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Clubfoot in Kenya: “My Mommy Instincts Helped me Save my Daughter’s Feet” -Mary Onguko

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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The beautiful Mary Onguko-Wanyonyi.

By Maryanne W. Waweru l maryanne@mummytales.com

Mary Onguko-Wanyonyi is a Kenyan mother living and working in Nairobi. Today, I share her story on an experience that she and her family went through regarding her daughter’s clubfoot condition.

“When I finally boarded the plane to take my daughter to the US for her clubfoot treatment review, that was when I knew that 2016 was an anointed year for my family.

My 8-year-old daughter Serena had a 100 percent possibility of clubfoot recurrence by the age of 10 if the condition was not arrested immediately.

You see, Serena was born with a bilateral clubfoot, meaning that it was present in both feet. Clubfoot describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which the baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position (source).

Even though Serena had undergone several medical interventions with regard to her clubfoot, including surgery, local doctors had advised us to wait until she was 10 years old to see the outcome.

My mommy instincts however dictated otherwise, as I didn’t seem that very convinced about waiting till she was 10 years. This then led me to engage in lots and lots of research both locally and internationally, until we eventually landed into the able hands of Dr. Mathew Dobbs, who is one of the world’s best renowned and most sought-after clubfoot doctor.

Mary with her two children Serena and Baraka.
Mary with her two children Serena and Baraka during thier stay in the US as Serena underwent medical treatment for her clubfoot.

Amazingly, Dr. Dobbs not only offered a free review of Serena, but also linked my family to the best Kenyan community in the US –Vitendo 4 Africa.

We got to not only travel for the treatment -which was successful in leaps and bounds, but we also got to be on holiday for close to 3 months (talk of visiting Chicago and being absolutely wowed by the Willis Tower).

I am most thankful to God for life, good health and the gift of this life-changing opportunity for our daughter Serena. By the way, it turned out that waiting until Serena was 10 years old would have been too late. I’m glad I trusted my instincts as they led me to the right path.

It has really been a journey for our family, but in all things we have always given and continue to give thanks.

Mary and her family enjoying a moment at the Willis Tower.
Mary and her family enjoying a moment at the Willis Tower.

I would also like to thank:

  • Dr. Mathew Dobbs for his selfless love and care not only to our daughter, but to my whole family.
  • The Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis for being our home away from home.
  • Vitendo 4 Africa and the Kenyan community in St. Louis for taking care of us fully (food, trips, love and prayers) while in the US.
  • Geoffrey Soyiantet (President of Vitendo 4 Africa) for being there for me and the family every single day of our 3 month stay there.
  • My family: the Onguko’s and Wafula’s for being my pillar and mark of strength during my most trying and weak moments. It would really have been difficult without their support.
  • My house girl Auntie Hellen for not only keeping us in prayers but also ensuring that our house was well maintained during the three months we were away.
  • My beloved friends and relatives for their love and support –that was so generously shown to my family
  • My employer for embracing my absence from work with so much ease and allowing me to work on flexi times, and also for graciously welcoming me back to the office upon my return.
  • My husband for holding my hands through it all with such reassuring love

    Mary and her husband.
    Mary and her husband. When a picture speaks more than a thousand words.

 To all parents, I want to encourage you to continue holding on to hope, even when all things look bleak. God will always have your back. I have seen Him come through for me, Serena and my family, and I know He will do the same for you too. Never lose sight of your faith in Him. Indeed, as for me and my house, we will always serve the Lord.”

Related Post: The Fashionable Kids: Serena and Baraka

Mary_Onguko_3

Thank you Mary for sharing your story, and we wish the best for Serena and your family. Want to know more about clubfoot? Read here.

Also Read:  “When Safari First Stood on His Own at Two Years, We Danced all Day!”

Do you have an encouraging experience that you would like to share with other parents? Email me on maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales by Maryanne W. Waweru 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

8 Baby Shower Gift Ideas for the Pregnant Mom who has Already Bought ‘Everything’

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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A beautiful, happy pregnant woman. Photo: Eve'smama

Have you ever been caught in a situation where you wonder what baby shower gift you can buy for your pregnant friend who has basically bought everything there is to be bought? The one who has just about gotten everything and is only waiting for baby’s arrival? Well, I’ve experienced this, where I really racked my brain over what to buy. So in case you’re caught up in the same, here are some ideas that I thought of, feel free to add to the list.

1. Lactation cookies. These are not just any cookies, but special oatmeal raisin lactation cookies that are good for boosting breast milk supply. The cookies are also nutritious and keep energy levels up. Get her a box or two of these –she’ll need them when baby comes. They are available from Toto Touch.

LactationCookies_Toto_Touch_12. Massage and Spa Voucher. You may get her a relaxing massage that will help reduce some of the pregnancy discomforts especially in the later stages, such as backaches, leg cramps, neck discomfort and general feelings of fatigue. However, be sure to get her someone who is well knowledgeable about prenatal massage and the do’s and don’ts. This is very important.

massage-human

3. Supermarket Shopping Voucher. Even though she has everything she needs, shopping for any woman is always a welcome affair! Because she will almost always find there’s something she doesn’t have once she checks into the supermarket. So get her this voucher.

voucher-shopping-4. Organic Mothers’ Milk Tea Bags. These herbal tea bags are taken by a breastfeeding mom to help her increase and maintain her breast milk production and thus promote healthy lactation. Not only are they tasty, but they also help keep her well hydrated during breastfeeding. They are available from Toto Touch.

Toto_Touch_Organic_Mothers_Milk_25. A Personal Care Gift Basket containing a selection of lovelies such as a body butter, shower gel, bath salts, natural soap, body scrub, foot soaks or natural hair products if she’s a naturalista. Get products that are free from harsh chemicals and strong smells but yet which still have that yummy soft smell that will leave her feeling fresh, nice and not irritated. Because surely life can’t be all about dirty diapers, breast milk stains, burps and spit ups… 

Photo: Pinterest
A gift basket. Photo: Pinterest

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“My Trying Journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)” -Eve Kabiru

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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This is the story of 32-year-old Eve Kabiru who shares her motherhood experience with us, which includes trying for a baby, being blessed with a son, suffering a miscarriage, and trying to conceive again. 

“I share my story today because I’ve finally found the courage to talk about it two years after my miscarriage. After I got married, I stayed for three years without conceiving, even though I wasn’t on any contraceptive. It was very stressful because I didn’t know what the problem was. Thankfully though, I eventually conceived and bore my son in February 2011. It was an ecstatic moment.

But I would soon be stressed again because of my weight. I had added so many kilos during the pregnancy that my weight appeared abnormal. I thought breastfeeding would help me shed some of it, but it did not. Even though I wasn’t overeating and I was exercising, the kilos were just not dropping and I remained clearly overweight. It didn’t help matters much that people would criticize me about it. Some friends would make snide comments -sometimes openly, sometimes subtly.

“Gosh Eve, you’ve added so much weight after having your baby! Control your eating! Do some workouts!” they would say.

Also Read: “Severe Period Pain has been my Normal for 20 Years” -Elsie Wandera’s Story 

My face also changed and became oily, giving me a shiny look. The same friends would interrogate me on why this was so. I felt bad because I didn’t know why my face had changed or why I was overweight. I felt so helpless. None of them took time to ask me if anything was wrong, and I chose not to tell them anyway, instead preferring to keep just a few friends –only those who seemed to have some empathy for me.

In 2012, I noticed hair growth on my toes and laughed it off, consoling myself that after all, no one would know about it! I also started getting easily irritated, characterized by crazy mood swings where I would snap at the slightest provocation. So I decided to keep to myself and avoid people. I ended up losing quite a number of friends in the process. I thank God for the few friends and family members who stood by me.

I then began experiencing great abdominal pains and even though they worried me, I ignored the need to go see a doctor. But months later, when the pain became extremely unbearable, I decided to go to the doctor who recommended several tests.

The test results revealed a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is a condition that affects women of reproductive age, and is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. Irregular or prolonged menstrual periods, excess weight, excess hair growth and acne can all occur in women with PCOS.

See Also: Why you are not Getting Pregnant

Following the diagnosis, I found myself asking so many questions: What did it mean for me? Was it a cancerous condition? For how long was I going to have the cysts? What was going to happen to me?

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How to Care for your Newborn’s Umbilical Cord Stump

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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When I was a new mom, the practice of caring for my baby’s umbilical cord stump came with its own apprehensions, I must admit. Something I want to believe that many other new moms can relate to. Thankfully though, the hospital nurse graciously showed me how to do so before I got discharged. In summary, what she told me was:

  • Clean it with spirit three times a day until it falls off on its own (I was given the spirit and cotton wool that I needed to use for this). She emphasized the part that it should fall off on its own.
  • The stump will change color from whitish to blackish as it continues to dry until it eventually falls off
  • Treat the area gently
  • Keep the area clean
  • Keep the area dry

I however remember what stressed me most was how to wear the baby’s diaper. Was I to dress it over the cord stump (with its little peg) and risk it being rubbed and therefore causing it to bleed, maybe even forcefully fall off and possibly lead to an infection…(yikes), or was I to fold the diaper beneath the stump area just to make sure the cord area was left undisturbed? That really stressed me out.

Me and my second son Ello :)
Me and my second son Ello having a moment. Boy is now all grown up 🙂

Also, I wondered how the bathing would be done. Was I to soak baby in water with soap when doing so, or was I just to sponge bath him just to make sure the cord stump (and its little peg) were not disturbed?

Did you ask yourself these questions too? What did you do? Did you by any chance feel like pulling it off a little bit towards the end when it was very clear that it was just about to fall off? Feel free to share in the comments section below.

You May Also Like: Do you Insist that Every Visitor First Wash Their Hands Before Holding Your Baby?

In the meantime, I have some helpful information from Dr. Adil Waris, Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist and Lecturer at The Aga Khan University & The University of Nairobi regarding the care of the cord in a newborn baby that can guide new parents:

  • The cord must be wiped with surgical spirit 3 times a day until the cord falls off which is usually by day ten.
  • Even after the cord has fallen off, off continue swabbing the area with surgical spirit for a few more days until there is no discharge of fluid.
  • Do not insert cotton buds with spirit into the belly button as the skin there is still soft and raw.

Hope that helps!

Also Read: 5 Breastfeeding Tips for a New Mum in Hospital 

Mummy Tales is a blog dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Mummy Tales is a recipient of three awards: Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) awards in the Best Topical Blog category (2014 and 2016), and the top Women and Girls Empowerment blog in Africa (2016) by the African Blogger Awards -sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER 

Featured image: Nyadel, a new mom at the FreMo Medical and Birth Center 

Ruth Ambogo: “I Moved from a ‘D’ Student to an ‘A’ Student in Less than 10 Months”

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Do you sometimes look at a young person who is so ‘put together’, youngsters that are role models, that you end up praying that your child will become just like them (and even better)? That you sometimes wonder, what did their parents do to ensure that they turned out that good? What did the children themselves do to stay on the right path?

Well, I’m sure there are no definite answers to this, but through their experiences, we can learn a thing or two and that’s why today we feature the story of Ruth Ambogo, who is the incoming president of Law Students Society of Kenya. The 22 year-old is currently pursuing a Law degree at Strathmore University. Ruth is also the founder of World Young Women Council, and the Country Director of MentorMe Africa. Ruth spoke to Mummy Tales writer SYLVIA WAKHISI.

Sylvia: Who is Ruth Ambogo?

Ruth:I am the first born in a family of four, and I come from a very humble background. I have a great passion for leadership and mentorship and mentor young people on the same. I run #ConversationsThatInspireGreatness on my social media pages (Facebook and Twitter @RuthAmbogo)

Sylvia: Tell us your story

Ruth: I was born and raised in both Vihiga and HomaBay counties. My parents’ small kerosene business is basically what sustained us. Thankfully, my parents are strong believers in the power of education, and always did their best to ensure we went to school, despite the great challenges they faced.

Ruth_Ambogo_3

I particularly remember when their kerosene business began collapsing when I was in class 6. Life became really tough after that. We had to be in the shamba over the weekends by 5.30 am as it was the only way we would be assured of getting food. Many times, my parents would negotiate with my primary school director to allow me to stay in school without paying school fees because they didn’t have any money. As they did so, my dad would always remind me that, “We have nothing else to offer you except the chance to receive an education and make your lives different from the one we are living. So you better make the most of it.”

His words remained deeply etched in my memory and inspired me to always work hard in school. They rang in my head constantly throughout my primary school days at Rongo Success Academy in Migori, where I worked so hard and secured admission to Loreto Limuru Girls School, a top national school in Kenya.

While at Loreto Limuru, my family’s financial challenges persisted. Many times I lacked certain basic needs and would rely on the help of the guidance and counseling office that would provide me with little supplies. I also remember the countless times I was sent home due to lack of school fees. This affected my grades significantly to the point where I started scoring D’s in most of my units in Forms 2 and 3.

Continue Reading Next Page

Wangu Kanja Opens Up About Her Painful Rape Experience

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Wangu Kanja is the first sexual assault survivor I ever interviewed. I greatly admired Wangu for her strength and bravery in relieving a very painful episode in her life. I admired her for her quest to use her experience to bring about change regarding one of the gravest ills in society. As we draw nearer to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I today share with you Wangu’s story, with the Wangu Kanja Foundation being a helpful resource on sexual and gender-based violence. This is part of the article I published in The Standard newspaper from my interview with her in 2008.  

“What if I had skipped work that morning?” “What if it had not rained and there was no traffic snarl-up in the city?” This fruitless attempt to re-arrange a traumatic past is a matter that 32-year-old Wangu Kanja is all too familiar with. For almost three years, these “What if?” questions dominated her mind. She spent these dreadful years in a depressed mood, involuntarily drowned in the sea of self-blame following a harrowing attack. These “What if?” questions, for which there were no easy answers, were slowly and insidiously crippling her psyche.

Also Read: Njeri Mucheru Speaks About her New Project Targeting Women

In 2002, Wangu lived through an experience that will be forever etched in her memory. A marketing consultant with a taxi firm in Nairobi, she was pursuing a potentially lucrative transport deal with an important client. She was ready to pull out all the stops — even if it meant travelling late at night. Wangu remembers that on the evening when she went to meet her business contact, it was cold and rainy, and the evening traffic in Nairobi was heavy. Driving with the client, who was accompanied by his friend, Wangu recalls that he decided to stop at his house to pick his pullover. Thereafter, the two would drive Wangu to her home.

It was however at the man’s gate in Kimathi Estate, Nairobi, that they were accosted by another vehicle. Suddenly, three men in the other vehicle stepped out and roughly forced their way into Wangu’s car. As they were driven away, a fourth gang member followed closely in the car they had come in. Perhaps to ensure that they were not followed, the men drove in circles around BuruBuru and Outering areas.

Wangu Kanja
Wangu Kanja

Finally, after what appeared like a lifetime, the armed men stopped both vehicles at a dark alley. Shoving and ordering them about, they mercilessly hounded Wangu’s colleagues into the trailing vehicle, before abandoning them. All four gang members then drove off with Wangu as their lone captive.

“It was about 10.30pm. As I sat in the company of the four strangers, I basically knew my life was over. I made a silent prayer, hoping against hope that some sort of miracle would happen.”

Her fears were somewhat assuaged when one of the men assured her that no harm would befall her because, he said, she was like a sister to them. “There was some sincerity in his eyes,” Wangu recalls. “His tone of voice offered me some comfort.”

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Njeri Mucheru Speaks about her New Project Targeting Women

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Njeri Mucheru. Photo credit: Flickr.com

Njeri Mucheru is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a mother of three. Njeri, of Mucheru-Oyatta & Associates, is currently engaged in a noble venture that is aimed at providing support to women survivors of domestic violence. The venture is ‘Mary’s Manger’, which is inspired by memories of her dear mother, and is Njeri’s way of giving back to society. “It is my calling, what I want to be remembered for,” she says.

Njeri, who believes in love and marriage, hopes that through Mary’s Manger, she will be able to impact society in a way that the marriage institution gains the respect it deserves. See, in her own words below:

Mummy Tales is a blog dedicated to empowering its’ readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood and women. Keep up with the latest posts on Mummy Tales by subscribing to new posts. You can also follow Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

Maternal Mental Health in Kenya: “As a New Mom, Anger and Suicidal Thoughts Were my Reality” -Samoina Wangui

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Samoina Wangui and her son. Photo by Blackmerg Studios.

Why do some women feel so sad and desolate after having their babies? This is something 27-year-old Samoina Wangui experienced following the birth of her son, where she developed feelings of anger at him and everything around her, and at some point –she became suicidal. This is Samoina’s heartfelt experience.

“I vividly remember the day my world stood still. My life before then had been very interesting…I was enjoying it, partying a lot, hanging out, campus… the whole nine yards. I’m a very social person, and find it so enlightening to spend time with people.

Then I found out I was pregnant. My world stood still.

Let me take you back a little bit. Growing up, I knew motherhood was ‘supposed’ to be a blissful experience. I mean, what could be better in life other than creating life itself? Bringing a sweet little baby into the world? I envisioned motherhood as a beautiful experience. Then suddenly, my world stood still as all that bliss disappeared like a mirage as I faced the reality of what was happening to me. I was unprepared for the pregnancy.

Samoina_Wangui
Samoina Wangui. Photo: Blackmerg Studios

I was barely 22, and still on probation in my job. It certainly wasn’t time for motherhood -yet. I was petrified. This was going to be a life-changing event and I was not sure I could hack it. I felt like I had let myself down. There I was, faced with what had to be my life’s biggest decision. Eventually, I decided to keep the baby, after many nightmares where I would wake up sweating and shaking, hearing unrelenting baby screams and all-night crying. This, in addition to having gross visions of a bloodied mess. This marked the beginning of a life-changing journey for me.

In the early months of my pregnancy, I remember going to the bathroom and finding a blob of bright red blood. I panicked at the thought of losing my baby. I was having a threatened abortion, but thankfully, we survived that.

About 5 months into the pregnancy, I realized I was going to be a single mom. That reality shook me, as I struggled with the emotions that come along with that, as well as the reality of the financial responsibilities that lay ahead of me. It was tough.

When I was around 7/8 months pregnant, I lost my job, as though my situation could not get any worse!

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Meet Rahab Nganga and her Lovely Daughter Nouchka Bazarbacha

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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29 year-old Rahab Nganga is mom to her adorable 2 year-old daughter Nouchka Muthoni Bazarbacha. Rahab is my former colleague, such a lovable lady who I was quite fond of. Today, I am more than delighted to share Rahab with you, sharing a few insights into her motherhood experiences.

Maryanne: When you were pregnant, did you want to know the baby’s sex early, or did you wait until baby was born?

Rahab: I definitely wanted to know the sex of the baby early enough. I was particularly interested because I wanted a boy and my husband wanted a girl, so this was more like to confirm which one it would be.

Rahab with her beautiful daughter Nouchka
Rahab with her beautiful daughter Nouchka

Maryanne: How was your breastfeeding experience? Did you struggle with breastfeeding, and did you get the breastfeeding support you needed after giving birth?

Rahab: Lucky enough, I did not struggle with breastfeeding. Nouchka latched well and my milk supply was quite adequate. We were good, thankfully.

Maryanne: What did you wish you’d known about having a newborn?

Rahab: I wished I would have known how much work it is to take care of a newborn and how much it changes our lives.

Maryanne: How has your experience with house girls been? 

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Beth Mugo Cancer Story: “Don’t Touch Soya!” Looking Back, Soya could have been the Source of my Breast Cancer”

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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1

Senator Beth Mugo has always been conscious of her diet and lifestyle. At some point, she even stopped taking tea with cow milk, instead opting for soya milk.

“I took soya milk for 5, 6, 7 years… it could have been the source of my breast cancer,” she says. This is her story, and what her doctor –a leading oncologist told her about soya and breast cancer. Read more about her initiative: The Beth Mugo Cancer Foundation.

See Also: How Cancer Patients Can Preserve their Fertility

Also Read: A Walk Through my Cancer Journey: Wanjiru Githuka

Also See: Elizabeth Muema: Crocheting for Cancer is my Ministry

Mummy Tales is a blog dedicated to empowering its’ readers on different aspects of maternal and newborn health, as well as various issues surrounding motherhood. Keep up with the latest posts on Mummy Tales by subscribing to new posts. You can also follow Mummy Tales on: l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

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