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| support group in full swing |
Bosom Buddies was founded 6 years ago when founder Mel Novitzkas was training to be a doula (childbirth companion). In her practical training at Helderberg Hospital, she realised how many women have nothing when they go to the hospital to give birth. Nothing for their babies, or for themselves in terms of sanitary products. In South Africa, you often see women wearing towels or thick blankets around their bodies. These are to protect them from their monthly bleeding. A simple thing such as sanitary towels becomes a luxury in certain poor communities. An essential after giving birth, a packet of sanitary towels will be found as a part of our dignity gift to new moms who give birth at our local public hospital. In her Bosom Buddies bag, she will find everything for at least a comfortable first day with her baby – a set of newborn clothes, a baby blanket, some nappies, sanitary towels and perhaps a baby product or soft toy if we have one.
When I did my training as a doula 2 years ago, I realised how many women KNOW nothing when they go to the hospital to give birth. Nothing about pregnancy, how to care for herself, nothing about the birth process and very little except for myths and hearsay about caring for a newborn. I realised that so many women struggle with long and fear-filled labours, simply because their adrenaline levels are so high as to prolong the labour. Adrenaline is the enemy of a smooth labour. Women need a safe space, to feel loved and empowered in order for their endorphins to do what they’re meant to do in terms of pain relief. Which is why I am such a passionate teacher. Yes, it is terribly tough at times, since it is a struggle against ancient beliefs and influences and even culture. In South Africa, our babies are not only dying from HIV/Aids, but from misinformation, and lack of knowledge. Babies are started on solids at 1 or 2 weeks of age. Mix-feeding (mixing of breastmilk and formula) is prevalent. Our babies are dying from gastro and other illnesses that are 100% preventable!
Our mothers need to be empowered and taught. We need to constantly struggle along with them and, above all, teach and love unconditionally.
Thank you to all our friends who support our antenatal courses and breastfeeding mothers’ support groups.
Also a huge big thank you to our friends from Australia, Angel Baby, who have sent AUD$158 all the way from there. What a fantastic gesture of support and love for our Babies Born Sleeping initiative. Thank you Angel Baby. This means a lot to us.
