About Michelle van der Westhuizen

I trained at the Sharley Cribb nursing college in Port Elizabeth. Sharley Cribb is renowned in the Eastern Cape for it's history in Nurse Training. Like myself, many other nursing sisters can confirm that their grandmother trained here. I completed my four year diploma there, did my practical at every provincial hospital in Port Elizabeth and the one in Uitenhage. This includes clinics and MOUs across PE and Uitenhage.

After completing my studies, I started out working at the Westend MOU in Salsoneville, Westend in Port Elizabeth. I had the priveledge of taking part in preparing this beautiful unit to open. The deliveries were done by the sisters with referrals of complications via Livingstone Hospital. The ante-natal clinic was also run by the MOU staff and postnatal check ups were performed here.

I then started working at St Georges Hospital maternity.The postnatal ward and adjacent ante-natal ward proved a great opportunity for learning, with many complicated cases and emergencies. It also provided the opportunity to learn from a legendary Midwife (Anna Tait) who was the best breastfeeding consultant I have met thus far. The nursery and labour ward provided the opportunity to learn these fields within the boundaries of the private sector.

I now reside in the local SOS Villages where my husband works. Indeed it was time for the next step. I have always had a passion for learning and passing on what I have learnt.  The aim of the antenatal classes, is to provide new parents with all the information they require in a safe supportive setting. I also provide the postnatal support they need to enable them to become confident parents with the tools they need for this very challenging but important task.

I was untill recently involved in accompanying student midwives.  I have now completed my own intership  for my Bsych as a Psychological councellor on a part time basis so for now my involvement in training will have to wait. I am integrating this into my current practise, the aim being to help new parents and provide the resources they need.

Currently I am a member of the ICEA and doing the international child birth educator course for experienced child birth educators.  I do believe we should always update ourselves.  We should never stop learning!

I have also become involved in providing nappies, clothes and baby products for mothers with financial burdens. My postnatal group provides baby clothes and we make up bags with an outfit, nappies and products that I take to the local provincial hospitals. A few pamphlets containing basic information and Contact information is also provided.  I also visit the Thundusana Haven recently opened by the Methodist Church and help them with weighing and immunising of babies.  These little bundles of joy are growing and is a true inspiration.

The best part of doing what I do now is to watch the children and new families grow!  So become part of the PEbabynet family!  Currently residing all over the world with littlies from Namibia, Israel, Germany, England, Australia and all over our own country!- Important work you parents are doing with this new generation!

You may also meet Robyn Holmes at my clinic.  Robyn trained with me at Sharley Cribb Nursing College and have spent the last ten years raising her three sons, and breastfeeding.  That in itself is a great resume!  Robyn loves helping new moms to get the breastfeeding right in her own but gentle way.  Currently Robyn is doing the Pep newborn Course through the Desmund Tutu foundation and will follow this up with the child health course.  Robyn has a gently hand with vaccinations and loves to explain to the moms what to do or expect.  She also has fun running an ante-natal class for me, and has a very special bond with her classes.  Robyn also has a passion for running the postnatal group and so providing support for new moms.  So know your in safe hands when Robyn takes care of you.

Melissa Viera helps out, specially on saturdays.  This fine midwife is in the process of completing her advanced midwifery course and masters degree at NMMU.  Melissa has a way with words and can calm down or excite those who need her.  She has a gentle hand for vaccinations and has just breastfed her little angel up to the age of a year!

You may also speak to Lindsey on the phone or meet her when you come to clinic.  Lindsey du Preez, who owns the shop (mommy and me) is a mom of two.  She is currently breasfeeding, so great for advice.  She is a qualified emmergency response person/woman and is in the process of doing her Dunston baby language exam.

I am blessed to have these wonderful people to help me and you.  When one can only be in one place at a time a great back is exactly what the doctor ordered!