Kandahar, Afghanistan – If there is one important lifesaving lesson that 23-year-old Farida learned from her recent childbirth, it could only be the value of listening to her mother’s advice.

Because she lived in a remote village, access to health care had always been difficult for Farida. Thus, when she experienced some health problems during the first trimester of her pregnancy, she did not know where else to go but to her mother.

“I had body pains and felt lethargic. I went to see my mother and she told me about the importance of antenatal care during pregnancy, but I did not understand what it was about,” Farida recalled.

Her mother, worried for her, advised Farida to go to the District Hospital and seek medical attention. However, Farida’s conservative husband believed she would do fine without medical care. He told her that pregnancy should take its natural course. “My mother insisted that I should see a doctor but I did not listen to her and just went home to my husband,” Farida said.

During her last trimester of pregnancy, Farida visited her mother again. This time, she was in a more precarious condition. She was pale and experienced an excruciating headache. 

Instinctively, her mother did not let go of her without getting medical care, knowing the gravity of her condition. Fortunately, a Family Health House (FHH) has been established in the village where her mother lives.

“Without asking for my husband’s permission, we went to the FHH, which was just a walking distance from my mother’s house,” Farida narrated. “The midwife told me that my baby was in an upside-down position, which could cause critical issues during childbirth.”

The midwife advised Farida to come to the FHH once she started experiencing labor pains so she could give birth in the facility with professional care. 

On the day that she went into labor, her mother accompanied her to the FHH for her delivery. The midwife, with her skills and experience, guided Farida through the difficult childbirth until she gave birth to a healthy boy. Farida and her baby stayed in the FHH for post-delivery care and were allowed to go home after the midwife cleared them. Farida also received a Dignity Kit, which is being provided in the FHH with the support of the Government of Denmark.

As a first-time mother, Farida immediately learned and experienced the value of having a skilled midwife during childbirth, thanks to her mother's wisdom. 

“It was my first delivery and it was painful. But I am thankful to my mother and the midwife. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if I delivered at home,” Farida said as she heaved a sigh of relief. She also appreciated receiving the Dignity Kit as it contains hygiene supplies that would be helpful for her to avoid possible infection as she recovers from childbirth.