Dr Martin Herbst Paediatric Surgeon

02/10/2026

Vredendal - we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Dr Meryl is excited to meet you all!

01/10/2026

🐼🌼 Hello, October! 🌼🐼

Dr Paws is welcoming a new month filled with sunshine, smiles and small steps towards healthier, happier families! 💚🇿🇦

October’s health awareness calendar reminds us to care for our bodies, our minds and one another. From colourful meals and outdoor play to kindness and conversations about feelings, every little step counts. 🐼🌈

Let’s encourage our little superheroes to:
🍎 Eat colourful fruit and vegetables
💦 Drink water
⚽ Enjoy active play
🧼 Wash their hands
💛 Share their feelings and be kind

🐼 Small paws, healthy habits, brighter tomorrows!

Wishing all our families a happy October from Dr Paws and the team at Dr Martin Herbst Paediatric Surgery. 💚

“Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.”



Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za

29/09/2026

From newborn questions to the cough that won’t go away, children’s health brings plenty of “Is this normal?” moments. 🦕🌈

A paediatrician can help with common illnesses, asthma and allergies, skin concerns, feeding difficulties, and questions about growth and development.

Dr Anika Ganesan cares for children from newborns to teens at N1 City. To request an appointment, visit doctoranika.co.za.

28/09/2026

🐼 Dr Paws’ Parent Guide: Reflux in babies and children

Does your baby bring up milk after a feed? Spitting up is common, and most babies improve as they grow. It can be messy and worrying, but it does not mean you’ve done anything wrong. 💚

Speak to a healthcare professional if your child seems to be in pain, struggles or refuses to feed, vomits persistently, or is not gaining weight as expected.

Seek urgent medical care for green vomit, blood in vomit, or repeated forceful vomiting.
You’re doing a great job. If you’re concerned, reach out for guidance. 🐼

Dr Martin Herbst | Paediatric Surgeon
Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.



Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za

23/09/2026

🇿🇦 Happy Heritage Day & National Braai Day! 🔥❤️
Today we celebrate the beautiful diversity of South Africa — our people, our cultures, our traditions and the many things that bring us together. 🇿🇦
Whether your Heritage Day includes traditional food, family time, colourful celebrations or a good old South African braai, we hope your day is filled with laughter, love and special memories. 🥩🔥🌽
At Dr Martin Herbst Paediatric Surgeon, we believe that stronger communities help build healthier children and brighter tomorrows. 💚🐼
📌 Please note:
Our practice will be closed on Thursday, 24 September, for Heritage Day.
🩺 Dr Martin Herbst will remain available for emergencies.
From Dr Herbst, Mari and Dr Paws, we wish all our families a safe and happy Heritage Day! 🇿🇦❤️
Different people. Shared values. A stronger South Africa.
Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.

Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za

21/09/2026

🚨 Trauma & Injury Prevention: Small Steps, Big Protection 💙
Injuries are one of the most common causes of serious harm in children — but many injuries are preventable.

As parents and caregivers, we can help keep our little ones safe by taking simple precautions every day:

🚗 Car Safety
• Always use the correct car seat for your child’s age and size.
• Keep children in the back seat.
• Make sure harnesses are fitted correctly.

🏠 Home Safety
• Install window guards where needed.
• Keep medicines, cleaning products and chemicals locked away.
• Keep hot drinks and other burn hazards out of reach.
• Prevent falls by making the home environment safer.

🏊 Water Safety
• Never leave a child alone near water — even for a few seconds.
• This includes baths, pools, buckets and other bodies of water.
• Empty buckets and containers immediately after use.

⚡ Play, Animal & Electrical Safety
• Supervise young children during play.
• Use appropriate protective equipment such as helmets.
• Teach children how to interact safely with animals.
• Cover electrical outlets and keep cords and appliances safely out of reach.

🩺 When an Injury Happens
Know the warning signs and seek medical attention promptly when needed — especially after significant head injuries or when a child loses consciousness, vomits repeatedly, has breathing difficulties, or develops unusual drowsiness.

💚 And remember: accidents happen. What matters is knowing how to prevent them, recognising when something may be serious, and getting help when needed.

The safest place for your child is a safe environment — and your supervision makes a difference.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Martin Herbst – Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.



Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za

“Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.” Dr Martin Herbst - Paediatric Surgeon based at Netcare N1 City Hospital in Cape Town. Who is Dr Martin Herbst ? What is a Paediatric Surgeon? A pediatric surgeon is a specialized doctor skilled in performing surgery on children, from newborns to teenagers....

18/09/2026

🔥 BURNS IN CHILDREN: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW 🔥

Accidents can happen in seconds, especially around hot drinks, bath water, stoves, irons, and heaters. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. ❤️

👶 If your child gets a burn:
💧 Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.
👕 Gently remove clothing or items that aren't stuck to the skin.
🚫 Avoid ice, toothpaste, butter, or creams on the burn.
🏥 Seek medical attention if the burn is large, deep, on the face/hands/feet/genitals, caused by electricity or chemicals, or if you're unsure about its severity.

🌡️ Prevention starts at home:
• Keep hot drinks out of reach
• Check bath-water temperature
• Turn pot handles inward
• Keep irons and heaters away from children

Most minor burns heal well with appropriate care, but when in doubt, get your child assessed by a healthcare professional.

💚 Here for your child. Here for you.



Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

🐾 DR PAWS GUIDE: Bites in Children 🐾

Bites can happen in seconds — from a playful pet, an insect, or even a snake. Knowing what to do immediately and recognising the warning signs can make all the difference. ❤️

Most minor bites can be managed with simple first aid: wash the area well with clean water and soap, apply gentle pressure if there is bleeding, and cover it with a clean dressing.

⚠️ Seek medical help for deep wounds, increasing redness or swelling, fever, severe pain, bites to the face or hands, or when the animal is unknown.

🐍 Snake bites are different and should always be treated seriously. Keep your child calm and still and get them to hospital immediately. Do NOT cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet or ice, or give alcohol or traditional remedies.

South Africa is home to several venomous snake species, so prevention matters too: encourage children to wear shoes outdoors, avoid long grass and woodpiles, use a torch at night, and teach them never to touch a snake.

💚 Early care saves lives.
You know your child best — when something doesn’t feel right, seek medical attention.

🐼 Dr Paws says: “Be prepared, stay calm, and get help when you need it.”

Gentle Strength, Healing Young Lives.



Book a consultation with Dr Martin Herbst today.
☎️ 0218790870
📧 [email protected]
https://www.martinherbstpaedsurg.co.za