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Lillian Maingi-Barasa: Salon Magazine’s Editor With a Passion for Giving Back

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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3

Lillian Maingi-Barasa, or Makena as she is commonly known, is mom to three girls. She is also the editor of Salon Magazine. And she is also involved in an initiative that helps young girls. I had a chat with her, and here is how she gives back to society in her own way.

MT: What is your initiative all about?

LMB: I donate sanitary pads to schools and women’s prisons.

MT: When did you start doing so?

LMB: I stared about four years ago.

MT: What made you start this initiative?

LMB: I have always wanted to give back to the society, and the pads seemed close to my heart. I have never lacked pads in my life, but I usually experience extreme cramps (even at this age). So I tend to think of that girl who besides dealing with cramps has nothing to use…So if  I can provide the pad so that she worries only about the cramps, then atleast I may have solved one problem for her.

MT: What are some of the activities you have undertaken so far?

LMB: We have donated pads in Marigat, Meru Women’s Prisons, children’s homes and primary schools in Meru.

MT: How do you go about these activities? How do your mobilize people? How has the response so far been?

LMB: I mobilise my friends who help me buy these pads. Some send me money, others bring physical pads. A friend introduced me to a place where they make subsidized pads and with only 450 shillings, I am able to buy a year’s supply of pads for one girl. That is an average cost of lunch in Nairobi today.

MT: What have you learnt so far with regard to this initiative?

LMB: That people are always willing to help, and all one needs to do is to ask. I also learnt never to assume that because I am okay, my neighbour is. Until I asked my former school what they would need help in, sanitary pads were the last things I would have expected them to ask for. I had imagined they would say revision books or some mentorship program.

MT: How many girls have you been able to reach?

LMB: We kept 300 girls in school last year in various places, and this year we are hoping to keep a bigger number. We have also dignified 150 women prisoners in Meru correctional facility.

MT: Where do you get the pads from?

LMB: I buy pads from Saidia Dada Network and Pads for Schools Kenya. That is where I get them in bulk and at an affordable cost.

MT: Have you incorporated any partnerships along the way?

LMB: Thankfully, Meru FM came on board this year and are really helping with publicity and fundraising. I also partner with Turudini Mashuleni Initiative, which is a mentorship program.

MT: What do you envision as the future of your initiative?

LMB: I hope to get a solid fund where I can supply pads to as many girls as possible, without necessarily calling on my friends to skip their lunches every month! I fear it will get a point where they might get tired of giving!

MT: You are a mum. Tell us more about that.

LMB: I have three girls who are my reason for living. They are 11, 5, and 4 Years. My 11 year old is towards teenage and we have started serious talks about sexuality and relationships. It is very important for each parent to be the first source of such information so that when they receive it out there, they have a reference point. This means that you have to be as honest as possible with information. We have also discussed menstrual periods because I don’t want her to think she is sick when that time comes.

My other two are almost like twins and want to do everything together. This includes choosing their clothes, colours of their shoes all the way to their panties. Of late, I have noticed they are growing different characters. The middle one is ‘more of a lady’ and the last born is a perfect ‘tomboy.’  They are also very particular about their colours with one being Miss Pink and the other Miss Purple. Their collective Nickname is Power puffs but the last born has an extra, HP (Honey moon Package). She was born exactly nine months after my wedding!
I am forever grateful to God for choosing me to be a co- creator with Him.

MT: Thanks Lillian for being a Mummy Tales guest, and kudos for the good work you are doing.

Also see previously featured moms who are paying it forward:

Maryanne Kariuki of A & J Initiative and Shamim Okolloh, and old girl of Kaimosi girls. If you know of a mom who is giving back to society in her own small way, let me know on maryanne@mummytales.com and I will tell her inspirational story.

Do Your Children Have all Their Immunizations? Are They Up To Date?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

If you have a child who is around 2 years old, I’m sure you’ve probably lost track of the number of times your baby has had a jab or an oral vaccine administered to them. And rightfully so, because newborns and little children are at greatest risk for infectious diseases because their immune systems are still developing, and so it is best that they be immunized. Many life-threatening and preventable diseases occur earlier on in life, and if vaccines are administered to them at that young age, they are unlikely to suffer from these diseases.

Immunization is known to be one of the most successful health interventions that help prevent thousands of deaths and disability of people across the world. Kenya ofcourse is no exception, and many of us are alive today because our moms ensured we got the necessary vaccines at the right time.

The basic principle of immunization is to administer into a healthy person a vaccine that prevents them from getting a certain disease. Take note of the word a ‘healthy’ person. You may have noticed that if your child was unwell at a time when he was due for a jab, then the doctor advised you to wait until baby finished his medication and was certified as healthy before he could be given the vaccine.

Kenya Vaccines Schedule

About the schedule of vaccines, when I was a new mom, I thought that the issue of vaccination was standard across all health facilities –whether public or private. But I have come to learn otherwise.

What I now know is that there are primary / mandatory vaccines (those in the national immunization programme), and then there are ‘booster’ vaccines, which are largely found in private health centers.

The Ministry of Health has a standard schedule for the vaccines, which details when (at what age) each respective vaccine should be given to a child. In this schedule, the completion of all the primary vaccines is within the child’s first year.

At the private health facilities, they have slightly different schedules. While they too administer the primary vaccines (government ones and at the recommended times), they have what are called ‘boosters’ or additional shots.

About these boosters (and vaccines in general), the best thing is to do your research about them, ask questions –and ask the right people (specifically your health care provider) about what you are unsure about. I have noted that there is lots of information out there about vaccines, lots of speculation by we moms, some doubts, some rumors, some fact, some neither here nor there… We share all this information during our chama’s, on Facebook, at our workplaces during teabreaks, after church, at weddings, while shopping at Toi market –basically anywhere a kamukunji of moms can be found. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it sometimes one can get very confused about this whole vaccination affair, especially the booster shots. So the best thing is to always ask a medic if you are unsure about something.

And then, always remember to keep your child’s immunization card/booklet somewhere safe and take it with you to the hospital at all times, especially when you are taking baby for the next dose of vaccine.

Remember, the best gift you can give your child –is good health.

Incase you wonder about all those initials, and about the diseases that the vaccines prevent, here’s a guide:

BCG: Protects against Tuberculosis

DPT: Combined vaccine that protects against Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough)

HIB: Protects against Haempphilus influenza type B

HBV: Protects against Hepatitis B

OPV: Protects against Polio

PNEUMONIA: Protects against Pneumonia and otitis media

ROTAVIRUS: Protects against infections caused by Rotavirus

VARICELLA: Protects against Chicken Pox

HAV: Protects against Hepatitis A

INFLUENZA: Protects against Influenza

MEASLES: Protects against Measles

YELLOW FEVER: Protects against Yellow Fever

MMR: Protects against German Measles, Mumps and Rubella

CHOLERA: Protects against Cholera

MENINGITIS: Protects against Meningitis

The ‘Chips are Stupid Without Aromat’ Ad Has Upset Many Kenyan Moms

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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8

That Aromat Ad!!!

I am a fan of television, especially between 7pm – 11pm because that’s when I get to tune in to the news bulletins – the Swahili one and the English one, and in between watch the local productions which I love very much – mainly those on Citizen TV.

Naturally, I get a sample of ads during this ‘prime time’ where products and services juggle for that coveted viewership.  I’ll not bore you with the phenomenon of ratings and ad spots and the hefty prices advertisers pay to advertise their products or services during ‘prime time’.

My issue is with the content of some ads.

I will specifically single out the Aromat ad that has been running over the last couple of days –more so around the hours I am attuned to television.

The ad implies that ‘Chips are Stupid’ without Aromat.

Like really?? Stupid?? Really??

I wonder, why use that kind of language to communicate to mass audiences about convincing them to buy a (your) product? I am not in the advertising industry, and I don’t know the processes of getting and ad from the creative guys, to final approval by client, to having it aired in television stations, and the bottom lines, but I just seem to wonder how many people that ad passed through before it was finally certified as ‘fit and perfect to air’.

The ad has definitely rubbed many moms the wrong way. There is even a Facebook page called ‘Parent’s Against Aromat’s Chips are Stupid Advert’. And that’s just one forum where mothers are expressing their deep disappointment and disgust. There are many more.

So what exactly is irking these moms?

The use of the ‘stupid’ in the ad.

As we raise our kids, one of the greatest lessons we teach them is how to address people with respect. We tell them to use the right language as they talk to others. We tell them not to use inappropriate words. The way I know it, the word ‘stupid’ falls in the category of words not to be used in any conversation –whether by an adult or a child. Teachers and religious leaders (such as Sunday school teachers) help us reinforce some of these lessons.

So for them (and we) to see the word ‘stupid’ being freely used on national television –whether during prime time or off-peak, is quite disturbing. A few moms have had their children point out to them that the Aromat ad is using ‘bad language’. The kind of language that their mothers and their teachers emphasize should not be used.

Now, I would like to say that I do know that it is our responsibility as parents to guide our children in the right direction, instilling values and principles in them in the hope that they will grow up to be model citizens. I am also not ignorant of the fact that this is the real world, and our children probably come across other inappropriate words as they go about their daily lives because we cannot be with them 24-7. Some of our children use public transport to and from school, and it would be no surprise to know that they have heard worse.

But it does not go to say that it is okay that words such as ‘stupid’ should pass unnoticed when used on national television –during general viewing.

To the people over at Knorr, I can tell you for a fact that many mothers are terribly upset by that ad, and it has left a bitter taste in their mouths (pun very much intended). And by the way, aren’t most household items –more so those to do with the kitchen, a woman’s forte? Aren’t most moms responsible for the household budget? Yet ‘stupid’ is the kind of language you are using to appeal to us to buy your product? SMH.

I heard somebody argue that the use of the word ‘stupid’ in that ad was not meant in a bad way, that it meant ‘stupid in a good way’. I still have no idea what good stupid means.

Then again, this is advertising. I hear an advert is considered very successful if it evokes strong emotions by the audiences, and if it generates conversation. If people are spending time talking about it, sharing it on social media, and creating Facebook pages about it, then it is a good thing.

So Knorr, if those are the benchmarks of a successful campaign, then your ad has been successful no doubt.

I hope you will now move on to the next level of addressing the concerns of hundreds of parents, especially moms who are terribly upset by your ad.

Thrush in Breastfeeding Moms: What Is It and How Can it Be Treated?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

What is thrush?

Thrush is a common and harmless yeast infection in a baby’s mouth that can affect your nipples during breastfeeding. Yeast is a normal part of everyone’s digestive system, but when there’s an overgrowth, an infection sets in.

Many infants first come in contact with yeast as they travel down the birth canal (you can have a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy and not be aware of it). After your baby is born, or during labor and delivery, antibiotics taken by you or your baby can trigger a case of thrush. That’s because antibiotics, which get into your breast milk, kill off “good” bacteria that keep yeast in check.

So, for example, a baby delivered by c-section can develop a yeast infection if his mother is given antibiotics right after surgery. Similarly, antibiotics given to moms during labor for group B strep can also set the stage for an infection.

Your baby can pass thrush on to you, so it’s important to seek treatment for yourself and your baby at the same time. Otherwise, you may pass the infection back and forth.

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint any one cause of thrush. Some women and babies are simply more susceptible than others to yeast. It thrives in warm, moist, sugary environments, and that’s exactly what your baby’s mouth and your nipples provide during nursing.

Some common signs of a yeast infection in breastfeeding mothers are:

  • itchy, pink, red, shiny, or burning nipples (may be cracked) (Note that pink, tender nipples can also be a sign of a bacterial infection, or dermatitis, which should be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.)
  • deep, shooting breast pain during or after feedings
  • a vaginal yeast infection

Most young babies have symptoms, but older babies might not. Those who do may:

  • have white patches on the inside of the lips and cheeks that look like cottage cheese and aren’t easily washed off. If you notice a white coating on your baby’s tongue but nowhere else, it’s probably just milk residue.
  • cry when nursing or sucking on a pacifier or bottle. The white patches mentioned above may be painful and make feeding uncomfortable if the infection is severe.
  • have raised, patchy bright or dark red diaper rash with distinct borders. Small, red spots frequently appear around the edges of the main rash. The affected area is red and may be tender or painful, and the rash can creep into the folds of skin around your child’s genitals and legs. It almost never appears on the buttocks.

What Can I Do?

If you suspect thrush, contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Thrush should only take a few days to cure if the treatment is effective and/or aggressive, and you and your baby need to be treated at the same time.

Your provider may recommend that you apply an antifungal prescription medication cream called Nystatin to your nipples to treat the yeast on your breasts so that you and your baby won’t pass the infection back and forth. Or she may recommend applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream like Lotrimin or Monistat to your nipples after every nursing for a week to ten days. If you’re still in pain after this treatment, you may be prescribed a more potent antifungal medicine like oral Diflucan.

To ease any deep breast pain, you may want to take 600 mgs of ibuprofen every six hours (maximum of 1,200 mgs over 24 hours) until the worst is over and your treatment starts working.

To treat your baby’s thrush, your pediatrician will likely prescribe Nystatin. You’ll “paint” the medicine on the white patches with the enclosed applicator (or your finger) several times a day for ten days. Be sure to give the Nystatin after nursing so the medicine will stay in your baby’s mouth longer. It may take a week to clear up the infection.

If the infection doesn’t seem to be clearing up, call your doctor. Some babies with thrush also develop a yeast diaper infection. If that happens, your doctor can prescribe a fungal cream medication to use in the diaper area.

NB: This article is an original publication of Baby Center.

Malaria in Pregnancy: Why It Shouldn’t Be

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Today, April 25 2014 is World Malaria Day, and I have been going through a couple of articles written with this regard.

And I have learnt something new today.

I didn’t know that people in malaria-prone regions are always advised to wear light-colored clothing that covers all the skin. Why? Because this is one of the best strategies to keep the mosquitoes away because mosquitoes get attracted to dark colors. Okay –that is totally new information to me!

While we are still talking malaria, let me share some information about pregnant women and malaria.

Malaria in pregnancy is a big problem, as it poses significant risks for both the mother and her baby. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to malaria because pregnancy reduces a woman’s immunity to various infections, malaria being one of them.

Why malaria is dangerous in pregnant women is because it increases the risk of:

–          Illness on the part of the pregnant woman

–          Anaemia

–          Her having a spontaneous abortion

–          Her delivering a stillborn child

–          Delivering a premature baby

–          Having a baby with a low birth weight

In Africa, 200,000 newborns die each year because of malaria in pregnancy. Kenya has it’s contribution to this, because in 2012, slightly over 108,000 pregnant women in Kenya were diagnosed with malaria. That is a very high number :( . It is also interesting to note that 1 in 7 pregnant women who live in malaria-endemic zones in Kenya (where malaria prevalence is high), do not seek antenatal care. Meaning that for those who lost their babies because of malaria, this need not have happened. It is a sorry situation because malaria is very much preventable and it is very much treatable.

So what can women do to prevent and treat malaria? WHO recommends the following package of interventions for the prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy:

–          Use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets

–          Intermittent preventive treatment

–          Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria infections.

Where children are concerned, 1 out of 11 mothers does not believe that malaria medicine can provide relief for a child who has fever. Some mothers believe that a child’s fever should first be treated with herbs.

While most of us know the facts surrounding malaria prevention and treatment, it is our responsibility to share this information with others who don’t, especially fellow women.

Most of us have hired housegirls in our homes who help take care of our babies, and when some of them share their cultural beliefs with us, we laugh at them, tickled by how retrogressive some of their thinking can be –especially in this day and age.

However, we do them no justice when we fail to share with them the correct information. The price for ignorance is usually hefty, and it is always sad to learn that women die, babies die because of the myths, superstitions and various cultural beliefs that we have in our society. So in our own individual capacities, let us share the information we have. It never hurts, and the best thing is that you could be saving a life!

pictures courtesy: WHO

Have You Heard of Infant Massage? It Can Help Your Baby Sleep Better…

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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5

Have you ever heard of infant massage?

As in massage that is done on an infant using the right technique, not just those haphazard up and down movements that you do on your little one’s legs then call it a massage (well, atleast that’s what I did on my sons when they were infants). When I used to massage my boys, I used to do so mainly to get them to stretch their legs, and just to bond with them as I gazed into their pure white eyes :) and they in  turn gazed into my weary red eyes filled with lack of sleep. :( But it is only recently that I have come across information about a certain technique to massaging infants that has a much wider range of benefits for both baby and mom/dad.

I learnt of this through a lady I met last week, and her name is Susan Muriithi of Toto Touch. In a conversation we had over coffee, she explained to me what exactly infant massage is, and though there were no practical’s (Ello is no longer and infant), I wished that I had met her before.

But before I go on, let me elaborate more on infant massage.

It is the art or method of lovingly stroking your baby in a sequence of moves that help strengthen the bond with the baby, as well as enhance baby’s growth and healthy development. Susan tells me that there are over 45 strokes involved in infant massage, which are all easy to learn and so much fun to watch and do –especially when you see how your little baby responds.

Infant massage helps relax babies and helps them sleep better. And when the little one sleeps well, then both mom and dad are happy, because we all know how frustrating it can be when a baby refuses to sleep. Especially for new moms! (ask me, I so know this). So anything that can help baby sleep better is more than a welcome relief. :) So what are the other benefits of infant massage on baby?

  • It helps baby feel loved
  • It helps boost their immune system
  • It helps in sensory stimulation
  • It helps improves their skin condition
  • It definitely helps improve their blood circulation
  • It helps their digestion
  • It helps balance their respiration
  • It helps provide relief for teething pains

The massages by the way are done on the baby’s legs, feet, abdomen, chest, arms, face and back.

Benefits of infant massage for parents.

As a parent, you learn to understand and respond to your baby’s cues.

  • You learn the techniques necessary to comfort, calm and soothe your baby.
  • It provides an additional avenue for close nurturing and contact.
  • It generally is an amazing tool for helping parents become closer to their babies.

Infant massage is Susan Muriithi’s forte. She trains both moms and dads on how to massage their little ones, for the clear benefits of both.

Susan is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), a Lactation/Breastfeeding Consultant, and a Registered Nurse. She is also the Chairperson of International Association of Infant Massage Kenya.

This is what she says about her passion for newborns:

“There is nothing more rewarding for me than supporting new families. Being a valuable part of helping with new life is an amazing type of gratification. I love what I do! I am passionate about babies, I am always eager to support new parents by empowering and encouraging them. I love helping new moms and dads discover the joys of parenthood.”

As a nurse, and as a mother herself, Susan is able to combine her professional expertise and personal experiences to offer well-grounded services to both infants and their moms. She believes that every parent should experience the benefits that come from early bonds that are loving, healthy, and secure, and one of the best ways to achieve this is through infant massage.

So if you are a new mom, or know of a new mom or new parents who can benefit from learning how to massage their newborn, then get in touch with Susan. She offers private lessons to moms and couples, or if you are in a group of new moms in the same neighborhood or chama, then having her over would be such a great ‘plan’ as you would learn together.

It would also be a good ‘gift’ to a new mom incase you’re lost of ideas on what to get her. During a baby shower, you can also let the expecting mom know that you will have Susan teach her how to massage her newborn when the time comes (Susan by the way is also a lactatian who teaches new moms how to properly breastfeed their newborns so she’s quite an invaluable resource for new moms).

Here are some testimonies from parents who have done the infant massage with Susan.

“After the stomach massage, Milles passed a lot of gas and 3 diapers of poooh one after the other, and he was soo relieved, and slept for many hours.Susan is doing a great job and all mothers especially with infants should contact her. first time moms will also benefit a lot. am a blessed mom and i enjoy massaging my son everyday.” –Maggie.

“All those with problems of colicky babies and babies who groan and strain, Susan Muriithi can help. She is a certified infant masseuse (sp). She comes to your home shows you how to do it and when. Vital parts to touch and bonding techniques. Better allow her to help. She helped me massage my son in the morning and he is so relaxed now…no more groaning and straining and he is still asleep.” –Carol Nekesa.

“Having a baby bath and massage lessons done at home was the best thing for me and my baby. i learnt a lot,from the sessions and continued massaging my son daily after his bath and he feels so relaxed and sleeps for longer hours without being fussy. Thank you Susan.” –Lisa

So if you want to try out infant massage, then get in touch with Susan. She’ll sort you out.

Susan’s contacts:

Telephone: 0723 553 188 or 0734 553 188

Email: susan@tototouch.co.ke

Facebook page: Toto Touch Website: Toto Touch

 

 

 

Susan is certified by the International Association of Infant Massage.

NB: Additional info from Infant Massage USA.

Have You Heard of The Mother Goose Baby-Care, Kenya? The Place Where You Can Leave Your Little One for the Day?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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3

I am going to detail to you a few scenarios which you may or may not have been caught up in, and then let you know of a possible solution for you -incase you are ever caught up (again) in a similar situation. Most moms by the way, myself included, have been caught up in one or two of these situations. So here goes:

Scenario One:

It is early Monday morning, and your housegirl did not turn up last evening from her day off.:( She did not call or text, and when you tried reaching her, her phone was mteja or it was going unanswered.

But you MUST get to work because of the meeting that you cannot miss. None of your relatives is available to help watch your baby, and even if there is one, she is at the other end of town and with all the Nairobi traffic, you will waste your entire morning on the road.

So what do you do?

Scenario Two:

Your housegirl has requested to take both Saturday and Sunday off to attend to some personal matters. She has given you ample notice, but you still can’t cancel your Saturday engagements. And you can’t find anyone to sit your babies.

So what do you do?

Scenario Three

You have a day-bug housegirl, but she calls you in the morning as you are preparing to go to work, telling you she can’t make it to work because of the matatu strike, she is unwell, or her child has fallen ill. And you must go to work.

So what do you do?

Scenario Four

Your housegirl is not feeling well and requires to be on bed rest, or take a few days leave. Obviously she can’t take care of your little ones. But you’ve exhausted all your leave days meaning you must go to work.

So what do you do?

Scenario Five

You are so tired of the drama of live-in housegirls, and you now prefer to leave your baby at a day care center as you go to work, and pick him/her up as you head home in the evening.

But you don’t know of a good, clean, reliable and trusted place where you can leave baby. Is there such a place?

Scenario Six

Your child is in lower primary, and they leave school in the early afternoon. Yet, you don’t quite have have somewhere reliable where he can while the time away before you return home from work.

Is there a place where you can take him, where they can spend those few hours before you pick him? Somewhere where he can be doing his homework and engaging in other meaningful activities?

Now, if you have ever, or incase you are ever caught up in any of the situations described above, then you will be pleased to know that there is a day care center where you can comfortably leave your baby while you go tend to your other duties.

MOTHER GOOSE BABY-CARE KENYA, is the place. It is located in Langata Estate, Nairobi, and has skilled, trained, and caring nannies –who have all undergone training in childcare management and caregiving.

The Mother Goose Baby-Care Kenya takes babies from as young as 3 months. The nannies taking care of these little ones, ensuring that they are held, cared for, carefully watched, and above all –encouraged to explore the little world around them. The nannies strive to ensure that when you return to pick your little one up, you will be greeted by a cheerful, clean, healthy and smiling baby.

CHILDREN’S SCHEDULES:

Mother Goose takes care of these babies according to their own individual schedules. That is, they feed a baby when he is hungry, change the diaper very often and a baby takes a nap when is sleepy. For that reason, the center works with each individual parent to come up with a schedule that fits best the baby.

NB: On some occasions, photos of the days’ activities are made and put on the walls. Parents can get a copy of their child’s ‘good moment photo’ if requested. Parents are also able to see the nursing forms of their children, which shows how many times the baby was fed, diapers changed, and the general appearance of the baby for the whole day.

BABY’S FOOD

When you leave your child, you have the option of bringing their food along, or you can allow them to eat meals provided at the day care center. The meals are of a balanced diet, freshly cooked and prepared in a very hygienic kitchen. Different menus are offered for children and feeding records kept for each baby.

DAILY PROGRAM:

The daily program is grouped as follows;

Monday to Friday, 6.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m. This program is for infants and toddlers whose parents work full-day. The child can be dropped at The Mother Goose Baby-care Kenya center from 6.30 a.m. and picked not later than 6.30. We encourage that parents who prefer to this program to register as permanent parents for cheaper monthly fees.

Drop-ins and half day program for infants and toddlers. The program does not have any specific time to drop or pick the young one. Drop-ins are for temporary parents who will bring their children to the center when the need arise. Therefore, they are temporary parents. Drop-ins full day is for not more than 10 hours and half-day spending is child care for not more than 5 hours. However, a parent can register as a permanent parent for daily half-days. Go to rates page for charges.

School going afternoon program Monday to Friday 3.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. After the lower primary school leave their schools early in the afternoon, they come to spend the rest of the day at The Mother Goose Baby-care Kenya, before the arrival of their parents in the evening. At the center, they do their homework and enjoy the activities planned for them by their caregivers.

The Mother Goose Baby-care Kenya weekend program. This program is for infants and children of not more than 12 years. Saturday and Sunday program begins from 7 a.m. till 6.30 p.m. weekend program suits parents working during the weekend or busy with other activities. Children spend their time at the center with fun making events or visit other places for learning and experience.

Night shift program, Monday to Friday, 6.30 p.m. to 7.00 a.m. The program is for infants and small school-going school who cannot be left alone at night when the parent is working.

Weekend nights program 6.30 p.m. to following day at 7 a.m. This program favors parents who need to have their romantic time alone without the interference from their little ones.

Click here for the center’s charges / rates.

NB: All programs of The Mother Goose Baby-Care Kenya are planned by a team of qualified and professional staff who ensure that they not only cater for the needs of all parents who may be interested to their services, but they offer maximum fun, learning and enhance positive development to all children.

Visit the Mother Goose Facebook page for more details.

Contact Details: 0723 412 689 or email: mothergoosekenya@gmail.com.

OTHER SERVICES Offered by Mother Goose Baby-Care Kenya include:

The Mother Goose Nanny Agency Kenya which offers various types of nanny work groups (live-in nanny, live-out nanny, part-time nanny, night nanny, weekend nanny, holiday nanny, au-pair nanny, mother’s helper, personal assistant or house manager.

Training of nannies. See this link for The Mother Goose Nanny Course Outline.

I hope now you know you are well sorted –if and when the need will ever arise. :)

Shamim Okolloh: It is my Mission to Help Girls in my Old School (Kaimosi Girls) get an Education

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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7

A few years ago, Shamim Okolloh started a noble initiative in her old school. That of helping girls in her former high school complete their secondary school. And there is an interesting story behind why she is doing so. I had a talk with her about this. Read on.

Education for many young children across the world is a privilege. Kenya is no exception. Even with free primary education, a significant number of children are still unable to go to school, and even for those who manage to go to school, staying IN school is sometimes an even greater challenge. We see these stories in the news all the time.

And this is a situation that 33-year-old Shamim Okolloh is all too familiar with. She tells me:

“Going to school is a normal affair for many children until one day, it can’t happen anymore. When they can’t walk into the classroom to take their lessons as usual. When teaching is interrupted in class and they are handed a letter asking them to leave the school immediately and only return when their parent or guardian has cleared the balance.”

These are situations that Shamim experienced when in primary school, in instances that would see her leave class and spend the rest of the afternoon at the steps of Consolata Church until it was time to go home.

When she went to high school, it was a little bit different. She attended Kaimosi Girls in Western province, and it is here that Shamim longed to see her name among those supposed to be sent home because of school fees arrears. She longed to see her name on that list because that meant at trip back home to Nairobi to enjoy the weekend, complete with a warm shower and chapo’s to boot!

Shamim envied those who got sent home, wishing she would be in their shoes. The girls who would be sent home for school fees – some would return after a few days, others a few weeks, others months. Some never returned at all.

One day, while in Form 2, she received a letter from her classmate Kate.

In the letter, Kate was asking Shamim if she could talk to her parents and ask them if they could help pay her (Kate’s) school fees. Kate was desperate and was looking for anybody who could help her complete her studies, even asking friends such as Shamim to plead her case to her parents.

Sad to say that Kate never made it back to school.

Shamim however completed high school, and went on to secure admission at Spelman College in Atlanta, USA.

But while in her third year of college, she had to return home as she was unable to secure enough funds to enable her complete her studies. It is during this time that memories of her schoolmates who would be sent home for fees came back to her, flooding her mind.

However, there was some luck for her back at her campus –Spelman College.

Female alumni contributed funds to the campus, and it is through the generous giving of these women that Shamim was able to receive a partial scholarship to enable her complete her studies. Through their giving, Shamim was able to complete her studies.

In 2010, she also secured a full scholarship to attend the Clinton School of Public Service in Arkansas.

It was through the giving acts of others that planted a seed in Shamim’s heart.

She made it her mission to set up a similar fund to assist girls at her former high school –Kaimosi Girls who were unable to pay their school fees.  In 2010, she was able to get a few Kaimosi Old Girls together for their first reunion at the school. These alumni raised about Ksh 80,000/ for scholarships. The reunions are an annual affair, and last year, they raised well over Ksh 400,000 from old girls around Kenya and the diaspora.

The Kaimosi Alumni Reunions happen every year during the second term (June/July), and in addition to the scholarships, the old girls award top students, staff and a teacher of the year. The support given continues all-year round with a mentorship program.

Shamim is based in Little Rock, Arkansas (US), where she works at an international NGO (Heifer International). She is also owner of Mimi Mwafrika, a small business that provides hand crafted fashion accessories to the American market.

She sells beaded key chains for $5, with the proceeds going towards the Kaimosi Old Girls scholarships. Last year, her goal was to sell 100 key chains which she sold out. This year, her target it so sell 200 key chains in her ‘Keys 2 Education‘ campaign. Shamim’s initiative has to date assisted over 100 girls at her old school.

“For me it’s been a blessing. We are all volunteering our time, investing our treasures and seeing the vision take off with so much support and pride from the Kaimosi Girls High School family is great example of how ordinary Kenyan women, many who are mothers, build community through philanthropy.

One thing I have learnt from the Kaimosi Old Girls Initiative is that women who share an experience can rally together to support each other in reaching a common goal. The Kaimosi old girls don’t know each and every student who has benefits from the scholarships, but we encourage each other week in and week out, have fun and get the job done.”

Shamim is a mom to a 10-month-old baby boy, and I ask her about her motherhood journey.

“Motherhood journey has been great – so many unknowns but I’ve learned to have somewhat of a plan then go with the flow. Being in the US and blending raising an American child while infusing my childhood and culture has been interesting. Plus working, taking care of the household (there are no housegirls here or at least ones we can afford), raising a child, establishing a small business and philanthropy all in one big sufuria. At the end of most days I thank God for him choosing me to raise His child and I pray in my journey both as a mother and global citizen I fulfill my purpose.”

And that is how Shamim is making a difference. Remember it is never too late to start something, however small. Be encouraged to do something that will change someone else’s life.

If you know of a mom who is giving back to society in her own way (or you are one), tell me about it on maryanne@mummytales.com

See last week’s featured mom – Maryanne Kariuki whose birth of her premature twins birthed the A & J Initiative.

Here are more images from Shamim.

Thank you Shamim for sharing your story with us. God bless -Mummy Tales.

What should you do Before you get Pregnant to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy for You and Your Baby?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Are you planning on becoming pregnant? Do you know what measures you should be taking to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby?  Our guest writer today tells us more on this.

By Dr. Stephen Mutiso, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist

A healthy pregnancy culminating into birth of a healthy baby is the ultimate desire of any mother. The outcome of any pregnancy is determined long before conception. To optimize pregnancy outcomes, it is important to have good health prior to conceiving.

Achieving good health before pregnancy includes adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy eating habit ensures you have adequate nutrients such as folic acid –which are important for baby’s good growth.

Diet rich in fruits and green vegetables provide high levels of micronutrients, hence should be encouraged to be taken by women contemplating getting pregnant. Weight reduction for those who are obese is important as obesity is associated with bad pregnancy outcomes. Ceasation of smoking and alcohol and other substance abuse is critical as these substances are harmful to the growing baby.

In addition to lifestyle changes, it is important to have a health check up by your gynaecologist before getting pregnant. This health checkup usually 3 months before conception, and is called preconception care. The goal of preconception care is to provide the woman with the best chance of a having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Preconception care involves review current and past medical and pregnancy history, physical assessment and laboratory testing to screen and detect any new and pre-existing diseases. If you have any chronic disease, it is important to inform your doctor. Any new or preexisting diseases must be treated or controlled well before pregnancy.

Education and counseling are important services offered during preconception care. Key topics usually covered include diet, HIV and other STDs, smoking and alcohol cessation. Folic acid supplementation is also provided during preconception care.

Chronic medical diseases which may affect pregnancy include: diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart diseases, obesity, hypothyroidism, sickle cell anemia, HIV, Hepatitis, Venous thrombosis, kidney disease and epilepsy. Chronic medical diseases should be put under control before becoming pregnant. In some cases, a change in treatment may be needed because some medications are harmful to the baby.

Preconception care therefore is not a luxury but a very key intervention to improve pregnancy outcome. It’s very necessary for every woman regardless of age and number of previous births. If you’re planning to get pregnant its important you adopt a healthy lifestyle as well as schedule an appointment you’re your gynaecologist.

Dr Stephen Mutiso is based in Nairobi, and he provides a wide range of gynecological services, including; antenatal services, delivery, Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC), Obstetric Fistula, Infertility issues and Fibroids among others. He has admission rights in various private hospitals.

He is based at Kenyatta National Hospital Doctors plaza, Suite 26/27

Telephone: 0722 678 002 or 0788 306 674

Email: mutisoh@yahoo.com   —    Website: www.drmutiso.com

Giving Birth in Kenya: What Happens to a Woman’s Family After She Dies While Giving Birth?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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Every two hours in Kenya, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth. Quite unfortunate.

A new report on maternal health in Kenya has further amplified the devastating impact of a mother’s death on her family and in her community. The study: ‘Price Too High to Bear’, reveals that that the unfortunate deaths of these women (mostly preventable), gravely affect her immediate family, the survival of her newborn, the health and opportunities of her surviving children, as well as the economic productivity of her family and her community.

The report by Family Care International (FCI), the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), and the KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration in cooperation with Kenya’s Ministry of Health highlights the financial costs of the deaths of mothers in poor remote communities on their households, as well as the impact of these costs on family well-being.

The study was undertaken in three sub-counties in Western Kenya (Rarieda, Gem and Siaya town -all in Siaya County) between 2011 and 2013. These were the key findings:

The loss of a mother harms her surviving family members, her children’s health, education, and future opportunities.

The report states that of the 59 maternal deaths in the study, 14 women died during the last three months of pregnancy, one died during labour, and 44 died post-delivery. It is also important to note that over 70% of the maternal deaths occurred in the course of a normal delivery, while the remaining ones who died had experienced a caesarean section, use of forceps, or other intervention during delivery.

The link between maternal death and high neonatal mortality was also demonstrated:

Of the 59 women who died, 31 infants survived delivery. Of these, 8 died in the first week of life, with another 8 dying in the next several weeks. This left a total of only 15 surviving babies from 59 pregnancies.

In most of the households, the women who died used to carry out various tasks in their homes. These women used to contribute an average of 61 hours of household work each week, with tasks including; childcare, cooking, laundry, and fetching water and firewood. Following their deaths, the women’s husbands, mothers-in-law, older children, or other surviving family members had to pick up the slack, with 88% of families reporting that this had reduced these members’ ability to contribute earnings to household income.

Some of the deceased women were also involved in farming. For these, their deaths in some cases forced the household to allow land to lie fallow, or to cultivate fewer crops. Some families indicated that they had lost crops after the death of the woman, because surviving household members were not able to allocate to farming the time they had when the woman was alive.

For the surviving school-going children, they were in some cases withdrawn from or forced to miss school, because economic disruptions made it difficult to afford school fees. The household could no longer afford to pay the school fees, because the mother’s income was not available any more. Even when there was some money, it was used to hire casual farm labour.

Where children continued their schooling, often their grief and new household responsibilities negatively affected their schoolwork. In a number of cases, families reported that children withdrew from school altogether. Others who remained in school often had less time for schoolwork — and less time to actually attend school due to the additional household chores and because they had to take care of their younger siblings.

Social, emotional and other non-­economic consequences

In many parts of Western Kenya –where the study took place, a ‘household’ is made up of all those who eat under the same roof. Before the mother’s death, majority of individuals in the household ate in the woman’s home. But after she died, only about a quarter of individuals from her household continued eating in her house. Of those who changed where they had their meals (most of them children aged below 18 years), they said they did so because of the death of the mother. In most cases, children began taking meals in the home of their grandmother. Other children were removed from household and given out to relatives for foster care.

When a woman dies, her funeral costs are a crippling hardship for her family.

Funerals are a big deal in Africa, and Kenya is no exception. Many communities strive to give their departed relatives a ‘grand, respectable’ send off which could see them spend huge amounts of money. Across all wealth levels of households interviewed, families’ funeral costs exceeded their total annual expenditure on food, housing, and all other household consumption. On average, economically active members took a month off from work during the funeral period. Given the already high costs of the funeral, this lack of economic activity is an additional burden for the household.

Those are just some of the key findings of the study. Indeed, it only goes to show that Kenya continues to have a high maternal mortality rate, despite commitment from the government to address the issue. It only means that the country needs to pull up its socks in reducing maternal mortality rates. Meanwhile, 2015 is just around the corner, and I wonder if my country will be able to achieve MDG5, that of reducing maternal mortality.

I can only hope for the best.

Do you have a motherhood report you’d like to share? Email 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

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