Nicci Coertze, professional doula
The fact that I am a professional doula helps immensely in my career as a birth photographer. Hospitals are more open to allowing me into their wards and theatre personnel and doctors know that I am properly trained to adhere to all procedures in the theatre, which a lay photographer may not be aware of. Also, as someone who has witnessed many, many births, I know how to stay out of the medical personnel's way, without compromising on your precious photos.
Different types of giving birth: Water birth, epidural & natural
Have you decided on the type of birth experience you would like? While nothing is set in stone and pregnant mothers should be prepared...
Braxton Hicks or true labour: how to know you’re about to give birth
How do you know you are in labour? What are the first signs to watch out for? And how do you know if it's...
The importance of having a birth plan
From the moment you learn you’re pregnant and determine a due date, you’ll likely start thinking about the type of birth you would like....
9 ways to make emigration easier
We all know that the current emigration (leaving your home country to live in another) stats in South African are very high. It’s not...
12 tips to make sharing your bedroom with your baby easier
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in their parents’ bedroom – “on a separate surface, such as a crib or...
Spa etiquette: 7 important questions answered
Planning a much-needed mom spa break? Whether you’ve visited a spa before or are planning to do so for the first time, here are...
How to protect your child from abduction
Most parents get chills when they hear the news that a child had been kidnapped. It is any parent’s worst nightmare, and while it...
12 signs you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive person
Have you ever had an interaction with someone and afterwards you feel extremely frustrated and like you are completely crazy, but you can’t explain...
What it’s like being a mom who voluntarily gave up custody of her child
“After yet another awkward exchange with a mother at my son’s school, I really feel that other parents should be made aware of the...
When a baby chokes on fluids
When Mienke Mulder was only six months old, she choked on her milk while in the care of her day mother. On arrival at...