Mildred Wesonga is a mother of three and a teacher at Perija Educational Centre in Kibera. She is well known for her warmth and love for children. Her passion for teaching young learners runs deep, but her journey to motherhood has been filled with both joy and heartbreak.
Thirteen years ago, Mildred experienced the unimaginable loss of her firstborn during delivery; a tragedy that would shape how she approached each pregnancy that followed. When expecting her third child, she was determined to find a place where she would be treated with compassion and care, especially as a mother with a delicate history and a deep need for understanding.
It was a neighbor who first told her about CFK Africa’s Tabitha Maternity Home (TMH) in Kibera, noting its reputation for respectful and community-centered maternal care. With her previous complications in mind, and concerns raised during her prenatal visits about a potential recurrence, Mildred decided to visit TMH. Medical staff had informed her that her baby’s position was unclear, an issue she had encountered before, and that this pregnancy could be risky.
From the moment she arrived, Mildred knew she had made the right choice.
“Right from the entryway, I felt a sense of calm,” she recalls. “The staff were kind, and Nelson, one of the nurses, really spoke to me in a way that eased my anxiety.”
During an ultrasound, CFK’s sonographer confirmed that her baby would need to be delivered via cesarean section. It was a difficult moment, but unlike her past experiences, she did not feel alone. The TMH staff walked with her through every step of the process, ensuring she felt informed, supported, and safe. She was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for the C-section procedure, and CFK’s ambulance transported her free of charge. Nurse Nelson stayed by her side all the way to admission, a gesture of kindness she says she will never forget.
Her baby Delisha was born healthy, and for Mildred, it felt like a miracle.
TMH staff continued to check in on her and her newborn with daily calls, guiding her on everything from breastfeeding techniques to emotional recovery. She was advised on postnatal care routines, including immunization schedules for her newborn and the importance of protecting her baby through timely vaccinations. CFK’s Community Health Promoters made home visits to ensure both mother and child were recovering well, providing the kind of follow-up support that is rare but deeply impactful.
Having received such comprehensive and compassionate care, Mildred has become an advocate for other women in her community. She regularly speaks to fellow mothers about the importance of both pre- and postnatal care and routine vaccinations for children, encouraging them to seek support early and stay informed. “I was lucky to be close to the TMH staff,” she says. “They gave me the best information, and now I can pass it on to others who may not know where to turn.”
Today, Mildred speaks of her experience with both gratitude and empowerment. Her story demonstrates that respectful maternal care, paired with clear health guidance, can change lives. For her, the difference was not just in the safe delivery of her child amid potential delivery complications, but in the ongoing care that gave her confidence and peace of mind.
As we commemorate World Immunization Week, Mildred’s story shines a light on the importance of integrated care; from prenatal support to safe delivery, and the crucial role of vaccination in protecting newborns. Her motherhood journey is one of hope, and of the quiet power that comes when communities are equipped with the right information, support, and services – at just the right time.
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