Those Babies just keep Coming!

I’m sure by now it is not news that Nigeria is the most populous black nation, ranked 7^th in the world and a budding economy. I recently discovered that a staggering 5.9 million babies are born every year in Nigeria (Worldometer) with the fertility rate of six births per woman. Do the maths. It means there is a new baby every 6 seconds; so you can imagine how many births will happen before you finish reading this article. What is more shocking is that only about 4.9 million babies actually make it to the age of one (UNICEF 2013), as most die after birth due to a variety of reasons, ranging from birth complications, infections and sometimes it is just downright negligence. I had a first hand experience of this issue when my wife was in labour. It was really a life changing event.

So this is my story…

It was a bright Sunday morning and I was about to go and freshen up for church. I was awake all night attending to my 38 weeks pregnant wife as she had some trouble getting out of bed.  She’s been suffering a lot recently with so many aches and pains and her little passenger is constantly kicking.  For sure, it was only a matter of time before my wife went into labour.  The doctor had already told us what to look out for should her waters break.  I was certain it wasn’t going to be today at least but little did I know that the little one had other plans.

I was washing my face when she suddenly shouted, ”They’ve broken! My waters have broken honey. ” I quickly ran to her side.  Immediately, we made our way to the hospital with our maternity kit. We’d been told that it was really important to take these items to the hospital with us.  Most notably, underlay towels and maternity pads to assist with the delivery and after delivery care.

By the time we reached the hospital her contractions were close together and she was in serious, excruciating pain.  I felt so anxious.  The nurses wheeled her to the labour room but I was overcome by a feeling of deep concern. The room didn’t seem clean and everything seemed a bit disorganised. Apparently, midwives are still using out-dated methods and materials.  They are still using newspaper and un-sterilized rubber for child deliveries.  What they should and need to be using are clean and specially prepared underlay so that any chance of infection is minimized. Notwithstanding, the nurses and doctors seem very capable to salvage the situation expertly as they have over time horned their skills to adapt and manage this situation. Also, some women are still in the habit of using toilet paper after birth instead of proper maternity pads.  All pregnant women need to prepare underlay and maternity pads, at least, as a minimum. 

Finally, a bright light shone in the room as my wife delivered our beautiful baby girl.  She came out a healthy 3.5kg.  I had never felt such immense pride and love all at once.  It was around 7pm and the world was good.  I looked at my wife and healthy daughter and could breath a sigh of relief at both of them in perfect health.

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