Twenty-eight mothers-to-be, including 12 under-18 teens, received basic necessities and words of support and encouragement at baby showers held for them last Friday at The Zoe Project’s office in Mitchell’s Plain.

The Zoe Project, which has an office behind the Mitchell’s Plain day hospital’s midwife obstetrics unit (MOU), is a non-profit organisation that works in MOUs in the province, providing free services by trained volunteers. These include doulas, counselling, nursery assistants, mom-and-baby supplies and antenatal classes ("Zoe Project in need of doulas,“ Plainsman, February 15 2023).

The mothers-to-be at last week's two baby showers had just graduated from a free ten-week antenatal course.

“This is to prepare the mothers for labour, especially the teenage mothers," said Zoe Project founder Tracey Aitken, describing the aims of the course. "When they have knowledge about labour, they can remain calm to the process of giving birth to a child. This also allows them to be welcomed into the Zoe family too.

“Not all of these ladies get to have a baby shower. They are given gifts at the baby showers such as sanitary pads, wet wipes, baby growers, and receiving blankets in carrier bags. This is to celebrate life, and we also get them a certificate, a crown and recognition. This is about affirmation and confirmation that they’re going to be great moms and we’re there to support them.”

Zoe Project volunteer Lindsay Harvey said it was vital to educate teens on how to have a healthy pregnancy, birth and early motherhood because there were many myths surrounding those issues.

“Empowerment through education that is fun and practical can be life-changing not only for teens but for their children as well,” she said.

“It’s been a privilege to be a part of these young mothers' lives and to hold cute babies along the way. We arrive to teach them, but I know I’ve learned a lot from them. As someone who is yet to be a mom, they inspire me with their courage and tenacity to be the best moms they can be,” said Ms Harvey.

Graduate and second-time mom, Marche’ Brandt, 31, of Tafelsig, said she had learned things she hadn’t known.

“I’ve encouraged the young mothers in my street to attend this course as it can help them. I got acquainted very quickly with the mothers. We’ve become like a family.”

Another second-time mom, Nashiega Hendricks, 23, of Heinz Park, said of the programme: “It helped me a lot. I will be able to handle my child better and take care of myself, which is one of the most important things to do as a mother. I’ve learned things at The Zoe Project I’ve never learned before. Young moms should definitely join this programme.”

The next antenatal course starts at the end of May, and expecting mothers need to book. For more information, visit the Mitchell’s Plain MOU at the Mitchell’s Plain day hospital in Town Centre or contact The Zoe Project on WhatsApp at 072 834 3888 or email at info@thezoeproject.co.za or follow their Facebook page.

Twelve under-18 teenage mothers graduated from their antenatal course on Friday April 26.

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‘They will be great moms’