Happy Mother's Day From FAME! - A Mother’s Gratitude
New first-time mom, Zuri*, cannot hide her joy at FAME's Maternity Ward. She had to undergo an emergency C-section to save her life and child.
21-year-old Zuri* is cradling her firstborn child at FAME’s maternity ward. Zuri first came to FAME after she got married and immediately fell pregnant.
“My mother, grandmother and aunties came together to advise me once they heard I was pregnant. They said many things, but what stood out was their recommendation that I come to FAME for my prenatal classes and delivery. They claimed that FAME was a safe place for childbirth and had good doctors and equipment that enabled them to handle emergency pregnancy complications. So I started my prenatal classes at FAME, which provided me with information, skills and support to prepare for the birth of my baby. I enjoyed the classes very much!”
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, Zuri went into labor and came to FAME to deliver.
“I am young and my pregnancy journey was very easy, so I was surprised when the doctors informed me that I would have to undergo an emergency C-section due to fetal distress and my baby not getting enough oxygen. I was in shock!”
FAME's OR Supervisor, Moses Kikonya (right), together with Dr. Joselina Mumbee (middle) and OB/GYN Volunteer from Creighton University, Alana Augur (left), safely deliver Zuri's son.
Zuri’s Son.
Zuri was wheeled into surgery, the fate of her life and her baby’s in the hands of the FAME medical team.
“I got increasingly scared as they wheeled me into the theater. I didn’t say anything, but the nurses could see how distressed and sad I was. They told me that a C-section didn’t compromise my baby’s chance to be healthy. Hearing my baby cry when they pulled him out was the most reassuring noise ever!”
Zuri is doing well after her C-section and is enjoying time with her new baby boy.
“If I had delivered at home, one or both of us could have died. I’m so grateful for all the skilled FAME staff who looked after my child and me and ensured our safety. This being my first pregnancy, they held my hand throughout the process. The service at FAME has been good and everyone has been so kind. I cannot say thank you enough. You are the reason I am a mother! Thank You!”
Despite the unexpected events, Zuri is filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief.
“I would advise every pregnant woman to come to FAME. I believed everything would be fine with my delivery, but at the last minute, everything changed and I was very lucky to have good doctors and nurses to help me. We might have to look a little harder in our area to find a good hospital, but finding a good hospital like FAME to support you during pregnancy and delivery can save your baby’s life and your own!”
*The patient's name has been changed to protect her privacy and permission was secured to share her story. The quotes have been translated from Swahili to English.