Celeste Williams: Flourish pregnancy, mom and baby classes

18/02/2026

Here is what the President said: A stronger South Africa is built on strong communities. And strong communities look after their children.
More than a quarter of children under 5 are stunted, increasing their risk of disease and affecting their ability to learn and grow. This is devastating for children and their families and has an impact on our society as a whole.
This year, we will embark on a mission to end child stunting by 2030 and tackle malnutrition among young children, in line with the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children.
We will focus on the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
Building on existing support such as the Child Support Grant, we will implement targeted interventions to ensure that pregnant women and low birth-weight children get the protein and nutrients that they need.
This is a massive crisis that demands attention and resources. The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement will set out a clear allocation for the actions we need to take.

A major contributor to child stunting is excessive alcohol consumption, which can affect a child’s development during pregnancy.

20/08/2025

20/08/2025

To reach us, please dial or WhatsApp 0718943251.

10/08/2025

Only 22% of babies in South Africa are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life. That’s a sobering statistic when we know just how powerful breastfeeding is in giving children the best start - a foundation for good nutrition, strong immune systems, and lifelong health.
We’re still far from the global target of 70% according to UNICEF South Africa, but this is not the time to lose hope. It’s a call to action. To walk alongside mothers. To build supportive communities. To break the silence around the barriers that make breastfeeding difficult, especially in underserved areas. And to keep advocating for policies and practices that make breastfeeding not just possible, but easier and more sustainable.
With this , we’re reminded that breastfeeding is not just a personal choice, it’s a public priority. Together, we can create a South Africa where every baby thrives, and every mother feels empowered.
Let’s keep going because when we support moms, we grow greatness.

17/07/2025

Yesterday, our community in Rawsonville received a generous food contribution from our wonderful Mayor Steyn! 🙏🏽❤️ We're deeply grateful for her kindness and commitment to supporting those in need. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our community members. Your compassion and leadership inspire us all! 🌟💕 Breedevallei Munisipaliteit - Breede Valley Municipality

09/07/2025

The first 1,000 days, from pregnancy to age two, shape a child’s whole future. When babies get the right food and love early on, they grow strong in body and brain.
Let’s fuel little ones with care, connection and good food from the start.
Stunting is 100% preventable. Let’s grow great together.

Join our community by following our pages, and if you want to learn more about stunting, send us a WhatsApp message on 060 073 3333.

28/06/2025

Partner with Us to Empower Moms Across South Africa

At Flourish, we believe that every pregnant woman and mom deserves the support, knowledge, and confidence to raise thriving children, no matter where she lives. That’s why we’re calling on non-governmental organisations, community-based groups, faith-based organisations, and workplaces to partner with us in delivering Flourish classes to moms in your communities.

Why Flourish?
Our antenatal and postnatal classes provide vital psychosocial support and practical parenting skills to expectant and new mothers, helping them feel more prepared, connected, and confident. With a focus on early childhood development and maternal mental well-being, Flourish is more than a programme, it's a movement to uplift moms and babies, especially in underserved rural and remote areas.

How it Works:
- We provide the training and limited post-training support.
- Your organisation hosts the classes and connects with moms in your area.
- Together, we create safe, informative and welcoming spaces where moms can grow and thrive.

Join us in making a difference.
Help us reach more moms who need us most. Together, we can ensure that no mom walks her parenting journey alone. Share, Tag, and Repost this post to reach as many organisations as we can.

Ready to partner or want to learn more? Email us on info@growgreat.co.za with the Subject: Partnership for Flourish Moms
or
DM us on Instagram or to get started.

Let’s Flourish together!

19/06/2025

Good nutrition in pregnancy sets the tone for a child’s whole future.

That’s why supporting mothers is one of the smartest investments we can make. The proposed Maternal Support Grant would help more moms put nutritious food on the table in those crucial first 1000 days.

Healthy moms=Thriving babies=A stronger and better South Africa.

Sign the MSG petition here: https://act.amandla.mobi/campaigns/maternity-grant

03/06/2025

https://bhekisisa.org/opinion/2025-06-02-childhood-stunting-is-also-stunting-our-economy-here-are-five-ways-to-fix-that/
Childhood stunting is also stunting our economy. Here are five ways to fix that
By David Harrison
June 2, 2025

* South Africa has a high stunting rate, an indicator of chronic malnutrition that measures if a child is too short for their age, which has hovered around 25% since the 1990s.
* That impacts our per capita GDP - a sign of a country's standard of living - which is 10% smaller than it could be if our children were not physically and intellectually damaged by a lack of nutritious food.
* Our Child Support Grant (CSG) has had an impact - but it's not keeping up with food inflation.
* DG Murray Trust's David Harrison has five low-cost strategies we could use to boost both child health and our economy.

More than a quarter of South African children under the age of five are chronically malnourished. That’s bad for them, their families and the economy — but it isn’t expensive or difficult to fix.

07/04/2025

When you're pregnant, the gender of the baby you're carrying becomes both a curiosity and a conversation starter for many. Did you believe some of the myths you may have read or heard of, or did you solely rely on the results of an ultrasound?

24/03/2025

Andiswa Mthwethwa, who attended mom and baby classes hosted by Thando Madonsela (a former Flourish mom, turned Flourish host) describes her experience with our online mom and baby classes as exceptional. We are pleased that you chose , Andiswa.

A big shout out to our funders, DGMT, The Foundation, The ELMA Philanthropies and This Day for ensuring Flourish plays an impactful role in reaching thousands of mom and children across South Africa.

25/11/2024

Did you know babies from 0 - 3 months should sleep for 14 - 17 hours per day? After birth, the little one will sleep between feeds and the time they stay awake will gradually increase. What were your baby's sleep patterns like?

Pictured, are Flourish twins, Tebogo and Sello Maake, who attended postnatal classes with their mom, Moyagabo Maake.