Ever since I arrived in Myanmar I have been keen to attend a home birth. Home births are incredibly common here, with over 70% of newborns arriving into the world at their home. Which is why the delivery kits I told you about in my last update are so important. They allow midwives to travel around easily with vital equipment, ensuring that new mums are receiving the care they deserve.
Getting the call
So I was delighted when my colleague Su rang me up and told me that a woman I had met at a Maternal and Child Health clinic was happy for me to share her birthing experience - finally I could see these kits in action.
Me and Su on route to Ma Cho Cho's village
Ma Cho Cho was the expectant mother, and so far her pregnancy had been going smoothly, with no risk of complications. One of the midwives I’ve been training was already there, so I quickly got my stuff together to set off with Su.
As we motorcycled down the narrow and winding tracks, I felt that same rush of excitement I’d had when I attended my first ever birth as a student midwife - almost ten years ago!
We reached Ma Cho Cho’s neighbourhood and there was an overwhelming sense of warmth shared by the whole community, who had all gathered to welcome a new member.
The birthing room
From her house not a sound could be heard. I gently climbed the wooden steps, trying my best not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in her beautiful bamboo home.
The room was small and several women were already supporting Ma Cho Cho, who was somehow labouring in complete silence. I had never seen anything like it, it was incredible; with each contraction she slowly drew in a breath and closed her eyes before breathing out and smiling. The women took turns to pour drops of water into her mouth, to fan her, and to hold her hand. We all respected her silence and everything seemed to be done in a perfectly orchestrated manner.
When I saw that the midwife had already prepared both the delivery area and, in case it was required, an area for resuscitation of the baby, I felt a rush of pride. This is something I had recently discussed with her in a training session, so to see it in practice really filled me with joy.
A midwife and her delivery kit
The delivery
Ma Cho Cho’s birth was imminent and she began to push, slowly and strongly – she was so in tune with her body, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Her maternal instincts were taking over – just as nature intended.
The midwife knew that no intervention was required and sat silently with gloved hands, respecting the natural process of birth.
After three, strong, silent pushes, Ma Cho Cho’s waters broke and we could see the dark black hair of her baby come in to view. Another push and we could see the baby’s head, one more and the baby was born, a beautiful and healthy boy.
A child is born
The house appeared to burst at the seams with love; the silence vanished amid the delicate cries from this precious little bundle. His eyes instinctively searched for his mother as we dried his peach-soft skin and wrapped him in a sheet to keep him warm. As soon as the newborn was placed in Ma Cho Cho’s arms his cries settled.
But the process of labour was not yet complete, so the midwife gave Ma Cho Cho an injection of oxytocin – a hormone which significantly reduces a woman’s risk of experiencing heavy bleeding after birth.
Afterwards, she was assisted into a clean longyi (traditional Burmese dress) by the midwife and her auntie. Her son remained peaceful, looking around the room as if to try and familiarise himself with his new surroundings.
Mother and son at rest
Me discussing the importance of sterilising equipment
Ma Cho Cho continued to smile as she began to breastfeed her baby. The women that had supported Ma Cho Cho during this momentous occasion were now assisting the midwife in cleaning the birthing area, using boiling hot water for the washing of reusable instruments (such as clamps and scissors) that would be used again. The midwife will sterilise these at her home later.
The midwife did her final checks and then protected mother and baby with a mosquito net. She was to remain close by for the next few hours to ensure all remained well. Before Su and I left we discussed danger signs with the midwife and advised Ma Cho Cho and her family to call at any time should they have any concerns or require support.
I went home, pleased in the knowledge that I would be returning the next day to provide post-natal care. I couldn’t help thinking how much impact the delivery kits and some simple training can have.
Though Ma Cho Cho had an easy birth, not every mother is so lucky. That’s why VSO’s work is so important, and why I am so grateful to know that there are people like you out there supporting us.
Love,
Sam
