The Nairobi Hospital Maternity Ward – Beyond Excellent!

 

Care and attention at the Nairobi Hospital Maternity Ward was just great!

Lucy Mutinda Loki – Interview by Katumbi Mbaluto

 

Motherhood and childbirth are said to be fully understandable, only when one has worn the shoes that fit, and travelled down the equally designed path. That being the case, the world offers us windows into lives and realities that we are yet to experience, through the true accounts of others. The tips and guidelines that we are lucky to have at our disposal from other’s journeys are indeed a priceless treasure trove of gifts.

I have often times heard it said, that absolutely nothing prepares you for your first birthing experience….others profess it to be unequivocally impossible to be prepared, regardless of the number of times one endures childbirth. Be that as it may, we live and we learn, and we learn best when we listen and pay attention to the next person’s practical knowledge.

I sat down with Lucy Mutinda Loki, a non-stop businesswoman, as she shared her first labour and birthing experience with me.

– Katumbi Mbaluto

 

“When I was pregnant with my first baby, I read all the books, attended all baby showers, watched all the documentaries and listened to all the “mums and aunties” advice that was honestly, humanly possible. All I can say to this “preparedness” in hind-sight is; “Why Did I Bother?” ABSOLUTELY NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR THIS EXPERIENCE. If I could go back in time and talk to “past me”, knowing what I know now- I would tell my oh-so-studious-self to throw it all away. Just chuck it all in to the nearest dustbin…… OK maybe this is a little melodramatic, but after I share and bare it all; you will get it… Sigh… here goes;

It was one day after my EDD. I woke up that morning to my water breaking aka an astonishing self produced waterfall. I ambitiously thought to myself; “Yep, this is it…. I’m ready. Bring it on”, while simultaneously flexing my triceps and biceps. In the calmest and most collected ladylike fashion, I rang my husband and informed him of “the time having ariveth”. Upon his insistence on immediately driving back home to ferry us swiftly to hospital, I reminded him that there was no hurry to make a dash for it. This was impressed upon me at my antenatal clinic visits. After assuring him of my wellness, I proceeded to commence with my morning duties and routines, only to find myself writhing and pulling my braids out on the living room floor, from what I can only describe as “madness inducing cramps”…… albeit to say; the follow up phone call to my husband was the polar opposite of the initial “classy” one.

In no time at all, I was checking into Nairobi Hospital. Close proximity to home is the main reason that this was my first choice as my maternity option. A literal twenty minute walk and less than five minute drive was the distance between my break-dance atop the living room carpet, and the hospital. As soon as I was checked in and officially labouring, routine check-ups of my dilatation were periodically monitored every thirty to forty minutes…. again; No one and nothing prepares you for this eyebrow raising and intrusive yet normal and mandatory procedure. Absolutely nothing.

After around two hours of cramps from The Land of Agony, the doctor proceeded to induce my labour with the Syntocinon drip. And we all lived happily ever after…… or so I wished. At this juncture, my contractions and cramps came in harder and faster, and it was officially time to start pushing. Only this; I had no strength or energy to even blink.

My husband Loki immediately decided to accompany me to the delivery room. His companionship, presence and support offered strength that words cannot explain. Back to the “energylessnes” (for lack of a better word) moment. It was critically decided at this point that ours would be a vacuum delivery. With a quick explanation of the process, the pincers and vacuum extractor were duly attached and finally, finally…… he arrived. A bouncing baby boy (soon to be named Ethan), 3.38kg at 6pm, 21st February.

The care and attention in the maternity ward was beyond excellent, and I was back to my vibrant and energetic self in no time. I will always recommend Nairobi Hospital to all soon to be first time mums, because clearly; the experts at hand and years of credibility that the hospital boasts are evident , regardless of all surprises and adversities”.

Lucy’s Best Moments;
Ø Very Sanitary
Ø Private Rooms
Ø Nutritious food
Ø Credible medical experts

Areas Of Improvement (Lucy’s views);
Ø Not affordable to all
Ø One could spend more in case of personalised services

Loki’s Best Moments;
Ø Very professional doctors and nurses
Ø Very comfortable accommodation
Ø Amazing OBS/GYN
Ø Great security

Areas Of Improvement (Loki’s views);
Ø Slightly on the pricey side
Ø One must track what one is getting billed for
Ø Food slightly is bland

  • Insurance;
    Lucy and Loki: “ Nairobi Hospital offers a maternity package that covers antenatal care, delivery and admittance, encouraging clients to sign up. This married well with Jubilee insurance cover, which Loki’s employer offered at the time”.

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