Women at the Shanti Uganda birth house all
give birth naturally. The reality is that in the
villages and regional centres in Uganda there
is no option for general or specialist medical
intervention, but despite the lack of fancy
equipment or tools they do great work. Thanks
to donations from generous individuals and
organisations around the world, they do have
access to basic medical and sanitary materials and
manage wonderfully well with what they do have.
Shanti Uganda has been in existence since
2008, and since their conception there have been
zero maternal deaths, 7,500 antenatal visits,
over 1000 births supported by an experienced
midwife, 2,120 post-natal visits and over 2,400
HIV tests conducted. The rate of child marriages
has decreased and more girls are reaching higher
levels of education. Amazing magic is happening
at Shanti Uganda.
I cannot express enough gratitude for being
able to experience such an opportunity and to
learn from the ways and strength of the Ugandan
women. To be able to witness, first hand, the
true value and benefit of even the smallest of
donations in supporting the work of Shanti
Uganda was heartwarming.
With the biggest of thanks for the generosity
and compassion of Pindara Private Hospital, I was
able to coordinate the donation of a bulk shipment
of various essential medical, hygiene, laboratory
and cleaning supplies. Every donation makes such
a huge difference, whether it be financial, medical
or even administrative supplies.
The experience was incredible. I learned so
much, not only about prenatal yoga, the Ugandan
culture, way of life and birthing in general,
but also about myself, my vulnerabilities, my
strengths and my potential. I am no longer
apprehensive, nervous or anxious about the idea
of labour. I am comfortable with the concept, I
have confidence in my body’s natural ability to
give birth, and firmly believe that my body and all
women’s bodies are designed to do just that. We
are powerful beings, capable of making miracles
and magic, and that to me is beautiful, not
intimidating. I look forward to being able to have
that experience myself one day.
A big thank you must also go to the women
of Shanti Uganda for sharing with me their
knowledge and experience. It has been both
inspiring and immensely empowering.
For more information about Shanti Uganda
and all of the incredible work they do for women
and their families pre and post-natal, teen girls,
birthing and contraceptive education, reducing
child marriage rates, enabling educational
opportunities, nutritional workshops, women
empowerment and business programs, HIV
testing and general community health programs,
or to donate or volunteer your time and
experience at Shanti Uganda for yourself, you can
visit their website http://shantiuganda.org/
ALL IMAGES by Sjana Earp
TOP: Local child
entering his home
MIDDLE: Sjana leading a
prenatal yoga class
BOTTOM: Sjana and local
children taking selfies
pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 41