Making Mothers Visible Lagos

Ibironke O. : "Ekan my little girl is my fourth child, delivered at a tertiary health center in Lagos--I experienced firsthand the challenges that lack of basic amenities cause in a health facility and how health workers nonchalant attitude can affect a woman’s life in her attempt to bring a new life into the world. Delay in getting the doctor to attend to me led to bleeding towards the end of labor, in the ward there was no water; sanitary facilities were in very bad condition for this reason. I had utilized the services of a midwife at a missionary clinic for my third pregnancy and that has been my best experience with pregnancy and delivery so far, I will advocate for better mentoring and supportive supervision for health care workers especially nurses and midwives. I will also lend my voice to the call for safe clean water to be constantly available and accessible at maternity centers."

Kudirat A. : "I delivered my son at the secondary health facility which was well staffed, also had the basic equipment and amenities. I however observe many mothers in my community delay antenatal care, waiting till the later stages of pregnancy to seek help. This can have fatal consequences especially if cases of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes are not diagnosed early. “IMOW and other organizations should keep working to ensure mothers and midwives work together for healthy pregnancies and safer deliveries."

Halimot A. : "Pre-Eclampsia can be well managed if care givers are available, dedicated and have a listening ear. I went through a prevention of mother to child transmission program through which I received treatment for all possible pregnancy and delivery complications and my son and I are doing well today!"

Chika A. : " As a young woman experiencing pregnancy for the first time, I wanted my health provider to listen to me, explain in terms I could understand and pay attention to me for the duration of my hospital visit. I had to change health providers till I found one I am comfortable with, where I was respected and listened to, also where facilities and basic amenities are available. In making mothers visible I would advocate for midwives and health care providers to listen to the voice of mothers and consider their rights when providing care in pregnancy."

Sade A. : "In hard to reach areas of rural communities where primary health care is sometimes not constant, having midwives always available will make a positive difference for mothers and save more lives!"

Motunrayo O. : "I had well spaced pregnancies for a period spanning two decades-all six children living and healthy however it’s not easy to forget the pain and loss when a woman is not able to return to her pre-pregnancy health status after successfully bringing a sweet healthy child into the word! High blood pressure and diabetes may not disappear after delivery and you have to continue to seek health care—women, we are strong—do not give up!"

Toyin J. : "I would be glad to enjoy better health than I have today but the joy of motherhood is a reason for me to make my voice heard. Thank you IMOW and all partner organizations."

Funke O. : "My first three pregnancies ended in miscarriages but I now have two lovely daughters. The lesson I’ll like to pass on to women is to have planned pregnancies. Pregnancy is a major event affecting every aspect of our lives and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Preparing ourselves : PHYSICALLY by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sorting out any existing medical conditions, exercising and getting to as close to our ideal weight as possible; MENTALLY being ready psychologically to bear the inconveniences of pregnancy -nausea, weight gain, heart burn ,coping with work or having to leave our jobs etc - ; FINANCIALLY have enough for antenatal care, getting basic needs of a baby and some extra saved in case of a medical emergency. If possible a prenatal care to your doctor is ideal, but if not prepare yourselves as best as you can. Pregnancy is great work but can be fun and is definitely the most rewarding job ever."

Udeme D. : "My three pregnancy experiences have been successful and lessons I have learnt which I would like to share with other women are: In rural settings community bias against the available health facility should not deter a pregnant woman from getting services necessary for her well being and the safe delivery of her child. If however your personal experience at this health facility corroborates the rumors in the community, make attempts to seek the services of trained health professionals-monitoring of blood pressure and other vital body signs during pregnancy and delivery saves lives."

Aderonke A. : "Having my two children is the best blessing in my life, still I am thankful for an opportunity to make my voice heard so other women can experience this joy without ill health. Health workers facilitating deliveries and antenatal care-midwives, nurses or doctors should endeavor to treat each mother and child as unique, pay attention to details and respect the rights of mothers in taking decisions about their health."

Oluremilekun O. : "In my extended family, traditional birth attendants trained in orthodox ways have passed the tradition and learning from generation to generation, now even combining with hygienic modern practices and referrals to government health facilities. However I have witnessed many referrals rejected even at the point of death of some women and poor collaboration between the traditional midwifery practitioners and the trained health facility staff. My first delivery was at age 19 and my most recent delivery three years ago. I would advocate that “life is more important than bills for women who delay in accessing care due to lack of funds, health workers should also improve on their attitude to pregnant women and collaborate with all stakeholders in the community to keep mothers and children alive and healthy."

The Making Mothers Visible Lagos installation on July 12, 2012 in progress.

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Making Mothers Visible Lagos took place in Lagos, Nigeria on July 12 at Anthony Village in partnership with Doctors Health Initiative, a local non-government nonprofit organization focused on improving maternal health in Lagos state.The event was held at Gloria's Hospital, 9 Oladeinde Street, Anthony Village, Lagos from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To learn more, email Foluke Adetola Ojelabi at foluke.ojelabi@atlascorps.org

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