The Coming of Naledi

The Coming of Naledi was written as a reflection on the experience brought about by the birth of a daughter, a star, Naledi! It speaks to young mothers around the issues of uncertain relationships that end upon having the first child, which is a common phenomenon in our country. It also speaks to knowledge, or the lack thereof, in relation to motherhood, and how broad and common postnatal depression and anxiety are amongst young mothers who are most likely handling school, work and raising a child, let alone the cultural expectations placed upon women to carry through motherhood to be validated as a woman.

The book also addresses infertility and the problems encountered before one conceives, and the burden of the lack of support women receive during this difficult time. Fertility is a sensitive issue that needs to be treated as such, and the author’s experience of almost losing Naledi made it important for the book to address what lies beyond.

Most importantly, the book is a reflection of how important it is to write for and to our children, so that one day when we are no more, our children can refer back to our documented communication, building an unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters. It is made to be enjoyed, to educate, and to open our minds to become better people with more empathy around pregnancy, losing children and fertility problems encountered by many women.