I was there in the room.

Last night was one of the most beautiful nights I have ever experienced. There was a woman in labor at the Shanti Uganda birth house…and I got to witness the entire thing!

Shanti Uganda is my new home for the next three weeks.  It is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to “improving infant and maternal health, providing safe women-centered care and supporting the well-being of birthing mothers and women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.”  Their two main accomplishments include the WIGG program, an effort to help HIV-positive women earn an income by sewing bags and other fabric-based products for sale.  Most recently, the women are working on mastering a properly fitted Macbook case.  Shanti’s other prized possession is their birth house.  Women from all over Kasana can come to Shanti for prenatal checkups, vaccinations, birthing and nutrition classes, and delivery services for only 3000 Ugandan shillings (1.16 U.S. dollars).

The birth house has had fifteen births this month, almost exceeding their record of eighteen in one month, and last night was number sweet sixteen.  Usually when a birth takes place, a volunteer is permitted to be in the delivery room with the midwives.  I am one of six volunteers currently, but the number is constantly changing.  Most volunteers stay for about four months, but Julia and I are only at Shanti for three weeks.  Right before we were about to dig in to dinner, we received a phone call that a woman was going into labor at the birth house, about a 30-minute walk from the volunteer house.  Because I had been chomping at the bit since I arrived, eager to see a birth, the other volunteers who are here for a few more months let me go.  And so, on my first day on the job, I was rushed over to the birth house with our night-shift midwife.

When we arrived, the young woman had already been in labor for about two hours.  I was mildly freaking out, wondering what I was supposed to do, and how I could avoid getting in anyone’s way.  Blood and lady parts don’t bother me.  I just didn’t want to knock over any sterile tools or bump into nurses with needles in their hands. 

Jane was an absolute champ.  Without any medication to numb her pain, she quietly rested on the delivery bed and walked around the room occasionally to set her labor further into motion.  She didn’t complain, and her only request was for a cup of tea.  Unfortunately she only spoke Lugandan so one of the midwives had to translate her words into English for me. 

When the time came to push, my heart was pounding as if I were going into labor.  I had a cramp deep in my gut and sweat was slowly trickling down my forehead.  By this point, Jane was making the occasional moan but not a tear had been shed.  She braced herself and took deep, calming breathes in between her hefty pushes. Within minutes, a healthy newborn girl had emerged into the world, healthy as can be.  The midwives even made a comment about how abnormal the birth was, strictly because there were no complications.

I nearly cried when Jane breastfed for the first time.  I did my best to hold it together because no one wants a crying mzungu in their delivery room.  Jane was elated about having a girl because it’s what her husband wanted.  She was waiting to name the baby until her husband arrived, which he did about an hour later. 

I was shocked by how quickly the mood in the room changed once the baby was born.  There was so much buildup, and then as soon as the baby came out, all was peaceful again.  The midwives began cleaning up the room almost immediately after the placenta was out and the umbilical cord had been cut.  As soon as the baby was attached to her breast, Jane whipped out her cell phone and began texting her friends and family.

Julia and I returned to the birth house today to see how the baby was doing.  Little Milly was perfectly healthy and her mother was glowing—absolutely stunning.  They lay around for a few hours as friends and family came to visit.  Around 5pm, Jane packed up her things (including Milly), hopped on a boda-boda (motorbike taxi), and headed home.

This was by far one of the most incredible events I have ever witnessed.  I know my friends at home will make fun of me for how sappy I’m getting, but it was just so natural and beautiful.  I have a newfound jealousy for OB/GYNs as they get to witness the most incredible, physical human act everyday. 

I hope to never forget April 22, 2013, 7:47pm.  I can’t imagine how I could—I’m counting down the days until the next birth.  I suppose I know which career I should pursue now.  Are you happy, Mom? You were right again.  One thing’s for sure…yesterday was a hell of a first day at Shanti!