By Todd Hisey
Fifteen years ago, Laura Birch observed a new mother in need at her Church in Jeffreys Bay South Africa and reached out to help her. That initial act of kindness resulted in the establishment of the The Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic (HMBC), which today the Birch’s fund through the proceeds of hunting at Royal Karoo Safaris, as the clinic receives no funding from the Government of South Africa.
The clinic is managed by Lynette van Onselen whom besides being the Clinic Director is also a Registered Nurse and Midwife. The clinic has few permanent staff but has several very dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly over a few years. The HMBC provides pre and post natal medical care to Mothers and babies. They also educate Parents on personal and baby nutrition; parenting; and Fathers on their role in child delivery and rearing. The clinic also has a clothing store, where families can purchase for a meager price gently used clothing for babies and young children.
My sons, Alexander, Michael and I were able to visit the clinic with Rob Birch on our recent hunt and provide an SCI blue bag donation of baby clothes, blankets, bra’s, toys and soccer balls. With each new birth the HMBC provides the family with a care package which will include many of the baby items that we brought with us. In addition to the basic needs of babies, the clinic is still looking for donations towards or someone to provide the following items: a 4D Ultrasound Scanner; a Fetal Doptone; and two desktop computers.
For more information about the clinic please contact Lynette at vanonselen@igen.co.za.
