A new mom’s world was turned upside down when her newborn son, Lubanzi, was diagnosed with clubfoot. This unexpected challenge tested her strength, but thanks to compassionate medical professionals and Steps Clubfoot Care, she embarked on a journey to treat and heal her baby boy.
Cape Town, South Africa (14 November 2024) – Having a baby is a new and wonder-filled time marked with the promise of endearing moments and seeing your little one adjust to a whole new world.
But, just three weeks into her motherhood journey, Mongikazi Ntunja experienced the unexpected when she noticed an abnormality in her son’s feet.
Unsettled by this discovery, she took her little boy, Lubanzi, to the Tygerberg Hospital earlier this year, where he was diagnosed with bilateral clubfoot, a foreign term and a condition unbeknown to the new mom.
“I had never heard of clubfoot,” Mongikazi recalled.
“The nurse at the hospital told me my baby had clubfoot when he was born, but she didn’t seem too concerned. She reassured me that it could be corrected, which gave me hope.”
After being referred to the clubfoot clinic at Tygerberg Hospital from Khayelitsha Hospital, Mongikazi felt like she was stepping into the unknown. However, she was met with warmth and understanding from the moment she arrived at the clinic.
“My baby’s journey really began at Tygerberg,” she explains.
“On that first day, I was given all the information about his clubfoot. It didn’t scare me. The moment I heard it was treatable, I felt hopeful and positive.”
The grateful mom credits Jane from Steps Clubfoot Care with helping her through the early stages of Lubanzi’s treatment.
“Everything was explained to me so nicely,” she says. “It made the whole process easier.”
Through a series of treatments, including casting and surgery, Lubanzi’s condition has gradually improved. His mother’s love, coupled with the expertise of the medical team, has played a crucial role in his recovery.
The adorable toddler is currently in the maintenance phase of his treatment, wearing his clubfoot brace at night and during naps to help prevent recurrence.
For Mongikazi, Lubanzi’s transformation has been incredible. She now encourages other parents who may be facing the same situation, sharing that Lubanzi’s journey is the perfect example that clubfoot is treatable and nothing to worry about.
“Seeing my son’s progress brings me so much joy. We’re grateful for the care and support we’ve received. My son’s future is full of possibilities,” she adds.
Sources: Steps Clubfoot Care
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