More mothers embrace exclusive breastfeeding
Afya Uzazi Program implements the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative, or BFCI, to promote and support breastfeeding, optimal complementary feeding and maternal nutrition through community groups and stronger links with health facilities. Pregnant women who attend antenatal and postnatal clinics join mother-to-mother support groups where they learn healthy practices from service providers and more experienced group members.
Some of the women from Timboiywo in Kabasis areas, Baringo County, tell what they have learnt from the support groups.
Vivian, 25: “When he will be six months, I will start giving him porridge.”
Vivian Tarus, a farmer, is a mother of two, the youngest six months old. “Through this group, I have learnt how to take better care of the baby. I learnt that breastfeeding for the first six months makes the baby to grow strong and healthy. When I compare my baby with the first born, he is much quicker in learning. He does not suffer diarrhea like the first one…When he will be six months I will start giving him porridge.”
Ruth, 26: “I now know about family planning so that we can space out children.”
Ruth Kibichi says she has learnt the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding for six months.
“I know the right amount of food to give the baby after six months and at eight months. I know that the food should not be too watery… I now know about family planning so that we can space out children.”
Ruth says she talked to her husband and he accepted she could start using a family planning method.
Rose , 26, & Caroline, 27: Convinced mothers-in-law
Rose Chepkoech, 26, has a two-month-old baby, named Becky Chebet, meaning one born during the day. She joined the group when she was eight months pregnant. Although she delivered at a different hospital, she continued attending mothers’ support group meeting at the Tomboiywo dispensary because it is near her home.
“I was told about the group by a CHV when I had already attended the clinic three times … . I joined the group and have learnt a lot. I knew only one person but now I know most of the members…In the group we were old to give the baby only breast milk…Gogo (mother-in-law) wanted me to give the baby ugali and other foods, but when I told her what we had been taught she stopped insisting.”
Caroline Lelmen, a 27-year-old teacher who is also in the group. “I joined the group and have learnt a lot. I knew only one person but now I know most of the members…In the group, we were old to give the baby only breast milk…Gogo (mother-in-law) wanted me to give the baby ugali and other foods, but when I told her what we had been taught she stopped insisting.”
Jane, 34: I used to wait until 7th month to visit ANC clinic
Jane Chepkok, 34, is a mother of six pregnant with her seventh child. The eldest is 18 years old. During her previous pregnancies, Jane used to visit the clinic when about to deliver, although her home is near the dispensary.
“I used to wait for seven or eight months before going to the clinic. This time I went to the clinic early. The benefits of going to the clinic early is that you learn a lot about how to be health, to sleep under a mosquito net and eat well. Many mothers used to think they would get tired going to the clinic many time, but they are now changing.”
Below, Jacquiline, 25, the mothers’ support group leader, shows off vegetable growing in a demonstration kitchen garden members cultivate near the local dispensary compound. The mothers learn how to grow their own food and make nutritious meals affordable ingredients available locally.
Story and photos by George Nyairo Obanyi, FHI 360
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-nyairo-obanyi-595078a/ | Twitter@obanyi