Vivid Images
Vivid Images offers you photo shoots to capture those unforgettable and special moments. Specialising in maternity, newborn, family, engagement, wedding and pet photography, you can have pictures taken for every special occasion! Book a newborn photo shoot to record the absolute cuteness of your little bundle of joy with their Slumberlings Photography package! For moms-to-be, book a Moms and Babes photo shoot session, and you will get one maternity and one newborn photo shoot in the studio (each shoot is an hour long, and is spaced three months apart).
For more information, click here.
Boudoir Fusion Photography
Want to get an elegantly naughty surprise to gift your new husband on your wedding night? Then look no further! Book a sophisticated boudoir photo shoot at Boudoir Fusion Photography and have an experience you will not forget! Their boudoir packages range from the 30-minute ‘Taste of Boudoir’ to the 'Classic Boudoir'.
For more information, click here.
Hay Kay Photography
From engagement and wedding shoots to maternity and newborn sessions, there is a selection of packages to choose from to suit your budget! You don't need to spend too much money to capture those precious memories life blesses us with. They also cover corporate photos if you're looking to update your product catalogue or company portfolio.
For more information, click here.
Marina Laskaris Photography
Marina Laskaris Photography does a little more than just photography, they go above and beyond to bring you the most creative and beautiful photographs you've ever imagine. So, whether you're looking to get a portraiture done, capture the beauty of carrying your first child, or need a family photo shoot to keep forever, they'll have just the package for you and your needs. They also offer a few design options for you to choose from, including photo books and albums, to wedding stationery and invitations.
For more information, click here.
Tammy Holliday Photography
We all have stories to tell. Photographs are worth a thousand words which is why you need to get the best photos possible to capture every detail of your specific and special story. Cue Tammy Holliday Photography. They capture all of the biggest stories of life in the most creative and beautiful way possible. Offering sessions for portraits, maternity and newborn, families, couples, and weddings, there's a package that's sure to capture that special moment and story in your life.
For more information, click here.
Sonshaw Photography
Joburg based Sonshaw Photography offers you a range of photo session packages to choose from at reasonable and affordable prices. Book a baby-bump photo shoot or a two-hour maternity shoot, capture the beauty, love and happiness of your wedding day, and maybe even get a gorgeous glamour shoot done as a pre-wedding gift for your future hubby!
For more information, click here.
Jeanette Verster Photography
Specialising in wedding and lifestyle photos, this Joburg based photography company provides you with a chance to tell a story through the lens of the photographer. Book a family, couple, maternity, baby or adult portrait session, or get a little dressed up (well, down) and surprise your fiance/husband/boyfriend with a sexy album just for them.
For more information, click here.
TR Photos
Dedicated to capturing all those special moments, TR Photos is the place to go if you are looking for a photography service that is devoted to children and families. Based in Centurion, they offer moms and dads a variety of affordable photo shoot options. At the moment, they're touring the world but will be back in action from about June2017. Until then, be sure to take a look at the other amazing photographers in this article. You can check out their website in the meantime below.
For more information, visit their website.
Nestling Photography
Pregnancy is a wonderful and special time for parents-to-be, there is nothing more exciting than bringing a little mix of you and your loved one into the world. And, to capture this exciting and beautiful time of your life, Nestling Photography will ensure the most amazing photographs that you cannot help but glance at over and over again. They specialise in maternity, newborn, and family photos and offer three different sessions all dependent on your time and budget.
For more information, click here.
Please note: The maternity spa packages mentioned below were available at time of writing (April 2019). Treatments may be subject to change.
Africology Spa at The Maslow
At the Maslow's Africology Spa, the African Potato Pregnancy Wrap is perfect for mommies-to-be. Enjoy a natural body wrap made with African potato and marula oil, along with a traditional foot ritual and a relaxing scalp massage, and the pièce de résistance – a soothing massage with moisturising marula oil. Or why not unwind with the Coffee and Mint Body Wrap? Your skin will be prepared with their walnut and marula shell exfoliator, then covered in a mud wrap made with coffee extract and spearmint. This wrap is helpful for water retention and cellulite reduction. You will leave feeling rejuvenated and as calm as can be.
Details: www.suninternational.com | 010 226 4688 | The Maslow, 06 Sandown Valley Crescent, Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Michelangelo Spa & Gym
Head down to the Michelangelo Spa & Gym at the Michelangelo Hotel and relieve that sore back with their Journey of Joy Prenatal Massage. Take your pick from a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage or go all in for a 60-minute full body massage that'll work out all of those aches and pains that pregnancy brings. By the time you're done, you'll feel like a brand new person.
Details: www.michelangelospa.co.za | 011 282 7140 | [email protected] | The Michelangelo Hotel, 135 West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Da Vinci Spa & Gym
Let's face it, enjoying a massage or indulging in certain spa treatments can be a little difficult with a growing belly, which is why the Da Vinci Spa & Gym has the perfect pamper treat for you. Their Mother To Be Pregnancy Therapy ensures absolute relaxation, indulgence and, of course, comfort while you treat yourself to 90 minutes of absolute bliss while sitting in their specialised and unique beanbag to cater for your baby bump.
Details: www.davincispa.co.za | 011 292 7200 | [email protected] | Corner Maude and 5th Street,
Sandton, Johannesburg.
Life Day Spa
Life Day Spa has the perfect package for preggies who want to be pampered from head to toe! The Mother-To-Be package offers mommies a soothing pregnancy massage, which aims to increase circulation, relieve tired muscles and leave you feeling rejuvenated. And that's not all, the pamper session also includes floatation therapy, a classic facial, a signature mani pedi and use of the spa facilities. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon, don't you agree?
Details: lifedayspafourways.co.za | 011 465 7777 | [email protected] | 2 Design Quarter District, Leslie Avenue East, Fourways, Johannesburg.
Octavia’s Day Spa
Relax and unwind at Octavia’s Day Spa with their Mommy-To-Be Massage, which will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed at the same time. The massage uses specific prenatal techniques that help increase circulation, ease sore and tired muscles, and relieve both mental and physical fatigue. Growing a human being is hard work, so this pamper session is a must.
Details: octavias.co.za | 011 928 1815 | [email protected] | Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
Spa In The Country at Misty Hills
For an escape from the everyday stresses or to relieve those aching muscles, book yourself a Pregnancy Pamper Experience at the Spa in the Country at Misty Hills in Muldersdrift. It's a super-relaxing way to reduce stress and promote all-round wellbeing during your pregnancy. This three and a half hour rejuvenating experience includes a spa lunch, a Prenatal Massage, conditioning manicure and pedicure and an African Scalp Massage.
Details: www.spainthecountry.co.za | 011 950 6051 or 0861 732 237 | Misty Hills, 69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg.
Spa at Fairlawns
Head to the Spa at Fairlawns and take advantage of their relaxing and soothing Signature Spa Journeys, which can all be altered to suit mothers-to-be. There are a variety of lovely and indulgent experiences to choose from, including the Romantic Sunset Retreat for you and your spouse, complete with a relaxing bath soak in the soft glow of candlelight, a side-by-side soy candle massage and a pressure point foot massage. You will also receive a complementary bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy during your soak or with your three-course fine dining lunch or dinner. You can also treat yourself to a Harmony Half Day, starting with a full body massage followed by a Classic Customised Facial, after which you'll tuck into a healthy two-course lunch before continuing your relaxation with a Classic Manicure and Pedicure.
Details: fairlawns.co.za | 011 808 7300 or 011 804 2540 | [email protected] | 01 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Aronia Day Spa
Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean that you should be limited to certain spa treatments. At Aronia Day Spa, they have a ton of Mommy-To-Be delights for you to choose from. Accentuate that radiant glow with the 60-minute Gorgeous Glow Pregnancy Facial and relax those tense muscles with the 60-minute Mama Mio Prenatal Massage or the super-indulgent maternity half-day package.
Details: www.aroniadayspa.com | 011 447 1204 | [email protected] | 09 11th Avenue, Houghton, Johannesburg.
Sherbet Angel
Using Mama Mio products, Sherbet Angel offers some maternity treatments to pamper and relax visiting mommies-to-be. Take your pick from the 70-minute Mellow Mama full-body massage, the 45-minute Pregnancy Back Massage or the 45-minute Lighten Up Leg Treatment. Or even better, why not just do them all and make an afternoon of it? It'll be the ultimate pamper session.
Details: www.sherbetangel.co.za | 010 594 5182 | [email protected] | Shop 5, 50 4th Avenue, corner of 8th Street, Linden, Johannesburg
Camelot Spa
Whether you're searching for a short massage to soothe your sore back or want to make the most of the day and enjoy a relaxing pamper session, Camelot Spa will have a special treat for you. Go all out with the Mommy To Be Spa Experience (2 hours and 30 minutes) complete with a Pregnancy Massage, a 30-minute On-The-Go Manicure, a 60-minute Deluxe Spa Pedicure and snacks. Alternatively, you could enjoy a 'quickie' with a one-hour pregnancy massage to relieve typical pregnancy discomforts, such as lower back ache and poor circulation. This massage is only offered to moms beyond their first trimester.
By Kim Brown
Have we missed any preggie pamper spots? Tell us about your favourites below.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Going into the hospital to have my baby was the most terrifying experience. I had no idea what to expect, and because I had never stayed over in a hospital before, and I was even more uncertain about what lay in store.
I remember packing my hospital bag in the first trimester. My hubby thought I was crazy, but the OCD in me just couldn’t comprehend not being absolutely ready for when the big day came. And then the big day did come, and I realised that 90 per cent of what I had packed was completely irrelevant. So, if you’re about to have a baby, to save you the stress, I’ve put together a list of essential vs non-essential items to pack in your baby bag.
Essentials for mom:
- Comfortable, loose clothes. You will still (unfortunately) look eight months pregnant and everything feels swollen, heavy and bruised. Pack loose pyjamas, leggings, slippers and a gown. Maternity wards are generally overheated so keep this in mind when packing your clothes.
- Lip ice. All that kissing of your newborn bundle, and all the kisses from over enthusiastic aunties will mean your lips dry out faster than your bank account, post-birth.
- Snacks such as sweets, biscuits, juice and water. Hospital food is less than thrilling and the munchies tend to hit at 03:00 when the nurse is taking your blood pressure for the 18th time that day. Breastfeeding ladies also work up a huge appetite so snacks are essential! If coffee is your thing then make sure you have a regular morning visitor who can bring you something more palatable than what the hospital offers.
- iPad, camera, cellphone and chargers. You will become very trigger happy in those first few days! Remember to pack a padlock for your valuables as well.
- Nipple cream, disposable panties and breast pads.
- Ziploc bags. These can be used to store dirty or soiled clothes, outfits for baby or toiletries.
Essentials for baby:
Most hospitals tend to provide everything you need for your baby in the form of nappies, lotions, medicine and cream.* Check with your hospital beforehand, and if they do provide the above, then don’t waste your time bringing your own. Rather, pack:
- Clothes and a beanie.
- Swaddle blankets (if you’d prefer to use your own).
- Dummies and bottles.
- If you’re breastfeeding then nipple caps and your pump in case you need to express.
- Infant car seat - without it you won’t be allowed to take your baby home.
My time in the maternity ward was one of the highlights of having a baby. Those four days, surrounded by staff, family, friends and my newborn were absolutely wonderful. Use that time to relax and embrace your new role of motherhood as much as possible!
*Please note that I have based this list on what an average private Hospital provides, and not a Government one.
By Kate Kearney