Hi-5s in the Delivery Room

During handover at the clinic the next morning, I’d popped my head into the delivery room to be told “breech baby!” The Mama had known about the malpresentation however had waited until delivery was imminent to come to the clinic so there was no time to refer her to Mt Meru Hospital for a possible c-section. The head doctor kept insisting we say a few words about our time at the clinic during the education session, however when the staff saw our excitement for the breech delivery they laughed at our eagerness and waved us off to observe. This delivery followed Australian practice of “hands off” moreso than the previous breech (footling again meaning feet first). Bub was a tiny 2.8kg and came into the world bright and healthy. 2 more bubs were delivered within the hour and Anika and I were content to watch the midwives in their element.

One of the trip highlights has been the rapport we’ve developed with the midwives here. Compared to our first day where everyone was a little stand-offish and we had to ask lots of questions to be acknowledged in the room, we were now laughing and joking with the midwives in broken English and Swahili – not to mention lots of hi-5s and hugs (and I’m talking about inside the delivery room!)

The Beautiful Hawa 

As a huge thankyou to the midwives and doctors for their hospitality, Anika and I served up a spread of soft drink, cookies, popcorn, fruit, chocolate and (biggest cheer) samosas as a departing lunch. Crowed into a tiny waiting room, the head midwife, doctor and clinic supervisor all made touching speeches thanking us for our time, generosity and cheerful attitudes. Anika and I were dressed in vibrant kangas and we danced to the hearty singing, whistling and clapping of the staff. After the food was inhaled, the midwives individually came up to hug us, ask for a photo and our email addresses before a card signed by all the staff was presented to us. Best of all, the doctor and midwife we upset in our second week gave each of us a hug and thanked us for our time - it's such a fantastic feeling to leave on a good note!

The Staff

Thoroughly enjoyed our last Volunteer Dinner at the house – especially the last chapati. Back at mamas we lazed around watching Bride Wars until I snuggled into top bunk crossing fingers and toes for a memorable last day at the clinic.