PREGNANT women and mothers can rest assured as the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic (HMBC) in Jeffreys Bay is supplying their clients with much-needed assistance in these tough times during the countrywide lockdown.
HMBC midwife, Else Vooijs, based in town, has noticed a variety of reactions from pregnant women and mothers with newborn babies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Some are worried about delivering their babies, are unsure whether or not they should still attend their check-ups, whether they can still give birth at the hospital and have their partners in the delivery room,” says Vooijs.
“We continue to connect with our clients through social media and provide them with detailed information.”
According to Vooijs, the day clinic remains open with a limited number of staff. They have made changes recently by reducing the number of people visiting the premises by spacing out the appointments.
“We notified those with appointments to call before they arrive, and no spouses or children can attend the check-ups,” she says.
“One of our core values is compassionate care. We love to spend time with mothers and babies, not only those in need. Now parents need effective information and guidance like never before.”
When people cannot attend antenatal classes, they can access the free Sister Lilian Centre at http://bit.ly/SLC-antenatal-course. The website offers instruction videos, podcasts and informative articles.
Moms can visit The Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic Facebook page and receive WhatsApp messages to keep updated.
During workdays, the clinic is available for clients at 042 293 1952 or 076 710 2201 between 08:30 and 14:00 from Monday to Thursday.
“We aim to empower women by educating them on pregnancy and early childhood, and aid them to make informed choices about health, children and family,” says Voojs about HMBC, established by Laura Birch and Margreet Wibbelink in 2002 due to the overwhelming need in the community for a specialised clinic.
Moms
Marna Louw from C-Place is 26 weeks’ pregnant with her second child. The baby is due on July 16, and the plan is to give birth at Life St George’s Hospital in Port Elizabeth where her spouse, Cornelius, and mom, Elna Hendrikse, were with her throughout the first time.
“I am quite scared and frightened about the unknown, knowing I might have to give birth alone and without the support and presence of my husband and mother,” says Louw.
Her last antenatal appointment at HMBC was on April 8. “I avoid the shops as a safety measure. We wash our hands constantly and try to stay indoors as much as possible. When my husband leaves the house to buy food or go to the pharmacy, he sanitises his hands.”
Zoliswa Tom from Ocean View says she gave birth to her boy, Luncumo Tom, at Humansdorp Provincial Hospital on April 6. She was not allowed to have her partner or any other family members present in the delivery room.
“It was tough giving birth without my partner, but I understand the situation and it was important for my baby and me to be kept safe,” she says.
“My partner was also not allowed to visit us at the hospital, and had to drop off baby items with the security.”
Tom has two other children aged 15 and three.
“We protect myself and my family from Covid-19 by staying indoors, washing hands regularly and cleaning all surfaces,” says Tom.
