The ups and downs of being a young mother

POLOKWANE – With their names already giving them hope for a positive future, Success Teanet (27) her partner Fortune Ramonyai (29) are first time parents to their one-year-old baby Eliyanah.

Originally from Polokwane and now residing in Pretoria East, the two love birds officially met in 2021 and moved in together. “As a first time mom, I had an overwhelming sensation when I was pregnant that life has changed forever. A miracle is really the only way I can describe motherhood and giving birth. It’s unbelievable how God has made us women and babies to endure and be able to do so much. When leaving the hospital, it felt weird to be out in the world and responsible for this tiny, ‘floppy-necked’ being with cute feet. You get nervous with doing everything for the baby but when you have a good family support structure there’s nothing to be nervous about because one thing I know is that the motherly instinct kicks in naturally,” Success said.

She added that a mother is likely a role model to every child and you’re appreciated and loved in truth. “You’re doing everything you could to nourish and protect the baby. It’s a great feeling and experience when you have a supportive and loving partner who is always there for you and the baby no matter what. I’d advise young women to observe the kind of people in their lives first and then make right decisions from then on. You never know something unless you try it,” Success said.

Fortune added that he couldn’t imagine how Success was feeling when he received a phone call from her saying the baby had to be rushed to ICU. “As a first time father, I was naturally panicked. I was troubled and terrified. I asked God that if my daughter is not going to make it, then what was the purpose of the name that He had spoken in her mother’s dream (Eliyanah – which means God has answered) given while she was still seven months pregnant?”

He told the Polokwane Observer that as a young couple and first time parents, it wasn’t easy for both of them but said their daughter made it through, recovered and is now a healthy and beautiful baby girl.

“I honestly feel like God has answered our prayers and I have a strong belief that our baby is going to be famous and powerful which is why her second name is Merrick, which means fame and power.”

The two believe that tomorrow is never promised. “A child is an investment for your legacy to continue after you which is why they’re called blessings. I believe that women are like the salt of the world, without them, there wouldn’t be anything tasteful for us, like having a home of family,” Success said.

Fortune concluded that they’ve already set goals of how they want to raise their daughter. “As a father I’ve learned a lot through Eliyanah’s mother, especially when it comes to going to the mall. I’d usually confidently enter liquor stores, but now all I think about is entering clothing stores instead to buy our daughter something nice. A child makes you realise that you need to grow up and start being a responsible adult you’re supposed to be in life, they make you understand the word independence better,” he said.