The Strength of a Mother

Motšelisi Tsubane is a 23-year-old mother from Lithabaneng, Berea, in northern Lesotho. Her 4-month-old son, Reabetsoe, is healthy and energetic. 

“My son likes it when I sing lullabies for him, you’d see him smile and happy,” says Motšelisi. 

As a single mother, Motšelisi has her challenges. She is unemployed and lives with her mother, ‘Mamotšelisi Tsubane. She’s glad for the guidance from her mother, since she doesn’t always know why little Reabetsoe is crying, which is frustrating for any mother. 

Finding Support

Motšelisi joined Berea hospital Peer Support Group when she visited clinic during her pregnancy.

“Peer Support Group for Young Mothers motivates me to take good care of myself and my baby. It encourages me to persevere even in tough situations, knowing that there are other young mothers who experience similar challenges as mine, but they are still remaining strong,” she says. 

She says the peer support group for young mothers assists her to adhere well to her antiretrovirals (ARVs) treatment and learn best ways to take good care for her son and prevent HIV transmission to her baby. Motšelisi opted to exclusively breastfeed her baby for six months before introducing other food supplements to effectively keep her baby healthy. 

Berea hospital Young Mothers Peer Support Group was established by EGPAF Lesotho in 2017 with the aim of empowering and motivate young mothers living with HIV so as to be resilient and confident in motherhood despite their HIV status and age. The group equipped mothers with knowledge on good nutrition, elimination of mother to child transmission, discrimination, mental health, and provide psychosocial support among others. 

Planning for the Future

Before she became a mom, Motšelisi used to play with other children; but now, she uses her spare time to play with her son which is one of the best moments of motherhood.  

“I have passion for baking muffins. In future, I see myself starting a bakery business selling baked products and generating income to support my family,” she says. 

Motšelisi adheres well to her antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, and she has been virally suppressed. The first HIV test for her son came back negative, which was exciting and a relief. She trusts other test results will also be negative because she adheres well to her treatment.  

She is grateful to her mother for standing by her throughout—especially for reminding Motšelisi to take her ARVs treatment and helping her in taking care of her son.  

Motšelisi appeals to adolescent girls to use contraceptives to avoid unintended pregnancies. She also encourages all girls and boys to test for HIV in order to know their status. She says those who are living with HIV should take ARV treatment and those who are HIV negative should use PrEP to remain HIV free.