One Monday afternoon during routine ward visits, I was welcomed by a heated squabble in paediatric ward. A disagreement had broken up between Jessica and her husband. The two were nursing their 6 weeks old baby boy called Simon. I called them a side to find out what had gone wrong.
The gentleman told me that he was tired of frequent hospital visits and spending a lot of money on medical bills for his children whereas their mother had refused to use family planning.
He explained that the sick baby is their 6th child and as the head of the family he is concerned and worried about the ever growing number of children at his home amidst the tight economic times. He vowed not to pay the medical bill for the baby admitted on ward unless his wife accepts and she is enrolled family planning immediately. Upon hearing from him I requested the mother of Simon to tell us why she is not cooperating with her husband for the good of their family. Jessica explained that she had previously tried family planning methods like oral contraceptives and injection, however the side effects were life threatening in her view. She narrated that she would experience strong headache and nausea.
I explained to the couple about other available family planning methods and how they work and I requested Jessica to try one other method at a time until we find what works for her. Jessica accepted to use implant for 3years. The service was provided and her husband was happy to see his wife join him in planning for a manageable family.
The following day, the baby was set to be discharged from hospital. When I delivered the invoice, I waited calmly to hear from the gentleman. He received the invoice and went to pay the hospital. I told Jessica to inform me of any challenges she faces with the new family planning method and 2 weeks later she told me on phone that all is well. I am grateful for having provided information that saved the couple from a disagreement that would have even turned out violent.
I call upon for more support to institutions like KIDA Hospital to enable them conduct radio talk shows and based community health education sessions on issues like family planning to mitigate such disagreements in our communities.
Story by Komukyeya Sarah.
Midwife-KIDA Hospital