Baby in the bush!

I'm getting a new perspective on births. Here the typical woman delivers alone at home or with some family members and a traditional birth attendant. It is a non-event unless something goes wrong. It is kind of funny how worked up I get when assisting with a birth considering that millions of women deliver by themselves in Africa and the babies and mothers are usually just fine.

This little guy was delivered in the dirt outside the clinic. I allowed the mother to go outside because she thought she was going to have a bowel movement. Just minutes before I had checked her progress and found the head not engaged in the pelvis so I thought there was plenty of time. I learned my lesson... One push and the little guy was out. Oh, maybe I should explain that "bathrooms" do not exist here. When the people need to relieve their bladder or bowels they just walk a little way into the bush and take care of business.

The baby is well. I cleaned up the mother and another missionary cleaned up the boy and they were on their way home within an hour. No laying around for these women. They usually are walking home within an hour or two of delivery. Without a doubt the Maaban women are some of the strongest and more resilient people I have ever known. Inspiring.