This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
November 19, 2019
Rosemary Shikari, a 34-year-old mother of two, founded Mama Toto Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educative Services to support expectant mothers through the pregnancy, labor, and postnatal periods.
Shikari's journey began when she was expecting her second child in 2014. She experienced morning sickness, which left her feeling depressed and realizing that even medical professionals like herself could struggle with pregnancy-related health challenges.
After quitting her job as a programme officer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in September 2016, Shikari pursued her dream of starting a breastfeeding educative initiative. By January 2017, she had launched Mama Toto, which offers four birth preparation classes: labor support, breastfeeding classes, post-partum home visits, introduction of complementary feeds, and grief counseling.
Shikari's initiative works in partnership with Stipa, a community-based health insurance organization in Kisumu. Through the Safe Motherhood Project (SMP), Mama Toto has supported over 2,500 women, sponsoring those in need and providing them with comprehensive support throughout their delivery journey.
Shikari's personal experience and training have equipped her to provide emotional support to mothers, especially during difficult times. She recalls a situation where a couple was expecting a baby boy but was surprised by the outcome, leaving the mother feeling disappointed and in despair. Shikari's agency provided the necessary support to help the mother recover safely and accept her blessings.
At Mama Toto, Shikari and her team of five childbirth educators offer home visits to observe the status of the baby and check if they are feeding appropriately. They also provide artificial nipples called vacuum pumps to facilitate milk flow to the baby's mouth, especially for mothers with dimpled or inverted nipples.
Shikari's passion and persistence have driven her to champion maternal and infant health. She advises pregnant couples on what to do and what to refrain from during pregnancy, making their journey memorable and manageable. Her tip to aspiring entrepreneurs is to have a driving force, even when there is no financial breakthrough, and to prioritize patience and passion.
