At Hatch, we don’t often have the opportunity to meet the mothers and babies who receive our Hatch bags, as these are usually distributed by nurses at the hospitals. That’s why it’s always a special experience when we’re invited to attend a baby shower hosted by our distribution partner Didi from Flourish at Huis Magdelena in Boston, Cape Town.
Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Huis Magdelena—a dedicated organisation that provides support to expectant mothers from some of Cape Town’s most underserved communities. Our long-time friend and Hatch partner, Didi, runs a Flourish antenatal course with four different groups of women each year. The course consists of 10 sessions designed to educate and empower mothers during their pregnancy journey.
At the conclusion of the course, a baby shower is held to celebrate the women’s achievements. It’s a joyful occasion where the moms enjoy food, games, and receive a certificate of completion along with a Hatch bag filled with essential items for their newborns.
The women who participate in the program come from a wide range of backgrounds and ages—from teenagers to older moms. Many face extremely difficult circumstances, and not all pregnancies are planned. Despite this, these women show an inspiring commitment to giving their babies the best possible start in life.
The Flourish curriculum, used by Didi, covers a broad range of topics—from nutrition and prenatal self-care to baby massage, breastfeeding, and the importance of bonding through talking and reading to your baby. These sessions provide essential knowledge and create a much-needed support system for women who may otherwise be navigating pregnancy alone.
At a recent baby shower, one mother shared how she nearly missed the event due to gang-related violence near her home just as the Huis Magdelena transport arrived to collect her. Stories like these remind us of the harsh realities these women face daily—and how vital it is to provide them with consistent, compassionate support.
We also regularly ask for feedback to improve our Hatch bags. One request that stood out was the inclusion of a toothbrush and toothpaste—small items that make a significant difference during childbirth and hospital stays. We were more than happy to add these essentials to the bags distributed by Didi to those who complete the Flourish course.
The impact Huis Magdelena has on the lives of these women—and, in turn, their children—is profound. We are honored to contribute in a small way and deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with such an inspiring organisation.
