My approach may not be the easiest or most convenient way to enter into meaningful relationship with refugee families - but it certainly is worthwhile, fruitful and such a privilege. I remain THANKFUL - even when its hard, exhausting and when I would love to be sleeping instead! Somehow I find strength - love that overcomes - and resources enough!
This is how it all started.
The images in my mind of a fatal postpartum haemorrhage or a lifeless newborn - would not allow me to me rest!
My background of midwifery suddenly flooded my thoughts with possible ways in which I could help Rohingya mums and change these awful, desperate and sad stories. Unattended home births, and the many 'not-good’ outcomes, could be changed with loving, caring help. The fear of incrimination or arrest, lack of money for heavy hospital bills and the possible unfair or harsh treatment, could not be allowed to rob the Rohingya of the right to a healthy pregnancy, a safe labour & birth - and the FAMILY that is possibly one the few possessions they have!
I desperately wanted to serve them toward this end.
Three years ago I started with just ONE family - no translator, except for a Bahasa-speaking lady who could help the husband, at least, to understand! What joy unspeakable to serve her during her labour & birth and bring her, her husband and newborn home from the local hospital that day in June, 2020.
Since then what a ride its been! With ever increasing numbers - unending opportunity to love and care, and growing hope, we serve, educate, advise and assist more than 100 families (on our records) at any given time. Day and night we are challenged to show them acceptance, respect and care - against our flesh (esp in the wee hours of the night!) - our lack of human & financial resource - and the desperate need for heart language communication (which we don’t have yet)
As I spend the many hours with labouring mums, and often panicky fathers, we have time to talk about deep matters and share hope for the future. Because we care for the refugee people as we do, we can comfort & assist in ways I never dreamt possible - and bring home so many beautiful healthy infants. With growing relationship with many, we eventually find ourselves assisting to educate their children - who sadly have NO access to state schooling in this country. We do this in partnership with another education NGO.
I am so grateful for the help of another Midwife/Doula who joined me a year ago but we are needing more helpers and more financial support to continue to serve the many Rohingya who need us.
So many stories come to mind but each one is filled with stress and anxiety at the beginning, but is calmed and lessened by our presence, help and expertise. They call me ‘mother’ or ‘Aunty’ because of my support and care. They feel safe and with or without financial assistance - they always are thankful for the help we provide.