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🚫🍷 No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, it's important to stop drinking alcohol as soon as possible. Alcohol can pass from your bloodstream to your developing baby and increase the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

can affect a child's growth, learning, behaviour and physical development. These effects can last a lifetime and cannot be reversed.

Choosing not to drink alcohol during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect your baby's health and give them the strongest possible start in life.

If you need help to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider, a nurse or contact the Department of Social Development’s 24-hr substance abuse helpline on 0800 12 1314 uzokwazi ukuthola usizo.

National Department of Health (South Africa) Department of Social Development

As soon as your child turns 12 months, start letting them feed themselves with their hands or with a spoon. This helps them learn important hand and finger skills, improving hand and eye coordination.

🍚It also gives them a chance to explore different foods, tastes, and textures, making them more willing to try new foods.

🧑‍🧒Always stay with your child during mealtimes and offer foods that are safe to eat to reduce the risk of choking.

🫟It is okay if mealtimes get a little messy; this is part of learning. As your child practises feeding themselves, they become more independent and learn to recognise when they are hungry or full.

At what age did your baby start eating by themselves?

National Department of Health

Make sure your baby has a birth certificate as soon as they are born. Vha khwathisedze uri nwana avhe na thanziela ya mabebo musi atshi tou bebwa.

📘The Road to Health Booklet (RTHB) or clinic card is not proof of identity. Getting a birth certificate for your baby helps you access services and support, such as child support grants.

📘 Bugu ya Road to Health (RTHB) kana garaṱa ya kiliniki a si vhuṱanzi ha vhuṋe ha muthu. U wana thanziela ya mabebo zwi ita uri zwi leluwe uri nwana a wane tshumelo dza ndeme na thuso, u fana na tshelede ya thuso ya vhana (Child Support Grant).

For more information, please call the Home Affairs Contact Centre on 0800 601 190 for assistance or send an email to [email protected].

National Department of Health (South Africa) Department of Home Affairs

📱 To join MomConnect:

✅ Ask your nurse for your clinic code during your first antenatal visit.

Then:
📲 Send "Connect" to 079 631 2456 on WhatsApp
OR
📞 Dial *134*550*2 # (free)
OR
🔍 Scan the QR code

Join millions of South African mothers who are already receiving trusted pregnancy and parenting support.

💗 Because every mom deserves information, support and care.

National Department of Health (South Africa)