Petronella was in labour and was brought to the clinic at 1am by Florence, one of our experienced Community Health Volunteers. They both live in the same community and so Florence knew that it was vital that Petronella got to the clinic as soon as possible. Although she had regular antenatal check ups, by being at the clinic and under the care of nurse midwives both her and her baby had the best chance of a healthy and safe birth.
60% of women in poor and rural areas in Kenya still deliver their babies at home. In 2017 the infant death rate was 33.6 per 1000 births. It is 4 per 1000 in the UK. At Buburi Clinic we’re encouraging women to deliver in our maternity unit and we’re pleased to report that we’re the number one clinic in the area for safe deliveries.
By 9am it was clear that Petronella was entering the final stages of labour but there were signs of foetal distress. Nurse Yvonne calmly intervened and gave an injection to quicken the birth and baby Emmanuel was born swiftly and healthily. His three siblings and parents are delighted with the new addition to their family. We gave new baby clothes, a Grobag (thanks to the Gro Company) and maternity pads and after a couple of days they both went home.