SidebySide

SidebySide Side-by-Side is an early childhood education campaign led by the National Department of Health. What is Side-by-Side? It starts with breastfeeding.

Side-by-Side is a national Department of Health campaign working to ensure that all children under 5 receive the nurturing care they need to develop to the best of their abilities. It relies on all stakeholders caring for caregivers and pregnant women to work alongside each other. Side-by-Side rests on 5 pillars:

NUTRITION - Good nutrition is important for mothers’ and children’s health. LOVE - Brain development is spurred by responsive care and love, play, and talk. PROTECTION - Children can be protected from childhood disease and injury by getting immunized, and safety in the home. HEALTH CARE - Children need care when they are sick or injured
EXTRA CARE - Some children may need special care or support. Caregivers should know what to do and where to go.

“Together, we can ensure that South Africa’s youngest children receive the care they need to survive and thrive.”

Every child sees the world in their own way.For children who are blind or have a visual impairment, exploring through to...
12/12/2025

Every child sees the world in their own way.

For children who are blind or have a visual impairment, exploring through touch, sound, smell, and movement helps them learn and grow just like any other child.

Here’s how you can support your child:
👐 Talk often: describe what’s happening around them so they can build an understanding of their world.
🎶 Use sounds and music: these help your child recognise voices, objects, and emotions.
🤲🏾 Encourage touch and play: safe, hands-on activities like feeling different textures or playing with soft toys support learning.
💬 Keep routines predictable: consistency helps your child feel safe and confident.
💕 Ask for support: your healthcare worker can connect you with specialists or support groups for parents.

Remember: your love, patience, and encouragement are the most important tools your child needs. With your support, they can grow up curious, confident, and ready to lead their own path.

Mama's question: "I am HIV positive, and I have a son who is 6 months old. At the clinic, they gave me Nevirapine when h...
11/12/2025

Mama's question: "I am HIV positive, and I have a son who is 6 months old. At the clinic, they gave me Nevirapine when he was born, and they stopped giving it to him when he was 6 weeks old. I want to ask, is there any risk that my child could be affected because they don't give him anything now, even though I am still breastfeeding?"

Our Answer:
HIV-positive moms can breastfeed, and should!
With the right treatment and support, breastfeeding is safe and highly recommended for all moms, including those living with HIV.

The key? Take your ARV medication every day and stay virally suppressed.
This protects your baby and makes breastfeeding safe and effective.

For HIV-exposed babies:
1️⃣ They should receive ARV prophylaxis (usually nevirapine and zidovudine) to protect against infection.
2️⃣ Cotrimoxazole (Ilvitrim) is only given from 6 weeks if the baby tests HIV positive.

If your baby tests negative at birth, 10 weeks, and 6 months, cotrimoxazole is not needed.

Breastmilk gives your baby the best possible start in life.
We support exclusive breastfeeding for all mothers, irrespective of their HIV status.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months, followed by the introduction of solid foods at 6 months, while continuing to breastfeed up to 2 years and beyond. Adherence to ARV treatment and the mother's viral suppression is important to prevent vertical transmission of HIV while breastfeeding.

For support or advice, visit your nearest clinic. You are not alone.

Family planning after birthDid you know? You can still fall pregnant even while you’re breastfeeding.If you’re not ready...
11/12/2025

Family planning after birth

Did you know? You can still fall pregnant even while you’re breastfeeding.

If you’re not ready for another baby yet, talk to your clinic about contraception. There are safe options for breastfeeding moms, from the injection and implant to pills or condoms.

Family planning helps you:
- Give your body time to heal
- Focus on your new baby
- Plan your family when you are ready

Ask your healthcare worker which method is right for you. Protecting yourself now supports a healthy future for you and your family. 💗

Summer holidays are here!The kids are home, full of energy, but you might still be working. Before the fun begins, remem...
10/12/2025

Summer holidays are here!
The kids are home, full of energy, but you might still be working. Before the fun begins, remember: your child’s safety comes first. 💛

Never leave your child alone or unsupervised.
Always know who you are leaving your child with, and make sure it’s a trusted, responsible adult.

Young children can easily get hurt, wander off, or be exposed to danger if left alone, even for a short time.

A few extra checks can help keep your child safe and happy all summer long.

Every baby grows in their own special way! Some babies sit up early, while others take their time.One little one might c...
09/12/2025

Every baby grows in their own special way!

Some babies sit up early, while others take their time.
One little one might crawl before they walk, while another goes straight from sitting to running!

These are all part of your child’s unique journey.
Milestones help us track growth, but every baby develops at their own pace, and that’s perfectly okay.

Celebrate each new skill, big or small, and keep playing, talking, and encouraging your baby every day.

Which milestones has your little one reached lately? Share with us below!

Every caregiver knows that when it comes to feeding your kids healthy food, it can be tricky! Here are some fun tips to ...
08/12/2025

Every caregiver knows that when it comes to feeding your kids healthy food, it can be tricky! Here are some fun tips to get your kids to eat their fruit:

Frozen fruit - place some bananas, mulberries, peach, mango or apple in a cup and put it into the freezer for an hour or two. The frozen fruit is a fun texture, and can also be great for teething and will help cool Baba down when it is so hot!
Remember to always be able to see your kids when they are eating, in case they choke.
Children under the age of 6 months old should not be given fruit to eat; they should only be given breastmilk.

: Ensure your child is ready for the festivities by getting all recommended immunisations in the Road to Health book! V...
05/12/2025

: Ensure your child is ready for the festivities by getting all recommended immunisations in the Road to Health book! Vaccinations protect against serious illnesses, helping everyone enjoy a healthier holiday season.

Save this post as a reminder to get your little one all of their injections. 💙

Caring for the carer:When you’re looking after a baby, it’s easy to forget that you need care too. But you can’t pour fr...
04/12/2025

Caring for the carer:

When you’re looking after a baby, it’s easy to forget that you need care too. But you can’t pour from an empty cup; your well-being helps your baby thrive.

Caring for yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. When you are rested, supported, and cared for, you can give your baby the love and attention they need.

Let others care for you, so you can care for your little one. 💕

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life.Breastmilk is perfectly designed for your baby; it helps them grow ...
04/12/2025

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life.

Breastmilk is perfectly designed for your baby; it helps them grow strong, protects them from illness, and builds a deep bond between you and your little one.

But many moms worry they don’t have enough milk. The truth is, most mothers can produce all the milk their baby needs with the right support and care.

Here are a few ways to help boost your milk supply:

🕐 Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, as it helps your body make more milk.

🤱🏾 Breastfeed often, day and night. The more your baby feeds, the more milk you’ll make.

👶🏾 Make sure your baby is well attached. Ask a healthcare worker to help check your baby’s latch.

💦 Drink enough water and rest when you can.

💕 Avoid giving bottles, formula, or tea.

🌙 Don’t skip night feeds, they help keep your milk flowing.

🧡 Ask for help early. Healthcare workers, lactation consultants, or Side-by-Side can support you every step of the way.

Remember, every mom’s journey is different, and needing help doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. You’ve got this, mama. 💛

Today is World Disability Day! This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusi...
03/12/2025

Today is World Disability Day!

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” reminds us that every child, no matter their ability, has the potential to lead, inspire, and change the world. 🌍

Parents and caregivers, remember: you are raising the future leaders.
With love, support, and inclusion, children with disabilities can grow up to shape stronger, fairer communities for everyone.

- Create opportunities for your child to explore, learn, and participate.
- Celebrate their strengths and achievements, big or small.
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusion wherever you are.

Every act of care, encouragement, and belief helps build a more inclusive future. 💛

start with clean hands and happy hearts! Handwashing is one of the easiest and most important ways to keep your family...
02/12/2025

start with clean hands and happy hearts!

Handwashing is one of the easiest and most important ways to keep your family healthy, especially during the holidays.

Wash both sides of your hands, between your fingers, and around your wrists with soap and clean water. A clean environment means fewer germs and fewer chances of illness, so the whole family can enjoy the festive season safely!

A little care and a lot of love go a long way this holiday. 💛

Today is World AIDS Day 2025! This year’s theme, “Take the 'rights path',” reminds us that ending AIDS starts with respe...
01/12/2025

Today is World AIDS Day 2025!

This year’s theme, “Take the 'rights path',” reminds us that ending AIDS starts with respecting and protecting everyone’s human rights.

Every person, no matter who they are, has the right to healthcare, dignity, and support without fear, stigma, or discrimination.

For moms and caregivers, this means:
💊 Access to safe, supportive, and rights-based healthcare.
💛 The right to make informed decisions about your own health and your baby’s health.
🌸 A community that stands beside you with kindness and understanding.

When we protect people’s rights, we protect lives. Let’s take the 'rights path' together, for ourselves, our families, and a healthier future for all. 💫

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Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Pretoria
0187

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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