Traumatic Labour Experience – Concern Regarding Midwife’s Decisions (Ayanda Ngithi)

At 3am my water broke. It was not a large gush, but approximately a glass of fluid. I immediately called Ayanda to inform her. I was told that this was normal and that I should wait and observe as more fluid would come in intervals.

At around 6am, another gush of fluid came out. I still had no contractions. I was again advised to wait.

At 9am, despite my waters continuing to leak, I was instructed to buy castor oil, dates, pineapple, and raspberry leaf tea, make a smoothie, and drink it to stimulate labour. I followed these instructions while still leaking amniotic fluid.

By 3pm, I was finally told to come in. Upon arrival, I was informed that my baby was in distress his heart rate was repeatedly dropping.

Instead of immediate escalation, I was instructed to walk to the nearest Dischem pharmacy to purchase antibiotics, and we were told walking would help the baby “drop.” This walk took approximately an hour, with bathroom breaks in between, while I was still leaking amniotic fluid.

When we returned, the baby’s heart rate had worsened. Only then was an ambulance called. We were charged R3000 for a private ambulance transfer to a public hospital, despite the fact that government hospitals provide ambulance services. We had arrived by car and could have driven ourselves to the nearest hospital much faster.

Many critical decisions… including calling the ambulance, were made and actioned without prior discussion or consent. We were informed after the fact.

In total, we were charged R7900, which included two call-out fees, use of a drip, monitoring equipment, and the ambulance.

When I arrived at the hospital, I required an emergency C-section because my baby’s life was at risk.

Thankfully, my baby was delivered safely. However, I am left traumatised by the experience and deeply concerned about the handling of my labour, particularly the delays after my waters had broken and the baby showed signs of distress.

In my view, my health and my baby’s wellbeing were put at risk. The focus appeared to be on prolonging the process rather than escalating care when it was clearly necessary.

I am sharing this so other mothers can make fully informed decisions.