POLOKWANE – Advanced midwife, Kgabo Mohlake has over three decades of experience in midwifery and hopes to leave a legacy of resilience, respect and the commitment to achieving reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. Mohlake studied nursing and midwifery was incorporated into the diploma.

She shared that being a midwife was difficult during that time due to a shortage of doctors.

“It is then that I decided to study further and do an advanced midwifery course which would equip me with the skills to perform procedures in the management of mother and chill independently,” she explained.

Mohlake explained that one of the best things about being a midwife is meeting a mother during pregnancy, going through the pregnancy with her until the birth of the baby.

“The cry of a healthy baby evokes feelings of excitement and satisfaction,” she said.

The years of experience and willingness to continuously learn have helped her become equipped enough to help against maternal mortality. Some of the ways in which maternal deaths can be avoided is by providing quality care for mothers and newborns.

“Investment in midwives and in their work environment, education, regulation and management has greatly improved midwifery care. Midwives are crucial in achievement of reproductive, maternal, new born and child health,” she said.

One of the wildest experiences as a midwife was delivering a baby of a white woman whose partner (with revolver in hand) demanded to be assisted by a white midwife who was not available at the time.

“I conducted the birth successfully, took the trolley to discard and when I returned, mother and baby were gone. I could only see a trial of blood out to the main exit. This was at 01:30 and at around 04:00 the mother returned with her mother-in-law and no baby to be stitched. I brought the trolley to suture and when done, I went to discard. When I returned, they were gone and never came back. It was a very long night duty for me,” she said.

Her advice to midwives starting their careers is to abide by the basic standards learned at college, consult where they have limitation and not try to be a hero.

“Observe professional accountability and continue with education. Strive to continuously improve on communication skills and listen more to the patient. Be compassionate and supportive,” she said.

She also advised that whenever midwives meet with a couple, they should have a one-on-one conversation with the woman before she leaves, as she may not feel comfortable sharing everything in her partner’s presence.