The Love Maternity and Rotary Club of Maloti have teamed up to support maternal mental health and well-being by donating essential items to new mothers and their infants at Hands of Compassion Orphanage in Ha Pita, Maseru, as a part of Maternal and Child Health Month celebration.
In this conversation with theReporter’s ‘Mantšali Phakoana, the founder of the Love Maternity Founder, Refiloe ‘Mateboho Makote, shares their vision for supporting maternal mental health. The maternal mental health activist also highlighted the importance of community engagement and care for vulnerable mothers and new-borns and the organisation’s initiatives.
What inspired The Love Maternity to launch its Maternal Mental Health Campaign, and how does this initiative aim to support new mothers?
The campaign was born out of a deep recognition that while physical care during pregnancy and childbirth is essential, the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers is often overlooked. Within Love Maternity we have nurse midwives who are also community health advocates. They have witnessed first-hand how maternal mental health challenges, like postpartum depression, anxiety, and emotional isolation, can silently affect women, especially in underserved communities.
The Love Maternity seeks to create safe spaces where mothers feel seen, heard, and supported. This initiative offers education, emotional support, and practical resources to help new mothers navigate the complex journey of motherhood with dignity and strength.
Can you elaborate on the partnership between The Love Maternity and The Rotary Club of Maloti, and how this collaboration will enhance the initiative’s impact?
Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Maloti is a powerful example of community-driven collaboration. Rotary brings a wealth of organisational strength, volunteerism, and global advocacy for maternal and child health. Together, we combined expertise with grassroots mobilisation to reach mothers who might otherwise be left behind. Rotary’s support amplifies our message, expands our reach, and ensures that our campaign is not just a one-time event but part of a sustainable movement.
How did you choose Hands of Compassion Orphanage as the beneficiary of this outreach event, and what do you hope to achieve through this partnership?
Hands of Compassion Orphanage reached out on their Facebook page for anyone who can assist them as they house new mothers and they realised that they were struggling to support them mentally. We saw the post and responded. We found the request aligned well with our mandate of offering psychosocial support for mothers and families.
What specific maternal mental health challenges do new mothers in Lesotho face, and how does your initiative address these issues?
In Lesotho, many new mothers face profound emotional and psychological challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream maternal care. One of the most pressing issues is anxiety and fear of the unknown, particularly among first-time mothers who are navigating unfamiliar physical changes, social expectations, and the responsibilities of caring for a newborn. This fear is frequently compounded by past experiences of pregnancy and nursing, including complications, loss, or trauma, which can resurface and influence a mother’s current emotional state.
Lack of social support is another significant barrier. Most mothers experience isolation due to absent partners, limited family involvement, or societal stigma surrounding mental health. Without a strong support network, feelings of loneliness and helplessness can intensify. Moreover, access to mental health services remains limited, particularly outside urban centres.
There is a shortage of trained professionals, and mental health is still not fully integrated into routine maternal care. This gap leaves many mothers without the tools or resources to seek help when they need it most. To address these challenges, Lovematernity Lesotho has developed a comprehensive initiative focused on education, advocacy, and collaboration. Key components include:
- Education on maternal mental health, designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip mothers with practical coping strategies.
- Counselling referrals and peer support networks, offering safe spaces for mothers to share their experiences and receive emotional guidance from trained facilitators and fellow mothers.
- Advocacy for the inclusion of maternal mental health in national policies and clinical guidelines, ensuring that emotional well-being becomes a recognised and protected aspect of maternal care.
- Strategic collaboration with stakeholders including healthcare professionals, NGOs, and community leaders, to build a sustainable and culturally sensitive support system.
What kinds of items were given during the outreach event, and how will these support the mothers and infants at the orphanage?
We donated baby essentials: Food, diapers, clothing, and shoes. Mother care kits: Food and clothes. Mental wellness materials: Psychosocial support and affirmations.
These items serve both practical and emotional needs, helping mothers feel cared for and empowered to nurture their children despite challenging circumstances.
How does this initiative align with Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month, and what message do you hope to convey through this partnership?
Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month emphasises the importance of ensuring that mothers and children have access to quality care focusing on improving the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide. Our initiative aligns perfectly by focusing on the often-neglected maternalmental health dimensions. Through this partnership, we aim to convey that maternal health is holistic, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. We want to inspire communities to prioritise emotional wellness as much as physical health.
Can you share some statistics or insights on the importance of maternal mental health and its impact on both mothers and children?
Globally, one in five women experience a mental health disorder during pregnancy or postpartum. In low-resource settings, this number can be even higher. Untreated maternal mental health issues can lead to poor bonding between mother and child, developmental delays in infants, and increased risk of maternal suicide, which is a leading cause of death postpartum. Investing in maternal mental health improves outcomes for both mothers and children, fostering healthier families and communities.
How do you plan to raise awareness about maternal mental health beyond this outreach event, and what strategies will you employ to engage the broader community?
We are launching a community education campaign that includes:
- Radio and social media outreach.
- School and church-based workshops.
- Training for community health workers on maternal mental health screening.
- Collaborations with local clinics to integrate mental health into routine maternal care.
- Collaborations with other organisations focusing on community engagements like us
- We aim to normalise conversations around maternal mental health and equip communities with tools to support mothers.
What role do you believe community support plays in promoting maternal mental health, and how can individuals get involved in this initiative?
Community support is foundational. When mothers feel supported, they are more likely to seek help, share their struggles, and recover. Individuals can get involved by volunteering at outreach events, donating baby and mother care items, becoming mental health ambassadors in their neighbourhoods, and simply checking in on new mothers and offering a listening ear. Empathy and presence can be life-changing.
How will you measure the success of this initiative, and what are your plans for future outreach events or collaborations?
We will say it was quite a success, attendance was good and the beneficiaries appreciated the support with so much warmth, we even had support from World Vision, which is widely recognized for impacting communities positively.
We plan to expand to other districts, host quarterly outreach events, and develop a Maternal Mental Health Toolkit for community health workers.
What message would you like to convey to new mothers in Lesotho who may be struggling with maternal mental health issues, and how can they access support through your initiative?
To every mother: You are not alone. Your feelings are valid. Help is available, and healing is possible. Through lovematernity Lesotho, you can access support groups, educational resources, and referrals to professional care. Reach out to us via our social media platforms or through local clinics partnered with our initiative. You deserve care, compassion, and community.
How can other stakeholders get involved in supporting maternal and child health advocacy, and what specific actions can they take to make a positive impact?
Other stakeholders can advocate for maternal mental health inclusion in public health policies, support local organisations working in maternal and child health, educate themselves and others about the signs of maternal mental health struggles, sponsor care kits or donate to outreach events, share stories and amplify the voices of mothers in their communities. Every action, big or small, helps build a society where motherhood is honoured and supported.
