Testimonies on Motherhood from the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Ward

Though Mother’s Day has come and gone, a lot of mothers across Malawi are still basking in the glow of being appreciated and celebrated as life-givers and nurturers. Every Woman correspondent Helene Christensen spent an afternoon with the new mothers at the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Ward at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, as they shared their joys, hopes, anxieties and dreams.

Tryness Mdala (27) from Nkhata Bay.

“Motherhood is a milestone. I felt so excited to experience the positive delivery of my first born after fearing how I would manage childbirth. It will be a challenge to raise my newborn son as I am currently doing my master’s degree, but I dream of raising a God fearing fellow who brings joy, is educated and healthy.

Patricia Benge (28) from Karonga, on her way to the theatre to deliver her 4th child

“It is nature to reproduce ourselves as human beings. My heartbeat always accelerates with excitement as I watch my baby entering this world. Becoming a mother is a beautiful moment and at the same time a dangerous moment. Therefore mothers have to be strong, courageous and hopeful in childbirth with energy and effort to make it happen.”

Cecilia Chestala (21) from Chinsapo who arrived at Kamuzu Central Hospital weak with severe anaemia. She is pregnant with her third child.

“It is a dream coming true that I am now grown up and able to be a mother. It is something unique, and I feel so proud when people in my community show interest by visiting and bringing presents after the delivery. The one thing I want to pass on to my children is a deep rooted love for education because it opens doors of opportunities for them. As an orphan I only made it through to Standard 8, but I want my children to go much further than that.”

Angelica Kalenga (36) from Lilongwe

“Motherhood is full of happiness. It is a privilege to become a mother and take care of my children. I felt happy to make my husband proud with our newborn today.

Dalitso Kalua (24) from Lumbadzi

“It was a miraculous dream to deliver my first born today. I am now a mother with responsibilities and not the girl that I was yesterday! I felt safe in the hands of the professional and friendly nurses and doctors here at Kamuzu Central Hospital.”