Having a baby? Here are some helpful tips to prepare you for the journey. Ask around on hospitals and doctors as referrals are always the best way to go - we'd love to hear any advice or experience you have had to share with other XPATs! Send us an email on info@xpat.co.za or share your comments in the Community area.

Passport/Birth Certificate for your baby
Most hospitals/clinics will provide you with details on a registration/birth certificate service so you don't have to go to Home Affairs yourself. Details may be available in the maternity ward and the service is at a low cost. Or you can call:

Birth Registration Services (Abridged and full un-abridged certificates)
Rose Mackenzie: 011 782 8475

Passports for Infants and Minors
Service includes assistance in the acquisition of South African passports for children under 16 years
Ian: 072 101 6875

First Aid Courses & Childcare Domestic Courses
First aid courses are essential - not for just moms and dads but for anyone who is taking care of babies or children. Here are some we like:

Emergency Care
SR. Katie Powell
CPR & First Aid for parents and domestic workers
082 330 4661 or 011 468 1876

ABC Baby Care Training
SR. Marlette Visagie
Child Care Course for Domestics
Sharonlea, Olivedale
011 704 3742 or 083 307 6706

Ante-Natal Classes & Clinics
All you need to know about babies and then some can be found with the following groups:

Tina Otte Family and Child Centre
Childbirth Education and Support
4 Jack Street
Jacanlee, Cresta, Randburg
011 782 5790
For ante-natal and post natal care, well-baby clinic, baby massage classes, pre and post natal exercise classes, breathing and breastfeeding classes

The Children's Therapy Centre
Cnr Cambridge & Rembrandt Ave
Petervale/Bryanston
011 803 1321
For ante-natal and post natal care, well-baby clinic, therapists, chiropractor

Infants, Inc
2nd Floor, North Block
Thrupps Illovo Centre
Oxford Rd, Illovo
011 268 5053
For ante-natal and post natal care - classes, well-baby clinic, feeding, developmental

Ann Richardson
Private Nurse Practitioner
Baby and Child specialist and author of "Baby Sense"
Lonehill Shopping Centre, Lonehill
011-704-2836

Night Nurse
What a bonus - call these folks for a trained domestic who cares for your baby through the night so you can sleep!
- Joyous Baby Care - George 072 455 7260
- Diana 648-3841 or 083 7373 8292

Nursery Schools and Day Care Facilities
www.saschoolguides.co.za

Moms & Baby Classes
Check out these websites for information about mother and baby classses
www.momsandtots.co.za
www.toptots.co.za
www.clamberclub.com