WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO

Mama Themba serves vulnerable mothers and their newborn babies, covering the first 1000 days from conception to 2 years of age. We provide prenatal care at local clinics, hospital visits and care bags with necessities at birth. We also offer post-natal and breastfeeding support, both in person and in online support groups. Our services address the high infant mortality rate, HIV awareness and prevention and gender-based violence. These, together with cultural influences, often prevent mothers from using family planning. We equip and empower new mothers to be the best moms they can be for their children. In turn they become positive role models in their respective communities.

WHY WE DO IT

Many mothers in South Africa do not have access to valuable information about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Public clinics and hospitals are often overrun by a large number of patients. Mama Themba aims to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates, while celebrating the miracle of new life and empowering mothers to give the best care possible to their children. Our health education service helps reduce mother and child mortality rates and offers a supportive environment, especially for young or inexperienced mothers. Our care bags ensure that every new mom and baby feels recognized, celebrated and cared for. They fill a huge need, as many mothers have little or nothing for their babies. We provide extra support if a baby is premature or stillborn.

HOW WE DO IT

We believe that every mother deserves to take her baby home after birth, with dignity. Our journey with a mother and baby also helps to address high levels of teenage pregnancy, high risk pregnancies and low birth-weight babies.

Our two peer counsellors educate mothers and host online support groups to advise about breastfeeding, nutrition and various ante-and post-natal needs. Our volunteers connect with new mothers on a direct and personal level by visiting maternity wards and welcoming their new babies. We provide a care bag containing clothing, a blanket and hygiene products for each mother and baby and we offer loving support to those women whose babies have to stay in the hospital for more extended periods.

WHERE DO WE WORK

We serve four local clinics in Sir Lowry’s Pass, Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West and Macassar, together with three state facilities, namely Helderberg, Macassar and Stellenbosch Hospitals.

The areas we work in experience high levels of teenage pregnancy, high risk pregnancies and low birth weight babies.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

MAMA THEMBA ASSISTS BETWEEN 75-100 NEW MOTHERS WEEKLY WITH CARE BAGS. WITH MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT, THESE NUMBERS COULD EASILY BE INCREASED.

•  Pregnancy Care – expectant mothers are educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to have healthy pregnancies and prepare for labour and birth. We also promote HIV awareness and the prevention of transmission of HIV to babies of affected mothers.

•  Postnatal Support – after birth, mothers are provided with invaluable breastfeeding support and education on family planning and child spacing. Individual HIV counselling is given where necessary.

•  Care Bags – these bags ensure that every new mom and baby feels recognised, celebrated and cared for.
They fill a huge need, as many mothers have little to nothing for their babies.

MAMA THEMBA IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR OUR CARE BAGS:

•  Gently used/new baby clothing (0 – 3 months)

•  Knitted jerseys, caps and booties (0 – 3 months)

•  Baby blankets (polar fleece, knitted or crocheted)

•  Sanitary pads/nappies/baby jelly/baby soap/baby lotions