In an attempt to reach carers and babies in need, be it a baby with some form of special need, colic or sleep problems, trauma at birth, Mums with post natal depression, single parents and those living in poverty, as well as parents/carers in the community who simply want to meet other Mums and have the opportunity to give their babies a good start in life, Kiya decided to start an early stimulation program in April 2007.

The program includes baby massage and baby sign, play and basic medical support.

At The Rainbow Centre, staff are currently working with just a few Mums and babies, including 2 recently orphaned when their Mother died tragically in hospital and who are now living in The Rainbow House. Their substitute Mums are currently attending the sessions and already the bonding benefits of massage are showing through.

At Mama Cocha, the program has already attracted 22 babies and their parents/carers allowing us to reach out and provide vital support to many more members of the community in Los Organos and the surrounding villages.

We believe that by encouraging parents to give their babies regular stimulation, communication aids (sign) and positive touch (massage), we will help cut down the number of abuse cases, encourage and promote bonding between parent and baby, help the baby reach their full potential in the years to come and encourage them to feel confident and respected by their parents and community.

In a community where there is no such thing at present, as a postnatal class, this program is vital. The stress of parent hood in those first few years is hard anywhere, sleep deprivation alone can cause many problems between parents and baby in any culture, but in a community where there is little to no support, unreliable water supplies, numerous health hazards and the isolation of the villages, these first few years are often wasted and begrudged due to the desperate circumstances and lack of support.

We hope that with this new program we can help parents and babies begin their love affair and go on to develop happy, healthy relationships.

We are currently looking for sponsors for this new program. It will cost on average an extra $2,000 per month and provide up to 100 parents/carers and babies with much needed support.

If you feel you can help, please contact Suzy: info@kiyasurvivors.org

 

Suzy and Bruno

“There is no substitute for a parents nurturing touch.
Through touch, babies receive the love that passes
from your heart, through your hands and they first learn
the comfort and security of being loved.”

 

Suzy Butler:
Director/President of Kiya and
IAIM qualified Baby Massage Instructor