This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Midwives in Nyeri's Majengo Slum: Bringing Life to the Community ¶
Agnes Mumbi, a 41-year-old community health volunteer, has been assisting women in Nyeri's Majengo slum with childbirth for over a decade. Born and raised in the slum, Mumbi knows firsthand the challenges faced by women in her community when it comes to accessing healthcare.
"I learnt midwifing from my mother and grandmother, who were both midwives," Mumbi says. In 2010, she responded to her first distress call, delivering a set of twins in a home birth. Despite the challenges, Mumbi continued to help women in her community, eventually training as a community health volunteer.
Today, Mumbi has successfully delivered at least three children at home every year. She is always ready for an emergency and ensures she has all the necessary skills in case she is required to assist. Her house is stocked with essential items, including a new razor blade, cotton wool, gloves, a string, and hydrogen peroxide.
Mumbi is not alone in her efforts. Margaret Wamukuria, a 34-year-old community health volunteer, also lives in Nyeri's Majengo slum. Wamukuria has delivered two of her own children at home and has assisted in numerous other births. "A woman can develop labour pains anywhere, and some do not even get the labour pains, so they can start the process anytime, anywhere," Wamukuria says.
The two women work together, often receiving help from other community health volunteers. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, especially during first-time deliveries, when complications can arise. "For a first-time mother, we do not have any medical history about them, and they can have a complication that they too, are not aware of," Mumbi says.
Despite the challenges, Mumbi and Wamukuria find satisfaction in their work. "I feel very happy when I meet children that I helped deliver, running around, when they are grown. It is fulfilling knowing that you helped save the life of that child and the mother as well," Wamukuria says.
Published on September 3, 2021.
