Ayinu was a child herself when her mother died during childbirth. Now, at the age of 25, married and in her third pregnancy, Ayinu tells her story in her own words.
“This is my third pregnancy. During my first, I was not mature enough to understand what pregnancy entailed, and I didn’t receive any follow-ups. I was unaware of what could happen to me or my baby. When labour began, it was a painful experience, and I struggled to deliver at home. My family took me to a health centre, but they referred me to a hospital due to complications.”
“In my second pregnancy, I managed to have only two follow-ups, yet I still experienced a very painful delivery, and tragically, I lost my second baby. The nearest health centre to me is Gorche, which is more than an hour from my home. I believe this third pregnancy will bring joy after the loss of my previous child.”
The difference a midwife can make
Ediget, a Hamlin midwife at Gorche Health Centre has been supporting Ayinu through this pregnancy.
“Despite the distance, I have decided to visit the health centre as the midwife suggested, because I want to ensure a healthy baby. When I arrived at the centre, the midwife emphasised the importance of follow-ups and vaccinations during pregnancy. She made it clear that these are essential not only for the baby but for my health as well.”
“Thanks to Ediget, I feel at ease and am dreaming positively about my new baby. I know she will do everything to help me during delivery, as she has already provided tremendous support.”
“She has taught me the signs and symptoms of a risky pregnancy, the dangers of home delivery, and the potential complications during and after delivery. She advised me to come in early if any problems arise.”
“Currently, I am staying in the waiting room because my due date is approaching. My village is far from here, and I might not be able to reach the health centre in time if labour begins. There is no transportation available, so I was anxious about losing this baby. Thus, I came here early to wait safely for my due date. I feel secure at the health centre. The care is fantastic, and I wouldn’t receive this kind of support at home”
A home from home
“Thanks to this organisation (Hamlin), everything is provided here for free, including meals and coffee, which make it feel like home. We can focus on having a healthy baby without worries. Before this, we would wait for labour at home and face childbirth alone in pain without support. Now, thanks to this waiting room, we can share this experience with other mothers. We exchange stories and create a sense of community here. The waiting room is very clean, and we receive meals whenever we need them.”
The meals Ayinu and other women receive at the Health Centre are part of a trial to provide free nutritious meals to the women in our care during their stay. We’re grateful to the Band Aid Charitable Trust for their grant to support this work.
Hope and strength
“I have a daughter, and I can’t wait to have a healthy baby boy. I dream of having a healthy child because I know I am in good hands, supported by a dedicated midwife who truly cares and provides the guidance I need throughout this journey. Her compassion gives me hope and strength as I prepare for motherhood once again.”
“I would like to thank all the supporters who made this waiting room available for us. We are always grateful for the meals and the coffee as we await the arrival of our babies. No words can express its importance and how much it means to us. I believe these supporters are angels sent by God.”
