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Preeclampsia in Kenya: “I Spent Almost Half of my Pregnancy in Tears!” -Mary Naanyu

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0
Mary Naanyu with her daughter Jazz.

30 year-old Mary Naanyu Kiruriti is a mother of one. She has had an interesting journey into motherhood, which has made her appreciate life. During her pregnancy, Mary suffered from a condition known as pre-eclampsia, which can be fatal to both mom and baby. Today, she shares her experience with us, and offers us vital pieces of advice which she urges us not to ignore. Read on…

“When I was 22 weeks pregnant, I went for my monthly check-up which involved peeing in a little cup and having it tested for protein. On that particular day, the test revealed that there was protein in my urine. I was also informed that my blood pressure was high, plus my feet were worryingly swollen. Things were not good. I was told that I had pre-eclampsia.

Let me take you back to the beginning. My pregnancy had started out with a threatened abortion at six weeks. Following that difficult phase, I engaged in some plenty of reading, with the knowledge (fear) at the back of my mind that anything could go wrong. It was then at 22 weeks pregnant I received the news that I had developed pre-eclampsia. This news left me feeling sad, confused and lost.

Also Read: “The Day I Almost Lost my Life” –Carline Gachii

However, the medics, aware of the dangers of preeclampsia, had immediately put me on a drug regimen -which was later increased because my blood pressure wasn’t going lower.

Mary Naanyu, while pregnant.
Mary Naanyu, while pregnant.

But even as I was taking the drugs, I would spend so much time thinking of how everything would go wrong and that I would lose my baby. It is these feelings that would always cause my blood pressure to rise, but hard as I tried, I just couldn’t stop worrying over my health. Whenever I would catch sight of my swollen legs, panic would set in and I would literally cry my eyes out! I would get so paranoid that I would take breaks from the office three to four times a day just to go have my blood pressure checked.

At 33 weeks pregnant, another scan indicated that my placenta showed calcification (ageing). The sound of that frightened me. What did it mean?

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How to Boil an Egg Perfectly, by Sam Kiragu

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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2
Sam Kiragu

How do you boil your eggs? Today, my friend Sam Kiragu who really loves cooking shares with us how he prepares his boiled eggs -which by the way, he insists are healthier than fried eggs :).

Here’s how:

1.  Place the eggs in a sufuria with cold water. Start the boil and cover.
2. Meanwhile, add some salt to prevent the shell from breaking while boiling. Boil the egg for around 15 minutes for it to be well done.

3. Drain the hot water after 15 minutes and cool the eggs with cold water. This makes it easier to remove the shell.

Sam's boiled eggs.
Sam’s boiled eggs.

There goes Sam’s simple boiled egg recipe. Did you learn anything new? Hope you did. Thank you Sam!

Also read: How to Make Omena by Carol Chanya

Chanya's balanced dinner meal.
Chanya’s balanced dinner meal.

Also See: How to Make a Tasty Ndengu Stew

Remember to keep updated with latest posts by following Mummy Tales on: Facebook Instagram mummy_tales and Twitter: @MummyTales

On Finding the ‘Right’ School for Our Special Needs Child

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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2

Tata Nimmo is a regular guest writer here at Mummy Tales, where she chronicles her journey raising her seven-year old nephew Safari. Safari is the firstborn child of Tata Nimmo’s twin sister, and the sisters –having grown up very close, still enjoy the same kind of relationship today –enough to make Tata Nimmo feel as though Safari is her own son too.

In her first article titled: ‘New Mums, Don’t Ignore those Delayed Milestones’ she told us how, at six days old, Safari suffered jaundice –and was later diagnosed as having neonatal kernicterus. But as he grew, both mom and aunt know something was wrong with him because of his delayed milestones, and it was only until the age of two years that he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Catch up on that article here.

What_is_Cerebral_palsy_Gillette_Childrens_Specialty_Healthcare

In the next article she wrote, Tata Nimmo took us through the emotions that she and the family went through after learning that Safari was a special needs child; struggling to deal with the news, and accepting that there was no miracle cure somewhere… Safari’s condition was a lifetime one, one that they would have to manage for the rest of his life. She told us that experience in this article titled: ‘Accepting that Safari is a Special Needs Child has not been Easy’.

After accepting the diagnosis, Tata Nimmo and her twin sister – Safari’s mom, began the search for early intervention. As they did so, it was a joyous celebration when, at the age of two years, Safari was able to stand on his own –without the support of anyone or anything. You can catch up on that post: ‘When Safari First Stood on his Own at Two Years, we Danced all Day!’

Safari.
Safari.

Today, seven-year old Safari is a class one pupil in a school in Nairobi, and Tata Nimmo updates us on how that’s going. She writes:

Safari’s three-year old baby sister Maua wobbles into the room wearing Safari’s school boots. On her back is Safari’s school bag. “I want to go to school,” she says expectantly, to which I respond, “of course you’ll go to school, as soon as you are tall like Safari.” it’s a regular conversation we have with Maua, her desire to enjoy everything Safari enjoys (such as school) being hard to hide.

But unknown to her is that Safari’s journey to school has not been a rosy one. This year, he is in standard one -something that we are very proud of. His mum and I were nervous that he would not be promoted to class one after completing pre-unit. But why did we have such fears? A myriad of reasons. One is because he is still struggling with his handwriting.

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Preeclampsia in Kenya: “The Day I Almost Lost my Life” -Caroline Gachii

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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3

27 year-old Caroline Gachii had a dramatic entry into motherhood. She almost lost her life due to a pregnancy-related condition which often begins after the 20th week. Today, Caroline shares her experience with preeclampsia, in the hope of creating awareness about this condition which can be fatal if not diagnosed early and managed effectively.

“On 10 January 2014, I found out I was going to be a mom for the first time. I was so excited. But my joy was hampered by this nagging pain I had in my back that just wouldn’t go away. It didn’t help that I have a desk job, which only made my back problems worse as the pregnancy progressed. Because of my pregnant status, I was limited to the drugs I could take, and my chiropractor basically became my best friend.

During my fifth month of pregnancy, my feet started swelling – which is normal for pregnant women, but when you add the constant back pain to this discomfort, my life became one miserable shell. By the sixth month, my back pain had gotten so bad that my doctor put me on bed rest, where I was only allowed about to be on my feet for up to 10 minutes a day.

This was after waking up and making some breakfast. My feet would get this swollen.
This was after waking up and making some breakfast. My feet would get this swollen.

I pressed on and kept my feet elevated as per doctor’s orders, doing everything possible as I anticipated my daughter’s birth. I would then visit my doctor every two weeks. On all these visits, my blood pressure was normal, but there were still questions about why I was getting so swollen up. The doctor however concluded that I was just retaining a lot of water.

After 35 weeks I started making weekly visits to the doctor, and at this point I was swollen like a balloon. On my 36 week appointment, my doctor expressed concerned about my rapid weight gain – I had added 9kgs in just a month, yet I had not changed my eating habits and I was in fact, having difficulties eating because of the intense pain in my back.

The doctor decided to do a cervix test where she checked for among others –if I had dilated. After this test, I started bleeding.

Continue Reading Next Page

Preeclampsia: All You Need to Know

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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9

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition which often starts after the 20th week of pregnancy, although it can occur earlier. Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure in a pregnant woman –including one who may not have had any high blood pressure issues before. Pregnant women with preeclampsia also have the presence of protein in their urine. Additionally, they often have excess swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. 

When not diagnosed early enough, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia -a serious condition which in some cases, can be fatal for both mother and/or baby.

Causes of Preeclampsia

The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia — are not known. Experts however believe it begins in the placenta — the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy. 

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia develops only as a complication of pregnancy. Risk factors include:

  • History of preeclampsia. A personal or family history of preeclampsia significantly raises your risk of preeclampsia.
  • First pregnancy. The risk of developing preeclampsia is highest during your first pregnancy.
  • New paternity. Each pregnancy with a new partner increases the risk of preeclampsia over a second or third pregnancy with the same partner.
  • Age. The risk of preeclampsia is higher for pregnant women older than 40.
  • Obesity. The risk of preeclampsia is higher if you’re obese.
  • Multiple pregnancy. Preeclampsia is more common in women who are carrying twins, triplets or other multiples.
  • Interval between pregnancies. Having babies less than two years or more than 10 years apart leads to a higher risk of preeclampsia.
  • History of certain conditions. Having certain conditions before you become pregnant — such as chronic high blood pressure, migraine headaches, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, a tendency to develop blood clots, or lupus — increases your risk of preeclampsia. –Source: Mayo Clinic

*The information following is obtained from WebMD

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

In addition to swelling, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia symptoms can include:

A pregnant woman should seek immediate care if:

  • She has sudden and new swelling in her face, hands, and eyes (some feet and ankle swelling is normal during pregnancy.)

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Thank You!

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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6

Last Saturday, Mummy Tales was feted in this year’s Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) awards, where it won in the Best Topical blog category. This is the second award for the blog –the first being in 2014 where it also won in the same category.

I began this blog in 2011, and to be nominated thrice during this period (2013, 2014 and 2016) and winning twice, is nothing but a great encouragement.

My 2014 award.
2014 award.

I am very grateful to you, dear Mummy Tales readers, for the support that you continue to give the blog through different ways: reading the posts, sharing your motherhood experiences, commenting on posts, asking questions, sharing the posts with your friends, and of course -voting for the blog. I thank you.

When I started out my motherhood journey, I realized there was so much that I didn’t know (that’s why I started the blog), and five years later, there is plenty that I still don’t know, and I continue to learn so much from fellow moms every day. What I learn is what I share here with you, because none of us can truly say that we are experts in parenting. It is my hope that the information I pass on the blog encourages someone, inspires someone, educates someone and makes you grateful for the blessings you have in your life.

My 2016 award.
2016 award.

I dedicate this year’s award to my two boys –Kitty and Ello, who continue to humble me each day and teach me so much about life. Without them, this blog wouldn’t even be -literally. Lastly, I am most grateful to their father for being such a great partner and a very present dad to our sons.

So thank you once again and I invite you to continue reading Mummy Tales, as I carry on sharing our motherhood experiences and creating awareness on issues of maternal health.

God bless you.

Mummy_Tales

Remember to keep updated with latest posts by following Mummy Tales on Facebook and Twitter: @MummyTales

Maryanne.

From Designing Buildings to Designing Clothes: the Story of Hellen Njue

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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1

A few years ago, Hellen was in a lustrous career -an architect, designing buildings for clients in different parts of the country. And then, just like that, she dropped it for apparel. She became a fashion designer. Mummy Tales writer SYLVIA WAKHISI brings us more on this designing mom.

As an architect, Hellen loved her job, which she did with passion and diligence. But as days went by, she began having an unsettling feeling. Something somewhere just wasn’t sitting right.

“I was indeed in a dream career, one that anyone would dream of having. But I began feeling unfulfilled, and as the feeling became stronger, I felt the need to make that bold decision to leave,” says Hellen, who is in her early thirties.

Hellen with her daughter Maya Anelisa.
Hellen with her daughter Maya Anelisa.

As expected, it was not a decision that went down well with some of her friends, who chided her for abandoning such a prestigious career that provided so many opportunities for her. But her mind was made up. She was done.

Her mind was now settled on fashion.

“I had never attended a fashion and design school, but I knew it was what I wanted to do. As I started the business (in 2010), I actually had no plan,” she confesses.

But with a strong will, Hellen began conceptualizing and creating her own pieces which she made from kitenge fabric. At that time, Hellen says the young women she came across –her peers – had not quite embraced the kitenge, which they felt was for the older generation. But whenever she made an outfit and wore it, they would have a change of mind about it.

Vitenge_Neshelle9b

Within no time, Hellen started selling vitenge fabrics and designing outfits from them. Today, she is the proud owner of Vitenge Neshelle, a fashion line that specializes in Congolese kitenge fabrics. She also designs outfits for men, women and children, clutch bags, sandals, beaded sandals and doll shoes.

“My goal is to always make the kitenge modern and suave so as to fit my client’s day-to-day needs. Participating in big fashion runways is a big dream which she hopes to achieve someday,” she says.

Hellen is grateful to God for a team of friends who have been instrumental in the success of her business, as well as her husband whom she terms as her number one fan.

Vitenge_Neshelle7b

Motherhood

Hellen’s daughter – Maya Anelisa Ndoli is 1 year and five months old. Motherhood has been an exciting journey for her, with its own share of untold tales, lessons and experiences.

“To carry a pregnancy and bring forth a child is an interesting journey, just as much as raising the child is. One of my most precious moments as a mom is when my daughter cups my face in her little hands and gives me a peck. That gesture means so much to me!” she says, adding that “Motherhood has taught me what selflessness, faith and true love is, but above all it has taught me what God’s favour and grace is because all this is because of Him.”

Vitenge_Neshelle2
Mom and daughter rocking Vitenge Neshelle.

Besides running Vitenge Neshelle, Hellen also dedicates time for charity work including visiting certain regions and donating food, clothes and sanitary towels to less disadvantaged children.

Continue Reading Next Page

How to Choose a Good Pram for Your Baby

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

At Mummy Tales, we love featuring stories of moms, who always have helpful pieces of advice to share with us –based on their own personal experiences. There is always something new to learn from the next mom. So today, we hear from Kenyan-born Ann Wanjiku, who is now raising her family in Germany. Ann is a regular guest writer here, who’s been sharing her motherhood experiences as she raises her son in the diaspora. Today, she tells us about going out and about with a baby in Germany.

Also Read: My Birthing Experience in a German Hospital -Ann Wanjiku

Ann in winter :)
Ann in winter 🙂

“One thing I learnt as a mom in Germany is that one has to take their baby everywhere with them. Why do I say so? Since most of us don’t have house girls like we do back home in Kenya, you will as a mother have to take your baby with you everywhere you go. And it is for this reason there are different types of carrying/strapping/travel baby accessories to help you do so. But how does one choose exactly what to use? Here are some helpful guides:

City or Woods?

You need to evaluate your needs before purchasing a pram/stroller. For example, there are prams which are suitable for the city, a place that has pavements. The city prams usually have small tyres and they are also smaller in size.

A path leading to the woods.
A path leading to the woods.

Then there are other prams that are specific to unpaved areas or the woods where you can take a walk with baby. The prams suitable for the woods usually have bigger tyres that mostly can be filled with air just like bicyle tyres. They are better cushioned and the ride isn’t bumpy for the baby. These prams can also be pushed when one is jogging or they can be attatched to the bicyle so the a parent can take their baby with them during cycling excursions.

The Storage

Your decision is also influenced by the amount of storage space under the pram. This is important because one also uses it for groceries shopping.

Ann_Schulte_Carrier3

A carrier.
A carrier.

Durable and Light

Since the pram will likely be used for at least three years, it has to be of a good quality, durable and light. This will ultimately determine how much you are willing to spend on the pram.

See Also: Why I Stopped Using a Hair Dryer to Dry my Son after his Bath

Is it Foldable?

A good pram should also be foldable and not occupy a lot of space in the boot. For some people who plan on having more than one child, the pram should have the possibility of attaching a kiddie board so that a parent can push the baby in the pram and at the same time toddler, who’ll be standing on the kiddie board.

A joggerpram.
A joggerpram.

How about Wraps?

Some parents decide that they want to carry their babies. For this purpose, there are different types of baby wrappers. There are some wrappers that are like khangas or leso for carrying the babies, just like how it‘s done in Kenya. Then there are special baby carriers that are like rucksacks and one carry the baby in-front or on their back and one can use buckles to fasten the baby.

Ann carrying her son along the streets of Germany.
Ann carrying her son along the streets of Germany.

For me this method was the best for short distances/walks that did not involve shopping before my baby became heavier and thus I had switch to using the pram.

Also Read: Naming a Baby in Kenya and in Germany: The Differences I Noted -Ann Wanjiku

So that’s Ann’s experience. How about you? How did you carry your baby?

For more stories on Kenyan moms, follow Mummy Tales on Facebook and Twitter: @MummyTales

Wouldn’t You Love to Surprise Your Pregnant Friend this Way?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Remember the time when your friends threw a baby shower for you? Did it catch you off-guard, or did someone accidentally leak some information that gave you a hint of what was going on? Do you remember how excited you were at the surprise of the shower –regardless of whether you had a hint about it or not? Seeing all the friends who matter in your life, together with your close family members all gathered to celebrate your entry into motherhood? And then, the moment you went ‘awwwwww….tears filling up your eyes as your friends exclaimed in unison “SURPRISE….” Do you remember the glow in your heart at that particular moment?

Okay I know that that’s not how all baby showers go, but at least for most of the one’s I’ve been to –including the baby shower that my pals threw for me (love you girls), that’s how showers often go.

Two of my chama girls. The bond that we all have? Amazing.
Two of my chama girls. The bond that we all have? Amazing.

And you know what else? Planning a baby shower takes quite some much of effort, detail, organizing, consultations, window shopping, money… everything to make that good friend of ours feel so special and loved. So you can imagine my joy at learning that ‘Pampers’ is now hosting surprise baby showers for a few lucky moms. Isn’t that good news!

In the shower, Pampers will give the expectant mom a couple of goodies that will be a great boost to her ‘must have items for the newborn’. The showers will also be graced by celebrity moms who will share her own motherhood experiences, especially those that relate to the time they were new moms.

Pampers_Celebrity-mom-Size-8-gave-Joyce-a-surprise-visit
Gospel artiste Size 8 when she recently gave Joyce, an expect mom a surprise visit during her baby shower.

And that’s not all. There will be medics (nurses and paediatricians) in the house who will offer the expectant mom advice about taking care of a newborn, as well as answer questions from her friends (some of them mothers) about child health. To add to the fun, the guests will enjoy special treats and receive goodie bags filled with Pampers products and other gifts.

Pampers knows the value of being prepared, and that’s why they are offering the surprise baby showers (open to women across the country and not only those in Nairobi), which will leave the expectant mom feeling more confident as she awaits the arrival of her little one.

Joyce, continuing to enjoy her baby shower.
Joyce, continuing to enjoy her baby shower surprise.

Pampers_Baby_Shower

Joan Sanaa, an excited mom-to-be who recently received a surprise baby shower from Pampers.
Joan Sanaa, an excited mom-to-be who recently received a surprise baby shower from Pampers.
Joan receiving gifts courtesy of Pampers.
Joan receiving gifts courtesy of Pampers.

So what do you need to do to have Pampers host that baby shower you’re organizing for your pal? Or, if you are expectant, you can nominate yourself to be the recipient of Pampers love and care. Just go over to the Pampers Facebook page here and look out for nominations posts, then go ahead and nominate that special mom-to-be! Trust me, she will always remember you for it, and forever thank you.

Pampers_baby_shower3b

You May Also Like:

7 Kenyan Moms Share Diaper Changing Tips 

My Chama Girls and a Paediatrician’s Sleeping Tips 

For more stories on Kenyan moms, follow Mummy Tales on Facebook and Twitter: @MummyTales

Meet Asha Kaberia, and Why She’s a Person of Interest

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Today, I want to celebrate one beautiful young lady who sleeps, breathes and lives mothers and their newborns. Asha Kaberia is a midwife and a trained lamaze childbirth educator, and she is so passionate about helping pregnant women have safe pregnancies and safe deliveries. Her greatest joy is when she births a baby and sees the little baby and the mom connecting in warm embraces. She always finds herself smiling when she observes that moment. A new mom’s happiness is her happiness.

I met Asha two years ago when she emailed me following my articles on this blog where I provide information on maternal health. We ended up meeting for a cup of coffee and I was taken in by her warmth and commitment, and how passionately she speaks about assisting women deliver their babies.

Asha works in the maternity ward of a local private hospital in Nairobi and each day, she wakes up looking forward to meeting pregnant women and guiding them through a safe delivery. She doesn’t do so just because she it’s in her job contract to do so. She does so because it’s part of her DNA; it is her calling.

Asha_Kaberia

After the birth, Asha ensures that the mom is well taken care of, is well comforted and regularly checks on her, ensuring that both she and baby are doing fine, and that they are both getting breastfeeding right.

“Working with pregnant women and new moms, teaching and educating them, and seeing how their faces brighten every time they learn something new makes me want to keep doing it,” she says.

Today, and every other day, we celebrate you Asha, together with all the other midwives like you who are so passionate about ensuring that we have safe pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. We heart you.

Asha can be reached on 0721 621 777.

See Asha’s Article: Should You Take Flowers to a New Mum in Hospital?

For more stories on Kenyan moms, follow Mummy Tales on Facebook and Twitter: @MummyTales

 

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