Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis
Dorothy's Story of Courage, Compassion, and Community Empowerment
One afternoon, a commotion at my gate led to an unforgettable encounter. Five women and two male soldiers had rushed in carrying a bundle wrapped in a large blanket. They laid it down in my reception. One of the women, whom I recognized, explained that they had heard cries behind her house - the cry of a newborn baby.
Shockingly, her Form 3 daughter had just given birth, unknown to anyone, including her mother.
When I opened the blanket, I found the young girl lying in a pool of blood. The live newborn and the placenta, coated with soil and sand, were outside her body. I quickly stabilized the newborn and worked to make him comfortable. The young mother was in severe shock - shivering, panicked, with blood trickling down her legs. A pelvic examination revealed a second-degree perineal tear, which I stitched. I provided care and education for her recovery.
What was more striking: All the women present, despite having children themselves, had never witnessed a live childbirth or even the cutting of an umbilical cord.
The Crisis Exposed Deep Challenges in My Community:
- Teenage pregnancies are hidden from parents and teachers until delivery time.
- Lack of communication between caregivers and young people.
- Insufficient knowledge in communities about basic birth support.
- Urgent need for open dialogue between parents and their children.
- Need for empowerment of both men and women with practical skills for maternal support.
Birth of SHIPUA: Standing Strong Like Midwives Before Us
From this crisis, five of us - four midwives and one teacher - came together to form a Community-Based Organization (CBO) called SHIPUA, inspired by Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-21), the courageous midwives who protected newborns against injustice.
SHIPUA stands for Shiphrah and Puah: Midwives who chose life and wisdom.
Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis
Our Actions:
- Weekly 2-hour training sessions for pregnant women and their supporters (Wednesdays, 10:00 AM-12:00
Noon).
- Inclusive community teachings, reaching both men and women, with over 30 attendees per session.- An approved syllabus covering pregnancy, labor, childbirth, postnatal care, newborn care, recognizing danger signs, and when to seek help.
- Expanded our team to 22 committed trainers with support from Lamaze, St. Elizabeth International, and individual champions.
Our Impact:
Over 3,000 clients trained, with zero deaths among mothers or babies from pregnancy-related complications.
Reunited broken families through counseling and home visits.
Empowered communities to spread lifesaving knowledge and skills.
24/7 access to trainers for moral and clinical support at home or hospital.
Extending the Circle of Care:
Beyond crisis management, I also work through the Tiko Programme, promoting pregnancy prevention, reproductive health education, and contraceptive services for young people, building a safer future.
Dorothy's Quote:
"Midwives are critical in every crisis - not only to save lives, but to rebuild families, restore hope, and strengthen the heartbeat of the community. In every cry for help, we hear the call to act, to teach, and to heal."
