Blen believes being a Hamlin Midwife is a blessing.
She graduated from the Hamlin College of Midwives in 2016 and works at the Boko Health Center in Fedis Woreda [district] as a Hamlin Midwife and team leader.
She feels fortunate to have received her midwifery education at the College, which is a center of excellence for the training of midwives in Ethiopia.
“I feel very lucky for this opportunity. I utilize the knowledge I gained in college to ensure safe deliveries. I provide all necessary support and I am committed to caring for newborns, overseeing the delivery, administering vaccinations, and more.
When a woman discovers her pregnancy I provide antenatal care including a follow-up schedule and health education. I reassure her about delivering at the health center. It is crucial to manage situations early - if complications arise, we must send the mother to the nearest hospital for advanced care. During delivery, I provide care based on the protocols I learned in my education, ensuring a safe delivery. I also offer essential newborn and follow up care.
The challenges faced by Hamlin Midwives
During my time at Hamlin College, I learned using both standard and advanced equipment. However, upon my deployment to this center I encountered a paradox compared to what I had learned. Even though not all equipment is available, I will employ all necessary methods to facilitate a safe delivery. The lack of standard resources and the latest equipment remains a significant challenge.
Another challenge is that women may deliver at home with the assistance of traditional birth attendants. They may only arrive when they are in the second stage of labour which presents a significant challenge for us.”
Fedis Woreda is the latest district to be the focus of a Project Zero pilot, following successful pilots in Ale, Didesa and Seharti Woredas. Project Zero is critical to strengthening maternal healthcare services within Ethiopia to reduce the incidence of birth injuries.
The goal is to establish a midwifery clinic in every woreda (district), staffed by Hamlin Midwives like Blen.
Hamlin Midwives save lives
Since 2007, 271 Hamlin Midwives have graduated from the Hamlin College of Midwives. Each student undertakes a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Midwifery and commits to working as a Hamlin Midwife for a minimum of four years following their graduation. Students are deployed back to their local areas to work in Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics, where their skills are urgently needed.
This is a cornerstone of Catherine’s vision – ensuring that women in Ethiopia have access to quality healthcare to prevent fistula injuries in the first place.
“Your child is growing”
When Blen was less than three months into her career, she faced her first serious challenge.
“I helped a woman deliver her baby after a long labour but the baby was in distress. I was alone and had to manage the situation by myself. I continued to work to save the baby. I was filled with hope and excitement when he began to cry properly. I placed him with his mother and helped initiate breastfeeding.
I cannot express the joy I felt at that moment. I proudly said, ‘I am very lucky to be a midwife.’ The family of that baby still thinks of me and knows me. When they say, "Your child is growing" it brings me a deep sense of joy. I am truly delighted to hear this.
I would like to express my gratitude to Hamlin College of Midwives and Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia for sponsoring my education and helping me achieve this milestone. I also want to extend my thanks to my family for their support. I aspire to pursue my master's and PhD to reach a higher level in my career.”
