Meet Prudence

Mothers may die giving birth from various complications, from eclampsia to sepsis. But behind the medical explanations, there are more critical sociological and biological ones, as Prudence Lemokouno and her family found out in Cameroon. A mother of three children at 24 years old, Prudence went into labor with her fourth, when an untrained birth attendant sat on Prudence’s stomach and jumped up and down and ruptured her uterus. The impoverished family paid a motorcyclist to take Prudence to the hospital, only to find out that they needed $100 for a caesarean that would save both lives. Unlike many other women, Prudence had a husband who cared dearly for her and did not want his wife and unborn child to pass away. However, $100 is unaffordable for Prudence's family, there only option was to sell their possessions. This was a risk they were willing to take. Meanwhile, Prudence was still at the hospital, slowing fading away. As many doctors there are who are willing to perform this surgery without outright payment, many refuse to do so. They are unwilling to use the supplies and are more concerned for their own profit. The families return to the hospital was not a joyous one. Not having raised the correct amount of money they were left in despair watching a wife, daughter and mother deteriorating with her unborn child. 


Prudence Lemokouno and her child's death could have been prevented. It is normal for these families to have birth at home. It is normal for a village healer to deliver the baby. 


IT IS NOT NORMAL! 


It is not normal for a untrained birth attendant to jump up and down on a pregnant woman's stomach. We know this. We understand that there are people who specialise in this area, who are aware of the precautions that they must take and the risks that accompany this phenomena. It is through education that we know this. It is through education the these midwifes are exceptional at what they do.