The new round of site visits has come and gone. Jamie and I stayed behind in Mwanza to attempt to collect more data from different dispensaries. This time though, Jamie had a map at her disposal and managed to strategically choose dispensaries to visit. Planning ahead is amazing. What it took a team 8-10 in almost 2 weeks we were able to do with a team of 3 in less than 1 week.
One site visit was very hard to get through. When we arrived, the place looked like it was about to collapse. We went into a room and realized that the doctor had kicked out a mother so that we could sit there. Little did we know, this mother was actually in labor. I have never felt so bad! Jamie, being the curious little thing she is, decided to look around the facility as the doctor looked for the data collection books (on the roof of the facility!). All of a sudden, I hear: “Karen! Karen! Come here QUICK!” I do not know what to expect, but Jamie sounds completely altered. So, what was it? The mother we had kicked out of the room had made it to one of the rooms in the dispensary and delivered her baby ON THE FLOOR. Jamie has pictures of all this. They are quite gruesome, so be prepared. I walk in, and there is the baby, covered in placenta and blood. The mother made absolutely NO noise. We are told that it is very common for women not to make a peep during labor as it makes them seem very strong (vs. crying or making noises as it is viewed as being weak).
I am very glad I can scream all I want to when I have my baby, and trust me, I probably will!
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