Hi friends, how do you discipline your children? Do you believe in the good ol’ cane, or do you believe in giving your child ‘time-out’? Perhaps grounding them, or denying them their favorite toy or cartoon? Well, I went out and spoke to three different moms, who share with us what they do when their children are engaging in challenging behaviour. Perhaps there is something you can learn from them…
The first mom that I talked has three children and for her, she absolutely does not believe in the concept of ‘time-out’ at all. Have a look at what she says about how she disciplines her children in the video below.
The second mom that I spoke to is a mother of five. Her eldest is 18, while her youngest is six. She used to spank her kids, but realized it’s not effective. She shares her reasons for this in the video below.
The third mom that I spoke to is a mother of two boys aged 11 and seven years. She, together with her husband, agreed on a discipline method for their children. And if you decide to spank your child, she shares insights on the areas on the body you should avoid hitting. Watch her interesting video below.
How about you? What discipline method works for your children? Feel free to share your thoughts down below 🙂
Today, we cross over all the way to Harare, Zimbabwe! I bring to you the story of Leone Madzinga, a menstrual health champion from this country in Southern Africa. She is doing a lot to empower young girls, and not forgetting boys too. I hope you will be inspired by her story below.
If you are a menstrual health champion, or if you are a woman who is doing something inspirational in your community, I would love to feature you here on Mummy Tales. You can get in touch with me through maryanne@mummytales.com
Let’s share positive stories about women curating change in our communities. Our young girls surely need role models to look up to, don’t you agree?
Thanks for stopping by Mummy Tales.
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere.Connect withMummy Tales on:YOUTUBElFACEBOOKlINSTAGRAMlTWITTER
Hi friends, today I’ll be revisiting the issue of infertility. For women who have been trying to conceive, their journey is often filled with so many questions, sometimes whose answers just cannot be found.
Women who try everything possible, do everything right, but the pregnancy test keeps turning negative; the period just keeps coming. Well, there is a test that can help provide an answer to women who have trouble conceiving, and it’s called the Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test.
Dr. Stephen Mutiso, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at Kenyatta National Hospital
I spoke to Dr. Stephen Mutiso, a gynaecologist and fertility expert based in Nairobi, where I asked him a few questions about the HSG test. Here are the answers to that. I hope it will help you know more about it. Share with a friend who you know would benefit from the information.
What is a HSG test?
HSG is a special x-ray done to check whether a woman’s fallopian (oviduct) tubes are clear, and also to visualize the uterus. It’s done for women who are not able to conceive and where a tubal problem is suspected. HSG is done as part of diagnostic investigations for a couple not able to conceive with regular sexual intercourse for a period of more than a year.
When is it best to do the HSG procedure?
Usually the HSG procedure is done on day 10 of the menstrual cycle; we refer this as the 10th day rule. This ensures that the test is not done when one is pregnant. It’s best to book for the test early; at the onset of the woman’s period.
How is HSG done and what should the woman expect during the procedure?
HSG is done to examine the uterus and the fallopian tubes. A contrast material (dye) is pushed through the cervix. This material is supposed to fill the uterus and flow through the tubes. Serial x-rays are done as the contrast is pushed through. The purpose of this is to check for any blockages or any other problems such as scar tissue and fibroids that may be in the uterus.
To facilitate pushing of the contrast, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to enable visualization of the cervix. A special cannula is inserted into the cervix and this cannula is used to push the contrast material into the uterus and tubes.
Can an HSG test affect your ability to get pregnant?
The test does not affect one’s ability to conceive. You can get pregnant after a HSG test. It doesn’t damage the uterus in any way. In fact, in some instances, women have conceived after HSG because the test has the potential to open up tubes blocked by small plugs.
Are there any conditions that can disqualify a woman from undergoing an HSG procedure?
HSG should not be done when a woman has active infection in the cervix, uterus and/or tubes. HSG is also contraindicated in a woman who is pregnant as it can disrupt the pregnancy.
What I Found out from Other Women’s HSG Experiences
Other helpful information that I have collected from some women who have undergone the HSG experience that you might need to know includes the following:
The HSG test is widely available in major hospitals and radiology diagnostic centers.
The test in most facilities costs on average between Sh4,000 – Sh5,500 depending on the facility (could be higher or lower)
Be psychologically prepared for the process beforehand
You might need to take some painkillers on the day of the test as some women said that the procedure experience was painful
Carry a sanitary pad with you as you might spot after the procedure
Take the day off from work, and also don’t schedule other appointments after the procedure because of how you might be feeling afterwards (pain, cramping, spotting, discomfort, sickish etc.)
It’s best if you can have someone to take you home after the procedure
Get a second/third opinion before taking the test. Be sure that it’s a necessary procedure you need to undertake
So that’s all for this article. I hope it has expanded your knowledge on the HSG test, and how it can provide answers to a woman’s inability to conceive. If you found the article helpful, please share it with your friends. To all those trying to conceive, my prayers are with you. Also, for more information, consult with your doctor.
Thanks for reading 🙂
Dr. Stephen Mutiso is based in Nairobi at KNH Doctor’s Plaza, Suite 26/27. He can be reached on Tel: 0722 678 002 or 0788 306 674
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOUTUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
A couple of weeks ago, I attended an event for young moms, organized by Ivanna of Weza Dada Foundation. Ivanna had invited a clinician -Josephine Kinyua to talk to the young moms (in this case those aged 24 years and below) about different aspects of their reproductive health. Ivanna invited me to the event as a ‘mentor mom’ 🙂
I managed to capture Josephine’s explanation of how a woman can calculate her safe period to increase her chances of preventing pregnancy. I find that this is a question that many women tend to ask, so I hope you will find the information helpful too. See the video below and share with a young mom or woman as well. You’ll need to adjust the volume of the video as you watch.
If you know of a young mom who would like to regularly interact with fellow young moms, then you can link her up with Ivanna through her page here. Also, if you’d like to be a ‘mentor mom’ to the young moms, just like I am, then you can also get in touch with her through ivanna@wezadada.org
Thanks for reading & watching and keep it Mummy Tales 🙂
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOUTUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
Hi friends. So, have you noticed how ‘soft’ your parents are towards your children? Especially when you remember how TOUGH they were on you and your siblings when growing up, but yet how gentle and meek they are on your kids? Sometimes I look at how mellow my parents are with my sons and I’m left mouth wide open because wueeh!
Sometimes I even joke with my mum telling her how she’s changed, to which she tells me: “Si hata wewe pia utakuwa shosho one day…” Amen mummy, I receive those blessings 🙂
Anyway, I’m so grateful that I still have my parents and that my sons are growing up receiving the full love of their shosho, guka and kukhu.
So while on this story of grandparents, today’s story is a guest post from Patricia Malika, who you previously met here and here. Read below to see what she has to say today…
File photo of Patricia with her husband.
“My tribute today is to our grandmothers. These ladies are true gems. I count myself truly blessed to have enjoyed time with both my paternal and maternal grandmothers (One of them went to be with the Lord recently, the other is alive and well).
My grandmoms gave me all the love and pampering I desired. They took care of me when my mother (being a new mom then) didn’t know what to do. They let me in on family secrets and told me of the naughty things my parents did when they were young.
Even more of a blessing to me is that they both participated in helping me recover from childbirth and caring for my little girl during her infancy. They got a chance to play with their first great-grandchild!
The Relationship Dynamics With my Mum
The lady in my heart as I write this, is my baby’s grandmother (my mum). I remember growing up I wanted to be just like her. She was my role model. I wanted to dress like her, work at the bank just like she does and also get married to my dad because she is married to him (I was a little girl then).
When I became a teenager, I didn’t want her around me all the time. I wanted my space. But once I had my baby, I wanted her constant company. I realized she was the one person who could answer my mummy questions, give me advice and look after baby when I needed the help.
Mum Becomes a Grandmom
I have noticed a beautiful change envelop my mother over the past few months. Becoming a grandmother has turned her into a sweet, gentle and ever joyful lady. She has become a gem. She no longer cares much about the cane nor fusses about little things. Her joy emanates from loving on her grand baby, who also happens to bear her maiden name.
My prayer is that one day; we will all join this prestigious group of ladies. One day we will also become grandmothers to the children our children bear. We too will become gems.
Until then, let us work hard and build lasting wealth for our children and their children. Let’s raise our princes and princesses in such a way that they will become a blessing to others. Most importantly, let us love our grandmothers, mothers and mothers in law, for we now know what they went through so as to bring us into this world.” -END.
Thanks Patricia for sharing your story 🙂
Do you also have a story or experience you’d like to share with other women/moms? You can write me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Otherwise thanks for reading and have a lovely week!
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOUTUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
Have you ever met a woman who has the ability to bear children, but she chooses not to? Well, I have, and I’ve had discussions with them about it. And trust me, their decision to be childless is one that many people, especially in our African community, don’t seem to find favor with. In a society where a woman’s worth is pegged on her ability to bear children (and how many), you can imagine how such women are perceived.
One such woman -Taruri Gatere recently shared her story on Citizen TV and as you can imagine, her decision has ignited lots of debate. Listen to her story in the video below.
Hello folks, hope you are doing well. So I recently came across a post by Marcus Olang talking about abuse, and which I found so insightful that I thought to share it here with you. Read, and share it with a friend too. This is what Marcus penned:
“I’m going to say to something, and stay with me here: Happy times do not negate the abusive ones.
I’ve been in situations where I’m talking to a person, and they talk about how their partner yells at them, calls them names, gaslights them, threatens them with either violence or death… but then they add something along these lines:
“It doesn’t happen much – it’s only when s/he is stressed…”
“It doesn’t happen much – it’s only when we’re arguing…”
“It doesn’t happen much – sometimes s/he just loses her temper and doesn’t mean what s/he says…”
And here, notice that I haven’t even touched on physical violence.
I want to be as unambiguous as I can be on this: Abuse is a cycle. It’s a vicious cycle. And it’s a cycle that you cannot continue to subject yourself to.
The vast majority of times, an abusive person does not change.
The vast majority of times, an abusive person only gets more abusive.
The only person who suffers continues to be you, the victim.
And a lot of times, you – the person on the receiving end of this horrible, terrible abuse, in whatever form it comes – don’t even realise what’s happening. You have no idea that you’re the victim of abuse.
Plus, the nature of an emotionally abusive partner is that they’re so slick, you’ll end up believing that you’re the problem – to the point where even other people will be questioning why you’re giving this ‘amazing human being’ such a hard time in life.
And most times, your abuser will seem to be very remorseful afterwards. Most times, but not all the time.
They’ll apologise.
They’ll tell you they didn’t mean it.
They’ll buy you nice things.
They’ll treat you to nice dinners.
They’ll promise it’ll never happen again…
Most times, but not all the time.
And you’ll continue to believe that you’re at fault.
You’ll believe you’re the problem, because they were so nice to you.
You’ll believe you’re the problem, because they treated you so well.
You’ll believe you’re the problem, because they bought you nice things.
You’ll believe you’re the problem, because they apologised.
Because they promised it’ll never happen again.
HAPPY TIMES DO NOT NEGATE THE ABUSIVE ONES.
I’m open to this: People make mistakes.
But repeated mistakes are a pattern.
Abuse is certainly a pattern.
Abuse is the type of pattern that only gets worse with time, good moments notwithstanding.
HAPPY TIMES DO NOT NEGATE THE ABUSIVE ONES.
Now I want to make this very clear: Disagreements and arguments are on one side. Those happen. And they are often difficult to sort out. Sometimes you never even completely sort them out. Only thing to stay focused on is remaining respectful of each other in how you handle them.
Abuse is a whole other issue altogether.
Abuse chips at your essence.
Abuse erodes your esteem.
Abuse gets you to question yourself.
Abuse destroys who you truly are.
You mustn’t allow it.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, you mustn’t allow it to destroy you.
It’s hard. It’s one of the most difficult things to realise and accept.
But that realisation may need to start with this:
HAPPY TIMES DO NOT NEGATE THE ABUSIVE ONES.“-END
So that is what Marcus shared. Very insightful. By the way, if you are in an abusive relationship, you can call the National Gender Violence Helpline (toll-free) number: 1195 and you will be assisted. I have personally called the number this morning (9 August 2018) and the phone was answered right away. No delays at all. I’ve previously called the number when working on other articles and believe me, the response from them has always been good. They’ve always assured me that any individual who calls that number seeking help gets the right kind of assistance. Calling 1195 is free and operates on a 24-hour basis so you can call at anytime, from any part of Kenya. If you are in an abusive relationship or if you know of someone who is, let them know about 1195. It might be the call that could save their life.
If you have a story you’d like to share or any information that you believe would be helpful, you can email me on maryanne@mummytales.com and I’ll be in touch. Otherwise thanks for reading.
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOU TUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
The motherhood journey is one with its ups and downs, and we all have different experiences. Today, I share with you the story of Hellen, a young mom of two. Hellen sent me her story. By the way, if you have a life experience that you believe would inspire, encourage or educate a fellow woman or mom, you can send it to me at maryanne@mummytales.com
This is Hellen’s story:
“My name is Hellen Birech, a mother of two. My daughter Natasha is three-years-old while my son Nigel is aged just one year. I am an Agricultural Economics graduate.
When I was six months pregnant with my second born, I unexpectedly lost my husband in Somalia; he was a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who died in the line of duty.
For as long as I live, there are moments that I will never forget. I’ll never forget the moment I learned about my husband’s sudden passing. I’ll never forget the moment I viewed his lifeless body. I’ll also never forget the moment when his casket was being lowered into the grave.
Hellen’s son and daughter.
I became a widow at the age of just 28 years. At that time, my daughter Natasha was just a year and a half old. I was also a fresh graduate from University and was jobless. My husband’s sudden death left me in a daze. Everything was just a blur. There I was, reeling from the shock of it all, pregnant, and with a young child. It was the hardest moment of my life.
I developed low blood pressure which saw me in an out of hospital countless times. I fainted thrice while pregnant. I remember the worst was one day in when, as I was standing outside our home, I collapsed, hitting my tummy down so badly. I was rushed to the hospital and immediately admitted.
The doctors did their best to stabilize me. However, three days later during their routine monitoring checks, they couldn’t trace my baby’s fetal heartbeat. I was informed that I had to go in for an emergency caesarean section. My son had to be delivered six weeks earlier than his expected due date. We stayed in hospital for one week before we were discharged.
Endless Tears
I had a rough time breastfeeding my son. I was nursing my CS wound and I was still quite stressed by the loss of my husband -who I had all along been excited about building my future with and raising our dear children together. I worried about my children, wondering how they would grow up without their father. I could hardly sleep.
Perhaps it is this stress that may have caused my breast milk supply to drop significantly. My son was just not getting satisfied. Hard as I tried, I couldn’t produce enough for him.
Every time my son cried, I would cry together with him.
Hellen’s son, enjoying the outdoors in a recent photo.
Strained Relations with In-Laws
It didn’t help much that after the death of my hubby, my relationship with my in-laws became strained. Our relationship came to an end just three days after my husband’s burial. I returned home to my parents.
Back at my parents’ home, my life became preoccupied with my children. I made a resolution to be the best mother and father to them; determined to never let them down. I would always kneel in my room and pray for them.
Thankfully, with the support of my mother, siblings, friends and the unit where my husband worked, my kids didn’t lack.
But those first days, weeks and months weren’t easy. There are days when I would cry so much. Sometimes my daughter would see me during those down moments, and I noticed that if would affect her so much. I had to learn to be much stronger for her and her brother.
Hellen with her daughter.
How Motherhood has Changed Me
Being a mom has completely changed my outlook on life. I no longer sweat the small stuff. Motherhood has humbled me, with the realization that the world no longer revolves around just myself. I am now someone’s hero; I mean the world to my children.
I always look forward to going home whenever I’m out running errands. The moments when I walk in through the door and see my children’s faces light up as they throw their hands in the air screaming “mum” and hugging me and kissing me as they do so are priceless.
Raising my two babies who are closely spaced is an amazing experience. To see them grow healthy each day is a blessing and a favor from God, which I don’t take for granted. With each passing day, I grow very fond of them. They are still young and need me.
Hellen’s adorable babies.
I have a nanny, but because I’m home full-time, save for when I’m out running errands, I try and spend as much time with them. I love going to the supermarket to shop with them because it’s also a kind of like an outing for them. And it makes me feel a happy mama. Despite some few challenges here and there, I continue to do my best to be a great mom and dad to my kids.
Remarriage
Despite being widowed at a young age, I have a great life with my kids. I don’t plan to remarry because I fear introducing my kids to a step-father…
I have made peace with myself that I’m going to take care of my kids alone.
Sadly, my son never got to meet his father. I gave my son all his father’s names, which helps me know that soldier is here. Last May, as he celebrated his first birthday, I declared him my hero.
Hellen’s son, in an attire she specially designed for him in honor of his father’s legacy.
Why did I do so? Because at some point during the pregnancy with the low blood pressure, the sickness and all the stress, I knew that I was going to lose him. But he showed me that he is a real soldier who never quits. My son is a hero.
As Dolly Parton sang ‘My coat of many colors my mama made for me’, I did the same to my son Kiberur. I took his father’s military combat and made him a small one that fits him. I wanted him to wear his uniform in honor of his legacy. And I’m sure he’s up there in heaven smiling at us.
Encouragement for Widows
Today, I want to assure Natasha and Nigel that they are in safe hands. Dad gave me the sword to protect them, he gave me the light to lead them. And I promise to do it best for them not to feel the empty void.
My encouragement to fellow widows is this: God knows why it had to happen that way. stand strong for your babies and God always be your number one support system.” –END
Thank you, Hellen, for sharing your inspiring story. Blessings to you and your family.
And that’s Hellen’s story. I hope it has encouraged you. If you, just like Hellen, have a life experience that you’d like to share with other moms, you can email it to me at maryanne@mummytales.com . Thanks for reading.
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
In 2016, Beverly found out she was pregnant. A nurse by profession, she could not hide her excitement about being a first-time mom. But Beverly’s journey to motherhood didn’t end as she had anticipated. This is her story.
“I remember being so happy upon discovering that I was pregnant. As a nurse working in the maternity ward, and after seeing so many mothers bring forth their babies and the joy this brought, I looked forward to my own experience.
I started shopping early as I looked forward to February –the month that I was due. The highlight of my days was experiencing fetal kicks. They were so heavenly! I also loved how baby would start playing when the dad would call me. It is still hard to understand how such things happen.
The Start of my Illness
One Thursday in November, I travelled from Embu (where I stayed) to Eldoret for my sister’s graduation. All went well until the following Monday when we returned and I started experiencing back pains. I went to the hospital and was given painkillers. The pain didn’t subside much, and when I returned to the hospital I was once again given painkillers.
By Wednesday the pain was so bad the doctor even thought I was in labor. I was 31 weeks pregnant then. I was informed that I needed to be admitted.
Unfortunately, doctors in public hospitals were on strike at that time so I had to go to a private hospital. The first one we went to was unfortunately packed to capacity, so we had to search for another one. Thankfully, we got space there and when a scan was done, it showed that baby was fine. However, they couldn’t explain the back pain.
The following day – on Thursday morning, I woke up with a rash all over my face and body. Turns out that I had chickenpox! Apparently, this is what was causing the back pains. I stayed in the hospital that day before being discharged later.
I remember being so frustrated at being sick, dealing with fever, being pregnant, and just being tired all day long. I desperately wanted to be well.
It was not until Tuesday of the following week that I recovered and life went back to normal.
The next month –December, I had my traditional wedding. It was a glamorous ceremony and we were glad to have received the blessings of our parents.
The Surprise Baby Shower
The following month –on January Friday the 13th, I felt some pain that felt like a contraction. I was 36 weeks pregnant then. Hubby was on his way from Meru to Embu for the weekend. After I told him how I was feeling, he called my doctor who said it was probably a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). However, I was sure that it wasn’t. We nevertheless slept calmly through the night.
The following day, I met my good friend Keziah, who agreed to accompany me for my last ultrasound. We went to the doctors but found a very long queue. What I didn’t know is that Keziah had other plans. She and other friends had organized my baby shower on that day!
The baby shower caught me by surprise because my mind was focused on other things. But the baby shower went well and I was very happy. I was delighted to see my sisters, friends and colleagues at my baby shower. We made fun of baby names; my hubby and I had settled on Declan John Karume. I remember them making fun how his short form was going to be ‘Deki’.
With friends at the baby shower.
Reduced Fetal Movements
We stayed home on Sunday and I went to work on Monday. But while baby always played when I woke up, I distinctly remember that that day he didn’t do so. I thought that maybe he was still sleeping.
When I got to work and still didn’t feel the kicks, I sensed something was wrong. I called Keziah to come listen to the fetal heartbeat, but she wasn’t around and so I called another colleague who advised me to take a Fanta soda as perhaps baby just needed some sugar.
At about noon, I called my husband and he advised me to go see a doctor (I don’t even know why I hadn’t thought of doing so). Thankfully, Keziah took me hospital and when the doctor placed the sonicade (the machine used to listen to the fetal heartbeat) the heartbeat was loud and normal. He reassured me that baby was fine but advised on a scan because of the reduced fetal movements.
Emergency Caeserean Section
While doing the scan, the doctor kept asking if I had experienced hypertension during my pregnancy, or if my due date had already passed. I didn’t understand why he was asking this. But he soon interrupted my thoughts by saying that the baby was alive but not moving. He advised that I needed to have an emergency caesarean section; that baby had to be delivered within four hours if he was to survive. That meant that my son would need to be placed in an incubator upon delivery.
However, there was a problem.
The doctors were still on strike in public hospitals, and the best private hospital around had only one incubator –which was already occupied. The only other option was to travel to Nairobi.
We got an ambulance and got to a hospital in Nairobi at around 8.30pm. The admission process didn’t take long. My baby’s fetal heartbeat was loud, clear and regular.
Doctor Unavailable
However, we were soon told that the doctor who had been informed about my case had just been called in for another CS. As we were waiting for them to get another doctor to attend to me, my baby’s fetal heartbeat kept being monitored. At one point, I remember the heartbeat fluctuating and being unstable… and then suddenly, the beats were no more.
An ultrasound was quickly ordered. I remember asking the doctor why I couldn’t hear the fetal heartbeat. Then she broke the news to my husband and I by simply saying “There is no fetal heartbeat”. I didn’t immediately understand what she said until I heard my husband begin to sob. That’s when it dawned on me.
The Induction and Delivery
The doctor then told me that my labor had to be induced and asked whether I wanted to have it done at that time or in the morning. I opted for the soonest time possible. The induction started at about 2am.
Meanwhile, I tried sleeping as I took in the sad news. It was a very difficult time for me as you can imagine.
When the doctor checked on me the following morning, there wasn’t much change and I had to be inserted another (induction) pill to hasten the contractions.
Meanwhile, I remember people coming to visit me but to this day I don’t even remember who I saw that day. My sister and Keziah are the ones who I remember being present, supporting me and rubbing my back with each contraction.
With dear friend Keziah in better days.
At around 11am, it was time to go to the delivery room, with my husband and Keziah by my side. At 11.46am I delivered a male infant weighing 2.6 kgs. The nurse asked if I wanted to hold him before she was done or after, I opted for the latter.
Holding my Son in My Arms
When I eventually got to hold my baby, I stared at him, taking it all in. I noticed that while he had my face, he looked so much like his dad and was just as dark as him. Suddenly, I thought I saw my baby move.
But it was all an illusion. Talk about a ray of hope!
I remember asking Keziah “You mean to tell me that I won’t breastfeed him?”
All this in an attempt to come to terms of the reality of what was happening.
We decided to have the baby buried by the hospital. They said the chickenpox might have been the cause of the problem; that the virus may have passed to the placenta and led to complications for the baby.
I got discharged from hospital the following day, and it was the hardest part for me. I felt like I was living my baby behind. It drained me to have to leave, but I had to.
When I got home, I found that my son’s wardrobe was empty. I had no idea where they had put his clothes all of his other stuff that I had bought. But with the help of my counselor Lillian, I was able to re-arrange them back neatly back in the cupboard. That was what I wanted, and it helped me deal with the loss much better.
This is my message to my dear son Declan:
“Heaven and earth may separate us today, but nothing will ever change the fact that you made me a mum.”
Today, I talk about my son because he deserves to be remembered. Even though he is not physically with us, he is not too far from my mind. I talk about him because he is part of me, and I am proud to be his mother. I talk about Declan because I love him still and always will.”
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOU TUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
Have you found yourself wondering when you should give your house girl more money? Are you thinking its too soon to give her a raise, or are you thinking you’ve taken too long to do so? In this video, I talk to fellow Kenyan mums about this topic. Watch and feel free to leave your responses in the comments section of the video. Share with your friends too! Thanks for watching and remember to subscribe to the Mummy Tales You Tube channel.
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect withMummy Tales on:YOU TUBE l FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
