I was at an organization that works with expectant mothers. Photograph after photograph of undernourished women flashed on the computer screen. One caught my eye- the woman was too well-dressed to be undernourished, yet she was."This is her second child", the social-worker told me. "We give her iron tonics and vitamin supplements but she never takes them."
"Why not?"
"She is scared that if she does the fetus will grow big, and there may be complications during childbirth."
In the absence of birthing centers, that is a very real fear.
At times like this, one gives in to despair.
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A drabble is a story told in exactly 100 words.
Such a sad tale... and quite in contrast to that lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a vicious cycle when there is not enough of the right help. So very sad.
ReplyDeleteThere's not even much to say about that is there... women should not have to be afraid of giving birth. But so many people in the world still do not have access to proper access to medical care... it's maddening.
ReplyDeleteWow. When I read things like this, I feel reallu lucky I've been born and raised in a wealthy nation. That is indeed heatbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThat is terrible!
ReplyDeleteRayna - How stark - how sad! It does make one want to despair. I hope it is a source of peace to you that every small thing you do, no matter how futile it seems, helps. I admire your dedication; I truly do.
ReplyDeleteoh, that made my eyes mist. Rayna... :o| no words~ <3
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ReplyDeleteHey Rayna. I love this post.
ReplyDeleteWas doing a lot of work in India on maternal health, and got a glimpse of some similar situations. Things are never clear cut it seems.
Thanks for posting this!
Wow, that is frightening and very sad.
ReplyDeleteFrightening and sad is right, Holly. How can we help people who need the help but won't TAKE the help? I'm at a loss.
ReplyDeleteIt really does feel so hopeless sometimes--it's hard to know how to make things better.
ReplyDeleteUgh, how sad. And yet it's like that for many women around the world.
ReplyDeleteCD
What a sad tale. It is hard to help others if they don't let you. It is also hard to take the help if you don't know what the future brings. To bad the birthing centers can't be a priority to help out with this fear.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she had problems with her first birth that scares her with her second.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrible choice... malnourising self and baby versus a very real threat of a birth too complicated for both of you to survive...
ReplyDeleteOh my! what a terrible choice she is making and it is so understandable. She must have had a horrible time with her first birth. My heart breaks for them all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this
Hugs
SueAnn
How sad!
ReplyDelete@ Fiona- it is really sad, isn't it?
ReplyDelete@ Mary - sometimes one is tempted to give in to despair
@ Danette - no access to medical facilities- what could be worse?
@ Debra - it is, isn't it?
@ Talli - and me for taking the same for granted even in this country.
@ Alex - very
@ Margot - I do hope things start changing, however slowly.
@ Leigh- I agree. Was dumbstruck myself, and I am more in contact with stories like that.
@ Priya - left a comment on your blog- I do admire you for actually working in a village for so long
@ Holly - so very sad, isn't it?
@ Tina - absolutely. Being too scared to take help, can anything be worse?
@ Elizabeth - so true.
@ Clarissa - primary healthcare shouldn't be a privelege- it is so wrong.
@ Pamela Jo- safe birthing centres- that should be an essential, shouldn't it?
@ Sonia - her mother died at childbirth- naturally she is scared.
@ Hart - what a horrible choice to make, isn't it?
@ SueAnn- absolutely
@ Dorte - very