Raising Imani
Gospel artiste, Rose Ohon narrated the experience of raising Baby Imani and her other children to Roseline Atieno.
‘I must say motherhood has been a joyous experience. I particularly got excited when Imani took her first steps at nine months, although she still loves crawling.
She has reached a critical stage whereby she crawls all over the house and inserts anything she comes across into her mouth. For this reason, I have instructed my househelp to keep the house clean at all times.
She is also a very hyperactive kid, always grabbing things from anyone around her including her siblings. Her hyperactivity has forced us to remove many things that would harm her from the living room.’
How old is Imani and what do you love most about her?
She is fourteen months old now and very energetic. I just love her joyous nature—it is so innocent. She is such a happy baby who smiles a lot. With a joyful kid you can never feel low because she will always be there smiling at you. You would then have no choice other than smiling back.
How would you describe Imani’s character?
Imani is a baby who loves seeking attention from everyone around her—her father, sisters and me. This is a habit she inherited from me. When I was pregnant with Imani, I enjoyed receiving attention. I loved anyone who noticed my pregnancy.
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
I was faced with the greatest challenge on the day she fell sick for the first time. She had an ear infection which my husband and I had not detected. We took her to a hospital within the neighbourhood for treatment. The doctor was however not able to ascertain the problem because, as we were able to establish later, he was not a paediatrician. He gave us medication for treating colds.
We went home, but her situation did not improve after a few days. In fact, it worsened because she developed a high fever and throat complications. We then decided to go to a different hospital where the paediatrician diagnosed her with an ear infection. Although she was not admitted, we had to take her to the hospital for treatment daily.
How do you cope with the needs of baby Imani and her siblings?
I have a househelp whom Imani has really grown fond of. My husband is also very supportive and helps with raising our three children. For instance. I recently went on a month-long trip. When I came back. I discovered that they had coped quite well.
I also spend a lot of quality time with Imani and her siblings when I am not performing. I love taking her out for walks during sunny days because I believe the sun is good for her health. Sometimes, we go for these walks together as a family.
Right now she is a bit grown up and, therefore, does not disturb us through the night, as she did before. However, she still breastfeeds mostly during the night or when she wants to sleep. Interestingly, she started despising mashed foods when she was eight months old. We have, therefore, been forced to prepare foods for ourselves that she can also eat and enjoy. Hence, when we cook we ensure that the food has a little salt and fat.
What are your expectations of Imani and your other children?
Although I bond with all my kids, I have a stronger attachment with Imani. I would want them to be God fearing children who will be a blessing to their country. Apart from this, I would also like them to take up after me and pursue music as a career.
What advice can you offer new moms?
Giving birth is a covenant you make with your baby—you promise to take care of and give him/her the best you can. Once you agree to bring life into the world you must endeavor to meet all the needs and requirements of that new being.
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