September 29, 2002

Bangkok Mothers and Babies International

The Bangkok Mothers and Babies International (BAMBI) group is celebrating its 20th birthday this week. It was established by a small group of expatriate mothers living in Bangkok who recognised the need for a place where foreign women and children could meet and support each other. These women were often wives of businessmen or diplomats who were not allowed to work themselves and many were in Thailand on contracts that would mean a temporary residence of a few years before returning home or moving on again to another city.

These women often had skilled or professional jobs in their own countries and this brought a huge range of talents to the group. Sub groups were formed to meet specific needs, for example, the BUMPS and BABIES group utilises the skills of midwives, child health nurses and breastfeeding counsellors to offer prenatal classes and post natal breastfeeding counselling. Playgroups in several areas of the city offer a chance for the children to mix and socialise and a Charities Committee collects unwanted toys, children’s clothing and equipment from those no longer needing them and distributes them to orphanages, schools and other deserving institutions around Thailand. Fundraising efforts have supported a wide variety of projects including school buildings for Thailand’s Hill Tribes in the north.

Another interesting service that BAMBI has set up is a link to the Central Blood Register. Negative blood groups don’t exist in Thailand, so anyone requiring a transfusion of negative blood could be in serious trouble. BAMBI asks all it members to be blood donors and most willingly agree - after all it could be them or their children who needed a transfusion. With the caesarean section rate quite high in Thailand there is also a potential need for blood.

The BAMBI Magazine is a very professional publication that carries articles and advertising of interest to members. Here can be found useful tips on living in Bangkok and finding the services that make adapting and settling in easier. It is also a means to welcome new members and share experiences.

A guide for nursery schools has also been produced and there is even a wonderful booklet of clothing designs for pregnant women that can be used as the basis for discussions with local dressmakers. I’ve never seen such an extensive collection of maternity dress ideas!

A new publication “Having your baby in Thailand” is about to be released and this will offer basic information about the health care system and suggestions for finding the kind of pregnancy and birth care that expatriates might want. Compiled by Mel Habanananda (see my previous entries) who, as BAMBI founder, is now the Honorary President, it contains the wisdom and insight of 20 years of living and working in Bangkok - a valuable asset for any newcomer.

Imagine that you were suddenly required to go and live in a very foreign land, with small children and perhaps pregnant again, for a period of a couple of years. BAMBI is just the kind of group you would want to know about to make your stay much more enjoyable. Some High Commissions, many businesses and companies and all the removalists now support BAMBI and make sure that new arrivals know of its existence. It is not only a support group for a section of the Bangkok community but a generous supporter of Thailand in a wider sense.

For more information, check out their website: www.bambi-bangkok.org

Happy birthday BAMBI!

Posted by andrea at September 29, 2002 12:31 PM

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Dear Baambi Group,
I am an expat's wife living in Bangkok, I would like to get some orphanages addresses or any groups which collect use childrens clothes to give to orphans or needy children.
Looking forward for addresses.
Regards
Smitha.

Posted by: Smitha on April 13, 2003 02:34 PM

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Dear Bambi Group,
my name is Jess and Im from New Zealand, Im 24 yrs old and Im 3months and 2 weeks pregnant. Ive recently moved to back to bangkok with my partner and am wanting to talk to anyone maybe in my situation or anyone who has been in my situation. Im currently going to bnh hospital for check ups but am not sure about it? I would love to join any new mother groups or new mother classes..............I have so many questions ..........kind regards to all........jess

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