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Anita Bhandara: Knowledge is Power!
Anita Bhandara: Knowledge is Power!
The 10th year celebration of Mumbai Smiles began with an opening ceremony at Holy Spirit Hospital on the 6th April. In the week that followed, Mumbai Smiles celebrated the joy of completing 10 years with its true heroes who make Mumbai Smiles and with whom Mumbai Smiles really works. The 7th of April marked the celebrations in the Marol pipeline community area where the beneficiaries gathered in huge numbers to participate in the events. The President Founder of Mumbai Smiles, Mr. Jaume Sanllorente and Executive Director India, Mr. Narendra Kumar Dundu inaugurated the event.The section that was most precious to the journey and celebrations of Mumbai Smiles was the one where five of its beneficiaries shared their experiences with the people. Their journeys were unique in their own ways and made a difference to who they are and where they have reached. Anita Bhandra was one such beneficiary who shared her story. She is a beneficiary of Mmitra project: This is how her story looks like. It’s a firsthand narration by Anita herself.
“Mumbai Smiles approached me during my 4th month of my pregnancy and asked me there were any infant or pregnant mother in the community? I answered them in affirmative. They made me complete certain procedural requirements and took my mobile number. Since then, I have been getting calls from mMitra and these calls have left me astonished. I became aware of things that I never had an idea about. For instance, in pregnancy period, while walking if one falls short of breath or the legs or hands swell, one should see the doctors. The reason for this is that during pregnancy, one can get
Tuberculosis. I had no idea about something like this. In the second call, they told me about my meals and nutrition. They informed that I should avoid eating Rusk Toasts with tea in the morning and should opt for healthier meals such as cereals. They also informed that during pregnancy, I need to avoid taking usual pills for managing pain. The expiry dates of the medicines should al
ways be checked to avoid adverse effects on the baby.
Tuberculosis. I had no idea about something like this. In the second call, they told me about my meals and nutrition. They informed that I should avoid eating Rusk Toasts with tea in the morning and should opt for healthier meals such as cereals. They also informed that during pregnancy, I need to avoid taking usual pills for managing pain. The expiry dates of the medicines should al
ways be checked to avoid adverse effects on the baby.
It was my 7th month of pregnancy when they further informed that the baby’s legs, hands and other parts have developed and I should now prepare to welcome the baby – Two months before delivery, a sister, friend or mother should begin to stay around me. In the last call I was informed that 100 folic acid tablets are critical for the child’s development. Once, my doctor advised me to reduce my weight but didn’t tell me the reason for the same. Sometime back I got a call from mMitra and they informed me that excess weight during pregnancy can cause diabetes. I was extremely delighted to know all such information.
From the time I joined mMitra, I have had an amazing experience throughout my pregnancy period. mMitra has truly become a ‘mitra’ for me. I am extremely thankful to Mumbai Smiles for carrying out such initiatives in the community.”
We look forward to make a difference in the lives of many such beneficiaries over the years to come!
Click below to view her video
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