me]. However, I've recently made a conscious effort to curb my pre-sleep scrolling habits, and it's really made a difference. Now I quickly check my messages, set my alarm, and hit the pillow. It's a simple adjustment, but it's had a profound impact on my sleep patterns. Plus, I've introduced The Morphée to my nighttime routine and really helps me unwind after a long day, because my biggest problem was transitioning from a long to-do list racing through my mind, to quietening my thoughts into sleep mode. There are so many small, practical steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families from the harmful effects of blue light: Turn your phone off way before bed: Read through and respond to your messages a couple of hours before you get into bed, then all that’s left to do before you turn your light out is set your alarm and check for any really important updates. Don’t forget to flip your screen so it’s facing downwards on your nightstand too. Go green: Turning to green-wavelength light, such as the light emitted by the Allay Lamp, can offer a source of illumination for reading and other activities without the damaging effects of blue light. Dim it: Most devices allow you to dim your screen, as do dimmable LED light bulbs. If you can’t avoid blue light at night, simply turning down the light source a bit can still make a big difference. Black out your bedroom: From alarm clocks to air purifiers, you likely have some subtle source of light in your bedroom at night - even if it’s just artificial light from street lamps making its way in through your window. Consider putting a piece of tape over the light on your air purifier, putting blackout curtains in your bedroom, or even wear an eye mask to protect yourself from these light sources that disrupt your sleep.  Blue light blocking apps for screens: With the rise of smartphone usage before bedtime, several apps have been developed to address the issue of excessive blue light exposure. These apps adjust the colour temperature of your device's screen, reducing blue light emissions in the evening to promote better sleep. The point is, we all know that we shouldn’t be exposed to blue lights before bedtime, but it doesn’t seem to stop us from perpetuating the habit. It’s not an easy one to break, especially in its entirety, but by being mindful of our exposure to blue light and taking small steps to protect our sleep, we can make such a difference to our physical and mental wellbeing. Written by Jacqui Mills.   

With Mother's Day creeping up on us, we chatted to resourceful Vicki Sleet about how she's renewed herself and reworked her career, as the world has shifted and changed after lock down. From handy mom hacks to insightful lifestyle trends, we're all ears and loving her style.  Tell us a bit about what you do as an editor in the print and media world. At the beginning of lockdown, the company that published Good Housekeeping where I was Deputy Editor liquidated and as a result, the editor Sally Emery and I had to think quickly – and Luckybird Content Agency was born. We are a communications agency offering print and digital written and visual content plus marketing strategy and some PR. We currently produce and co-produce three magazines for various brands – ranging from a smallish digital offering aimed at moms of teens to a magazine for a large fashion chain and another 300-plus page food and lifestyle publication. Each of these offers us a chance to flex our creative muscle while leaning into our many years of publishing know-how. We also produce web content – from web and social media copy to video for brands that span food, finance and lifestyle silos. It's diverse and every day is different which I absolutely love. Oh, I also work on writing commissions for various magazines that I have built relationships with over the years and I have my Instagram which morphed from the blog I started back in 2009.   What is on your radar at the moment with regards to lifestyle trends?  With the cost of living affecting us all – home is where it's at! Lockdown spurred a deep desire to create a sanctuary at home and now we are working hard at making those desires for a better life at home happen a little less frenetically. Whether it's streamlining things to avoid unnecessary spending, tending plants or homegrown veggies no matter how big your space, cooking on a budget or planning our space and day mindfully so we can maximise our home life, all of these are key focuses for people right now but in baby steps – we’re habit stacking rather than throwing in the towel and starting from scratch. Entertaining is definitely more potluck style and we are all seeing the value of investing in experiences rather than focusing on acquiring unnecessary things.   Do you have any mom hacks that you can share with us that's made your life easier? Meal planning and batch cooking is a lifesaver (and I am obsessed with my Instant Pot and Air Fryer for making things so much more efficient in the kitchen). Getting my children to showering age (a good scrub in the bath twice a week though) has been a game changer. I keep a chores list where I have weighted certain chores to rewards (ok, it’s money!). Regular wardrobe weed outs (and no new purchases until some items have sold on Yaga) and very very important – carving time out for myself so that I can recalibrate. This includes at least one friend date a week and my husband and I have Tuesday as our date night, no matter what. Oh, and getting enough sleep – I’m a wreck without it. Also – saying NO to what doesn’t serve myself or my family is a ‘hack’ that is becoming easier to do, a work in progress.   We loved your recent reel on how My Little Morphée has helped your daughter fall asleep easier. Tell us more about your family journey with the Morphée devices. Sleep has been a dirty word in our home for a long time. At least one of our girls likes to come into the bed with us at some stage of the night. While we have no issue with that whatsoever, when our youngest got to six, we knew something had to change because she was reliant on us falling asleep too, which wasn’t sustainable.    My Little Morphée came at a perfect time. She loves the independence of using the device and that there are so many meditation and musical choices. It’s been a game changer for her in creating independence in going to sleep but more than that the value in how it is so calming feels priceless – we should have done it years ago.    The Morphée device is one of those things I think every adult and marriage needs. Getting the phone out of our bedroom is a constant challenge and before we know it my husband and I haven’t said a word to each other for an hour while we both doom scroll. It is also a game changer in terms of sleep quality. I recommend a magnesium supplement to REALLY get you into sleep mode. If you’re peri-menopausal like me, you should know that you can pop on the Morphée if you wake up in the middle of the night and it works to get back to sleep really well too! To stay in the loop follow Vicki and Lucky Bird Agency on Instagram.

‍ Babies are born with a strong innate urge to suck. This is a natural behaviour designed to stimulate their mother’s milk production, make latching during breastfeeding easy, and calm them down – sucking has been proven to effectively lower babies’ heart rates, blood pressure, and stress levels. Pacifiers fulfil this natural suckling need and offer a sense of comfort, safety, and peace – even when you’re not there. Pacifier vs. thumb sucking There are several reasons why pacifiers are a better choice for your baby than thumb-sucking: Pacifiers are kinder to the teeth than thumbs are Pacifiers are more hygienic than thumbs Pacifiers are safer for your baby to put in their mouth than thumbs Your baby will fall asleep more peacefully with a pacifier and will turn onto their tummy less quickly, reducing the risk of infant death It’s easier for your baby to quit using a pacifier than to quit thumb-sucking ‍ The benefits of Difrax pacifiers Difrax’s pacifier range has been developed to suit the needs of babies from a premature stage to over a year. Difrax pacifiers: Have a butterfly-shaped shield that leaves your baby’s nose free for breathing and prevents skin irritations Are tasteless, odourless and allergy-free Are developed in collaboration with speech therapists and dentists Grow along with your child’s age and sucking needs Are pleasant and easy to accept Come in a range of colours – even glow-in-the-dark Difrax pacifiers for different ages The Difrax range consists of five different-sized pacifiers, spanning from pacifiers just for newborns to ones for kids over a year old. Regardless of age, Difrax pacifiers offer comfort and safety. The size of the shield and teat of each pacifier varies according to its age category to ensure your baby is comfortable using their pacifier as they grow. The teat also becomes more solid as the size increases, so it stays proportional to your child’s developing jaw and sucking strength. Please note that Difrax recommends replacing your child’s pacifier every six weeks and checking for damage every time before they use it by firmly pulling the suction area. If the pacifier is damaged, replace it immediately. They also recommend starting to wean your child off their pacifier as soon as they start biting on it. ‍ Recommended by parents 91% of parents gave Difrax pacifiers a good to excellent rating**93% of parents would recommend Difrax to their friends, family, or colleagues* One mother says: “It’s great! The pacifier is hip and trendy. I love the variation in designs. It’s a good fit for my little girl and offers her the right amount of comfort when she needs it.” ‍ ‍ *These results are based on a customer satisfaction survey carried out on Difrax.com in December 2017.  **Based on a total of reviews of Difrax pacifiers on Bol.com in December 2017. ‍

 As part of the nurturing trio behind Brave Little Baby, Lindi is a compassionate child and infant sleep guru, guiding parents through the journey of creating healthy bedtime routines. As a dedicated mum, wife and entrepreneur, Lindi appreciates the fine balance between familial responsibilities and the pursuit of her passion. In honour of World Sleep Day this Friday, she shares her insight into her motherhood journey and her go-to strategies for sweet dreams.   After recently having your third child, what have you learnt to do differently?   This time round I am far more relaxed and less anxious about the little things. It’s a shift that not only benefits me, but creates a more relaxed atmosphere for my baby, and it’s my mission to help all new moms to experience this too. I am very mindful of her sleep, but there is a certain amount of flexibility required with the third child.     Tell us a bit about yourself and your practice as a baby and child sleep coach.   Being such a big baby lover, I assumed parenting would be a breeze with my firstborn, and to my surprise it turned out to be quite the opposite! Motivated by my love for learning, I delved into resources on sleep and growth, striving to equip myself with the knowledge needed to be the best mom possible. Our second baby arrived, and things were easier, but my second born was a different cup of tea. Thankfully, my cousin and business partner, Zanda, helped me establish a solid sleep routine with her from early on, and she turned out to be a really good sleeper! Today we’ve helped over a one thousand families reclaim their sleep, reduce anxiety and be fully present in their parenting journey. Our passion for sleep extends to every age group, recognising its importance for everyone.   Is there a certain amount of sleep that a newborn should get per day, and how does this compare to their toddler stage?   Oh yes! One of the key things I only learnt later on in parenting is how much newborns sleep; only waking for 45-60 minutes in the first weeks for feeds, nappies and a bit of bonding. They are also only awake for short periods during the night, so sleep is staggered throughout a 24-hour day, whereas toddlers (defined as 2 years and up) ideally sleep for a maximum of 1-2 hours during the day (or not at all) - a crucial shift we aim for to consolidate the night time sleep during these formative years.   What are your top 3 tips for parents trying to get their little ones off to bed in a more structured way?   Start with a bedtime routine as soon as possible (ideally from 4 months old). Incorporate a couple of key steps into the routine that will signal that it’s sleep time, like a bath or bedtime story. The day can get quite long for toddlers if bedtime stretches beyond 7:30pm, and bear in mind that an overtired child is not easy to get to bed. Be mindful of a baby’s nap schedule, and if they didn’t get as much sleep as they should have during the day, ensure you get them to bed early to avoid tantrums and tears!  When it comes to older children (2yrs +) offering them choices can avoid power struggles. Allow them the autonomy to make choices such as what pyjamas to wear, but reaffirm firm boundaries such as sticking to one book.    What are your top products from Sprout Store and why? So glad you said Sprout “products” and not just one! Currently, during the newborn phase I am loving the Difrax pacifier cloth. It’s safe to use in the cot, ensures the pacifier is secure, and is a good way of introducing sensory stimulation. The Difrax anti-colic S-bottles are also amazing. I have given my six week old pumped breastmilk with these baby bottles and the winds are even less than when she feeds directly from me!  I am also excited to move over to the Difrax 360 Degree non-spill toddler cup, because I know for certain they are 100% non-spill!  Don't miss out! We have collaborated with Brave Little Baby for an exciting giveaway just in time for World Sleep Day. Visit our Instagram page here to enter.

Mom, wife, photographer, entrepreneur. Charné Delport wears many hats, and she wears them well. In this edition of Mom Talk, we chat with her about life as a first-time mother, juggling parenthood with work and responsibilities, and her and her son Ezra’s favourite Sprout product – the Difrax S-Bottle.   Tell us a bit about yourself. What does a typical day in your life look like?   I’m a 24-year-old wedding and lifestyle photographer, married to my best friend and a first-time mama to the sweetest 5-month-old baby boy. Between these things, I've been stretched in every direction over the past few months. It’s been challenging, but overwhelmingly beautiful as well. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, especially when you’re also a first-time mom working from home. I’ve had to learn to lean on my village. We’re lucky to have an amazing family – they've been the biggest blessing during this season of our lives and have allowed me to keep pursuing my passions. As a full-time photographer, my schedule looks different each week. Generally, my weekends are filled with weddings and shoots and my weeks are spent focusing on post-production and admin-related tasks, with the occasional sunset shoot here and there. Although I thrive on structure and ticking tasks off a to-do list, I’ve had to surrender to the fact that working from home with a baby means every day looks different. Over the past month, I’ve implemented a loose routine for Ezra, which has benefitted both of us. On a “good” day, I’ll spend time with him while he's awake and schedule my work during his naps. This has helped me to be fully present with what I’m doing instead of thinking of work when I'm playing with him and vice versa. When my husband Aiden gets home from work, we spend time together as a family. If the weather's good, the guys sometimes tag along with me to my sunset shoots for some quality outdoor time.     When you’re out on a photoshoot, how do you make sure Ezra has everything he needs?   Because I’m exclusively breastfeeding, I always worry about whether Ezra will have enough milk while I’m shooting – especially because my days often stretch longer than 10 hours. Having a routine has helped in this regard as it gives me an idea of how many feeds he has on average every day so I can make sure I have enough milk pumped. In the lead-up to a wedding, I try to fit in at least one pumping session per day, usually after his morning feed, to build up a freezer stash for the time I’ll be away. We spent our first night away from Ezra last month to shoot a wedding in Robertson. It was tough on my mama’s heart but I was also so incredibly proud of myself packing up his frozen milk to send with him.  When I’m working on a long photo shoot or wedding, it’s often difficult to stick to a pumping schedule since the timing of every shoot is so different. I try my best to pump at least once every 4 hours or fit in shorter, more frequent pump sessions if I can. This helps protect my milk supply and build up a stash for the next wedding or shoot. Luckily, other than having enough milk, I’m never overly stressed about him because his grandparents love and spoil him to bits whenever they’re on babysitting duty.    Is there anything you’ve found challenging about motherhood that you didn't think much about before becoming a mom?    The unseen mental load that comes with being a mom is something I didn't expect – the constant to-do lists, anxieties, mom guilt, and stress. Motherhood can sometimes be overwhelming and difficult to explain to someone who isn’t in a similar season of life. It can consume you, but I’ve realized that it’s so important to find pockets of time to fill your cup and do things that bring you joy, which then allows you to pour back into your family and be the best mom, wife, and business owner you can be. It’s not always easy to focus on yourself as a new mom, but it’s necessary. Moms truly deserve more credit!   You shared with us that Ezra had oral restrictions and struggled to bottle feed, but succeeded with the Difrax S-Bottle. Can you tell us more about this and how you’re navigating it?    Ezra was around 10 weeks old when we discovered he had a tongue and lip tie that was causing digestive issues and lots of discomfort for both of us. His oral restrictions caused him to swallow lots of air while breastfeeding. We tried a few bottles from popular brands to try and reduce the amount of air he was swallowing when feeding, but they made the situation even worse. I came across the Difrax S-Bottle at a baby expo earlier this year and was fascinated by its unique anti-colic system and beautiful design. From the first time we used the bottle, we immediately noticed a difference. Ezra swallowed noticeably less air and wasn’t choking or gagging while feeding. Since then, we’ve had his tongue tie released and he’s doing much better. We’re still loving our Difrax S-Bottles – it’s now the only bottle we use. The S-Bottle has made transitioning between breast and bottle super easy while also reducing the discomfort Ezra experiences after feeding. Seeing your baby in pain is so heartbreaking as a mom, so I'm grateful to see him flashing his gummy smile more. And I know that he will comfortably and happily drink from his S-Bottles when I’m away for work.    

My Little Morphée Accompanies the child towards a more serene sleep Allows them to return to calm at any time of the day Improves the concentration of the child Allows the child to manage their emotions 100% disconnected without waves and without screens Nomadic and easy to transport, thanks to its wooden handle What's included in My Little Morphée 128 soothing stories in which children set out to discover a resource, guided by an animal of their choice. 32 meditations that allow children to manage their emotions and gain self-confidence 16 nature sounds (purring of the cat, sound of the sea, fire in the fireplace...) 16 soft music specially composed for My Little Morphée My Little Morphée contains 192 sessions split into 5 themes Meditative journeys: soothing stories guided by animals. Soft music tracks composed by Gilles Maugenest. Nature sounds recorded in different places in the world. Solo meditations. Group meditations to follow along with friends and family. How does My Little Morphée work? Lying comfortably in bed or sitting in a calm and quiet place, choose a session out of 192 possible combinations.   With the first key Choose the theme of the session. With the second key Choose the universe you want to travel to (island, desert, forest…) Then with the hourglass Choose the duration of your session.

Difrax understands that parents want peace of mind that their kids are getting only the best of everything. To maintain their commitment to baby product excellence, they thoroughly test every pacifier before distributing them to stores. Each one must meet strict European regulation standards as set out in the EN1400 standard. When you buy a Difrax pacifier, you can rest assured that it’s completely suitable for your little one to use and even healthy for their development.  Read on for some help on how to keep your Difrax pacifiers safe for use and in good working order.Always inspect your pacifier before use Check the pacifier for weak spots, cracks, or bite marks every time before your baby uses it by pulling firmly on the sucking areas. Follow European guidelines and replace your baby’s pacifier every six weeks. After about six weeks, small cracks start to appear that aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye. This is the start of greater damage, which you naturally want to prevent.  Throw the pacifier away immediately at the first sign of damage. If your child starts to bite on their pacifier, we recommend weaning them off using pacifiers altogether. Hot Tip: Is your baby teething? Make sure to thoroughly and constantly check their pacifier for damage.CTA: Shop pacifiersHow to safely use a pacifier cordEvery parent knows that few things cause as much mayhem as a lost pacifier. Luckily, Difrax’s handy pacifier cord attaches your baby’s pacifier to their clothing, ensuring it’s always within arm’s reach. Here are some useful tips on how to safely use Difrax’s pacifier cord: Make sure it’s not attached to your child when you put them to bed. They could get caught up in the cord. Make sure the cord is shorter than 22 cm. This is the maximum length allowed for safety reasons. No pacifier should ever be attached to a cord around your baby’s neck. It might seem convenient, but they could get caught up in the cord. CTA: Shop pacifier cordsUsing a Difrax Pacifier ClothThis soft cloth attaches to any Difrax pacifier, making it hard to lose and easy to find if you do. It can also be used to clean up after your young one, or for cuddles and warmth. It can also be easily removed for washing. Please note that your child should never be attached to the Pacifier Cloth when you put them to bed.CTA: Shop pacifier cloth‍Giving up pacifiersAlthough it might seem far away now, there will soon come a time when your child must give up their pacifier. This can be a difficult task – especially if your child is very attached to their pacifier. It’s recommended that your child only uses a pacifier up to the point when their teeth start to form. For most children, this is between the ages of 1 and 2.

Your baby’s immune system isn’t working 100% yet. This makes them more vulnerable to getting infections. Here’s a little help on how to clean your baby bottles, pacifiers, and bottle teats to make sure your little one grows up as happy and healthy as possible. How do I clean my baby products? Watch this video for a short explanation of how to safely and thoroughly clean your Difrax pacifiers, bottle teats, and baby bottles. You can also find a more detailed explanation in the text below the video. Tips & Tricks Before using them for the first time, we recommend sterilising or boiling your pacifiers, bottle teats, and baby bottles to ensure that all bacteria are killed. For the times to follow, there are two ways to clean your Difrax products:  With hot water and detergent: rinse the bottle, teat, and other components with cold water. This is necessary as proteins harden at 40°C, making them more difficult to clean. Following this, clean the products under the tap with hot water and detergent.  In the dishwasher: rinse the bottle, teat, and other components with cold water to prevent the proteins from hardening. Then place them in the top rack of the dishwasher and select a program of at most 55°C. You also mustn’t forget to clean the larger baby products in your home. You can do this in the following way: Use a clean cloth and hot soapy water to wipe down larger baby products, like kitchen utensils and the highchair/baby chair. Then clean all the items that your baby puts in its mouth, like toys and their teething ring. According to new guidelines, after the first use, it is no longer necessary to boil products. This doesn’t apply to premature babies, children with health problems and children with thrush. In these cases, sterilization or boiling is still recommended. Cleaning pacifiers, bottle teats and baby bottles: a list of handy tools The bottle brush The Difrax bottle brush is a handy tool for cleaning your baby products. The small brush can be used for pacifiers, bottle teats and bottle parts. With the small brush, you can easily reach difficult spots. The large brush is used to clean the body of your baby bottles. The brush fits all the way through. This way, you make sure that your baby products are properly cleaned. To the bottle brush: ‍ It’s also crucial to clean the larger baby products in your home – like kitchen utensils and highchairs, for example – as well as the items that your baby puts in their mouth, like toys and teething rings. You can do this simply by using a clean cloth and hot soapy water to wipe them down. According to new guidelines, it’s no longer necessary to boil products after the first use. Please note that this doesn’t apply to premature babies, children with health problems, or children with thrush. In these cases, sterilisation or boiling is still recommended. The Difrax bottle brush Difrax’s 2-part bottle brush is a handy tool for cleaning your pacifiers, bottle teats, and other bottle parts thoroughly. The small brush lets you reach those awkward corners and the large brush can be used to clean the body of your baby bottles. It can be quickly and easily cleaned by running it under a hot tap, but it’s also dishwasher-friendly.

As children go through different stages of growth, their physiology changes and their sucking urge and capacity increases. That’s why Difrax offers five different sizes of pacifier, based on age,  to suit every child’s needs as they grow. This range spans from pacifiers for newborns to pacifiers for kids over 20 months old. As the age and size increase, the pacifier shield becomes bigger and the teat becomes firmer. But when is the right time to upgrade? Is age the only indicator or are there more factors that reveal if your child is ready to move up a size? Read on to find out. Pay attention to your child First and foremost, every child is unique. As a parent, you should be keeping a close eye on your child’s behaviour. You’re the best judge of what your child needs. If their pacifier seems to be getting uncomfortable or too small for them, upgrade it to a bigger one. Age is a good indicator Our pacifiers do come with an age indication – as a reference. This makes it easy for you to choose the right pacifier for your child. However, it’s important to note that it’s just an indication. If your child is bigger or smaller than average, for example, a pacifier for their age range may well be the incorrect size. Again, we recommend using your discretion as a parent. When to switch? The most important criterion is that your baby should be able to properly hold their pacifier comfortably in their mouth on their own – especially the Newborn, 0-6 months, and 6+ months pacifiers. Here are some signs that your child might be struggling to hold their pacifier in their mouth: They make a visible, conscious effort to hold it in their mouth Your child quickly or often spits their pacifier out when you put it in their mouth The pacifier’s shape is imprinted on your child’s cheeks after use If your child shows any of these signs, we recommend switching to a larger pacifier. ‍ ‍ Please note that it’s important to inspect your child’s pacifier for damage every day. To do this, firmly pull the teat and check to see if it is damaged in any way. If it is, replace it immediately. For a little help with how to safely use a pacifier.

‍ Nothing comes close to the love we feel for our kids, which is why we only want the best for them. Well, the Difrax S-Bottle is the best anti-colic baby bottle there is. It’s specially designed to prevent colic, reflux, and vomiting, stimulate a comfortable natural feeding position, and make sure your little one has a pleasant, nutritious feed every time. There are two types of S-Bottle — Natural and Wide – and they come in different sizes. We’re here to help you figure out which one is the right choice for your baby. Natural and Wide S-Bottles The S-Bottle Natural ‍ This award-winning baby bottle is favoured by kids and parents alike. It’s uniquely shaped to stimulate a comfortable natural feeding position for your baby and ensure a constant and regular flow of nutrition that makes feeding easy and pleasant for both of you. Its slim shape makes it easy to hold, and it comes with a proprietary anti-colic valve that reduces the risk of colic, vomiting, burping, and reflux. The base is unscrewable for easy, thorough cleaning and wide enough to fit cubes of frozen breast milk. The S-Bottle Natural is suitable for use from birth for both full-term and premature babies and is proven to be useful in combination with breastfeeding.  The S-bottle Natural is available in 170 ml and 250 ml sizes.   Which size S-Bottle should I choose? ‍ Natural S-Bottles come in 170 ml and 250 ml models and Wide S-Bottles come in 200 ml and 310 ml models. The smaller-sized variety of Natural and Wide S-Bottles (170 ml and 200 ml, respectively) are typically used early on in your baby’s life – from birth. After a while, they will begin to drink more and require a larger bottle. When you notice the smaller bottles no longer fully satisfy their hunger, switch to the Natural 250 ml or the Wide 310 ml S-Bottle. The Silicone Bottle Teat ‍ All S-Bottles come with a safe, soft-coated silicone bottle teat that’s comfortable for your young one and easy for them to accept. They’re tasteless, odourless, easy to clean, and safe for use even for kids with latex allergies. S-Bottles come with a standard size S bottle teat. Please note: Difrax bottle teats come in different sizes to best suit your young one’s suction power and the type of food you use. Click here to find out which teat is best for your young one.   The Difrax S-bottle is recommended by parents and professionals 80% of professionals recommend the Difrax S-bottle for your baby*78% of users of the Difrax S-bottle report fewer colic cramps in their children*46% of Dutch parents use a Difrax S-bottle* Over 80% of birth care professionals recommend the Difrax S-Bottle to the families they care for*. The reason is simple: S-Bottles are designed specifically to prevent colic, work well in combination with breastfeeding, and are suitable for use from birth. S-Bottles are also extremely hygienic. They’re completely disassemblable for easy cleaning and made of suitable, safe materials for children. The Difrax S-Bottle is rated 8/10 by professionals and parents. ‍ ‍ * The figures quoted are based on consumer research conducted by WIJ Special Media amongst 1886 participants and an online survey conducted by Difrax BV at verloskundigenloket.nl and kraamzorgloket.nl. More than 160 maternity nurses and 100 obstetricians took part in the research.

Annie Johnson has her hands and heart full as a Mother to two twins and a teenager. Especially given that she works as well. In this edition of Mom Talk, we spoke to her about life, work, motherhood, parenting, and, of course, her twins’ favourite Sprout products. Read on for some practical parenting tips and insights. Annie, tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your parenting journey. I became a mother at the young age of 20. Our eldest daughter, Leah (who will be 16 in January) was born at a time when I was still finding myself as a young adult. Being a young mom meant I had to face all the challenges of raising a child whilst still studying and building my career. The sacrifices we made to give her a home and a sense of stability are the same reasons I had decided I was done having babies – until I turned 33 and realised that my window of opportunity was closing.We made plans, but life is full of challenges. I struggled for a while to fall pregnant. We eventually conceived a baby boy, but his heart unfortunately stopped beating at 20 weeks. After 16 months of working to get physically and emotionally healthy, I finally fell pregnant again. I decided to take this pregnancy day by day and waited to see my gyne until I was 16 weeks pregnant. It was only at this point that we discovered we had been blessed with our twins Judah and Aviyah – a boy and a girl. I’ve worked in the FMCG industry for over 13 years, first in sales then in Marketing and Brand Management which I continue to do now as a freelance marketing specialist. Luckily, I work from home, which means I can dedicate more time to raising our family. What are some of the advantages and challenges you’ve faced having twins? One major advantage of having twins, in my experience, is just witnessing the unique bond they share. From birth, you see their empathy for one another. They even try to comfort each other if they’re crying. They play together and motivate each other to reach their milestones. I get to experience the best of both worlds with two personalities that keep us laughing and full of love.Sometimes, one baby will wake the other at night when crying, which is a challenge. As is comforting two babies who both want their mom at the same time. This leads to a lot of mom guilt. They love each other, but at this young age, they sometimes become jealous and fight. I feel that, as a twin mom, part of your rearing them is also nurturing a healthy relationship between them, whilst still empowering them to be who they are as individuals. Do you have any clever hacks to make life easier as a parent of twins? Have a routine. Be organised. Prepare. My twins are on formula milk now, which means I have to make sure their bottles are clean and filled with water every morning, then ration their powder into compartments, ready to be added to their bottles at feeding time. I find that the best way to feed twins when you’re by yourself is to place them side by side on a pillow in front of you and have their dummies ready at hand. But there are times when side-by-side won’t work – like when one of them is crying. In such cases, be prepared to use your hands, legs, tummy, and any other part of your body to keep them safe and comfortable while they feed. I also set up a changing station with everything I could possibly need nearby. They each have a mouth, face, and bum cloth hanging on the wall, and every changing product is within easy reach. I often use my pram around the house as an extra set of hands as well. I know that I can safely place one or both twins into it whilst I do what I need to do, like hang laundry. One of the best pieces of advice I read was to not buy two of everything as twins are different and might not necessarily like the same things. If something works for both of them, get another, but if they don’t, don’t. We set up a Montessori-style play area where they play and move from one thing to the next. There’s a 16-year age gap between your oldest daughter and your twins. How has the world of parenting changed after all this time? Things have changed a lot. Back in 2008, we raised our kids the way our moms taught us, whereas now it seems that new-school parenting is based on what scientists in America or paediatricians say. There are so many gadgets and products in the market now too, which wasn’t the case back then. Most are a waste, but there are a few things that have made life so much easier. I especially love the development of natural, healthy products and how quick and easy it is to make my twins’ food nowadays thanks to high-speed blenders.  Social media has certainly amplified mom-shaming and the judgement of different parenting styles. But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that a child grows up happy, healthy, and safe. We all have our methods of making that happen. We hear you have a clever way of colour-coding your Difrax bottles. Tell us more. Difrax bottles come in such gorgeous colours. I’ve made sure all of Judah’s bottles and pacifiers are grey or black and all of Aviyah’s are blossom pink. It’s just easier that way. I never have to remember whose bottle is whose. Believe it or not, at this age, they can tell which one is and isn’t theirs. What are some of your favourite Sprout products for the twins? Definitely Difrax’s S-Bottle. The built-in anti-colic valve has been very helpful – especially with Judah as he sometimes gets bad reflux. And it’s so easy to hold! I can hold two bottles in one hand or even rest one on my arm during feeding, which is great when I need my other hand free. I also really love Difrax’s pacifiers. They were easy for the twins to accept easily and they’re shaped in such a way to leave nostrils free. Lastly, the Silicone Fingertip Toothbrush. Nothing works better for massaging the twin’s gums and cleaning their teeth.

Bianca Klein knows a thing or two (or three) about work-life balance. For Women’s Day this year, we spoke to the 24-year-old mom of two about juggling parenting, work, and her passion for lifestyle blogging, what it means to be a woman in South Africa today, and, of course, her and her son’s favourite Sprout product – the Difrax S-Bottle.

Kelly Fung is the definition of a career-driven mom. Working as the Fashion and Beauty Director and Editor-in-Chief of some of South Africa's top magazines has paved the way for her to become Head of Marketing at ARC Store. We stole a few minutes of her time to get some tips on how she juggles her work and  motherhood. Kelly, Tell us about your family, your career, and how mom life has treated you. For the past seven years, I have taken on big career roles, from Fashion and Beauty Director for Marie Claire magazine to Fashion Director at Superbalist.com, to moving on to Editor-in-Chief at ELLE magazine. In 2021 (at the height of Covid) I took a big risk and joined a tiny team with a big dream; to start South Africa's first beauty-focused retailer - ARC. I never expected to get through the volume of work thrown at me and launch a brand during such a tumultuous time. Perhaps the universe needed to remind me that there were other things in life besides work and a career, and so another surprise landed in my lap. I found out I was pregnant.    Mom-life, my biggest role so far, has been this unexpected gift that has turned my world upside down. Describing it as challenging is like explaining the ocean's vastness - it just doesn't quite cut it. On the flip side, it's altered my perception of life and what is important. Have you faced any challenges being a new mom, and how have you overcome them? My husband Ben and I decided to relocate to London, which had been our dream for a while. I now know that pregnancy-brain is a real thing. Looking back, I would never recommend taking on two of life's biggest challenges as a two-for-one package deal, but we did it! I look at Ben every day in awe and sometimes pinch myself because I can't quite believe that Issey and I scored such a hands-on, devoted husband and father. It's the three of us against the world! Moving countries, a difficult start to breastfeeding, sleepless nights, and constant chaos aside, my biggest challenge is the uncontrollable grief in leaving behind the 'you' before becoming a mom. While Issey was a surprise, I am grateful that I had so many of my personal goals ticked off. At 35, I believe I waited a good amount of time to feel ready (or as ready as I could be) but I still struggle with that feeling of withdrawal and loss of identity, which creeps in even as one feels the ultimate joy in having a baby. I wouldn't say I have overcome this yet, but I understand it is part of the process for many women - especially workaholics like me.  What does your daily schedule look like and how do you make time to be a dedicated mom whilst running a business? We try our best to keep a steady routine, but babies are like schedule shmedule. Currently, Issey is going through her apparent 7-8 month sleep regression, so we are up sometimes 2-3 times a night. She will wake up at 6.30 am and make it known to Ben and me that the day has begun. She is full of beans in the morning, so we usually give her her breakfast porridge by 8 am and let her get messy in her PJs. She'll then have some play time and have her first nap at 10 am. The rest of the day is up in the air. We aim for two naps in the day and bedtime by 7 pm. Issey loves her bath time, so we rarely skip that.  I weave in work throughout the day. Luckily, I have been able to extend my maternity leave for a full year but continue to work flexibly. Work is taking a backseat for the first time ever.  What is Issey's favourite Sprout product, and why? Issey loves her Difrax S-Bottle which she took to very easily. She has her morning bottle with her dad. The shape is comfortable for her and she easily holds it with her little hands. She also loves playing peekaboo with her Cuddle Comforter.  Photography credits: Sophie Smith Photography      

Mashita,Tell us a bit about your family, yourself as a mom and your work and studies. My little family consists of myself, my fiancé, and our baby Didier. I have a BCom Law degree, worked for two years and then stopped working to further my studies, so I’m currently a full-time student. I’m a new mom but I still want to achieve my goals and this is why I decided to continue studying. I simultaneously have to juggle being a mother and a student, and yes it has not been easy, but with the support of my fiancé and siblings who also reside in the same city it’s been doable.  How have you managed to maintain a healthy balance between family, studies and being a mom? I don’t have the luxury of doing things spontaneously or procrastinating anymore, so I have to manage my time properly, pre-plan my days and try to stick to those plans. I have to allocate time to my studies and time for family. It hasn’t been easy hearing Didier playing and laughing in the other room while I’m sitting behind a desk preparing for a test, but thankfully I have a super supportive fiancé who understands that some days he will be attending to Didier without me and I will catch up with them later. Along the road to furthering your career, what have the challenges been and has being a mom changed the way you deal with certain things? Starting my motherhood journey off without having my own mother here to guide me has been challenging. Everything I came to know was mostly off the internet. Low milk supply during my early postpartum days was also a challenge. My milk supply was so low that it got both me and my baby frustrated and I resorted to formula. Didier has been a formula baby since then. Right now, I’m having difficulties with getting him to eat consistently. He loves his formula so the transition to solids is still an ongoing one and he is a picky eater. With my studies one of the biggest challenges is when school requires most of my attention. I feel as though I'm missing out from fully witnessing my baby grow and develop, but I think even working moms feel that way. It often feels like the time we have is just never enough.    What is Didier's favourite Difrax product and why?  It has to be the 360-degree cup, because he just prefers it and I've noticed how easy it is for him to hold because of the shape - perhaps that's the reason why.  For more on Mashita and Didier's journey and adventures, follow their pages @baby_motsi and @thee_mash on Instagram.    

After giving birth, it's important to nourish your body with healthy, nutrient-dense foods to help with recovery and promote milk production if breastfeeding. Kath Megaw from Nutripaeds gives us some valuable tips for postpartum nutrition.⁠ ⁠ 1. Oats are a great source of iron, which can help replenish blood lost during childbirth. They are also high in fibre, which can help prevent constipation, a common postpartum issue.⁠2. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is also a great source of protein and vitamin D, which are important for postpartum recovery.⁠3. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin K, which can help with recovery and support milk production.⁠4. Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamin D, which can help with recovery and support breastfeeding. They are also versatile and easy to prepare, making them a convenient postpartum food.⁠5. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. They are also a great source of fibre and vitamin C, which can support overall health and recovery.  

What happens when the phrase "We're not saving lives here" doesn't apply to you? Dr. Marguerite Barnard is one of those people. As a specialist surgeon in training, wife, and mom to a toddler, we search for the secret to her calm composure and tips on how she stays on top of her game. DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about yourself as a Specialist Surgeon in training and what your work entails. MARGUERITE: It's been a long, compelling, and adrenaline-filled road for the last 14 years, since starting medical school. I've unexpectedly found a love for the operating room ever since I set foot in the sterile world of surgery as a student. I found every excuse to assist in theatre, attend surgery courses, network with talented female surgery mentors, and learn from their tips and tricks. Now I'm becoming a general surgeon myself.  Most of my scope revolves around cancer operations, trauma, hernias, appendixes, emergency surgeries, breast and thyroid operations, cholecystectomies, and endoscopies. Knowing what I wanted to do early on made it easier for me to manage my ambition as well as give it a name and a purpose. DIFRAX: Describe to us what a typical day in your life looks like, and how you deal with the pressures of your work while juggling family life. MARGUERITE: My typical day doesn't have a lot of “typical” in it, unfortunately. You can plan the perfect theatre or clinic day, only to find an ICU patient decompensating and needing urgent major surgery, but it keeps you on your toes. The week is filled with being on-call, seeing sick patients, scrubbing in on major cases, and long ward rounds. Academics are also a big part of what we do, so we slot in meetings during the week. I love research so sometimes statistical meetings or conferences also get scheduled throughout my year.   Nobody is perfect at dealing with a work-life balance I guess. The important part is just to keep re-adjusting. I've found a lot of serenity in swimming, so we'll often make use of our local gym's babysitting services to get a quick few laps in. I've also gotten good at queuing podcasts that I'd love to listen to, and always keep earphones nearby. Another big advantage in our household is that we don't own a TV. It affords us a lot of extra hours in the day, but if I'm craving a good series or a movie night, there's always a laptop for that.  DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about your family and what your favourite part of parenting is.  MARGUERITE: I really didn't imagine I was going to enjoy parenting this much! We didn't go into our parenting journey with a lot of friends with kids. It really allowed us the opportunity to decide what our lives with a daughter was going to look like without people's preconceived ideas about how it should be. We love travelling, so we even hopped on a flight when Daphne was two weeks old. I don't know if it was bravery or oblivion, nevertheless, I had such a great maternity leave figuring out what our own boundaries should be. She's by far the best part of my day. After work we get on the floor, play hide and seek, and awkwardly dance around the living room, even if it's just for 5 precious minutes.  This means the world to me.     DIFRAX: What tips do you have for other moms who have extremely high-pressure jobs and are struggling to maintain a work-life balance? MARGUERITE: The rules aren't written for you. Be brave. You are most likely never going to fit into society's mould of what parenting should be, and that might just be your saving grace. I consulted with a big mentor of mine before I decided to become pregnant during my surgical training years and her advice was the following - your daughter should be able to function without you around. If you sleep at the hospital for a week, have a deadline, or have a big meeting presentation coming up, you need to know that she is 110% safe, loved, and looked after. So that is something my husband and I never compromise on. We have a nanny that means the world to us, and an equally amazing night nanny I arrange beforehand when I'm on call. We've curated a network of close family and friends who we know she feels safe around, and that allows us the opportunity to fully commit to our work environment.     DIFRAX: What is your favourite Difrax product and why?  MARGUERITE: We recently got our hands on Difrax's soft spout cup in a cute dusty brick colour which Daphne enjoys. It fits in well with our on-the-go nappy bag and because of the unique design I never have to wonder which cup is hers at busy birthday parties.   For more on Marguerite's life and parenting tips check out her Instagram page  and read her article here.  

From starting BodE in lockdown to managing stress and a busy schedule, talented and inspiring Elena Pappas gives us some valuable tips on how moms can fit a workout into a busy day while being a momtrepreneur.  DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about yourself as a Fitness Instructor and Health Science Graduate, and how you came to start BodE? ELENA: My goal was always to become a medical doctor just like my dad, so I started off with my Health Science Degree in Public Health, but things ended up going in a completely different direction when I moved to Cape Town. Fast forward a few years and here I am, still somewhat in the health industry as I always hoped, but in a totally different way. BodE was born during lockdown when all we had was online workouts to keep us moving. During that time, I also had the opportunity to complete my fitness instructor course, and I started off by doing a couple of Instagram workouts which people really enjoyed. From there I had my website built and slowly started to grow and evolve to where I am now, which is an online platform and mobile app that has five different trainers as well as a nutrition team. The way that BodE has helped and inspired others is what drives and fulfils me, so I may not have become a medical doctor, but I still get to change lives one way or another. That’s good enough for me!  DIFRAX: As a business owner and mother, what does a typical day look like for you from start to finish, and how do you manage to balance your schedule with family time? ELENA: I definitely do struggle to juggle everything, and I often find myself becoming really anxious and stressed about how much I need to get through, but I am definitely starting to manage my time better. We have an incredible nanny who helps out twice a week, so those are my days to film and edit workouts, and to complete all my admin. On the days she is not around, I am in mom mode, which involves playing with Ethan most of the day. When he naps I try to squeeze in a workout, some admin or just getting things done around the house. I don’t really get much time to chill, but I am really blessed to be able to have my own business and to work from home, so I really can’t complain. I absolutely love what I do, but I also love being a mom and being with my son, so I try my best to find a good balance.  DIFRAX: What are some of the obstacles that pregnant and postpartum moms encounter when getting motivated to work out and trying to maintain a balance? ELENA: I think the two biggest obstacles are time management and exhaustion! I speak from experience when I say that trying to find the time to train when you have a baby or when you’ve hardly slept is almost impossible. The same goes for the fatigue you feel when you are pregnant, but I can also say that I have NEVER regretted a workout, so you really need to dig deep and find that motivation, because you always feel fantastic afterwards. BodE workouts are designed to be short & effective, so they are easy to fit into any type of schedule. As a mom, I don’t have enough time to get ready for gym, drive to gym, do a workout and then still drive home. With BodE, I can do all of that in under 45 minutes in the comfort of my own home. What more could one ask for?  DIFRAX: We’ve seen a rise in popularity of home workouts since the pandemic started, offering a safe and accessible way to exercise and stay fit from home. What benefits does this offer stay-at-home moms or moms on maternity leave? ELENA: The beauty of online workouts is that they offer one the ability to train while still being at home with their little one. Most moms aren’t able to go to the gym and leave their baby at home alone, so why not wait until he/she takes a nap, or even when awake, they can safely play with their toys right next to you while you get your workout in. Another factor is self-confidence. The last thing a pregnant or postpartum mamma wants to do is step into a gym full of people. Half the time you are in pajamas and you haven’t even brushed your teeth… absolutely suitable for home workouts! If working out is a hassle, then most mammas won’t do it, so my aim is to make exercise as fun, convenient, accessible and affordable as possible. DIFRAX: We see you offer both BodE Bump and BodE Postpartum packages for moms. How do these workouts focus specifically on pregnant and postpartum moms? ELENA: The pregnancy safe workouts are a bit of everything, so the library has a combination of Pilates, Barre, Yoga and my workouts. They are all pregnancy safe and low impact, and there are three difficulty levels for members to choose from. For the Postpartum library, I have an incredible trainer based in Johannesburg who specialises in pre and postnatal movement, and we have structured the library into a 17 week program for postpartum mammas to work through. I did the program myself after having Ethan, and I can safely say it is highly effective and extremely enjoyable. It’s the perfect way to ease back into exercise, because it builds up in difficulty as you progress through the library, with a specific focus on core connection which is something that so many women forget about when it comes to postpartum training. Exercise during and after pregnancy is really important, and having been there myself, I really want to ensure that I can offer women a safe, effective platform to use throughout their motherhood journey. To find out more about the incredible BodE packages, visit the website here. Watch our Instagram page as we launch an incredible giveaway with Elena tomorrow.  

In the spirit of gifting this festive season, Difrax and Shop North have selected some of our favourite treasures from female-owned businesses that will make beautifully considered gifts and unique stocking fillers for the whole family. For a limited period, from 5-15 December, we will be selling these products on our website. Amanda-Jayne Candles Proudly local and deliciously addictive, these candles do not disappoint. We love that this brand is locally produced in Cape Town and owned by momtrepreneur Amanda Cumming. In the spirit of gifting we particularly love her beautiful festive gift packs, deliciously scented and as delightful to open and look at as they are to light and smell. Hand poured in stylish gold tins, made with natural soy wax, and scented with a unique blend of pure essential oils, the scents in this gift box are Greenhouse, Night Bloom, Ginger Cake and Seasoned. They are all beautifully decorated with unique Christmas inspired labels and include a chic box of white tipped candles.  For the Festive Pop-Up Shop, Amanda has put together a special set of scents that are soothing for pregnant moms, available in the standard 4 tin gift set, comprising of Greenhouse, Night Bloom, Orange Blossom and Pink Petal. Shop Amanda Jayne here.   Ben Ben After having a child late August of 2019 and then experiencing a pandemic and lockdown, this mother and father team, Celeste and Alain Ferrier, began manufacturing amazing room accessories for toddlers and kids, with a true family spirit at the heart of it all. Ben Ben, comprises of crafted wooden products and lights that will make any toddler light up when they open these gorgeous gifts. The designs are eco-friendly and are plastic-free. They are made from sustainable birch ply timber and use non-toxic and biodegradable paints. Ben Ben is locally made with the goal of uplifting the communities they source from.  We are particularly obsessed with the cleverly designed height charts in the shape of surfboards that will look beautiful as a decor element in any kid's room. As a special bonus, Ben Ben is giving away free hand-made up-cycled Christmas stockings to the first few orders received. Stock is limited.  Shop Ben Ben here.     Bloom  Harriet Came is a well known and highly respected doula, as well as an amazingly established yoga teacher of 25 years, specialising in prenatal and postnatal yoga. With this wealth of insight and knowledge, Harriet really is an industry leader in her field. Her company, Blossom and Bloom, provides products and services to support women around fertility, pregnancy, birth and beyond. Under this umbrella she runs the NPO, Bloom Mama, which looks to provide less fortunate mothers in Cape Town with pregnancy assistance. We are a big fan of Harriet's oil range, Bloom oils, made up of five different nurturing oils that vary from anti-nausea to sleep aids to massage oil for mothers and babies. We highly recommend this beautiful range of healing and soothing oils, and are stocking it in our Pop-Up shop as a must-have for a Christmas pamper. Shop Bloom Oils here.  Sensorium Toys Robyn Turnbull is a paediatric occupational therapist who specialises in sensory integration. With play being a big part of her every day life, finding and sharing the best toys with parents has become her mission. Through Sensorium Toys Robyn is achieving this mission by showcasing beautiful toy brands who offer clever design and support child development. We love her selection of gorgeously crafted wooden toys that have a different skill or mission behind each of them. From the Sensory Tumbling set that rolls and encourages reaching and interaction in little ones, to developing their fine motor skills through the colourful Fruit Cutting set, Sensorium has got all the stages covered in beautifully designed and executed educational toys. This is the perfect gift or stocking filler for your little ones. Shop Sensorium here. ⁠  

We were lucky enough to catch a few minutes with the amazing celebrity makeup artist, social media guru and business owner, Lindy Lin, to find out how she juggles being a new mom and a busy entrepreneur. DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about yourself and your business. LINDY: I’m a self-made, full-time entrepreneur. I primarily do bridal & occasion makeup, as well as running my own clothing line and store in Canal Walk. I also dabble in a few social media endeavours. I'm new to the mom scene but I love it! DIFRAX: As a mom and business owner how have you adapted your schedule to fit everything in? Do you have any tips for other working moms?   LINDY: Luckily I make my own schedule and thanks to help from my mother-in-law and babysitters I’m still able to attend events and functions as I would before having a baby, as well as fulfilling my clients' makeup bookings. TIP: It really does take a village, so seek out all the help from your loved ones that you can get. Being a mom is definitely a 24/7 gig, but luckily most of my bookings / planning / social media work gets scheduled in advance, however my baby comes first and any spare time goes towards making the income I need to. DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about you guys as a family and what your favourite part of parenting is.   LINDY: Joao and I recently celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary (we've been together for 5 years in total). He is half Portuguese and I’m half Taiwanese, which makes Malakhi a complete South African, haha. We love every part of being new parents, and his smile makes me forget about the sleepless nights I get to experience. I do believe that it is our duty to bring our babies back to God and to try our utmost to rear them as best as possible.  DIFRAX: What is Malakhi's favourite Difrax product and why? LINDY: Malakhi is 4 months old now and I am still breastfeeding him. I do sometimes express and feed him in the S-bottles which he took well to the FIRST TIME and hasn’t rejected since ( my feelings were a little bit hurt, haha ) but I'm so glad it works well for us. The anti-colic valve definitely helps reduce the intake of air in the milk and reduces the winds he experiences.  For more on Lindy, her business and her brilliant makeup tutorials, check out her website here and her Instagram page here.

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast health, we asked the fitters at Storm in A-G Cup to give us a few pointers about finding the ideal bra fit to avoid the knock-on effects that can be caused by an ill-fitting bra. DIFRAX: How does wearing the correct bra size and type of bra promote good breast health? STORM IN A-G CUP: Wearing the wrong size bra may cause headaches due to pressure on the neck and shoulders. A lump can also form due to irritation from an ill-fitting bra or underwire digging into your chest. DIFRAX: What tips would you give someone on finding their ideal fit and support in a bra? STORM IN A-G CUP: Have a professional fitting. It will save you a lot of frustration. A bra is meant to feel comfortable on your body. Never let the size on the tag get you down. If it bothers you, cut the tag off.  DIFRAX: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, when your bra size is fluctuating, how do you select the correct size? STORM IN A-G CUP: As a fitter, we usually see ladies go up one band size and two cup sizes during pregnancy, but everybody is different. When you feel your bra is getting too tight and you have done all the obvious things like loosened your back band to the last hook, then come in for a fitting. You could purchase hook extensions to help before you decide to purchase your feeding bras. For breastfeeding we can also alter your regular bra to a feeding bra.   DIFRAX: Which bras would you recommend for women who have sensitivity or cysts? STORM IN A-G CUP: Again, we would need to see the client first as there is no straight forward rule of thumb here.  We have a sister company called LIKEB4 who specialises in mastectomy products and post-operative bras. We would advise against underwire bras and recommend a soft bra with no rigid moulding. DIFRAX: Tell us a bit about your role at Storm in A-G Cup. STORM IN A-G CUP: As a fitter, we always want to see you in your current bra. We pick up on the common mistakes straight away like spilling over of cups, straps digging into shoulders and we work from there. You will be surprised how wearing the right bra can change and improve your silhouette. Being fitted for a bra is quite an intimate situation, so making our clients feel completely comfortable is key here and to educate them on what to look out for and how to put a bra on properly. DIFRAX: What are a few tips you have for women in Breast Cancer Awareness Month? STORM IN A-G CUP:  Get fitted! Get fitted! Get fitted! Don’t look at the numbers on the tag with regards to size. Bras can be expensive, so how you care for your bra is also key.  Your support is not in your shoulder straps, but actually in your back band.