*This Competition Has Ended*

I am not sure how many of you have watched the TV series “Don’t Just Stand There…I’m having Your Baby”? I have watched a few episodes and although the series is based in the UK, I feel that it is relevant, no matter where you live! In essence the series stresses the importance of pregnancy and childbirth education and although it focuses primarily on the dad’s involved, you quickly realise how little most people, moms and dad’s, actually know going into such a life changing experience!

This is especially alarming when there are an estimated 100 million pregnant women in the world at any time and a new study* from the USA Yale School of Medicine has found that many lack key information regarding reproductive health. For example about half the women surveyed did not know taking multivitamins and folic acid can help prevent birth defects. These are rather scary stats, especially if you are a mom yourself and know how important, those early developmental stages, of pregnancy are!

The Childbirth Educators Professional Forum and Bio-Oil are joining hands during Pregnancy Education Week, to empower women through information and highlight the value and benefits of antenatal classes. According to Lynne Bluff, South Africa’s leading childbirth educator, knowledge is key to a happy, healthy pregnancy: “If you understand what is normal, you can be relaxed and confident in what you are experiencing, knowing it is simply part of being pregnant.”

Having been through two pregnancies you realise the immense change your body undergoes, to help accommodate your growing baby! One of the more common pregnancy related issues women can experience, is itchy skin. “The skin is the largest organ in the body and any changes can have a huge impact on the mother,” says Bluff. “Massaging oil onto the breasts and tummy will moisturise the skin, soothe itchiness and help decrease the chance of stretch marks forming. It’s also a great way to start bonding with the little person inside.”

During my first pregnancy I read all the pregnancy and birth related material I could lay my hands on – it was a bit of an information overload but at least I felt moderately prepared for what to expect! I also joined antenatal classes, which is a great way to meet other people, who are in exactly the same situation as you. This is especially helpful, if your close friends are not going through pregnancy, at the same time as you. If fact I met one of my very good friends at antenatal classes and we are still friends today, some 13 years later!

Hospitals and childbirth educators around the country will be giving informational talks during Pregnancy Education Week; contact your local hospital or visit Expectant Mothers Guide for details. There will also be excellent pregnancy advice and Facebook apps available, including a healthy eating plan, due date calculator and stretch-mark guide, which you can find on the Bio Oil Facebook Page.

As part of Pregnancy Education Week, Inspired Living SA is giving away a Bio Oil Pregnancy Hamper worth R750. The hamper contains a Clevamama Splash & Wrap bath towel, a cotton babygro, Bio-Oil’s ‘Tips from Moms for Moms’ booklet and three bottles of Bio-Oil (60ml, 125ml, 200ml).

To win a Bio Oil Pregnancy Hamper enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below and please leave a comment telling me when your precious bundle is due! {Please read the *Terms and Conditions below carefully, to ensure you have met with all the entry criteria}
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms & Conditions:

• Entries are open from 16th February 2014 until the 24th February 2014.
• Enter via the Rafflecopter form above. You will be required to join the Bio Oil Facebook Page and Inspired Living SA’s Facebook Page.
• Please leave a comment below telling me when your precious bundle is due!
• To ensure that your entry in processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
• Prizes may not be exchanged for cash.
• This competition is open to South African residents only.
• The winner has 30 days to claim their prize.