Two women transform personal struggles into a mission to aid mothers facing difficult pregnancies.
From Adversity to Advocacy
After enduring challenging pregnancies and personal losses, Frances Cheng and Diora Henson, former colleagues in a healthcare start-up, founded Hatch+, a comprehensive platform for new and expecting mothers. With Hatchcare, a social enterprise project launched in May 2023, they provide affordable support services to mothers navigating high-risk pregnancies.
Personal Journeys That Inspired Change
Mrs. Cheng faced a life-threatening condition during her second pregnancy in 2018, while Mrs. Henson experienced three miscarriages and personal grief early in life. These experiences revealed a lack of accessible support systems, motivating them to create a resource-rich platform.
Hatch+ features articles written by medical professionals and a live chat service with in-house nurses. Mothers can access advice on prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric issues, as well as services from midwives and dietitians. Hatchcare offers subsidized consultations for lactation and mental health at $50, available to mothers meeting specific criteria, such as advanced maternal age, pre-term delivery, or symptoms of depression.
Transforming Maternal Care in Singapore
Since its inception, Hatchcare has supported over 320 mothers. Services include:
Postnatal Care: Tips on breastfeeding, newborn care, and relief for breast engorgement.
Prenatal Care: Antenatal classes, pregnancy seminars, and breastfeeding guidance.
Mental Wellness Support: Counseling for postpartum depression and emotional challenges.
The project aims to assist 3,700 mothers annually, about 10% of Singapore’s yearly live births, based on 2022 figures.
Real-Life Impact
Mothers like Claire Lee and Cheryl Chin have experienced significant benefits from Hatchcare. From overcoming breastfeeding challenges to finding emotional support during postpartum depression, the initiative has transformed their parenting journeys.
By addressing gaps in maternal care and fostering a supportive community, Hatch+ and Hatchcare continue to make a profound difference for mothers in need.
