Before and After: A Mother's Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth
Before birth
Arafa
Arafa (right) poses with her mother (left)
30-year-old Arafa* is a mother of one and is pregnant with her second child. She has known about FAME for a long time as most of her neighbors come here for medical help, despite living more than half an hour away. When she fell pregnant with her first child six years ago, she attended prenatal clinics at a hospital close to her, hoping to come to FAME for the delivery. Due to the distance and the transport costs, she could not afford to come to FAME for the monthly prenatal classes, which would mean taking days off work for the trips.
“I had planned to deliver my first child at FAME, but during my last prenatal visit to the hospital, the nurse asked why I was going so far to give birth. She said since I was healthy and had an easy pregnancy with no complications, this would be an easy birth and I should just do it at the hospital. ‘Anyone can deliver this baby!’ she said. So I agreed and I regret that decision to this day.”
When Arafa’s baby was born, she did not cry for over six hours. The doctors told her that delayed crying did not mean the baby wasn't okay; the baby would cry when they were ready. However, Arafa realized something was wrong the more she held the baby.
“I told my mother I felt something was wrong with the baby and asked her to accompany me to FAME for a second opinion. Since I was still weak from childbirth and could not take the bus, I asked her to find a private car. We arrived at FAME two days later, where we were well received and I believe they saved my child’s life. Sadly, she continues to suffer developmental delays that I am still trying to fix with therapy all these years later, as I was advised by some doctors here at FAME who help children like mine [Dr. Michael Rubenstein and his Neurology Residents from the University of Pennsylvania].”
When Arafa got pregnant with her second child, she decided to do everything at FAME. She attended her prenatal clinics and on her due date, she came to FAME to deliver. However, she didn't go into labor. At 42 weeks, the doctors decided that if she didn’t go into labor soon, they would have to induce (a medical procedure to initiate uterine contractions).
“This baby is not ready to come! I am so tired! The doctors have done tests and tell me the baby is healthy and I can feel the baby always moving. I’m hoping to deliver soon! This is all new to me as my daughter was born on exactly her due date.”
Asked about the gender of the baby, Arafa admits she doesn't know and doesn't want to find out.
“All I want is a healthy child. That’s my prayer.”
After Birth
Arafa with her new baby boy
The night after our interview, Arafa finally went into labor. We caught up with her after her baby was born. Unfortunately, due to complications, she had to have a C-section.
“It was a difficult delivery. My labor was progressing slowly, so I had to be induced. Then the baby couldn’t come out since he was so big; he was born at 9 lbs! So I had to go for a c-section. The doctors and nurses were kind to me; they held my hand and encouraged me. And when they recommended a c-section, I was not afraid because I trusted the doctors to deliver my baby safely. When I heard my baby cry in the operating room, the joy that filled my heart was out of this world.”
“I am so happy! I thank FAME for ensuring I delivered a healthy baby, from the prenatal clinics to delivery. I don’t know how I could ever repay you. I can’t help but think that if I had given birth somewhere else, maybe they would have insisted on pulling out the baby and causing damage both to the baby and myself. Giving birth is seen as normal and easy, but it can be very complicated and dangerous and I thank FAME for helping mothers.”
*The patient’s name has been changed to protect her privacy and permission was secured to share her story. The quotes from this interview have been translated from Swahili to English.