Born to Live

In Sierra Leone, the lives of many infants are endangered simply because they lack adequate medical care. But in the life of one mother, medical intervention made it possible for her to have a healthy baby after she had delivered four successive infants who died shortly after being born.

Expecting mother Iye Sheriff visited the COTN clinic in Banta Mokelleh in August. She was examined by Nurse Practitioner Tanya Spoon from the USA, who was serving with COTN. Nurse Tanya noted that Iye’s crippled right leg and a pelvic problem would not permit a normal delivery. Her health problems had undoubtedly contributed to previous complications and infant deaths in at least four previous pregnancies.

Nurse Tanya recommended a caesarean section, rather than an at-home birth, to increase the chances of a healthy baby. Iye was referred to Matru Hospital for the caesarean section, and on September 10, 2008, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl she named Elizabeth! One can only imagine this mother’s joy.

Reverend James Conteh, COTN staff member in Sierra Leone, visited mother and child at Mogborie village and reports that both are doing well.

“Baby Elizabeth was known by God in her mother’s womb,” Reverend Conteh said. “She may have been set apart for a special mission in this world. So she must live.”

by Rev. James Conteh, COTN–Sierra Leone Communications Office