At their tender age of 6 weeks, we started planning for Cia, Lia, and Nia’s vaccination visits to the clinic. Let me tell you, this was no ordinary visit to the doctor—it was a wild ride full of
emotions. The night before our grand expedition, sleep eluded me as I worried about the tales of cranky babies after their jabs. I had a nightmare even before the needle touched their delicate skin.
Armed and Ready: The Early Morning Departure
With the break of dawn, I sprang into action, rallying my household troops to prepare the girls for battle. We were determined to be the first on the vaccination queue, arriving at the hospital promptly at 8 am. Wise advice guided us to get the jabs done early, so we could
face any side effects (the storm) during the daylight hours.
By 7.45 am, we were packed and ready to go. Diaper bag? Check. Enough milk to rival the rivers of the Serengeti? Double-check. We were armed to the teeth, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Off we set in our trusty family van, our mini-army marching towards the
hospital, filled with hope and a touch of trepidation.
With our trio snugly settled in their strollers, blissfully unaware of the adventure that awaited them, we set off. This was more than just a regular outing—it was a crucial mission to protect
our little ones from the perils of the world, one needle prick at a time.
The Unexpected Twist: Milk Overload
Little did we know that our meticulous preparations were bordering on the absurd. The hospital staff kindly informed us that we should refrain from feeding the babies milk for at least 30 minutesafter the vaccination. Oh, the irony! Our home was a mere 15 minutes away from the hospital. Milk overload, anyone? The struggle was real.
The Symphony of Tears: Vaccination Drama Unfolds
Finally, the moment arrived. The first baby, Cia, received her jabs and promptly let out a cry that echoed through the African savannah. Baby Lia and Nia, not to be outdone, joined in with even louder cries, as if competing in a vocal contest. Oh, the drama! It was like a
symphony of tears and high-pitched wails filling the air, making those in the
waiting room raise an eyebrow or two.
And so, our vaccination adventure began, complete with its fair share of chaos, tears, and, yes, even some milk-related mishaps. But we persevered, knowing that this was just one of the many battles we would face as proud parents. Together, with love, laughter, and a touch of humor, we would conquer the challenges and protect our little ones from the perils that lay ahead.
African Wisdom Shared: Tips for Your Own Vaccination Journey
In the spirit of African wisdom, here are a few tips to help you on your babies’ vaccination journey:
1. Rise with the African Sun: Early Morning Visits – Take your little ones for their vaccinations early in the morning so they can face any side effects during the day, sparing you a long and sleepless night.
2. Know Your Milk and Vaccines: Preparing Ahead -Check in advance which vaccines might react to milk, ensuring you’re well-prepared and avoid any surprises.
3. Timing is Key: Managing Medication – Avoid giving paracetamol within the first five hours of the vaccine, following the advice of healthcare professionals.
4. Ubuntu in Action: The Power of Unity – Enlist the support of your extended family or friends. This mission requires a collective effort. Divide and conquer tasks like packing the diaper bag, herding the kids, and navigating the vaccination center. Together, as a united
African village, you shall emerge victorious.
