By Bernadette Martin | World Vision
A story of success
Across Afghanistan, premature babies are regularly sent home with their mothers just hours after birth and often die within a short time. The Midwifery Extension Project is helping more newborns survive by providing specialized care to premature babies and those who are born with complications.
Mrs. Sharifa’s first four pregnancies did not end well. She delivered each of her babies at home, premature (between 28 and 32 weeks), and without the presence of a skilled birth attendant. Determined to have a more positive experience with her fifth pregnancy, Mrs. Sharifa rushed to Herat Maternity Hospital at the first signs of labor. She was 30 weeks pregnant.
After six hours of labor Mrs. Sharifa gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing only two pounds. He was transferred immediately to the special care neonatal unit where he received around-the-clock care by midwives and remained in an incubator for three weeks. After 40 days, his weight had nearly doubled and he was released to go home. Mrs. Sharifa is just one of many women whose families are benefiting from the Midwifery Extension Project at Herat Maternity Hospital.
More project stats and photos will be in our next update. Stay tuned!
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