'I Will Not Let Them Die'
Every time I look at my 2-month-old, I remember that horrifying night. I shiver in fear of what could have happened to me and my baby if Anila had not brought us to the health center in time. As part of the government health department, Anila advises pregnant women and young mothers on maternal and child health.
My husband, Nanki Sada, had been introduced to "Baba," the village faith healer by his mother when he was very young. So, when I married into the family, I had to carry on her traditions and never question the powers of the faith healer.
After two years of marriage, I had been unable to conceive, and my family got worried about my fertility so the first thing they did was take me to see Baba.
After 12 years I miraculously conceived. As the news of my pregnancy spread, we were summoned to Baba. He claimed that because I had gotten pregnant by his miracle, we would have to do what he said. He did not want us to see a doctor, and he insisted the baby would be safely delivered at home.
Anila visited me several times and explained about care during pregnancy and after the birth. She also warned me about possible complications and helped me get some things ready for an emergency birth.
 I was surprised about Anila's knowledge. She said she learned from health meetings facilitated by CARE India. She told me CARE India was bringing in proper drugs and equipment and also training the hospital staff in child and maternal health.
It was midnight when I had my first pain. Baba instructed us to call Ranju Mahto, a quack in the village, who gave me some medicine—and took 2,000 rupees. I was very sick and the delivery was not happening.
The next day, Anila visited and took bold action. She threatened to call the police if my husband did not take me to a hospital. Finally, my mother-in-law agreed and we were rushed to the hospital. The nurse was scared to admit me because of my condition, but Anila persuaded her to help me. I had my baby boy almost immediately.
The nurse who delivered him said he was very weak and might not survive. But, after about 10 minutes, the baby seemed to improve. This is when my husband finally came out of the darkness.
Anila is like a lighthouse for us. Now, both my husband and I rush to her whenever we need advice or help. Our baby is healthy and active today. Had Anila not supported us with her knowledge, skills and common sense, we could have never been this happy. |
