25/06/2025
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Warning long read.
My aim with these posts is to change the negative perception people have of birthing at state facilities. There are many positive births happening daily and lets shine the spotlight on those ones to reduce fear in mothers who have no medical aid or additional funds to pay for private.
When I started my shift I met Shamila (name changed ) for the first time at around 930 am. She is a first-time mom, and her partner was with her. She was in transition phase around 8cm dilated and I thought this baby will be born soon. Her husband was by her side. Both were petrified and her panicked state as i walked in told me she was filled with fear. I smiled at them both and she asked me for painkiller because she can’t handle the pain anymore. This is very typical of a mother in transition as it starts to get intense. I told them everything they experiencing is normal and her body knows what it is doing.
The dad asked me why the nurses are not helping them; I told him that the midwives are unable to do anything for her as there is no medical pain relief available in the birth centre , however he can do other things to help her cope with the pain. Also, they are managing multiple other patients in the facility and doing all the admin on their progress. This information helped them to manage their expectations and shift their game plan.
I showed him how to apply pressure to her sacrum on the tailbone when she is having a contraction. While she was having this contraction I prayed through it. Laa ielaaha iellalaa (There is no other God but Allah). After every pain I told her that she got through it with bravery and strength and she can do another one.
When it came time to push an hour later, dad became increasingly tense and fearful. He also didn't have sleep the night before, had nothing to eat and emotions were running high as she had been in labour since the afternoon before.
I gave him something to eat, he went to take a toilet break and smoke break to reset himself before the Grand finale.
Upon his return, the mom was fully dilated however, her urge to push was not there yet. The Midwife was patient with her . The less interference in the natural process the better.
She wanted to lay on her back even though we offered her to change positions. Her pushing was long and tense and lasted over 50 minutes at this stage the midwife started preparing for an episiotomy (to cut to make more space for baby to come out) but luckily the baby descended and was born. He was stimulated a bit and dad and I both stood there praying and overcome with emotion. His wife was crying and he embraced and kissed her as they heard their sons first cry, and the emotions swept over them.
Once again, I worked alongside a midwife who was firm and gentle with her approach. She spoke to them with respect and care. I thanked her for allowing me in her space. Dad held the baby on his chest skin to skin, and he stopped crying immediately. He made Athaan (call to prayer) in his baby's ear. It was a beautiful Day.
By changing perspective of people and helping them understand the healthcare staff better and their role in the process, patients leave the state facilities more satisfied with the experience.
