Clinic hosts first antenatal care programme
'Pregnancy, childbirth and the first few months with a new-born are unlike any other time in a mother's life.'
Preparing for a baby can be one of the most daunting experiences in life. No matter how much has been done, it can feel like the to-do list to welcome a child into the world is endless.
Lucky for soon-to-be mommies, professionals at Helderkruin Clinic understand the challenge and with the help of Flourish NPO they have successfully hosted their first-ever support programme for pregnant women.
Flourish – a programme of the Gore Great Campaign – is a national network of antenatal and postnatal classes that support, celebrate and empower mothers through the critical first 1 000 days of a child’s life.
According to the clinic’s Sister Antoinette Molefinyane this five-week Antenatal Care Programme consists of 90 minute classes twice a week.
During the course mommies are taught about factors such as maternal risks and complications, general health, self-care, stages of pregnancy, baby development, how to connect with their baby, and the correct nutrition and diet.
“Pregnancy, childbirth and the first few months with a newborn are unlike any other time in a mother’s life. That’s why we want to prepare these mothers so they know what to expect. We are here to support them in any way possible; they are not alone,” Sister Antoinette said.
“If mothers take initiative and come to us, we are happy to give them love and support. Happy mommy, happy baby. We really encourage pregnant women to book for this programme as soon as they know they are pregnant. The programme of course is free of charge.”
They also offer postnatal classes to assist with all concerns surrounding the infant and self-care.
On Thursday, May 5 Sister Antoinette and Flourish class presenter, Lucky Phatlane hosted the first-ever graduation ceremony for five special mommies who completed the clinic’s first-ever Antenatal Care Programme.
The mothers were welcomed with a baby shower during which each of them received a certificate and a special Flourish gift bag. Then they enjoyed a lovely nutritional lunch which the clinic prepared.
“We are very excited that our first programme was successful. We would like to congratulate each mother for completing the course and wish them only the best with the rest of their pregnancy and birth. We are thrilled to host this programme for the next group of dedicated mommies,” Sister Antoinette concluded.
Pregnant women who live in the Helderkruin area and are interested in joining the programme can feel free to contact 011 764 5403 for more information.
