Mother forced to give birth in her bathroom
“This surprised me because I could feel I was in labour but she told me ‘only God knows when the baby will be delivered’."
Kwa-Thema- When heavily pregnant Gugu Baker left her home last Friday to Kwa-Thema Main Clinic she knew she was ready to welcome her unborn child.
She promised her 11-year-old daughter that she will finally meet her new sibling.
Not in her wildest dream did she think this would be the beginning of the family’s traumatic experience.
She was forced to give birth in her bathroom 15 minutes after she was turned away from the clinic.
The 43-year-old mother of three explained that when she arrived at the clinic the nurse in charge asked her why she was there because she is not supposed to give birth at the clinic due to her age.
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“She examined me and told me that I have a urinary tract infection which was causing the abdominal pain.
“This surprised me because I could feel I was in labour but she told me ‘only God knows when the baby will be delivered’.
“She advised me to drink lots of water and not to return to the clinic when I am in labour but to go to Pholosong Hospital due to my age,” she added.
When she finally arrived home, Baker felt the urge to use the toilet and had painful contractions.
“I knew I was about to give birth but also thought maybe the pain was from the infection as the nurse had advised.
“Moments later I delivered the baby alone on the cold bathroom floor.
“The baby was not crying and didn’t show any movement. I immediately called for help from my daughter and brother who were outside,” she explained.
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The distraught mother said if she was not turned away from the clinic her son might still be alive.
“When the nurse checked, his heartbeat was healthy and he was moving as expected.
“The delay in the delivery killed my child and I want those responsible to be held accountable,” she explained.
Baker was transferred to Pholosong Hospital for further medical attention and was discharged on Sunday.
City of Ekurhuleni media liaison officer Stuart Moir said the metro has deployed social workers to the mother who was turned away, and she will be receiving counselling following her ordeal.
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