Cravings, morning sickness all worth it for new mom
Putting on weight, cravings, morning sickness, mood swings and the sleepless nights were all worth it in the end for Monica Mdaka when she held her little bundle of joy in her arms for the first time
POLOKWANE – Putting on weight, cravings, morning sickness, mood swings and the sleepless nights were all worth it in the end for Monica Mdaka when she held her little bundle of joy in her arms for the first time.
Monica immediately felt a strong attachment, joy and protectiveness when she found out she was carrying a precious gift inside her.
“When the doctor first told me I was pregnant, I cried out in joy. I did not even care that there were people in the waiting room. I immediately called my husband to tell him the wonderful news. It was exciting because we were both going to be parents for the first time,” Monica recounts that fateful day.
The cravings were a bit of a bother as she often got up in the middle of the night to munch bananas. The nine months of her pregnancy also felt like an eternity because she could hardly contain her excitement of being a mother and holding her baby girl for the first time.
“I was anxious about what happens in the labour room, so I read everything I could get my hands on regarding the procedure. Five months into my pregnancy we found out the gender of the baby. We were elated to learn we were going to be the proud parents of a baby girl.
“We decided to name her Nhletelo Angela, Nhletelo means ‘to pave ways’ and Angela means ‘messenger of God’.
“We decided on these names as we are confident she will one day change the world for the better.”
On 7 June, the labour pains started and she was rushed to hospital. Eight hours later, she heard a baby crying and from that minute she knew her new journey has begun.
“I could not stop looking at her tiny feet and hands, I am blessed and highly favoured, being a mother is not a walk in the park,” Monica smiles.
Nhletelo is the first grandchild and the Mdaka family held a special welcoming party for her after she arrived home.
“We love her very much, she is our sunshine, smile keeper, the apple of my eye and our reason for breathing.
“She is now six months old but it feels like yesterday when I held her for the first time. She is a blessing and the greatest gift ever,” Monica gushes.
She says spending time with her child is priceless and she can’t wait to experience all the stages such as learning to crawl, her first words and her first steps.
