*3.4. Theme 4: Circumstances of the Mothers and Their Children during the First 1000 Days of Their Children's Lives*

The participants shared information pertaining to their circumstances during their child's first 1000 days that included living and financial circumstances.

#### 3.4.1. Sub-Theme 4.1: Living Circumstances

The type of housing varied and included houses, flats, and even informal structures made from wood or corrugated iron. More than half of the participants reported positive aspects regarding their living circumstances during their pregnancy. On the contrary, many participants lived in informal structures without water or electricity. They experienced various challenges with regard to their living circumstances. Participant 8 lived with the family of her child's father, but the house was overcrowded with 20 occupants in a small house with no electricity. Other challenges mentioned were substance abuse within the home, as stated by Participant 16: "My mom drank. My dad was on Mandrax".

It appears that some participants' living circumstances improved in the time-period after their child's birth. Participant 18 relocated to another home after her child's birth: "It was nice. The structure was small, but is was warm, comfortable and not leaking or so. It was quite okay". Furthermore, several participants expressed increased conflict after the arrival of the baby: "And in the home, my sisters and I had a lot of fighting. The child cried, they couldn't sleep ... and then the other grandchildren felt now they were being neglected . . . " (Participant 16).
