A Save Story from Tanzania: Neema’s Baby

Neema Timotheo Andrea, a 22 year old first time mother from the Geita region of Tanzania, was very excited about the arrival of her child. She prepared for the birth, buying all she needed and packing her bags for the hospital well ahead of time.

After experiencing labor pains, Neema arrived at Geita Regional Referral Hospital with her husband for the birth of their first baby.

Hussein, the professional in charge of Neema’s labor team, explains: “When she arrived, we admitted Neema and examined her. She was dilated about six centimetres, so we used devices like MOYO to monitor the baby’s heart rate.”

After a long labor, Neema’s daughter was born but there were complications. The baby wasn’t breathing.

Thanks to the frequent, hands-on scenario based training received as part of the Safer Births Bundle of Care program, her midwife team knew what to do. They quickly began resuscitation.

“During delivery, the baby experienced a delay in crying, so we used the Neobeat and Upright Bag Mask to resuscitate the baby,” Hussein recounts.

After some moments, Neema’s daughter let out a cry, taking her first breaths.

Neema’s baby survived.

“I felt complete peace, great joy, comfort, and I was very happy.”

Mother Neema Timotheo Andrea.

Watch a short video, telling the story of Neema’s Baby here.

Learn more about the Safer Births Bundle of Care in Tanzania, here.