Mombasa: The Mombasa Hospital graced the celebration marking Midwives Week with a special event to honor the critical role midwives play in advancing maternal and reproductive health.
According to Kenya News Agency, as part of its commitment to quality maternity care, the hospital hosted a special fete to give back to the community, bringing together expectant mothers from its clinics and surrounding neighborhoods for a day filled with education, wellness activities, and clinical support.
The day was packed with a range of activities and featured interactive health talks on key topics such as the importance of regular antenatal clinic attendance, nutritional counseling, the role of exercise during pregnancy, and overall reproductive wellness.
Speaking at the hospital, the Resident Obstetrician Gynecologist, Dr. Tanwira Chiragdin, said that they also conducted educational sessions and comprehensive clinical check-ups for all attending mothers. These included monitoring vital signs such as weight and blood pressure, as well as medical examinations to identify and address any complications early. Those found to be in good health were encouraged to continue attending their clinic appointments regularly.
She added that to make the day both informative and engaging, they also incorporated physical activities like Zumba sessions, which mothers enjoyed alongside their partners. These exercises were designed to strengthen the pelvic and lower back muscles, contributing to better physical and emotional preparedness for labor and delivery.
Special focus was placed on educating birth partners, especially spouses, on their supportive roles throughout the pregnancy and childbirth journey. Beyond pregnancy care, Mombasa Hospital is committed to a holistic approach to maternal and reproductive health. ‘Our services extend to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, cervical cancer screening, nutrition programs, and child immunization, among others. These efforts align closely with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,’ she said.
Chiragdin acknowledged the dedicated team and strong collaboration with the county government, noting that they are proud to report that last year, they recorded zero maternal deaths at the hospital. ‘As a Level 5 private facility, and with continued support from the county and leadership from our governor, we remain focused on improving maternal health outcomes and ensuring every mother has access to quality, compassionate care,’ she added.
Among those who attended the event were Carl and Hanifa, a couple preparing to welcome their first child. Carl, who hails from the USA and is married to Hanifa, shared how the event provided valuable insights and practical tools to help them prepare for childbirth together. ‘We just attended a session where we learned a lot about the birthing process and how I can be a source of support during labor,’ Carl said. ‘They taught us exercises we can do as a couple, including dancing and movement routines that help ease discomfort. I now understand how simple things like keeping her happy and comfortable can help release endorphins and reduce pain during labor.’
Hanifa, a first-time mother, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn alongside her partner. ‘It truly feels like a supportive village,’ she said. ‘The sessions have been so helpful not just for me, but also for my spouse. It’s encouraging to know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. Whether it’s your husband, your mother, or a friend, having someone close makes a big difference.’ She admitted she hadn’t started exercising yet but felt motivated to begin after attending the event. ‘I now see how important it is to stay active and prepare my body for labor. I’m happy I came; it’s been an eye-opening experience.’
Through such engagements, the Mombasa Hospital continues to bridge knowledge gaps, promote shared responsibility in maternal care, and foster a culture where both mothers and their support partners are empowered throughout the pregnancy journey. Also in attendance was Grace Wambui, a first-time mother who expressed her appreciation for the day’s lessons and hospital services. ‘I’ve learned so much about labor, what to expect, and the importance of exercise during pregnancy,’ she said. Grace also praised the facility’s maternity wards, noting a preference for the private ward but acknowledging the general ward as equally impressive. Speaking highly of the care she’s received, she added, ‘I deal with Dr. Tanwira personally, and as a first-time mother, I can say the services here are 100 percent.’