It has been a busy and emotional few days.
On Sunday we had 2 mothers in labour at the one time. The first gave birth to her 3rd child, a baby boy weighing in at just over 4kg. A happy, healthy mother and child.
The second mother was HIV positive and in labour all night and the best part of the next morning with her first child. She gave birth to a struggling baby girl (Veronica). She was compromised at birth (not breathing) and was covered in poop. She was a skinny little girl weighing in at just over 2kg. She was a greenish colour and her chest was so sunken in, it was a little alarming. The moment the little tyke entered our world, Vicki was busily (but calmly) sucking the excess matter from her mouth before using the hand held breathing mask to get her to breathe again. While Dr James and Vicki were working on little Veronica, I was comforting the parents and gently encouraging them to talk to their baby. It was all in slow motion and a very composed environment. Amazing to think she almost didn’t’ make it. Dr James and Vicki stressed that her first 24 to 48 hours were crucial but they insisted on taking her home. We are extremely pleased to report that they brought her back in for a post natal check-up yesterday and she is doing great.
Other than mother and baby doing really well, the MOST exciting thing about the birth of Veronica is that her father was there to witness the whole event and support his wife!!! Such a thrilling experience and one I honestly didn’t’ believe would happen so soon in Kenya. Guys constantly cringe and laugh off the idea as if it is the last thing in the world they would consider doing. He was so supportive, intrigued, happy and so very proud. Oh gosh it was the most beautiful sight. He would not sleep through the night, insisting on rubbing her back with each contraction and making her as comfortable as possible. While holding his wife’s hand and stroking her hair, he leaned over to watch his daughter being born. The smile…. his whole face lit up. It was priceless!!! He even wrote a recommendation note for the clinic about his experience.
Vicki took Moffat shopping for the clinic and they had an absolute ball. They come back with so many wonderful, needy items that the birth suite now looks amazing. We have had several women and families look through our new facility and gasp at its’ beauty – Vicki has done a beautiful job, we are all so very proud of her work and everyone’s contribution to get it to where it is. Above is the old room then new birthing suit….
Yesterday Vicki and Janie left Kenya – I miss them so very much. The 3 ½ weeks went far too quickly!! I also come to know 2 other amazing individuals, TJ and Trevor, quite possible the sweetest couple I have ever met in my life. I too will miss them dearly. Friends for life!! X
Fred arrived tonight (Moffat’s brother and the Fre in FreMo’s). It was such a surprise and so wonderful to see him. Moffat (in red) is the Administrator and Fred (in black) is the Doctor and works near their home town about 5 hours West of Nairobi. He brought with him a beautiful Kenya bracelet and shawl which reads ‘Kuomba Si Kupata Mungu Akipenda Atakupa’ and basically translated to trust in God and he will bless you. You don’t even have to be a devout catholic to appreciate this. I absolutely adore my gifts. He is such a gentle, kind, talented man. I will miss him very much.
Construction has been plagued with problems but we are managing. I will elaborate more in my next post. At least the first birth room is almost complete – we were very happy to have it looking so wonderful before Vicki left. We miss her very much.
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