AMANDA DAVID
editors@thepatriot.co.bw
In Francistown, a beacon of hope for expectant parents and new moms, Ga Nkuku Parental and Baby Wellness Centre is redefining birth stories by pioneering a revolution of prenatal care that focuses on empowering expectant parents using unorthodox but effective methods to nurture parenthood.
The Managing Director of the center, Tiny Tlhabologang boasts of 42 years in practice as a midwife and general nursing practitioner coupled with work experience from both local and international health facilities, also having worked in government and private entities.
Ga Nkuku, Tlhabologang’s brainchild is the only licensed midwifery-led care facility in the country which not only focuses on ante natal care and post natal care, but also offers parent craft classes, couples and mom’s coaching on pregnancy, labour delivery and breastfeeding, as well as nursing services for home based care clients which is uncommon in Botswana’s health care.
In her many years of experience in the industry, Tlhabologang has observed that Botswana’smaternal mortality rate is significantly high, something that she believes is avoidable by employing basic soft skills.
“Parent craft classes are where we teach someone to be aware of what is happening in their bodies and how they can do things better to prevent complications, especially first time moms who are clueless. We go through pregnancy with them from scratch to birth. I prefer for them to come as couples,” she added.
Tlhabologang explained that initially she preferred to host the parent craft classes in groups to allow expectant parents to engage with one another and share experiences, also adding that it is crucial for expectant mothers to have a strong support system and attend classes with a support person from registration to labour. In couples, she explains that the classes also prepare the expectant mother’s partners on what to expect throughout the journey as well as how they can be supportive to the mother. In her observation over the years, a patient who is aware of what to expect and prepares for the journey is less likely to have complications.
In their endeavor to be a birthing center of excellence, the center ensures clients are prepared for labour, and are taught how to handle the pain, they are able to make birth plans which allow the expectant mother to choose a pain relief method prior to labour.AtGa Nkuku, Tlhabologang gives expectant couples a chance to co-plan their parenting journey, strengthening their bond and encouraging shared responsibility.
“They respond very well to the program, if they both understand what is happening, they are able to share responsibilities,” she added.
Ga Nkuku offers birthing options, breastfeeding prep as well as virtual consultations and classes- a refreshing approach that is breaking Botswana’s health care norms.
A former client of the center who had a bad experience in a public facility during her first pregnancy, Charity Nzala had nothing but praises for the uniqueness and professionalismshe received at Ga Nkuku during her second pregnancy, “The one on one classes are very informative, they help ease anxiety because you are told what to expect and what to do especially new mommies and daddies. I and my partner were taught about pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, what to do and what not to do to avoid complications, as well as good parenting. The environment at Ga Nkuku is comfortable and inviting, the journey was bearable you are free and open. They were with us every step of the way,”
In support of initiatives and facilities such as Ga Nkuku Parenting and Wellness Center that promote partnerships and shared responsility, Support-parents.org published a report titled Voices on Parenting Support Initiatives on
Parenting support and initiatives in Botswana are diverse, targeting various aspects of child development and family well-being. The government and numerous organizations have been working to address the needs of parents and caregivers through a range of programs and policies. For example, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, in collaboration with local entities, have emphasized universal access to parenting support to enhance the well-being of children across all age groups (I-CEPS).
Botswana faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including high unemployment rates, especially among youth, and substantial inequality. In fact, 84 percent of children in Botswana are born into single-mother households, more than half of which are grappling with poverty. These issues exacerbate the stress on families, making parenting support programs crucial.