There are moms without the support or means to provide for their newborn babies.
This is a sad reality on the West Rand, but that is why the Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital launched a Baby Box project – a way to support these moms on a regular basis.
The project was started in 2014 as a response to many expecting women in the area not having the means to prepare for the first week of their newborns’ lives.
Puseletso Mabidikame, spokesperson for the hospital and member of the project, explained in a statement that they had noticed that when moms lack support, are young or have no income, they are especially vulnerable.
“And the statistics tell us that a vulnerable mom is most likely to abandon her baby within the first six days of life,” she said.
This project focuses on giving every mommy the dignity of taking her baby home in new clothes. It also offers kindness and support to these women in one of their most vulnerable times.
“For many moms this is a turning point, and we see them take on their role of motherhood with fresh courage and commitment,” she explained.
She said they are so delighted to have these good Samaritans pop in to throw the new moms a baby shower, and the brightly coloured gift bags always light up their Postnatal Ward beautifully.
The Baby Box project at hospitals across Gauteng is run by volunteers and funded by donors. In 2019 this organisation delivered over 1 600 maternity care packages, but in 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic has left the organisation with many logistical challenges.
“But we continue to do our best to help mommies and their babies during these desperate times,” Puseletso said.
She explained that surveys have shown that the rate of baby abandonment has climbed since the start of the lockdown. Many women have lost their jobs in this time and have no means to support their families.
“It is more important than ever for us to offer kindness and support to as many mothers as we can.”
In June the 947 Breakfast Club highlighted the plight of these moms and babies, and because of their support the project has enjoyed a wider public support base, which has helped in their work.
“We would like to thank all the staff and management at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for their support in enabling us to continue our work among mothers, and for the help in distributing these care packages in the Postnatal Ward,” she said.
Earlier in 2020, Dr Yusuf Dadoo CEO, Patrick Sefholo had this to say about the project during a welcoming ceremony at the hospital: “Blessed is the hand that gives than the one that receives. You are welcome to serve the West Rand community in this institution. The Management gives thumbs up to the essentials in the box. May you also continue to expand your services and attract more donors who share the same sentiments.”
If you want to get involved with the project you can send an mail to info@babyboxproject.co.za.
