On Giving Birth in Uganda

Many of our American friends have questions for us about delivering our baby in Uganda. We have been asked; "Are you giving birth in a hospital?" "What is the hospital like?" "Are their good doctors there?" and several others. We have been asked many questions that make us feel cared for as people are concerned that we will receive good care here. We will be taken very good care of, in a private hospital with a British midwife and a Ugandan doctor to watch over us. While, we have a few less pain relief options here than we do in the states, most days I feel ready for the challenge and I have accepted that we are going to go through this with the help of Tylenol, laughing gas, and of course the Lord. 

As I think about giving birth in this more "all natural" approach in a country like Uganda, it can make me feel pretty hard core. But all I have to do, is look at any of my Ugandan friends that are moms and remember what I have seen of the clinics and public hospitals. I am surrounded by tough moms that gave birth in some crazy situations, so I am not that hard core. One time, I drove a friend to a clinic to deliver her baby and upon arrival the nurses yelled at her for not carrying her own personal items properly, and then she gave birth 20 minutes later. Oh, and she was home in time for supper.  Most of our Ugandan friends have had to bring their own plastic gloves, gauze, bleach, wash basin, and syringes (just in case) to the clinic/hospital to give birth. The hospital we are going to provides everything we need, except for pillows. 

In addition to this, a few days ago I heard about a AIM missionary in Chad who gave birth to their daughter in a hospital/clinic that had no electricity OR running water.  Because the electricity was out, the doctor was holding a flashlight between his teeth so he could see the birth of the baby.  To make matters worse, the guy who delivers water to the clinic was late, so they even had to wait until AFTER the girl was born for the water to get there. We have it pretty easy compared to many situations around the world that babies are born into.  

Don't get me wrong, we still covet your prayers for safety for Obadiah and me and also for Kyle as we get closer and closer to delivery. I just thought I would share with you a bit of our perspective to give you a better idea of how to view the event when this little miracle comes into the world, any day now, or any week now if I am honest with myself :)