On Saturday, July 12, a small but powerful event took place at Mantenga Crafts Centre in Ezulwini , one that may end up saving lives. Mom & Baby Shop, a new business dedicated to supporting parents during the early stages of motherhood, hosted its very first Infant CPR and Safety Training in partnership with the Eswatini Resuscitation Council (ERC).
This free community workshop welcomed expecting mothers, new parents, and caregivers from all around the area. The session was led by Dr. DeLouis, a paediatrician from the Eswatini Private Hospital (EPH), who brought warmth, clarity, and professional expertise to a topic that is often surrounded by fear and uncertainty, what to do when a baby stops breathing.
The class focused on vital topics that every parent should be aware of, such as:
- How to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest in a baby and when to call for emergency help
- Safe sleeping practices for infants, including tips for preventing sleep-related incidents
- How to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) , a topic that still causes anxiety for many new parents
- The step-by-step method of performing Infant CPR, explained and demonstrated in an easy-to-follow manner
- How to prevent choking hazards, and what to do if a baby begins to choke
What made this class truly special was not just the life-saving knowledge it provided, but how it was delivered. Parents and caregivers were not simply handed brochures or given technical lectures. Instead, they were invited to participate in live demonstrations and hands-on practice, creating a relaxed and open environment where questions were encouraged, and real-life worries could be shared.
Creating a Safe Space for Mothers
Although Mom & Baby Shop has only been open for one month, the team behind it is already proving that their mission goes far beyond selling baby products. “We want to be more than just a shop,” said Ms. Awalwande, the founder of the business. “We want to create a space where new moms feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
The shop was born from her own experience as a mother in Eswatini, a time filled with joy, but also isolation, unanswered questions, and a lack of reliable access to both baby products and parenting advice. “Every mom’s life changes the day their baby is born,” she said. “And only a mother truly understands what that means. But in our country, we don’t have enough platforms where mothers can come together to share the ups and downs. That’s what we are trying to build, a supportive community, not just a business.”
Mom & Baby Shop offers a wide variety of high quality baby and maternity products, from trusted global brands that prioritize safety and comfort. But events like this CPR workshop show that their real goal is deeper: to ensure that parents in Eswatini have the knowledge and tools they need to protect their children and support each other in the process.
A Community-Driven Business Model
One of the biggest takeaways from the workshop was how urgent and necessary this kind of training is. Emergencies such as choking, cardiac arrest, or even stroke in children can happen without warning. And when they do, every second counts. Knowing what to do, calmly and correctly, can mean the difference between life and death.
Bhekani Mlotsa from ERC, emphasized that these are skills every parent and caregiver should have, regardless of their background or education. “It shouldn’t be something you think about after something has gone wrong,” he explained. “You should already know the signs, the steps, and how to respond.”
The success of the event has inspired Mom & Baby Shop to plan more collaborative sessions with health experts, educators, and other organisations who care about the well-being of children and families in Eswatini. “We are open to partnerships,” Ms. Awalwande noted. “We know that we cannot do everything alone, but together we can truly make a difference.”
Looking Ahead
The turnout and feedback from this first CPR class have been overwhelmingly positive, and the team at Mom & Baby Shop is excited to keep building on that momentum. Their vision is to become Eswatini’s go-to hub for new parents, not just for baby gear, but for guidance, emotional support, and community-building.
Whether you’re an expecting mother looking for your first baby wrap, a father who wants to learn how to do CPR, or a caregiver in need of reliable safety tips, Mom & Baby Shop welcomes you with open arms.
For those interested in future workshops or browsing their range of products, the store is located at Mantenga Crafts Centre, Ezulwini. You can also follow them on social media for updates, parenting tips, and upcoming event announcements.
