Expectant mothers gathered at JMH Isipingo Hospital, south of Durban, for an informative and empowering maternity workshop designed to prepare them for a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, and confident motherhood.
The workshop, hosted by the hospital’s maternity unit, covered a range of essential topics including nutrition, pain management during labour, breastfeeding, and emotional wellbeing.
Unit manager, Sister Kasturi Naidoo, welcomed attendees and introduced the hospital’s team of doctors and specialists. “We have six gynaecologists at the hospital. We also have paediatricians, ensuring both mother and baby receive comprehensive care under one roof.”
Naidoo went on to explain the stages of labour and the various pain relief options available. “Labour progresses from one centimetre to ten centimetres, when you are fully dilated,” she said.
Fellow unit manager, Sister Nalini Pillay, spoke passionately about the benefits of breastfeeding, describing breast milk as “liquid gold.” She explained that it contains all the nutrients a baby needs, as well as immunoglobulins that strengthen the immune system. “Breast milk is a complete feed — it’s living tissue full of protective antibodies,” she said. “The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.”
Sister Christine Pearce led a compassionate and engaging session on managing stress during pregnancy and labour. She encouraged mothers to remain calm and trust their bodies. “Stress can affect both mother and baby,” she said. “Relaxation, rest, and breathing exercises can make a big difference. Remember, your body knows how to give birth — babies know how to be born.”
Pearce also recommended safe, remedies to help calm nerves and reduce anxiety.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion, where mothers asked questions and shared their concerns about childbirth and newborn care.
One of the participants, Philile Ngcobo from Durban, praised the initiative, saying, “It was a fruitful and productive day. I learned a lot of things that went beyond a simple Google search. It was more in-depth and informative.”
Speech-language pathologist and audiologist, Qiniso Ndlovu, added that postnatal care is equally vital for babies. “Early detection of hearing loss is crucial for speech and language development,” she said.
The event reflected Isipingo Hospital’s commitment to empowering women through knowledge, compassion, and professional care — ensuring that every mother enters motherhood feeling informed, confident, and supported.
To learn more about JMH Isipingo Hospital and their Maternity offering, please call 031 913 7000 or email info@jmh.co.za or visit www.jmh.co.za
