The ‘baby caller’ - Herbalist claims she helped more than 600 women get pregnant last year

A Jamaican woman claims to have been enjoying significant success in helping others achieve their dream of motherhood through the use of herbal products and natural remedies.

The woman, DonMama, a herbalist, said she achieved 621 successes last year, with 74 per cent of that number being women living overseas. She said that 81 per cent of those women have never been pregnant before.

"Recently, I have seen an uptick in the number of women who have late and irregular cycles, and little or no ovulation at all. And not only that, some women are complaining of more recurring yeast infections that can lead to blocked tubes and infertility," she said.

DonMama, whose given name is Shantelle Johnson, said that women with fertility problems who contact her are interviewed and a herbal treatment protocol is developed the help of her eldest daughter and assistant, Princess Gamila. She told THE STAR that the females are not always the ones with fertility issues but stated that men are often times hesitant in getting help.

"I have been seeing more males with low sperm counts and that could be a result of environmental and dietary complications. There are many people who are trying to conceive. I see a lot of men who have low sperm count, it's not only the food they consume, it could be a result of the chemicals, lotions, which causes a hormonal eradication, there are many things contributing to the eradication of the hormones, and the low fertility rate," she said.

"The men usually think they're untouchable and can't have any issues so when a man actually comes to me for help, I am always extremely elated because it is so rare," she added.

The latest edition of the Reproductive Health Survey pointed to a decline in Jamaica's fertility rate. The country's total fertility rate declined from 4.5 births per female between 1973 and 1975 to 1.9 in 2021, contributing to a decrease in the country's population.

Prominent urologist Dr Elon Thompson said men from various age groups have walked into his office with fertility issues.

"I have seen men from age 20-65 years old saying that they are trying to conceive, but it is not happening. Worldwide, we are seeing a reduction in fertility rates and that has been studied and observed. When we do the work ups we are not finding any particular reason for it," Thompson said.

The urologist said there are no magic wands to eradicate the issue of low sperm count and urges males to get medical help if they have difficulty getting their partners pregnant.

"I would encourage persons to investigate and try to find the source of problem. What we don't want is for persons to be consuming things that they think will work and it doesn't help them, but actually makes matters worse. I would encourage persons that whatever they are taking or consuming to improve their sperm count that there be some scientific evidence that will assist with improving the counts which will ultimately lead to conception," he said.