In the heart of the Maasai community, a remarkable woman named Josephin is a testament to the power of education, support, and determination to give her children the best start in life. As a beneficiary of the Child Survival Program, Josephin’s story of resilience, maternal care, and embracing new knowledge has not only transformed her own life but has also positively impacted her children’s lives, especially baby Anaia.
Four months expectant and already a mother to Sandi, a six-year-old, Josephin faced numerous challenges during her first pregnancy, including high blood pressure issues. However, everything changed when she was registered into the Child Survival Program. The program addressed her health issues and provided her with essential guidance and support throughout her second pregnancy.
With the expert advice and proper nutrition provided by the program, Josephin successfully gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Anaia, who weighed a healthy 4.2 kilograms at birth. The careful attention to Josephin’s health ensured that Anaia was born strong and healthy, laying the foundation for a promising start in life.
Understanding the significance of exclusive breastfeeding, Josephin embraced the practice wholeheartedly. She diligently followed the program’s recommendations and ensured Anaia received the best nourishment possible. Exclusive breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and contributes significantly to the baby’s healthy growth and development. Thanks to Josephin’s commitment and the program’s guidance, baby Anaia has been achieving her milestones effortlessly.
In the Maasai culture, traditions and customs have been passed down through generations. Among these customs was the practice of early weaning, where babies were introduced to homemade butter (encholati) soon after birth. However, Josephin’s Child Survival Program exposure gave her a fresh perspective on nutrition and child development. She learned that early weaning could be detrimental to a baby’s health and development. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Josephin made a brave decision to break away from tradition. She ensured that Anaia’s diet was exclusively breast milk until the appropriate time for introducing complementary foods, following the guidance provided by the Child Survival Program.
Josephin’s transformation and the positive outcomes for her children did not go unnoticed within her community. Her decision to embrace new practices for the well-being of her family became an inspiration for other mothers as well. Through her example, more and more mothers in the Maasai community began to question and rethink traditional practices, seeking better ways to raise healthy and thriving children.
