Patience: Especially when you’re a single parent

Bianca is a mother of three: Emily, 12, Diego, 7, and baby David. While pregnant with David, she worked 12-hour shifts as a caregiver (CNA) and found that taking prenatal vitamins and minerals from Vitamin Angels significantly improved her energy levels. “At the beginning of my pregnancy, I felt drained, but after taking the vitamins, I felt so much better. It really helped me, especially while working,” she shares. Bianca emphasizes the importance of prenatal vitamins and minerals, saying, “I think they’re important for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.”

At seven months old, David’s favorite activities include watching “Cocomelon,” eating apples and bananas, and drinking lots of water. He is a “snuggler” who loves attention, especially when his siblings return from school.

Being a single mom has its challenges, but Bianca is grateful for the support she receives. Her favorite part of motherhood is caring for her children. “It’s like the love I’ve always wanted to receive, and now I get to give it to my kids,” she says.

Introspection: We already know the answer

Esmeralda is the mother of two daughters, ages two and five months. Her eldest was very excited when she saw her little sister on the ultrasound. “Mom,” she jumped up and down, proclaiming, “I’m going to have a little sister!” With her enthusiastic big sister looking out for her, baby Eranarini will be in good hands.

Esmeralda took prenatal vitamins and minerals from Vitamin Angels during both pregnancies, which were healthy. She preferred working with the midwives at Mujeres Aliadas to having a hospital birth experience. She said, “I didn’t really want to go to the hospital because I didn’t want to be by myself. I wanted my partner to be present [for the birth], so that’s why we decided on a midwife for my second pregnancy.” She continued, “​​Everything [at the hospital] is very calculated. It feels cold, very square, and there are no options.” 

She described Eraranini as having a quick intellect but a mellow temperament – she only communicates when she really wants something. Esmeralda’s advice to expecting moms was: “Rise up, stand up! Listen to yourselves, and be confident that the voice inside knows best.”

Experience: It’s a journey you will never forget

Marion is a 36-year-old mother from Sierra Leone. In a country with one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world, access to prenatal vitamins and minerals is vital for pregnant women. Vitamin Angels provides prenatal vitamins and minerals to Marion and other mothers in Sierra Leone through our program partner, Healey International. Together, we aim to improve maternal health and reduce preventable maternal mortality by improving nutrition and providing early care during pregnancy.

Marion shared that taking the vitamins made her feel good—she even felt better after starting them. “I ate plenty of food, slept a lot, and became quite large while carrying my baby. Very healthy!” she reported. She describes her 11-month-old son Lawrence as an adventurer; he loves to play outside, explore the world, or follow his two big brothers around. Meeting Marion, it’s clear where her little one gets his zest for life!