Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Home Blog Page 13

Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy: My Story

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

By Maryanne W. Waweru l maryanne@mummytales.com

Pregnant women with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk for significant complications. This is the story of one Kenyan mother, Veronica Wafula, 30, who lost her first baby two years ago and is currently pregnant with her second child. Veronica is prayerful and believes she will soon hold her bouncing, healthy baby in her arms. So what happened with her first baby? This is her story.

“I’ve been married for four years to a very caring and loving husband. I am a sickle cell warrior. I was five months pregnant in 2019 when when I started becoming sick. I was frequently in and out of the hospital and it reached a point I had to be admitted in hospital.

Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy

While my pregnancy had no problem, the sickle cell couldn’t stand the pregnancy in my body. My legs would get so swollen to the point I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t feed myself, and my breathing was very difficult. I remember my ribs were failing me as with each breath, I would experience such excruciating pain in my chest area. At the hospital, I had to be put on oxygen for two weeks.

As I lay there on the hospital bed in pain, I begged the doctors to kill me because it was too much. My husband and brother used to cry a lot. My family and friends were so stressed and I just wanted to rest for the sake of everyone.

However, thanks to God and doctors at the hospital, I survived and was discharged after staying in the hospital for five weeks.

Also Read: How I Survived Preeclampsia but Lost my Son -Catherine Njoki

Three weeks later, while at home, I was rushed back to the hospital. There, the doctors told me that my baby had died three days ago in my womb. I was devastated. I was made to understand that it could be that the medications I had been put on while I was admitted in hospital that could have been too strong and had affected baby.

Sadly, I had to be induced and delivered my son. The experience was so painful that I would never wish anyone to go through. He was a lovely baby boy.

Was I scared of getting pregnant after losing my first baby?

No, I was not scared and never will I ever be scared because I have so many friends with sickle cell anaemia and they have children. I always say to my family and doctors if me giving birth is what will kill me, then so be it. I have had people discourage me from getting a baby -including doctors, but I remain positive. I will never lose hope until God gives me children.

Also Read: The Stitch that Prevented me from Having Another Miscarriage -Selina’s Story

I never lost hope and I’m now six months pregnant and I’m positive God is going to give me this baby. I’m taking good care of myself and trusting in God and I won’t give up until I have a baby in my arms.

How is this second pregnancy?

This pregnancy is okay, I haven’t been sick but this time round I’m very careful because as a sickler, I’m aware that I’m easily prone to infections.

I’m also eating a lot of fruits and avoiding too much meat because it drains water in my body -which could lead to dehydration, which is very dangerous. I’m taking more precautions now with this pregnancy.

Advice to other Moms

I would like to tell other women who have lost their babies never to lose hope for God has a reason for everything that happens in our lives. I would also like to encourage them to keep good friends in their lives, and it’s better to have one or two friends who are true to you.” -END

Editor’s Note: For more information on sickle cell disease and pregnancy, read here.

And that’s Veronica’s story. Thank you Veronica for sharing your story, and we pray that God will answer the desires of your heart. What words of encouragement do you have for Veronica? You may share them in the comments section down below. 

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

The Day I Walked out of my Marriage

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

When do you know your marriage is over? How do you know when it’s time to leave your marriage? What are the signs of an unhappy marriage? Today, I bring you the story of Lillian Mbuthia, who tells her story about why she chose to walk out of her marriage. It’s her narration about why she left her marriage, which only lasted 3 years (after dating for 7 years). See the video below and share it with your friends, especially those who you know will relate to Lillian’s experience.

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

House Helps in Kenya: How my Nanny has Seen me Through my Worst

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0
Caroline Kemei

On the topic of house Helps in Kenya, do you have that one house help who sorted you out in your time of need that you’ll never forget?

In the second article of #MyAwesomeHouseGirl series where I share stories of house girls who have come through for us when we needed them most, I feature the story of Caroline Jemutai Kemei. You can read the first article where I featured Tildah Kabura Kahuthu, whose house girl saved her from going into depression. Read that story here.

Today, I share the story of Caroline Kemei. Caroline is mother to a 5-year-old daughter.

“My house girl has been with us for three years. She has walked with me through the worst –literally. When I was diagnosed with some type of cancer on my thigh, I had to travel to India for treatment. In India, I stayed for seven weeks, where I also underwent surgery.

While in India, my house help took care of my daughter and our house, though my mother came to stay with them as well.

Also Read: I Have Been with my House Girl for 13 Years: Carol Kinyanjui

After I returned home, the surgery had reduced me to zero since my hip bone had been removed. I couldn’t do anything for myself and my house girl basically did everything for me with a clean and genuine heart. She would help with bathing, clothing, cleaning my room and making sure I ate well. And when chemotherapy put me down, she was always there for me, seeing me through my most difficult times.

My treatment ended a few months ago and even though things are almost back to normal now, she continues to help me a lot because I still cannot bend. She truly is an angel.

I appreciate her in any way that I can. I usually buy her clothes and buy shopping for her mother back home in the village. I also opened a bank account for her. I thank God for her. She has been a blessing to me personally, and in my home as well.

My advice to Kenyan mothers is “take care of your house girls, and they will in turn take care of you and your family”.

Caroline concludes her story by describing her 23-year-old house help as a lady who is calm, kind, caring and understanding. She adds that she is very respectful and does her work without supervision”. -END.

Also watch: Martha Ngunga’s 13-Year Journey with their House Girl 

And that’s Caroline’s story. Do you have a house girl who has been such a blessing in your home and you’d like to share that encouraging story? You can write to me at maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

13 Shopping Tips for First-Time Mothers

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

What things should an expectant mom take into consideration while shopping for baby items? In this post, I share with you some helpful shopping tips for pregnant mothers, especially first-time moms. These tips are drawn from my own experiences as well as the experiences of other mothers.

  1. Shop early because if you wait until the last month/s, you may not have the energy to walk around and do the shopping. Considering that you’ll be feeling tired and pressed for time, you may just end up buying everything from one store whose prices might be on the higher side. So shop early to get a variety of good deals
  1. Before purchasing from an online store, compare prices. Take time to do some research. The same applies to shopping from brick and mortar baby shops -check supermarket prices too, because sometimes they are cheaper
  1. Don’t buy many newborn clothes (0-3 months) no matter how cute they are, because babies grow so fast and will outgrow them in no time. Some might not even fit your newborn in the first place! Also when buying, invest in good quality cotton items

  1. Consider the weather. For example, rushing to buy warm clothes when it gets cold or it starts raining will see you buying them at a higher price than you would have when there was sunshine. So buy them early enough to avoid those price hikes
  1. Don’t buy diapers in bulk, as you don’t know yet if your baby will react to a particular brand –which just could be the one you bought plenty of
  1. Don’t forget you have a post-pregnancy life too, so shop for all the things you’ll need after baby is born, such as nursing bras, nursing outfits, maternity pads, breast pads, breastfeeding pillow etc
  1. Don’t buy too many things as most will end up being unnecessary. Trust me, there’s lots of cute, fancy little things in the market that are so attractive (and expensive), but which neither you nor baby needs. Make a list and stick to it. Keep it simple
  1. Buy what’s within your budget. Remember there are plenty of second-hand markets and thrift stores (including online stores) that sell good quality baby items
  1. Know what items to invest in –quality items that can be used by the second or third baby. Such as a car seat, stroller, a toto wrap or baby carrier etc
  1. Remember that an expensive item doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s of highest quality. Just buy what’s practical and useful
A 5-piece set diaper bag from SMART KIDS baby shop on Facebook, also located at Superior Arcade Centre along Accra rd (Nairobi CBD), 2nd floor shop 2-13. SMS/call/WhatsApp 0719382462.
  1. When buying a diaper bag, consider getting one that is a neutral color –one that the baby’s father will also feel comfortable carrying –as you’ll definitely need his help when moving around
  1. Go for shopping with your girlfriend, sister, mom, cousin… just don’t go with someone who will be grumpy and impatient because it can be a total killjoy for you and you honestly don’t need that. You need to have fun while shopping for your baby!
  1. Don’t forget to walk the journey with other moms. Join educative platforms where you can connect with other moms. Talk to them, ask questions –you’ll be amazed at the wealth of knowledge fellow moms have that will make your new motherhood experience much better. You can also take time to read up on previous articles on my blog where you’ll find tons of helpful advice from Kenyan mothers who share their pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and other motherhood stories that will enlighten you.

Did I miss out on a helpful newborn shopping tip? Share it down in the comments section below. Also share this post with a pregnant mom you know, it could really help her.

Also remember as you prepare for your newborn, think about the help that you’ll need around the house, such as a nanny or house help or house girl. In the video below, I cover the important questions you need to ask a potential nanny during the interview.

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

House Helps in Kenya: Why my Nanny is my Role Model

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

Moms, what time do your nannies wake up? Catherine says her nanny is not an early riser, waking up sometimes at 7am, sometimes 8am. She sometimes comes home from work to find the day’s dishes not done, and the house not cleaned. But Catherine knows where her priorities lie. Watch her tell her inspiring story below.

You may also like to see the video below:

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Email me on maryanne@mummytales.com

House Helps in Kenya: How my House Girl Saved me From Going into Depression

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0
Tildah Kahuthu

Hello friends, and welcome back to Mummy Tales. Today, I revisit the topic of house girls (sometimes called Domestic Managers, house helps, house maids or nannies). You can see my previous articles on this topic here.

So, I have a couple more of such articles lined up, where I’ll be featuring house girls who have come through for their employers. The Kenyan mums will be talking about their first-hand experiences with house girls who have been great assets in their homes. I welcome you to read these articles, hoping that you can be inspired and even pick something new from both the moms’ and house girls’ experiences. If you’d like to share your own story, you can write to me at maryanne@mummytales.com

I’ll start the series with the story of Tildah Kabura Kahuthu, a mother of a six-year-old daughter.

“When my baby was sick and we got admitted, I had a new house girl who had been with us for only three weeks. However, she was someone I was familiar with since she used to work around my neighborhood. Her name was Belinda.

At the hospital where my baby was admitted (I had to stay with her throughout her admission), Belinda would show up every day at 6am, and she would cry whenever she saw my baby on oxygen. She would go on to stay all day long with us, leaving at 6pm.

On the day my When baby was taken off oxygen, Belinda hugged me and cried. She loved my baby to bits.

When Belinda would come to the hospital, she would feed and bathe the baby while instructing me to rest and not worry as she would look after the baby. She understood how stressed I was and would take care of the baby as I rested. The doctors also took a liking to her and she was never chased away even after visiting hours had ended.

Belinda was God sent and loved my baby beyond. For the three weeks my baby was admitted in hospital, she never missed a single day visiting us at the hospital. And when she returned home, she never misbehaved even though she was alone in the house.

Belinda was trustworthy and I depended on her for almost everything. Whenever I would send her for shopping, she would actually shop better than me.

Whenever she had the opportunity, she would even buy for my baby fruits, toys and clothes -using her own money.

Belinda stayed with me for eight months –only leaving when she went to get married.

We lost touch after I relocated from Mombasa where we were staying at that time. But I have never forgotten Belinda. I pray for her every time because she saved me from depression at that time when my baby was sick in hospital. It was an extremely very difficult time for me. Belinda came through for me at a time when I really needed someone to be there for me. She was there for me at a very low point in my life emotionally and financially. She stood in the gap. God bless her.

Advice to other Moms

I would advise Kenyan moms to be patient with house girls as they too are human and are bound to make mistakes. Your priority should always be the baby. To me if she is a bit messy but is good with the baby, the mess is worth overlooking. Just help out with the mess. Above all, treat them well.”

And that’s Tildah’s story. Have you had a house girl who has been such a blessing in your home? Share your story with me on maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

We Live an Enviable Lifestyle, But I’m Not Happy…

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

This is a *guest post.

“Not too long ago, I was doing my usual Sunday shopping at the Lavington Mall in Nairobi, buying various baking ingredients since Sundays are the days I love making special treats for my kids.

Now, in that kind of leafy suburb, we often tend to assume that everyone there is ‘OK’ and doing quite well. As in, if they can afford to live in that neighborhood, then life must be doing them all kinds of good. You can see it in the cars they drive, their hairstyles, their outfits, the lingering scents of their colognes and perfumes, and the chubby cheeks of their children.

So after I’d finished my shopping, loaded it into my car and was ready to drive off, I looked up and saw a girl aged about 14 years standing alone by one parking bays.

But that’s not what caught my eyes.

I noticed she was unsuccessfully trying to hide the tears that were streaming down her face. Fearing she could be in trouble, I decided to go and ask after her.

The moment I said to her: “my dear, what’s wrong?”, she started sobbing uncontrollably on my shoulder.

As she did so, she told me that while her dad was around, he would be leaving them shortly… He would be leaving – again – in just two hours’ time yet he’d only been around for a week. She wasn’t going to see him again for another year.

She explained that her dad works outside the country. Her father regularly reminds she and her siblings that it is his job that affords them the good lifestyle they enjoy, that’s why he has to be away often.

I comforted her, assuring her that it was okay to cry.

She went on to tell me that her mom also travels outside the country quite a lot and with no parent around, she and her siblings are regularly left under the care of one of the housekeepers.

She said that thankfully, the main housekeeper is a kind woman who takes good care of them. She has been working in their home for the last seven years.

But still, she’s not their parent.

“I can’t tell you the million times I’ve wished that we were poor because then, my parents would be home with us all the time. They wouldn’t be always outside the country working.”

I felt sad. Really really sad.

I nevertheless told her to make the best of the remaining hours she had with her dad, creating pleasant memories with him.

I then watched as she walked away towards her dad who had by then arrived, got into their very classy car and drove off…”-END

*If you have a guest post you’d like published, please send it to me at maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

Motherhood in Kenya: The New Crèche / Day Care at the Chuka Open-Air Market in Tharaka Nithi County, Meru

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

A new crèche / daycare has been opened at the Chuka open-air market in Tharaka Nithi County in Meru, Eastern Kenya. What a relief for both mothers and their babies! Find out more about this very welcome and great initiative in this news piece by Martin Munene of Citizen TV. I hope more Counties will be challenged to do the same.

The babies can breastfeed, play, sleep and have their diapers changed very comfortably and in a safe place without overly disrupting their working moms. Basic learning is also offered to the children. I believe the moms get even more productive in their work because of the relief this crèche / day care offers them. Is there a crèche at your workplace?

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

Kenyan Women with Alopecia (Hair Loss) Share their Stories

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

Has the hair on your head been falling off, leaving unexplainable patches on your scalp and you just can’t figure out what’s wrong? You’ve literally tried everything, but the hair just keeps shedding. Or you know of someone who is going through this.

Well, don’t worry because you’re not alone. This morning, I found this video courtesy of Daily Nation that will help explain what could possibly be going on with your hair, and I’m sharing it with you. I have enjoyed the vibrancy of the beautiful women who have shared their stories; they are very encouraging. Watch, learn, and share with a friend.

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

I Confronted the Mum of the Child Who Scratched my Car. This is What Happened

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
-
0

Hello friends and welcome back to Mummy Tales. Today, we have a guest post from one lady who recently encountered an episode with her neighbour’s child. Read on..

“There’s this incident that recently happened in my neighborhood that made me reflect a lot.

I had parked my car as usual at the communal parking lot, and as is the case in many Nairobi apartments, it is a common parking area that also doubles up as kids play area because in this Nairobi, our children are unfortunately growing up seeing grass only on TV.

It so happened that when I got to my car in the late afternoon ready to run an errand, I noticed that my car had been scribbled on. It was a lot of zig zag and some numbers. Definitely done by a sharp object, like the sharp edge of a small stone. I was very upset.

There were lots of children playing there too.

I walked over to them and asked who was responsible for the mess. About 12 boys aged between around 5 – 10 years came forward, all speaking at the same time, each trying to out-yell the other.

But in the midst of all the talk, I noticed something. There was one boy who was deathly silent. One of my eyes was fixated on him while the other was watching the other boys animatedly tell the story of what had happened. I distinctively picked out the name ‘Dylan’ in their rants.

Turns out that the deathly silent boy was Dylan. I asked him if he was the one who’d damaged my car, but he remained quiet. I could smell the fear in his breath, the panic in his eyes. He started shaking like a leaf in a storm.

I asked Dylan to take me to his house so that I could speak to his parent.

I waited by the doorstep as Dylan fetched his mother, the sweet aroma of cake filling my nostrils as I did so. Clearly she was baking something delicious.

Soon, she arrived with that look of ‘YES????’

I explained to her what had happened to my car, indicating it was likely her son was responsible, based on the explicit accounts of his playmates.

This was her response:

“LOOOOOL, noooooooo, it can’t be my Dylan because my son is a very responsible boy, he doesn’t do such things. Besides, I don’t understand how you can just listen to little boys say its him, and thereafter automatically conclude that he is the one responsible. Things don’t happen like that mami. Kids lie a lot. Those boys in fact are very ill-mannered, and I’m always telling Dylan to keep away from them. There’s no way he’s capable of such. I’m raising him better than that.”

All this time, Dylan was behind her skirt, looking at me. His eyes spoke to me.

The mother went on.

“I suggest you go to mama so-and-so’s house and ask there, because she has a brood of very naughty boys if I can be polite in saying so. They are the ones usually causing disruption in this neighborhood.”

I asked her to ask Dylan, who was right there behind her skirt about the incident. I knew if he talked, he would say the truth. But she stopped me right in my tracks.

“I speak on behalf of Dylan, and I know my son very well. So just go back and ask those boys again’.

And with that, she excused herself to return to the kitchen. As she went in, I noticed Dylan hesitate, looking at me, before being quickly being ushered into the house and the door shut. She never gave him the chance to talk.

Three days later, as I parked my car after a hard day’s work, I noticed a little boy following me towards my house. It was Dylan.

“I’m sorry please. It was me who wrote on your car.”

I asked him why he didn’t just own up earlier, but he said that his mom would have killed him.

Dylan told me he’s seven years old.

I asked him what he wanted now that he had told me the truth. He said he didn’t know.

I asked him if he wanted me to accompany him to his house and stand by him as he told his mother that he was responsible.

He said no, that his mother would kill him.

I assured him she wouldn’t kill him, though he would probably be reprimanded. He started crying, and I took about 15 minutes comforting him and explaining to him why it’s important to always tell the truth. Eventually, he agreed.

And that’s exactly what we did. When his mom listened to him, she turned to me and asked me:

“Oh really? So you two hooked up behind my back? Sawa. I’ll deal with Dylan. As for you, I’ll give you Sh2,000 to buy rubbing compound, that should more than sort out your issue.”

Rubbing compound. To sort out a heavily scratched car. Wau. Just wau.

While I’m not a parent yet, mama Dylan definitely taught me a couple of lessons about parenting. All I can do is pray for Dylan because…” -END

What are your thoughts about this story? Has your car ever been scratched by a child? What action did you take? Or, has your child ever scratched a neighbour’s car? Then what happened? You can share your story in the comments section below, or you can mail me on maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

Image by Marc Pascual from Pixabay 

1...121314...73Page 13 of 73

Advertisement

POPULAR POSTS

IN THE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORIES

© Copyright 2015|Powered By Diwecs Business Solutions
error: Not Allowed