God IS at work.....

Testimonies from the Perinatal Education Groups Reunion celebration-  

Nomphilo shared powerfully how God has helped her through her pregnancy and labour. At 16 she became pregnant, and being a severe asthmatic she was told that she would most likely have to have a Caesar, which she was very afraid of. Towards the end of her pregnancy she was hospitalized at Grey’s for observation. She went on to have a normal labour and uncomplicated delivery, which was completely unexpected. She claimed that she followed our methods of non pharmacological pain management and hardly experienced any pain. After delivery, she was able to teach all the other mothers in the ward how to bath their babies! What I loved about her testimony is that she really was giving all the glory to God, for providing the support and care she needed through Ethembeni.

Zinhle, shared how she was a member of the first ante natal class. She shared her story of extreme poverty, and the hope that she found in the group. She also told of how she would phone me up at night, and when she went into labour, how I came to see her at Northdale… She testified that she has visited the group regularly and feels welcomed and loved. We assisted her to get to Howick and obtain a birth certificate, and get a Child support grant at SASSA. She would not have been able to do it on her own (Or so she says!!)

Thobile, who has not had her baby yet, and has only attended 3 of the classes so far, shared how she felt so proud of herself. She had learned so much in our classes, that on her last visit to the clinic she was teaching the other mothers about exclusive breastfeeding and labour! Apparently the clinic sister was so impressed that she wanted to know where she was learning all this information. It really touched me to see a beautiful woman of God, bursting with pride and a sense of self worth, because she has been empowered.

Thuniywe is becoming more confident in her knowledge with each week, and she is using her skills as a coordinator and trainer effectively. Ntombizonke has assisted me on occasion as a superb translator, and she shows promise for leading group activities as she is exposed to more of our groups and learning opportunities. Both Tutu and Zonke came with me to the May Childbirth Educators Forum in Umhlanga, and I was inspired by their willingness to grab opportunities for learning. Nelly Mlotshwa has recently shown an interest in being part of our team, and she certainly brings enthusiasm and spiritual zeal to the occasion.