Anni Singh grew up in a suburban slum outside of Kolkata. The family was too poor to be able
to keep her in school, and at the age of 19 she was married to a garment worker in Fakir Bagan.
After three months of marriage, Anni became pregnant, but her first pregnancy ended in
miscarriage. Anni then found herself coughing incessantly and was diagnosed with Tuberculosis.
Tanisha Sonkar was her mother's first child. After her birth, Tanisha's mother was
afflicted with postpartum depression which adversely affected her flow of milk.
To make matters worse, Tanisha's mother also had a breast structure problem which
further reduced the amount of milk available for feeding. With the supply of
breastmilk so inadequate, Tanisha herself rejected breast
feeding altogether. The family purchased infant formula which they mixed with impure water. Tanisha, as a result suffered from diarrhea infection and lost so much weight that she became severely emaciated a condition known as marasmus.
feeding altogether. The family purchased infant formula which they mixed with impure water. Tanisha, as a result suffered from diarrhea infection and lost so much weight that she became severely emaciated a condition known as marasmus.
By this time, the family became concerned that the baby might be cursed. Nonetheless, the parents brought Tanisha to Calcutta Kids and emergency actions were taken. The doctor assured the parents that that there was no curse on the baby and explained the breastfeeding problem. The parents were also told that Tanisha's weight loss was due to formula mixed with unclean water. Counseling was provided both to the mother and to the mother in law. They were instructed to introduce complimentary foods to the infant earlier than normal along with special supplements provided by Calcutta Kids. The parents were also instructed to bring the child immediately to the Calcutta Kids office if further problems developed. Happily none did, and Tanisha now is healthy and growing normally.
How you can help children like Tanisha