Born in a small village surrounded by rolling hills and lush fields, Abu is the eldest of six siblings. She married three years ago at the age of 21, and has recently become a mother for the first time with the support of Hamlin midwife, Ediget. This is Abu’s story in her own words.
First impressions
“As a new mother, I find myself reflecting on this journey with both gratitude and hope. When I discovered I was pregnant with my first child, I was overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions – joy, fear, and uncertainty. Knowing I needed proper care for both myself and my baby, I decided to visit the health centre in Gorche, which is a two-hour walk across uneven paths from my home. It felt daunting but essential.”
“Upon arriving at the health centre, I was greeted by Ediget. Her warm smile and gentle voice instantly reassured me. She took the time to explain the importance of regular check-ups and vaccinations, patiently answering all my questions, many of which I didn’t know how to ask. Ediget made me feel empowered, and with every visit, my confidence grew about the journey ahead.”
Community and companionship
“The waiting room became my refuge. It was filled with other mothers like me, all pregnant and preparing to welcome new life. We created a little community, bonding over our shared joys and concerns. While waiting for our appointments, we exchanged stories about our hopes for our babies and the worries that crept in during sleepless nights. The companionship I found there eased my anxiety, reminding me that I was not alone on this journey.”
“In those shared moments in the waiting room, I dreamed of the family I wanted to build. I envisioned a home filled with laughter and love, where each child would be nurtured and supported. The encouragement I received from other mothers gave me hope; with this kind of support, parenting felt attainable.”
“As my due date approached, I chose to stay at the health centre. Ediget emphasised the importance of being close by, especially if labor began unexpectedly. I felt secure, surrounded by professionals who genuinely cared about my well-being and the health of my baby.”
A guiding light
“When labor finally started, I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. Thanks to the guidance I received, I was more prepared than I ever thought I could be. Ediget and her team supported me through every contraction, offering words of encouragement that transformed my fears into strength. Finally, when I held my baby boy for the first time, an indescribable wave of joy washed over me. I could hardly believe how perfect he was – tiny fingers, bright eyes, and an adorable face. Holding him close, I felt an overwhelming swell of love, relief, and pride. He was healthy and precious, and in that moment, my heart was filled with happiness I had never known before. “
“The care I received at the health centre became a guiding light in my journey as a mother. Ediget not only helped me through the delivery but empowered me with the knowledge I needed to nurture my child.”
“The waiting room, filled with supportive women and a wise midwife, transformed my experience from one of fear to one of joy and empowerment.”
“I am deeply thankful for the services offered at this health centre and for the community that supports mothers like me. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organisations that made the waiting room possible. Their generosity provides us with a safe and nurturing space to prepare for motherhood and share our stories. The meals, the coffee, and the comforting presence of other mothers helped create an atmosphere where we could breathe freely and support one another.”
“As I embrace this new chapter of motherhood, I am committed to nurturing my child in a loving environment, one filled with warmth and care. I dream of having more children in the future, knowing that with the right support, I can provide them all the love and nurturing they deserve. I look forward to continuing this beautiful journey of motherhood.”
We would like to express our gratitude to The Band Aid Charitable Trust for their generous grant supporting this work.
