A section of Kenyan mothers on social media has reacted after Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura’s wife, Mukami Mwaura, hit out at those who have been asking questions about the welfare of her son, Njiru Mwaura, who will be turning 1 year and 5 months on June 19.
In an Instagram post on June 9, Mukami criticised those who have kept on bothering her about why her son is late to start walking, terming the questions as hurtful.
“I must admit, being a Preemie mum is not easy. The worst part about it is dealing with questions about delayed milestones... my son will be turning one year 5 months on 19th June, but since he turned one every most people I meet are always asking if he is walking ... others ask me if I have checked his calcium levels to see if he has a problem ... others who are close to me tell me I don’t walk him enough that’s why he is not walking,” read the post in part.
The Instagram post has attracted positive and encouraging reactions from mothers who empathised with Mukami.
Here are some of their reactions:
shish_cassandra_shi said: "People should learn not to compare babies. It’s as if it’s a competition on who is the better mum. I can relate."
sirugrace said: "Preemie moms life is so hard. Some people have it all figured out about your baby's life yet they know nothing about your journey.
"muriukir81 said: "Mukamimwaura it's true what you are saying my son is Cerebral Palsy and the things people say sometimes are so hurtful you want to hide and cry."
prisscillacious said: "Shame on them..."
jgakuya said: "I am a first-time mum and I have realised how it hurts to be asked some questions... so long as the baby is healthy... no need to worry of what people expect."
wanjiru__lilian said: "I am a victim, stigma all over neighbours, colleagues, relatives. I have hated them passionately and I have no regrets. It hurts."
julienduvakariuki said: "Pole dear, we mums need to be nicer to each other. As a first time mum to a boy who is not 'Kanono' to others, there is so much negativity. But I know my boy thrives and grows and I give thanks.”
violetkirubi said: "Mom shaming is real…mine has always been coz my baby has social anxiety and doesn't like strangers. Weh, one time the conversation went all the way to "humuachi acheze na watoto wako na makamasi coz ni wachafu" in front of my husband! I was in a murderous rage!!!!Now I just ignore the woman just like her man does."
nkathamuthuiya said: "Tell them to keep calm and watch the space. My son @4years talking was hard questions were many but who is God he's not a man don't mind them we are doing great."
ritakigera said: "The nerve!! This baby is a miracle a precious gift from God."
Wanjirun said: "Since I became a mom 19 months ago that’s when I learnt to use the ignore button people are so judgmental and give unsolicited advice. My DH and I decided to raise our son the best way we know how at the end of the no kid lands on this world with a manual we are all a product of trial and error."
hilda.biegon said: "People can really give hurting opinions and it's a fact totally wrong of them! Being sensitive to how we speak to moms matters a lot. Njiru is the cutest and I love your committed positivity towards his milestones achievements, don't let anyone change that, we need more mothers like you in this world :-). You're a great mum dear."