#ThankfulTuesday: NPO, Likhon iThemba: Why desperate mothers leave their babies?
"Society is very quick to judge and blame the
mothers of these babies but the truth is, not many of us have walked a day in
their shoes."
After first responders attended to a baby that was found abandoned in a Verulam bush recently, many people have been up in arms about the letter that the mother left and her intentions.
Of course, it is anything but comforting to know that an innocent child was left alone in a bush of all places. And it is for this very reason we wanted to chat to people who have could offer some light on the topic.
We always see things from the perspective of the child, and rightfully so, because the child didn't ask to come into this world.
But what about the frame of mind of the mother, who is caring for her mental health and wellbeing?
Read more: Abandoned Verulam baby safely at NGO
We spoke to one of the directors at Likhon iThemba, Kim Brown about what they do, and she offered an alternative perspective when it comes to the mothers.
Likhon iThemba which means There is Hope is a registered NPO based in KZN. They have been running for over a decade and through that time we have had over 100 babies and children with special needs be part of our HOLAH (House of love and Hope) family.
Some of these children are in crisis care pending reunification or adoption and others like the special needs children are in their care indefinitely. They situated on a small holding in Crestholme, Waterfall where the kids are thriving.
Kim told us, "They get to wake up to chickens crowing, hunt for fresh chicken eggs, cuddle bunnies, feed carrots to our donkeys and scraps to the pigs. They have space to run and play and be kids."
When asked about the cases where they have dealt with the mothers, this is what she had to say.
We have always been very aware of the abandonment crisis in South Africa. Babies being left in drains, long drops, bins and gutters and so many of these babies do not survive this horrific ordeal. Society is very quick to judge and blame the mothers of these babies, but the truth is, not many of us have walked a day in their shoes. We have no idea what they have gone through and why they have got to the point of leaving their baby in the hope that someone will find them and take care of them. We cannot judge, what we don't know. Through the work that we do we have spoken to many desperate mothers and heard their stories of some very sad circumstances, how hospital workers and social workers judge this mother and refuse to assist them in giving up their child for adoption. So often they are told “You opened your legs, now you must deal with it”
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It is for this reason that they came together as an organisation, a community and joined to create a way that would help save the lives of both mothers and their babies.
Baby savers are a way for mothers who feel they have no other option to leave their baby in a safe space. Sadly, these are not legalised, but NPOs have come together to create baby safes so that these babies have a chance at life.
Listen to what Kim had to say below. If you would like to help in any way, you can visit www.babysaverssa.co.za and help fight to legalize baby savers in SA to prevent more unsafe abandonment and hopefully save many lives of babies.
Share the posts, from their social media pages, or financially support the cost of more baby savers being put in place. And if you would like to know more about Baby savers, how to help or more about our organisation please take a look at their website www.likhonithemba.co.za or our social media pages.
You can also get in touch with Kim on 083 232 5501 email: [email protected]
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