Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Having experienced two previous childbirths that were not assisted by trained birth attendants, Mina, 30, was elated to deliver her third child, this time with the support of a midwife from the Mobile Health Team (MHT).

“While childbirth is challenging for any woman, this delivery was unique for me as it was my first time being assisted by a midwife during the process,” Mina stated.

Mina also had the opportunity to receive regular consultations from the MHT midwife named Anisa, during her antenatal care visits.

Anisa explained that, “Despite receiving a phone call from Mina late evening after the official working hours, I took the necessary medicines and went to Mina’s home to provide assistance during the final stage of delivery.” Anisa had previously been informed of Mina’s situation and had promised to be available to help her whenever needed.

Mina and her husband decided to delay having more children because of her previous traumatic experiences, which is why the new baby was born five years after the last one. “The birth took place at home without any professional assistance or medication, and I felt scared that I might not survive the experience again with the third one,” she recalled.

Now that there are professional midwives from the MHT in the village, Mina's concerns were managed. Midwife Anisa who assisted Mina in the childbirth said, “I provided Mina with reassurance and encouragement based on her own experiences of childbirth.” The MHT is one of the 76 mobile clinics being supported by the Government of Australia in Afghanistan through UNFPA.

Mina was also given a Mama and Baby Kit to ensure their safety and protection. Anisa stayed with Mina for eight hours to ensure a safe delivery and prevent any potential complications. “Both the mother and baby were healthy, and I provided Mina with postnatal advice before leaving,” said Anisa.