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Healthy Snacks To Pack For Your School-Going Child

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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7

Among my conversations with fellow moms, especially those with school-going children, often we wonder about the snacks that we should pack for them to munch on while in school. Our opinions are always quite varied on what we should pack and what we should not. So with this regard, I decided to speak to a Nutritionist for some insights. I spoke to Santina Nyaga who is also a blogger and mom of 3 school-going children –Michelle, Jeremy and Emma.

Santina says that when packing snacks for the children, it is important to ensure you pack healthy and nutritious items. Ensure snacks come from either 2 or 3 of the four major food groups which are: Fruit and vegetables, cereals, bread, pasta and potatoes, milk and dairy and other animal and plant proteins like meat, fish, eggs, poultry and the different kind of beans. Here’s her sample snack plan:

FOR TODDLERS

Simple finger foods are the way to go for them. Children at this age have high nutritional needs but yet have small appetites. Here’s a daily plan for them:

Monday

10:00am-  Fruit, plain yoghurt sweetened with honey or real fruit yoghurt

4:00pm-  Grated apple pancakes, a glass of milk/milo

Tuesday

10:00am-  Fruit salad of melon, mango, pineapple

4:00pm-   Dinner rolls spread with peanut butter/kids favorite bread spread

Wednesday

10:00am-  Homemade mandazis

4:00pm-   Fruit, cheese tomato sandwich

Thursday

10:00am-  Orange, homemade popcorn

4:00pm-  Fresh fruit juice/smoothie

Friday

10:00am-   Tangerines, garlic bread sandwich
4:00pm-   French toast with a glass of milk

AK-fruits

For PRE-TEENS and TEENAGERS

As kids get older you have a wide variety of foods to choose from. It is also a great idea to involve them in making choices for school snacks. Some ideas of what to pack may include:

Monday

10:00am-  Baked vegetable/chicken/meat samosas and fruit

After School Snack-  Scotch eggs, milk/hot chocolate

Tuesday

10:00am-  Homemade popcorn and fruit

After School Snack-  Handful of nuts e.g. almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts

Wednesday

10:00am-  Left-over chicken sandwich with tomatoes

After School Snack-  Scotch eggs, fruit yoghurt

Thursday

10:00am-  Chapati rolls filled with a vegetable salad

After School Snack-  French toast, hot milk/cocoa

Friday

10:00am-  Sesame seed balls, tangerine/orange

After School Snack:  Yoghurt with slices of fresh fruit

Other snacks that can be included: Mini pizzas slices of homemade fruit bread, veggie burgers, dried fruit, and fruit kebabs.

AK-boys-playing

Helpful Notes:

– Packing snacks for a toddler, a six-year-old and a pre- teen should mainly be guided by their growth needs.

– Toddlers and young kids below 11 years are at an age where they are very active, hence their energy and nutritional needs are greater than an adult’s. They have smaller appetites and need to snack more often teenagers.

– Between 11-18 years, the energy and protein needs required are 80% more than adults. They need more vitamin C intake during these growth spurt periods and if they are girls, make sure they have extra iron especially if they have started their periods. For boys, ensure they take in more calcium to help in bone development.

-If your kids do not like boiled sweet potatoes and arrow roots, try baking them. Another alternative would be to slice the boiled arrow roots or sweet potatoes then make a light batter of wheat flour or chick pea flour and eggs then shallow fry them.

-A lot of time for preparing these dishes can be saved if you make them ahead of time, items like mandazis, pizza dough, and bread dough freeze really well. Nuts like cashews, almonds, macadamia and peanuts can be made ahead of time and kept in air tight containers.”

AK-fruits2

Thanks Santina for sharing. So what do you think about this menu? What other healthy snacks would you recommend for school going children? 

You May Also Like to Read: The Day My Daughter’s Teacher Told Me to ‘Watch out For Relatives, Especially Male Ones’?

featured image courtesy: mama azizi

Breastfeeding in Kenya: Pumping at Work: Helpful Tips for Working Moms

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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1

Hi friends! Now, many new moms, especially those who have to resume work after maternity leave often wonder about how their little ones will continue feeding while they are away. More so for those who are determined to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. Is it really possible? How will they go about it? The logistics involved? The office environment? Transporting the expressed milk….and many more questions.

Well, I talked to one career mom Iddah Membo-Onyango, who managed to pump milk for her son until he was a year old, having resumed work when he was three months old. Exactly how did she do it? She shares what worked for her:

–     Access to a private room I could pump in. When I went back to work after maternity leave, I had an easy time since my colleague had also just resumed work after her maternity leave, and she’d been allocated a room where she could express milk – complete with the keys for privacy. I joined her, and this room became permanently booked during lunch hour, between 1pm – 2pm.

–     The fact that I was able to have lunch as I pumped, so once I was done I promptly went back to my desk to work at 2pm. This means that I didn’t lose any work hours.

Iddah with her son Ian.

What you need for a stress-free pumping session:

–     A breast pump – and a good pump at that. A good pump will determine whether you will enjoy pumping or if you’ll hate it.

–     Containers for putting in the expressed breast milk. You can use the usual branded plastic ones, or you could use milk bags. Personally, I discovered putting the milk directly in milk bags helps as it reduces over-handling the milk. The milk bags also made it easy for me as when I got home, I just put it directly into the fridge.

–     You should also have some hot water while expressing, as this helps stimulate the milk flow. Warm water will also help wipe the tits once you’re done.

–     You need a liner, which comes in handy when wiping the breasts once you have dipped it in warm water.

–     I also used a small towel which was very helpful. This towel – when placed underneath the bra when pumping ensures that any leaks are absorbed by the towel and will not drip down to your office wear or the bra.

Happy Ian

–     I also always had a spare top/blouse.  Having one as a plan B is necessary just in case your milk leaks and you’ve run out of spare breast pads thus staining the top you’re wearing. It can also come in handy in case the small towel mentioned above is not enough to absorb the leaks.

–     Blouse/dress with access at the front. I realized that when you’re pumping, you need to dress as though you will be breastfeeding at work. This makes it easy to pump without having to remove all your clothes.

–     Ice packs and a storage bag. These help when you have a long commute and the time between your pumping session and the time you get back home is longer than 6 hours. (Read here for tips on storing breast milk – such as how long it can stay outside a refrigerator). A special storage container, more like the ones doctors carry vaccines in ensures the milk has its own special space. After all, it is liquid gold. Alternatively, you can also use some breast milk storage bags.

–     I also used to drink lots of water, as this helped manage any dizziness and thirst.

Frozen breastmilk storage bags. Image: dreamstime.com

Other helpful tips:

–     Pumping is more like taking a shower, once you start you have to finish so make sure you have all that you need in the room so that you don’t keep interrupting yourself to go rush outside for something.

–     Manage your office duties and client expectations well so that you don’t have any pending work that will be required while you are pumping.

–     Calls: Avoid taking calls in between- phones are not the cleanest items.

–      Remember that the room allocated to you is office space and is a privilege. It and should be left clean so you and any future moms can be granted its use later. Don’t spoil for others.“

So there you go, I hope these tips will be helpful to you too. If you have any additional tips or advice, feel free to share them in the comments section below. Otherwise thanks a lot Iddah for sharing.

You may also be interested in reading the articles below:

Breastfeeding in Kenya: “Why I Hid my Breastfeeding Experience from my Relatives” -Grace Katiku

Wanjiku Wanderi: “Breastfeeding Did Not Come as Easy as I Had Thought it Would.”

Here at Mummy Tales: Raising a Family in Africa, I share inspirational stories of other women -experiences that we can all learn from. If you have an experience you’d like to share with other women, you can email it to me on maryanne@mummytales.com  

You may also connect with me on FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER

Carol Salamba: I Kept the Faith, and I’m Proud to be a Mum Today

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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13

After trying for a baby for many years in vain, 2012 ended on a good note for Carol Salamba. Today, this new mom shares her story with Mummy Tales.

“2012 was the most fantastic year for me.  Fantastic is an understatement – ‘blessed’ sums it up.

Earlier on in the year, specifically in February, I discovered I was pregnant and I remember thinking that it wasn’t real.  I did 4 pregnancy tests on different days and at different times of the day just to make sure it was real. All tests were positive. I was so excited!

Sharing the news with my hubby was even more exciting because we had been trying to get pregnant since we came back home (from the US) in December 2010, so this was a nice surprise.

But this joy was clouded by the overwhelming fear that the pregnancy might not last since I had suffered a few miscarriages in the past.  But my hubby and I kept the faith, plus support from our friends with whom I had shared the news and who kept me in their prayers encouraged me a lot.

I remember crossing the 3 month mark and thinking, oh my this is so real – I’m gonna be a mom!

That first trimester was not as easy as the morning or should I say all-day sickness was very serious, but I made it.  Around the same time I also got invited to a job interview and I remember thinking to myself; who would hire a pregnant woman especially that now companies send prospective employees for medical tests? But surprisingly enough, I got the job and I thought – WOW – God is really smiling down on me and my family.

The second trimester was wonderful, I felt great, the little one was growing well and we also got to find out that we were gonna have a boy.

The joys of waiting for a baby, thinking of names and shopping for him was simply amazing.  The ultrasound moments were divine, looking at him playing and listening to the heartbeat was surreal because as much as I never lost hope that I would have a baby, the thought of never being a mom does cross your mind from time to time.

The baby shower came and we had a blast, and that is when I realised that the reality of being a mommy was close.

I went all out, took photos of my pregnancy, went for a baby moon with my husband – as all my friends had emphasized the importance of this time out with hubby.

On 12 October 2012 I left work and went for my last check up at 38weeks, only to be informed that my little one had not grown and I was low on amniotic fluid. The decision was made to go for an emergency c-section immediately.

I rushed home to pick up the hospital bag and a few of my things and rushed to hospital. My hubby at the time had traveled and I remember thinking, I’m in this alone 😮

I called him and he organized himself to get back to Nairobi asap.  In the meantime, I was getting admitted and preparations were being done to send me in for surgery.

I called my mom and she prayed for me and encouraged me because I was getting anxious and scared and praying that my little one would be okay.  I said my prayers and we went in.

At 8:16pm, it was a Friday, I remember hearing my son cry as he was pulled out of my tummy and I thought that was the best cry I’d ever heard.

The nurses brought him to me and he was the most amazing, most beautiful baby ever in the world – even in my drowsiness I still thought he was the cutest boy ever…

The first 4 weeks were tough adjusting to my new life as a mom, but all went well.  He is now 3 months old and has brought us joy that I never thought existed and we are able to love love this person unconditionally with every fibre of our being.  He has a killer smile that melts my heart and having him in our lives, and caring for him has given us the best satisfaction in life.

I now pray more than ever especially for him and also for other women who go through issues and complications while trying to have a baby because I would love for them to enjoy the same joy that we experience.

Watching him grow is wonderful, he is now smiling so much and laughing and we are enjoying every bit of it.  Can’t wait for him to call me “mama”.“

UPDATE: Carol is now a mom of two, she became a mom again in August 2016 to a beautiful daughter. 

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

Merry Christmas!

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Friends, I wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a blessed 2013.

Since this will be my last post this year, I want to thank you for reading me throughout 2012, and I hope we will journey through 2013 together.

Thanks and God bless you.

A Bridal Shower

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

The other weekend, I attended a bridal shower. It was a truly good shower, mainly because of two things: The company of the ladies present, the ambiance of the place, the novel things about the shower, the yellow theme, the guest speaker and last but not least – the bitings (those are not two things now, are they?).

The shower was held at a Spa in the Kitisuru neighborhood, a nice serene and lovely ambiance for the close knit of family and friends who attended it. The events of the day took place at both the outdoors and the indoors. It was a good mature crowd that had a mix of single, married and separated ladies.

Now, the guest invited to speak to the ladies present was an apt choice. It was marriage counselor. She shared with us some of her experiences in her 35 years of marriage, candidly talking about the ups and downs she’s been through, what she learnt from them and how we too can learn. It was good. Very insightful and very enriching.

Here are some pieces of advice that she shared that struck me that I thought to share with you:

  • *Don’t enter marriage with an exit strategy in mind.
  • *A woman should take full charge of her house.
  • *Life is not always fair. You can be beautiful and the admiration of many, are smart, have brains, are ambitious, successful in your career, God-fearing and with good morals and principles to boot. And you are a praying woman. But yet you’re not finding the right man. Your season is coming. God is never too early or too late.
  • *Our parents’ marriages or lives have a great impact on the people that we are today. And for those of us who are parents, let’s be knowing that how we relate with our spouses will have a great influence on our children.
  • *Intellectual intimacy should never lack in a marriage. It doesn’t matter how much sex you give your man. You have to connect intellectually.

In my very own personal opinion based on my experiences in the showers I’ve been to, the selection of the main speaker is very important. The choice of this person is absolutely crucial – I kid you not!

Moms in Business: Susan Aquila Mburu of Things & Things Kenya

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

After graduating from Daystar University with a degree in Communication, Susan Aquila Mburu delved into the world of media. But somewhere along the way, she had a change of heart and decided to start her own business. I had a chat with this 29-year-old mom about her entrepreneurial journey.  MT: Tell us about your business.

Susan: My business is called Things & Things Kenya, whose core business is to equip, skill and inspire women on matters revolving around home keeping, beauty and health. I also create and sell art décor items such as scented candles and canvas painting.

Maryanne: From having the idea to starting the business, how was that? 

Susan: My background is in the media, and once when we were in the middle of shooting a Sauti Sol music video when one of the ladies I was working with complimented me on my ability to have quick answers to just about everything, referring to me as a ‘things and things lady’. Soon after I started sharing my ideas and wisdom on various issues that affect the Kenyan woman through a free website hosted by webs.com. The internet had at the time many blogs which I felt were addressing issues from a foreign perspective, so I thought to localize it. The issues I blog on are relevant to Kenyan women.

Maryanne: Is what you are doing now different from what you studied in college?

Susan: Yes and no. I have a degree in Communication so I guess that has influenced my blogging. I still freelance in media. But the art décor items I create and make have nothing to do with my BA degree. It’s the passion for art that led me in that direction.

Maryanne: Many women say finding capital for their business idea is difficult. Was it the same for you?

Susan: It is incredibly difficult to find capital for a business. I’m still struggling to make ends meet since my business is still in the start-up stage. Were it not for the grace of God, my loving husband and parents, I wouldn’t have come this far. They have been my greatest support financially.

Maryanne: What is the biggest challenge working for yourself?

Susan: The fact that you have to rely on your own perspective to make decisions, which can sometimes be wanting because it’s affected by your state of mind at that moment, your experiences and limited knowledge. When you have a team you get to share ideas and then decided on the best way forward given the difference perspectives shared.

Maryanne: Tell us about your family.

Susan: I’m married to one man who works for a media production company. We have a four-year-old daughter.

Maryanne: Has motherhood changed you?

Susan: Oh my goodness yes it has and a lot for that matter! I used to be a party person. Every day was a perfect day for a night out but now I’m home bound. I work from home and when I’m away an hour doesn’t go by before I think of my daughter and husband. I have become a mother, a cook and a home maker while before all I cared for was a cute clean house with noodles on the shelf.

Maryanne: What words of wisdom will you give to your daughter as she grows up into a girl, a woman?

Susan: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you so never give up. Identify what you want, take it to the Lord in prayer and then go for it.”

Maryanne: What advice would you give other mompreneurs?

Susan: Hang in there and don’t give up. Be patient because you will not realize the financial benefits as quickly as you’d like but in the end it is worth it. If your business is just about making money; walk away from it. You must have a greater vision.

Maryanne: Thanks Susan!

Previously featured moms in business:

Lillian Kandi Kariithi of Elegant Klad
Susan Malaika Karingi of Malaika Jewellery Box
Kami Munderu of Baby House

Tips for Lending Out or Borrowing Maternity Clothes

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

With regard to lending out or borrowing maternity clothes, I have been on both sides – I’ve been lent to and I have also lent out my used maternity clothes, and so I thought to share some best practice tips about this business of lending/borrowing maternity clothes. The tips are gathered from my own experiences and those of a few moms I talked to.

If you have been lent to previously used maternity clothes by a fellow mom,

– Try as much as possible to keep the clothes in the best condition possible for the owner, or someone else might need them once you’re done with them.

– Return the borrowed clothes as soon as you’re done with them, because sometimes these sisterly gestures can be problematic. I’m talking about situations where the person who lent you the clothes needs them back, but somehow the person she lent them to doesn’t seem to realize the urgency of the matter (even way after they’re done with them). The lender may be pregnant again and is not showing yet, but she just needs to have them all together beforehand so that she can plan herself well. Days go fast you know. And the belly grows interestingly. One day you go to sleep flat, and the next day you have a huge bump as your belly grew overnight! So just wash them, press them, pack them nicely and make them look all so pristine, then return them to the owner within a reasonable time frame (which is not too long after you’ve delivered).

– Make sure you return everything that was given to you. Don’t souve yourself an item because it looked so good on you and you don’t think it will fit the owner anyway (because she has since gained lots of weight following the birth). You better return it first then present your case to her if you really want to keep it. But just don’t souve yourself please!

– Don’t loan someone else’s stuff to a friend of yours. If a friend or sister of yours is waiting in line for maternity wear, you better give her YOUR clothes, but not the clothes that were lent to you.

– Don’t demand maternity clothes from a sister or a friend – even if she’s not using them when you need them. While you wouldn’t have a problem lending out yours, we are all different and not all are willing to share their clothes even if they are not using them then. Lending maternity clothes requires a generous heart and it’s not for everyone.

– Don’t alter the clothes that have been lent to you – don’t cut or trim them or customize them so that they can be more fashionable or fit you better.

If you have lent out clothes:

– Remember that we are all different, and while you will do your best to keep borrowed clothes in tip-top shape and that you’ll return them in good time when you’re done, and that you will return ALL of them back, it doesn’t mean that the sister you lend yours to will do the same.

– If you have a favorite piece or a really special clothing item that you might even be attached to emotionally, you may consider holding on to it coz when it’s been worn and washed many other times, you might not like how it gets back to you.

– You have a good heart. Lending out clothes is not for all people.

Feel free to share any more additional tips.

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Why do Some Breastfeeding Moms get Sore, Cracked Painful Nipples?

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to hurt, but the truth is that it does hurt for many new moms. Actually, most moms I know of have had episodes where their nipples hurt at some point during the early stages of nursing (myself included). So, how is one supposed to avoid that agonizing moment of having sore, cracked, painful and sometimes bleeding nipples? The hurt is especially so bad because during those first weeks, all the baby feeds on is your milk, and the thought of baby sucking from that painful nipple to get his feed can be a real killjoy. :(

I addressed this question to lactation consultant Josie M. Karoki of HunySuckle, who shed more light on the issue.

MT: What causes sore or cracked nipples in breastfeeding moms?

JMK: The nipples are the channels through which the breast milk is delivered, so the baby needs to have the nipple in his mouth in order to get the milk. The baby needs to latch on to most of the breast and not just onto the nipple in order for him to effectively extract milk and for it to be delivered into his mouth through the nipple. The most common reason for sore or cracked nipples is when the baby latches onto the nipple and not the breast.

Basically when the baby only attaches onto the nipple, it means that as he is suckling, his tongue and hardest part of his palate (close to the mouth) is rubbing onto mum’s nipple and this will naturally be uncomfortable and unless corrected, it can lead to soreness and cracks.

To better understand this, place your own tongue on the roof of your mouth (the palate) and feel the different sections:
i)The hardest part with ridges is closest to the front of the mouth
ii)The softer part, which is smooth, soft and slightly rounded, is towards the back of the mouth.

When a baby is properly attached to the breast, his mum’s nipple should be at the soft part of his palate (ii) and this means that there will neither be discomfort nor friction against the nipple as the baby is suckling.

It also means that most of the areola (the darkest part of the breast) will be in the baby’s mouth and his tongue will be extended outwards with his mouth completely wide open. This is known as a deep latch-on and is the most effective way for a baby to breastfeed as well as the least painful for mum.

MT: How can a mom suffering from cracked nipples relieve the pain and discomfort?

JMK: She has several options, including:

i) Applying a few drops of her own breast milk onto her nipples because breast milk is full of healing properties
ii) Applying 100% pure lanolin, which does not require to be washed off before each feed. Leading brands such as Medela, Lansinoh and Avent sell recommended nipple creams which are 100% hospital grade lanolin
iii) Air-drying your nipples which means leaving your breasts uncovered for at least 30 minutes everyday
iv) Avoid products that need to be wiped off before breastfeeding the baby because this will cause further irritation and avoid petroleum based products because these will lock in moisture and make it difficult for the wounds to heal
v) If the nipples are severely cracked it is also advisable to avoid latching the baby onto to them until they have had a chance to slightly heal because the pain a mum feels may make turn the breastfeeding experience into a negative one for both herself and baby. In this case, it is advisable to express milk, preferably by hand because this is most comfortable. Then feed the expressed breast milk to the baby using a cup. A breast pump is not advisable because it may cause further damage and pain to the nipple tissue.

However, the most effective remedy for sore or cracked nipples is a deep latch-on and for this to happen, the baby needs to be correctly positioned to the breast, his body is facing his mum’s and their tummies touching.

It will not matter how much lanolin or breast milk you apply on your nipples or how long you air them out for as long as your baby is still not latching on correctly because the nipples will not be able to heal if they are constantly experiencing the friction caused by a shallow latch-on.

It is also advisable to seek professional help as soon as any signs of nipple soreness are noticed. Support and advice is available from breastfeeding peer counselors and lactation managers such as myself.

For more information feel free to contact Josie at lactation@hunysuckle.com

 

My Miracle Babies…

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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1

Read one Kenyan mom’s story on her journey through motherhood – how she had a breech delivery of her first born at 8 months, how she arrived at the painful decision of terminating her second pregnancy after 24 weeks, and the rough patch that was the premature delivery… in the car… of her third pregnancy.

“My name is Jackie, I call my babies miracle babies because I delivered them in very miraculous circumstances.

My first born came at 8 months. It was a normal day and I was scheduled to go for clinic on that day, so after my town rounds I was very active. I went for check up only for the nurse to tell me that I was halfway dilated. It was now an emergency the doctors were called to stop the labour which I was not feeling, but all in vain as my water broke and I gave birth to my baby girl Hope Wanjiku Muriuki. She came legs first (breech) weighing 2.1 kgs and was put in the incubator for two days. We stayed in hospital for one week.

Four and half years later, I conceive my second born in December 2010. I was happy, despite the extreme and excessive spitting. I had to carry a cup everywhere to spit in. My appetite was down but all was well with my first ultra sound at three months. I soldiered on and at 24 weeks during the routine scan, I was shocked to be informed that my baby had hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

The shock was too much for me at first, I didn’t even know where to start. But the doctor advised me to terminate the pregnancy as soon as possible. Because nothing much could be done especially with spina bifida, as it would involve surgery and the baby had already stopped growing. I remember telling the doctor I needed to go and think and consult for a week because I had experienced a lot with this pregnancy. After talking to several medics and nurses, they all advised to terminate the pregnancy.  I felt lost because I was wondering if I should terminate what God gave me, because to me it was like refusing a gift.

I was traumatized and the only person who could help me in this was God. Eventually, after a lot of soul searching I decided to terminate the pregnancy. And my walk with God starts there, not that I didn’t know God or pray but I think I kept on asking for help then helping him help me. This time round I told him from here henceforth the battle belongs to him, and as I was seeking him and was a bit lost, I conceived again after a month! I was elated and embraced the pregnancy fully.

It went well and I didn’t have any morning sickness – the only thing that made me remember I was pregnant was the  bump. All was well until 28 weeks when I started experiencing pelvic pressure. I visited my gynae and he said everything was ok.

I remember it was 13th December 2011, I had an exam at 11.00 am and was in school by 8.30 am. I started feeling a bit uneasy and after a while I start throwing up.  I called my husband to rush me to hospital. While on Thika road – around Pangani, there was a tight jam so we decided to branch to Muthaiga. On reaching Muthaiga shopping centre, I experienced a huge (rupture I guess) and the next thing I felt was a big ball between my legs. I slowly took a big shawl that looked like a blanket which I had with me and folded it nicely and put on the car seat. I squat on it and the next thing I saw was a baby crying on the car seat. I delivered my baby in the car.

By now we were past Aga Khan Hospital, so we drove back and the emergency team on that day did a good job receiving us without even asking for a penny. They stabilized the baby but could not remove the placenta manually as it was stuck.  I was taken to the theatre after long time of trying manually (I would prefer to have 50 babies than have a placenta removed it’s very painful). The baby weighed 1.0 kgs but dropped to 900 grams.

The baby stabilized and for the first three days, he could breathe on his own but on the third day he was put in the incubator after having difficulty breathing. We stayed in Aga Khan for 1 month and since we had no cover and the bill was 1.7 million, we were transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing where we stayed for another month and were finally discharged on the 10th February 2012 when baby was 2.0kgs.

This experience has made me know that there is a God in heaven and when you call on him faithfully he answers. For the first time in my life I feel at peace knowing God is on my side and he fights our battles – we just have to let him do it. I learnt that in all situations no matter how small or big, let go and let God. The baby Levy Wachira is now 7months growing well. We had a bill of 2.1 million and all was cleared by well wishers. My boss gave me 9 months leave and I’m now back to work. God is able let him sort you and don’t help him. God is faithful and he is happy and proud when we ask him for help.”

NB: This article was originally published in Supamamas, an events and info hub for Kenyan moms.

Mums in Business: Lillian Kandi Kariithi of Elegant Klad

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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1

25 year old Lillian Kandi Karithi is mom to 10-month old son Remyel. While she studied architecture in college, she now runs her own online business which specializes in women’s fashionable clothing. I had an interview with her about her decision to get into self-employment, her business and her family.

Maryanne: Tell us about your business

Lillian: I run a purely online business where I sell ladies second-hand clothes, trendy dresses, official and casual wear. I also sell bedding-satin, silk, cotton duvets and bed sheets….all at very affordable prices. I source for these clothes then market them online, get orders and deliver the items to clients at a place most convenient for them.

Maryanne: Why did you become a mompreneur?

Lillian: I lost my job after I got pregnant, after having some unpleasant experiences at my area of expertise (architecture). When I lost the job, I had a lot of time to myself before I delivered and during this time I decided to evaluate things I was passionate about and thought it would be nice to earn a living through one of them.

I love clothes (don’t we all and I decided…why not make a living from this? Besides, the thought of going through a week without being shouted at or scolded by a boss was great! I would also get more time to spend with my family – my son and husband.)

Maryanne: What is the biggest challenge working for yourself?

Lillian: It can be very exhausting at times, and balancing family time and work time can also get tricky.

Maryanne: What are the joys of running your own business?

Lillian: I am my own boss, its flexible, I get to spend more time with my family, I can take a break when necessary and I get to see firsthand how a happy a client is when she gets a good outfit. This gives me motivation to do even better.

Maryanne: What would you tell a woman who is stuck in a bad job but is scared of leaving?

Lillian: I believe everything happens for a reason. Take the bad experience you’ve had and let it be a lesson learnt. Let it get you thinking about what you’re good at and if possible – how you can be your own boss.

Something else that is very important: make sure you have a plan, don’t just up and quit. Plan how you’ll survive before whatever you’re venturing into can support you comfortably.

Maryanne: What advice would you give other mompreneurs?

Lillian: First, congrats on being your own boss. Second, trust in God to give you wisdom on how to run your business. Others are:

  • Tithe.
  • If you have employees, treat them as you’d like to be treated.
  • Give to those who are not as fortunate as you are….it is more blessed to give than to receive…
  • Inspire somebody with what you do.

Maryanne: How is motherhood going for you?

Lillian: Ohhhhh it’s been great! From the day I held my son in my arms, my life has been awesome – sometimes I still don’t believe he’s all mine.… I wake up everyday looking forward to his smile, hear him call me mum, watch him dance along to his favourite songs, watch him seriously watching TV though he probably doesn’t understand a thing… I could go on forever. It’s been great and it makes me feel extra special… especially when he cries and he doesn’t want anyone else to comfort him, just me (I know that’s a bit selfish but hey).

Maryanne: Has motherhood changed you?

Lillian: Yes it has, I have  become more caring, compassionate, more driven to work harder, to be a better person. It’s got me more fascinated by the smallest things, like I never thought I’d be fascinated by teeth -till I saw those of my little boy pop out. Ohhh, I jumped up and down screaming like a little girl. I also remember the first time he called me mum…I actually had him repeat it and recorded it. I also remember the first time he crawled…..every new thing he does makes me so proud and thankful to be a mum.

Maryanne: What pieces of advice will you give your son Remyel as he grows up?

Lillian: Trust in God always and lean not your own understanding, choose to do that which pleases God.

Treat others as you’d want to be treated.

Whenever you are going through a rough time, take it as a test to make you stronger, and a way to depend on God more, for if everything went smoothly, you would feel independent…and that’s not how it should be.

Count your blessings and be grateful for every little thing you have.

Don’t go breaking girls’ hearts ….be a gentleman :).

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