Early childhood educator

Zakiya McKenzie

zakiyam@caxton.co.za

ANITRA Davel found her true calling in early childhood education.

While she loved her career in the performing arts once, after having her own child she became aware of how important it was for children and parents to have a positive birth experience instead of the alarmist approach of most South African hospital births.

She then trained as a doula to offer other families expecting a baby.

“Whilst a doula is not a qualified midwife, she is a childbirth companion and attends births to guide and assist the mother through the process – which can be overwhelming at times, and also to be of physical and emotional assistance to the parents,” Davel explained.

“The first few minutes with my precious baby remain the most treasured moments of my life. I realised I wanted to help other women experience the wonderful joy and satisfaction a safe, natural birth can bring.”

In the last three years Davel transitioned into teaching a class called Mothers and Miracles to babies aged three months to three years and their parents.

Developed by educational specialists, the approach introduces important concepts to babies, often with song, dance, toys, craft and interaction. Other activities help with gross motor skills, visual tracking, muscle building and more aspects of baby's physical development.

Davel enjoys being able to facilitate the bonding process between parents and young children.

“With Mothers and Miracles I really get the chance to become involved not just with the children, but also with the whole family.

We really make lifelong friends here. It doesn't matter if you are a nuclear physicist or a domestic worker,

once you become a parent there is a level playing field and you just

want the best for your child,” she said.

Davel offers a free try-out class for moms and dads to decide if they want to go through with a term.

Details: Anitra Davel 082-577-4716, mothersandmiracles1@mweb.co.za