Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician

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Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician Dr Maretha studied MBChB at Stellenbosch University and graduated in 2006. She completed her postgrad

She completed her postgraduate degree at University of Pretoria & has been in private practice since 2015. Dr Maretha is a caring, compassionate mother of two and truly understands the concerns parents may have.

There’s so much happening inside your child’s growing body. Iron helps deliver oxygen, thyroid hormones guide growth and...
12/10/2026

There’s so much happening inside your child’s growing body. Iron helps deliver oxygen, thyroid hormones guide growth and energy use, and vitamin D helps build strong bones.

Understanding these roles can help you feel more informed about your child’s health. If you notice ongoing changes in their energy or growth, their paediatrician can help you understand what needs attention.

When your child struggles to concentrate, it helps to look at the whole picture. Sleep, worries, learning difficulties, ...
11/10/2026

When your child struggles to concentrate, it helps to look at the whole picture. Sleep, worries, learning difficulties, hearing, vision and physical health can all play a role.
ADHD is one possibility, and more than one concern may be present. A thorough assessment helps us understand your child’s needs and guide appropriate support.

If you have concerns about your child’s concentration, consider scheduling an appointment with their paediatrician.

Small everyday choices help keep your child safe and healthy. From vaccinations to medicine doses, reliable advice can m...
10/10/2026

Small everyday choices help keep your child safe and healthy. From vaccinations to medicine doses, reliable advice can make all the difference.

Iron supports far more than energy. It plays an important role in your child’s brain development, oxygen transport, immu...
13/09/2026

Iron supports far more than energy. It plays an important role in your child’s brain development, oxygen transport, immune function, mood and concentration.
Low iron can be easy to miss, which is why recognising the signs early matters.

Save this post for reference, and speak to your paediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s iron levels.

Tiny bodies are busy building bones, teeth and an immune system and Vitamin D has an important role in all three.It help...
10/09/2026

Tiny bodies are busy building bones, teeth and an immune system and Vitamin D has an important role in all three.
It helps the body absorb calcium, supports healthy bone development and contributes to normal immune function.

While we can get Vitamin D from sunlight and certain foods, some babies may still need a supplement.

If you are unsure whether your little one is getting enough, chat to your paediatrician before starting supplementation.

Everyone will have an opinion on how you should raise your child, but none of them are raising your child.You are the on...
08/09/2026

Everyone will have an opinion on how you should raise your child, but none of them are raising your child.

You are the one who knows their heart, their needs, and their little world best.
So trust yourself. Show up with patience, love, and the kind of guidance that fits them, not the crowd.

Some of the simplest moments can be doing the most important work.Skin-to-skin helps your newborn regulate their tempera...
06/09/2026

Some of the simplest moments can be doing the most important work.

Skin-to-skin helps your newborn regulate their temperature, heart rate and breathing, while encouraging feeding, bonding and that all-important feeling of safety and closeness.

And the best part? It doesn’t have to end after the delivery room. Those newborn cuddles really do matter.

Save this for later or send it to a mom-to-be.

Your baby is trying to tell you they’re tired, often before the crying starts.Learning your baby’s sleep cues can make i...
02/09/2026

Your baby is trying to tell you they’re tired, often before the crying starts.

Learning your baby’s sleep cues can make it easier to recognise when they are ready for rest, before they become overtired and more difficult to settle.

EARLY SLEEP CUES
You may notice your baby:
• Staring into the distance
• Losing interest in faces or toys
• Becoming quieter or less engaged
• Yawning
• Developing heavy or fluttering eyelids
• Sucking their fingers or hands

LATER SLEEP CUES
When tiredness builds, you may start seeing:
• Increased fussiness
• Jerky arm and leg movements
• Clenched fists
• Turning their face away
• Crying and becoming harder to settle

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
When you start noticing those early signs, begin winding things down. Reduce stimulation, move to a calmer environment and give your baby the opportunity to settle for sleep.

With time, you’ll start recognising their own little pattern.

That creamy white coating on your newborn’s skin? It has a very important job. It’s called vernix caseosa: a natural pro...
01/09/2026

That creamy white coating on your newborn’s skin? It has a very important job.
It’s called vernix caseosa: a natural protective layer that develops on your baby’s skin while they are still in the womb.

CARE AFTER BIRTH
Do Not Scrub Off: Leave the vernix on the skin.
Rub In: You can gently rub the creamy layer into the skin.
Wait to Bathe: We suggest waiting at least 24 hours before giving a newborn their first bath.

WHAT VERNIX DOES
Vernix helps protect your baby’s delicate skin, acting as a natural barrier and supporting the transition from life inside the womb to the outside world.
Protects Skin: Stops the skin from getting dry or wrinkled in the womb.
Fights Infection: Contains natural components that help block harmful bacteria.
Eases Birth: Acts as a slippery coating, helping the baby move more easily through the birth canal.
Keeps Warm: Helps your baby maintain a steady body temperature after birth.

WHAT SHOULDN’T YOU DO?
Don’t scrub or wipe it off simply because it looks like it needs to be cleaned away. Your newborn does not need to be washed immediately after birth.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Leave it on the skin and allow it to absorb naturally. Where possible, delay your baby’s first bath so their skin can continue benefiting from this protective coating.

So when your newborn arrives covered in that soft white layer, remember: it’s there for a reason and it’s doing important work.

Breastfeeding is so much more than simply feeding your baby.With every feed, breast milk provides nutrition while also d...
28/08/2026

Breastfeeding is so much more than simply feeding your baby.
With every feed, breast milk provides nutrition while also delivering antibodies, immune factors, fats, proteins and enzymes designed to meet the needs of a rapidly developing little body.

And perhaps one of the most fascinating things about it? Breast milk changes as your baby grows.

Swipe through for a closer look at some of the science behind breastfeeding. 🤍
And remember: every feeding journey is different. If you have questions about breastfeeding, feeding or your newborn’s growth, speak to your paediatrician.

Address

Suite 101C Mediclinic Kloof Hospital 511 Jochemus Street
Pretoria
0181

Telephone

+27123674176

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