There was a baby boom in the first month of the house being open! Considering about 20-30 births happened on average in the village in previous years, it's pretty amazing that FIVE babies were born in the first month! Four of them were delivered in the home, and the fifth was successfully referred to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul for a caesarian section. All ten moms and babies are doing well, and the TBA has already requested more clean delivery kits from Babucaar, the community health nurse!
I went for two visits to Penyem before leaving the Gambia last week. Ebrima and I visited three of the newborns and their families (adorable!) during my first visit. Since the opening of the house, Penyem has welcomed Ousainou Nyassi, Ebrima Bojang (named after our very own Ebrima!), Sulayman Bah, Sainabou Touray and Salieu Sonko, who was delivered via caesarian in Banjul.
There is a running joke in the village that this year is the year of the male child (4 boys and only one girl so far!). The women and I contend that it's still early and the girl child may make a comeback yet!
The second visit was to say goodbye - for now - to the women, Ebrima's family, Babucaar and everyone in the village who has been involved in the project. It was pretty emotional. I'm so proud of what we have acheived together, and really look forward to coming back for a visit to see how the house, the village and the birthing house babies are getting on!
