When Lea meets with moms and babies, she pays extra attention to the moms. Lea’s a staff member at a Compassion Nurturers center in Burkina Faso, and she knows how much mothers will sacrifice for their little ones.
“When I visit homes or see mothers at the center, I pay attention to their expressions,” she says. “If a mother looks withdrawn or anxious, I know something is wrong. She may have skipped meals or doesn’t know where her next one will come from. ”
In Burkina Faso, one of the greatest struggles for moms and babies is the lack of consistent, quality food. Most mothers can’t give their children the vital nutrients they need during the early years of development. It also damages the mother’s health, which affects her little ones.
“If a mother doesn’t eat well, her breast milk will lack nutrients her baby needs,” Lea says.
But thanks to the Compassion Nurturers community, moms and babies are receiving the food and training they need.
Lea and the team at the local Compassion Nurturers center deliver baskets of food directly to homes. Recently, she delivered a basket to Nathalie and her little one, Steeve. As Steeve nibbled on biscuits, explored a bag of rice and ripped open a few candies, his mother looked on with gratitude.
“The food baskets are such a blessing,” Nathalie says. “They give me options to cook rice, porridge or spaghetti. Lea doesn't just teach us how to vary our diet — she gives us the ingredients to do it! ”
The impact on her little Steeve is evident. His weight and height are in the healthy range for his age.
“Steeve is growing healthy,” his mom says, beaming. “His favorite meals are spaghetti and sagaboo, a local stew made from corn flour.”
His front teeth have come in strong to help him enjoy the snacks, and he’s crawling faster than most babies in the stimulation room. He’s full of energy, standing with support and beginning to take steps here and there.
Nathalie is also flourishing through this amazing support from Compassion Nurturers. She’s learning to care for her body so she can thrive for her family.
“I love the lessons,” Lea shares. “They open the mother’s eyes to things they didn’t know, like the importance of breastfeeding and proper food preparation. Many moms used to believe that the first breast milk after delivery was harmful and would throw it away. Now they know it’s packed with nutrients for their baby.”
Nathalie is passing on her newfound knowledge to other moms, spreading the impact of your generosity.
“I share what I learn with other moms who can’t attend the Compassion Nurturers center,” Nathalie says. “Being a part of the Nurturers program is a blessing. I’m so thankful to everyone who makes this possible through Compassion Nurturers — thank you! ”
Maria & Amza Update!
Do you remember meeting Amza and his mother, Maria? They are doing great!
Join us in giving thanks to God for Amza's healthy growth, his protection and divine provision. Pray that Maria's trading activities would be successful so she can continue to care for Amza.
Read Maria's Previous Report.
If you feel God leading you to do even more for moms and babies, consider giving a one-time gift to provide additional food and fortified nutritional supplements. Give now.
