Flourish

27/02/2026

Today marks a significant day on our calendars and in the lives of many women who have experienced obstetric violence. Today, Embrace, the Movement for Mothers will lead 'Laundry Day', a powerful public demonstration outside of the National Department of Health (NDoH) in Tshwane, calling for an end to obstetric violence and for respectful maternity care for every woman in South Africa. Here, hospital bedsheets will be turned into a public testimony of women’s experiences.

Grow Great will stand in solidarity with Embrace at Laundry Day, as we believe that the first 1 000 days of a child's life and stunting prevention are in the hands of a mother's well-being, saftey and protection.

When women experience neglect, abuse or coercion during pregnancy and childbirth, the impact is not only physical. It affects mental health, bonding, confidence and the foundation of early caregiving. Respectful maternity care is not a luxury. It is a fundamental part of giving every child a fair start.

Through our Flourish programme, we create safe spaces for mothers and mothers-to-be to learn, connect and build confidence. Through our advocacy, we continue to push for systems that support women and children from pregnancy onward. Standing with Embrace is a natural extension of this work.

We cannot speak about ending stunting without also speaking about the conditions in which mothers give birth.

We stand for dignity.
We stand for safety.
We stand for respectful maternity care.

25/02/2026

As we look ahead to the National Budget Speech and reflect on the President’s commitment to end child stunting by 2030, we at Grow Great wanted to take a moment to recognise our progress in making this call a reality over the past year.

While Grow Great Flourish had initially planned to reach 14 000 moms and babies across the country in 2025, we managed to reach 17 898 moms and babies. That is 3 898 more mothers supported during pregnancy and in the first months of their babies’ lives.

Behind every number is a mother who feels more confident, a baby who has a better start and a household with stronger knowledge about nutrition, health and the first 1000 days.

This progress matters because stunting is preventable and prevention starts early.

We are now in for a bigger challenge - to help reach the President's mandate. While this may be a challenge, at Grow Great we believe in doing the impossible, especially when it means bringing a change to the lives of many children and babies affected by stunting.

We believe that being at the forefront means many rely on us.
Thuma Mina. Send us.

Because ending stunting starts before a child turns two. It starts during pregnancy. It starts at home and it starts with all of us.

To learn more about Grow Great Flourish and what you can do to help, head to: www.growgreat.co.za

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24/02/2026

Motherhood can feel overwhelming, especially when you feel like you are doing it alone.

Hearing other mothers share their real stories, struggles and small victories reminds you that you are not the only one. It reduces isolation, builds confidence and creates a sense of belonging.

Grow Great Flourish classes create safe, welcoming spaces where mothers can learn, ask questions, share experiences and support one another. Because when mothers feel supported and connected, they are more confident to care for their babies and help them grow strong from the very beginning.

23/02/2026

We are so proud to see our Flourish programme featured in this article and to share the beautiful work happening with moms and moms-to-be in our communities. 💛

Flourish is more than just classes. It is a safe, supportive space where women get practical guidance, build confidence, and walk the journey of pregnancy and early motherhood together. From nutrition and breastfeeding to bonding, mental well-being, and preparing for birth, this is about giving every child the best possible start in life.

If you are pregnant, planning to be, or supporting someone who is, we invite you to read the article and come join our Flourish antenatal and postnatal classes.

Read the article here and find out more:

https://www.citizen.co.za/boksburg-advertiser/news-headlines/2026/02/08/flourish-programme-empowers-mothers-on-the-journey-to-motherhood/

Mothers and moms-to-be are invited to join Flourish, a supportive and interactive programme offering practical guidance and confidence-building activities.

20/02/2026

Every child deserves the best possible start in life.

At Grow Great, we believe the first 1 000 days of a child’s life are the most important. This time starts during pregnancy and continues until a child turns two years old. What happens during these early days can shape a child’s whole future.

During this time, children need good nutrition, love, care and stimulation. Simple things like healthy food, breastfeeding, talking, playing and responding to a baby all help build a strong foundation for life.

Stunting happens when a child does not get the right nutrition and care and becomes too short for their age. But stunting is not just about height. It can affect how a child learns, grows and stays healthy. The good news is that stunting is 100 percent preventable when we act early.

Grow Great believes support should begin before a baby is even born. When mothers are healthy, informed and supported during pregnancy, babies are more likely to grow well.

Through the Grow Great Flourish programme, mothers and mothers to be attend antenatal and postnatal classes where they learn about nutrition, breastfeeding and how to care for their babies with confidence.

Through the Grow Great Champions programme, trained community health workers support families in their homes and help connect them to clinics and health services when needed.

The earlier we support families, the stronger children grow.

17/02/2026

Tune into Alex FM 89.1 today at 09h30 to hear Grow Great Flourish Strategic Lead, Ruth Mathys, discuss the impact of sugar on child nutrition and stunting.

What role does sugar play in a child’s growth and development? And how can families make informed choices that support healthy bodies and growing minds?

Join the conversation and learn how small changes in the first 1,000 days can help children grow strong and thrive.

16/02/2026

Breastfeeding gives babies the nutrients and protection they need at the very start of life.

For the first six months, exclusive breastfeeding supports healthy growth, strengthens immunity and helps babies thrive.

But breastfeeding success is not just about individual choice. It depends on support, information and encouragement for mothers from pregnancy through the early months after birth.

Flourish creates safe, supportive spaces where mothers can learn, ask questions and build confidence to breastfeed successfully.

When mothers are supported, babies grow stronger.

13/02/2026

Grow Great believes that love in the first 1000 days shows up through everyday care.

From feeding and responding to a child’s needs, to creating safe, supportive environments, these daily moments shape how children grow, learn and stay healthy.

By emphasising early care and support from pregnancy through early childhood, Grow Great works to strengthen the foundations children need to thrive.

09/02/2026

Did you know that the journey to a healthy future for your baby starts even before they take their first breath? The first 1000 days of life are crucial, and good nutrition during pregnancy lays the groundwork for optimal development. Grow Great Flourish empowers mothers to transform everyday food choices into a strong foundation for their little ones’ growth and well-being.

06/02/2026

What children experience early in life shapes how they grow, learn and stay healthy. The first 1 000 days represent a critical window where nutrition, care and early support can shape outcomes long into adulthood. Acting early helps prevent challenges before they take hold.

05/02/2026

Join us on ALEX FM 89.1 on 5 February 2026 at 10:30 am for a meaningful conversation as our Executive Director, Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, shares practical insights in support of Pregnancy Awareness Week and the importance of giving every child the best possible start in life. You can listen live at https://www.alexfm.org

04/02/2026

Community Health Workers play a critical role in the first 1000 days. Grow Great Champions support families with trusted guidance on nutrition, growth and early care, right where they live.