Nurturing New Beginnings: Breastfeeding and the Road to Parenthood

Helen Mbilinyi
3 min readAug 6, 2023

--

At CCBRT Hospital, I recently found myself face-to-face with a profound truth: if you never ask, you’ll never really know. Often, we craft our own answers, but yesterday, CCBRT shattered that tendency for me.

This week, it’s all about breastfeeding. CCBRT located at Macho, Msasani has been generously providing free counselling, shining a light on the vital role of a mother’s milk for a child. It’s Breastfeeding Week, a time to celebrate and educate.

After a brief internal debate lasting almost half an hour, I summoned the courage to approach the inquisitive desk before me. What awaited me were two radiant smiles — Joy and Restuta. Joy indeed brought joy to my heart, and Restuta’s instant charm and warmth made me feel right at home.

In a heartbeat, I was whisked away to the maternity wing, greeted by two incredible nurses. Their advice became a treasure trove of wisdom that I never anticipated. I was struck by how much there is to understand about breastfeeding — an intricate dance of nourishment.

Now, I’m not yet a mother, but I’m eagerly anticipating that chapter of life. The insights and knowledge they shared with me are invaluable gems that I couldn’t have stumbled upon elsewhere. I’ve shared a few breastfeeding tips on the post below, just in case you’re curious.

What struck me most in our two-hour conversation was their persistent emphasis on a critical point. Buckle up — it’s all about preparation before conception. We’ve all witnessed instances where women were caught unawares, with minimal knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth.

During those transformative times, our bodies and minds embark on a rollercoaster journey of change. As young women, we have the incredible opportunity to acquaint ourselves with these nuances beforehand, savoring the experience as it unfolds.

With Breastfeeding Week winding down, I’m urging you to consider a visit to CCBRT Hospital. There’s more on offer than just breastfeeding counselling; they’re a wellspring of knowledge on reproductive health. For a deeper dive, their social media pages are well worth exploring — trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, and let me introduce you to Sister Christina and Victoria — two phenomenal individuals I met at CCBRT Hospital. These two began their journey as general nurses, only to find themselves becoming the trusted healers of their neighbourhood. A simple street nurse transformed into a village nurse, thanks to the demand from their neighbours.

These ladies, who’ve walked the path of motherhood themselves, have become champions for the little ones. They recognize that while a child’s voice may be hushed, a mother’s can be its most potent advocate. Their dedication stems from the hardship's mothers face, leading them to specialize in pediatric care.

Christina and Victoria firmly believe that nurturing a child involves an unwavering responsibility and accountability on the mother’s part. Their guidance provides a lifeline to mothers, empowering them to ensure their child’s well-being.

As you navigate through this ever-changing landscape of parenthood, remember — knowledge is your greatest ally. So, let’s embrace the journey together, armed with insights from CCBRT and the tireless dedication of individuals like Sister Christina and Victoria.

--

--